# 19: Clay Aiken: glorious voice, excellent comic actor, master of character and man in tights!

[Couch Tomato]

LadyJ - Sorry sorry to hear this news. I will keep you in my thoughts. Sending hugs to you and your family.

Wow, I'm just watching the news. I am not normally so unaware but was working on getting this little part time job today. So had a phone interview at lunch time and had to come home and do this little exercise. And everything that could have gone wrong went wrong heee. OH well. Wandacleo, the job is just helping build up this database on everything from entertainers to business people. The good part is that I got a lead on other remote type jobs in case this doesn't pan out. *had the call from my SIL explaining that they were ready to evacuate if necessary and my stupid butt going huh?" *had the kids come over wanting to play video games while I'm trying to concentrate* *computer had to be rebooted twice* Phone ringing..home has lots of distractions. We'll see if I get it and try to create a real work environment at home. Anyway, if anybody ever wanted to work from home and they have some skills in data entry, or different computer programs and graphics software and you want to know more PM me. At least I have a lead on how to legitimately get these type of jobs.

Clay..what a cutie. I love those ASYTYCD clips and I can't wait to see this whole thing and to see him in Vegas. I just want to smile in his general direction hee.

Scarlett, I was thinking of you today. I used to work for Waste Management. Talk about a man's world..GARBAGE. hee. But you know I did office work...and everybody loved me. Until I applied for a job as scale house supervisor. Now, really, it's still an office job as far as I'm concerned. The only difference is you have to leave the little office to look at the stupid trucks coming in and charge them for their load. During the interview someone - A MAN - had the nerve to tell me that if I had that job I couldn't wear high heeled shoes out on the yard. BWAH. It was the first time I ever felt like my being a woman was the reason I wasn't getting something. Me? tramping around in high heeled shoes in a garbage pit? Anyway, I walked out of the interview and to my desk and got on the phone and called my local University...got an application, got accepted, and quit immediately. It was the start of the rest of my life. That was 20 years ago.

[liney23]

((((ldyjocelyn and hubby))))) Best of luck!

I live in SoCal... The bad news is that they have extended the winds till Wednesday at 3pm!

The good news is that I talked to my firefighter son this afternoon and he was ok. His fire dept has sent one unit to Malibu and one up to Arrowhead. Now there is a fire on the Pala side of Fallbrook and San Diego Wild Animal Park's 3500 animals are in danger. Keep praying!

I have lived in SoCal since 1966 and have been thru many fires, but this one beats them all as far as number of fires and how they are just all over the place.

The news tonight said that the number of people evacuated in the SD area alone equals the city of Pittsburgh. That is mind-boggling! They are being extra careful, cause these winds are frickin' unbelievable and unpredictable.

I hope none of our FCAs are in the direct path of any of these fires. I'm far from any fires at this moment, just always concerned about my son, of course.

[Couch Tomato]

Linney hugs for you son. I lived through the east bay fire storm..this look much worse because it's just all over the place and there are so many different hot spots and so many people involved. We were just tramping through that area not long ago for DCAT!

[laughn]

I lived in San Diego many moons ago and my best friend lived in the canyon.The fires always scared the crap out of me. I still remember even with all the windows shut the ash that would sneak through the cracks.

(((hugs))) to all those dealing with the fires tonight especially (((liney's son)))) and all the firefighters out there.

Scarlett, I don't have the misfortune to deal with a bunch of assholes at work like it sounds you have to, but at age fiftymumble I still have people on the phone who ask to speak to my mom when they call. *sigh* Sometimes I look at it as a blessing. If they're selling something I'm not interested in I tell them she's not home and hang up.

((((ldyj and hubby)))) sending goods thoughts your way.

And once again we're all sent a reminder of just how precarious life is. Anyone's fortune can turn in an instant and I want to learn how to appreciate and make the most of all of the "instants" I have.

and a few (((hugs))) to muski too for that reminder...

[keepingfaith]

The news is so bad tonight. I've been looking at Clay and he makes me feel better. I love this indescribably beautiful profile.

Dear Mr. Fantasy

Play us a tune

Something to make us all happy ....

Do anything to take us out of this gloom

Sing a song, play guitar

Make it snappy ....

Are pictures like this still legal in all 50 states?

[Couch Tomato]

Thank you keepingfaith!! I needed that.

[Scarlett]

Instead of condolences, I thought I would offer some irreverence to distract you (it's the Monty Python influence, of course):

<snip>

*Enormous grin here* You do know that if technology doesn't work out, you could parlay this natural talent into great success in the phone sex industry?

