ldyjocelyn

I thought you were never going to get around to watching last week's episode, and giving us your thoughts. Hee. I hope tonight is just as good. I see the previews show Kate, and the blonde doctor woman, handcuffed together running through the jungle. Kate bitch slaps her. Bwahaaa. I hope the blonde knocks her on her ass.

Getting to this week's episode might be just as bad, I'm hoping that we can watch it Friday night. And watching the previews? All I could think about was the catfight on "Knot's Landing" several years ago. Hee.

I've always felt he had some contractual obligation to AI, through his 19R contract, to be their pimp. Maybe his 19R contract is about up and he no longer has to be used to pimp their show and up their ratings for them. Now that is not to say that I think he is not with, or will continue to be with RCA. After reading the People interview, I have no doubt that he is still with RCA and his next cd will be with them. However I could be all whacko and have contracted that dreaded secret decoder disease. If so I hope there is a cure. But that was my initial reaction to reading all of this.

I've always simply believed that Clay Aiken "pimped" AI for two reasons: 1) he knows that this show is how he got to be famous. He knows that if Diane Bubel hadn't badgered him to go on the show, that he'd have no foundation, because of his resultant fame that came from the show. He knows that he pretty much owes much of where he is now to AI. JMO. 2) I also think that the MEDIA likes going to Clay and finding out his opinions on AI. He's a good "talker," and he has a good head on his shoulders for things like this. Again, just my opinion, but I truly think these are the only two reasons why he talks about AI so much. Clayzorback, I do agree with you though about RCA -- it sure sounded like he's going to be with them again next time to me too.

Well one of the dates is wrong and I hope they get it cleared up before the presale for Dallas. I want to go to Oklahoma because it is a mere 2 hours away from me. Well, at least we know it is confirmed that he is going to be at The Brady Theatre in Tulsa. WooHoo

I hope they get it figured out soon too -- I've got plane tickets already and I'll be pissed if I have to change them for any reason. Even Clay.

Oh dear! Clay is apparently going to be in 2 places at one time.

According to THIS, he'll be in Tulsa on July 7th!

JULY 7TH IS DALLAS!!!!!!!

Dallas has been announced forever! They wouldn't change it now, would they????

I guess its only natural to filter things with your wants, but sometimes I don't think people actually read the words that are written or listen to the actual words Clay says. We have so often discussed this here. They read between the lines and take out their super seekrit decoder rings and before long what they say Clay said bears little resemblance to what Clay actually said!

Claygasm, :F_05BL17blowkiss: I know (and I think you do too) that you're probably preaching to the choir here, but I enjoyed reading your post and hope that maybe ONE poddie will see it and consider it. Bravo.

Are y'all ready for a post of massive proportions? In other words, are your scrolling fingers ready? *g* I just couldn't post yesterday, and then was too tired to really care. But this morning -- relaxed, refreshed, and fairly alert. OK, so I probably could use another cup of coffee..

CG, congrats on the good tickets for Orlando. I hope for your sake it is the last show of this tour. Someday, I'll have the chance for that myself, I hope. Clay (and crew) always do something that is pretty darn cute/good/schmoopie during those last shows.

Oh I agree with you and Atinal...I'll always think it's the coolness factor. Clay is seen as uncool and even though everybody and their mama talk about similar things as Clay for some reason he isn't allowed to. Or the worst possible interpretation is put on his words. When Prince says he wants to put on a family show he is praised to the heavens. WHen it's Clay, it's some sort of weakness, or goody two shows, or small town. Odd.

Bolding mine. This is one of those double standards within the fandom that drives me nuts -- I think because it hits close to home for me. I was raised on a farm -- the nearest "big" city was 30 miles away, and even then, its population was just over 40,000 people. *waves to atinal* When people start saying things about Clay being "small town" it makes me want to scream, because it certainly sounds as if it is an insult. WHY? Just because the way I grew up is different doesn't make it any worse than someone who grew up in a big city. (BTW, I think Raleigh is HUGE city...*g*) It just makes are morals and standards DIFFERENT. Sure, there's probably some "judgemental" when Clay talks about the way he tries to live his life -- but I see just as much "judgemental" when people deride him for talking about that too (as roseviolet so rightly said).

Yeay, ldyjocelyn, for a successful summit! I'll be tackling a conference in a week or so, myself. Any Albuquerque people out there?

