underthespell

I just had to tell you all, I love this board ! :F_05BL17blowkiss:

Karen eh, best wishes and good luck on your move. :thbighug-1: I hope you still have a chance to see Clay LIVE !

cindilu, the banner is so beautiful. I love those pictures and Clay looks so mighty fiiiiiine !

The media coverage from something like this is just amazing, isn’t it? World wars, elections, global warming…and Clay Aiken's urges?! Unreal.

As upset as I was earlier, I’ve come to see this article as just another wave in Clay’s vast ocean. Swelling recklessly, it will inevitably rise, crest, and disperse, rolling away from those impervious broad shoulders…as waves do. Even as this surf surges suddenly against his fine, strong back, I'm finding myself more and more inclined to laugh. He may be leery of the water, but look, he’s braving it anyway, taking “us” with him. He hasn’t succumbed to the waves yet and is not likely to. It’s thrilling, really. An exhilarating lift. A dangerous undertow. After the wave, the trough; after the trough, the wave. Always that mysterious energy buoying him, and “us”, along.

Wiping salty foam from my eyes and sputtering indignantly, I have to laugh.

I mean, really. Wheeee!!!

Naturally, Clay’s detractors are delighted to have fresh material and, oh, boy, the media salivates when he is the hot topic. But I have no control over anything Clay says or over anything said about him. What practical difference can it make to me if any of Levy’s so-called "insights" happen to brush against reality (or just a nerve)? There is more entertainment value in the writer and her zany, sex-centric ideas and perplexing self-expression. There is some prime snark to be mined here! I've been having fun with absurd one-liners all day. Shaking my head over queeny, arched eyebrows and man-voiced happy hicks suppressing the urge to sing honky gospel notes. Weird photograph? Smurf Village? Laughable. So, I laugh.

Ticket sales? Reviews? New album? More challenges? Some may dread the tides and become alarmed when a wave seems threatening. Some shriek and clutch and panic or rage at the wind. Others analyze and calculate wave amplitude and acceleration. A few…well, a few simply savor the pleasing shape of a certain supple spine and lean hips beneath a clinging, damp shirt and soaked jeans. heh

I certainly take perceived insults or damage to Clay very much to heart. Can’t help it. You may have noticed I could not hide my exasperation and outrage last night. But…one thing I admire and enjoy about Clay fans is "our" resilience. That way "we" have of turning the critics’ words back onto them and laughing at the joke they unknowingly present. Of claiming and repackaging and exploiting the critics' hilariously bloated sense of self-importance. Of reducing a noisome, boiling pot of fat-clawed crabs and stinging jellyfish into a tepid, lumpy stew.

Clay's way has ever been one of humor, even about some (to me) very unfunny things. I admit I don't completely enjoy his tendency for deflection in some situations, but laughter can be a useful and appropriate tool.

So, really.

Here’s another wave.

So what.

I’ve got my Clay Aiken boogie board. Bring it.

OOlsee, what a great post ! You have a gift with words. You know, I used to get so upset with the media coverage that our BF has to endure. But not anymore. It is like something I expected after reading the NY magazine article, like clock work, they pounced on it. I loved your entire post.

I see Clay 2 months from today !!! I can't wait !!

And yes, he definitely needs to do sing it that way while we're there! Let's let him know, okay?

Oh, YES! I'll text him right now!

We don't know exactly what he said with this writer - it is just a piece of a quote replying wo who knows what? I really can't see Clay talking about his sex life with this person.

Yup. Unless and until I see/hear that from Clay's own mouth, I'll never believe he said that to her. And isn't she smart? He either ignores it (as has been his policy up until the Newsweek thing) or deny without comment, or make a real, public clarification about it.

Sorry - I just don't believe he suddenly decided to talk about his sex life with this chick. He went from the Newsweek position, to this? Nope.

