Dave Barry is still the coolest cat out there, retired or not...

What a thrill for me as a humor columnist to see Dave Barry live yesterday, as the keynote speaker for the Erma Bombeck Writer's Workshop!!

If you recognize his picture, that gentle, easy-going demeanor is exactly what you get, along with one of the funniest speakers you'll ever come across. Over the course of an hour he charmed and wowed the crowd with tales of his writing career, and tips for others like myself.

After the presentation, he signed books and posed for pictures for well over an hour, friendly and funny all the way through. Even after he had long lost his sight thanks to hundreds of flashbulbs popping before his eyes.

Better run, I slept in a little today, and I've got a full day of break-out sessions to attend.

Chow for now!