One of the things that struck me again yesterday is that I'm pretty darn good at planning meetings and such like this. (I have the same reaction after my wedding -- damn, I'm good. *g*). Maybe muski and I should start our own meeting planning service for Clay fans?

oh well...it seems to me that in this instance this People article didn't come about because of some new publicist...but the result of the much maligned press release...I find that totally ironic...and amusing...

oh SNAP! I didn't even put two and two together...so busy trying to run back to work. This is the person who wrote that press release that we discussed last week. Well we said the ultimate test of how good a press release is was the result. And fuckin' bingo.... because having all that information in the press release got People interested in doing an article.

All of this talk about about publicists..let me bring up my "profession" for a minute...profession in quotes cuz I just have a degree in it but haven't worked in the field. LOL. I throw my non qualifications right out front. What I loved about the press release and I think the "experts" hated was that it was all over the place. Talked about too much. I don't think it was really all over the place..it was organized but just had a lot of information. Now, what if the gala hadn't been mentioned as many people thought shouldn't have been. Would there even be a People article?

But it was this press release that got People interested. They were able to take the whole Kevin Bacon thing - and put Charity and Clay together. But what happened from there seems to be kismit. The reporter they got to do the actual story (and this is where my profession comes in) showed a basic curiosity. She allowed that curiosity to take her places that weren't already pre established. She contacted this eddie person who provided her with GREAT, POSITIVE information on Clay and his charity work. She gave her links to TBAF and UNICEF. They had no idea that Clay was an Ambassador. And really, it is a really well kept secret. But this reporter did her homework Good reporters aren't just people who are too stupid to understand PR. She did her job the right way.

This all worked really well to give Clay some well deserved publicity. Kudos to the press release. Of course we may get more good press or some fall out of the whole thing so the complete result isn't known just yet.

I tried to snip something out of this, but I couldn't. First of all, I was so busy with other things that I didn't put two and two together on this one either. But, in the end, it WORKED. It go Clay's name out there, to a major publication, and emphasized things that either people are always curious about with Clay (the AI connection) or things that certain fans think should be better publicized (the new album in the works, his charity work). I'm pleased as punch at how this article came about, and how well it turned out.

BTW, I just went to the article on the People page again, and they've changed the picture to one during his M&J appearance.

They really do deserve to be publicly flogged for what they have done to the OFC and the moral of the fans..

LOL..yep I so agree. 6 monthe of hell I do agree and moreso for people that have dived in. I ran to my corner and have had a pretty wonderful last 6 months. In many ways I took the chicken's way out but I really had too many things on my plate, serious important things but in the long run, it saved my fandom.

Mine too. And yes, I've felt like I was "running away" rather than trying to continue to fight and be one of the few sane voices in the fandom (if I do say so myself). But after a while, there was only so many more times that I could pound my head against the wall, and I finally just had to give up for my sanity's sake.

Curious on your thoughts about distancing himself from AI. Remember this isn't the first time he tried to do that...and it kinda backfired on him last time because he got a little bit of the who does he think he is stuff...but he was never overt about it and he always stayed involved so he never got the Kelly criticism.

I think what's interesting about this whole take on his feelings on AI is that it IS considered newsworthy in the first place. He's almost always been the "go-to" person regarding AI, ahead of most of the winners. Well, the media isn't going to ask Taylor -- he's already dissed the show in public several times. Carrie and Kelly? IMO, too successful to be asked about the show anymore. Ruben and Fantasia? Not as successful. Clay seems to be "just right" -- successful without being snotty about it (since he didn't win and such).

I really thought what he was trying to do with his answer was to avoid answering the awkward questions about Sanjaya or who he thinks will win rather than just distancing himself from the show.

That actually was my take on it too, although he may be hearing enough about the show this year to know that he's just not interested in watching it.

cha cha trusty, hope your boss/BIL feels better soon!

It's been awhile since we had a chat or a listening party... any ideas on topics?

I'm still up for trying a MOAM listening party, if I can find a good time, and if I can decide how to divide the album in half, or if we should do it all in an evening.

Getting ready to get ready for work, but I just wanted to make a drive by quickie post and ask.

Do marketing radars come with an off switch? All that "pinging" is driving most people bonkers? :angry22:

It makes me have the same reaction I have when the alarm clock won't STFU.............I just want to pick it up and throw it across the room.

