liney23

It just fills me with joy to read, people who *seriously* love beautiful music write "he's become a star in his own right." No matter *what* Clay's "next big thing" is, I still wanna pinch myself sometimes and say "Baby's STILL a STAR!" After all he's been thru, and we've been thru with him, I'm still thrilled that he didn't get squashed right out of the starting blocks or fade away after coming out. He's still beautiful, sings beautifully and he's still OURS.

Yep, Bon's a bit gone on the man LOL

Very wise words, and I get that feeling as well. Show business is the type of place that chews people up and spits them out at a very rapid pace. I'm thankful that Clay has been able to navigate through the highs and lows and is still here. IMO it's because of his charm and talent, and I love it.

Bolded part. Love this, but I'll also say that I'm willing to share him with anyone who may not know him...

Off to an all day off-site meeting. I didn't get my chance to do yesterday's song of the day, and I may not get to today's as well! Anyway, song of the day is:

Misty

Hey, can I nominate the bolded above for a thread title???? I like it!

I finally listened to the loonnggg Larry Flick radio interview last night. It was great and I learned a lot about Clay and about his journey. I got a kick out of hearing him use gayism's that I'm sure he censors much of the time.

I have a feeling that his second week will be decent, since he has been doing a lot of interviews and more and more people are going to be interested in the cd because of them. He's really shown his personality.

Loved, just loved Clay's appearance on Chelsea Handler's show last night. I thought the treatment was kind of sweet-from the intro with her sidekick (don't know how to spell his name) to the final hug which seemed almost intimate in a gentle you-might-play-for-the-other-team-but-I-still-think-you-are-really-groovy kind of way. But more on that later. I have an overdue assignment and I am losing points by the minute.

What Kind of Fool Am I

I have loved this song for ever and probably have been most attached to the version by Sammy Davis Jr. I haven't heard his rendition for years so I searched a you tube that identified this performance on the Any Williams show as probably the closest to his recording. For those who might want to compare and contrast.

I knew that Clay's version's verses (try to say quickly five times!) were not quite the same at one point-(doesn't have the verse with damn in it) but it also doesn't have the verse: What kind of man am I, that could not see, what could be seen by almost everyone but me I wonder why he did not include that verse-talk among yourselves.

I think the beginning of Clay's version is Clay at his most haunting, beautiful voice. His opener in "Crying" is another example of breathtaking vocals. In WKOFAI, I like how the percussion picks up the pace in the second phrase. I also love how Clay sings the word "love" as "luv." Whispers empty words of luv. Heaven. When he sings like any other manright before the orchestral interlude, there is a bit of a cry in his voice. Love the clay cry.

At first I found the David Sanborn interlude intrusive but for now I kind of like it. I do feel in this song, unlike any of the other songs on the album, that the tracks were layed down on top of Clay's voice. I know this is typically done but it just seems more obvious in this song. I do think the horns at the end compete with Clay's voice a bit. But still like the energy of the song.

Clay's version is hearfelt and not as theatrical as the ones from past years that i have seen on you-tube (in all fairness, it is a showstopper from a musical)so I can see why the "damn" verse didn't quite fit.

cagney... thank you so much for posting that Sammy Davis Jr. version of What Kind of Fool Am I. Wow... I always remember his version as being dynamite, but had forgotten how good he was in it. Talk about facial contortions... LOL I love Clay's too, tho. Clay's is a bit quieter, which for me, means I'm thinking and feeling more about the words than with Sammy's.

Fear... may I DITTO your review of Make Believe! I was surprised at the clapping, but since I'm doing it myself, I can't complain...LOL

I thought Clay was gorgeous on CNN and great on Chealsey Lately. Both are going to be watched more than once. I wish Clack Unlimited had put all the radio interviews in one directory. I heard that Indy was really good and cannot find it... or maybe that was Detroit. Somewhere in that neck of the woods, anyway.

I love that the NW casino (Aug 3) is sold out. May many more follow (since I have my tickets already).

Can't Take My Eyes Off You: Love it as the first song, as well. The bass playing first really gets me into the right anticipation for his voice, which is smoky and suave in the first part. The chorus gets me moving and finger-snapping. Then it's capped off with a nice long note... I love long notes by Clay. N.I.C.E.

jmh... I love your review!

