RIFAN

Bookwhore, Loved the John Denver story! Well, have to say, not going to get my knickers in a knot over the Insider "blurb." They must really be scrapping for news if they had to show the whole hand over the mouth again. It really was totally off the mark for them to say something along the lines of, "Clay bashing Kelly?" He certainly could have bashed her during the "Newsweak" interview, but chose (wisely) not to discuss it. What a gorgeous picture they showed--was that from the UNICEF lighting? Anyway, the whole thing was pretty much a nonevent sandwiched in between Brittney antics and God knows what else. Never watch any of those shows unless there will be Clay content.

Ansamcw, Have always felt that there was a John Denver look/feel about Clay. John Denver was my big heartthrob back in the 80s. Saw him live and was totally smitten. Devastated when he died. There was a PBS special about John Denver a few weeks ago and I was struck by the resemblance. He also had different looks--bowl cut with little round glasses, then hair that looked like GFI hair and no glasses. As much as I loved John Denver, the mild obsession with him does not even come close to how I feel about Clay. Maybe I was just too busy with little kids back then and had no VCR, iPod, internet, multiple live concerts, clack, message boards, etc. Can't help wondering if I would have reached this level of obsession if I'd had more opportunity to see and download more of his music, etc. Nope, I don't think so--this Clay thing is totally different--it really is----I am searching for a word for it and cannot even find one!! Someone needs to think of a new word to describe this whole "Clay thing."

God, he is cute and chameleon-like! One day it's blond golfing Clay and the next day it's hawt professor Aiken. I'll take one of each, please! Bookwhore--thanks for the pm (my first). I replied and hope that I did it right.

Just went and tried to join OFC again. Same thing--can't get past "Choose a Package." They did assign me a strange password last time (in December). I am in their system and the password got me as far as the "Package" page, but that's it. Wonder how someone managed to sneak in on Jan. 6. I tried many times in December with no luck. Not going to stress over it. The only thing I feel I'm really missing out on is the blogs. I'm hoping that he'll blog again at the Spamalot site. That was a great blog and fun to read. Loving all of the "buzz." Some folks didn't like the toilet comment--not me--thought it was hilarious--Clay tells it like it is and I love him for that.

Actually, the OFC doesn't seem to be open to new members right now (and hasn't been for several months). Quite a few people on other boards have commented on this and I have friends who haven't been able to renew--but they are still in somehow. Have been trying to join, but after I give an email and password, can't get past the "Choose a Package" portion. Oh God--maybe they read my mind and knew what I was thinking when I read "Choose a Package" and they have decided that I am just to naughty to join!! Anyway, I have not been able to read the blogs, but I can usually get the gist of them by reading the boards.

Will have to find the video of MGUCL from CITH with the girls because I only downloaded the audio. After what cindilu2 just said, I have to SEE it. My favorite MGUCL has always been the one he did on GMA a few years back. Remember just wishing that he would record it. Love the one on AIW, but there's still something special about the GMA one for me. Maybe because I had never heard the song before, maybe because my VCR screwed up and didn't record it and I thought I was never going to actually hear it. I was on dial-up at the time and could get audios, but no videos. But, by some Christmas miracle, when I tried to download the audio, I ended up with about 75% of the video. I set it up to download overnight and went to bed. When I woke up, there it was in all its beauty and glory. Love Clay's voice when there is just a soft piano in the background.

Joined this board recently (note--still a dog walker). Feel dumb asking this, but what does "eHP" mean? Know what you mean about having different opinions of what sounds good--people were raving about MGUCL--the CITH version where Quiana and Angela sang it with Clay. Didn't like it at all--much preferred the version with just Clay. Someone was mentioning Open Arms and the version where he sang it with Kelley during the Independent Tour. I have it only because I enjoying hearing the crowd totally go NUTS when Clay joins her. It's in my iPod--have never seen the video of it.

