ldyjocelyn

This is one of those afternoons where....I'm just going to sit back, take a deep breath, and try to relax about this whole thing. Yes, it seems to be a major screw up by someone -- the problem is we just don't know WHO. My guess? We'll never find out the whole story of what was going on in the background for this. Yes, TC and TM announced the Nokia show. Maybe they were told "everything is a go" by the venue, only for the shit to hit the fan later because the conductor of the orchestra said "whoops." Maybe TC should have waited for the dotted lines to be signed before announcing.

In a way, this whole situation is sounding like Conspiracy Theory, v. 2.0. And my reaction to that is similar to my reacton to CT 1.0 -- never assume anything (I've learned my lesson on that, thanks to wanting to buy plane tickets -- BTW, Clayzorback, I could cancel the flight in this instance, but I've already got great seats for Houston!). I don't know the behind the scenes stuff, and at this point, I'm just gonna have to patiently wait.

Deep breaths.

YSRN, I like your style, even if we disagree about the teeth. Sorry about the gophers and your flowers, though. :F_05BL17blowkiss:

I'm wondering if it's because this looks to be an outdoor venue, as compared to the Nokia. WHY he wants to play an outdoor venue in the middle of summer in Texas is beyond me, though.

In the meantime, I'm gonna pout now -- I'm not happy with the way this has turned out.

And I hope that Frisco, Texas knows what hit them this morning. *g*

I think for me it is because when Clay smiles, he doesn't just smile with his mouth. He smiles with his eyes, with his face, with his soul. There are some people whose whole being light up when they smile. Clay is one of them. I guess because of that I never looked that closely at his mouth when he smiled. I still don't.

CG, you're not the only one. I never paid all that much attention to his MOUTH either when he smiled. Instead, I could almost FEEL the happiness when he smiled, even through a picture or clack. What he was doing with his teeth or his mouth was inconsequential to me.

Bottom line for me - being a Clay fan is supposed to be fun, a hobby. It is not supposed to be a chore, or your job, or your life. It should make you smile and laugh and feel all tingly from time to time, not cause angst and unhappiness. Because of the boards it was on the verge of doing the latter for me not too long ago. FCA brought the fun back into being an internet fan for me. But even if it hadn't, I would still be a fan and keep up with Clay to a degree. But the boards, when they're fun, mean you have someone to share your fandom with and for me that is more fun than being a fan alone. You just have to find the right mix or people.

AMEN!

I have to admit I was one who did buy almost everything early on, and I still do occasionally pick up a People magazine (and keep it) that has a mention or two of Clay in it. And I'm going to look for the new People with the AI connection here real soon. I also printed practically everything out from the web. That's stopped now -- too much paper!!!!

Welcome artquest!

Boring analogy ahead...scroll at will.

I've been married to my husband for almost 9 years. When we were first getting to know each other, I couldn't stop thinking about him -- how much fun it was to share time with him, looking forward to talking to him each night before bed, things like that. When we got married, it continued like that for a while -- it was still fresh and exciting, and we both had a blast. After a few years or so, though, things just simply changed. We realized that we still love each other, by far -- but we knew that, with time, we would learn that the newness wasn't as fresh anymore. However, my husband still does things that thrill me -- he'll make me laugh exactly when I need it, smile at me with his adorable smile, tell me that he loves me even if I change the channel when he was actually watching something. I'm positive I do the same thrilling things for him.

I know I've used this analogy before, but, in a way, it's the same way with Clay. As couchie said, 2003 and 2004 was a constant "getting to know him" phase, and it was consuming. But, after a while, I knew that things would settle down into a more comfortable phase, both for Clay's sake (IMO), and mine. The intensity can still be there (the gala night was a big case in point -- and I had a blast that evening, even if I wasn't there), but I now know that it doesn't need to be like that every waking moment of every waking day. I still love Clay and find myself excited when he appears somewhere, but it's just more settled.

My feelings on the fandom? Totally different animal. I found in the past year that my blood pressure would go up everytime I read anything that I saw as angst. Maybe it wasn't angst to some people, but it sure was to ME. The constant up-down cycle got incredibly tiring, and I knew I had to scale it back. Thank God for this place -- it allows me to keep up, and I have the board up in the background on my computer every day, but since we're still getting some footing around here...it's just not a constant. That doesn't make sense, I know....

