#15 the Earl of Aikenberry: a man of character and Naughty by Nature

[muskifest]

Quickly trying to read all the fabooo posts in this new thread and have so many erudite things to add, of course...but since I am now on the way to take Shadow to Pet Food Express to give him a thorough bath after having tried various "Skunk-be-Gone" remedies....I'll just go with this one:

How big it is remains to be seen

Gibby, you've been looking at the wrong pictures and videos if you believe this.

[Meesa]

I've been watching and re-watching the end of TOA from Asheville.

Hi Marilyn! :big hug: Can't wait to see you again.

[Marilyon98]

Hi Marilyn! :big hug: Can't wait to see you again.

Me, too! Who else would I drive through floods with, ride a roller coaster in the pouring rain, climb VERY steep hills in the little Escort that could-sleep four in a bed for 2 1/2 hours-make numerous u turns-get drenched and flooded IN THE CAR-and try to take a pic of a flat on a freeway while my hand almost got taken off by a huuuuge truck!

Meesa!! Thats who

[lovethatguy]

What a lovely place this is.

Just wanted to tell you all that.

:F_05BL17blowkiss:

[beenthinking]

In January 2003 as I sat down in my easy chair, made myself comfortable and started watching AI-2. Little did I know how much my life would change in that very moment. At that very same time Clay Aiken had little knowledge how much his life was about to change also. Funny how lives intersect at a given moment. Strange how millions watched that show and some "got it" from the very beginning about Clay and others never did.

Clay has grown as an entertainer, comedian and singer. As a fan I have grown and sharpened my skills also.

Computer, traveling, growning a thicker skin, etc....LOL

The boy never traveled that far from home, the man now travels around the world.

As a fan my traveling has increased to the point that I am here, there and everywhere!

Clay has formed many good, lasting friendships over the years. People he can count on to be there for him.

As a fan the same thing holds true for me. I have made good, lasting friendships. Kind, good, generous people who also call themselves fans.

As Clay has become more comfortable with his career, I too have become more comfortable being a fan. I tell people I am a big fan of Clay Aiken's, and if they don't like it too baaaad.

I have given up trying to figure out the why of it a long time ago. I just accept the fact I am.

Clay you are ...

Edited September 1, 2007 by beenthinking

[Claygasm]

For bottle!

[bottlecap]

For bottle!

See, I was never scared of the new teeth... Until just now. Please don't

[Couch Tomato]

I can't speak for everybody but yes I did find Clay a nice distraction during 2003 from the 24/7 war news. I didn't have any expectations built into that I don't think but agree some probably did.

But then again, I think Clay also has to take some blame for the box he found himself in because of saying he wanted to be a role model and family friendly. Some fans ran with that and anytime he said or did anything that didn't fit into what they thought was role model-ish or family friendly he got called on it. I think it took Clay a lot of time to figure out that he could not be all things to all people and that maybe he was losing himself in trying.

<snip snip>

I think in the last year; after all the crap and Ripagate; when Clay toured last Christmas; we finally saw the real Clay; the guy who can be bawdy and snarky and a little bit of a smart ass and the world didn't come to an end. He allowed us even more personal glimpes with the new Meet and Greet format which again speaks to his growing comfort level with the fandom.

I don't think we just discovered the real Clay. He's been there since the beginning. The bawdy side isn't new either. Go back to AI2 and there's some of that there and has always been. And the radio interviews after Idol was the start for me seeing real Clay - I think it has just evolved and grown over time. I think last Xmas became more about the fans because his usual foils were not there...so the audience became it. I do agree he is in more of a comfort zone with these meet and greets - it's the pefect thing for him - small and more organized. I think we can also thank the medication heh. I don't think we can forget how much his panic attacks played a part in a lot of things including earlier meet and greets from AI2 onward, socializing, and who knows how many other decisions that affected. But the forthrightness and willingness to answer questions from fans - THAT I agree is new and practically revolutionary for him. heeee. So yay to whatever broght that on.

