Clay Aiken Fans Rejoice with Decca

ON HIS WAY HERE -- Clay Aiken and fans celebrate his new Universal/Decca home. Graphic by Fountaindawg.

2010 Music Highly Anticipated

Fans Celebrate New Label, Gala

On my way here
Where I am now
I've learned to fly
I have to want to leave the ground

I've fallen hard
But I've been loved
And in the end it all works out
My faith has conquered fear
On my way here.

The long, winding road to Monday's Clay Aiken-Universal/Decca merger mirrors the lyrics of "On My Way Here," title track of his 2008 album. Two days after the announcement, the journey and new record label are still being celebrated in full mode on the singer's fan boards.

On My Way Here - Montage by Dreamlarge

An instant fan favorite, Dreamlarge's 2008 On My Way Here montage can also be viewed at YouTube.

Current message board festivities also include Wednesday's record-setting, four-minute sell out of tickets for the 2009 Champions Gala Benefit.

Hosted by the National Inclusion Project, formerly The Bubel/Aiken Foundation, the annual gala is set for Oct. 17 at the Raleigh Marriott City Center. Honoring the inclusion of people of all abilities, the gala will feature a special performance by Clay, silent/live auctions, dinner, and special awards.

A new link for supporters to bookmark is the Inclusion Project's online newsletter in pdf format: The Voice.

Fans Explore Decca Trails

Clay Aiken is listed at Wikipedia's Decca site under Pop/Crossover Artists, and the news section of the official Decca website is being watched closely. Familiar screen names are already following Decca Label Group on Twitter.

Paraphrasing propounder, a fan whose post has hopscotched across several message boards because it speaks to the hope of countless fans around the globe:

Universal/Decca landed a very talented entertainer, "a singing sensation with an amazing unique voice, superb work ethics, and a devoted fan base."

His star quality is evident and easily appreciated by those in the biz, a biz hungry for stars who can sell.

I hope this will be a happy and mutually beneficial relationship with Clay being supported to realize his potential and Decca richly rewarded for nurturing a great talent.

PHOTO INTERLUDE: Featured in this clickable interlude are graphics by AmazingCA (1, 5) and Fountaindawg (2, 3, 4), including regular and wide screen versions of the opening design, as well as a collage from the 2008 Gala. Photographers include Tangerine, 1; toni7babe and SmartyPantsSuz, 3; and ClayIzzQT, 5.

Broadway Media Joins Festivities

Clay's signing with Decca Records has been reported by multiple entertainment sites, including media from his theater days, Broadway World and Playbill. The story below is from the latter:

"American Idol" finalist Clay Aiken, who made his Broadway debut in Monty Python's Spamalot, has signed with Universal Music's Decca Records.

According to the singer's official website, he will release a new CD in the first half of 2010. No other details have been announced.

Aiken — who was bested by Ruben Studdard during the second season of "American Idol" — has gone on to sell more than six million albums, co-author a best selling book ("Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life") and play six sold-out concert tours. He was a focus of the short-lived Off-Broadway musical Idol: The Musical and has appeared on "Ed," "Saturday Night Live" and "Scrubs."

Aiken released his fourth album, "On My Way Here," last spring.

The Best Is Yet To Come

Prevailing sentiments in Cyberspace are tremendous anticipation for the promise of new Clay Aiken songs by early 2010. When not listening to Singer Man's music, CA fans just might be caught humming "The Best Is Yet To Come" ...

Out of the tree of life, I just picked me a plum
You came along and everything started to hum
Still it's a real good bet, the best is yet to come.

The best is yet to come, and won't that be fine
You think you've seen the sun, but you ain't seen it shine

The best is yet to come, and won't that be fine
The best is yet to come ...

Have an awesome week, Clay Nation!

Caro

TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, montage, On My Way Here, Universal Music Group, Decca Records, Wikipedia, Broadway World, Playbill, National Inclusion Project, Champions Gala Benefit, Clayonline Fan Club, Clay Nation

Clay Aiken Signs with UMG Decca

NEW LABEL for CLAY -- Graphic by AmazingCA, photos by toni7babe.

New Album Set for 2010

Aiken Signs with UMG Label

Clay Aiken has signed with a new label -- Universal Music's Decca Records!

The announcement was made Monday afternon on Clayonline, the singer's fan club site. Decca Records will produce an album in early 2010.

