2012 Clay Aiken Calendars - Order by Nov. 22! Tried & True wall calendar cover is clickable.
Wall, Desk Versions in Auction
Aiken Calendars Headed to Gala
The 2012 Clay Aiken Calendars are going back to the Gala as auction items. But before that, fans of the singer can order Tried & True wall or desk versions through the project's coordinator. Produced annually by Rosaratanawith photos by toni7babe,the 2012 calendar features images predominately from the 2011 Tried & True Tour and is again being published in desk and wall versions.
Hippoga, also part of the 2012 team, helped select the photos and coordinated the inclusion of 20 calendars in the silent auction for the Dec. 9-10 Champions Gala, annual event of the National Inclusion Project in Raleigh, NC.
Sample of monthly desk calendars. Double click to enlarge.
The calendars, printed on premium glossy card stock, can be ordered through Rosaratana between now and Nov. 22. Costs include $12 for the desk size (8.27" x 3.74") and $25 for the wall version (11" x 8.5").
As in the past six years, all proceeds after costs will be donated to the National Inclusion Project. Thought not an official NIP fundraiser, this project is sponsored annually by the Together for Inclusion Alpha Chapter of Aiken 4Clay. The 2011 calendars generated a foundation donation of $965.62 through sales plus an addition $650 more in the Gala auction.
To place calendar orders, Paypal or email Rosa at rosash@comcast.net by Nov. 22. Checks are accepted, and she will email you the address. Process time between orders received to calendars printed and shipped is approximately 3-4 weeks.
Sample of wall calendar months. Double click to enlarge.
The 2012 calendars are being shipped as orders arrive. Below is fan mail from a happy customer:
The calendars came yesterday, and you did a wonderful job as usual. After seeing it, I'm thinking of buying another one for my mom. She's still a Clay fan at 91, and I think she'd enjoy looking at those photos every month. I will send another check off to you this week.
GoodSearch/GoodShop Support Charities
With your assistance, the National Inclusion Project could win an additional $1,000 donation in September's GoodSearch Registration Contest!
The charity with the most new registrations by September 30 will claim this prize. You can help the Inclusion Project win by spreading the word to friends, family and colleagues via Facebook, Twitter, and an email at this link.
Remember that every time you go through the GoodSearch and GoodShop sites for Internet searches and purchases, you add revenue for the Inclusion Project. To date, that total is $16,449.48 -- a penny or two at a time as supporters search and shop through these sites.
Pennies Become Dollars with GoodSearch
GoodSearch is a Yahoo-powered search engine that donates 50% of its revenue, about a penny per search, to listed American charities and schools designated by its users. The money donated comes from the site's advertisers.
More than 96,000 non-profits are participating in the program. GoodSearch was founded in November 2005 by siblings Ken and JJ Ramberg.
In September 2007, the GoodShop online shopping mall was launched. A percentage of each purchase is donated to the user's designated charity. GoodShop is affiliated with more than 1,300 online retailers including Amazon, Target, Staples, eBay, Best Buy, and Apple.
A toolbar is available for Internet Explorer and Firefox browsers. Read more about the GoodSearch/GoodShop sites here.
BOTH SIDES NOW - Singer Clay Aiken and signer Debra Leisey perform beautiful duet that describes the purpose and programs of the National Inclusion Project. View 2010 Gala video by Scarlett full screen at YouTube.
Aiken's BSN Defines Inclusion
Song Inspires $50k Grant Drive
Throughout August, this blog has outlined the mission and importance of the programs of the National Inclusion Project so that everyone who can will support the Raleigh, NC, charity in its campaign to obtain a $50,000 Pepsi Refresh grant.
All along, no words, photos, or voting links were needed. Just co-founder Clay Aiken performing the Joni Mitchell song "Both Sides Now" with Debra Leisey signing the inclusive lyrics.
Enjoy their performance from the 2010 Champions of Change Gala, annual meet when honorees are recognized for achievements opening doors for young people with disabilities.
In 2003, singer Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel of Charlotte co-founded the National Inclusion Project, formerly the Bubel/Aiken Foundation. to expand inclusive programs for all children.
One Pepsi Power Code a Day!
After watching the video, please make it your goal to purchase one -- or more -- Pepsi/Diet Pepsi products with a yellow cap each of the final four August days.
