First of all, let me start by saying that I never expected to see the Dallas Mavericks to win a conference championship. After 26 long years, after watching the drama that was Kiki Vandeweghe, Mark Aguirre, Roy Tarpley, Uwe Blab, Adrian Dantley, Richie Adubato, Doug Smith and Randy White, the “triple-J’s, Quinn Buckner, Ross Perot, Jr., Shawn Bradley and Dennis Rodman, after watching former players like Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, Sam Perkins, Detlef Schrempf and Dale Ellis thrive after leaving Dallas, Maverick fans finally have an opportunity to see something only seen in these parts by Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Stars fans; championship games.

For me, it gives me hope that just maybe, the Texas Rangers are not that far away. Considering the fact that the Mavericks finished the season with a 60-22 record, the Stars won the Pacific Division, the Rangers are in first place in the AL West and the Cowboys are expected to be in the playoff mix with new acquisition Terrell Owens, I guess it really is a good time to be a fan of Dallas sports. And if you count other sports, the Texas Longhorns won the NCAA championship in football, were in the Elite 8 in basketball and are the defending baseball champions, FC Dallas (formerly the Dallas Burn) of the MLS is in 1st place and last, but certainly not least, the Dallas Desperados of the Arena Football League are currently one win away from appearing in Arena Bowl XX, with the best record in the AFL, I guess you could say it’s a GREAT time to be a Dallas fan.

It’s one of the best things about growing up in Texas – even when you move away, you never grow apart.

I’d say “eat your heart out, Chicago”, but I kinda like Ozzie Guillen and you know, that whole Michael Jordan thing..

So now that I’m back to being at least a little happy, I feel secure enough to post my latest TOP 10 list. Continuing with the music theme, I made up the following list during my recent bout of depression and melancholia, but for reasons of not wanting to wallow in misery, I decided to wait until my moods improved before posting it.

So here goes…

The TOP 10 Songs That Make Me Cry
Songs that have either sad lyrics, melodies or imbue bad memories

10. (Tied) The Times of Your Life - Paul Anka
Traces - The Classics 4
Similar idea. Memories. Lot's and lot's of memories. For a melancholy guy like me, it's what makes us whole. You could probably throw "Good Riddence" by Green Day and Billy Joel's "Souvenir" in there too.

9. For No One - The Beatles
The saddest song by the Fab Four. And that says a lot. The line "You think she needs you", rips my heart out every time I hear it.

8. End of the World - Skeeter Davis
The innocence in Skeeter Davis' voice moved me, a mere child of 2. Maybe I don't remember it from then, but it wasn't long after.

7. Superstar - The Carpenters
That voice could make Satan melt. So soulful, and yet so tragic.

6. Cat's In The Cradle - Harry Chapin
The same guys who later cried watching "Field of Dreams" cried when they heard this song back in the day. C'mon, you know who you are.

5. At This Moment - Billy Vera
Even Alex Keating had a tough time with this one. The timing couldn't have been any worse for me, or better. After all, what CAN you say? I chose nothing.

4. Downbound Train - Bruce Springsteen
When I heard that long whistle whine, I dropped to my knees, hung MY head and cried.

3. Even Now - Barry Manilow
He may be a master showman, but he's also a very gifted lyricist. This song has pushed me near the ledge more than once.

2. Alone Again, Naturally - Gilbert O'Sullivan
This song killed me when I was 10. The poor guy was left at the alter, his Dad died and his Mom soon after. Who wouldn't cry? It's not easy feeling alone at such a young age. Trust me.

1. Whiskey Lullaby – Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss
This song only came out a year ago, but it hands-down the saddest song I’ve ever heard. Some people I know have wept for hours after hearing Alison Krauss’ mournful voice. Whenever it comes on the radio, I either have to pull over if I'm driving, or sit down when I hear it. Usually, I just tear up.

There were, of course, a bunch of others that didn't make the cut, and I suppose, at any given time, the listy can change. Here are some of the other songs I considered - tell me what I missed:
Seasons in the Sun - Terry Jacks
Everybody Hurts - REM
Don't Cry Out Loud - Melissa Manchester
All By Myself - Eric Carmen
Hallelujah - Leonard Cohen
Brick - Ben Folds Five
Windows And Walls - Dan Fogelberg
Run, Joey Run - David Geddes
Seargent Darkness - America
Sylvia's Mother - Dr. Hook
Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon and Garfunkel
The Last Kiss - Pearl Jam
Ain't No Sunshine - Bill Withers
(There's Got to Be) a Morning After - Maureen McGovern
Killing Me Softly - Roberta Flack
Here I Am - Air Supply
Vincent - Don McLean
Think of Laura - Christopher Cross
Hazard - Richard Marx
Only Love Knows Why - Peter Cetera
I Won't Hold You Back Now - Toto
Just Once - James Ingram
Songs About Rain - Gary Allan
Our Last Farewell - Dan Fogelberg
Wasted Time - The Eagles
The Smile As Left Her Eyes - Asia
Space Oddity - David Bowie
I Go Crazy Paul Davis
Tears In Heaven - Eric Clapton
You Can Have Me Any Time - Boz Scaggs
My Eyes Adored You - Frankie Valli
At Seventeen - Janis Ian
You're Only Lonely - J.D. Souther