One more thought -- muski, you say you asked the question because of reading posts recently that suggest their waning interesting. It seems to me that these kinds of posts have been around for a while -- I'd venture early 2005 at least (the first supposed clack drought). IMO, it's kind of the state of fandoms in general -- people's interests wax and wane. Some just give up after a while -- and in Clay's case, I have no doubt that others will take their place. Some will come back after some time away from the fandom. I'm positive that the NEXT album will be interesting for Clay -- if he continues to go the ballad route and doesn't turn into that rocker, will the fans continue to follow? At this point, I'm just interested in Clay's journey, and I love watching him.

Uchenna and Joyce took a risk with an international flight with an extremely tight connection. The risk didn't pay off in this instance -- they missed their flight, and as far as I know, they are still stuck in Europe.

I'm disappointed in Cha Cha's tonight -- the trip is getting to them.

Mirna and Schmirna -- you know, as much as they bug the CRAP out of me with their baby talk, and talking in foreign accents to everyone they meet, they seem to be playing the game smarter this go around. Annoying, sure -- but smarter.

Eric and Danielle, however -- I cannot stand them. They are whiners of the first degree. H.A.T.E.

I'm really gonna miss U & J. Such a sweet and honest couple. I wish they could have gone all they way.

Back from my Mom's today. We took her to my brother's -- discovered that getting her into my car is easier than getting her into my brother's van, but we really had to squish her wheelchair into the trunk! Hee. She is really doing quite well. While she basically needs the wheelchair to get around, she's standing frquently to help do things like get a coat on, and get get to the bathroom (with a walker) by herself. I'm happy, and she seems to be good.

Clay content? On the way back home, we stopped at a convenience mart for a restroom break. While waiting for my husband, I started looking at the energy drinks available. Guess what the key ingredient is in many of these drinks? Guarana!!! There was actually one called Guarana, but I didn't buy it. However, my husband tried the Mountain Dew High Energy Drink, which has ginsing and guarana. It was a little sweeter than regular Mountain Dew -- and this comes from someone who grew up drinking Mountain Dew!

luckiest1, thank you for the scans of the program!

ETA: muski, good questions. I'll have to think about it for a bit, and get back to you.

Happy Easter/Sunday to everyone!

That picture of Clay and Jesse should be outlawed -- too much pretty in one picture. Both men are hawt!

See ya'll later tonight!

For some reason, I felt inspired by You Were There.

I, on the other hand, am extremely shallow and am inspired by sugary treats.

And I, of course, couldn't let the day go by without celebrating -- Peeps!

Peep Research

And the librarian in me has to show off this one too....

Gosh, those Peeps are SMART!

Glad you're back KAndre. PENNY SLOTS?!?!?!

Claygasm, when cats are involved, I'm always interested in knowing how they are doing. It still makes me sad that Clay thinks cats are evil and/or are haunting him. I would really love to help him get over that phobia.

WooHoo Jimmy Kimmel! God, I remember just simply cringing at his name at the height of "The Man Show" popularity. And remember how so many Clay fans were appalled when it was announced that Clay would be appearing on his show November 2003? My, how times have changed. Jimmy rawks. That Gawker chick didn't know what hit her. Heh.

I forgot a couple of things -- YSRN, your blog pictures are beautiful. Very nice job. (This comes from someone who has the blackest thumb on the planet, even though I keep trying....) And this is from a LONG time ago -- Claygasm, thank you for the picture of Max. Such an adorable dog. How's Waldo? Did you find cat food for him?

I was having such a major brainfart. Totally could not remember about Locke's father being in the box. I don't understand why he is even interested in seeing that loser again.

I think it all goes back to a sense of having a family for Locke. Even though the guy was a first class con artist and screwed Locke over so many, many times -- in the back of Locke's mind, he's still DAD. That sense of family can run very strong. I see it the same way with a LOT of characters on this show -- why did Kate need to know why Mom turned her in? Why did Kate's Mom love her Dad, even though he beat her repeatedly? Why did Jack keep trying to get HIS Dad to get help, even though I think Jack knew his Dad would never get that help? IMO, it's all a sense of family, and it seems to be a recurring theme for this show.