Email, text, or PM an NIP supporter the 10-character power codes by 6 p.m. ET Aug. 31. The codes will be voted before the contest ends at midnight ET Wednesday.
Clickables show much-needed power code caps.
In one swoop, the "powerful" codes increase a single vote from 5 - 100 points. The National Inclusion Project must be in the Top 10 to land a grant, and we definitely need your help.
The Pepsi site linked above is complicated for casual voters. However, everyone can easily follow this simplified routine for four days:
1. Text a daily vote: 108169 to 73774.
2. Vote for the NIP daily via Facebook.
3. Gather 4 power codes from Pepsi products and email/PM them via Facebook to an Inclusion Project supporter.
The National Inclusion Project has four days to secure the Pepsi grant. Thank you to all who join in this final power code effort!
Power caps are at a premium this final week. If you have trouble locating them at grocery stores, check the coolers at Best Buy, the Dollar Store, and other establishments.
BOTH SIDES NOW
Bows and flows of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air, And feathered canyons everywhere, I've looked at clouds that way, But now they only block the sun. They rain and they snow on everyone. So many things I would have done,
But clouds got in the way.
I've looked at clouds from both sides now, From up and down, and still somehow, It's clouds illusions I recall. I really don't know clouds ... at all.
Moons and Junes and Ferris wheels,
The dizzy dancing way that you feel As every fairy tale comes real,
I've looked at love that way. But now it's just another show. And you leave 'em laughing when you go And if you care, don't let them know,
Don't give yourself away.
I've looked at love from both sides now, From give and take, and still somehow It's love's illusions I recall. I really don't know love at all.
Tears and fears and feeling proud
To say "I love you" right out loud, Dreams and schemes and circus crowds,
I've looked at life that way. But now old friends, they're acting strange They shake their heads and tell me that I've changed. Something's lost and something's gained from living everyday.
I've looked at life from both sides now, From win and lose, and still somehow It's life's illusions I recall. I really don't know life.
I've looked at life from both sides now, From up and down, and still somehow It's life's illusions that I recall. I really don't know life ... at all.
MAKING INCLUSION A REALITY: Inclusion is giving people their rightful opportunity to participate. The National Inclusion Project works every day to make full inclusion a reality. Montage by SueReu features Clay singing "These Open Arms."
While coming home from camp, my son asked if I knew that everyone's brain was different. He explained that some kids at camp are different from other kids because they have certain disabilities.
When asked what he thought about that, he replied, "It's all good, Mom. We're all special and unique in our own way." -- Profound statement by a 7-year-old participant in a Let's ALL Play Camp.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE - The National Inclusion Project provides opportunities for all children to participate through nationwide Let's ALL Play Camps and other programs throughout the year.
Have an awesome week, and thank you for joining the cause of inclusion for all!
Click to expand Tried & True Tour graphic by Fountaindawg. Photos by toni7babe and farouche.
Countdown to Outfest 2011
Clay To Appear on DDD, The Talk
Countdowns to Sunday's Drop Dead Diva screening (7/24 episode) and panel discussion with Clay Aiken are flourishing on Internet message boards dedicated to the singer.
Numerous fans plan to attend the festivities in Los Angeles July 17-18. On Monday, Clay will appear as a guest on The Talk promoting the DDD episode. For an overview of the weekend events, see the previous blog entry: Clay Aiken Joins DDD Cast, Panel for Outfest 2011.
Earlier this week, an InfoBarrel entry -- Millionaires Who Help People in Need -- definitely caught the attention of CA fans, as indicated by the spike in the site's views.
In the blog, the author, jcmayer777, spotlighted some of the rich and famous doing good things with their money. In addition to singers and musicians, the blog includes charitable work of famous athletes, actors and actresses, as well as politicians.
Prior to National Inclusion Project, Clay worked with children at YMCA camps. This photo is from Camp Gonzo.
Singers and Musicians
Clay Aiken: Aiken co-founded the National Inclusion Project in 2003. It is designed to help close the gap of those with special needs, so they can live in the world around them. This is a really great organization that offers help to people that are truly in need.
Other musicians and their charities highlighted include Alicia Keys, Keep a Child Alive; Jon Bon Jovi, The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.; and Sting, The Rainforest Foundation US.
Mayer, a full time jail guard in Wisconsin, has been writing online for about a year. Click on the blog link and give him a hit. You can also sign in and leave a comment.
Children participating in the NIP's Let's All Play Camps today.
