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JennaZ

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Everything posted by JennaZ

  1. I had a big, beautiful wedding, and I am not ashamed. It was big (180), because both I and my husband have a lot of family and friends, people we love and care about, who we wanted to share this day with. For us, the wedding was not just just a day to legally tie the knot. It was a happy, fun, reunion and I personally would have been sad if we had been forced to limit the numbers substantially. I would have done so if necessary, but fortunately, my parents were willing and able to have the kind of event we all wanted. No one considered it a waste of money. But this was my situation. Not everyone has close relationships with large extended families. Not everyone enjoys a large, fancy affair. Not everyone really wants a big wedding. And that's fine, too. The truth is, people are different, and their idea of what the ideal wedding (or life is) is differs as well. I can understand why some might want a fairytale wedding for Clay. I can also see, however, how he could be perfectly happy without one. Personally, I'm not sad for him because I don't know that he's sad. Maybe he's thrilled. Maybe he's in love. Maybe he's fulfilled. I can't get emotionally invested when I really do not know.
  2. "Sacrificial Love" is my favorite song on the album. What I love about this song is that it addresses a situation that is probably very common, but really isn't sung about often. It does basically ask the question, "How committed are you to this relationship?" A lot of people get into relationships mainly because they want to be in a relationship, even if they really don't expect it to last. I'll admit, I've been there, dating someone because I wanted to have a boyfriend, even though I really couldn't see myself with him in the long run. He sensed it, which I felt bad about, and so it wasn't a surprise when I eventually ended it. It's a lovely song, with some very poignant lyrics and a memorable melody. I'd love to see a waltz done to it on a show like SYTYCD. I think a lot could be done with it.
  3. Great post, ldyjocelyn. I agree that tone is a huge part of how a post tends to be received. Personally, I try NOT to post when I'm angry, because that's when I'm most likely to use a tone I might later regret. I think that there are some fans who, when it really comes down to it, just don't share Clay's taste in music. Some have finally realized it, and have left. Some, however, are so addicted to the fandom's message board culture that they continue to stay on, clinging to the belief that Clay will one day be the pop/rock Top 40 superstar they imagine him to be. I suspect there is a certain amount of fear in the fandom now, not only that his career will fade, but that the fan culture (message boards, concert trips, clack vigils, etc.) may end. For many, this fandom is more than just an amusement. It's a way of life, a primary and critical source of external validation, intellectual stimulation, and emotional support. For some, the thought of losing it may be so frightening they've started to panic. It's easier to deal with lows if you have other things in your life. If this fandom is your life, however... Mayo on fries? Yumm! Of course, it helps to have really good flavored mayonaise. Fries are also really good with ranch dressing.
  4. Today's US Open was one of those matches where it's a shame someone had to lose. Both players had moments where they were ahead and behind. Neither gave up, and each had their share of thrilling shots. I wanted Tiger to win, but I did feel badly for Rocco, who probably had the game of his life. But that's the amazing thing about Tiger. Somehow, even when others play their very best, he manages to make the clutch play when it counts.
  5. I really believe that there is no one type of family structure that can guarantee a happy childhood. There are dads who live with their children full-time and yet are distant or abusive, and dads who see their children only occasionally and yet make their children feel loved and supported. JMHO, but to me, it's more about the quality of time than quantity, and I think Clay could still be a great father even if he didn't live with his child. Tiger Woods. I only really started watching golf when he started playing professionally. He's just such an exciting player to watch, and I do find it thrilling to see someone with the potential to make history. Though some may wish he wouldn't win so often, I think he has been good for the game overall. Very true. Celebrity news is part of our culture, but I think the average person doesn't really think about it very deeply.
