ldyjocelyn

I haven't listened to the other versions of the songs....ya'll that like to do that, have a good time, though. I mean that. I think that bio is outstanding. Loved reading about his two families... Bravo dear couchie! Actually, I was thinking today (probably a dangerous thought)...and it's something that some will probably not agree with at all. I think the whole RCA stuff in 2005/2006 was probably good for the fandom in the long run. IMO, before that point, Clay had a pretty charmed existence, and the expectations from some fans was that Clay would continue to have things handed to him on a silver platter. Well, that didn't quite happen. Things turned out differently, and I totally think Clay learned a lot from the experience. At the same time, some in the fandom had a "reality check" -- Clay has an amazing talent, to be sure, but business is business, and things do NOT always go the way fans want them to. My hope is that a lesson was learned, and, as couchie says, we can move past that. But, I'll say too -- please don't trash ATDW in the process. I still love the album dearly. I'm looking forward to the new album, but I love all Clay's albums like children, and I don't want ATDW to be the bastard stepchild. OK, I'm shutting up now. couchie -- AOL Webisode about On My Way Here. The link was originally posted about 3 pages ago.

So couchie -- is that a valid Scrabble word? I love that sweater too, and I do think of it the same way you do. I think we all have a piece of clothing that we just can't stand to get rid of, because it's pilling, or has a tear in it....as long as it's comfortable, I'll wear it. I can see this sweater being Clay's outfit like that. *off to revive my promosquad account*

Wow what a day! I'm pretty sure Eric Ogden has photographed Clay before, back in 2003. I used to run regular searches on the photographers Clay has worked with, and I remember his name quite vividly. I'll have to wait until I get home to figure out which photoshoot it was. ETA: Nevermind, I found it, through the archives of the CH. Eric Ogden has photographed Clay twice before...and if someone has a picture or two to post regarding this, please add them... 1) The Infamous "Page 50" People magazine picture. You know, reclining on the bathroom floor.... 2) He did the tour booklet for the NAT. Which means he also did the cover of LTS. GUH. I see YSRN beat me by a bit.... Did I get a new avatar first? *g*

***Sniff*** You'll be seeing me too, but I guess I'm not important..... **Walks off and pouts, feeling inadequate....** Aw CG, I'm sorry....I was just thinking about the people I could possibly see on Friday. Sunday is two days later, and my mind is working really screwy at the moment.... Um....yeah... New banner is beautiful (IM), and courtesy of 00lsee!

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! Ok, I'm done now.

You know play, I've wondered how the different looks would influence Clay as well, but then when I see Brad Pitt, he looks different constantly. of course that's probably comparing apples and oranges since Brad does not have a singing career. Don't know. After seeing the constantly changing CD covers, I had the same thought as well. I wonder if people get confused by his looks. I know my husband has said those kinds of things to me -- he's seen a few episodes of AIR with me, and I've had to tell him that Clay is now blonde. OTOH.... That's a very good point. See: Madonna. Talk about someone who reinvents herself every few years. If you find that article jmh, I would definitely be interested in that! Gibby -- I have a feeling I won't be seeing you this weekend. But I know I'll be seeing muski, I just hope I can see treenuts as well! EEEEEEE! CG, thank you for bringing that blurb over from the CH regarding the "buzz" on Clay in the Broadway world. That was very neato-keeno to read! merrieeee -- I wish variety shows were "cool" to the media, because I do truly think that Clay's talent would so fit the variety show format. I wish more people could see how multi-talented he is, and I think that would be the perfect vehicle for that. Someday, I hope.... BWAH!! And yeah....this hair (style wise at least) seems to be Clay. Or at least Clay at this moment. Tomorrow will probably be different!