I think too that this kind of thing happens in RL all the time as well.

Well, if you can have a new avi Ansa, so can I...

:medium-smiley-070: :medium-smiley-070:

But I have to admit, I'm gonna miss seeing conductor Clay under your name.....

Isthis goingto be renamed the Texas One-fer?

I'm not giving up hope yet....

In the ring video, did the auctioneer ask some lady if they needed to get a mop, or was I hearing things?

I just watched it again (thanks, I needed a reason to watch it again :medium-smiley-070: ), and yes, I hear him asking about a mop too. What is up with that?

Can I just say that I also love the auctioneer? He's funny too -- I loved him asking the one bidder for the WT shirt if she needed a loan. Cracked Clay up even. Also -- loved Clay trying to get "JOE'S" attention during the ring auction -- as if Clay couldn't say that name loud enough!

What a clack goldmine. I'm in heaven at the moment.

My favorite character, by far, is Hurley. I love that he conned the con artist to get him to become a softy. Hee.

OK, so this was an episode where I liked Sawyer -- because he was at least TRYING to be nice (no matter the reasons why). He seems to go through these periods of doing things like this, and then he becomes that stick-in-the-mud con artist, "what are you gonna give me to do this?" person. I hate him when he's like that. And I just can't find him all that cute for that reason. I know, unpopular opinion. I'm glad that we all can still share our Clay love. *g*

I really like the character of Juliet. I would guess as well that she wasn't "left behind" either -- but she's sooooooooo good at hiding her true feelings/motives that she's at least an interesting character, one that keeps you guessing.

Kate? Well, I'm glad she figured out the thing with her mom. Eh. But her working with Sawyer's ex? I wondered why we were seeing her in the "previously on" segments.

I think next week will be interesting -- the power struggle with Jack and Sawyer will resume, I presume.

CG, try clearning your cache and your cookies and then see if you can get into the site.

Back to that wonderful auction footage...*sigh*....

Teno rings

Doesn't look like they have the design I'm used to seeing him (and I've studied this picture more than a few times....)

But the second one on this catalog page might be one of the necklaces he has (or had, at this point....).

Hello?

Anybody still love me?

I do, I love you very much. I personally can't see it....but that doesn't invalidate it for you either.

God, he's an animal.

RUN, don't walk, and get the latest gala clack by ClayIzzaQT. It's so up close it's like being there! Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Clack Unlimited link

OMG yes! You all must get this clack now!!! All four clips are worthy, but the killer is 1:00 through 1:30 of the ring auction. I'm guessing that muski will be dead soon.... And he SOOOOOOOOOOO knows. He's such a little shit. I love him.

Did we ever get that THUD emoticon loaded?

But it will really, really annoy me if Dallas is eliminated or changed. Especially since Clay told us that its only "O"fficial when its at the OFC. Tulsa isn't there. Dallas is.

And that's one of the reasons why I did go ahead a book my plane tickets. I totally understand where CG is coming from with the plane ticket rates -- but that is the reason why I tend to buy early. I know, it's getting me in trouble now, and I feel badly too because I've taken someone else with me down the garden path. Plus, it's on the OFC, and so I'm upset that this isn't working out quite as planned if they do take it off. I've just shot myself in the foot this time, and I have no one to blame but myself.

Clay and radio. I may be in the minority but I don't think he needs radio in the same way other artists do. Clay is as much a TV personality (maybe more so) than a musical artist. His best and probably most effective means of promotion, IMO, is TV. When he makes the rounds of the talk shows he gets far more face time than the vast majority of singers who appear. Most sing - maybe get a few minutes of gab time. Clay gets couch time. Clay gets half a show turned over to him. Clay goes on shows as the only guest. Clay cohosts. Oh, and he also sings. Each one of those TV shows gets more viewers than the number of people listening to the radio at any one time.

What I see with Clay is entertainer, that doesn't translate well to radio. TV producers see it, it's the reason he gets couch time. Clay can put you through almost every emotion within a very short time frame. He can make a funny story out of just about anything, he can play off his audience. He has facial expressions that many comediens only wish they could do. I think there is so much he can do that he can hardly contain it all. I think the best is yet to come for Clay and us, but radio will probably have little to do with it.

