One of my all-time favorite songs

Since we're all thinking about song craftsmanship and voice versus presence (Archie versus Cookie in American Idol -- the better man won, IMHO), I thought I'd post the video to one of my all-time favorite jams. Yes, I am a dork, but Barbra Streisand...can anyone touch her voice? And the Bee Gees -- it's a winning combination.

My top 10 musical motivators

In the face of unspeakable sadness in the world -- insert your own example, because there are plenty to go around -- I thought I'd share the 10 songs that get my heart racing, my motivating revving and give me the strength to keep on fighting. Warning: Some major schlock ahead:

• Don't Rain on My Parade -- Barbra Streisand
• Hero -- Mariah Carey
• Everybody Hurts -- REM
• Break Away -- Kelly Clarkson
• Beautiful Day -- U2
• Lose Yourself -- Eminem
• Feel Good Inc. -- Gorillaz
• I Won't Back Down -- Tom Petty
• Alive -- Pearl Jam
• Better Now -- Collective Soul

Babs mouths off

At her Madison Square Garden concert, La Streisand did an anti-Bush skit. Someone heckled her, and well, you read the rest. The language!