luckiest1

Wow, I've been digesting this blog for about 4 hours now, trying to get past my first impulse, which was simply to post "neener, neener!" Heh, not very mature, I know. I'm working on it.

Suffice to say, I freaking love him. Best.Blog.Ever. I can't wait to read more quotes, when he feels inclined to post them. I hope he is enjoying his down time. I look forward to whatever 2007 will bring for him, and for us. In the meantime, I will enjoy old hobbies and passtimes, I will pay off my Visa which consists of tickets and hotels from tours past, and of course I will continue to enjoy the clack. Just last night, I discovered some as-yet-unseen-by-me banter from the Indy JBT, in the lead up to 1000 Days. Man, he cracks me up. Just knowing how much unseen-by-me clack there still is from the JNaT06....what a treasure trove that is.

I am not counting out some random appearances in the months to come, either. AI is always a possibility. Although I won't be watching the show unless we know in advance that he'll be on. Of course, if it happens, even by surprise, someone will cap it. I have no fear of that! And I still look forward to hearing many of the songs from ATDW in concert. I am not reading some subliminal message into his blog that says he is getting ready to tour with new material (although many seem to be). Which is kind of ironic. Whatever he tours with is fine by me, because he always hits it out of the park. So bring it on, Clay, whatever it may be!

*waves* and *hugs* to institches

I believe...Clay will be great this year

I believe...Clay will only get better this year

I believe...more opportunities will come his way this year

I believe...come what may...there will be lots to celebrate

Yep, I totally believe in all of those things!

Norfolk Virginia

This has to be spliced from Deborah/s Mp3, don't know how to do that.

I can do this, if we have a place for me to upload to. I did it for the Greensboro DSIAFCD as well.

You tube link to a skater using Clay's TITN

Scott Smith skating to "This Is the Night" by Clay Aiken at the 2006 Four Continents Championships gala. ...

Its great to hear Clay in that setting. His voice is perfect.

This is very cool. How did we miss this for a whole year?

Don't Save It All For Christmas Day

1. Jacksonville - mime_fan

Clay is playing around with different parts of the song, which makes it vocally interesting, but the audio quality of the mime_fan recording is what makes this one special.

2. Charlotte - ImAllEars

This version is probably the most unique of the tour. He plays around with different parts of the song, experimenting, hits the glory note with little wavering, and then decides to go high on both "find" and "way". Just a wonderful version, with very little audience interference!

3. Williamsport - jojoct

This is a beautiful, clear audio version of both Clay and the orchestra. Vocally perfect, and you can hear a pin drop when Clay drops the mic for the very first time at the end. The audience was awestruck.

4. Long Island - Scarlett

I think that Clay was at his vocal best in this concert, even though he was confined to sitting on a stool because he was ill. It was an amazing performance, and it has the best glory note of the tour, bar none. The ending, where he puts the mic down, is glorious in that his voice actually sounds louder.

5. Norfolk - Hippoga

Although the audio quality isn't as high as the others I've chosen, this is a very subdued, laid back performance with absolutely NO audience noise at all, even at the "baby that's a fact" part. The performance deserves honourable mention.

Checking in from Mom's place again this weekend........she is doing well but I still feel the need to see for myself.

I loaded all my versions of DSIAFCD onto the iPod and got started on the project whilst driving here this morning. Got about a quarter of the way through when my cousin called to tell me her son had been in a car accident on the same highway I was currently on. He wasn't hurt, thank God, but I decided that maybe I'd better start paying a little bit more attention to the road and a little less attention to my iPod. Anyways, it's pretty cool to hear the same song progress from night to night...surprisingly, right now my favourites are from Waukegan, Norfolk and Williamsport, but I've still got a lot of clack to cover. I do value the clarity of the mp3 almost as much as the performance, though. Not much point listening to a low quality recording of a spectacular performance, if you ask me. There has to be a happy medium.

I picked Ben McKenzie (of the O.C.) just because I like him and I'd like to keep tabs on what he's up to once the O.C. is off the air. Is it ok to use Yahoo alerts instead of Google? That's what I use for Clay as well.