Glad to know I'm not alone on this. The fandom for a few people is their job, I think -- and they can't let their hearts run with the good feelings about Clay without their "brains" getting in the way. There's gotta be a mix of the two, IMO -- and sometimes I just want to enjoy Clay.

All done now. Back to your regularly scheduled programming.

I'm tired. It's been a long but good day. I actually pulled off my summit, with very little problems. Forgot one piece that was mentioned briefly to me several months ago -- and never follow up on. One projector that decided to give everyone a seasick tour of the web (wavy screen). Other than that -- it was good.

I'm just posting to say THANK YOU to luckiest1 for her awesome recap. I'm jellus too, but also extremely happy for you and your family and friends. What a magical night.

OK, I'm off for some dinner. Need sustinance.

Thanks bottlecap, for that People article. 2 things: wonder if the definition of "soon" will be his definition, or the fans? *g* And also, love this quote:

Each time I've done an album, I've had a little more creative control over what happens.

It just tells me, again, that he had more of a say about ATDW than many want to give him credit for.

I'd love to talk about this all day, but I'm running a summit at my workplace, and will be computerless for the entire day. Wah. Have a great day everyone.

Clay blogged - a nice thank you for supporting TBAF. I won't hold my breathe about him remembering to post the total raised - I'm still waiting for the pics of a newborn Chamberlin.

Ooooh, I'd forgotten about that. As for the amount raised, I'd say -- it's a buttload and leave it at that.

As for watching Jericho - you're on your own there, dude. I'm not adding another TV show to my viewing schedule that requires me to pay attention.

Yeah, sorry dude. I'm not home Wednesday nights, and even then, I've got Lost to watch. Besides, I watch too much TV.

But Clay -- thanks for asking. *g*

Wonder what else he thinks we can accomplish. World Peace?

Nah...but we can accomplish whirled peas. :medium-smiley-070:

As you can see, it's just an advertisement.

Ooooh, off to watch the clip again. Glad it's up on YouTube...that way I don't have to sneakily find a way to download it on my computer here at work. (For the record -- atinal has listened to "The Prayer" mucho times. Me? I've watched this clip more times than I can count....love that snarky little s**t...)

Happy Monday everyone...good luck with tickets. Muski, hope you got your San Diego situation straightened out. Such confusion - telephone orders only? Do they know which century this is?

I've wondered that too -- but I would guess that many of the "patrons" of these places are not as technologically literate as Clay Aiken fans. (I don't mean that to sound ageist, really...) Also -- just remember -- Houston tickets were phone only as well, and that turned out fantastic (thanks to the beautiful KAndre! :F_05BL17blowkiss: ). OK, so there was someone for Houston that didn't get their beloved front row seats and complained -- but that person, IMO, should NOT get front row seats ever again, as karma for the stunt she pulled.

I showed a picture of Clay from Saturday night to my office mate. She almost DIED. Thinks he's one of the most adorable men on the planet at the moment, and she REALLY likes the beard. Yeah, she's been Clayverted.

I can't explain the hold Clay has on me. I just know that he does and I accept it.

Yep.

As I posted on OFC.

I can smell his pheromones all the way to Arkansas. His animal attraction is working overtime.

They make it to Illinois too. I think they make it to California as well -- that's why muski hasn't been heard from -- she wasn't at the Gala that I know of. I believe the only ones from here who attended were the two you mentioned.

I am planning on being there next year. Start saving now and I will be at the $10,000.00 table next year, I've already decided.

Good for you! I'll probably have to live vicariously through you then -- although maybe next year those $175 tickets will be easier to get.... I know, fat chance. EVERYONE is going to try for those next year.

All the pictures are wonderful. Has anyone heard how much the leather jacket went for? What is the history on it? I know it is the Grammy? Emmy? jacket, but did Clay wear it there or what?

The only think I can tell you is that it is a Grammy jacket. As far as we (the fans) know, Clay wasn't at the Grammy's, so no idea on how he got it. (Maybe he got it from the Dixie Chicks?)

Loving the pictures that have come through. I'm also still waiting patiently for more of the clack to arrive -- I'm actually a little surprised that more hasn't shown up yet. I guess maybe people are still flying back to their homes? But I will be patient. Truly. Heh.

Pictures from butterflyshines of the OFC...

This is the most adorable picture of him I've ever seen. What a cute face.

I wuv him.

