HAPPY FOURTH EVERYBODY!
Current mood: PATRIOTIC
Category: PATRIOTIC News and Politics
This Independence Day, as you're sucking down brews and bonghits and watching shit explode in the sky, ask yourself this question: which presidential candidate best represents what America is really all about?
If you want a president who embodies freedom instead of just talking about, the choice is clear...
At the 2008 Doobie Awards this March, I had the great honor of presenting rock n roll legends Blue Cheer with a lifetime achievement award, and the award for Pot Song of the Year for their stoner blues anthem "Rollin Dem Bones." WATCH THE VIDEO...
During this year's SXSW convention is Austin, native Texan toker Pot Star hosted the first Cowboy Cup to pick the greatest strain of pot grown in the Lone Star state. I announced the winners the next day on stage at the Doobie Awards. WATCH THE VIDEO...
TERA PATRICK’S HIGH TIMES COVER PARTY TONIGHT!
Current mood: horny
Category: Parties and Nightlife
If you're in Hollywood, come on out to House of Blues tonight for Tera Patrick's HIGH TIMES cover party! You can meet the 2008 Ganja Goddess herself, and check out her husband Evan Seinfeld's band The Spyderz.
THE HIGH TIMES SEX NUGS & ROCK N ROLL SPECIAL ISSUE FEATURING TERA PATRICK IS ON NEWSSTANDS NOW!
Want a sample? Check out our video preview potcast:
BOBBY BLACK 4 PREZ PRESS CONFERENCE AT MARIJUANA RADIO
Current mood: accomplished
Category: News and Politics
This Tuesday I had a 4:20 press conference at the studios of Marijuana Radio to discuss some of the issues in my platform and raise money and awareness for Norml and Smoke The Vote. I'm happy to say the conference was an overwhelming success -- our membership drive recruited over 20 new members and raised around $100! Much thanks to Paul, McKenna, Adriana, and Dan K from MJ Radio for their incredible hospitality and support, as well as Front Range Norml and everyone who came out and donated.
You can hear the entire press conference, and my interview that followed, via stream or download by going to MARIJUANARADIO.COM.
Our next press conference will be at 4:20 tomorrow (Friday, 5/23) at The High Way smoeshop in Chicago. See ya on the campaign trail!!!
INTERVIEW ON MARIJUANA RADIO LAST NIGHT
Category: Podcast
In preparation for my press conference at their studios next Tuesday, the good folks at Marijuana Radio had me on last night to talk about my campaign and what it's all about. Check it out:
HIGH TIMES IN DENVER & CHICAGO NEXT WEEK!
Current mood: vital
Category: News and Politics
ATTENTION STONERS IN DENVER AND CHICAGO: COME OUT NEXT WEEK AND SUPPORT THE CAUSE, AND GET SOME FREE HIGH TIMES SWAG!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
HIGH TIMES EDITOR AND "PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE" BOBBY BLACK TO HOLD "SMOKE THE VOTE" PRESS CONFERENCES IN DENVER AND CHICAGO
NEW YORK, NY (May 12, 2008) - In an effort to raise money and awareness for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) and their political offshoot Smoke The Vote, HIGH TIMES editor and columnist Bobby Black has launched a pseudo-presidential campaign, and is embarking on a cross-country promotional tour through the nation's heartland dubbed the "BBD Express Across America," which includes press conferences and radio interviews in both Denver and Chicago.
Best known for his monthly HIGH TIMES column "Almost Infamous" and weekly rock show on Sirius radio, Black is a proud pagan and lifelong advocate of personal liberty and responsibility. He claims to be running on the Freak Power Party ticket—a political party created by the late gonzo journalist and Colorado resident Hunter S. Thompson as part of his 1970 bid for the office of Pitkin County sheriff. Black's platform is based on a political philosophy he calls "liberal-tarianism," whose main tenets are the strict enforcement of civil rights and separation of church and state, as well as the legalization of gay marriage, prostitution, and drugs—particularly marijuana.
