Clay Aiken Concert Takes Windy City by Storm

Clay banters with audience during Chicago Concert.
Click to enlarge photo by Cotton.

Next Stop: Champions Gala in Raleigh

Concert Debuts T&T Winter Tour

Clay Aiken breezed into the windy city and kicked off the Tried & True Winter Tour with a fabulous, sold-out concert in the intimate Park West Theatre Thursday night.

With stars in perfect alignment and through the magic of technology, the cellcert beaming from the Chicago theater literally evaporated miles and transported countless Clay Nation fans from around the globe to Thursday's very special event.

Through photos, recaps, and (later) video clack, here are replays of the premiere performance of Clay's Tried & True Winter Tour. Special thnx to the visual artists and to wandacleo, ncwannabe, sugrbugr, and thesmlpkg for their thorough accounts.

STRIPED SOCKS have become Clay's trademark.
Click to expand photo by Cotton.

wandacleo: Fantastic show! Clay came out with "Mack the Knife" wearing his sharkskin suit. Total Rooster Hair. He said he had done it himself. This I believe! Lavender tie, white shirt, striped socks.

Clay took a phone from someone and talked to a woman (Deb) in Ohio, ragged on her for not coming to the show, snapped the phone shut, and then started singing, "Who's Sorry Now?"

The look on his face was priceless, although he later whispered to the woman holding the phone and asked if she'd gotten Deb back. She had.

claysweetea (insert): RE the Deb-on-the-phone incident, just before Clay snapped the phone shut, he said, "Oh, what a shame!" Then SNAP, held the phone high for all to see and, with the cutest snark on his face, segued into "Who's Sorry Now?"

Clickable by Fountaindawg
Photos by dc4clay, farouche

wandacleo: When Clay asked if anyone had NOT been to one of his shows, an older woman volunteered that this was her first show but that she watches and listens to Clay four hours a day on her computer.

He asked her to come up to the stage, and he came down to meet her. She immediately grabbed him and wouldn't let go. The look on Clay's face was priceless!

Once Clay got away from her, he said he'd never been molested on stage before and told the woman she needed to stay off the computer.

Then he quipped, "Where was Jerome? We're going to have a staff meeting later!" Jerome was standing over on the side laughing like the rest of us. Clay said the reason he'd asked about first-timers was because he needed new people to join "the cult.

Clay couldn't remember the order of the songs and borrowed the program outline from one of the band. He said he had some of the lyrics written on the floor, and he screwed up one song, singing about how he didn't know the lyrics. He was really funny.

I noticed some in the band were pretty sober in the beginning, but they were cracking up later. There was a mini-orchestra (violin, viola, cello, horns), two guitarists, keyboards, and drums.

Casey Thompson was the evening's backup singer, and together they sang the "Crying" duet. UM ended the show and if that were the only song he'd sung, it would have been worth the $250 ticket!

A very special evening!
Click to enlarge photo by Toni7babe.

sugrbugr: I was sitting next to a table of Not.Just.Us fans. A young lady had bought tickets after her mom had seen the show. They loved it, especially how funny it was.

There was a teacher in the audience who taught public speaking that Clay couldn't hear. He cracked a joke about how for someone who taught public speaking, she sure was having trouble projecting her voice!

The NJU gal burst out with, "That's exactly what I was thinking!" Her mother kept looking over her shoulder at her daughter during all the funny parts. After the show, they said how much they enjoyed it and were talking about buying his albums.

thesmlpkg: I am the public speaking teacher. Clay heard "college" well enough! Somehow when he calls on you, you go into the Aiken Fog. That happened to me in Hammond, too. When he called on me there, I momentarily forgot what I was going to say!

An evening of beautiful music!
Click to enlarge photo by toni7babe.

Chicago Concert Intimate, Cozy, Fun

ncwannabe: The music started, the curtain came up, and out Clay strode from our left, walking the special way he does with his bendy knees. He proceeded to belt out "Mack the Knife" and we were off to the races!

It was the same program from the OMG concert. We had a "do over" on "Suspicious Minds." Clay came in singing the second line, couldn't get his mic in the stand, just looked at Ben and said "let's start over." We didn't mind; he was amongst friends.

It was very, very intimate, which made it feel very cozy and very much at home. When he walked out, we felt like we were home. We know him so well -- his speaking voice and it's myriad of inflections, accents and tones. His mannerisms, his faces, his eye f*cks, his goofy antics, and his expressive hands on the microphone.

Oh, and the sparkling eyes, the charisma, and the sexiness that just oozes out of him. He's so familiar - yet still so much a mystery. He's a fascinating enigma.

"I'll Take Romance" is a goner. His favorite other than UM is "What Kind of Fool Am I." The concert newbie looked so innocent -- older, white- haired, walked with a cane.

Clay was truly a bit flustered, but he used it to his advantage. He admonished us for not warning him and chastised Jerome for his lack of protection!