his role model position? I could never take him to task for wanting to be that. And that hasn't gone away. He said it again recently and I applaud him for that. The bawdy side of Clay is STILL on the G level frankly and his shows are still for people of all ages. He just shows that doesn't have to mean boring or childish. Some got upset that he kept saying it, feeling it hindered his opporunities, felt it turned people off, while others embraced that and got upset anytime he did something that didn't fit into what they felt was roll modelish. I don't even think he said it all that much, notl enough for the average person out there to be offended or supportive or anything. And I don't think the average producer, director, song writer would say - crsos Clay off the list, he won't do this cuz he cares about the chillren. If you read every single thing about Clay then of course it could feel like he never shut up about the role model thing. But you know, I always applauded him for that stance and I think it will guide his career. Does that mean he will only do G rated things. No! He's already proven that the adult is his main audience and if he does something late night like SNL, or rated R (restricted) then well, it's up to the parents to monitor something like that.

I also think Clay is very ambitious. Very. I think he wants radio play badly - probably because that is one hurdle he just can't seem to jump as for any practical reason. I think he wants to do TV. I think he wants to sing to crowds other than the same 3000 people. Unlike some ambitious people, though, I don't think he is willing to sell his soul to achieve these things. I believe he wants to achieve a lot in this world, but not at any price.

Of course, if he put himself up on Ebay, he could probably command any price he wanted!

heh... you got that right and word on that first paragraph.

One of the things I admire him for is not using his charitable involvement as a way to promote his singing career. I love that he doesn't go to crap just to be seen and get his picture snapped for People. Or do crap (like have some sort of faux reunion with Conan) just for the hell of it. This post brought to you by the word crap.

Hey CG, nice chatting with you in the daytime :F_05BL17blowkiss:

From comments he made in the M&G's, I think he is so mature in his attitude towards the label and what he wants to accomplish with his future. I think it is sooooooooooooo fortunate that he attained this incredible fame after he matured to a point where he could handle it.

oh god yes. The man is realistic and mature...and he knows ALL the facts. Sorry we left you alone on the last thread Canuck...heee.

I love that he can be himself, be a little bit naughty, tease us and play with us. He still doesnt drink and smoke and yet I am so glad that perceived "halo" has finally slipped off and he can more or less relax around us.

And on a baser level- no way those feet are stinky. They are definitely sexy, he can put them on my lap any day, and I would love to give him a foot massage

Bwah... those feet look great but I wonder when he has on them old ass sandals of his. I think he will wear some shoes until they fall off

I think has a drink now and then. He has said as much. Nope don't think he uses alcohol for sport (which means of course he could never be a member of FCA ) but I would never hold him to a no drink policy.

[Couch Tomato]

It's like it's been sprinkled with Miracle Grow or something!

OMG that is hysterical. I didn't "see" that at first..duh

Waves to Marilyon..>Welcome

Me, too! Who else would I drive through floods with, ride a roller coaster in the pouring rain, climb VERY steep hills in the little Escort that could-sleep four in a bed for 2 1/2 hours-make numerous u turns-get drenched and flooded IN THE CAR-and try to take a pic of a flat on a freeway while my hand almost got taken off by a huuuuge truck!

Meesa!! Thats who

Bwah,

yay, it's what crazy thing you do for Clay time...

but would you ride hundreds of miles through the desert in a car that had recently gone down an embankment trying to avoid a rabbit, had to wait to be rescued and pulled back, towed to costco..snapped on new tires and was on it's way..Back window gone, front window shattered every door smashed..but you just had to get to Vegas before the show started?

[sheiladownunder]

Oh God! How did I miss this one!!!!! It's early in the morning and I'm lusting after a picture of Clay Aiken's bare feet. Do I need medication?

I've always heard that people with longer second toes are passionate, creative and artistic. I googled it just for fun.

People with longer second toes

**A lot are of Celtic descent - Irish, Scottish

**Are royalty Earl of Aikenberry

**They rule the roost

**The longer the second toe the smarter you are

:laola0:

It's Saturday - ldyjocelyn for you - safe journey

A trip down memory lane BCR Clay Montage - The Way I feel tonight

For those who don't know Okie4Clay, the Tulsa party was her doing and it raised over $7,000 for the BAF. Kind thoughts or prayers are greatly appreciated. She also gave us these oldies but goodies.

