Firefighter Combat Challenge, Kissimmee, FL (Photo from ESPN)

I wrote some thoughts after 9/11. I didn’t know how I’d feel about them a year later — never mind ten years later.

I wrote, I think, for the reason a lot of people did: to express my emotions. And attempt to do that in a way that might “uplift.”

I chose to express my feelings by recalling a recent experience with a group of firefighters. As that horrible day unfolded, firefighters led the charge into the burning towers to contain the flames and rescue people.

But my words from ten years ago apply to all first responders, who were there step-for-step with firefighters. If it wasn’t clear before, we saw what’s at stake for these brave men and women on a daily basis.

Please read my post at GregValentine.com, “My Weekend With Some Every Day Heroes.”

Kristy Lee Cook (left), Jesse Lee (center) and Lauren Alaina (right)

Third time’s a charm for the song “Like My Mother Does.”

For anyone who watched Season 10 of American Idol, the loving tribute to “mom” seems tailor-made for runner-up Lauren Alaina.

But “Like My Mother Does” has a history. Lauren’s not even the first Idol singer to record it! That would be Season 7′s Kristy Lee Cook, who sang it on her 2008 post-Idol album Why Wait. Country singer Jesse Lee released her version last year (2010).

Listen to all three versions and read the rest of this post HERE!

Greg Valentine
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Read me on KMPS.com

Rappers have gone "canine" naming themselves (Photo by istolethetv/Flickr)

Here’s one I wrote recently for SniffSeattle.com:

Rappers have tough task when they’re starting out. Find the best “rapper name!” Many have gone “canine.”

Before counting down the “Top Five Rappers With Dog Names,” let me tell you who didn’t make the list.

Tim Dog, Phunk Dawg, Milkbone and McGruff. I appreciate the effort. But this list is reserved for performers that the masses have, um, heard of. The only McGruff I know is the Crimedog.

MC Breed fell short, mainly because I wasn’t sure if “breed” was being used as a noun or a verb.

Finally, there’s Randy Jackson. And while he’s not a rapper, and his name is “Randy” not “Rover,” his frequent use of the word “dawg” on American Idol is worthy of an honorable mention.

#5 – Bow Wow
He started at age 13 as “Lil’ Bow Wow.” He probably dropped the “Lil’” when he remembered he’d resented being called “little” since he was eight like the rest of us!

#4 – Nate Dogg
Recently passed away, Nate Dogg was an early protégé of Snoop Dogg’s. Nate was a rapper who could actually sing, as evidenced by his assist on this Warren G track.

#3 – Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
The word “bone” gets ‘em on this list?! Yep. The options were getting a little thin. But now that they’re on, gotta rank ‘em pretty high!

#2 – Pitbull
When any of today’s recording stars leave the studio, by the time they get to the car, Pitbull’s pretty much rapped on the remix on the track they just finished!

#1 – Snoop Dogg
“Snoop Doggy Dogg” is simply the king of all canine rappers. From his days as a pup, nobody’s brought more dog puns to music: Doggystyle, Tha Doggfather, Doggumentary.

Greg Valentine
Check me out on Twitter
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sniffseattle@gmail.com
http://www.sniffseattle.com

Casey Abrams avoided an early exit when Idol judges saved him.

Ryan Seacrest hinted during the American Idol results show last night that there was a shocker on the way. And he was right. Haley Reinhart didn’t get sent home — wasn’t even in the Bottom Three. Shocking!

Who almost got sent home was Casey Abrams, the scruffy-breaded, sometimes wild-eyed growler. I’m not saying Casey could win, or should win. But an exit this early? Hardly just.

And the judges agreed, using their lone “save” to keep Casey in the competition.

Some of the water cooler talk surrounding Idol the last few seasons has been this basic question: “What’s wrong with American Idol?” I say, maybe it’s the people watching the show.

American Idol has developed a huge credibility problem over the last five seasons. An Idol winner hasn’t become a bonafide superstar since Carrie Underwood (Season 4). My theory goes like this. As the show got higher and higher ratings, voting by viewers became less instinctive at picking the next music superstar.

