Clay Aiken Fans Dial Up A/C Radio

TRIED & TRUE PREVIEW: Singer Clay Aiken previewed the 2011 Winter Tour at a benefit concert in Chicago in October. The graphic design by AmazingCA with photo by PermaSwooned is double-clickable.

Kick-Off for Tried & True Tour

Fans Request UM on A/C Radio

With the 22-city Tried & True Tour slated to open in Miami, FL, on Feb. 10, Clay Aiken fans are lining up requests for "Unchained Melody," popular track on the T&T CD, at Adult Contemporary radio stations throughout the country.

Already a favorite from the singer's 2003 run on American Idol, "Unchained Melody" was arranged especially for Clay by Ben Cohen and has become his signature song on the Decca June 2010 Tried & True release.

Unchained Melody
Double Clickable

Fan club members report that two Internet stations -- EZ Does It Net Radio and Soft 'n Easy Net Radio -- have already been receptive. Wednesday the first played "Unchained Melody" upon MagicalMusic's request. The second played "On My Way Here."

UM, which fits the AC format like a glove, was performed by Clay during CD promotional appearances in June. Below is video from The View.

Clay Aiken Performs UM on 'The View.'
View video full screen at YouTube.

To find an AC station near you, search Radio Locator by city/state/zip, call letters, and/or format. The Triad's station, WMAG-FM, just now changing over from its holiday format, provides an easy link for streaming live from its website.

Unless WMAG reads the Carolina blog, the station is in for a sweet surprise this week. To the delight of the Winston-Greensboro Wrapping for Inclusion team, this radio station frequently programmed Clay's "O Holy Night" during their sessions.

As a special "thank you" from WFI wrappers georgiesmybaby, FearofH2O, and Scarlett, a tin of Christie's Cookies with the National Inclusion Project logo will be delivered to 99.5 WMAG Radio Thursday. The NIP charity was co-founded by Clay and Diane Bubel in July 2003.

Logical next step for Clay Aiken fans in the Triad is to start requesting the singer's signature version of "Unchained Melody."

Who knows - the cookie angle just might work in other parts of the country, too!

Pepsi Countdown: 3 More Days!

After a grueling four-month campaign, the National Inclusion Project is sitting atop its category and appears to be on the verge of claiming a Pepsi Refresh $50,000 grant!

Daily voting routines have not slowed one iota, as supporters seek to help the alliances and partners whose reciprocal votes have boosted the Inclusion Project to its Top 10 standing.

The second Holiday Vote Blast is slated Thursday as eight children's charities seek to produce 100,000 Pepsi votes for their causes. See Vote for Kids for links to the NIP and the group's nine alliances.

You can also vote three ways by linking to the two widgets in this blog's sidebar or at their home base: NIP Voting Links and More NIP Voting Links. Created by Scarlett, the widgets contain the Internet/mobile ballot links/addresses for the foundation's alliances and partners formed throughout the four-month campaign.

Fans Target Ella's Hope, CDLK5

Two charities NIP supporters are especially targeting these final few days have been partners with the NIP for four-month Pepsi campaign: Ella's Hope, an alliance dedicated to early intervention of autism hovering around the final moneyed rung, and the CDLK5 Foundation seeking a cure for a rare neurological disease.

Sharon G (12/30) for CDLK5: Arianna's family of 10 have voted all 3 ways for you. Please help us to the top 10. 1 computer + 10voters + 3 ways = 1 comment and 30 votes. Ari and I sat outside of Kohl's today for 4 hours passing out fliers for votes for the 10 groups we are voting for. Hope it helped!

Arianna is a young girl with no voice. A $50k grant for CDLK5 would provide the operation she needs. I am voting for both of these groups with each ID from now now until midnight Friday.

Calendar Deadline Set for Jan. 15

An order deadline of Jan. 15 has been set by Rosaratana, who annually produces a Clay Aiken calendar as a fundraiser for the Inclusion Project.

