A little late remembering to mention it, but on March 16th, I was featured on Eye of the Storm in Boston, WBNW 1120AM radio. I was invited to talk about my Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers CD as well as other fun Celtic music projects of mine.

Oy! Haven't written anything in a bit. Turns out I had the flu. [sarcasm]What a lovely birthday present![/sarcasm]

I survived, T.G., and I'm slowly recovering. The cough still remains. But I'm hopeful I'll be rid of that in another week at least. Meanwhile, I'm finally starting to get back to doing work. I pretty much took the last week off to sleep and relax in front of the tube. I finally caught up on 3rd season of Dr. Who and Battlestar Galactica. *drool* Brilliant! Then I took some birthday money and ordered Buck Rogers (really cheap too), 1st season of Gilligan's Island, and Planet of the Apes.

A bunch of random movies that struck my mood. It's been fun watching some of those. Buck Rogers was much better in my memory. hehe! But still fun. But Gilligan's Island. Dang! That show is funny. I haven't noticeably chuckled out loud for while. Still a classic! I thought about buying Happy Days too. Been forever since I've seen that show! But some other time when I scrounge up some dough.

Yes, DVDs are my one guilty pleasure... well, after food and drink, that is. The one Tangible guilty pleasure that lasts, let's say.

Really need to do some catch up. But March and St. Pat's was a fairly successful month. Hits and sales were down on my websites, but it still felt like a good month. I was really proud of the St. Patrick's Day Celtic podcasts I did. Just need to catch up with the Ren Fest Podcasts now... and Pub Songs, Cat Lovers and Brobdingnagian Minute. All of which have files waiting to be edited. Next few days, me hopes. Another weekend off and then off to I-Con in New York. W00t!

W00t! My cat CD was mentioned in this video from BoingBoing with background music from the Brobdingnagian Bards too.

Join us at 2PM on Saturday, March 22, for an afternoon of harp music from Claire Roche, and storytelling from John of Celtic Ways!

March 22, 2008
Claire Roche and John Wilmott of Celtic Ways
Things Celtic
1806 W. 35th Street
Austin, TX 78703

My friend Mike started a new website reviewing Celtic CDs. It's called Celtophilia. He and Bonnie give a his and her perspective on various Celtic albums with noble results.

You can take your Celtic Women. You can take your Irish Tenors. You can take your High Kings. You can take every other mass-produced PBS-bloated piece of crap Celtic group and shove 'em... Welcome to the latest--Celtic Thunder. WTF?!?!

*sigh* Nevermind. I was gonna rant. But just gave up. It's pointless. The music industry has been making blow pop bands (emphasis on blow) for decades now. I guess it was a matter of time before they'd start making pop bands for musical niches. That's all those bands listed above are. Pop bands to force feed you Celtic music. Sure, they're good. The Spice Girls were good too. Doesn't mean their music still didn't suck.

Again, this is where I praise the merits of INDEPENDENT CELTIC MUSIC. Not pre-packaged music designed to turn sound into just a commodity, not art. Something that that's perfect. Not something that's perfectly imperfect. I was a huge fan of The Wolfe Tones when I started listening to Celtic music. Not because they had pretty voices but because Derek Warfield has a crappy voice. And it rocks! The Pogues kicked butt because Shane MacGowan has one of the raunchiest and most-recognizable voices that every Celtic punk band out there tries to duplicate it.

I know, that's just me. There are hundreds of thousands of people out there who want the fantasy. That's why they buy Celtic Women... or the latest pop atrocity Celtic Thunder. They want that fantastical experience of seeing their heritage blown up with majesty and lights and lots of violins and smoke. They want to "feel" their heritage. So maybe it's not all that bad a thing to create these fantasies? But for me, it just gets old.

So before I split and you fall under the "spell" of Celtic Thunder, let it be know that according to a couple videos I saw online, Celtic Thunder could be the Celtic version of Milli Vanilli--it looks to me like they lip synch... but I could be wrong.

UPDATE: This post is continued here (or read the comments below).

Here are the most-recent podcasts my music was played in: Aspire, Astral Audio Experience, Average Joe Radio, Cross and Canvas, DALECAST, DigiVegas Indie Podcast, Far From the Pulse, Guy In A Tie, KidsCast UK/ KidsCastSCiFi, Mat - on- NutCast, Mischief and Mayhem, My Pocket Player - Mój odtwarzacz, Open Mike Insert Foot, Podcast Ping, poltercast, Power Ogg, The Kahn Man's Comedy Corner, The Tone Deaf Radio Show, and Week in Geek. I was also featured on Mellow Melodies March show.

