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If there are no confrontations, no controversy and no bloodshed, the networks don't get excited. Maybe the G.O.P. should get credit for a well-orchestrated, organized convention. ALEX A. BAELLO JR. Cerritos, California
Thank god for C-SPAN! how refreshing it was to watch the conventions without the inane banter of commentators. RICHARD A. THOMAS AuTrain, Michigan Via E-mail
ODE TO CALVIN
Re Calvin Trillin's poem on the Republican Convention, "Nicely, Nicely" [NOTEBOOK, Aug. 26]:
O dear Calvin Trillin, we think that your wit, Gift-wrapped as fine poetry, is quite a hit. It's a pity that those souls lampooned in your verse Can't quite understand it, but what's even worse, I'm sure that they've clipped it and have it displayed, While those asked to read it are somewhat dismayed, Because what's been mistaken for bold admiration Is simply just wonderful satirization. HELEN RANDALL Honolulu
A response to Trillin:
While wrapping up the G.O.P. In rhyming couplets, Mr. T. Has proved to all, both friends and foes, We're all much better off in prose. PHILIP COLLINS Hopewell, New Jersey
HUMANS, WE AREN'T THAT SPECIAL
Nathan Myrhvold wrote tongue in cheek [ESSAY, Aug. 26] that there is reason to be depressed about the possibility of life on Mars: if it is proved, it is then absurd to claim that we humans are in any sense the center of the universe. Chalk up one more home run for the Scienceville Sluggers; the home team, Religion, is doomed. Myrhvold wrote, "Our true distinction is the intellectual journey that brought us to this understanding"--that we're insignificant products of that impersonal anti-God, chance; nothings who think we're, well, special. THOMAS DORSETT Baltimore, Maryland
CORRECTION
Our Winners & Losers feature [NOTEBOOK, Aug. 26] erroneously said the Corporation for Public Broadcasting was responsible for an animated version of William Bennett's Book of Virtues. In fact, the CPB is not involved in this program; it was funded by CIGNA Corp., private foundations, public-television viewers and PBS.