ldyjocelyn

North Carolina Gives Back to American Idol

This is hysterical! The details in this piece make it totally worthwhile.

Barbeque: as a Food Network junky (and as someone from nowhere NEAR the south, thus having no claim whatsoever to this type of food), it really, really, really depends on where you're from. Everyone does it different, and calls it different. The only thing I can say is that grilling and barbequing are really two different things -- grilling is FAST, barbeque cooks SLOW.

Welcome alliesmom!!!! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! :F_05BL17blowkiss:

Diva, that was certainly BWAH-worthy, although I prefer "pasty white boy" to "honky." Would have been hard to make that rhyme, though, eh?

I just don't get how one person can look so freakin' different all.the.time.

I wish I knew, I wish I knew -- but isn't that part of what makes him so infinitely fascinating? It's so much fun for me to just watch the different transformations.

{{{{{{{{{muski}}}}}}}}}} for :Tour4:

Woohoo for couchie's Warriors! *um, basketball, right? What city?*

ETA: The final two batches of the mee2u2 high res pictures on CV. Scroll down to find them.

*sob*

I need to talk about this. Anyone out there who can help me?

Wonderful wedding....totally loved Luka that he would try to pull this off. He knew full well that Abby wasn't going to go for the traditional wedding -- and yet, I think HE wanted it. Thus, his surprise. I personally thought it incredibly sweet.

Man -- what is it about Neela that attracts people to her? I can vary with her (sometimes like her, sometimes not) but tonight I felt sorry for her. Too much attention from those around her. (I personally would go with Dubenko -- I think he's cool....)

But then...Ray. OMG. I'm sad. I really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really like Ray, and I'm afraid that this is NOT going to be good.

What a night. Maybe more tomorrow.

OK, it's pretty official for me. I'm going to Houston (have my ticket for that one) and will be buying for Tulsa as well. The eHP is adopting me for the weekend. I'm stocking up on bling right now.

I also had a WTH? moment with The Doc and Juliette, when they said shall we tell Kate? Yeah, tell her what? I started to wonder if maybe Jack isn't under some influence that has made him now become one of them. Oh my goodness. So much possibility with story lines. LOL

Yeah, that really piqued my interest as well -- it gives some new life to the character of Jack. From what I've read, we'll be finding out very soon what Jack was doing in that week with the Others, and I'll bet something new and shocking (heh) will be revealed then.

I tend to want to believe that parachute lady was really sent by Penelope to look for Desmond. She has all kinds of money and they have alluded to her searching for him before. I think she loves him enough to do that.

Are people just glossing over something that I saw last night, or are did others see this as well, and aren't making a big deal of it yet? Isn't parachute girl the same chick that Locke helped with her tent early on in the episode? I truly thought so -- and if true, plus the way the Others had the file on Sawyer, makes me suggest that the Others have files on every single passenger on Flight 815. To me, it looks as if she's an Other who has studied Desmond's file, and knows everything about him.

to all that need them -- and isn't that really all of us? But I know there are days when special ones are needed too....right Diva? Clayzorback?

I love that picture of Clay at the radio station. In a way, he looks like he's a 12 year old trying to pull of a "grownup" look ("hey, I'm a big boy." Yes, muski, that's for you...it's a freebie). But at the same time, I love his smile -- he simply glows and radiates joy, and it's infectious. Love him.

EEEEEEEEEEEEE for rcknrllmom! :TourExcite: :TourExcite: I'll be seeing you there! All I have to do is get tickets to Tulsa and then make changes to my original flights (grumble grumble), and I'm ready to go!

Welcome alliesmom -- join us in the main thread, if you feel so inclined! And we'll have to talk, because I'm going to Houston and Tulsa too. I think the evil Houston Posse (eHP) has adopted me for this tour.

Clayzorback, you are sooooooo me regarding the last two episodes (and with almost everything in your post, except for you wanting to kill Jack, I still like him, sue.me). I really like Sun and Jin, but that episode was pretty meh for me. But last night? Whoa. What a mind blower. I'm glad they put that commercial break in when we found out Locke's daddy's "name" at one point was Tom Sawyer....because then my husband and I were doing the "OK, do we remember this? OMG, that was the guy who was bilking Sawyer's Mom! Oh. My. God. This is gonna get goooooooooooood."

