luckiest1

It was from Dec. 30th, DOCTORSHAG.

I'M LOOKING FOR A SONG "IF LOVE IS BLIND" BY CLAY AIKEN

DO YOU KNOW WHERE I CAN FIND IT??

EELLINGTON2@TRIAD.RR.COM

I was a tad excited because I was hoping it would be an old, undiscovered track or something. I luuuuurve the demos and the old Hometown Connection stuff. It's a quirk of mine.

But exactly, ansa. I think some people are so desperate to shove ATDW aside, they placed a lot of hope that this was going to be the next.great.thing. Something separate from RCA. No matter that that doesn't make sense. AT ALL.

It was not "our" Clay.

Hope certain members of the fandom can survive though. For a while, I thought this song was going to be the second coming of Christ to some....

BWAH, but spot on, ldyjocelyn!

Oh come on, now we are into the shag discussions - people are happy today, that has to count for something.

Heh, but for how long? Until something bursts their bubble. I sure am hopeful that this turns out to be something by "our" Clay Aiken and not somebody else using that name.....just trying to be realistic and not get my hopes up.

Unfortunately it's already getting spun as showing the "real" Clay since it's upbeat and danceable....not like that boring, slow stuff that the evil RCA has forced upon him....

As the various boards start planning what gift they will send Clay on Kimmel, may I suggest that FCA send a donation to TBAF on that day. Hell, we don't even have to do a coordinated effort. I will just get the information and those so inclined, please do - that way you can write it off. I am really proud of Clay for starting TBAF and continue to fight the good fight. I haven't really donated much to it over the years. That's one idea anyway. FCA has never really done this sort of thing before. Just thought I'd suggest it.

Count me in! The Beta Alpha thing sounds like a good way to go.

Hey, luckiest1 - I think I skimmed past a post of your's about what "Best of" compilations you and goldarngirl were planning to do for the Christmas 2006 concerts. Could you post it again, if you guys are that far in the planning process? Thanks! I need to start organizing my hard drive and whatnot - I have way too much Christmas clack....

Well, right now we are still finishing up the Indy JBT, but I've already started doing some reviews on the Merrillville clack, so that will probably be our first JNaT, followed by Charlotte and Williamsport, I think. THanks for asking!

jmh123, thanks for the info. I'm impressed!

Well, no one can say there is not pay for play. It seemsthey are burning off ATD at night now. I was on all day, no plays. Now after midnight they are burning off all Clay plays. Guess this should make some people happy - RCA is indeed paying.

play, can you explain? I don't follow this stuff but I did notice that ATD is on the "taking off" list or whatever it is called. So it's getting all it's spins at night and not during the day?

I love all of Clay's duets, and I love Clay with Ruben. My favourites are probably JIL and Fool with Cherie. I guess maybe I just like overpowered vocals, as I've seen them called, because I loved the Clay/Kelly Open Arms duet during the IT, too. Of course, I'm probably alone in my Open Arms love from AI2 anyways.

It's kind of depressing to surf around the boards and still read people panning different songs from ATDW and saying why they find them "boring, crappy, dull" or "dreary". I have to tell you, those are not words that leap to mind for me. I play ATDW at work when I need a pick me up. From the first notes of RHW I am lifted up and feel better. I find it such an uplifting cd. I really treasure it and I hope Clay knows that many fans feel the way I do. I realize that people are getting impatient and antsy right now for news, but there's just so much to celebrate.....like those gorgeous West Point pictures from Karen Eh! :F_05BL17blowkiss:

I have to wonder, if Clay were to leave RCA and go with David Foster and he put out an album of slow schmaltzy ballads, including a few covers, who would they blame that on?

Conversely, what if Clay stays at RCA and his next album is filled with original kick-ass uptempo pop songs, a few pretty ballads and a few written by Clay and gets lots of radio play? Would they give Clive any credit, even if Clay did??

Heh, this is what I've been trying to say in different ways on other boards. Can't they open their minds a bit? It's not all black and white.

