Photo from the Bruno Movie

I think Sacha Baron Cohen is funny. I used to watch his HBO television show and thought the characters Borat, Bruno, and Ali G. were entertaining. But when the movie Borat came out, I wasn't really interested in seeing it.

The trailers looked kind of dumb, and it seemed like a movie I normally wouldn't be interested in. But the reviews were great and everyone loved it. It was even nominated for an Academy Award. I did end up renting it and I thought it was okay—nothing special.

Cohen's new movie Bruno came out yesterday. In this one, his character is a flamboyant fashionista from Austria. The reviews so far have not been as good as they were for Borat.

Cohen says he's trying to bring awareness to certain issues (racism, gay rights, etc.) by playing these characters. I sometimes think he just ends up hurting a lot of people's feelings in the process and he isn't bringing awareness to anyone. It's not like his movies are going to turn on a light bulb for those people who need it—they're just likely to agree with the "false" message and think it's funny.

See this poll at CafeMom.

Photo from Speakaboo

Have you heard of the Speakaboos website? It's an online publisher that celebrates kid’s stories, songs, games and educational activities for children, and it's free!

According to Celeb Baby, they offer 50 titles such as Arthur, Goldilocks, The Ugly Duckling, Old McDonald and Aesop’s Fables with audio provided by actors and musicians such as Kevin Bacon, Nick Cannon, Kelly Ripa, Marcia Gay Harden, Harry Shearer and Chazz Palminteri. You can even record your own bedtime story for your child to listen to while you're away. Sounds like a neat site. And at least 15% of Speakaboos’ revenue is contributed directly to charities supporting children’s causes.

Have you and your child used this site?

Photo from Amazon

I may not be a teen anymore but my 13-year-old self is absolutely giddy over this news!

Backstreet Boys are set to release their 7th album titled This Is Us in October and the first single from it, Soldier Down, will be out later this month!

I'm so excited! Granted, their last album, Unbreakable, didn't stay too hot on the charts, I have a feeling this one is going to be really good! Starestrada writes in the CafeMom Hollywood group, "I am probably one of the few woman on here who will watch and wait for this album! I loved them at 16 and love them still at 27! Backstreet *Swoon* Love 'em!"

Are you a BSB fan? Do you think you'll get the album?

Team Kate T from Cafe Press; $26

Sigh. It's come to this now. Team Jon and Team Kate t-shirts, baseball caps, and sweatshirts are among the latest entre into the celebrity merchandise scene. That plus all the Michael Jackson memorial shirts, of course.

But do you think it's safe to go out wearing a J&K Team shirt right now?

I'm not sure I get the point. I think it's a cute concept when you play it on something like Twilight with Team Edward or Team Jacob; it's a fun way to tell the world who your favorite hottie is.

Certainly you can side more with Kate or more with Jon. But neither one will actually win in this whole mess, least of all the children. Which Is why the only J&K t-shirt I would be caught dead in is:

Team 8 T from Cafe Press; $26

Would you wear one of these Ts in public? How do you account for the popularity of these types of products?

Photo by Dave Hogan/Getty

Harry Potter star Emma Watson has been all over the news this week promoting Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (opening Tuesday, I can't wait!!!) with co-stars Rupert Clint and Daniel Radcliffe, AND recovering from her wardrobe malfunction at the London premiere.

But the question everyone seems to be speculating about:

Where is she going to college?

Although Watson confirmed last night on the Late Show With David Letterman that she will be coming to the United States to attend college in the fall, the British actress refuses to say which university she will attend. Some gossip magazines say she is going to Brown; others, including this week's issues of Entertainment Weekly, report that Watson will attend Columbia.

I adore Emma Watson, so either way, I'm just happy she'll be here!

Are you as excited as I am to see Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince next week?

Photo from NBC/Parenthood

Did you watch Six Feet Under? On that show, I loved Nate played by Peter Krause. He went on to be in Dirty Sexy Money and now he's on a new show called Parenthood on NBC with Dax Shepard, Maura Tierney, Craig T. Nelson a bunch of others. Now that's a cool cast!

