ldyjocelyn

clayzorback, I too appreciate your clarification. For the most part I agree about your ideas that religion and politics aren't always the best topics of conversation in public -- it gets too uncomfortable too fast for me, and as a Christian, it sometimes hurts (just as I'm sure that things said hurt non-Christians too). However, I think Clay doesn't seem to be one to shy away from some issues, and his religion is important to him. Hence, his talk....and the resultant hurt from fans. Also, I think in a way that his talking about it at least attempts to get things out in the open, to start a dialog....which IMO fosters understanding. Once again, the key is respect -- if people don't even attempt to try and "hear" what is being said, all hope is lost. But there are pockets where it does happen. I know in my case I've heard many a viewpoint that is different from my own, and I now understand where they are coming from. In other words, I've grown as a person. Sometimes we have to keep trying to get to that point, and one of the ways of getting there is through discussion.

{{{{{{{{{bottlecap}}}}}}}}}} Totally understand....

So, what's the topic du jour - still veggies or have me moved on to fruit?

Um, I think it was requested that we post pretty pictures...

Uh oh...my daughter just became a vegetarian...should I be nervous?!?!

:F_05BL17blowkiss:

If she asks if the size of a cucumber matters, I'd be worried.

HaHaHa I think Clay already has enough far right wing conservative Christian fans. IMHO some of them are too involved in mothering , protecting, and fighting for him. To a point that it is hurting him.

Thing is, I've seen just as many, IMO, that are left wing non-Christians that are mothering, protecting, and fighting for him. I think Christianity has very little to do with this. IMO, it's more of an overinvestiture in Clay than anything else. JMO.

However, I would like to see him start appealing more to the mainstream sector of the population.

But what is that really? "Mainstream" to you could be totally different than "mainstream" to me. And, in my experience as a person in the Midwest, "mainstream" frequently (not always) equals Christian. Again, JMO.

Think I can use "MO" in this post any more?

I'm in the middle of reading a book right now called "Religious Literacy." The author, Stephen Prothero, believes that there needs to be a basic understanding of ALL religious cultures, in order to understand this country. Both the right-wing and the left (and that includes me, even as a Christian *g*) must understand the basics of the Bible, the tenets of the Quran, Buddhist holy books, and so much more, to be able to discuss issues happening in this world today. It's a fascinating book, and I'm going to be following it up with some basic works on many of the big world religions. Anyway, this paragraph may be apropos of nothing, but the conversation keeps reminding me of it.

WE don't need anymore Detectives in the fandom. They have done enough damage already thank you very much.

This? I agree with.

*waves at 00lsee*

That said, I have been largely MIA lately (just pretend you all noticed, 'kay?).

Actually, I HAD noticed...and I'll be thinking about you and your family. Keep us posted if you feel up to it, 'K?

I think I'll angst over this tour before I worry about the next one.

Heh. Good one!

Come for one or both nights -- heck, come for only 5 minutes is that's all you can do with your busy schedule!

Ansa, couchie and I have set up a tentative schedule for the two chats. Yes, there's a LOT of topics -- the plan is a "quick burst" approach, no more than 20 -30 minutes per topic (shorter if the conversation stalls). Therefore, here are the topics, so that anyone can formulate their posts ahead of time....

Night one, Friday night:

1) ATDW and the PR campaign -- what worked? What didn't? What else could have been done?

2) RCA/Clive/Roger -- what do you think is the relationship between them and Clay?

3) What do you think is Clay's "musical direction?"

4) The next album -- what? When? Where? How? Why?

5) The Upcoming Tour -- what songs will he sing? Who will be with him besides the orchestra? What will the musical arrangements be like?

6) What is Clay's market demographic at the moment? What do you think should be Clay's market demographic? How can any of this demographics be expanded?

Night two, Saturday night:

1) Why do you think people (both fans and non-fans) find Clay's sexuality such a fascinating topic?

2) What's the best way to deal with "gnats?"