Couch Tomato, I thought they ran the ad (seem to remember seeing it in a magazine at my daughter's house and being worried sick that someone would comment on it), but I could be wrong (wouldn't be the first time). Funny--the whole thing is just so insignifcant now and it seemed like such a big deal at the time. I'm afraid I still feel the arrows, but coming to this board definitely helps. You all really are the voice of reason. It's just that when I feel this strongly about someone, it's hard for me to know that not everyone in the universe thinks he is as wonderful as I do. Never knew that the Sewell teacher of the year thingy made it to Newsweek (was not a subscriber then). God, that would have just killed me at the time!! I was sick enough just reading about it on the internet--knowing, of course, that it was not true. Sometimes I think I should just not read anything at all and just enjoy the music, but I am way too obsessed at this point. I have to know it all--the good, the bad and the ugly. And I have to say--for the last two weeks the good has definitely outweighed the bad and the ugly. It's been a great two weeks with Mexico and GFI--a wonderful start to 2008!!

OKAY--FEELIN' BETTER. Don't need to breathe into a bag or anything. Think I've just led a very sheltered life and I worry too much about every little thing when it comes to Clay. You're all right, of course. He's a very intelligent man and definitely knows how to handle himself. I still remember early on when PETA had that horrible neutering ad--knew very little about Clay at that point (just that I LOVED him and his beautiful voice). When I heard about the ad and how they (PETA) threatened to run it unless ........(don't remember what they were demanding). Anyway, he stood up to them and they ran the GD ad and he's still here--that was when he first showed what he was made of and he's been doing it ever since. I hope someday Clay gets to have his talk show. He would put all of these idiot interviewers to shame.

I actually felt sick to my stomach after reading that interview. Not because of anything Clay said--I loved how he stood up to that rude idiot. TITANIUM!! What makes me sick is that he has to put up with such CRAP!! I mean the man just got back from a UNICEF to Mexico--spent Christmas Day there--no less-motivated people to donate over $100,000 in about a week. Then he has this amazing Golfing for Inclusion event. The idiot that interviewed him obviously did no research, knows nothing about Clay--talk about sloppy "journalism." I subscribe to Newsweek (don't ask me why). On two occasions I threw it in the trash after reading the little blurbs on the last page about Clay. One was about the airplane incident and was inaccurate and the other made fun of how he had been appointed to be on the People With Intellectual Disabilites Committe--both were totally off the mark and not what I expect to read in Newsweek. I can somehow just imagine now that excepts of this could be published in the printed version and make it look like Clay was rude (HE DEFINITELY WAS NOT!) I will be pissed if any part of this rude interview finds its way into the hard copy of Newsweek and I will cancel my subscription. I may just cancel it anyway. Glad this board is here--sometimes a girl's just gotta' vent. Thanks for listening.

Playbiller, Thanks for reminding me that it was you who first brought up the million dollars raised by Clay. Couldn't remember where I had seen that. Busy board day what with all of the reports and pictures from the golf course! I was on overload. Glad you figured out the million dollar amount--Clay would certainly never be one to toot his own horn. That's what we're here for, right? Hey, maybe you need to add a new job---"HORNTOOTER." Now, where would that fall--right between dog walker and body guard, I imagine.

Yesterday we had a fairly long discussion about people (co-workers, relatives, etc.) dissing Clay and trying to dampen our enthusiasm. After following this whole tee-cert today and reading somewhere that Clay has been instrumental in raising over $1,000,000 when you add up all of his humanitarian efforts, I finally have come to realize that I really do not give a crap what other people think. (You don't know me--but this is BIG--I have always been the type of person who wants to please everyone and I get upset when I think that others may disapprove of me.) If other people cannot realize what an extraordinary man he is, then it is just their loss. I'm telling you I was just so moved when I read today what one of his relative said about this foundation being who he really is. Can't even remember if they said the foundation was really him or that he really was the foundation. Doesn't matter--I get it either way. He really is and always has been that same young man who wants to use his voice to make a difference. He is making such a difference on a large scale with events like today's Golfing for Inclusion. But I often wonder if he knows what a difference he has made in so many of our hearts and minds. I wonder if he knows that so many of the little things that happen in our daily lives have been forever affected and positively changed by him.

What is TWoP?

