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JennaZ

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Everything posted by JennaZ

  1. RE: Ellen. I think it's arguable that Kimberly Locke is more "urban" than Clay, regardless of her Idol background. As for Manilow, he may not be "urban," but he is, quite frankly, a much bigger name than Clay. JMO, but I tend to doubt that Ellen is keeping Clay off her show out of some loyalty to Justin Timberlake. I suspect her talent booker just didn't believe that Clay brought in the particular demographic they wanted at the time. That could easily change, and if Clay becomes a big enough star, they'll book him anytime they can get him. I've never seen any evidence that Ellen personally has any negative feelings toward Clay. Anyway, it looks like Clay will be on The View, which is still a great booking. And there are plenty of opportunities in New York City for more. Haven't seen the auction video yet, but it sounds great!
  2. JennaZ

    Lost

    VERY interesting interview of Matthew Fox. Warning: Contains what could be considered spoilers: Matthew Fox flashes forward to season 4
  3. I do think it takes some courage to create something and put it out for the world to judge. And the more of yourself you put into it, the tougher it can be to hear criticism. In an ideal world, all artists could completely satisfy their own creative impulses and make a decent living at it, at the same time. However, it seems that very few can actually do that. Art that fulfills the artist may not necessarily have enough broad appeal to be commercial. For many, if they only did what they wanted, they'd starve. However, there are those who take the commercial jobs and, within job parameters, are able to infuse it with enough of their creativity and soul to please themselves as well as their employers. I have a cousin who graduated from the Art Institute of Chicago. He now works on videos and commercials. Is it high art? Probably not. But he makes a living and enjoys what he does. To some extent, I think that happens with many musical acts as well. A cover album may have been RCA's choice, but I do believe that Clay brought a lot of himself into the project, enough for him to be happy with it. (And I do believe he liked the product, more than many of his fans.) I'd bet that most working artists, of any type, have to find that balance between pleasing themselves and pleasing those who make it possible to pay their bills. It's not about "selling out." It's about finding a compromise that allows you to express yourself creatively, and still survive. Very true, ldyjocelyn. If I hadn't been on the Clay boards, I never would have even heard of this. You have to look very hard, and recognize that particular shirt, to even know that it's him on it. I am often amazed at how many fans fail to realize that Clay is not the center of the known universe. Britney's trip to the hospital and Lindsay's fall of the wagon are far juicier news to the entertainment media. I happen to think it's funny that the woman is wearing the t-shirt. If Kimmel decides to comment, no big deal. I don't think it will hurt Clay in the least.
  4. For me, these blogs alone are worth the price of OFC membership! I love these candid, little glimpses into his life. LOL Bookwhore! So funny. You just know that for every word he blogs, someone out there is complaining about what his blog did NOT say.
  5. Congratulations, rohdy, on the success of the book drive. It's great to see an idea take off like that. Because of you, a lot of kids will benefit.
  6. I enjoyed the Harry Potter books, although I haven't gotten around to reading the final novel (even though I've had it since the week it came out). I adored the Chronicles of Prydain as well as the Chronicles of Narnia. And David Eddings "Belgariad" series is probably my favorite series ever. I must have read the entire series at least 10-20 times. Never got into his non-Belgarion series, though. LoTR - For years, people told me that as someone who loved fantasy, I had to read the series. Could never get into The Hobbit, and so I never read the rest of the books. Those Unicef totals are impressive! Saw Sweeney Todd a few days ago. Not bad musically or dramatically, but JEEZ! it's bloody. Even my husband, who loves to watch Ultimate Fighting, said he was turned off by how bloody it was. Couchie, Heroes was great last year!
