Hello, everybody. That number you see at the top is the amount of this year's Permanent Fund Dividend, as Governor Sean Parnell announced it to all of Alaska Wednesday night; as promised, I broke it to you on Twitter within seconds.

The $1,305 payout is $764 less than last year's record $2,069 (not counting the one-time $1,200 energy bonus). Those who requested their checks to be direct deposited will see it on their bank accounts October 8; otherwise, start checking your mailboxes on the 22nd.

Once again, $1,305 is how much the 2009 Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend will be worth. So long, stay strong, and spend it wisely.