ClayManiacs

Gwenn, Marion and all celebrating Hannuka, blessings my friends :hugg
Gwenn, I smell the latke's and they smell good :yum

Here's a blast from the past--and I mean blast. 'Forgot the boy could belt like that! :bigsmile

Of course, he looks like he's about to keel over at the end, but that's another story....

ALL IS WELL
 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9q9sQ11G4_o&feature=related)

ON THIS FIRST NIGHT OF HANUKKAH, WE CELEBRATE MIRACLES.  HAVING YOU ALL IN MY LIFE BECAUSE OF THIS MAN IS A MIRACLE.

Here's a blast from the past--and I mean blast. 'Forgot the boy could belt like that! :bigsmile

Of course, he looks like he's about to keel over at the end, but that's another story....

ALL IS WELL
 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9q9sQ11G4_o&feature=related)

Here's a blast from the past--and I mean blast. 'Forgot the boy could belt like that! :bigsmile

Of course, he looks like he's about to keel over at the end, but that's another story....

ALL IS WELL
 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9q9sQ11G4_o&feature=related)

ON THIS FIRST NIGHT OF HANUKKAH, WE CELEBRATE MIRACLES.  HAVING YOU ALL IN MY LIFE BECAUSE OF THIS MAN IS A MIRACLE.

To everyone celebrating Hanukkah, I hope you have a wonderful time.

On Saturday, I'll be attending my student's memorial service at noon.  Still hard to fathom it.

Dec 6 2009, 5:35 PMGuest16 (guest): Evening All Guest 16 again! I sooo would love too give some more hints at his new record, but he would kill me! or shall i say Kick Butt! haha. He keep's chopping and changing songs, all together he has over 20 songs recorded and im not sure what he is putting on the album yet. & yeah he will be touring again & all the things with that will come too, (VIP) & maybe meet & greet! Clay has LOTS of new ideas & he hopes you all will love them. Bye for now claymates! xx

Dec 8 2009, 7:26 PMGuest16 (guest): Hello Guest16. This is for SueReu. I am from england UK. Clay is back in Raleigh & looking forward too christmas with parker & friends & family, and cant wait too start again in 2010. Yes!!! xxx

Come on Uncle David, maybe you can finally give Clay/a.k.a. your sister's baby daddy a little break????  :please

OC wrote:
My sister, who lives in Minneapolis, just told me that one of the local radio stations said that Clay was seen in Saint Paul this morning at a restaurant called "The Downtowner" with the former-first-lady of the city Kathy Kelly (that's Reed's mother). I looked it up and the place looks nice.

http://www.downtownerwoodfire.com/

Could this really be true?!! iglitter.gif My sister swears that is exactly what they said. I thought I would put it to you all to see if you have heard anything.

biggrin.gif Yeay! For Clay hanging out with the family!! Now is he seeing Reed?!!
Appearently Reed posted earlier this week on Facebook that he had been shoveling snow Indicating he was in MN.

WONDER IF HRH DECORATES HIS TREE OR SOMEONE DOES IT FOR HIM.

Oh gosh, I hope he decorates his own tree! Bringing someone in to do up a tree for you is pretty dang impersonal.

I so hope Clay is being an involved, "fun" type of Dad who shares everyday activities with his son.

When he has him, anyway. :hypno

Great time of year..!!Wrapped a present yesterday for a 1st time Grandma , so happy and excited... who was flying down to Fla. today... Her son and DIL were returning from CHINA with their brand  new daughter..  New life, new country, Hanukkah/ Christm as family celebration!!  How lucky was I to wrap that gift??

Marion, I love how you look at things! :bouncy :hugg

THEA, Wouldn't it be nice to have a cookie swap..  I loved your BAKLAVA!!!!

:wave  Off to the salon to get roots done, hair trimmed, brows waxed and toes pedi'd.  Would you believe I'd actually rather just stay home today, but duty calls!!

It's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it. :slick

I SAW STEPHEN CURTIS CHAPMAN ON GMA THIS MORNING AND I COULDN'T HELP BUT WONDER IF HE AND CLAY ARE STILL FRIENDS.  THAT IS SOMETHING I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW.  SCC SEEMS LIKE SUCH A GOOD MAN.  IT WOULD BOTHER ME IF CLAY'S ORIENTATION AFFECTED THEIR FRIENDSHIP.  BUT I HAVE SEEN IT HAPPEN WITH FRIENDS OF MY BROTHER.  LONG TIME FRIENDS.

Posted by jclay at CV:

Quote:
Paper this morning has an article "Celebrities share their favorite holiday stories"

Here's the entire article on the Christmas stories.
http://www.dfw.com/103/story/210526.html

Celebrities:

Kelsey Grammer
Carrie Underwood
Chris Rock
Matt Lauer
Kristin Chenoweth
Jenny McCarthy
Clay Aiken (The story about the Christmas tree hanging out the window - and a pretty picture)
Al Roker

Clay and Kristin are the headline of page 2
"Stories: Chenoweth's tree is ceramic, Aiken's is cool"

THANK GOD SOMEONE ELSE IS AROUND.  I FELT----ALL ALONE. :wink

WAS SUPPOSED TO GO TO A FRIEND'S TO DECORATE.  SHE HAD MINOR SURGERY LAST WEEK AND STILL DOESN'T FEEL RIGHT.  SO, I BAKED COOKIES AND WATCHED 2 DAYS OF THE VIEW.  NOW THAT HANUKKAH IS BASICALLY DONE, THINGS ARE KIND OF QUIET.  AND I FORGOT TO TAPE THE CLOSER FROM LAST NIGHT.  ANNOYING.

Quote
WAS SUPPOSED TO GO TO A FRIEND'S TO DECORATE.  SHE HAD MINOR SURGERY LAST WEEK AND STILL DOESN'T FEEL RIGHT.  SO, I BAKED COOKIES AND WATCHED 2 DAYS OF THE VIEW.  NOW THAT HANUKKAH IS BASICALLY DONE, THINGS ARE KIND OF QUIET.  AND I FORGOT TO TAPE THE CLOSER FROM LAST NIGHT.  ANNOYING.
Are you going to bring those cookies to your friend who's recovering from surgery? Or are you gonna eat them all yourself?