Honestly...I read the question "why Clay?" and my brain kinda fuses. I think for me, I'm like the old Bud Lite commercials -- "why ask why?" Sometimes I just realize that there are things that just cannot be explained, and IMO, this is one of those things. I've just learned to enjoy Clay -- yes, he does things that makes me think, but for the most part, I'd really just rather be happy that he is in my life.

I don't know if that makes me shallow, or an angelwinger, or what -- but I just go with the flow with him.

I think CG is right, muski must be dead.

Yep, the Guido's have no chance....with all 3 teams there at the same time.

I love this roadblock, this is funny. Obviously these guys have not put on armor before -- I have, and it's not fun, and it IS heavy.

Buh Bye Guidos.

Mirna and Schmirna? HA HA HA HA!

Well, the Aushwitz thing reminds me about how touched some people were at Nelson Mandela's jail cell. Others just raced through it.

I remember that -- wasn't that Uchenna and Joyce's season? It seems like there was another time when something rather sobering was part of their tasks, but I sure can't remember that. I'm just grateful that this time, everyone treated that visit to Auschwitz with respect. As you said, a few weren't real good at Nelson Mandela's cell.

Oh God I love the chachas and Uchena and Joyce

OMG yes. That was so sweet of the chacha's to give the prize to Uchenna and Joyce. Both teams are just so good hearted, you know? In the end, THAT'S what I like in my TAR teams -- I don't really care about their racing skills totally (because I think it is as much LUCK as anything else), but I like good and nice and respectful people.

I wonder if the producers planned this, so that it would equalize? If they hold on to these intersection things until they thing they need them? I'd love to know the answer to that question.

That was one of the most touching things I've seen on TAR in a while.

An intersection AND the Fast Forward? Oh I bet the BQ's are going to be pissed!!!!

Sheesh, the Guidos are not going to be able to make that up. I could be totally wrong, but I think they are goners at this point.

I cannot imagine being the Guidos or Eric and Danielle -- traveling tired like that would make me really crankly.

Ooh, they are going to Auschwitz. That should be very sad.

Well, now we know why the two hour episode -- another leg of one team starting when others are still out on the previous leg.

When will the Schmirnas realize that they don't need to talk in accents? Grrrrr.

Yeah it looks like two one hour show...but its weird cos no road block...I ownder if they just tool it out to start evening up the teams...or what...

You're right....no road block. I think your suggestion is probably correct in that they need to come up with a BIG equalizer again. The logistics for the way the show has panned out this season have to be a nightmare (not that they aren't anyway, but more so this time).

Yeah, Mirna and Schmirna are being very annoying tonight. They are very much the persona of "the Ugly American" tonight.

Love the piano tuning challenge. That's a neat thing.

Wow...the BQ's won this leg -- but the show is two hours tonight....what's going on? Or will it be two one-hour episodes back to back?

Still love the Cha Cha's.

Mirna and Schmirna have tin ears. That is all.

16 hours difference between first and last? Wow. There's a time difference. Sheesh.

Eric and Danielle seem to have bad luck with flights, don't they? First they get thrown off a flight, then an airline won't bring back the flight to allow them on, even if the flight is still on the ground.

What was taking so long with that one travel agent? I didn't get that....

See! bottlecap I had NO worries about this board and being shallow and stuff -- just because ya'll hadn't seen the clack. Now we're back to talking in indistinguishable syllables, such as "guh" and "gah" and "Good God in Heaven, is the man hawt or what?"

OK, so maybe that last one was just me.

And yes, if I had been there, I would have been calling my bank for a loan. Collateral would have been my husband. *g*

I agree about K-Lo though. That is my girl and talk about somebody with the wrong company giving her the wrogn ass material. It makes my heart literally hurt.

I too loved KLo, and still do. She's still got that great husky voice...it's just wasted on the songs she got (and seems to be getting). *sigh*

Y'all HAVE to see the auction clips. The Invisible one is hysterical -- the puppy dog eyes, the taunting and teasing to get someone to bid higer....fantastic.

And if anyone knows how to make a gif of him doing the thumbs up, I'd be mucho appreciado. Or of him doing the puppy dog eyes. Or hell, any gif from these clips.

EXCUSE THE SHOUTING, BUT HE'S FREAKIN' ADORABLE! The beard works now that I've seen it in action. Behind the facial hair, it's still Clay. Damn him for being so cute.