YSRN

Anna and Robbit!!

A little birdie told me there were some very sweet people here sending me good wishes for my birthday. I thank each and every one of you.

It's the big 5-0. WooT! I could have Clay Aiken's baby.

Happy Birthday YSRN, and a million thanks for this, one of my favorite tour photos ever! Have a beauty of a day.

:5:

http://findingclayaiken.invisionzone.com/i...=si&img=871

Aw, good times! Glad that made someone happy! And thanks for telling me so.

BWAH, I wondered how you managed to get into the Santa Cruz Mountains from the Pacific Coast Hiway plan. LOL! Only child syndrome, yo. She learned how to work it early.

Hi from somewhere in the Santa Cruz mountains! Had lunch with YSRN and then went to the Boardwalk to ride the Big Dipper, bumper cars, etc.

And a fine time it was, too... they call me and they're right around the corner from my house!?! They say they are going to have lunch in my town. Seriously?? Nobody has lunch in my town... not even "us". Yay! So, off I go to watch them devour some Cambodian and tell lies stories. I tell my sister to move the plans out a bit; I gotta go yap it up with the eHP.

Thanks for calling me, girls! It was awesome to see you again. Sorry I couldn't join you on the Boardwalk. I hope you got your jollies and got to stick your feets in the Pacific for a bit.

Have fun on the rest of your journey! And do let me know when the Dakotas trip is. I'm all over it.

Happy Birthday, couchie!

All joking aside, HUGS all around. :thbighug-1:

This whole story is a lot to take in and process, and we're all going to have different reactions to the news. There'll be as many opinions as there are posters and lurkers.

:F_05BL17blowkiss:

Since I can say what I want here, just like everybody seems to do, I'm shocked that anybody has the audacity to be shocked, shunned, or whatever they're doing because if this is true, and it appears to be, then this was PLANNED.

Well, knock me over with a feather. I must admit, I'm a little shocked, and I don't know that it takes audacity. This came directly out of left field so it's kinda a suprising twist on the roller coaster of Clay Aiken Park.

I'm not exactly the most traditional of folks ( I used AI myself ), and I have no idea if this is true, someone helped out a friend, two people wanted a baby, or what (I don't believe they are any more than friends, but hey, you never know and whatever works), but I did think Clay would have gone for the traditional meet, date, fall in love, marry, have babies path. My mistake obviously, but yeah, that's how I figured it'd go down. Which is really kinda stupid of me, but hey... I have my issues. LOL!

I'm sure after I squish it around in my brain a little, I'll be all, wow, Clay's gonna be a dad. A Dad? A Father to a baby. Guess that explains a few (hundred) things. Or at least that's how I'll apply them. My Clay Aiken world view just shifted a wee bit, not for better or worse, just will make me look at songs, words, etc., a little differently. Parenthood does that.

Ooo, we're all gonna be aunties... or something.

And here I thought the initial Spamalot audition rumor was the most totally-out-of-left-field, never-gonna-happen story to ever hit the Clay Nation... blink.gif

Hee. No shit. Never in a million years would I have guessed this one. LOL!

I'm not even sure I'm not sleeping right now.

*pinch me*

Hee.

Oh ferfucksake... gee, who guessed that first Sonny/Carly would get it on in the limo and then Jax/Kate would end up sucking face? Can they be any more predictable?

How much do you want to guess that Carly is now preggers with another little black-haired kid.

And how the HELL did Claudia (heh, I called her Carly first... I wonder how long that will take me!?) live after being stabbed by a seven-inch knife right in the GUT?

Something new needs to happen... or they need to get new people... or something.

SpinMax is pretty adorable tho. Hee.

Someone somewhere just needs a regular story. Something we can believe in. Like Luke and Laura. I hate Tracy. Sniff.

KF, thanks for the reminder about the original Steely Dan band. That was the first concert I ever attended -- Winterland 1972 - Slade, Steely Dan, and Humble Pie. I spent about three hours today on YouTube watching old Steely Dan (on The Midnight Special in '73) and Steve Marriott (Small Faces and Pie) videos... good times! Music is an amazing memory machine, isn't it? Even when there's no way I should be remembering those days - hah!