  6. I agree. I just can't imagine him asking a good friend to risk her health to provide him with a child. I can imagine him agreeing to help a good friend conceive. And if this child is more for Jaymes than for himself, I can see him allowing her to raise the child primarily. I know Clay loves kids. I'm sure he would love to have his own child. To me, that doesn't mean that he could not accept a situation in which he was not the primary caretaker. Now honestly, if Jaymes chose him, it's likely she wanted him heavily involved. If she just needed sperm, she could have gone to a bank. However, IMHO, that doesn't mean that he is to be an equal parent. I wouldn't think any less of him if he were more of a "godfather" than a "father," someone who was loved by the child, who spent time with the child, but who ultimately would only bear primarily responsibility in the event of the mother's death or incapacity. I do wonder if the child was never meant to be known or publicized as his child. It would be a lot easier for him or her if he wasn't. If the world hadn't known it was his, he or she could live a less complicated, more anonymous life. Personally, I could see Clay not publicizing his child if he felt it would protect him. Perhaps Clay's refusing to comment now in the hope that people won't believe he's the father. However, now most people do believe it. For better or worse, this child will be treated as Clay Aiken's child, not just by the press, but by nearly everyone. If it's not true, would Clay allow this innocent to face all this added scrutiny simply because he didn't feel like commenting? I'm not so sure. I also wonder if they're keeping quiet because the child hasn't been born yet. Just as some couples don't announce a pregnancy until after the first tri-mester in case there's a miscarriage, perhaps they don't want to discuss the baby until he or she is actually delivered. But we all have our personal perceptions of who he is and is not. I know some cannot accept that he'd be anything but a full-time father. I respect that opinion, but personally, I don't find a "godfather" role wrong or inconsistent with how I see him. YMMV
  7. My guess is that the reactions to the idea that Clay might be having a child with Jaymes through artificial insemination is due, at least partly, to perceptions of what it means for a 29 year-old male to have a child with a 50 year-old woman, outside of marriage and in that particular way. Some seem to assume it would mean he has chosen not to have a traditional family because (as far as we know), he is not married to Jaymes. Some seem to focus on the artificiality of it, and that it may imply that he does not have sexual relations with women. (That seems to be the tabloid interpretation.) Personally, I don't buy into either assumption. As I've said before, I don't believe that fathering a child with a woman precludes having a traditional family. First, it's possible that he could have that with Jaymes, despite the age difference. Even if his relationship is purely platonic, I don't think it means that he can never have a relationship with anyone else. This may not be a popular opinion, but I think this child is really more for Jaymes than for Clay. At 50, this may be her last chance to be a mother. He's a young man, with decades of opportunities before him. It is possible for a man to have a happy family, and still maintain a relationship with a child from a former relationship. I also don't find the idea of conception bizarre for a 50 year-old woman. It sounds as though, scientifically, artificial means really are the best, and perhaps the only way, for a woman of her age to conceive. Even if she and Clay were married, in all likelihood, they would be unlikely to get pregnant through sexual intercourse. Yes, technically, it may be in vitro fertilization (and at 50, it probably was) rather than artificial insemination, but not many people know the difference. I could see how she might have used in vitro, but people around her said it was AI because in their minds, it's the same thing. I don't believe that Clay would ask a friend to have his baby, especially not at age 50. The health risks alone are huge. I can see Jaymes asking him, or Clay volunteering to donate sperm. The male's contribution to the process is far less taxing. But if all she wanted was a baby, there are many reputable services that provide sperm from anonymous donors. Having a friend father your child creates a whole different set of expectations and legalities. IIT, I think she desperately wanted a baby, but not just with anybody. She wanted it with him.
  8. No Clay references, but here's an interesting article from the LA Times on the media attention surrounding celebrity Celebrities and their baby business Interesting excerpts: Ashlee's Simpson's fiancee on why he first denied rumors that she was pregnant: On the role of a publicist:
  9. I agree with this. We, as fans, create our own image and expectations of him. If something seems to contradict that, I tend to think it's more the result of our own filters than any deception on his part. However, I also think that a person's goals and expectations can change over time, and can be influenced by new developments in life. I can believe that he's expanded his definition of family in the last few years. I can also believe that he still wants a traditional family for himself. Personally, I don't think having a child with Jaymes necessarily means that he's "given up" or that he cannot have one in the future. IMHO, it would only be as awkward as one allows it to be. Many fathers who were previously married, or never married the mother of their child, continue relationships with their children, and it doesn't necessarily ruin their relationship with their current spouse. This isn't exactly the same situation, but I tend to believe that Clay wouldn't commit to someone who could not accept his relationship with his own child, no matter how conceived or with whom. And I do think there are many women out there who are secure enough in themselves, and who have a good heart, who can accept a man's relationship with a child born outside the marriage.