Fans, who have waited for this news since the singer parted ways with RCA in February, began dancing in the streets of Clay Cyberspace. News quickly spread to message boards, blogs, Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, and LALATE.

Within a nanosecond, links began appearing with more information about Universal Music Group.

Universal Music Group (UMG) is the largest business group and family of record labels in the recording industry. With a 25.5% market share (est. 2005), it is one of the "big four" record companies.

It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Vivendi; Universal Studios, the movie studio, was sold in part to NBC to form NBC Universal, which itself is part of GE.

Among the artists listed in the UMG roster are Andrea Bocelli, Hayley Westenra, Taylor Swift, Mariah Carey, Black Eyed Peas, Dolly Parton, Lee Ann Womack, Boyz ll Men, Morrissey, Rufus Wainwright, Sting.

Congratulations, Clay! Your fans are in full celebration mode!

Caro

TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, Universal's Music Decca Records, new record label, Clayonline Fan Club, Clay Nation

Other blogs celebrating news of Clay's new label include:

Clay Aiken News Network

The ConCLAYve

Clay Aiken Journey

mjsbigblog

All That Is Clay Aiken

MJ's Big Idol Blog

Clay Aiken News

Clay-The Man

Truth Rules

There Was a Man

Clay Aiken Marks Son's Birthday

Parker's First Birthday - Montage by Yollie950

With 'Aunties' Around the World

Parker Celebrates First Candle

When Parker Foster Aiken was born at 8:08 a.m. August 8, 2008, the more artistic members of his father's fan base went into overdrive welcoming the new arrival with an outpouring of beautiful graphics and montages.

Today, as the son of Clay Aiken and Jaymes Foster blows out his first candle, the celebration continues in rhyme, rhythm, and song with thousands of "aunties" around the globe marking the birthay milestone.

The opening montage -- Parker's First Birthday - Yollie950 -- features his father singing "Look What Love Has Done" and a charming birthday poem by ymarie that closes with these verses:

You're a precious little boy,
The source of so much pride and joy.
You not only made their wishes come true,
You have thousands of aunties who love you, too.

We wish you the best on this special day
Congratulations again, Jaymes and Clay.
You done good!

Happy Birthday, Parker Foster Aiken!

PARTY TIME -- Clay and Parker. Graphic by AmazingCA.

The occasions of Parker's birth, his dad's first Father's Day, and the anniversary of his arrival have resulted in countless special donations to The Bubel/Aiken Foundation, now the National Inclusion Project, by members of Clay Aiken fan clubs and message boards.

Amazingly, the infant inspired generosity among his father's fans as baby showers held in his honor benefited local families and children in need. In most cases, gifts were contributed by those in attendance, as well as many who forwarded items. Below is a photo from one such shower.

Boston Baby Shower
Clickable by Sandy

Glimpses from occasional outings, publications, and TV appearances during this little guy's first year have produced an amazing collection of photos, graphics, and montages by the fandom's creative "aunties."

The Father's Day montage by LovesClaysVoice is accompanied by Clay singing "I Will Be Here." Below are representatives from this blog's Parker photo album.

Beginning with August 2008, the first set includes graphics by Laura08, 1; Fountaindawg, 2 and 4; GMA screen cap of the family, 3; and AmazingCA, 5.

As Clay celebrated Father's Day, Parker crawled into toddler land. The graphic artists followed, and these clickable designs were created by cindilu2, 1; AmazingCA with photo by PermaSwooned, 2; Fountaindawg, 3 and 5; and AmazingCA, 4.

Wishing Parker and his family a very special birthday celebration! Happy weekend to the Clay Nation "aunties" around the globe!

Below is a double-clickable of AmazingCA's birthday graphic:

Caro

TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, Jaymes Foster, Parker Foster Aiken, birthday, montage, graphic design, National Inclusion Project, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation

Other blogs holding parties for Parker's birthday include:

Clay Aiken News Network

There Was a Man

Clay-The Man

Clay Aiken Journey

All That Is Clay Aiken

Clay Aiken Publicizes NIP Charity

NAME CHANGE -- Co-founders Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel celebrate National Inclusion Project, formerly known as The Bubel/Aiken Foundation. (NIP Photo)

National Inclusion Project

TBAF Adopts New Heading

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation, established six years ago in the midst of the American Idol Tour by Clay Aiken and his friend Diane Bubel, this week officially adopted a new name -- the National Inclusion Project.

