FromClaygary

At least a couple of members of the evil Houston Posse' would like to come-- Solo and Kimiye, and maybe KAndre and Perusing_One. Will update with better numbers after people reply.

<---Male? How did that happen? Do I now stand a chance with Clay?

Kimiye, I'll add you, Solo, Kandre and Perusing One to the list...today is the last day I can take additions, as I need to let the restaurant know how many to expect.

Clay Aiken Releases More Tickets To Sold-Out Show

"I sincerely thank my fans for their support. Selling out the Memorial Auditorium in minutes is so mind blowing to me, and now luckily I can get some more fans into the audience with these extra tickets" said the singer. "I can't wait to share the new music with everyone and I promise to make it a one of a kind, extra special show."

Have I mentioned :thbighug-1: I love Clay??? Not that I was able to GET one of the aforementioned tickets, y'know...but how cool!! And the extra effort put in to notify those who can be online during the day was very special as well.

I can't imagine how excited he must be...maybe, perhaps....ALMOST as excited as us??

Well i guess I missed out on better tickets. At least I'll be going there.

This is going to be a very loooooooonnnnnnnnngggg day at work – my mind is already on the plane to Raleigh.

No kidding!!

We were SO freaking busy yesterday at work that I couldn't even get lunch. I hope today's like that as well! At least it'll go fast.

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

Hmmm.....can't find the text colors....oh well!! :twinklewhore: anyway!!

By the way........we have 82 people coming to breakfast Saturday morning!!

See you there!!

OK, that post above is totally weird....that is NOT how the reply is set up, but it's how it posts! I've double-checked the html.

Whatever , I'm sure it's figure-out-able!

[quote name='canfly172' date='09 March 2010 - 01:38 AM' timestamp='1268116718'

Fromclaygary,

Thanks for adding me but ya missed scarlett!

I did! Thanks for catching that, got her.

Scarlett

FromClaygary, can you please add one more guest for me and Cheri? Michelle Starks is going to be with us. So that should be, me, Cheri, Sammie, Terra & Michelle

ETA Oops, I thought we had Terra down already, but didn't see her listed...am I just missing her?

Pam

Sounds good! I'll add Michelle...it'll be good to see her...and Terra is there; she's still aiken4aiken etc, right?

PS...gotcha...champion - 1

Is there room for one more? If so, I'm interested. Thanks!

Hi PI, I've added you to the list...see you there!

Everyone added to here....always welcome, Karma!

GREAT crowd, jmh!

This should be lots of fun!

Quite a few men this time, which is great to see.

Never mind! Mistaken identity...

...and I've added rcknrllmom and champion and their guests as well...looking forward to seeing everyone!

A couple of comments about Clay’s appearance on Phineas and Ferb from ellenpoppy at the Conclayve:

He looks like cute "AI" Clay. Clay's had so many different looks over the years that we recognize, but the AI look is the one that is most identifiable to most people.

So that says to me that he's going to play "himself"...what fun! And I fully expect, when he does, to see the avi on his FB page change. (it's currently a cartoon of him)

Again...what fun for Parker to be able to see that in years hence!

Very cool.

Eeeeeeee!! re Phineas and Ferb!

Sounds like a cute concept....someone else noted that as this is the opening episode, it will likely be replayed...and replayed...and replayed.

Thanks for the Wiki entry, ldyj; sounds like maybe there will be a song written for Clay for the episode??

Wonder if Sweet P is a Phineas and Ferb devotee ....although I guess he's a bit young.

I wanted to post (by permission) this update from the National Inclusion Project as well....this is the summary of what we talked about at the roundtable session at GFI in February....thanks to Cindy Skuce for the summary.

Where are we headed as volunteers in 2010?

On January 31, 2010, 30 volunteers for the National Inclusion Project gathered at the Homewood Suites in Palm Beach Gardens for lively discussion on the National Inclusion Project’s goals for 2010 and what we can do in our nationwide network of volunteers to help reach those goals. The meeting was hosted by Aron Hall, Director of Services for the National Inclusion Project. Diane Bubel and Jerry Aiken joined the roundtable discussion later in the evening.