Taylor Hicks

In other words, right about the time your grandma starting watching the show, we started getting winners like Taylor Hicks instead of Chris Daughtry. Oh, and I’m not blaming your grandma. ‘Cuz she’s awesome!

I’m blaming viewers? I’m a really saying this? Yep.

Have voters become extremely predictable, especially favoring guys over girls? I wrote about that last season Read it here — how around Top 12 Week we often see all-girl Bottom Threes. And right on schedule,  it happened again this year. Guys tend to find “supporters” quicker. And it’s clear that favoritism continues through the season.

Four out of the last five winners have been guys (Taylor Hicks, David Cook, Kris Allen, Lee DeWyze). Interestingly, the lone female Idol winner of the last five years, Jordin Sparks, has sold the most albums of those five winners.

So there ya go. It’s the voting. It’s clear viewers of this show prefer the Kris Allens over the Adam Lamberts. I think that explains why Casey Abrams nearly departed before his time.

Most of all, I miss the days when an Idol winner was someone who could be a superstar. When it come to winners, gimme more Kelly Clarksons. More Carries. Fewer Lee DeWyzes.

Greg Valentine
Check me out on Twitter
Read me on KMPS.com

Sugarland and Little Big Town on the 2011 Incredible Machine Tour

Sugarland is known for “curveball” cover tunes. And they’ve done it again! Madonna‘s “Like A Prayer” gets the country treatment on the current Incredible Machine Tour — with help from tour-mates Little Big Town!

It’s a return to the 80s for Sugarland, who’ve covered The Dream Academy‘s “Life In A Northern Town” and the B-52′s “Love Shack” in past years.

Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush launch into this version of “Like A Prayer” by themselves. Around 90 seconds in, the crowd erupts as Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Jimi Westbrook, and Phillip Sweet from Little Big Town join in on the chorus.

Check out the video. It’s fun stuff. “Put your dancing shoes on,” as Jennifer says.

Stewie aka "Santa Paws" (Photo by Jeanna, Sniff Seattle Dog Walkers)

Sniff Seattle is here! We’ve launched a new dog walking, pet sitting and grooming service, specializing in Seattle neighborhoods from downtown to the north.

To our friends in Seattle, thanks for helping us spread the word! If you know someone who’s looking for pet services such as dog walking, pet sitting, boarding, or grooming, let them know about Sniff Seattle.

I’m also inviting all of our friends on Facebook to also friend the Sniff Seattle Facebook page. If you’re on Twitter, come follow us. And check out the Sniff Seattle website I put together.

And if you live in Seattle, and need some loving pet care, give Jeanna a call! The contact info is below.

The back-story on all this? We both love animals. Jeanna has been around and worked with animals all her life, and spent months laying the ground work for Sniff Seattle. I’ve spent the last couple weeks building and maintaining the website. Somehow, that qualifies me for “partner” status in this new business. Hey, I’ll take it!

From SniffSeattle.com:

Sniff Seattle is a dog walking and pet sitting service, serving the Ballard, Queen Anne, Magnolia, Fremont, Greenlake, Wallingford, Greenwood, Blue Ridge, Eastlake, Westlake and downtown neighborhoods of Seattle, Washington. We offer complete peace-of-mind when it comes to the care of your pet. Reliable. Trusted. Fully bonded and insured. And above all, lovingly dedicated to the care of your furry family members!

Call Sniff Seattle: (206) 478-5183
Email Sniff Seattle: SniffSeattle@gmail.com

Greg Valentine
My tweets: http://twitter.com/gregvalentine
My KMPS blogs: http://kmps.radio.com/author/kmpsgreg

Jeanna with Cornbread (Photo by Greg Valentine)

The new opening of American Idol says it all. I’m not sure what exactly. But I suspect it’s profound.

To the beat of the familiar theme song, and the Los Angeles skyline in the background, a bright orange laser beam comes straight down from the sky and seemingly explodes the Idol stage.

It’s clearly a metaphor. They’re “blowing things up” and starting over. New judges. Changes to the age limit. And other twists coming in the weeks ahead.

That’s what I think they’re going for. But the image of the beam also reminds of of the iconic scene from Independence Day where the aliens blow up the White House. Although we humans prevailed later, the White House was never the same.