"There are approximately 25 million Americans who smoke marijuana," says Black. "My goal is to motivate as many of them as possible to make their voices heard by joining NORML, registering to vote, and petitioning their local representatives to support decriminalization legislation. Pot doesn't ruin lives—pot laws ruin lives, and that needs to change. We all know that nothing gets done in Washington without a lobby—well, NORML is our lobby, and we owe them our support."
In April, NORML cosponsored two federal bills with Representative Barney Frank (D-MA) that address the criminality of marijuana: the "Act to Remove Federal Penalties for the Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults" (H.R. 5843), and the "Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act" (H.R. 5842), both of which are aimed at eliminating federal prosecution of individuals for possession and use of prescribed amounts of cannabis for medicinal or personal use.
"The notion that you lock people up for smoking marijuana is pretty silly," says Frank.
"I don't think it's a coincidence that it was an openly-gay Congressman who had the guts to speak out against the injustice of our drug laws and attempt to enact a real change," observes Black. "There was a time in this country when discrimination against women and African-Americans was widespread, tolerated, even enforced. Thankfully, through the tremendous courage and sacrifices of our great civil rights activists, that time is over. Now the time has come for us to stand up and speak out for America's other legally persecuted minority groups—particularly homosexuals, pagans and marijuana users. That's what I'm here to do—I'm putting the 'pagan' in propaganda."
The first press conference will be held at the studios of Marijuana Radio in Denver on Tuesday, May 20th at 4:20 p.m., and will be followed by an interview on marijuanaradio.com and a membership drive for the Front Range chapter of NORML. Attendees who join or make a donation will receive a signed copy of HIGH TIMES, and a limited-edition "Bobby Black For President" bumper sticker and button. In addition, anyone who joins NORML online between now and Election Day will also receive a campaign sticker. Another 4:20 conference is scheduled for Friday, May 23 at The High Way smoke shop in Chicago, which is sponsored by Illinois NORML and Lokal 420, and also features an appearance by stoner rap group The Individuals.
"It's 4:20 again in America," declares Black. "It's time for us to stop being afraid, to stand together and send a clear message to our elected officials: We smoke, we vote, and we are not criminals."
For more information about NORML, go to norml.org and smokethevote.org.
THE END OF AN ERA...
Current mood: bummed
Category: Music
Some of you may be tuning into Hard Attack right about now, expecting to hear me playing the best stoner rock on or off the planet. Well, it's my sad duty to inform you that Sirius has canceled my show CONTACT HIGH. Apparently, the VP of programming doesn't think stoner rock is important enough of a genre to warrant its own show, and that having a show with marijuana as its theme is inappropriate and has no place on Sirius. So unfortunately, it seems my days on the air are over--at least for now.
For the past 4 years, I have attempted to entertain and enlighten you all--turn you on to new, underground bands and obscure classics, bring you interviews with the biggest names, and promote the music that I love in any and every way I could. To all of you who tuned in, toked up and rocked out along with me, I thank you with all my heart, and hope you enjoyed the ride as much as I did.
If Contact High meant something to you, and you'd like to see it back, you can contact Sirius and let them know how bummed you are. Go to sirius.com/hardattack and send an email to General Feedback, or call 877-33-SIRIUS, type in 27 for Hard Attack, then 11 for general feedback and leave a voicemail. Or better yet, do both! In the meantime, I will be looking into possibly doing a stoner rock show online for download. If you know any companies who might be interested in sponsoring such an endeavor, please let me know.
So thanks again for all the support these past years...you guys rock. Stay stoned, my Blackolytes...
HOW WILL YOU SPEND YOUR TAX REBATE CHECK?
Category: News and Politics
The federal government is sending each and every one of us a $600 rebate. What is the most patriotic way to spend it? How can we do our part to bolster the American economy? Well let's think about that...