It's funny - there was a time I would be wringing my hands and getting up.set about this. Now, I only shake my head (in disdain) at the OTT portion of fan reaction, and shake it some more (in sadness) at the state of so-called journalism and the public appetite for trash. Then I go look at my Spamorabilia, and I smile.

ETA: Cotton, I like scenario #2, and I bet it's not far off, either.

cindilu2, you are me. I feel exactly as you do.

muskifest, don't be down, please. :F_05BL17blowkiss: I also wish the fans writing there would stay away but I think some will never learn to leave well enough alone !

I think this article was written with an Agenda.. It is so transparent. I think it distorted everything Clay said and Clay probably said very little as he knew for sure where she was coming from. How dare this person call herself a journalist !

This article is bullshit from beginning to end. From the picture chosen, to the LTS quotes, to her impressions.

pffffft...

I am loving all the recaps and pictures !! :F_05BL17blowkiss:

I love that man !!!

Posted at CB by chattypatty9801:

Quote:

D4kkkks just called me from the Venue. She said Clay is marvelous.

She couldn't stop laughing. The Theater is quite full. Lots of Clay fans but

many NJUs too. It's intermission

I love to read this !!

{{{ Claygasm }}} I am so sorry for your loss ! :thbighug-1:

Tonight's the night !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love the blog..love the man... :F_05BL17blowkiss:

Break a leg, Clay !!! :F_05BL17blowkiss:

This is going to be a very good year.

I just know it in my bones.

I have a great feeling too. He looks so happy and confident.

Yep it's going to be a good year folks. I never doubted it. And looks like things are right on schedule with the album and going well. He seems so happy and excited.

He's playing the piano and dancing? Lord, the boy does like challenges heee.

Wandacleo, thanks for asking about the Spamalot rules. THe mods haven't discussed it at all but I agree with keeping links off the board should anything pop up. I realize this could be a devisive issue but we won't be asking for ticket stubs before you can discuss Spamalot or engaging in any witch hunts either. Let's just see how things go, ok becaue I honestly don't know what to expect here. For those that sometimes feel like a have not in the fandom, my PM door is always open. Although considering Clay's baby mama had already had one child and was working on a second before I knew about it, don't know how in I am.

I'm off to the hospital in a minute.. very cute firemen/paramedics just left with mom. I guess I need to get used to the fact that this might be life as I know it.

Couchie, I hope things settle down with your Mom. Big hugs to both of you. :thbighug-1:

Hmmm, I think after Clay sleeps til noon every day, he could go to the studio for a couple of hours on any afternoon (except Saturday and Sunday). 4 o'clock would be a nice recording time. Horowitz only performed at 4PM. And, in Manhatten he should be close to the studio. It could be no more than a walk up the block for him.

I just opened a link on a Google Alert and was smacked with this gorgeous face .....

the text was this ...

In a totally weird “this is the internet, things are not normal here” moment, yesterday the AV Club got 14,000+ hits from people searching for Clay Aiken pics on MSN. If you are one of those thousands, welcome, this is the AV Club Blog, we are the video production company behind Psycho Bob and Drunk America, as well as a bunch of other shorts. If you are looking for Clay, he’s not really here, but if you want to be entertained, feel free to check out our videos!

For the rest of you, this is the image in question. Make your own decisions as to the reasons our recent visitors may have had for wanting to see the full rez version.

Good-ness that is one fine example of the seductive naked eyes of Clay Aiken.

that picture is gorgeous !!! OMG............. he does things to me I will NEVER tell my husband !!!

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EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.... I am so excited for Friday !!! I am going out of town Saturday and won't be back till next Wednesday !!! I am going to miss all the post-debut excitement !! ... I am sure there will be plenty of pages to catch up on !!! If you are going please share lots of details,OK ? :F_05BL17blowkiss:

and now * dance of joy* for the CD news. It is going to be this year, maybe the first part of the year !! :00000441: :00000441: :00000441:

Bwah to the picture tag.