More recaps from last night:

{{{{{aikim}}}}}}}}}}} So sorry all this happened at once over the weekend! HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENNAZ!!! It's interesting when those EW pictures were brought up yesterday. I'm positive that I was one who was drooling, and squeeing, and back to drooling again, when those pictures first appeared. Looking at them again yesterday....I was like "who IS that guy? I don't even feel like it's the same person." Know what I mean? And I do that with a lot of the early pictures now. Ones that I thought were so very gah-worthy back then now sometimes make me go "eh." I find that rather strange, actually... For the record, I love the cover picture (I thought that was a clever way to catch the hysteria around Clay at that time), and still love the two pictures with him and the dog (and remember how some interviews then thought that dog was Raleigh?). My favorite, though, of the early photo shoots with Clay, are the Time magazine shots, especially this one (made into a wallpaper for me by Betty897x): I've always loved his pose in that picture -- confident and cocksure (heh). I also love the outfit they've got him in, I think this is a fantastic suit. And the way the tie is loosened up a bit....gah.

Happy anniversary kf! Bunches o'recaps, via the CH (thanks MsMarm!): March 22nd/23rd

Assorted recaps.... One from this afternoon (March 23) from Clayversity: Another recap via CH (I think from Friday March 21 and Saturday March 22): janscaped at CV wrote:

*hands out chocolate rabbits to everyone here at FCA* Happy Easter everyone! I've been knocked for a loop with this massive head cold. I was planning on having a fairly enjoyable, relaxing weekend -- starting my packing for next weekend, and just chilling. Instead, I've spent most of the weekend in bed, trying not to be miserable. Thank God for Theraflu...even if it's from a box with an expiration date of 2003. *g* goldarngirl and FromClaygary, I cannot wait for your reports! I'm always extremely happy when some of my FCA peeps are enjoying themselves with Clay. Heh. I totally agree with KAndre on the changes in the board, and the changes in my posting styles. I'd have to think a bit to come up with samples for each type, though....although I think I could do it. And for me personally, while part my changes have been organic, there have been several times when I've thought about posting, had the post written, and then chucked it all. I have learned to be self-censoring, especially when thinking of posting in anger. What I tend to strive for is co-existence. I don't agree with everyone on this board -- far from it. But, just as there is in a family, there is always someone that you never quite see eye-to-eye with, but you love them anyway. It's that learning process of living together that makes the whole experience enjoyable in the long run. And one "wrong" comment isn't going to change my feelings. I guess I just try to see the good in EVERY single person -- warts and all. I saw the posts yesterday, and (my apologies to couchie) basically "ran away." Unfortunately, that tends to be my first thought. But then, it gives me a chance to think...and my thoughts after this were "Why?" On Friday, there was the Billboard article; then there was this... ...and yet, the focus was on negativity. I don't get it. While I understand not liking "negative," it is a part of life, and something that, in order to get along, needs to be dealt with constructively. I simply don't have time to deal with anything that can be possibly construed as a slam toward Clay. Honestly, I don't think CLAY has that kind of time either. Maybe I'm burying my head in the sand, but so be it. It keeps my blood pressure happy. *hands jumpercables to jamar*

Awww Clayzor....just don't give up hope, OK? I've yet to have a truly upclose and personal experience with Clay. Will I try next weekend? Of course I will. Will I get upset if I don't get it? For a bit, sure. But since I don't know what goes on in Clay's life at all, I won't be knocking myself or Clay out because of it. And I still will keep hope that it happens sometimes. I want for you to feel that hope too.

