Dear Fellow Twainacs, If I may weigh on Steve Martin ... He's the first truly deserving of the award, since he's a very good writer, fiercely intelligent, torn between exhibitionism and genuine shyness. What bothers me is that real writers are given short shrift in this alleged "prize." It's given to, for the most part, comedians with lots of TV exposure. That may be lucrative, but it's also deeply problematic. Where are Sid Perelman, Veronica Geng, Robert Benchley, Groucho Marx in this scheme? When is Russell Baker going to get his Twanian due? Or, posthumously, Will Rogers, Steve Allen and H.L.. Mencken? Sam was no comedian; he spoke truth when he came across it. To have a "prize" named in his honor that doesn't fully understand his importance is meaningless. There's my weigh-in. All opinions, counter or elsewise, are welcome. Kathy O'Connell Record-Journal Meriden, Conn. [log in to unmask]