Every once in a while, buried in the slew of press releases I get from wire services and misguided PR firms (no offense, folks, but we’re really not interested in the New Jersey fashion scene), I find something worth sharing. Like the National League of Junior Cotillions’ list of the ten best-mannered people of 2006. And of course, no list of the best is complete without mention of the worst.

The National League of Junior Cotillions describes itself as “an etiquette and social training program that involves thousands of young people in the United States.” These are kids who can figure out right away which water glass is theirs, no matter how crowded the table may be with silverware (I still have issues with that), so they know what they’re talking about when it comes to manners.

Here’s their best-mannered list for 2006:

1. Taylor Hicks - for his example of humility and politeness.

2. Merideth Viera - for the warmth and kindness she extends to “Today Show” guests.

3. Ed Bradley - for the dignity he brought to broadcast journalism.

4. Emmitt Smith - for his positive influence in football and dance.

5. Elizabeth Hasselbeck - for her commitment to family values on “The View.”

6. Glenn Beck - for demonstrating the art of disagreeing without being disagreeable.

7. Warren Buffett - for his generosity in helping those less fortunate.

8. Barack Obama - for keeping his poise under pressure.

9. Carrie Underwood - for the graciousness she shows to her fans.

10. LaDanian Tomlinson - for being a positive role model to young athletes.

I can agree with most of those, but I’m not sure who about a third of those people are.

But guess who won Most Ill-Mannered Person of 2006? The former Mrs. Kevin Federline, Britney Spears. No surprises there, right? She was awarded this title “for lowering the standards of morality and her negative influence on the behavior of young people.”

I really, *really* hope most of the young women out there realize that underwear should be standard issue when wearing a micromini in public. Because if this is going to be the next mindlessly followed starlet-inspired trend, I might just have to change my citizenship. Purse-dogs are bad enough.

I was surprised to see that Rosie O’Donnell didn’t tie with Britney, or at least get an honorable mention. She used to be the Queen of Nice - now she’s really scary, feuding and jumping to conclusions left and right.

Oh well, the year’s still young. Maybe she’ll win the category in 2007.