The meeting kicked off with the volunteers breaking into groups and putting into practice some of the training techniques used by the Project as it trains partners in inclusion around the country. It was a great way to get acquainted and it created a very spirited atmosphere. Then the volunteers and Aron got down to business and the main topic – where the National Inclusion Project is headed and what the volunteer’s role is in getting them there.

Aron posed the question: How do we engage the organization’s most valuable resource – volunteers – to become active in their communities in creating inclusion awareness and fundraising? The group in attendance broke into small groups to brainstorm new ideas and share their past experiences with fundraisers and awareness campaigns. The new organization name, banner and literature made available in 2009 made volunteer jobs easier for creating awareness in our communities. Wrapping for Inclusion was a positive experience as the new name and banner allowed capitalizing on the word “Inclusion” and brought more patrons to the wrapping stations to inquire about the mission of the National inclusion Project. A lot of awareness was created across the nation by volunteers participating in this annual holiday project. It was also suggested that the wrapping project could be effective for other holidays, such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Valentine’s Day.

There was a consensus that economic times are affecting fundraising across the nation and new ways are needed to reach out to communities, both to create awareness and fundraise. A new national fundraiser to benefit the Project, Painted Bottoms, was introduced to the volunteers and met with great enthusiasm. Community Awareness Days were also highlighted as being fun to do and a way to involve family and friends in the mission to reach out to your community and make a difference for kids and families where you live. Roll and Stroll is another community activity benefiting the cause. More information on all of these projects is available on the Project’s website.

Many other new ideas were discussed and it is hoped some of them are implemented by volunteers in the coming year. Some fun ideas were Polar Bear Plunges and Bowling Tournaments. If you have an idea for a fundraiser or awareness project, would like to start a Wrapping for Inclusion site in your community, and have questions on how to go about the process, contact Aron at the National Inclusion Project at aronhall@inclusionproject.org

Additional Information provided to the volunteers at the Roundtable:

• The volunteer has 3 roles:

o Mouthpiece – share the story

o Firestarter – create enthusiasm

o Organizer

• The National Inclusion Project now “partners” with the organizations they support and the term “grant” is no longer used.

• Aron will be training at various locations around the country. Check the calendar and if he is coming to an area near you, contact him to participate in training and/or arrange to “talk shop” while he is in town.

• 5000 youth were impacted by the National Inclusion Project in 2009.

• Our financial goal as volunteers for 2010 is to raise $200,000 to support the mission of the National Inclusion Project

The Volunteer Roundtables offer an opportunity to meet other volunteers from across the country and beyond, and to learn firsthand what can be done together to make a difference. Join the volunteer network for the National inclusion Project by registering at National Inclusion Project

A question for Canadian fans here

When you order tickets thru Ticketbastard for a concert in the States do you have the tickets mailed to you or do you just get them at the box office.

Will someone here please reassure me that everything will be fine?

Lotus, we always use Ticketfast (ie, a soft copy ticket) for the very reason you've just identified....hard tickets are always mailed just prior to the concert, and if you're travelling this just doesn't cut it.

But........it WILL be fine. If they don't come in time before you leave you can get that "lost tickets" thingy.

ETA: I think you may just get them, actually...it usually takes about 5-7 days. Be careful you don't dispose of them by accident! They come in a very plain, unidentified white envelope which looks kind of like junk mail.

D101!!

In all the new tour excitement last night, I forgot to mention that I was at my (small town) Olympic supplier last night AND THEY HAVE OLYMPIC MITTENS!! There are only children's sizes left....but if anyone would like a pair, I can pick them up for you. They are $10 a pair, and if I have to mail them postage would be around $3 I believe....if you are coming to Raleigh, I could bring them with me.

Let me know via PM if you would like a pair....

I believe there is an airport in Asheville, but the cheapest might be to fly into Charlotte and rent a car. You'll need a car in Asheville. The Grove Park Inn is a fabulous place to stay but expensive as is the hotel at Biltmore. There are several cheaper hotels outside the gates. Asheville is wonderful in the summer. I'd love a condo there too bad I can't afford it.

