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Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
The Good Dope by Bobby Capps
From Capps...
I'm here in Los Angeles working on a movie called "Double Duty." I met a script supervisor named Kristine Greco who was standing on the street at the end of a long day of shooting. We talked until the dark of the night. Cheech and Chong came up because I was wearing my FREE TOMMY CHONG shirt. She told me her father was George Greco, a grocery store owner from the Los Angeles area. The name of his store was the Carmel Grocery.
Now dig this all you fans. George Greco was the community friend. He would loan kids a few bucks here and there or help them out with rent once-in-a-while. George was a well-loved man in his community and people remembered good old George even after 15 years or so. Cheech Marin was one of these people who loved George. Kristine told me she appeared as an extra on Up In Smoke. When Cheech realized that she was George's daughter he wrote out and gave her a check for the sum of 800 dollars. Cheech told her he had owed her dad this money for fifteen years. It wasn't that Cheech was trying to get out of it, it was that George was nowhere to be found.
So for all you people whom think that Cheech and Chong are just a bunch of whacked out stoners, take a lesson from this one. Cheech is a stand up guy as well as a stand up comedian.
I was informed by Kristine to pass the word along that George had passed away in 2007 at the age of 80 years old. I hope your reading this Cheech, as she truly felt obligated to tell you and asked me to thank you for being such a good man to her father. She hopes you remember!
I'm here in Los Angeles working on a movie called "Double Duty." I met a script supervisor named Kristine Greco who was standing on the street at the end of a long day of shooting. We talked until the dark of the night. Cheech and Chong came up because I was wearing my FREE TOMMY CHONG shirt. She told me her father was George Greco, a grocery store owner from the Los Angeles area. The name of his store was the Carmel Grocery.
Now dig this all you fans. George Greco was the community friend. He would loan kids a few bucks here and there or help them out with rent once-in-a-while. George was a well-loved man in his community and people remembered good old George even after 15 years or so. Cheech Marin was one of these people who loved George. Kristine told me she appeared as an extra on Up In Smoke. When Cheech realized that she was George's daughter he wrote out and gave her a check for the sum of 800 dollars. Cheech told her he had owed her dad this money for fifteen years. It wasn't that Cheech was trying to get out of it, it was that George was nowhere to be found.
So for all you people whom think that Cheech and Chong are just a bunch of whacked out stoners, take a lesson from this one. Cheech is a stand up guy as well as a stand up comedian.
I was informed by Kristine to pass the word along that George had passed away in 2007 at the age of 80 years old. I hope your reading this Cheech, as she truly felt obligated to tell you and asked me to thank you for being such a good man to her father. She hopes you remember!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
'The Perfect Game' Does Not Equal a Perfect Marriage
The president of Prelude Pictures, the production company releasing the film 'The Perfect Game', is being sued by his soon-to-be ex-wife.
Daniel de Liege's wife of two years, Kara, is suing the West Palm-based Prelude as well as other companies that put out the film, as part of her divorce. She wants half her husband’s profits on the film.
The film is based on a true story about a group of boys from Monterrey, Mexico who become the first non-U.S. team to win the Little League World Series. Shooting has already been completed in Valencia, CA and Mexico.
The film stars Cheech Marin, Clifton Collins Jr. and Louis Gossett Jr.
Release date is August 15th.
Read Here
Daniel de Liege's wife of two years, Kara, is suing the West Palm-based Prelude as well as other companies that put out the film, as part of her divorce. She wants half her husband’s profits on the film.
The film is based on a true story about a group of boys from Monterrey, Mexico who become the first non-U.S. team to win the Little League World Series. Shooting has already been completed in Valencia, CA and Mexico.
The film stars Cheech Marin, Clifton Collins Jr. and Louis Gossett Jr.
Release date is August 15th.
Read Here
Cheech to Star in Hallmark Channel Film
Hallmark Channel, the top family-friendly network, is a leading producer of original movies with an aggressive slate of 30 films set to air in 2008, announced David Kenin, Executive Vice President, Programming. The network has secured a star-studded roster of talent, including Jacqueline Bisset, Dean Cain, Mark Consuelos, Bob Newhart, Luke Perry, Jason Priestley, Vanessa Redgrave and Jane Seymour, among others.
"Hallmark Channel is, at this very moment, in production on eight original movies in Toronto, Los Angeles and various other locations," said Kenin. "This is an extraordinary number of films and proves what we have known for years: that there is an insatiable desire for quality, family-friendly programming among viewers, advertisers and distributors."
