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

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.

Ed chats with Athen, Ga’s own James Ponsoldt on the making of his new feature film, Off The Black starring Nick Nolte. Alejandro gives us the lowdown on the buzz behind Mara Shalhop’s three-part Black Mafia Family (BMF) cover story and podcasts.

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Links:
Off The Black web site: Nick Nolte plays a lonely, drunken baseball umpire. I’m not going say anything else…
The Smoking Gun mugshots: Okay I lied, you gotta check out Nick’s infamous mugshot.
James Ponsoldt’s blog: Delightful editorials from the mind of the director.
MisterMurph’s Myspace page: He’s the man behind our new theme song. Check out his music samples and blog, you won’t be disappointed…disturbed, but not disappointed.
Creative Loafing BMF cover story: Well I guess they weren’t called Black Mafia Family for nothing.

In this episode of EL Bacon (like the nickname), Ed sits down with writer, director, Nick Cassavetes to discuss his views on movie making and his new feature film “Alpha Dog” starring Bruce Willis, Sharon Stone and Justin Timberlake. Alejandro give us a heads up on what going on at the Loaf.

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Links:
Alpha Dog official movie web site: Yeah, yeah it’s got JT in it. He’s bringing sexy back…to crime.
Court TV’s crimelibrary: It’s practically criminal if you don’t find this archive of devious transgressions entertaining.
Internet Movie Database (IMDB): A co-worker thought Nick was a “tall drink of water.” Aside from that, he’s a talented writer and director. Read more about him and his projects on his IMDB profile page.

In this episode, Ed gets the low down on the new film “Harsh Times” from its creator and director, David Ayer. Alejandro is back again with this week’s CL cover story updates.
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links:
Harsh Times: the official movie site
Awesomebale.org: for those people who need to get their “Bale” on.
Street Gangs Recource Center: Interesting info about gangs, especially LA gangs.
NBC’s two-minute replay: Keep your free time, watch abbreviated versions of some of nbc’s weekly prime time shows in two minutes!