headoverheels

I still don't get what he's so bugged about Touch.

He has sung far more suggestive songs than that on stage as well as suggestive dancing and kissing Casey.Hmmm... So what the heck is it other than the production of the recording? Which wouldn't have anything to do with a live performance. Especially since he would just have it arranged differently anyway.

He said he hasn't sung that song since he recorded it and doesn't intend to. I no longer think it has anything to do with the song being suggestive. When he commented about the production of it, made me wonder if he didn't like the producer. Isn't this one he went to London to record? Anyway, it almost felt personal, like it was about more than the song. As if he didn't want people associated with it, whether songwriters, producer, arranger, whoever, to get anything more from it. That was my instinctive take -- that cutting this song out was a big FU to somebody.

The eternal lurker just sneaking back in to post a bit . . . .

keepingfaith, I was horrified by what you had to go through with that bite you described, and I'm sure I wouldn't have known all the smart things you did to counteract the swelling, etc. If you ever find out what kind of critter it might have been, please let us know. I'm sure some us will have nightmares about creepy-crawlies attacking us too. And on a different topic entirely, I just have to add that your posts about Clay are so often like therapy for me--your kindness, your knowledge, and your depth of understanding often seem to be exactly what I needed to think about and feel. Always excellent--thank you !

Oh, and about "Touch," there may very well be all kinds of reasons that Clay has so convincingly turned his back on that song. I'm just wading in here with the only evidence I recall--from the long (and very candid) interview he did with Larry Flick. Clay says emphatically that there's nothing he likes about "Touch." Given TnT, which he says is the CD he's been waiting all this time to make, he talks about what we already know--he's obviously very particular about his music. Songs need to meet various criteria (melody, etc.), or he doesn't even want to sing them live. During the discussion about "Touch," Flick also adds his comment: "It's not very good," he whispers, and Clay giggles.

Coming hesitantly out of lurkdom. . . . When I first joined all you lovely folks here at FCA last year, many of you were so welcoming (thanks !) that I shouldn't feel at all shy about returning !

What a fabulous couple of concerts--in Milwaukee, and best of all, a few days ago in Hammond !! Hi, thanks, and hugs to my friend and travel director buddy, Grape4CA, who made it all possible !

Also, it seems I've forgotten (no surprise there !) how to reply to parts of multiple posts--hence, this low-tech reply !

Cindilu, it was so great to finally meet you !! And you do give the best bigass hugs ever ! Muahhh to you !

I had been looking forward to your M & G almost as much as you were, I think (ridiculous, I know). To be able to share the anticipation beforehand was lovely--waiting for the passes and waiting for you to go in to see The Man himself were nicely nervous-making. And your face afterwards !? That's what I had hoped most to see for myself !! May I say you looked like you had swallowed the sun ?! So much joy and so many smiles are rare in life, and I feel privileged to have shared yours and to be able carry the memory with me for a long time!

Also, I had been hoping to meet more of you at the concert, so the bonus was that we did get to meet you too, luckiest1 ! Thanks for the greetings, and I hope you're feeling much better !

I love Clay !! Forever and ever !

Just wanted to sneak in a to my new friend headoverheels.

What do you know? There are some advantages to being able to read here only once a week or so! I get to have another birthday (but I don't hafta count it, do I?) !

Sorry my thanks are late, cindilu2, but even seeing this so many days after you posted it, I still say, any excuse to celebrate! Thank you!! You're a sweetheart!

And right back atcha !

NE = National Enquirer

DUH!! *Slaps forehead* Thanks, luckiest1 !! (Or maybe it's a good thing I managed to forget that NE scabsheet?!)

I think it might be a good day to stay here...the knives are already out.

I guess he refuted the NE without saying anything....oh he is orgood!

Sorry I'm so behind in my reading and just now seeing your post, merrieeee, but I can't figure out what the NE means! (Wow, it's serious to get behind here--I'll be awake for the next few days trying to catch up.) Gotta love it!

No doubt the NE is something really obvious, but it just won't 't come to me right now. Probably the Total Clay Immersion that has led to this sieve-for-brains . . . and the usual "Out to Lunch" place I come from.

FCA rocks!