Heh, I guess I'm just an odd duck. I watched the British movie "Cracker: Nine Eleven" last night on CBC (I luuuuurve Robbie Coltrane), and this week I'll be paying close attention to the Canadian Figure Skating Championships. Go Jeff Buttle!

Damn, I left my printed list of emoticons at home...

People are so busy being bitter and angry and spending all their time fixating on every thing that Clay either didn't get, another Idol did get, conspiracy theory A, B or C they can't enjoy what's in front of them for more than 2 seconds. Good news go ignored. Things that Clay says that don't fit the theory are spin. Those are the pod people.

Do I think everything is peachy keen between Clay and RCA or that he had the best PR there was to have or that things could not have been handled better? No. Is it just as possible that a large company like the BMG group was just ineffective in their planning (like they are with the majority of their talent) rather than the evil CEO spends all his time coming up with ways to hurt Clay? Yes. . Do I think Clay is a wimp being led around by the hand, silenced and unable to contribute to his own career, told what to say and not to say at every turn? No. He's a strong man in a man's world with all the facts at his disposal and will do what is necessary to ensure his longevity. I won't be surprised if he stays with RCA forever or walks away next week. I also think he is a great judge of character and knows every rat in his circle, if indeed there are any. I'm certainly not about to be upset on his behalf based on stuff I have no knowledge of.

Maybe I need to put this in the FAQ hee.

Great explanation, couchie. And I do believe we need it in the FAQ!

has anyone ever called someone else Clay? heee I've done that a couple of times. Oops.

BWAH, yep. My youngest son gets quite up.set when I do that!

Hee, I printed out the "show all" emoticons page, and it took 18 printer pages! That way, I can use the :code: at work without displaying images. :00000442:

ETA:

When you upload the picture to your photobucket account, look for the "Uploading options" link directly underneath where you would tell the account where the photo is located on your computer. One of the choices is "avatar." Select your option FIRST, before uploading the picture. Photobucket automatically resizes the photo to the correct size for a message board avatar.

Thanks, I never knew that!

EEEEEEEEEEEEEE first page!

And just for the record..........

:pod:

Hee.

We went to see "Night at the Museum." Just to show that I can connect almost anything to Clay Aiken, there were two times during the movie I was reminded of him. At one point, one of the characters says that something could be "problematic." I was immediately reminded of Clay saying that during his last Kimmel appearance. And then, at the end of the movie, they played "September!"

Heh, a group of us went to see Pursuit of Happyness the other night, and I sat between my daughter, Lindsay, and her friend Lisa. I wasn't even through the opening credits yet before I was laughing under my breath. Lindsay hit me and knew exactly what my problem was....someone had a last name with "Clay" in it somewhere. Heh, I have such a one track mind. And then somewhere during the movie there was another Clay reference, I think a song from the JBT, and Lindsay started laughing. And then BOTW and Lisa hit me and started whispering. We are soooooo bad. But it was a really great movie!

I love these two, and think I might be using them frequently:

:asking02:

This is about how I feel when I venture outside of these walls lately:

:mixed-smiley-011:

And I think this is my new motto:

Although this is much more fun:

:pod:

Hee, I think this is gonna be my favourite.

Thanks, couchie!

Welcome to all the newbies and lurkers, too! :F_05BL17blowkiss:

Gee you think? I love how he made a point of saying "clearing up any misconceptions".... Sort of reminded me of his blog. Think he's trying to tell the Pod People something?

Think they're listening??

Um, apparently not, they are instead ignoring it. But imagine if we inserted just ONE little word into the quote, and it read "I'm not happy with that." They'd be tripping all over themselves to quote it and expound on it. Pfffffffffffft. Works both ways, people. Or it should.

ETA: ITA, claygasm. Ruben's write up was very nice.