New fan surprised Clay with her "enthusiasm."
Click to enlarge photo by Shamrock.

The Aiken Random Lyric Generator was out in full force, but he covers it well most of the time, and often the only thing giving him away is the twinkle in his eye and smile playing at the corner of his lips.

Casey sounded great on "Crying" with Clay -- plus we had a conversation about Size 2 and Spanks! Clay wondered how in the hell he lost Idol, this after killing on "Breaking Up is Hard to Do."

Casey Thompson and Clay perform "Crying" duet.
Photo by Snix links to video by toni7babe.

See the Toni7babe YouTube Channel for additional video clack. For downloads, see Clack Unlimited for a membership donation and Chicago PBS Benefit Concert for Thursday's performance.

Clay, backup musicians, fans enjoyed Chicago event.
Click to enlarge photo by Snix.

He had on new wine, gray, black thin-striped socks. The guy is very proud of his svelte new physique, showing us not once but twice how big his suit jacket is on him now. He was cracking up Ben and the boys in the band on a regular basis.

He introduced "In My Life" by saying it wasn't on the CD, but that he must have done it well enough since the PBS folks left it in the special. He again mentioned his many great teachers, but noted he failed chemistry and didn't invite that teacher to the concert in March.

When he hung up on Deb on the phone, he segued brilliantly into the start of "Who's Sorry Now," complete with his entire arsenal of looks, faces, body language, and mischievous grins.

All too soon it came to an end. Before singing the last song, he warned us that was it. He would't be coming back out. We could clap all we wanted; but too bad ... he was done.

Plus, he said that way we could go home because she (pointing to Scarlett) would have clack up we could watch on YouTube within the hour! He really does know us pretty well!

It was a great time, and I'm ready for Day 2 of my 3-fer. So shave my head and stand me on the corner passing out flowers cause if this is a cult, I don't ever wanna get out.

Foundation To Honor Champions

With the Chicago concert in the books, fans from all over the country headed to the next leg of this weekend's 3'fer, the National Inclusion Project's annual Champions Gala-Benefit Dinner at the Raleigh Convention Center.

The Gala, which annually celebrates individuals, corporations, and the National Inclusion Project’s impact on improving the lives of children and families across the country, gets underway with a VIP reception at 7 p.m. today.

Saturday's event will include dinner, recognition of the honorees, silent and live auctions in support of the foundation's programs, and a special performance by Clay, who co-founded the organization with Diane Bubel of Charlotte, in 2003.

For detailed information about the honorees, see the 10/9 Carolina blog -- Clay Aiken, Fans Plan Chicago-Raleigh Weekend -- and the National Inclusion Project website.

Have You Voted for Inclusion Today?

The full weekend calendar provides Clay Aiken fans unique challenges and opportunities for casting daily votes in the National Inclusion Project's campaign for a Pepsi Refresh $50,000 grant. NIP has slipped to #8 and must remain in the Top 10 to receive the October prize.

With Internet connection available in most hotels, fans should be able to access the voting links via Facebook, the Pepsi site, as well as mobile phone texts (#102308 to #73774). That's three votes for the National Inclusion Project with the remaining 27 spread among the charity's voting alliances and partners.

Replica of NIP Widget

Thanks to the widget created by Scarlett, the Carolina sidebar contains voting links for all the latest NIP partner updates. Following the alliance list, select from Groups A, B, and/or C to complete your daily votes.

Be sure to copy/paste a message similar to the one below so the organizations will know the Inclusion Project is supporting their cause:

National Inclusion Project just voted for you. http://www.refresheverything.com/nationalinclusionproject. Text 102308.

Have an awesome weekend, Clay Nation!

Caro

Thank you for for visits and remarks in the Carolina blogs. To leave a comment, scroll to the bottom, click on the "Post a Comment" link, and write in the box provided.

I appreciate your props for the contributing visual artists. Thnx for stopping by today! - Caro

Clay Aiken Tried & True Concert Hits MOAM Anniversary

CHICAGO CONCERT - 2011 Tried & True Tour Preview
View full screen at the Clay Aiken Channel on YouTube.

MOAM Released on 10/14/03

Sold-Out Concert Celebrates CD

Ironically, Clay Aiken's sold-out Chicago Concert tonight, premiere performance of the 2011 Tried & True Winter Tour, falls on the seventh anniversary of Measure of a Man, the singer's first mainstream album.

Tonight's 7:30 p.m. concert at Park West will provide a sneak preview of the February-March 2011 Winter Tour for Tried & True, Clay's June release with Decca Records.

Tried & True CD

Released at midnight on Oct. 13, 2003, Measure of a Man (MOAM) recorded 612,869 sales in its first week (10/19/03 Soundscan report), marking the fastest-selling debut of a solo artist in 10 years. The CD was #1 on the Billboard 200 Chart for two weeks and remained on the album listing for a total of 35 weeks.

From release parties throughout North America the evening of the 13th to a myriad of TV appearances and performances accompanying the CD's drop, the curtain was rising on Clay Aiken's premier steps onto the worldwide stage.

