Um, how does one talk about such a thing without at least a smirk?  Perhaps someone else can, but I sure can’t.

Needless to say, do you think a 10-year erection is worth $400,000?

A former handyman has won more than $400,000 in a lawsuit over a penile implant that gave him a 10-year erection.

Charles “Chick” Lennon, 68, received the steel and plastic implant in 1996, about two years before Viagra went on the market. The Dura-II is designed to allow impotent men to position the penis upward for sex, then lower it.

But Lennon could not position his penis downward. He said he could no longer hug people, ride a bike, swim or wear bathing trunks because of the pain and embarrassment. He has become a recluse and is uncomfortable being around his grandchildren, his lawyer said.

I see his problem and certainly understand how inconvenient it might be in normal day-to-day activities.  It is worth noting that he made a significant leap from one end of the spectrum to the other: from having no erection to having the always-on erection.  My only question is this: During that 10 years, did he ever have his doctor and the manufacturer try to correct the defective implant?  Or did he enjoy the fruit of the aberration while suing?

This is certainly a case where I can’t decide what’s more appropriate: pointing and laughing, or feeling sorry for him.  You decide.