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Going topless helps women get Oscars, I think

I've been debating this fact with my coworkers over the past week, and I really believe going topless in a film, or any nudity, helps a woman's chance of being recognized by the Academy.

Think about Kate Winslet.

How about Halle Berry.

And if I remember correctly, Renee Zellweger did the deed in "Cold Mountain."

All of these women were at least nominated for their roles, and coincidentally, they showed a little skin.

Nothing is wrong with that, especially if you're a watching.

Maggie Gyllenhall, who is nominated this year for "Crazy Heart," shows some skin in here role while doing the deed with Jeff Bridges.

But I think the kicker is that a woman has to do this in an "artsy" film. Most of what Winslet does is "artsy." Halle did it in "Monster's Ball."

I've looked over who has been nominated over the past decade for best actress or best supporting actress (and its really over the past decade) that woman have started to take off their clothes for infamy.

I just hope actors won't have to start going bottomless to be recognized.

Posted by Clayton Hein at 1:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Observe and Report

Sometimes you have to do more than Observe and Report. After I watched this video of the beating and the interview done afterward, I was shocked.

You can't just stand by in life and see someone get knocked down and beaten severely. Especially if it is a teenager and you're the grown man in the room.

Maybe these guards were worried about what would happened if they got involved. I've heard stories of retail store employees getting fired because they chased down a thief and reclaimed the store's merchandise.

If one of the guards had jumped in and one of the others involved got hurt, I could only imagine what would happen, probably a lawsuit.

Regardless, do something. Easier said than done, I guess.

Posted by Clayton Hein at 1:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

ManCrunch.com and a Pro-Life Super Bowl

It's all about the Benjamins, baby.

This Super Bowl, allegedly, the funny is supposed to return to the commercial extravaganza that is a billion dollar advertising business.

I like to watch the commercials, but I don't watch the Super Bowl to catch the commercials. I watch the Super Bowl because there is a pretty damn good football game that is about to occur.

And before the game even kicks off, there is a controversy. Already. Not about what is about to transpire on the field, (Colt Dwight Freeney's ankle comes to mind) but what is going to happen in-between time outs.

Tim Tebow, the Florida Gator God and future NFL hopeful, and his Pro-Life stance in one corner.

And in another, a gay dating website, ManCrunch.com in the other corner. Look online if you haven't seen the commercial that may or may not air. It's funny.

I don't have a problem with either commercials. These companies are paying enough money to have the right to air their agenda/"message" during the Super Bowl.

Again, I'll remind everyone that I watch the Super Bowl to watch football. I can care less what happens when the action is paused.

The beer and the Snickers will make us fat and ugly, but if someone is looking for a little love or a little guidance when they might need a lifeline, those guys can go to hell or seek advice elsewhere.

I just wish people would focus their energy on what is important. Not this 30-second stuff that won't really matter when it is all said and done.

Here's a novel idea, how about these people watch the game and enjoy the company of their loved ones.

Posted by Clayton Hein at 9:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Taylor Swift had no business winning

I never really like watching the Grammys because the artist(s) that I want to win never do. This year wasn't any different.

Taylor Swift might have had a good record. From what I've read it had the highest sales numbers of the year.

But it wasn't the best act by a recording artist this year.

You can't just go and slap the music industry in the face, and the musical appreciation of the people that want to watch the award show, and make those kind of decisions by picking Taylor's work.

Taylor's "Fearless" was written for teenage girls who either are looking for the party or want to pick the pieces of their life back up after the party. Nothing about that album transcends music. It sure didn't speak to me.

Last year, I knew Lil Wayne was going to win. I just knew it. But, he didn't, and Robert Plant and some lady named Alison did. They (Grammy folks) were probably right, but they didn't go with the popular decision last year. I can respect that.

I wasn't all too keen on the selections the Grammy committee made from Jump Street. No Bruce. No U2. You could at least give it to one of the old dudes and save some face.

I was looking at the list of the nominees and I really couldn't believe it. It looked like MTV made the selections.

I remember when the Grammys meant something. Up there with the Oscars. You never really agreed with the decisions, but you at least respected why they made the selections they made.

I still remember how frustrated I was when they gave Herbie Hancock album of the year at the 50th Grammy Awards. I was sure it was going to be Kanye. But if it wasn't for their decision, I might have only know Herbie Hancock from a "Tommy Boy" joke.

How can I work "Fearless" or Taylor Swift into a History 101 exam? Don't have to, so I guess that makes the Grammys the new Tommy Boy joke.

Posted by Clayton Hein at 10:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)