THE CLAY FACTORY IS MOVING!!!

THE CLAY FACTORY WILL NOW BE LOCATED HERE!
THE NEW CLAY FACTORY LINK!
NOW YOU CAN DISCUSS NEWS WITH OTHER FANS! PLEASE TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW ABOUT THE MOVE!

ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS REGISTER TO BECOME A MEMBER!

Clay Blogged!

According to OFC members, this blog is allowed to be posted in other places so here it is for your reading pleasure! It's Lovely!

Killing the elephants in the room.
10/03/08
What a week or so this has been. In fact, it's just been two weeks since I started back to the Spam. Jerome and I were just talking the other day, though, about how the past two weeks have felt like a month. So much routine to get back into and yet so much routine and consistency to break. No doubt, many of you have been going through quite a bit over the past week or so yourselves. What a bunch of headline news we have had in the past 10 days! Wall Street falling to it's knees. Congress propping it back up. Two debates. Hijackers in Somalia. New leaders in South Africa and Japan. You'd think with all of the important events going on in the world, there would be plenty to fill up the pages of America's newspapers, websites and blogs without the need for information on the private lives of the country's singers and entertainers. But, alas, thats never the case. In fact for the last five years, I've found what seems to have been an inordinate amount of interest (not from the public, but from the media) in my own personal life. The questions never seemed to stop. Oh sure, they die down for a period, but they resurface. The wind blows another direction, and I do yet another interview worried that my personal life will become a topic of discussion. No doubt the birth of Parker would bring the same scrutiny, just heightened. It's an interesting time we live in. Gone are the days when entertainers could go about their lives without the invasion of privacy that we now see everyday in the form of paparazzi and internet tabloid bloggers. So, in the hopes of being able to sing and act (and dance poorly) and do what I love to do for a living while raising my son in a hopefully more private and accepting environment, I chose to go ahead and confront things head on. Yes, I would have preferred to separate my personal life from my professional life. I would have been just as happy to go on without discussing my orientation. But, it seems like that was not an option. Make no mistake, its not because I am ashamed. No, not for a minute. I haven't always been as comfortable as I am now, but I am without a doubt, proud of who I am and make no apologies for it. Instead, I would have been happy to have kept my personal life private for that very reason. Because it's personal life and I have always considered myself a private person. But, living as myself without discussing my sexuality publicly would have been as impossible. One chance to expose the truth would have been a payday for any greedy opportunist.

I went to American Idol, much like many of us did "back in the day". Naive. Unlike the contestants who join up today, we had no idea of the power and pull of Idol when we signed on. (I'm sure many of us season two folks like to think we are the reason the show got so big!!! ;-) ) There I was two months off of the biggest show in the country, sitting at a table with a reporter from Rolling Stone who was asking me every single question I would never think of. Twenty-four years old in the rest of America is a LOT younger and more naive than twenty four years old in the media business. So when this guy started asking me about things that I didn't really know how to answer for myself... things that I was not yet ready to admit to folks like my mother and my family.... things that I found intimidating and invasive, I responded in what I assumed was a benign way at the time. I attempted to "out spin" a professional. I wasn't as good as I thought I was. But, I have no regrets. The truth is, I don't apologize for the responses I gave to that reporter or any reporter over the past five years. I did make every attempt I could after that one interview to never say "I am not gay" or "I am straight". And I never said either. (some interpreted my vague answers to mean that... but I never said either) Some will say thats misleading. In truth, it might be defined that way. But, a better definition and a more accurate way to describe it for me, is a redirection and an attempt to change the topic to something that matters more. For some of you it won't be enough, but I can't apologize for keeping my personal business to myself. If someone feels that they were mislead, I can totally understand that viewpoint and apologize for that feeling, but I can't apologize for how I handled questions that affected me and my right to privacy.

In my opinion, sexual orientation is ALWAYS a private thing. I think the OVERWHELMING majority of people agree with that. Why in the world should someone's sexual orientation be a news item? Why should anyone care? Yet, for all we espouse as a society about tolerance and open mindedness we forget to allow folks the opportunity to be who they are without judgement. Making a decision to come out to family is a difficult and heavy decision. But, for every young man or woman who is struggling with it, it should be a decision that is made on his or her own schedule ONLY. It's never acceptable for anyone to make such a decision for anyone else nor to coerce someone to take such a significant step before they are ready. Not a friend, not a stranger, not the media. So, I waited until the time was right for me. For that I can't apologize either.

There are plenty of you who have anticipated this blog in hopes that I would "set the record straight" or "admit to lying for five years and apologize for it". For that small group of people, I am afraid I will have to disappoint you. My decisions over the past five years have been made with lots of deliberation and at times even heartache. Always with concern for folks who might feel mislead. Don't doubt that. But they have also been made as an attempt, not to hide my true self, but instead to allow myself the same liberties and rights that every single gay man and woman in the world should have... the right to determine for myself when I was ready to discuss my personal life. In as much as that, at times, was interpreted as misrepresentation, I feel badly. But I reserved that right for myself and I can't say I regret it.