Will Season 10 of American Idol be a new beginning? Or the beginning of the end. That’s the question that’ll be answered slowly in the months ahead. Ratings are definitely down from last season’s premiere week: Down 18% Wednesday night; Down 24% last night.

That said: I love Steven Tyler! “Shit fire and save matches, fuck the duck and see what hatches!” Did Steven just say that? He sure did. And it’s not just the words, but the way he said it–with all the rock swagger you’d expect. Steven showed up ready to put on a show, singing along with some contestants, banging the table for percussion with others. He’s a joy to watch.

But there’s no getting around it for me. The show feels a little “rootless” without Simon Cowell. Kinda like, what’s the point of all this? WWST. “What Would Simon Think?”

I wasn’t sure if I was gonna blog about the show this season. I’m still not. But here’s one. What did you think of this week’s shows?

Greg Valentine
check me out on Twitter: http://twitter.com/gregvalentine

“The next opening’s not ’til next Wednesday,” she said.

Hmmm. one whole week. That was longer than I wanted to wait. But I’d heard some good things about these guys. So I said, “Yeah. I take it!”

“Have you ever been to our salon?” the pleasant lady asked, exhibiting no signs of the crazy that was about to come.

“Umm. No.”

“Oh…okay, we ask that our first-time guests pre-pay for their appointment. So, I’ll be glad to take your credit card number, charge the $35, and you’ll be set!”

As I searched for the right words to respond, she chimed in: “That’s our policy.”

“Really?! Cuz MY policy is to NOT do business with people who are from freakin’ Mars!” Is what I wish I’d said. Instead, I thanked her for her time, and quickly hang up. Some part of me longed for the days I had a landline. Cell phone hang ups are pretty damn wimpy.

I won’t be getting my hair cut there. It’s the principle. Which sucks. Because since moving back to Seattle, I’ve yet to find a salon or a stylist who can “get the job done.” Being a man with a “policy” isn’t making my life any easier.

But, c’mon! Pre-pay for a $35 hair cut? Are you serious? That’s like a restaurant taking your reservation for dinner next week, and then asking for the money up front. Doubtful anybody would go for that.

While we’re on the topic, here’s a partial list of other things I will not be paying for today. 1) Next week’s groceries. 2) Car repairs that I’ll need sometime in the next year. 3) Oxygen.

To be fair, that last one is free. Although I get the sense that this hair salon would try and charge for it, if they could.

And yes, I “get” what they’re doing. They want the money, in case you flake out on the appointment. So, let me get this right. I just called your business out-of-blue. And the first thing you want me to know is…that you’re already not sure if you trust me? Hey, that’s a great way to start a new business relationship!

Part of me has a (very) slight appreciation for this kind of arrogance. It must be nice in this tough economy to have sooooooo many customers that you can create hurdles to reduce the number of new clients. I mean, I guess that means they’re pretty good at what they do.

But the smart business person recognizes that success comes in cycles–sometimes you’re riding high, others times not so much. The goal should always be to turn your first impressions into lasting business.

Greg Valentine
check me out on Twitter: http://twitter.com/gregvalentine

Update 8/4/2011:  When I wrote this post six months ago, I made the choice to not name the salon. I simply wanted to “state my case” about the absurdity of charging people for services to be performed in the future. I mean, I’m not asking you to build a house for me — for which you’d have to buy supplies and building materials. All I want is my hair cut. I’m pretty sure you already have some scissors. So, what’s the problem?!

Anyway, now that I’ve moved across town, I drive by these jackasses almost every day. I had come to peace with this. But now they’re in my face. The name of the joint is Valentine’s Men’s Grooming Salon. Their policy is if you’ve never been there before, you will have to pay for your hair cut when you make your appointment.

And yes, I originally called them because of the name “Valentine.” I would like to say it was for the “camaraderie” of  our shared name. But it was probably vanity. I should be ashamed of myself. And I kinda am, lol.

Everything about Season 9 had a feel of “lesser-ness” about it. So I guess it’s not surprising the finale would go the same way.

