The Truth about the ESRB

Check out this interesting look behind the scenes at the Electronic Software Ratings Board (ESRB) from 1up.com.

My feelings are that the descriptives such as "mild cartoon violence" don't give a clear definition of what the game portrays. When I see something like that on a Mario title such as "Super Mario Galaxy," I'm not sure what "mild" means. Is it because he jumps and punches goombas? What does "heavy" - of "hot" in that case - mean for a video game title?

I can understand a standalone rating like "T" or "M," but I don't believe that the ESRB gives a clear enough rational why a game is given that rating.