15 Who Had Their 15

Every year, by ambition or by accident, they catapult across the pop-culture consciousness, burning through their 15 minutes of fame. 2000's bumper crop of accidental/incidental celebs is the usual motley crew of marauding children, incompetent athletes, television brides and dippy politicians. Take a good look--they won't be back next year.

ERIC MOUSSAMBANI In 1:52.72, the Equatorial eel proved that nearly drowning merits more press than winning.

PETS.COM SOCK PUPPET His company may have folded, but he lives on to annoy another day.

KATHERINE HARRIS Cruella De Vil or Catherine the Great? In two weeks, no one's gonna care.

DONATO DALRYMPLE "Fisherman"...

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