29) Korean company RNL Bio announced the world's first COMMERCIAL PET CLONING in August, with a litter created from a dead pit bull. "Who's a wittle abomination?"

28–27) It was the year of monster mash-ups. First some guys filled a rubber suit with roadkill, froze it, and sold it as BIGFOOT, then the MONTAUK MONSTER—which looked like the spawn of a dog and a hawk—scared folks in New York. Both proved the existence of morons.

26) After a decade of being called one of the biggest—and cleanest—talents in cycling, American CHRISTIAN VANDE VELDE, 32, rose to prominence at this year's Tour de France. A late-race crash likely cost him a podium spot, but he still finished fifth overall.

25) SIR NILS OLAV pooped a little while being knighted on behalf of Norway's King Harald V. It was an understandable indiscretion, considering the gravity of the situation—and the fact that Nils is a king?penguin. The mascot and honorary colonel-in-chief of the King's Guard was feted by 130 guardsmen, with a citation declaring him "in every way qualified to receive the honor and dignity of knighthood."

24) What's in the water in PLANO, TEXAS? The Dallas suburb is the hometown of 2008 Olympic gymnastics all-around champion Nastia Liukin, training ground of 2004 all-around gold medalist Carly Patterson, and birthplace of Lance Armstrong.

23) The best resort slopes in North America are more accessible than ever. No more stringing together surface lifts to get to Jackson Hole's RENDEZVOUS MOUNTAIN, now that the Wyoming resort has replaced its iconic tram. And whether you're at WHISTLER wishing you were at BLACKCOMB, or vice versa, the new Peak 2 Peak Gondola will get you there in 11 minutes.