as a blogger: That's me, so I'll indulge myself with a rare Poysonal Reflection. Per my best friend, Jennifer Hadley, the creator of the comely logo above that you look at daily, and which, Explorer users, is properly centered in every other browser: "Don't worry, 34 is another year of being a young, blithering idiot, I assure you." I suspect she's right, since she usually is.

I'd also like to say, at the end of a computer fiasco I'll be delighted to forget as soon as possible: To everyone at Mikey's Hook-Up, Tekserve, the Apple Genius Bar (when can I get a Men of Apple SoHo calendar, I wonder?), David Pogue (whose own data fiasco inspired him to post this essential guide to backing up), DriveSavers, and especially my kind friends and fantastic family, you are all dear, generous, and beloved people.

My goodwill birthday message to all you good readers, and in particular all writers of every description: Back up constantly, because it can be a very ouchy experience otherwise. You will thank me, but you don't have to. Just knowing you're backed up will satisfy.

Pictured: Toast-O-Lator.