I have endeavored over the past several days to allow folks to vent and express themselves as freely as possible without restriction on these message boards. There is no way to change a person's mind when you tell them they are wrong. We all, when backed into a corner, have a human instinct to swing. Having different feelings and opinions and viewpoints are only natural. The only way to deal with that is to accept everyone's right to disagree, and allow them to discuss their feelings. I always have, and I always will. That said, it hasn't been, nor do I imagine it will be, my intent to make the message boards or the OFC a clearinghouse or discussion zone for sexuality or such topics. I hope we can always continue to discuss the same things we have always found important. The need for inclusion for children with disabilities. The desire to make sure every child in the world has access to their basic needs for survival. And any other topics that will make our neighborhoods, our regions, our country and our world a better more acceptable place (where that relates to issues involving sexuality, I hope we are able to advocate, at those times for the acceptance of others)... and I hope we will all still use the message boards for the lively discussion of the need for better entertainment and music in the world!!!! ;-) That said, as of this posting, I have asked the moderators to archive the thread regarding the People magazine article and close it from discussion. For those of you who are still struggling, I encourage you to continue to talk to your friends and neighbors and fellow OFC members in the thread devoted to such support. It is not going to be as easy as accepting something over night, but I believe that we are on the right track. The moderators will resume their regular duties of moderating the boards in the fashion that they did prior to last week, and I (and hopefully all of us) will resume our routines in the same fashion as well. Talking about music, talking about potential tours and other performances and appearances, talking about me forgetting my lines of tripping on stage in Spamalot, and discussing with our friends how many times we have seen the show and will see it! (And... looking forward to the announcement of out Playbill contest winner!!!)

Finally, I will say that, also representative of most every other gay man and woman in the world, that I am not defined by my sexuality. No more so than each of you are defined by your sexual orientation. No more than a man or woman is defined by race or ethnicity. It is, simply, a small facet of the same person I have always been. Most of you realize that nothing has changed. I hope to continue being able to entertain you in the same way I have for the past five years. And I hope you will allow me to continue to inform you of the causes that I find important and entertain you with the music and performances I love. For I love and cherish you all. Yesterday, now and forever.

c

Clay Media Download Link!

If you'd like to download all the recent media recent days involving Clay then CLICK HERE to visit CLACKUNLIMITED which has all the download links!

Good Morning America Part Two

Sorry for the delay on this! I had a hard time finding it on YouTube.

Good Morning American Part One

People Magazine Scans

Clay Aiken Coming Out

E!Online article!

Clay Aiken is joining the ranks of the out and proud.

The unlikely heartthrob, whose Southern gentlemanliness has made the young'uns love him and their moms want to pinch his cheeks, has revealed that he is gay in an upcoming cover story for People magazine, on newsstands Friday.

So whether you're saying "Huh?!" or "About time!" this is the new state of the Claynation.

"We can confirm that Clay Aiken and his son are featured on the next issue of People" the magazine confirmed in response to questions about its leaked cover, which boasts the pullout quote: "Yes, I'm gay."

"It was the first decision I made as a father," Aiken says. "I cannot raise a child to lie or to hide things. I wasn't raised that way, and I'm not going to raise a child to do that."

The 29-year-old pop star's sexuality came under increased scrutiny when he admitted to fathering a child with fiftysomething Jaymes Foster, sister of famed music producer David Foster.

Parker Foster Aiken was born Aug. 8 in North Carolina, with Aiken writing on his blog that all families involved were "thrilled."

In this week's issue, the born-again crooner acknowledged that revelations regarding his sexuality may be difficult for some in his fanbase.

"Whether it be having a child out of wedlock, or whether it be simply being a homosexual, it's going to be a lot," he says.

Aiken, who last week reprised his role as Sir Robin on Broadway in Monty Python's Spamalot, added however that he hopes his fans "know that I've never intended to lie to anybody at all. ... But if they leave, I don't want them to leave hating me."

As for how his own family dealt with the news, the onetime American Idol runner-up admitted dropping the bomb on his mom four years ago when they accompanied his younger brother, Brett, to camp Lejeune before the latter deployed to Iraq.

"I started crying in the car," Aiken recalled. "It was dark. I was sitting there, thinking to myself. I don't know why I started thinking about it ... I just started bawling. She made me pull over the car and it just came out."

And while it took some time, he said his mom eventually learned to accept her son's sexuality.

"She started crying. She was obviously somewhat stunned. But she was very supportive and very comforting," Aiken notes. "She still struggles with things quite a bit, but she's come a long way."

The singer stressed that it was necessary for him to own up to what everybody kind of already knew for Parker's sake, so his son can be raised in an atmosphere that is "accepting and allowing him to be happy."

Said Aiken: "I have no idea if he'll be gay or straight. It's not something I'll have anything to do with, or that he'll have anything to do with. It's already probably up inside the code there. . .No matter what the situation you're in, if you're raised in a loving environment, that's the most important thing."

Clay comes out in People Magazine!

Clay has officially come out of the closet in the new edition of People Magazine! He also talks about his decision and about Parker!

Click Here to read the PerezHilton article
Click Here to read the Huffington Post article

More coming ASAP!

New Clay Message board for the younger fans!

A new message board called The Young Claynation is designed for the younger Clay fans!
CLICK HERE to check it out!

Spamalot Clack!!!

Clay's second night is Spamalot was just as successful as ever as an enormous crowd gathered outside the stage door. Pictures from the curtain call and outside the stage door are posted HERE on the Clay Factory MySpace.
Here is a video taken by a fan from outside the stage door:

SPAMALOT! + Blog

As you all know Clay opened up once again in Spamalot as Sir Robin with great success! I have posted many pictures from curtain call and from outside the theater door for your viewing pleasure on MySpace! CLICK HERE to see them!
Clay has also posted up a new blog on his website! If you are an official member of the Clay Aiken fan club you can view it HERE!

A Tale of Two Cities

The musical "A Tale of Two Cities" opened up on Thursday with many people in attendence including our very own, Clay Aiken.
CLICK HERE to watch a video of Clay at the opening of "A Tale of Two Cities"
All the photos from the even can be viewed HERE at the ClayFactory MySpace!

BAF-UPDATES!

LIFE IS GOOD

I have chosen several items from the Life is Good line of products that I thought most people would like to buy for themselves or as gifts for someone celebrating a birthday, a graduation or as a 'thank-you' or 'anytime' gift.

These items are from the Life is Good standard line of products and do not include any reference to The Bubel/Aiken Foundation or the inclusion mission.

To place an order, please email me at Npalbo@aol.com with what you'd like to purchase along with your full name, address, and email address. Please use LIG in the subject line of your email.

