ldyjocelyn

Care to tell us how your really feel bottlecap? I take it ticket buying is interesting?

jmh, you are so nice. I was thinking of just pointing upward and laughing, but decided that I like luckiest1 too much to do such a mean thing.

*g*

Thank you all for the good wishes. We're in "wait and see" mode around here; but I will say that it doesn't sound particularly good, according to my husband. I'll keep you all posted.

Thanks keepingfaith and Cotton for the pretties. I bring a few pretties as well, via ClayIzzaQT from Sterling Heights....

And for muski and all the smutters here (which I think includes almost everyone, right? Heh)...

Entire album is here.

I have one ticket for sale to this show -- Row E, seat 138. Cost is $72.00 PM me if interested.

ETA: Ticket SOLD!!!!

WOOHOO!!!!

The Amazing Race starts again Sunday, November 4, 8:00 p.m. EST!

Here's a semi-spoilerish article from The Futon Critic about the upcoming season. I haven't read it, so don't tell me! The CBS website just announces that the show is coming back, and to keep looking at their site for more information!!!!!

WOOHOO!!!!!

{{{{{{{{{So. California people}}}}}

Also....my husband needs your prayers and good thoughts too. His mother had a stroke today, and it's not looking good. We just saw her a week ago in Minnesota, and it looks like we'll now be making another trip up there very soon. Thanks guys.

Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader? web page

Two new outtakes with Clay -- one with him attempting to sing the theme song, and another about Clay's nut allergies!

He's so freakin' adorable.

Information from abbeynormal at the CH regarding hotel and pre-party information:

Pre-Party will be Multi-boardal, to be held at the Hard Rock Cafe (site of several rockin' Clay Aiken preparties!). Here is their website with address. Ordering will be off their group menu at a price of $16 per person (covers food, soft drinks, tax, tip and gratuity).

For hotel, try Residence Inn St. Louis Downtown.

This is the closest, nice, reasonable place to the Fox.

If you want in on this group rate, call Nora Mullenix at 314-450-3407 and tell her you are with the "Aiken Clackhouse" group. This is a new Residence Inn. Options are:

--studio suite--one bed ($99)

--one bedroom suite ($119)

--two bedroom suite (2 bath) ($159)

All have full kitchens, sleeper sofa in living room, maximum 5 persons to a room. Free (full) breakfast, free drink and food at happy hour, comp parking, free shuttle to and from the Metrolink (train) station (right at the HardRock), which will also take you directly to and from the airport. Can either drive or cab to the Fox (10 minute ride).

We can hang out in lobby for a post party--the bar and bartender will be available as long as there's a demand.

Please post here or PM me when you make your reservation and what kind of room, so we can track numbers and adjust the agreement, if necessary. Also if you're coming to the Hard Rock.

Clarification of cancellation policy: can cancel without penalty up to 4pm the day of arrival. Cancellation after 4 or failure to show gets charged the full amount.

If you're not a member of the CH and want to let abbey know that you're using this deal, PM me here and I'll let her know.

Ticketmaster page for purchasing tickets is here.

Tickets go on sale Saturday, October 27 at 10:00 a.m. EDT.

The show is up at Ticketmaster here. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Saturday, October 27 at 10:05 a.m. EDT.

Playhouse Square Theater

This will be in the State Theater section. Seating chart for the main floor is here, and for the upper level is here.

Tickets for this show go on sale on Saturday, October 27 at 11:00 EDT.

Information on the show (including the link to buy tickets) is HERE

This venue uses tickets.com as their ticketing system.

Event Type: Pop

Event Venue: STATE THEATRE

Presenter: Playhouse Square

Description:

On Sale 10/27/07 11:00 AM

As the runner-up to Fox TV´s second American Idol, vocalist Clay Aiken wowed television audiences with his Southern charm, sweet demeanor, and bright, glorious voice, and became a pop star. Out of 7,000 hopefuls, the Charlotte, NC, native won the hearts of the judges as well as millions of fans across the globe. It was Clay’s personality and stunning voice that led him to his 2nd place spot on Idol, a record deal with RCA and numerous hit songs and Holiday Specials.