It was Baltimore, pre TCS, when he saw Farouche in the audience and remembered her name from the previous year.

1:21 in 061206_Baltimore_Banter2_cct.wmv (cha cha trusty's vid)

Heh, Clay's not the only one with a "memory like an elephant". LOL!

See, LadyJ, and I'd rather just call the bitches out by name if I wanted to talk trash about someone.

That way, it would be clear who I'm bitching about. And 50 innocents wouldn't get caught in the crossfire. And if I didn't have the balls to just point a direct finger, then I guess I have no business bitching. I know that's not the deal here, but it's just how I personally feel.

Next time ya'll wanna bring up something I said elsewhere or want to complain about me personally, feel free to just use my name. You have my permission. I'm an individual. Not part of some anyone.

couchie... I know... it is my peeve. I really only try to bring it up now when it's directed right at me... heh. I'll stfu now.

YSRN, since it was my post which obviously set you off I will say that I when I made my post I was responding to a point of view that I disagreed with, not to you personally. I didn't even know that you were one of the many posters who had expressed that opinion, not that it would or should change your response. I am not a member at the CH so I can't jump in and say I disagree with something over there. I did feel that I should be able to post an opinion on my home board where the tone of the fandom is often discussed.

I should have remembered that no bitching about the bitching rule. It won't happen again.

atinal, it's not a rule. I don't make the rules. I just have opinions like everyone else.

Your response to my comment elsewhere didn't set me off... I just figured since you brought it up in a questioning way, I'd respond since I posted that exact phrase on the CH. I was more crabbing about play's additional comments about yammering vs. helping Clay, and since it's my peeve (tm couchie), I expanded my thoughts to include some other tone issues (to use everyone's term) that arose today (and in the past)... that post you quoted up there most definitely had moved way beyond your original post. I think it's pretty much been beaten to death tho, so I won't rehash it, except to say that I wasn't directing the entire conversation at you.

In my heart there's only one American Idol--Clay Jefferson Aiken.

couchie... I know... it is my peeve. I really only try to bring it up now when it's directed right at me... heh. I'll stfu now.

oh I wasn't saying it was your peeve to marginalize what you said. Hey I'd rather you tell us off than leave

thanks for the montages...saved them to look at later.

As for naming names...nah, think that would be a disaster. But mostly I don't think one sentiment or person is the problem..I'll go back to what LdyJ says and it's tone/atmostphere that may frustrate. Not trying to have lastworditis (my pet peeve hee)...just wanted to respond to that.

Oh, I know... I knew that... it's true, it's totally my peeve. I think I mighta got the point across already. I hate being repetitious. LOL!

I know how you guys feel about naming names and I'll continue to respect your rules. But honestly, if someone doesn't agree or appreciate something I say here or elsewhere, I would prefer they simply call me on it and talk TO me, not about me, even in general terms. And haha, I got the last word! WooT!

I expect Play will find some comic about donkey balls before we can count to 10.

Who in the hell didn't go out and buy another CD last week?

Oops!! Guilty! Bad, bad fan!

See, LadyJ, and I'd rather just call the bitches out by name if I wanted to talk trash about someone.

That way, it would be clear who I'm bitching about. And 50 innocents wouldn't get caught in the crossfire. And if I didn't have the balls to just point a direct finger, then I guess I have no business bitching. I know that's not the deal here, but it's just how I personally feel.

Next time ya'll wanna bring up something I said elsewhere or want to complain about me personally, feel free to just use my name. You have my permission. I'm an individual. Not part of some anyone.

couchie... I know... it is my peeve. I really only try to bring it up now when it's directed right at me... heh. I'll stfu now.

And seriously -81% Yikes. But, really, I look at the others on that list and think... wow, the industry sucks donkey balls.

