ldyjocelyn

Is that any different than "throwing up in your mouth a little?" [/Quiana]

Welcome leeana!

I'm sure you're not the only one who is worried...but I have to say that I personally just can't worry about Clay anymore. He's proven to be a strong and smart man. Sure, he may only get one question right -- game shows can be nerve-wracking that way. That's OK -- there are many non-celebrities who appear on the show who would do the same. Maybe even some of the other celebrities as well! Also, Clay seems to be the type that if he does do great -- he'll be really humble (albeit happy) about it. If he doesn't do well -- he'll have new material for his next concert tour. *g*

I have to admit though that I've never watched the show, though.

My main thing is that I want the BAF to do well. I want to be able to donate my maximum pledge!

Oh, and the "dog walker" thing is tied to your number of posts. We set up some silly things regarding this....I think in the past week I FINALLY made it to Chairman!

ETA: via GBB at the CH:

From Aron Hall at the BAF:

Question: How is TBAF going to collect on the pledges for the Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader?

Answer: We’re leaving it up to individuals.

There are really 3 ways:

1. Send in your donation to the max amount no matter what.

2. Find out from “sources” how he did and go ahead and send in your pledge. (We will not make an official announcement before the airing.)

3. Wait until the airing and send in the pledge then.

You can send any amount in a check or money order to: The Bubel/Aiken Foundation, ATTN: Smarter Pledge, 8601 Six Forks Road, Suite 400, Raleigh, NC 27615, or you can donate any amount $25 or over online with a credit card. We do not accept PayPal at this time.

Thanks!

Aron Hall

Director Services

And please remember, if you are contributing toward the FCA-Making a Difference Beta Alpha chapter -- put that in the notation line of your check, or send a copy of your donation receipt to Aron (I believe) with the information that it should be credited to "FCA - Making a Difference."

ETA #2: The Eagle has landed!! couchie has arrived in LA safe and sound, and will be going into the studio in about 30 minutes. She said she'd call again later after the show.

They always use those pictures - perhaps some fans should offer to give them some other pictures, just to have better ones in their files.

Yeah -- unfortunately (in this case, at least), media sources tend to use "file" pictures...ones they already have and can use over and over again. As I said, rather sad in this instance, because he's looked so much better other times.

But as for fans submitting pictures? In theory I think it sounds great....but I just have a feeling jealousy would rear it's ugly head at some point.

I do want to say that I am constantly amazed at how much that little stint of being a reporter on the Insider has paid and paid and paid. Clay must have really made strong positive impression on them. No one cannot say the dividends have just been amazing - no pile on, and constantly being mentioned for the slightest things. You don't see Kellie Picklers picture up there, do you? I might not be pretty, but it is there!

ITA. He gets fairly good mentions anymore...even ET's take on the airplane thing wasn't as bad as it could have been, IMO. And gasp! Wasn't Roger the one who set this whole Insider thing up in the first place? Heh.

Are the "bedazzlers" upset that they are being called that? Maybe they should be called "bedazzlies" instead? *g*

I don't know....try picture number 8 from this site. Still kinda hard to see, but they don't look all that blue to me. *shrug*

It seems like I remember that there wasn't many of the famous clack gatherers at the Atlanta show, because there were saving their money to do the Florida four-fer.

ETA:

Taylor who???

Heh. ITA. (And I LIKED Taylor...)

Is there any hope for someone who doesn't want to know how he did on 5th Grader? Like a seperate thread maybe? *crickets* Guess I'll see you guys in November...

Hmmmm...need to think about this....because I certainly don't want you to go away!!!!!

In the spirit of "equal opportunity," just because as much as everyone around here seems to like "orgasm face," I really get more turned on by smiley/puppy dog Clay...

But then, there's Mr. Sweet Face himself...

Good God, though, I'd love to be on the receiving end of this look...

Posted by ClayZ4AikenNtx at the CB:

New info...

Clay Aiken, Kellie Pickler, Regis Philbin, Billy Bush, Tony Hawk and Miss America Lauren Nelson will test their knowledge in special November episodes of Fox's Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? The new season starts Sept. 6.

I figured it probably would be sweeps when we'd see this episode.