  10. I don't read anything in the article that says that any of the people confirmed the child's paternity from Clay or Jaymes directly. The article says that Eric "learned later" that Clay was the father, but that could come from the media. It's very common for reporters to seek out random celebrities to comment on other celebrities. Sometimes they know each other. Sometimes they don't. If the issue is considered positive (and honestly, I think that for many, it isn't anything scandalous or shameful), then people probably don't feel there's anything wrong with saying something supportive. I don't see Roberts, Jennifer, and Carmen as famewhores. I think they are just assuming that reports are true and wishing the two well. What is interesting is that People Magazine seems fairly confident that the report is true, as they continue to write stories on it. Does anyone have a link to the story reporting that Foster's rep recanted his confirmation? It's not just BJ Cook that says he recanted, is it? It's also interesting that the last two stories have a very positive spin. I do think that the widespread belief now is that Clay is to be a father. Unless Clay or Jaymes state otherwise, that will continue to be the case. Refusal to comment isn't going to make this go away. Perhaps Clay and Jaymes have decided to wait until after the child's birth to address the situation. However, as I said, I think it will be eventually be addressed.
  11. Great post, Scarlett! I used to be addicted to Sim City in college. Early in the year, I decided to buy an updated version and play it again. Spent five days in a row staying up until 1 am playing it! And then, I haven't felt compelled to play it, since. Strange.
  12. I can totally imagine a situation in which Clay were not reachable to respond to this story. Yes, telecommunications allow extraordinary access these days. However, if he were in a dangerous location, it may not be wise to call him unless it were absolutely necessary. And frankly, this is not an emergency. The world doesn't have to have confirmation within 24 hours. Even if someone did let him know, he may not be in a position to make a lengthy phone call to Jaymes or his publicist. It's possible he'll address the situation when he's able to do so. Maybe Clay's and Jaymes' camps are just waiting to hear from him before proceeding more directly. I can also imagine a scenario where he, Jaymes, and their representatives are taking their time to decide the best course of action. Let's just say, hypothetically, that it were true. What if they never meant for the child's fatherhood to be public? If Jaymes had had a baby and his or her paternity were generally unknown, the child could live an pleasantly anonymous life. Even if Clay were around as a godfather, it's doubtful the press would pay any particular attention to the child. Family and close friends might know, but he or she would be known as Jaymes' child. If everyone knows the baby is Clay's, things are suddenly different. His child would be thoroughly discussed on message boards. The press and paparazzi would take an active interest. Crazies could target the kid. (Can you imagine how certain delusional baby mama supporters might react to him acknowledging one son or daughter when he's supposedly denying another?) There is also an affect on Clay. We all know Clay could lose some fans who disapprove of him having a child out of wedlock. (Perhaps Jaymes perused the boards at the OFC to get a sense of how such a revelation could affect Clay's standing with fans.) So it may not be such an easy decision to confirm or deny. I could even imagine him refuting it even if it were true, simply to keep the press and the fans away from the child. Of course, this is all entirely speculative. However, the fact is, this announcement of paternity may have a very real effect on an innocent--Jaymes baby. It's not harmless gossip that can be easily ignored. That's why I have a feeling the issue will eventually be addressed. Maybe not soon, but eventually.
