Raleigh News & Observer: "Seize the Clay"

Here's a cute article from hometown newspaper, the Raleigh News & Observer we thought we'd post. Article copyright 2006 the Raleigh News & Observer.

Seize the Clay
Quit carping and come into the Aiken domain
MATT EHLERS
Raleigh News & Observer

You live in North Carolina. So suck it up. Even if Clay Aiken's voice has given you brain spasms, the guy was born and raised in Raleigh. His most raucous fans live here, and since he built a new house, so does he.

It might be time to embrace Clay Nation.

To help you along, and to celebrate today's release of his new album, "A Thousand Different Ways," we've come up with a four-step Clay-immersion program. Follow along, and soon you'll have embraced your inner Aiken.

The look

Clay's spiked hair is gone, replaced by dark locks and a more grown-up style. It's a "more relaxed, rugged and masculine type of look," said Durham image consultant Bev Dwane. The overall look is darker, and there's a sensualness to it, she said.

To replicate the image, choose darker colors. Mix the textures of your fabrics, and make them the sort that people want to touch.

The flavor

This one comes from Susan Goetcheus, owner of Poole's Diner in Raleigh and a celebrated mixologist. She graciously invented a Clay-inspired cocktail and e-mailed us the recipe, writing that she designed the drink to be "refreshing, not too feminine but not macho, alcoholic but retaining a sense of innocence, sort of sweet, very Southern, very American, but with a little kick and a little sparkle of celebrity."

The "Clay Aiken": Jack Daniels, a dash of Sour Apple Pucker, apple juice and sweet tea, shaken with a pinch of cracked black pepper and cinnamon. Serve on the rocks in a pint glass. Garnish with fresh, thinly sliced Granny Smith apples on a sparkly fruit pick.

Under 21? Delete the alcohol and substitute cranberry juice. Top with club soda.

The scent

For an odiferous ode to Clay, we stopped by Dancing Moon & Gifts, a new age bookshop in Raleigh. That's where we met Cherie Lassiter, who helpfully aided us in our quest to match a smell to Aiken.

She suggested wearing an amber fragrance oil, a "gentle, yet fiery" substance that can be worn like you would perfume. The oil is also sweet, she said, like Clay. And conveniently enough, amber can be reddish-brown, the color of -- you guessed it -- clay.

The voice

Pour yourself a "Clay Aiken." Gently shake the bangs out of your eyes.

Dab your wrists with amber fragrance oil. And pop "A Thousand Different Ways" into the CD player.

The brain spasms will float away.

(Results not guaranteed).

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