Have a great time today couchie!!!! Can't wait for your report!

Thanks for bringing over all the pretty pictures. I love the smiley/cute/"he's doing adorable" ones. And the OPP picture is just simply cool because he's moving so fast during that time, I didn't think a camera could capture that moment.

Thankful, thanks for your clarification.

Our 2007 Christmas concert thread is here! I would post your tickets for each show in the different thread for each show if I were you.

Do we have a good name for this tour yet? Or do we need to wait a bit yet?

Ikeep thinking this subject is past and I can't comment on it, but someone else always brings it back - well, if you like baseball, I guess you could likethat film, they are both snoozers for me. The only thing I liked about baseball was drinking beer. The only movie worse than F of D was the baseball movie with Robert Redford, I actually tried to sit through the whole movie , but just could not take it when the girl in the white dress appeared - too much symbolism. I would rather watch Plan 9, at least I can mock it.

Bad-mouthing The Natural?

OMG, if you tell me you hated Bull Durham, I may cry.

Except -- there's no crying in baseball!!!! [/League of Their Own, another fantastic baseball movie}

btw, Mystery Science Theater 3000 fan?

Lurved MST3K. Simply lurved. I miss Joel, Mike, and the bots.

What I'd really like to do is see the score for LAA. The piano is what holds that song together. Jesse is keeping a pretty steady beat which allows the two soloists to bend the beat somewhat. After four nights, Clay and the cellist probably could "take liberties" more than usual, JMO.

I find musical scores fascinating, especially with watching them in conjunction to listening to the piece being played. It usually suggests the liberties that the musician made with their performance...and I find those choices fascinating too.

I wish I had thought of that scanning idea for the classics medley sooner; there's probably not enough time for the group sponsoring the auction to have the thing scanned and then sent out for distribution (with a donation made to the BAF). Darn it.

BTW, that thing is up to $1,125, I think (I last checked this morning). The baton of Jesse's is over $100 now.

I love all the musical talk today -- although I'm having bad flashbacks about 5/4, from my days at a piano player. God, that Chopin piece was a BEAR.

Speaking of playing musical instruments...did you know Clay plays the microphone? Or at least he gives them mouth farts...

I wanna be a mod so my edit counter doesn't show. I promise to do next to nothing, like a true FCA mod oughta. Heh heh.

Hey -- I resemble that remark!

*adds jmh to list of possible new mods*

ETonline report about the Owen Wilson story

Rumors are rampant this morning throughout Hollywood that OWEN WILSON may have attempted to take his own life early Sunday.

Reports claim the actor cut his wrist and took a large quantity of pills.

Owen's brother, actor LUKE WILSON, was seen leaving Beverly Hills' Cedars Sinai Hospital and getting into a charcoal BMW X5 with his brother ANDREW at 8:50 p.m. on Sunday, sources have confirmed to ET. A woman was seen driving the vehicle, which then left the medical center.

This sighting comes amid reports that Owen was hospitalized earlier in the day at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica and then transferred to Cedars Sinai.

Owen's reps were unreachable for comment. However, the Santa Monica Police Dept. confirmed that at 12:10 p.m. Sunday officers responded to a medical assistance call from the Santa Monica Fire Department. They would not confirm the patient's identity, but authorities said, "The person was transported to a local hospital where they are being treated."

His next movie is 'The Darjeeling Limited,' which also stars ADRIEN BRODY. The WES ANDERSON-directed film is scheduled to be screened at the Venice Film Festival on September 3. As of last week Owen was scheduled to attend.

Keep checking back here for the latest on this developing story.

It will be interesting to follow this story and see how much is true or not. Of course, we may not find out how "true" it is until 5 years from now, when he writes a tell-all book.

Well excuuuuuuuuuse me (TM Steve Martin) for using a schmoopie analogy from a baseball movie that everyone seems to hate :bigemo_harabe_net-24: Guess I'll go off and watch my complete dvd set of Kevin Costner movies I'm kidding

Ooooh, I loved that movie! If you build it, they will come. See, not everyone hates it!

Ooooo, I loved that movie too! And the guy I went with to see it -- cried. There's a number of guys I've talked to who admit point blank that they cried during this movie. That does NOT happen very often.

