Lambert? Elvis did that too

Re “Adam Lambert Causes a Fuss,” Quick Takes, Nov. 24: When Elvis Presley first performed a bump and grind on national television, millions of older Americans were apoplectic in their response. After Adam Lambert planted a kiss on a male keyboard player at the American Music Awards, 1,500 people complained to ABC. We’ve come a long way. Haven’t we, baby?

Alan Cantwell

Hollywood

AMAs reveal today’s paucity

I really feel sorry for young people today. Here are a few of the new record releases we could listen to in 1966: “Revolver” by the Beatles, Dylan’s “Blonde on Blonde,” the Beach Boys’ “Pet Sounds” and the Rolling Stones’ “Aftermath.”

Contrast that with the best that popular music has to offer in 2009, as shown on the recent American Music Awards: Rihanna, Shakira and Lady Gaga shaking their scantily clad derrieres; Eminem, 50 Cent and Adam Lambert trading obscenities; Carrie Underwood recycling country clichés; and the ghost of Michael Jackson (who, incidentally, hadn’t released a decent record in the 25 years prior to his untimely death) winning two “best male artist” awards.

Wow, what a difference!

David Grigsby

Alhambra

Michael Moore snub not a shock

Those of us who enjoy documentaries owe Michael Moore a big debt of gratitude. His “Roger & Me” demonstrated that documentaries can be commercial successes -- and there have been many great documentaries and documentary commercial successes since then.

But the fact that Moore’s movie “Capitalism” didn’t make this year’s “short list” of Oscar documentary contenders is no surprise [“Academy Snubs Popular Docs,” by Ben Fritz and Yvonne Villarreal, Nov. 20]. It simply wasn’t a good movie. And, frankly, it wasn’t much of a documentary.

In fact, Moore should be pleased that, in spite of its tone, approach and lack of even the pretense of objectivity, the Oscar folks even considered it as a documentary in the first place.

Perhaps he would’ve had better luck in the “best drama” category.

Todd Piccus

Venice

A proposal for LACMA funds

Re “LACMA Feels a Money Pinch,” by Mike Boehm, Nov. 21: Maybe LACMA would have more money if it didn’t waste it on such “art” as those street lights (what is that supposed to represent?) or a multimillion-dollar fence surrounding the complex for no good reason or the Anderson building that rarely has an exhibit or on unnecessary remodeling instead of simple maintenance and renovation and, oh, art.

Stephany Yablow

North Hollywood

Let’s rethink the Amanda worship

Maria Elena Fernandez must be out of her mind [“Locklear Moves Back Just in Time,” Nov. 17]. She talks about Heather Locklear’s return to “Melrose Place” as if one of the all-time greats is coming out of retirement.

The original Amanda was little more than a one-note viper who added a bit of venom to the Melrose mix. And implying that her character belongs up there with the true television icons is completely ridiculous.

Mary Richards she isn’t.

George Gallucci

Los Angeles