If you are going to read one column today, this is it!  Each week I pick some of the events and stories that I did not have time to write about and put them in this Friday column called “Caught My Eye.”

From the number of readers this website receives on Fridays, it appears many of my readers like this column – I guess it kind makes your Fridays go by just a little faster – and it gets you into your weekend.

This week I talk about Pat Robertson, a new computer, pirates, business cards, nails, congress, the Postal Service, what came into my Political Inbox this week, and a new section called “Things you don’t really need to know about today” and lots more!  So get ready…

Pat Robertson:

He recently told his 700 Club viewers “that divorcing a spouse with Alzheimer’s is justifiable because the disease is “a kind of death.”

That statement is just wrong in so many ways.  It’s sad, too.  Shame on Robertson and the 700 Club. 

Computer Basics:

The Associated Press reports that “Grandparents Esther and Bruce Huffman unwittingly pressed “record” on their new laptop’s web camera in mid-August.”

And you can enjoy their video HERE.

Things you don’t really need to know about today:

Impress your friends with these “Today in History” facts from the Associated Press…

-In 1630, the Massachusetts village of Shawmut changed its name to Boston.

This knowledge should win you a bet or two…can you imagine calling them the Shawmut Celtics…

-In 1919, the American Legion was incorporated by an act of Congress.

Veterans would appreciate your knowing this…

-In 2008, the federal government announced an emergency $85 billion loan to rescue AIG, the world’s largest insurance company.

You can say if the Feds hadn’t given that $85 billion to AIG on this date in 2008…

-Former Saturday Night Live stars Amy Poehler and Molly Shannon have birthdays today.

You can say to your friends, “Isn’t it ironic that SNL stars Amy Poehler and Molly Shannon have birthdays on the same day?”

Nailed:

Guinness World Records named Chris Walton the woman with the longest fingernails this week.  Her nails measure 10-feet-2-inches on her left hand and 9-feet-7-inches on her right hand.

What the heck happened to the right hand?  Wild…

We Disapprove:

Senators and Representatives suck just a little less according to Gallup.  They report “Congressional job approval is now 15%, up slightly from the record-tying low of 13% recorded in August, while disapproval is 82%, compared with 84% last month.”

But most incumbents get re-elected. 

Commercial (More “Caught My Eye” follows):

Since I don’t have a newspaper, television or radio station, or taxpayer money to promote this website, I have to interrupt this column to bring you this important announcement!  The Western Word is free to visit – no matter how many times you click on it.  Send this link: www.TheWesternWord.com to your friends and family and tell them stop by!

And, for the latest commentary about politics, sports, the media, and current events, follow me on Twitter @TheWesternWord.

My Political Inbox:

Montana Republicans and their candidates were pretty quiet this week, but the state and national Democrats and the national Republican Party more than made up for it with several e-mails. 

Here are a few that caught my attention:

–President Obama sent me an e-mail with the subject, “Jack, can we meet for dinner?” in which he writes, “Today, I want to ask if you’ll join me and three other supporters for a meal and conversation sometime soon.”

Of course, I have to donate at least $5 to be entered in the contest to go out to eat.  I wonder if the President pays for dinner…maybe we can eat at Red Lobster!

-After the victories in New York and Nevada on Tuesday, Reince Priebus, the Republican National Committee Chairman, sent an e-mail Wednesday with the subject, “Thanks to You Our Party Won . . . But the Fight Continues” writing, “Please help keep the momentum going.  Your secure online contribution of $30, $45 or $60  to the Republican National Committee today will help our Party replenish our Get-Out-The-Vote Program needed to elect Republican governors in Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi and West Virginia in just 55 days — and also make Barack Obama a one-term president next year.”

I can be entered in a contest for $5 to go out to eat with the President, or I can donate $30, $45 or $60, to the Republicans!  Wow, the choices in life…

–Jim Messina, who is the Obama Campaign Manager, sent an e-mail with the subject, “Expose the attacks” in which he writes, “If you’re someone who cares about seeing a campaign focused on substance between now and November 2012, I need you to become a part of one of our most important teams. It’s called AttackWatch.com, and it launches today.”

After viewing the website, it appears it’s not only to fight attacks, but also will be used to attack some of the President’s opponents too. 

-The Montana Democratic Party sent an e-mail with the subject, “Register for Our Convention, September 16-17” in which they write, “The next election will be one of the most important in Montana’s history. That’s why it’s important to make your voice heard at our Convention next week.”

It’s gonna be a party in Great Falls…

Going Postal:

The Associated Press reports that “The Postal Service says it plans to study the possible closure of 252 mail processing facilities nationwide, including four in Montana, as it continues to try to cut costs.”

The Montana Congressional delegation screamed like little girls regarding this announcement.

It’s too bad they didn’t work this hard to keep from losing the 50 missiles from Malmstrom AFB or to prevent the F-15s from the Montana National Guard from possibly being transferred to California.

Ironically, the Postal Service is in as much trouble as our Federal Government…they just can’t print money. 

Subscribe:

You can receive an e-mail in your inbox when a new column is posted on The Western Word.  Just go to the right side of this screen and right below the Twitter feed you can subscribe – and you will never miss a column.  It’s also free.

Business Cards:

I had to buy these when I saw the little cowboy on a stick horse.  They are from Vistaprint. $10 for 500!

The cowboy looks just like me in the photo on this website, right? (Click on it to enlarge)

Noteworthy:

Hey political folks – press secretaries, communication directors, public affairs folks – you can send your press releases and other information to my e-mail address which is listed on the card.

You should also be following me on Twitter (@TheWesternWord).  It’s your fault if you miss something and your boss chews you out because he/she reads my columns…

Monday:

Aaarrr!  Did you know that this Monday, September 19, is “International Talk Like a Pirate Day?” Aye aye!  Here’s the website.  You can also use this website to translate your English into Pirate language. You should do this to all your e-mails on Monday…

Important:

The weather is getting cooler, so don’t forget to stretch…