I used to read Stein all the time and mostly like him, except when he goes on and on about his brat kid Tommy. I'd like to grab Ben by the collar and shake the crap out of him and ask him if he has any idea of the monster he is creating? Geez, that kid needs a swift kick in the fanny.
Amen to that! The kid is probably a good student, so Stein cuts him way too much slack. Being a good student is one thing; being a quintessential a hole is quite another : )