  13. The story made it everywhere yesterday, and so it's not surprising that so many would have heard about it. However, I think the reason there's not much in the press today is that...well... there's really no new news. I suspect that the piece that was planned on Jaymes was changed--not because of Clay's PR firm--but because when the show really looked at it, they really didn't have enough interesting material on her. It's possible they couldn't find any video of her (Pop Stars was a long time ago) or they couldn't find anyone willing to talk about her on camera. All they really know is that she's a record producer, David Foster's sister, and former judge on a long-canceled reality show. She's not really a big enough name on her own. And quite frankly, unless Clay addresses the situation, by next week, the media will be on to another celebrity story and the baby story will be out of the public eye. Which may be what Jaymes and/or Clay's people are counting on. It's a huge deal to the Clay world, but to others, it's but a passing diversion. But, as I said before, I have a feeling we'll eventually get a more direct answer. If it only involved Clay, I could imagine a continued refusal to comment. But because this involves Jaymes and her unborn child, I tend to think we'll hear something. In the past, he's always been quite deliberate in squelching rumors about people he cares about (i.e., his mother). If we never hear anything, to me, it would mean that he and James don't mind the public believing that the baby is his. Like others, I think this is a very different situation than the other tabloid one.
  14. The story is surprising, for sure. But I can't say that the concept of Clay having a child with Jaymes offends or disturbs me, and I can honestly see it as a possibility. That's not to say that I believe the rumors are true. All these confirmations and denials are by peripherals, and I need more direct evidence. However, I can imagine Clay helping out a good friend by helping her conceive a baby. I can also imagine him having a relationship with someone but, for various reasons, deciding not to make the relationship public. I suspect that Jaymes was caught by surprise by this statement to TMZ, and is still processing it and determining how to deal with it. Likewise, it's possible that Clay is unreachable or that he and his people are still deciding the best course. If he does know, Clay, being a gentleman, may choose to follow her lead in managing this situation. I don't need to know right away. I don't feel he owes us an explanation, and I'd be a fan whether he was the father of the child or not. However, somehow, I think we'll get an answer eventually.
  15. Great post, Claygasm. I totally agree. I do think that Clay has made a choice to sing the kinds of songs that feel authentic to him, knowing that they may not be the most radio-friendly or commercial songs out there. He has often said he is not cool, and quite frankly, he doesn't seem particularly interested in becoming cool. It's quite possible that his musical tastes will never be perfectly aligned with widespread popular tastes. He is going to be himself, and if that means he doesn't become a superstar, so be it. It's a risk, and at this time, it certainly can seem a bit scary. However, I've come to believe that it is more important to him to feel true to himself than to have success in the music industry. I still think he's ambitious. I'm sure he wants to continue to be able to tour and sell CD's. But I just have this feeling that the stubborn streak in him that caused him to become a vegetarian for two years may also make him unwilling to change himself just to achieve airplay and/or "cool" status. Clay made the kind of album he wanted to make. If it succeeds or fails, it's on his terms, and I think he understood that going in. Personally, I tend to doubt that Clay will ever drift too far away from the kind of music he makes now. Those who want "rocker" Clay, IMHO, shouldn't hold their breath. I think all we can do is appreciate him for who he is, even if he never becomes the next Elvis. But I also believe that anything is possible, and with the right set of circumstances, he could be a superstar. It might take just the right song in the right situation, a perfect role in a perfect project, or some unexpected, unplanned set of events that cause people to take note of his gifts. However, I do think it can happen. He's too talented to be written off entirely.
  16. I haven't looked at other boards recently, but I must say, I was enthralled by Clay's blog. Believe me, I know what it's like to see crap spewed in the fandom about good people by those who don't know WTF they're talking about. I wish I had the energy to defend them the way Clay has defended RCA and his publicists, but I've tried and found the tide too strong to swim against. I'm glad Clay does not. So many imagine themselves to be "experts" in the the field, despite a lack of any real day-to-day working experience in the music or entertainment industries, or any actual direct knowledge of Clay's professional situation. I know it disappointed some, but I was so glad he explained that he is NOT in a position to demand any appearance he desires, that radio play isn't just a matter of payola, and that basically, he doesn't believe he is being royally screwed by RCA. IMHO, he has the best perspective on his career, and all this second guessing of his judgement or denial of his clear meaning are just foolish and delusional attempts to cling to a position that has been thoroughly and exhaustively repudiated. And FWIW, I personally prefer OMWH to Ashes.
