Friday, August 28, 2009

Tweets, Pic Excite Clay Aiken Fans


Clay in meeting with Decca A&R executive. Graphic by cindilu2.

Decca Chapter Blasts Off

Tweets, Pic Energize Clay Nation

What a difference a day makes in the life of a Clay Aiken fan!

Down time for the Singer Man's fans is generally spent reminiscing about past performances; voting, chatting, streaming; sharing favorite videos, photos, graphics, even recipes. "Looking back" blogs are written, and new montages and graphics created from recycled material.

All the while, sentries maintain Internet vigils via Google, Twitter, and other news/social networking sites for any hint the tide might be turning. Late Thursday afternoon, a simple tweet -- Just met Clay Aiken -- sounded the alarm throughout Cyberspace.

Within minutes, message board sleuths knew the twitterer's name, rank, and serial number: Drew Farrar, music publicist for Decca Records in New York City. Ten minutes later Clay's new label posted a photo via TwitPic of the singer with David Novik, vice president of A&R for Universal/Decca.


Clay meets David Novik, Decca vice president. - Photo from TwitPic.

TwitPic Views Through the Roof

Views at the TwitPic site hit 10,000 at midnight and have been spiraling ever since. When this blog was uploaded at 2 p.m. Friday, page views totaled 15,699.

With apologies to VP Novik, visual artists immediately converted Clay's portion of the pixels into graphics, banners, avatars, and other designs.

Fans also discovered two YouTube video blogs in which the Decca vice president was interviewed about the music business -- David Novik, Part 1 and David Novik, Part 2 -- in June 2008.

Even now, tweets and photo comments continue at Twitter and TwitPic. Faithful Japanese fans chimed in at TwitPic: All the Clay fans from Japan are looking forward to his new music. Please get him to come over to Japan!

Late Thursday night, Decca at Twitter, apparently surprised at the outpouring from CA fans around the world, tweeted this response:

Vice-versa, Decca, vice-versa!!!

PHOTO INTERLUDE: This clickable collection features graphics from Clay's recent meetings in Atlanta and New York City. Featured are graphics by AmazingCA, 1 and 3; SueReu, 2; Fountaindawg, 4 and 5.









Less we forget, prior to the events of Thursday afternoon, this parody was typical of the message board scene for the summer of 2009. Many thnx to Fountaindawg for the memories ...
A Day in the Life (of a Clay Fan)
with apologies to The Beatles -- by Fountaindawg

Looked for some news today, oh boy
About a Raleigh man and what he’d say
Hoped something’d show to make me glad
Then I just had to laugh
I saw the photograph
Stood by some guy beside his car
Hey did y’all notice his highlights have changed?
All of Clay Nation linked to share
We’ve not seen this shade before
‘Kinda reddish-blond and in-between’ was said about the hair.

Check Broadway news today oh joy.
Looks like ‘White Christmas’ will return this year.
Some said that would be ‘perfect Clay’
Can’t we just picture him,
Having seen the film?
It sure would turn some ooooo-ooo-oooon!

Woke up, jumped out of bed
Logged on to see what others said.
Nope, no dog-gone news to perk me up
Another no news day or will some Twitter break …
Checked Decca’s site, and Google searched
Checked B.A.F. … oops “N.I.P."
Checked the Gala list for Clacker teams;
Saw familiar names, made sure I’ve got cell stream!
Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!

I hope for news today, (Pleeeeeease boy!)
It never seems enough when you’re away.
A Q&A or maybe blog?
Would make us happy so
Couldn’t you drop by with some good news or maybe just ‘Hello’ ?
You know it’d turn us ooooo-ooo-oooon!




TAKING FLIGHT -- Samuel Habib sits on his father's lap behind
the controls of his grandfather's sea plane, as the two
prepare for a flight. Photo by Dan Habib.