Well, it might not have been Reed, but 'post from computer' is easy if one has a laptop.

EEE...loving the Clay pics! Keep 'em comin'!

And EEE for my high school graduate. We had a very busy day and everyone is going to bed early. heh

00lsee... Congrats!!! on your graduate!

Who'd have thought Claymates would be held up as a good example of fans!??

The times, they are a changin'

wanda... BWAH!!! Things they are a changin' for dang sure! I love it and say bring it on!!!

Just loved the interview, helps me understand things about someone coming out. It was fun hearing talk like that and explaining things, understand how he is guarded to give info about his relationship and not wanting to show pics of Parker. Just can't wait for the concerts in August, how am I going to stand waiting for them!

Your post makes me very happy, preden.

Welcome to the world of wishing your summer away for Clay!

I've heard some disturbing things at my church lately, like it was wrong for me to accept homosexuality and that I'm in the wrong as much as they are and I was glad to hear clay talk about coming out and how his family reacted, just love the guy just the way he is! In fact I just love homosexuals and heterosexuals alike. I'm a people person!!!

preden... Just smile and love them and go your own way. Do not take it personally if you can manage it, as it is their problem. If you want to stay there, you'll have to find a way to deal with the problem. I'm sorry this is happening to you. Being a Clay fan is easy, but sometimes it is not easy, if you get what I mean. LOL

I had a very good friend who is very Christian and really lives what she thinks God wants, doing mission work, etc. When Clay came out, she said she had to stop supporting him because the bible said it was wrong. She was very sad, as she had supported him in many fund raisers/concerts/etc. over the years. What I told her was, "the bible talks about the size of the rod it's correct for the husband to use to beat his wife... do you support that"? Of course she didn't, but the stuff against gays, she supported. Tell me how that makes sense.

One of the main things from the bible for me is, "Love thy neighbor as thyself." How do you do that and have such judgment against others? You can't.

Clay looks at people and sees their hearts, not how much they weigh or how old they are or... To me that is the ultimate in Christianity... and class. The man is F.I.N.E. on all levels, especially his heart. If more people were like him, there wouldn't be so much hatred in this world. [end soapbox]

kimiye, I've been looking at the radio station websites, but can't find anything! Of course, I can't rip the clips either...

_____

On a different matter...

OK, so the listening party tonight isn't going to happen. I've been either too busy chasing around news of Clay this week (enjoyable job) or actually WORKING at my job (not quite as enjoyable, but it pays the bills). So, I was talking to couchie the other night, and I think instead of a listening party, it's going to be a "song of the day" thing. If I remember right, we did this with OMWH.

Beginning Monday, June 7, I'll post the "song of the day" on the main thread. We'll go in album order, so that means it will be "Can't Take My Eyes..." for that day. During that 24 hours (or so, I'm not going to be incredibly picky), post your reactions to that particular song. I know, some of you are like "I don't do in-depth." That's fine. In my case, and probably some others, I'll use it as a chance to listen to the song over and over a few times, and then enumerate what makes the song special for me. This will also be a good time for you to ask questions about a song, if you have them. On June 8, we'll go to the next song, and so on through the entire album (including bonus tracks).

Sound OK to everyone? If you want to participate, cool. If not, that's cool too. We'll still talk about how dweemy Clay is here as well. *g*

ldyj... Great idea!!! Much easier for me to manage. Thanks!!!

Checking in to wish everyone a good weekend and say that I'm satiated from all the edible delights of this past week! I hope it continues into the coming weeks but I may miss much of it since I will be without any internet access for awhile

Once I get moved and hooked up again I hope to find a lot to catch up on. I am really hoping to comeback to find more tv appearances. A girl can dream!

I also hope to participate in the "song of the day" thing when I get back on line. In the meantime I'll just have to make do with my newest visions of my fucking gorgeous bf and his pipes of perfection.

tree... if there is a library near you, check out the computer situation. You may be able to get here that-a-way until things settle for you.

I think my new computer is going to get ordered soon (regular soon). Mine was slow, so IT looked at it and didn't understand why it was still running and since I do critical work on proposals, I think it's finally going to get in the queue. I'm kinda scared, tho, cause it will have Windows 7 and everything will be differenct until I get everything learned. I do get a new 22" monitor, tho and I can't wait to see Clay on that during my lunch time. Whoo hoo!!!