Several original movies are completed and set to air in the coming
months, including:
"Second Honeymoon," starring Teri Polo, Jason Priestley and Cheech Marin.
A childless couple, longing to have a baby, takes a vacation to a small Mexican village where the spirit of the locals, in particular a disabled young boy, teaches them about a Saint who performs miracles: one for the boy and one for the couple. Airdate TBD.
"Hallmark Channel is, at this very moment, in production on eight original movies in Toronto, Los Angeles and various other locations," said Kenin. "This is an extraordinary number of films and proves what we have known for years: that there is an insatiable desire for quality, family-friendly programming among viewers, advertisers and distributors."
Several original movies are completed and set to air in the coming
months, including:
"Second Honeymoon," starring Teri Polo, Jason Priestley and Cheech Marin.
A childless couple, longing to have a baby, takes a vacation to a small Mexican village where the spirit of the locals, in particular a disabled young boy, teaches them about a Saint who performs miracles: one for the boy and one for the couple. Airdate TBD.
American Drug War to be Released on DVD May 27th
The new controversial film AMERICAN DRUG WAR, premiered on Showtime March 5th, and is creating a storm of controversy surrounding the content. Filmmaker Kevin Booth lost his mother to alcoholism, a friend to nicotine, and a brother to prescription pills.
The Sustainable Action Network's goal is to raise further awareness about the effects of privately run prison systems. Don Lichterman, the founder of the Sustainable Action Network says that "once prisons became privatized in America, and started trading on Wall Street every day, the facts show gross examples that in order for these prisons to make money every year; they need to fill their facilities." The prisons need to be filled with people in order create profits and revenues for these private companies. Lichterman then says that "Kevin (Booth) spells this out in such an easy to understand way in his documentary film that audiences will be captivated."
There are not enough rapists and murderers to fill the hundreds of private prisons located in many states in the US. The "trickle down" effect is a natural one considering the main bi-laws of any corporation is to create revenues for that company. Since there are only so many people that commit violent crimes, the incarceration of non-violent offenders using drugs becomes an easy target for the criminal justice system.
The staff at the Barack Obama campaign has recognized this failure by answering Booth saying they "will review drug sentences to see where we can be smarter on crime and reduce the blind and counterproductive sentencing of non-violent offenders." Obama also supports the use of medical marijuana calling the War on Drugs a "failure."
This issue is especially relevant today. During the Bill Clinton Presidency, millions of people were incarcerated into the prison system. Hundreds of private prisons were also built all over the United States during that span of time. The documentary film cleverly allows the former drug czar Barry McCaffrey to tell that story, who under the Clinton administration arrested over four million people for using marijuana. Those non-violent drug offenders are still in privately owned, highly profitable prisons today.
If you want a clear and concise look at this issue, the Kevin Booth award winning documentary is the perfect film. "This documentary needs to be available for the public to see," says Lichterman. (Kevin) Booth will utilize (Don) Lichterman's resources with Sunset Records (www.SunsetLabelGroup.com) and the Sunset Home Visual Entertainment (SHE) (www.SunsetHomeVisual.com) Distribution system. Sacred Cow is distributed by the exceptional Indy Film and Documentary Distribution Company, Passion River (www.PassionRiver.com). Currently, the American Drug War film is playing on Showtime all month and is also available at Showtime On-Demand.
This current rotation and future DVD release is coming off the heels of an unprecedented FOUR (4) consective festival wins for best Documentary Film. Filmmaker Kevin Booth spent over four years seeking the answer to why three of the closest people in his life, had all died in ways that made him think about the "War On Drugs" and whether it is working in the United States. Booth interviewed world leaders and activist Ralph Nader, libertarian Ron Paul, comedian (and non violent drug offender) Tommy Chong, the proclaimed originator of crack cocaine Ricky Ross (from federal Prison), former drug czar Barry McCaffrey, a former CIA Agent, a State Senator, County Sheriffs, Top Ranking Police Officers, lawyers, incarcerated prisoners and judges that stand on the frontlines of the war on drugs.
Prison jobs are not limited to cleaning highways, parks and making license plates. Many prisons field telephone calls and some telemarketing is done from prison facilities in the United States. Lichterman then asks, "When was the last time we had people working for other people for pennies or no money?" Lichterman ends by saying his "point is that if you are purposely filling these facilities with non violent people just to have them at capacity every year, and then that same system in turns has these same people do various work labor, then that is a failure".
Just as Lichterman was astounded by finding this out by watching Booth's documentary, the answers Booth heard on his journey shocked him over the past few years. The AMERICAN DRUG WAR: The Last White Hope examines the longest and costliest so called war in the U.S. history.