This December Clay Aiken returns to Playhouse Square with the 45 piece Playhouse Square Orchestra to perform holiday favorites.

Children Policy:

No children under 2. All guests must have a ticket for admittance into the theatre.

Single Ticket Prices

Section Ticket Prices

Dress Circle $75.00

Loge $75.00

Orchestra $65.00

Mezzanine $50.00

Balcony $35.00

Scarlett, I'm sorry to hear about your trials and tribulations in your job. I think it just goes to show that as far as we've come with "enlightenment" in regards toward the workplace and the differences in race, sex, and other things -- how much further we still have to go. It's pretty sad, actually.

As for me retiring? Heh. It MIGHT happen by the time I'm 80. I WANT it to happen a LOT sooner. Like tomorrow.

So that's why I play the lottery on occasion.

muski, I so agree with this:

thinking of all those 'Not Us' people sprinkled in the many audiences of the Spamalot shows who'll have the chance to reacquaint themselves with that CLay Aiken guy.

Yep. There's going to be a BUNCH of people whom I think will be blown away by his sense of humor and his comedic timing. It's one of the reasons, IMO, that I think he gains a lot of fans via his live shows. Sure, he sings fantastic, but it sometimes seems as if the banter is what some remember best. I know I do, but I'm a sucker for his banter. His records never seem to capture his humor, but Spamalot sounds like a good showcase for his comedy skills. And I think a bunch of minds will be changed in the process. Not just a singer -- he's an entertainer, DEMMIT!!!!!

I shouldn't be here, just because I said I would try some things and then a) chickened out; and found I didn't have the time to work on this properly. But I'd like to suggest that there are many other versions of Solitaire out there. At the very least...could someone work in his AI3 appearance (where he was looking so very fine) into the banner?

FromClaygary, thanks for sharing your memories and pictures with us. That's so cool about being on a show similar to Bandstand! And my sister can identify with the hair! (I'm WAY younger than my sister. *g*)

jmh, that YouTube clip is hysterical! They did a great job of "play acting" the song, and it is funny watching the guy trying to not be affected by the song...and yet he was. Heh.

Time for AIR around here!

Hey, don't be dissin' the Honeycrisp apples! Best. Apple. Ever. I used to really hate apples as a snack fruit, because usually Red Delicious was all that was around, and IMO they were NOT aptly named. They were usually mushy and rather tasteless. But then, two years ago, I stopped at our local orchard and asked for a good crisp, slightly tart apple that kept well. They got me onto Honeycrisps...and the rest is history for me. I'll never go back to any other apple for snack eating again!

All these doggie pictures are making me go "awww," even though I'm more of a cat person. My dad had hunting dogs, huge black labs. They were trained for hunting, but they also had a habit of jumping on me when I was a teenager, and I just didn't like that. Then, I married my husband, who was "raised by cats" (his words) and the rest is history.

As for the "cool music" discussion, it's always fascinating about reading everyone's musical tastes. I was raised on a farm far from ANY music center, so I was very much limited to what was on AM radio at the time. So when Clay's music is called "not cool," I just say "Bring it ON!" because my favorites were things like the Bay City Rollers and Shaun Cassidy -- the teen idol crowd. Or else, it was the music on this set: Have a Nice Decade: The 70s Pop Culture Box. Or this set: Like Omigod!: The 80's Pop Culture Box (Totally) (I own both these sets, BTW....) And then, in college, I was a big Huey Lewis fan -- and even though he was hugely popular, he was never considered cool. I revel in uncoolness. Now, I am familiar with the music ya'll are talking about -- in many instances I backtracked and discovered people like Bonnie Raitt for example. And I find some of it great in hindsight. It just wasn't what I was listening to back then.

I've watched the AYSTAFG clip more time than I care to count. What I love about it is that they captured Clay's laugh -- that wonderful belly laugh that he has. God, I could listen to a recording of him laughing over and over again....

I have cats. 2 cats. 1 pure black and 1 tortie colored cat.

Yay! Another cat person! I know I've posted these pictures before of my "kids," but since there's been a few new additions to these parts, I'll post them again....

