Some Toasts and Takedowns of 2011

In a feature about toasts and takedowns of 2011, Chicago Sun-Times columnist Laura S. Washington includes a salute to Desiree Rogers for her move to Johnson Publishing Co. She says that Rogers infused the company's historic magazines with promise just in time. Suggested Reading 15 AI Videos of Black Folks That Look So Real You…

In a feature about toasts and takedowns of 2011, Chicago Sun-Times columnist Laura S. Washington includes a salute to Desiree Rogers for her move to Johnson Publishing Co. She says that Rogers infused the company's historic magazines with promise just in time.

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This year is going out with a bang. So why are we whimpering? The economy is peeking around the corner, yet our โ€œrepresentativesโ€ in Washington are elevating inanity and infighting to new heights. America has become just one big reality show.

A look back at the 2011 archives delivers rapscallions, heroes and headscratchers aplenty. As the bubbly chills for New Yearโ€™s cheer, consider my toasts and takedowns of 2011:

โ€ฆ Takedown: Mr. 9-9-9. Herman Cain was the most covered Republican presidential candidate in 2011, according to a study by the Pew Research Center. The media lavished attention on a guy whose entire campaign hinged on three meaningless numbers. Maybe it was the sex, but Cain never delivered on the drugs and rock โ€™nโ€™ roll. Darn. โ€ฆ

Takedown: Donald Trump. No elaboration necessary โ€ฆ

Takedown: Blago. No elaboration necessary.

Toast: To Desiree Rogers, who traded the White House for the CEO seat at Johnson Publishing. Sheโ€™s infused the Ebony/Jet empire with new promise, not a moment too soon.

Read Laura S. Washington's entire column at the Chicago Sun-Times.

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