From claymama on the CB

I like it. All of it. The picture and his answers.

muski, you make me smile. I love your posts ! I love your boyfriend too. :F_05BL17blowkiss:

skybar, :thbighug-1: off the watch the Mike Nichols interview !

Perma, I hope you have a wonderful time and come give us details, details, details !!! So happy for you. :thbighug-1:

I am not stressing about the Newsweek interview either. ( I love the interview and the way he handled it )

This is "SPAMALOT" week !!!

I am so excited for Clay. I could sense his nervousness in his blog, I want to hug him and tell him it will be OK, more than OK!! I think he is going to shine in that role ! I can't wait to see him dance, and act, and sing ! What a treat. ( not until the end of March for me ! ). What a huge step for his career. There was a story about his role in SPAMALOT in my local paper this morning with a great picture from the ATDW promotion cycle. I read it out loud to Hubby ( it was basically the AP piece ) and the title was "Aiken ready to take on killer rabbits". We both thought it was great promotion and Hubby is now excited to see it too. I think he knows the movie script practically word for word !

The bachelor thing is cool too !

I have a great feeling for 2008. I think it is going to be a banner year for Clay ! I love that man. His voice just moves me like no other and he is such a special guy. I have stopped trying to figure out what it is that keeps me glued to everything that is Clay Aiken. He just has me hook, line and sinker.

EXACTLY!!! Sites like that will never get a hit from me because IMO they are part of the problem. Legitimate news purveyors now feel that they have to compete with the seedier entertainment rags and tv shows, and are increasingly using the same tactics and content to gain readers/viewers. I'm not going to give any of them my time and attention.

Ummm, you do know that TMZ and CNN are owned by the same company right?

And that the same companies that produce the movies you see in the theater also have divisions that make and sell the X rated porno's? And that the same companies who own the legitmate news magazines also own the rags?

The line between seedy & legitmate is really not so hazy anymore. It's about the bottom line and most companies don't even bother to try to hide it. They are equal opportunity opportunists *g*

---

Why yes, I was born cynical. Why do you ask?

You learn something everyday. I was not aware of this. thanks.

ETA this Newsweek interview:

Achin’ Aiken

Clay Aiken is sore from rehearsing for 'Spamalot,' and now he's sore at us.

By Ramin Setoodeh | Newsweek Online Exclusive

LOVED this! Thanks for bringing it over, Jenna! Rock ON, Mr. A!!

I loved this interview. Clay in charge. Clay not taking any shit. Clay chatty and witty until the interviewer crossed the line. Clay not worried about what PEOPLE will say. I love this guy. He stands by his principles. His strength and character just amaze me.

When I first started posted I used quotes a lot because they said what I was trying to say, only much better. Then I started using my own words. This morning I'm stumbling again...This will have to do.

“A thing of beauty is a joy forever; its loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness” ~ Keats

laughn, what a perfect quote !!

I am in looooooooooooooooooooooooove !!!! :F_05BL17blowkiss:

The pictures, videos and mp3s are to die for !!! :F_05BL17blowkiss:

OMG....................................... I loooooooooooooooooooooooove his long blond hair... His lovely freckles..... his stubble............................... and his voice is in fine form !!!

wow.....

i am new at this, well lets talk about clay, i love clay people at work tease me all the time about clay they say he is gay, well if he is so what, but i think he is not, any way i would still support clay and love him no matter what.clay has brought great joy to my life, i went to his concert on dec-21 2007, in omaha ne, he was great, there for awhile i have giving up on hope,about ever thing ,clay gives me the will power, i did not know clay was going to be in omaha i live 100 miles away that is close enough to go. my freind she called me dec 9 and said are you going to clays concert dec 21 in omaha, i said what are you talking about, mind you i know ever thing about clay i mean when it comes to concerts, they had stared selling tickets sebt 15, i had no ideal, i have been sick for a while , with blurred vision numbness in my face and hands, not feeling well, and working in a casino that is scary, i made a mistake that amost cost me my job,i am a cashier, i work with alot of money. but any way aug i was dienosed with MS, pertty sary, that is why when clay was going to be in omaha dec 21, i was so happy, people might think i am crazy, but clay is the glue that keeps me together, he gives me my strenght, my family does not understand me, even though i have never ment clay in person, there is just something so strong about him his music his voice,that i can find the strengh, i have to take a shot ever day for the rest of my life, there is no cure for this, and this is scary, but i know clay brings great joy to people like me you, clay is the best meds for me he keeps my faith in god,and gives me hope, i hope some day i can tell him my self what a great person he is. :thbighug-1: tink

