John Spencer Yantiss - Art & Entertainment

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I enjoy classical music. Even though I played blues, folk, and country professionally, and now play a sort of admixture of the three, with Christian/Gospel lyrics, when all is said and done, classical is still my overriding favourite--has been since childhood.

I do not enjoy hip-hop music.

I am not a good dancer. I used to be, but it has been years.

Michael Jackson's death does not merit the media coverage it received. The short answer is, no. Those who are interested in my reasoning, read on. Rarely does a celebrity death deserve even a fraction of the media-driven attention it gets. Because of the manner of his death, and the complete change in popular music trends, fostered by the Beatles, Lennon's perhaps did warrant greater coverage than most. Of course, Kennedy and King, whether one agreed with everything either one stood for, were both colossal players on the stage of life in their era, and likewise were assasinated, always sensational where public figures are involved--that fact alone very revealing, regarding the conventional perspective. Nonetheless, all the grotesque scrutiny, and even more whimsical and preposterous speculations surrounding Elvis's death--and following--set the pattern for public reaction to the deaths of entertainers with histories of bizarre behaviour and destructive childhood environments. That surrounding Jackson's demise is in keeping with the trend, but also freakishly magnified by 21st century communications and media delivery systems.

Michael Jackson is not the most influential pop music icon of all time. Once the initial tidal wave of reaction to Jackson's death has subsided, it will be evident that, though his influence was considerable, it was certainly no greater than that of The Beatles, John Lennon individually, Elvis, and, and, and. Note this too, that though Lennon and Elvis are usually categorised as "Rock" icons, much of the "Rock" of the 50s and 60s was really what is called "Pop" today. Indeed, Jackson's greatest LASTING effect was in dance and choreography, as opposed to the music itself. Naturally, there are and will be those fans and observers, so dedicated and ardent, that they will see every aspect of his work as ground-breaking and unique; but, speaking as a former--now, for the most part, inactive--professional entertainer, songwriter, singer, and musician, those mentioned above, and others, had far more influence on the music itself.

Michael Moore's portrayal of the American health care system is not accurate. None of Michael Moore's portrayals is accurate. He is a sensation seeker that sees his best chance as hitching himself to the liberal PC star/missile.

It is acceptable for people to wear fur.

John Lennon was the best songwriter for The Beatles. Obviously McCartney had/has the best voice, but, for anyone with a knowledge of creative writing and music theory, Lennon was by far the best lyricist and melodist.

Radio stations should pay royalties to musicians whenever their songs are played.

Printed books will not become obsolete. 10 years ago it was popular in Enterprise (the corporate world) to say that paper was going away. Low and behold, paper has increased. Hardcopy, printed material, books, etc. are NOT going away. Traditional newspapers will dramatically decrease in number, but they will also remain.

Saturday Night Live's depiction of David Paterson is appropriate. Just as appropriate as its depiction of George Bush or any other public figure.

Congress should delay the transition to digital TV.

'American Idol' has a negative impact on the music industry.

O.J. Simpson's book 'If I Did It' should not be published.

It is not acceptable for musicians to lip-sync during live performances.

"Rubber Soul" is the best Beatles album.

The Beatles are not the greatest rock and roll band of all time.

Sean Connery is the best James Bond.

Oliver Stone's film 'W.' does not offer a fair depiction of George W. Bush.

The young female stars of '90210' are not too thin.

Celebrities who advocate on behalf of social issues have no effect on the overall cause. Both positive and negative, depending on the issue and the celebrity. Of course, as in all issues of life, many people follow the "herd mentality," and compound that with an almost worshipful view of their favourite celebrity, so... Overall, they cancel o

Radiohead's music is overrated.

"Noise" should not be recognized as a music genre.

The concert stage is not an appropriate venue to promote political views. As a former professional entertainer, I well know why people go to concerts or nightclubs, and it is not to hear a socio-political statement or rant. It is perfectly appropriate for an actor, actress, singer, or other performer to voice an opinion on any

The Writers Guild of America strike is justified.

Human cadavers should not be displayed as art.

Celebrities are obligated to behave as role models.

Awards are not a valid measure of a musician's work.

DJs are not musicians.

Albums are not becoming obsolete.

Music piracy has a negative effect on the music industry.

It is not acceptable for directors to present altered versions of historical events.

Graffiti can be considered art.

Art depicting religious figures in an offensive manner should be censored.

Minimum weight restrictions should be placed on models.

The government should withdraw funding for art it considers offensive.

Animated films should try to appeal to both adults and children.

The best way to objectively review movies is a rating scale that does not measure degrees, e.g., "Recommend", "Neutral", "Reject", or thumbs up, down, and to the side.

A movie trailer should reveal no more than is necessary to convince audiences to see the film.

Awards are not a valid measure of a film's worth.