Starring in interviews is Tommy Chong, Freeway Ricky Ross, Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Mike Ruppert, General Barry McCaffrey Celerino Castillo III, Judge James Gray, T Rodgers, Joe Rogan, Ron Paul, Ralph Nader , and Jello Biafra. For promotion copies of the DVD film and for press related issues, please contact Jennifer Billings (Jennifer.Billings @ SunsetHolding.com) and / or Kevin Booth (kevinbooth @ adelphia.net)
Check the Showtime listings for the AMERICAN DRUG WAR film which premiered this month on Showtime.
The Showtime Network has also made this important film available at Showtime On Demand for everyone to order at any time during the week.
Starting on 04/20/2008, the American Drug War: The Last White Hope DVD will be made available exclusively at www.SacredCow.com, the www.SunsetainableActionNetwork.org web site and at the Sunset Music Store. The Passion River Film Distribution Company will be servicing retail for the DVD on the official street date of 5/27/2008. The DVD is filled with over three hours of bonus footage.
The Sustainable Action Network's goal is to raise further awareness about the effects of privately run prison systems. Don Lichterman, the founder of the Sustainable Action Network says that "once prisons became privatized in America, and started trading on Wall Street every day, the facts show gross examples that in order for these prisons to make money every year; they need to fill their facilities." The prisons need to be filled with people in order create profits and revenues for these private companies. Lichterman then says that "Kevin (Booth) spells this out in such an easy to understand way in his documentary film that audiences will be captivated."
There are not enough rapists and murderers to fill the hundreds of private prisons located in many states in the US. The "trickle down" effect is a natural one considering the main bi-laws of any corporation is to create revenues for that company. Since there are only so many people that commit violent crimes, the incarceration of non-violent offenders using drugs becomes an easy target for the criminal justice system.
The staff at the Barack Obama campaign has recognized this failure by answering Booth saying they "will review drug sentences to see where we can be smarter on crime and reduce the blind and counterproductive sentencing of non-violent offenders." Obama also supports the use of medical marijuana calling the War on Drugs a "failure."
This issue is especially relevant today. During the Bill Clinton Presidency, millions of people were incarcerated into the prison system. Hundreds of private prisons were also built all over the United States during that span of time. The documentary film cleverly allows the former drug czar Barry McCaffrey to tell that story, who under the Clinton administration arrested over four million people for using marijuana. Those non-violent drug offenders are still in privately owned, highly profitable prisons today.
If you want a clear and concise look at this issue, the Kevin Booth award winning documentary is the perfect film. "This documentary needs to be available for the public to see," says Lichterman. (Kevin) Booth will utilize (Don) Lichterman's resources with Sunset Records (www.SunsetLabelGroup.com) and the Sunset Home Visual Entertainment (SHE) (www.SunsetHomeVisual.com) Distribution system. Sacred Cow is distributed by the exceptional Indy Film and Documentary Distribution Company, Passion River (www.PassionRiver.com). Currently, the American Drug War film is playing on Showtime all month and is also available at Showtime On-Demand.
This current rotation and future DVD release is coming off the heels of an unprecedented FOUR (4) consective festival wins for best Documentary Film. Filmmaker Kevin Booth spent over four years seeking the answer to why three of the closest people in his life, had all died in ways that made him think about the "War On Drugs" and whether it is working in the United States. Booth interviewed world leaders and activist Ralph Nader, libertarian Ron Paul, comedian (and non violent drug offender) Tommy Chong, the proclaimed originator of crack cocaine Ricky Ross (from federal Prison), former drug czar Barry McCaffrey, a former CIA Agent, a State Senator, County Sheriffs, Top Ranking Police Officers, lawyers, incarcerated prisoners and judges that stand on the frontlines of the war on drugs.
Prison jobs are not limited to cleaning highways, parks and making license plates. Many prisons field telephone calls and some telemarketing is done from prison facilities in the United States. Lichterman then asks, "When was the last time we had people working for other people for pennies or no money?" Lichterman ends by saying his "point is that if you are purposely filling these facilities with non violent people just to have them at capacity every year, and then that same system in turns has these same people do various work labor, then that is a failure".
Just as Lichterman was astounded by finding this out by watching Booth's documentary, the answers Booth heard on his journey shocked him over the past few years. The AMERICAN DRUG WAR: The Last White Hope examines the longest and costliest so called war in the U.S. history.
