Leisure

Good Times...

The Most Dubious Moments of 2011

Oh, sure. We could just let these things go. The vulgar. The stupid. The ill-timed. The train wrecks of 2011. We could allow them to quietly skulk off into the remainder bin of history. But that doesn’t sound very fun at all. So, to recap:

FEBRUARY 1

The Awesomeness of Thundersnow

A paralyzing snowstorm wreaking all manner of rush-hour savagery upon Lake Shore Drive. It even had one of those cool “-pocalypse” suffixes. It should have been enough. But then “thundersnow” was heard. Meteorologists across Chicagoland wept snowflakey tears of joy.

FEBRUARY 6

Tibet Culture, Groupon Punch Line

The plight of Tibet. Always good for a laugh. And with that sunny pitch, Groupon was pushed face-first into the annals of really awful Super Bowl advertising history, making the Go Daddy and Doritos spots look like Masterpiece Theatre by comparison.

MAY 25

One More Thing She Forgot to Mention...

Always leave ’em wanting more. Unless you’re Oprah. After commandeering the United Center away from the NBA semifinals for an O-celebration filled with every big name you could think of (Pinketts and Smiths!), she went out on a meh note: a preening, self-regarding hour of herself.

SEPTEMBER 6

Tweed.He.Is

Okay, we can believe that the guy who developed @MayorEmanuel got a book deal out of the whole foul-mouthed escapade. The fact that he got Jeff Tweedy to come to his book launch and sing the Black Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling”... now that’s really amazing.

OCTOBER 3

For Sale: A History Buff’s Dream...

**A F***ing Golden Opportunity** This gorgeous Mediterranean-style home in Ravenswood Manor is a history buff’s dream! 2,200-square-foot basement (with gym!), three fireplaces, crown molding, library. Veranda perfect for small press conferences. Price reduced! Owner relocating! Ask for Patti!