LOL! Don't give KAndre ideas -- she already threatened to re-splice the "No please" audio over some skin clips and upload them to an Asian porn site.

I think you need a song. Everyone should have their own personal "knock-them dead" theme song to sing to themselves when needed. If you don't have one, here's a great one for you:

"I Am What I Am" - You can hear it here, click on Broadway My Way (full CD), it's the first selection. The singer, Linda Eder, is a Streisand-like belter.

These are the lyrics, repeat them to yourself when you march into a room: <snip>

Thank you! Perfect song and what a CD! I got carried away listening to all the familiar "guy" tunes sung by a strong woman's voice. I had a favorite version of "Anthem" but when she launched into it right after "I Am What I Am" it was rivetting and I had to listen to it all.

By coincidence, my iPod already had an a few mp3's from Linda, including a counterpoint to "I Am What I Am" , "No One Knows Who I Am" from the 1994 J&H recording. I know Clay used the 1990 version for his "Pieces of Gold" performance of "This Is The Moment" & I hope to hear that one sometime. Meanwhile, I prefer the 1994 to the Broadway Cast CD.

jazzgirl, ROTFL for your funky ideas / irreverence -- after I make it big in the porn industry I'll be sure to remember to thank you at all the award shows!

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, {{{liney23 and son}}}, {{{SD evacuees}}}, {{{everyone in SoCal}}} and {all the animals in the Escondido wildlife park}

Thanks for continuing to bring the pretty when we need it, keepingfaith!

[keepingfaith]

My mind has been speculating on the new producer and I've been thinking hard about who it could be. And extrapolating on the George ~ Clay connection, my thoughts touched on Jeff Lynne. He's produced for George (Cloud Nine, Brainwashed), Paul (Flaming Pie) and the Beatles (Anthology songs Free as a Bird and Real Love), Ringo, ELO (of course), Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, The Traveling Wilburys, Tom Jones, Del Shannon, Joe Cocker, Brian Wilson and Randy Newman. He did win a Grammy as producer of the Concert for George CD/DVD. It's a nice thought.

[wandacleo]

Couchie Maybe you'll get lucky!

LdyJocelyn I'm so sorry about your hubby's mother. I hope she is improving.

I didn't realize that the fires were so terrible because I haven't been watching the news. What a tragedy!

I just spent the last few hours making air, hotel, and theater reservations for NYC!!!!! I got tickets (mid-March) in rows B and C for Tuesday and Thursday. I'm WAY to cheap to spend twice that to go on the weekend! Jeesh! I can't wait!!! My friend and I are running away from our families! I love NYC!!

[atinal]

I don't know what to say about the So Cal fires, I've not been paying too much attention to the news the past few days, I think I had heard about the fires, but no details. This evening my husband said that over a quarter of a million people had been evacuated as a result of all of the fires in California. Then I read an article about it on Yahoo. The extent of the damage and devastation is unbelievable. To anyone here who lives in that area, or has friends or familiy in that area, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

LdyJ, you know that you and your family are in my thoughts as well

[Clayzorback]

{{{{{{{{{So. California people}}}}}

Also....my husband needs your prayers and good thoughts too. His mother had a stroke today, and it's not looking good. We just saw her a week ago in Minnesota, and it looks like we'll now be making another trip up there very soon. Thanks guys.

You got 'em..........I will be sending good vibes your way all day. Hugs to you and your hubby.

[[[couchie, liney,]]] and anyone else with family and friends in California! I sure hope the fires will not seriously affect your loved ones. I too have been remiss in following the news on this. I heard something about them on TV last night. Have'nt set down to read or listen to how much devastation is taking place, though. My husband has a brother in San Diego. He should try to find out how he is doing today, if he can.

[merryclay]

Hi--I love all the awesome pictures.

It's just terrible about the Calif. fire. I pray for everyone in the way of it.

Clay was #9 on Lycos last week. He's been in the top 50 every week since his presence has been known.

There's only one real, live person ahead of him and that's BS. Everything else is stuff like Halloween, Poker and etc.

[cindilu2]

Mmmmm, Solitaire Clay. Purrrrrrrrdy. Lurvely banner!

Congrats, merrieeee!!

[aikim]

Good Morning Everyone,

3 Days until Clay is Live at Lincoln Center!

9 Days until Clay is on AYSTAFG!

14 Days until Tapes The Skating Special!

34 Days until The Christmas Tour Starts!

60 Days until Christmas in Merrillville!

63 Days until The Skating Special Airs!

76 Days until The BAF Golf Outing!

87 Days until Clay is on Broadway!

Everyone have a great day!