The announcement was made in a press release -- An open letter from co-founders Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel -- and on the singer's Clayonline fan club site:

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation grew out of the relationship between the two of us and Diane’s son, Mike, a 13 year old with autism. The bond between us grew strong as we shared a vision of a world where children like Mike could be fully immersed in society. We had both witnessed children with disabilities repeatedly turned away from activities opened to typical children.

We met while Clay was pursuing a degree in special education at UNC-Charlotte. As part of that pursuit, Clay completed an independent study project where he created a foundation that focused on providing the support system for recreational and educational programs around the country to open doors to children with disabilities that had thus far remained closed.

We realized that an organized effort could encourage and facilitate community inclusion and empowerment of individuals with disabilities. This shared goal grew into reality on July 28, 2003 when we officially announced the creation of The Bubel/Aiken Foundation.

In the past six years, TBAF has established itself as a leading voice for inclusion working with a “Who’s Who” list of youth organizations.

The Foundation has formed partnerships with Johns Hopkins University’s National Center for Summer Learning, the University of Massachusetts-Boston’s Center for Social Development and Education, the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability, the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration, and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill’s Frank Porter Graham Child Development Center.

The complete release is posted under News Stories at the new Inclusion Project website.

NIP Names Champions Honorees

This week the National Inclusion Project also announced the 2009 Champions honorees who will be presented awards at the Oct. 17 Champions Gala Benefit Celebration in Raleigh.

The 2009 honorees include Dr. Gregory P. Byrne, Patrick Henry Hughes, and Patrick John Hughes; Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc., corporate champion; and The Sparkle Effect. Below are sketches of the honorees:

Dr. Gregory P. Byrne, Patrick Henry Hughes, and Patrick John Hughes: When Patrick Henry Hughes was born in 1988, medical staff noticed physical anomalies diagnosed as bilateral anophthalmia with ptergyium syndrome and congenital bilateral hip dysplasia. He can neither see nor walk.

His father, Patrick John Hughes, introduced him to the piano at the age of nine months. Patrick has studied piano in the years since and later began the study of trumpet.

At the suggestion of Louisville's marching band director, Dr. Greg Byrne, Patrick Henry joined the marching band, playing trumpet while his father pushed him in his wheelchair through the marching routines.

The inspirational story of these three men, featured during a 12/2/06 ESPN Game Day telecast, can be viewed at YouTube or in the player below. His story has also been highlighted by CBS on the Against All Odds series.

Inspirational Story of Patrick Henry Hughes

Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc. continually demonstrates its outstanding commitment to help young people with disabilities to maximize their potential and participation in society.

The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation has had a sizable impact since it was established in 1991: more than $9 million invested, affecting the lives of many thousands of young people with disabilities, their families, friends and communities.

Added to that total are thousands of employee volunteer hours and the transformation of individuals, one life at a time.

The Sparkle Effect: Sarah Cronk and Sarah Herr, two varsity cheerleaders from Pleasant Valley High School are being honored as Champions for founding The Sparkle Effect, a nonprofit organization that encourages high school students across the United States to include children with special needs on cheer leading squads.

By providing guidance, peer mentoring, and online tools to enable high school students to fully integrate cheerleading squads, they have changed life experiences for teenagers across the country and the awareness they have created will continue to impact generations to come.

Complete bios of the Champions can be read at the Inclusion Project website.

Clay To Perform at Gala Benefit

The Champions Gala will feature a special performance by Clay, as well as dinner, and silent and live auctions, in support of the organization's programs providing children with disabilities the opportunity to play, learn and grow side-by-side with their typical peers.

New this year will be the presentation of the first annual Bubel Aiken Founders' Award for outstanding volunteer service. Individual tickets go on sale at noon EDT Aug. 11. For more information, see tickets and reservations.

Congratulations and all the best to the newly named National Inclusion Project as the organization continues its mission of inclusion for all!

We are so proud to launch the National Inclusion Project. As our foundation grows, so does its impact. In order to better reach the ever growing goals we have for this foundation, we felt that a new name would better suit our position as a national leader on inclusion as well as recognize the Foundation's start and the efforts of its faithful supporters. - Clay Aiken

Below is a double clickable of the opening photo:

Have a great weekend, Clay Nation!