welcome tinkerbell2 ! :thbighug-1:

How many days until Spamalot? 11? 12? C'mon, I know some of you have it down to hours and miniutes...

Countdown to Spamalot!!!

I bookmarked the site ! eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.... it won't be long now !!

Well I don't have any photos up at work, but I do have my wallpaper, and I have had his cd on display since the MOAM days (it's an ATDW now). To this day, I've never had anybody disrespect him to me. It's either who is this? (Clay doesn't get much coverage in Canada, and next to no radio) or, oooh, is that Clay? I love his voice! He should've won! LOL. I will get the he is/is he? gay thing every so often, but I just laugh and say nope, and I don't pursue it. Now the guys in the shop, and their friends? they spent the first two years telling me how 'queer' he was. I spent the last of those completely ignoring them, and eventually they gave up. I do get the disbelieving eyerolls from my boss over how far I will go/how much I will spend to see him. Until I remind him of his $10,000+ toy car Jeff Gordon collection.

I absolutely believe it's a respect issue. Not of Clay, but of you. If people who are supposed to care about you are willing to insult your choices, to 'tease' to the point that you are angry and/or hurt, then they need to be told. If they still do it - well then there are more serious questions to be asked, IMO.

I agree it is a respect issue.

A quick post and then off to keep chachadotter#3 company while SIL gets a hernia operation. A few prayers in our general direction would be nice!!

Off to the hospital!

sending you good thoughts and prayers ! :thbighug-1:

BWAH! luckiest! I see we're both reporting this morning! I'm gonna turn it over to you so that I can get to work....omg...it's starting, folks! Clay in the NEWS! Clay on the View! Clay teeing off! Clay hot as hell!

dancing bananas all around! eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

I love the blog from the West Palm Beach Post.... woo hoo !!! I also love all the news from the front lines !! It sounds like he looks all kinds of hot !! I need to pick up golf ...

Good morning all ! :F_05BL17blowkiss:

The Jaguars wan last night and I am one happy camper !!

All these gifs are so cute, I just love the way he moves, He is just so sexy to me. The cute ones get me too. He just gets me in all kinds of way !

AI - Last year was so bad that I don't think I will be watching this year. Ever since 2003 and that night when AI broke my heart. I have been very cynical about anything they say or do!!!

Soulsista I hope you're not taking your skit away because I'm blathering on about my tastes because, what do I know? As an act of solidarity with you creative people out there, I'm submitting my OWN skit.

And one and two and KICK and KICK and turn and Turn and ..... STOP STOP

Someone help Clay up.

From the top ...and one and two and KICK....

wanda, to the point as only you can !!! this is so funny !! I can just picture Clay tryiing so hard to learn it all ! I would love to be a mouse at the theater right now and witness it all ! I just came accross the picture we took at the Tampa pre-party !! It was so nice to meet you !!

UNICEF Fieldnotes: Clay Aiken's Mexico visit and appeal a success

Congratulations to everyone who participated in UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken's holiday challenge--once again you have amazed us and surpassed our goal of raising $100,000 to help the children of Mexico. Thank you so much for sharing the true spirit of the holiday season with children who need it the most.

We're putting together Clay's Mexico Holiday Photo Album now -- in the meantime, here is one photograph we wanted to share with you to start off the New Year -- faces of two of the people your generous gifts are going to help.