From Billboard:

AMERICAN IDOL: IDOLS ON IDOL

January 20, 2007

Compiled by JONATHAN COHEN, GARY GRAFF, GAIL MITCHELL AND JEFF VRABEL

"American Idol" is a phenomenon unlike any other, and the contestants who have filed through its ranks in the past five years are forever bonded by their formative experiences on the show. Billboard asked nine key "Idol" stars to reflect on what the show has meant to their career, their favorite moments and how they've managed the transition from the small screen into the cold, hard world of the music business. "I think it's all about taking every single opportunity that you have in front of you and just making the best of it," 2006 fourth-place finisher Chris Daughtry says. "I'm not saying you have to go on a TV show, but you definitely have to put your neck out there, and sometimes you've got to open a lot of doors to go through the right one. You don't know which opportunities are gonna be the ones that seal your fate."

Clay Aiken

SEASON/FINISH: 2003, second

CHART HISTORY: The Billboard 200: "A Thousand Different Ways," 2006 (No. 2, 489,000); "Merry Christmas With Love," 2004 (No. 4, 1.4 million); "Measure of a Man," 2003 (No. 1, 2.8 million). The Billboard Hot 100: "This Is the Night," No. 1; "Invisible," No. 37; "Solitaire," No. 4.

I'll clear up a misconception people have. When I watched the show last year, I said to myself, "I'd much rather be the second-place winner because the first-place person is tied into the contract and the second-place person can go and shop their own." Well, that's not the case. I signed with RCA—there was a right of first refusal with RCA so I signed with RCA automatically at the end of the show. But there's definitely not a downside to that at all. I'm happy with that. Every person who's been on the show at some point wants to distance themselves a little bit, but no matter what, I came from there. I'm only here because of that show and so I can't help but be appreciative of that. Any time that they want me to come back, I'll be happy to. [Working with Simon Fuller] has turned into a really great relationship. I mean, he's really exactly what anybody would want in a record label head. We auditioned for the show because it looked like fun. I think every year after that, the fourth and fifth [season] especially, you found people who got into the show because they knew something big was going to come out of it. I kind of liked seeing contestants come up out of obscurity. It's lost a little bit of its innocence and so it's not as much fun for me anymore.

OK, maybe it's just me (since other boards seem to be ignoring it) but doesn't this basically dispell the basis for the whole pod people train of thought? Isn't he pretty much saying "no, I'm not leaving RCA"? And that he's happy with them? Hee, I just love him. Clay Aiken, clearing up misconceptions, left, right and centre.

They also list a bunch of other "Idols" as well. I have to say that Taylor Hicks and Chris Daughtry just make me roll my eyes with their attitudes. I totally agree with Clay's comment that AI has lost it's innocence and is no longer fun. I couldn't watch last season and I will not watch this season unless I know in advance that either Clay (please please please) or my other boyfriend Macca will be on (as is being rumoured).

I think it is very tempting to believe that we are simply up against a single entity that is out to get Clay, that seems less formidable and easier to understand. It simplifies the situation to a hero and a villain. Personally I don't think its that simple. I think this society just have a low tolerance for people who are different and goes against stereotypes. The problem too is...Clay just does not go against sterotypes...he defies the status quo. I think people can accept a dorky guy that is talented but they must also act awkward and clueless. Clay has always waved the flag of his dorkiness...but he never acted apologetic about it. He was proud and never acted like he should get anything less from the world. His DIVA actions...wouldn't create such a stir if he was perceived to be a cool guy like JT...cos that is expected of them. But from Clay...it becomes such a story cos he shouldn't be assertive and strong. I alway thought Clay would have a harder road because he chooses to be himself and not compromise to fit in.

Well said. I totally agree, it's the fact that he is who he is and refuses to change to conform to who people think he should be that is the catalyst for much of it. It pisses people off. I say PFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFT to them all.

Now I ask you - why would they put up a sign for a Clay concert 6 months out when nothing has yet to be announced? Don't they realize they will now have to put up with phones calls from crazed fans wanting all the details?

Hee, one already did (and NO, it wasn't me). They said they don't have anything scheduled past May. So false alarm.

In a way, as much as I wanted a spring tour...planning my life around Clay will be easier if he tours this summer.