Both of these posts make PERFECT sense to me. I'll be in that minority with you CG -- I still think (maybe delusionally) that Clay sells records every time he appears on TV, even if he doesn't sing. Anyway, there's really not much here that I can add to both these posts.

The trouble with Top 40 is everything seems to sound the same. I don't want Clay to sound like everyone else.

Amen and WORD.

I have no worries about Clay's career. Unlike many artists, I don't think Clay started his career with a clear cut vision. He likes to sing. That's about as much as he knew. He is still evolving. He is young and will likely go through many incarnations in his career. But talent and charisma like his cannot be hidden. He will keep shining brightly for as long as he wants this. I have no worries about this. He may never be the biggest pop star on the planet as some want. He may not sell triple platinum ever again. He may never win a Grammy. But I will bet he will be around a long, long time, singing to us and making all our girly parts tingle.

There is not a doubt in my mind.

I think another thing that plays into this is the time factor. I don't need for him to have radio success RIGHT NOW, which is what I think some fans do. To me, it's back to the "if he doesn't have success (like us voting for him constantly on AI), he'll leave us." I don't think that's gonna happen at all. I've always believed in the slow and steady thing for Clay. He'll make it on his own terms, and in his own time. It may be 5 years, or 10 years, before something like radio play for Clay will happen. I'm patient enough to wait. I feel that some fans aren't. They need everything for Clay to happen instantaneously. Sorry, I don't think it works like that.

Everyone here keeps mentioning Groban being played on the radio. I've gotta say -- he does? He certainly doesn't in my neck of the woods, not yet anyway. "You Raise Me Up" got airplay a few years ago, and "Home" by Buble was played constantly last year. But none of their follow-ups got anything here. So it always surprises me to hear people say they are sick of these two men. (For the record -- Groban's voice is technically proficient IMO but bores me to tears, as it seems to do for others around here too; but I really do like Buble. But then, I love swing era music and that kind of song styling. My husband and I just watched "Tony Bennett Unplugged" the other night, and he's that same kind of singer to me. Love it. BTW, Tony Bennett was SUPPOSED to sing on AI the other night, but he had the flu. Buble was a last minute addition, so that could be why he didn't sound so hot.)

However...I also feel that he will get that hit cd...he will get to the next level. I really think that somehow he simply needs to find his true style...he needs to be free to create that music that comes from deep inside him...not necesarily written by him but music he collborated on. I think he needed to have these challenges in order for Clay to continue to grow artistically. Once he comes in touch with the music that comes from deep with in him I bet it will find its place in radio and he will get the accolades from the industry.

Two things about this, one that's gonna make me sound so very negative, one that I think doesn't:

1) Let's say he does find his "true style" with the next album (and he says it in a few interviews, so those of us without supra sekrit decoder rings will understand). What if it ISN'T a hit? I guess what I'm feeling is that his style may not EVER be the type that will truly fit in on radio. Now, getting a song to fit on radio has so much behind it, including atinal's wonderful list. So I just really wonder if I've come to simply see as a viewpoint that most don't share, that he may NEVER make it to radio at this point. Again, I do want it, and if Clay wants it, definitely. But I think the road is awfully long at this point. Stone me, I don't care.

2) "the music that come from deep inside him": I actually think ATDW was a good start in this regard. Sure, it sounds like he was not given many options of songs to record (I'm not using the "m" word, it's become a dirty word in my household), but I think he took what he was given and made the most of it by far. His artistic level went up by leaps and bounds to me -- especially with HYCA and BW.

Great -- the OFC doesn't work for me. I'm having nightmares now about the Dallas/Tulsa fiasco, and I can't even check with them to try and keep updated. play, I'm terrible about waiting for airfares and such -- I like to get things planned! It's just that in this case, a major screw up happened, and that makes me sick.

so everyone knows how great of a singer he is, but no one will play him on the radio. Doesn't make sense to me. I guess it is just one more thing that makes me go hmmmm.

