Photo from Mythbusters/Discovery Channel

The Discovery Channel, History Channel, Animal Planet, and National Geographic aren't regulars on my TV channel surfing (though I will watch Mythbusters if I catch it while flipping through).

But lots of moms love these channels because they're both entertaining and educational.

bobthepepperma, owner of the TV Wasteland group, says, "This is a household that loves the History Channel.  We watch Ice Road Truckers (even though I question why that's on History Channel), Gangland, Mega Disaster, How the Earth Was Made (my son likes that one, too), and I'm constantly finding various interesting things on there. My son is addicted to The Universe. I think half our DVR is filled with things from History Channel.

Do you watch educational TV shows? What's your favorite?

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Photo from People

I used to subscribe to several magazines: Domino, People, Cosmopolitan and a couple of others. But between the bad economy and magazines folding, I now get zero subscriptions in my mailbox.

I figure, most of the content is online anyways, right? So I'm not really missing out on much. And if something really piques my interest, I'll pick up a copy of the issue at the store.

Albi1623 asked moms in Answers what magazines they subscribe to.

elainecat: I get four: Redbook, Ladies Home Journal, Good Housekeeping and Star. I like Redbook the best. I've actually been reading it since high school, over 20 years.

AprilDJC: I love the ones I get: Cooking Light, Redbook, Better Homes & Garden, and OK Magazine. I also enjoy Woman's Day, Family Circle, and the other celeb magazines.

kristal2146: We get Parenting, Parents, Early Educator Today, Family Circle, Pregnancy and Newborn, Child (well until they went out of biz), and Scrapbooking.

Do you subscribe to a magazine? Which magazines do you read on a regular basis?

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See this video at CafeMom.

You know you're a Twilight fan if...

1. Every time you see a silver volvo you smile to yourself (and secretly hope its Edward that steps out)
2. When you tell your SO he is your Edward and expect him to take it as a huge compliment.
3. Forks, Washington is on your list of places to travel to.
4. When you compare your everyday life to the books.
5. You've named your children Edward, Jacob, Bella, Alice, Jasper, etc...
6. You refer to Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart not as their names but as Edward and Bella.
7. You leave your bedroom window open...just in case.
8. You've acquired a sudden fascination with motorcyles.
9. Your vocabulary has significantly heightened.
10. Before making a decision, you think, "What would Bella do?"
11. When you hear a piano playing, your heart skips a beat.
12. You look at your doctor and think, “Carlisle’s better.”
13. Your friends were forced into reading Twilight just to know what you were talking about all the time (and now they're checking this list, too).
14. When you find yourself going through the exact same emotions as Bella while reading the books.
15. When you watch/read other vampire shows/books and say that those vampires are obviously not real because they don't sparkle in the sunlight.

Be honest, how many of these have you done? Share your own "You know you're a Twilight fan if..." statement!

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Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty

I grew up right outside of Nashville, so you better believe I love me some country music!

Last night, Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley hosted the CMAs in Music City for the second year in a row.

Taylor Swift was the big winner of the night, taking all four categories that she was nominated in, including Entertainer of the Year Award.

This year also proved that things are changing in country music, and new faces are beginning to rise. Rascal Flatts gave up their six-year winning streak of Vocal Group of the Year to Lady Antebellum and Sugarland seems to be taking the prestigious Duo of the Year title from Brooks & Dunn (Sugarland's won the last three years. Before that, Brooks & Dunn had won 14 of the past 15 years, wow!).

Click here for the full list of winners.

The performances included a lot of unexpected groupings. Vince Gill performed with Daughtry, Kenny Chesney sang with Dave Mathews, and Brooks & Dunn performed their final CMA performance with Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top.

Did you watch the CMAs? What was your favorite performance?

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See this video at CafeMom.

My friend PinkSodaPop introduced me to Yoostar, and I have to say, it's pretty darn cool.

If you ever wanted to be an actor, then you're gonna love this. Yoostar ($169.95) is a gaming system that puts you into famous movie scenes. The system includes a high-res web cam, green screen, and software so you can shoot scenes in your own home. It comes with an initial set of 14 scenes, but you can purchase and download hundreds more from Yoostar's library.

You can star in scenes from Forrest Gump, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Animal House and tons more.

PinkSodaPop is hoping to get one for her family for Christmas, and she promised she'd share her videos with us if she does! Can't wait!