Hee, don't you have that backwards?

OK Clay, I took my own advice and am planning you around my life and not my life around you. One week in August in now GONE for vacation. You better not have any concerts in my area or the mythical FCA reunion spot, Chicago, planned for that week.

Aw, way to go, couchie. I know the feeling - I took that plunge last October, and it all worked out ok.

Scanning the boards this morning, I found this link to the 2 Unicef PSA's that include Clay. I also read a rumour that someone over on the OFC heard from a friend that there is a sign at the Foxwood Casino in CT advertising a Clay concert in June or July, she couldn't remember which.

Sorry about the staples, NCDonna. I was excited.

Hee, love the pod people emoticon!

I just have to EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! because I just saw this at the bottom of the page:

We have 697 registered members

The newest member is NCDonna

::staples NCDonna to the board::

:nana:

::tackles stitchie:: It's sooooooo great to have you back! And people, I can verify that she is indeed as cute in person as she is in that picture with Clay.

Hee, ansa, you called? I've been pondering the true definition of "snark" this morning, because I am not so sure it is used correctly across all boards.

I looked it up on Google and came up with these (sometimes spot on and sometimes amusing)

definitions from the Urban Dictionary. Heh, don't miss #10:

1. Snarky - (adjective) describes a witty mannerism, personality, or

behavior that is a combination of sarcasm and cynicism. Usually

accepted as a complimentary term. Snark is sometimes mistaken for a

snotty or arrogant attitude. (me - heh, ya think??????)

2. Snarky - Adjective - Any language that contains quips or comments

containing sarcastic or satirical witticisms intended as blunt irony.

Usually delivered in a manner that is somewhat abrupt and out of

context and intended to stun and amuse. Origin: Snark="snide remark".

3. Snarky - Critical in a curmudgeonly sort of way.

4. Snarky - words that are intended to both impress and belittle

someone at the same time

5. Snarky - subversive, sneaky, clever, mean

6. Snarky - Slang: Irritable or short-tempered.

7. Snarky - I find so many of these definitions funny. Back in 1974, My

father and several Canadian and British colleagues of his made up the

word "Snarky". It was a slang term that they coined during a session of

interviewing a number of candidates in Toronto for sales and marketing

positions in their company and, in particular, one woman had a bitchy,

defensive demeanor. They found her quite amusing and tried to think of

a word to describe her. She was like a little yappy dog with an edge...

snippy... barking... which finally became "snarky". After moving back

to the states in '78, this new word was then used by my dad and his

associates in many conversations with advertising executives at Grey,

Lintas, DDB Needham, SSC&B in New York and Chicago. It started to catch

on, but rather slowly, in the advertising community. I continued to use

the word to describe certain individuals while in college and then

working at some major magazines at Conde Nast and Hachette Filipacchi

in the 80's and early 90's. Still, many people had never really heard

the word and this was in the New York media. I explained that

ultimately, "snarky" was a family sniglet. It was invented to be a

nicer way to describe someone that was "bitchy". It really began to

catch on when my friends in the ad world and magazine world started to

use it with some degree of regularity and finally a number of folks in

editorial started using it in their articles or stories. It has since

gathered many more synonyms likening it to sarcasm and haughtyness to

describe and define it... but the snippy and yappy young woman at the

interview in the 70's is the inspiration for the origin and definition

of the word SNARKY!

8. Snarky - Current mood where a person is feeling negative. Usually

bitchy, angry, and amused feelings are interlaced.

ex. I'm feeling snarky. I'm going to now humiliate that newbie who was

so incredibly stupid, and too lazy, to go look at the FAQs section.

9. Snarky - Basically acting like someone PMSing and bitching about

everything.

10. Snarky - When giving a blow job, the giver starts laughing, causing

love gravy to spurt out their nose.

couchtomato said:

Clay should be planned around your life, not your life planned around Clay.

