ProPublica has a cool new feature tracking promises made by politicians and political and governmental entities. For years, I have heard from people looking for this kind of a project. Too often politicians and governmental bodies make a promise knowing that in a few months no one will remember when or what they promised to do.

Currently, ProPublica is tracking two promises, one made by Sen. Chris Dodd to disclose the details of his V.I.P. mortgage with Countrywide, and another made by the Treasury Department to reveal how much they are paying the Bank of New York Mellon to be the “prime contractor” for the bailout. ProPublica is seeking submissions from readers for other promises to track.

One thing I am curious about is whether or not the Promise Clocks are available as widgets. That seems like it would be an essential part of this project.