*coughcoughhackcough* Yeah, sitting here with the laptop, in my jammies, with a cup of green tea that my husband brewed for me. I hate being sick. Whew! I'm so glad you like it. A lot. I do too. A lot. And I think you're right, his hair does give a bit of the snowflake photos vibe to it. (Of course, that means merrieee will now think we've tainted the album cover for her...sowwy.) YSRN!!!! Glad to see you here! Yeah, I did. I know how much this is important to you! Thank you Gibby and cha cha for my new laptop wallpaper. Drool. Clay in widescreen is a sight to behold. From what I know of the calendar publishing business (which is admittedly very little)....the timing is good for there to be a Clay Aiken calendar 2009. Pictures for calendars need to be shot NOW, in order to go through the publication process. And now that we know he's had a recent photoshoot, I'm VERY hopeful for a professional calendar on sale in August! Watching that avi....in a way, it is amazing how much he's changed. And yet, I also think "the more things change, the more they stay the same." He's still Clay (or even Clayton), and that makes me feel good. With ya on the sideburns. Never really liked them....but they FIT with this look, and this picture. Sort of with ya on the pretty men. I loved Parker Stevenson back in the 70's...but then I loved Harrison Ford after that, and he's certainly NOT a pretty man. I think what attracts me about Clay is that he can be incredibly pretty, to be followed a few days later by NOT being pretty. And then he goes back again. It's that damn chameleon look for him, and I find it fascinating. gbmifan, I hope you have safe travels, and an enjoyable few days of rest and relaxation. I also hope someone has your cell phone number that they can call you with the latest Clay news! To those still having winter flashbacks on the third day of spring, my condolences. It's just cold and grey here, and they are talking about a bit of snow/rain tomorrow. Oh thank God. I just hope he doesn't hurt himself further. These are the kinds of things where I worry about him. CLAYZOR!!!!!!! I'm so glad you got to see Clay, and I'm so very glad your family made it happen for you. The carriage ride in NYC sounds fantastic too.... For the most part, I just can't get all that worked up, one way or the other, about Simon. I know some people like him; I know some hate him. For me, he's just not all that much on my radar. OK, back to sniffling and sneezing....

I like that idea....but I think my husband would think differently. He's not into threesomes. *Did I just say that?*

Yeah, where is she? And I also wonder about keepingfaith's reaction....she who loved AI5 Clay. I hope she loves this cover....because I want her to share in my joy...

I'm like laljeterfan, left the board for dinner....25 minutes before the picture showed up. *sigh* What a beautiful specimen of man.

bottlecap, he is cu....ur, ruggedly handsome. Hee. And my $600 check will probably be used to pay my Spamalot bills, sadly. I'm with CG in that I have to hope for close (to me) weekend shows, because I think flying for this tour is pretty much out of the question. My husband and I have also just put down a payment on a week at Disney World in November, so I need to be saving for that as well. Plus, you know Clay will do a Christmas tour.... Broadwayworld.com has photo coverage of the Spamalot in 3-D here. There's a picture from the stage of the mezzanine and balcony -- so I wonder if playbiller can find herself in the crowd!

billboard.com Clay Aiken Heads "Here" on Next Album ETA: This article was picked up by Reuters News Service on March 25, and several major newspapers ran this story.

:Pogo0: That is all. No, wait, it's not -- anyone want to help me figure out how to rob a bank so I can afford to see the tour this summer?

OMG, this picture is seriously CUTE! I want to take him home with me. Can I, huh, huh? PWEEZE?!?!?! BWAH! So, I take it Jerome was the Big Bad Wolf, then? I'm off work today for Good Friday, and instead of sleeping in, I woke up at approximately my normal time, which is around 6:00 a.m. What was the first thing I thought of? "At this time next week, I'll be on a plane to see my boyfriend!" And then, I couldn't get back to sleep again. This week is going to kill me....

liney, thanks for the story. Amazing, and moving.... CG, I've been busy watching Lost! merrieeee, is this better?

The "Hannah Loves Clay" clip is here at Clack Unlimited. Thanks to AustenClayFan! It's cute.....

OK, I'll add to the "newbie to NYC" questions then....are ATM's plentiful? Are they safe? I'm trying to decide how much cash to get before my trip next week. I'm guessing I will need taxi fare from LaGuardia to my hotel (I'm staying at the La Quinta Inn in Long Island City (Queens) with muski). I will probably either debit or credit card most of my meals and the souvenirs I want to buy. AAACK!