What do you think of this new product? Would you get it? What scenes would you star in?

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Photo by aaliyahsmommy21

I am completely musically-challenged. No solos for me in the school play.

I always wanted to learn how to play the guitar. I managed to learn one song, my favorite, Free Falling by Tom Petty (though, it's literally three chords played over and over again, not exactly hard). I tried to learn others, but I just couldn't do it.

TeensMom07 asked moms if they played an instrument in Answers. Wow, there's a lot of talented mamas on here!

MommyAddie: Trumpet, flute, guitar, piano, and drums. My husband plays a few too.

Luvmylilmonkies: Flute, Piccolo, Oboe, English Horn, French Horn, Saxophone, Clarinet, and Trumpet. I love music! My kids will sit and listen to me play for at least an hour! It was one of the only ways to calm them down when they were babies.

ThaMCE: I started playing the flute in the 5th grade, dabbled in the violin and viola, then went on to play bass guitar and guitar since I was 15. I can play the piano by ear, and have been involved in a couple of drum/percussion ensembles in high school. I don't have a lot of time to play anymore, but my baby gets a kick out of my guitar.

I'm with Cindy2360 whe she says, "I can play the radio, CD player and tape deck. Does that count?" Haha!!

Do you know how to play an instrument? If so, which ones?

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Music Lovers Unite!

Photo from SNL/NBC

When I came across the discussion about Taylor Swift's Monologue Song on SNL in The Newcomer's Club, I had to check it out for myself.

Click here to watch the video.

Some moms are saying they found it offensive when she used the term "douche bag" in her song. But others are in agreeance that it was appropriate since this show is clearly geared to the adult audience.

For me personally, I found it hilarious! I think Taylor's adorable and was horrified when Kanye West messed up her shining moments at the VMAs earlier this year. Glad to see she was able to give a little punch back!

Mamie_85: Good for her, making the jump from sugary sweet teenage pop-country to the adult world. It was funny and SNL is an adult show that's on when most children are asleep.

MamaBloom777: I thought she did a great job! And too funny! SNL can be offensive to oversensitive people. But they should just know that going in and not watch. She could've said much worse than "douche bag." LOL! I was kinda proud of her!"

mom2myangelboy: I love Taylor Swift. This is a program for an adult audience so no, I have no problem with anything that was said. She spoke of all the things that she has been asked in interviews in the past. Now if this were on the Kids' Choice Awartds then yes, it would be innappropriate but this is an adult-oriented porgram.

Tell me what you think? Did you find the skit funny or offensive?

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Photo from Amazon

Happy Veteran's Day! First off, a big thank you to all the men and women that have served/are serving our country. You are true heroes.

In honor of these brave soldiers, here's a list of the top ten best military movies of all-time, according to Army Times:

1. Full Metal Jacket (1987): The first half of the film shows Marine recruits at boot camp, preparing for Vietnam, while the second half deals with the violence and uncertainty of that war.
2. Patton (1970): Tells the story of Gen. George S. Patton Jr., a loud, irascible man whose hatred of the enemy was overshadowed only by his own ambition.
3. Black Hawk Down (2001): From start to finish, the gritty retelling of the Battle of Mogadishu during operations in Somalia in October 1993 reminds viewers that things can go tragically wrong on the battlefield in an instant.
4. Glory (1989): An account of racial prejudice during the Civil War, “Glory” tells the true story of the Army’s first all-black regiment.
5. The Caine Mutiny (1954): This movie tells the fictional story of a wacko Navy captain relieved of command by his crew during World War II, and of the subsequent trial of the mutineers.
6. Letters from Iwo Jima (2006): The story of the American assault on the tiny Japanese island during World War II, shows the battle from the viewpoint of the Japanese defenders.
7. Top Gun (1986): The story of military pilots honing their dog-fighting skills at the Navy Fighter Weapons School.
8. The Great Escape (1963): Based on real events, the most notorious escape artists of the Nazi prison system are placed in the Alcatraz of POW camps, where they promptly make plans to tunnel their way to freedom.
9. The Dirty Dozen (1967): The story of 12 military prisoners, all serving life sentences or awaiting execution, who are offered a chance to trade their punishments for a suicide mission aimed at disrupting the German chain of command before the D-Day invasion.
10. A Bridge Too Far (1977): About the Operation Market Garden, the Allies’ botched attempt to break through the Nazi lines in the Netherlands during World War II.

