jazzgirl

Meet the neighbors and/or enthrall the office with your culinary skills? *g*

{{{ Couchie and her Mom and Ausdon and her Dad}}}

Nice pictures! Thanks as always, kf!!!

Clay Concerts? Where to begin... Like a box of chocolates. Like being in class with a really cute teacher. Like a Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster without the alcohol. Like floating on air from giggles. Like having and maxing out an all-day-front-of-line combination pass to Universal/Disney/SeaWorld/BuschGardens. Like listening to angels with halos set at a jaunty angle. Like riding a dragon. Like, like nothing else in the world!

"I'll have what she's having" - from "When Harry Met Sally"

Wow. Thanks for posting that aikim. What a story from Lisa Marie:

Our relationship was not "a sham" as is being reported in the press. It was an unusual relationship yes, where two unusual people who did not live or know a "Normal life" found a connection, perhaps with some suspect timing on his part. Nonetheless, I do believe he loved me as much as he could love anyone and I loved him very much.

I became very ill and emotionally/ spiritually exhausted in my quest to save him from certain self-destructive behavior and from the awful vampires and leeches he would always manage to magnetize around him.

As I sit here overwhelmed with sadness, reflection and confusion at what was my biggest failure to date, watching on the news almost play by play The exact Scenario I saw happen on August 16th, 1977 happening again right now with Michael (A sight I never wanted to see again) just as he predicted, I am truly, truly gutted.

Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times is an incredibly gifted writer. This is his Michael Jackson memorial:

The boy who never grew up:

Michael Jackson, 1958-2009

by Roger Ebert

Michael Jackson was so gifted, so lonely, so confused, so sad. He lost happiness somewhere in his childhood, and spent his life trying to go back there and find it. When he played the Scarecrow in "The Wiz" (1978), I think that is how he felt, and Oz was where he wanted to live. It was his most truly autobiographical role. He could understand a character who felt stuffed with straw, but could wonderfully sing and dance, and could cheer up the little girl Dorothy.

We have all spent years in the morbid psychoanalysis of this strange man-child. Now that he has died we will hear it all repeated again: The great fame from an early age, the gold records, the world tours, the needy friendships, the painful childhood, Neverland, the eccentric behavior, plastic surgery, charges of child molestation, the fortunes won and lost, the generosity, the secrecy, the inexplicable marriage to Elvis's daughter, the disguises, the puzzling sexuality, the jokes, and on and on.

I never met him. My wife Chaz did, a long time ago when she was part of a dance troupe that opened some shows for the Jackson Five. What she remembers is that he was -- a kid. Talented, hard-working, but not like other kids. That's what he was, and that's what he remained. His father Joseph was known even then as a hard-driving taskmaster, and was later described by family members as physically and mentally abusive, beating the child, once holding him by a leg and banging his head on the floor. Michael confided to Oprah that sometimes he would vomit at the sight of the man.

Families are important to everyone, and to African-Americans they are the center of the universe. A census is maintained that radiates out to great-nieces and nephews, distant cousins, former spouses, honorary relatives, all the generations. Communication is maintained, birthdays remembered, occasions celebrated. Important above all are parents and grandparents. Family was a support system from a time when slave-owning America refused to recognize black families. Family was the rock.

Michael Jackson doesn't seem to have had that rock. His father seems to have driven him to create an alternate universe for himself, in which somewhere, over the rainbow, he could have another childhood. He named his ranch Neverland, after the magical land where Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up, enacted his fantasies with the Lost Boys. I wonder if we ever really understood how central that vision was to Jackson, or how literally he tried to create it.

I have no idea whether Michael abused the children he "adopted." It is possible those relationships were without sex; he seemed frozen at a time before puberty. Whether he touched them criminally or not, it is easy to see what he sought: To create, with and for these Lost Boys, a Neverland where they could imagine together the childhood he never had.

Mixed with that was perhaps a lifelong feeling of inadequacy, burned in by the cruelty of his father. That might help explain the compulsive plastic surgery, the relentless rehearsal, the exhausting tours, the purchase of expensive toys, the giving of gifts.