I always thought I'd like to wake up next to a sleeping Clay, because - erm - well, anyway, here's the pic:

Yummmy. And I personally believe that he's smiling because he's dreaming of MEEEEEEEEE! [/totally totally delusional]

Ouw! You so funny -- and shameless! Especially with that hubby of yours being so sweet and good and all. At least I have an empty space in my bed these days!

I did tell you that my husband considers Clay my "freebie," right? That, if I EVER get a chance to have one night with Clay Aiken and get to know him carnally -- I'm good. Well, more than good actually. *g*

On the subject of shipping.....

Whatever floats his......er......your boat. I take it as lighthearted fun and that's a good thing as far as I'm concerned. I hope he has a whole marina to chose from, though he does seem to be partial to the J-Class. *kidding...it just happened to work there.*

Maybe.

Hee! I think for me, my feelings on the "shipping" aspect are really that it's fine...as long as it stays SPECULATION. It seems to be a pattern in the fandom that speculation, though, turns to fact, and before long....china patterns are being picked for the happy couple. When it goes overboard, that's when I start tuning out. And as I said, this happens in this fandom a great deal IMO, and not just about "shipping" either.

Hey, Clay What's your Sleep Number?????

69, if there's a God.

KAndre, I'm going to read through that article about the Houston libraries later this afternoon and get back to you on it. Let's just say the whole thing sounds very complicated....

Reviewing the songs for the DCAT: well, first of all, I haven't even started my downloads yet. Secondly, I'm reviewing the audio only...even if it comes with a video clip. The audio can be stripped rather easily from a video if it sounds fantastic. (I don't know how to do that though, should probably learn some time...) Thirdly, KAndre mentioned about the criteria that there may be one thing that's off, but that it actually enhances the clip.

Let me give you an example from my own burned CD collection. I was trying to come up with what I thought was the definitive IWCY a few years ago. I finally decided on the IWCY from Kimmel in 2004. Clay starts singing....

Yeah I know it hurts, Yeah I know you're scared walking down the road that leads to who knows where

...and then, perfectly timed, someone in the crowd yells, "I love you Clay." Still cracks me up to this day...and now when I hear the album version, I mentally add "I love you Clay" to the song!

OK, it's slowed down here. I guess everybody went to work...or are doing like I'm doing. Work? Pshaw.

That attitude is going to get me in trouble some day.

Jesse's arrangements kicked ass--I agree--what were some particularly kickass things? One that got me was the little violin interlude during the classics that Clay always mimicked a violin playing. I'd like to hear the classics without the vocals once just to hear what it sounds like.

That's why I'd LOVE to get my hands on that orchestra score being auctioned off for the benefit of the BAF. I know enough that I could study the thing and get a better flavor of what the orchestra was doing. I wish it could be scanned and sent to anyone who makes a donation to the BAF.

And yes, there were always things that the orchestra was doing that I didn't catch in my first few viewings of each classics clip.

I love Clay's ear for these things too, that he notices all the details. He can also sing "against" his accompaniment, both in terms of melody and timing. Not easy. Some of his fans just want him to rock out with some muddy guitar sound and someone pounding on a drum, and a catchy tune that anyone could sing, because they want him to be cool and on radio. I think it's a waste when you're a guy who can say, "I can't hear the flute." I get a little pissy when some fans (usually at OFC) claim Clay needs to be more of an artist like the people who make Top 40 music.

Good God, yes.

Good Morning, People! To quote a friend of mine .... How'd you like to wake up next to this in the morning?

*kicks husband out of bed*

I'm sure Clay wil try to hide whatever romantic relationship he has as long as he's able to do so. It could be that they're romantically involved and hiding behind the 'cousin' story, but yet, it may be that she truly is just his cousin and a friend. And at this moment, I don't really need to know any more. Clay has a right to privacy in his private life, IMHO.

AMEN!

:F_05BL17blowkiss:

Thanks for the "photographic evidence" keepingfaith. I enjoyed it as a photo montage. BUT -- I still think people are seeing what they want to see in this. I've seen Clay look at others the way he's looking at her. I just think he's close to her as a 67th cousin 15 times removed, and as a friend. JMO, YMMV, all those silly letters.

