Clay Aiken Fans Celebrate Season with New Single

Clay Aiken to release BBML single at midnight.
Double clickable graphic by Fountaindawg, photo by Curtis Brown.

Bring Back My Love

Fans Count Down to New Single

Only a few more hours to Clay Aiken's much-anticipated new single!

"Bring Back My Love," will be released for digital download at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday on Amazon, iTunes, and CD Universe. And fans cannot wait!

iTunes Hot New Singles Banner

As the zero hour ticked closer, many fans played the song non-stop on the the Mediabase Player on the Music Info Systems site. You may be prompted to download a plug-in for your browser. These links should help: Firefox and Mediabase Settings.

BBML cap links to Mediabase Player.

Bring Back My Love - Clay Aiken (lyrics)

When I was young
Love was a lonely lullaby
Then there was you
I saw my future in your eyes
And I threw you away
I was wrong
When all is said and done,
Then I'm gonna bring back my love to you
Gonna show you what love can do
Believe me, just give me time
Cause I'm gonna to bring back my love to you
And we'll lay down like lovers do
Oh, my darling, say you'll be mine

Spending my time building my castles in the sand
I was a fool letting you fall right through my hands
Tonight, please let me hold you in my arms
And lie here safe from harm
Cause I'm gonna bring back my love to you
Gonna show you what love can do
Oh, my darling, say you'll be mine

All that I ever wanted
All that I ever needed
Was your love
Cause your love carries me

Cause I'm gonna bring back my love to you
Gonna show you what love can do
Oh, believe me, just give me time
Cause I'm gonna bring back my love to you
And we'll lay down like lovers do
Oh, my darling, say you'll be mine
Oh, my darling, say you'll be mine

Always with the voice at the forefront, the song starts with piano alone, proceeds to vocals and piano. Strings, horns, and percussion are added at various points.

Double clickable Christmas graphic by Fountaindawg.

Champions Gala 'Stays in Raleigh'

While I was playing oboe in Jamestown United Methodist Church Lessons and Carols Christmas Cantata rehearsals/performances on Dec. 10-11, many Clay Aiken fans converged on Raleigh for the National Inclusion Project's annual Champions Gala.

Most of the events -- VIP reception; silent and Dutch auctions; luncheon; Clay's special performance of pop hits, holiday music, and the premiere of BBML -- were off limits to cameras this year.

Honorees included Walgreens (corporate), Kevin Connolly, 24, photographer and professional skier born without legs; and Chris Burke, whose Down Syndrome has not impaired his acting career. Read the bios/credentials of these champions of inclusion at the Foundation's website.

Clack of Sunday morning's NIP Volunteer Round Table discussion can be viewed at the Ginger Scarlett Channel on YouTube. Videos 1, 2, and 3 cover the mission and scope of the NIP's inclusive programs and fundraisers; Let's All PLAY camps; proactive, creative ways to organize benefits.

Special thanks to Scarlett for providing video of these sessions.

Recaps of the weekend have been devoured throughout Clay Cyberspace, and those in attendance are still talking about the 2011 event. I especially like this Not.Just.Us quote shared by claysgalsal:

I had the pleasure of seeing you at the foundation fundraiser hosted by Clay Aiken last weekend. I went kicking and screaming, but I gotta admit ... the dude can sing.

I have never seen fans like that in my life. They remind me of small crowd versions of the Beatles and Elvis. I was told that lunch with Clay Aiken went for $58,000. Clearly I should not have ducked chorus in high school.

P.S. Luncheon a Very Special Treat

For me, a very special highlight of Gala Weekend was the luncheon six of us shared in Greensboro Sunday afternoon.

Five participants traveled from Raleigh while I packed up my oboe to meet them at Mimi's Restaurant in the Friendly Shopping Center. The hour wait was no problem as some of us were meeting for the first time.

What a treat to finally meet Aspiegirl and her roommate Maria, both of whom I have known online for years. I also met for the first time Triad neighbors georgiesmybaby and FearofH2O.

Being with Scarlett is always special. After the Ohioans departed for their 11-hour return trip and the Triad folks headed home, Scarlett and I visited, picked up some sushi for her, and eventually rented a car for her return to Raleigh and very early flight the next morning.

It's been quite a week!

Double clickable cap of Christie Cookie site to enlarge.

Christie Cookie Site Features NIP

The National Inclusion Project has been the featured charity in Christie Cookies' 'Chippin' in for Kids' program for November and December 2011. Scroll on the left sidebar or the Charity of the Month.

Each time a cookie tin is purchased, Christie Cookies donates 22% of the price back to the charity. At the same time, the cookie site is spreading the word about inclusion:

Inclusion is giving people their rightful opportunity to participate. Since the National Inclusion Project began, they have made a real impace by ensuring that children nationwide can experience all of life."

Read more information at National Inclusion Project.org.

Piano, Violin Students Perform

No doubt, last week was one of the busiest of the year as my violin and piano students also performed holiday music/semester literature at Wesleyan Christian Academy on Thursday afternoon. No wonder the Carolina blog has sat so long without an update!