3) Clay and the American Idol franchise -- how much of an influence does it still have on his career?

4) How has your fandom evolved in the past 3 years?

5) Why are people so fascinated with Clay's hair?

6) The fans: should they be involved in Clay's career? If so, how much? If not, why?

This thread is locked for now. It will open up again about an hour before the scheduled chat begins. If you have any questions, please let any of the admins know!

Hey CG, I can respect that. Everybody has to do what is right for them.

ITA. As long as "choices" aren't forced down the throat (and I guess that wouldn't make them "choices, would it?), I'm pretty cool with it.

When I spend my hard earned $$ on a Clay concert, I am supporting Clay, not the venue. JMO of course.

Again, I respect that, and I mostly agree with it. However, I'm sure there's some money that has to be funneled into the church coffers. What they do with it is their choice, and it the money went to fund something that I fundamentally disagree with as well, I'd have to think long and hard about attending. IMO it should go to pay the electric bill, not to mention the cleaning of the chairs *g*, after the Clay show. But you're totally right that Clay just can't research every place he's played either, and your bringing up the casino shows is a very good point too. Some people are morally opposed to gambling, pure and simple, and attending those shows would cause them grief. Again, as long as they aren't shoving their morality down my throat, I'm cool.

But in the end, I think muski has hit upon what I foresee as the main bugaboo for me in this:

Not going to Wichita, KS, anyway so it's a moot point.

I get the feeling that most of the people who will be getting their panties in a bunch about this are people who probably wouldn't consider going to this show in the first place anyway, because of logistics. I am speculating on their part (bad idea, I know) that they feel this ONE show sets a precedent -- that there's going to be more shows at churches during this tour. We know this how? I'm just gonna say that I need some more information first before I start speculating where all his shows will take place this year.

No slings and arrows meant for any of you planning on making the trip to Wichita. I just hope that MAYBE---just MAYBE this is a concert where the first rows of rapt faces aren't the same ones. Maybe, just maybe---Clay will look out there and see new ones---young ones, old ones, men. Maybe, just maybe---he'll be doubly happy, on stage where he's always comfortable and in church where he grew up.

LOVE this, and I said something similar to this in an email this morning. While the location of this show might turn some of the fans away, it also might bring in different fans -- heh, like that younger demographic. Thing is, it's not my choice to decide what demographic he's going for. *shrug*

In the meantime....

Come for one or both nights -- heck, come for only 5 minutes is that's all you can do with your busy schedule!

Ansa, couchie and I have set up a tentative schedule for the two chats. Yes, there's a LOT of topics -- the plan is a "quick burst" approach, no more than 20 -30 minutes per topic (shorter if the conversation stalls). Therefore, here are the topics, so that anyone can formulate their posts ahead of time....

Night one, Friday night:

1) ATDW and the PR campaign -- what worked? What didn't? What else could have been done?

2) RCA/Clive/Roger -- what do you think is the relationship between them and Clay?

3) What do you think is Clay's "musical direction?"

4) The next album -- what? When? Where? How? Why?

5) The Upcoming Tour -- what songs will he sing? Who will be with him besides the orchestra? What will the musical arrangements be like?

6) What is Clay's market demographic at the moment? What do you think should be Clay's market demographic? How can any of this demographics be expanded?

Night two, Saturday night:

1) Why do you think people (both fans and non-fans) find Clay's sexuality such a fascinating topic?

2) What's the best way to deal with "gnats?"

3) Clay and the American Idol franchise -- how much of an influence does it still have on his career?

4) How has your fandom evolved in the past 3 years?

5) Why are people so fascinated with Clay's hair?

6) The fans: should they be involved in Clay's career? If so, how much? If not, why?

The thread for the chat is here; however, I've locked the thread for now. It will open up again about an hour before the scheduled chat begins. If you have any questions, please let any of the admins know!

Here's my opinion about oversinging - it happens when poor vocal technique is used. The voice should be supported with the diaphragm, and the throat and mouth should be relaxed. If good support isn't used, and there is tension in the throat, it can lead to a harsh, forced tone quality. It's like the singer is trying to control or push the sound too much, and it ruins it.