And I'm also now REALLLY curious about the Others -- how the hell do they know so much about the crash victims? Where did they get these files? I've read somewhere that one of the creators of the show discounts the purgatory theory (but of course, that probably means nothing....).

Parachute chick? OMG, why didn't I think of that? I guess I'm still hopeful enough to think that they actually could be rescued!

Anybody been reading any articles on the show? I can at least give hints to who the flashbacks are for the final three episodes, if anyone is interested.

AirTran Airways Inflight Magazine

Home Turf

AIKEN CASTS HIS VOTE

After finding fame, this American pop singer has had the opportunity to travel the world, only to realize the city he truly loves is his hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina.

When does being named a “first runner-up” translate into becoming No. 1? Well, for Raleigh, North Carolina, native and pop musician Clay Aiken, it was when he took second place during season two of the reality TV show “American Idol.”

While Aiken, now 28, may have seen fellow Southerner Ruben Studdard win the contest by a narrow margin of votes, Aiken’s record sales have since shot to first place. His first solo album, Measure of a Man, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in 2003, then went double platinum and became the highest-selling debut album for a solo artist in a decade. Not fully satisfied with his success, Aiken’s Merry Christmas With Love album sold more than a million copies in six weeks and became the best-selling holiday album of 2004. Not only that, his book Learning to Sing; Hearing the Music in Your Life debuted at No. 2 on the New York Times Bestseller List in 2005. His latest album, A Thousand Different Ways, covers some of pop and rock ‘n’ roll’s greatest love songs.

Aiken may have become a global superstar in a scant three years, but he continues to call North Carolina, and the Raleigh area in particular, home. “I still live in the town where I grew up,” he says. “I like surrounding myself with people I know and love.” Aiken was winding up a successful US tour and happily heading home to Raleigh—nicknamed “The City of Oaks” because of its parks and public gardens—when we caught up with him.

In the last couple of years, you’ve had the opportunity to travel all over the world; how does Raleigh stack up?

Raleigh has all of the things one would find in a much larger city—great shopping, good nightlife, fantastic cultural arts. But at the same time it has a quaint, small-town feel. People aren’t in a hurry; they are focused on friendliness and quality of life. No other city I can think of does that.

Raleigh’s been ranked in almost every publication as one of the best places to live in the country. Here’s a little known fact: The Triangle (the three-city area of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, home to a large number of research science companies) has one of the highest number of PhDs per-capita of anywhere in the world. These are folks who work hard all week long and then head to the lake for the weekend and turn their Blackberries and cell phones off.

Any myths about Raleigh you’d like to set straight?

Well, first of all, Raleigh is the state capital… not Charlotte! I’ve had so many people introduce me as a “country guy” from a “small town,” and that always makes me laugh. The Raleigh area is home to over a million people, and it isn’t a “podunk” town; it is actually very progressive.

Are there any activities that you always do with out-of-town visitors?

The Governor’s Mansion (also known as the Executive Mansion) is the largest governor’s mansion in the country, and it has a lot of history. Prisoners actually built it back in the 1800s, and, as you walk the sidewalks around the block, you can see where many of them carved their names in the bricks.

And Krispy Kreme is a place I always take my guests. You can’t beat a hot glazed. So many people around the country are now hooked on Krispy Kreme since they have expanded nationwide, but we North Carolinians have enjoyed them for decades.

The South has a major reputation for its barbecues; what should visitors know about finding good barbecue in Raleigh?

Listen, we know how to eat in the South! First of all, in North Carolina, “barbecue” is a noun, not a verb. And, there are several types of barbecue. In western North Carolina, barbecue is pulled pork that is smothered in a tomato-based sauce. South Carolinians use a mustard-based sauce on their pork, but in Raleigh and eastward you’ll find pulled pork smothered in a vinegar and red pepper sauce. It cannot be beat. Pick any of the local barbecue joints— the older and more run down the restaurant, the better! —Betsy Model

I bring you news !!! First here!!!!

Actually, I was reading a Ruben site - yes, I like to follow him and wish him well - so there is good news about Ruben, but then they interview Kim Loke and she goes on about the 3 buddies.

enjoy

eta - I forgot = you have to click on the video or you would not know Clay was in it. heh.