Starring in interviews is Tommy Chong, Freeway Ricky Ross, Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Mike Ruppert, General Barry McCaffrey Celerino Castillo III, Judge James Gray, T Rodgers, Joe Rogan, Ron Paul, Ralph Nader , and Jello Biafra. For promotion copies of the DVD film and for press related issues, please contact Jennifer Billings (Jennifer.Billings @ SunsetHolding.com) and / or Kevin Booth (kevinbooth @ adelphia.net)
Check the Showtime listings for the AMERICAN DRUG WAR film which premiered this month on Showtime.
The Showtime Network has also made this important film available at Showtime On Demand for everyone to order at any time during the week.
Starting on 04/20/2008, the American Drug War: The Last White Hope DVD will be made available exclusively at www.SacredCow.com, the www.SunsetainableActionNetwork.org web site and at the Sunset Music Store. The Passion River Film Distribution Company will be servicing retail for the DVD on the official street date of 5/27/2008. The DVD is filled with over three hours of bonus footage.
Friday, March 21, 2008
You Can Now Include Images in Your Message Board Posts
Fans have been asking us for the ability to add images to their Message Board posts. Now you can! You can attach (2) images per post (gif, jpg, bmp, up to 200k each).
Access The Message Board
Access The Message Board
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Cheech to Attend 13th Annual LA Times Festival of Books
Readers, writers and book-lovers of all ages will come together Saturday, April 26th and Sunday, April 27th to participate in the highly anticipated 13th annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books on the UCLA campus.
"The Los Angeles Times is proud to host one of the largest and most engaging literary festivals in the country. Now in its 13th year, The Festival of Books continues to expand and attracts a wonderful and diverse population of book-lovers while helping to promote literacy and the value of the written word," said Publisher David D. Hiller.
Over 140,000 attendees are expected this year, as the Festival brings together a hip, eclectic and family friendly line-up of talent, story-tellers, celebrities, musical performances and literary giants (full list at http://latimesfestivalofbooks.com). For the first time, the Festival of Books will offer "The Comix Strip," an entirely new comic book, graphic novel and Manga-devoted event area, offering attendees access to the genres' exhibitors, retailers and newest issues. Mike Mignola, creator of the Hellboy comic series, and other comics luminaries are slated to participate in special panels, programming and autograph sessions.
For children, families and the young at heart, the Target Children's Stage will feature an array of entertainment and book readings by Julie Andrews; Aly and AJ; Henry Winkler; Cheech Marin; Marlee Matlin and Doug Cooney; Dylan and Cole Sprouse; Ben Barnes, "Prince Caspian" from the upcoming "Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" movie; musical groups The Doodlebops(TM) and Playhouse Disney's "Johnny and the Sprites," and many more. Other Festival highlights include the prestigious 28th annual Los Angeles Times Book Prize awards ceremony April 25th and five additional outdoor stages featuring a variety of live entertainment throughout the weekend.
General event information can be found at http://latimesfestivalofbooks.com or by calling 1-800-LA TIMES, ext. 7BOOK. Admission is free, but tickets are required to attend author/panel discussions and lectures. Because seating at these events is limited, tickets will be made available for a $.75 per ticket fee at Ticketmaster.com and through select Ticketmaster locations in Southern California beginning at 12 Noon, April 20 and until capacity has been
reached.
"The Los Angeles Times is proud to host one of the largest and most engaging literary festivals in the country. Now in its 13th year, The Festival of Books continues to expand and attracts a wonderful and diverse population of book-lovers while helping to promote literacy and the value of the written word," said Publisher David D. Hiller.
Over 140,000 attendees are expected this year, as the Festival brings together a hip, eclectic and family friendly line-up of talent, story-tellers, celebrities, musical performances and literary giants (full list at http://latimesfestivalofbooks.com). For the first time, the Festival of Books will offer "The Comix Strip," an entirely new comic book, graphic novel and Manga-devoted event area, offering attendees access to the genres' exhibitors, retailers and newest issues. Mike Mignola, creator of the Hellboy comic series, and other comics luminaries are slated to participate in special panels, programming and autograph sessions.
For children, families and the young at heart, the Target Children's Stage will feature an array of entertainment and book readings by Julie Andrews; Aly and AJ; Henry Winkler; Cheech Marin; Marlee Matlin and Doug Cooney; Dylan and Cole Sprouse; Ben Barnes, "Prince Caspian" from the upcoming "Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" movie; musical groups The Doodlebops(TM) and Playhouse Disney's "Johnny and the Sprites," and many more. Other Festival highlights include the prestigious 28th annual Los Angeles Times Book Prize awards ceremony April 25th and five additional outdoor stages featuring a variety of live entertainment throughout the weekend.