On Oct. 13, Clay taped an appearance on the Jay Leno Show in a studio packed with Aiken fans. After performing "Invisible," the CD's lead single, Clay sat down to chat with the host, who was amazed that CA fans had spent the night in the parking lot waiting for tickets.

Just the first of many all-nighters, as well as Leno appearances, for the Clay Nation!

Present in the audience was a very special fan, Sherry, who had celebrated her birthday by appearing as an "extra" in the filming of Invisible. In the video, she received a hug. On this night, she received a shout-out and a kiss toss from Clay.

In the 'Invisible' video, Sherry appears at 2:09 and 2:37.
View INVISIBLE video full screen at VEVO on YouTube.

Fans Recount MOAM Festivities

Recollections of the Oct. 13 CD Release Parties, midnight MOAM purchases, and initial spins of the long-awaited songs headline Clay Cyberspace every year at this time. Representative are these reflections by Clayversity members:

Raquelsg: It's a night I'll always treasure and remember fondly, as I was one of the fortunate 20 to have won tickets to be in studio with Clay that night at KIIS-FM in LA. Excitedly, we met first met the DJ, Jo Jo, and were given instructions.

Once inside the very small studio itself, we could hardly contain ourselves. There was lots of cheering and screaming, some prompted by Jo Jo himself. Clay was so cute sitting there; but at the time, he seemed too shy to actually look at us or interact with us even during the commercials.

We took turns rotating rows so each would have a chance to stand in the front closest to Clay. Vanessa, his PA at the time, was sitting beside him; and Roger was standing in the back of the crowd behind all of us "enthusiastic" fans. We got to watch him chat with others at CD release parties across the country and tape a couple segments for ET the next day.

After the interview, I drove as fast as I could to the Orange County CD Release Party already in progress and posed for lots of pictures holding my autographed picture of Clay. We got to hear the CD over the speakers at Virgin prior to midnight, watched Leno on their TV, and bought our CD's at the stroke of midnight.

It was an amazing night!

MOAM Heard Round the Office

Coopersgirl: I got my MOAM at 6 a.m., went to work two hours before anyone else, took the CD out of the bag, and kissed it. I plugged in the brand new CD player that I had bought the day before and turned it on as loud as I dared, sat at my desk and cried.

Later when everyone came to work, they noticed the new CD player on my desk and asked when it became OK to listen to music in the front office. I just smiled and said, "Today."

I never got tired of it, but everyone else in my office did. Later in the day a maintenance man came upstairs, stopped at my desk, and said he liked my music. He and others had been working in the basement at 6:30 and said they could hear Clay through the furnace.

Claytonlady: The MOAM CD Party in Hartford was a great night. We all had a dinner and party at a nice restaurant with games and fun, even a Flat Clay. Then we went over to Borders and waited until midnight for the CD release.

They had Clay on "Leno" on a television in the store; but as soon as we got home, I had to re-watch it. It was such an exciting night filled with great memories!

50 Women and One Tiny TV

Smittenwithclay: I thought I was the only fan in Oregon, so I stepped up to coordinate a party with a couple friends. I remember walking into KrispyKreme for the Clay Aiken party pick-up and hearing the manager say, "Give her five dozen." No questions asked.

We were supposed to have a TV to watch "Leno," but the restaurant messed up. However, AprilJoy had recorded the East Coast feed and brought her own set.

I'll never get the image out of my heard -- 50 women hovering around a 14" TV "oohing" and "ahhing" and "oh my goshing" when Clay was on.

It's something I will always remember, and I got to buy the first CD in Portland!

To read other recollections, see the Carolina blog 10/14/07 entry: Aiken Fans Honor MOAM Birthday. Please share your special MOAM memories in the comments.

Have You Voted for Inclusion Today?

With a full weekend calendar (tonight's Chicago Concert and the Champions Gala Benefit in Raleigh on Saturday), CA fans have unique challenges for casting daily votes in the National Inclusion Project's campaign for a Pepsi Refresh $50,000 grant.

With Internet connection available in most hotels, fans should be able to access the voting links via Facebook, the Pepsi site, as well as mobile phone texts (#102308 to #73774). That's three votes for the National Inclusion Project with the remaining 27 spread among the charity's voting alliances and partners.

Replica of NIP Widget

Thanks to the widget created by Scarlett, the Carolina sidebar contains voting links for all the latest NIP partner updates. Following the alliance list, select from Groups A, B, and/or C to complete your daily votes.

Be sure to copy/paste a message similar to the one below so the organizations will know the Inclusion Project is supporting their cause:

National Inclusion Project just voted for you. http://www.refresheverything.com/nationalinclusionproject. Text 102308.

Chicago Concert and Clay Aiken CD's 2003-10.
Clickable graphics by Fountaindawg

Happy Tried & True tour debut and 7th MOAM anniversary to Clay and his fans around the globe! Have an awesome weekend, Clay Nation!