EEEEEEEEEE! I missed this the first time, glad the rest of you quoted it so I'd find it! The friendship between the three of them seems so sweet and just so REAL, y'know? Thanks play for bringing that. I'm planning on getting KLo's album soon (probably in a huge Amazon order to get free shipping *g*).

BTW, thanks CG for bringing over the Clelly mention too. That made my heart swell a bit as well.

I think for me, I like the way he seems to inspire loyalty in his friends. He meets people and either they don't quite "figure him out," or else they get him immediately and become friends for life. And -- to me, anyway -- it seems that way in both his business and personal life (of course, not knowing how either of those really are, I'm again probably talking out of my butt). The business side is probably less likely, I know....but we've seen Mary by him almost from the beginning of his touring life. Also, all those tech people that he keeps thanking during his shows. Good for Clay -- and good for those around him too.

The Clocke, the Clangela, the Clyra--I'm not really into shipping, but when it enters my psyche there's a definite theme.

jmh, you are me. Heh.

ETA: AirTran Airways Inflight Magazine

Home Turf

AIKEN CASTS HIS VOTE

After finding fame, this American pop singer has had the opportunity to travel the world, only to realize the city he truly loves is his hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina.

When does being named a “first runner-up” translate into becoming No. 1? Well, for Raleigh, North Carolina, native and pop musician Clay Aiken, it was when he took second place during season two of the reality TV show “American Idol.”

While Aiken, now 28, may have seen fellow Southerner Ruben Studdard win the contest by a narrow margin of votes, Aiken’s record sales have since shot to first place. His first solo album, Measure of a Man, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in 2003, then went double platinum and became the highest-selling debut album for a solo artist in a decade. Not fully satisfied with his success, Aiken’s Merry Christmas With Love album sold more than a million copies in six weeks and became the best-selling holiday album of 2004. Not only that, his book Learning to Sing; Hearing the Music in Your Life debuted at No. 2 on the New York Times Bestseller List in 2005. His latest album, A Thousand Different Ways, covers some of pop and rock ‘n’ roll’s greatest love songs.

Aiken may have become a global superstar in a scant three years, but he continues to call North Carolina, and the Raleigh area in particular, home. “I still live in the town where I grew up,” he says. “I like surrounding myself with people I know and love.” Aiken was winding up a successful US tour and happily heading home to Raleigh—nicknamed “The City of Oaks” because of its parks and public gardens—when we caught up with him.

In the last couple of years, you’ve had the opportunity to travel all over the world; how does Raleigh stack up?

Raleigh has all of the things one would find in a much larger city—great shopping, good nightlife, fantastic cultural arts. But at the same time it has a quaint, small-town feel. People aren’t in a hurry; they are focused on friendliness and quality of life. No other city I can think of does that.

Raleigh’s been ranked in almost every publication as one of the best places to live in the country. Here’s a little known fact: The Triangle (the three-city area of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, home to a large number of research science companies) has one of the highest number of PhDs per-capita of anywhere in the world. These are folks who work hard all week long and then head to the lake for the weekend and turn their Blackberries and cell phones off.

Any myths about Raleigh you’d like to set straight?

Well, first of all, Raleigh is the state capital… not Charlotte! I’ve had so many people introduce me as a “country guy” from a “small town,” and that always makes me laugh. The Raleigh area is home to over a million people, and it isn’t a “podunk” town; it is actually very progressive.

Are there any activities that you always do with out-of-town visitors?

The Governor’s Mansion (also known as the Executive Mansion) is the largest governor’s mansion in the country, and it has a lot of history. Prisoners actually built it back in the 1800s, and, as you walk the sidewalks around the block, you can see where many of them carved their names in the bricks.

And Krispy Kreme is a place I always take my guests. You can’t beat a hot glazed. So many people around the country are now hooked on Krispy Kreme since they have expanded nationwide, but we North Carolinians have enjoyed them for decades.

The South has a major reputation for its barbecues; what should visitors know about finding good barbecue in Raleigh?

