I know quite a number of Alaskans — Dems, Independents and Republicans — for Obama, but I have to admit, this is funny. I realize that I’m in a silly mood this afternoon — the more serious Steve will be back soon.

Wow. McCain can’t really sing Streisand — but big credit for trying. I know that John and Cindy McCain love ABBA — so Pierce Brosnan, watch out! For a longer clip of his sizzle-free performance, go here.

I recently received a report from a delegate to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change’s latest talks in Accra, Ghana. The most high-profile of the conference topics was the evolution toward an agreement in Copenhagen next year that will set emissions targets for what is known as the “second commitment period.

I just received an email that has just begun to kick around since Friday. Like the email from Anne Kilkenny, this email may be written by an Alaska resident. The email allegedly comes from a lawyer for the National Wildlife Refuge, Don Mitchell.

This is what Hurricane Ike looks like in Baracoa, Eastern Cuba. This pic was sent in by my friend and Havana Note co-editor Gail Reed, who is Director of MEDICC.

Out of deference to my colleague, Jeffrey Lewis, my piece on China’s next high altitude moves is “temporarily” on hold. It has not been deleted…just shelved for a day or two pending further info.

Whether or not she makes it to the White House and Old Executive Office Building on the McCain ticket, Sarah Palin is going to make a ton of $$ on a memoir — particularly with stories like this continuing to bubble to the surface.

Newly elected Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari is his government’s latest political tycoon. He spent many years imprisoned and harassed by former President Pervez Musharraf. His wife, former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, was assassinated.

I really like Michael Dobbs. He’s generally fair and balanced in sifting through truth and fantasy spun by candidates on all sides of any ticket. . .sort of a “just the facts, ma’am” kind of guy.

Congressman and financial policy wizard Barney Frank (D-MA) is sanguine about these takeovers. He thinks that Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson is taking the right steps and will steady and balance Freddie and Fannie. My own view is that when the U.S.