Help!!! I have a picture I want as my new avatar. I have sized it down to 70 X 89 and it is 3KB, but I keep getting the message that it is the wrong size. Is Not!!! Can someone help me, please????

Thanks!!!!!!!!

LOLOLOLOL Well, something must have worked. It's there and gorgeous. Thanks whoever!!!!!!!!

Crap. I think I just swallowed my tongue.

cindi... what tongue... mine just disintegrated! LOL

From bigappleforclay at getclayaiken:

Oh bottle...tongue action....

ldyj... that was sooooo cute! I loved that little anteater. Clay wasn't sure at first, but gradually warmed up to the little one. He was really playing with that baby monkey. And, he held the baby cheetah. Awwww!!!!

Keeping... that second blue picture of Clay is gorgeous. I right-click'd and sav'd ding dang fast! Yummmmm!

ldyj... thanks for the Joy Behar clip. Loved it... it's been too long since Clay has made me laugh. I think Simon focused so much on the visual that he never heard that spot-on version of Grease Clay sang. This is one time Simon really should have listened with his eyes closed... haha!

I am playing the cd in the background and the first song I played was Crying. Man, I LOVE that song. Then all of a sudden, I was "movin" and clappin'. I looked and it was It's Only Make Believe. Wow!!! I freakin' love this cd. Clay et.al. done verra verra good!!!!

My new avatar if no one objects...

Ok, I got on the new OFC and even have my same old password. My year is up on 6/7, so I have to re-up anyway. Maybe tomorrow. I like what I've seen, but I haven't been to the forum. It sure looks jazzier.

Thanks for the CD booklet. I found a picture I'd like for a new avatar. I need to check tho and see if anyone else has it.

Just a little bit more for the new music. The snippets on the OFC have amazing sound... can't wait.

Thanks kf for the heads up! I was picking out the stuff for my second new house!

I think the site is great. I cannot wait to get my CA mouse pad.eeeeeee Who uses mouse pads anymore?

Yep you read it right ...my second new house! When the house we were having built was about half done we realized that neither of us liked it so we cancelled the deal and found another one in one day! It is closer to my work and my DD. I will have to stay in the apt for four more months but this now means moving will not interfere with my little clayscersions.

Whatcha think? Did I do good this time? This one is my step towards retirement home.

merrieeee... I love that house!!! The two separate garage doors are totally neat. Verra verra niiiice!!!

Good morning! I am in too great a mood to worry about getting into the fanclub. Its probably Timewarner's fault anyway. I've had trouble with them before. Even getting my email address deleted twice and accusing me of being a spammer. Eventually they will get to me or I'll get back to them.

After we closed on our little house Wednesday and getting the check into our hot little hands yesterday I feel good. Only one lawn to mow, I'm doing a little James Brown dance today. Well sort of. The culmination of over one year's work on it.

Fear... CONGRATS!!! on getting your check. You and MrFear did a lot of work and deserve it muchly!

At least, I hope it will be ... eventually. This morning my new Clay Aiken website woes continue. Either I am redirected and the page won't load or I login with the URL and the page won't load. The story is the same whether I'm on IE or Mozilla.

Meanwhile ...

belatedly to clayzy and on time to 00lsee and jumpingjacks!

Have a great day, all! I hope to join you ... SOON!

Caro

Caro... My old work computer completely freezes when I try to get the new OFC. I have't had a chance to try at home yet. Crossing fingers. We get the CD on Tues, so if I have to wait to hear the airplane takeoff, I'll survive. I think... LOL

Sorry some of you are having trouble logging in. Like the new site's color scheme! Looking good there, Clay!

And I LOVE the look of your soon-to-be new house, merrieeee!

Thanks for the birthday wishes, y'all. Resident male celebrated the occasion with a new iPad. For himself. Still, got the best gift ever when my 16-year old wrote me a heartfelt letter. *sniff* And can y'all believe my eldest graduates from high school in a few days? Lordy.

keepingfaith, how ya doin'?

Lotus, thanks a lot for getting that song stuck in my head! LOL

00lsee... Happy Birthday!!! My oldest is 42 today... how did that happen??? She was very difficult as a teen and then again in her late 20s, but I got a couple of nice letters in between and it does make it all worth while.

