Tea Cakes, Yum!
Join my mom, Laurie, and I this week as we bake Irish "Do Be Careful" tea cakes and talk about reality TV, politics, music, our plans for St. Patrick's Day and lots more.

Obama and Paul, Our Presidential Candidates of Choice
I describe the Barack Obama rally that I attended last Friday at the AmericanBank Center and point out some highlights from his speech. Laurie then talks about attending a Ron Paul rally a few weeks ago in Victoria, Texas. We're both quite happy with our candidates of choice and feel that things are looking up in the American political scene.

to learn more about the Barack Obama rally and to watch his speech, check out this article from the Corpus Christi Caller-Times: Obama's pledge to end Iraq war draws huge applause.

Josh Groban News, as Usual
Laurie talks about watching Josh Groban's performance from Celine Dion's CBS special. I also mention his upcoming South African tour and his upcoming appearance headlining the cast of "Chess" in London, which reminds Laurie that Yusuf Islam has talked of producing a musical.

More Random Music Talk
We also ramble on about Paolo Nutini, Joe Purdy Amos Lee, and the Goo Goo Dolls, as well as TheSixtyOne, a great site for finding music by unknown artists and bands.

Music Credits
"Kiss Me, I'm Irish," by Gaelic Storm

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Labels: amos lee, Barack Obama, Goo Goo Dolls, Joe Purdy, josh groban, paolo nutini, Ron Paul, Yusuf

In the News
Being native Minnesotans, we were especially shocked and saddened to learn about the bridge collapse that happened in Minneapolis last week. We talk about the response to the tragedy, as well as mention the condition of the bridges here in the Coastal Bend.

Satyrs, Centaurs and Fauns, Oh My!
We discuss one of our favorite authors, C. S. Lewis and mention his good friend, J. R. R. Tolkien, the author of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. We also talk about some of Lewis' influences, including Beatrix Potter and George MacDonald.

Joanna talks about "The Chronicles of Narnia," which is included in her list of favorite children's literature, and says that she would like to read "Till We Have Faces," which is one of C. S. Lewis' fantasy novels written for adults. She also talks about watching the BBC adaptation of "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" and "Prince Caspian and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" as a child. She mentions how happy she is that Disney adapted "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" into a full-length movie in 2005 and that two more "Narnia" movies are currently in production.

Laurie recounts some of what she has learned while reading the collected letters of C. S. Lewis and shares an amusing story about Lewis and Tolkien.

From Pen Pals to Podcasts: Communication in Many Forms
Joanna highlights NarniaWeb, a great source for "Narnia" movie news. Beware if you click: The site has tons of spoilers!

Take the "Narnia" Personality Quiz if you're curious about what "Narnia" character you're most like. (Joanna=Puddleglum, the Marshwiggle!)

The Audiophile Reviews
Joanna talks about The NarniaWeb podcast.

What's on the (You)Tube?
After a five-year break, Silverchair is back with a new album titled "Young Modern," Joanna reports. She talks about enjoying the band's music as a teenager and how cool it was to be reminded of them again.

Watch Silverchair music videos: "Tomorrow," "Freak," "Anthem for the Year 2000," "Without You," and "Straight Lines"

Give a Little Bit
Laurie gives an update on Yusuf's recent activities, including his charity work with Small Kindness and his performance at the "Live Earth" concert in Hamburg, Germany.

Yusuf videos from "Live Earth": "Wild World" and "Ruins"

Word Play
We are easily amused, as evidenced by our delight in the LOLCat Translator and Lauries description of a picture at I Can Has Cheeseburger?

Have You Heard?
Laurie talks about the PBS special, "Last of the Breed," which features Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Ray Price.

Nut of the Week
We are appalled that medical therapy for "Restless Legs Syndrome" may trigger compulsive gambling.

Funky Food
We laugh about the food quotes from Orson Wells, Erma Bombeck and others.

Music Credits
"Breakable," by Ingrid Michaelson. Check out Ingrid Michaelson's MySpace page to learn more about her music.

Contact Us
Email: randomfandompodcastATgmail.com (replace AT with @)

Subscribe to Random Fandom
To subscribe to the Random Fandom podcast in iTunes, click here. Alternately, you may add the following address to your RSS reader/aggregator or podcatcher:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/randomfandompodcast

Labels: C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, Silverchair, The Chronicles of Narnia, Willie Nelson, Yusuf

Weather in the News
Winter finally arrived in South Texas this week! Read: Weather Stories at Google News and Groups Respond to Devastating Ice Storm.

