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October 24, 2004 - October 30, 2004

News for Oct. 30, 2004

Happy Haloween?

10/30/04, 11:59 am EST - Xoanon

JRR Tolkien Mask Justin writes: Forbes just posted printable cutouts of famous millionaires, including JRR Tolkien. [More]

St. Paul Nasmith Book Signing Report

10/30/04, 11:54 am EST - Xoanon

not a hobbit writes: I wanted to tell you about Ted Nasmith’s presentation and book signing on Tuesday evening at Bound To Be Read on Grand Ave. in St. Paul, Mn. [More]

Are You An Aspiring Filmmaker?! Read On!

10/30/04, 11:40 am EST - Xoanon

Aspiring Tolkien filmmakers will be able to showcase their work in our fan film and video screening room. The best of these submissions will be shown at the convention. You could win cool prizes for having the best fan film, so head on over to the site now and see how to enter! [ORC Fan Films]

Hercules rides again, seriously

10/30/04, 11:38 am EST - Xoanon

The fake babies bundled into a bin suggests this is one serious television show. The waft of horse dung makes the West Auckland set smell like a Greek city from many years BC. Rotund warriors in fur uniforms, gaunt villagers in smocks, and fake baskets of fruit add to the atmosphere. One Hercules cast member who is used to filming in New Zealand is Sean Astin, who played Samwise Gamgee in The Lord Of The Rings. In Hercules, Astin is again cast as a faithful companion, playing the bard Linus. "The sidekick business has been very good," he laughs. "It's not hard work. [More]

Lee & McKellen Are Greatest Living Actors

10/30/04, 11:23 am EST - Xoanon

The website movies.msn.com, it lists a British magazine's poll of the greatest living movie stars over the age of 50. It has actors Ian McKellen and Christopher Lee in the top 20. [More]

Hall Of Fire Chats This Weekend

10/30/04, 4:40 am EST - Demosthenes

Nine he gave to Mortal Men, proud and great, and so ensnared them. Long ago they fell under the dominion of the One, and they became Ringwraiths, shadows under his great Shadow, his most terrible servants. Middle Earth abounds in character both quaint and creepy; Gollum, Shelob, trolls and orcs, but perhaps none inspire quite the same shivers and chills as the Nazgul. [More]

News for Oct. 29, 2004

ORC Tickets On Sale Now!

10/29/04, 5:14 pm EST - Xoanon

We've opened up the remaining ticket tiered pricing for all to buy! Fans can go for the all out Wizard's Circle Package at $319.95 or get something a little lower in price! Follow this link for more info! [oneringcelebration.com] Ticket prices are:

WIZARD'S CIRCLE Weekend PACKAGE $319.95
ELVEN COUNCIL WEEKEND PACKAGE $135.00
DWARF WEEKEND PACKAGE $75.00
FRI EVE- 50TH ANNIV CELEBRATION(9PM) $65.00
ONE RING AWARDS CELEBRATION $65.00
SEAN ASTIN PHOTO OPS TICKET $40.00
BILLY BOYD PHOTO OP TICKET $40.00
JOHN RHYS DAVIES PHOTO OP TICKET $40.00
BRAD DOURIF PHOTO OPS TICKET $40.00
BRUCE HOPKINS PHOTO OPS TICKET $35.00
CHARLES ROSS PHOTO OPS TICKET $30.00
SEAN ASTIN AUTOGRAPH TICKET $35.00
BILLY BOYD AUTOGRAPH TICKET $35.00
JOHN RHYS DAVIES AUTOGRAPH TICKET $35.00
BRAD DOURIF AUTOGRAPH TICKET $25.00
BRUCE HOPKINS AUTOGRAPH TICKET $20.00
CHARLES ROSS AUTOGRAPH TICKET $15.00

Gandalf Has Returned!