From all of us here at UNICEF, a great big thank you and best wishes to you and your loved ones for the happiest of new years!

This is one of those times where I'm proud to be part of the Clay Nation!

me too. I feel so proud of all of us making it happen ! It was so exciting to watch the numbers go up and reach $100,000 and beyond !

There is Aspiegirl's blog at the OFC where she politely answers questions and shares opinions and a certain Carolina person who works damn hard on their blog and each is a thing of beauty. If I see a name I recognize on a blog list that I like, the rare times I am at the OFC, I go visit. If I have anything to say, I will leave a comment, otherwise I selfishly read and leave without saying anything. I think I have to set up a friend's list so I can visit blogs when the people are not on the new blog list.

So I've heard there are blogs at OFC LOL.

But Play I agree feedback is a good thing. Let's people know they are read and appreciated. I know I don't tell Caro enough how much I enjoy her blogs.

Curious to what other artists think, whether it's writing, making montages or banners or drawing. KAndre I thing you are a master at telling a story.

Thank you, Play and Couchie. I'll be sure to tell Aspiegirl she should come read the FCA thread today. If you ever come across her replies to those who have asked for knowledge, advice, her experiece, etc., about autistm, she freely shares to the tune of writing another blog within a comment.

Personally, I write -- or play music -- as a creative outlet for myself first. If others like what I write or play, that's awesome. Feedback is always appreciated -- **thnx, Cindilu2** -- and it is great when readers "get it" or realize the thought/time that goes into an entry.

Since July 2006, I have transferred the very same journal to Carolina On My Mind. In 171 entries on Blogspot, there have been a grand total of 30 comments.

For grins, in December I added a map that picks up the location of hits or reads. Just yesterday, a geography professor analyzed the findings; and there are a total of 29 countries from all continents represented. I'm glad people all around the globe are reading about Clay.

WE HAVE PROOF(s)

No, not of intelligent life in the universe, but of the Spam pins. Check it out! Couchie will be putting up an order form in the next day or two. Stay tuned!!!

They're, dare I say, SPAMTASTIC!

Dang, I wish I had said that! Great word, Bottlecap, and kewl pins, Cindilu2!

Let me know if you want orders from outside FCA. I can include a blurb in a certain blog or two.

Have a great weekend, FCA!

Caro

Caro, I love your blogs and read them as much as I can. I will comment everytime now even just to say hi ! I enjoy your posts, your graphics, the pretty pictures of your Grandson ! Did you get a chance to visit with Kai this Holiday Season ?Time is what I need really. I don't know as so many fans do all the things they do ! I love the montages, the wallpapers. I am not computer savvy but working on it. With Clay and my need to know anything remotely related to him I am learning very fast ! I just love him to pieces, he is just so special and he looks so dang hawt !!!!

This is one of those times where I'm proud to be part of the Clay Nation!

Yep. Very much agree. <3 Clay Nation to me is like family. You love them at times, sometimes you hate, sometimes you hurt, sometimes you laugh...and we all have the crazy aunts, so I don't even have to go there, but all in all, we can also take a moment to be proud of something fine. I think, for the most part, together we all do make a lovely whole.

laughn, beautifully said. :F_05BL17blowkiss:

cindilu, the pins are wonderful !!

best line ever from yaknelle at CV...

Forgive me, but this may give a whole new meaning to cellcert.

OMG... this is just so funny !!

skybar, thank you for all the playbill information !

couchie, you are so welcoming ! :F_05BL17blowkiss:

Do you all think we will get some news from the Golf event ??????

I loved his blog ! I laughed out loud reading it I think I understand how he feels, probably very overwehlmed . wow... he is rehearsing with veteran Broadway actors !! Isn't he just so cute to share how he feels about it all with us ?

I have been here about six weeks and I like it a lot , it is so respectful to Clay. You guys write awesome posts !

rohdy, congratulations on such a great project !

I love the shield !! I vote for D !! What a great job you did !!