#47: That's not just any man... That's OUR man! You're a GOOD MAN, Clay Aiken!

[Scarlett]

And another:

I Don't Have The Heart (mpg)

couchie, thanks, will sleep on the plane!

ETA:

And Mandy

[georgiesmybaby]

Scarlett, thank you so much for staying up late to upload more videos. The cellcert was awesome and the videos are just incredible! What a night! Awwww...you guys were right about the gorgeous. Gorgeous man, gorgeous voice, gorgeous soul. Gigantic heart.

Goldarngirl, your video is fantastic, too. You and Scarlett are keeping me up all night tonight! And I love it!

I have a confession to make. Something I have not shared with anyone before. *Deep breath* Okay...I admit it... I , too, am usually a Mandy skipper. Whew, I'm relieved to find myself in such good company. However, I'm thinking maybe I am a recovering Mandy-phobe because I really thought it was a beautiful performance tonight. Of course when it comes to Clay, it's all relative- I am a sucker for THAT voice. Truly a Goner.

FCA GFI attendees: safe travels

[luckiest1]

So you're right it doesn't have to be all or nothing but ALL is ok too. I can't help it.

Hee, thanks for saying that. I'm sitting here catching up and hoping to be able to have time to watch/listen to all of the clack before work (who needs sleep?) but I just know I'll be eeeeeeee-ing and aaaaaaaaaaah-ing all over the place once I do. How often do we get to hear Clay sing live? Not often, lately. I don't look a gift horse in the mouth.

God, that's a weird saying, isn't it? Where in the hell did it originate?

K, going to go hole myself up in my room with the lights out and hope the kids don't find me till I've listened to it all. My damned laptop is still in for repair so I am not able to upload any of this to my iPod. I hope to remedy that situation tonight.

ETA: Thanks to everyone who brought reports/pictures/clack!

[claytonic]

[ How often do we get to hear Clay sing live? Not often, lately.

I don't look a gift horse in the mouth. God, that's a weird saying, isn't it? Where in the hell did it originate?

luckiest, if that is a serious question, if you are given a horse and you check its teeth to see how old and healthy it is, it's not a good thing to do ... at least not until the giver is out of sight!

[luckiest1]

Hee, thanks. It was a serious question.

TITM made me cry. SSTBTHW made me laugh. Thanks goldarngirl. I can't get Scarlett's clips to play cuz this stooopid work machine doesn't have the codecs required. Argh. Off to listen to audio.

ETA: Wheeeeeeeeeee! The vocal on RHW was phenomenal. And Mandy too, I loved the final note. I will need to listen to the James Ingram song a few times since it's not familiar to me. I think he chose a cool assortment of songs to go along with a lone piano. Would have loved to have seen him sing TITM and POYB in person!

I can't believe we don't have even one report from the Mirasol thing.

merrieeee, thanks for bringing reports on our junior golfers. So glad that all worked out well!

[cha cha trusty]

Thanks Scarlett!!! I'm downloading the latest right now!

mrchach just left for work, I couldn't talk him into staying home for the "First Major Snowstorm" of the year - at least in the DC area! They are predicting 2-4 inches and there are already tons of school closings and whatnot.

I got up to check the weather report on my teevee... I feel like I should run out to the store for milk, bread, **salsa, and toillet paper, and to fill the car up with gas... Just in Case! It's instinct!

But I am not. I am going back to bed. And when I wake up again in a couple of hours, it'll be a Winter Wonderland.

As long as we don't lose the power I'll be Snug As A Bug In A Rug!! Back later with photos!!!

**I kid you not! I used to work in a grocery store and we would run out of Salsa and Chips when snow and bad weather was threatened!! Who knew???

eta: Where is ansa?????

[ldyjocelyn]

Clay called in to Linda Loveland's new radio program.

From dancermom at CV:

Clay is on!!! Wow! He woke up EARLY!!! For him!!!!

Talking about being in FL and golf and how he doesn't have the patience for the game. He is down in FL for the gala. Goes out on the course and pretends to know what is going on.

Talking about when Bill intro him for the SSB.

When he went to Hollywood...Clay called all the stations hey I am going want the story. Only person who would talk to him was Linda Loveland.

Calling to congrat her for her new job.

From terter4aiken:

Clay is saying that he's in FL and asking if it's cold there.

Talking about GFI and playing golf or looking like he's gonna play.

Clay is congratulating Linda on her new job.

Reminded Bill that he announced Clay's performance in the State Fair grounds on July 4th singing NA when he was 13 or 14.

