Scarlett

I wonder what's the best way to bring our online party to the Gala with us. We'll have the standard cellcerts but we've been doing those for years and so much has changed since then... Ideas? How many webcam-enabled netbooks do we have among all of us here? Does anyone know how reliable the hotel's wi-fi is? How about iphones as modems? How about streaming more than audio? I wish the Gala organizers would just register audio and webcam connections for a fee -- there will be intense competition for the Gala tickets so I don't anyone will willingly stay home just because a feed is available. How about $10 for an audio stream and (if it's possible) $20 for a video stream? Then for a hard souvenir, $15 for an audio CD of the proceedings and $25 for DVD? I bet this could raise a good amount for the foundation (whatever the new name will be), as well as reach people who can't do the $250 ticket + travel costs right now. Some work-related conventions I've attended charge $90 for a DVD of 3-days worth of seminars so this doesn't sound unreasonable. But if this isn't done formally, the least we could do is set things up & get organized so that updates can come in a more timely manner. The technology's available we just need to know beforehand where to connect and how. Might be interesting to set up an online party date on a weekend in August or September, both as a board "Internet party" and as a sort of dry-run on how many people we can get connected at one time and the various ways we could do it. We can just call it our 2009 pre-Concert party -- there will be a concert someday, don't you think? For example, many of those going to the Gala will probably use their phone to update fb, tweeter, flickr, pb, their blog, or some other server but not all of them at the same time. We need a dry run to simulate the real event and see if the whole thing works or if we need to set up some ways to enable things (eg. like when someone listens in on a cellcert and types up the conversation on to a thread here) to make it easier for everyone. On the "fake" party date, we just connect the way we plan to in October, report imaginary things, and see if the whole thing works on its own. BTW, airfares have gone up again. Congrats to all those who were able to buy during the sale & a huge thank you to all the enablers!!! Thanks for the lovely blog as always, Caro! {{{couchie mom & ausdon dad}}}

I wonder if it gets worse with repeat exposures?!! By sheer coincidence I'm having a couple of lab tests tomorrow. If they find anything that can be traced to too many front row seats I'll gladly take the hit for the rest of you since I've already got whatever it is. The rest of Clay Nation need not put themselves at risk!!! ETA: {{{luckiest1}}}, I know you're ok but I wanna :thbighug-1: anyways!!!

So, who's the likely opponent next year? Never too early to send good thoughts&wishes. Sometimes I really hate watching laws being made, but someone needs to. Wish we could all watch Clay make them -- laws and sausages. ETA: Thanks, gg. Just checkin'!

Yes, that's right. Last year some of us (ok, a few from the ehP) woke up too late to make it to the breakfast buffet but we were still able to walk around and have long chats with every single table over there. I think I got into more pictures than some who were actually at the breakfast, lol! (Fear, I can't remember what we were laughing so hard about but I love the picture that luckiest1 took of us) ETA: goldarngirl, is there something you're waiting on from me? twwmad got uploaded last night, I think?

Just wanted to let everyone in Houston know that Continental IAH to RDU fares have dropped, probably in response to the Southwest sale. Might be a good time to book flights -- PM me if you want to travel together. (thanks for the info, PerusingOne) ETA:

Had too many glitches with my files tonight so the only new one is Quiana's WTLGD.

to calclay -- are you the SoCal calclay? I've missed you!

Goldarngirl and luckiest1, your gorgeous work is always appreciated!!! It's very painstaking work ({{{hugs to you both for working through clips like Asheville WISYS}}}) but the results show all the love and care that was put into them.

Thanks CSM! What a pretty hug icon -- could we keep it, please? (cindilu2? admins?)

Can't believe the weekend is over...I got some items rendered and uploaded tonight, but they're mainly for those making montages. I'll have a few good clips coming later this week, and hopefully *crosses fingers* the TV Medley tonight. ETA: The TV Medly file is rather huge. Upload only if you have the time, space, bandwidth and processing power to play.