Caro

Clay Aiken, Fans Plan Chicago-Raleigh Weekend

IN CONCERT - Clay Aiken performs in a special Chicago concert Thursday and entertains at the Gala Benefit in Raleigh on Saturday. Graphic by AmazingCA, photos by Karen Eh.

NIP Aims for $50k Pepsi Grant

Chicago Sell-Out, Gala Fill Agenda

Clay Aiken and a huge contingent of fans are days away from a jam-packed weekend that opens with a sold-out Tried & True Concert at Park West in Chicago, IL, Thursday followed by the 2010 National Inclusion Project Champions Gala Benefit 862 miles away in Raleigh, NC, on Saturday.

Sponsored by WTTW, Chicago's PBS station, the exclusive one-night-only performance at the intimate Park West Theatre will feature the singer's chart-topping hits as well as tracks from his brand Decca release, Tried & True. The special 7:30 p.m. concert was declared a sell-out this week.

Clay Aiken: Tried & True ~ LIVE in Chicago!
Double click to expand graphic by Fountaindawg.

While most fans will opt for a few hours in the air, some plan to drive the 800+ miles from Chicago to North Carolina for the Inclusion Project's annual Gala Benefit-Awards Dinner at the Raleigh Convention Center.

The Champions Gala annually celebrates individuals, corporations, and the National Inclusion Project’s impact on improving the lives of children and families across the country.

Saturday's event will include dinner, recognition of the honorees, silent and live auctions in support of the foundation's programs, and a special performance by Clay, who co-founded the organization with Diane Bubel of Charlotte, in 2003.

A VIP reception with the singer is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday. For additional information, see schedule and tickets and live/online auctions at the NIP website.

Foundation To Honor Champions

Selected for their substantive efforts to ensure no child sits on the sidelines, the 2010 honorees include PepsiCo EnAble, I Am Norm, and 11 college friends, who took a school pal on the adventure of a lifetime in 2005.

They include Andrew Carson, Ben Smalley, Collin Shepley, Daniel Epting, Dylan Wilson, John Hadden, John Harmon, Jason Hees, Kevin Weir, Logan Smalley, and Sam Johnson.

Below are videos and capsules of the 2010 honorees. Extended bios of the 2010 champions are posted on the Inclusion Project website.

SUPER BOWL COMMERCIAL - Pepsi's 2008 Super Bowl ad, Bob's House, was a unique and hilarious commercial illustrating a popular joke in the deaf community. It was created and enacted by deaf members of the Pepsico workforce, EnAble.

PepsiCo EnAble Champions Inclusion

PepsiCo EnAble creates an inclusive environment for people with different abilities. In line with PepsiCo’s values and talent-sustainability goals, EnAble seeks to promote physical, technological, and cultural opportunities to “EnAble” their people to realize their fullest potential.

With a global reach and partnerships such as those with Guiding Eyes for the Blind and Walgreens, as well as their own Accessible Technology initiative and Inclusive Advertising focus, PepsiCo EnAble is leading the way in real, measurable, and practical ways to make a difference for all people they touch.

I AM NORM - This brief documentary of the National Youth Inclusion Program's summit in January 2010 describes the group's goals. View full screen at YouTube.

20 Young People Form 'I Am Norm'

In January, 20 young people with and without disabilities flew from various locations across the United States to meet each other for the very first time in Washington, DC.

In just one weekend, the I Am Norm group designed a campaign in hopes of bringing about that change. Through this campaign, they hope to raise awareness about inclusion, provide opportunities for youth to share their ideas about inclusion, and promote inclusive practices in schools and communities.

ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME - The above trailer provides glimpses into this excursion with its goals. The entire video can be viewed at the Darius Goes West website.

'Roll of His Life' Builds Awareness

In 2005, eleven college friends -- Andrew Carson, Ben Smalley, Collin Shepley, Daniel Epting, Dylan Wilson, John Hadden, John Harmon, Jason Hees, Kevin Weir, Logan Smalley, and Sam Johnson -- decided to take their 15-year-old pal, Darius Weems, who had never left his hometown, on the adventure of a lifetime.

Cameras were rolling as they left Athens, GA, and headed west for Los Angeles, CA, with three goals in mind: to raise awareness of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the disease Darius has; to test wheelchair accessibility across the country; and to convince MTV's popular show "Pimp My Ride" to customize Darius' wheelchair.

Despite their lack of movie-making experience, the resulting documentary, Darius Goes West: The Roll of His Life, has won 28 film festival awards, turned into a grassroots movement with a huge global fan base, and raised nearly $2 million for DMD research.

CAMP HOWE - Children with and without disabilities participate in a Let's ALL Play Camp. New camps will be funded with the $50,000 grant from Pepsi.