<snip>

Clay naturally seems to use good vocal technique. He uses a lot of different vocal methods to 'color' the tone quality, which fascinates me to no end. Most of his vocal methods are beautiful and very effective. But, he does oversing at times.

Thank you Gibby -- I think that's my take too. IMO, he's made great strides in this regard, because to me his major oversinging was with much of the early demos (not all). But, every once in a while (and again, not frequently), he does seem to slip into an old habit or two, for whatever reason. I liken it to what I've read about golf -- people start learning golf on their own, do pretty well but have some troubles, and then take lessons and figure out what they need to do to make things better. But, on an off day, they go back to what they did before. Clay doesn't do it often, IMO, but he does do it from time to time.

You have youre intern; assistant; artist manager; publicist and Clive

There are also A&R people, accountants, producers,

I'd go: intern; assistant; A&R; manager; and president.

couchie, that's a great idea for the levels!

Cool pin design, and I can't wait to order more than a few!

Also, I cannot wait order a t-shirt....or more than a few of those too! I'm so bad.

Hee, couchie, I have people who ask me if Clay is my son/nephew/relative all the time. Maybe it's because I have more pictures up of him than of my kids?

I don't have a lot of "visible" signs of my fandom, other than two things: 1) I do wear my vast collection of T-shirts quite a bit. Of course, they have his name on them too, and I think most people who see me in them realize that he must be some sort of celebrity. 2) I have some zipper pulls that Beagle3 from the CH gave me. They are like those picture key chains, except they are smaller, and meant to be hung from a zipper. I have 4 of them on my purse (my purse has a LOT of zippers!). THOSE things are the ones that get people to say "is that your son?" And I usually just tell them no, that's Clay Aiken and he's my imaginary boyfriend. Some people get it right away, some people look at me like I'm weird. No biggie. *g*

Then, later on, on The Food Network, I'll be darn if they didn't have another show about BBQ. N. Carolina again was among the ones discussed. I think they showed some place in Lexington and another city that is about 80 miles from Raleigh. I think the city started with an A. I didn't watch all of it. There is over 3,000 some calories in the amount that people eat at one serving. They also said that is 3 times more than the normal daily allowance of calories should be.

That was "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" -- I love the Food Network, and I love that show. They did three places -- one in California (of all things), one in Texas, and one in Charlotte called "King's BBQ." What was interesting to me about that place -- they fry chicken, and then dip it into their barbecue sauce. It actually looked pretty good to me, although I'm not as fond of the vinegar based sauce.

I don't think the calories were specific to the NC BBQ. Just BBQ in general has lots of calories....Every Summer luckiest1 I go on that Clay diet. Have to slim down and look good. On the slightest chance he might actually spot me in the crowd. LOL Not only that but I have to cut and color the hair, get some sun on my face, have the nails done too. Pitiful isn't it? I lost 10 put it back on and then some. Now I have to do it all over again. I've lost 5 this week.

Clayzorback, don't forget about shaving the legs! Gonna be HOT out thare this summer in them outdoor spots---gotta make sure the gams are smooth, donchaknow...

Isn't that amazing how gussied up we get for our Clay concerts? Nails done? Check. Haircut? Check. Legs shaved? Of course! Tanning lotion for me? Yep. Listerine breath strips in purse (cinnamon flavor)? Gotta be done! And so on. My hubby gets jellus.

Looking at play's list -- I'd have to say that early on, I fell victim to her number 1 and number 2 points. I really was worried about not seeing him again. OTOH, that's what got me to the fanboards, and cemented my fandom. So, it really worked out the best for me.

Other than that, though -- I totally agree with the rest of the list. Life is too short to worry about someone that as much as I like to think I "know" them, I really don't.