I just want Clay happy, you know? Besides, I thought his looks of happiness was all because he was leaving RCA, until he spoiled that story a few weeks ago. *g*

XXX4Clay So glad to see another familiar name!!! And with such purdies.

I was reading through quickly, trying to catch up, and I read Keepingfaith's line about "Don't you just love his tactile sensuality" and I thought it said TESTICLE sensuality, and I was thinking OMG, this is SO my kind of place!!!!

Tactile sensuality is good too.

ok, this made me laugh...yeah, I'm easy, I know.

Yes....because that's just smut. And we're Clay Aiken fans. And he knows we like the double entendre.

That 'tactile sensuality' thingy though, I think it's just us projecting. (though I admit, it's a pretty decent thing to project about) I mean as much as it hurts me to say this, I think Clay's 'tactile sense' has little to do with sensuality. He's a teacher of kids, and has been for awhile...both at the Y camps and in the classroom, and nothing on this earth is as 'tactile' as a kid. Especially working in a special needs setting, I imagine Clay is all about 'hands on' learning. (God, that sounds so much better on a Clay Aiken message board than it does it my curriculum meetings)

Thing is, you don't know what came first. Is he all tactile and all because he's been around kids, or was this just a natural instinct that served him very well as a teacher...?

Totally agree with this. There are many people out there who are "touchers." It has nothing to do with sensuality, at least in the conscious sense. It seems to me that Clay could be one, and like laughn, I'm not sure if the chicken or the egg came first.

Also totally agree about the projection aspect. I think that while there is a bunch of stuff that he does where he so KNOWS it's going to make the girls screams...there's just as much that he just does as a nervous habit. The microphone thing is a good example. I know it's a major turnon to many; me, I just see a nervous tic. A suggestive nervous tic, but still just a nervous tic. *shrug*

Seat drama? For me, it goes on a case by case basis. I've done the "buy one crappy ticket and I'm done" thing (caused the best clack I've ever taken though -- thank God the jumbotron guy was really, really good that night). I've also bought 4 tickets to a single show. Upgraded more than a few times....but then also have been perfectly satisfied to sit halfway back in other shows too. I've decided that for the Merrillville Christmas show, I'm going to play "upgrade tango" and see what transpires. If nothing happens, I've still got a seat, one that I will be perfectly happy with.

I can't seem to pick a favorite song or genre for Clay to sing or a favorite show. I've loved them all because there has been something special about each one. Over time, I find that I have several favorite songs mostly from concerts and they vary from up tempo to slow.

What I'm looking for now is to find what is the favorite concert version of Everything I Have. I don't have time to download many songs and am hoping someone can help me out on this one with a recommendation.

Can you wait about a month or so? The FCA will do the work for you!!! Keep an eye on this thread. I believe the deadline when we're all supposed to have our individual recommendations is September 30.

Again, welcome to all the newbies! (Has anyone set up a macro for that yet?)

And these little Piggies went to Texas!

Good God, look at those toes!

*off to find a feather*

Sorry, it wouldn't let me delete the info, so I just changed it. That will have to do. Just not understanding why, if that info is required, it doesn't show up on everyone's posts. I'm spechul, I guess... LOL

Thanks for trying. Liney

liney, it has to do with timing. Anyone who registered with FCA before the beginning of July 2007, the board name and homeboard fields were not required. After that time frame, though -- the admins made an executive decision to require this information. Our reason? It was strictly to eliminate those spam-bot registrants -- those that like to register and then post links to "buy VIAGRA now" in a thread. I would venture a guess that anyone who registered before that cutoff date who now goes into their profile to edit will probably be given the "you must fill this in or ELSE!" message.

For those who asked (and even those who didn't *g*):

At the bottom right hand side of every post, there is a button that says "Quote." On this board, if you want to quote multiple posts, just click on the button in EVERY post you wish to quote. Then, when you click on the "Add Reply" button, all the posts are collected....you just need to add your thoughts! I do tend to cut down my quoted posts to reply to only a particular section...but then there are days when you think you've gotten all the quotes closed, only to find that the coding sucks. I proofread a LOT around here. *g*

YSRN, thanks for finding the information on the second lady in the picture. I just had enough time before church this morning to pull the picture from the CH news thread, not research who else was there.