I just learned that this is the second go at this show based on the movie, Parenthood, directed by Ron Howard back in 1989 -- the one with Steve Martin in it. There was a TV show born from that film, but it didn't do well and only ran 12 episodes in 1991. That TV show starred David Arquette, Thora Birch, and Leonardo DiCaprio!

This makes me even more excited about the show that focuses on a crazy extended family. Hmm...sounds like mi familia!

Parenthood is set to air September 23rd.

Have you seen promos for the show? Will you be watching?

Photo from Amazon

For me, every summer has a special song. I can still remember the summer after I graduated high school and that one song that I couldn't get enough of (Thousand Miles by Vanessa Carlton).

And everytime I hear that song, I think of that summer. Ahh, memories!

This summer, it hasn't been so much a song as a whole album. I can't get enough of Lady Gaga's Fame, I am constantly playing it on my iPod. Those dance tunes are so fun, and that definitely reflects how this summer has been!

Do you have a summer song? What is it?

Photo From ABC Family

I loved the movie 10 Things I Hate About You (with Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger). And despite the controversy, I was ecstatic to watch the premiere of ABC Family's TV version last night.

Did you see it?

The 10 Things... controversy stems for the fact that fans of the original high school romantic comedy (from 1999) don't think you should remake a classic. Why mess with what works?

What did I think? I thought it was great! The writing was funny, the characters like-able, the story-line followed close enough to that of the movie. Plus, the actor who played the dad in the movie (Larry Miller) is also in the TV version! It's not as good as the movie, but I'd recommend it as a good way to spend 30 minutes.

What do you think about 10 Things I Hate About You? Do you prefer the film or the TV show?

Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty

Janet Jackson holds Michael's daughter, Paris, at the end of the service

The Michael Jackson Tribute and Memorial held yesterday in L.A.'s Staples Center was definitely fit for a king. Millions watched as the world said goodbye to one of the most incredible entertainers of all time.

Among those who saluted Jackson were Motown President Barry Gordy, the Rev. Al Sharpton, who received a standing ovation when he told MJ's children "Nothin' strange about your daddy. It's the things he had to deal with that were strange." 

Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder, John Mayer, Usher, and a very pregnant Jennifer Hudson all gave tear-jerking performances while Brooke Shields and Magic Johnson made heartfelt speeches speaking fondly of happy memories they had shared with Michael.

The service ended appropriately with the songs We Are the World and Heal the World. The family, with the Jackson brothers all wearing shades and a single sequined glove, thanked everyone for their love and support and then Michael's daughter, Paris, got on the microphone and told the world how great her daddy was.

I had been doing good up until then, but at that point, I completely lost it.

Did you watch it? Did it make you cry? What did you think of the performances and speeches?

Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty

Apparently, even pepperup potion is no cure for the swine flu (potion used to cure flu symptons in the Harry Potter series...I know, I'm ridiculously obsessed).

Rupert Grint, 20, who plays Harry's best pal Ron Weasley, contracted the swine flu while filming Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

His publicist says it was only a mild case and the actor is expected to attend London's premiere of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince tonight.

Are you a Harry Potter fan? Are you going to see Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince?

Photo by Kristian Dowling/Getty

I love, LOVE Jenna Fischer (Pam Beesly on NBC's The Office)! And although it's difficult for me to think of her spending her life with anyone other than Jim Halpert, I'm was so excited to read that she's engaged in real life, too...

People reports that Fischer got engaged to screenwriter Lee Kirk on June 30 while both were vacationing in Europe. This is the first marriage for Kirk. Fischer was previously married to director James Gunn; they divorced in July 2007.

My husband really likes Fischer—supposedly because she's from Fort Wayne, Indiana (which is where he's from). Riiiight. I really believe the crush is based on the fact that they share a hometown and NOT because she pretty, funny, and a great actress. But anyways, looks like she's taken now—both on and off screen!