GAH! I love that giggle! It's music to my ears.

From scorpionlady:

Linda said back during AI she was giving a choice of who to follow being that there were 3 from the area..said she would follow Clay and Clay said ummmmmmmmmmmmm good choice

said that Linda will be on the radio more than he ever is or was

he is off now said he would call back if he has any news

From clayscience:

Lynda mentioned the Clay interview again and said she went with Clay to the Celine concert last week.

From bobyshar at the CB:

Just finished interview .........

very short.....

Asked Lynda if she dressed up .............. said he was in FL at Golfing event........congratulated Lynda on her new job, very nice ! .......... talked about going to Hollywood and how Lynda was the only one who would interview him on his mama's back deck and she was his FIRST interview.....laughed a lot .....laughing some more....hee hee ..............Clay and Lynda complimenting each other ........... and it's over !

Very nice.

Supposedly will be replayed later today.

MUAH Scarlett!

[ldyjocelyn]

Out of all the songs he knows he picked a downer that he does not like enough to remember the words to.

Isn't that a bit of a leap, though? Supposedly one of his favorite songs on MCWL was MDYK -- which we all know was a major Aiken Random Lyric Generator moment for him in concert. I don't think I would assume that because he forgets the lyrics, he doesn't like the song.

As for his song choices -- to me, it's almost always "hey! He's singing! Good enough for me!" It may be songs he's sung several times before, but he add subtle (my term, not Clay's *g*) differences to each and every version, and I revel in the voice.

In the meantime -- heh. I watched TITM -- and honestly, will probably never watch it again. Much better than the old high school version, to be sure, but I just don't get that one. IDHTH, though -- OMG. This song has always been one of my favorites since it came out in the early 1990's, and I think Clay did a magical job with it. I'll be watching it over and over and over again.

Strange but true story for me -- this is the second song Clay has covered that has a connection to an old boyfriend. The other one was ICMYLM. I suppose you could see how THAT whole relationship turned out. Heh.

[aikim]

Good Morning Everyone,

I guess I am one of those "easy" Clay fans because I really don't care what he sings as long as he is singing and it has been far too long since I have heard Clay sing live so any time he sings is greatly appreciated.

TITM...In high school he just powered through it; now he added some nuances and emotion and it was just beautiful!

POYB...very touching...you could see how much the fan he was singing to loves him!

Mandy...just love the song; ever since Barry sang it, but I think Clay does a much better job...always looked forward to hearing it during the JBT!

Haven't listened to the rest yet, but I will! Dang job...there is never enough time to Clay!

How cute that he called Lynda to congratulate her...they have such a great relationship!

40 Days until Daylight Savings Time!

52 Days until The First Day of Spring!

Everyone have a great day!

Kim

[aikim]

Billboard.blogs.com

Idol Worship: Battle Of The Book Deals

Quote:

Clay Aiken, has found massive success with his publishing debut, 2005's Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life, which was a New York Times best-seller.

<snip>

Aiken pocketed around $700,000 for his, according to a source (Aiken stands to make significantly more for a post-coming out follow-up).

I would love it if this is true and Clay really is writing another book...goes to stake out a spot at the corner of Staff and Only (waves to Jamar!)

Kim

[kimiye]

Do they really serve dolphin ? :o

I couldn't let this go by.

This is a dolphin fish, served all over the world and prized by deep sea fisherfolks.

As opposed to the mammal dolphin which is a protected species, at least in US waters.

Clay content: He's as cute as a dolphin.

[djs111]

Claytonic said:

aikim/liney, re our conversation about accountability and personal responsibility. The Aborigines are accused of being lazy, 'bludgers' and drunks and told by white Australia to take personal responsibility and be accountable. The thing is, the ancestors of white Australia invaded their land in 1788 and tried to exterminate them. As recently as the late 1960s, they were considered to be part of flora and fauna, i.e. not counted as human inhabitants in the census. Basically, they've been "chopped off at the knees" and then expected to "pull up their socks" just because they've been handed a few "special privileges". Their life expectancy is drastically lower than the average non-Aboriginal Australian. It's not that simple to recover from generations of abuse and discrimination, particularly when the reminders are always there. This is basically what I mean about situations where the cycle is repeated because they don't know any other way. Education is really the only light at the end of the tunnel.

I was lucky enough to visit Australia for 10 days (three-week Australia-NZ vacation!), I think in 1995. We signed up for all sorts of little "Australian" experiences - rode camels in Alice Springs, saw the teensy penguins come in from the sea at sunset, walked around Uluru, etc.