Caro

TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, Diane Bubel, National Inclusion Project, The Bubel/Aiken Foundation, Champions Gala Benefit Celebration, Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc., Dr. Gregory P. Byrne, Patrick Henry Hughes, Patrick John Hughes, The Sparkle Effect, Bubel Aiken Founders Award, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation

Other blogs currently spotlighting the National Inclusion Project include:

Clay Aiken News Network

Clay Aiken Journey

All That Is Clay Aiken

Chexxxy’s Pearls

Popcycleman

Clay Aiken News

There Was a Man

gerra730

Shyeyewitness and Friends

COOL4HIM's CLAYMANIA

Aiken Montage Celebrates Obamas

An Obama Love Story: Something About Us by Maplestik

Barack Obama Turns 48

Happy Birthday, Mr. President!

Supplementing the White House "business as usual" plan for August 4, this corner celebrates the president's 48th birthday with a rewind of An Obama Love Story, montage by Maplestik set to the beautiful Something About Us track from Clay Aiken's On My Way Here album.

President Barack Obama's lunch with Senate Democrats is expected to include discussions about health care, the economy, energy legislation, and the "Cash for Clunkers" program. Chuck E. Cheese was rumored to be in charge of the menu.

Kicking off the birthday early was a weekend trip to Camp David with family, longtime friends from Chicago, and childhood friends from Hawaii. At the Maryland getaway, the president played basketball and supposedly raised his bowling average from 37 to a high of 144. Now that's something to celebrate!

The photo below links to a birthday slide show at The Daily Beast. Once there, click on "slide show" in the lower left corner.

Happy Birthday, Mr. President! Photos from The Daily Beast

Birthday Celebration Goes Global

Born in Hawaii to a mother originally from Kansas and a father from Kenya, the first African-American US president has a multicultural heritage that epitomizes this country's melting pot history. From ages 6 to 10, he lived with hisi mother and stepmother in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Global celebrations of President Obama's birthday will undoubtedly include a stop in Moneygal, the tiny Irish village from which his great-grandfather migrated to the America.

A song by Hardy Drew recorded by the Corrigan Brothers portrays the history of the Obama Irish connection. Both concert and animated versions of "There's No One As Irish" are available at YouTube.

Screen cap links to animated montage.

No One as Irish as Barack O'Bama

O'Leary, O'Reilly, O'Hare and O'Hara
There's no one as Irish as Barack O'Bama

You don't believe me, I hear you say
But Barack's as Irish, as was JFK
His granddaddy's daddy came from Moneygall
A small Irish village, well known to you all

Toor a loo, toor a loo, toor a loo, toor a lama
There's no one as Irish As Barack O'Bama

He's as Irish as bacon and cabbage and stew
He's Hawaiian he's Kenyan American too
He's in the white house, He took his chance
Now let's see Barack do Riverdance

Toor a loo, toor a loo, toor a loo, toor a lama
There's no one as Irish As Barack O'Bama

From Kerry and cork to old Donegal
Let's hear it for Barack from old moneygall
From the lakes if Killarney to old Connemara
There's no one as Irish as Barack O'Bama

O'Leary, O'Reilly, O'Hare and O'Hara
There's no one as Irish as Barack O'Bama
From the old blarney stone to the great hill of Tara
There's no one as Irish as Barack O'Bama

2008 the white house is green,
They're cheering in Mayo and in Skibereen.
The Irish in Kenya, and in Yokahama,
Are cheering for President Barack O'Bama

O'Leary, O'Reilly, O'Hare and O'Hara
There's no one as Irish as Barack O'Bama

The Hockey Mom's gone, and so is McCain
They are cheering in Texas and in Borrisokane,
In Moneygall town, the greatest of drama,
or our Famous president Barack O'Bama

Toor a loo, toor a loo, toor a loo, toor a lama
There's no one as Irish As Barack O'Bama

The great Stephen Neill, a great man of God,
He proved that Barack was from the Auld Sod
They came by bus and they came by car,
To celebrate Barack in Ollie Hayes's Bar

O'Leary, O'Reilly, O'Hare and O'Hara
There's no one as Irish as Barack O'Bama.

President Obama - Britannica photo links to
'I Will Carry You' montage by LovesClaysVoice

Wishing our president a very happy 48th with the special song stylings of Clay -- Something About Us (On My Way Here) and I Will Carry You (Measure of a Man)!

Have an awesome week, Clay Nation!

Caro

P.S. For those who don't uaually read comments, Stephen Neill, whose name appears in the song "There's No One as Irish as Barack O'bama," has left two. Stephen is an Anglican priest and "rector of the church where President Obama's third grandfather was baptized."