Have you seen any of these movies? What's your favorite military movie? Does it make the list?

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Photo by Brad Barket/Getty

Twilight author Stephenie Meyer, who is known to shy away from interviews, will be chatting about vampire-ish things with Oprah this Friday, November 13th.

It's the only interview she's doing to promote the New Moon movie, which is scheduled for theaters on November 20th.

Meyer writes on her blog, “I am so pleased and amazed and thrilled with what Chris Weitz has done with New Moon that I want to talk about it and show my support for him. And since I’m only doing one interview, better make it big. Really big.”

I'm guessing she won't indulge in the gossip surrounding the movie (i.e. Robert and Kristen's" relationship), and since it's for a general audience, the diehard Twilight fans may already know most of the answers. However, to rectify this, Stephenie is offering up answers to the most frequently asked New Moon-related questions posted on the Twilight Saga website on Monday, November 16th, so be sure to check that out if you aren't quite satisfied with the Oprah interview.

9 more days until we get to see Jacob Black and Edward Cullen back on the big screen! **swoon**

Will you watch the interview? Are you as excited as I am about the movie?

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Photo from ABC.com

Favorite new TV shows — in CafeMom Hollywood, moms are talking about their most-liked new television series of the Fall 2009 season.

Do you have a favorite new TV show?

New TV shows making the fave list in CafeMom Hollywood:

• Accidentally on Purpose
• Community
• Cougar Town
• Flash Forward
• Glee (love love love!)
• Mercy
• Modern Family
• NCIS LA
• The Forgotten
• The Good Wife 
• The Vampire Diaries
• Trauma
• V (I still haven't gotten over the original! eek!)
• White Collar 

Of all the new series on the tube this season, what's making your favorite TV show list and why?

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Fall TV: Thursday Night Lineup

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See this video at CafeMom.

Dum...dum...dum dum dum. Just hearing those first few chords of the song makes my heart go pitter-patter. Free Falling by Tom Petty is my favorite song of all-time. I can literally hear that song over and over again and it never gets old.

I think it's more the melody than the lyrics that make me love it so much. The lyrics aren't particularly inspiring, but those three chords (G C C G D) played over and over again is music to my ears (corny pun intended). DusterMommy asked this question in Answers and here are some of the responses that moms gave:

russian-mommy: I like alot of songs so this was an extremely hard question to answer. But mine would be Butterfly Kisses. I love that song cause it reminds me of my mother and I before she passed of cancer.

mamma84: I love Semi-Charmed Life and Where Have All the Cowboys Gone. I know there are a lot more but I can't remember them.

casperskitty: Into the Mystic by Van Morrison, an all-time favorite, and mine and hubby's song This Year's Love by David Gray. I have my favorite verse tattooed on my left shoulder. Admittedly, neither of these songs get much airtime, but I play them at home a lot.

Wow, all such great songs (everytime I hear Butterfly Kisses, I totally cry!).

What's your favorite song of all-time? Do you like because of the melody, lyrics, or because it reminds you of a certain time in your life?

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FreeTalk BuddyCam, $19.99

I live 1,500 miles away from all of my relatives. It's hard, especially around the holidays.

I talk to my mom on the phone almost everyday, but it's not the same. I've been trying to talk her into doing the webcam thing for quite some time now. Bless her heart, she's so not tech-savvy, so I've been unsuccessful. But these little things can make a big difference.

Your kids can talk to Grandma and Grandpa that live far away, or if your SO is stationed somewhere, webcams make the distance seem not quite as far.

We know how many of you guys have to be away from loved ones, so we're giving away a set that includes a FreeTalk BuddyCam and a Skype starter kit (headphones and mic).

You can download the software for free at Skype.com.

To enter to win, just answer this question:

Do you have any friends or family that live far away? If so, where?

One (1) CafeMom who replies to this post with a comment by 11:59 pm (EST) on Saturday, November 14, 2009, will be chosen at random to receive a FreeTalk BuddyCam and Skype Starter Kit set.*

*No Purchase Necessary. Starts November 10, 2009 at 7:00 am (EST) and ends November 14, 2009 at 11:59 pm (EST). Open to U.S. residents, 16 years and older, who are CafeMom members. Void where prohibited. Click here for the Official Rules.

Photo from Apple

I don't begin my Christmas shopping until after Thanksgiving...I can only handle one holiday at a time. So, when Black Friday arrives, I'm officially ready for Christmas. I have my shopping lists ready and, yes, I'm one of those people that wakes up at 4am to hit the sales at 6am.