Hats off to Erica Freeman, Kayla Davidson, and Haley Pierce, pianists; and violinists Jenni Harrell, Raegan Isenhour, Sara Beth Bulla, and Tatum Davis for their solos, duets, and ensembles during the first performance.

Double duty in a church Nativity scene rearranged the second program, so the string ensemble performed the opening four numbers with Tatum present and closed the program with one violinist dancing in King Herod's court elsewhere.

'King Herod' Claims Violinist

The violin ensemble at the second recital included Ora Fulp, Erica Justice, Sara Beth, and Tatum. A fifth member was home sick with the flu.

Pianists Miranda Rivera, Mitch Rivera, Jeremy Fulp, and Caleb Hernandez presented a varied program. In addition to the holiday selections, Caleb performed three new compositions whose current "working titles" are "Irish," "Winter," and "Old."

The importance of the holiday goody bags was never more pronounced as this year. Between performances, Tatum and her mom microwaved her bag's popcorn to sustain them through the Nativity gig.

Hopefully, all my students are still sharing their holiday music, as well as the goodies!

Christmastime is Here when Clay sings carols.
Double clickable graphic by Fountaindawg, photos by NickiKiwi.

Clay Synonymous with Christmas

No one sings Christmas music like Clay Aiken, and Claymatron provided just the post to describe what I mean. Here is her story:

I just returned from doing some Christmas shopping, and my first stop was the Hallmark card shop in our local mall. I was perusing some cards when I suddenly realized the Christmas carol I heard was being sung by Clay. I turned around and loudly declared, "OMG, that's Clay Aiken! Is that the radio?"

The ladies behind the counter looked at each other, smiled, and said, "Nope, it's our own CD; he's our favorite!" I told them I am a fan, and they told me they play it every day throughout the holidays. And they always get the nicest compliments from their customers when they do.

I'm not surprised. I stayed and bought three more cards than I intended and then browsed the entire shop until I heard "What Are You Doing New Years Eve?" It's the first time I've felt "Christmasy" this year!

NIP Lends NHHS Band a Hand

If you read my message board/Facebook posts, you know the Inclusion Project is helping the New Hanover High School Band, my Alma mater, and several other charities during the December Pepsi Refresh.

After receiving an urgent email from my brother Chuck one week into the campaign, our NIP crew started advising NHHS and other novice groups with what we have learned in past Pepsi drives.

Two weeks later, they are novices no more. Now we are taking notes from these energetic, creative gals -- Dana Ward (NHHHS Band, #9 in $25k), Crys Worley (AL Skate. #6 in $50k), Jennifer Rice (Ravenna Parks/Recreation, #14 in $50k), and on and on!

Many thnx to all who are utilizing the NIP Voting Widget links in this blog's sidebar. Even my music students are committed to daily texts as we support these groups for the next 10 days.

Wishing you and yours a very special holiday season!

Signature by Linda

Clay Aiken T&T Tour To Spotlight Signature Song

Clay introduces signature 'Unchained Melody' version.
View 'Tried & True LIVE' PBS performance full screen at YouTube.

'Unchained Melody' on Tour

Aiken Programs Signature Song

For many fans, the highlight of Clay Aiken's February-March 2011 Tried & True Tour will be the nightly performance of "Unchained Melody, a song in the singer's repertoire for years but now with his own spectacular signature arrangement.

Clay's new interpretation of "Unchained Melody" was scored by his friend Ben Cohn, arranger, musical director, keyboardist, for the 2010 Tried & True album and PBS Special.

For many, UM became a favorite during Clay's American Idol 2 run in 2003. Most CA fans have external hard drives that chronicle the UM saga dating back to his teen aged years in Raleigh. Below is the singer's Top 3 AI performance of the song.

Clay singing 'Unchained Melody' during AI Top 3 Finals.

Fair warning -- once you link to YouTube for the above performances, be prepared to also view the Hollywood Week montage by Wowzers4Clay, which includes the a Capella/pitch pipe version; DWTS Season 11, UM montage by LovesClaysVoice; and ... and ... Have fun!!!

UM Boasts 500+ Versions

Unchained Melody, 1955 popular song with music by Alex North and lyrics by Hy Zaret, has become one of the most recorded songs of the 20th century, by some counts having spawned more than 500 versions in hundreds of different languages.

Theme music for the 1955 prison movie "Unchained," the song was recorded by various artists prior to the July 1965 version by the Righteous Brothers that became the jukebox standard.

Featured in the 1990 blockbuster movie Ghost, the song is slated for GHOST The Musical this year.

Photos by Jim R. Bounds from the Tried & True ~ LIVE Special
complete this graphic design by Fountaindawg.

Since the Ben Cohn chart debut at the March 2010 PBS Special taping, Clay's "Unchained Melody" has made an impression on many. Below are four examples from previous Carolina blog entries.

Moonhead: Clay's own version of "Unchained Melody." Wow, he owns this song!!! And he really changed up the last third of it. His own version indeed! What he did with this was quite spectacular. -- March 15, 2010 (just after the PBS taping).