You can hear my music or play it through the Podsafe Music Network.

The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast was once again the #1 Music Podcast on iTunes. Victims of Irish Music climbed to #13 of the Top-Selling World Music albums on iTunes.

Most popular searches on my website: The Leprechaun, A St. Patrick's Day Poem, Funny Irish drinking songs, Celtic Music Sites with Free Music Downloads, Irish drinking songs, and Irish happy birthday songs.

Despite being sick, my birthday turned out rather nice. Good gig and lots of birthday wishes. Thank you all!

What an interesting weekend. I got sick on Friday. So spent much of the weekend coughing, and canceled many of my plans over the weekend. Doing better, so far, today. Though have an appointment for the Oriental Medicine Student Clinic on Weds. Just hope that singing tonight won't be a problem. We'll hope.

Nevertheless, I posted my Irish & Celtic Music Podcast St. Patrick's Day features. But my "17 Free Celtic Music Downloads for St. Patrick's Day" article is gonna be behind, sadly. Ah well.

Thanks to everyone who sent their birthday greetings to me. They brought bright smiles to me today. Thanks and have a safe and happy St. Patrick's Day!

One of the great ghost stories of Ireland is that of Molly Malone, the fishmonger who died in Dublin and who's ghost is reputed to wander the streets still selling fish. My friend Emilee Rush seems to think the cats were just as disappointed with the death of this wonderful human. Because the cats see the ghost too!

"Molly Malone... Cat's Perspective/Planxty Hewlett"
Listen: LoFi
Recorded by Marc Gunn
From: Whiskers in the Jar: Irish Songs for Cat Lovers
Read Lyrics: "Molly Malone... Cat's Perspective" Lyrics

Download Free MP3: 128 kbps
Buy MP3 for 99¢: 192 kbps or iTunes
Donation: Make a Donation
Subscribe: http://www.irish-song-lyrics.com/podcast.rss

Visit MP3 Store: Buy More of My MP3s
Want to see Marc Gunn perform?

Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License.
Find out more about the MarcSongs Podcast.

I just got done going to the Invasion of the Go Girls Music at SXSW to see my Onya play. I met Onya last year and once again, she reminded me why I loved her music then as much as now. She's a brilliant performer and she kicked off the show with a bang.

I also got to meet Madalyn, the indie music coach who runs the GoGirlsMusic.com website. I've seen her online for a while. So it was really funny when I walked in the door and saw this Very recognizable face. She's definitely branded her image well.

Watching the showcase got me thinking. I wonder if I could put together a Celtic music showcase for the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast? Could I pull together 10-20 artists into one venue, two songs each, and turn it into a huge promo for the podcast as well as for indie Celtic artists. That's one of the things I love about showcases. It's an awesome opportunity to help artists get their names out, and to sell CDs too. So many great artists in one place.

The other cool thing about the showcase was the music business seminar that was put on by Go Girls Music. It was on obtaining sponsorships. I was thinking about talking about it in my Pub Songs Podcast, once I publish the one from Two Weeks ago.

But first thing's first. Time to record the next Celtic podcast so I don't have to do that on my birthday!

Victims of Irish Music, the instrumental compilation CD released by Marc Gunn's Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, is fast sweeping the Celtic music charts as it climbs to #20 on iTunes World Music Charts. The CD features some of the hottest, new and independent Celtic musicians playing Irish music today from around the globe. A portion of the income earned from the CD benefits Celtic non-profits. Download Victims of Irish Music off iTunes today!

I updated two webpages that were a wee out of date: When Kitty Eyes Are Smiling and A St. Patrick's Day Poem.

I posted some new banners to my website. You can help promote my music by using these banners. Special thanks to James McDaniel II of Dumb Ogre Designs who created the graphics.

Here's how we pulled in the latest Austin Music Awards, as well as some of our Celtic friends.

