Michael Phelps recently went from big-time role-model to big-eared pothead in about the time it took for some d-bag with a cameraphone to press "send."

This got me thinking about role models in general. Like it or not, most of us wind up choosing role models from television, probably because we see the people on TV more often than we do our own family. Considering the amount of alcohol-fueled Thanksgiving fistfights in my own family, that's probably for the best.

So, seeing as my son is going to be raised by TV, I decided that I needed to pick out the best role model on it. My choice?

Howard Stern.

The folks at our sister site Cinematical are working hard to give you news and reviews of the best -- and worst -- the silver screen has to offer. Here are some of their latest musings on the latest blockbusters, indies, and everything in between:

• I kind of want to see the new Paul Rudd, Sean William Scott movie, Role Models. In honor of its impending release, the Cinematical Seven examines seven characters who should never be role models.
• Cinematical has a new Watchman video. Check out girls kicking ass!
• Does To Kill a Mockingbird best capture the American spirit, or maybe something like Field of Dreams? At the end of this historical week, join the discussion on Cinematical.
• Fanboys is the highly-anticipated movie that has been delayed so long it's become almost a myth. Finally though, Cinematical has proof of life: an actual Fanboys trailer!
• Bruce Campbell plays the role he was born to play: Bruce Campbell. This movie looks amazing. See if Cinematical agrees with me when they review My Name is Bruce.

In their newly-released book, Bully-Proofing Children, authors Joanne and Arrica Scaglione accuse Idol's Simon Cowell of contributing to the rising numbers of bullying kids. While Cowell is often applauded for his "brutal honesty," the Scagliones feel that his nasty comments send a clear message to Idol's younger viewers -- that intolerance, cruelty, and disrespect are totally acceptable behaviors.

Like any parent, I want my kids to be compassionate and kind. And under no circumstances do I want them to think it's okay to call other kids names. So, while the TV viewer in me loves Idol, the parent in me isn't quite comfortable with Idol's passion for mocking people who are clueless, desperate, weird, or just different.