Im in! I'm In! Thanks to the wonderful Steve...muah!

Now...how do you find members?

ETA: nevermind figured it out.

Kim

aikim... Whoo hoo! Finally! Don't they know you do our fantastic countdown every day??? Geesh! LOL

Of course my Beatles love is well known. My iPod has about 5500 mp3s on it....probably 1000 are Clay of some variation (I love live stuff), and 1500 are Beatles or Beatles related (i.e. solo Beatles, etc).

Lotus, good for you for buying the cookbook! Hee. I often inflict my photos on the unsuspecting. Spamalot was such a good time, and NYC was somewhere I never would have visited otherwise. Now, I feel like I could hop a plane on a whim and go for a weekend, I know the place so well!

I have been so busy with getting my gardens planted, as well as planning, travelling, and finally acquiring my new puppy that I haven't had much of a chance to worry about Clay. Of course, I am counting down the days to the new album release, and will be setting my DVR on June 1st and 2nd for his TV appearances. I am so over the doom and gloom that I don't seek it out....I get my Clay news here (so please and thank you, keep bringing it!) ATDW was the straw that broke the camel's back for me.....I just enjoy what I can, and don't worry about the rest of it. I figure Clay has enough people working for him that know what they're doing, whether or not I understand the grand scheme of things.

So, I will leave you with a picture of my new puppy, Ringo, who is settling in nicely after his long trip. I got him through a pug rescue organization in Ottawa. They think he was used as a stud in a puppy mill in Quebec. He is 2 years old and the biggest, gentlest teddy bear you could ever meet. Piper has her nose a bit out of joint, but she's coming around. She is happy to have a playmate, but I don't think she was expecting him to be quite so big.

luckiest... Ringo is adorable! Congrats!!!

LAX:

keeping... thanks for posting the purdy pictures. The second to the last is my fave! Sigh!

I was chatting with couchie the other day, and she reminded me about this:

Are ya'll up for a listening party?

I'm thinking of holding one on Friday evening June 4, and also Saturday, June 5 (split the album in to two halves, one for each evening). And then maybe holding a similar one again later in the summer, maybe mid July, with the same kind of deal.

Post and let me know what you think.

I can't believe it's almost here! I look forward to savoring that voice.

ldyj... I would love a listening party. Friday nights are good for me.

OK, that's two goddam hours I'll never get back. They brought every frickin body back from the other season, a bunch of psychos...and NO GODDAM CLAY. I don't CARE who wins AI - I WANTED TO SEE FRICKIN CLAY!

Though Darryl Hall has held up decently in looks (not so much voice) - Christina A. made the finalists sound like dog poo - I kept my fingers crossed that Bret Michaels wouldn't actually drop dead on stage and Janet looked good.

Feh.

Oh, Mistress Mighty, my apologies for the lost two hours. For this minion failed to remind you that the only way to watch American Idol is on DVR, to enable the fast-forwarding of distasteful scenes, of which there were many. So sorry for my lapse.

00lsee... BWAH!!!

When a website has a major overhaul, it doesn't update for everyone immediately. It all depends how many servers between the website's host and and your computer it has to meander it's way through. It might take a day but it will eventually update for everyone.

Quiet... WELCOME!!! I have to go home to get on the new OFC. My computer here at work is OLD and I get a message that they don't support my browser and I need to update... yeah, right!

I have been so busy that I've only had time to read once every few days and that's not liable to change any time soon, but I'm so excited for this next little bit.

I don't think that is Reed behind Clay... just not quite right even in disguise. IMHO

Those longer snippets are AWESOME!!!

Positive CD article for the most part!

Clay Aiken talks about new album

http://greginhollywo...-1#comment-7581

tree... nothing personal, but I HATE that article! Why, you ask... cause the idiot just HAD to put in that gay descriptor in there. Idjit!!! Without that, I, too, think it is a positive article. There was just no need to put that in there. Sigh!

Isn't that kinda the point of Greg In Hollywood though? It's called Greg in Hollywood-News about Gay Celebrities. Like that he seems excited by/enamored of the idea of the cd anyway. I'll take it.

Opps... I didn't notice that it was a gay blog... that does make it more positive. My eyes went right to the article. I's sawwee! My bad.

gbm... Ditto!!! 2 weeks till we can hear the entire thing... whoo hoo!