The scene everyone remembers from "The Wiz" is Dorothy and the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion dancing and singing down the Yellow Brick Road. They were off to see the Wizard, and a wonderful Wizard he was, because of the wonderful things he does.

In the story, the Wizard is a lonely little man hiding behind a curtain, using his power to create a wonderland. Now Michael Jackson will never be able to tell us what he was hiding behind his curtain. But because of his music, we danced and sang.

I saw Frank Sinatra at the end of his career with my MIL. She was thrilled because she remembered him "when"! I was not impressed at all. He had to read a teleprompter for My Way and even then didn't get the words right. He was just old. She was a huge fan of his and this was her first time to see him live. She was so happy at the end of the night but for me it was meh!

Will we be like that with Clay?

I saw Frank at the same time too. He seemed so dependent on Frankie Jr. But, I was so happy to see him before he passed, that whether he was at the top of his game or not, didn't really matter to me.

keepingfaith, loved the list! Thanks for posting it.

Scarlett said:

My favorite was from a very early album -- one where I shocked KAndre by naming a song of MJ that she didn't know about -- it was "Ben".

"Ben" is an unique choice. Interesting facts:

Don Black and Walter Scharf wrote this for the 1972 movie of the same name. It was the sequel to a movie called Willard, which was remade in 2003 starring Crispin Glover. Ben is a pet rat. In the movie, a young boy befriends the rat, but the rat turns evil and recruits other rats to attack humans. In the remake of Willard, Ben becomes an enormous super-rat.

According to the book Jacksons Number Ones, this was intended for Donny Osmond, but Don Black suggested Jackson, who got the song instead.

Despite being about a rat, the lyrics are touching and sentimental, and make no reference to rodents. A lot of people were very moved by the song.

The song's co-writer Don Black has written many movie themes, including the hits "Diamonds Are Forever" (for the James Bond movie) and "Born Free." At his 2007 induction in the Songwriters Hall Of Fame, he said of "Ben," "When it came to writing about a rat, I said, 'You can't write about a rat.' I mean, I'm not going to use words like 'cheese.' I thought the best thing to do is write about friendship."

00lsee, yikes about the car troubles!

<snip> My Christianity is not about judging someone's way of life and praying that they'll be "fixed". We're all human, and therefore imperfect. God loves us all anyway.

Regarding families, non-traditional certainly doesn't mean non-Christian, non-healthy or non-loving

I've always liked this:

Surprise in Heaven

Anonymous

I dreamt death came the other night

And Heaven’s gate swung wide.

An angel with a halo bright

Ushered me inside.

And there! To my astonishment

Stood folks I’d judged and labeled

As “quite unfit”, “of little worth”,

And “spiritually disabled”.

Indignant words rose to my lips

But never were set free,

For every face showed stunned surprise --

Not one expected me!

Scarlett, cute story about Winn-Dixie and I'm glad the heat wasn't too bad. In Chicagoland, the cashiers will swipe a generic Jewel preferred card if you show up without one.

Finally got the AC working. It only took two days and six phone calls. My "preferred customer" plan had expired, so I had to sign up for another $110 plan to get priority service and discounts. The house was 87 degrees and is finally down to 85 (and 85 with humidity controlled isn't that bad).

Congratulations, luckiest!

Here in the midwest, we are expecting a heat index over 100 and our AC is broken! It's been such a cold spring that I didn't even think of checking the system before we needed it. I called HVAC company four times today, and plan on calling even more tomorrow. Opening the refrigerator is now a real treat *g*.

I don't have any problem liking AL or anyone else, and I already bought my concert ticket.

I don't see what liking another singer has to do with being a fan of Clay.I have no idea what causes AL is interested in--although gay rights comes to mind--so I can't pass judgment on that.

I have no idea what he'll spend his money on, so I can't make judgments about that either.

