The List

Remember that Friends episode? The one were everyone gets to make a list of the people that, if the moment arises, the person is allowed to sleep with without their significant other getting upset? (That's Wikipedia's description -- I tried three times to describe it in a way that made sense and didn't put the word "without" right after "with" but if wikipeidia thinks it's still clear that way . . . )

I love lists. I love countdowns. I used to listen religiously to Rick Dees and Casey Kasem. I heart a good spreadsheet.

And pop culture. If there's one thing I know so far that I'm interested in outside of work, it's all kinds of pop culture -- tv, movies, celebrity gossip.

So maybe it's no surprise I'm all about The List. Even though, since I'm single, my list is technically infinite.

According to the Friends original, the list is five names, and they called it the Freebie List. So I try to keep it to five (I'm a rules kind of gal), but the bottom three rotate a lot (I'm also flexible -- or indecisive). And among my friends, lower-case f, it's just called The List. So here's a good way to get to know me -- my five, and alternates.

1. George Clooney -- Clooney owns the top spot. He's talented, funny, cares about politics and making good movies (Now that he's bankrolled himself with crap like Batman and Robin. Which he'll admit -- another reason to dig him!), and a dead sexy voice. I've asked a lot of people for their lists and one thing I've noticed, Clooney and Matthew McConaughey never share a list; I'm a Clooney girl.
2. Jon Stewart -- Smart. Funny. Liberal. Smart and funny when his liberal sensibilities are incensed. Jon Stewart's only flaw is that he didn't wait for me. Yeah, okay, Tracey seems cool. Whatever.
3. Christopher Eccleston -- ah, the entry that reveals my level of geekiness! If you're living in the UK, this one's self-explanatory. The rest of the world (with some notable Canadian exceptions) will need to be told that Christopher Eccleston was the Ninth Doctor Who. And before that makes you run for the hills, watch this video!
4. Hugh Jackman -- Hugh has come on and off the list a lot lately. He replaced Russell Crowe as the Australian on the List. Not because Hugh doesn't throw phones, although that's a bonus, but mostly because Russell keeps growning out his hair! Stop that, Russell!
5. Ewan MacGregor -- No, not because he was Obi-Wan. The sexiness far predates that. I'm talking Brassed Off, Velvet Goldmine, Emma. Heck, I even Netflixed The PillowBook, and that Peter Greenaway stuff freaks me out!

Alternates:

• Eric Bana -- I've never seen Troy, though I hear he was luscious (what can I say, I'm not a Brad Pitt fan). This is mostly on the basis of Munich, and then on seeing Bana in his native Australian accent at red carpets and such. A surprisingly funny guy (he was on a sort of SNL show in Australia) which just makes him hotter. Hugh better watch out, the List's Aussie slot may be in play!
• Steve Jobs -- finally, a non-actor, although I guess he is now a Hollywood figure because of Pixar and Disney. Steve is still hot, but you should also see this pic of him from 1984. Mmmm, doing his part to make geeks sexy! One of the main characters in this romance novel was inspired by Steve.
• Ioan Gruffud -- I've been watching a lot of Horatio Hornblower. I think there's a sex joke in there, but it would work better if I were a guy.
• Clive Owen -- broodier than my normal type, but he just smolders. Hello!

Is there a pattern? Sometimes I see one -- I mean, dark hair, smart (or seem to be), lots of accents and sexy voices, funny's important but not enough to put Will Ferrell or a Wilson brother on there. And that there are mostly actors, if you count Stewart that way (he'd insert a Death to Smoochy joke here).

What does my List say about me? Take it as you will.