ldyjocelyn

BAF Champions for Change Benefit, March 31, 2007 Mar 31: The Bubel/Aiken Foundation Hosts Champion for Change Gala at Raleigh’s Cardinal Club (Raleigh)

This was in my Google News Alerts for Clay this evening....more about the BAF Gala in less than two weeks. Champions for Change Benefit The honoree that makes me smile is Coach Jim Johnson.... I remember that story being on the news, seeing it several times...and each time, it made me cry. ____ EEEEEEEEEEE for Christmas! An ancient and honorable tradition. Hee.

Fine, fine...I knew this was coming. I'll try to get to it by the end of the week. Can you tell I have a habit of volunteering to do things, only to not finish them? I'm REALLY bad that way. But love you all. :F_05BL17blowkiss:

As soon as the name "clack" was born, I understood it. After a few months in the fandom, I REALLY understood it. In early 2005 I REALLY understood it. In early 2006 I REALLY understood it. The fandom became starved, and instead of enjoying what tidbits did come through, those tidbits were basically chewed up and spit out. Also, as couchie alluded, it seemed that the negative aspects of any appearance overrode the positive. A performance or appearance that was 99% great instead had a focus on that 1% that wasn't, whatever it might have been. My theory is that the negative bloggers "won" in that instance, getting some of the fandom to zero in on the "bad" rather than the "good." (Of course, all those terms -- bad, good, negative, positive -- are totally subjective.) I woke up to my clock radio this morning, with the GooGoo Dolls singing "Iris." Guess what? Heavy orchestration! Maybe Clay will sing a full version of that song. But wait...it's a cover. Hmmm. That won't fit into the "rockin' originals with strings" that will be on tour this summer. Darn it, it's hard to keep the theories straight. Heh. Very cool playbiller. It sounds like you're doing some great work over at Idol Forums. As Robert Fulghum said, "Play nice with others." *g* I'll have to check, but I think siggies are set up to be text only. Graphics won't work, I believe. ETA: Yeah, just checked -- no HTML allowed in signatures. But text is fine.... Another haven of sanity in the Clay Aiken fan world. I really do love what you do there. I had to draw the line at Clay pictures in my bedroom. Hubby would kill me. *g* But I have no problem wearing my Clay Aiken t-shirts in public. djs, have fun with your grandson today! Thank you Ansa. Well said.

Just popping in quickly before dinner to say a few things: 1) You ladies all rock. My head is tired from all the nodding I've done today while reading the boards. I'd quote you all as well, but that would take forever! 2) djs, sounds like my cats too. My favorite quirk though -- they come running when the bags of shredded cheese are opened. 3) KAndre, you do realize that you don't have an avatar here at FCA, and that one can be made for you from that? *g* 4) EEEEEEEEEEEEEE on the Kevin Bacon thing!!!! That reminds me, I need to make my donation to the 6 Degrees thing to get a credit for FCA too....

You've touched on two issues here, and ITA on both of them. Point number 1, "Clay knows what is happening": well, of course he does. It's his life, and he's living it. Pure and simple, we're NOT. As much as I read practically everything on the man (except for certain blogs and such *g*), I do not KNOW him, nor will I ever. It's not in my job description of "fan." Anything past that oversteps a few boundaries for me personally. This is not to say that speculating isn't a good time, it can be -- but when it becomes fact (such as that rumor jmh mentioned about the recording studio this past weekend), I just tend to shake my head in frustration. Point number 2, "Clay is the bestest idol ever": everything is relative, and also subjective. I love Clay dearly, but I cannot force feed him to other people. But yet, there a segment of the fanbase that, IMO, truly believes that there is no other for everyone in the entire world. Sorry, it just doesn't happen that way. Again, frustration. I've felt like this for a few months now....it's just that the intensity has ratcheted up a bit these past few weeks. Maybe that's why my blood pressure was high at the Doctor's office today. Love this. Word to your whole post, especially this part. This is the one great advantage of the Pod theories--it has kept the heat off Clay. Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes! [tm Sally] In a way, I see the pod theories as really, truly putting Clay on one of those damn pedestals. He surely cannot do anything wrong, and there must be someone around him to blame when things don't go quite right (and the definition of "quite right" isn't really set in stone either). I personally think that Clay is human -- he'll make mistakes as much as he'll do things right. And what I like about Clay, from what little I've seen, is that he takes responsibility for his actions. He's a straight shooter. Down, smutters... Oh yeah, she fits in around here REAL good. *g* I think this needs to be mentioned at least once per page.

