My own experience with Ames is limited. I've read the short story on which "Bored to Death" is based, a couple of his nonfiction pieces, and the novel WAKE UP, SIR, which I found, if not life-changing, a real stitch. I also saw him host a Moth evening, where he was quite the howl. I like him quite a bit, but does anyone know of a real knockout punch by him that I've missed?