I just like to celebrate Clay. I have no interest whatsoever in trashing anyone else (with the possible exception of pondscum) in the process.

and

I think it's totally normal that people like artists that are very different from the other. Clay is kinda unique. He definitely has a singing style that is not really like other people that I follow. On the other hand Clay is the only person I really know about them and not just their records. I couldn't tell you what other artists do because I've just never cared. And I love some of these folks music very much. I have no idea what they are like as people but them being a good guy is not really a pre-requisite for me. I like bad boys too. Not saying Adam is a bad boy..I don't know anything about him. <snip>I don't want to lose folks because every time they go to a Clay board they have to hear about Adam in a negative way. Maybe if we the fans don't hold on to it -- the media won't?

I liked these posts. It reminds me of the Rodney King plea of "can we all get along" *g*. I think, like any relationship, people hopefully grow, and pick up new interests, while still being faithful and having fidelity to whatever originally brought them together. And when people bring more interests into a relationship, it is better than having one that is cloistered and stagnant. Look at all the growth that Clay has exhibited in six years. It would be very boring if he was exactly the same person. Likewise, many fans may develop divergent interests, but still have a place they call home, even if they may sometimes travel a bit.

Thanks for the link, wandacleo, very interesting insight.

<snip>I don't think a person's core changes very much but PR can't be used to explain or define one's core to others. In a world where just about anything can be explained away (& understood and condoned) by personal taste or individual circumstance, is there room for universal and eternal values? Can people believe that some things do not change and if they can, how can those things be communicated and/or used to define identity?

Yes, I think that's the whole "common ground" point that has been very successful lately, and is probably why most PR seems so homogeneous. And that's the room for the universal and eternal values, or at least those values that most in the vast area between the football goalposts aspire to, given there are always those within the 10 yard line of either camp who march to their own drum. And I think the question is whether people can acknowledge enough common identity on most things to embrace those interesting differences. And with Clay, many fans find enough common attributes to embrace everything, and with the "other guy", they may see him, as exactly that, "the other", because he is outside the vast middle or, maybe, their ears just bleed. *g*.

I still feel tired and sleepy but at least I didn't work hard this afternoon. It was our deparment team-building event so we had lunch at the ballpark and then we got to see the Astros play the Cubs. I only stayed until the blown save at the top of the ninth; I see from google that we eventually won in 13 innings. It sounds whiny but I would have preferred a "normal work" day because I would have been able to reset through my lunch hour and/or closed the door at various times during the day; schmoozing & small talk can be just as tiring as real work especially when you're fighting sleepiness.

I know, you love mankind, it's just people you can't stand (Charles Schulz via Linus) *g*. Scheduled sleeping like the Borg (*Star Trek*) do is a good thing (hint, hint).

Happy Birthday 00lsee and jumpingjacks!!!

*sneaks in before Cinderella's midnight and the pumpkin carriage disappears to convey birthday wishes*

it's a matter of taking whatever openings present themselves. sometimes it's easy, sometimes it's hard. always a thrill! such is life.

Scarlett, just like a roller-coaster ride *g*.

This place can be like Quasimodo's sanctuary (and I just googled and found out that is the name of an Italian-Peruvian restaurant in Houston). Cool.

<snip>Thank you, Scarlett. What a beautiful job you did! Your are truly a Clack GODDESS!

Miss Scarlett, you did great! You know everything about birthin' clack.*g*

I have been studying up on the pics of Parker and I have come to the conclusion that he is stunningly beautiful....Yes I know I am biased. Your point?

Nope. I was reminded of a Renaissance Botticelli painting. But I'm biased too.

{{{ldyjocelyn}}}

Letter from Heaven

To my dearest friends and family,

some things I'd like to say.

But first of all, to let you know,

that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from heaven.

Here I dwell with God above.

Here, there's no more tears of sadness;

Here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy

just because I'm out of sight.

Remember that I am with you every

morning, noon and night.

That day I had to leave you

when my life on earth was through.

God picked me up and hugged me and

He said, "I welcome you".

"It's good to have you back again,

you were missed while you were gone.

As for your friends and family,

They'll be here later on.

I need you here badly,

you're part of my plan.

There's so much that we have to do,

to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things,

that he wished for me to do, and

foremost on the list,

was to watch and care for you.

And I will be beside you

every day and week and year

and when you're sad

I'm standing there to wipe away the tear.

