This thing still on?

I'm here, you there?

Still more in begging than blogging mode, I'm afraid, and still a paycheck or so from a new 'puter.

Or not, depending in part on the level of your continued generosity...

I believe I mentioned the death...

...of a hard drive. At least it won't engage to boot up my trusty T-50. With luck, there are some recoverable files, but the machine needs to be replaced. Sounds like it's time for a begathon.

You know the drill - if you're able and inspired to help a blogger out, you can click here and make a PayPal donation to help me replace my computer and keep Upper Left up and running. I'll find ways to keep in touch in the interim, but left to my own resources, it's likely at least a couple weeks before I can afford anything.

If you're local and have a computer you're looking to unload, let me know that, too. I don't need a Cadillac - pretty clear if you realize how many generations of Think Pads have come and gone since the T-50 was new - just a servicable and fairly sturdy laptop.

As always, thanks for taking the time to be here, and if you can help, thanks for that, too.

Another revolution...

...of my home planet has occurred since I fired up this thing on October 22, 2003. Eight Earth years is damn near incalculable in blog years, I suppose. All the usual accolades to my co-bloggers, readers, commenters, sources and inspirations apply. Doing this has been a source of entertainment, education and solace for me, and I hope it's been at least some of that for some of you.

I'd be remiss if I didn't note that none of this would have been possible without the unrelenting indulgence of the Brilliant and Beautiful Bride of Upper Left.

All the usual accolades also apply, of course, to those who've chipped in to keep me and the blog afloat financially. Things aren't quite as desparate around Upper Left World Headquarters as they were the last time I rattled the change cup, but the income from my day (and night) job drops rather precipitously in the cooler months when the patio closes and half the dining capacity at the perfect tavern disappears. Since that tip jar isn't so productive right now, this one could use some attention.

The easy way is PayPal, but if you need another way, drop me a note.

Whether you can chip in or not, thanks for being here, some of y'all for all eight years!