*hands muski a battery powered heating pad to get through the day* It truly makes me sad that so many in the fandom are wishing ATDW away. Have they stopped to actually LISTEN to the album? IMO it's a gorgeous CD. Granted there are songs there that I would have NEVER chosen for him -- and yet, a few of those are songs that I simply love (BYLM is the major one that fits this scenario). More importantly though -- it's Clay SINGING. His voice is magical to me, no matter what he sings. I really thought more in the fandom felt that way, but it seems to me that this is not the case. It does make me wonder where "let Clay be Clay" went to, however. My husband and I started an exercise routine last year, and it's part of our schedule now. I think the key is that we motivate each other -- some days I don't feel like going, only to have him coerce me. The reverse happens from time to time too. Anyway, he lost 25 pounds, I lost 15, strictly through exercise. However, in the past few months, I've been creeping back up again -- so I need to start the Clay diet too. If I could lose another 10 I'd be a happy camper. Maybe we can all motivate each other with this? That's pretty much my take too, although I watched last night and totally agreed with some of the stuff he said. He can be very cruel, almost too much so IMO...but then I think about RL and how cruel it can be too, especially to those in the music business. That's where I give Simon some slack -- I think he's probably just as cruel as others in the business. And I agreed with Simon that he's not humiliating a lot of these early bad contestants, they do it to themselves. That's why I never watch the early rounds, because I totally hate to see people embarrass themselves.

Could I love Oswald and Danny any more? They are so incredibly funny. Woo hoo, Guido's beat Team Stupido. Eric needs to shut up. Yay, non-elimination leg! Woohoo!

Oh man, I think I can guess who got first now. Yuck. Heh. Wasn't who I thought it would be. That actually makes me laugh -- and they weren't THAT annoying tonight.

Kinda weird in that we didn't start the show until now, and I think Ansa is done! So far, the Cha Cha's are not in a good place. I hope they can pull their heads back together. I've seen the previews, and I don't think I'm gonna like one of the challenges. Rats are OMG ucky to me. I think Eric and Danielle are the weird ones, thank you very much. I loved Danny's comment about setting his rat free in a lab and putting make up on it. Too funny. Looks like the Schmirna team isn't doing real well in the rat thing.

djs, thank you just thank you. Hey jorepak -- whenever someone asks this question (and don't feel bad, you're not the first, but I'm sure you won't be the last), I tend to refer people to couchie's post from the middle of January (located here) couchie's good, y'all. Yay! txflrgrl is our balance point in height! Now technically, we should buy tickets for the FCA in a group, and then those of use tall ones would unfortunately be in the, say, 4th row. Those shorter in FCA get closer to the front. Sound like a good plan?

So.....is anyone going to watch Simon Scowell on 60 Minutes this evening? Claygasm perhaps? :medium-smiley-070: My husband and I watch this show every week, so I'll probably watch it. What will I say afterwards, though? Will it be ? Or will it be :whatutterclaptrap: ? I'm also guessing there might be a little bit of as well. (Bias? Me? No way....*g*) We'll just have to see, won't we? And I'll probably forget everything he said as soon as the interview is finished. Hope the rest of the fandom does the same.... playbiller, I love your new avatar, and got it immediately! And then, it made me think of this...

I've never experienced either first OR last concert adrenaline. I was supposed to, for the JNaCT 2006, but damn that snow storm. That's why I'm really hoping for another date either the night before or the night after Dallas -- because that series of shows would really work out the best for me. Unfortunately, I'm just not rich enough to get to all the shows I'd truly like to. And I understand people like Shady and Claygasm who want their only show experiences to be good ones, with great seats at least one time during the tour. For me, I'm learning that sometimes, just the experience of being in the room with Clay is worthwhile. His last two tours, I only got to see him once -- neither with upcloseandpersonal seats. But it was still thrilling beyond belief for me. As for where the FCA gathering is held, I know full well that we'll just not be able to get EVERYONE together. But, whomever is there -- I'm sure drinks will be raised for those missing. :bier: pkmiller, you certainly didn't offend me. It's just not something I can change, you know? But I do try my best to help others see, if I can. muski -- yes, see if your contact can make more special pastries! The concerts themselves -- I'm actually looking forward to some of these lawn seating shows, if I can get to one. Yes, the wait beforehand could be torture, but I'm honestly not expecting a HUGE bunch of teenies trying to get to the front. (Or, if they do...isn't that the desired demographic for the front rows now? :medium-smiley-070: ) Also, the weather could be terrible -- or it could be totally beautiful. I think back to my Illinois State Fair concert, where I had track tickets (standing, open area, in front of the stage). Waited 3 hours in beautiful weather and had a blast. So, I tend to hope that these shows will be like that. I also think it would be cool to just have a blanket, some wine, and some cheese to make the evening quite lovely. Finally, I think there could be lots of families at several of these shows -- it's that kind of atmosphere. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE for the tour!