#1 Best Folk Band: Brobdingnagian Bards

#6 Instrumental: Doc Grauzer
#2 None of the Above: Brobdingnagian Bards
#7 Novelty: The Dubliners' Tabby Cats
#4 DJ: Boba Fett
#4 World: The Tea Merchants
#10 World: Bedlam Bards

#4 Misc. Instrument: Andrew McKee, recorder
#5 Strings: Marc Gunn, autoharp

#6 Local Label: Mage Records
#1 Acoustic Venue: Cactus Cafe
#7 Live Music Venue: Elysium
#9 Radio Music Program: Celtic Storm
#5 Record Store: Things Celtic

Whew! I went through 200 emails today. Mind fuzzy. Need a big ol'break. Maybe eat too. I also have another Irish & Celtic Music Podcast St. Patrick's Day radio show ready to go. Hopefully, I'll get that done tomorrow. Also need to finish my "17 Free Celtic Music Downloads for St. Patrick's Day" feature that I do each year. Haven't touched that.

I also sent out a bunch of press releases for the podcast and for the Irish Songs for Cat Lovers CD. Oh. I'm behind on the MarcSongs Podcast.

Also waiting for my birthday. I haven't even thought that far ahead as to what I'm gonna do aside from the private gig we have on March 17th.

But the big thing I'm waiting for right now is tonight. We were invited to attend the Austin Music Awards. I should have more info tomorrow. But keep an eye on that link

Talk to ye laterz. Slainte
- Marc Gunn

Want to help promote my music? Or just want free Celtic MP3s? Comedy MP3s? Well, this is a great way to get free Celtic music AND promote my music.

MP3 Postcards is a service that allows you to download free MP3s and forward those songs to your friends so they can listen and tell their friends. We have several of these posted. Give a listen and send a postcard to your friends.

Cat MP3 Postcards from Marc Gunn & The Dubliners' Tabby Cats

• "Wild Kitty"
• "Furagone's Wake"
• "When Kitty Eyes Are Smiling", or
  
  
• Win a free copy of "Whiskers in the Jar" when you send "What Shall We Do With a Catnipped Kitty"
  

MP3 Postcards from the Brobdingnagian Bards:

• "Jedi Drinking Song"
• "Angel's Lament"
• "Lily the Pink"
  

The first St. Patrick's Day edition of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast is not, at last, posted.

Looking for live Celtic music for St. Patrick's Day this year? I now have a list of St. Patrick's Day in Austin gigs posted thanks to Jan. At present, neither Brobdingnagian Bards nor I have any public gigs scheduled. But I still hope to have a gathering of some kind.

Oh! If you want a great CD, check out Victims of Irish Music. It is one of the most-popular Irish music CDs on iTunes and it was an Editor's Pick on CD Baby.

One of the first songs I learned when I started playing Irish music. And somewhere along the way it's become a renewed favorite of mine. This one was recorded live in Lisdoonvarna, Ireland.

"Rosin the Bow (Live)"
Listen: LoFi
Recorded by Marc Gunn
From: 4 Drunk's Sake: Live from an Irish Pub
Read Lyrics: "Rosin the Bow" Lyrics

Download MP3: 128 kbps
Buy MP3 for 99¢: 192 kbps or iTunes
Donation: Make a Donation
Subscribe: http://www.irish-song-lyrics.com/podcast.rss

Visit MP3 Store: Buy My MP3s
Want to see Marc Gunn perform?

Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License.
Find out more about the MarcSongs Podcast.

As of Wednesday, the new CD "Whiskers in the Jar: Irish Songs for Cat Lovers" is nearly done. That means, Cat Sponsorships are now over. I hope to send the CD off to the printers before the end of March. That means, I will be mailing CDs out at the end of April to everyone who pre-orders the album.

The official release of the album will be in mid-May. But for now, you can now pre-order "Whiskers in the Jar" on the Adopt a Cat CD webpage.

I want to thank EVERYONE who helped sponsor the album. And another thank you to everyone who pre-orders the CD now. Thank you!

I was crashing at friends last night when I woke up with terrible indigestion and acid reflux. I couldn't sleep. There was no indigestion medicine in the house, so I got online to find some indigestion home remedies and found a ton. I'm not sure how valid all of these are, but here's what I did.

1. Mix equal parts of baking soda and water in a glass. That made me burp a couple of times, and I felt instant relief.
   
   Not knowing if that would work, I had already started to make a tea.
   
   
2. I forget the brand, but I saw it had peppermint and licorice in it. Peppermint is supposedly good for indigestion. It will help indigestion with out causing heartburn." Mint, raspberry, chamomile and blackberry are also good for it.