I can accept Paypal payments, personal checks or money orders only; no credit cards. Checks should be made payable to Nancy Roseen. A check will be sent to The Bubel/Aiken Foundation on a weekly basis until the fundraiser has ended.

Once you have sent an email with your order, please wait for an acknowledgement from me, which will include shipping charges. I will ship via standard first class mail, unless you specify that you require the items more quickly.

The amount sent to The Bubel/Aiken Foundation will be 50% of what you pay for your items (not including shipping). For example; if you purchase a beach towel for $35, $17.50 will be sent to the Foundation. If you have questions regarding this fundraiser, please email me at the address above.

Only items purchased from me, from my page will count toward this fundraiser. Items purchased from the Life is Good website cannot be applied to the amount raised for this event.

I'm excited that the kind people at Life is Good have given me this opportunity to raise money for my charity of choice,
The Bubel/Aiken Foundation

Thank you for your support.

www.bubelaiken.org

www.lifeisgood.com
CLICK HERE TO SEE LIFE IS GOOD FUNDRAISER PRODUCT PAGE




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Time For The Inclusion Charity

Time 4 Inclusion

Do you have the time to help out? Everyone needs a wardrobe of watches for their collection, and to match each and every outfit, so this is an excellent way to start that out. The following fundraiser has been approved and listed on the Clayboard.

APPROVED BAF FUNDRAISING PROJECT

The SCRR Beta Alpha Bears proudly announce their project: Time 4 Inclusion, we offer a Wrist Watch with text on the back of watch face reading "Everybody Counts". There will be 300 made and cost is $25.00 (includes shipping and handling). We are donating 10 to BAF for their use.

All profits after the cost and shipping goes to BAF. The first 100 watches sold will cover the manufacturing and shipping and handling, the remaining income from the other 200 watches ALL GOES TO BAF. So that means after 100 watches have sold, every penny GOES TO BAF.

For Paypal: scrrbabs@gmail.com (Checks make payable to BAF, email Marilee at at either addy listed for her mailing address.
mrussell61@hotmail.com
Coordinator: Marilee Russell
Beta Alpha Chapter: SCRR Beta Alpha Bears

The Time 4 Inclusion wrist watch with "Time 4 Inclusion" and the TBAF logo on the face and "Everybody Counts" engraved on the back is a "timely" project to raise awareness about inclusion. All proceeds support TBAF.

Broadway Cares!

You and a guest will receive VIP House Seats to see the return of Clay Aiken in the Tony Award-winning musical, SPAMALOT. After the show, you’ll go backstage where he will give you a special behind-the scenes tour. You will also have the opportunity to have your photo taken with Clay and get his autograph. Go home today with a SPAMLOT poster, autographed by Clay and the cast when he was in the show earlier this year.



CLICK HERE for more information!

Clay Sighting in NYC. SPIKES?!?

All of this brought to you by The ClayBoard!

Nikki (Claysbabygurl) and NJSoccer00 saw Clay last night exiting the theater(posted it in the OFC sightings thread)....after last night's performance and after stage door, i think, apparently Nikki saw Jerome and then a few minutes later Clay and Jerome exited stage door...they said hi and he said "hi guys"...account is very short on details...so hopefully she will answer the questions asked about what he was wearing, how his hair was styled, color, length...etc...
(this is apparently the sighting found on myspace today, i think)

ETA:

She is now reporting light blue button down shirt, khakis, brown shoes, glasses and spike hair ala Idol

from OFC
Yes he was. Nikki and I were at stage door waiting for the actors to come out and sign our playbills at Spam last night. Nikki saw Jerome then 5 minutes later saw Clay then Clay and Jerome came out of stage door and were walking fast to a car. Nikki and I said Hi Clay and he said hi guys. Oh and by the way Nikki and I were the only ones there!!!

From OFC
He had on a light blue button down shirt, khaki pants and brown shoes. He had his glasses on and his hair was spiked up like back in American Idol days.

From OFC
He looked very good last night. He seemed very happy and so was jerome. I am sure glad of going to spamalot last night I had a blast during the show and after. I love his hair

From OFC
Nikki says his hair was brown with blond highlights!!!!!

From OFC
Yup it was sure brown with blonde highlights and he didn't look like in the ai days more like the IT tour

From OFC
They had the SD wide open and you can see everybody in there, so I just glanced in to check and see if Tom or Rob was coming out and I see Jerome and I'm like thinking to myself hmm...no way....then I saw Clay and I was like shocked and i was like eeeeeeeee omg hes here

His hair wasn't that short, but in between.

From OFC
It's like darker then scrubs hair but a bit of blonde highlights

from OFC
I was in total shock like this when I saw him coming towards the sd

Clay's Return to Spamalot in 2 Days!!!!

Just thought that I would remind everyone that Clay once again will take on the role of Sir Robin on September 19th in Spamalot! The Clay Factory MySpace will constantly be updated with the most up to date Clack from Spamalot!

http://www.myspace.com/theclayfactory

Bubel/Aiken Foundation Updates!

Founders Day Cruise to Alaska Will Benefit The Bubel Aiken Foundation

Have you ever dreamed about going on an Alaskan Cruise? How about an Alaskan Cruise that includes Faye Parker and Diane Bubel, co-founder of the Bubel/Aiken Foundation? Well, Diane Walsh has done it again and will be making the arrangements for all those interested in this fantastic deal. Why not come sailing with us?


The cruise will be on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines ship Rhapsody of the Seas and will depart from Seattle, Washington on May 22nd 2009, returning to Seattle on May 29th, 2009. You will need to arrive in Seattle on the May 21st 2009 in order to be there in time for the cruise departure. Royal Caribbean will donate a portion of the cabin charge for every cabin booked, and used to the BAF. Other means of benefiting TBAF will be discussed pending approval from the Foundation.