Yikes, Couchie. That's my usual trick! I've hit every raised curb/parking block known to man, even the ones painted bright yellow. Not usually going quite so fast, though.

Ok, I'm game. I pick Benjamin McKenzie, cuz I think he's cute and I'm pissed that The O.C. was cancelled.

Thanks ldyjocelyn for the words to MDYK. I have a funny feeling that he never sang the words exactly correct.

Actually, I think he did, right after Bridget corrected him. I listened pretty carefully in Williamsport, and it seemed perfect. He was concentrating hard. *g* Most nights after that, as well.

WORD, ansa. Just WORD.

Yikes, I think I need to stay put today. I took a peek around some other sites and it was pretty depressing. There is much to celebrate but few seem to care.

oh I understand about the reluctance to evaluate the clack...I did feel awkward doing that the one time I rated the clack during JBT.

so lets do it this way...come up with top three recommendation...video and/or audio...and simply write a blurb on why you recommend each one. Is it video, audio or performance quality or all three.

I think it is up to each one to come up with a system you will be most comfortable with.

I guess the simpler the better.

Hey, I'm open to doing audio OR video, but it seems as thought he majority prefers to do audio only. Even if you don't know how to rip the audio, it isn't necessary, just minimize the video window and listen instead. I think it'd be easier if we were all doing the same thing.

For me, I can use Goldwave to rip all the audio of my particular song and then load it on my iPod and take it to work. Wheeeeeee! Just another way to include Clay in my day. *g*

And I'll do SR after DSIAFCD if no one else wants it, if we're going to concentrate on audio only.

I really don't think I can post one more time about how stories go from small to big when they get a lot of attention, the people who need to click each link will just go on doing it because their need to know trumps Clay getting less bad press and I will get trouted for being redundant, although these same people are redunant over and over and over and over (multiply by a million, I do have to get to bed.).

I just wanted to WORD this. I took a gander around a few sites today and was appalled that people are still feeling the need to engage the jackass who spread the Greensboro story around. In what world do they think it's helping Clay to egg the guy on? Oy.

Can't wait to get home and look at the pretties you guys are drooling over.

Luckiest1 I'll tell you what I am doing to start, keep in mind this is my first attemp at doing this.

I've downloaded a version of MGUCL from the first 6 concerts so far, if there is another version at the same concert I dl it too. I'm starting by listening without watching the video. I'm listening for vocal quality, the orchestra, if I hear talking or other noises, and for any nuances that might be in the version. Then what I thought I would do, is pick what I think in the best of the first 5 or 6 concerts, then do the same for the next 5 or 6 until I have what I consider the 3 or 4 best versions. Then I'll try to pick from those 3 or 4 or I may ask for help from the group if 1 doesn't jump out as "the best" version.

Thanks for the tips. I guess the question is whether we are only rating the audio quality or the video as well? I can try to see if I still have any of my rating spreadsheets left over from my previous project (it was the JBT) if that would help.

ETA: Ah! Audio only. Thanks. :-)

Yeah, I think I'll have to just stick to one song as well, since I am also involved in a DVD project with my friend goldarngirl. We are currently working on the Best of Indy JBT but have plans to do a full set of Best of Merrillville JNaT and Charlotte JNaT too. I love having a reason to have to watch clack! :-)

Are there going to be some specific guidelines posted as to what we are looking for? I was involved (once upon a time) in a similar clack-rating activity, and it was helpful to rate certain aspects....i.e. graininess, steadiness, sound quality, colour (was it washed out or vivid?), obstructions, etc, etc.

I love to help rate the clack. I'll take DSIAFCD if it isn't already taken, or if it is, just assign me something.

Couchie, great blog. I love your attitude.

{{{jmh123}}} Don't worry about the "funky" thoughts, we all have them at different times.

