The race for Up and Comer of 2006 was neck and neck between Sacha Baron Cohen's Borat and YouTube, all the way down to the wire. But in a photo finish, YouTube came out ahead, with a little over 200 votes difference between these two nominees.

In a pair of categories that may represent the current political climate more than anything else, President Bush came out on top with 45% of the vote for the Biggest Fall from Grace (and yes, that is less than half the popular vote -- again), and Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal is the Tycoon We'd Like to See Lose His Money, with 55% of the vote in that category, despite his many defenders in the comments.

The Underdog Stocks to Root For turned out to be a surprisingly weak category (considering the focus of this blog) with mere 46 thousand votes cast. But 43% of those went to Ford -- go Ford! -- earning it the top spot. The showing for Ford may also help explain why automakers' woes came in last place for Money Story of the Year. Gasoline prices easily won that category with 63% of the votes.

The monster category was, of course, the Most Overpaid Celebrity, with more than 140 thousand votes cast. Winner Paris Hilton received about 72 thousand votes (51%), more than some whole categories in this Best and Worst of 2006. And discussion has been lively in the comments, not only for her profile, but for those of Tom Cruise and Oprah as well.

Thanks to those of you who voted for the Best and Worst of 2006. Keep your eyes peeled for the Best and Worst of 2007, 'cause you know they're bound to begin happening soon after the beginning of the year.