Your ports of call, at this time, will be Juno, Skagway, Tracy Arm Fjord, and Victoria, British Colombia. Pricing upon request, Diane must get your commitments now however, as time and space are limited. Don't forget that there are about 30 excursion trips that may be added to your voyage, including panning for gold, flying over the glaciers, wilderness trips to gaze upon the grizzlies. The excursions are at an extra charge, but they can add to the total cruise experience.

Since space is limited, deposits must be in by September 29th if you want a guaranteed balcony or junior suite. The deposit per cabin would be $500.00 or if you are sharing it would be $250.00 per person based on double occupancy. Inside cabins, if still available, can be deposited on at a later date, but must be arranged at this time. Airfare can be arranged through Royal Caribbean or you may obtain it on your own.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. Please e-mail Diane if you have any questions at dawalsh2@aol.com.

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Beta Alpha "Cooking For Inclusion" Cookbook will Be Reordered If Enough Copies Are Requested

Did you order a Beta Alpha "Cooking For Inclusion" cookbook and now wish you had ordered one for your mom, sister, and best friend? Or did you just not get your order in by the deadline? Apparently there are quite a few others in your shoes right now, and requests have been made for more cookbooks.

Cindy, who along with Carol, put in lots of hard work to put these cookbooks together, has spoken with the publisher about the possibility of reordering, and here is the news she brings to us:

I have many requests for additional cookbooks. I spoke with the publisher, and I would need 200 orders to get a reprint.

I am keeping a waiting list, and if I think we approach that, I will reorder, so if you are interested in ordering and/or have shown it to people and they are interested in ordering, I need to know to track the additional requests. Please email me at cindyskuce@cox.net. We will also correct the few minor errors we came across when we do a reprint.

So, if you are interested in becoming your own version of Rachel Ray or Paula Deen via this wonderful cookbook (I've already checked out the recipes!!), send an email to Cindy and let her know how many you'd like to order. Remember, this is a fundraiser for The Bubel Aiken Foundation. Also, your Beta Alpha Group gets credit for $10 per cookbook if you let Cindy know the name of your group.

Here is some more information about the cookbooks:

"COOKING FOR INCLUSION"
2008 VOICES OF BETA ALPHA COOKBOOK
TO BENEFIT
THE BUBEL/AIKEN FOUNDATION

We need 200 additional cookbooks to reorder
Price: $20.00 (includes shipping)
Cost Breakdown: $10.00 goes to TBAF
$6.25 covers printing expense
$3.75 covers shipping

The cookbook includes 461 recipes from the chapters, Faye Parker, Aron Hall, Kristy Barnes, Jerry Aiken and the rest of the TBAF board and staff. There is also a write-up about each chapter and what inclusion means to them. They make a great gift.

Each Beta Alpha chapter will get credit on their BAF scoreboard for the number of cookbooks ordered under their chapter. If you do not belong to a chapter, you can designate which chapter is to get your credit. To clarify, if you order 5 cookbooks and $50.00 goes to BAF, that $50 goes on your chapter scoreboard.

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(Really sorry that this one didn't get posted sooner!)

Macy's "Shop For A Cause" is a One-Day Shopping Event on Saturday, September 20th.

With the purchase of a $5 shopping pass the bearer will have special savings on select merchandise throughout the store. All proceeds of the sale of shopping passes go directly to the Bubel/Aiken Foundation. By purchasing a $5 shopping pass you can support the BAF and enjoy a full day of fantastic discounts and events throughout the store.

The sale of these passes can benefit your Beta Alpha group as well. With each sale of a pass we are asking that the buyer designate which Beta Alpha group they would like to have credited with the sale.

To purchase shopping passes please send an email to me at

illinoisvoices4inclusion@yahoo.com

with your name, email address, address, the number of passes requested and the Beta Alpha group you would like credited to. We will then respond with payment information.

Thanks - Karen
http://theclayboard.yuku.com/topic/25971

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BAF Fundraiser - Don't forget Our Friend Mikayla

School is Back So Please Remember They May Need Our Friend Mikayla

Our Friend Mikayla Book

Written and illustrated by third-grade students, Our Friend Mikayla, is an honest portrayal of the children’s first reactions to Mikayla, their barriers to acceptance and finally the true friendship they formed with her. At her parents’ request, Mikayla was included in a regular classroom. Not only did Mikayla’s classmates accept her, but they also began to see her as “just like them.” Their relationship with Mikayla and their journey to acceptance inspired the book. Our Friend Mikayla became the class project, mainly because Mikayla’s friends felt they had an important message to share with other children. Their goal was to teach other kids that, “From Mikayla, we’ve learned that people with disabilities aren’t really different. It doesn’t matter if your friend is in a wheelchair. Their disabilities don’t mean you cannot be friends. Having a friend with a disability is cool.”

Yes, school is opening and it is time to remember that there are school's out there that still do not have a copy of Mikayla in their library. Perhaps even your local library, or hospital could use a copy. So why not stop by the BAF Store and order your copies today? Think of all the sweet young lives you will be enriching...

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Coloring for Inclusion - BAF Fundraiser

Since school has opened in some areas, and will be opening soon in others, we thought it would be a good idea to bring over some information from the Clayboard that is an excellent idea for children in schools, libraries, YMCA, or hospitals to name a few. Also, never forget holiday gifts for those children in your life.

Per Dianna:

I hope you all will want to support this wonderful project! The price is $6.00 + the cost to mail, and will be discounted for quantity orders of 5 or more. The more ordered, the better the price! And we will combine shipping. After production costs, 100% of the $6.00 will be donated to TBAF! We are hoping many will buy in quantities and donate to local schools and daycares. To view some sample pages of the 24 page book, please visit our website www.connectingforinclusion.com/Store.html

Please respond to Dianna Sharp at dianna@connectingforinclusion.com with an approximate number of coloring books you think you would be interested in purchasing or for more information. The books should be available for shipping the first or second week of September.