If you're willing to brave the crowds on Black Friday, you can find so many great deals. To help keep those deals at hand, there are some really great Black Friday phone applications that you can download on iTunes.

Here are my favorites:

• Black Friday App by Dealnews: Counts down the days till the biggest shopping day of the year while giving you updates on great deals, handpicked by the Dealnews editors everyday. This app is free.
• Black Friday App by Fatwallet: Links of Black Friday deals posted as topics, as well as giving you the latest leaks of national retailers' Black Friday discounts. This app is free.
• BF Deals by Michael Muni: Latest news of Black Friday deals in an organized list and you can also create your own checklist. This app is $3.99.

Do you go shopping on Black Friday? How do you find the deals?

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Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty

Now, to me, that's just pure perfection!

My SO and I have a celeb "freebie" list. You know, that list that each of you make of celebs that you have a free, er, "pass" with if the opportunity ever arose. Here's mine:

1. David Beckham (as long as he doesn't talk...his voice is just too squeeky)
2. Justin Timberlake
3. Gabriel Aubry
4. Matthew McConaughey
5. Taye Diggs

Do you and your SO have a freebie list? Let's hear it, ladies! Who's on yours?

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My poor iPhone

A little over a month ago, a lady (who was clearly, ahem, not sober) slammed into me on the sidewalk, causing me to drop my phone onto the hard concrete. That's it in the picture. Ouch, right?

Thanks to Apple's lovely no insurance policy, I can't get it replaced and it will cost me approximately $200 to have the screen fixed. It works perfectly fine, and I don't really have that kind of money to be spending on something that works, so I haven't gotten it fixed yet.

I get the "ooo, that looks like it hurt," and "wow, that's what I call a dropped call," all the time from strangers....yeah, thanks, you're hilarious Mr. Man on the Subway.

I don't get what the big deal is...it works! Sure it looks bad, but are aesthetics really that important?

If an electronic device you own is broken but still works, do you still go ahead and get a new one or get it fixed, or do you just hold out until it goes completely dead?

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Photo from Survivor/CBS

The contestants on Survivor have seen some pretty fantastic places. Africa, Australia, China! If it wasn't for the physical torture they go through, I'd sign up just to hang out on a tropical island somewhere!

In the Reality TV Junkies group, mommaspride asks moms what location they would suggest for Survivor.

momof3angela says, "I'd love to say Alaska. It's always somewhere warm for very obvious reasons. Would love to see them have to survive colder elements."

Ooo, that would be a good season!

Bleacheddecay thinks they should stick with what works, "I like the tropical or hot locations. I think they've done great so far. So continuing in the same fashion would work for me."

Maybe they should film it in my household...it's definitely hard to survive there on some days! LOL!

Where would you suggest Survivor be filmed at?

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Alients in the Attic DVD, $30

I think the movie Aliens in the Attic is absolutely adorable. I took my friend's kids to see it and not only was I entertained, but the kids loved it (and sat through the entire thing...miracle!).

Four (4) CafeMoms who reply to this post with a comment by 11:59 pm (EST) on Wednesday, November 11, 2009, will be chosen at random to receive a copy of Aliens in the Attic DVD. One (1) CafeMom grand prize winner will receive a copy of Aliens in the Attic DVD as well as a prop from the film.

Photo from 1000 Awesome Things

Oh life's little pleasures, like when you suddenly remember it's a long weekend, or vacuuming a dirty carpet and hearing all the tiny rocks going through the hose...

I found this website from Geek Sugar called 1000 Awesome Things. It's counting down, well, 1000 awesome things. Go figure. And it's awesome.

Totally adding this to my "websites that are great for procrastination" list.

What are some things that would make your "awesome things" list?

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Photo by Mark Mainz/Getty

It hasn't even been a whole year since hot Hollywood couple Fergie and Josh Duhamel tied the knot, yet there are already rumors of infidelity.

Nicole Forrester, a stripper that Josh met at an Atlanta strip club, has come forward saying that the two had a one-night stand. And conveniently, she was paid a nice chunk of change from the National Enquirer for the interview.

The Enquirer was tipped off about the story from someone on the set of Life As We Know It, where Josh was said to be bragging about the hook-up.

Fergie is standing by her man, saying that she believes him when he says it's a lie.

