PESSIMISTS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT `Y2K'

PESSIMISTS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT `Y2K'

IOWA CITY, Iowa (Wireless Flash) -- Here's a shocking revelation: a group of pessimists is worried about everything EXCEPT the Y2K problem. David Leshtz, president of the Benevolent And Loyal Order of Pessimists, admits he's optimistic there won't be any sort of "Y2K" problems come January 1, 2000. Leshtz, who founded the sourpuss society in 1975, says the reason for his optimism is simple: things went wrong before "Y2K" and they'll still be screwed up afterward, so one day doesn't make a difference. He's delighted that the "Y2K" crisis is turning even more folks into pessimists -- but he's pessimistic at the same time. He says that's because pessimists are automatically suspicious of anyone who wants to join their ranks.

CONTACT: David Leshtz, ****; Iowa City, IA; (319) 351-2973