Thank you all!
Dianna and all Connecting For Inclusion members

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BAF Bear for Inclusion Awareness

The TBAF Logo bears are now available!! They are plush 9 inch, in the BAF colors, perfect for sitting on your office shelf, your classroom computer monitor, on your bedroom dresser, for gift baskets, or you can donate some to a local children's hospital or program for a child's special cuddly friend. Combine it with a Mikayla book for a wonderful teacher's gift. The footpads display the message" INCLUSION AWARENESS". Each bear comes with a BAF hangtag. All lettering and the logo are embroidered. This is the first of 3 editions planned, you'll want all 3 for your collection, and each edition will be different. We only have a limited amount of the first edition, and production on the second edition will begin when these are sold out. BAF will receive $10.00 for each bear sold. ( See pictures below. ) Many have been sold already and the positive feedback has been wonderful and very much appreciated. Don't miss out on having one of the first edition before we go on to the second edition.

total cost: $17.00 (incl shipping)
BAF- GETS $10.00
My cost for bear- - $5.50
materials/shipping- $1.50

I take Paypal or checks. Please PM me or email cindyskuce@cox.net to order and I will provide payment information,. If using Paypal, there is an additional cost of .53. I do ship international and to Canada, but there are additional shipping charges (a few dollars) for those locations.

Thanks!!
Cindy Skuce
Beta Alpha/Rhode Islanders for Inclusion Awareness

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BAF Fundraiser - Empty Ink Cartridges

There has been a wonderful fundraiser for BAF that has been going on continually for the last two years and has raised over $8500 so far for BAF. That is almost one camp, that is what we need to do even it it is one camp at a time. We appreciate the efforts of this group to see that this fundraiser has gone on for so long. Please check out the information from the Clayboard

Thanks to the CDD for the all of these articles and pictures!

I'm Back!!! Sorry for the delay! Updates Coming ASAP!

Sorry everyone! I've had a lot go bad luck lately and just got out of the hospital after having ankle surgery! I will be updating the site with all the backed up information that I wasn't able to post! I will also be updating the feel and layout of the site and updating the Clay Factory MySpace!!! Please tell fellow Claymates/Fans about the site being updated!!

Love
-Ashley

Clay to return to Spamalot!

Clay Aiken Returns for Encore Engagement in Monty Python's SPAMALOT, The Funniest Show in the World

08/12/08

Clay Aiken will return to the scene of his triumphant Broadway debut in the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, Monty Python’s SPAMALOT this Fall. Clay’s debut on Broadway earlier this year was met with wild enthusiasm from both his legion of fans and the New York press. He will reprise the role of 'Sir Robin ' at the Shubert Theatre from September 19 2008 - January 4 2009.

When he made his Broadway debut in SPAMALOT at the beginning of this year, Newsday said “Aiken is a charmer” and the Associated Press said that “Clay Aiken deftly handles supremely silly.”

Clay Aiken became a music superstar following his success on the "American Idol" television series, and has sold more than six million albums; co-authored a best-selling book; and, played six sold-out concert tours, said “Since leaving SPAMALOT in May, jokes have just not been funny. Food has lost its taste. The grass is no longer green -- the sky no longer blue. And, babies WON'T stop crying!! I'm so excited about coming back to the funniest show in the world!"

This spring, Aiken released his fourth album, On My Way Here, his first album of original songs since his 2003 chart topping, double platinum debut Measure of a Man. On My Way Here's debut in Billboard Magazine's Top 5 continued his streak of all four of his albums having debuted in the Top 5.

Directed by Mike Nichols, who won his eighth Tony Award for his direction of the new musical, Monty Python’s SPAMALOT has a book by Eric Idle, "lovingly ripped-off" from the screenplay of the Pythons’ best- loved film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin. The music is by Eric Idle and John Du Prez.

Tickets are available online now at telecharge.com or by calling (212) 239-6200/(800) 432-7250.

Other members of the SPAMALOT creative team include Casey Nicholaw (choreography), multiple Olivier Award-winners Tim Hatley (sets and costumes) and Hugh Vanstone (lighting) and Acme Sound Partners.

Winning more awards than any other show in the 2005 Broadway Season, including the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Grammy Award for Best Cast Recording, SPAMALOT has set box office records since opening on Broadway to critical acclaim in March, 2005 at the flagship Shubert Theatre.

Monty Python’s SPAMALOT is currently running in London’s West End at the Palace Theatre and is also on National Tour around the US. Monty Python's SPAMALOT is produced by Boyett Ostar Productions, The Shubert Organization, Arielle Tepper, Stephanie McClelland/Lawrence Horowitz, Elan V. McAllister/Allan S. Gordon, Independent Presenters Network, Roy Furman, GRS Associates, Jam Theatricals, TGA Entertainment and Live Nation.

For more information on SPAMALOT, please visit: www.montypythonsspamalot.com

Download Links to Clay baby Media!

Here are the links to download the media from all of the information on Clay's new bundle of joy! Thanks to ClackUnlimited for providing these videos! To download right click and "Save Target As" or "Save Link As"

CNN
TMZ
E Channel
The Insider
Entertainment Tonight
Access Hollywood

Clay's Baby is Born!

From Local Raleigh News Station
Raleigh, N.C. — Clay Aiken became a father Friday morning with the birth of a baby boy, his mother told WRAL’s Lynda Loveland in an exclusive interview.

Aiken’s best friend, producer Jaymes Foster, gave birth at 8:08 a.m. at an undisclosed location in North Carolina.

Parker Foster Aiken weighed 6 pounds 2 ounces and was 19 inches long.

Aiken’s mother, Faye, said the baby has dark hair and that her son is smiling from ear-to-ear.

Mom, dad and baby all are doing fine.

Aiken and Foster will raise the child together. They met when Aiken appeared on American Idol. Foster has produced several of his albums.