If we spend it at Walmart, the money will go to China. If we spend it on gasoline, the money will go to the Arabs. If we purchase a computer it will go to India. If we purchase fruit and vegetables it will go to Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala. If we purchase a good car, it will go to Japan. If we purchase useless crap it will go to Taiwan. So, in accordance with our principles of my platform, I suggest the following: spend it on the only products still produced here in the USA—namely, prostitutes, weed, beer and tattoos. Support the American economy: getting inked, get laid and get stoned.
Sure, the new stoner comedy HAROLD & KUMAR ESCAPE FROM GUANTANAMO BAY doesn't open til Friday, but you can see the trailer and exclusive footage right now at the new hightimes.com! Join me as I visit the set to interview the film's stars John Cho and Kal Penn—check it out!
CONTACT HIGH DAY SPECIAL ON SIRIUS
Current mood: rockin
Category: Music
Well, 4/20 is upon us again, and that means its time for another CONTACT HIGH DAY special on HARD ATTACK!
Tonight at 9 pm ET, I will be doing a special edition of my stoner rock show CONTACT HIGH, featuring all pot-themed songs, which will be replayed on Sunday night (4/20) at midnight ET. Also on Sunday, I'll be doing a countdown of the Top 10 Stoner Rock Bands of All Time over the course of the day. So, if you have Sirius Radio or Dish Network, be sure to tune in, toke up and rock out with me for CONTACT HIGH DAY on HARD ATTACK / 27!
Hey everybody...wanted to give you a heads up that there’s a good chance I’ll be on G4 TV’s Attack of The Show on April 20th. They interviewed me at the HT offices, so assuming I didn’t end up on the cutting room floor (which is always possible), I’ll be making my cable TV debut. Here’s all the details--be sure and check it out!
G4 Presents a Special Day of Programming Exploring the Cultural Phenomenon of ’420’ with Premieres, Specials and Cult Classics WEBWIRE – Thursday, April 10, 2008
G4 Presents a Special Day of Programming Exploring the Cultural Phenomenon of ’420’ with Premieres, Specials and Cult Classics
"Code Monkeys: The Story of 420," "The Block" Season Two, "Attack of the Show: Jamaica," and Several 420 Films Begin at 1 pm ET/PT on April 20th, Only on G4
LOS ANGELES.— G4 presents a ’420’ block of programming exploring the culture, myths and latest trends surrounding the pop culture phenomenon that has come to be known as ’420.’ The only network on television that delves into ’420’ mythology, G4 will treat viewers to an expanded "Attack of the Show" special exploring the ’420’ culture and history from the island of Jamaica, a special episode of "Code Monkeys: The Story of 420," the second season premiere of snowboarding reality series, "The Block" and several popular ’420’ films.
G4’s ’420; block kicks off at 1:00 pm ET/PT with the quintessential ’420’ comedy "Half Baked," starring Dave Chappelle followed by a live two-hour "Attack of the Show" special from Jamaica, exploring the island and reporting on the latest news and trends from this ’420 nation.’
Following, G4 will present a special all new episode of its animated 8-bit comedy, "Code Monkeys: The Story of 420," featuring guest star, Tommy Chong at 5:00 pm ET/PT, and premiere the second season of "The Block," which will introduce a new cast and location in Big Bear, California at 5:30 pm ET/PT.
Rounding out the evening will be "Reefee’s Madhouse," G4’s comedic interpretation of the cult classic "Reefer Madness," airing at 6:00 pm ET/PT, and "Grindcore, Class of Nuke ’Em High" at 7:00 pm ET/PT.
G4’s ’420’ Programming Guide:
G4 Movies – "Half Baked" 1:00pm & 8:00pm The hilarious adventure of three lovable party buds as they try to bail their friend out of jail. But just when the guys have mastered a plan, everything comes dangerously close to going up in smoke! Stars Dave Chappelle, Jim Breuer, and Harland Williams, with guest appearances by Snoop Dogg, Jon Stewart, Willie Nelson and Tommy Chong.
"Attack of the Show: Jamaica" 3:00pm & 10:00pm "Attack of the Show" hosts Kevin and Olivia head down to reggae haven, Jamaica, while correspondents Zach Selwyn, Alison Haislip and Big C report on marijuana stories from Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The team explores at the myths behind the ’420’ cultural phenomenon as they embark on a series of adventures in a special two hours episode.