I AM GONNA TAKE SOME WHEN WE GO, BUT I FROZE THEM RIGHT AWAY.  I AM TRYING SO HARD.  AT THIS TIME OF YEAR, IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE.

I AM LISTENING TO EARLY CLAY.  GEEZ, THAT MAN COULD SING.

I AM LISTENING TO EARLY CLAY.  GEEZ, THAT MAN COULD SING.

Yeah, he could. 'Hope he still can.
 

Boy, bringing that tree home really made an impression on him! :wink

...
YOUNG ACTIVISTS TO DEVELOP A CAMPAIGN FOR INCLUSION
Quote:
BETHESDA, MD--Twenty young people from across the country will come together here next month to participate in a national summit. Their goal: develop an advocacy campaign that builds awareness and support for the full social and educational inclusion of people with disabilities. The youth leaders, diverse in their backgrounds, experiences and abilities, are united in their vision of a world where people of all abilities have the same opportunities.

The National Youth Inclusion Summit is organized by the Including Samuel Project, a program of University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability, along with Imagination Stage, the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation, and the National Inclusion Project. Partners in the effort include the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Kids Included Together, Girl Scouts of the USA, Victor Pineda Foundation and VSA arts.

:lol True. I don't go to CV but I saw on another board they quoted what she said. I do go to Openly Clay where they talk about Reed a lot. One person a few days ago was hoping since Clay ate with Reed's mom Friday they could have talked about it as to why Reed wasn't with them and Clay would propose.

A lot of people on FB which are probably mostly Clay fans are asking Quiana to please tell or e-mail them privately.

She played in SC Friday night though so don't know if she would had been in MN the next night.

Oh, come on now. This is getting ridiculous! Somebody post! :hissy

As you back out of your driveway, your navigation system builds a route to the lakeside cabin you’ve rented for the weekend. Thanks to an app you’ve downloaded that contains the best driving roads as suggested by other users, you’ll be forgoing the highway for a fun, twisty route. From the passenger seat, your spouse turns on a few lights in the house, cues her Clay Aiken Pandora channel, and then navigates to her favorite blog.

Your daughter, sitting in the back seat, has already donned her wireless headphones and is glued to the last 15 minutes of the latest “Glee” episode, which she had been watching on your couch just a minute ago. Next to her, your son has loaded a game of Tetris on his seatback screen to challenge his best friend who’s competing from a laptop fifteen miles away. 

Um, it's pretty much stopped snowing here.

Sorry, Gwenn. :para

Now it's just freezing rain.  :cold

ESPECIALLY SINCE BARRY'S BACK IS NOT GOOD.  HOW THE HELL AM I GONNA RUN THIS ENORMOUS SNOW BLOWER?  I DON'T EVEN KNOW HOW TO TURN ON A MACHINE LIKE THIS LET ALONE USE GEARS.  MAYBE HE CAN LEAN ON IT OR SOMETHING. 

I DON'T THINK WE EVEN GOT MAIL AND I AM WAITING FOR MY NETFLIX OF THE FIRST DISK OF SEASON 2 OF MAD MEN.  I THOUGHT THE MAIL CAME IN ALL WEATHER.   REMEMBER THAT SAYING?

I cleared some snow away from my door with a broom. But guess where my shovel is? Yup- in the garage, which the doors are buried in about three feet of snow. Maybe more where the drifts are.

SHARON---HOW THE HELL DO YOU LIVE WITH ALL THIS SNOW ALL THE TIME?  OY.

I HAVE DECIDED THAT ALL OF THIS IS CLAY'S FAULT.  IF HE WERE TOURING, WE WOULD BE SOMEWHERE ELSE AND WOULDN'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THIS.  THAT IS MY STORY AND I AM STICKING TO IT.

WELL, I USED THE SNOW BLOWER

I wonder if Clay got to show his son the snow and build a snowman or go sledding. 

Not if they were in Raleigh. :shrug

WHAT I NEED IS A MAN WHO LOOKS LIKE GILES MIRANI TO DO ALL THIS FOR ME.        NO EPIDURALS.  NO KVETCHING.  LOOK, I'D EVEN SETTLE FOR A NOT SO SKINNY RED HEAD WHO OCCASIONALLY SINGS.

GOTTA GO MAKE DINNER.

From CV posted by Bonilee
Quote:
EEE! I just talked to Rubenin the store today. He was behind me in line. I told him I heard that he was going to be touring with Clay this year. He smiled and said he couldn't say. Then I said hypothetically if there was to be a tour when would it be? He smiled and said,"This summer, if it were true" I asked him why did everything always have to be a secret and he said, with me? I said, no, with Clay. He started to say something when the check out girl took his money and was taking care of his change, so he never got to answer. We left and he was parked next to us in the parking lot. We were both putting our things in the car and I told him I tried his vodka pasta dish, and it was very good. He said oh, so you are on my site, and I said yes. He seemed to like that. He said, "Yeah, that Clay, he really loves that vodka sauce!" He said he had never had it til Clay told him how great it was. He said Clay raves about it.
Back to top    
   

He said, "Yeah, that Clay, he really loves that vodka sauce!"

So, we can take this to mean that Clay loves vodka and has been hitting the sauce. :giggle

Now THATS how those rumours start!!!!  :lol

Busted. :blush

TC Palm.com

Palm Beach Gardens event to benefit National Inclusion Project

Quote:
Professional golfer Wayne Player has announced he will return to co-host the third annual Golfing for Inclusion with multi-platinum selling artist Clay Aiken.

The event is returning to The Country Club at Mirasol in Palm Beach Gardens on Feb. 1 and benefits the National Inclusion Project.