Karen Eh?, yes I plan on being the "crazy aunt" as well, the one who spends all her spare time and money going to Clay Aiken shows. Heck, if my cousins can spend all their spare time and money playing 18 holes of golf, why can't I do something I enjoy? Fortunately, my husband and I have worked this all out really well...I get to go to Clay Aiken shows (but not TOO many), he gets to buy guitars (but again, not TOO many....).

This one...

OMG, I'd almost forgotten about those pictures. That was a pretty cool day early in the fandom...and he was so....so....freckly. I'd love to kiss all those freckles.

Speaking of the cute...

Adorable. Simply adorable.

And one minute we may be discussing something deep and heavy and the next talking about wayward zippers!

That's what I love here....it's almost whiplash inducing to be sure, but it makes it very interesting!

Hey couchie, ansa, ldyj - any of those in POWER! Once upon a time someone posted the time it took to get through one thread on main from the first thread on. Can you post that again? I thought that was very telling on how this board has picked up!

Our first main linear thread ever, "Ready for Your Constant State of Celebration," started on July 10, 2005. It ended on March 4, 2006 -- a span of almost 9 months. (With two concert tours thrown in there, no less). The second thread finished on September 14, 2006 -- down to 6 months.

Compare to the previous thread to this current one, "The Aiken Experience. There's Nothing Else Like It," which started on July 31, 2007 and finished August 23, 2007 -- about three weeks. The way we're going, this thread will be done by the middle of this week! Yikes!

I see couchie beat me to it, but I'm letting it stand....

BTW, if anyone is interested in our "history" -- the main thread archives are here. I find it fun to just poke around and see what we were talking about on a particular day....

My cup (and Clay's) runneth over.

After perusing several pictures...I really don't think Clay wears a cup.

*g*

You know I don't think any of us really think that it's all puppies and roses here. I think it's just that there is so obviously no Group Think going on here. Yes, it's okay to not like Clays hair. But it's also okay to actually like it too. I can say I like ATDW or Clay's choice in clothes/hairdresser/songstylin's without being accused of just blowing smoke up Clay's ass. And yes that has happened to me and others I know.

I have to admit that my first knee jerk reaction when someone says "What did he do to his hair?" or "was that note a little off?" is to go "no, no, no -- you're wrong!" But, being here on this board in the past year or so has helped me learn to resepct the differences of opinions on things like this. The key word? Respect. I think that's what drove a bunch of us away from our other boards, the lack of respect. Well, that and the seeming gloom and doom over an album that so many of us LOVED (or liked an awful lot) and the sales of 500,000 (which, IMO are pretty damn good).

I've also learned that Clay Aiken doesn't need a protector in me. Things can be written about him that I cannot stand; I've learned to ignore. Things MAY have happened in the backroom channels at his record label. What can I do about that? Nothing. Allegations are made about his private life. I can't control those allegations, I can only ignore. And so on, and so on, and scooby dooby dooby. My life becamse a lot happier when I let go of trying to "protect" Clay.

Really...smoke? Not what I'd be blowin' if I had the chance to be that close to his ass.

Did I just say that? I think I need to go mow the lawn and say a few Hail Mary's.

*note to self: jamar made a smut comment on August 26, 2007. Will keep notebook for a long time*

Welcome again to all new people!

Hey Desertflower!

Thanks for the explanation lajeterfan. I figured as much...which is scary because I know so little about baseball!

New picture from the David Foster Gala last year:

I love that smile.

From KAndre's post of earlier today....:

The eHP, my dears, are a group of delightful ladies...we are so sweet, butter wouldn't melt in our mouths. We always drive the speed limits, speak in quiet dulcet tones, are kind to travel type people, and are frequently mistaken for nuns. For some reason, evil Houston Posse has been used to describe us...even the one from Miami. I blame Solo. and merrieeee. and Gimpy too.

Can I stay? Please?

Of course you can. Want a Cheez Doodle?

Cheez Doodles are the official food of the eHP...