It didn't turn out well with the two ways I usually get YouTube files (IDM and Firefox DownloadHelper), so I was going to try a few more programs today but I'm glad goldarngirl & cindilu found and posted the link below since I got roped volunteered into driving my aunt around this afternoon.

But... but... if this had been Clay we would have loved it anyway!!! I even know some people with a shoe/sock/boot/foot fetish collection. And even if it had just been his shadow, we would have saved it anyway. I know of at least 2 treasured pictures that have nothing but his silhouette on them. No matter how "demanding" Clay Nation seems to be, we're really very easy to please.

Sure you can! And we'll dream right along with you. BTW, wasn't it nice that he ended with 'Talk soon'? Just hope he's looked up the definition since the last time he used the word. I shouldn't waste a page 69 post but I can't think of anything smutty right now. Maybe the birthday girl will swing by to help! ETA: Off to try some barbeque. Have a nice day, y'all!

Yay, what a nice blog!!! He's right. No matter what we think of what we have now, we're very, very fortunate to be where we are. Happy 4th to everyone!!! And thank you, gbmifan, for enabling! *winks*

gbmifan, I'm somewhat ashamed to suggest this but ...could you leave already?!! Take one for the team! (just kidding!) :laught31: Caro,

Thanks for the blog links! Loved the fireworks display, Caro!!! And the USA collage, CSM!!! HBD, Muski!

Sorry, liney, I don't! I have Realplayer and DL'd it to my player, but I can never figure out if it's possible to get it OFF of there. It it is, I dunno how. I got it from Facebook. If you're a FB member, just go to their fanpage and the link is there if someone can figure out how to DL it......Scarlett? I really enjoyed it too! Sure thing! I'll grab it and convert.... ETA: Wow, I didn't know you could upload higher quality files to YouTube. I may start uploading some HD clips. Thanks!

You're welcome! *takes a moment too* When he was just starting out, I saw Andy Roddick play at the Westside Tennis Club here which used to have the only clay courts identical to the ones at Roland Garros. He was very good with his fans. Pre-baking chicken or parboiling it in the marinade (though grill purists will sniff at this) will improve the flavor and reduce the chance of undercooking it. Glad to see that couchie and luckiest have some time to play this weekend!!!

Everything I should have done today except go buy milk and Splenda, and begin rendering Asheville TOA. (2 out of mumblety-mumble isn't bad) Happy Independence Day too!!!

Thanks couchie! I turned in early (well, relatively) last night and didn't get to work on goldarngirl's list but hopefully I can get those later today.

So glad I don't have to work today. It looks like a pretty day outside! ETA: OTOH, it's also nice to stay indoors and render stuff. I'm almost sorry I already did Frisco. Would love to re-do that today.

About Jerome -- no story there. I just have trouble remembering faces. But at least I know the difference between West Point & Long Island.... ETA: *waves to jazzgirl* Try rendering Asheville clips while it's 104 outside!

Nice pictures! Thanks as always, kf!!! Clay Concerts? Where to begin... Like a box of chocolates. Like being in class with a really cute teacher. Like a Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster without the alcohol. Like floating on air from giggles. Like having and maxing out an all-day-front-of-line combination pass to Universal/Disney/SeaWorld/BuschGardens. Like listening to angels with halos set at a jaunty angle. Like riding a dragon. Like, like nothing else in the world!

Just swinging by quickly to say thank you to Suereu for that beautiful blend! It's got to have the highest cuteness per pixel count of any picture ever!!! Haven't had the chance to swing by your blog yet, Claysmelody but I'll be there. Happy Canada to all!!!

Whaaaaat?! You mean to tell me there is a "suggestive" one? Can you share? It's not overly suggestive but it can be... I guess it all depends on the listener. It goes like this: Hey, what's up? This is Clay Aiken. We're a little busy right now but hold on and we'll be right with ya. ETA: Lol! I guess you could say that!