You know what isn't fun about New Year's Eve? Spending a lot of money on getting drunk and then not remembering any of it. That's a colossal waste of time.

You know what is fun? Seeing a comedian on New Year's Eve. They're everywhere on Dec. 31, and trust me, these comics will give you something to remember.

My top pick is Lizz Winstead, who once again returns to her hometown to spend NYE at the Parkway Theater. Winstead, who helped create "The Daily Show," uses this annual performance as a year-end debriefing of sorts, where she rummages through all the craziness that filled 2011.

Talking by phone from Brooklyn, the comedian said she's having a tough time editing down her list of kooky news stories. Remember Schwarzenegger's love child? Or nutty Charlie Sheen? Winstead will help jog your memory.

Q: Was this the best year ever to be a comedian?

A: I always like to say, what's bad for the world is great for comedy. So the answer would be a screaming "Yes!"

Q: What was bigger news this year: Bin Laden's death or Kim Kardashian divorcing Kris Humphries?

A: I think the Bin Laden thing, because people were so sick of Kim by that point. She was like crack. But Bin Laden had staying power. Later on, there were those images of his porn, the Viagra, the empty pizza boxes. At one point, I thought maybe Al-Qaida is just Arabic for "my ex-boyfriend."

Q: How much are you enjoying these Republican debates?

A: I live-tweet every one of them. I watch this stuff like people watch sports. It has become a pastime for me. I simply could not have imagined how this has played out. Michele Bachmann getting in the race? Newt Gingrich is the family values candidate? Herman Cain? I could do a whole show just on the debates.

Q: When I interviewed you last year, Bachmann was just an outspoken Minnesota congresswoman. Now she's a presidential candidate.

A: The party clearly has no control over what is happening. If God is calling her to run, then her number must be one digit off from someone smart, and God keeps on misdialing.

BEST OF THE REST

If Winstead isn't your cup of comedic tea, there are plenty of other funny people in town on Dec. 31.

Kevin Meaney: The New York-based comic and former Broadway actor pumped new life into his long career when he came out in 2008, working the fact that he's gay into his stand-up. (7 and 10:30 p.m. Bayview Event Center, 687 Excelsior Blvd., Excelsior. $45 first show, includes dinner. $25 for second show. 952-470-8439. www.kevinmeaney.com.)

Louie Anderson: Minnesota's comedy pioneer returns to Burnsville's big concert venue, where a second show has been added. (7:30 and 10 p.m. Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Av. S., Burnsville. $31.95-$101.95. 952-895-4685. www.burnsvillepac.com.)

Rob Little: An everyman's comic with some of the best crowd interaction in the business. His version of Carrie Underwood's smash hit "Before He Cheats" has 1.8 million views on YouTube. (7 and 10 p.m. House of Comedy, Mall of America's fourth floor. $22. $39, includes dinner. 952-858-8558. www.houseofcomedy.net.)

Bengt Washburn: The funniest Mormon in America. Enough said? (8 and 10:30 p.m. Acme, 708 N. 1st St., Mpls. $25. $55 includes dinner. 612-338-6393. acmecomedycompany.com.)