Some other suggestions include:

• Mix a tablespoon of lemon juice or cider vinegar in a cup of hot water before a meal to prevent acid indigestion.
• Drink one cup of ginger tea after meals to promote a good digestion
  
• Take 1 tsp each of mint juice, lemon juice, and honey.
• Mix 5-6 chopped basil (tulsi) leaves, 1/4 tsp sea salt, some black pepper in 3 Tbsp of curd, and eat it. repeat this 4 times a day for one week for complete reconditioning of stomach.

There are some other indigestion home remedies listed here. Good luck!

So tired. I got in late last night and didn't sleep well. So today was spaced out day. The last show was hard evidence of that. I haven't screwed up that many lyrics in years! The sun isn't doing me any favors either.

That said, Four Winds Faire was fun. Our shows were well-attended. The stage is really pretty awesome. The people are always cool. Though I ended up in drag more than the usual kilt. Had a couple stage shows I went to see and they dragged me on stage (no pun intended), one for a "Wench School" and the other I played Granny in "Little Red Riding Hood". I think, in my delirium, I did a pretty good job hamming it up. Though after one email, I have this bad feeling I was ignoring people. I know I'm spacey, but oy!

The rest of the shows went really well. Though, hehe, the second one I had just bought a latte, and was casually wandering to look at wooden spoons when I heard the Crier shout, "Brobdingnagian Bards show in 7 minutes!" Needless to say, I was like, "Oops!" The following Crier shout was, "That means YOU Marc!" Yeah... But at least that spark of adrenaline helped me put on a good show, I think.

Tonight, sleep. Hopefully, I'll be more awake tomorrow.

Oh! And I had an idea on the trip up--the Renaissance Festival Podcast Music Festival. Whatcha think?

Who hasn't bolted upright in the night, awakened by a sudden and terrible burning sensation in the pit of their stomach? Whether you indulged in some overly spicy chili, or overdid it on those late-night leftovers, these quick heartburn remedies will soothe your fiery stomach and help you get back to sleep!

1. The first thing you'll want to do when you're awakened by heartburn pain, is to stand up. This helps keep the acid at bay while you go and get a full glass of cool water.

2. Drink the whole glass of water, and follow it with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and half a glass of water. Be careful though, if you have high blood pressure or are pregnant, this can cause water retention or increase your blood pressure.

3. DON'T drink milk or suck on mints to relieve heartburn. Milk might feel nice and cool going down, but it actually contains fats and proteins that cause your stomach to secrete MORE acid and make your heartburn worse! Mints, while they may feel soothing, actually relax the small valve between your esophagus and stomach, whose purpose it is to actually KEEP acid at bay! When this valve is relaxed, more acid can seep up and aggravate heartburn symptoms!

4. This is going to sound strange, but downing a teaspoon of vinegar can help soothe heartburn immediately! Why give your stomach MORE acid when it already seems to have enough, you ask? Sometimes, heartburn is caused as a result of too little acid, and vinegar helps quell indigestion by giving your stomach a little extra "juice" (no pun intended!) to do its job!

5. Certain foods can cause nighttime heartburn, including: soda pop or beverages with caffeine (which you shouldn't be drinking before bed anyway!), alcohol, garlic, chocolate (sorry!), citrus fruits, tomatoes and tomato-based products. Avoiding these types of food can help ease your indigestion if you frequently find yourself awakened with that intolerable burning!

6. Eating a banana each day works like an antacid to soothe heartburn. If you're already stricken with indigestion, eating pineapple or papaya (or drinking the juice) can help settle your stomach naturally. Some people also claim that eating a teaspoon of mustard (yuck!) can work immediately.

7. Avoid eating at least two hours before you go to sleep. Those late night snacks can keep your stomach busy all night and prevent you from easing into a deep, restful sleep. You may also find that sleeping on your left side or sleeping at a somewhat upright angle can keep acid down where it belongs.

If you are awakened by heartburn on a regular basis, or the pain is severe, or if you have heartburn with vomiting, you'll want to consult your doctor immediately as it may be a sign of a more serious condition such as an ulcer. Above all, avoid spicy, fatty and caffeine-containing foods before bed, and you should be able to drift off to sleep easily.

Sweet dreams!

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.

Emily Clark writes articles on a wide range of health and lifestyle topics. She has an excellent selection of tips about wheel chair backs posted on her blog and if you need information on invacare wheel chairs then this is an article you should not miss.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Emily_Clark