Congrats to the happy couple!

Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty

If you're watching the Michael Jackson Memorial & Tribute coverage, leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Here's the scoop on the Michael Jackson Memorial if you want to watch.

Alongside Michael Jackson's remains, Jackson's family and a number of stars will gather to pay tribute to the King of Pop at a public memorial held at Los Angeles' Staples Center.

According to a spokesperson for the Jackson family, celebrity lineup (with possible performances) includes Jennifer Hudson, Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder, Usher, John Mayer, Lionel Richie, and Motown founder Berry Gordy. I also heard the Jackson brothers are going to sing (sob!).

Here's where you can watch:

• CNN's live coverage of Michael Jackson's Memorial is scheduled to begin today at 12:00pm EST. Replays later today at 4:00 pm EST and 7:00 pm EST.
• You can also find live coverage of the memorial on broadcast networks like ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC, as well as cable channels like E! Entertainment, MTV, BET, VH1, and MSNBC.
• Hulu and E!Online will be living streaming online, and, of course, you can watch live viewer updates on Facebook and Twitter too.

If you're watching the Michael Jackson Memorial coverage, leave your thoughts about the tribute in the comments below.

Photo from FOX/So You Think You Can Dance

Darn reality and contest shows -- I just can't get enough. My latest obsession is FOX's So You Think You Can Dance. Though I wish it wasn't two hours long.

Watching them dance takes me back to when I was around 11 years old learning every move to the Thriller video (RIP Michael Jackson). I sooo wanted to be a professional dancer. My mom thought it would be a hard life and suggested I become a teacher instead. I did neither -- though came close to the latter. And I never stopped dancing.

Granted, I'm not very good. Any professional lessons stopped in high school. Though I still remember my shuffle ball change.

But when I watch So You Think You Can Dance, I get all excited, am dancing along in my head (when I'm really just loafing on the couch).

And...Katie Holmes is going to dance on the show on July 23rd!

Do you watch the show? Does it inspire you to dance?

See this video at CafeMom.

The interwebs are still buzzing about Sarah Palin's July 3rd televised resignation as Alaska's governor.

We all heard Palin's speech and what she said were the reasons for the resignation (negative media attention taking her focus away from her job mostly), but lots of people are still speculating about Palin's resignation and wondering if there is a hidden reason behind the resignation, especially 18 months before her term is even up.

What do you think about Palin's resignation? Take our poll.

See this poll at CafeMom.

If you have other ideas, let's here them in the comments below.

Photo from IMDB

Johnny Depp is notorious for taking on crazy (and sometimes creepy) roles, and the next character we have to look forward to is Depp playing The Mad Hatter in Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland.

And this isn't the happy go-lucky cartoon version either. This one reminds me more of the actual book, dark and twisted.

Lots of moms are eager to see this movie:

Farrah says, "I seriously can't wait to see this. I love Alice in Wonderland and the cast is awesome. I really liked Johnny Depp in Willy Wonka so I am sure he will be equally good in this."

coffeeluvnmom3 says, "I can't wait to see it, I love Johnny Depp, he's awesome in all of his movies. I always thought Alice in Wonderland was kinda freaky for kids though, lol."

I will definitely go see this movie when it comes out, but I have to wonder, will it be too scary for kids? It's not yet rated, so I guess we'll have to see as the date nears. It hits theaters in March 2010.

Are you a Johnny Depp fan? Would you go see this movie? Would you take your kids to see this movie?

The press is constantly comparing Transformers star, Megan Fox, 23, compared to Angelina Jolie, 34, and Megan says she's getting sick of it.

She says she doesn't deserve to be called “the next Angelina Jolie” and that she wouldn't be surprised if Angelina despised her already. The actress also accused the press of “a lack of creativity” for linking her to Angelina just because of their long dark hair and tattoos.

Megan told Entertainment Weekly, "If I were her, I’d be like, ‘Who the **** is this little bull**** brat who was in Transformers that’s going to be the next me? I don’t want to meet her; I’d be embarrassed."