PBS Schedules 'Including Samuel'

The National Inclusion Project and CVS Caremark All Kids Can will partner to bring Including Samuel, a nationally acclaimed documentary by photojournalist Dan Habib, to public television stations in September and October (Disability Awareness Month).


Before his son Samuel was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, photojournalist Dan Habib rarely thought about the inclusion of people with disabilities. Now he thinks about inclusion every day.
Shot and produced over four years, "Including Samuel" honestly chronicles the Habib family's efforts to include Samuel in every facet of their lives.

The 58-minute award-winning documentary also features four other families with varied inclusion experiences, plus interviews with dozens of teachers, young people, parents, and disability rights experts.

"Including Samuel" is a highly personal, passionately photographed film that captures the cultural and systemic barriers to inclusion.

Habib, his wife Betsy McNamara, and CVS Caremark were among four honorees presented National Inclusion Project (formerly The Bubel/Aiken Foundation) Champions of Change Awards at the organization's 2008 October gala in Raleigh.

Currently, telecasts are scheduled in the following states:


Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin.

Updated weekly, the expanding list of broadcasts and public screenings can be accessed at Including Samuel/Television.

Host a Film Screening Party

"The PBS release of 'Including Samuel' is a hallmark event for our mission of inclusion," said Aron Hall, director of services for the National Inclusion Project.

"Consider hosting a party for your friends and neighbors at your house or a larger venue that you have access to. This is a great opportunity to invite people who may not have a connection to inclusion yet in order to introduce to the concept and benefits."

At the
Including Samuel website, people can do the following:

  • View the film trailer.

  • Download a screening and outreach kit with discussion questions, photos, templates for posters and invitations.

  • Download free material from the ‘Resources’ section which features published research, curriculum and articles on inclusion, plus links to dozens of organizations.

  • Purchase the DVD. National Inclusion Project supporters and volunteers can receive a 10% discount off the individual DVD, and 20% off purchases of 6 DVDs or more, by using the coupon code IS10IP.
  • Persons planning to host a viewing party should contact Aron Hall, who will will provide information about the National Inclusion Project. Community gatherings will be promoted on the Inclusion Project's event calendar.

    Here are the contact routes:

    Aron Hall, director of services
    National Inclusion Project
    www.inclusionproject.org

    104 TW Alexander Dr, Bldg 1
    PO Box 110104
    RTP, NC 27709

    919-314-5540
    Fax: 919-314-5540

    Below is a clickable of cindilu2's opening graphic:

    Want to help with some voting and streaming? Use these links to vote for Clay every 20 minutes at Tweeterwall and stream his music at Clay Aiken on My Space.

    Have an awesome week, Clay Nation!

    Caro

    Other blogs celebrating these topics include:

    Decca Enthusiasm:

    Clay-The Man

    Clay Aiken Journey

    Shyeyewitness and Friends

    gerra730

    'Including Samuel' on PBS:

    Clay Aiken News Network

    Clay Aiken News


    TECHNORATI TAGS: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

    35 comments:

    PaulaBear said...

    Thanks for another great blog, caro!! There is always so much to read up on over here. But, even if I never read another word, I could just come over here and look at that stunning picure of Clay Aiken all day!!!

    SueReu said...

    FANTASTIC picture of Clay!!!! He looks absolutely wonderful.

    Thanks for the graphics (and thanks for including one of mine!!!). I really enjoyed fountaindawg's lyrics (no apologies to the Beatles were needed) and a special thanks for the information about Including Samuel. So far my PBS station isn't listed, but I have contacted them and I'm hoping that they will add it.

    Have a great weekend!

    Allegra said...

    It doesn't take much to excite Clay Aiken fans. ;-)) SO when a fabulous picture is posted, it's enough to send the fandom into a twitter. Hee.

    Thanks for the great blog.

    claysweetea said...

    Thanks so much for such a great blog, Carol! Such beautiful graphics always. Sue's pictures are always great. Clay looks fabulous dahling in the latest picture with Decca vice president.