His PaddyAnglican journal is on Blogspot. The entry detailing his January trip with the Corrigan Brothers for President Obama's inauguration is titled Journey Into Hope.

TECHNORATI TAGS: Barack Obama, Clay Aiken, An Obama Love Story, Something About Us, On My Way Here, I Will Carry You, Measure Of A Man, montage, birthday, The Daily Beast, multicultural heritage, No One As Irish As Barack Obama, Corrigan Brothers, Hardy Drew, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation

Clay Aiken Boosts Blood Pressure

ON THE RISE -- Gazing at Clay Aiken photos just might affect one's blood pressure. Graphic by AmazingCA, photo by fivegoldens.

Blood Pressure Penance

Heart Checkup Nets Homework

Looking through photos of Clay Aiken can send a gal's blood pressure soaring, and this week mine took a leap at just the wrong time -- in the doctor's office!

Since a couple of stents came into my life three years ago, semi-annual checkups with a cardiologist are a staple on my calendar. I always walk into the lady's office with my fingers crossed, hoping all is well and that there's no need for more hardware.

After making my way through the obstacle course created by building construction repairs, I failed the first part of the exam with elevated blood pressure. It's been years since I have registered a reading as high as 170/90.

Next up was the electrocardiogram (EKG) -- 10 minutes to set it up and literally 10 seconds to run. I passed this test with flying colors, though some of the sticky goo that holds the electrodes in place accompanied me home and hung around for several hours.

'White Coat Syndrome' Strikes

I supposed Dr. T liked what she heard with her stethoscope because our post-exam session centered around the elevated BP. She admitted that blood pressure can register high due to any number of reasons, one being the "white coat syndrome."

Could be, but my "homework" for a week is to take my BP and pulse twice daily with a computerized get-up. So far, the readings have been nothing but normal except for the night I wrestled with the cuff several minutes to place it in the correct position. I learned my lesson though; anywhere in the zone is just fine with me.

I have three physicians in this one building. Thinking I was safely on an every other year schedule, I double-checked with the OB-GYN desk just to be sure. Me and my big mouth -- I now have an appointment for that department in September.

I had planned to stop by the grocery store on the way home. When I finally left the doctor's office two hours later, the humidity was dense, the temperature off the charts, and I was still kicking myself for opening my mouth in the OB-GYN office.

I opted instead to drive through Hardee's for a double bacon cheeseburger!

PHOTO INTERLUDE: These Clay Aiken graphics promise to boost a little blood pressure. Featured are cindilu2, 1 (August calendar); AmazingCA, with photos by fivegoldens, 2 and 3, and Tasapio, 4; and cindilu2, photos by scrpkym and toni7babe, 5. Widescreen versions of the August calendar graphics are available at the artist's Yuku page.

Blue-Bound Bird for Dinner

I finally made it to the grocery story Saturday morning. A staple of my weekly shopping is a Harris Teeter roasted chicken, which the deli normally secures with red string. Today, however, it was blue.

Having watched my share of movies this summer, my first thought was "Bridget Jones's Diary" in which the lead character accidentally prepares blue soup due to the color of string. As much as I love blue, I sure hope that only happens in the movies.

Friday members of Clay's fan club were treated to another round of Questions and Answers by the singer. The most popular reply came when he hinted that news is just a week or two away.

Is It Soon Yet?
Graphic by Fountaindawg

Have a wonderful weekend, Clay Nation!

Caro

TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, blood pressure, cardiology, stent, white coat syndrome, calendar, Question and Answer Thread, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation

Bubel/Aiken Marks 6th Birthday

SPECIAL OCCASIONS - New York City skyline photo and graphic by Sally.

Happy Birthday, Sally!

TBAF Plans Gala Celebration

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation celebrated its sixth birthday Tuesday with plans for the annual fall bash -- the Champions of Change Gala -- coming right along.

Today we not only commemorate the Bubel/Aiken anniversary, but also the birthday of Sallly -- friend, Clay Aiken fan, photographer/graphic artist, and mentor for many whose designs are published here.

For me, she is a sister-friend. To my grandchildren, she has become a "fairy godmother," spearheading an online baby shower and celebrating Kai and Lia through creative graphics and photo edits.

Happy Birthday, Sally! The party continues below with some of my friend's classic CA graphics in the interlude.