Positive CD article for the most part!

Clay Aiken talks about new album

http://greginhollywood.com/clay-aiken-talks-about-new-album-27802/comment-page-1#comment-7581

tree... nothing personal, but I HATE that article! Why, you ask... cause the idiot just HAD to put in that gay descriptor in there. Idjit!!! Without that, I, too, think it is a positive article. There was just no need to put that in there. Sigh!

Has anyone gone back and listened again to Dave Novik's YouTube interviews in light of knowing he's Clay's Executive Producer? I did, and enjoyed them more than the first time. Reminded me that he's British, which I had forgotten. And discusses his ideas about promotion, which seem to center on TOURING! So, we're getting the Clay/Ruben tour this summer, for which I am certain there will be much interest on the chat shows, with both guys singing together, and with both their solo LPs getting plugs.

I think their marketing cornerstone is the PBS Special. PBS shows have a track record of making magic in record sales. And the buzz about PBS stations offering tickets to a Tried & True tour as a membership premium is most intriguing.

I have to keep reminding myself that this release is a different ballgame altogether, and Decca is probably not going for a blockbuster week one - but a blockbuster year one.

*****

And to be totally OTT: Is anyone here watching Survivor? The finale is tomorrow night, and IMO it's the best Survivor ever, and I've watched them all. Even given that I read the spoilers early on, which turned out to be exactly right, it's been the most fascinating season -- not to see WHO was voted out each week, but to see how they got to that vote every week, and there have been some doozies.

keeping... I agree that Decca is going to handle promotion differently. I would hate for Clay to lose his record of all his cds landing in the top 5 for opening week, but I have a feeling that first week sales are not a Decca concern. They nurture their artists for long productive careers that just keep growing as the years go by. Since I want that for Clay, I'm ok with whatever they have on their promotional calendar. We may not see the same sort of promotion we have been used to... I guess we'll see.

I also agree with you that this season of Survivor has been fascinating. Some doozies indeed!

KF I stupidly read the survivor boot list and that ruined it for me because all my favorites left kinda early. So I never really got into it. Watched off and on. I'm happy about the winner LOL. I'll probably watch tomorrow night but please no more allstars.

I was sick to see Boston Rob go so early, but watching the jackals eat their own has been entertaining. J.T. will become a legendary idiot for giving the immunity idol to Russell!

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Sandra to win! But I haven't been "spoilering" myself and will be happy with just about anyone winning that's not named Russell.

I loved how Sandra totally got over on Russell this week. Russell voted for Rupert thinking the bulge in Rupert's pocket was the hidden idol and that Sandra would go home. But Sandra had it all along and it blew up Russell's wily plan. Rupert's fake idol in the pocket plan totally blew up in his face. It was beautiful. I've been thinking Sandra was coasting until the last couple of weeks. Now I think she's the brains of the outfit.

tree... I have not liked Sandra at all, but if she pulls it off, I'm fine. I kinda would like Jerry to win... she has kept her nose clean. I think it would be neat for an all girl finale. I honestly don't know who would win if that were the case and that makes it kinda fun.

Back on topic... I just ordered the Deluxe CD from Amazon thru this site, so that should be some money for you, couchie... yes??? Misty is sooo gorgeous, even tho I was a BIG Johnny Mathis fan in college and totally wore out the album I had. And, I really really can't wait to hear the big note of UM. Soon... it's soon!!!

O.M.G.... I have finally been able to listen to Misty and Can't (how's that bottle??? LOL) I L.O.V.E. the orchestration and I have never heard him sound better... Wow... he was made for this Big Band stuff. I'm so happy!!!

Now, don't get me wrong. I adore what we have of him singing the fast rock'n roll songs in concert. I'll treasure them forever. This just shows off the phenomenalness (is too a word) of this man's voice.

I ordered my itunes copy. I ordered 3 copies of the regular CD on Amazon, but I may change that to Deluxe. I ordered so fast that the Deluxe wasn't even offered at that time. I'm with you, keeping... why get the regular when the deluxe is only a bit more.

I'm bubbling over with excitement... June 1st is truly S.O.O.N!!!