As a matter of fact, in my comment to his blog (which he'll never read, but oh well...), I said to him to not worry about making me proud -- worry about making himself happy instead. So yeah, I do wonder if he thinks that this year was a disappointment for the fans. I personally just have to say "no." But then, I'm only one fan, and not an extremely vocal one at that (in that I don't go to every board in the world to express my viewpoint). I really, really hope he doesn't use US as a gauge for what he does this upcoming year.

I like your comment to his blog. I made a comment on another board after reading the blog this morning, that I hope he already knows we are proud of him, and that he doesn't need to anything further. I used to worry that he would use us as a gauge for what to do/not to do, but I don't worry about it anymore. I honestly think he has a really good handle on himself and the fandom as it relates to him nowadays. I don't think he plans anything based on how the fans will react. Since 9/19, when we "got him back" so to speak, he has seemed happy and fulfilled with his life. I can't wait to see what he has up his sleeve for us in 2007!

Just catching up, and wanted to drop off some hugs for {{{muskifest and muskimom}}} as well as {{{playbiller}}}.....and anyone else who needs one today. {{{hugs}}}

I am excited that Clay has already left us two messages since the last tour date (one voice, one blog). I don't think he is going to disappear for long this year! I can't wait to find out what he has in store for 2007.

I love creating calendars with wallpapers created by the fans. It's always a terrible choice to try and limit my pictures! This year was also interesting, in that Shutterfly decided I was using copyrighted pictures.

I'm in the process of creating a 2007 calendar right now, too. I'm trying to only use fan shot pictures, but there are a few that are hard to resist, like the Unicef snowflake and some high def tv screen caps. Currently I have the project in Shutterfly, but if they refuse it, I guess I'll have to try Snapfish. Is there much difference in the quality of the finished product?

Link to Kavanaugh's Money Can't Buy You Love at the Reading Room on CV:

http://www.clayversity.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=947

I haven't read any of Farouche's stories so thanks for the recommendation. If there's a completed one you can recommend Lucky let me know.

I found a cool Clayversity Index of Stories. It breaks stuff down by abandoned, in progress, completed as well as by rating (G, PG, etc). There are two stories by farouche that are listed as completed: Out Of The Past & Somewhere Out There (part one). I highly recommend both of them. I also have read Kavanaugh's stuff and it is great (especially Money Can't Buy You Love).

I am woefully behind on the Clyra fanfic (as well as clack watching) but there is one on CV that I have been following, by farouche, entitled Somewhere Out There. I think it's in it's 2nd part now, but the chapters are not posted very frequently, which allows me to keep up with it. *g*

Anyways, if you are a fan of the young Clayton (circa Hometown Connection era) check it out! And I have the Clyra on my "must read" list, when I get a chance.

It makes me incredibly sad that the joy in the fandom over practically any appearance of the man can't even last 24 hours before the Dementors swoop in.

Hee, I like this imagery. Sooooooooooo true.

Edited to add something that I found on the CH that really struck a chord in me. Posted by shine in nc, who was quoting Dr. Seuss

Don't cry because it's over...smile because it happened

Oooooh, pretty pictures. Me likey.

Belated Merry Christmas, FCA!

I'm here at my mom's on her antique computer with the crappy connection that sometimes misses all the keystrokes. We had a wonderful (but exhausting) Christmas yesterday. Originally we had planned to have it at my house (2 hours away) but mom's 2nd sugery came on us unexpectedly so I just moved everything to her house as she is not ready to travel yet.

It's amazing how much can change in a year......our Christmas was quite a bit smaller than previous years, but I am so proud of my 3 kids for helping me put together something really special for their Grandma yesterday. There were gifts galore and the wrapping paper was flying at a furious rate. Everyone pitched in and we cooked her a delicious turkey dinner with all the trimmings. And best of all, she was feeling well enough to enjoy it.

I was really thrilled to receive a DVD-R from my son. Wheeeeee! Can't wait to figure out how to work the darned thing. Can't wait to throw out all the VHS tapes after I convert them! I also got a gorgeous NC Tar Heels watch from my daughter, and the new Beatles "Love" CD from my youngest son. All is definitely well.