Kim

[FromClaygary]

I have lived in SoCal since 1966 and have been thru many fires, but this one beats them all as far as number of fires and how they are just all over the place.

The news tonight said that the number of people evacuated in the SD area alone equals the city of Pittsburgh. That is mind-boggling! They are being extra careful, cause these winds are frickin' unbelievable and unpredictable.

I hope none of our FCAs are in the direct path of any of these fires. I'm far from any fires at this moment, just always concerned about my son, of course.

Prayers going out to all those in SoCal, especially the firefighters. I've been out of touch as well and was not aware of the extent, once again, of the fires. What's the solution for this happening every year? What isn't happening that should be? Or what is...that shouldn't?

(((Ldyj and family))) Every stroke is different; I'm hoping that your family's experience is one of the better ones.

Last night, for some reason, I started thinking of busline experiences. I must have seen a pic before I went to bed or something, although I don't remember having done so.

In any case, it awes me still the tactile and audible memories I have, sometimes years later, of some of my busline experiences. For example, I can still remember vividly the feel of his hand in Colombia, SC as his fingers curled around mine...and his kneeling down to my left to talk to Andrew, the young man with MS who was with us.

I remember Chautauqua, and the lady from the house behind our spot in the line who came down to join us and have us "teach her what to do" when we were finally able to convince her what was going to happen. I remember her squeal when it did.

I remember Canandaigua and the busline in the mist.

I remember Asheville, and the busline that never ended...and the feel when his hand touched mine, like an electric jolt. My hand tingled for hours afterwards, and it still remembers.

What a treasure trove of experiences we have received with this man!

It absolutely blows my mind.

[Ansamcw]

YAY for Sedaka tribute week....to commemorate this occasion we are going back in time and having solitaire themed banners.

We will have two banners this week from cha cha trusty and Merieee...

First Up...Merriee's banner. Her first for FCA and I'm sure not her last. She is becoming quite good with Photoshop....

Great job Merieee!!!

[laughn]

whoo-hoo merrieeee... no longer a banner virgin! (lovely job)

Claygary posted:

Last night, for some reason, I started thinking of busline experiences. I must have seen a pic before I went to bed or something, although I don't remember having done so.

In any case, it awes me still the tactile and audible memories I have, sometimes years later, of some of my busline experiences. For example, I can still remember vividly the feel of his hand in Colombia, SC as his fingers curled around mine...and his kneeling down to my left to talk to Andrew, the young man with MS who was with us.

I remember Chautauqua, and the lady from the house behind our spot in the line who came down to join us and have us "teach her what to do" when we were finally able to convince her what was going to happen. I remember her squeal when it did.

I remember Canandaigua and the busline in the mist.

I remember Asheville, and the busline that never ended...and the feel when his hand touched mine, like an electric jolt. My hand tingled for hours afterwards, and it still remembers.

What a treasure trove of experiences we have received with this man!

It absolutely blows my mind.

awww, I've never done a bus line. What great memories.

[ausdon]

:garfieldodie-grouphug: to all the people affected by the fires

[Cotton]

Since I sca-rewed up, I offer a couple of goodies.

Clickity Clack!

[ldyjocelyn]

Thank you all for the good wishes. We're in "wait and see" mode around here; but I will say that it doesn't sound particularly good, according to my husband. I'll keep you all posted.

Thanks keepingfaith and Cotton for the pretties. I bring a few pretties as well, via ClayIzzaQT from Sterling Heights....

And for muski and all the smutters here (which I think includes almost everyone, right? Heh)...

Entire album is here.

[luckiest1]

And for muski and all the smutters here (which I think includes almost everyone, right? Heh)...

Well, almost everyone. Heh.

I was driving into my parking garage on this dark and rainy Tuesday morning, feeling rather blah, with my iPod on random. Up popped the SH version of Listen, and I just parked the car and closed my eyes and listened. Wow. That was such an amazing performance. Sooooo glad we got clack of it!

ETA: this is getting ridiculous. I don't remember the last time I posted and wasn't at the top of the page!

[jmh123]

Oh my lord, you mean no one has rescued you from the top of the page yet, not-so-luckiest-when-it-comes-to-landing-at-the-top-of-the-page-1??? I'll just have to make a completely meaningless post to rescue you. At least you are close to that gorgeous man up there who was unmistakably hawt that night!!

[ldyjocelyn]

jmh, you are so nice. I was thinking of just pointing upward and laughing, but decided that I like luckiest1 too much to do such a mean thing.

*g*

[bottlecap]

:Tour4: :xmas07a:

[luckiest1]

:F_05BL17blowkiss: to ldyj and jmh123