TWWMAD Promotes Inclusion Project
Since the Summer Tour of 2004, the organization The Way We Make a Difference has been connecting community groups with donated tickets to Clay Aiken tour concerts.
Currently, the organization is on a mission to increase awareness about the National Inclusion Project among educators and persons who work with social service agencies.
By raising funds and donating tickets, TWWMAD hopes that representatives of these organizations can attend the Champions Gala Oct. 21-22 and see first hand the impact the Inclusion Project has on thousands of children as well as their efforts to raise the national consciousness about the need for and benefits of inclusion.
We know that many cannot afford to attend the Gala themselves, but we also know that there are those who might want to donate to such an effort in order to spread the National Inclusion Project’s message.
And of course we have seen how small donations can add up when we come together to make a difference.
If anyone is interested in making a donation of any amount to send these individuals to the Gala, visit TWWMAD website. You can assist with this project by making a donation.
An Afternoon in the Park
A favorite lazy summer pastime with grandchildren Kai, almost 4, and Lia, 2, is visiting the local park. Below are three photos from a recent romp at the playground. All the pictures are clickable.
All boy, Kai is very much into trucks of all kinds. He even has a bookcase where they are stored. Following their daily runaround in the backyard, the trucks are carefully washed, dried, and returned to their special "garage."
Lia, who also enjoys her brother's truck collection, delights in being a mommy to two special dolls.
The week's countdown is a few minutes closer to Clay's Outfest 2011 events. Thank you for your comments in the Carolina blog and its counterpart at the OFC.
CHICAGO REPLAY- Fountaindawg's Park West design rewinds the Oct. 14 Chicago Concert with photos by Permaswooned.
Carolina Visitors Represent 158 Countries
Fans Anticipate Worldwide Tour
If the Carolina blog's visitors from 158 countries are any indication, Clay Aiken's popularity is worldwide and international fans can look forward to a global tour sometime in the future.
According to ClustrMap and Feedjit Live Feed, which have monitored the location of this site's visitors since December 2007, fans from 158 nations have dropped by this corner of the Internet for the latest news about Clay Aiken. On any given day, the number averages from 100-300.
New countries in 2010 include Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan (ASIA); Tunisia, Mauritania, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Angola, Senegal, and Zimbabwe (AFRICA); Macedonia, Cyprus, and Armenia (EUROPE); Saint Kitts and Nevis, Netherlands Antilles, Nicaragua, Turks and Caicos Islands, Barbados, andBelize (NORTH AMERICA).
Click to enlarge Carolina On My Mind ClustrMap.
All continents except Antarctica have followed a trail here, either via search engines or links on other websites. I am always intrigued in how a person lands at the Carolina doorstep; and I was very excited to see the Senegal flag, one of the newest countries from Africa, in the Feedjit feed. Turned out, the newcomer was googling "Ruben Studdard."
Countries registered by ClustrMap are listed at this link. Countries appear on the Feedjit Live Feed in real time.
Google Often Surprise Visitors
Most visitors arrive looking for news about Clay Aiken or his charitable endeavors. However, a wide range of topics bring readers to the Carolina doorstep, accidentally and on purpose.
A frequent search from Singapore is for the storm Kai, and that lands a person squarely in the middle ofHurricane Kai Strikes Texas Home (Oct. 2007):
Many may recall that in answer to my plea for more pictures of our brand new grandson, Kai's grandfather sent images of an apartment in total disarray -- dirty dishes in the sink, newspapers stacked up, you name it, to prove how little picture-taking time was available.
From these photos, my friend Sally created the "Hurricane Kai" graphic with grandson calmly sleeping in the eye of the storm.
Potato Rolls, Music Popular Links
Hopefully, the visitor who googled "what's for dinner?" enjoyed reading about -- and possibly baking -- my Aunt Lill's Potato Rolls (Feb. 2007). My great-aunt, who taught piano into her 90's, often sent a pan of her special rolls home with students, an unlikely event for the young charges of this non-baking music teacher.
Occasionally, I report on rehearsals, performances, and other accomplishments of my piano/string students. Someone searching for a drought remedy came across Spring Recital Yields Surprise. Because "video games" inspire new themes with one of my student composers, the term frequently yields Young Musicians Share Compositions (Aug. 2010).
Regular searches for "Loree oboe" or "John Ellis," oboe professor at the NC School of the Arts, pull up Trusty Oboe Could Tell Tales (Nov. 2006).