The 2011 wall and desk calendars, which feature photos by toni7babe from the summer's popular Timeless Tour, have been well-received by CA fans.

All proceeds after costs will be donated to the foundation in February. Cost of the calendars, which are printed on premium glossy card stock are $12 for the desk size (8.27" x 3.74") and $25 for the wall model (11" x 8.5").

To place an order, Paypal or email Rosa at rosash@comcast.net by Jan. 15. Checks are accepted, and she will email you her address. For additional information and photos, see the Nov. 2 Carolina entry: Clay Aiken Fans Go to Bat for Inclusion Project.

Christmas Day with Kai and Lia

The snow-covered sculptures lining my side street are actually sleeping dump trucks awaiting resumption of the utility work that has besieged our neighborhood for weeks. My three-year-old grandson Kai, who is very much into trucks, would appreciate the scene.

In his home, Kai has discovered that hardwood floors are very conducive for the emergency runs he and his new Christmas fire engine make. His sister Lia is content to imitate her mother's ways with a brand new doll.

The new toys stayed home when the family visited friends for Christmas Day. Clickables of their holiday activities are shown below. Grandmother's gift will arrive in the Spring when the family drives to Carolina for an extended visit.

Before leaving, Lia got in a little piano, voice, and "vamp" practice.
Her music-teaching grandmother is most impressed
with the hand-over-hand technique.

Kai and Lia enjoyed playing games before gathering
at the beautiful Christmas table prepared by their hostess.

Holidays can be so tiring, but grandson Kai has learned
to kick back and relax, above board and below,
with/without shoes and socks.

Count on postscript pictures of the fire engine and doll baby. Meanwhile, have an awesome transition from 2010 to 2011! Happy New Year, Clay Nation!


Signature by Linda/ABM

Clay Aiken Sings Christmas Greetings

Graphic by Cotton

Wishing all a joyous Christmas!
Recommended Playlist: 'Merry Christmas With Love' by Clay Aiken

Merry Christmas to all who may dwell here
Merry Christmas if even just one
May the joy of the season surround you
Merry Christmas with love!

MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE: Clay Aiken sings MCWL during the 2005 Joyful Noise Concert in Denver. View video by Scarlett full screen at YouTube, and download with this Sendspace file.

If "Merry Christmas With Love" is not filling your holiday airwaves, the solution is a click away with mp3 downloads at Amazon or other online outlets. Fan club members can link to Clay's musical holiday greeting here.

MCWL Playlist

Merry Christmas With Love
Mary, Did You Know
Hark the Herald Angels Sing/O Come All Ye Faithful
O, Holy Night
Don't Save It All for Christmas Day
Joy to the World
Sleigh Ride
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Silent Night
The Christmas Song
Winter Wonderland
What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?

The clickable graphics below are by AmazingCA, 1, 2, 5; Cotton, 3; and Lindylo, 4. Photographers include PermaSwooned, 2; zippy888, 4, and toni7babe, 5.

A special thank you to all who visit the Carolina blog throughout the year. I always enjoy hearing from you and appreciate your props for the talented visual artists featured here.

With visuals and music from Jacquie Lawson, I wish you and yours peace, love, and all the wonder of the Holiday Season!

Christmas signature by Linda

Clay Aiken + Christmas Music = Holiday Magic

HAPPY HOLIDAYS - Graphic by AmazingCA with photo by toni7babe.

Clay Sings Songs of Season

Montages Echo Holiday Cheer

Whether you are busy wrapping gifts or baking goodies for holiday festivities, there is no better accompaniment than Clay Aiken singing songs of the season.

With that in mind, the Carolina blog will intersperse memorable CA performances and direct you to YouTube where there are countless more. Search for just about any Christmas song AND Clay Aiken -- and that baking schedule will have to be adjusted.

In 2008, SueReu created a montage that spotlights a fan favorite -- "Don't Save It All for Christmas Day -- from several holiday tour/TV performances.

Four Years of 'Don't Save It All for Christmas Day'
View montage by Sue Reu full screen at YouTube.

