#1 - Ready for your constant state of celebration

[diamondjake2001]

Not sure where this should go but there are new rules at the OFC Message boards.

They are giving mods a LOT more authority. Including removing posts & banning posters at their discretion. They also don't have to give an explanation for the banning and they don't have to warn before they ban. There is a long list of disciplinary actions which include posting or altering another person's pictures.

It's a facsinating read.

It also appears that the rumors & speculation threads are gone. Personally I'm surprised at how long it took to remove that area.

[Ansamcw]

Not sure where this should go but there are new rules at the OFC Message boards.

They are giving mods a LOT more authority.  Including removing posts & banning posters at their discretion.  They also don't have to give an explanation for the banning and they don't have to warn before they ban.  There is a long list of disciplinary actions which include posting or altering another person's pictures. 

It's a facsinating read.

It also appears that the rumors & speculation threads are gone.  Personally I'm surprised at how long it took to remove that area.

Really not surprised I think I was expecting some changes after the official launch I'm glad.

[Ansamcw]

From GranNC at the CB:

Article: For Aiken, a $2.3 million house is not a home

In this morning's Baltimore Sun:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LOS ANGELES - Clay Aiken is looking more mature these days since dying his strawberry-blond locks brown and getting a short haircut, but he apparently isn't quite ready to settle down - at least not in the San Fernando Valley home he bought for $2.3 million last fall.

The 26-year-old singer, who gained fame in 2003 as a runner-up on the TV show American Idol, is already selling the house. He listed it in March for $2.5 million and expects to close escrow next month.

The Mediterranean-style home was newly built when the pop singer bought it.

On more than an acre in a private, rural area of the valley, it has plenty of room for Aiken and a number of his friends and family.

The 7,800-square-foot house has six bedrooms, 6 1/2 bathrooms, a family room and a bonus room.

The grounds, zoned for horses (although Aiken has none), include a pool, a spa, a gazebo and a sports court.

It's like a small resort yet comfy. The master suite has a private study. There's a fireplace in the family room. And an open floor plan.

So, why is Aiken selling?

In a TV Guide interview, Aiken voiced concerns about living in what he has described as "lonely" L.A. and said he would like to go home to Raleigh, N.C., where he was a special-education teacher before being "discovered" on national TV.

But, since buying the house, Aiken has been busy and hasn't spent much time in L.A.

Aiken has been on his 25-city Jukebox Tour, which ends Sept. 1 in Atlantic City, N.J., and is expected to follow it with a Christmas tour.

He's also been working on a follow-up to his 2003 debut album, Measure of a Man.

Since performing on American Idol, Aiken has enjoyed sales of more than 3.9 million CDs, running just behind Kelly Clarkson, who is the biggest-selling participant in the show.

Aiken is also a UNICEF ambassador, and he has been helping raise funds for the Bubel/Aiken Foundation, which he co-founded in 2003 with activist Diane Bubel to help children with developmental disabilities.

It was Bubel who persuaded Aiken to audition for American Idol after she heard him singing while he was caring for her autistic son, Mike.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[diamondjake2001]

That article makes me soooo happy for him. I also have to admit I was really impressed with the value of that house. Also noted that when the house was put on the market the TV Guide interview had not even taken place.

There is a new picture at the OFC in the Jukebox Tour listing. (It used to say Jukebox Tour rehearsals) The picture is of 4 teenage girls holding up the same t-shirt from the tour. The caption/title of the picture is Jazzy Tee Girls. That particular t-shirt is called the Jazzy Tee at the Clay store.

So is this their new way of advertising the tour merchandise?

[bottlecap]

Ticketmaster sent me a reminder e-mail about my upcoming Clay Aiken concert. Gee, thanks guys! It's not like I've been thinking about it every hour of every day since May or anything! I might have let the concert slip by without that heads-up!

I think I have been listening to too much live concert Clack. I put MOAM in the cd player today, and couldn't figure out what was wrong with it. Then it hit me - NO SCREAMERS in the background. What a fabulous concept.

[Ansamcw]

Ticketmaster sent me a reminder e-mail about my upcoming Clay Aiken concert.  Gee, thanks guys!  It's not like I've been thinking about it every hour of every day since May or anything!  I might have let the concert slip by without that heads-up!

I think I have been listening to too much live concert Clack.  I put MOAM in the cd player today, and couldn't figure out what was wrong with it.  Then it hit me - NO SCREAMERS in the background.  What a fabulous concept. 

BWAH!!!! I had a theory that Clay ends up belting too muh on ICMYLM when there are screamers...tonight supported my theory...beautiful poignant heartfelt rendition until the last chorus where he let his voice go to express his anguish, then resignation...that is how an artist works when peole will just let them...BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!