  7. "The Sound of Music" was always one of my favorites, so much so that the last time I was in Austria, I went on a "Sound of Music" tour. Yes, I know all the words to all the songs! I also love "Singing in the Rain," as well as "Gigi." Growing up, my family had season tickets to the musical theater in Houston, and we tended to see most of the big touring shows, so we saw many, many productions over the years. My all time favorite is "Les Miserables," which I've seen four times. I was raised in the northern suburbs of Houston, and though we were technically not within city limits, I always related to the city and felt a part of it. I loved having access to the theater, professional sporting events, and a diverse and vibrant restaurant scene. BTW: My high school had over 2400 students, with my graduating class at 740. I'll admit, when I went to school in a city of 100,000 for a couple of years, it felt so small and limited to me. I guess I'm just a city girl at heart, which is probably why I ended up in Los Angeles.
  8. So sorry to hear about your loss, Merrieeee. I think different people integrate their various sides in different ways. Some people are pretty much the same wherever they are. Some are not. My guess is that a lot depends on the unique demands of an individual's situation.
  9. I'm sorry to hear about your mother-in-law, merrieeee. My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
  10. Wow! Such great posts, y'all! Yup! You're so right, Couchie. I do think many are still clinging to the idea that Clay must be the next Elvis. While I don't quite believe that Clay is actively trying to avoid superstardom, I do think that he's decided, for better or worse, to stay true to himself, singing the kind of songs he likes, making the kinds of choices that fit his values and interests. Could he have been bigger singing Timberlake-ish pop, cultivating a "cool," "hip" image, suppressing his desire to do Christmas concerts and minimizing his involvement in educational issues? Maybe. But then, I doubt he'd be the same guy we all love. I still believe that he is an ambitious man. I think he wants to continue to have a career in entertainment, and that he is actively exploring different possibilities, both within and beyond music. But I can't see him abandoning his core values and self-identity just to be a superstar. One of many great comments, Ansa! This notion that Clay would consult a fan must have been extremely seductive to some. I imagine that many have fantasized about Clay asking for their advice and expertise, and I'm sure that quite a few feel they are smarter than any actual music or entertainment professional out there. However, the guy is no dummy. While he may occasionally look for some feedback, I do think he understands fan opinion for what it is--amateur babblings by nonobjective, inexperienced, uninformed individuals who are really in no position to judge his career decisions. Welcome, all you newbies and lurkers!
  11. Great post, skybar! Glad to see you here! The thing is, we fans don't really have access to the details of his professional life. We don't know all the options that have been presented to him. We haven't seen his spreadsheets, read his contracts, or sat in his management meetings. There really is a lot we don't know. And yet fans feel free to declare with absolute authority what he should and should not have done? Boggles the mind. Yeah, Clay isn't perfect. But how does one define "perfect" anyway? It's not as if we could all even agree on what what the "ideal" might be. One reason I don't like to focus on the things about him that don't thrill me is because to me, they're pretty trivial. So he looked a little puffy at one time? So his voice might have been slightly scratchy in a particular song? As Clay has pointed out, thousands have suffered from disasters in Mexico, Indonesia, and elsewhere. I like to save my angst for the issues that really matter. And I can't help but think that his experiences may have given him a certain perspective. He may think his "problems" (lack of airplay, tabloids, etc.) are fairly minor compared to the devastation faced by so many others in the world. And one really looks at the things he has--a Broadway role, steady concert bookings, voice-over work for a nationally syndicated show, a network special, not to mention good friends, a supportive family, and fans who will do anything for him--it's hard to see him as the perpetual victim some do.