Reporter: Lynda Loveland


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From OFC Blog
...Sorry we haven't spoken in so long. But, I'm sure you know... I hate putting the cart before the horse. Not my way to tempt fate...

My dear friend, Jaymes, and I are so excited to announce the birth of Parker Foster Aiken (No hyphens. One first name. One middle name. One last name.)

Parker was born at a hospital in North Carolina just this morning at 8:08 AM. Wow... 8:08 ..08/08/08

Weighed in at 6 lbs 2 oz and measured 19 inches

The little man is healthy, happy, and as loud as his daddy. Mama Jaymes is doing quite well also.

The Aiken family, the Foster family, and the Parker family are all thrilled.


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E! Online
Good news, Claymates: the Claynation has welcomed its first heir.

Clay Aiken and platonic baby-making partner Jaymes Foster welcomed their first child together in North Carolina this morning, the singer's rep confirmed to E! News.

The American Idol alum's mother turned proud grandma first announced the stork delivery this morning.

Faye Aiken told Raleigh radio station WRAL that her son's longtime producer gave birth to son Parker Foster Aiken at 8:08 a.m. in an undisclosed location in the singer's home state.

Parker tipped the scales at 6 pounds, 2 ounces and measured in at 19 inches.

Faye Aiken also broke the news that the Aiken progeny did not inherit dad's fiery red mop, instead saying that he has dark hair and that, upon seeing him, the "Measure of a Man" singer was "smiling from ear to ear."

Per the elder Aiken, mom, dad and baby are all doing fine.

Foster's pregnancy was first confirmed by her brother, legendary music kingpin David Foster, back in May. He verified what everyone was thinking and announced that the "couple" conceived the child through artificial insemination.

Aiken, 29, and Jaymes Foster, whose age has been pegged somewhere around the 50-year mark, have been friends for years. She worked on several Aiken albums, including A Thousand Different Ways and On My Way Here.

Although theirs is not a romantic relationship, the duo plan to raise the baby together.

(Originally published on Aug. 8, 2008 at 8:05 a.m. PT)



Congrats to the Aiken and Foster families!

Clay Aiken calls for Kenya's kids to return to school

UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken recently visited the East African countries of Somalia and Kenya, where UNICEF provides children with health care, education, nutrition, clean water and sanitation. This is the last in a series of blog posts he has written about his experience in the field.

In early July, after visiting Somalia, I traveled to Eldoret, in Kenya’s Rift Valley, to visit camps for internally displaced people. This is where some of the worst violence took place following the Kenya elections in early 2008. Thousands of children were made homeless by the unrest.

Everywhere we went, there were the charcoaled remains of homes, schools and shops. We drove for hours and everywhere we went, we saw people trying to get their lives restored.

© US Fund for UNICEF / 2008 / Nick Ysenburg

Although many schools were re-opened, far fewer children are turning up for class than before. And classes are taking place in schools that have been completely destroyed. I saw children sitting on rocks and bricks—which used to make up the foundations and roofs of their schools—using them now as desks and chairs.

Fortunately, this was not the situation everywhere. In most IDP camps, UNICEF has provided classroom tents and School-in-a-Box kits, along with teaching and learning materials, and even desks and chairs.

© US Fund for UNICEF / 2008 / Nick Ysenburg

Getting children back to school is vital for their protection, and helps build a sense of normalcy in their lives. The re-establishment of schools in the most difficult circumstances is a testament to the commitment of UNICEF and to Kenyans. Many displaced parents told UNICEF that getting their children back to school was their top priority.

© US Fund for UNICEF / 2008 / Nick Ysenburg

Every child has the right to an education. Education transforms lives and breaks the cycle of poverty that so many children are caught in. And an educated child will make sure his or her own children receive an education too. This is just another one of the many amazing ways UNICEF is helping children today, while also building a safer Kenya tomorrow.

Clay Spotting

I found this from CDD who go it from The Clayboard, and it was originally at Clayversity and The Ideal Idol. The blog is called "The Wyatt Times" and is just a typical family blog, until you get to the part about Clay:

After church, we went to Smithfields BBQ, and guess who was there? Clay Aiken. He was sitting outside in the shade with a couple people, not drawing any attention to himself. It was kind of fun to see someone famous, even if it was just an American Idol guy.

Then a friend commented back to her something nice:

How cool was it that you saw Clay Aiken at Smithfields? Was that the one in Morrisville or Rocky Mount?

Its obvious from her comment that she's not a Clay fan, but I thought her comments and her friend's comments were very nice about it being "fun" and "cool" to see Clay. And, of course, its great to know that Clay is enjoying his time off with friend and family.

I thought this would be nice to post since there hasn't been much Clay news lately!

Keep spreading the word: Field Notes By Clay himself

NICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken recently returned from Somalia, where UNICEF provides children in the war-torn nation with health care, education, nutrition, clean water and sanitation. This is the second in a series of blog posts he will write about his experience in the field.

For children in Somalia, the situation is dire. But, it's just amazing to me that UNICEF is still able to make a difference in children’s lives in one of the most dangerous places on earth.

© US Fund for UNICEF / 2008 / Nick Ysenburg

For instance, while I was in northwest Somalia—where 45 percent of the population are children and women—I observed how UNICEF improves water, sanitation and hygiene conditions for everyone in the region. One of the ways they do this is by drilling "borewells" so that clean drinking water is easily accessible and readily available. Without these borewells, children would have to walk hours to fetch water instead of going to school and getting an education.

I also visited health clinics where women waited patiently in long lines to get insecticide treated bed nets to prevent malaria. With an estimated 700,000 cases annually, malaria is a major public health problem in Somalia. One bed nets used to cost a Somali family about $4—an enormous sum in one of the poorest countries of the world. But UNICEF now provides them for free.

