Dave Barry is signing off for a year or more as the Miami Herald's weekly humor columnist. Whether you think he "used to be funnier" or not - personally, I think his material is a bit familiar, but he himself is about as funny as ever - he has certainly earned the break. I hope he'll pop up from time to time during his sabbatical when the muse strikes him - it appears that his blog is still active - because he really is one of the best writers around. But if this is his swan song, then all I can say is "We who laugh at exploding toilets and falling cows salute you". Thanks to Matt for the reminder.