'Beautiful Star' Special Gift for Papa

During the Raleigh concert of the 2005 Joyful Noise Tour, Clay surprised his beloved grandfather and the audience with a special gift when he sang the bluegrass carol, "Beautiful Star of Bethlehem." Papa Aiken, unofficially adopted by the Clay Nation at that concert, passed away in 2009.

Hosaa's montage begins with the singer speaking about his grandfather, who died in 2009. The passage below is from the audio version of Clay's 2004 bestseller Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music of Your Life.

My papa has Alzheimer's now. When we see each other, his eye widen with recognition, but he has trouble saying the words. We hug instead, and he doesn't let go for a long time.

Granny says he can't remember much about his past and has difficulty processing the present. But he does ask about me. And if I happen to be on TV at night, he'll sit up and watch, no matter how late.

Recently Granny told me that Papa doesn't listen to the Grand Ole Opry at bedtime anymore. He listens to my CD's. Every night she asks if he might like to hear something different, but he refuses. Instead, he puts in my music and pushes "play."

It's as if I am still there, like I was as a child, lying beside him and singing him to sleep as the darkness falls. - Clay Aiken in 'LTS'

Clay Aiken: Papa's 'Beautiful Star'
View montage by hosaa full screen at YouTube.

The final video features Clay singing the jubilant "Joy to the World" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" in the 2003 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade. Enjoy!

Joy to the World/We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Clay performs in 2003 Walt Disney Christmas Day Parade.
View video full screen at YouTube.

Holiday Vote Blast Set for Thursday

In the midst of the holiday season whirlwind, National Inclusion Project supporters continue their mission to make December the month the foundation secures the $50,000 Pepsi Refresh grant.

The NIP is one of eight children's charities calling for a massive Holiday Vote Blast to bring in 100,000 votes on the next two Thursdays -- Dec. 23 and Dec. 30. Make plans now to engage many more voters for the all-day vote blast.

No doubt you have seen art for the occasion at Facebook and other sites. Click on the image below to expand, and add it to various websites throughout Cyberspace.

NIP Supporters Find New Voters

Ingenious ideas for enlisting new voters are shared on Clay Aiken message boards daily. Queenmama247, who keeps several high profile sites in her community (library, bank, beauty shop) well-stocked with fliers, seems to be one great idea after another. Her latest post may spark some for others:

I stopped by the home and workshop for the disabled and dropped off about 200 fliers. That night were having their Christmas party, and 300 people were expected. The director of activities is really impressed with the NIP.

The only time I am a pain is when I see someone with a cell phone. I just ask people if can use their phone for a second and then text in a vote. My sister-in-law is coming over today, I told her to bring both of her cell phones.

WFI Introduces Others to Inclusion

As the Pepsi Refresh campaign has done, Wrapping for Inclusion stations throughout the country are introducing the foundation, its mission and programs, to countless citizens this holiday season.

In addition to wrapping 50 Barbie dolls all in pink, volunteers have become ambassadors for inclusion, passing out NIP fliers and Pepsi voting cards to those who stop by. For PDF links to download fliers like the one above, see the 12/6 Carolina entry: Clay Aiken Fans Vote, Wrap for Inclusion.

Below is a WFI report from Winston-Salem, NC, wrapper FearofH2O:

Although we are raising serious money, we are also getting many people to text and/or vote.

We have had many high school student volunteers vote, and many of the people we wrap for take home the printed instructions for themselves or their kids to vote. They seem really interested in helping.

Reciprocal Votes Boost Support

Reciprocating votes with partnering charities from North and South Carolina to Montana and Wyoming, the Inclusion Project has maintained a top 10 position throughout December's drive for a Pepsi Refresh grant.

Number 2 would be an appropriate finish for a charity co-founded by Clay Aiken, but NIP followers will be pleased with a funded conclusion -- 1, 10, or anywhere in between.

Most recent charity partners are linked in the brand new second widget in the Carolina blog's sidebar and are a perfect place to send holiday visitors with mobile phones.