DECCA finally listed the contents of the Deluxe Edition!

http://www.deccarecords-us.com/artist/releases/release.aspx?pid=64095&aid=97131

Build Me Up Buttercup live is on Disc 2 of the Deluxe CD/DVD, along with the Making of Tried & True feature.

Also included - Who's Sorry Now and Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

Tree... whoo hoo!!! This is the Deluxe version what isn't being released till August??? Ihey probably don't want to interfere with the PBS pledging. I'm ok with that. The treats are spread out more that way.

I cannot download the new Flash here at work, so I did download the clips and am listening on auto repeat. I'm so impressed. This cd is going to spotlight Clay's one-of-a-kind voice like nothing else he's done. I love his other cds, but this one is in a class by itself. Thank goodness for Decca and all those who "get" him at this label.

00lsee is unable to answer the phone right now, as she has swallowed her tongue. Please leave your name and number and a brief message and she will get back to you as soon as possible.

Glurgh..gulglgh...

00lsee... BWAH!!! I totally agree but you put it so much more eloquently!

Quick, someone save 00lsee! She's too valuable to lose!

Another article:

etonline

Clay Aiken is making a musical comeback with a new album, and ET has all the info on his fifth studio album, Tried and True! Clay chose the title Tried and True because the album will be filled with timeless classics.

"There are a lot of elements to this album that are about me returning to what I'm comfortable with," he says. "To me, older songs are more melodically appealing and beautiful. So doing this album was an opportunity to just be myself."

The album will include old-time favorites such as the swinging album opener "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," made famous by Frankie Valli; "Misty," the Johnny Mathis hit, and a soulful rendition of Elvis Presley's "Suspicious Minds." The album also features two songs Clay sang while on "American Idol": "Mack the Knife" and "Unchained Melody."

Tried and True is set for release June 1.

Decca just tweeted this article to the Decca followers (me being one of them).

ldyj... Thanks for bringing that over. I don't like the use of "comeback" since OMWH was only two years ago and was fantastic. I wonder if they used that cause it's like a new beginning with Decca. Comeback makes it sound like he left the music scene and he never did. Other than that and if it makes people try the CD, I'll be ok with it. JMHO

I love the snippets, especially MTK... very jazzy and I love when Clay sings jazzy. I hope this is the one they release if they do that this time around.

Ok, that is just plain weird... it was up to almost 12,000 views last night and now they're starting over. Why would the "owner" take it down if it was to be promo??? Now it will take time to get the count back up so that it gets noticed. Weird!!!

I think someone ripped it so it's not lost, but it needs to be on youtube/twitter/facebook/etc.

Maybe someone released it too soon. It is very early if it was for the PBS special. Whateveh!

There are were some brief snippets posted at the OFC. Mack the Knife, Suspicious Minds, and Can't Take My Eyes Off of You. (ETA: They were only up very briefly - apologies for the false alarm.)

First impression: Clay's going to need to tour with a brass section to recreate these songs, because the arrangements are pretty horn-heavy. I dig them!

ETA: And just like that - the snippets disappeared from the OFC. Somebody's pushing buttons they're not supposed to be pushing on a Friday evening.

==============================================

Here's a little something to make up for the snipped snippets. lindylo at CV found this at one of the venue websites.

Clay's left ear was weirdly cropped, so ClaySTO fixed it a bit.

bottle... you are my new bestest friend in the whole wide world! O.M.G. I put that picture on my desktop so fast, I think Clay is still dizzy! I LOVE LOVE LOVE it.

Every time I watch that clip, I get this huge grin on my face. I even called my friend and guided her to youtube to watch it with me. What fun this is. Things is a gittin' hot!

By the way, after watching it several times, I found the spot where he reminds me of Parker. It's right at the beginning of BMUB. Could me/probably is just me, but I get a kick out of it anyway.

God, it's like watching AI Clay in the world's most amazing time machine. The mannerisms, the little smile at the end of the song when he knows he's nailed it. Everything. He's everything he was then, times about a billion. The man is made of awesome.

cindi... I second this for a thread title!

I have watched the youtube as often as I can here at work and... W.O.W.!!! Not only did he look terrific, sound terrific but the whole thing just looked so classy that I was impressed and I knew sorta what was coming from everyone's descriptions after the show. There was one tiny moment when he looked almost identical to the last pics we have of Parker... so gorgeous and cute at the same time.

