Welcome to the twenty-seventh episode of Random Fandom!
Hosted by: Joanna and her mom, Laurie.
Click here to download the show.

Note from Joanna and Laurie
Due to technical difficulties, we didn't have our normal recording equipment or show notes. This affected our "sound quality" and our format, so, we are providing our original show notes below for your use. Thanks for understanding!

Luck O' the Irish
We celebrate our Irish heritage and take advantage of the chance to party! We plan to drink Guinness, and eat corned beef & cabbage on St. Patrick's Day.
Links: Beautiful Photos of Ireland, Map of Ireland with Place Names, Video: Ireland Scenes with The Chieftain's, "The Wearing of the Green," by Dion Boucicault

Prayer of St. Patrick
Laurie shares an extract from one of her favorite prayers:
St. Patricks' Breastplate

I arise today Through the strength of heaven
Light of sun, Radiance of moon,
Splendor of fire, Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of wind, Depth of sea,
Stability of earth, Firmness of rock.

I arise today Through God's strength to pilot me:
God's might to uphold me, wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me, ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me, hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me, shield to protect me,

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, beneath me, above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, when I sit down, when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me, in every ear that hears me.

Dancing Sea Lion and Happy Otter
We laugh about a video: A Sea Lion Dances an Irish Jig! His buddy, an otter, brings out his Shamrock medal!

Give a Little Bit
Action From Ireland What is Afri?
Afri is a group of committed and creative people who seek to promote debate and influence policy and practice in Ireland and internationally on human rights, peace and justice issues. Afri, in particular, responds to injustice in the world caused by war and other violent conflict.

From History: Chocktaw nation helped poor famine victims in Ireland.

Living the Life in South Texas
Joanna talks about: Guinness Dyeing O' the River Green & the St. Patrick's Day Parade.

Laurie recommends a great celtic website: Gaelic League of Austin

Deep in the Heart of Texas: Global Talent Converges in Austin for SXSW
We discuss all of the cool events happening in Austin, Texas this month at SXSW, including the "film festival", "interactive conference" and "music festival."

Links: SXSW: Official Website, SXSW Section at the "Austin Chronicle", SXSW 2007 SEES EVER-INCREASING INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION

From PenPals to Podcasts: Communication in Many Forms
Unofficial SXSW Blog

In SXSW News
Joanna mentions something that she was very excited to hear about: the world premiere of the movie, James Blunt: "Return to Kosovo" on March 10. View the teaser trailer and watch an interview with James that was conducted before the movie premiere. An interview with the movie's director is available here.

AudioPhile Reviews
Listen to a showcase of music from bands and artists performing at SXSW.

From March 10-18 The Tech Conference Show is posting a daily 30-minute podcast from SXSW.

Word Play
Irish Words in the English Language:

"Think you don't know any Irish? You already do! Irish expressions abound within the English language. Perhaps you know someone with the gift of blarney. Maybe you've been to a potluck dinner, engaged in a boycott, or been pushed beyond the pale. If you've tied the knot, that can really take the cake. Those are English expressions from Ireland yet Irish Gaelic has likewise made its way into our lexicon. If a young lad were truant (truaghan) at school, his dear old mother could wail like a banshee (bean-sidhe) and bother (bodhraigh) him about it, and even accuse him of being a hooligan (houlihan) or an idiot (which you might hear pronounced as "eejit"). He might hear a slew (sluagh) of complaints or have his chances of reprieve blown to smithereens (smidirín). The consequences would be dear. See how Irish phrases and words insinuate themselves galore (go leor)."

Celtic Music Celebration
The Chieftains, founded 42 years ago by Paddy Moloney, are Ireland's official "Musical Ambassadors."
From an article by Shirley Jinkins, in the Fort Worth "Star-Telegram":

"After 42 years, The Chieftains and their guest artists are still defining Celtic music with dignity and clarity in a Riverdance-crazed world. Not that there's anything wrong with a bit of step dancing."

The Chieftains and Van Morrison perform: "Star of the County Down"

The Chieftains and Friends perform: A Set of Irish Reels

The Chieftains and Sinead O'Connor perform: "The Foggy Dew"

We enthuse about our "celtic brother," Paolo Nutini, and his performance of "A Man's a Man", written by Robert Burns. Click here for lyrics.

Funky Food
Clandestine candy: Joanna relates the story of Robert "King" Wilkerson and his creation of a praline recipe while being held in solitary confinement. Since his release from prison, he continues to make his special pralines and sells them under the name "FreeLines."

From NPR: Hidden Kitchens with the "Kitchen Sisters".
Subscribe to: NPR's "Kitchen Sisters" Podcast

We mention a great feature of the "SXSW Baby" blog: how to find the best breakfast tacos in Austin, Texas.

Random Fandom Feedback
Thanks to everyone who contacted us this week! Your comments and thoughts are always appreciated!

Contact Us
email: randomfandompodcastATgmail.com (replace AT with @)
You can either email us, or leave a comment on the blog @ randomfandompodcast.com

Featured Artist of the Week
Artist: Cluan
Song Title: "I Myself Go Fishing"
Link: Official Website for Cluan
Thanks to Cluan for generously allowing us to play their song on Random Fandom.

Subscribe to Random Fandom
To subscribe to the Random Fandom podcast, add the following address to your RSS aggregator or podcatcher:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/randomfandompodcast.

Or you may subscribe in iTunes by clicking here.

Labels: James Blunt, paolo nutini