I was not afraid of the press or the militants. It was uncomfortable but I was not afraid. With respect to the press I knew I knew more than they knew about city matters. With respect to the militants I understood it. I mean everybody believed in those days that they were being screwed you know that somebody was getting ahead of them.

One thing that I feel very very strongly is that we talk about Islamic countries Islamic people Islamic leaders as either moderates or extremists. It's almost like there are only two categories of Muslims. And actually that doesn't show respect. It shows lack of understanding of the diversity of Muslim thought.

I actually have more respect for people who are in the closet. You end up exposing so much of yourself because you have to talk about your sexual life. You shouldn't have to talk about it.

All the actors I respect especially old-Hollywood actors the reason I think so many of them have had long careers is that there is a sort of mystery about them. You don't know what they do on Friday nights when they go home from work. You have no clue. You have this sort of fantasy about them.

I've been a critic of the antiglobalization movement and they've been a critic of me but the one thing I respect about the movement is their authentic energy. These are not people who don't care about the world.

I remember I read this harsh review about my show and one of my friends told me that this was the exact same stuff people said about Madonna. And it's like she didn't care. Madonna just came out and was herself. I respect that a lot.

Hip-hop is more about attaining wealth. People respect success. They respect big. They don't even have to like your music. If you're big enough people are drawn to you.

There are so many things to think about when you make an album. Like who am I trying to impress? Am I going to get respect critical acclaim? Or am I going to sell lots of records?

I respect country music because I feel like it's more about the talent and the songwriting and I put on a big show and we have a lot of stuff but I feel confident in myself enough as an artist and a singer that I can have all of those fun toys and know that we don't need all the bells and whistles either.

I think the new generation is much more demanding about respect for the environment than we have ever imagined.