ldyjocelyn

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!

Yeah, that. (I know there's an emoticon for that, but I'm too lazy to look for it....) I think so much of the "stigma" for American Idol happens because of this: the bad audition rounds. For some reason, those seem to be the most popular episodes (not in my household). Those bad auditions seem to get so much publicity IMO -- I would venture a guess that more people know who William Hung is as compared to Taylor Hicks, for example. I think that makes people really question the validity of American Idol, even though there has been some great talent from the show. I also think that more people think of AI as a TV show first, and then maybe as a vehicle to find a recording artist. I do tend to believe that most people tend to forget about most all the contestants once the show is over. Clay, in many ways, is one of the "lucky ones" in that regard -- he still gets publicity. Even then, though....not everyone follows the careers of contestants once the show is over.

liney, I'm so glad you made it to see PermaSwooned safely and soundly, and back home as well. Sounds like you had quite an adventure! But I'm sure it was worth it to meet up with a new Clay friend! Yes, muski -- NEXT WEEK! And I'll be meeting you there! EEEEEEEEEEE! I can't believe it's almost here. Thank you, everyone. Nope this is it for me, we are seeing 5 shows though SO I will have my fill. Just no time to be able to return, even if I wanted to. I am just pleased to be able to do this trek. That's me too. I had a certain enabler *coughcouchiecough* trying to convince me last night that I could do the May 4 weekend too, but I've already got something scheduled at church, plus I think my husband would divorce me. EEEEEEEEEEEEE for goldarngirl and FromClaygary! Make sure to report in, either via phone or on the board!

broadway.com Spamalot Marks its 3rd Anniversary with 3-D! There's also a new picture of the trio:

broadway.com Spamalot Marks its 3rd Anniversary with 3-D! There's also a new picture of the trio:

playbiller -- get your butt back in here and tell us about the Stage Door last night! And what was up with the 3-D glasses? As for the topic of Clay and hair: I like him with hair. *g* No offense bottlecap, but I'd love to see what kind of "artsy" album cover Clay would like. Yeah, it would make heads explode (I'll give bottlecap a motorcycle helmet to minimize damage), but it would also be a bit of an insight into the man. I'm willing.

Clay's really sexay in 3-D. 'night all!

See, I always think of it like this: there are certain artists out there that I originally hated. Bon Jovi is a perfect example for me -- back in the 80's I simply HATED them. Epitome of the hair band, blech. But now, after all these years, I really like them. They are survivors, and actually, I really like much of their music now. The point is, so much of our taste is subjective. There are some people that will never ever GET Clay. And then there are those people, like this blogger, who will eventually understand and possibly even like Clay. I do too, and I'm always looking for that. Try to avoid looking for the bad in what they say, always looking for the bright side of life. (See siggy....) Love, LOVE, LOVE the new video with that CUTE UNICEF ambassador. I love the sweater too. This sounds like a very cool project as well.

Banner change time! Thank you to cindilu2 for the filmstrip this week. Gah.

It's an exciting time to be a Clay fan, ya'll! There is so much to look forward to in the coming weeks, months, and years. I'm thoroughly thrilled that Clay seems happy with his work in Spamalot, and probably with his work on the album. OTOH, he could seemingly be happy because of what he had for lunch earlier in the day! My point is that I guess I don't care WHY he seems so happy, I'm just glad that he IS happy. As far as Spamalot opening doors for him...I do believe that many new people are seeing Clay Aiken in a new light. "Wow, he's really good." "I didn't think he'd be right for a Monty Python show." And so on. I also do think that the man is immensely talented (or learning quickly, such as with his dancing) in so many different things. But -- I honestly do not think that every single producer in NYC is suddenly contacting him with offers left and right. I also believe that Clay will each and every offer he has very carefully...and that he might make a few mistakes along the way. IMO he's been very blessed with everything he's done, and I sincerely hope that continues. I think it must be my "realism" gene that kicks in whenever I read "dream big." I love that some of you can do that. I just like to temper things a bit.... But it's still an exciting time to be a Clay fan, ya'll! ___ muski and merrieeee -- BWAH!!! CG, for the first time in 5 years, my husband and I are actually GETTING a refund! WOOHOO! Just needed to see this again.... Finally -- I just heard from Ansa via email. She's still having a hard time posting on the board. She can read here, and send email, but she thinks the reception for her wireless isn't the best. Anyway, she says "HI!" to everyone. And then, I'm going to pull one paragraph from her email.... That's pretty darn cool....

I'm dead. Memorials to the BAF, please.

For those (like me) who are having a hard time finding the USA Today special edition, you can order it here. The cost is $4.95 plus shipping. And yes, it looks as if they ship to Canada.