The event kicks off with brunch and a golf clinic conducted by Player, followed by a round of golf on Mirasol’s exclusive Sunset course. The golf tournament will be a scramble format and include contests and prizes including hole-in-one opportunities. Immediately after golf, an Awards Reception will be held to recognize the winners of golf competitions and team placement. The event concludes with dinner including a live and silent auction and entertainment with a performance by Clay Aiken.

The National Inclusion Project, formerly the Bubel/Aiken Foundation, serves to bridge the gap that exists between young people with disabilities and the world around them. Several levels of participation in Golfing for Inclusion are available.

For more information, call (561) 394-9190 or e-mail info@chevents.com. Registration may also be completed online at www.inclusionproject.org/golf.

Hi, Suse. :wave

I thought you guys were already moved in together.

Congratulations, Suse! :bouncy

Are you guys saving up to buy a house? Good luck!

Quiana just tweeted.....

QUOTE
qparler: Eating some nasty ol' cheese sticks with Clay Aiken!
12 minutes ago from UberTwitter · Reply · View Tweet

DECADE IN REVIEW: FAVORITE REALITY TV

2. American Idol (debuted June 2002)
Sure, there had been televised talent shows before but never one on the level of American Idol. Putting Star Search to shame, the entertainment industry got a major platform for launching the careers of innumerable young wannabe singers (and even spawning a god-awful movie), all the while keeping viewers hooked with the promise that they were ones deciding who won and went home. And while we initially tuned in to see former pop star Paula Abdul (before we knew just how crazy she was), the real draw turned out to be Simon Cowell. Never had we seen such an abrasive judge laying out harsh criticism to the tuneless masses like this, which of course made his faint praise of actually worthy contestants much more believable. And if it wasn't for Idol, Ryan Seacrest would be a local radio DJ instead of the multi-millionaire Dick Clark for the new millennium that he became. Oh, if only...

Best Contestant: Clay Aiken (Season 2). He may not have won (and we'd still like a recount on that Ruben Studdard victory), and he may not have been as flashy or flamboyant as Adam Lambert, but this nerdy, bespectacled redhead showed the world that talent comes in many unlikely packages long before Susan Boyle.

MAYBE HE REALLY IS BORED WITH THE FORMULA. 

As abrasive as he can be, I don't know of anyone who could replace Simon.  I'd say 98% of the time, his comments are right on, moreso than Randy and God knows, Paula.

I'm wondering if the show will end. 

DIFFERENT TOPIC.

SINCE MY BROTHER GAVE ME A BOSE DOCKING STATION FOR HANUKKAH, I HAVE BEEN GOING THROUGH SOME CD'S AND PUTTING STUFF ON MY COMPUTER TO DOWNLOAD ONTO MY IPOD THAT ARE "DIFFERENT."  RIGHT NOW I AM DOWNLOADING THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM PHANTOM.  MICHAEL CRAWFORD IS SINGING "MUSIC OF THE NIGHT".  OMG, CLAY WOULD KILL ON THIS SONG.  I MEAN KILL.  I WOULD LOVE, LOVE, LOVE TO HEAR HIM SING THIS SONG.  THE THOUGHT OF IT GIVES ME CHILLS.

GWENN

TRIPLE POST.  HEY, I HAVE NOTHING MUCH TO DO TODAY.

THIS IS ADORABLE:


http://tinyurl.com/yjxnhqc 

NOW A QUESTION.  I JUST GOT A 3 DISK CD CALLEDTHE ADVENTURES OF ODYSSEUS FROM MY BROTHER.  NOW, I AM NO IDIOT, BUT WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD HE SEND ME A VERSION OF THE ODYSSEY?  I COULDN'T STAND TO READ IT IN HIGH SCHOOL.  IS THERE SOMETHING I DON'T KNOW ABOUT?

From CV:

New tweet
Quote:
dickhodgin: been working with clay aiken the last couple of days....man, that guy can sing.. !!
5 minutes ago from web · Reply · View Tweet

man, that guy can sing.. !!

Ah, he's still got it. :bigsmile

SO, I FINISHED THE LAST OF THE COOKIES. 

BACK FROM A CHRISTMAS EVE PARTY.  ISN'T IT AMAZING THE STUPID CRAP PEOPLE GIVE YOU?

GWENN

BACK FROM A CHRISTMAS EVE PARTY.  ISN'T IT AMAZING THE STUPID CRAP PEOPLE GIVE YOU?

WE ARE SPENDING A QUIET AFTERNOON AND GOING TO DEAR FRIENDS FOR CHRISTMAS DINNER.  THEY HAVE BEEN SPECIAL TO US FOR OVER 30 YEARS AND THEIR SON AND HIS WIFE ARE IN FROM TEXAS AND HER GRANDDAUGHTER IS HERE FROM NORWAY.  WE "GREW UP" TOGETHER.  IT IS VERY SWEET.  LOOKING FORWARD TO IT.

SUNNY----IT COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE.  LAST YEAR WE GOT A TURKEY PLATTER THAT MIGHT HAVE COME FROM THE DOLLAR STORE.  THIS YEAR, A WINE OPENER.  BUT NOT A GOOD ONE.  ONE OF THOSE KINDS THAT I KNOW I WOULD BREAK.  DOESN'T MATTER.  IT IS THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS AND THE FACT THAT THEY THOUGHT OF US IS FINE.

GABE'S PARENTS.  HEY, ER AND GABE AREN'T EVEN ENGAGED YET.  I GUESS I HAD ONE GLASS OF WINE TOO MUCH WHEN I WROTE THAT.  :bigsmile :bduh :wink :blush :naughty

Of course I heard "Last Christmas I Gave You My Heart" hundreds of times by everyone who ever recorded it.

Hope everyone had a joyous Christmas!  You in the mid-west got hammered with snow and ice, I hear. Barb, was your family able to make it over for the festivities? 

Why were you :scratch , Gwenn?

Yes, Sunny but as we know second place isn't bad. LOL!

