I was pleased to see Camy's question about the Mark Twain humor award, because the same question, or concern, came up today in a golfing group that included two Elmira teachers who have taught Twain, and also because Camy usually provokes some comments that are fun to hear. I too have had in the past this question in mind, only to conclude that perhaps some such as Prior and Carlin deserve to be in the shadow of Mark Twain. Others, especially those who don't even write their own material, simply tell me that great comedy today is scarce. As for Jules' curt remark ("there has been considerable amount of e-mail about this in previous years"), it seems to imply that there is a statute of limitations that each should be aware of. Most of us don't keep such records, and it would automatically exclude anyone fairly new to the Forum. Or was the remark directed toward Hal, Terry, David or others for responding to such a question. I'm really, as always, enjoying their remarks. Correct and forgive me Jules if I'm making this wrong inference, but I get the feeling that the remark also implies some elitist idea that scholars' opinions shouldn't be provoked by ordinary folk like Camy, Jules, or me. Anyway, if one goes back through this year, Camy has provoked more interesting reading from answers to her questions than have most people on the Forum. (By the way, these are similar to questions always asked of visiting Mark Twain scholars at Quarry Farm, posed by some very bright people, and the scholars are always delighted to answer.) Incidentally, it's much easier for most of us to seek Twain info through Googling or whatever than it is for Camy who must use an automated system. Camy, keep up the passion! You provoke thoughts worth reading! -- Ron