Fund update

We have just topped $1,200 in donation in five days, and folks, that’s just incredible. Thanks so much to everyone.
In other news, I’ve got a lead on possible donation of a satellite phone and I’m going to see about the donation of a new laptop that is lighter, tougher and more versatile than the Apple G3 PowerBook I took before. (Don’t get me wrong, it’s great machine and I’m more than a little sentimentally attached to the black beast that crossed the Tigris with me. I just need something a little lighter.)
But the best thing that has come out of Back to Iraq is the realization that for the first time in my 13 years as a journalist, I’m able to practice journalism with only one responsibility — to the readers. No editors to impress, no advertisers to stroke, no colleagues to compete against. (Well, except for George over at Warblogging. Heh.) The support all of you have shown is tremendous, and I take the responsibility to provide you with news, commentary and context from the war and the following occupation very seriously. Again, thank you for supporting me in the my efforts to do that.
Also, in the coming days, look for a big announcement that will make your site surfing for war news easier. I won’t say much now, but watch this space.