Fergie's such a sexy woman, I don't see how anyone could ever cheat on her! Besides, it's the National Enquirer...enough said, right? I'm holding out hope for this cute couple!

Do you think the story is true or just another ridiculous Hollywood rumor?

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Photo from Barnes and Noble

I always love going to see movies that are based off of my favorite books.

I mean, just think of the list of blockbusters from this year alone that are from great novels.

sweetpea532 asked fellow moms to tell what book they have read lately that they wish was made into a movie and who should be the lead.

Mommy2Mariah says, "I'm reading a memoir right now called A Piece of Cake by Cupcake Brown and I would love to see this as a movie. I'm not done yet, but it is very good so far. I don't' know who would play the girl, maybe someone up and coming.

casperskitty's favorites have already all been turned into movies. "Many of the books I have read recently have been made into movies. Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, Stardust. I actually read Stardust because I loved the movie so much."

mmmommy0207 says, "Kiss of Shadows by Laurell K. Hamilton would make a great movie. But the special effects would be so expensive, there's no way a production company would want to pick it up!"

What about you? What book do you think would transfer well into a movie? Who should star in it?

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Photo by Miguel Villagran/Getty

There are some strange, strange people in this world. Crazy stalkers Superfans of celebrities have dished out thousands of dollars for celebs' gross body fluid-covered items, half-eaten food, and hair locks on eBay.

After blowing her nose on Jay Leno, a tissue filled with Scarlett Johansson's snot sold on eBay for a whopping $5,300. Someone, please tell me, what exactly would one do with a used Kleenex...frame it?

A piece of half-eaten toast from Justin Timberlake sold for $3,154 and remember when Britney Spears shaved her head? Those locks went for $1,000. Say what?!

Maybe these buyers are using the DNA and trying to clone the celebs so our world is filled with more talented people, but my guess is that they're just creepazoids.

What's the strangest thing you've heard of being sold on eBay? Would you ever buy a used item from a celebrity (doesn't necessarily have to be gross body parts)?

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Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty

For the first time since last winter's incident with Chris Brown, Rihanna opens up about what happened that night in a televised interview with Diane Sawyer.

It's hard enough to go through something like this, but to go through it with all eyes on you...I think it's very brave of her to speak out.

The interview will air this Thursday on ABC's Good Morning America at 7am EST and Friday on 20/20 at 10pm EST.

Do you think it's good that she's opening up to the public about it? Will you watch the interview?

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Photo from App Shopper

November 20th can't get here fast enough (17 days and counting!), but to tie me over these last few weeks, I've been testing my Twilight trivia on my phone.

There's a New Moon Trivia application that you can download off of iTunes for only 99-cents. There are three levels, and each game is ten questions long. Some are kinda hard, too! Here are a few of the easy-level questions to give you an example:

"Who finds Bella in the woods after the Cullen family leaves Forks?"

"Who did Sam imprint on?"

"What is the name of Bella and Edward's English teacher?"

Do you know the answers? What are you doing to satisfy your Twilight craving?

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Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty

Ryan Seacrest has a stalker, and no, it's not a teenage girl with a crush.

Chidi Uzomah, who is a member of special forces in the U.S. Army reserves, was arrested Friday after showing up at the E! offices with a knife asking to see Seacrest.

Yikes!

But what I don't understand is why the Army released an official apology to Seacrest. TMZ spoke with Lt. Col. Nathan Banks, an Army spokesperson, who said, "We apologize to Ryan Seacrest. Pending the outcome of the local investigation, the Army will decide what further action to take. We take all matters of our personnel seriously."

It's not like they can be held accountable for something someone does off-duty, can they? Or am I missing something?

What do you think about this story? Should the Army have reason to apologize?

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Ever been thrown a very unexpected curve ball in life? I recently have and am so blessed to have such great friends and family supporting me, but I'm not surrounded by loved ones 24/7.

So, to help myself get through tough times, I like to listen to the song Stand by Rascal Flatts.

The lyrics go:

'Cause when push comes to shove

You taste what you're made of

You might bend till you break

'Cause it's all you can take

On your knees you look up

Decide you've had enough

You get mad, you get strong

Wipe your hands, shake it off

Then you stand, then you stand

The song gives me strength and lets me know that I can handle whatever is given to me, and I'll come out a stronger person in the end.

Is there a song that gives you strength? What songs do you listen to to make yourself feel better?

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