Speaking of Howard Stern, a nearly identically named man -- Howard K. Stern (the "shock jock" is Howard A.) -- was far too famous for far too long. A questionable "marriage" with the late Anna Nicole Smith ended in tragedy in early February, but the drama was just beginning with Smith's premature passing. A paternity suit surrounding Anna's infant daughter, Dannielynn, consumed the courts for months, as Stern, photographer Larry Birkhead, and the wildly out-of-left-field Prince Frederick von Anhalt (husband of Zsa Zsa Gabor) fought for custody. Birkhead was ruled the father, but now rumors of a scandalous affair between Birkhead and Stern have surfaced, resulting in more court time. Meanwhile, Birkhead reportedly has a deal on the table for a reality show. Please. I bored myself just typing this paragraph of summation. Get these guys out of the limelight and let Dannielynn grow up in peace.

Dancing with the Stars is one of the top-rated programs on the ABC Network, a division of Walt Disney (NYSE: DIS). In case you are unfamiliar with the program, here is a list of just some of the "celebrities" that have appeared in the show's five seasons:

Trista Rehn Sutter, former star of The Bachelorette
Tia Carrere, actress best known for her role in the Wayne's World movies
Stacy Keibler, actress affiliated with the WWE
Harry Hamlin, actor formerly of L.A. Law
Shanna Moakler, former Miss USA and ex-wife of blink-182 drummer Travis Barker

... wait. Ex-wife of blink-182 drummer? They're not together as a couple anymore; blink-182 is not together as a band anymore. Yet millions of viewers tuned in to watch Moakler, and others, strut their stuff each week. Now, I can't fault these stars -- some of whom have seen their Q-rating drop faster than others (Ian Ziering?) -- for taking advantage of some time in the limelight. It's a top-rated show, and a successful outing can help jump-start a stalling career. A poor showing, however, can leave you flat on your face (just ask Marie Osmond).

Finally, there's Chris Crocker, who was the talk of the nation for about 36 hours. Shrieking angrily while crocodile tears dissolved his eyeliner, Crocker demanded the paparazzi and critics to "Leave Britney [Spears] alone!" after her ill-received performance on MTV's Video Music Awards. Crocker parlayed this melodramatic outburst into appearances on multiple talk shows and has inked a deal to star in a documentary-style reality television show. With the writers' strike lingering on for who knows how many weeks, it just might hit the airwaves.

So who is most shameless when it comes to exploiting their 15 minutes? And will we have as many worthy contenders for this slot next year? My vote is a definite "yes."

Beth Gaston Moon is an analyst at Schaeffer's Investment Research.

Share the reasons for your pick of who cashed in on his/their 15 minutes in the comments, or let us know about any contenders we overlooked. Also be sure to see the rest of AOL Money & Finance's Best & Worst of 2007.