claycherie

From what I was watching this morning on several of the parade pre-shows, the floats all have to be of "natural" ingredients, not necessarily "edible" ingredients. Most the floats seems to be made of flowers, bark (from trees), seeds (such as lettuce and mustard seeds), and ground spices. I'll have to double check on this, but I think there's not a lot of edible food used in the floats.

Wasted food makes me totally upset too. I tend to support places that can reuse food (safely, of course). It's hard to find these places, but they are out there.

Idyjocelyn, In the past they have used lots of rice ,beans lentils and one year small potatoes to make cobblestones. Of course there is no way to tell if these items would have made it to the hungry.

I hope so desertrose It always just kills me to see food wasted, even at home. I always think this piece of bread or half glass of milk could have saved a life. I do donate to UNICEF and Feed the Children every month but wish i could magically transfer food across the milesto individuals. So much is donated and wasted sitting at docks and airports for lack of transportation. I think UNICEF out of all the organizations does the best job of handling this.

kim, that poem is great. If I can do half of what it says....

Anyone watching the Rose Parade? I LOVED the snowboarding dogs! And I have to admit that the blind marching band moved me to tears. Talk about inclusion...

*envisions Clay making notes for the 2010 Gala*

I am not really watching it but I did see the adorable snowboarding dogs! Awww!!! And the blind marching band made me cry! However I always cringe at all the wasted food that is part of the floats and think about how many starving people it would feed.

Very sad news about Ashes. Very sudden too. She looks like a lovely person. May she rest in peace.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL YOU NICE PEOPLE AT FCA

I am longing for more news about the new cd and what kind of music it will be. He certainly has travelled a lot recording it. Is it possible that Clay is his own EP this time? I was hoping that he had some very experienced, well known hip EP. As much as I love Clay sometimes he doesn't always show the best judgement as to what is best for his music and his career. (just my opinion)

I am a bit late but HAPPY THANSGIVING EVERYONE!

I love the banner! Wasn't the picture on the left taken at that DF competition thingee when Clay was one of the judges? I thought he looked so vulnerable that day especially when he sang WY. He twisted my heart. That is one of my favourite Clay songs.

The bidding is very slow, Clay is leading with 7 bids and $400!

Yey! This is completely off topic but why do all these celebrities do that horrible collagen lip thing! I see so many who were really attractive suddenly appear on tv with those goldfish lips. Why on earth do they think it looks good?

Fewer people (not just fans--people in general) bought their music from Amazon in 2003. Most of Clay's MOAM sales happened in the stores. That's my theory.

Good point! Except I think that MOAM was #1 on Amazon foir quite a long time and in the top 10 for ages.

From Notacanuck at CH

Reuters.com

Susan Boyle`s `I Dreamed a Dream` is Amazon.com Music`s Largest CD Pre-Order

Here`s a list of the Top 10 CD pre-orders of all time in the Amazon.com Music

Store:

1. Susan Boyle, "I Dreamed a Dream" (2009)

2. Norah Jones, "Not Too Late" (2007)

3. U2, "No Line on the Horizon" (2009)

4. Bruce Springsteen, "Magic" (2007)

5. Dixie Chicks, "Taking the Long Way" (2006)

6. Coldplay, "Viva La Vida" (2008)

7. U2, "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" (2004)

8. David Cook, "David Cook" (2008)

9. Diana Krall, "Quiet Nights" (2009)

10. Clay Aiken, "A Thousand Different Ways" (2006)

I was just going to post this. This is surprising to me, for one thing how does it compute with the sales of ATDW? Plus I would have thought that MOAM would have tripled the presales for it. However it is great to see Clay in the top ten.

and that was what I was expecting with all the band hype.

All what band hype? I must have missed all the "band hype". Who was "hyping" the band?

Several attendees were excitedly reporting that there was a big stage (as opposed to last year) drums, new guitarists, Sean and Ben and professional lighting etc as opposed to a backing tape or a piano. so assumed that it was going to be more high energy (I was guilty of this too!) The video sound was so much better than the cellcert in which I could only hear the piano and Clay's voice was distorted. I was very relieved to see the videos and cannot understand why he was criticised so much on other boards.