[Couch Tomato]

Bottlecap -- too funny...yeah Clay Aiken without screamers... only on a studio recording. Even when I listen to my AI2 stuff I think I LOVE YOU CLAY is part of the songs.

I am so excited about going to see Clay. It just seems like he is getting better and better. And I still haven't watched clack of everything so expect to still feel like it's fresh.

Ansa, you really like that ICMYLM song, don't ya! And he is just up there singing for over 2 1/2 hours. What a gift!

Diamondjake: What is the nature of the new rules at OFC. I haven't really visited the message board since the first week other than to check out KAndre's topic about the screamers.

[bottlecap]

In general, the new rules at the OFC seem to give the moderators more authority to clean up posts and ban where necessary.

To me, the OFC message board has been good for coordinating cross-board activities, like concert pre-parties. I was also tracking the thread about when meet & greet e-mails went out for various venues. (Sniff, my e-mail box was sad and empty. ) Otherwise, I find it to be kind of tough slogging through various threads for any real content. The blogs, on the other hand, are a real hoot. Jemock and Jude's blogs are worth the annual fee all by themselves.

[Ansamcw]

NY post article about Clay's sophomore CD scan here...thanks to runningfree of the CH.

In Style

I just received my issue in the mail and Clay was once again voted one of the sexiest stars!!! (of course, we wouldn't have questioned that one!).

It has Jennifer Garner on the cover and it's the September issue and should be in newstands in the coming week - being a subsriber I get mine before it hits the stands. It has a small pic of him from GMA last year and it's on page 439 under the heading of Crooner. There is also a very brief mention him in the paragraph where they intro the whole section on page 409.

TV guide Scan of this week'sletter to TV guide letters to TV guide

[diamondjake2001]

The new rules include not posting any rumors, thus the rumors & speculation threads are no more. As bottlecap said the mods can now edit or delete any post & they can suspend or ban anyone at the sole discretion & neither the mods nor management are required to give an explanation for any banning. They also do not have to give a warning before banning.

This is the list of disciplinary offenses

• Flaming, which includes, but is not limited to, use of racial, religious or ethnic slurs, sexually discriminative or homophobic language, cussing, and derogatory labeling.

• Posting of pornographic or otherwise inappropriate, offensive or obscene images.

• Posting of subscription service exclusive content, including media, news, links, etc.

• Posting of stolen music.

• Use of another member’s photo, or any modified version thereof, without the member’s consent.

• Anyone’s private information, member or not.

• Spamming the board as a whole or by individual forum.

• Threats at any level, but most severely, threat or encouragement of physical harm.

• Hacking, including, but not limited to, hacking into or disabling other member or moderator accounts.

• Impersonation of a band member in any form.

Clique Inc. does not police copyright violations. If any member is reported to have violated copyrighted material, Clique Inc. is not liable for any damages resulting from such violation. Additionally, the violating member is subject to ban as a result of posting copyrighted material.

[Skatejoy]

Use of another member’s photo, or any modified version thereof, without the member’s consent.

I just realized how interesting this rule is. It's not against the rules law to break the law by violating copyright on a photo. It's only against the rules if it's another member's photo. Thus, the photographers have to remain members of the OFC in order to protect their work.... Hmmm...

[Ansamcw]

Use of another member’s photo, or any modified version thereof, without the member’s consent.

I just realized how interesting this rule is. It's not against the rules law to break the law by violating copyright on a photo. It's only against the rules if it's another member's photo. Thus, the photographers have to remain members of the OFC in order to protect their work.... Hmmm...

But I thought they said that if copyright violations are reported then the violater will be banned. I take this to mean that they are not reponsible for catching copyright violators but by virtue of the copyright law it is not allowed and if caught a member get banned even if the person with the copyright is not a member.

[diamondjake2001]

It does say here that any Clique can't be held liable but the person violating copyright can be banned.

Clique Inc. does not police copyright violations. If any member is reported to have violated copyrighted material, Clique Inc. is not liable for any damages resulting from such violation. Additionally, the violating member is subject to ban as a result of posting copyrighted material.

They are trying to cover their own behind legally with that clause. I suspect it would be next to impossible for Clique to police the board for copyright infringement but at least now the people doing it can be banned.

I spent some time on my pictures from Darien Lake. I am NO buzztechie or SkateJoy but because they set my camera for me I did get a few decent pictures.

A few favorites :

lipbite

A bit blurry kissy face

passion

60's/Motown

Blurry but still my favorite

The album is here

[Ansamcw]

Those are great pictures Diamondjake thanks for sharing. Can I link that to our darien lake page at FCA...and put ti in out Darien lake thread...

you guys are so good with the camera...I've decided to leave mine behind cos I know I can enver come close...so I will just enjoy my concert camera free.

