Money? Was Anything Said About Money?

The United States, meanwhile, threw Europe a bone with two words--"at least"--according to Philip E. Clapp, of the Pew Environment Group. Germany and other countries want larger reductions than 50 percent, and putting those two words in the communique holds out the possibility that could happen.

Clapp and other environmentalists argue that the statement was drafted in a stilted fashion for one reason: to give the United States cover to avoid having to commit to serious reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Price said the language reflected the effort to reach consensus among the G-8 countries.

The First Greeter

Reporters covering the summit got a little glimpse into Bush's gregarious personality when the microphones were accidentally kept on for about 10 minutes just before lunch Monday, as he was mingling with fellow leaders.

As Bush was chatting, he spied Ban Ki-moon walking into the room, a little uncertain about which group to join and with no one else paying attention. "Mr. Secretary General," he boomed to the United Nations chief, urging his fellow leaders: "Greet the secretary general."

The president showed special affection for Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who has been in various scrapes with his judicial system over corruption charges.

"Amigo. Amigo," he called out in Spanish when he saw the Italian. Bush seemed to delight in pronouncing his name slowly, with an accent on each syllable: "Ber-lu-sco-ni!" His friend seemed to chuckle.

Could have been another Yale beer bash.

Play Ball!

Cal Ripken Jr. and Nolan Ryan are among the Hall of Famers expected at the White House on Wednesday night for the president's Baseball Dinner. It will be the third time that Bush, a onetime part-owner of the Texas Rangers and a huge baseball fan, will host such an event to honor the national pastime.

The dinner will follow an afternoon T-ball game on the South Lawn.