Just as Ashlee Simpson or Paris Hilton getting played on the radio make no sense to me either. I truly would love to hear Clay's glorious voice on my radio, but since it seems to me that (at least for top 40 anyway) image is much more important than actual talent. AC seems to be a different animal, but AC works sooooooooooooo slowly from what little I've seen.

This whole discussion gets into the whole business side...and that honestly is something I know nothing about, or very little at least. Or, maybe I should say -- I just don't care all that much any more. I used to be interested in it, but my time in the fandom has kind of soured me on it....because again, some people just KNEW exactly what was going on in the background. These people then, IMO, thought that everyone should know that "information" too.

I honestly don't know if Clay wants radio play or not. Honestly. Truly. And that's why I just can't get all worked up about it. If it happens -- fantastic. If it doesn't -- Clay's still gonna have a career.

Of course, though -- I'm one that believes to this day that HYCA would sound fantastic as a single on the radio, and still thinks that it might have a chance somewhere down the line.

But I've been known to talk out of my butt more than several times. I'm like that.

I know you don't believe RCA is evil or the problem so how do you take this? This is one of the things I wonder about. Sounds like RCA is NOT helping Clay get played on the radio. I'd love to hear your opinions.

Thanks for joining in on the conversation pkmiller. Here's my take on the whole radio thing: what does Clay want? Does anyone know that? Clay does. Maybe, just maybe, Clay has said to RCA that at this point in time he's not interested in radio play. This doesn't mean that he didn't want it in the past, or that he might not want it in the future. Anyway, I think what Clay wants is really the unknown variable -- and one that more than a few fans have decided THEY know. How, I'm not sure, other than they've heard from the second cousin twice removed of the maid for the chauffeur of one of the songwriters. I just can't assume anything any more regarding Clay and his career.

4 things:

1) KAndre -- us bad? Are you kidding? We're so bad we're good! Good luck in Vegas -- play some nickel slots for me, OK?

2) Just gotta say that the discussion today has been right-f**kin'-on. That is all.

3) Sorry to hear about Buble being so bad last night. I do like him, and don't mind his "schtick" at all -- but everyone I've heard from today says he was just BAAAAAD. Therefore, I'll just imagine Clay singing a standard or two to me, and I'll be in my happy place.

4) Just gotta quote bottlecap here, just 'cause....*g*

Sorta, kinda like this?

Plus, some nu skool hawtness.

Best Hair EVER!

Oh crappity crap crap -- I didn't want to read that news about Nokia. Crappity crap crap.

But I am with you. I do not use the scale to figure it out though...just my clothes.

That's how I judge it too - don't even own a scale anymore. Sadly, my clothes are yelling at me!

I'll admit that my clothes were the first thing to tell me that I needed to lose weight. Same thing with my husband. HOWEVER -- when my husband and I both came to this realization, we did buy a GOOD scale, and discovered the awful truth. We were both at almost at a nice round number, and neither of us wanted that. Now, we weigh ourselves once a week. It's not conducive, IMO, to obsess about the scale, but it is good to have some ideas of the numbers too.

As to alcoholic beverages - red wine is good for you! Actually, my father's cardiologist actually recommended he drink a glass of red wine every day! I guess the trick is stopping at one!

If you don't like to drink, red grape juice supposedly gives you the same nutritional benefit.

Seriously, I am a firm believer in everything in moderation. To me, denying yourself everything you love makes sticking to a diet more difficult. Have a sweet once in awhile. Have a beer once in awhile. If you're good 80% of the time, you'll be doing well!

Honestly, this is my downfall. I'm actually pretty good in moderation, in that I just never have been able to eat a whole 1 lb. bag of M&M's in one sitting, or 3 plates of pasta). For me, the problem really is serving size. When I cook (which I LOVE to do), I make sure it is a balanced meal, and have some sort of vegetable with the meal. But I love my red meat (sorry CG), and steak is a massive favorite. And of course, a serving of steak is like 3 oz. WTF?!?!? That's two bites. Sorry, can't do it. I also tend to pile on what looks to be enough to fill me up of other dishes, but turns out to be about 3 servings total. But I'm working on it -- my next purchase I want is a home kitchen scale to weigh my servings.