NIP Drops to #8 in Pepsi Refresh

"There are no words to explain what camp has meant for my son, who has never truly felt a sense of belonging to be recognized for who he is. What is the saddest thing is that he never expects to be recognized, because being overlooked is a way of life for him. I have never seen him look so sure of himself and so happy." - Mother of a son who benefited from an inclusion camp experience this summer.

Entering the second week of October, supporters of the National Inclusion Project are, hopefully, on the way to proving This.Is.The.Month for the foundation to land in the top 10 and secure a $50,000 grant in the Pepsi Refresh Challenge.

US citizens at least 13 years of age have a total of 30 daily votes to cast via text, Facebook, and through the Pepsi site. That's three votes a day for the National Inclusion Project from each eligible voter/account in a family. The remaining 27 should be spread among the charity's voting partners.

For supporters with limited time, the simplest way to vote is via text: #102308 to #73774 (Pepsi). Enlist texters singly and in groups (luncheons, dinner parties, school club meetings, etc.).

Imagine the immediate impact a fan-filled baseball park, football stadium, Chicago concert, or Champions Gala would have executing a group text for inclusion!

Register for Reminder, iPad Drawing

By registering at the National Inclusion Project home page, you will receive a daily voting reminder and be eligible for an iPad if the foundation wins the $50k grant this month.

In less than 10 minutes a day, early risers can easily vote through the National Inclusion Project's alliance list, as well as a second or third set of partnerships fans formed last month.

Just this week, new partners have been added to the NIP voting lists. In fact, charities have noted the faithful voting by NIP supporters and are requesting to be included in a group.

Thnx to Scarlett, fans can vote with the Carolina's new sidebar Pepsi Refresh widget or via the links below. Look for the widget at Facebook and in other Clay Aiken blogs.

NIP + Alliances

National Inclusion Project - Text 102308 to 73774 (Pepsi)
1p36 Deletion Syndrome - Text 101439 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Ella's Hope (autism) - Text 100288 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Oakland Children's Hospital (Rett) - Text 103134 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Int'l Foundation for CDKL5 Research - Text 102973 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Center for Courageous Kids - Text 102408 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Lake Reba Playground (handicapped) - Text 102102 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Congenital CMV Foundation (childhood disability) - Text 101692 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Empower Women (cancer research) - Text 103297 to 73774 (Pepsi)

Be sure to copy/paste a message similar to the one below so the organizations will know the Inclusion Project is supporting their cause:

National Inclusion Project just voted for you. http://www.refresheverything.com/nationalinclusionproject. Text 102308.

Throughout September, NIP supporters exchanged votes with other charities. Choose Group A, B, or C (extra accounts) for your second/third rounds of voting. Leave a message similar to the one above so a vote for the NIP will be returned.

Group A

National Inclusion Project - Text 102308 to 73774 (Pepsi)
She Shall Go Free - Text 102913 to 73774 (Pepsi)
UNC Pediatric Hematology/Oncology - Text 103835 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Courageous Disabled Friends - Text 100058 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Girl Scouts of Eastern SC - Text 103373 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Fox Road Elementary School - Text 102179 to 73774 (Pepsi)
McKemy Middle School - Text 100283 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Saving Shelter Pets - Text 102190 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Fit Trix Fit Kidz - Text 102062 to 73774 (Pepsi)
SWOOP - Text 102191 to 73774 (Pepsi)

Group B

National Inclusion Project - Text 102308 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Libby Tennis Courts - Text 101307 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Rosie's Ranch - Text 101742 to 73774 (Pepsi)
The Bag Ladies - Text 101126 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Marine Science Center - Text 103443 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Cystic Fibrosis - Text 102534 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Hatch's House of Hope - Text 101703 to 73774 (Pepsi)
RATCO Freedom Foundation - Text 100570 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Earl J. Crowe Purchase SUV - Text 102913 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Eicosanoid Research - Text 103313 to 73774 (Pepsi)

Group C (Extra Accounts)

National Inclusion Project - Text 102308 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Tiger Crane Kung Fu - Text 101996 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Children's Rainbow Mountain Retreat - Text 100520 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Cal Ripken, Sr., Foundation - Text 102661 to 73774 (Pepsi)
The Blue Shadows - Text 101370 to 73774 (Pepsi)
ADERS (autism) - Text 101217 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Stop Suffering Dogs EPI - Text 102730 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Karo Grillo Golf Cart/WC - Text 101966 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Second Chance Wildlife - Text 100265 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Granara Skerry (pancreatic cancer) - Text 101844 to 73774 (Pepsi)
A Place Called Home - Text 103445 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Leaning Post Ranch (for disabled) - Text 102968 to 73774 (Pepsi)

Inclusion is giving everyone the opportunity to participate.
View montage by SueReu full screen at YouTube.
'Open Arms' performed by Clay Aiken.

Kai Keeps Grandma in the Loop

I talked at length with grandson Kai Friday evening. Actually, I mostly listened and asked questions while he chatted away about cars, trucks, football, basketball, Hawaii, among other subjects. His mother is usually nearby to translate any words I don't catch, but she was busy in the kitchen.

