Welcome back! By now, you're into the swing of things — you know where your classes are, what you're doing Friday night and where you're sleeping — hopefully.

But with all that stuff to remember — you may have forgotten to keep yourself abreast of the latest pop culture craziness. We're here to help.

Here's what's been happening in August and beyond:

1. Miley “Pole Dancing” Cyrus
A summer tradition is the Teen Choice Awards that boasts the beautiful and famous and surfboard awards. This year, it also featured a questionable performance by teen queen Miley Cyrus with a stripper's pole on an ice cream cart. One's first thought would be “What do her parents think?” Don't worry, Billy Ray completely approves, saying that “You know what? I just think that Miley loves entertaining people.” Yeah, that still doesn't make it any less weird.

2. Heidi Montag is actually allowed onstage
If a barely legal teen is able to gyrate on a pole on national television, than why not allow one-half of entertainment's most annoying couple perform during the Miss Universe pageant. It's true. Heidi Montag of The Hills and boob job fame performed her single “Body Language.” Shortly after, her husband and apparently manager deemed her “the new, modern-day 2010 Michael Jackson…or way bigger.” We know. It's disturbing, horrifying, baffling — so much to be said.

3. Macaulay Culkin allegedly fathered MJ's child
Brit newspaper, the Sun, is saying that actor Macaulay Culkin is the father of Michael Jackson's son, Prince Michael II — otherwise known as Blanket. According to the “source” in the paper, even Culkin believes he might be the father. We'll believe it when they bring them on Maury for a paternity test. In the meantime, leave the kids alone.

4. Mischa Barton blames teeth for breakdown
Former O.C. star, and now part of the new CW show The Beautiful Life, Barton says a botched wisdom teeth surgery combined with the pressures of her job caused her to crack in July. So the fact that she's playing a mentally-distressed, pill-popping model on her new show has nothing to do with this life-imitating-art situation? Hmm…publicity stunt?

5. Edward Cullen on your wall. In your shower. Creepy? Or charming?
Twilight hysteria has hit a new level. Some geniuses are banking on obsessed Twihards and creating paraphernalia that borderlines on weird. First, the Edward Cullen wall decal. A silhouette of the brooding vampire and elegant writing that says “Be safe” is sure to make any fan feel a little more protected. Or scared to death when they wake up and see that thing in their room. Next is the Edward Cullen shower curtain (apparently sold-out and on the next round of production). Cullen's face in your bathroom. Self-explanatory. A little creepy. But hey, if that's your thing — go for it, for about $75.

6. Chuck Bass….gay?!
That's right Gossip Girl fans — our favourite Mr. Bass will be momentarily swinging to the other side during an episode in this highly-anticipated third season. Apparently, new girlfriend Blair uses him as bait to get what she wants. Plus, the buzz is all around what he says post-lip lock. Be sure to watch. Season three premieres September 14. XOXO.

7. Neil Patrick Harris is hosting the Emmys
One of television's most boring award shows is about to get smacked in the face by a phenomenal individual. I predict it might even be (How I Met Your Mother fans unite) legend…wait for it…dary! The show airs September 20 on CBS.

8. Chris Brown gets no jail time
After the altercation with singer and then-girlfriend Rihanna in February, people have been waiting to hear what the verdict would be. Turns out — zero jail time for the “Forever” singer, and 180 hours of hard labour. He's also been ordered to remain 50 yards away from Rihanna for the next five years. Fair? You be the judge.

9. DJ AM passed away
It's been a tragic summer with the loss of many people in the spotlight. Adam Goldstein, otherwise known as DJ AM, gained fame with his turntable skills and high profile relationships with Nicole Ritchie, Mandy Moore and others, and famous friendships with Blink-182. While an initial autopsy did not prove any cause of death, various drugs were found in the apartment. Goldstein was 36 years old.

10. Lady Gaga and Michael Bolton collaborate
File this under “Huh?” Apparently Lady Gaga was the one who reached out to Bolton, helping him pen the song “Murder My Heart” which will appear on his new CD, One World One Love. In addition to not being a fan of pants, she's definitely full of surprises.