Here is Spot, our big dumb yellow cat (who is a total sweetheart):

And here is Quincy, our little chatterer:

Clay is building a career, but I don't think there will ever be just one thing, but a culmenation of each step.

I think of it as him building his resume. I don't have a crystal ball or the ability to see into the future but my thoughts are that this will gain him a few new fans but more importantly it will present new opportunities and eventually one of those will catapult him to another level, if he wants it, which I believe deep down he does.

I'm not going to be destroyed or disappointed if it doesn't happen because whichever way his paths lead him, it will be an adventure. I don't particularly want it to or need for him to be superstar in order to enjoy his career--I just think it is inevitable.

sheila, you said a mouthful -- and I agree with every.damn.word.

It was an interesting Clay day for me. My husband and I ran several errands today, and I decided to wear my "Invisible" t-shirt, from the NAT. First response was at the coffee shop. The "hip" guy only saw the front of the shirt, and told me "that's a cool shirt." I then showed him the back of the shirt -- and I actually think he was a bit embarrassed. I just shrugged him off. Then, at the grocery store, I was picking out some apples, when I heard someone say Clay's name. Another lady saw the back of my shirt, and mentioned that she saw him last week on AIR (this is going to turn out to be FABULOUS publicity for him, heh). She then said something like "I can sort of understand why THEY didn't want him to win, he looked kinda weird," and then another lady also picking out fruit said -- "yeah, but we all look kinda weird." I could tell she was pretty much of a "he should have won" person. I actually kind of liked that exchange.

keepingfaith, I wish you could come to St. Louis too!!!! Bring your sister as well!!! And as I said....check your mail early next week. Twice....

You guys and all your emoticons are all so funnee!

My morning started off with getting husband off to his workplace for a student openhouse. Then I did something for keepingfaith, she knows what it is. (Watch the mail, sweetie!) Then, I came home, called atinal, and we plotted and planned for ticket buying for the St. Louis show. She, her friend, and I all ended up in the mezzanine. Everything in the orchestra section was coming up either way off to the side, or way off to the back. (Just like the presales earlier in the week....) Damn it, I'm spoiled, because as much as I think these will be great seats to hear Clay, and actually see all the action on the stage....well darn, it's not the front row, OK? I'm spoiled as hell.

At this point, I'm waiting for hubby to come home, we'll :image008: and then some food and then some shopping for kitty cat food and some good coffee and some groceries! (We don't have any shopping emoticons!!! WAH!!!!)

What cute animals! All of them. play, I'm glad Holly is doing OK.

couchie, ansa and I are looking at dates for another chat session. I'll put up a poll for dates soon, but I think it will be either November 8-9 or November 15-16.

BTW, the CH banner today is great!

This is kind of interesting....and will make some people hate JK Rowling all the more, I suppose....

JK Rowling Outs Hogwarts Character

J.K. Rowling outs Hogwarts character

By HILLEL ITALIE, AP National Writer 25 minutes ago

Harry Potter fans, the rumors are true: Albus Dumbledore, master wizard and Headmaster of Hogwarts, is gay. J.K. Rowling, author of the mega-selling fantasy series that ended last summer, outed the beloved character Friday night while appearing before a full house at Carnegie Hall.

After reading briefly from the final book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," she took questions from audience members.

She was asked by one young fan whether Dumbledore finds "true love."

"Dumbledore is gay," the author responded to gasps and applause.

She then explained that Dumbledore was smitten with rival Gellert Grindelwald, whom he defeated long ago in a battle between good and bad wizards. "Falling in love can blind us to an extent," Rowling said of Dumbledore's feelings, adding that Dumbledore was "horribly, terribly let down."

Dumbledore's love, she observed, was his "great tragedy."

"Oh, my god," Rowling concluded with a laugh, "the fan fiction."

Potter readers on fan sites and elsewhere on the Internet have speculated on the sexuality of Dumbledore, noting that he has no close relationship with women and a mysterious, troubled past. And explicit scenes with Dumbledore already have appeared in fan fiction.