Instead of last season’s kick ass finale teaming of Adam Lambert and KISS, last night we got one of those 60s variety show group-sings of “School’s Out” featuring the Top 12 in school uniforms and a crusty Alice Cooper. Not as cool.

Instead of the brilliant pairing of Idol winner Kris Allen and country superstar Keith Urban, last night’s eventual winner Lee DeWyze got stuck singing with the band Chicago. Lee’s from the Chicago area. Get it? Lame.

Instead of putting some thought into booking the show, it seems like they backed a truck up to the rock ‘n’ roll old-folks home and said, “Get on! We’re taking you to bingo!”

Hall and Oates. Joe Cocker. Bee Gees. Michael McDonald. I guess you can’t spell I-D-O-L without O-L-D.

Alright, so if it were up to me, I’d get a better generational mix of guests. Adam Lambert was scheduled to appear. But producers nixed his appearance after he missed his rehearsal time. For some strange reason, producers (and censors) would like to see what he’s got planned before putting him on-the-air. The “for some strange reason” is knowing sarcasm, in case that wasn’t clear.

My favorite moments last night? Crystal Bowersox performing “Ironic” with Alanis Morissette, which felt legit and relevant. Also Casey James doing “Every Rose Has A Thorn” in an emotional performance with Bret Michaels, who despite his recent health scares seems determined to not go quietly. Good for him. It was also cool seeing Janet Jackson (who’s gone natural with her new short haircut), who, despite having two microphones at one point, didn’t appear to be doing much live singing.

The tributes to Simon Cowell were entertaining, too. I’m sure some will say they were a bit overdone. But the fact is, Simon is, and has been, the show. His departure is a game-changer.

There’s a big question that needs to be asked today: Is Idol on a irreversible slide, destined to never regain the luster and pop culture focus it once had? Or will the culmination of a lackluster season be the inspiration for a rebirth and return to glory?

Right now, it’s hard to see how the later choice above would occur. The problems seem tied to the dismantling of the dysfunction family that was the judging panel: first adding the unnecessary Kara DioGuardi; then letting Paula Abdul get away; and now with Simon Cowell‘s departure.

Only time will tell. The same can be said of Season 9, the real test of which will come in the months and years ahead. Can Lee and Crystal sell music in comparable amounts to other Idol winners and high-profile runners-up? What about third-placer Casey? And will any others from this season’s Top 12 emerge from the pack to become successful recording artists?

Now, for the thing I wanted to put in the first paragraph–but wisely decided to stick with analysis of the entertainment last night instead of the following statistics.

There are a lot of people this morning under the false impression that Lee beat Crystal by two percent of the vote. Here’s what Ryan Seacrest actually said: “Coming into the vote last night, less than 2 percent separated the finalists.” Read those words carefully. What they actually say is that number (two percent) are the votes from every week BUT the finale. The two percent has nothing to do with the finale votes.

My gut tells me Lee beat Crystal by a margin much larger than two percent.

Once again, things seem to work out in the Idol-verse. Lee has a very recordable voice and will benefit more than Crystal from being “The Idol.” As for Crystal, she’ll have an easier time staying true her artistic vision as the runner-up. Both are in good spots. As always, it’s about what they do next with the opportunity they have.

Greg Valentine
check me out on Twitter: http://twitter.com/gregvalentine

It was the night American Idol‘s Top 2 went head-to-head at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles.

And it was a night that I give to Crystal Bowersox. But who’ll get the Idol crown tonight? For that prediction, stayed tuned until the end of this blog.

Each singer sang three songs last night: one of their favorite songs from earlier in the season; one picked by Idol producer Simon Fuller; and a song that’ll be their first single if they win.

I’m not sure who picked the third songs (probably also Simon Fuller). But this is where Idol producers diverted from their formula of past seasons. The single has always been an original, although often schlocky, song written for the winner to sing. The songs in the past have been fairly “cookie-cutter” and not necessarily the best jump-off point for a singer’s new career. So I’m glad to see the show trying something different. Even so, the idea of a “first single” has become less meaningful ever since the show started selling studio versions of all the Top 12 songs. The real excitement for Crystal and Lee comes in about six months when the first single from their first album gets released.