Last night I was trying to figure out what it is about Clay that keeps me so involved as a fan? Why is it that he is the only singer I would fly across the country to see? What is it about his voice that grabs me every time? There are other singers with better voices, other singers who are stunningly handsome. Why Clay?

I found this over at CV

I think it partially answers those questions.

Clay Aiken- Through My Filters

Clay Aiken - Through My Filters

by Outback

If I have learned anything about Clay Aiken over the last 6 years, it's that he beats to his own drummer, he is very unique, and he doesn't suffer fools gladly.

This is how I see Clay through my filters:

1.) Exceptionally talented to the point that he could master just about anything he puts his mind to.

2.) Sexy to the point that straight women want to be gay men (or is that just me?)

3.) Fascinating to the point that even idiots who claim they hate him can't stop themselves from searching out everything there is to read about him.

4.) Intelligent to the point that he learns quickly and doesn't forget, bides his time for the right opportunities to present themselves, impresses some of the biggest names in TV and Broadway, carefully plots his future to assure that he will be in the entertainment business for the long haul (not a one trick pony)

5.) Charismatic to the point that when people actually meet him, they want more, and he wins them over one at a time.

6.) Unpredictable to the point that even his fans who follow everything that the poor man does never know what his next move is going to be. (Frustrating but fun, never a dull moment)

7.) Philanthropic to the point that he put his life on the line visiting devastated, dangerous, war torn countries and gave up Christmas to sing and play with children in a flood ravaged Mexico.

8.) Quick witted and hilarious to the point that he has late night comics and their guests laughing, he conquered the role of Sir Robin with his "quick wit and comedic timing" on Broadway, and my favorite, he captures an audience on tour in the palm of his hand with his one liners, zingers and complete stage presence. Again, leaving the audience wanting more.

9.) Handsome to the point that he makes grown women drool and offer to sell their firstborn to get a close look at him. (Or is that just me?)

10.)Resilient to the point that he has endured years of mockery, name calling, lies, defamation, and bullying without a word. He just walks tall, plows through all of the mountains that have been thrown in his path.

11.)Empathetic to the point that he allowed 2 weeks of "free speech" at his own Fan Club when he came out. Who does that? He amazed me when he did that, but he is a man with a heart, patience and so wise for his young age.

12.)Loves children to the point that he found a way as a gay man to have a child of his own. He protects that child from the prying eyes of the media, fans and haters. I respect that.

He has walked through the fire and rose up through the ashes indeed. I have never lost faith in him. He continues to fascinate me with the way he runs his life to achieve the goals that he has set for himself. I love being his fan and absolutely cannot wait to see where he takes us next.

Thanks so much for sharing this--loved it (and had to laugh at some of those points--because it might be a bit ridiculous, but that's me when it comes to Clay! # 2--hee!!

Lotus, also loved your question, "Why Clay?" A while ago, (sorry, don't remember exactly when) y'all here at FCA had a general discussion about why we love him so, and I've been trying to find the thread where you discussed that. Gave me the warm fuzzies reading it then, and I'd like to look at it again. Anyone can point me in that general direction?

Oh, and while I'm here . . . like once a week . . . I could use a little advice from some of you more talented folks. I'm pretty much a beginner at knitting (although I was okay at scarves and other things that didn't involve fancy stitches or patterns). Anyway, I'm trying to branch out now and am knitting a baby bonnet from a UK pattern, which includes the directions, "YF, yarn forward." Is that the same as the US "yarn over"? Or something else? (Thanks for any help!)

And what does this have to do with Clay?! Oh, I think about Parker (and Clay!!) while I'm knitting. Does that qualify?

Springtime hugs to all !

.... I don't do aliases, I am always luckiest1 on every board, even if it is non-Clay-related.

Wellllll, unless it's out of your control .... I seem to remember a "lickiest1" running around here a couple of years ago?

I seem to remember that too. Wonder who DID have something to do with it? As a matter of fact, I was rereading some old threads the other day, and found lickiest1, and just had to :lmaosmiley-1: .

