Literature

Being an Instructor of English, my literary interests are both diverse and legion.  Rather than have whole pages devoted to my favorite authors (which I may do someday when I have more time) I will simply include a short list of those who have had the greatest influence on me.

Music

I listen to just about everything.  The only music that really offends me is brain-dead pop (i.e. Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake) and so-called "new country" artists (word use very loosely here) who couldn't write a song if their life depended on it.  Major criteria for me in the music department are songwriting, instrumental, vocal skill, and meaningful lyrics.  I've listed a few favorites here who have all three.

Art

The concept of "good art" is ever-changing.  Being only minutely trained in art, my criteria for "good art"  is rather similar to Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart's view on pornography, "I know it when I see it."  Here are a few artists who have had an impact on me.

Cinema

As the stage was for Shakespeare's talents, so the silver-screen is for our generation's brightest storytellers.  I am a huge "movie-buff."  I judge movies on the artistic statements they make and the thoughts and feelings they inspire in me.  A good movie is not just entertainment; it must also say something meaningful about life.  This extremely short list of films all have significance for me, and so I recommend them to the discriminating viewer.