General event information can be found at http://latimesfestivalofbooks.com or by calling 1-800-LA TIMES, ext. 7BOOK. Admission is free, but tickets are required to attend author/panel discussions and lectures. Because seating at these events is limited, tickets will be made available for a $.75 per ticket fee at Ticketmaster.com and through select Ticketmaster locations in Southern California beginning at 12 Noon, April 20 and until capacity has been
reached.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Dogs From Walt Disney Pictures' BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA on Olvera Street in Downtown Los Angeles to Celebrate the ''Blessing of the Animals''
WHO:
Chloe, a pampered white Chihuahua from Beverly Hills; Papi, a long-haired Chihuahua; Delgado, a proud German Shepherd; and El Diablo, a Doberman, all from the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures film 'BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA.'
WHAT:
To be blessed in the 78th annual Blessing of the Animals on Olvera Street. The dogs will be blessed at 2 PM and available for pictures until 4 PM. Free Chihuahua-sized t-shirts to those that visit the 'BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA' booth. Shirts are limited and first come first served.
WHEN:
Saturday, March 22, 2008
2:00 PM
Procession led by Cardinal Roger M. Mahony
2:15 PM
Dogs to be blessed
2:30 PM
Dogs available for pictures
4:00 PM
End of event
WHERE:
Olvera Street
845 N. Alameda Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Walt Disney Pictures’ BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA opens in theatres nationwide on September 26, 2008.
In the Disney comedy, BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA, a pampered Beverly Hills Chihuahua named Chloe (voice of DREW BARRYMORE) finds herself accidentally lost in the mean streets of Mexico without a day spa or Rodeo Drive boutique anywhere in sight. Now alone for the first time in her spoiled life, she must rely on some unexpected new friends -- including a street-hardened German Shepherd named Delgado (voice of ANDY GARCIA) and an amorous pup named Papi (voice of GEORGE LOPEZ) -- to lend her a paw and help her to find her inner strength on their incredible journey back home.
Walt Disney Pictures presents BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA, directed by Raja Gosnell (“Scooby Doo”), written by Jeff Bushell and Analisa LaBianco and starring an all-star cast including Piper Perabo, Manolo Cardona and Jamie Lee Curtis, with the voices of Andy Garcia, Plácido Domingo, George Lopez, Salma Hayek, Edward James Olmos, Paul Rodriguez, Cheech Marin and Drew Barrymore.
Chloe, a pampered white Chihuahua from Beverly Hills; Papi, a long-haired Chihuahua; Delgado, a proud German Shepherd; and El Diablo, a Doberman, all from the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures film 'BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA.'
WHAT:
To be blessed in the 78th annual Blessing of the Animals on Olvera Street. The dogs will be blessed at 2 PM and available for pictures until 4 PM. Free Chihuahua-sized t-shirts to those that visit the 'BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA' booth. Shirts are limited and first come first served.
WHEN:
Saturday, March 22, 2008
2:00 PM
Procession led by Cardinal Roger M. Mahony
2:15 PM
Dogs to be blessed
2:30 PM
Dogs available for pictures
4:00 PM
End of event
WHERE:
Olvera Street
845 N. Alameda Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Walt Disney Pictures’ BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA opens in theatres nationwide on September 26, 2008.
In the Disney comedy, BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA, a pampered Beverly Hills Chihuahua named Chloe (voice of DREW BARRYMORE) finds herself accidentally lost in the mean streets of Mexico without a day spa or Rodeo Drive boutique anywhere in sight. Now alone for the first time in her spoiled life, she must rely on some unexpected new friends -- including a street-hardened German Shepherd named Delgado (voice of ANDY GARCIA) and an amorous pup named Papi (voice of GEORGE LOPEZ) -- to lend her a paw and help her to find her inner strength on their incredible journey back home.
Walt Disney Pictures presents BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA, directed by Raja Gosnell (“Scooby Doo”), written by Jeff Bushell and Analisa LaBianco and starring an all-star cast including Piper Perabo, Manolo Cardona and Jamie Lee Curtis, with the voices of Andy Garcia, Plácido Domingo, George Lopez, Salma Hayek, Edward James Olmos, Paul Rodriguez, Cheech Marin and Drew Barrymore.
CEO of Turner Broadcasting is a Tommy Chong Fan
During a recent interview with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Turner Broadcasting System Chairman and CEO, Phil Kent, said "I love Tommy Chong. I used to listen to his albums."
