Hmm, I disagree.  Whoopi is actually an excellent performer who,
unfortunately, has rarely gotten the scripts to display her talen.
Along with Richard R., I saw her perform in San Francisco early in
her career and she was absolutely astonishing.  Richard Pryor was
very appropriate as the first to receive the award -- his
story-telling technique and characterizations (such as Mudbone)
connect vibrantly with the same traditions that Twain does, and I am
not the first to make the observation.  Garrison Keillor would also
be very appropriate for the award -- but no need to denigrate those
who have won.

Hilton Obenzinger