And when you lie in bed at night

the day's chores put to flight,

God and I are closest to you..

in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth,

and all those loving years,

because you are only human,

they are bound to bring you tears.

But do not be afraid to cry,

it does relieve the pain.

Remember there would be no flowers,

unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you

all that God has planned.

If I were to tell you,

you wouldn't understand.

But one thing is for certain,

though my life on earth is o'er,

I'm closer to you now than

I ever was before.

And to my very many friends

trust God knows what is best,

I'm still not far away from you

I'm just beyond the crest.

There are many rocky roads

ahead of you and

many hills to climb;

But together we can do it by

taking one day at a time.

It was always my philosophy

and I'd like it for you too;

That as give unto the world,

the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody

who's in sorrow and pain,

then you can say to God

at night...

"My day was not in vain".

And now I am contented....

that my life was worthwhile.

Know as I passed along the way

I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody

who is sad and feeling low,

Just lend a hand to pick him up,

as on your way you go.

When you're walking down the street

and you've got me on your mind,

I'm walking in you footsteps

only half a step behind.

And when you feel the gentle breeze

or the wind upon your face,

that's me giving you a great big hug

or just a soft embrace.

And when it's time for you to go

....from that body to be free.

Remember you're not going..

..you're coming here to me.

And I will always love you

from that land way up above.

Will be in touch again soon.

Clay is up to something. I like that in a man.

(*the spirit of Mae West lives*)

Maybe we will get an audience shot of Clay tomorrow at AI (*dreams on more*). The Idols are supposedly doing two songs each tomorrow so that doesn't leave much time for anything else. Maybe Wednesday. I would like to think Clay has some method behind all the unconnected dots that have been appearing lately.

So Clay went to visit the set of AI with Parker.

Yes. He's making a surprise AI appearance to sing "One for My Baby and One More For the Road" (*could not resist*). It is Rat Pack week on AI and would be a perfect Sinatra selection. (*dreams on*)

is that Cosmo site to meet a guy

for single straight women to met straight guys

because I already have enough gay best friends. I do wonder if there are any straight men left. (sorry if that is too much personal info about me)

Yep. Some of the "hints" are a hoot!

As for those comments... Early in the evening, some fans commented on the number of great-looking guys in the restaurant. Why didn't anyone roll out their 'tacky' comments then? It's ok for fans to notice cute guys but not ok for them to notice each other?

When I heard "meet a guy", I just thought Clay was quoting lyrics from West Side Story *g*. But, my mind works that way. I did google it, and if anyone here is interested, this Cosmo site provides a daily "meet a guy" tip. *g*

New York Times article on Susan Boyle

“Britain’s Got Talent” is still in its early stages, where the judges pick contestants from regional auditions, and Miss Boyle’s next chance of appearing does not come until May 23, the semifinal round.

Long wait!

Kareneh, your blog is very enlightening. Thank you for providing a window into another world.

I listened to Cry Me A River. It is unbelievable that is Susan Boyle. There is no accent... how can there be no accent??? Gorgeous, tho!

Amother instance of Jim Nabors and Gomer Pyle?

Here's another Susan Boyle link:

Has love found ‘never been kissed’ singer?

aikim, I'm able to log in CV now.

I'm been in tax never-land for the past few days. Is the photo upthread of Clay and Diane, Diane Sawyer? If so, she does very well incognito.

ETA: Susan Boyle a capella from CBS's The Early Show.

Also, as linked at the CH:

Fire and brimstone coming down from the skies! Rivers and seas boiling!

Forty years of darkness! Earthquakes, volcanoes...

The dead rising from the grave!

Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together... mass hysteria!

Of all the quotes in all the movies in all the world she picks that one *g*

TV shows:

1. HIGHLANDER - "There can be only one" (loved all the historical flashbacks and the background music, not to mention the Queen intro of "Masters of the Universe", the rock guest stars, Adrian Paul's fencing and Adrian Paul *g*, and the European locations)

2. Star Trek - The Next Generation

3. Tie between two "Brilliant but Canceled": "Freaks and Geeks" (early James Franco) and "My So-Called Life" (early Claire Danes)

:14: couchie!