[buzztechie]

you guys are so good with the camera...I've decided to leave mine behind cos I know I can enver come close...so I will just enjoy my concert camera free.

Ansa.... your first concert experience should definately be sans camera or video recorder. You'll need at least one hand to hold onto ShelleyC to keep from collapsing. Taking sharp photos with the remaining hand wont be easy, especially when you are swooning. <g>

GREAT photos DJ!

Edited August 14, 2005 by buzztechie

[bottlecap]

I enjoyed your photos, diamond. I especially liked being able to read what was on the 50's jukebox backdrop in pictures 10 and 11. I wasn't sure before whether anything was actually written on the jukebox selections or not. By the way, tell your cute little doggie I said "Woof!"

I'm off the inquire about checking out a taser or two from KAndre's weapons locker. I suspect they might be useful, not only against the screamers, but also for getting through the line at the merchandise table.

[Ansamcw]

From the CH:

WMMX 107.7 Radio Interview

Awwwwww he was so cute!!!

The female DJ told Clay as soon as he got on the phone, "I love you." He giggled and she said, "No, I really really love you." LOL He giggled again.

She brought up the fans and he said he wasn't expecting the fervor with this tour but is constantly amazed the fans are still there and full of excitement. Says he is always prepared for the intensity of the fans to die down and is always amazed when it doesn't.

Female DJ: They worship you.

Clay: Let's cut down on the worship. *giggles*

Female DJ: It's because you're HOT!

Male DH: Yes, you should hear her...every day all she does is talk about you.

Clay: Really? *giggles*

Female DJ: Yes, it's because you're HOT!

Male DJ: And because you have a really really great voice.

Female DJ: You are my most favorite singer ever. I really mean that.

Clay: Wow that's some really big shoes to fill.

Female DJ: After the show can I hang out with you on the bus?

Clay: WHOA! *giggles*

Female: Just relax, you know, maybe give you a back rub?

Male DJ: She is good at trivia...she could ask you lots of question.

Clay: Actually, I am really good at trivia. Such a nerd. *giggles*

She asks him what they can expect at the concert tonight and he tells them a few things.

It was a cute interview...didn't learn anything *new* but it was so cute to hear the female DJ gush over him and him just giggle and giggle.

[Ansamcw]

Aiken croons and Claymates swoon at concert

The Flint Journal

FLINT JOURNAL REVIEW

CLIO

THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION

Monday, August 15, 2005

By Misty R. Gower

mgower@flintjournal.com • 810.766.6338

Journal review

CLIO - In 2003, he captured the hearts of gals ages 7-70. In 2005, he's captured the soul of five decades of rock 'n' roll.

"American Idol" standout Clay Aiken brought his Jukebox Tour to the Clio Area Amphitheater on Saturday night, singing rapid-fire snippets of hits from the 1950s to '90s to a crowd of about 2,500 at the 3,100-seat venue.

Make that a crowd of about 2,475 women and 25 men, a lopsided fan base that didn't go unnoticed by Aiken.

"I know you've either been bribed, threatened or tortured to be here," he told the men in the audience.

From the time Aiken stepped onto the stage dressed as The Fonz, licking his thumbs and bumping a "malfunctioning" jukebox with his forearm, the Claymates were on their feet and screaming.

Fans sat silently only when Aiken belted out ballads, the only songs he sang in their entirety throughout a 21/2-hour show that felt like part Broadway musical and part rock 'n' roll history lesson.

Aiken - decked out in costumes from each era - introduced each decade of songs with a narration about what was going on in the world at the time and who touched the nation's hearts with their music.

Of course, the 26-year-old crooner wasn't shy to admit that his vast knowledge of each decade wasn't firsthand.

"Truth is, I was a fetus in the 1970s," he said to a roar of laughter.

Covering the 1950s and '60s during the first hour of the show, Aiken embraced the aw-shucks corny factor that made him a star on Season 2 of "Idol" - think judge Simon Cowell telling him to never dance again - and he ran with it, knowing that each shake of his tush and wink of an eye would send the crowd into a frenzy. A jump on the piano during "Great Balls of Fire" had women fanning themselves.

In addition to seeing Aiken's ever-improving dance skills and his ability to play the piano, fans got to hear quite the range in his voice, often amazing listeners with low tones that many didn't know he had.

He adapted well to the style and sound of each artist whose songs he sang, but in true "American Idol" fashion, he, well, made it his own.

He also unselfishly helped his fantastic band and three phenomenal backup singers make things their own, often singing backup for them.

But there was no doubt that Aiken was the heartthrob star of the show. His grinding dance with a backup singer during his version of Prince's "When Doves Cry" during the '80s segment had many swooning.

"This is too much for my heart," said Jean Roman, 65, of Toledo, who had never attended a concert until Aiken stole her heart on "Idol" in 2003. The Clio show was the third Aiken concert she had attended in a week.