HOPE THOSE OF YOU IN THE MIDWEST ARE OK WITH THE STORM.

I AM NOT SAD TO SEE 2009 GO.  NOT A GREAT YEAR AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED.  MANY PEOPLE PASSING.  TERRIBLE ECONOMY FOR THE COUNTRY AND MANY PEOPLE I LOVE.  NO CLAY TO SPEAK OF.  (YES, WE HAD AN OCCASIONAL SIGHTING HERE AND THERE, BUT NOTHING MUCH.  FIRST CHRISTMAS IN 6 YEARS WITHOUT HIM.)  BARRY'S BACK AND VERTIGO.  HOPING 2010 IS A BANNER YEAR FOR US ALL.

Just a quick post to check up on MARILYN.  I haven't seen her post for a while and was getting concerned about her. 

BUT ALL OF THIS IS BECAUSE CLAY IS NO WHERE TO BE SEEN.  ANNOYING.  HE COULD HAVE SAID HAPPY HOLIDAYS.  REED DID.  THE PRESIDENT DID.  HE AIN'T THAT BUSY.

I am not expecting anything from Clay.

How can anyone blow "Happy Holidays to all" out of proportion? Oh, trust me- the slime could do it.

I will bet that there are many pop stars who have NOT blogged to their fans concerning the holidays. I will also bet that some of them can express themselves (John Mayer) without causing a fuss.

If his popularity is based on blogging "Merry Christmas" that sure is a sad state of affairs, isnt it? IMHO

I HAVE LONG SINCE COME TO THE REALIZATION THAT IT IS BETTER TO EXPECT LITTLE FROM PEOPLE AND YOU WON'T GET HURT.   ESPECIALLY MEN.

I think each of us has a unique "relationship" with Clay Aiken.  I so understand that some people need a little more input from him than others;

I think each of us has a unique "relationship" with Clay Aiken. 

                       
            
 NEVERMIND

Thea, some day, in the far, far future, I would love to spend the holidays on a warm beach.  That must have been quite a change from frigid Chicago.  

But Clay is not family. I have no idea what's going on in his life, and don't need to know, but I will be very happy when we do hear from him again, and very very excited when we get to see/hear him again.

Oh, it was JILL!  But sadly all good things must come to an end.   And I hope you can someday cruise the Caribbean.  It was pure bliss just sitting on the upper deck watching the ocean.  And I am now officially addicted to Virgin Lime Daiquiris.   I actually graduated from club sodas to more fancy drinks this time around....a huge step for moi.   :lol  

                           THATS WHAT I NEED ROCK TIL I DROP, :roflmao

I think we all do, GLORY!   :lmao

Everyone has a slightly (or more) different opinion. But Clay is not family. I have no idea what's going on in his life, and don't need to know, but I will be very happy when we do hear from him again, and very very excited when we get to see/hear him again.

THE CH IS HAVING THE SAME DISCUSSION.  THE PROBLEM WITH CLAY IS THAT IT IS NEVER ENOUGH.  THEY HAVE LISTED ALL THE BLOGS AND Q & A'S FROM LAST YEAR.  MORE THAN I THOUGHT;.  BUT WHEN IT COMES TO CLAY, IT IS NEVER ENOUGH.

Oh, yes we do..........   :blush

Received an e-mail today from Billboard. Its countdown of 50 "top music moments" ended as follows:

Quote:
Top 50 Music Moments Of The Decade‏

1. iPod Changes Everything... [snip]

2. R.I.P. King of Pop [snip]

3. America Freaks Out Over 'Idol' (September 4, 2002)

Could a bona fide pop star be made on live television with the help of the American viewing public? Why not, thought TV producer Simon Fuller, who launched a U.S. version of his hit British show "Pop Idol" in the summer of 2002. Texas girl-next-door Kelly Clarkson won "American Idol's" first season and went on to become one of the decade's top-selling artists. Platinum powerhouses such as Clay Aiken, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry and Jennifer Hudson followed, proving that democracy, music and three months of "Survivor"-style competition could indeed transform unknown dreamers into chart-topping superstars.


Bolding mine. Heh. The name just kind of jumped off the page at me. Here's the link, for those who like to see links:

http://www.billboard.com/news/the-decade-in-music-top-50-moments-1004055326.story#/news/the-decade-in-music-top-50-moments-page-1004055327.story

I AM NOT SURE THE WORD "FIERCE" IS WHAT SHE SHOULD HAVE SAID.

GEEZ, IF CLAY USED THAT KIND OF WORD, THE N&O WOULD HAVE HAD IT ON PAGE 1 FOR A MONTH.

We did all that? Yay, Triangle! :bouncy

Good news! The Triangle area of NC raised nearly $12,000 during Wrapping for Inclusion. That is enough for a camp!

SHARON--THIS TIME, I THINK HIS FOOT REMAINS ON THE FLOOR AND NOT IN HIS GORGEOUS MOUTH.

Clay Aiken was appointed a UNICEF ambassador in 2004.

In March 2005 Aiken toured the tsunami-ravaged Indonesia and heightened awareness about the need to restore schooling to displaced children. In May 2005 Aiken traveled to Uganda, where he saw children on the run from kidnapping and involuntary enlistment in the local guerrilla army. He has also traveled to Mexico to aid children affected by recent floods.

In April 2007 Aiken traveled to Afghanistan where he toured schools and marveled at the resilience of the children he met there. His experience prompted him to launch the "$100,000 in 10 Days" campaign to continue offering lifesaving support for kids in that country. The campaign ended up netting $250,000 in fewer than five days.

In June 2008, Aiken traveled to Somalia, a country where conflict and hunger have created one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.

Aiken continues to be an avid champion for the often forgotten children of the world.

VERY IMPRESSIVE---HIS UNICEF BIO--


GWENN

I did not mean to be harsh when I responded to Glory's post- it was not meant to be mean, and I certainly hope she did not take it that way

You have a pure and kind heart

Your mind, however, is another story. :slick

Your mind, however, is another story. :slick

                                NEVERMIND.

