Asking Tommy Chong to remember much of anything from too long ago seems like a mug's game. And yet Chong does have a very specific memory of time spent here in North Carolina while on tour with Cheech & Chong long ago.

"I remember blinding myself in Charlotte once," Chong said in a recent phone interview. "I was working out with this rubber exerciser, didn't hook it up right and smacked myself right across both eyes. Had to cancel a gig because I was too blind to work. In the emergency room, the doctor was a big fan and asked for an autograph. But I couldn't see anything to sign!"

For much more, including details on Cheech & Chong's show in Durham, see the interview in Friday's paper.

ADDENDUM (4/6/09): Cheech does a good deed here.

For those of a certain age, here's a true blast from the past: Cheech & Chong, the fabled 1970s-vintage stoner-comedy duo, will play the Durham Performing arts Center on April 3, as part of a tour called "Cheeck and Chong Light Up America & Canada." Tickets go on sale this Friday.

And if you've never heard of Cheech & Chong, here's a sample. Yeah, uh, it's kind of a had-to-be-there thing.

ADDENDUM (1/1/09): Interview.