I also have a drawer full of VHS tapes--they are so bulky. Now that I have a DVD player, I'm able to get clack on DVDs--much better!! I swear to God that the iPod was invented for people like us!! Whenever things get to be too much and I am doing paperwork in my little room at school, I just put in the earbuds and the world is right and "All Is Well." I need to hear that voice almost as miuch as I need air, I swear. Okay, so how many of you have been "sick" on a morning when you knew Clay was going to be on tv? Last time I did that was on November 17, 2006. Funny thing was, I really did have stomach pains when I got up that morning. Was just so nervous to think that he would be co-hosting that day. Have never and will never ever watch that show again. Can't help thinking about how different it would have been that day if he had been there with Regis instead of Miss Princess Ripa. Oh well, he certainly did make the best of it and it sure produced some hilarious banter at the JNT 06. That's our Clay--always making lemonade.

Glad to know my condition is considered normal on this board!! (talking about watching the same Clay appearance on tv at 3:05 am again even though I've already taped it.) I've found since this whole Clay-thing that I just don't want to get into trashing celebrities (or anyone for that matter). Having followed so much of the garbage that's been written about him that's not true, figure I'll cut other celebrities some slack and give them the benefit of the doubt. Seriously, following Clay's career and reading his book and listening to interviews, etc. really has made me want to be a better person. He always takes the high road and I am trying to do the same. Note that I said "trying." Doesn't mean I always do!! Question--"Would it be taking the high road if I said,'STFU' the next time someone disses him?" Oh, then I guess I am not perfect after all.

Oh, I never bring up the subject of Clay at work. Just that when his name does come up, people know I am a fan and seem to think is is their job to let me know they don't like him. Now, if someone starts to rave about Justin Timberlake or someone else I don't care for, I wouldn't dream of raining on their parade. Wouldn't ever say anything negative--that's just me. Guess I am just a little thin skinned--can't help it. Get very hurt and take it personally when anything negative is said about Clay. Speaking of obsessions--do you think a person is obsessed when they watch, let's say Jimmy Kimmel (when a certain cute singer guy is on) at 12:05 and tape it, then get up again and watch it at 3:05 even though they already have it on tape once. (This was when we used to have a satellite dish and got east and west coast shows.) God--I used to get soooo tired, but couldn't help it. Do ya think I may need medical attention?

........and the other thing I like about this board (in addition to being with folks who have all different levels of obsessions) is the fact that we all seem to have encountered folks who want to rain on our Clay parade or pee in our Cheerios. What is with that? Why the heck can't I have a normal conversation with someone in our teachers' room without someone interrupting and telling me: he's fat, he's gay, he's trying to be cool by growing his hair, they don't like him. I just want to put my fingers in my ears and go la-la-la-la. Why do I have to put up with this shyte from people who rave about soap operas and other innane tv shows. They have no idea what a class act Clay really is and they wouldn't recognize talent if it kicked them in the ass (which is what I usually feel like doing). God, that felt good. This board really is quite theraputic.

The picture with Julia DeMato must be from the JNT 06 Hartford concert because I was there and she was at that one. She lives in Connecticut. Also, I recognize what he is wearing from that concert. Know that he had the dogs with him then, too. This was right before he was sick with vertigo. He sure was "on" that night in Hartford. It was a wonderful concert with lots of banter. Funny how we can so easliy recognize when a picture was taken. I really knew that I was hooked after going to the solo tour. When they showed the video montage while he was singing "TITN," I pretty much knew where and when each picture had been taken. (And, I'm sure you all knew as well!) Up until then I really didn't consider myself too obsessed--I felt a little weird about it, to tell you the truth. On those rare occasions when one of us can't quite place a picture, all we have to do is post it and within 5 minutes someone will come to the rescue and remember what it's from. Just want to add how much I am enjoying this (new to me) board. It's great to be in a place where it's okay to be just a little obsessed!!

Figured I'd better post or I'll be stuck walking those dogs for a long time!! Does walking the dogs include scooping the poop? Hope not--figure I get enough poop flung at me just from being a Clay fan. How many posts do I need to have in order to get promoted to body guard? You girls with no heat must work in the public schools--I do and I've been freezing all winter long!! New rules--If you get arrested, please don't wear your Clay Aiken T-shirt. Lawd Jesus!! I take enough flak in school as it is. If this story gets out, I'll be hiding in my cold room until spring!

