Chong Won't Be Released Pending Appeal

With Ashcroft's crew on hand, a federal judge ruled today that Tommy Chong will not be released pending appeal.
There is still no word on whether or not the spice, oregano, will be outlawed because it sort of looks like marijuana.
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Cheech At Large With Geraldo

Cheech Marin and Robie Chong, Tommy's daughter, appeared on this evening's edition of At Large With Geraldo Rivera. The Fox News Channel program reiterated much of what we've heard already...a comparison of Limbaugh and Tommy, as well as a debate on the first ammendent. We also learned that Cheech was the best man at one of Geraldo's many weddings.
The quote of the day came from Cheech, however. When asked if he's concerned that he'll get in trouble for making movies about dope, he replied "everyone smokes dope."

What's So Funny, Cheech?

On Monday at 8 PM EST, the A & E Network will present a show titled "American Comedy: What's So Funny." The show asks various comedians, including Cheech Marin, what they consider funny.

Tommy Speaks

News Channel 23's Emily Valdez presented Tommy's first prison interview yesterday. During the interview, he had this to say:
"They really arrested my character...the stoner musician was just a character...they [the feds] told me if I didn't plead guilty, they would indict my wife and son...they said if I plead guilty, nothing [would] happen."
In other words, the feds lied.

New York Times Interviews Tommy In Prison

New York Times reporter, Joyce Walder, interviewed Tommy at the Taft prison. During the interview, they discuss the new High Times movie, Potluck, his arrest and Rush Limbaugh, among other things.
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In NYC? See Pot Luck

If you're in the New York City area, be sure to catch a screening of High Time's Pot Luck. Potluck is currently showing at the Village East Cinema - 12th St. & 2nd Ave. - through 10/23. The movie stars, among others, Tommy Chong and Jackie Martling.
The show times are:11:40 AM2:10 PM4:20 PM7:15 PM9:35 PM

Highlights From The Allan Handelman Show

Here are hightlights from Allan Handelman's interview with Tommy Chong's wife, Shelby. Cheech, unfortunately, was a no-show. Keep in mind that this is the first time Shelby has spoken to the media about the miscarriage of justice.

• Chong's legal problems began after two undercover agents in Pittsburgh purchased bongs from Chong Glass. Apparently, it is illegal to ship bongs via mail to certain states. PA is one of them. A new salesman was unaware that there were such shipment restrictions and sent the bongs to this fake headshop.
• The Chong's are suing Bill O'Reilly for falsely stating that Tommy had been arrested eighteen times previously for drug-related offenses. Such a claim may have negatively impacted Chong's upcoming appeal hearing.
• To show other prisoners that Tommy will not be receiving special treatment the prison has forced him to perform two months of kitchen duties. (note: This is reminiscent of Tommy's role as the Squirrel Master in Half Baked.)
• The Cheech and Chong reunion movie has been delayed by one year, but New Line said they will wait for Tommy.

This Sunday...Live Interview With Cheech and Shelby

Cheech Marin and Chong's wife, Shelby, will be doing their first live interview this Sunday on the Allan Handelman Show. The syndicated radio show is based out of the Carolinas, but can be heard live on the web.

Chong's Last Days Of Freedom

The LA Times has a great article about what Chong did during his last few days of freedom. His last few days were spent doing his comedy act in Michigan, as well as a photo shoot for an upcoming issue of Vanity Fair. Read the reprint here....
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Chong Argues For Appeal

At yesterday's hearing, one of Chong's attorneys argued that Chong should be released pending his appeal. The judge disagreed, stating that he feels the sentence was fair, but will allow his attorneys to present their case next Wednesday.
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Day One In The Big House

Tommy Chong reported to prison today to begin his 9 month sentence for selling bongs. The prison, located in Southern California, is the same prison where Robert Downey, JR also served time.
Chong may be released on October 16th while his lawyers file an appeal. As reported earlier, his lawyers are looking for house arrest in lieu of a prison term.