                               

MARILYN IS ALWAYS THE EPITOME OF DECORUM. :wink :slick  JUST LIKE I AM. :lmao :lmao :lmao

                                        GWENN I WAS GONNA SAY THAT I NEVER THOUGHT OF MARILYN AS PURE :roflmao :lmao :lol

    MrsC,

                I am devastated!!  Are you really telling me Marilyn is not the Epitome of Decorum!
     
                           Surely you jest??
                                                                    Betty

  Barb was a riot!!


                                
                                                                Betty

                              YOU GUYS ARE SO FULL OF IT. :lmao :roflmao :lol

Define "It"!  :slick  :lol

That's what I thought she meant, SHARON!  :lol

I think she's missing a couple letters there Thea :lol :para

:yay and thanks to the hard working WFI teams!  I admire people who can transform paper and bows into beautiful packages.  Not one of my talents. 

Thanks for bringing the Huffington Post blog here.  Clay's involvement in UNICEF has really caused me to open my eyes to the deplorable and inhumane conditions of certain African nations.  One of my family members will be traveling to Africa in the near future.  Glad to read that a little bit of progress seems to be taking place and that it is still important to Clay's humanitarian mission.

On a sad note, I received news that my kitty has terminal cancer.  She's been such a wonderful part of our family.  Just trying to keep her comfy and lavish her with unconditional love and attention.   :kitty

On a sad note, I received news that my kitty has terminal cancer.  She's been such a wonderful part of our family.  Just trying to keep her comfy and lavish her with unconditional love and attention.   :kitty

Clay is UPlifting!!

AND JAN, POST AS MUCH AND AS OFTEN AS YOU WANT.

SUPPOSED TO SEE "NINE" TODAY.  HER HEATER IS LEAKING SO IT DEPENDS ON WHEN THE DUDE LEAVES.  OTHERWISE JUST COFFEE.

                                           WELL MISS JOHANNA I AM UP AT 1;30 AM ,I LAYED DOWN ABOUT 8 AND THE REST IS HISTORY. :lol GLAD YOU GOT YOUR DAD;S STUFF TAKEN CARE OF. GLAD YOU ARE PART OF OUR FAMILY ALSO, :hugg :hugg SOMETIMES I TYPE WITHOUT THINKING ABOUT WHAT I AM SAYING, GUESS CLAY AND I HAVE A CONNECTION. :para :lol I AM PROUD OF HIM HE IS SO COMPASSIONATE ABOUT KIDS I HOPE HIS BLOG GETS PICKED UP BY ALL THE NEWS AGENCYS.BUT SINCE THERE IS NO CONTROVERSY IN IT IT PROBABLY WON'T, SAD SHAPE OUR COUNTRY IS IN, COULD BE WRONG OFTEN AM,

                                  WELL O MIGHTY ONE FEELS SLEEPY AGAIN I WISH I COULD STAY AWAKE LONGER SO I COULD SLEEP ALL NIGHT.BUT NOOOOOOOOO THE TIME CHANGE IS KICKING MY TUSH.

I hope I don't give the impression that I don't love and admire Clay.  I think he has a remarkable humanitarian spirit.  And I think he's a good man.  I will always be a fan.  But, I don't think he's perfect.  I know I come across as "critical" of him at times, and I'll try and tone that down.

MICKI, that's exactly how I feel.  Thank you.  :hugg

I really hope no one "tones down" anything. Opinions are just that--opinions. They're not truths carved in stone, nor are they supposed to be. They're what we think about something at some time.

I don't always agree with everything Clay says or does, either. He does some things that make me smile, some that make me proud, and some that make me think, "That was stupid." All are valid thoughts. I would hope this doesn't become a Happy Posts Only board, like some fan sites are.

I really hope no one "tones down" anything. Opinions are just that--opinions. They're not truths carved in stone, nor are they supposed to be. They're what we think about something at some time.

I don't always agree with everything Clay says or does, either. He does some things that make me smile, some that make me proud, and some that make me think, "That was stupid." All are valid thoughts. I would hope this doesn't become a Happy Posts Only board, like some fan sites are.

As for the self-confidence thing, shoot, I'm a NYC girl at heart. I'm brassy. :wink

I really hope no one "tones down" anything. Opinions are just that--opinions. They're not truths carved in stone, nor are they supposed to be. They're what we think about something at some time.

I don't always agree with everything Clay says or does, either. He does some things that make me smile, some that make me proud, and some that make me think, "That was stupid." All are valid thoughts. I would hope this doesn't become a Happy Posts Only board, like some fan sites are.

Thea :hugg

Do people put others down for unpopular views here? I think that, since so many of us have met in person at one time or another, that reminder that we're "real people" helps curb that sort of thing. Then again, you may perceive otherwise. I find your posts to be quite thoughtful, and you often give me a different perspective to think about. So, I hope you don't limit them to "Clay-positive" views only.

As for the self-confidence thing, shoot, I'm a NYC girl at heart. I'm brassy. :wink

OK, one more thing......It's now official that the Critical Mass Thread is not the "Amen Chorus" for all things sweet and nice about Clay????  Well-articulated dissenting opinions and heated, respectful discussions are much more interesting IMHO.   

And we love you for it my Sunny friend :wink

Yeah, I get the idea he likes a good debate. :wink

IMO cats and dogs (probably to a lesser extent)   are very intelligent and intuitive animals who respond to the love of their masters.  Just stroking her and speaking softly to her will help her to deal with her pain and fear.

and I had to call a plumber after 9 PM when I noticed the problem.  He turned off my water and checked the situation and will be back today to fix it.  Can you even imagine what the $$$$$ will be for the "evening" plumbing call?

I don't always agree with everything Clay says or does, either. He does some things that make me smile, some that make me proud, and some that make me think, "That was stupid." All are valid thoughts. I would hope this doesn't become a Happy Posts Only board, like some fan sites are.