I do still admit to worries about him though -- and they usually involve travel. As much as I know he's being treated well by UNICEF, the idea of him going to some of these countries, with their sometimes unstable governments, or unstable weather, makes me nervous. Also, the night of the Detroit Christmas concert in 2004. That long bus ride in the snow -- I was a nervous wreck for him the entire day.

Other than that....I've got nuthin'. Loving the family stories (GO MUSKI MOM!!!!). And Gibby -- I like your ideas about parenting. It's just hair.

Hmmmm....I think I've said that a few times before on this board. *g*

muski, you're evil is posting that picture. I love it. :F_05BL17blowkiss:

Yes you were, keepingfaith. *g* One of the mods PM'ed me and asked if I would mind taking it out. She had had several complaints that is was, get this, "offensive!!!" I said I would certainly NOT take that out. Are you kidding me?

Oh dear Lord. I cannot understand that.

IN FACT, I think Clay knew EXACTLY what he was doing and that is what makes me love it even more.

Now, here is a place where I disagree with you. I think Clay does do things that he knows will make the fans a-titter, wet, etc. (heh), but I see that as mostly things he says -- he's the master of innuendo. For some things, such as this gif (which I have to admit makes me hawt too), I think it's simply something to keep his hands occupied while he's talking (hey, more smut). I really believe he didn't do this on purpose as all, he was just fidgiting! We all do things like that IMO (or at least I do) -- it's just we tune into every.single.thing Clay does. As has been said many times before around here, sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.

Celebrity Fit Club is my latest guilty pleasure show, and KLo has been rocking lately. The asshole who was causing her to cry is Dustin Diamond, otherwise known as Screech from "Saved by the Bell," and also famous for a porno tape now. He's a first class idiot who is using the show simply for the screen time, not for the losing weight aspect. The rest of the cast is totally cool.

Remember a Veteran today!

Our list:

Cary

Asheville

Knoxville

Atlanta

I can add you claymates3, but your use of "our" suggests more people. Do these other people want to be on the representing list too?

Couchie, on further reflection I think less may be more. I'd love to have a shirt that says:

DCAT 2007

Magnifico!

Virtuoso!

Molto Passionato!

Thanks, muski...I needed that...

And how dare me to talk about the fingers without posting a few pictures...

An avatar I made and used for a few weeks, reminds me of a wonderful night...

And how about them feet!

Almost forgot -- STUNNING BANNER! *sigh*

Heh...see, it's easy to get the conversation in a different direction, just by mentioning a different body part!

husker, I'd suggest "Hands to Heaven" by Breathe. Lyrics:

As I watch you move, across the moonlit room

There's so much tenderness in your loving

Tomorrow I must leave, the dawn knows no reprieve

God give me strength when I am leaving...

So raise your hands to heaven and pray

That we'll be back together someday

Tonight, I need your sweet caress

Hold me in the darkness

Tonight, you calm my restlessness

You relieve my sadness

As we move to embrace, tears run down your face

I whisper words of love, so softly

I can't believe this pain, it's driving me insane

Without your touch, life will be lonely

So raise your hands to heaven and pray

That we'll be back together someday

Tonight, I need your sweet caress

Hold me in the darkness

Tonight, you calm my restlessness

You relieve my sadness

Morning has come, another day

I must pack my bags and say goodbye...

And thank you ALL for the hands pictures. I've got quite a few of them on my bulging hard drive (heh), but there's some news ones there too. *sigh*

Better I go dream about that which is long and thick and beautiful....especially when he flips it in my direction.

Karen Eh?, you were talking about Waldo in this instance, right? I mean, here you were talking about the hair, and then you shift gears and start thinking about dreaming about Waldo.

Pretty typical for the fandom, eh? *g*

And now, on that note...off to church. So going to hell.

huskerfalcon, to use some really old terminology....THUD! Thanx.

And I'll start the fanclub for the fingers. Anyone else in?

Aw geez, still talking about the hair? Where's the Cheez Doodles?