It was Aiken's six-song set of his own works at the end of the show that garnered the biggest applause of the evening, proving that while he has built a 2005 tour around songs of the past, he's going to have plenty of fans in the future.

[bottlecap]

Geez, why was I too lazy to drive two and a half hours down I-75 to go to Kettering? Hope the concert is great for you guys tonight. Tomorrow's my big night at the Toledo Zoo Amphitheater. EEEEEEEEEEEE!

Good luck to everyone who is visiting the Toledo Zoo early tomorrow in order to try to get an early glimpse of the rather elusive Aikenus Croonerious [Native to North Carolina; Diet consists primarily of Hot Pockets, Krispy Kremes, peach ice cream, and bottled milk; Has a distinctive reddish-brown crest; Mating call has proven to have an immediate and potent effect on females in the vicinity]

I am planning to hang out at the mall and stalk Angela and Quiana - um, I mean, I will be checking out the back to school sales with my niece. And if the lines at the food court are too long at lunchtime, I may stand on a table and scream: "OMG! I just saw Clay Aiken in the men's department at Marshall Fields!" Thart should clear things out nicely.

[Skatejoy]

I can just picture you emptying the food court. Then you'll go up to the KFC window and demand some chicken!

Seriously though, last year I did the long string o'concerts and this year I've got more space between then and I'm enjoying them more. It was almost overwhelming with that many concerts last time. I'm happy with my four this year. Getting psyched for Indy!!

[buzztechie]

...the rather elusive Aikenus Croonerious [Native to North Carolina;  Diet consists primarily of Hot Pockets, Krispy Kremes, peach ice cream, and bottled milk;  Has a distinctive reddish-brown crest;  Mating call has proven to have an immediate and potent effect on females in the vicinity] 

BWAH! I love this.

Have fun in Toledo! We are right behind you with the Indy concert.

[Couch Tomato]

Claymates Enjoy Night With Aiken

REVIEW

Claymates enjoy night with Aiken

By Kim Margolis

Dayton Daily News

He has an audience that ranges from preteens to older ladies, and Clay Aiken put together a concert for all of them.

For some, there was a little nostalgia; for others, a little schooling.

Aiken performed songs from the 1950s to the present for his Jukebox Tour. If you're a hater, you'd say Aiken was ready for his Las Vegas show.

If you just want to have fun with the kid who made good on American Idol, you would have had a ball at Aiken's Fraze Pavilion concert on Monday.

The show started with Aiken in a black leather jacket dressed as the slimmest Fonzie ever seen. The giant jukebox on stage was skipping. Like Arthur Fonzarelli, Aiken gave it a pop and the music started. Twistin' the Night Away, At the Hop and Johnny B Good kicked things off.

A salute to Elvis featured Aiken playing the piano and singing Love Me Tender. His Hound Dog, Jailhouse Rock and other upbeat Elvis tunes showed the admittedly awkward dancer testing his feet with Elvis' moves.

He struggled with hoarseness throughout the evening, likely due to the wet weather, but pulled out strong vocals for Unchained Melody and Solitaire. In fact, his most difficult times were when he was singing quiet or up-tempo, but when it came time to sing out strong, he pulled it off. He hit his stride with a restrained I Can't Make You Love Me.

A gracious headliner who often seems like he's having as much fun as a kid in a high school musical, Aiken shares the stage with his background singers, especially Angela Fisher, who put together a rousing version of Motown's Think.

There was a bit of personal drama as Aiken, whose persona is squeaky clean, had a sultry performance of When Doves Cry (yes, Prince!) with Fisher. Then during Sailing (a much better version than that of Christopher Cross), the pair got close again.

This is how rumors start.

Aiken pleased fans as he performed music of this decade: He sung his own songs, including two from his eventual next album. It wasn't his way of saying this decade is his; it was a way of honoring the rabid Claymates.

[buzztechie]

Everyone needs to go check out the OFC site. Our Queen of World Dominion KAndre is today's featured member. In honor of this occassion, I say we all get out and wear our best boa and stillettos.

Congrats KAndre!

[Skatejoy]

For any newbies, there's a list of available tickets for sale (at cost) here. The list is growing, so take a look if you still need tickets (or want to upgrade) for a show.

[bottlecap]

Kudos to our very own World Dominatrix KAndre! I would like to have a word with you later about smiting some reprehensible worms that have threatened to put a damper on my Clay buzz. But that's a story for another time...

On a happier note: 5 hours until I see Clay for the very first time! AWHooo HOOO! We met another concert goer at the mall this morning, indentified by her OFC shirt. I think the encounter went a long way towards reassuring my sister that I'm not completely insane about Clay. Or at least that it's a widely shared insanity....