Last year he did EIDN, so I was hoping that a band would mean at least one upbeat/fun song. While WDC would not be appropriate for a Gala, Ashes would.

I totally agree Ashes would have been perfect canfly and even Falling and that was what I was expecting with all the band hype. But I do see why Clay would think GOG was appropriate. I thought EIDN was a fantastic performance last year . One of his best. I was surprised to see the facial contortions as I thought his surgery would have ended them but I read several people's posts who said they were profssional singers and that he did them in order to get a certain sound. However I have seen him sing the same songs where he didn't do them so who knows! It seemed to me that Clay and the guitarist had played MR a lot so maybe they have been working on it in the studio. I thought Clay sang it beautifully and the guitar was really good too. Diane Sawyer would have loved it!

Will any pictures of the fans be posted here? I would love to see them.

I wasn't lucky enough to go to the Gala but listened to the cellcert at CV. I didn't think Clay's performance was as good as last year because I thought last year's was exceptional . I was stunned by all the harsh criticism on some of the boards. Clay accomplished what he wanted - the Gala was a huge success and it must have been so hard for him physically and emotionally. The fact that he was wearing glasses shows that he was troubled by allergies. He stated that he had chosen songs appropriate for the Gala and much though I love When Doves Cry etc. it hardly would have been approriate to sing any of those type of songs that his critics apparently wanted. So I don't understand why people were ranting about his choices. I did notice that during ALAWH he took a really deep breath before a part that he had to belt out, as if he were gathering his energy and strength so I believe he was not himself as he usually seems so effortless. However he did sing it with his usual power.

I am glad that you all enjoyed it. Sorry that you are so sick canfly. KAndre How nice to see you - I haven't seen any of your unique posts for ages! I hadn't heard your story about being mistaken for Angela, that made me smile and how like you! Merrieeee (my homey) I agree with you about Patrick Henry. He was not absolutely fabulous as reported but did very nicely on a very long song!

I just have to say this - you are a very nice group of people here. I joined a long time ago but couldn't get back in until recently. I feel so much better having read all your recaps.

I think the reason that I was initially disappointed was because there was a lot of hype about a band and a big stage and professional lighting so I expected a really energetic kick-ass set. I couldn't hear the band at all on the cellcert, just the piano. But I do hear the band on the videos y'all posted. And the first pictures were not flattering because of the lighting. Then Tony and Permaswooned posted some and they were great! He looked his handsome self.

Thanks for answering my questions and my apologies for rambling on!

It breaks my heart when people harshly criticise Clay's voice and say it is shot and hasn't been as good for a few years etc. The only thing Clay has been supremely confident about is his voice, not his looks or personality or popularity - just his voice and it would cut him to the bone to hear those remarks.

Thanks everyone for the recaps and pictures etc.

Is there no video of Patrick Henry Hughes?

Which shirt is in the museum in Raleigh? I was thinking that it was the BOTW one but aparently it isn't.

Great pictures, but I prefer his hair the way he has been wearing it, without so much on one side! However I am not complaining - he looks luscious. Very nice suit. Can't wait to hear him sing. They really are going all out this year with a band and professionsl lighting and big stage. When Jerome said we would get sick of him next year I hope that means that he already has some tv appearances booked etc. Not like OMWH where he said all the shows were already booked.

A really difficult choice, I kept changing my mind but ended up with #2 because it is so beautiful.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GOLDARNGIRL

Yep. #2 for me too. I don't think he took one bad picture that day.

I didn't have any problem this morning. It was a clear choice for me! I love #2!

Me too. I don't think #1 looks like Clay somehow. I love #2 though.

I voted on the other pictures, but these two are gorgeous, do we get to vote on them too? Although I don't know which one I would choose!

I am still voting like crazy on the Adam/Clay poll. I love Kalan Porter. In my opinion he is the only other idol who could hold a candle to Clay. How is he doing?