Listen, we know how to eat in the South! First of all, in North Carolina, “barbecue” is a noun, not a verb. And, there are several types of barbecue. In western North Carolina, barbecue is pulled pork that is smothered in a tomato-based sauce. South Carolinians use a mustard-based sauce on their pork, but in Raleigh and eastward you’ll find pulled pork smothered in a vinegar and red pepper sauce. It cannot be beat. Pick any of the local barbecue joints— the older and more run down the restaurant, the better! —Betsy Model

ETA AGAIN!

More high res pictures from mee2u2 (set one) First post on page

More high res pictures from mee2u2 (set 2) Again, first post on page.

Don't post them at OFC, please!

The symphonies are a lock and as I told Muski on our walk...just because Clay has a symphony doesn't mean he won't "act a fool" nor do I think it will be a dry concert. I just think he's incapable of that.

I've thought more than a few times that the Christmas tour was a "dry" run (damn, there's that word again...sorry muski) for this upcoming ATDW tour. We saw what came out of that -- some of the funniest stuff from him in a LONG time. Mr. Clay Aiken, comedian. Just because he's got 40 other people on stage with him doesn't mean he can't talk to the audience and show his comedic intelligence.

And yes, I'm totally delusional because I believe that he'll do a great mix of songs on this tour, but the focus will be on ATDW. jmh, I know what you are saying -- and I know you're only trying to help us see the light -- but damn it, I'm going to go out on a limb and keep my belief in ATDW. I'm so sad, aren't I?

Personally, I think Spring (notice that it is always capitalized) is the perfect time to roll down the windows and blast ATDW while you are driving.

Me too! Love it!

What, you're not on the "if you promise not to tell anyone I can tell what I know" list? Somebody started that with me and I changed the subject. RCA is a large ass company that puts profits over their artists. Anywhere Clay goes will be the same. I just hope he is somewhere where he is happy and where he can have the freedom to be creative. If the struggles of the past give him more freedom in the future at RCA I don't care if he stays there. If going somewhere else affords him that opportunity..I will celebrate that as well. And I will just follow his lead. When I hear something official I'll celebrate along with him.

couchie, I love you. I'm with you in the "follow his lead" car.

OT: my husband got a promotion today! He'll now be the head of his library. He's happy but apprehensive. But I'm so proud of him.

Sounds like my kind of concert -- but then, I'm easy enough that all I needed to hear were the words "Clay Aiken" and I'm good.

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

:TourExcite: :TourExcite: :TourExcite:

Funny, I had a couple more lines in my post that I deleted, to the effect that the absence of this kind of thing may be his choice--so I don't think you are confused. It may be that it's about the invasion of his privacy that can result from the in-depth interviews, that he just hasn't wanted that since he moved back to Raleigh. I think if he finds the right person or persons who are interested in serious stuff, he'd go for it, but he's not interested in courting paparazzi, showing up at the "right" places, and so forth like some do.

I think where my "confusion" comes in is this: the UNICEF and BAF connections. I personally feel that he wants to give those organizations as much publicity that his celebrity would allow. They are near and dear to his heart at this point. But...balance that with the types of "in-depth" questions he'd probably be asked along side publicizing those organizations, and he, IMO, would have to make a choice...and I just have a gut feeling that he's not in the mood to bare his soul quite yet. Of course, I do not know Clay Aiken, so I could be talking out of my butt.

Kimmel!!! squeee!!! He must be on Kimmel to introduce his new album cause it's spring and last time Kimmel said you don't even have an album out so now he must have one now or he wouldn't be back on Kimmel. squeeee!!!! Cause you know he isn't going to sing that boring old ATDW with the symphonies on his tour, on account of it didn't sell but half a million copies. So there must be a new album. squeeee!!!!!!!!! And it must be with a new record company, and it's, like a surprise album, which isn't the same as having NO promotion, not-at-all. [/snark]

Heh. I just wish it was snark coming from some fans, but sadly, it's not.

I wish money were no object, but I'm still waiting for Ed McMahon to show up at my doorstep, instead of tightening the purse strings or inconveniencing myself in any way to save more dough.

Yes, I'm twelve years old.

Topic: I think Clay doesn't have to worry about retirement finances.