Created by Scarlett, both widgets -- NIP Voting Links and More NIP Voting Links -- contain the Internet/mobile ballot info for current alliances and partners of the foundation.

Below are clickable holiday graphics from AmazingCA, 1, 2, 3, 5 (photos by PermaSwooned, 1, and toni7babe, 3) and cindilu2, 4, screen cap from video by jojoct.

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas Week!


Holiday signature by Linda

Performances Celebrate Christmas Season

MUSICAL GREETING -- A Beautiful Mind created the MCWL holiday graphic with a Clay Aiken photo taken by fivegoldens during a Joyful Noise concert.

Merry Christmas With Love

Student Recitals Herald Holidays

For weeks, I have thought my neighborhood's massive utility project would hamper the annual holiday performance classes of my music students. In the end, Mother Nature played an even larger role with Thursday's freezing wintry mix icing the streets and postponing the violin ensemble's Christmas play-in until January.

Headquarters for the construction project, my side street is lined with a parade of vehicles that my three-year-old grandson Kai would define as absolute bliss -- dump trucks, front loaders, bulldozers plus mounds of dirt and gravel. A Porta-John sentinel guards my corner, and crews work until after dark nightly.

For this reason, the traditional piano gathering was relocated to Wesleyan Christian Academy on Wednesday, and our class presented an enjoyable mix of seasonal songs and other genres -- "Quiet River" (Miranda), "A Whole New World" (Payton), and a jazzy version of "Erie Canal" (Caleb). "Three Tunes for Away in a Manger" (Joseph) intertwines various versions of this carol in a lovely duet.

Holiday Songs Reflect Season

Mitch brought along his mother as his duet partner. Chase, Brenda, and Jeremy filled the choral room with traditional holiday fare: "Adeste Fidelis," "Good King Wenceslas," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," "Angels We Have Heard on High," and, echoing the weather forecast, "Frosty the Snowman."

This teacher is always pleased when musicality shines through. Despite some nerves, dynamic differences, shadings, and echoes were present.

High fives to these students for the gifts they shared with their families, friends, and each other! The recap for violinists Anna, Erica, Ora, Tatum, and Jay will occur sometime after New Year's.

Students Employ Intense Lobbying

The contents of the annual gift bags from the teacher have attained levels of monumental importance, as the final week of lessons was filled with a well-orchestrated litany of hints for favorite goodies.

Little did the young musicians know the treasured pop corn, hot chocolate (with marshmallows!), candy canes, etc., were purchased two weeks ago.

The colorful bags which normally decorate my grand piano this season enticingly lined risers in the WCA choral room. Hopefully, their contents and the music learned for the Christmas season will be re-opened often in the coming days.

Holiday performance classes have become a special "Merry Christmas With Love" greeting card, celebrating the season and honoring the parents who make music lessons possible throughout the year.

Merry Christmas With Love - Montage by iloveclay101

MCWL Title Track Fan Favorite

Featuring videos by Hippoga, SecretlyLovesClay, and Scarlett from the 2004-06 Joyful Noise tours and televison appearances, the Merry Christmas with Love montage by iloveclay101 can also be viewed at YouTube.

"Merry Christmas With Love" is the title track of Clay's popular 2004 holiday album. Written by Greg Wayne Davis and Bill Smiley, the song was first recorded by Sandi Patti for a 1983 Christmas album.

MCWL was released by RCA Records on Nov. 16, 2004. The album was re-released on Aug. 18, 2009 on the Sony label and is available through Amazon and other online sites.

The platinum CD was recognized by Billboard as the Best Selling Christmas Album of 2004 and the Best Selling Christian Album of 2005.

Merry Christmas With Love

She leaned with her head on the window
Watching evergreen bend in the snow
Remembering Christmas the way it had been
So many seasons ago.

When children would reach for their stockings
And open the presents they found
The lights on the tree would shine bright in their eyes
Reflecting the love all around.