Last night I watched about 100 montages, cuz I was trying to clean up my hard drive to make room for stuff. I deleted nothing. Oy! But, but, but... the two that were my favorites last night were Rock 'n Remember - ncclaymate and Homeward Bound - MrsLoki. HB, of course, made me cry, a.gain. LOL! The first one, at 11:55 cracked me up. I don't remember where it's from tho. Clay started to sing Reach Out I'll Be There, and he couldn't cuz he was trying to get back on stage but his "pants were too tight". Hee. The whole thing was fun as hell. I really, really, really want a concert. Badly.

YSRN I agree with the most part of what you said, but you know what every fan board has its problems and is not perfect. I don't belong to the CH, but I read there and I have seen them rake some fans over the coals pretty good. Before people start pointing fingers at FCA, they ought to look at their own houses.

And vice versa. That's all I'm sayin'.

The reason I am here is because of the conversation; intelligent, logical...I'm sorry but I read at other boards and it is like they went back to the archives of 2006, dusted off their old posts, slapped 2008 on them and called it a day. I said it before and I will say it again, lazy thinking.

THEY is very broad, ya know. I'm "out there" posting away, and I have not gone back into the archives of 2006 to bring out my old thoughts. And again, I say, "and vice versa". It's one big repeat if you ask me. On all "sides".

However, that's VERY broad and unfair to the 99% of fans who are just meandering along posting their true and current thoughts. That's why I dislike the "some fans" and "they" conversations. It just builds walls and creates sides. And nobody really knows if they're part of the "some fans". It's pretty difficult to be a part of any community that makes such gross generalizations.

If I learned anything from 2006, it's that not one single person is going to change any other single person's way of thinking, no matter how much they fuss about it. Well, that and liars never change their spots. But that's a whole 'nother topic.

No, play, I didn't miss the rest of your post.

I think all the angst about Clay being dropped is totally ridiculous and premature. And the idea that it would be a good thing if he was? Blows my mind. Again.

I think the IDEAs about Clay being dropped is totally ridiculous and premature. And the idea that it would be a good thing if he was? Esp. given the option of signing on with any other major that also has half a foot in the ground? Dumb. So, see, we agree on that. I just don't call it angst. And I don't think I participated in any pile on. I thought it was a conversation. I also agree that people were driven away by "angst". IMO, angst goes both ways... both in the bitching and (cues jmh) in the bitching about the bitching. Truly and honestly. I think if people were left to bitch on their own, THEY are the only ones bitching. To drag it out by continuing it on and on, just perpetuates the bitching. Which is why I can't understand if people don't like the bitching, why do they want to drag it out. I'm being sincere here. Let people bitch to dead air. Ya know? You (universal you) can't "fix" it.

I'm sad about the numbers too, but I think I am more sad about the way the fandom has allowed itself to be splintered into something that vaguely reminds one of a fandom. I read posts from people saying they don't belong to a Clay fan message board to "help Clay". What? Times have sure changed haven't they. I understand that we the internet fandom can not do it alone, but I do believe that the tone of the internet fandom has a lot to do with keeping the excitement level

When I said dark forces, I was not speaking about gnats, but so called fans who are where ever angst is, they come and leave their little time bomb remarks and then sit back and laugh at the to-do. The cheer leaders of 2006 are back.

I have a question for Couchie and Ansa - is this a fan board? Are we here to support Clay or just to hear ourselves yammer? It was brought up on another board that they are not a fan board, so now I would like to know where to find one.

Yeah, that was me. Thanks for noticing what I say on other boards. I haven't allowed myself to be splintered from anything... I am the same as I've always been.

I am a fan. You don't get to define that for me.

I don't use the message boards to "help Clay". I don't think that me talking to you or anyone else in this fandom is one bit helpful (or hurtful) to Clay Aiken. No matter what I say. If YOU want to use the message boards to help Clay, feel free. I won't ever try to stop you. I won't speak poorly about you on other boards, or to other people behind your back. Or in front of you even.

I "help" Clay plenty. I buy his product. I support his music. And his charities. And his concerts. And whatever else he asks me to do. Not that I need to justify myself to any of you.