Here are my rankings of the last night’s finale performances

1) Lee DeWyze – “Beautiful Day” by U2 (Lee’s single if he wins) – Right from the get, I have to admit my bias. My pick here is heavily influenced by my work in the radio biz…and my personal taste. This was the performance last night that I’d most enjoying playing on the radio. For that matter, the song last night I’d most want my iPod to shuffle into. On Lee’s third song of the night, he finally got his nerves under control, which were noticeable and palpable up to this point, and things came together. Lee stayed true to the original while hitting some nuanced vocal differences that spotlighted both Lee’s unique sound and the gorgeous arrangement of the song. The only downside, I couldn’t feel Lee’s connection to the song.

2) Crystal Bowersox – “Up To The Mountain” by Patty Griffin (Crystal’s single if she wins) – Okay, to be totally honest, my first reaction when this came on last night was, “Huh? Did someone die?” It seemed a little light on levity and heavy on gravitas–especially for a “single.” But with subsequent listens, this has become one of my favorite Crystal performances. She delivered a controlled yet nuanced vocal and seemed really connected to the song. Not to be Debbie Downer. But I still prefer Kelly Clarkson‘s version with Jeff Beck from Idol Gives Back in 2007.

3) Crystal Bowersox – “Black Velvet”  by Alannah Miles (picked by Simon Fuller) – I’m with Simon Cowell on this one. I kinda dread this song–for being so obvious, such a “bar band/audition” kinda song. But Crystal did something with it, made it her own and gave us her most confident guitar-less performance of the season. Yes, she looked a little uneasy at first as she attempted to descend the staircase in her L.B.D. as she sang. But by the end, she seemed to be having fun and interacting with the crowd, which is important because there’s been plenty of times this season when it’s been hard to tell if she’s been enjoying this whole process.

4) Crystal Bowersox – “Me And Bobby McGee” by Janis Joplin (Crystal fave from earlier this season) – Crystal’s first song of the night showed that she was comfortable and confident in front of the 7,000 people at the Nokia (significantly larger than the usual Idol audience at Television City). This was solid, if, literally, something we’ve seen before. I gave the edge to her “Black Velvet” for showing us something different.

5) Lee DeWyze – “The Boxer” by Simon & Garfunkel (Lee fave from earlier this season) – This was the first indication Lee might have an off night. Nothing wrong with this version. Except that it wasn’t as good as the first time he sang it on the show. I went back and “A/B-ed” both versions. Lee sang this with much more passion and purpose during “Inspirational Song Week.” This was a good song choice; the song’s kinda his “underdog” theme song. In a way, the song here should’ve been “Hallelujah,” if the idea is to go with a singer’s best effort of the season. But that would’ve meant ended last week’s show and starting this week’s show with the same song. I’m sure show producers either did or would’ve put the kibosh on that.

6) Lee DeWyze – “Everybody Hurts” by R.E.M. (picked by Simon Fuller) – Uggg. Terrible song choice for Lee by Simon Fuller. The result was an ill-fitting, low-energy effort that played into the general criticism that this season has been nothing spectacular. Lee seemed to be inside his own head as he performed this. I wouldn’t want to say I know what was going on inside. But on the outside, it seemed like Lee wasn’t enjoying the moment.

So, who wins tonight? One of my contentions (I have many, mind you) is that people watched the show last night already knowing who they’d be voting for. That’s a good thing for Lee, who definitely had an off-night, because his fans will remember “Hallelujah” and not “Everybody Hurts” when they vote. I also suspect Lee’s a bigger hit with Idol‘s notorious “power” voters and texters–people who vote hundreds of times compared to more casual viewers. The fact that the judges seemed to pummel Lee, while praising Crystal, will actually energize his supporters to vote hard. I’ve also said in this blog that going into last night, Lee was the actual front-runner. (That’s contrary to what most of the media has been reporting.)

Tonight, Lee DeWyze is crowned the new American Idol. It will not be an “upset,” as many will call it tomorrow. However, there will be a perception that Crystal Bowersox was the better “artist,” and with these people, a sense that she was “robbed.”

Greg Valentine
check me out on Twitter: http://twitter.com/gregvalentine