How can I say what I want without insulting other boards - cultures vary and different priorities and goals exist on other boards and I can't say what I feel for here does not exist in other places - this is a place to get together with old friends where respect for Clay seems to be a priority over respect for other posters - since no one here disrespects Clay, there does not seem to be an issue of having to choose.

Perhaps the special difference is that the respect for Clay extends to his private life and family. That seems to be the one thing that does not exist among everyone at other boards where I post. No questioning of his personal an business decisions, The basis of the connection is enjoying Clay's performances, even if they are not all favorites of ours. We can disagree on a performance, on a song, on a recording, but we still support his work and career.v

WORD, WORD, WORD! Wonderfully said. I belong to many boards, but respect for Clay Aiken is first and foremost on my personal board-related wish list. It's hard to find in many places. I hope this community continues to grow in 2007 because it really does stand apart from the rest, to me.

I am way behind on my clack viewing so I have lots of JNaT stuff to look forward to in January. Those pictures of Jerome hugging Clay just made me all schmoopie this morning. I searched the tv guide listings yesterday but was unable to find a Canadian feed for DOOL. I hope I can find the NBC feed this afternoon. If not, that'll just be more clack to look forward to when I get home. It sounds wonderful.

ETA: Wheeeeeee! I found it and I watched it. Wasn't he pretty and didn't he sing good? As for the rest of the hour......blech. *g*

*hugs and waves* to one of our own, cindilu2, who is feeling a bit under the weather this Christmas season. Hope you are feeling better soon!

I do agree with Claygasm on the fact that ATD has been sung by Clay at an awful lot of promotionals already, and that feels weird to me. He didn't sing it on Leno and The View; but the rest of the appearances featured ATD. So....when he goes back on some of those shows for more promo, will he repeat ATD?

It doesn't seem weird to me. I think it's just that Christmas came in the middle of things, and we all know how much Clay loves Christmas. It wouldn't have made sense to put ATD for adds at the end of November, so the logical thing (to me) is to put it for adds in January. I don't expect Clay to go on the same shows and sing ATD again, but there are still a few shows that he didn't manage to appear on prior to Christmas. I doubt we'll get another promotional push of the same scale as we did in the fall (which, to me, BTW, wasn't bad at all) but hopefully we'll get some. If ATD is getting airplay, I figure we'll get more radio interviews than anything else, which hopefully will help to promote the tour.

I've also never bought into the speculation that Clay is/was/will be recording a new album of originals for release this year. I don't think he's put ATDW "behind" him. I think he plans to promote it, tour it, and give it all the props that it deserves. He worked damned hard on it, and it shows. I think he's proud of it, and so he should be. I find all the hope for a new album soon to be a bit of a disservice to Clay, actually. How must he feel to read it?

I have never understood the mentality that ATDW is "dead and buried". OMG, it just freaking came out! So the promotion got interrupted by Christmas. I pretty much expect things to pick up where they left off in January. I don't know how much of a surge in sales the album will see, but I hardly consider 460,000 and a gold certification a failure. I do expect it to go platinum by the end of 2007 at the very least. I'm thrilled that they are putting ATD for adds. Clay obviously loves singing it, and it obviously became the song to sing in the later promotional appearances. Why wouldn't it be the one they choose to release? And all this cover/orginal blather........they're all great songs. I don't see the problem. I don't think people who like ATD on the radio or the tv will be disappointed when they pick up ATDW. It's a fantastic album!

This Jan 15th adds date, plus the couple of mentions of a love-themed tour, all make me very excited about the New Year. Whether he can manage to swing the tour for Valentines Day or not (which seems to be his original intention), I think it'll be in the spring. I don't expect him to be talking it up just yet, because he's still on a Christmas tour. I'm sure he'll take a bit of a rest after the holidays, but I'm hoping for some promotional appearances for ATD again, and maybe even some radio interviews. Then, hopefully, the tour announcement and ticket sales and all that fun stuff. Woo hoo!

The Donald can bite me. What a poor excuse for a man.