We're in the midst of a health care crisis in this country so it would seem appropriate that the president should weigh in on the arrest of his buddy, Professor Gates, even though he's been trying to get his health care legislation moving, and as far as the Cambridge incident goes, O'Bama, in his words says he, 'doesn't have all the facts'. Good stuff. Then the major news organizations like NBC and CBS then lead with the Gates arrest story, and not health care. And they say we're not fucked in our beloved country. I beg to differ. I wasn't there when Gates was arrested so I don't have the facts either. But here's a fact -- Sgt. Crowley, the arresting officer, is well respected by his peers on the Cambridge police force. Both black and white officers. Why couldn't Gates have thanked the officer for his diligence in investigating a possible break-in, then provided his identification? I have a funny feeling we wouldn't be reading anything about this story because it never would have happened. Here's another fact -- when an officer demands your identification it's against the law to refuse it. If you do refuse to provide ID, the officer has the right to take you into custody you until you provide it. I mean I hate to let facts get in the way of a good argument but what the hell, right? Some people just love to stir the pot and create disharmony. I have a feeling this Professor Gates is one of them. As an educator, and a supposed highly-respected one, shouldn't he be the far thinker and be able to see the harm he does when he accuses a good and honest law enforcement officer of discrimination, racial profiling and false arrest? Thanks a lot professor, you're a real patriot.

Here's a riddle: Who can paint your house, act in your film and hobble like Festus from Gunsmoke, all in the same day? Why it's yours truly, of course. I'm navigating the health care system these days; searching for a doctor to cut me up and patch a new hip into this old body. Here's a newsflash for you President Obama -- a small state like Massachusetts can't make mandatory health care work, how the fuck are states like California and Texas going to do it? I'll tell you how -- they won't be abe to, plain and fuckin' simple. Here's how it works from my experience: You call your healthcare provider and get a list of doctors and hospitals that accept your health plan. You thank them for their help, then you call the doctor or hospital they told you would accept your plan; whereupon the receptionist informs you (every fuckin' one of them so far!) that the doctor (or hospital) doesn't accept your insurance. As much fun as running laps in the rain while your gym teacher screams at you. Remember those days? Aah -- good times. So now I'm back at square one and my hip feels like it's going to fall out of it's socket. That smile you see on my face? Step a little closer -- that's really just me crying -- with a smile on my face. So I guess my point is... oh what the fuck am I saying? I don't really have a point. Isn't the whole idea of this blogging shit to get stuff out of your system? If so, get me the blog post that takes your fuckin' pain for you. Sign me up for that motherfucker. In closing, thank God for your health everyone. We take it all for granted sometimes. It's human nature. But seriously -- be grateful for the ability to walk normally. You have no idea how much the alternative to that truly sucks. My best wishes to all who bothered to read this. :)

The Sun continues to be on strike in the Northeastern United States. Not that I care anymore. It was out yesterday and I felt like I was under a magnifying glass. I'm writing a Two And A Half Men spec episode, so a rainy day gives me reason to get cracking on it. The story is funny, I hope I can deliver it on the page. (I'm pretty sure I can). That show pushes the envelope with the censors so it should be fun to write. I have a filthy mind to begin with so the episode is half done already. My best to all out there.

Happy Fourth Of July!

I hope everyone has a great Fourth of July weekend. I'm still in Boston trying to find a doctor to give me a new hip. But on a happier note, I also just heard that I've been cast in a movie for the Sci-Fi Channel. It shoots in Indiana in mid-August. Not sure of my role but I'm excited at the chance to work with Jim Wynorski again. The man's amazing. And the way I look at it, any day doing what you love is not work. Peace to all. :)