I got my LA ticket. It's row J, but that's the first row of the second section, so it should be pretty dang good. I get in from Reno at 2pm, run home, change and get to wherever there is a pre-party for LA. Sounds like a weekend to me. I'm so excited... I just can't fight it (tm someone or other)... LOL

Just a quick comment about Parker not talking at 21 months. I have three children and the first two talked early and often, before they were a year old. My oldest son at two would stand on a table, anywhere, and belt out Rhinestone Cowboy. The baby was not interested in talking at all. My mother told me over and over that he had a problem. The pediatrician told me that his hearing was fine and he was busy learning other things and talking would come. My husband believed that we were so overly attentive to the baby that he didn't talk because he didn't have to! Anyway, when he was about 2-1/2 and still mostly pointing and grunting, I was sitting at the table with my older son working on math homework and asked him, "What is 3 + 3." The baby who never said anything, quietly said, "Six" ... and I almost fell out of my chair. That's when we knew some of what his little brain had been doing all those months.

And he'll always be my baby!

keeping... that is such a cute story. None of my kids or grandkids were late talkers, so it was a bit concerning. Maybe his daddy won't let him get a word in edgewise... LOL

If you haven't heard the George Rekers story yet, it's worth a Google for the hypocrisy factor alone. Rekers is a Baptist preacher who co-founded Family Research Council with Dobson, and has been at the forefront of the FRC's anti-gay or "ex-gay" craziness for more than 20 years.

George A. Rekers was caught a few days ago coming home from a ten day European vacation with a male prostitute he'd hired on Rentboy.com. Rekers first claimed he didn't know the man was a prostitute, then said he'd hired him to carry his luggage, and after pictures came to light with Rekers carrying the luggage, he finally went with he was trying to bring him the message of Jesus.

Karma is such a fine bitch!

keeping... BWAH!!! I have often felt that many of those who are homophobic are because of their fears around being gay themselves. Just my opinion. The religious people who honestly think it is wrong cause it says so in the bible, I just feel sorry for when I'm not being angry at them for being so short-sighted.

Speaking of being funny, I offer y'all the following video.....it is a brilliantly constructed montage! I spotted the Knights from a Famous Broadway Musical in there, too.....

I find those new pictures of Clay extremely hot.

djs... thanks for bringing that over. I really enjoyed that!

Seems to me that Clay has become comfortable with photo shoots. He certainly looks like a man who knows exactly who he is, and what he wants. My money's on him.

keeping... ldyj... Such a dramatic shot. I took an art class once and had to put something that didn't belong in a picture. It was neat to see that technique used in this shot. A man... a suave, gorgeous man in a tux on a rock next to a stream somewhere. Kewl!

I think the photos are provocative and edgy. I love the photos.

Funny though, how some fans are clamoring for the PR machine to start up, and I am thinking why? Fresh material to nit-pick and insult and criticize?

djs... (see bolding above) Exactly... Their opinion, their problem.

Complaining fans... "Those pictures are stupid/his hair is stupid/etc and because of that people won't like Clay and if they don't like Clay and I do like him then that makes me wrong and that's my biggest fear in life is that I will be seen as wrong, so if I complain about anything I think is a wrong decision, I am dissociating myself from Clay and his wrong decision just enough that I can be seen as right instead of wrong."

And, that analysis is not meant to be personal in any way, just in case anyone thinks so. (Did I cover all my bases???) LOL

I have been trying for years to figure out why some people are so critical of someone they are a fan of and this is one of my conclusions and I'll admit I could be totally wrong.

Man, he looks TASTY!

Well, people, I am off to the Hawaiian islands for a few days! And San Diego. And Portland. It's all PerusingOne's fault.

KAndre... have a great time with PerusingOne on your travels... more travelogue, please!!!

Awwwwww, I wuv wonky foot!

That is such a "come hither" look! Are we sure he's gay?

I believe with those looks he can attract males, females, plants, animals, and inanimate objects.

keeping... BWAH!!! He sure attracts me. I LOVE that one with the mic. The bar one, not as much... I think he gets lost in there. Now the white tux would have made him more yum in that one I think.

New Clay pic - I sooooo approve

Hair - As long as he still has some

Shoulders - GAH!!!!!!!!!

Smoke around Clay's crotch - Naturally!