Actually, I don't think there is...or, at any rate, not one large enough to have multiple flights from multiple carriers (which makes it cheaper in/out). There IS one, however, in Knoxville TN, which is not too far and is the logical prior or next step for a tour...

The more I think about it, the more excited I get about the Cluben! I think they will put on a terrific show together. Their duet (The Girl Is Mine) and stage time together during the AI tour was by far my favorite part of the show. Clay brings out the best in the more reticent Ruben, and in my opinion, except for Hannah, he has been the best duet partner for Clay as well. LOVE their voices together. Hopefully this will mean a little (or a lot) more green-eyed soul from our man as well.

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:04:

Evelyn, 2old4clay and anyone else wanting to meet to walk over....the restaurant is really easy to get to from the Marriott and Sheraton.

If you use the link I posted on P. 1, in the "contacts" section of the restaurant's website, there is a mapping feature. The Marriott is at the corner of E. Martin and Fayetteville streets. (Fayetteville is the main street that leads down to the capitol building); just walk straight east on Martin (across Fayetteville) 2 blocks to S. Blount St and turn left. The restaurant is about 1/2 block down on the left.

I think it's a great idea for a group to meet at the Marriott and walk over together!

Scarlett's video of Clay's speech at the HRC Gala is now up in the vault and (I assume) at CU.

ETA the CU link

Remember.....PLEASE only use if you do NOT have a key!!

And on another note completely.....

For those on FB...you may remember that The Sparkle Effect was in a Pepsi contest HEREin February...many of us voted for them. The Sparkle Effect was a 2009 National Inclusion Project Champion of Change at the Gala. They won!!

$25,000 for their programs, which I'm sure they will put to good use.

On an even more exciting note....Jerry Aiken posted this on his FB this morning:

Good morning - the National Inclusion Project will be competing in the Pepsi Refresh challenge in one of the upcoming months. We are currently developing our campaign and will be soliciting the input and guidance of many supporters, volunteers, and all friends of the Project. Check out this oportunity at www.refresheverything.com

Get those voting fingers limbered up!! If you're not already signed up for the Pepsi Challenge, you can do so HERE in anticipation (NOT necessary to be a FB member) and in the interim, get in practice, voting for some very worthwhile charities.

The National Inclusion Project is at the moment supporting The Tommy Foundation which provides education and support to autism communities and families, and you can help us help them currently.

ETA...hmmm....for future reference, it looks as though you can have 10 votes per day for your email signup, PLUS 10 votes per day if you are on Facebook and linked...just FYI. It gave me both today, anyway.

ETA again: (sorry)....a further comment from Jerry Aiken re the Pepsi Challenge:

"We will be providing additional information and soliciting ideas and help. The Pepsi challenge is significant and the winners have major campaigns to ensure success. To win we will require more connections and votes than ever before. It will take a strong will from everyone and the fortitude to vote daily and we have some ideas such as email reminders that may help. More to come! Thanks."

From toni7babe at CV (with her permission):

Bringing my post from CV over here:

claylilly sent me her two pics and asked that I crop them just to feature Clay and Reed and tag them as her friend Lisa took them and to post them for her.

Thanks SO MUCH to claylilly and Lisa P for sharing these with us.

the pic with Clay is blurry so I couldn't do a little close up like I was able to with the one of Reed.

But boy do both guys look gorgeous!

CUUUUUUUTE!

These make me laugh, cuz I sure know what happened to the photog here! It's a combination of "CHA in front of me...yikes!" and "that boy NEVER stands still!"

I'm so sorry for the other photographee that they didn't turn out though....

Can hardly wait for Scarlett's video.

He done good.

Reed lent him some of his hair goo.

OK, nevermind.....the "multiquote" thingy didn't work!

Loved that blog!!

Gotcha all! There should be no problem with room.

They're re-broadcasting again on Starchoice 417, which is...SNE TO ???? Whatever that means.

No Starchoice and no cable that goes to 417....but thanks!

Do we have an Olympics thread?

OMG did you see Moir and Virtue's free skate?

No! Working! Dang!! Hope it's going to be on youtube.

Attendance updated to here.

Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Evelyn, no problem...and I have added everyone else up to here.