Seriously -- well, first of all, I don't mind the discussions about the hair as long as it comes with pretty pictures. But I guess, for me, it just got to be such a fixation for some people that it just floored me, and really sensitized me. As long as people don't take it all so personally, I'm pretty OK with it. But then, as I think I've explained before, I sometimes read criticisms of Clay, even for as something as shallow as the hair, and I have a knee-jerk reaction to recoil. Yes, that's ME taking it too personally, and I know that. Just as long as everyone around here realizes that, we should be good to go.

And since we're talking about that hair -- heh -- CG, I actually agree with you on points one and two. A bit too dark, and those bangs would drive me nuts. But, I got used to it, and I felt the electricity in his performance, and I was a goner from then on.

OK, I'm sitting here with the laptop and hubby next to me. Therefore, I had to scroll muski's latest post....

Happy belated birthday to Carrie (ie., muski daughter) and Mom couchie!!

Well, the poll has been closed now, and the winner for the upcoming FCA chats is this Friday and Saturday, June 1 and June 2. Add the dates to your calendar now! Don't worry about forgetting either, I'm sure there will be lots of reminders throughout the week!

Favorite Clay hair? Honestly -- I just can't choose. I think the entire look that impressed me the most lately was the AMA's, but there was so much more than the hair in that appearance. It was the clothes too (loved that outfit, especially when he took off the coat), but more than that -- it was the ATTITUDE. Screw you, Kelly Ripa! Anyway, as I'm sure most of you know already, his hair is his hair, and while some looks make me groan and moan (in both good or bad ways), I just have a hard time criticizing his hair. (Maybe it's because of where I used to hang out, and someone in particular who constantly critiqued the hair....) It's just him to me, and I'm not particularly shallow, I just love the man.

Time to cook the burgers!

I'd do a converse to husker's question as well: what does she see the record industry doing right, if anything?

What does she see as more important for selling an album: radio play or television appearances, or is there something else in this new day and age?

I think part of the reason I like Clay so much is that he is such a great entertainer in concert.

I know that's much of my reason as well...and that's why it frustrates me sometimes when people want to put him simply in the rock star box. The man has personality galore, and frankly, it doesn't come through via recordings very often. Live is definitely the way to go, but I think there are even more ways to see that entertainer. If that long rumored TV talk show comes through for him (and I still think he's been collecting audition tapes with all the appearances he's done in the past year or so), I really believe that many people will see what an entertaining little cuss the man is.

I cannot wait to see keepingfaith's reaction as a first timer...there is nothing like live Clay!

Do you think one of the clack gatherers will be able to pull their camera off Clay for a few minutes just to get her reactions on tape? I'd love to see that as well.

Welp one more day and a 3 day weekend! whoo hooo.

I know. Thank God. Plus, that means a short four day workweek next week!

luckiest1 don't let Kandre know you like Cheez Doodles! She doesn't like to share*g*

Heh, I don't even know what a Cheez Doodle is, but it sounds suspiciously not low fat. I just like the hair!

Cheez Doodles -- the official snack of the eHP (and I think they should be the unofficial snack of FCA....) luckiest1, scroll down on the page....they DO make lowfat ones. But my question is: WHY?!?!? *g*

I'm so glad things worked out couchie!

Man, I forgot about this thread. I may have come in here soon and vent. I have a feeling I'm going to need it, and soon.

Thanks for the good wishes clayzorback! Lost rawks!

yeah, bottle...it is the same hair...and sorry, ldyjocelyn...but the hair sucks a big one here....

*sob*

I'll just sit in the corner with the Cheez Doodles and pet the dorky hair, OK?

Clay looks 12 years old in those screen caps. I can't fantasize about doing the nasty with a 12 year old.

When he looks like that, I do have to admit that the nasty is the last thing on my mind. But hanging out with him, goofing off, joking around, things like that -- that's what I'd be doing. And hey, who knows where that could lead. *g*

Entertainment Weekly's blog on the final episode

I've always enjoyed their blogs on the show, and this one is no exception. And check out their description of Ben after Jack beat him up...I laughed, anyway....