BTW...for the new people around here...I find it interesting to go back and read some of the old threads around here. You'll find some laughs; you'll probably find some explanations of things we refer to all the time now; you'll find some...interesting discussions (some heated); you'll probably come up with more questions! But anyway, if you want a sense of "our" history, try the archives thread:

Archives Thread

Thanks, ldyjocelyn! That's a great tip for us newcomers! I spent over a week reading some 50 pages of the post-September 23 discussions, and that was a great help (and comfort to me) at the time. You are all so prolific that I was away about a week since my first few posts, and when I signed back on a couple of days ago, you were at page 40-something (all the way from 25)! Wish I had unlimited time to spend on line--that's one of my favorite daydreams--unlimited FCA! (That would come right after unlimited Clay anything!) You're all so smart and so funny and so well informed on all things Clay (delicious)!

Oh, and from quite a few pages back, Kareneh, I saw your welcome! Thanks so much, and knowing you was one of the many good reasons that I've stayed with FCA when I was searching for a new home board!

And sorry to hearken back many pages (again!), but I think it was you, Claytonic, who posted something about starting a scrapbook of great Clay moments (or concerts or YouTubes . . . not sure any more). It is obvious that thinking about so much Clay always gives me colander brain! Regardless, even though it would be a LOT of work, an on-line "book" of memories like that would be so great!

Thank you also to everyone who has been bringing over the most recent Clay GLAAD news, airport pictures, etc.! I'm delighted to have found you all--you're my one-stop-Clay-shop!

Now back to trying to catch up some more . . . .

Make that plural: You are the women! (Do we have any guys here? Other than Clay??)

I'm trying to figure out how to quote from multiple posts, but apparently haven't mastered it yet. Therefore, I'll just muddle my way through by way of straight text--a lot to read, I know, but there's too much priceless stuff in the recent posts that I don't want to wait until they're way old:

~~~~

Lotus, thanks for quoting muskifest's item! HUNG Dinger, huh?!! (Actually, shouldn't the restaurant itself have been named for Clay?!) Hilarious!

~~~

Aaw, KAndre, really? Couchie's very own toaster for me?! (Does she know about this??!) Okay, I'll stop rejoicing now and tell you that you must keep it for yourself--taking a sick person's toaster away would be a very cruel thing! (And I always aspire to ask, WWCD? He'd never take away your toaster, so I'll follow his invariably fine example.) You need your toast and Thera-flu . . . and for that matter, someone should be there making that toast for you !

Get better soon! (Lots of sick people here in the Heartland too!)

~~~~

Oh, and Bella19, Claylove,, Lotus, Ausdon, and Gibby, thanks for the welcomes!

~~~~

Clayzcoffin, it sounds like you need a hug! Would you accept one from a total newcomer? {{{Clayz}}}

Also, I have probably missed something in discussions so far, but (as long as I've already mentioned that Crisis book earlier), it sounds like that might shed some light on your situation--or give you hope. Maybe you're already too busy with reading, studying, etc., anyway, so maybe not the best suggestion right now. If you (or anyone else here) would like to read it, though, I'd be happy to send it as soon as I'm done, which should be in another day or so.

~~~~

Claytonic, LOVED your quote:

Let me assure you, dear, the Viennese let neither grey hair nor stooped shoulders get in the way of making new conquests. Every day I see handsome young men helping their much older lovers into their coaches. In this worldly capital, women under thiry-five are regarded as immature. A women can't even hope to make a lasting impression on people until she's over forty.

~~~~~

001see, your BOCA quotes were perfect!! Omigosh, too clever! (And amazing how well it fits all those various comments!)

