Quotes of the year:
Britney to Brokaw

From Britney to Brokaw, quotes from the past year’s major events:

“I do believe in the sanctity of marriage, I totally do. (But) I was in Vegas, and it took over me.” — Britney Spears, on her 55-hour marriage to childhood friend Jason Alexander.

“I am sorry that anyone was offended by the wardrobe malfunction.” — Justin Timberlake, saying he didn’t intend to expose Janet Jackson’s breast at the Super Bowl.

“It wasn’t a stunt.” — Janet Jackson.

“I’m not anti-Semitic.” — Mel Gibson, who directed, co-wrote and financed “The Passion of the Christ,” which rode a wave of faith and controversy to huge box-office numbers.

“It took me a really long time to get here, but I’m here: Carrie, you’re the one.” — Mr. Big (Chris Noth) to Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) in the last episode of “Sex and the City,” which ended a six-year run.

“It’s now official. There is nobody left in New Zealand to thank.” — Oscar host Billy Crystal, as “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” won a record-tying 11 Academy Awards, including best picture.

“I would like to thank the fans around the world for your love and support.” — Michael Jackson, after he pleaded innocent in his child molestation case.

“This is harder than I thought it was going to be.” — Monica Geller Bing (Courteney Cox Arquette) during the last episode of “Friends,” which ended 10 years in production.

“I was the straight man, and (President) Bush wrote the funniest lines.” — Michael Moore, on his film “Fahrenheit 9/11,” which became the biggest documentary ever.

“I have nothing to say about anything. My life is my life, that’s the only thing I have.” — Marc Anthony, refusing to confirm that he’d married Jennifer Lopez.

“I kissed a bunch of frogs and finally found my prince. I feel like I’ve found my happily ever after.” — Britney Spears, ex-girlfriend of Justin Timberlake and ex-wife of childhood friend Jason Alexander, on her engagement to backup dancer Kevin Federline.

“She’s hanging in there.” — Ashley Olsen, after twin Mary-Kate entered a treatment facility for a health-related issue, reportedly an eating disorder.

“I’m flabbergasted.” — “Spider-Man 2” director Sam Raimi. His film pulled in a record $180 million in its first six days in North American theaters.

Louis Lanzano / AP Courtney thinks she can do it. Can you?

“Yeah, I have to stop drinking. It’s fun. This is funny. I mean, it’s not funny at all, it’s profound. It’s deep. But I want, you know, to see if I can do it. I think I can do it. Can you do it? Can we all do it?” — Courtney Love, after a judge barred the troubled rocker from taking nonprescription drugs, drinking alcohol or being in places that serve alcohol.

“I don’t mind having some people ridicule me.” — “American Idol” reject William Hung.

“Everybody gets a car! Everybody gets a car! Everybody gets a car!” — Oprah Winfrey, after awarding new vehicles to all 276 audience members at the taping of the premiere of the 19th season of “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

“This show is like a dynasty. You hold it and then you hand it off to the next person.” — “Tonight” host Jay Leno, on plans to make way in five years for “Late Night” host Conan O’Brien.

“The whole situation was a bummer.” — Ashlee Simpson, after being busted for a lip-synch gone awry on “Saturday Night Live.”

Tammie Arroyo / AP Jessica Simpson: Not breaking up.

“Our relationship is better than it’s ever been. We are absolutely not breaking up.” — Jessica Simpson, on reports that her marriage to Nick Lachey was on the rocks.

“You can’t get a gun inside Madison Square Garden.” — Jay-Z, after tour mate R. Kelly abruptly fled the stage and claimed people in the crowd were waving guns at him.

“The train (of her gown) was so long it took about seven people to carry it.” — Valerie Simpson, on the star-studded wedding bash of “The View” co-host Star Jones.

“It has been, and remains, an honor to be welcomed into your homes in the evening and I thank you for the trust you have given me.” — Dan Rather, in the wake of an ill-fated report on President Bush’s National Guard service, announcing that he would step down as “CBS Evening News” anchor in March.

Richard Drew / AP Bye-bye, Brokaw.

“You’ll see Brian Williams tomorrow night; I’ll see you along the way.” — Tom Brokaw, signing off his last broadcast as anchor of “NBC Nightly News.”

“It didn’t really hit me that (missing the show) was going to be the hard part. I thought the hard part would be the loss.” — “Jeopardy” whiz Ken Jennings, who finally met his match after a 74-game run as a pop culture icon who made brainiacs cool.

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Year in review 2006 Section Front

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