This year there's no one to open the gifts
No reason for trimming the tree
And just as a tear made it's way to the floor
She heard voices outside start to sing.

Merry Christmas to all who may dwell here
Merry Christmas if even just one
May the joy of the season surround you
Merry Christmas with love.

Carolers sang as she opened the door
Faces of friends in the crowd
And all of the shadows of lonely reminders
Driven away by the sound.

Now the heart that for years had been silent
Was suddenly filled with a song
As she clung to their hands like a child in the night
She found her self singing along.

Merry Christmas to all who may dwell here
Merry Christmas if even just one
May the joy of the season surround you
Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas to all who may dwell here
Merry Christmas if even just one
May the joy of the season surround you
Merry Christmas with love!

Below are clickables recalling the Joyful Noise/holiday tours. Included are AmazingCA 's graphic, photos by Riversend, 1; concert photo by fivegoldens, 2; lead graphic by ABeautifulMind, 3; graphic by cindilu2, photos by toni7babe, 4; and ACA's graphic, photos by ClayIzzaQT, 5.

Mother Nature Ushers in Cantata

Last weekend (Saturday morning rehearsal and two Sunday services) I played oboe in the annual Christmas Cantata at Jamestown United Methodist Church. As always, it was a family affair with my sister and niece on flute and my brother-in-law conducting 72 choristers and the 40-piece orchestra.

Centerpiece of this season's program were four suites from "The Many Moods of Christmas," arranged by Robert Shaw and Robert Russell Bennett. Among the carols still spinning in my memory bank are "Angels We Have Heard on High," "Fum Fum Fum," "March of the Kings," "Bring a Torch Jeanette Isabella," and "I Saw Three Ships."

As if programmed into the second weekend of December, Mother Nature hit cantata day for the second consecutive season with a cold, rainy forecast. Despite the weather obstacles, the dampened musicians presented a program of glorious, uplifting music. The huge sanctuary was packed for both services with extra chairs added in the vestibule.

If you need information about the Pepsi Refresh Campaign (updated widgets, printable fliers, etc.) and other December fundraisers for the National Inclusion Project, scroll or link to the 12/6 entry, Clay Aiken Fans Vote, Wrap for Inclusion.

Wishing you and yours a very happy and musical holiday season!


Holiday signature by Linda

Montages Rewind Clay Aiken Events of 2010

BECAUSE WE KNEW YOU - Clay Aiken's 2010 Decca release, Tried & True, was promoted in Popeater with these Diana Levine photos. Click to enlarge graphic by AmazingCA to wallpaper size.

Performer, Advocate, Humanitarian

Montages Celebrate Year of Aiken

A year-in-review blog usually charts in late December, but the brand new four-part Clay Aiken Memories of 2010 montage series by LovesClaysVoice tossed the normalcy aside.

With the altered timetable, the singer's fans are celebrating an overview that incorporates the new Tried & True album with Decca Records, promo appearances, the PBS Special, a signature "Unchained Melody," the summer's Timeless Tour, and, always, the endeavors to make a difference.

I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led to those who help us most to grow;
If we let them - and we help them in return.
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true,
But I know I'm who I am today because I knew you ...

The first montage incorporates the new Decca release, the accompanying promo appearances, the taping of the PBS special and the Bringing Broadway Home benefit performance in Clay's hometown of Raleigh.

Lea Salonga and Jennifer Paz provide the background music for this video with the song "For Good" from Wicked.

Clay Aiken - Memories of 2010, Part 1
View full screen at YouTube. Download with this Sendspace.

The second montage highlights the harmonies, chemistry, and laughs from the July-August Timeless Tour with good friend American Idol 2 Ruben Studdard. "The Time of My Life," was a fitting ending and description of this tour's performances.

The Timeless Duo - Memories of 2010, Part 2
View full screen at YouTube. Download with this Sendspace.

The third video spotlights vocal numbers "Mack the Knife," "Who's Sorry Now," "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do," the "Crying" duet with Casey Thompson, and "Unchained Melody" along with classic Clay Aiken banter from October's Park West Benefit Concert in Chicago.

