The answer is: if only it were that simple. Time Warner and Brighthouse are trying to get Viacom to maintain or increase only slightly because as soon as they pay more for Viacom - Disney, Fox, Turner, and Discovery will raise their rates. $0.25 turns into $4 really quickly.

Everyones stuggling and Viacom's solution is to charge more. I don't really blame them, but given the choice -- I'd like my cable a-la-carte -- minus Viacom channels. I don't watch them. Unfortunately, it would likely make the 10 channels I do watch on an a la carte basis basis nearly as expensive as the package.

I'd like a value combo meal, an ESPN, a Discovery, and hold the MTV.
Programmer: Would you like to add VH1 Classics for a dollar more?
Nevermind, I'll take the c-span special and live with it.

I mostly agree. It's really hard to beat a Guardian unit hooked up to natural gas in a sound reducing enclosure hooked up to an ATS and distribution panel. The Hondas are great as well, but the Guardian is a nice package for the average homeowner.

If you just need a small generator to ride out an eveing, buy an EU series Honda and keep it in the garage.