Rowling told the audience that while working on the planned sixth Potter film, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," she spotted a reference in the script to a girl who once was of interest to Dumbledore. A note was duly passed to director David Yates, revealing the truth about her character.

Rowling, finishing a brief "Open Book Tour" of the United States, her first tour here since 2000, also said that she regarded her Potter books as a "prolonged argument for tolerance" and urged her fans to "question authority."

Not everyone likes her work, Rowling said, likely referring to Christian groups that have alleged the books promote witchcraft. Her news about Dumbledore, she said, will give them one more reason.

ABC News

Paris to Rwanda: Socialite Becomes Latest Star Hitched to Charity

Paris to Rwanda: Socialite Becomes Latest Star Hitched to Charity

How Involved Are Celebrity Charity Activists, and Do They Have Ulterior Motives?

By BLAIR SODEN

Oct. 19, 2007 —

The pictures are everywhere -- celebrities dressed down in earth-tone T-shirts and jeans, covered in dirt and looking incredibly out of place among a group of villagers in some Third-World country; it's a far cry from the red carpet.

Now Paris Hilton says she, too, is jumping on the humanitarian aid bandwagon as she plans her upcoming trip to Rwanda. Some are questioning Hilton's motives for linking up with a humanitarian aid organization, wondering if she's only doing it in effort to revive her tarnished reputation, or if she is truly involved in the charity Playing for Good's cause.

Hilton's recent entrance into the world of charitable giving raises the question: Are celebrities lending more than just their names to a cause, or is it all about the photo-op?

Celebs and Causes Go Way Back

Celebrities' association with humanitarian aid organizations is nothing new. Danny Kaye was one of the first actors to join a charitable organization when he was named a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) in 1954. The comedian paved the way for other entertainers, among them Audrey Hepburn, Sarah Jessica Parker, David Beckham and Clay Aiken.

While Unicef was one of the first international aid programs, as need spread throughout the world other organizations started popping up, adding to the list of charitable celebrities.

Now organizations are even being established by celebrities. In 2006, actor Don Cheadle founded the Enough project with human rights activist John Prendergast.

Prendergast said the celebrity attachment is an integral part of his organization.

"Celebrities are like major recruiters to the humanitarian cause," said Prendergast. "They certainly increase the number of people and donors interested in the cause."

Lisa Szarkowski, who heads the ambassador program for Unicef agreed.

"Celebrities have the ear and attention of the public," said Szarkowski. "They tend to command more attention than talking heads from our organization."

Attention that leads to big bucks. Aiken asked fans to donate money to Unicef to help the children in Lebanon and raised more than $75,000 in 24 hours.

So getting involved in causes may help celebrities draw attention to a specific need in some other part of the world as well as get their names in the spotlight -- but just how involved are they?

How Do Celebrities Get Involved?

It's not easy to be selected as a Unicef ambassador. The group sets high standards for celebrities to live up to.

"In terms of becoming an ambassador, it's definitely a process," said Szarkowski. "We like to work with people who are committed to the cause and the mission and to align themselves with us for the long term."

Aiken made the cut when he was named a Unicef ambassador in 2004. The organization approached Aiken after hearing of his involvement with his own charity, the Bubel/Aiken foundation that helps young people with special needs.

Aiken said he felt obligated to help those in need.

"One of the most important responsibilities that you have if you're answering to the public is that you try to use that position in a way that serves the people you're trying to entertain," said Aiken. "I think you have a responsibility when you realize you have kids watching you. ... You can set an example to have kids doing drugs, or you can set an example to have kids helping their communities or their world."

Preparing for a Trip

Despite some common misconceptions, celebrity representatives don't just jet set off for a photo-op; they prepare for months before taking a trip.

"We prepare them pretty well," said Szarkowski. "People don't become ambassadors or supporters of ours unless they go through a process of learning about us and engaging with us."

Celebrities sit through classes to learn about Unicef and all the various issues that threaten children's survival around the world.

"We study as much as we possibly can before we go," said Aiken. "And I study after I go, because I want to be an expert on it. I think it's a disservice to the country you're going to and the children you're trying to help if you don't know what's going on and can't speak knowledgably about your experience.'