This is perfect. I think it should be printed and posted above my computer desk, just as a reminder, for when I falter. *g*

luckiest1 - I was reading these incredibly...odd...threads at OFC: about how Clay is basically horrified that we are staring at his crotch which is why he kept bringing it up and there was a serious suggestion that he wear the long coat from JNT2 to keep our prying eyes away. About how Clay needs to let random heifer talk during his concerts and not tell them to hush. About how sucky his blog was.

Yikes. No wonder I rarely go there anymore. I'd seriously lose it.

Clay on AI? Bring it on! I don't watch the show, but I'd love to see the clack! Of course, I'd watch if we knew in advance, like last year......

I'm here, I'm here! I've been surfing boards, and getting frustrated at the fandom's lack of patience in regards to anything related to Clay. I mean, doesn't he deserve some down time? Judging from some posts I've read today, you'd think he hasn't been busting his butt since at least September, with album promotion, and then the Christmas tour! For goodness sake, it's only been 18 freaking days since the last concert! I've read some posts today that insinuate that he should give us some information about the next tour NOW, and if it happens to change in the future, that's ok too. WTF? In what universe would the fans be accepting of that?

So.....just before you take that well deserved break, Clay.....could you make all the decisions that will be required to firm up some spring/summer tour dates so that you can tell us, pronto? If you don't, you know we'll just dig 'em up anyways, even if they're not confirmed, and then get all upset at you when they change. Make sure to let us know when the tickets will be going on sale. Oh, and while you are at it, could you also tell us whether you are going to sing ATDW or other covers or new stuff that you've probably written yourself while you were in the bus or even recorded late at night in the studio? And who the opening act will be? And who will be in the band? And whether you'll cut your hair? And what you'll be wearing? Don't forget to make sure the fan club meet 'n greet contests get put up on the OFC, too. Then go have a nap. We won't mind. Heh. As long as it's not longer than a week. Or two. Maybe. As long as you tell us whether you have left RCA yet, first. And who you have signed with. And when that new, kick ass, rocking album full of originals is coming out. And how the new label plans to promote it. And how much $$upport they'll give it on radio.

OK ok I'm exaggerating and making fun but I really do sometimes feel as though there is nothing that would be "enough" info for this fandom to be satisfied. I am glad Clay seems to be able to take the pressures of his "job" and his fans in stride, because I think I would probably have run the opposite direction by now. ;-)

Sleigh Ride

I had to divide this into two sections - clips without Clay cracking up, and clips with Clay cracking up. I know some people prefer their mp3s to be sung straight, but personally, I love hearing him having fun. So I decided to give you the best of both worlds.

Sung as it was meant to be sung:

1. Waukegan by Filomena123 - great quality audio, very clean recording, not much audience noise.

2. Englewood by SecretlyLovesClay - a bit fuzzier audio, but still clean. A bit of audience noise, but Clay gets all the words in.

Clay (and the audience) having fun with it:

1. West Point by Scarlett - this clip is hilarious. I couldn't keep a straight face listening to it, it just made me want to find the video and watch it! Beautiful audio, with the audience laughing, singing and clapping along. Clay screws up the words and lets the audience sing for him at times. Priceless!

2. Charlotte by ImAllEars - Clay is laughing right from the get go, misses words here and there, goofs around, intejects comments, and just generally has a lot of fun with it. Audio quality is very good.

Have no fear - the pod people ignore me, I am a person frequently scrolled by, a nothing in this world.

Girl, you are on a freaking roll today.

OK, ask you you shall receive! My dream post from the CH:

I had a dream last night, prior to reading the blog this morning. I dreamt that a bunch of fans gathered for a Clay appearance, somewhere outdoors. All I remember of that is that he walked across a bridge with a little girl in front of him, and we were all in boats on the river below, looking up (weird, I know). There were two women on the shore to answer our questions, once Clay left. They told us there would be an extensive US & Canadian tour this year, with tickets going on sale April 18th.

It was a strange dream, and then I woke up to a great (but unexpected) blog! I was kind of wondering what kind of interpretation people might get from it, because it makes no sense to me. Probably something I ate the night before.