Updates on Some of Our Favorite People
We share exciting news about some of our favorite people: Apolo Anton Ohno, Josh Groban, James Blunt, Paolo Nutini, Zach Braff, Joshua Radin and the Goo Goo Dolls.

Apolo Anton Ohno: Apolo Announces His Decision to Compete at the 2010 Winter Olympics, Official Site for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, Show 3 - All About Apolo

Josh Groban: "Awake" Tour Information at TicketMaster, Josh sings "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" with Mireille Mathieu, Josh sings "Awake" in a video tribute to his parents, Show 11 - Waking Up to Josh Groban

James Blunt: James Performed at Austin City Limits, Watch James perform "You're Beautiful" at ACL, James is nominated for five Grammy Awards, Show 4 - Crazy About James Blunt

Paolo Nutini: North American Tour Information, Paolo Nutini Channel on YouTube, "New Shoes" Music Video, "Loving You" video, "Jenny Don't Be Hasty" Video

Zach Braff: , "The Most Awesomest Blog Ever Written": by Zach Braff Show 2 - Zach Braff is Back

Joshua Radin: Tour Information at Joshua's MySpace page, Interview with Joshua Radin

Goo Goo Dolls: N. American Tour Information Show 1 - It's All Goo,

Interviewer Torgen's YouTube Channel

Give A Little Bit
Yusuf is performing at the Jim Capaldi tribute show, "Dear Mr Fantasy" to benefit Jubilee Action.

Livin' the Life in South Texas
Eva Longoria (Miss Corpus Christi, 1998) and Tony Parker will be married in France this summer.

Nut of the Week
We mention a historical event in Texas: The "Yankee Doodle" Shoot Out.

From PenPals to Podcasts: Communication in Many Forms
Kevin Kling: This humorist from Minnesota is regularly featured on National Public Radio.

What's On the (you) Tube?
Joanna tells us about a hilarious video series: Chad Vader.

In the News
Joanna promotes Nothing But Nets and mentions a five-year old girl who helped raise over $10,000.00 for the program.

Have You Heard?
Demetri Martin: We talk about his recently aired Comedy Central Special, "Person." For more Demetri information, check out "Clearification" and his MySpace page.

Funky Food
We talk about two recipes by Paula Deen: Shrimp Mashed Potatoes and Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cakes.

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

Artist of the Week
Artist: Nathan Wiley
Song Title: Best That I Can Do
Links: Official Website for Nathan Wiley, MySpace Page for Nathan Wiley, Nathan Wiley at the Podsafe Music Network
Thanks to Nathan Wiley for generously allowing us to play his music on Random Fandom.

Subscribe to Random Fandom
To subscribe to the Random Fandom podcast, add the following address to your RSS aggregator or podcatcher:
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Or you may subscribe in iTunes by clicking here.

Labels: apolo anton ohno, Demetri Martin, eva longoria, Goo Goo Dolls, James Blunt, josh groban, Joshua Radin, paolo nutini, Paula Deen, tony parker, Yusuf, Zach Braff

Light Your Candle B.B. Mama shares one of her favorite inspirations, a song by Twila Paris: Go Light Your Candle.

Adlai Stevenson says, in tribute to Eleanor Roosevelt: She would rather light candles than curse the darkness, and her glow has warmed the world.

Random Fandom of the Week Singer/Songwriter, Yusuf: Mom gives the latest updates on Yusuf and reviews his new album, "An Other Cup." Links: "An Other Cup" Official Website, Yusuf FAQ Page at Mountain of Light website, CBS Video Interview: Yusuf Islam talks to Mark Phillips , Transcript of the CBS Interview with Yusuf

Give A Little Bit We talk about the "Banker to the Poor," Muhammad Yunus and the Grameen Bank.

The AudioPhile Reviews Joanna reviews one of her favorite podcasts, the Delta Park Project.

Two Shes in a Pod: News and Commentary on Podcasting Mom recommends a great resource for daily Podcasting News.

From PenPals to Podcasts: Communication in Many Forms Joanna talks about Jame's Blunts Official Blog.

Have You Heard? We laugh about a new study: Women talk three times as much as men.

Livin' the Life in South Texas We relate our experience and enjoyment of "cold fronts" blowing through South Texas. They are a welcome relief from our normal sauna-like weather conditions!

Nut of the Week Mom reads an article by Vanessa Santos-Garza: Naughty shoppers - Santa sees you, too.

What's on the (You)Tube? We talk about the song, "Little Red Ridin' Hood ," by Sam the Sham and the Pharoahs. We also mention Sam Samudio's current website.