Read Here
Read Here
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Photo: Cheech Marin at El Paso Panel Discussion
The El Paso Times posted a photo of Cheech Marin at last week's panel discussion on Latino art at the El Paso Museum of Art.
See Here
See Here
Thursday, March 13, 2008
a/k/a is on its way...
The long-awaited, award-winning a/k/a Tommy Chong DVD began shipping from our warehouse today. This is currently our best-selling item on the site.
This film is director Josh Gilbert's masterpiece.
This film is director Josh Gilbert's masterpiece.
Monday, March 10, 2008
a/k/a Tommy Chong DVD Ships This Friday
The long-awaited a/k/a Tommy Chong DVD ships this Friday.
There are "extras" on the DVD including:
Since its 2006 release, people have been asking when the award-winning documentary, a/k/a Tommy Chong was coming to DVD. Well, the time has come.
The pre-release DVD date for Tommy's loyal fans is early March, 2008. The national release date is April 20, 2008 (4/20).
a/k/a Tommy Chong chronicles the entrapment and incarceration of comedic legend Tommy Chong. Josh Gilbert's "a/k/a Tommy Chong" offers a sometimes frightening, often hilarious account of Operation Pipe Dreams, a nationwide drug paraphernalia sting operation spearheaded by former Attorney General John Ashcroft.
After a fully armed SWAT team raided the 65 year-old comedian's home in February of 2003, Tommy Chong was sentenced to 9 months in federal prison for conspiracy to manufacture and distribute drug paraphernalia through Chong Glass, a family business specializing in handmade glass water pipes, or "bongs." Of the 55 defendants prosecuted, Tommy Chong was the only one with no prior convicitons to receive jail time. Justifying the 9 month sentance, the prosecutor cited the classic 1978 movie Cheech & Chong film "Up In Smoke" as evidence that he had become wealthy "trivializing law enforcement efforts to combat marijuana trafficking and use."
Review
a/k/a Tommy Chong depicts the government's wrongful persecution of Tommy Chong via
Operation Pipedream. I don't care if you're a pothead, college professor, pro-drugs, anti-drugs, or never even heard of Tommy chong...you'll enjoy this film.
For Cheech and Chong fans, they've included tons of rare home movies, Tommy's stand-up act, old interviews and tv appearances. Director Lou Adler, Cheech and Chong's first agent, Chong's family and other people supply candid stories about Cheech and Chong.
For those interested in free speech and politics, the film discusses how Tommy was the only person from Operation Pipedream to receive a prison sentence. The film also talks about how 9/11 and Tommy Chong's bust helped launch US Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan's career.
The frame job...Did you know that an undercover DEA agent repeatedly called and emailed employee's of Chong Glass trying to get them to ship to Pennsylvania? They repeatedly told him no. Josh Gilbert, this film's director, includes the audio of these phone calls.
The DEA agent called and emailed them approximately twenty times stating that he has a tobacco license and asking what the problem was. The employees kept telling him it's against the law. The agent said he spoke to his lawyer and his lawyer said it was legal.
The DEA agent then visited the Chong Glass factory and ordered anything that wasn't in stock. After creating the glass, the DEA agent said he couldn't make it back there to pick up the order. Unfortunately for Chong Glass, this order was taking up a lot of space in the warehouse and was preventing them from fullfilling other orders. Out of desperation, Chong Glass shipped the order to PA.
Forty-five armed agents raided factory which only had one employee there at the time.
It was a setup from the start. Tommy was completely railroaded.
We could write about this film for hours. There is so much content which is edited together brilliantly. The film is very touching. Check out a/k/a Tommy Chong when it comes to your neighborhood.
Purchase Here
There are "extras" on the DVD including:
- "Dave", a rare interview with Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong about the origin of the sketch.
- "Tommy at Home", see the dopemaster, himself, at his home.
You can pre-order the DVD from Cheech and Chong Dot Com, as well as in smoke/novelty shops. Fans have the opportunity to acquire the a/k/a Tommy Chong, FIRST, grass roots style, before the large retailers receive it. This is our way of saying thanks to all of Tommy's devoted fans.
The pre-release DVD date for Tommy's loyal fans is early March, 2008. The national release date is April 20, 2008 (4/20).
a/k/a Tommy Chong chronicles the entrapment and incarceration of comedic legend Tommy Chong. Josh Gilbert's "a/k/a Tommy Chong" offers a sometimes frightening, often hilarious account of Operation Pipe Dreams, a nationwide drug paraphernalia sting operation spearheaded by former Attorney General John Ashcroft.
