4. Vibe Magazine

Vibe Magazine is simply a really great read. If your at all into hip-hop/rap music and culture, Vibe is the holy grail. The magazine is loaded with hip-hop news, new releases, unsigned artists, album reviews, interviews, and insightful articles on the hip-hop world. Vibe allows urban music fans a chance to get to know the people behind their music in ways that the mainstream media never allows.

I'll be the first to say that a magazine all about one genre of music doesn't sound all that appealing. Honestly, I can't see myself curling up with a good country music magazine anytime soon. Vibe manages to keep it's magazine interesting by reporting on hip hop CULTURE, not just hip hop MUSIC. If you glance through an issue of Vibe you'll see articles that relate to hip hop as a way of life, not just as an iTunes category.

A little more than a year ago, Vibe was forced to shut down because of financial issues. The new and improved Vibe, relaunched in December of 2009, is stronger than ever and is sure to see continued success.

3. Aussie Sprunch Catch the Wave Hair Spray

 Having perfect hair everyday is difficult to achieve. A very lucky few do it easily, and almost no one can look their best without a miracle product. My hair, a dark brown mass of tiny ringlets, takes more work than most. For the straight, sleek style I desire I must blowdry in small sections and flat-iron. The entire process can take up to two hours. Four or five days later, my straight style becomes dry or the ends become frazzled and it's time for a wash.
Now, when my straight style looks unattractive I spray in Catch the Wave, scrunch my hair with my fingers, and am left with big beautiful waves that are shiny and bouncy. It smells amazing and is low-cost (I bought mine for $2.99).

For those with naturally straight hair, the product can be sprayed onto wet hair and allowed to air-dry. The waves will look natural and beachy, not crunchy or frizzy.

Want your hair to look like this? BUY THIS HAIR SPRAY!!

I buy the strong hold kind, rather than the flexible hold. If you want to use a lighter product, I suggest buying flexible hold and sleeping with your hair in a braid the night before. Wake up the next morning, unbraid your hair and spray Catch the Wave in.

2. Jersey Shore

Watching Jersey Shore is kind of like eating a deep-fried candy bar; you know it can't be good for you and you feel bad for enjoying it, but it is an absolutely perfect guilty pleasure.                               I'm no stranger to reality tv shows. I've witnessed the trashy ( Flavor of Love) and the utterly tasteless (Rock of Love). I laughed, I cheered, and most importantly I tuned in every week. I wouldn't say I loved any of those shows. I liked them, sure, but they didn't stick with me and really create a lasting impression.

Jersey Shore accomplished what few other reality tv shows could do for me. It drew me in and I became addicted. I loved tuning in to see Snooki get in fights with random bar whores, or to see J-Woww cheat on her boyfriend with Pauly-D. I loved seeing Vinny get stalked by that strange but beautiful Israeli girl. I loved seeing Ronnie and Mike "The Situation" duke it out over Sammi "Sweetheart". If addictive and intellectual shows like Mad Men are cocaine, Jersey Shore was like a 5 dollar hit of crack that I just kept going back to.

Yes, Jersey Shore is low-budget and tasteless. It stereotypes the Italian culture and typecasts New Jersey in an unfavorable way. But like so many cheap and trashy things, I am a (slightly ashamed) fan.

Season 2 of Jersey Shore premiered July 29th. I couldn't be happier. 

1. Dwight Howard

I'll admit it; I'm biased. I love the Orlando Magic. From the largely unlikeable Vince Carter to the teddy-bear-like Jameer Nelson, Stan Van Gundy and the team manage to find a soft spot in my heart. However, my love for the Magic is completely eclipsed by my adoration for their star center Dwight Howard.

 I could cite his numerous awards or mention how he was NBA Defensive Player of the Year for both the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 seasons. I could throw stats down to prove that he's led the NBA in both blocking and rebounding for two straight years. Or I could rewind the clock back to the 2004 NBA draft, when an eighteen year old, 6'11 basketball player out of Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy was the first overall draft pick.

But none of that would explain my Dwight Howard obsession. Quite simply, Dwight Howard is the kind of person I would love to spend a day with. His child-like sense of humor and true dedication to the game make him an easily likeably guy and one of the most dominant big men in the league today. Howard runs the paint, whether he's leaping into the air to retrieve a rebound or smacking down an opponent's shot. Not to mention his ability to dunk, which has proved to be unstoppable for even the best defenders. You can't guard him, and you can't get past him either.

Yet the aggression in Dwight Howard ends the minute he steps off the court. He's just a humble, childish guy who loves doing impressions and pulling pranks on his team mates.  He's always been upfront about his strong religious values, which is also something I respect. In a time when many athletes and stars are pretending to be something there not, Howard stays true to himself and his upbringing.

Honestly, how can you not love a guy who smiles after every play? And who's favorite movie is Finding Nemo? And who posted a video dancing to Single Ladies by Beyonce?! 

The best thing about Dwight is that he never takes himself too seriously. For such a talented ball player, he appears to be just a regular guy. These days, thats a rare thing to find.

Keep smiling, Dwight Howard. You're the NBA's most talented goofball.