Labor Reporter "Vacation"

After covering the Chattanooga Volkswagen labor dispute for the last 6 months -- and not really sleeping for the last two months -- I am beat and in desperate need of some time in the sun. Alas, as a labor reporter, I can't actually afford to take a real vacation because most people read my work without actually paying for it.

But don't beat yourself up. If you feel guilty about this, here is an opportunity to cleanse your conscience: A generous reader has offered to match any donations to my "vacation" fund up to $500 -- money that won't only pay for past informative journalism, but a piece I am working on down in Florida. Now, before you send me emails demanding that I use the money to relax and find a golden retriever puppy to play with while laying on the beach listening to Gal Costa, I'm covering (when I feel like it) another longtime passion of mine -- baseball. I have gotten credentialed to cover my hometown Pittsburgh Pirates in spring training. So if you donate, not only can you feel good about yourself and my working holiday, but you can read an awesome labor reporter perspective on what it's like to hang around a Major League clubhouse.

Again, all donations up to $500 will be matched by a generous reader. Donations over $50 get a postcard with an original drawing by me, and donations over $100 will get an original Mike Elk drunk dial from a beach.

So get rid of your guilt and give today. Help me and maybe a golden retriever puppy I meet on the beach play ball.