Gala To Spotlight Inclusion

A celebration of the inclusion of people of all abilities, the Oct. 17 gala at the Raleigh (NC) Marriott City Center will feature a special performance by Clay Aiken and recognition of this year's Champions of Change honorees.

The evening -- dinner, silent and live auctions, entertainment -- serves to promote awareness of the benefits of inclusion and support TBAF’s programs which give children with disabilities the opportunity to experience life with their typical peers.

Diane Bubel and son Mike in 2003.

TBAF grew out of the relationship between Clay, Diane Bubel, and her then 13-year-old son Mike, who had been diagnosed with autism. Clay met the Bubel family while pursuing a career in special education at the University of North Carolina - Charlotte.

The Bubels and Clay shared a vision of a world where children like Mike could be fully immersed in society. Having witnessed those with disabilities repeatedly turned away from activities open to typical children, they knew that with the right support system, doors could be opened to these individuals, an organized effort could encourage and facilitate community inclusion and empowerment of individuals with disabilities.

The goal became a reality when Clay and Diane co-founded TBAF. The official announcement was made on July 28, 2003 in New York City. For a timeline and much more, see TBAF Events at the Clay Aiken Kids site. Below are clickable wallpapers by Fountaindawg commemorating the foundation's beginning and an overview of the past six years.

Clay Opens Initial TBAF Account

In New York City for the American Idol 2 Tour, Clay attended the ribbon cutting of the new Wachovia Bank at Rockefeller Center. Both Wachovia and Mayor Michael Bloomberg presented TBAF checks for $10,000. With these funds, Clay opened the branch's first account for the charity.

When the AI2 Tour stopped in Raleigh on Aug. 6, Clay and Diane Bubel held a press conference to discuss the formation of TBAF. They were presented a check by fans already fundraising for the organization.

TBAF serves to bridge the gap that exists between young people with special needs and the world around them, supporting communities with inclusive programs and helping to create awareness about the possibilities that inclusion can bring.

We are, as they say, the product of the choices we make. I challenge each of you to make the choice that leads to full access, celebrating the human rights we all deserve. When you see a child in a wheelchair, will you choose to see the child? Or the chair?

When you stand in the presence of someone who cannot speak, will you choose to hear only silence? Or will you choose the tapestry that is found in the language without words?

When you’re facing parenting or teaching a child with a disability, will you choose to be overwhelmed by the challenges? Or will you choose to recognize a different kind of hero who brings you one of life’s most precious gifts – hope? -- Clay Aiken

In the past six years, TBAF and its supporters have participated in a variety of fundraising and volunteer projects to provide a world of inclusion -- Wrapping for Inclusions, the publishing of Our Friend Mikayla, Scrapping for Inclusion, Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader, Golfing for Inclusion, Goodsearch, Charming for Inclusion, America's Giving Challenge, Let's All Play Camps, Penny Lane, Six Degrees, Krispy Kreme, and on and on.

Miracle of the Moment - montage by LovesClaysVoice

Highlights from the 2008 gala can be viewed above or at YouTube in Miracle of the Moment, a montage by LovesClaysVoice. Previous galas -- Night of Champions, Voices for Change, Champions for Change -- were held in Kansas City, Los Angeles, Honolulu, Ft. Lauderdale, and Raleigh.

The Bubel/Aiken Foundation believes it’s time to include all children in community programs. Inclusion benefits children with and without disabilities.

The Foundation is committed to creating communities where ALL children can learn, live, and play together. Our hope is that together, we can make our world a better place for ALL children. -- Diane Bubel

Stay tuned to 2009 Champions of Change for updates on the October event. For more information about the foundation, see TBAF website and TBAF at Wikipedia.

In previous years, Sally shared her talent for graphics and photography in an OFC blog. On occasion, she included instructional entries about how she obtained certain effects.

A couple of years ago we surprised her with a birthday bash in her journal. I "picked the lock," and several graphic artists supplied the decorations. The above birthday banner was created by ABeautifulMind.

Sally also started the Paint Shop Pro Forum at Clayversity in which her step-by-step lessons for various aspects of photo editing and creating graphics have provided excellent references for many.

The PSP Forum contains a Celebrations Thread if CV members would like to drop by with a greeting. Sally is a faithful reader of this blog if you would like to send her a message here. At Twitter, she is known as MissSallysPC and has a huge following.

Students Make Teacher Proud

A teacher, I understand how proud Sally is of her "students." In some instances, she opened an AIM account just to guide novices through the initial steps of graphic design. She proudly admits that some long ago surpassed their teacher.