Works that way with comedy shows too. I'm a big fan of Andy Richter's style of comedy, and he's come through with 2 great shows in the past few years, "Andy Richter Saves the Universe" and "Andy Barker, PI." The last show had 4 showing on Thursday nights, and then was buried on Saturday to play out its run. I was bummed for a week about that one. The point is, if a show doesn't make a splash in the first two outings, it's pretty much gone. It's sad.

Therefore, I can totally feel Clay's pain in regarding the possible cancellation. We'll just have to see, won't we?

And I love him when he begs. *g*

From notacanuck at the CH:

Jimmy Kimmel Live

This is a NEW appearance:

Thursday, May 10:

Clay Aiken, actress Aida Turturro (The Sopranos), musical guest Alexa Ray Joel

Clay nude? Where? When? I'm so there.

Oh dear....to borrow a phrase from muski, that man CMSU! Don'cha just love the dichotomy of him? First he's all serious and stuff, getting an award for his work with children. Not even a week later, and he's like a 12 year old kid, begging for his favorite show to be kept on the air.

Anyway, I LOL'd all the way through that blog. Meanwhile, I'll go to those hospitals and put their TV's on Jericho....but I ain't watching it either. Sowwy Clay. Lost is on tonight.

couchie -- he dragged Mary into it too. Hmmmmmm.....

ou know whats so great about these pix...we see them at the brink of stardom...behind the scenes...not when they are on...that picture claygasm looks like an athlete psyching himself for the competition...love it!!

Yes, that's what I see as well -- the focus. The drive. The guy who wants to do his best, and knock it out of the park. That picture is simply stunning. (And yes, I'm shallow enough to "gulp" at the eyelashes. Whoa mama!)

I am so ready for another interview and photo spread like Elle, Rolling Stone, EW--in depth, inside the man--or a Primetime-type TV interview. There's so much he must have to talk about now, so much has happened since the night of those amazing photos. I'd like to hear about his UNICEF trips in depth, about how he feels about the BAF and all it's accomplished, what it is like being on the Presidential Committee. I'd like for him to be interviewed by Anderson Cooper so the hawtness factor will be huge, plus there'll be all the intelligence and sensitive stuff going on too. His Angelina Jolie interview was amazing--gimme some of that with Clay please. I know Clay isn't as big a deal as she is, but please, oh, unenlightened entertainment media, please, gimme a big chunk of Clay Aiken. Cause you know people are still curious about him, big time; you know it would still sell. I'm sure y'all have stuff you'd like to hear him talk about in depth too. Does the American public really need to know that much about the daily lives of Anna Nichol, Howard, baby daddy and the little one? Of Paris and her compadres? I guess there's a claim based on ratings being made by some suits somewhere that keeps that drivel on.

I'd really like this as well. Man's got a fascinating mind, and I'm afraid not all that many people know about it. I would really love to hear his viewpoints on what is going on in his life. I'd be enthralled, I'm sure, and I think not.just.us people would really think long and hard (heh) about their view of him after such an interview. Unfortunately, though, two things: 1) for some reason, the media DOES think that we'd rather hear about Britney's latest escapades, or Lindsay Lohan's latest rehab stint. The media is so cynical in this regard. H.A.T.E. 2) I'm not totally convinced that Clay wants to let that part of his life out yet. He may still be in "process" stage, at least with the latest Afghanistan stuff. OTOH, he did a good job with the media last week. I don't know...now I'm confused. Happens all the time.

Scroll down the page to mee2u2's posting of a stunning early picture

Scroll down to last post on page for the 3 silhouette pictures

As always, these pictures should not be posted on the OFC.

Hey everybody -- let's hit the wayback machine!

Old/New Getty Images from AI2

This one is really cool....

Ah yes, the days of young Clay. He looks funny with the spikes now, doesn't he?

play, I skimmed a bunch of forums after googling "spill on laptop," and here are a few general recommendations: 1) TURN THE COMPUTER OFF! 2) Take out the battery and dry it off thoroughly. 3) Let the computer dry for a few DAYS. After this, try it and see what happens. If the spill got into the hard drive, you may be fried.

So, I'm listening to CV's Clay radio -- and having a great time going over the IT and NAT. What a young, fun time that was. The one that struck me that really put a smile on my face was the opening strains of the Clay/Quiana WY. Why? Because I realized when Quiana started singing that it was the last show of the IT, where Jerome came out and was "singing" Quiana's part in the blond wig. I wish I could have been there for that one, but the clack still makes me laugh, even just thinking about it.