One thing we did was go out into the bush to an aboriginal encampment with a guy who showed us the food (grubs and little fruit that was hard to tell from its poisonous cousin, etc.) and he explained how the Aborigines had a quite sophisticated method of sharing food, and were quite blindsided by having spent their whole lives just trying to find enough food to live, and then seeing a grocery store with food that they could not touch because they could not find jobs. And "jobs" was a whole new concept, too! It was a whole culture shock - from sharing to, well, not sharing. And having an entire heritage being sneered at, and being treated like dogs.

He said even simple things were bizarre to them - if an aborigine need to clear their nose, they just did it, onto the desert sand where it dried immediately. They were disgusted that the invaders blew their noses into pieces of cloth and then put that cloth in their pocket!!! Ewwwwww!

I learned that the nice shy doggie that I was trying to pet near Uluru was a dingo, and petting was a BAD idea.

Anyway, I loved my vacation there, and it (and New Zealand) look like wonderful places to live - but there are very strict rules against who can settle there, and I do not qualify. It always makes me laugh when some criticize the American immigration policies, as if all the other countries welcome people with open arms.

Sounds like everyone who was actually there at GFI had a wonderful time, it was lovely to read about it, and thank you soooooo much for sharing!!!!!!!

[merryclay]

EEEEEE- pictures of BF and place to vote for him.

http://mjsbigidolblog.com/

[claylove]

I listened to the CV stream and had another Clay friend over. We just loved the songs and were bawling our eyes out the whole time! Everything about him is so beautiful.

Scarlett & Goldarngirl - Thank you so very much for the clack!!!!!

I listened to Clay on WRAL-FM with Bill & Linda this AM. He was so cute!!! I lurve him. I don't know if any one captured it but if not it will be part of Bill & Linda's podcast which can be downloaded from their website later today at www.wralfm.com. They actually played the interview twice. Once at around 7:25 or so and again just before 9 am. Linda commented after the replay about how Clay doesn't just have an incredible voice but is really funny and has a great sense of humor. She also commented on what a following he has and how dedicated his fans are to him.

[merryclay]

I loved the interview. Clay is so loyal to his friends and family. He's really a good guy.

[liney23]

This is the Clay look that I love!

I have a couple of Aboriginal friends who are very sensitive about their situation and I hate seeing them upset about issues that mean so much to them. I also used to be good friends with one of Australia's best-known Aboriginal actresses and she taught me a lot about Australia from their perspective. She gave me her own copy of the book "Black Like Me", which means so much, especially now that cancer has robbed her of her life. There's been much progress since then but we still need to do a LOT more. My biggest problem with Australia is that we still pledge allegiance to the Queen and after what happened with PM Gough Whitlam, the day we cut loose from those apron-strings and have our own unique flag is the day I will wave the Aussie flag and truly celebrate my grown-up country. However, having said that, I agree with you... this is one of the best places in the world to live and I feel very fortunate to be here.

ETA:

Vote on the online poll. Should the date of Australia Day be changed?

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,24961907-421,00.html

I forgot to include this link which one of my Aboriginal friends sent me.

Ausdon,

please vote! I am putting this here rather than sending to you privately in case anyone else is interested to read about it. Australian politics isn't important enough for the super-powers but I know there will always be a few humanitarians who care about the plight of our Aborigines. The YES vote is dismal at this stage; it's sad that so few care that we are celebrating a historical date considered to be a day mourning for the Aborigines. They don't get it, they don't understand the power of symbolism. A change of date won't change history, but it will be a powerful symbol for reconciliation. We need a date that is INCLUSIVE of ALL Australians. (Love that word "inclusive", since it means everyone counts....)

aikim/liney

, re our conversation about accountability and personal responsibility. The Aborigines are accused of being lazy, 'bludgers' and drunks and told by white Australia to take personal responsibility and be accountable. The thing is, the ancestors of white Australia invaded their land in 1788 and tried to exterminate them. As recently as the late 1960s, they were considered to be part of flora and fauna, i.e. not counted as human inhabitants in the census. Basically, they've been "chopped off at the knees" and then expected to "pull up their socks" just because they've been handed a few "special privileges". Their life expectancy is drastically lower than the average non-Aboriginal Australian. It's not that simple to recover from generations of abuse and discrimination, particularly when the reminders are always there. This is basically what I mean about situations where the cycle is repeated because they don't know any other way. Education is really the only light at the end of the tunnel.