In Jamaica, Kevin tours ’420’ destinations, while Olivia goes cliff diving. Big C visits the Marley Museum and presents an exclusive interview with Ziggy Marley from the Bob Marley festival. He interviews Jamaican reggae artist Ian ’Beezy’ Coleman about the inspiration behind his music, pays a visit to Bob Marley’s home, and interviews Rastafarians about their lifestyle.
The team takes a trip through California, where Zach Selwyn interviews the creators of ’420’ in San Francisco about the meaning of ’420’ and the significance of the time. Kevin explores the issues surrounding marijuana legalization and interviews a doctor about prop 215 to learn the requirements for getting a card in California and how medical marijuana is used in treatments. In Los Angeles, Alison Haislip reports on a vending machine that vends pot, while Kevin interviews comedian Joe Rogan about his views on cannabis.
Moving on to Canada, Zach reports from Youngsterdam, Toronto’s marijuana district. The show pays a visit to the World’s Largest Head Shop, the Herb Museum in Vancouver B.C., and introduces the marijuana stamp and the plant that gives you a three-week high.
In New York, Zach visits the headquarters of "High Times" magazine to interview the founder (and Executive Editor!) and get a behind-the-scenes look at how the magazine is put together.
The expanded ’420’ episode features a comprehensive history of pot over the last 12,000 years, exposes viewers to the science of cannabis, the effects of pot, main chemicals and the various methods of consumption, and includes comedy-infused skits from Tommy Chong.
"Code Monkeys: The Story of 420" 5:00pm, 7:30pm & 12:30am To allay the wait for the new second season, G4 delivers an early episode exploring the pop culture phenomenon of ’420’ which the characters prove to know so well. The special features guest star Tommy Chong who leads the "Code Monkeys" crew on a hazy adventure filled with plenty of high-jinks. Armed with a magic map, the crew will embark on a treasure hunt for the meaning of ’420.’
"The Block" - Season Two Premiere 5:30pm, 12:00am & 2:30am "The Block" returns for a second season with an all-new location and an all-new cast. Block Hotel Co-Owners Liko and Mark have their work cut out for them as they try to hire legit snowboarders for their hotel staff. Liko has arranged for 50 potential new hires to endure a 10-day boot camp that will eliminate the weak job candidates. The survivors of the camp go on to show off their skills in Snow Valley.
G4 Movies – "Reefee’s Madhouse" 6:00pm & 1:00am G4 presents a re-voiced version of the original cult classic, "Reefer Madness," with new audio from "Reefee’s Madhouse," giving this classic public service film a whole new meaning! The re-dubbed version will add an extra-layer of characters and storyline that viewers who love the original movie and "Reefee’s Madhouse" will enjoy.
"Grindcore: Class of Nuke ’Em High" 7:00pm & 2:00am "Grindcore," the show that squeezes the best scenes out of a movie, is back with the Troma cult classic, "Class of Nuke ’Em High." G4 will present a special screening hosted by Chris Gore and comedian Blair Butler and commentary from Writer/Director Lloyd Kaufman.
G4’s ’420’ block of programming will present an in-depth look at a pop culture phenomenon that peaks the interest of G4 viewers. The variety of programs presented, including specials, premieres and pop culture classics, will give viewers a unique opportunity to learn about origins of the pop culture phenomenon, see how it’s celebrated across the planet, and enjoy all of the comedy associated with it.
G4tv.com will also explore the pop culture phenomenon with a multitude of 420-related news, top ten lists, behind-the-scenes videos and special features, only available on the G4tv.com website.
Hello fans and friends, I was wondering if I could ask a tiny favor of you... when you have a free minute, please send an email to pot40@hightimes.com and submit "Bobby Black For President!" as an entry for this month’s HIGH TIMES Pot 40. It only takes a second, and would mean so much to me.
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