Creative Loafing presents Ed Loves Bacon

Well its Fourth of July and Pride weekend in Atlanta and what better way to celebrate it than to discuss civil liberties. Sure, you’re probably thinking the old addage of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” but today the focus in on something a bit more specific - the right to worship and the apparent lack thereof.

In this episode I speak with Pastor Troy Sanders and Rev. Dr. Kathy Martin of Preach2me.com on the messages in todays churches including the “don’t ask, don’t tell” homosexual policy in the Black church. Sanders and Brown also chime in on the growth of prosperity ministries. This week we feature a track from Levphonic’s upcoming release Urban Jungle which I’ve decided to name, Smooth Mofo.

Enjoy the show and share your thoughts with us by commenting below.

 

 Gay dilemma in the church - Don't ask, don't tell [37:38m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

We were invited to the grand opening of the W Hotel on 14th street last night, and even though we missed His Airness, Michael Jordan, we got a small taste of Tinseltown in the A-town.

(Image courtesy doyouhavethecrazy.com)

Directed by local filmmakers David Bruckner, Jacob Gentry and Dan Bush, The Signal took a while to reach theaters but it’s finally hitting the big screen (albeit in limited-release form) this weekend.

The directors, as well as one of the producers for the movie, Alex Motlagh dropped by the CL offices and sat down to talk cult movies, low-budget horror, and stereotypes.

The movie was shot on location right here in Atlanta, so, even though it might not be suitable for all ages (or tastes, for that matter) go see it. Support the local talent. For a trailer, and to read more about the film, head on over to PopSmart.

 

 Ed Loves Bacon - Episode 45: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Hello world!

We might as well start off as if this were our first episode. It’s been a while huh? Well we’ve been working waaay too much but we managed to get together for you all another amazin’ episode of Ed Loves Bacon (ELB for short, tho I know how Ed hates that acronym).

Anyway people, this week Ed sat down with Jason Schwartzman who’s in the new film The Darjeeling Limited. He talked to us about the movie, filming in India, a crazy river scene, and he managed to squeeze in some details about his side project, Coconut Records, his one-man band.

He even let us play one of his songs for you, “West Side,” so check that out after the interview.

Show links:

• jason-schwartzman.com
• youngbabyrecords.com - his very own label
• Hotel Chevalier - A sexy short that serves as prequel to The Darjeeling Limited, with Jason and the beatiful Natalie Portman (iTunes link).
• The Darjeeling Limited - Trailer at apple.com

 

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With the success of his first film, Boyz In The Hood, John Singleton has made a significant mark on Hollywood. His early box office success as a writer and director, can be seen in the films, Higher Learning, Poetic Justice and Rosewood.

Lately, John has jumped from behind the camera and taken the role of producer, with films Black Snake Moan and critically acclaimed, Hustle and Flow. John’s latest project, Illegal Tender, is a fictional tale of a Nyurican gangster’s legacy and one boys journey to find his way out of a maze of secrets and vendettas.

John stops by to discuss his latest project, issues in Black Hollywood and rumors of his makings of The Black Panther and Luke Cage projects.

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Links:

Illegal Tender: The official website for the film
John Singleton’s Wiki: All you need to know about the man
Tego Calderon: Want to know more about the man, check out Tego’s Myspace page

In this episode, Ed sits down with artist, Chris “Kazi” Rolle to discuss “The Hip Hop Project,” which he, and his students are featured. We also chat with the film’s director, Matt Ruskin on the making of this five-year project. Plus you’ll hear tracks from the soundtrack featured in the movie.

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Links:

The Hip Hop Project: Official site to the movie
Art Start: New York arts project that started the HHP
Volunteer Match: Looking to give a hand, why not start here

I’ve been a big fan of actor Charles Dutton ever since his hit show Roc aired on Fox in the late ’90s. Maybe it’s the roles he chooses that I appreciate. He has gone from an Archie Bunker-esque garbage man in Roc to a twisted huntsman who makes sport of the homeless in Surviving the game and everywhere in between. No matter what role Dutton plays, he’s straight on, honest and believable.

Last week, we had the opportunity to speak with Dutton at the 7th Annual Image Awards Gala held at the Fox Theater in Atlanta. Instead of doing the usual dog and pony questions, we instead asked his opinion on the Don Imus issue and the backlash against rap music. Dutton has been a long time advocate of civil rights and the state of Black America, so we felt it would be a safe bet that he’d tell it to us straight.

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Links:

Image (Independent Media Artists of Georgia): Creators of the Image awards and the Atlanta Film Festival.

Honeydripper movie clip: Produced and Directed by duo John Sayles and Maggie Renzi, Charles Dutton stars as a club owner in South Alabama during the ’50s. The film will be released in 2008.

The State of Hip Hop: If you think that rap needs to get it’s mouth washed out, learn how to spit your lyrics here.

Recently, Alejandro and I hung out and chatted with Melissa Wolf who’s known to most as the infamous “Mansion Madam” of the exclusive Sugarloaf Country Club in Gwinnett County. The former erotic dancer and Penthouse centerfold is facing multiple charges including racqueteering and prostitution to name a few.

Melissa invited us to check out her million-dollar crib to talk. In return, we gave her the opportunity to explain her side of the story as it has been presented in the local press and several adult web sites.

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Links:
Melissa Wolf’s official website: Learn more about the ‘madam’ and check out some of her…uh…wares or (under)wears.
Department 13: Melissa makes her B-screen debut in Boobie Trap. Check the site out for trailers and other great sleeze scream flicks.
The Erotic Review: It all started here folks. Check out the forum posts and see what’s really going on.

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Ed talks with former FBI investigation specialist, Eric O’Neill (pictured left) and director/writer, Billy Ray (pictured right) about the capture of FBI Special Agent, Robert Hanssen (2001) featured in the upcoming film, Breach. Plus Alejandro shares his views on a few subjects.

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Links:
Breach Official Movie Website: Chronicling the pursuit and capture of this infamous FBI case.
The FBI web site: Find out what they had to say in their own words, including declassified documents about their investigation and what lead to his capture.
CNN’s Special Report: Ted’s people did a great job covering this case. Check out what they have on the case and the inner-workings of Robert Hanssen.

Ed interviews John Dau, one of the Lost Boys of Sudan, who is featured in the upcoming documentary God Grew Tired of Us. Alejandro has this week’s cover story updates (including Carlton Hargro’s Fantasia user-generated interview)

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Links:
God Grew Tired of Us Official Website: learn more about the Lost Boys of Sudan and about relief efforts.
International Rescue Committee: The organization which provide refuge and relocation for the lost boys
Direct Change: John is the new Director for Sudanese efforts. Find out more about the organization, their projects and how you can help.