After a fully armed SWAT team raided the 65 year-old comedian's home in February of 2003, Tommy Chong was sentenced to 9 months in federal prison for conspiracy to manufacture and distribute drug paraphernalia through Chong Glass, a family business specializing in handmade glass water pipes, or "bongs." Of the 55 defendants prosecuted, Tommy Chong was the only one with no prior convicitons to receive jail time. Justifying the 9 month sentance, the prosecutor cited the classic 1978 movie Cheech & Chong film "Up In Smoke" as evidence that he had become wealthy "trivializing law enforcement efforts to combat marijuana trafficking and use."Review
a/k/a Tommy Chong depicts the government's wrongful persecution of Tommy Chong via
Operation Pipedream. I don't care if you're a pothead, college professor, pro-drugs, anti-drugs, or never even heard of Tommy chong...you'll enjoy this film.For Cheech and Chong fans, they've included tons of rare home movies, Tommy's stand-up act, old interviews and tv appearances. Director Lou Adler, Cheech and Chong's first agent, Chong's family and other people supply candid stories about Cheech and Chong.
For those interested in free speech and politics, the film discusses how Tommy was the only person from Operation Pipedream to receive a prison sentence. The film also talks about how 9/11 and Tommy Chong's bust helped launch US Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan's career.
The frame job...Did you know that an undercover DEA agent repeatedly called and emailed employee's of Chong Glass trying to get them to ship to Pennsylvania? They repeatedly told him no. Josh Gilbert, this film's director, includes the audio of these phone calls.
The DEA agent called and emailed them approximately twenty times stating that he has a tobacco license and asking what the problem was. The employees kept telling him it's against the law. The agent said he spoke to his lawyer and his lawyer said it was legal.
The DEA agent then visited the Chong Glass factory and ordered anything that wasn't in stock. After creating the glass, the DEA agent said he couldn't make it back there to pick up the order. Unfortunately for Chong Glass, this order was taking up a lot of space in the warehouse and was preventing them from fullfilling other orders. Out of desperation, Chong Glass shipped the order to PA.
Forty-five armed agents raided factory which only had one employee there at the time.
It was a setup from the start. Tommy was completely railroaded.
We could write about this film for hours. There is so much content which is edited together brilliantly. The film is very touching. Check out a/k/a Tommy Chong when it comes to your neighborhood.
Purchase Here
Friday, March 07, 2008
Tommy Chong Comes to Fort Worth
The Star-Telegram interviewed Tommy Chong who was promoting his upcoming dates at Hyena's Comedy Club in Fort Worth, Texas.
Chong told them that he still smokes and that he has a "serious obligation to prove to the world that marijuana is a medicine."
When Tommy was asked about the breakup of Cheech and Chong...
"suddenly [Cheech] didn't want to do the stoner movies any more. And he also didn't like me being the boss. For me it was my way or the highway, and he chose the highway."
When asked about the chance of a reunion...
"we had a meeting to discuss possibly getting together, and still, after all these years, Cheech was so angry I was actually scared of him."
Read Here
Hyena's Comedy Club
8:30 & 10:30PM. Tonight
8 & 10:30PM. Saturday
7PM. Sunday
Chong told them that he still smokes and that he has a "serious obligation to prove to the world that marijuana is a medicine."
When Tommy was asked about the breakup of Cheech and Chong...
"suddenly [Cheech] didn't want to do the stoner movies any more. And he also didn't like me being the boss. For me it was my way or the highway, and he chose the highway."
When asked about the chance of a reunion...
"we had a meeting to discuss possibly getting together, and still, after all these years, Cheech was so angry I was actually scared of him."
Read Here
Hyena's Comedy Club
8:30 & 10:30PM. Tonight
8 & 10:30PM. Saturday
7PM. Sunday
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Buddy Miles Tribute Scheduled
A tribute to the legendary musician, Buddy Miles, will take place March 30th at Threadgills in Austin, Texas. Special guests are likely to drop in.
RIP Buddy
RIP Buddy
HighRoad Acquires The Perfect Game
The HighRoad Entertainment production company which is run by David Salzberg and Christian Tureaud has acquired rights to The Perfect Game.
The film is based on a true story about a group of boys from Monterrey, Mexico who become the first non-U.S. team to win the Little League World Series. Shooting has already been completed in Valencia, CA and Mexico.
The film stars Cheech Marin, Clifton Collins Jr. and Louis Gossett Jr.
Release date is August 15th.