  17. While some do read reviews, musical tastes are so radically diverse and varied, that I tend to believe that generally, music reviews are less influential than reviews of, say, films or restaurants. Of course, YMMV. I'd love for Clay to get more positive ones, but the fact that he hasn't doesn't really surprise me or worry me. I agree that Clay does currently have a "coolness" issue that may hinder his acceptance among some. That may be something that he'll always have to bear, but the thing is, fashions and fads are fluid. What is cool one day can be uncool the next, and vice versa. Sometimes, a change in circumstance, or even just an odd, random event, can turn the tide. I've often thought that Clay's sense of humor, properly presented, could ultimately be that trigger. Often, we've heard anecdotal evidence that his humor in concerts, or his performance in Spamalot, caused someone to gain a new respect for him. Yes, it's partly about the jokes, but I think that can and has bled over into an open-mindedness when it comes to his performances. People go in thinking that he's going to be a musical bore. They come out realizing that he's a funny, self-deprecating guy who, by the way, sings pretty well. Clay seems to realize this, as his interviews about Spamalot seem to suggest. Using humor to sell music isn't a typical thing for an artist to do, but for someone as unusual as he is, with the "coolness" issues he has, it may not be a bad thing to do. I don't know if it will be enough, but I do think it's worth a try. Maybe he's not well-respected as a music artist. But he does seem to be respected as a Broadway performer, and perhaps even as a television personality. If that respect percolates and grows, I can see it affecting how people view his music as well. I guess I'm just not willing to write him off as terminally "uncool." Maybe he'll never be universally beloved. Perhaps Grammy's and glowing reviews are not in his future. It's possible he won't be the Elvis-level superstar many want him to be. However, with the right circumstances, at the right time, I do think it's possible for him to become more popular. And if that happens, we can always say, "We knew him when..."
  18. Thanks for the touring information, claytonic and rohdy. I do think that earlier in his career when he was still relatively hot off Idol, he did have a major promoter who organized (and bore the financial risk) of his tours. I suspect that more recent tours have been the result of bookings made through CAA. My guess is that they do send out information to venues and then, they really do wait and see what offers come back. They sort through them, determining which ones make sense logistically and financially, and then plan the tour based around that. Yes, if he really wanted to play in a venue that did not request him, they could try to book it directly, but that would probably involve a significant financial outlay. Multiply that by a region, and we could be talking a lot of money with a lot of risk. I don't know if he'd want to do that, even if he could. I can believe that some overzealous Clay fans can be a headache for a venue. And it may not necessarily be that they're unbearable. It may simply be that the venue can earn the same amount of revenue from a booking that's easier to manage, and so they choose to do so. However, FWIW, I tend to doubt that fans are the primary reason he doesn't get bookings in some places. Honestly, I suspect that there are people out there--promoters, venue managers, etc.--who just don't quite believe in Clay as an artist, and thus, don't think that he could be a profitable act. There is information out there that suggests otherwise, but if someone just doesn't "get" him, especially if they haven't seen him on television recently or heard his music on the radio, that person might pass over him for someone they understand more. I'm not saying this is right or smart, but I could see it happening. However, if Clay were to have a successful album, and that success was brought to the public eye, I do think that venues all over the country would be more eager to book him. And with enough success, the big promoters and sponsors would return as well. But I don't think it's just about the numbers. It's about perception. They'd have to believe that he is a "hot" and "in-demand" artist, someone who could bring in the crowds. And who knows? Maybe with this album, it will happen.