Ok, the question I am sure you're all asking is if I know so much about how to stick to a diet how come I am a fat pig? Good question and one I unfortunately know the answer to. I am the most sedentary person on the planet! I hate to exercise so I don't. If I spent half as much effort exercising as I do thinking of excuses NOT to exercise, I would be in great shape! Some of my excuses are valid. I can't afford to join a gym (and I probably wouldn't go if I could!). I can't afford and have no room for any in-home exercise equipment. The weather hasn't exactly been condusive to outdoor exercise. I have very limited time. I don't have an iPod (ok, that's not a valid reason, but I want one!).

Other people with busy lives - busier than mine - find a way to exercise so I know I should too. Other than walking, anyone have any suggestions?

Back to the story I started this post with. My husband and I both looked at each other and decided that enough was enough. So, there's one key -- find someone to work with you. My husband and I motivate each other -- there are days when one or the other of us just doesn't feel like working out, but the other will guilt the person into going. Point number 2: schedule the exercise, just as you schedule appointments in your life. My husband and I decided on 3 times a week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday) and we pretty much stick to it. It's a permanent part of our schedule now after a year.

As for where and how we workout -- look into a local community college. I'm lucky in that I work for one -- but that afforded me membership into their Circuit Training class. My husband had to pay the full tuition for each semester -- which was $95. (Mine was much cheaper). At the end of May, we will have finished 4 "classes," basically our workout sessions. You have to attend so many times in order to get an A, a B, etc. (32 visits gets you an A...and my husband and I hit that this week, with 5 weeks left in the semester). At this point then -- we can register for a yearly "membership," and it's MUCH cheaper than any professional gym. They have weights as part of the circuit training, plus elliptical machines, treadmills, and recumbent bikes. Now, every community college may not have something like this, but it might be something to investigate.

BTW, after doing this for a year, and not changing eating all THAT much -- I've lost 15 pounds. My husband lost 25 (damn him). Now I've got start with those portion sizes...

I think they key is finding something YOU enjoy doing, and then just simply doing it. It might take a while to find the right thing, though.

Damn. That was good for me...was it good for you guys, too? :Tour3: :TourExcite:

Between atinal and Claygasm here today -- yeah, it was good for me. I'm spent.

Ciggies, anyone?

Hey NCgurrrl...or should I say "heyhowareya?"

Anyway, I don't chalk everything up to jealousy but my goodness there is such a pattern of slamming people who get recognition from Clay unless of course that person is "one of our own."

Honestly, I understand that feeling. All of us, I believe, want people who we know (including ourselves) to get recognition. To me, that's simply human nature. I've learned, however, that if someone I know doesn't get credit -- I just have to let it go for my own sanity. Again, this can be a difficult thing (that "human nature" stuff talking), but wallowing in the mire just makes things worse. JMO.

But now here's another dilemma for you. It's over. It's a success. How much will the tearing down of her on any level reflect on the whole thing. I have no answers for that.

That ties into what I wrote previously -- letting things go. There seems to me to be a lot of grudges held in the fandom -- toward Clive, TC, RCA, other fans. Heck, there are a few that still can't let go of the stuff Simon said, and that was four years ago. Again, I'm not saying that it is easy to let go of these grudges, and maybe they shouldn't be let go totally (the "forgive but not forget" thing). However, I guess I just don't see the point of holding on to these grudges on a public board. As couchie said, this particular instance is OVER. What is really the point of publicly stating repeatedly that this was a bad idea a few weeks ago, when the whole incident is NOW finished? And the BAF may have made money from it? (You're right NCgurrrl in that maybe the whole thing is fraud, and you ask good questions. But it is up to the individual to decide that.)

For the record, I actually agree with Clayzorback. IF it were up to me, there would be a STRONG HARD LINE between fans and Clay and nobody would be writing press releases. But that can't be enforced when it's some peripheral thing to Clay and there is no fair and equitable way of saying who has the right to do it.

AMEN.

OK, now for the pretties....from ClayIzzaQT via the CH via probably somewhere else (I didn't make a note of it, I was blinded by the beautiful):

Just gotta say....I'm fascinated by the long, lean finger.

Finally -- muski -- :F_05BL17blowkiss: I'm printing today another ream of paper at work. *g*