[aikim]

Oh, I don't fault him for wanting to be a role model either and I love that no matter what, he has always remained true to himself, but I do think those sentiments have boxed him in to a degree. I just think that after Idol he was very careful about what he said and did and I think a lot of that was do to fan expectations.

Then we got JBT WDC; and Clay pretty much putting to rest all notions about him being a choir boy!

Kim

[Marilyon98]

It's like it's been sprinkled with Miracle Grow or something!

OMG that is hysterical. I didn't "see" that at first..duh

Waves to Marilyon..>Welcome

Me, too! Who else would I drive through floods with, ride a roller coaster in the pouring rain, climb VERY steep hills in the little Escort that could-sleep four in a bed for 2 1/2 hours-make numerous u turns-get drenched and flooded IN THE CAR-and try to take a pic of a flat on a freeway while my hand almost got taken off by a huuuuge truck!

Meesa!! Thats who

Bwah,

yay, it's what crazy thing you do for Clay time...

but would you ride hundreds of miles through the desert in a car that had recently gone down an embankment trying to avoid a rabbit, had to wait to be rescued and pulled back, towed to costco..snapped on new tires and was on it's way..Back window gone, front window shattered every door smashed..but you just had to get to Vegas before the show started?

OMILORD I think you just trumped me!!! You poor baby!! But did you make it to the show??

[treenuts]

I was just thinking about you Miss Scarlett, and wondering if you have merrieee busily working on another AMA poster enlarged beyond anything that Karen Eh? could ever imagine. Oh, nevermind, I momentarily forgot that Karen Eh? can imagine anything enlarged.

Speaking of that... I've been spending the better part of the morning looking at this series...

Bwah...Scarlett, what would we do without you!! :F_05BL17blowkiss:

Clay talks a bit about going from thinking you're the biggest thing going to taking a step back and realizing you're not the only one doing this and "people don't care about you all the time

Surely he is not refering to US!!

[Couch Tomato]

OMILORD I think you just trumped me!!! You poor baby!! But did you make it to the show??

but of course heh.

to clarify - short version - I flew to the Salt Lake City IT, and I was going to ride with a friend to Vegas. She was driving up from Cali. All the accident stuff belongs to her. Now had that been me I might have just gone home..but she kept telling herself she had my Vegas ticket So she actually made it to SLC by 3rd song of the show...and the next day off we set for Vegas. Some mechanics advised us that we were crazy but we ignored them. We got to Vegas in the middle of the biggest most overwhelming preparty I've ever attended and then we drove that sucker all the way back to Cali.

Good times!

[treenuts]

He may not be smarter than a fifth grader, but he's definitely cuter!

A N D M O R E

Clay Aiken, LARGE and in charge!

Well done, Mr. Aiken

[AnAmeraikenInTX]

GOD, I love that man so much!!!!!!!!!!!!

I keep thinking that if Clay takes his career around the world, the eHP should just go ahead and open a travel/ticket agency. Just cut to the chase.

Yes, WORD, and I want to join the eHP!!

Earlier I started hitting quote on posts and soon realized nearly every post was being quoted, soooo, let me just say EXCELLENT posts to all and I loved reading your thoughts and I agree very much. This was a wonderful catch up read. Kudo's to all. :F_05BL17blowkiss:

[Meesa]

OMILORD I think you just trumped me!!! You poor baby!! But did you make it to the show??

but of course heh.

to clarify - short version - I flew to the Salt Lake City IT, and I was going to ride with a friend to Vegas. She was driving up from Cali. All the accident stuff belongs to her. Now had that been me I might have just gone home..but she kept telling herself she had my Vegas ticket So she actually made it to SLC by 3rd song of the show...and the next day off we set for Vegas. Some mechanics advised us that we were crazy but we ignored them. We got to Vegas in the middle of the biggest most overwhelming preparty I've ever attended and then we drove that sucker all the way back to Cali.