In other entries, I have featured examples of Sally's floral and landscape photographs. Today I thought it would be an exceptional treat to have her bring her own party decorations. LOL, again I picked the lock.

The five graphics below represent earlier Clay Aiken tours and performances -- Jukebox, Joyful Noise, Singerman's "confetti moment" at the AI5 Finale. In addition to screen caps, photographers include Tasapio, 1, and Invisible926, 3.

Thank you, Sally, for being such a special friend. Everyone, enjoy the party!

Have an awesome week, Clay Nation!

Caro

RELATED TAGS: Clay Aiken, On My Way Here, The Bubel/Aiken Foundation, Champions of Change Gala, inclusion, birthday, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation

Clay Aiken Song Appears in Movie

Clay Aiken closes SRHP Tour with "Because You Love Me." Photo by toni7babe.

'Up Close and Personal'

Movie Yields Summer Surprise

Two of my summer passions -- Clay Aiken music and the magic of movies -- inadvertantly collided last month when I viewed the 1996 film Up Close and Personal.

Because the movie was inspired by the story of Jessica Savitch who, in the 1970's, became the first female anchor on American television, my own journalistic adventures became part of the encounter.

Based on the 1988 book by Alanna Nash, the film stars Michelle Pfeiffer as Sally/Tally Atwater; Robert Redford as Warren Justice, her mentor; and Stockard Channing as Marcia McGrath.

Clay enters this discussion as the movie's featured song, "Because You Loved Me" performed by Celine Dion, was later recorded by the North Carolinian for his second mainstream album, A Thousand Different Ways.

The Because You Loved Me video uploaded at YouTube by Clayfulthing features the 8/18/07 final Soft Rock Hard Place Tour performance. Recorded by Spotlightlover in Orlando, FL , the video includes Clay's round of thank you's to the musicians and appreciation for his fans.

Clay Aiken Sings 'Because You Loved Me' at SRHP Finale.
Video by Spotlightlover

While programming this weekend's movies, I noticed that Up Close and Personal is on DIRECTV's docket almost daily through Saturday. If you are interested, check your local schedule.

Photos Highlight Special Moments

The clickables in this photo interlude are snapshots of special moments from the Orlando finale. Included are pictures by Okie4Clay, 1; Invisible926, 2 and 4; the lead photo by Toni7babe, 3; and Brightstar, 5.

The fourth captures the final night "switcheroos" on "A Thousand Days." Sean [McDaniel] played piano, Jesse [Vargas] became the drummer, and Quiana did a fantastic imitation of Clay as he stepped into her backup role. The last picture was taken after Clay sang "Because You Loved Me," his special thank you to the fans.

A cross section of the movies I have enjoyed recently include:

10 Items or Less (Morgan Freeman)
Mrs. Paltry at the Claremont (Joan Plowright)
Antwone Fisher (Derek Luke and Denzel Washington)
October Sky (Jake Gyllenhaal)
A Good Year (Russell Crowe)
DejaVu (Denzel Washington)
Enemy of the State (Will Smith)

The Wedding Dress, a Hallmark orignal favorite starring Tyne Daly, Margaret Colin, and Neil Patrick Harris, will air at 11 a.m. Sunday on Lifetime Movie Network. I am definitely taping this treasure.

When cable pickings seem slim, my friend Terri calls to ask what's showing. No one would ever guess that Tora! Tora! Tora! tops the list for this retired violin teacher. The three-hour movie, which explores the history of the Pearl Harbor attack from both sides, has been scheduled several times this summer, almost none missed by my friend. My recorder will capture the movie next weekend.

Now, it's a given most of you are listening to the music of Clay Aiken. What movies are you watching and which ones do you recommend to others?

In the midst of your moving remembrances of xxx4clay from the previous entry, Susan's son dropped by and posted this comment:

Hey all... This is Susan's youngest son, Scott. I just wanted to thank you all so much for all of the cards, flowers, and phone calls over the past several months. They really helped lift my mom's spirts during a tough time. Thanks again.

Thank you for your kind remarks and movie recommendations. Have a great week, Clay Nation!

Caro

TECHNORATI TAGS: Clay Aiken, Up Close and Personal, Jessica Savitch, Because You Loved Me, A Thousand Different Ways, Soft Rock Hard Place Summer 2007 Tour, movies, DIRECTV, Official Fan Club, Clay Nation