  19. So many wise words, Ansa! But I start with this: As someone who is under 40, I have to say that whenever I go to a Clay event (party, concert, signing, etc.), I do feel in the minority. I really do believe that Clay appeals largely (but not exclusively) to 35+ female crowd, and as you said, that's due in large part to the type of music he has sung in recent years. His choices, both in on albums and in concerts, do tend to be more VH1 than MTV. Clay's most modern cover was of "Sexy Back," and that was in a mocking, "look-how-ridiculous-this-is" manner. It is a double edged sword. On one had, that demographic has the money and means to pay for concert tickets, CD's and merchandise. On the other hand, quite frankly, it is not perceived as the most hip or cutting-edge group. And I suspect there are many in the music industry who would rather go for what's hip and youthful (which may be one reason why they're in so much trouble). And which may also explain why West Coast promoters may be less willing to book Clay Aiken concerts. I don't think it's simply a matter of population density. I suspect that he's just not at the top of their "hip" list, and with so many other acts in the region, he's just not their first choice. True, there are your Barry Manilow's, your Neil Diamond's, your Josh Groban's who have a similar demographic, but let's face it, their career success at this point is far beyond Clay's. Clay is not cool. I think he accepts that. In fact, he jokes about it in concerts. However, I'd bet that he also believes there's nothing more uncool than trying very obviously to be cool. He'd rather be himself, and if the coolness comes, so be it. And who knows? It may still come, but not through deliberate efforts to craft songs specifically for Top 40 radio, or by ingratiating himself to the MTV crowd with an expensive, edgy video, or by rejecting the older fans who supported him throughout his career. If it comes, it will be with music he loves to sing. And if that success comes, he can tour anywhere and everywhere. I know it can be frustrating living in a region that doesn't get a lot of tours. As a West Coaster myself, I've missed several tours, as well as Spamalot. However, personally, I just can't hold it against Clay or his management team. Clay is not in a position to tour wherever he wants. As much as I'd love to believe otherwise, he is not the hottest ticket in entertainment. As it is, he and we are extremely fortunate to have the tours we have had, because there are many, many others (including all but a handful of idols) who haven't had nearly the same success.
  20. I, too, can believe in a "wait and see" approach to touring. It seems like a smart decision, to me. Tour now, and you're basically selling to the same crowd (probably in the same type of venues and regions). If the album gets a little buzz, or if he can build up his public profile a bit more, it's possible that the touring opportunities will be be considerably better. Besides, as Spamalot limited his ability to pre-promote the album, perhaps it's best that he be able to spend time promoting it after its release. I would not be surprised if he has other interesting summer plans, ones that have not yet been revealed. It may not be anything as monumental as a movie role or his own show. However, it could be enough to keep up his visibility and please his fans. As it is, I continue to be impressed by the fact that he can continue to get major bookings. Leno for the fourth time? Not many can say that. Beautiful views, y'all!
  21. I'm with you cindilu2. This theme does invite questions about his life and the meaning behind his song choices. Some may interpret his answers in different ways, but I think that overall, the good will outweigh the bad. I sense that as well, aikim.
  22. Honestly, I do think that CD's are a dying format, and that physical additions to the product itself may slow the demise, but can't ultimately stop it. The thing is, compared to digital downloads, CD's are simply too bulky. I haven't bought a non-Clay CD in years because I'd much rather listen to music on my iPod than on my CD player. On the other hand, I actually spend more money on music downloads than I ever did on CD's. Now, my music dollars are spread across multiple artists instead of just a few. I do wonder if we're entering a time when it's possible for many artists to earn something off their music, but for very few to actually earn a fortune. I can definitely see why the labels are trying harder to get a piece of the concert and merchandising business. Increasingly, it's the most profitable part of the business. It would be interesting to see if there will be a time when labels will only sign artists who agree to share the ancillary income. The digital age certainly is changing much of how we do things. Videotape sales must be down as more people have Tivo or DVR's. Reference books may not be as popular, now that we can look up so many things on the internet. Quite a few services, from Netflix to iTunes, allow customers to download movies on demand. Several companies including Amazon and Sony are working to develop the digital book industry, and honestly, when I see the huge stack of books I have in my home, I sometimes think it would be nice to have them all in a single electronic device. Because we're now able to store and send large volumes of data in relatively small packages, we're tending to do that. On one hand, it means a loss of physical, tangible goods. On the other hand, it's quite a bit more convenient.
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