Good times!

Good Lord! You do have us beat. I think the thing that topped off that trip for Marilyn and me (Frisco/Houston/Tulsa) was our friend we were following took off in downtown Houston. Then getting pulled over for following her. We were by some night club. I told the cop that I was following my friend and now we were lost. I got out of the ticket and he directed us back to the freeway.

Edited September 1, 2007 by Meesa

[Claygasm]

I think Clay drinks.

I think Clay swears.

I think Clay enjoys a dirty joke or two.

I think Clay is more than a bit bawdy by nature.

I KNOW Clay has a temper!

I bet he has even watched a bit of porn in his day.

I do not think Clay is a virgin.

In other words, I think he is a normal, 28 year old guy.

I think some think because of his faith and the fact he wants to be good role model he can't drink. swear, tell or enjoy a dirty joke, be bawdy, can't have a temper and must be a virgin.

Those people I think are just projecting what THEY thinks makes a good role model.

I think Clay is a good role model because he is who he is - a normal guy. IMO, a good role model should not set a standard that the average person cannot realistically obtain, or be so out of touch with reality that many cannot identify with them.

By just being a normal guy, he can set a good example that is attainable to most people. He is a good role model IMO not because he is a goody-two-shoes, but because he's not and is still a good guy - compassionate, caring and intent on leaving the world a better place than he found it.

And he can do all that and still have a drink every now and then :bier: , swear once in awhile, tell a dirty joke every now and then, be bawdy, lose his temper, take a peek at the Playboy channel and have hot sex with some lucky bitch!

[Gibby]

<--------------------------*le sigh*

one of these days I just neeeeeed to have those bore into mine!!!!

How does that feel? I know quite a few of you had that climactic experience! Do tell, pretty please.

I haven't had that experience (darnit!) But I wanted to post some happy eyes, just for you:

Quickly trying to read all the fabooo posts in this new thread and have so many erudite things to add, of course...but since I am now on the way to take Shadow to Pet Food Express to give him a thorough bath after having tried various "Skunk-be-Gone" remedies....I'll just go with this one:

How big it is remains to be seen

Gibby, you've been looking at the wrong pictures and videos if you believe this.

Really, Muski!! This is the second time this week you've picked on me, just because you think my posts aren't smutty enough. You're going to make me paranoid, so that I'll be thinking about whether what I'm typing is smutty enough, or whether you'll come along and make fun of me. Hmmmppphhhh!

:lmaosmiley-1:

Edited September 1, 2007 by Gibby

[aikim]

Claygasm I think what you think!

Kim

[Couch Tomato]

And he can do all that and still have a drink every now and then :bier: , swear once in awhile, tell a dirty joke every now and then, be bawdy, lose his temper, take a peek at the Playboy channel and have hot sex with some lucky bitch!

volunteer line starts to the left.

We we've been witness to some of those CG heh. I do agree with your sentiment though. He's not a perfect guy and I think wanting to be a role model doesn't mean he has to placed on a pedastal nor does he deserve harsh scrutiny from people measuring his life against those words. It's an impossible thing to live up to.

He's been a role model for me and I'm a grown women. He has such compassion and commitment and it's inspiring. And it's not something he attained after celebrity hit. My favorite part of LTS is watching that part of him flower. He's a good guy!!

[muskifest]

What's all this about Miracle Grow?

Doggie is as sweet smelling as he can get at this point, I think. Now my fingers aren't so cool since I didn't have enough smarts to wear disposable gloves when I scrubbed him good....

but enough about skunks...

Yeah, that...to so much I've read in these last pages. What we have here, ladies (and all the rest of you), is a bonafide MAN. He's truly in charge of himself and that confidence and security will serve him well in the sea of slime that, unfortunately, his business called 'entertainment' can be. And WORD re: the difference between how he can maturely deal with the craziness that sudden fame does threaten less stable psyches with.