More videos: "Little Red Ridin' Hood" cover by Bowling for Soup, Monty Python's "Little Red Riding Hood.

ROTFLMAO Weird Al: White, nerdy, and here to stay. Links: Weird Al's MySpace Page, "White and Nerdy" Video, "Polkarama" Video, "Smells like Nirvana" Video.

In the News Doritos junkies hit jackpot as beached cargo container spills the goods.

Funky Food Cardullo's Gourmet Shoppe - Bugs: Crickets, Scorpions, Larvets & Ants: Someone bugging you? Bug them back with our Edible Bugs!!! Yes, they are real. Yes, they are edible. All animals are organically grown on a farm in California. You'll give people something new to say about California besides that it's a state of fruit and nuts!

Artist of the Week Artist: Piefinger Song Title: Keep Breathing Artist Websites: Piefinger's Official Website, Piefinger's MySpace Page, Piefinger at the PodSafe Music Network Thanks to Piefinger for generously allowing us to play their music on Random Fandom.

Contact Us email: randomfandompodcastATgmail.com (replace AT with @)

We love to hear from our listeners! Write to us and let us know of your random fandoms, who or what can you not get enough of, and why? Every week we'll include your fandoms on our show. Also, send any questions you have about us, and we'll answer them on the show. You can either email us, or leave a comment on the blog @ randomfandompodcast.com.

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.

Labels: Cat Stevens, James Blunt, Weird Al, Yusuf

Birthdays This Week! Joanna celebrated her 26th birthday on November 9 (and she laments that this does not prevent her from overusing the word "awesome"). Happy Birthday! to Lynn and Neil of Borderline, who also celebrate their birthdays this week. Also, on November 15, BB Mama celebrates her big 5-0!

Random Fandom of the Week We talk about why we love Hobbits. Links: Tolkien Gateway Wiki, The Encyclopedia of Arda, Hobbits at the Encyclopedia of Arda, Hobbits at the Thain's Book, Hobbit Birthday Celebrations, A Quiz Concerning Hobbits

What's on the (You)Tube? Sam and Gollum discuss taters: What's Taters, Precious? (You Keep Nasty Chips!) and What's Taters, Precious? Remix.

The AudioPhile Reviews Joanna reviews Escape Pod.

From PenPals to Podcasts Mom shares her love of C.S. Lewis and his writings, specifically, his "Collected Letters." Joanna also enjoys his work, particularly "The Chronicles of Narnia."

Livin' the Life in South Texas We talk about some of the local cuisine here in South Texas, including homemade tortillas, tamales and other authentic Tex-Mex Recipes. We mention one of our favorite local restaurants, La Iguana.

Give A Little Bit Mom discusses the plight of children on Native American reservations, and promotes an organization which is dedicated to helping them: Native American Emergency Relief.

In the News Flores Man was recently discoverd on an island in Indonesia. For more information on Homo floresiensis click here.

Funky Food The Road to Turducken and Turducken WikiPedia Entry.

Have You Heard? Joanna received her Internet-only edition of Josh Groban's new album, "Awake," in time for her birthday! In a future show, Joanna will talk in-depth about the music of Josh Groban. Watch an Amazon exclusive in-studio performance and interview with Josh Groban.

Mom was very happy to learn that the artist formerly known as "Cat Stevens" is now releasing a new album, his first in almost 30 years. After converting to Islam, he chose the name Yusuf, and under this name he is releasing "An Other Cup" on November 14, 2006. Watch his video interview at the Amazon page for "An Other Cup". Listen to "Peace Train" and other music by Yusuf here.

Random Fandom Feedback Thanks to everyone who left a comment or sent an email to us this week!

Artist of the Week Artist: Brobdingnagian Bards Song Titles: "Hobbit Happy Birthday Song" and "Like Hobbits in a Mushroom Field" Links: The Brobdingnagian Bards' Official Website, Brobdingnagian Bards' MySpace Page, Brobdingnagian Bards at the Podsafe Music Network Thanks to the Brobdingnagian Bards for generously allowing us to play their music on Random Fandom.

Contact Us email: randomfandompodcastATgmail.com (replace AT with @)

We love to hear from our listeners! Write to us and let us know of your random fandoms, who or what can you not get enough of, and why? Every week we'll include your fandoms on our show. Also, send any questions you have about us, and we'll answer them on the show. You can either email us, or leave a comment on the blog @ randomfandompodcast.com.

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.

Labels: C.S. Lewis, Cat Stevens, hobbits, J.R.R. Tolkien, josh groban, Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, Yusuf