The Top 10 Top 10 List

Lately, I've noticed a surge in the popularity of the "top 10 list". It's getting to be something of a crazy fad; everyone's making them, from the average guy's list of his favorite places to go have a drink, to the large business listing ways to cut costs.

I've seen lists for the top places to get a date, places to take a restless pet and even top ways to stay young. There are lists of nice places to live, places to work and to play.

The funny thing I've noticed about these lists is that they are so broad. I mean unless there are hard facts or stats in black and white to substantiate the list how do we know how true they are. And what I think makes a good dry cleaners may not be the same for someone else; or steak or relaxing vacation for that matter. Don't get me wrong, I know these lists are most often not meant to be taken too seriously and some do have good information to back them up, however, we have to get together on this list thing or all of them stand to loose all credibility ...then where will we be?

So, in an effort to make sense of all of this I have compiled a list. A top 10, top 10 list or the top 10 of the top 10 list, along with a brief description and rationale for being on the list.

No. 10 The top 10 news stories of the day

In most major cities you can get a good idea of what's going on in local news by the first 10 news stories, most lead of with number one usually a national story, whether political or just plain topical. The final story number 10, is almost always whimsical or quirky, one that the anchor can end the segment with a spunky comment.

No. 9 Top 10 Baby Names

For whatever reason the top 10 baby names is perpetually showing up, probably due to the fact that we are always having more babies. This in turn explains why baby names are one of the oldest top 10 lists.

No. 8 Pick up Lines

Always good for a laugh, the top 10 pick up lines are always a hit. Most can't believe these lines have ever been used. However, ask any woman and she'll probably tell you she's heard at least one on this list. A few classics " Do you come here often?" "What sign are you?"

No. 7 Vacation Destination

Number 7 is a good example of a top 10 list in which much is at stake by those on the list and especially those not on the list. Ask for a favorite vacation destination and you're bound to get a multitude of suggestions. Hotels, beaches, Amusement Parks they've all been and the top of some list at one time or another. Usually the ones they make up themselves.

No. 6 Steakhouse

You know that magazine in the seat pocket in front of you on your last flight. Look towards the back, you'll always find a list of the top 10 steakhouses. And its no coincidence that those on the list are all in the cities that airline flies to. Still makes for a good list ...and its number 6

No. 5 Barbecue Joint

Although it's halfway into the list at number 5 this just might be the most contested top 10 list of them all. Everybody knows a spot were they can pick up some good Barbecue.
As for which one is best, that's for someone else to decide. Let's just say a good plate of ribs is something we can all agree on.

No. 4 Top 10 Cars

Made famous years ago by car magazines, the list of the top 10 cars has not only rewarded the best car manufactures but has led to many design and safety innovations. One only need look at the top 10 cars from just a few years ago to see how far we've come in these areas.

No.3 College Football

Needless to say, all of these list are meaningful, some more then others. To say that the College football top 10 list is meaningful is surly an understatement. The only list which is nationally none to have three recognized versions. Enough said.

No. 2 FBI top 10 most wanted

Probably the most serious, and certainly the most important, the FBI 10 most wanted is one list you don't want to be on. Started in the 1950's and made famous by the many dastardly criminals heinous enough to be put on the list. Make it here and expect not only the attention of the FBI but maybe even the guy next door.

No. 1 David Lettermen's Top 10 List

The only list with no one subject. Lettermen's top 10 is reverent and topical. His dry wit and wacky sense of humor leaves you laughing out loud. Often delivered by guest usually someone in the news or not known for their comic talents, giving the list a hint of humility along with the laughs. From the opening segment with the clever animation to the drum roll leading up to number one. This is the quintessential top 10 list.