A piece today on the Motely Fool analyzes the cost of Satellite versus Cable television. Not surprisingly, satellite TV is less expensive, has seen smaller price increases, and has more satisfied customers.

Despite deceiving advertising about satellite's reliability -- the cable industry would have you believe you'll lose your satellite picture every time the wind blows -- DirecTV and Dish Network ranked first and second in overall customer satisfaction. For factors such as performance, reliability, and cost of service, it seems cable can't compete with satellite.

I've been a satellite fan for over five years now. Back in graduate school, I did a quick cost-benefit analysis of the two services. I was an engineering economy TA, ok? At the time, local cable was around \$40 a month and DishNetwork was closer to \$30. Factoring in the initial cost of equipment, the savings would start paying off after 16 months. Nowadays, satellite receivers are given away for free by the providers as part of package deals so the intial outlay isn't even a factor.

Stupid region controls on video games. Why can I import the Japanese version of Winning Eleven 6 for the Gamecube but not the European version of International Superstar Soccer 3? Looks like I'm either going to have to move out of the USA, where instead we get crap soccer games like SEGA Soccer Slam and FIFA 200x or break down and buy a Playstation2.

Sometimes CNN is funnier than the Onion, as illustratated by this story about a shocking revelation by a TV watchdog group. The Parents Television Council issued a study finding that CSI is the least family-friendly show on TV. Well - no fricking duh, Einstein. Last time I checked it didn't look like it was geared towards Families per se. They don't sing " _fcksavedurl="">shocking revelation by a TV watchdog group. The Parents Television Council issued a study finding that CSI is the least family-friendly show on TV. Well - no fricking duh, Einstein. Last time I checked it didn't look like it was geared towards Families per se. They don't sing "I cut you, you cut me, ..." during autopsies and they don't dress in Pastels either.! Its a crime investigation show - the subject matter is going to be heavy because most criminals aren't nice people.

Unfortunately, its groups like these that are helping absolve parents of any responsibility for raising their children. They've put into a lot of gullible people's heads the wrong idea about what being a parent means. It does not mean that you protect your children from the big, nasty world they live in as much as you can. A good parent is one who teaches their children right from wrong and how to make good choices in life.