I've always been a big fan of Angelina, and I don't know that much about Megan, but she certainly is gorgeous.

Who do you think is prettier?

See this poll at CafeMom.

Stephanie

CafeMom MommaBunch84 submitted her little sister Stephanie's photo in TV Guide's Celebrity Look-a-Like Contest. And she ended up being a finalist!!! Take a wild guess of who she's supposed to look like.

That's right, the phenomenally gorgeous Angelina Jolie, and, I have to say, she really does look a LOT like her!

Stephanie is a mother of 3-year-old Andie Lynn & 2-month-old Liam Tyler, so be sure to go to TV Guide's website and vote for the fellow mom. If she wins, she'll get to be transformed into Angelina Jolie in an upcoming episode of Look-A-Like on TV Guide Network.

Good luck Stephanie!

Does any of your friends or family resemble a celebrity?

Number 1 on the NYT

Bestseller's List this week.

I'm still too busy with my little kids to have the problem of picking up a book at the library and forgetting that I already read it. I don't get to read as often as I like, so I can definitely remember the two or three books I go through each month.

But to prepare for the time when my kids become more interested in their friends and sports than me (boo-hoo), I just set up accounts with two cool book tracking sites recommended by my friends in The Book Club.

One is Shelfari.com

The other is GoodReads.com

They have different looks and functions, but are basically the same animal. Half resource, half book club. You can add books you've read to a library, review and rate them, find books you might be interested in, connect with friends to see what they are reading and recommend, and basically just chat about books.

I registered for both because some of my friends might use one and not the other, so this way I'm covered. There's also book club apps on some of the other social networking sites, like weRead and Visual Bookshelf, a book discussion blog, but I don't use those yet.

A lot of ladies in The Book Club prefer to do it the old-fashioned way -- they keep a pen and paper journal of all the books they've read. Of course, it's a lot harder to share with others that way. But The Book Club has a discussion, book of the month, swap, and recommendation section right in the group, so in a way, there's no need to go anywhere else ... :)

Do you enjoy sharing the titles of books you've read with friends and acquaintances on social networking sites, or do you prefer to keep that information private?

Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty

Kevin Jonas (the oldest of the Jonas Brothers) got engaged yesterday to longtime girlfriend Danielle Deleasa.

So how did he pop the question?

People reports that the 21-year-old musician surprised Danielle by showing up on her New Jersey doorstep Wednesday morning with a cushion-cut diamond ring. The couple met two years ago while was vacationing in the Bahamas. No wedding date has been set.

Swoon. And, congrats to the happy couple!

Do you know any girls whose hearts are going to be broken by this news?

Photo from HBO/Hung

I read about the HBO show Hung in a magazine. They set up the premise: High school basketball coach with huge penis decides to capitalize on his biggest assest and become a prostitite (or something like that). The mag asked if readers believed this was going to be a new series.

I didn't. But I was wrong.

Hung stars the sexy Thomas Jane as a divorced, middle-aged dad who has no money and decides to sleep with women for cash to pay his expenses after his house is destroyed by fire.

It's a dark comedy and the show really wants to make a statement by pointing out the things we all must resort to for money in times like these.

Interesting.

The show just premiered and airs on Sundays at 10pm.

I haven't seen it yet, but I can't say I'm not curious.

Have you seen Hung? What do you think of this show?

Jessica Harp

If you like country music, I highly suggest checking out Jessica Harp. She is most famous for partnering with Michelle Branch in the duo The Wreckers, but she's now venturing out on her own and her solo album "A Woman Needs" debuts this September.

I got a chance to chat with Jessica about her upcoming album and being a step-mom to 2 1/2 year old Stella.

What was your inspiration for this solo album?