Lia has progressed to "hey" when we talk. Turns out she was my mystery caller a couple of weeks ago while I was teaching an afternoon of lessons at the academy. When I returned home and checked phone messages, there was one of silence that gradually evolved into a distinctive nibbling of crackers.

I dialed my daughter to see if Kai had randomly called me again. Upon hearing the description of near silence, she said, "Oh no, Mom, that was Lia! Kai would have started talking to you the minute he heard your voice on the machine."

Below is a clickable of the opening graphic by AmazingCA:

Happy Thanksgiving to the Canadians! Have an awesome new week, Clay Nation!

Caro

Clay Aiken Shares Insight on Bullying

Dr. Phil and Clay Aiken take on bullying.
View 4/19/05 video full screen at YouTube.

2005 Remarks Relevant Today

Nation Targets Hate Epidemic

Hate crimes can happen anywhere, at any time. In fact, in the U.S., one violent act of hate takes place almost every hour of every single day.

It’s time to give a damn because hate crimes involve beatings, rape, torture, even murder. Victims are targeted because of their sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religion, race, color or any number of superficial factors. - We Give a Damn.org

Turn on the TV, read a newspaper, look around your neighborhood -- bullying, acts of intimidation, and hate crimes have reached epic proportions in this country; and change is long overdue.

Recent suicides by young people who reached the breaking point from constant bullying, hatred, and harassment have spurred nationwide efforts to bring an end to this epidemic.

On Oct. 28, 2009, President Barack Obama signed into law the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, giving the Department of Justice the authority to prosecute hate crimes, including attacks based on sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and disability.

Paralleling the new legislation, more and more citizens have begun recognizing the epidemic of hate and are choosing to go proactive, becoming informed and getting involved. Too many, however, remain silent.

Clay Speaks About Bullying

More than five years ago, Clay Aiken appeared on the Dr. Phil Show to discuss bullying with three teen-aged guests, recent targets of ridicule at school. Anyone who has read Clay's book -- Learning to Sing, Hearing the Music in Your Life -- knows the candor with which he shares his history of being bullied and the lessons he has learned.

Not surprisingly, today's Dr. Phil website is loaded with links on the topic: Middle School Kid Bullied ... Do Your Part to End Cyber Bullying ... A Call to Action Against Bullying ... LGBT Teens Speak Up About Anti-Gay Bullying ...Dr. Phil's Interview with Anderson Cooper on Suicide.

Many of the insights Clay shared in April 2005 are relevant today:

When I was young, I was teased by other kids as if it was their job. It's about finding out who you are, being happy with who you are, and being comfortable with who you are.

Once you have that and carry it with you, everybody else wants to know what you've got that they don't.

The photo below links to "Stars Who Were Bullied," a current feature in Celebrity News at US Magazine online:

Clay autographs OMWH albums at Virgin Mega Store.
Click on photo to link to US Magazine feature.

Among the celebrities quoted in the feature are Michael Phelps, Winona Ryder, Chad Michael Murray, Christina Aguilera, Jessica Simpson, Rosario Dawson, Tom Cruise, Christian Bale, and Victoria Beckham.

Tragically, the Internet abounds with articles about bullying, cyber-bullying, and recent stories of young people bullied to the point they ended their own lives.

Blog Overviews Cyber Bullying

Prior to her death in December, Joan Martin (Ashes) dedicated her 11/1/09 blog, Clay-The Man, to the epidemic of cyber-bullying. Having gathered the information for a non-Internet friend whose granddaughter, a university student, was being bullied online, Joan also shared her research with her readers. Here are the highlights:

My friend thought bullies were only physical beings in elementary school or maybe gangs. I compiled the following information and printed it out for her. She admitted to living a very sheltered life and was horrified that things like this were done.

What could I say, other than I see it everyday on the Internet no matter how much I try not to and have learned to quickly pass it by.

What is bullying?

Bullying is persistent unwelcome behavior, mostly using unwarranted or invalid criticism, nit-picking, fault-finding, also exclusion, isolation, being singled out and treated differently, being shouted at, humiliated, excessive monitoring, having verbal and written warnings imposed, and much more.

History is full of stories about the bullies of their times. Why? How do children learn this despicable act? They learn it from their parents and peers.

Unfortunately this bad behavior has spread with the advent of the internet. People both young and old seem to get a kick out of being rude and disrespectful. It's sad./span>

The Internet provides the perfect forum for cyber bullies, individuals whose aim is to gain gratification from the distress caused by provoking and tormenting others.

The anonymity, ease of provocation, and almost infinite source of targets means the Internet is full of predators from pedophiles targeting children to serial bullies targeting ... anybody.

Cyber bullies get a perverse sense of satisfaction (called gratification) doing this. Serial bullies harbor a lot of internal aggression which they direct at others.

People who bully are adept at creating conflict between those who would otherwise pool negative information about them.