Faye Parker posted the following on her public FB page. I am not a friend of hers so it is definitely public. Bolding mine.


QUOTE
Faye Parker 2009 we mourn the passing of Daddy. Brett finished his stint in the Marines 1 1/2 years ago. Is in school in Wilmington. Mama just had back surgery. Hope she will be home B-4 New Year. My grandson is adorable and the apple of my eye. Clayton. The New Year holds some exciting things for him. Me, the energizing bunny. I keep going and going. Happy New Year and may your lives be blessed in every way.

Ooh, who's the cute guy? :slick

Clayton. The New Year holds some exciting things for him.

Ooh, who's the cute guy?

I'm working til 4 for one job then heading to another and working til 9:30(ish). I was invited to a co-worker's New Year's Eve party - first invite in years! - but since I've got to work 8-4 tomorrow I'm going to pass. Then I'm going to see the Sherlock Holmes movie again on New Year's Day. Sunny has agreed to go with me!

I believe that's Claude Atkins, Sunny.  No.  Wait.  It's coming to me now.  Claude.  Clay!  That's it, Clay Atkins!   :lol

Someone has to keep an eye on you where Sherlock is concerned. :wink

I think you should go to the New Years party though. Even if just 'til 12:15--you've got a perfect reason to leave early. But it would be fun to ring in the New Year among friends. That kind of stuff is important, ya know. :hugg

Yes, it would be fun. I seriously considered it but he lives in Cary. :eek Driving around Cary at night trying to figure out directions?  :para :hypno No thanks!  :lol

HERE'S HOPING 2009 LEAVES AND BRINGS US A WONDERFUL 2010 FILLED WITH JOY, LOVE, HAPPINESS, HEALTH, AND CLAY.  I HOPE MICKI SELLS SHER HOUSE.  THEA'S SON GETS THAT JOB ALL STRAIGHTENED OUT, ETC.  HOPE I GET BACK ON THIS DIET AFTER THE HOLIDAY.

                                       I AM SO GLAD I FOUND CLAYMANIACS ALL THOSE YEARS AGO,SO MUCH JOY, AND FUN, WITH SOME SADNESS OVER THE ONES WE HAVE LOST,CLAY'S BEAUTIFUL VOICE IS RESPONSIBLE.FOR SOME WONDERFUL FRIENDSHIPS THAT I HOPE WILL CONTINUE FOR MANY YEARS TO COME. A TEAR FELL BUT LIFE IS GOOD               
                               

Well, SUNNY, I believe he's the one who stole our hearts and turned our lives topsy-turvy 9 years ago. I believe he's also the one who's drained our bank accounts, forced us to become computer experts and brought such an eclectic group of women together. He's given us a life sentence together, but it's one that I will gladly serve!  :bigsmile
   

BUT I AM GONNA THROW ON SOME CLOTHES AND QUICKLY SHOVEL THE DRIVEWAY BEFORE WE GO.

From Twitter:

clayaiken From all of us on Clay's team, we wish you a Happy New Year. See you #in2010 !

I was really bad and didnt do ANY Christmas Cards this year- RL just whupped my tushy.

I only did 3 or 4 myself, Marilyn, so don't feel bad. :giggle

This year I'm sending out "Happy New Year" cards.   I hope to have them out by the end of the first quarter of 2010.   :para

Just wanted to drop by and wish everyone a Happy New Year.

I have been busy today undecorating,and trying to find places to store it all. Every year there seems to be more to put away than there was to drag out.
I must convience myself,DO NOT GO TO AFTER CHRISTMAS CLEARANCE SALES :bigsmile
I have enough Christmas gift bags ,tags,and ribbon to last for the next 5 or so years...Where did all this STUFF come from?:lol

COFFEE CALLS.

GWENN

Gwenn, care to join me for a cup of chocolate/raspberry Ghirardelli :thud I can't begin to tell you how yummy it is :yum

SOUNDS GOOD TO ME.

GWENN

If I bring my own mug, can I come over, too?

If I bring my own mug, can I come over, too?

How fun would that be if we really could :hugg 

We have one wonderful Italian grocery store here who stock Ghirardelli coffee, what a treat, I bought them out of chocolate/peppermint and chocolate/raspberry for gifts for all the coffee lovers on my list And my Sunny friend, I have a perfect mug for you, it says "Dance Like Nobody's Watching" :bigsmile

I'd sure like a cup of that coffee, Sharon, and some good conversation.  I have enough Clay mugs for all of us.   :bigsmile

.

SHARON---HOW DO YOU STAND THIS COLD?

I HEAR IT IS EVEN COLD IN NC.

It's cold for us--20-something degrees. Feels even colder for me cuz I shaved my legs the other day. :lol

 :lmao :clap we can always count on you :wink

                                    SO THE SECRET IS IF YOU DON'T SHAVE YOUR LEGS YOU WON'T GET COLD, I WILL TRY ANYTHING I HATE COLD WEATHER. :roflmao

Glory try it, can't hurt :lol

DO NOT MISS IT'S COMPLICATED.  FABULOUS.  FUNNY.  JUST A GREAT FEEL GOOD MOVIE.

I WANT TO BE MERYL STREEP.

GWENN

B.C. family's dog saves boy from cougar attack

Updated: Sun Jan. 03 2010 20:28:38

Douglas Quan , ctvbc.ca

A cougar attacked a B.C. family's golden retriever Saturday night after the dog stepped in between the cougar and an 11-year-old boy.

Police, who later shot the cougar dead, credited the 18-month-old dog -- Angel -- for saving the boy's life.

Austin Forman had gone to retrieve some firewood outside his family's home in Boston Bar, about 200 kilometres northeast of Vancouver.

That's when the cougar began to charge across the yard at the boy [...click on link to read the entire story]

COFFEE.  SHARON WHERE IS THAT SPECIAL STUFF YOU MENTIONED?

GWENN

QUOTE (moonhead @ Jan 4 2010, 12:33 PM) *
So, I've been "googling"...