  12. Great post, Gibby! The fact is, different fans have different interests and sensitivities. I'm more like you, luckiest, and lajeterfan. I don't love everything Clay does, but I don't like to dwell on things that don't thrill me. Criticizing him just doesn't give me any pleasure. I find myself a happier person when I concentrate on positives, rather than negatives. However, I realize that not everyone is that way. Some enjoy critical analysis, and have a strong need to express all their feelings, the disappointments as well as the joys. As someone who isn't that way, it took me a while to recognize that such individuals really do love Clay as much as I do. They just process him in a different way. Personally, I really don't enjoy criticisms of Clay. I'm not embarrassed by the comments or by the possibility of Clay seeing them. (I don't believe he reads the boards as much as people want to believe, and I think he's smart enough to take fan opinion for what it's worth.) I just feel uncomfortable hearing negative things about people I care about. I tend to feel defensive, and it makes me sad when others are unhappy with him. However, I realize that is my issue, and I try to deal with it. I respect the fact that there are those who find such discussions stimulating, and who may even find satisfaction in having a place where they can feel free to vent their their feelings. And I think that it's good that the boards are there for them. Like couchie, for me, it's all about tone. If the critical posts are respectful of him and not derisive or cruel, they don't bother me that much. However, if opinions are made using language that (to me) seems highly insulting to him, I have to scroll. And quite frankly, if across a board, angry, bitter complaints far outweigh any appreciation or praise, I'm sorry, but I have to withdraw. I just cannot enjoy the online fandom when that happens. For me, life is too short to wallow in disappointment.
  13. I think some of the hyper-criticality (is that a word?) is due to the fact that fans watch so much clack, that every note of every performance is compared to previous ones. (He held that note better in Houston. He did it with a growl in Wilkes-Barre. He did more runs at the Borgata.) I also think that many so desperately want Clay to be impressive to the N.J.U. crowd that they worry when they don't really need to do so. For the most part, I think these impulses are understandable. And I do think everyone has a right to not like everything. However, I just wish that more people would keep a respectful tone in mind when posting. Sometimes, I'm shocked at some of the things fans say about Clay. They can sometimes be harsher and more cruel than critics, DJ's, or comedians any day. FWIW, if there's something I like, I will see it multiple times. I've seen the theater production of Les Miserables four times, and I'd see it again if it came by. I know people who have seen The Color Purple multiple times. Clay has apparently seen Wicked more than once. And of course, Rent has a nearly cultish following. If I were to go to Spamalot, I'd probably see it more than once, just to make the most of my time while there. The great thing about live theater is that rarely will you see two shows that are precisely the same, no matter how professional or rehearsed the cast may be. There can be subtle differences, many unplanned, that make each unique. With Spamalot, I suspect there's a lot of room for improvisation and spontaneity, and I would not at all be shocked if Clay occasionally brings something fresh to his performances. I'd also be willing to be that his last performance will be markedly different than the first. JumpingJacks, no need to apologize for your thoughts. They are yours, and we respect you for it. Some just feel differently, that's all. Yay, PermaSwooned!
  14. Hugs to CG, Couchie, and anyone else who may need them this season. Right now, my first attempt at cooking a turkey is in the oven. Cranberry sauce is cooling. Will start the mashed potatoes when my MIL finishes making her spinach salad. My in-laws are already here and my parents and brother's family will arrive in a few hours. This is the first Christmas I've ever hosted. First Christmas tree I ever bought. But curiously, I'm not that stressed. We'll have a lot of food for Christmas (turkey, honeybaked ham, pork, lumpia (egg rolls), green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, spinach salad, and a couple of desserts. But really, for me, it's always been about family, and I feel truly blessed to have them here for the holidays. Sounds like Clay is experiencing Christmas in his own special way. I'm glad he has his family with him, too. It's been a wild and crazy year in the fandom, but on the whole, I'd say the positive far, far outweighs the negative. Thank you, FCA, for being a haven and a joy this year. Merry Christmas to all!
  15. Zena, Christelklein, glad you gals had a wonderful time! Thanks for the recaps!
  16. YSRN, thanks for bringing over that classic piece of clack! I've always loved that, and I remember that interview when Clay heard it read to him. It's a great reminder of that more joyful time in the fandom. Yes, I heard Ruben was dropped. I'm sad for him, but honestly, not shocked. Not only were sales weak, but he's never really been able to break back into the public eye. I wish him well, and hope that he finds a path that brings him satisfaction.