Welcome pkmiller! Glad you made yourself known here -- and I'm looking forward to getting to know you better! And Happy Saint Patrick's Day everyone! Really? The one board I used to read (and have been checking the threads lately for information), that's the thread with practically the least activity! I'm with you in that I'm holding out hope for another show or two in that same general area, midwest style. This is one distinct possible show for me (as long as there are a few more in the area....) We do good weird -- and we all do it. Heh. BWAH...omg this is so right. Yeah it just seems like there won't be a seat left but after the requisite old ladies (LOL..me included) get their seats the first few days... we'll spend the next 4 months blasting RCA and ROger I'm sure for not promoting the concert and Clay could sell out if anyone knew he was coming. I always keep in mind that about 500 empty seats to every concert are actually sold seats, left open from the upgrading frenzy. Oh God, thanks for reminding me about this -- only not. I'm frankly very sick of "blaming" people in Clay's camp for whatever happens. It's too convenient and easy to do this when people just can't look themselves in the mirror and face what it is they are truly upset about. In the case of ticket sales, IMO it's probably about being scared that Clay will just "go away" if he doesn't sell enough. It's easy to blame Clive Davis for an album of covers (that Clay full well said he had a major hand in as well) when in fact, it's simply that people are disappointed that the team (including Clay) picked songs they don't like. I find the blame game to be just tiring myself. Saw it. Deleted it immediately afterwards. I'm not THAT desperate for clack. I have not made one single plan for these shows at the moment. My name isn't on any list, no hotel reservations made, nothing. I'm starting to get a little less zen, but I think that's because I'm reading about the craziness with the lists and such on the other boards that it's affecting me. I truly do want to wait and see what else shows up...although... Is there a Wikipedia entry for the word "fame-whore?" Because if there isn't, there should be, and this should be used as the definition. Bravo, woman. Very good attitude there, and one that I'm at as well. I've had fantastic seats and not-so-good ones, and I just have to tell myself that I'll be breathing the same air as Clay, and take it for what it's worth. I'll enjoy myself madly. I'm sorry to hear about that. I also always feel a bit guilty when people say things like this -- because at almost 6 foot tall, I'm usually one of the people doing the obstructing. It's a real bind sometimes for me -- I want the best, but I also hate that people are having a terrible time seeing around me. What to do, what to do? The California shows are totally doable for me time-wise...but it looks to me as if everyone and their mother are going to those shows, and especially for the Pala show, I'm wondering if tickets could be really tight to get. I also agree that expenses could be high for this one. And damn it, I don't have FF miles. I'm gonna have to sign up for that, aren't I? But if several really cool people are there, and it turns out to be the FCA gathering place, I'm there.

Viteradiva, there's no hotlinks in your post, and the one link isn't complete. Can you please try again? Thanx [tm CHA].

muski, I LURVE "The Onion!" But it's actually a nationwide weekly newspaper -- I think they are based out of NYC. Their original homebase was Madison, Wisconsin! Everyone should check out their satire -- www.theonion.com Their piece de resistance was their issue right after 9/11, it was brilliant. They've also got several books out with their headlines. I think my husband and I have most of them. As a librarian who is always trying to steer kids (and faculty) away from Wikipedia and on to library resources, this is one of my favorite articles by The Onion ever. Topic: I think Clay would love The Onion. play, I've never had a major problem with getting rooms for tours either. Usually, I just beg to sleep on the floor in someone's room, and they let me. *g*