DLTS in Raleigh was fun. There was no Clay, didn't really expect him, but the dancers were fun. They did a demo of dancing with a young lady in a wheelchair. It looked very difficult.

So glad you were able to volunteer for this! Sounds like fun.

Can you tell us what the turn out was like? Do you know how successful the event was?

Our stint at the booth was from 3-5, after DLTS. But there was standing room during the performances and people were really getting into it. I have no idea how much they made but there were a lot of postcards with contact info filled out. SO many had stopped by the booth over three days. They were really excited about that. That guy from AI8: Dnoop or Snoop, I never saw him before, sang and someone played acoustic guitar. His voice was nice in an Usher sort of way. He did a nice job though singing, "In My Mind I'm Going to Carolina."

Of course the fireman fashion show where they were taking off their shirts and dancing around had quite a few more women. They didn't look like any firemen I ever saw.

Fear... my son is one of those gorgeous well-built firemen, I'll have you know. LOL There is one other at his station. Most are ordinary-looking guys.

Couchie... Congrats on Sean Clayton!!!

Don't forget you could come to LA Sunday Aug 1. Course, if you have to be at work on Monday, it might be a stretch for you, but you could stay at my place. Fly into OC or Long Beach (JetBlue) and I'll pick-up/drop-off, too. I fly in from Reno around 2pm-ish into OC. It is so much fun to be making concert plans again. Whoo hooo!!!!!!!

I L.O.V.E. that new Clay in Black picture... broad shoulders, narrow waist... he has always looked good in black. S.w.o.o.n.

Love the photo too but I'm wondering if he is going to be serious in all of them. Clay has such an infectious smile.

O/T, we had a bit of good news tonight. I believe that we are getting an offer to purchase on our little house tomorrow. We talked to a man who wants to buy it for his son. We are signing the contract tomorrow. It really sounds good particularly after I spent part of the afternoon mowing the yard with a push mower.

Fear... G.R.E.A.T. news about your little house! May it happen without a hitch!!!

After the PBS taping I posted the following comments on a couple of other boards. I was not a member here at that time. I wrote about running into my best childhood friend and her husband in the parking lot of Memorial Aud. after the show. After jumping up and down for a few minutes and hugging each other, I asked her if she is a Clay fan, and she said, "I am now." She also said that she would buy several of his cd's for herself and other people.

I emailed her recently to let her know about when the public sale was starting for Bringing Broadway Home. I got an email from her tonight. She and her hubby got tickets!! THEY'RE HOOKED!! Keep reeling them in, Clay.

That's so cool that you saw an old friend, and even cooler that they were hooked! I hope a ton of people are hooked just like them!!

jmh... claygalsal... that story about your friend was so kewl! I am counting on their being many more like that as the cd gets out there and tv and tour happens. This is his time, I truly do believe!!!!!!!! It's about damn time... LOL

I got my computer cleaned physically and of viruses and they installed IE8 and Firefox, so here at home I can post normally... YAY!!!

I love that train picture. I, also, hope there are some with a slight smile or even a big grin, tho. I'm counting on being inundated with new pictures in a few weeks!

I've been wondering who Clay reminded me of on the cover of Tried & True - the attitude of his face. I finally thought of it tonight, looked it up. I've never thought Clay resembled Peter O'Toole in any way, but that expression, so resolute, so romantic, so Lawrence of Arabia.

Another look, although it is more of an attitude than actual appearance is the Cary grant look. Very suave and always beautifully dressed.

keeping... Fear... Someone somewhere mentioned how much the CD cover reminds them of Alan Ladd, and I have to totally agree. That was one gorgeous man and Clay's CD cover does have that look about him. Whewww!

I can't wait to get the Clack of Larry King. That reformed gay pastor won't stand a chance against Clay's intelligence and speaking skills. Actually sounds like it will be very interesting... if only they could get rid of LK. LOL

This is one of my favorite "Clay compared to Clay" songs. It's Clay's voice loud and clear in both, but the "moves" changed dramatically in 5 years! He's just so CUTE!!!

keeping... that was sooo much fun to see that comparison. Boy has he growed up good!!!!!!!

I love a man with 2 feet!

merrieeee... BWAH!!! And, in spite of what Clay says about his dancing... he does not have 2 left feet. The picture says so!!!