EEEEEEEE!!

Chris Walden

QUOTE
Current projects: Chris just finished composing the music to the upcoming feature film MONSTER MUTT. He also just finished arranging and conducting for the upcoming CLAY AIKEN album for Decca Records. At the moment Chris is arranging for an album with HELEN SCHNEIDER and the SWR


Chris Walden Bio

QUOTE
BIO

Four-time Grammy® nominated German composer/arranger/conductor CHRIS WALDEN has scored more than 40 feature and TV films, and has written close to a thousand orchestral and big band arrangements for artists including Christina Aguilera, Michael Bolton, Faith Hill, Aretha Franklin, David Foster, Paul Anka, Sheryl Crow, Christopher Cross, and orchestras like the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Boston Pops, and many more. He has orchestrated for Barbra Streisand, Diana Krall, and Natalie Cole.

He most recently arranged the National Anthem for Jennifer Hudson's performance at the SUPER BOWL XLIII and his recent film credits include the feature film "Monster Mutt", TV movies "Alien Siege", "Crimson Force", Gene Wilder's "The Lady in Question", and the CBS mini series "Blonde". Since three years Walden has also been a principal arranger for "AMERICAN IDOL". He has been musical director on many TV shows and series, and has worked on more than 100 CDs. As an arranger and bandleader he has worked with jazz artists including Michael Brecker, Peter Erskine, Ernie Watts, Tierney Sutton, Bobby Shew, Pete Christlieb, amongst others.

Chris Walden began writing compositions and arrangements at the age of 16 for local high school bands. After graduating at 19 he joined the German National Youth Jazz Orchestra as a trumpet player. At the age of 21 he started writing arrangements for German radio big bands and radio symphony orchestras, while he was studying composition and arranging at the University of Cologne. As assistant to his mentor Peter Herbolzheimer Walden arranged music for the OSCAR® nominated film "Schtonk".

After receiving two master's degrees in music Chris Walden conducted the RIAS Big Band in Berlin and the Frankfurt Radio Big Band, served as musical director for the televised German Movie Award Show for four years and composed music for German films and TV before he emigrated to Los Angeles at the age of 29.


As a guest conductor he led the Dallas Symphony, Columbus Symphony, National Symphony, West Australian Philharmonic, Munich Symphony, Slovak Radio Orchestra, South Korean Pops, and many more.

Although Chris Walden learned arranging, composing and orchestrating the traditional way with pencil and paper, from early on he explored the possibilities of computers for sequencing and notation. That's why he always likes to orchestrate, program, and conduct his music himself.


Since 1999 Chris is leading his own big band recruited from top studio musicians based in Los Angeles. Chris is a board member of ASMAC (American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers.)

More details on Wikipedia


AWARDS


1.

• 2008 (2) Grammy® nominations
2.

• 2007 ASMAC award
3.

• 2005 (2) Grammy® nominations
4.

• 1998 Ernst-Fischer-Prize
5.

• 1993 Ernst-Fischer-Prize



Public portion of his Facebook Page

Chris is originally from Hamburg, Germany.

I just can't take the show seriously after that.

Sunny, I think that happened for me when Kara opened her dress to give bikini girl a run for her money  :eek why did she do that :para

I'm not planning to watch AI, either. I think they pretty much "jumped the shark" when they brought Ellen DeGeneres on as a judge. I just can't take the show seriously after that.

Sunny, I think that happened for me when Kara opened her dress to give bikini girl a run for her money  :eek why did she do that :para

Here ya go Gwenn :lol

BIKINI GIRLS (http://showhype.com/video/kara_dioguardi_and_bikini_girl_in_bikinis/)

I'm not ready to get excited about Clay's new CD. I remember when the release of ATDW was approaching--all the flowery posts building eager anticipation in the fandom... the sweeping prose expounding on the endless opportunities his talent would bring... guarantees of greatness from people who had supposedly heard previews... and then the CD came out!

And there was no celestial choir anymore.

I'm going into the city again this weekend..  We have tix for.The Pirates of Penzance..by Gilbert and Sullivan...  Don't laugh I have very eclectic tatste.... Still missing Clay....... :shrug

I am the very model of a modern major general! :wink

Marion I will try to find the original pic. I think I did a close up to post this somewhere. SORRY!!

I've information vegetable, animal, and mineral

I had a video of Pirates of Penzance with Kevin Kline and  Linda Rondstadt. Kevin Kline was ADORABLE as the Pirate King!! He sure could dance, too!!

I'm not ready to get excited about Clay's new CD. I remember when the release of ATDW was approaching--all the flowery posts building eager anticipation in the fandom... the sweeping prose expounding on the endless opportunities his talent would bring... guarantees of greatness from people who had supposedly heard previews... and then the CD came out!

And there was no celestial choir anymore.

THAT IS WHY I WAS SO DISAPPOINTED IN THE JNT07 BECAUSE I LOVE HIS PERSONALITY AS MUCH AS HIS VOICE.

THE DAYS OF WDC AND CofF ARE LONG OVER.  IT AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN.  AND NOT BECAUSE OF THE CLAY-ANGELA STUFF.  HE JUST DOESN'T LIKE THAT KIND OF MUSIC.  I THINK HE IS WRONG BUT HE DIDN'T ASK ME.

I JUST KNOW THAT I LOVE WATCHING HIM AND BEING AT A CONCERT.  MORE THAN THE CD.  NO ONE COMMANDS A STAGE LIKE CLAY DOES WHEN HE ALLOWS HIMSELF TO BE CLAY. 

Cute Tweet. The girl is from Birmingham AL
Quote:
jordanFREAKOUT: It's my parents aniversary ... this is what my mom said,"FWD: We are at the same restaurant as Ruben studdard and Clay Aiken"

Ruben tweeted...

Quote:
RubenStuddard: Just talked to Clay and I'm so excited about the future!!!!!!!

