The really good news, though, is how high it already is -- we're roughly one-third of the way towards our goal already.

Woo hoo!

Thanks to everyone who has already donated, and for anyone who has donated in the past 12 hours or so, the thermometer will change later to reflect your generousity.

So far, we seem to be off to a roaring start, though...

:-)

-CW

Also on my list is answering a whole bunch of comments, which I've been lackadasical in doing, I admit...

:-)

-CW

First, no, the thermometer is not automated. Never has been. I change it in Photoshop when the total changes significantly, throughout the month.

Second, because (see posting time) this article took a LOT longer than I thought (all those kitten photos don't just post themselves, as it were...) I was not able to really deal with the thermometer yet at all. Hence its blank nature.

The good news is that this was the first thing on my list to do today, so it'll be updated pretty soon, promise!

And the REALLY good news is that donations had started coming in even BEFORE I posted this, so the total is definitely already non-zero! Woo hoo! The pledge drive is well on its way already, folks!

:-)

OK, more later, gotta go Photoshop now...

-CW

I take it the donation bar is not automated - but let's have a green wave!

More than ever we need competent, independent and readable political journalists!

This has been (yet another) outstanding year for CW.com!

Are you out there Michale - this is your season!