    Anonymous said...

    other fine blog Caro. Love Clay in blue!

    luluasst

    clayam said...

    It sure has been exciting times for Clay Aiken fans these past couple of weeks, "The Picture" as it is now known has sure created a buzz.

    Also special thanks for the info on the PBS program.

    Ashes said...

    Woo-hoo! Fun exciting Clay Aiken sightings and mentions this week!
    You can bet the Decca Tweet was greeted with enthusiasm from my corner!

    Great blog, love it all, and the fun of Fountaindawg's poem.

    I like it so much, I have a link to it in my late posted blog :)

    Have a wonderful weekend!!

    Anonymous said...

    Lovin' that DEVIL, twitter!!!! Clay is looking good and sure am happy , happy, he is gonna be singing!!!!!!!! Thanks~! for the wonderful job you do on your blogs, I so appreciate it ALL! Thanks! A Clay music fan, Donna in Wi.

    T said...

    Perfect blog Caro! It's really exciting to see recent photos of Clay. All the graphics are beautiful and thanks so much.

    I've enjoyed reading Fountaindawg's poem and also your info on Samuel - that was heartwarming.

    Great blog! Cheers!

    Anonymous said...

    As always another great job on your blog. We really appreciate all your hard work. Otherwise we would be stuck watching reruns on TV!!

    Is it me or does anyone else notice, the 1st two photos of Clay, in Atlanta, show his hair shorter and no tan? The new one from Decca shows his hair a little longer and a very nice tan. Spray tan or tanning booth? Something to think about.
    Thanks
    Sharrie

    anaturegirl said...

    Caro, another great blog day for you. Love the graphics and fountaindawg's rewriting of the Beatles song. Thanks for posting "The Picture" of Clay for those who are not on the boards. We were all a bit speechless for a few minutes then the OMG's and WOW's, etc started to be expressed. LOL

    Thanks for the info about Samuel and the showing on PBS.

    VoxLvr said...

    I see, I saw, I gasped for breath - to no avail, I fainted while frothing at the mouth...

    Eyequeue said...

    GREAT PIX OF CLAY!! [Why am I screaming? eeeeeeek lol] Love the Decca attention Clay is getting; perfect fit. THE LARGEST LABEL IN THE INDUSTRY (UMG) AND CLAY!!(oopsie, screaming again!).

    Did want to comment that Samuel seems like a very happy boy; the entire Hadid family must be very proud of their documentary, and I'll be on the look out for it on PBS, you can count on it.

    From the Heart said...

    Hummm. I hadn't thought of a "screening party" - seems completely right though! The Hadid family can educate us in one of the many causes Clay Aiken has taken under his wing for years. I'm so glad that PBS picked up this interesting documentary; will have to set my calendar so I won't miss it.

    Perhaps you may want to provide a link as to what time (in the different time zones) this will be airing? I know I can use my online TV guide, but it may help those who do not have the time to check !! ??

    A thought - always appreciate your blog - ALWAYS !!

    Chez Clay said...

    How exciting is this time in the life of Clay Aiken? HOW exciting is this time in the life of Clay Aiken fans? I can't even express how proud and anxious we are to have DECCA involved with Clay. His talent will not be denied.

    The "song" by Fountaindawg is really cute - I love "Day in the Life" by the Beatles, it's so fitting for our rollercoaster ride with Clay.

    Thanks again, Caro, for the incredible "clickables" - gaaah-worthy indeedie !

    Ester-C said...

    How much more gorgeous can he get?!!! OMG did you notice those abs!!!

    And he looks this good without any make-up, dress-up, studio photography etc. But it is kind of distracting me from his glorious voice ... for now anyway.

    2010 is getting better and better.

    Thanks for the blog, you girls are incredible.

    katy said...

    Great blog, great picture of Clay Aiken. I'm loving all the Clay sightings.

    Jannet said...