Do you actually think spending time on THIS fan board talking about/judging fellow fans is "helping" Clay? Is that how you define a "fan" board? Is that why you spend time here worrying about what I (and others) do on other boards, or even here... To "help" Clay?

I don't particularly agree with, or even find intelligent, the fans who come out of the woodwork (I don't believe in using "some fans" to hide behind, but I'm gonna respect couchie and Ansa's rules here and not name names, otherwise I would) from other boards in packs and ONLY AT TIMES LIKE THESE to pontificate about Clive and RCA and all that is wrong with the recording industry just to stick it in public and try to make sure we all know what they know. First of all, their arguments and supporting blogs and articles are opinion pieces and anyone who links to a blog that says some of the offensive shit I've seen from following the links is a joke anyway. Good luck with that. BUT, if they want to wallow in their own offensive misery, I don't care. I know how to scroll that shit, just like I know how to scroll when ya'll start dragging my ass along with the other "some people" through the mud every.single.day. When you quote me though, I'll be right here to defend myself.

As long as fans are not LYING to other fans, trying to convince me to think differently, or falsely judging other fans for some rumor they heard, they can go for it. In Clay's own words, he does not mind the critiques. Not that I'm even critiquing him. I'm just supporting the right of others to do so if they wish.

My dad used to beat us up for not being happy. Nice huh? Made us real happy -- he just bullied the fucking happiness right into us. It took him an entire lifetime to realize that nine people at a dinner table all enjoy a meal in a different way. We didn't all have to have our hands in our laps with smiles plastered on our faces Stepfording along about how perfectly the broccoli was steamed. Now, finally, after 30 years, he can pour himself a glass of wine and enjoy the diversity of his grown children. He had to move out and gain some perspective for about 20 of those years first tho since the bullying and beatings and rantings about us not being happy his way didn't work. Too bad he missed out on all his kids' childhoods.

Seriously? Why the fuck does anyone else care what we say here?

Are you kidding me with this? Isn't that what you are all doing here? Look up. ^^ Pot. Kettle. C'mon. You can't see that?

And I know YSRN is somewhere right now going, "I don't mind the pages and pages and pages of bitchy whining, it's the bitchy whining about the bitchy whining that bugs me." To each her own.

You know me well, my friend.

her: are you near your computer?

me: D101

her: what?

:lmaosmiley-1:

Funniest post all day anywhere!

Hey, you stealer! I made that for meeeeeeeee!

Funny as hell, isn't it?

Ok, you can use it... I'll use it elsewhere.

Badly.

My fangirly just went into hyperdrive.

Holy shit.

Someone fan me, or get me a drink or something.

Muski looks to make sure no names were named in this post and that this was not posted under HER name so that she won't get another accusatory PM on another board by an FCA lurker, and then she nodds her head furiously in agreement with djs.

Oh, who the fuck? People are so god-damned weird. Ordering me to say anything? LMAO!

GMA was good for me. Of course, I'm only looking at it as a lowly television viewer so maybe I'm just an idiot. ::eyeroll:: Bossy fans are on my last nerve already.

Ashes was great, but I'm sorry, as much as I like Q&A, and I do, they kinda ruined it for me with the screeching in the background. I hope that changes a bit for the future.

If anyone is waiting for their Walmart CD to arrive in the mail or can't find it in-store, Greg Critchley put Clay's version of "Forget I Ever Knew You" on his MySpace.

Thanks, Solo! Yay!

Penny, you might want to talk to laughn, who had the exact same problem. I think if you click support you can log the problem and they'll refund you. I've done that before with iTunes and they're pretty good about it.

KMart's the only store I have in this stupid town, but since I can live without a huge-ass poster of Clay, I'm skipping that version. I ordered from Wally World tho, and Amazon, and QVC, (and iTunes), and I can't wait to have the precioussss in my hands. I want to hear me some Forget I Ever Knew You too. Hurrrrrrrrrry, Brown.

and watched them change the marquis....

Awwwww...

I was hoping someone would take these pics, chach. Thank you!