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Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel (file)

Over the weekend, Chicago Mayor and former White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel used April Fools' Day to have a little fun at the expense of local media and Rick Santorum — by issuing a fictional press release.

The press release, which went out to local news, was entitled "EMANUEL FOIAs SELF." In order to "learn more about himself," the big city mayor jokingly requested Freedom of Information Act documents on himself.

Emanuel was allegedely looking forward to some self discovery. "I look forward to receiving a response from the City of Chicago within the five business days prescribed by law. I have cleared my schedule for next weekend and look forward to doing a deep dive into the documents," the statement read. "I plan to learn everything I can about myself, and I believe I will enjoy this greatly."

Emanuel, known for his love of cursing, even came up with a new favorite four letter word — "It's a new me. The only four-letter F-word I use now is ‘FOIA.’"

The April Fools' Day joke also made fun of Rick Santorum's Google problem.

"I’ve Google'd myself before. Who hasn't? Other than Rick Santorum," said Emanuel.

It was all in good fun though, as the release also made fun of Emanuel's habit of bragging about jobs he's created.

"Emanuel’s administration said this is the first time a Mayor has ever FOIA’d himself, and this is the largest self-FOIA in city history. Given the scope of the documents, the FOIA response will create up to 500 jobs."

The mayor's office has been previously scrutinized for their response time and denial of reporter's FOIA requests. It's safe to say they are aware of complaints.

Rick Santorum's fashion choices have been turning heads on the campaign trail. He's been rocking the sleeveless sweater vests, perhaps going for the "non-threatening nerdy dad" look as suggested by my fellow Last Word staffer Anthony Reyes. Unlike many other politicians in their power suits or rolled-up sleeves, the former Pennsylvania senator has been keeping it casual for the past few weeks.

The conservative candidate told the New York Times, "it sort of took on a life of its own" after an appearance in Des Moines with Mike Huckabee. "So I started wearing more and more. My staff bought me a bunch more," he said.

One devoted fashion follower made a "Fear Rick's Vest" video montage, along with a related Twitter feed, Tumblr blog and Facebook page.

The Times article says Santorum "is not anti-sleeve" and "harbors no bigotry toward extra fabric, whether it's cotton, cashmere or wool."

Google just released its 11th annual Zeitgeist report, but if the graphs get to be too much, you can take a look at the three minute video compilation that shows the most popular search items this past year. 

From high-profile weddings to international disasters, here's a look back at what we collectively searched for in 2011. 

Andrew Harrer/AFP/Getty Images; Alex Brandon/AP Photo

Michele Bachmann (file) and Ed Rollins (file)

Herman Cain stole the thunder from Michele Bachmann as the far-right, Anti-Mitt Romney, tea party fave in the Republican presidential primary. With lagging poll numbers, she's now hitting the pavement in Iowa in an attempt to regain her mojo with GOP voters. Yesterday, she even held a teleconference town hall with The Donald, desperately seeking donations and attention.

Bachmann has been firing back at naysayers — including Ed Rollins, her former campaign manager and tonight's guest on The Last Word. The Congresswoman expressed disappointment at his comments saying she's not ready to go the distance all the way to the White House.

"When it comes to personnel issues, I act professionally and respectful of former employees. I just assume that's a two-way street. It's disappointing when it's not," Bachmann told a reporter over the weekend. "I guess I should have done that Google search." A coy response to what the The New York Times described as Rollins' "history of speaking sharply about candidates who once employed him."

Rollins shot back, "Well, if I would have Googled her, I would have found out she had six chiefs of staff in five years." Snap!

Though these days, isn't that the first thing you do when you either hire or work for someone? This is the 2011 job market, baby. And clean up those questionable pics on Facebook while you're at it.

After bailing from the job in September, Rollins practically declared her campaign dead due to lack of funds — unless "she somehow for some reason could win Iowa than she could get another look."

At least no one Googled "Santorum."

Paul Beaty/AP

Tim Pawlenty speaking at the University of Chicago on Tuesday.

Republican Tim Pawlenty proposed a brand new economic policy today based upon the Internets. While giving a speech in Chicago, the former Minnesota governor touted a little thing he likes to call the “Google Test.”

Basically, if you can Google it, then the government should cut it.

"We can start by applying what I call 'The Google Test.' If you can find a good or service on the Internet, then the federal government probably doesn't need to be doing it," said Pawlenty. “The post office, the government printing office, Amtrak, Fannie and Freddie, were all built for a time in our country when the private sector did not adequately provide those products. That's no longer the case."

Mother Jones offered up a short list of good and services that would get killed if Pawlenty had his way: the military, police, fire departments, hospitals, schools, prisons, diplomats and food inspectors.

The list could go on and on...

Pawlenty also wants to cut the business tax rate and wipe out the capital gains tax, interest income tax, dividend tax and the estate tax.