Aiken said the preparation is necessary in order to meet with health ministers and other officials on these trips.

"It wouldn't behoove anyone if we just went in to take pictures and came back," said Aiken. "The goal of all these visits and the reason we sit through extremely long sessions sometimes is so when we come back we know what we're talking about."

What Really Happens on Field Visits

Aiken didn't know what to expect during his first visit to Uganda. He walked into the minimalist community center, where he expected nobody to know his name. Suddenly, he was greeted with bows from the crowd.

"When we walked in, they kept calling me your excellency," laughed Aiken. "I think both visits we've been on there have been misconceptions about how important I am."

All joking aside, no matter how famous -- or infamous -- a celebrity is, celebrity support is essential.

But with so many problem areas across the globe, how do celebrities decide which country they want to visit? For most, the decision is made based on where the greatest need is at that time.

"The celebrities we work with want to go where they can be most helpful," said Szarkowski. "We're fortunate to have that caliber of people who basically say to us, 'Tell me where you want me to go.'"

In her eight years at Unicef, she said she's never had a celebrity refuse to go where they were asked to go. And the places they're asked to go certainly don't come with luxe accommodations.

"It's usually a tent somewhere.That's our standard accommodation," said Szarkowski.

Aiken and others pay their own way when they travel on behalf of Unicef. However, once they reach their destination, they don't have the need for many expenses. Most nights they're sleeping in tents on the ground.

In addition to the bare bones travel accommodations, celebrities must cope with extremely dangerous situations. In order to avoid conflict, Prendergast said every minute detail of the trip must be mapped out.

"These trips have to be planned very well to ensure maximum impact and security," said Prendergast.

Security is something Hilton has expressed concern about regarding her upcoming trip, which has some people questioning her motivations.

"I'm scared, yeah. I've heard it's really dangerous," she said. "I've never been on a trip like this before."

All Attention Is Good Attention

Hilton will be filming scenes for her new reality TV show while she's in Rwanda, which has left some questioning the genuineness of her visit. But not everyone is upset about celebrities like Hilton lending their name to causes without much further involvement, if that is so in her case.

"I wouldn't judge people for what their motivations are," said Szarkowski. "We need everyone with a voice to help us get behind that and change that reality."

But, Aiken cautions, a focus on one organization or charity is important to the public.

"I get requests from every organization to come and do this or that," said Aiken. "It's not that I don't have a passion for kids with cancer, because I do. I feel like you can dilute your message if you talk about too many things."

While it remains to be seen how involved Hilton will be with her organization of choice, one celebrity who no doubt has stolen the humanitarian aid spotlight is in it for all the right reasons, according to Aiken.

"I look to Angelina Jolie as a prime example of someone who is doing an amazing job," said Aiken. "She really has a passion and she goes in and makes a point to educate herself about what's going on and that's the only way to do it."

Copyright © 2007 ABC News Internet Ventures

Can you visualize...

Clay... "Excuse us, everyone (in southern british accent), we've got to move some scenary here, close your eyes for a bit... and keep them closed... and don't cheat!"

BWAH! Specially the "southern British accent," which the whole idea of that is so funny!

{{{{{{playbiller and Holly}}}}}} Thanks for letting us know Fear!

Clayzor I think, in a way, that Clay's been auditioning for a television show for over a year now. He's shown so much personality in his regular TV appearances and in his concerts (no, I think he'll do fantastically funny "concerts" for the rest of his life!!!), and I think Spamalot will showcase his comedic side too.

I will say, though, that I think he's always going to have a bit of the "goody two shoes" going for him, and frankly, that's OK with me. Being a "goody two shoes" doesn't necessarily mean that he can't be funny and lewd once in while too!

I think the publicity machine for Clay Aiken (or any celebrity) is more complex than any of us realize, including those in the marketing field. *g* I do agree with Jenna that most of the publicity lately is due to the particular entitites he's involved himself with (Spamalot, AYSTAFG, and now UNICEF). But then, that's my opinion, I could be wrong [tm Dennis Miller before he turned into a major asshole]. Unless Clay tells me, I'll never really know.