Kim I know what you mean about the polls, I hope this is the last Idol one I will have to vote on.

What a fantastic story and what amazing pictures. There are no words to describe what a terrible tragedy this was. So many lives destroyed and so much bravery. I believe that some survivors and firemen etc. are having health problems now because of all the toxic dust they inhaled. It never ends does it!

Great idea. Here it is: All the little birdies on Aiken Street....

That is cute, I like it!

Hi Merrieee How are you and dear hubby doing?

Lotus, I remember seeing that outfit, but I sure can't remember where. And I think we've seen the sweater with other outfits...

_____

Saw this on Openly Clay, but I think it's making the rounds, it's time to post it here. It's another very nice tribute to K-Na from an Omaha news station, and it talks quite a bit about her love of Clay. The whole piece is set to BYLM. (There is a brief ad before the piece...)

Remembering Khrystyna

*sob*

And..um...I'm going to sneak this in...

Happy birthday Reed!

Well that made me cry! Especially the part where Clay adjusted her glasses! So Clay! And didn't he sound wonderful. She was a sweet girl, and I remember her very well and the numerous pictures of her with Clay. I was so glad that she was able to meet him so many times. May she rest in peace.

I haven't been able to log in here for months. Don't know why. I get the emails and tried using that link but it wouldn't work and the link on my favourites wouldn't work either. Just said URL not found. However finally made it today! Yey! And look at all the good stuff I have been missing! All these gorgeous pictures and giffs! I am going to spend most of today at the Goldarngirl Luckiest1 Productions. How cool is that!

Merrieeee How ever did I miss you birthday! So sorry luv - I hope you had a wonderful day and congratulations on that fabulous new car. I hope your husband is still feeling good!

muskifest I hope that Simba finds his way home. It is devestating to lose a pet and he didn't get used to his nw home yet, what a shame.

This is so exciting I can hardly bear it! I will be back tonight to this thread to see what y'all are saying!

Break a leg Clay!

Very funny with the smilies girls!

Couchie, I read so many posts er elsewhere about the "terrible, boring, worst few hours of their lives "when Kellie was on, yours is the first one I have read that is positive! But then you rarely diss anyone. :F_05BL17blowkiss:

Is the postwhore rule in force here? I will soon find out I guess!

I don't know why I feel so bashful making my first post! Especially as there are so many familiar faces here, from the CH and CV. I don't post at CV anymore, just don't have the time but do lurk there when I can to see how my old friends are doing.

Thanks for the welcome CarolinaClay.

Jmh123 I loved that "family" picture. What a good looking group. No matter how many times Clay has to smile for pictures it always looks completely natural, this must be one of his many gifts!

Couchtomato I was most amused at the thought of you waving your sign and even more because you enjoyed doing it!

There are so many CHers here that I just can't bring myself to use a smilie!

Merrieeee hi! I don't like all of Clay's long hair dos, but I did love the snowflake ones, I think maybe because it was windblown. I hadn't seen the other one posted on the previous page. It is always a treat to see a new picture. I guess we didn't get any from AYSTAFG. I am so proud of him for that, I hope they don't edit Clay's part all to hell. I was surprised that Kelly P wasn't more entertaining, (not that she didn't get more questions! ha!) think she comes over well and very likeable in interviews etc.

It took me so long to get registered here I feel like an idiot. And not noticing I had made a slight error with my email address, kept typing in the secret thingee without success! I felt like I was at Ticketmaster! I didn't realize this board existed unil I followed Merrieeee's link then I recognised all the familiar names! So this is where you have all been hanging out Don't feel comfortable talking about myself, so will just say I am a widow living in S.Cal. The CB was the first board I joined, then ATCA, The Rebels (not for long as I didn't like the never ending insulting skits about Todd. Not that I like him but enough is enough already! then CV. I used to love CV but it became more of a coffee klatch so I usually stay at the CH. I of course belong to the OFC but only go there to read Clay's blogs. Do not like any board which disrespects him. I have no talents, but do appreciate everyone else's. I am off to read the board.