Park West Concert - Memories of 2010, Part 3
View full screen at YouTube. Download with this Sendspace.

Featuring the dedication to humanitarian work that has always defined the entertainer, the final video rewinds the National Inclusion Project's 2010 Champions of Change Gala with portions Clay's speech, live and Dutch auctions, and the treasured finale, "Both Sides Now," performed as a duet with Debra Leisey signing the lyrics.

Making a Difference - Memories of 2010, Part 4
View full screen at YouTube. Download with this Sendspace.

The collection of montages include videos by the following CA fans: Babbyd, Scarlett, gerwhisp, gdg, HippoGA, toni7babe, Claylove, LauraQ, MBlovesClay, dlh7777, and robyn42.

Here's to many more memorable performances, the delightful impromptu comedic timing, and the huge heart of Clay Aiken!

If you need information about the Pepsi Refresh Campaign (updated widgets, printable fliers, etc.) and other December fundraisers for the Inclusion Project, scroll to the previous entry: Clay Aiken Fans Vote, Wrap for Inclusion.

Have a wonderful weekend, Clay Nation!

Holiday signature by Linda

In past years, I have written about the birthday our family celebrates on Dec. 11. Happy Birthday to a very special daughter!

12/11/06: Musical Weekend Alters Birthday

12/11/07: The Year Christmas Came Early

Clay Aiken Fans Vote, Wrap for Inclusion

Singer Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel co-founded the National Inclusion Project in July 2003. Graphic design by AmazingCA, photo by PermaSwoonded.

With Pepsi Refresh Campaign

Fans Aim for $50k Inclusion Grant

So Clay Aiken's Nov. 30 "birthday present" will just have to wait for New Year's Eve delivery!

A picture-perfect ending to November would have resulted in a gift-wrapped $50,000 Pepsi Refresh grant for the National Inclusion Project, the charity Clay co-founded with Diane Bubel in 2003. However, last month's campaign ended with the foundation two positions away from the 10 funded groups.

By the dawn of Dec. 1, NIP supporters had regrouped and were off and running with a new set of alliances and partners in their quest for $50k funding for inclusive programs throughout the country.

Official alliances and partnering charities reciprocating with the NIP are listed on the voting widget below, in this blog's sidebar and on several Clay Aiken message boards across the Net.

At some sites, members have voting assignments for a specific group. Others make their own selections, either an all-alliance ballot or a combination of alliances and partners.

NIP Voting Widget contains alliances plus A-E partners.

Inclusion Project Starts at #2

Either way, it's working. The Inclusion Project opened the December campaign in second place, and supporters are working daily to hold a winning position through midnight Dec. 31.

For those new to the process of utilizing all three voting methods (Pepsi, Facebook, mobile text), read How To Vote in the NIP Voting Widget.

If you need a slice of the holiday spirit, scroll through the comment section of the National Inclusion Project's page on the Pepsi Refresh site. Charities are not only diligently working for their cause, but they are also supporting and pulling for other groups.

Below is a "singlet" from a 4x4 holiday flier that can be attached or included in vote-recruiting emails to family, friends, and associates.

Designed by Scarlett, the flier can be right-clicked, saved, and used in other ways, too: as hand-outs at WFI stations and various community locations (bank, beauty shop, library, church), as inserts in Christmas cards, etc. Please share your ideas in a comment below.

Creative Fans Recruit More Voters

During the past three months, this blog has highlighted several creative, successful strategies from various CA fans. These are again from queenmama247:

When I went to the grocery store, I talked with the Salvation Army bell ringer outside. I dropped some money in her bucket, and she placed a stack of NIP fliers on the bench beside her. She was such an angel.

I forgot to buy something, so I sent my husband back to the store. He said he dropped some money in the Salvation Army bucket, and the lady gave him a flier. He couldn't understand by I cracked up; he had brought my own flier back to me!

