Men Who Were Great in 2008

Besides a grueling recession, a Wall Street meltdown, and an embittered election season, we have a lot to be thankful for this year. For one, the emergence (and in some cases, re-birth) of smokin’ hot men in the media. Through all of the hardships we faced this year, these men were there for us: some made us laugh, some made us cry, and one is responsible for Julia Allison lifecasting… err, thanks? As a lifelong admirer of our X-chromosome challenged counterparts, I’ve decided these men deserve some recognition. What better way to shallowly celebrate the scruffier sex than high-school style? I bring you…

Superlatives: The Class(iest) of 2008

Best Rhymes: Lil’ Wayne

I’ll be damned if I pretend that 2008 was the first time Lil’ Wayne reared his dreadlocked head, but it was the first year I couldn’t escape that teardrop-tatted face in every music magazine I opened. Dawayne Carter Jr. has been droppin’ it like it’s hot since 1999, and it’s only gotten hotter since. When he’s not taking online classes at the University of Houston or gushing to Blender about his affinity for “sip”, he can be found in the studio. After all, you can’t record 5+ mixtapes in one year by sitting on your ass. His beauty regimen? “…I’ll never fuck with no more coke. It’s not about a bad high, it’s just about the acne: Cocaine makes your face break out, and I’m a pretty boy”. I know a few girls who could learn a lot from him!

Best Athlete: Michael Phelps

My boss once said it best: women have a thing for men in uniform– even if that uniform is a banana hammock. Michael Phelps is no exception to the rule. At 23, he’s won 14 career Olympic gold medals (more than any Olympian before him) and shows no sign of slowing down. Amid all of the controversy that surrounded the Beijing Olympics, Phelps rose from the ashes (or swimming pool) and reminded us that even during tough times, America is still capable of kicking ass.

Sexiest Dork: David Karp

Most of us know by now that the term ‘dork’ is one of endearment. I would have loved to have David Karp as a study buddy, especially during those awkward sex-ed segments of health class. Unfortunately for me, David was homeschooled on the Upper West Side as I suffered through years of dating jocks and stoners. Seemed that homeschooling worked out for him, though. This computer prodigy started Tumblr at the age of 19, and at the young (ripe) age of 22, is the founder of one of the most user-friendly blogging interfaces on the web. I would know, I used to have one. You can check out David’s tumblelog here.

Most Bangable Band Geek(s): Andrew Vanwyngarden and Ben Goldwasser

Andrew and Ben of MGMT have had a great 2008. So have I, thanks to their electronic sex music that’s been pumping through my iPod all year. They played SXSW, Bonnaroo, Coachella, and several other festivals this summer, and have pumped out some of the most awesome music videos an indie queen could ask for (my personal favorite is the vid for Electric Feel). I’m grateful to have them as both an integral part of ’08, and a promising part of ’09.

Best Kept Secret Celeb Crush: Seth Rogen

Every girl loves a guy that can make her laugh. Seth Rogen fits that bill; he even leaves an extra-generous tip. Between Zack and Miri Make a Porno, Pineapple Express, and Stepbrothers, 2008 has been kind to the slightly-more-attractive reincarnation of Will Ferrell (not to say Will’s career is dead, we still love Old School, promise!) Seth Rogen has successfully made furry guys who dance awkwardly and maybe drip sweat a must-have for 2009.

Foxiest Silver Fox: Anderson Cooper

Let me begin by giving my condolences to George Clooney, who has several times over been proclaimed silver fox of the century. But ladies nationwide (or those who watch CNN at least) can agree that if election season were dental surgery, Anderson Cooper would be Valium. What makes him different from other anchors? His willingness to admit that he doesn’t know it all. What he does know, he readily shares with us. While he doesn’t use his private life to woo us, he still feels like the most accessible news anchor of our time.

Best Bromance: Ed Westwick and Chace Crawford

The two stars of WPIX’s heroin-like series Gossip Girl may have had Blair-related issues on the small-screen, but Chelsea roommates Ed and Chace have a friendship no headband wielding brunette could destroy. I’d love to have a hidden camera in that apartment. Sorry Brody Jenner!

Best in Show: Barack Obama

Oh, come on. You saw this coming from a mile away. Barack Obama wins everything: the White House, basketball scrimmages, who looks coolest smoking a cigarette… he’s a born winner if ever there was one. But let’s reflect on his real achievements for a moment. While Obama very quietly emerged on the scene at the 2004 Democratic National Convention as the keynote speaker, it was 2008 that took him from liberal Starbucks chat to household name. Over the past 12 months, he went from underdog to the first Black president-elect of the United States. Even Miley Cyrus needed a few seasons of Hannah Montana and some sexy photos to get this kind of buzz. Pundits of all political backgrounds can’t help but admit there is something special about this guy (unless of course, they work for Fox).