The next two appeared in the June 9, 2010 Carolina blog: Clay Aiken CD Charts in Top 10.

adrienne1954: My husband, who is not a fan, went to work out in our home gym. He put on the TV, and it wasn't working. He called me downstairs and, with panic in his voice, asked me to fix the TV. I tried to figure out what the problem was and couldn't.

Instead, he decided to listen to a CD. While fiddling with the cable remote, I jokingly asked, "Do you want to listen to Clay's new album?" "OK." (Words I never thought I would hear in a million years!)

I can't tell you how fast I ran upstairs to grab the CD before he changed his mind. In the old Bose CD player, Clays T&T went right to "Unchained Melody." I waited for his reaction.

"I love this song. This is one of my favorite songs," he said. (Who knew?) "He really does have a great voice. Oh, and shut if off."

I reached to turn off the CD, not wanting to push my luck or Clay's voice.

"No," not the CD player -- the TV! I want to listen to the whole album."

amazed_in_nj: I let my second graders listen to TnT today while they were working. After "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," I had to replay it again for them ... and again and again. By the third time, they were all singing along.

They loved "Unchained Melody," would wait the THE NOTE, and then take their hands from low to high in the air as Clay went up on that note. Again, when it was finished, they said, "Play it again!" So, of course, I did.

CLAY IS BACK -Graphic by Fountaindawg, photos by Jim R. Bounds.

Couple Plans Valentine Concert

During Houston's PBS Special debut, several CA fans assisted with phone pledges. This incident was retold in the Sept. 9, 2010 entry, Clay Aiken Dazzles Houston PBS Audience:

jtgranny: One of the most amazing calls I received was from an older gentleman planning a special Valentine evening. When I asked him how much he wanted to pledge, he said "Well, I guess I'm going to have to pledge $300 so I can go see this Clay Aiken and take my wife."

After I took all of his information, I was informed by him and his wife, who had by this time picked up on the other line, that they had followed Clay when he was on American Idol and thought he was great.

They have been married for 54 years, and "Unchained Melody" is their song. When Clay sang it on the TV special, they both sat on the couch and cried because it was so beautiful. She also told me she thought that was the best version she has ever heard.

By this time I was trying not to get all weepy myself, so I just told them I hoped they had a wonderful evening, thanked them for their donation, and said I would pass along this information to Clay.

I wished them a Happy Valentine's Day. This call definitely made my night even more special!

Clay Aiken: 2011 Winter Tour Preview

Tried & True Classics To Tour

"Unchained Melody" is not the only song that will be heard during the February-March Tried & True Tour. Get ready to experience the incredible pipes singing "Mack the Knife," "It's Impossible," "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," "Suspicious Minds," and other classics

Sample tour selections from the Tried & True CD and Tried & True ~ LIVE DVD at Amazon. Below are the tour dates with links to the venue or ticket sales.

2011 Tried and True Tour

2.10.11 Miami, FL Arsht Center, 7:30 pm
2.11.11 Orlando, FL Hard Rock, 8 pm
2.12.11 Sarasota, FL Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 8 pm
2.14.11 Houston, TX Jones Hall, 7:30 pm
2.16.11 Atlanta, GA Cobb Energy Center, 8 pm
2.17.11 Knoxville, TN Bijou Theatre, 8 pm
2.18.11 Pittsburgh, PA Carnegie Music Hall, 8 pm
2.19.11 Cleveland, OH Playhouse Square, 7:30 pm
2.20.11 Waterbury, CT Palace Theater, 7:30 pm
2.22.11 Baltimore, MD Kraushaar Auditorium, 7:30 pm
2.23.11 Charlotte, NC Blumenthal Center, 7:30 pm
2.24.11 Greenville, SC The Peace Center, 7:30 pm
2.26.11 Westbury, NY NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 8 pm
2.27.11 Glenside, PA Keswick Theatre, 7:30 pm
3.01.11 Cincinnati, OH Taft Theatre, 7:30 pm
3.02.11 Fort Wayne, IN Embassy Theatre, 7:30 pm
3.04.11 Waukegan, IN Genesse Theatre, 8 pm
3.05.11 Minneapolis, MN State Theatre, 8 pm
3.07.11 Memphis, TN Minglewood Hall, 8 pm
3.08.11 Grand Prairie, TX Verizon Theatre At Grand Prairie, 7:30 pm
3.10.11 Mesa, AZ Mesa Arts Center, 8 pm
3.12.11 San Francisco, CA The Warfield, 8 pm

Decca, My Space Herald T&T Tour

Concerts through March 1 are mapped on the Decca Label Group site in Clay's Events column. The singer currently holds the Decca site record for most CD/DVD comments/reviews/page views. You can add to them in the Releases column. The same goes for comments at the linked You Tube videos.

If you haven't visited Clay's My Space page lately, you are in for a treat, as it is loaded with tour dates/links, T&T photos, music to stream, videos, an excellent bio, info about the National Inclusion Project, etc.

"Unchained Melody" is a great accompaniment for Pepsi Refresh voting. You can link to the National Inclusion Project's alliances and partners via the NIP Thank You Widget in the Carolina blog sidebar. The alliances can be accessed at the Vote For Kids link.

Have a wonderful week, Clay Nation!

Caro

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

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