  17. Yeah, I don't think anyone really thinks RCA has done a phenomenal job with his career. However, my feelings are that the label executives aren't quite sure what to do with him, and that everything that occured was more a result of misguided business decisions, and NOT of any personal vendettas. And while it's possible that another label might be a better fit, it's far from certain. Artists from every label have had disagreements with their company. Even best-selling, legendary artists like Prince, Madonna, and Elton John have complained about promotion. It's not an easy business, and this notion that he'd be superstar if only he wasn't with RCA is really nothing more than unsubstantiated speculation. FWIW, I tend to doubt that Clay presented RCA with an album of Christian pop songs. None of the songs he previewed in the summer concerts were Christian pop. (Although it is possible, I suppose, that some songs may have had a similar sound to some Christian pop.) I think RCA just didn't feel they could market the material he gave them, and because it might take another year to find an album's worth of new songs, they gave him the option of doing a covers album so he could get something into the marketplace relatively quickly. Given that fans were complaining about how long it was taking, and that a long delay would keep him out of the public eye for a while, I can see why he and the label might have chosen the covers. And perhaps the marketing was in keeping with expectations. So true, Claygasm. Sometimes I think that conspiracy theories will never stop unless Clay is a legend at the level of Elvis. (Nah, people would find fault even then). I almost wonder if it's less about the style of music or Clay's personal choices, and more about him achieving a level of popularity that would make fans feel less defensive about their fandom. They want him to be cool so they can be cool. But as he said, repeatedly this summer and at every.single.concert, "I'm not cool!"
  18. Great posts, y'all! It's interesting to see how many are denying that they were ever influenced by HD or HF's FC information. While I do think that many never knew precisely why the two were so insistent in their condemnation of RCA, I also believe that the pair's militant tone fanned the flames of hatred toward RCA and drove a lot of more moderate posters out of many major boards. IMHO, their effect on the fandom was much stronger than people want to admit. I also think that there are a few posters who were taken in, who were just as hostile as HD and HF, and who are now taking no responsibility for their role in bullying those with opposing opinions. I don't expect that they ever will. However, I think these revelations have allowed many, such as myself, to go to some of the major boards and express feelings about what happened with the ATDW release in an environment that is now significantly less hostile than before. Now, at least, people aren't reaming you every time you dare to suggest that RCA isn't evil. And a lot of the moderates are coming back, even if only to share their experiences. I realize that some of you will never go back without an apology. People were treated badly, and it's not easy to forgive when the worst offenders aren't even admitting what they did. However, I still believe that a good percentage of the fandom has let go of the more intense and extreme versions of the conspiracy theories, and that while most may still be disappointed with RCA's efforts, the vicious mob mentality that once existed has, for the most part, dissolved for now. I love FCA and this will remain my home board. But I will probably visit the others more often, hoping that lessons have been learned by some. Maybe I'm an optimistic fool, but I'm willing to believe that the majority of fans, while they may not admit to being influenced by HD and HF, may at least be a little more tolerant of more moderate positions than they once were.
  19. Honestly, all I see is the writer's conclusion as to when he'll work on the album, based on how busy he may be on Spamalot. Doesn't seem like a direct quote to me. Clay will be in NY. There are a lot of recording studios in NY. Yes, he'll be working on Spamalot, but he's said more than once that it doesn't really take that much time to do the actual recording. If he wants to, I do believe that he can fit it in. I'm not saying that there must be an album out in the first half of the year. I'm just saying that it's not impossible, if he's really committed to an early release. Which he may not be. I'm fine either way.