My inspiration was basically going back to me being a kid, wanting to grow up and make a solo country record. My main goal was to make a record that women could relate to and that men could maybe learn something about women from. I always want to make a record that people can listen to from top to bottom without wanting to skip through songs. There's defintely a lot of material that people can relate to and that's the most important thing. The most rewarding part of my job is playing in shows and watching people in the audience sing along to my songs that I wrote and know that they relate to that and it means something to them.

Where do you come up with ideas for your songs?

Inspiration comes from random places these days. In the past, my songs were always very autobiographical, some still very much are, but now that I'm married and happy and still love to write sad songs, I have to draw on relationships from the past or from people around me and what they're going through.

Which songs on the album have the most meaning for you?

One is a song called "Love Letter," which, hearing the title, you would think it was about a relationship but it's actually about my family. I've been doing this for so long and I travel so much and my schedule is so hectic but I'm very close to my parents and sister, and it's sort of a dedication to them for putting up with my schedule and still making time to see me. Also, "A Woman Needs" is special to me because it's about a woman finding her place in the world and taking the time to take a few different paths until she finds the place where she's truly happy and at peace, and I can certainly relate to that in my life so that's special to me.

How do you balance family and your career?

Actually, fairly easy. My husband is in my band so we don't have to spend a lot of time apart, and as for my step-daughter, who we get every month, we just fly to get her or if we are touring, she just comes right along and loves it.

How has becoming a step-mom changed your daily life?

I've always wanted to be a mom and that's something that is far more important to me than a music career. Ultimately, it's about having a family, and Stella has made having a family a reality. Getting to try out the whole "having a crazy career and a family all at the same time" has been really good in that I can see it can absolutely be done. Having her around has made me get the itch to have children.

Does Stella like to perform or sing?

She's starting to sing a lot. She's sort of my number one fan. She saw my video for the first time and sort of freaked out. Now she either wants to watch Dora or wants to watch Jess on TV. So the fact that I'm ranked right up there with Dora, that means a lot!

What would you like your fans to take away from your album?

I would just like it to be something that they can relate to. Something they can either put on to just chill out to or when they're in a fun mood because there are a lot of fun, upbeat tracks on the record. And hopefully songs on there inspire them in different ways, be it being independent and on their own or being in a relationship that's possibly reached its end, or being in love.

You can listen to Jessica's first single from the album "Boy Like Me" on her website, Jessica Harp, (and yes, that's Keith Urban playing the guitar for that song). Trust me, it's really good, I've been jamming to it all morning! Also, if you're in the New York City area, she's playing live at Joe's Pub on July 7th, I know I'll be there!

Are you a country music fan? Who's your favorite country singer?

See this video at CafeMom.

Did you see Kevin Skinner last night on America's Got Talent? The blogsphere is calling him the next "Susan Boyle," but I'm not so sure...

This "country bumpkin" chicken catcher from Kentucky charmed the crowd with a lovely rendition of Garth Brooks' "If Tomorrow Never Comes." He's talented for sure, and it was sort of beautiful, but I'm not totally convinced yet that Skinner is the next big thing.

What do you think?

Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty

The twins have arrived for Hollywood couple Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick!

The twins, Marion Loretta Elwell and Tabitha Hodge, were delivered by a surrogate and arrived June 22nd. They join big brother James Wilkie, 6.

Congratulations to the happy family!

Photo from Amazon

I noticed on iTunes, the top ten lists for songs and albums are being dominated by Michael Jackson.

I always wondered why celebs' movies and music shot up in popularity posthumously. It's not like the songs or movies are any better now that they're no longer with us. Perhaps it's just a way of memoralizing them?

For me personally, I already had a ton of MJ's stuff on my iPod, so no need to download more.

See this poll at CafeMom.

Have you downloaded Michael Jackson tunes since his passing?

See this video at CafeMom.

Cobra Starship's new single, "Good Girls Go Bad," features none other than Gossip Girl's Leighton Meester chiming in on the hook. I have to admit, I'm pretty impressed with her voice. She also stars in the video for the single (see above). I think this song is ridiculously catchy...some blogs are calling it the "song of the summer." What do you think? Catchy or annoying?