The method of creating conflict is provocation which bullies delight in because they know they can always coerce at least one person to respond in a manner which can then be distorted and used to further flame and inflame people. And so it goes on.

The bully then sits back and gains gratification from seeing others engage in destructive behavior towards each other. This is known as trolling.

Most serial bullies are also serial attention-seekers. More than anything else they want attention. It doesn't matter what type of attention they get, positive or negative, as long as they can provoke someone into paying them attention.

It's like a two-year-old child throwing a tantrum to get attention from a parent. The best way to treat bullies is to refuse to respond and to refuse to engage them - which they really hate.

Understand that it is not possible to communicate in a mature adult manner with a disordered individual.

You can read the entire Cyber Bullying/Cyber Stalking entry at Clay-The Man.

Visual artists have created many appropriate montages to accompany the topic of bullying, several from songs on Clay's 2008 CD, On My Way Here. In addition to the title track, explore YouTube for the singer's versions of "The Real Me," "Weight of the World," "Falling," and "Ashes."

Below is Aspiegirl's montage for "On My Way Here."

'On My Way Here' performed by Clay Aiken
Montage by Aspiegirl can be viewed at YouTube.

Inclusion Project #7 in Pepsi Refresh

Just one week into October, supporters of the National Inclusion Project are on the way to proving This.Is.The.Month for the foundation to secure a $50,000 grant in the Pepsi Refresh Challenge.

US citizens at least 13 years old have 30 votes to use daily via text, Facebook, and through the Pepsi site. That's three votes a day for the National Inclusion Project from each eligible voter/account in a family.

See the previous Carolina entry -- Clay Aiken Fans Campaign for Inclusion -- for detailed voting alliance/partner lists, "tried and true" suggestions for enlisting new voters, etc.

By registering at the National Inclusion Project home page, you will receive a daily voting reminder and be be eligible for an iPad if the foundation wins the $50k grant this month.

Remember, October is the month!

'Bridge Over Troubled Water' - Clay Aiken
Performance from American Idol 2 Finale.

Who Sings BOTW Best?

The entertainment section of the New York Magazine is asking, "Who did BOTW Best?" The Keytones, Radojka Sverko, Bobby Darin, Clay Aiken, Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, or Glee?

You can listen to all seven versions of the gospel classic, but no doubt you already know the correct answer. Be sure to vote here!

Have an awesome week, Clay Nation!

Caro

Clay Aiken Fans Campaign for Inclusion Project

A Pepsi grant would fund five more Let's ALL Play Camps.

PEPSI REFRESH: This.Is.The.Month!

Inclusion Project Targets Top 10

While Clay Aiken fans are counting down to an exclusive one-night-only concert in Chicago on 10/14 and the 10/16 Champions Gala in Raleigh, they are also determined to make October the month the National Inclusion Project secures a $50,000 grant in the Pepsi Refresh Challenge.

The Inclusion Project was co-founded in 2003 by the North Carolina singer and Diane Bubel so that children with disabilities can experience life with their peers.
During the September campaign, supporters learned much about partnerships, alliances, and recruitment and are this month putting into practice a variety of new strategies.

Below are suggestions for enlisting friends, relatives, associates, organizations, etc., to help the Inclusion Project's October cause:

1. Ask everyone who visits, stops by your desk, etc., to text in a phone vote. You can even do it for them. (queenmama247)

2. Having a birthday party, work, school, or family gathering? Group text the NIP number -- 102308 to 73774 (Pepsi) -- together. (queenmama247)

UPDATE: At Saturday's birthday party, queenmama247 had 12 people text together for the NIP, four of whom added the Pepsi Challenge so they can text daily. In addition, she enlisted three people at church and will probably have more after today's doctor and hairdresser visits.

3. Offer to bake a cake for those in your office, circle, etc., if everyone will text votes for the National Inclusion Project. (ncgran4clay)

4. If someone doesn't know how to text, do it for them. (ncgran4clay)

5. On vacation? No problem, according to Beanblossom, currently at a knitting retreat where she has everyone texting daily NIP votes.

6. International fans, send the voting/texting information to eligible friends in the US so they can vote daily for you. If you own a US-based cellphone, you can text votes yourself. (FromClaygary)

7. Learn from September's very successful winner -- RETT Syndrome, #1 in last month's $250k category after failing to achieve the charity's goal in August.

Quite by accident, I discovered these next ideas when I noticed on Carolina's live feed that someone had arrived at this blog via a Google search for 100842 to 73774.

A curious creature anyway, I followed the link and was amazed at the vast number and variety of people/organizations contributing to RETT's September success. Page after page, the Google results reveal many facets of this organization's campaign, some of which NIP supporters might consider adopting:

* Facebook and Twitter: Constant reminders by individuals and organizations for "friends" to vote all three ways: text, Facebook, at the Pepsi site.

* Blog after blog by individuals and celebrities on MySpace, LiveJournal, Blogspot with the request to "take a second and send a text vote to Pepsi for RETT Syndrome." The Carolina blog appears multiple times because voting info for RETT, an NIP alliance in September, was listed in several entries.