  20. Yeah, selective memory is an interesting thing, isn't it? "Apartment girl" was easily dismissed because she was clearly an amateur at the game. She was a first-time poster who opened with a silly, absurd claim. However, I'll bet that if she had started cultivating PM relationships with influential posters, gradually leaking tantalizing tidbits over a period of weeks, and playing into the aspirations and sensitivities of those contacted, she might have had the same result as babymamma. I think that what gave these "fake Clays" and "fake insiders" currency was not just the fans desire to have "special, privileged" information. These scammers preyed on fan fears and insecurities. I believe there were some fans who were so afraid that Clay might be gay, that they eagerly embraced any scenario in which he was not--such as the existence of a girlfriend and a child. They could take claims of drug use or parental neglect, because they had that relationship to cling to. Similarly, I think the RCA stories of Clay as the unhappy, abused artist, fell neatly into fans' emotional need for a villain. People would rather believe that Clay was the victim of a malicious plot to sabotage and destroy him, than to believe that the label simply made some poor business decisions. The sad thing is that many of those deceived are smart women. However, there are those elements within many of these lies that can be emotionally appealing to many. I suspect that as long as these fears and insecurities exist, there will be people who fall prey. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZENA!
  21. This FC information certainly helps explain the vehemence of the "anti-RCA" position, although IMHO, it doesn't quite justify the condescension and bullying that went along with it. Many who pleaded for reason were treated, not merely as idiots, but as traitors. Hard feelings may still linger. I kind of wish that those who now recognize the falsity of the information would apologize for their actions of the past year...but I'm not holding my breath. I'm with you, Couchie. There have been "fake Clay's" and fake Clay "insiders" since the start of the fandom. Though some may flatter themselves into believing that their status and "expertise" are significant enough to warrant his personal attention and appreciation, I tend to believe that his contact with fans should be and has been primarily through official channels like the OFC. And he has plenty of friends and professional advisers at his disposal. I just can't see why one would believe he'd discuss serious personal and career issues with fans, no matter how smart they may think they are. He's shown to have much more common sense than that. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO WANDACLEO and KELDANKER
  22. Another Morristown M&G report at CB from LynninNJ is here: Morristown M&G She basically confirms Emerson's report. Excerpt:
  23. One thing that strikes me about this whole mess is the desire for many fans to have that "insider" access. I think people were played because they wanted so badly to believe that they had information few others had, that they were "special" or "privileged" in some way, that they were not just one of the masses. It's a bit troubling to see how far people will go to pursue such status, what they're willing to believe and, worse yet, how much they're willing to pay.
  24. I'm glad you're able to enjoy your concert experiences, Cha Cha. Your videos are divine! Thank you so much. My theory on the glasses is that he wears them when he feels he has to. Take it with a grain of salt, but someone once told me they spoke with one of his staff members during the Jukebox Tour, who told him that a few nights earlier, Mary had accidentally scratched his eye (I think Clay joked about this on stage). Apparently, he was in such pain that they had insisted that he see a doctor. It turned out he had a corneal scratch, and was told not to wear contacts until it healed. In LTS, there is that photo of Clay getting eye drops put in his eye to treat a sty. That could be a recurring problem, which might also make contacts inadvisable. We know he sometimes has problems with allergies, which could make his eyes watery or irritable. We also know that one eyelid tends to droop (his "wonky eye") when he gets tired. In short, it seems like he does often have problems with his eyes, which could also be why he finds flashes so physically painful. I'll admit, I think he looks better without the glasses. I like being able to see his eyes more clearly, my favorite photos of him do not have glasses in them. However, I can't fault him for wearing them, just as I can't fault someone with a broken leg for walking around with crutches. This is just my theory. Maybe he simply chooses to go for a more professorial look. But knowing that he does occasionally have eye issues, I tend to think that he wears them for a reason. As for the concert, I haven't been to one, and haven't even seen much clack. However, I did download the DC concert mp3, and I must say, I really enjoyed it. I found even the "sad" stories very moving. In fact, two of them brought me to tears, which perhaps wasn't the safest thing, as I was driving through a winding mountain road at the time. But I do appreciate everyone's perspective. We all have different tastes and preferences. If we didn't, it would be a very boring world.
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