EATA:

I can't access any of those video links, but I've been checking constantly on YouTube and finally found a couple posted by mariedrummond1. The piano IS a bit loud but the voice shines through. How I would LOVE a whole album of Clay singing a capella. His voice is the only instrument that matters.

claytonic.... we have a similar situation with Native Americans here. Some reservations are just awful. The Navajo have a horrible time since their way of life since being put on the reservations has led to rampant alcoholism and diabetes. Education is key, but even then it is hard cause unemployment is so high on the reservation that they have to leave to get good jobs. Not a good situation. California Indians solved the problems by putting up casinos on their property. They have the good taste to have Clay sing at their casinos, so I support them all the way!!!

Scarlett... Goldarngirl.... THANK YOU for the clack and getting it up so fast! Make that women!!!

[jmh123]

I think Clay is great at tailoring performances to the intended audience--which is not the people listening on the cellert.

[FearofH2O]

I think Clay is great at tailoring performances to the intended audience--which is not the people listening on the cellert.

Thanks to Scarlett and goldarngirl for the wonderful videos and thanks to merrieeee for reporting on things especially our young golfer. Thanks to Perusing One for supporting the others.

[luckiest1]

Billboard.blogs.com

Idol Worship: Battle Of The Book Deals

Quote:

Clay Aiken, has found massive success with his publishing debut, 2005's Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life, which was a New York Times best-seller.

<snip>

Aiken pocketed around $700,000 for his, according to a source (Aiken stands to make significantly more for a post-coming out follow-up).

I would love it if this is true and Clay really is writing another book...goes to stake out a spot at the corner of Staff and Only (waves to Jamar!)

Kim

I read this over twice, and to me, I don't see where it's saying that a new book is in the works....just the author's theory that he would make more money if he wrote another one. Sorry, not trying to burst any bubbles.

[Claymatron]

Billboard.blogs.com

<snip>

Aiken pocketed around $700,000 for his, according to a source (Aiken stands to make significantly more for a post-coming out follow-up).

I would love it if this is true and Clay really is writing another book...goes to stake out a spot at the corner of Staff and Only (waves to Jamar!)

Kim

I read this over twice, and to me, I don't see where it's saying that a new book is in the works....just the author's theory that he would make more money if he wrote another one. Sorry, not trying to burst any bubbles.

That was my take too, much as I'd like it to be true. The "according to a source" was in reference to the $700,000 advance, not the follow-up, which was in brackets and IMO just the writer's speculation.

[TayforClay]

Billboard.blogs.com

Idol Worship: Battle Of The Book Deals

Quote:

Clay Aiken, has found massive success with his publishing debut, 2005's Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life, which was a New York Times best-seller.

<snip>

Aiken pocketed around $700,000 for his, according to a source (Aiken stands to make significantly more for a post-coming out follow-up).

I would love it if this is true and Clay really is writing another book...goes to stake out a spot at the corner of Staff and Only (waves to Jamar!)

Kim

I read this over twice, and to me, I don't see where it's saying that a new book is in the works....just the author's theory that he would make more money if he wrote another one. Sorry, not trying to burst any bubbles.

Yeah, I read it the same way too. I hope he does write another one.

[annabear]

Scarlett, dear, thank you sooooooo much for the Clack! Do you think you can send some FL weather with the next upload? PLEASE?!?! We woke up to about 2" of yesterday, 4" more of this morning and another 4"-6" are expected tonight, along with sleet and freezing rain. Oh GOODY!

I wanted to work from home & took my laptop, but couldn't get into the network this morning. Unfortunately, our company culture is such that you're considered a slacker if you don't want to put your life in danger getting to the office, so after an hour on the road and several interesting near-incidents, where I got waaaay to cozy with some street signs and mailboxes, I'm here. Until it starts snowing/icing again this afternoon.

I'm incredibly easy where Clay's concerned. It was just so damn good to hear him singing last night, I really don't think I would have noticed the roof caving in around me. I FLOVE his version of IDHTH. And POYB. And RHW. And TITM. Ok - ALL of 'em! I don't even like Mandy, but if it's Clay singing, I can deal.

[gbmifan]

I enjoyed everyone of the songs last night. I am one who care less what he sings as long as he does it well. I actually got teary eyed at the end of Proud of Your Boy. He sure has made us proud.

[wandacleo]

If I want perfection, I listen to a CD.

If I want heart, I listen to Clay singing live.

I love when he forgets the words. It's so endearing.

[claylove]

If I want perfection, I listen to a CD.

If I want heart, I listen to Clay singing live.

I love when he forgets the words. It's so endearing.

Well said! I turned to a pile of goo myself. While listening I just wanted to give him a big hug!!