Grudge Match: Homer Simpson vs. Richard Heene ('Balloon Boy' dad)

Homer Simpson

Homer Simpson

Photo by Ed Andrieski, Associated Press

Richard Heene is pictured with son Ryo as the family arrives at their home after a short shopping trip in Fort Collins, Colo., on Monday, Oct. 19, 2009. Heene is accused of perpetrating the "balloon boy" hoax to promote a reality show.

KNOXVILLE — We compare two pop-culture subjects to see which you like better. To be included in next week's tally, vote for your favorite before noon on Monday. This week's match:

HOMER SIMPSON vs. RICHARD HEENE ("Balloon Boy" dad)

These two aren't exactly Father of the Year material. Homer is the clueless dad to Bart, Lisa and Maggie on "The Simpsons." He constantly ignores his children and is dumb as a box full of rocks. Richard Heene is the father of the so-called "Balloon Boy," the kid everyone assumed was in an escaped balloon a couple of weeks ago. Turned out the kid was hiding while everyone panicked. Now there are allegations that the dad planned the stunt.

EXCUSES FOR HIS BEHAVIOR

Homer: Was denied doughnuts and beer too often when he was a child.

Richard: Thought the police wouldn't care if his son was on a runaway balloon until he was at least 25 miles away first.

WHAT HE TEACHES HIS CHILDREN

Homer: Being stupid and having poor judgment can take you far - especially if you're a Northwest Airlines pilot on your way to Minnesota.

Richard: Always barf before telling a lie. If you do it afterward, it looks too suspicious.

THE BRIGHT SIDE OF BEING A FAMOUS DAD

Homer: During an election year, you're not the dumbest person on TV.

Richard: No matter what people say he's done, he's still not Jon Gosselin.

ADVICE TO OTHER PARENTS

Homer: Never blame your kids for anything - unless you stink up an elevator. Then, you can start pointing fingers.

Richard: When your kid is supposed to be in a runaway balloon, please make sure they make the departure time.

LAST WEEK: TOM CRUISE vs. BRONSON PINCHOT

Our pick: Tom Cruise. Who's Bronson Pinchot again?

Your pick: Whoever Bronson Pinchot is, he beat Tom Cruise with 72 percent of the vote.

© 2009 Knoxville.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.