This just begs to be repeated~~~because :clap

I JUST KNOW THAT I LOVE WATCHING HIM AND BEING AT A CONCERT.  MORE THAN THE CD.  NO ONE COMMANDS A STAGE LIKE CLAY DOES WHEN HE ALLOWS HIMSELF TO BE CLAY.  HE CAN TAKE A SONG I CAN'T STAND AND BRING IT LIFE
GWENN

And for Sharon, my coffee of the day is Gloria's Buttered Toffee.  Come on down.  :wave  I received a Keurig coffee maker for Xmas, and I'm trying all the different blends.  I love it!

Only spaghetti is now linguine Paranoid

CDs

When was the last time you bought a CD or even walked into a record store?

The past decade was one of the worst for the industry. In the beginning, there was Napster. Then came iTunes, which was introduced in 2001 and offered affordable pricing and easy accessibility. Face it, CDs aren't coming back.

Record stores are feeling the pinch. Most Virgin Megastores in the U.S. have shut down following declines in sales and revenues. In 2004, Tower Records entered bankruptcy and by 2006 most locations had closed.

How important is the EP in getting these bookings? I wonder if Clay will have the same EP for the upcoming CD.  Mmmm . . .

And speaking of EPs, I hope he has a new one for this next CD.

It's publicists who are responsible for getting their artists out in front of different audiences. EPs work on the overall sound/theme of the CD.

And speaking of EPs, I hope he has a new one for this next CD.

 

Hopefully they will get it right this time around.  Even cats only have 9 lives.....

'Love your cynicism! :lol

Oh SUNNY, sometimes I just can't keep my cybermouth shut....Thanks for the  :thumb  :hugg

We're living in a frozen winter wonderland right now.  Subzero windchills every night and sometimes during the day.  WISC BARB, I'm sure it's even worse up in your neck of the woods. 

Good reading from a variety of posters again...and missed yours of late, Thea.

IT HAS BEEN A DREAM OF MINE MY WHOLE LIFE.

All of his close friends and family seem to feel like it is going to be an exciting year -- and I'm more than ready.

Kept thinking I know this singer, but she sounds fresh, edgey, who is it, Kelly Clarkson.  The song is "Already Gone"

Kelly Clarkson certainly has been a shrewed business woman over the years since her AI "debut".  IMO she made a very wise decision in "making nice" once again with old Clive Davis after her disastrous "My December" album where she decided to buck the system and go with her own plan.  Sometimes people have to swallow their pride when it comes to getting along in "The Industry".  In the end, that person can win!!!   JMHO.

 

                                MY WONDERFUL SON HAD TO GO BACK TO EGYPT TO FINISH UP BUSINESS AND PACK UP HIS APARTMENT, HE GOT THERE THEY WOULD NOT LET HIM IN THE COUNTRY, NO EXPLANATION OR ANYTHING.SCARED THE HECK OUT OF HIM AND ME PUT HIM ON A PLANE BACK TO THE STATES. THANK THE GOOD LORD THEY LET HIM GO.MY MIND WENT ALL KINDS OF PLACES WITH THE WHAT IFS. LIFE IS GOOD HE LANDED IN NY AT 6 THIS AM BE HOME BY 6 TONIGHT.

MICKI--UNDERSTAND THIS RIGHT NOW.  IF THERE IS A TOUR, YOU WILL BE THERE.  ONE WAY OR ANOTHER.

Yeah, don't make us get tough! :wink :hugg

MICKI, I'd be skeered, very skeered.  MS SUNNY is one tough cookie with skill in the martial arts, if I recall correctly!   :para

Now if only Clay could find that one magically song that would be a big hit.

On a positive note:  Possibly we are one day closer to a tour announcement, right????  :bigsmile

THEN MY SURROGATE GRANDSON IS COMING TO VISIT.  I FEEL HAPPY.

Who was that chick they had singing America the Beautiful? That sounded a little rough to me. :para

Audra MacDonald... mm, the name sounds familiar. What happened to her tonight?

I can't imagine that she would have been dealing with stage fright.  Maybe she was just heartbroken that her favorite team wasn't in the Championship?  :bduh  She looks like a USC fan to me!   :lol 

That must be it. :wink

I was rather impressed with her singing of "America," especially that it was A cappella and she was able to modulate smoothly to a different key on the last verse.
 
 
 

Although I wasn't paying that close attention to her performance, I'm sure that an a cappela modulation, however well-executed, could come across as strange and clumsy-sounding.  Maybe this particular venue wasn't suitable for this particular  arrangement.  Based on my observations, most performers at football games just concentrate on a using a lot of melisma with a glory note at the end of the song. 

                                    ANY BODY HERE EVER TRIED JENNY CRAIG,

                                    ANY BODY HERE EVER TRIED JENNY CRAIG,

Ellen DeGeneres will be the nurturing person on the show and create an interesting dynamic with Simon.

DeGeneres  I think they called Clay Aiken first, then Simon.

I don't get it either, Marlene. :shrug

Ellen answered some questions on how she was approached about being a judge to replace Paula, which she answered.  Then....

EW Simon, were you & the other judges part of the hiring process at all?

Simon Cowell  Iv'e never really had that much part in the casting. Because we hadn't had much casting ,to be honest with you . I think they probably called  us pretty much at the same time, to make sure there weren't going to be any issues. And obviously there weren't going to be--everyone was very excited.

DeGeneres  I think they called Clay Aiken first, then Simon.

Rosemary, thanks for the nudge, he was just amazing that night :wink

WHAT A FREAKIN' VOICE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QC9SKjdoTXg)

AT FIRST I THOUGHT---HOW IN THE WORLD IS HE SINGING A SONG LIKE BOTW WITH GOSPEL SINGERS.  THEN HE BLEW ME AWAY.  ONLY TIME I EVER VOTED ON IDOL.  ER AND I USED 3 PHONE LINES AND  COULDN'T GET THROUGH ON ANY OF THEM.   LORD, DOES HE LOOK LIKE A BABY.  BUT WHAT A VOICE.