UNICEF also provides much needed support to the education system in Somalia with teacher training and the funding of school supplies. Every child I met wanted to be in school. And because of UNICEF, these children—who would probably never have had any type of education—can go to school and learn in a safe, clean environment.

© US Fund for UNICEF / 2008 / Nick Ysenburg

Educating children is much easier when teachers are trained and school facilities exist. And, providing healthcare is more easily done when aid workers do not have to worry about their security. I applaud UNICEF for doing whatever it takes to make sure children get the healthcare and education they deserve, even in Somalia.

And, I applaud you too. Since my previous blog post, you have donated over $50,000 for children Somalia. On behalf of these children, I can't thank you enough. But I also challenge you to not stop now... encourage your friends and family as well. Ask them to learn more about UNICEF's work in Somalia and around the world, and cheer them on to help out too!

Sun Sentinential: Celebrity Travel

As a UNICEF ambassador, Clay Aiken gets to travel the world. The singer says one of his favorite countries has also been one of the most unlikely: Afghanistan. (Eric Ogden/Tribune Media Service)

Clay Aiken is in the news a lot these days. Besides getting good reviews for his performance in the Broadway musical "Spamalot," the former " American Idol" contestant is busy promoting his latest album "On My Way Here."

But the congenial redhead is keeping mum about the juicy tidbit that has the tabloids drooling: becoming a baby daddy with his good friend Jaymes Foster, who also executive produced his CD. Aiken is more vocal about his love of music and traveling. "There are no plans to tour at this time," says Aiken, 29. "I'd love to tour but there's just no time right now with all the other things going on. I think I've had just one day off in the past few months. It's crazy, but in a good way." A former teacher, Aiken was appointed UNICEF ambassador in 2004. Between touring and making field visits for UNICEF, Aiken has seen a good chunk of the world. But he says he will never forget the beauty and grace of Afghanistan and its people.

WHY AFGHANISTAN: Honestly, I prefer to go to places where no one else goes that haven't been ruined by the touristy thing. I don't know if I would've ever gone to Afghanistan if it hadn't been for my work with UNICEF, but it has been one of my favorite places I've ever been in my life. I stayed eight days there in the central highlands of the country in an area that was relatively fortunate when it came to Taliban attacks. Bamyan is in the central part of the mountains and it is just such a beautiful area.

FAVORITE MEMORIES: I remember going to vacation bible school as a kid and reading about how people lived in biblical times with earthen huts and traveling on horses. I remembered that when I walked around Bamyan. You walk around town and all these huts have satellite dishes on top of them and everyone has cell phones, but a lot of people still sleep on their floors. It's a fascinating combination of new and old. The people there were so nice and welcoming.

Clay to speak on UNICEF/ Delta Kappa Gamma CD

A special announcement will be made this month about a CD produced by Delta Kappa Gamma and UNICEF where though Clay will not sing, he will speak about Afghanistan. The CD will be sold to raise funds for The Afghan Teacher Training Project. Delta Kappa Gamma is a professional honor society of women educators who is involved in this project. Janice Moen, the International Music Representative of the society, has written the following information about the CD on her blog called Moen's Musical Moments:

Music for the Afghan Teacher Training Project

There will be an exciting announcement made in Chicago this July. Delta Kappa Gamma has teamed with UNICEF to produce a CD that will serve as a fund-raiser for the Afghan Teacher Training Project. We are so excited to tell you all about it. The CD features the song "We Sing for the Children" which Northwest members sang in Vancouver, B.C. last summer. There is an update on the work being done in Afghanistan and interviews with Afghan teachers, UNICEF staff and the popular singing star Clay Aiken. You will be able to get a CD by making a donation of $15.00 or more at the convention.

In addition, after receiving several questions about purchasing this CD, Ms. Moen writes the following info at Moen's Musical Moments about how the CD can be purchased:

The CD will also be available after the convention. It will be sold through Delta Kappa Gamma and at the United Nations Gift Shop. All the proceeds, wherever purchased, will go to the Afghan Teacher Training Project.

Clay Aiken will only be speaking on the CD. He is a US Fund for UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International - Afghan Project

The current project for which Delta Kappa Gamma has partnered with UNICEF is funding for teacher training in Afghanistan. Afghanistan's education system is in a state of virtual collapse. Aside from the war damage to the country, the Taliban regime barred girls from the classroom and prevented the majority of teachers, who are women, from working. As an international women's organization dedicated to excellence in education, an opportunity exists for Delta Kappa Gamma to become a key partner in improving the education of hundreds of thousands of Afghan children.

Members of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International are invited to join the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to support a partnership in education which includes a compelling training program for educators in Afghanistan. UNICEF has been entrusted by the Government of Afghanistan and the Ministry of Education to play a major role in the reconstruction of the national educational system.

Please download and print out the US Fund for UNICEF's brochure, which contains a contribution form and give as generously as you can to this worthy project.

Thanks to CDD for this information!

Where is the Outrage?

UNICEF Field Notes posted by Clay Himself. CLICK HERE to read the article in its original context.

Where is the outrage?

I recently returned from a UNICEF field visit that took me to northwest Somalia. What I saw there was both amazing and heartbreaking. In many ways, the children I was able to meet are doing better than their counterparts in the rest of Somalia. But in other respects, the situation there is still quite serious.

© US Fund for UNICEF / 2008 / Nick Ysenburg

UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken with children he met on his recent visit to Somalia.

For starters, the lack of a permanent central government has contributed to Somalia's status as one of the poorest and most volatile countries in the world. Decades of civil conflict have shattered social structures and exacerbated poverty.

In such conditions—combined with an extremely arid environment and difficult terrain with settlements scattered over vast distances—a Somali child's chances of surviving to adulthood are among the lowest of children anywhere in the world.

Fortunately, UNICEF is there. It has been on the ground since 1972 and is the humanitarian organization with the largest presence in Somalia.