Also, thanks for the warning! That cute singerguy actually caused me a moment of inattention the day after the Asheville concert, where I fell down several steps on the mansion's stairs. It was totally worth it, but it would have been better if I had been wearing that padding!

~~~~

welcome headoverheels

thats all I got lol

Wow, considering that you just started a new job, I feel honored that you even found the time to notice! Thanks! And congratulations on the new beginning for you!

Whoops, knew I forgot something. Crisis is a fantastic book. Heartbreaking in so many ways; I just hope that some people will give this book a chance and learn from it.

Just me again (won't post for years, and then won't shut up, huh?).

Yes, I'm so glad that someone here mentioned Crisis a while back. Was that you?? If so, thanks! I always thought I was pretty well-informed and sympathetic, but I see that I didn't really understand at all. These stories truly deepen the impact times ten! As you said, we can hope that some people will give the book a chance and learn from it!

jmh123, you said that personal info on the left side doesn't show. If someone not registered on this board might be reading, could they see it?

Nope, you are safe. And we can delete all the Merry references, yours and everyone else's, if you prefer.

Oh, thanks so much, jmh123--not necessary to delete my name (in fact, I kind of like it that I haven't stayed completely "hidden" forever. Some of you still know who I am.) I just didn't want it hanging out there in the margin for perpetuity, 'cos then the chances of some snoop (!!) coming across it would be that much greater.

Also, because I had to sign off for a while, I did see for myself that when I looked at the posts without logging in, you were right (of course!!)--no name out there for the general public to see. Oh, ye of little faith, huh? Thanks again for your help!

So I go to bed and miss the excitemeen of a lurker posting.......I love it. (Actually it takes the pressure off me...I no longer have to angst over writing such witty and engaging posts )

This just proves that we are not crazy and that people like us , they really like us! (or they are crazy like us and I prefer the first thank you very much).

Welcome to all new posters. As I said a few weeks ago I am baaad at remembering birthdays and I am also baaad at weloming folks!

I like the name Merry...even if it is spelled wrong!

See I can use emoticons to!

Yep--I spell it wrong . . . could never remember how many e's in Merrieeee! Today, replying to a post; tomorrow, the emoticons!

And I do also have those LISTENING moments (usually in the car--why is that?). Especially since September 23, those OMWH songs sometimes grab me so hard that I have to pull over and shed a few real tears. That cute singerguy really does it for me, and MG, he's been through A LOT during the past year! (And no doubt for many years before! The painful personal stories in Crisis are powerfully making that point.)

FCA is such a great and welcoming place, so I want to say thanks again to everyone! Tell me if having a long list of names gets old, and I'll try to restrain myself: Couch Tomato, FromClayGary, liney23, aikim, luckiest1, goldarngirl, Scarlett, CarolinaClay, Claytonic, and anyone else I might have missed, thank you for the welcomes! It means a lot !

Scarlett, luckiest1, and goldarngirl, beautiful Clack!!

jmh123, you said that personal info on the left side doesn't show. If someone not registered on this board might be reading, could they see it? If they can, I might actually be in for a battle here at home, because I was asked years ago to stop posting at the boards (long story for another time), but glad I finally decided on disobedience and enjoyment instead. And, of course, it was really clever of me to put my real name out there. Not.

Wow, more thanks for the welcomes, FearofH2O and jmh123! Impressive graphics there with the welcome! The more the Merrier--love it! I'm so glad I came out of my self-imposed dungeon!

Now, can anybody tell me how to get rid of all that personal trash that was included with my name on the left side of my post? (Don't even remember when I entered all that.) Yikes. I might need a personal tutor to help me with all the questions I'll probably have.

Baby steps, baby steps. Still in kindergarten, I guess . . . .

Hi, wonderful FCA !

I've been lurking so long that I feel like I know y'all. And since I don't know how to post here (yet), excuse the mess if I hopelessly muddle up the bolding, paragraph breaks, etc.

I'm Merry, but since you already have a couple of members here with variations of my name, headoverheels is how I've been over Clay for over five years now.

I saw that you have another newbie here, (hi, girlcanuck), which finally nudged me to join in. I see my favorite fanfic author is here (you're fabulous!), and I've even hugged several of you in RL, so I was happy to see your names here!

Even if I might not be able to post very often, I had to tell you what a great place this is! At the least, I wanted to thank claytonic and everyone who waved to me about a month ago when she answered my question about a glossary item and posted what I had sent her in an email. It was something like, "I'm one of those shy lurkers at FCA--been reading for quite a while, and I've always loved and appreciated FCA's generous and supportive spirit. When what I see on other boards starts to depress me (or even when I'm happy and want to celebrate, for that matter), I read here at FCA and always feel much better."

So, thanks again to claytonic, and to Couch Tomato, jamar1700, jmh123, and canfly172--you waved to the shy and naughty lurkers. Maybe you meant someone else, but I'm both--maybe shy at first, but will probably be naughty later (and it's been fun seeing that here too).

I have more gushing to do about how great you all are, but before this gets way too long, I'll save that for another post.

Thank you all--you've often made my day!

Hi, everyone !

I'm new here and still working up my courage to post on your main thread but wanted to say that I'll be at the Waukegan concert and look forward to meeting y'all !