    So, SO happy about the latest sighting! He looks fabulous! Shoot, now I'm gonna have to go blog!... *hugs*

    Chardonnay

    Wallace said...

    Two words are important to Clay fan's "He blogged" and "new pix" lol. We are a lusty bunch, but we are loving every minute of it! Clay Aiken has such incredible talent, it is hard to put into words. Thank you for another informative blog, along with the "photo interlude" (my favorite part) hee.

    Anonymous said...

    Oh Caro!!!!! Great blog again!!!!

    I'm so excited for Clay Aiken AND Us!!

    Sheila said...

    I am already feeling very comfortable with Clay Aiken's decision to change labels, particularly with DECCA/UMG. His voice is something not to be left unchallenged and I have a feeling that DECCA will do just that ~ and the music that will result will be amazing. Looking forward to a successful 2010.

    Beam Me Up Clay said...

    Great blog as always! Fountaindawg is hysterical! Thanks again for the photo interlude, the clickables are so worthy of a right click/save. hee.

    PalpatatinClay said...

    Again, another great blog. Yes, you are so on target; as a fan I dashed about trying to find information on DECCA the minute I learned Clay had chosen them as his new label. When the new photo surfaced, I was right there hunting through google to find out who was included in the pix of Clay! I ran hither and yon on my cloven hoofs (hooves?) in order to "upgrade" my Clay knowledge.

    I'm so excited for Clay, and also the fans - 2010 will be a banner year that's a certainity!

    MisBehaving said...

    As always, you have out done yourself with yet another great blog; you have such an interesting blog that not only informs us, but also entertains us. I love your great Clay clack...thank you for taking the time to entertain us; it's an incredible pix of Clay Aiken; the graphics are awesome, thank you again and again.

    Madam AL said...

    What a gorgeous picture of Clay! Thank you for posting it. Always a great blog, very appreciated. I am looking forward to watching "Including Samuel", I'm glad that PBS picked it up. Thanks again.

    Clay's Palace said...

    What an incredible statement "Clay meets David Novik, Decca vice president." YES !! I couldn't be more pleased with Clay Aiken's choice of new labels...what an exciting time this is for Clay and his fans!! Thanks for the great blog - very appreciative !!

    Popsicle Toes said...

    WOW,what a lot of information on your blog ~ love it. Screening parties for Samuel sound like a ton of fun, great idea! Thank you for printing the email from National Inclusion Project. I always love your photo interlude!

    VoxLvr said...

    Thank you for the additional information re "Including Samuel" (especially the email from NIP).

    Love your blog; come by throughout the day to check out your photo interlude. hee.

    musicfan said...

    This is such a great blog....yes we were all so excited about the picture and also so proud of the support for Including Samuel.

    The next few months are going to be so exciting.

    Thanks for the wonderful blog!!

    Sandy said...

    During this "Clay Drought" it sure is amazing what one little picture can do and a very nice picture at that! A big thank you to the "Twitter gods"!

    I was glued to the TV for most of the weekend following the funeral of Senator Ted Kennedy. What a tremendous loss to the nation.

    I look forward to the PBS special on Samual. That is if our Watertown PBS station will be airing it.

    Have a great week!

    Hugs,

    Sandy

    Tripster said...

    Great clickable PAH's by AmazingCA, SueReu, and Fountaindawg. Thank YOU for posting them. This blog has so much information on it; I appreciate the time, effort and talent in informing us. Thank you again !!

    katy said...

    The Clay Aiken fandom is ready always to support him.

    Clacking in the USA said...

    An incredible blog; the amount of information alone is well worth the read ~ I love it that NIP is sponsoring Samuel's story on PBS. It is something I will make certain to watch.

    Thanks again for a great blog!

    PaulaBear said...

    Nice to see that great Clay Aiken picture still at the top of your blog, caro!! Just had to come back for another look!

    Unknown said...

    Hey People Mag,here's your sexiest man of the year!
    ...humma, humma, humma!!!