Later she returned with a postscript:

I had a very productive day. Besides giving fliers to the bell ringer, I dropped some off at the library since the ones they had were ALL GONE.

Then I left some on the counter at the bank. Will do more at church on Sunday. The fliers seem very easy to pass out. Only thing is they eat up my cartridge!

A few months ago, Thankful4Clay asked CA fans to vote for her mother's singer in a Twitter poll. Now the Blake Shelton fans are returning the favor by casting daily votes all three ways for the NIP in the Pepsi Challenge.

Colorful WFI station in Iowa yields donations for NIP.

NIP Supporters Wrap for Inclusion

In addition to the Pepsi Refresh Challenge, the holiday season provides several fund and awareness-raising opportunities for the National Inclusion Project

Wrapping for Inclusion, which not only spreads holiday cheer with a gift-wrapping service for shoppers, is traditionally an excellent opportunity for tell others about the foundation's inclusive mission and programs.

Accompanying the colorful wrapping materials of well-stocked WFI stations are fliers about the foundation's programs. With the Pepsi Refresh campaign in session, this season's WFI centers also are providing Internet and text info for new voting recruits.

Screen cap of NIP Flier
Double Clickable

Download the fliers from this PDF link, print, and share with prospective voters at WFI centers, as well as other community locations. Ask recipients to text the same vote everyday in November.

Below are clickable thumbnails of Pepsi fliers designed by Scarlett for the holiday season. Using the PDF flier links for color and/or black/white, download, print, and share at WFI stations and in other places. See double clickable caps below.

NIP Pepsi Fliers for Holiday Season

An annual event nationwide, WFI started in some places during November. To locate a wrapping center and coordinator in your area, see this schedule on the NIP website.

Wreath Project Decks the Halls

In the annual Deck the Halls for Inclusion fundraiser, every online purchase through Rockdale Wreaths earns the NIP $9 for singles or $13 for bulk packages (8 wreaths shipped to a single address).

Be sure to place orders on the Rockdale page displaying the NIP banner.

Samples of Rockdale Wreaths

Christie Cookies Chips in for Kids

As Christie Cookie's Charity of the Month, the National Inclusion Project will receive 20% of the merchandise price through the Chippin' in for Kids fundraiser.

Below are clickable images of the NIP cookie assortment and further explanation of the project. Flavors in the NIP cookie tin include Chocolate Chip, White Chocolate Macadamia Nut, and Oatmeal Raisin. Use the link above to order.

Inclusion Project is Charity of the Month.

Good Search/Good Shop Yield $15k

What if National Inclusion Project - Bubel Aiken Foundation - BAF earned a donation every time you searched the Internet? Or what if a percentage of every purchase you make online goes to support the NIP cause?

As most fans know, both of these are possible through GoodSearch and Good Shop. Be sure to designate the charity for which you are searching or shopping online.

The Yahoo-powered search engine donates half its advertising revenue, about a penny per search and up to 30 percent of each purchase, to the designated charity. NIP supporters have generated $15,000 for the cause with these two methods.

This is a no-brainer for an online shopper like me. The Good Shop connection features hundreds of stores, including Amazon, Target, Gap, Best Buy, eBay, Macy's, Barnes & Noble, to name a few. Adding the handy Good Search/Good Shop toolbar to your computer is the first step.

'Help Others Meet Norm' This Week

In celebration of Inclusive Schools Week Dec. 6-10, the NIP is partnering with other organizations in the youth-led national campaign "I Am Norm!"

For the week's activities, the Inclusion Project has created a free "I Am Norm" Educational Guide that can be downloaded from the site and used to promote disability rights and inclusions this month and beyond.

For more information, see Help Others Meet Norm at the NIP website. For background, a video, and more activities of this youth-led campaign, visit the I Am NORM website.

Below are clickables of three Clay Aiken designs by AmazingCA, including this entry's opening graphic. Photos by PermaSwooned are featured in the first and third designs.

Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation! Keep those Pepsi votes pouring in!



Holiday signature by Linda