Video game insiders knew it would be big. But this big?

The sequel to 2007's Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare--which itself sold over 13 million copies--Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is not just big, it's the biggest entertainment launch in history, pulling in $310 million in one day, and over half a billion in its first week. All this despite--or perhaps because of--controversy over a very graphic sequence early in the game.

What's all the fuss? Learn more about Modern Warfare 2 after the jump.

Is there any better way to make a bold statement? Even the simplest ensemble can benefit from a shot of cool, brilliant color. Jewel tones can change the face of an entire outfit, bringing new life to dull palettes and adding a little zing to everything from your professional wardrobe to your party attire. We're loving these bright, gem-inspired hues:

There's a big difference between a snow thrower and a snow blower, although the terms are commonly interchanged.

A snow thrower is a light-weight machine, either gas or electric-powered, and designed for lighter snowfalls and/or smaller areas to be cleared of the dreaded white stuff.

After the jump, a look at some snow throwers.

Tuesday is traditionally the day when new literature titles hit bookshelves, so that's the day when we'll give you all the information you need to pick up your next great read! Be sure to come back next week for an all new list. Read on for some of this week's most anticipated new releases.

Staying in tonight? Holing up on the couch for the weekend? You need a good movie on DVD! Check out our selection of the hottest new DVD releases, and be sure to come back every week for an all new list! Read on for this week's top DVD releases.

Among the season's many cozy, snuggly pieces, one we're really loving is the ubiquitous sweater dress. Perfect for the office or for after hours, it's polished, classic and guaranteed to keep you comfortable in less-than-favorable conditions. It also presents innumerable styling options, which makes it incredible versatile. A tunic-style cut looks flawless with leggings and flats; belts and delicate ruffle details lend some styles a professional edge; ruffles and bows take them from simple to sassy (and party-worthy!). Here, a few we're eyeing:

The family's coming, and you've picked the holidays as the time your tot will shine with everything he's learned to do since the fam made their last visit.

Let's make it easier on them, shall we? Kids who are just learning to use a fork and spoon will appreciate the flexibility of Boon's Benders, a set of utensils that do just as their name implies - they bend.

When the leggings first made their way back into fashion a few years ago, the trend was not universally loved. Despite some vocal opposition, celebs kept stepping out in leggings, and it wasn't long before fashion icons like Victoria Beckham were embracing the trend. Leggings are here to stay, folks. Which, in fashion terms, means they'll be popular for at least another few seasons. Liquid leggings are the latest sensation in the legging trend -- liquid leggings are made of shiny, reflective fabric to give your outfit star power. Keep reading for tips on how to wear liquid leggings.

Water bottles -- not your grandfather's glass jug or your dad's thermos. The water bottles of today are sleek, ergonomically designed and, many times, sports specific -- think Camelbak hydration packs for ultra-marathon runners or specialized holders for bike riders in the Tour de France.

For the rest of us mere mortals who need a convenient way to carry liquids, there are a number of water bottle choices. Below the fold, some of those options.

Camping lanterns -- I recall the first camping lantern I ever saw; it used a really smelly fuel, had to be pumped up to start and maintain the flame, and I had to be very careful not to damage the mantle (the wick). Lots of work for, frankly, not a lot of illumination.

Well, things have radically changed in the arena of camping lanterns. And the best part is that camping lanterns are valuable for more than just camping.

After the jump, the varied uses of camping lanterns.

'Tis the season to shop for others, so until the end of the year, I'll be sharing some seasonal present picks that are sure to be health-conscious hits with those you're gifting, starting with one of my favorite items to ward off winter blues: The Philips goLITE BLU ($189), a portable form of light therapy that is getting rave reviews from people worldwide!

Taylor Swift and Michael Jackson took top honors at this year's American Music Awards. The King of Pop is still winning awards posthumously, he won: Favorite Male Artist, Favorite Album, Favorite R&B Male Artist and Favorite R&B Album. To date, he's won 23 AMAs, the most in AMA history!

Swift who won four awards at last week's Country Music Awards and she won 5 AMA's for her album, Fearless.

See who else won last night...

A hot pick this holiday season for tween and teenage girls is the Style Lab Jewelry Design game by Ubisoft for the Nintendo DS. Testing out this game made me seriously jealous that I wasn't a girl in 2009. I can only imagine how much fun a young girl would have playing this game.

Users design their own jewelry pieces by mixing and matching various beads and charms on the game. They can create a bracelet, necklace or earrings. Use the stylus to drag and drop your choices into your design.

When the results of a study were recently published scientifically demonstrating that women with more glowing skin are universally regarded as prettier, was anybody surprised? Gals like us have known for years that a flawless complexion--plus that little extra attention-grabbing je ne sais quoi that results from flushed, lit-from-within cheeks--is the key to beauty nirvana. You'll look younger, you'll look happier, you'll look more well-rested, and you'll definitely look more beautiful.

The insider's secret to a gorgeous glow? There's one particular blush--beloved by makeup artists, beauty editors, bloggers, and 'real' gals alike--that is talked about, praised, adored and fawned over repeatedly : NARS blush in Orgasm ($25). That's right...Orgasm.

Just in time for the holiday season, designers are rolling out plenty of heels that are like works of art. Visually intriguing, splashed with color or unusual details (and often both), these shoes promise to make dressing for the season's parties easier than ever. Here are a few we're eyeing: