For giving latex an unlikely boost.
Andrew Medichini / AP Photo
For leaving her philandering husband, and taking a big check with her.
Ezra Shaw / Getty Images
For donating half their wealth to charity (a whopping $230 billion) through “The Giving Pledge.”
For keeping her July nuptials practically free of paparazzi and celebrities (sorry, Ted Danson).
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For proving nerds can also double as anti-heroes.
Marcio Jose Sanchez / AP Photo
For being legitimately funny in 140 characters, and upstaging Leno in his exodus to cable.
RD, Kabik / Retna
For standing up for freedom and coming out of 20 years of house arrest still smiling.
CKN / Getty Images
For overcoming its cringe-worthy name and finally getting multitasking capability.
Paul Sakuma / AP Photo
For being a friend—and proving 80 is the new 30.
Chris Pizzello / AP Photo
For her grace under pressure and putting us on Wedding Watch for the next five months.
Eddie Keogh / Reuters
For completing the third and final volume of the epic life of Theodore Roosevelt, with the just published
Gino Domenico / AP Photo
For adding some spark to the typically dull midterms.
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For their inspiring marriage during a difficult illness and in light of splits between Tipper and Al, Christina and Jordan, Courteney and David, Sandra and Jesse James.
John Spellman / Retna
For harnessing the power of social media and making charity donations effortless.
For returning to our lives in all its BBQ-drenched glory.
David Paul Morris / Getty Images
For allowing diehard fans to bid on Madoff’s drawers, Demi’s art, Blago’s bric-a-brac, and Beatles lyrics.
Jonathan Fickies, Bloomberg / Getty Images
For reminding us you don’t have to be Dan Brown to sell books—and for retrieving his signature glasses after they were stolen off his face.
Katja Lenz / AP Photo
For installing 25-foot high bamboo atop its roof and creating an unexpected urban jungle.
Stan Honda, AFP / Getty Images
For her quirky comedic talents that are still shining (see: “ Marcel the Shell with Shoes On”), despite Saturday Night Live booting her after one season.
Martin Roe / Retna