* Daily voting reminder on a high school home page. Three girls in the community have the disease.

* Voting reminders from related organizations such as Carobell, a North Carolina-based non-profit providing care for developmentally disabled individuals.

* Celebrity, radio/TV station websites urging fans to vote. See WKRQ-FM in Cincinnati.

* Similar blog posts a voting reminders from a young man whose cousin has RETT Syndrome.

LET'S ALL PLAY - Children with and without disabilities participate
in a variety of activities at Inclusion Project-sponsored camps.

Camps Impact Children Nationwide

In communiques with others, fans need to personalize the National Inclusion Project and sell the impact Let's ALL Play Camps have for children with and without disabilities nationwide.

At camp, my son does not have Down Syndrome, wear hearing aids, or have difficulty with his speech. He is simply a camper. - A mother

In reality, each person has 30 votes to use daily via text, Facebook, and through the Pepsi site. That's three votes a day for the National Inclusion Project.

By registering at the National Inclusion Project home page, you will receive a daily voting reminder and be eligible for an iPad if the foundation wins the $50k grant this month.

In less than 10 minutes a day, early risers can easily vote through the National Inclusion Project's alliance list, as well as a second or third set of partnerships fans formed in September.

NIP + Alliances

National Inclusion Project - Text 102308 to 73774 (Pepsi)
1p36 Deletion Syndrome - Text 101439 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Ella's Hope (autism) - Text 100288 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Oakland Children's Hospital (Rett) - Text 103134 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Int'l Foundation for CDKL5 Research - Text 102973 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Center for Courageous Kids - Text 102408 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Lake Reba Playground (handicapped) - Text 102102 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Congenital CMV Foundation (childhood disability) - Text 101692 to 73774 (Pepsi)

Be sure to copy/paste a message similar to the one below so the organizations will know the Inclusion Project is supporting their cause:

National Inclusion Project just voted for you. http://www.refresheverything.com/nationalinclusionproject. Text 102308.

Throughout September, NIP supporters exchanged votes with other charities. Choose Group A, B, or C (extra accounts) for your second/third rounds of voting. Leave a message similar to the one above so a vote for the NIP will be returned.

Group A

National Inclusion Project - Text 102308 to 73774 (Pepsi)
She Shall Go Free - Text 102913 to 73774 (Pepsi)
UNC Pediatric Hematology/Oncology - Text 103835 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Courageous Disabled Friends - Text 100058 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Girl Scouts of Eastern SC - Text 103373 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Fox Road Elementary School - Text 102179 to 73774 (Pepsi)
McKemy Middle School - Text 100283 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Saving Shelter Pets - Text 102190 to 73774 (Pepsi)
St. Joseph School - Text 100242 to 73774 (Pepsi)
SWOOP - Text 102191 to 73774 (Pepsi)

Group B

National Inclusion Project - Text 102308 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Libby Tennis Courts - Text 101307 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Rosie's Ranch - Text 101742 to 73774 (Pepsi)
The Bag Ladies - Text 101126 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Marine Science Center - Text 103443 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Cystic Fibrosis - Text 102534 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Blind Cat Rescue - Text 102422 to 73774 (Pepsi)
RATCO Freedom Foundation - Text 100570 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Cedar Fork Elementary - Text 102360 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Earl J. Crowe Purchase SUV - Text 102913 to 73774 (Pepsi)

Group C

National Inclusion Project - Text 102308 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Cal Ripken, Sr., Foundation - Text 102661 to 73774 (Pepsi)
National Federation of the Blind - Text 101913 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Wayne Trail Elementary - Text 102269 to 73774 (Pepsi)
The Blue Shadows - Text 101370 to 73774 (Pepsi)
ADERS (autism) - Text 101217 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Charlotte Peace - Text 100011 to 73774 (Pepsi)
fitMS - Text 100890 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Eagle Wings - Text 102562 to 73774 (Pepsi)
Children's Rare Disease Network - Text 102614 to 73774 (Pepsi)

INCLUSION: Power of the Dream
Montage by LovesClaysVoice, vocals by Celine Dion
View full screen at YouTube

This.Is.The.Month

What are your suggestions for enlisting new daily voters for the National Inclusion Project? Those shared in the comments will be added to this blog entry.

In a Friday morning post on her Facebook wall, Scarlett included the phrase "This.Is.The.Month." What a perfect slogan for the NIP's October Pepsi Refresh campaign!

Thirty days remain to drum up the necessary votes for the foundation's $50k goal. Off to a great start, the Inclusion Project currently stands at #8.

Have an awesome -- and very productive -- weekend/new week, Clay Nation!

Caro

RELATED BLOGS:

Clay Aiken Journey: National Inclusion Project and the Pepsi Refresh Challenge

Clay Aiken News Network: Make October Count

Ccol14him's Claymania