I identify with both these posts so, so much. I can also identify with dreamlarge -- I've gotten "upgrade fever" more than a few times in my years as a Clay Aiken fan. But for the most part, I'm being very, very laid back with this entire process of tickets this time. Why? Mainly because we simply don't have all the facts yet. There are still dates to be announced, and there's time to get in via TB and the OFC for the dates already announced. Sure, I want seats that will get me upclose and personal with Clay (although I'm hoping a M&G will satisfy my cravings for that *g*), but if not -- I've just gotta be chill. One thing I have discovered with people who buy in the group sales -- they then later buy ANOTHER seat because the original just isn't good enough. It sometimes makes the people who buy in the group and who can't afford to upgrade feel like schmucks. And what is it with all these people going to show, after show, after show? What concerns me is that I think more than a few are of the pod mentality -- and when the first show setlist turns out to be the entire ATDW album plus a few original songs (as I believe it will), they are going to be un-freakin'-happy. But yet, they will still go to all the shows. I don't understand. I need to start compiling a list of thread titles, because I really, really, really like this. He does smolder, doesn't he? I laugh at those pictures from yesterday, but I think for me it's because I see "regular guy Clay" there -- someone who doesn't really care about the trappings of celebrity when he's flying. I laugh because I'm happy about that. No kidding! No one should treat ANYONE like that, even if I know it happens on a regular basis. Grrrrrrrrrrr......

I thought the flip-flops looked a bit worn, myself. Both my hubby and I are the type that if we're going to the grocery/hardware store, we'll just throw on coats and go, you know? Now, with traveling, it's a bit of a different story -- but we certainly don't dress up. I don't think either of us go to "Clay extremes" though. Yes!!! Perfect! Shoot -- could have used that idea for the non-existant OFC tabloid contest. :medium-smiley-070: I too think he's in LA to work on something to surprise us. What could it be? What could it be?

Isn't that kind of the point of "paparazzi" pictures? To catch high-level celebrities looking not-so-good? I'd take it as a compliment that he still has paparazzi wanting to catch him. *g* But I'd really like to burn those shorts. Even if they make me laugh.

It's that "cute/hawt hobo" thing.... I love that Raleigh or Durham is with him in that bag though. He's such a sweet puppy dad.

How about a pin that says "I :::heart::: emoticons"....maybe with the crazy chicken added for good measure? :medium-smiley-070: muski, if you need "Just, er....Buddies" or "Good Buddies" in Word format, I have those. I've finished rereading the first, and am working on the second. Makes for good bedtime reading. *g* I actually have "Good Buddies" at work (please don't tell, OK?). The printer at work is a lot faster, and prints on both sides of the page. What. BTW, muski you made this librarian so very glad to see you visiting your library. Support your local library!!!!!!!!!!! (I'm still waiting for Clay to do one of those celebrity READ posters....like these! Yes, the excitement for the concerts is getting me, and giving me goosebumps. Cannot wait. Is it July yet? chacha trusty, that is outstanding! I'll remember this for our next thread title.... Uh guys....where is everybody? Well, I'll post the one picture I have time for -- from today, at LAX supposedly. Clay Aiken is camera shy

cha cha trusty! I love Claymatized, think it's a wonderful site you have. Hope you enjoy it here -- would you like drink? He's either going to be spending a LOT of time on that bus, or else he'll be flying. It almost looks to me that he's trying to accommodate the fans the best he can (going to some places he hasn't been in a while), no matter the dates and such. I'm just happy he's touring -- and I somehow get the feeling he will be too. IMO he gets real joy from singing to live audiences. atinal, I'm thinking that a logical place to play after Dallas would be St. Louis (although that kinda throws my theory above out of the water). Maybe you, me, and rcknrllmom could make a ROAD TRIP!!!!! I KNOW! Two days ago we hit a record 78 degrees. Yesterday, I was sweating up a storm at work, just because the heat was still on in the building. Today, while no snow, it's back down to 35 degrees. It's insane.

OK, I gotta ask....is this a reaction to the events in RL earlier today, or something else?

This is georgia: So I'm bringing some :nature-smiley-014: and a :big hug: to her! Question: what is this "iPod" from which you speak? It's a foreign concept to me... I feel like such a luddite with my CD player. I do use my PDA for mini-clack sessions though -- the cards don't hold a lot, but they help me get through a workout at the gym. Topic: should Clay work out at a gym? Discuss.