Someone explained what "dog walker" and "bodyguard" meant. Just want to say----don't think ya have enough jobs listed--ya left out the most important one--"FLAPCLIPPER." I'll take that job.

Couch Tomato, Thanks for explaining "dog walker." Afraid I will not qualify for bodyguard any time "soon." More of a reader than a poster. Happy to walk those dogs. Hmmmmm--maybe the way to a man's heart is through his dogs--who knows? Play Biller, Thanks for the newbie clip of JLo's story. Did read about that on the notes on his MOAM CD. God, can you believe she didn't even look?! Just so I can sleep tonight--is the flap thing over yet? Is it safe to watch HOI now? ('Cause I really did enjoy it.) Want ya to know--if indeed the flap was unclipped, I will be happy to start leaving my jacket flaps unclipped as a show of solidarity. Heck, I could even sew up the clipped ones. Wonder if hubby would mind if I sewed his up? How would I ever explain that?

Oh! I really am a newbie and a bad fan--I didn't even notice that he wore two different suits for HOI. I always focus on that beautiful face and those hands. Now I will have to go back and watch the whole thing again--anything in the name of research. BTW--What the heck does "dog walker" mean?

cha cha trusty, I noticed a similar thing. Commented about it quite a few pages back, but the board was moving so fast then that I don't think anyone noticed my comment. Right after Sasha hands the skates to Clay and he's walking off the stage to go put them on, it sure looks like the flap is flapping a bit--does not look uclipped to me. Wouldn't it be a riot if this whole unclipped flap "flap" wasn't event true!! Hey, if we go this far to defend Clay over a silly flap, imagine what we'll do when someone says something that's not true that actuallly matters!! We have rolling pins and we're not afraid to use them!! (Remember that from the NH concert this summer?)

Wondered when Phillipe jumped "onto" that poor woman if she was a Claymate. I always thought Phillipe was lots of fun to watch, but let's face it, folks--He ain't no Clay Aiken. I know I am perseverating about this GD flap business--but I just went back and watched the part where Sasha handed him the skates. When he is walking off with skates in hand, it sure looks like the flap is clipped and flapping as it should be. Check it out for me--will you please. I just will not be able to sleep until this gets resolved. Lawd Jesus--I cannot believe I am rewatching a beautiful skating show and looking at a jacket flap! (Funny--this whole unclipped jacket flap debacle reminds me of some advice my mom once gave me. She said when you buy pants with side pockets to stich the pockets closed. Then they don't gap open and the pants kind of hold in your stomach. It actually works. Only problem is--then you have no place to put your kleenix!) Loved the Clay-Sasha video (Clasha). The chemistry was great just like with Tyra. Actually, there is always great chemistry when Clay is around women. Only time there wasn't was when he was with Miss Princess Ripa. So, do you think Sasha Googled Clay after the show?

Thanks for all of the welcomes in the meet and greet thread--tried to reply there, but somehow got messed up. I will take the advice of those who said to ignore the negative posts at OFC. (I had said in my intro.---I have not been able to get into the OFC--for some reason all I get is a lock up next to the address bar. A friend said that they are not doing renewals or new memberships right now.) I'll keep trying--gotta have those blogs!! Clazorback--thanks for putting up one of my favorite pictures--Clay on his knees dancing with that lady and looking into her eyes. If anyone could not love him after seeing that picture, then they have no heart at all. skybar22--have to agree--Clay has been building a solid foundation and has associated with some great people--very exciting about this new collaboration with Mike Nichols. I don't think he jumps into things lightly and I have a feeling he has turned down many opportunites that fans are not aware of. He's a very smart, talented man and I think he is careful about what he choses to get involved with. Felt the same way as some of you who have mentioned that we were seeing Clayton at the end of the CITH tour and I sure loved it. Always felt he was kind of a Clark Kent/Superman. When I used to watch that on tv hundreds of years ago, I really loved Clark Kent and so it is with Clayton. Interesting thought that maybe the two (Clayton and Clay) are getting "integrated" or that maybe Clay is getting more comfortable with his "old self." I actually think he has always been pretty comfortable with Clayton. All I know is that I love them both!! Off to watch the HOI again--sure hope that the unclipped flap doesn't ruin it for me!