Since the collapse of the Somali government in 1991, UNICEF has continued to provide services to children and women in Somalia.

In Hargeisa, I visited UNICEF-supported schools and hospitals, as well as places girls are able to learn about leadership, get life-skills and play sports. I also visited UNICEF-supported maternal and child health clinics to observe some nutritional feeding and immunization activities. The good news is that these programs are working in the northwest and keeping children alive. The bad news is that one in eight children still dies before his or her fifth birthday in Somalia.

© US Fund for UNICEF / 2008 / Nick Ysenburg

One of the most incredible things I learned on my trip is that there are only 350 doctors left in the entire country, mostly because of the violence and insecurity. And many of these doctors are older than the average life expectancy in Somalia, which is only 45. I can't help but wonder, what is going to happen in a couple of years when there are no more doctors? What will happen to the children who struggle to survive?

What disturbs me most about this terrible situation for children is that most of the world has ignored it. Millions of children live in fear and poverty—where is the outrage?

At least we know something can be done. Help UNICEF save and improve the lives of children in Somalia. Donate online, right now.

Posted by Clay Aiken, UNICEF Ambassador on July 9, 2008 7:00 AM | Permalink

Clay on CNN's "One Child At a Time"

Happy Independence Day!

Have a happy and safe July 4th!!!

ET Mention

A short segment on Entertainment Tonight mentioned the CNN special that will be on this Sunday, July 6. Clay will be included in this special, The Survival Project: One Child At a Time. In addition, ET mentioned that Clay (as well as Nicole Richie and Joel Madden) is supporting UNICEF's efforts in public service announcements.

In the short segment, Clay said, "Helping children have the basic needs to live is a no brainer." Be sure to tune in Sunday at 8 p.m.EST, with a repeat at 11 p.m. EST and 2 p.m. EST (July 7).

UNICEF USA Ambassador Clay Aiken visits Somalia

By Denise Shepherd-Johnson

NAIROBI, Kenya, 2 July 2008 – During a five-day visit to the self-declared republic of Somaliland in north-west Somalia, UNICEF USA Ambassador Clay Aiken was moved by the work that UNICEF is doing under challenging circumstances.

“In a country that’s better known for conflict, insecurity, drought and floods,” said Mr. Aiken, “it’s truly remarkable that UNICEF is still able to make a difference to the health, education and well-being of Somali children.”

Mr. Aiken travelled to Hargeisa, Gabiley and Boroma to see UNICEF-supported projects firsthand – projects that promote child health, safe water, sanitation and hygiene, primary education, child protection and girls’ empowerment.

Somalia is a country in which less than 25 per cent of the population has access to basic health services, and only 29 per cent have access to a safe water source. Fewer than 30 per cent of children attend primary school. It's also a place where almost every girl is circumcised, and it has amongst the highest maternal mortality rates in the world.

‘The right to an education’
Playing basketball with girls in the enclosed facility of the Somaliland Cultural and Sports Association (SOCSA), Mr. Aiken saw the opportunity given to females by the UNICEF-supported organization.

“Here, girls are able to learn about leadership and health, acquire life skills and play sports within a safe environment,” he said. “Even the youngest girls that I’ve met at SOCSA impressed me with how confident and articulate they are as a result of this project.”

At a camp for 1,500 displaced families in Hargeisa, Mr. Aiken met Abduraman, 11, who helps to support his five siblings and blind mother by working each morning to collect stones. He uses his earnings to pay for school, which he attends in the afternoon.

“Somalia has some of the lowest enrolment rates in the world, but every child has the right to an education,” said Mr. Aiken. “UNICEF is working to help ensure that even working children get to go to school.” UNICEF has also provided the camp with child protection monitors, teacher training and school materials.

Providing for basic needs
In Boroma, Mr. Aiken saw how the town’s water system is functioning with UNICEF’s support. Under a public-private partnership, the system provides safe water to 95 per cent of the town’s population including schools and hospitals.

Mr. Aiken also visited maternal and child health clinics to see nutritional feeding and immunization activities along with projects supporting children with disabilities, the eradication of female genital mutilation/cutting and the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

“Somali families want the best for their children and people really want to help bring about change,” he said. “Fortunately, UNICEF has always been there and continues to provide the support needed to make a difference.”

All 12 songs of OMWH in AOL's Top 20

All 12 songs from the album are in the Top 20 on AOL's Most Listened to songs! Please continue to listen to these songs so that we can continue to see these songs on this list!

1. On My Way Here
2. Ashes
4. Grace of God
5. Everything I Don't Need
7. As Long As We're Here
9. Falling
13. Weight of the World
15. Where I Draw The Line
17. Lover All Alone
18. Something About Us
19. Sacrificial Love
20. The Real Me

CLICK HERE to view the rest on the list and listen to the songs!

Clay mention on Unicef Website

"You may have heard, UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken was in Somalia, meeting lots of children and learning about the catastrophic conditions under which they struggle to survive every day.

Once Clay is back in the U.S., he'll be blogging right here about his experience, so please stay tuned. In the meantime, click here to learn more about UNICEF in Somalia. Or, to support our work to help save and protect the lives of children in this war-torn country, click here.

Tags:Clay Aiken field visit Somalia
Posted by Frank Susa, UNICEF USA on June 26, 2008 9:55 AM Permalink"

CLICK HERE to see the Field Notes Section of the Unicef site. This is where his blogs will be when he gets back.

Clay's Unicef Trip to Somalia

Here are a couple of links to articles about Clay's trip to Somalia. Enjoy!:D

• Thaindian News
• Calgary Herald
• Contact Music
• EOnline
• Malaysia News

Clay on CNN Unicef Special

Clay will be on the CNN UNICEF special at 8 PM July 6 to talk about at least one of his trips - He will be on video, not live. Some guests will be there, some will be on video. (thanks to playbiller over at IDF for the information :D)