I think of the young girls, of course---Britney and Lindsay, etc.----and then I see Clay and yes, Justin. Justin Timberlake seems to have a good head on his shoulders and evidently has a strong relationship with his mother, too. He's got some friends opening a restaurant with him and has started his own record company. I'm not familiar with his charitable endeavors, but would be shocked if he's not active in such things. I don't always like his music or his "persona" as a heartthrob or recording artist, and I agree with whoever said something about him being a wuss after the Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction, but generally he seems like a decent guy....and a smart one re: The Business.

I'm in that happy place re: Clay's career, actually. I've never needed for him to be THE star of all ages. I just want him to be THERE to sing to me and let me look at him, you know? I want him to feel good about what he accomplishes and how he does it. I hope he always manages to find that balance between public Clay and private Clayton to ensure that he won't give up on either one.

We've picked a winner, my friends---no doubt of that, regardless of what his rank on the charts is.

[treenuts]

I don't have any diminished expectations about Clay. He's way way way above Elvis in my book. He's up there with the Beatles of the 60's for me. And I so definitely did not see Clay being a major force in the entertainment world back in 2003.

I do now.

In 2003 I loved MOAM and was so happy for Clay when his album was such a huge seller and hit #1. I thought MOAM was a great album for him, but certainly nothing earth shattering, or something that would turn the music industry on its ear. But I knew he'd always sell records and that he'd have a successful singing career as long as he wanted. When I consider Clay's voice in 2007, add in everything else about him, I now can't perceive of any limitations on his future. Clay may have had some, but I think they've been melting away. Especially since May 2006. To me, he's way bigger now. He's not considered just the flavor of the month, but a lifetime classic favorite like strawberry and chocolate. I think the rest of the world will catch up. Again, Clay may limit his own success. But I really doubt it.

I do love that pic! That was the night I fell

I don't know about comparing him to Elvis, The Beatles, Sinatra and such. I know I've done it from time to time also, but it just seems to be more complicated than that. I think Clay is more unique in his genre. He's certainly a combination of a few of those greats and yet he's almost nothing like them. His voice is powerful, his range amazing and his timbre mesmerizing. He has an indefinable sex appeal, an allure that many don't understand. And still they fall under his spell without fully recognizing it. He commands a stage like no other these days, and he has a quicksilver wit that is difficult to compete with. His self deprecation is a defense mechanism finely honed from an early age and his talent for speaking or acting on impulse without processing through filters first may be his single greatest flaw. And yet, he is still hovering somewhere above a boxed in AI finalists secondary career with a future in TV and below a music/entertainment Icon of mega superstaH status. How is this happening? Why? To think of Clay as someone who could be major around the world seems a natural progression in thought and reason. International exposure should be easy. And yet he is confined to not just touring the states these days, but predominatly the eastern seaboard. WTH happened?! He was launched! He soared! Then he was shot full of buckshot! Who fired the gun and who provided the ammo? He has said "in reality there are few conspiracies in the world" and I just want to know how he defines it then. I'm admittedly crazy though, because I think he is an Icon already. I believe he will go down in the annals of time as a major force in the industry. It will take some doing but I also believe he will achieve international success and fame with his next CD. Yep, I'm crazy. I just want to "will it" for him and say "#1, make it so"!

Oh God! How did I miss this one!!!!! It's early in the morning and I'm lusting after a picture of Clay Aiken's bare feet. Do I need medication?

I'll admit I never particularly liked feet. Especially men's feet. Just ack. But for some reason all that changes when I look at this picture. I'm not fond of men in sandles because their feet and toes just aren't too appealing to me. But I would never ask this man to cover those pretty pedi's up! Nope, not me! In fact, I might even be persuaded to do some foot kissin & toe lickin for the first time im my life and that offer will stand for as long as it takes! Just sayin

Edited September 1, 2007 by treenuts

[AnAmeraikenInTX]

We've picked a winner, my friends---no doubt of that, regardless of what his rank on the charts is.

WORD! WORD! WORD!

[Claygasm]

Saw this at the CH and it just CMSU!!!

And it even has tongue for bottle!

Now I must get ready to go to a friend's for dinner......