I'm looking forward to Clay putting a smile on my face again this summer. I think this tour will be a blast -- hearing songs we've not heard before, with the Aiken charm live. He's so good at making me believe in his songs, if that makes any sense -- I can feel his passion when he sings live. Hearing that with ATDW songs will probably make me faint.

I love that unique man.

Here's my whole take on the hair: he's a guy.

Really, that's pretty much it in my book. I really don't think it's THAT big of a deal to him, he pretty much "goes with the flow" regarding how he looks. Just my gut feeling, but I think he tends to look in the mirror and shrug, no matter if the fans later think he looks fantastic, or if the fans think he looks like c-r-a-p.

And I'm really at the point with my fandom that I can't be all that shallow with him any more. I look at those pictures, and I see a guy who is HAPPY with his life, and I think about how proud I am that he got this award in the first place. To me, his voice, his humor, and the difference he's made in some children's lives, not to mention many fan's lives, is first and foremost.[/angelwing]

EEEEEEEEEEEE! Thank you merrieeee! I think the suit is cooler than cool -- nice, not-so-subtle pattern which, to me, gives the suit some texture. He's so cute, and I'm so proud of him!

Sorry for the post-whorring....

I gotta disagree........I sure hope no one was there trying to take pictures. I really dislike the intrusive picture taking in private settings. I mean, it's one thing at a public event like yesterday's Women's Show in Raleigh, but another entirely, IMO, at the airport security counter or a restaurant where Clay is having dinner with friends, no matter if those friends are celebrities or unknowns.

I know you're right, and I really do want him to have a private life, without the intrusion of the media or fans. And yet, I can't help feeling curious. I know, I know...curiosity killed the cat. *sigh* Life can be so hard sometimes.

Thing is, I get the impression that some fans want these things to be made public to prove that Clay is out with women (and by that, I do not mean anyone here!) Most others just think it would be cute, and I am sure it would be (and I'm not hypocritical enough to say I wouldn't right-click-and-save because I would), but if Clay wants to get pictures out to the tabloids that show him with women, he has ways and means to do that. I wish fans could just draw a line between being enthusiastic and being intrusive.

OK, my head is from all the permutations of shipping. I can totally get into the Clyra, though -- even without muski's help.

And, intrusive though it could be, I hope someone was able to do this:

I thought the OTT Claymate skit was fun-nee....because to me it seemed so TRUE, if that makes any sense.

muski, I love hearing about your daughter's successes on the sports field. Woohoo!

My gut tells me none of the above.

People, JAMIE IS HIS COUSIN!!!! Blood has nothing to do with it. They grew up as cousins!!

IF Clay has anyone, I bet its no one we know about. In fact, I HOPE its no one we know about. It would be nice to think he has one part of his private life that is truly private.

On the cousin thing -- yeah, I agree with you. Cousin = family to me, by marriage or not. And I'd forgotten that she was married, which makes her even more off limits to me.

Yeah, I think it's probably none of the ladies mentioned too, and I would dearly love for him to have a relationship with a person that can be kept out of the fan's radar. At the same time, though -- I also think that "hiding in plain sight" is something that Clay could probably pull off. So, I'm really torn on this one. But then, I always just say -- as long has he's happy, I don't care.

(AndI don't think that's Mary.)

Compare this picture:

with this gif from the AI4 show (if it's working, let me know if it's not...):

I do think that's Mary.

And it scares me a bit that I can identify her. I know the people around Clay better than some of my own family!

I just got in so I haven't checked around. Isn't the dark haired chick sitting on the other side of Clay Mary, or is it some other random lucky woman?

I thought so too. So....why doesn't SHE get shipped with Clay? I've always thought it would be funny if Clay and Mary were an item, just because she seems to be the one person in the "inner circle" who HASN'T been linked to Clay romantically.

Wonder what Brett's Marine buddies think about him spending his Sunday afternoon at a Southern Womens' Show, watching ballroom dancing? Think they're waiting for Brack?

3 more episodes, dear couchie.

I'm personally waiting for Locke to appear again. I know many people don't like him, but I do.