Other popular searches yield my experiences as a marching band director, Football Season Stirs Memories (Oct. 2006) and Clay's 2006 holiday tour lessons on "fancy Eye-talian" definitions, Musical Terms Provide Grins (Jan. 2007).
Blogs about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. like Country Honors Legacy of MLK (Jan. 2007) have been magnets for international visitors and, no doubt, students completing homework assignments. Storms Stir F-5 Tornado Memories, subhead in a Sept. 2008 entry, pops up when there's a twister in the forecast.
Just this week a Texan searching for "Sonny James Nashville" arrived at the first blog I posted on the Internet, Real Rebels of Country, Pop, in which I discussed how Sonny and Clay are the true "rebels" in their music genres. My husband played drums for Sonny when we lived in Nashville.
Many thnx to all who stop and leave comments. So far, four countries are represented in the remarks: Indonesia, Kenya, Canada, and the US. It would be great to hear from non-Clay fans who accidentally find themselves in the midst of a blog about the singer.
Thank you, too, for the ongoing geography lesson. No doubt, we are making "Teacher Clay" proud!
Violinist Tatum Davis, 8, earned $34 with impromptu market gig.
Young Violinist Plays First Gig
Tatum Davis, my youngest violin student, came to her lesson last Tuesday with the exciting news that she had played her first paying gig during October's High Point Furniture Market.
Her father, owner of Luke Leather Furniture, was bemoaning the fact that he had not engaged a guitarist for the semi-annual event. His wife reminded him that he has a violinist, and Tatum was "hired."
After a quick trip home for her violin and a "tips" jar, she set up in front of her father's showroom and began playing through her repertoire: "Frere Jacques," "Ode to Joy," "Allegro," "Twinkle Variations," "Go Tell Aunt Rhody," "Long, Long Ago," and "Bile 'Em Cabbage Down."
International buyers visiting her dad's display, filled the young violinist's jar three times. In one hour and 20 minutes, Tatum earned $34, all of which is headed for her new bank account opened just last month.
High Point Furniture Market draws approximately 75,000 furniture buyers to the Triad twice yearly. A second grader at Wesleyan Christian Academy, Tatum is already making plans to perform at the April 2011 market.
LET'S ALL PLAY -- Children with and without disabilities participate in the National Inclusion Project's programs. Too young to vote in the Pepsi Refresh Challenge, these two are relying on the dedication of adults.
Pepsi Grant To Fund New Camps
During the past few weeks, I have written numerous blogs and emailed friends, relatives, associates, and current/past music students and their parents asking all to help the National Inclusion Project secure a $50,000 grant by voting three ways daily in the October Pepsi Refresh Challenge.
2. Log out of Pepsi (lower left corner) and right back with above link, select Facebook, and vote again.
3. From mobile phone, text 102308 to Pepsi (73774)
Voting three ways takes less than five minutes. To vote for alliance/partner charities, use the voting widget in the sidebar below the calendar.
Clay Speaks, Auctions, Sings for NIP
No one explains or exemplifies the mission and accomplishments of the National Inclusion Project better than co-founder Clay Aiken in the speech he gave at the the Oct. 16 Champions Gala; the Dutch Auction he conducted, and his final song, "Both Sides Now," performed as a duet with Debra Leisey, who signed the lyrics.
Even in such tough economic times, numerous NIP supporters pledged multiples of $250, the cost for sending one child to a Let's ALL Play Camp next summer. (middle video)
IMPORTANCE OF INCLUSION -- Co-founder of the National Inclusion Project, Clay reported on foundation's accomplishments and goals in a speech at the 2010 Champions Gala. Video by Robyn 428.
DUTCH AUCTION - Clay conducted a Dutch Auction at the Gala during which attendees donated multiples of $250 to send from 1-10 kids to a Let's ALL Play Camp next summer. Video by Robyn428.
BOTH SIDES NOW - In the final song of his performance at the 2010 Gala, Clay sang "Both Sides Now," as Debra Leisey signed the lyrics. Video by Robyn428.
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, queenmama247had 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.
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
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!
This blog is about my passions: family, friends, music, teaching, journalism, Carolina basketball, and Clay Aiken. Since 2007, visitors have dropped by from 170 countries, the most recent being Cuba, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Nicaragua, and Aruba. Hope to see y'all again soon! - Caro
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