Oh…it’s been a hot one but I love it. My tomatoes are ripening and summer is in full swing – and the REO Speedwagon concert on Tuesday made my summer even better!
For those of you who are new to Caught My Eye and to The Western Word, this blog (I call it my website) has been around since January 2005 – and Caught My Eye has been published every Friday morning for over a year! The views to this website are increasing every week, so we appreciate your dropping by for a look.
In Caught My Eye I take a look at some of the stories I did not have time to write about during the week – and I add my comments (sometimes with a little sarcasm).
This week we take a look at veterans, fundraising, what showed up in my political inbox, some odd news and much much more – so read on…
Veterans and Work:
CBS News reports that “Twenty-six percent of vets between the ages of 18-24 are out of work.” I’m sure there are many other veterans (like me) who are out of work, too.
Overall, the July unemployment rate is 9.1%, down from 9.2%. Many folks have given up and are not counted any more. I believe we have had unemployment above 8% for 30 months.
In the meantime, it’s August recess time and Congress is out and about fundraising and taking junkets…
The Political Inbox:
Almost every week I take a look at some of the political e-mails I received during the week and share some of them with my readers – I also offer some commentary.
-The Rick Hill for Governor Campaign team sent an e-mail with the subject “52,000 new jobs” in which they wrote, “During the last five years, North Dakota and Wyoming have combined to add 52,200 news [sic] jobs (41,700 and 10,500 respectively). During that same period of time, Montana has lost 3,200 jobs. Montana’s unemployment rate is the highest it’s been in 25 years, in fact our unemployment rate has doubled in the last five years.”
It looks like jobs will be a big deal in the 2012 election…and it should be.
–Michelle Obama sent an e-mail with the subject “Gray hairs” in which she asked me to sign a card for the President: “I’m asking friends and supporters of this campaign to wish him a happy birthday by signing his card, and sharing why you’re on this journey with us.”
At first I thought Michelle was talking about my hair. A funny thing – she did not ask for money….but then again, who has money to give to campaigns?
-On Monday, Jim Messina who is President Obama’s campaign manager, sent an e-mail with the subject, “Here’s the story” where he writes, “The President and congressional leaders reached an agreement last night to meet our financial obligations and reduce our deficit. Many people will have lots to say about this deal — but the President wanted to talk to you directly.”
To me? To me directly? Wow…you KNOW The Western Word is getting up there in stature when we get videos sent directly to us…
-The Jon Tester Senate campaign sent me an e-mail on Wednesday with the subject, “Moving forward” where they write, “The deficit compromise wasn’t the one I would have written. It won’t be the end of the work we have to do to get Washington’s fiscal house in order. But with the threat of default hanging over every single one of the Montana families, farms, and businesses I represent, it was definitely the right thing to do.”
Sure senator, whatever you say…I can tell the country is in much better shape already.
-The Friends of Max Baucus campaign team sent an e-mail to remind me about the “Sieben Ranch Barbecue & Hoedown!” It takes place August 13. Cost: $50.
You can send your kids there for the evening to play and to eat because the invite states that, “Kids under 12 attend for free.”
Nothing like a night away from the kiddos, huh? Max and Melodee will watch them for a few hours…
Pollsters:
Here’s a note for the folks conducting polls for their causes, candidates, or groups: Employ someone to ask questions who has a grasp of the English language, who can speak clearly, and understands what the poll is about. I was polled this week but forgot to write down the name of the group doing the polling…although I know they gave me a Montana phone number. They were terrible.
Geez…Come on…
Check out this Photo:
Just a lady in a lake…click HERE.
Snake on a Car:
This video has gone viral on the internet…the snake is probably under your seat right now…or in your house. It may have a Twitter account now like the Bronx Zoo Cobra, too.
At Home Surgery:
A 63 year old man decided to perform his own hernia operation – with a butter knife and a cigarette. Click HERE to read how it turned out.
Idaho Falls:
If you are visiting Idaho Falls, you won’t get to see the man in the bunny suit because, “Police in Idaho said they advised a man not to wear his bunny suit in public after neighbors complained about him scaring children.”
The 34 year old man said, “He enjoys wearing the bunny suit but understands the concerns of his neighbors.”
That is so sad…
Seriously:
It’s summer and people are vacationing and enjoying the outdoors – please ensure you buckle up and drive safely – too many people are being killed on our highways…
Twitter:
Here’s the weekly plug for Twitter since I don’t have a TV, Newspaper, or radio program to promote me: Follow @TheWesternWord on Twitter for an independent and thoughtful view of current events, politics, sports and I poke fun at some folks…I may even make you think…or make you angry…and probably make you smile…
Most Importantly:
Don’t forget to stretch…
The Western Word 