*call me, Clay...*

I'm putting this here, not sure the best place for it. I brought this link over via ArtyAna at the CH:

Information about the seating at the Shubert Theater

Help Me Choose My Seats ™

The Shubert Theatre has a similar seating arrangement as most theatres. The Orchestra section consists of right, left, and center sections. This theater also has Mezzanine and Balcony sections.

The best seats in the house, as with any theater, are going to be Center Orchestra. This section is 14 seats across. The rows begin with AA and goes through T. There are a lot of things happening on the stage so sitting in the first couple of rows may make it a little difficult to see everything. The ideal place to sit would be about 5 rows back in the center section. In the center Orchestra, you will find yourself in the middle of all the action. With an incredible up-close view of the actors. Right and left Orchestra off of the aisles will also be a good seat, but seats farther away from center may leave you with a slightly obstructed view.

For the production Spamalot, there is a castle center stage where much of the action takes place, but there is also dialog on either side of the castle making a far left or right Orchsetra seat a "Partial View". While you will not see the entire stage from these seats, a partial view ticket will also come with break in the price. All partial view seats for sale on our site will be clearly labeled.

The Mezzanine section is also separated into right, left, and center and are labeled rows A - K. The Mezzanine overhangs row L of the Orchestra. Seats in the first few rows in the center are considered very good with an incredible view of the entire stage. There are two steps between each row which means that the further back that you sit, the higher you sit as well. The Mezzanine and Balcony sections are only accessible by stairs. There are no elevators at the Shubert Theater, so those who have trouble with stairs may want to find seats in the Orchestra.

The Balcony is located directly above row C of the Mezzanine. It is separated in right, left, and center and is labeled rows A-J. If you would like to sit in the Balcony a seat in the first few rows will give you the best view of the stage.

There really isn't a bad seat at the Shubert Theatre. With a seating capacity of 1521 it is relatively small so the production feels very intimate.

That ABC article is muy excelente! I learned a bunch of new stuff regarding the UNICEF ventures, and what Clay's role in them were. I thought he mentioned a hotel when he stayed in Afghanistan, though. Am I remembering wrong?

If I were everyone -- I'd be checking ABC Nightly News (or whatever they call it), 20/20 and Nightline this evening. I just found an article on ABC News' website yesterday about Larry Wilmore, the "senior black correspondent" on "The Daily Show." Read the article, and then watched the accompanying video -- the article was really just a transcript of the piece they did on him for "Nightline." So there might be media clack tonight....*crosses fingers*

muski, I TOTALLY forgot to thank you for the story about your daughter. I can just imagine her face, and then imagine you watching her face. She'll have a fantastic time, and the memories of a lifetime!

That TV Guide Canada thing cracked me up!! Broody actor! Heh.

perma, don't worry about figuring out the emoticon thingies. I hardly ever use them either! Thanks for the pretty picture.

jmh, good find on those other pictures too. Yum.

I don't have a lot to say tonight....for some reason. Count your lucky stars!

EEEEEEEE! New montages! I'll get those tomorrow night.

I don't think anyone's mentioned this. I saw it on the CB. Forgotn1 posted this here yesterday:

Anyone see The Daily show with Jon Stewart?

He had Stephen Colbert on and when Stephen came out he ran around shaking hands with the audience and then sat down pulled out a bottle of hand sanitiser and said " I don't know where your audience has been Jon."

Having said that....

omg, jmh! This CMSU! :lmaosmiley-1: Perfect! I've had a fantasy that one day Clay will be a guest on Jon Stewart's show....or Stephen Colbert's....I love both of them...My older daughter and I love to watch them together....Clay would be a GREAT match for either, don't you think?

It seems like I mentioned the other day that Clay very well could do a LOT of promo in NYC before or during his run on Broadway, and I thought "The Daily" would be the perfect vehicle! I would simply DIAH [tm Clay] if he appeared on either gentleman's show. Especially if they show Clay singing that song about no Jews to Jon Stewart. *g*

MUAH cha cha trusty! I'm glad your basically fine (as in, no major injuries), but I'm really sorry this happened. Hope you feel better soon!