The film is based on a true story about a group of boys from Monterrey, Mexico who become the first non-U.S. team to win the Little League World Series. Shooting has already been completed in Valencia, CA and Mexico.
The film stars Cheech Marin, Clifton Collins Jr. and Louis Gossett Jr.
Release date is August 15th.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Cheech to Attend San Diego Latino Film Festival
The fifteenth annual San Diego Latino Film Festival kicks off March 6th at UltraStar’s Hazard Center Cinema. Most of the films being shown will be new, but one is a Latino classic.
That's right! Cheech Marin's Born In East LA will be shown March 16th at 7PM. Cheech will be in attendance so it's a good time to get his autograph.
Born In East LA is about an American-born Hispanic who is illegally deported to Mexico and must sneak back across the border. The film deals with the immigration issue in a comedic tone.
When asked about the immigration issue, Cheech says “It’s gotten worse.” “We’re at the end of eight years of [Bush] Junior, and it’s an election year. It’s almost a given that whenever the economy goes bad, there’s immigrant bashing.”
“Salsa is now the No. 1 condiment. The change has already occurred. The process that’s happening is the perception of the change.”
Read Here
That's right! Cheech Marin's Born In East LA will be shown March 16th at 7PM. Cheech will be in attendance so it's a good time to get his autograph.
Born In East LA is about an American-born Hispanic who is illegally deported to Mexico and must sneak back across the border. The film deals with the immigration issue in a comedic tone.
When asked about the immigration issue, Cheech says “It’s gotten worse.” “We’re at the end of eight years of [Bush] Junior, and it’s an election year. It’s almost a given that whenever the economy goes bad, there’s immigrant bashing.”
“Salsa is now the No. 1 condiment. The change has already occurred. The process that’s happening is the perception of the change.”
Read Here
Monday, March 03, 2008
Tommy Chong Visits Cannabis Culture
Tommy Chong stopped by Cannabis Culture Magazine yesterday while visiting Vancouver.
Tommy is a regular contributor to the magazine and his article in next month's issue is about his prison time in Taft Penitentiary and the sickness that affects so many prisoners in the USA.
The article hasn't been posted yet, but here's a video of Tommy at CC headquarters.
Tommy is a regular contributor to the magazine and his article in next month's issue is about his prison time in Taft Penitentiary and the sickness that affects so many prisoners in the USA.
The article hasn't been posted yet, but here's a video of Tommy at CC headquarters.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Updated: REST IN PEACE BUDDY MILES
Additional information:
- There was a history of congestive heart failure in Buddy's family. His sister and mom both died from it.
- Buddy was cremated. There was no funeral.
- The day before Buddy died, he heard Eric Clapton playing Them Changes at Madison Square Garden through his cell phone. Them Changes is now part of Clapton's set on tour as tribute to Buddy.
Legendary musician, Buddy Miles, 60, passed away Tuesday of heart failure. Buddy co-founded and played drums in Band Of Gypsys with Jimi Hendrix. He also played on a couple Cheech and Chong songs including the Big Green Van theme.
He was a huge Cheech and Chong fan and a huge fan of this site.
Buddy recorded the California Raisins commercial featuring claymation dancing raisins. It's the most successful commercial in television history! Buddy recorded and produced and performed in 3 more California Raisins albums.
Buddy produced and performed in a series of commercials for Caribbean Kiss, Cadillac and Harley Davidson just to name a few.
Buddy collaborated with Brett Alexander on his Cheeb and Bong albums.
“Them Changes” was performed Monday and Tuesday at Madison Square Garden by Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood. They are expected to play the song again tonight with a special dedication to their old friend.
A memorial concert will take place March 30 at Threadgill’s on Riverside Drive.
In 2007, Buddy played a few dates on the West coast with assistance from his friend, Brett Alexander, before having to cancel the remaining dates because of heart problems.
For the past few months, his health continued to deteriorate at his Austin, Texas home. His heart was working at 15%. According to friends, "he had turned off his defibrillator and was ready for heaven."
In 1995, Seconds magazine asked how he would like to be remembered. Miles said: "The baddest of the bad. People say I'm the baddest drummer. If that's true, thank you world."
He was a really nice guy and will sorely be missed.
Buddy christening Tommy Chong signature guitar, designed by Brett.
Buddy working a new version of the Green Van theme on his new drum kit.
Buddy at BB King New York, 2007.
Buddy Miles Official Homepage
Buddy Miles' Myspace Page
Purchase Brett's Cheeb and Bong's CDs
Performance of Them Changes from Playboy After Dark.
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