10/29/04, 10:09 am EST - Xoanon

I am not too sure if you've noticed the goings on at our other site Kongisking.net, but Gandalf has returned to New Zealand to spy for us on the set of Peter Jackson's King Kong. Take a look at PJ's crew trying to capture the quick-footed wizard, and a great few seconds of Andy Serkis with a machine gun! [More]

Wenham Lecture in Hawaii

10/29/04, 9:59 am EST - Xoanon

Kiwi writes: I have just returned from the David Wenham Seminar at the Doris Duke Theatre sponsored by the Hawaii Film Festival. It was a delightful evening beginning with David sharing his family background, stating as a young boy his father would give him season theatre tickets every year for his birthday and it was one night while watching a play he felt he wanted to become an actor. [More]

EE Marathon in Oz Cancelled

10/29/04, 9:55 am EST - Xoanon

Sven writes: The Greater Union in Sydney have cancelled the Lord of the Rings Extended Edition Marathon scheduled for November 25th. No reason was given by management.

Ted Nasmith Book Tour Mountain View, CA

10/29/04, 9:52 am EST - Xoanon

In celebration of the Lord of the Rings 50th anniversary, Ted Nasmith presents slides of his paintings from the new edition of J.R.R. Tolkien’s prequel to the trilogy. Nasmith was commissioned for twenty-six new paintings. He will be at 'Books Inc.' in Mountain View, CA today (Oct 29th).

News for Oct. 28, 2004

Ringfest 2005 in Chicago Cancelled?

10/28/04, 10:14 pm EST - Xoanon

'Frodo' writes: I was considering going to Autographmania but some of the talk going on about this event made me nerveous. When the website went offline I nosed around and got this on the main Autographmania website: The website is currently down due to a database error, we are working very hard to recover the database. You can contact us by email. Due to unforseen circumstances Ringfest 2005 in Chicago has been postponed, thank you for your interest in the event and we will be in contact when a new date has been announced. No charges have been or will be made for any tickets booked.

Liv Tyler Guitar Auction

10/28/04, 9:50 pm EST - Xoanon

Cathy writes: GuitarMania benefits the United Way and The Rock&Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Liv Tyler was one of the celebrity artists and the guitars are being auctioned online through November 5th. [More]

Billy Boyd Joins ORC!!

10/28/04, 5:03 pm EST - Xoanon

Billy Boyd has been signed on to appear at The One Ring Celebration! The One Ring Celebration (or ORC for short) will take place in Pasadena, CA in January 2005. Billy joins Brad Dourif, Bruce Hopkins, John Rhys-Davies, Charles Ross, Emerald Rose, and World Without Sundays. More announcements to come soon, so keep checking this website and the ORC website for details! [One Ring Celebration]

Tom Shippey Lecture in Missouri

10/28/04, 4:19 pm EST - Xoanon

Pervy Hobbit Fancier writes: Just thought I'd let you know that Tolkien scholar Tom Shippey will be speaking at the University of Missouri-Columbia on Wednesday, November 3 at 7:30PM in Jesse Auditorium. The title of his lecture will be "The Way Things Turn Out: J.R.R. Tolkien and Peter Jackson" followed by a showing of The Fellowship of the Ring. [More]

SHOP: SIdeshow Collectibles Spooktacular

10/28/04, 1:17 pm EST - Celeborn

Sideshow Spooktacular!

For the past few days, Sideshow Collectibles have been running a Halloween special called the 'Spooktacular.' The reason we mention it is because some fans have walked away with 50-100% off of highly sought after LOTR collectibles: Grima Wormtongue Statue, Boromir Statues, etc. In some cases, second chances at long Sold Out items like Shelob. The event lasts until Sunday, so follow the link for details. [Click Here]


Ted Nasmith Book Tour Seattle, WA

10/28/04, 9:39 am EST - Xoanon

In celebration of the Lord of the Rings 50th anniversary, Ted Nasmith presents slides of his paintings from the new edition of J.R.R. Tolkien’s prequel to the trilogy. Nasmith was commissioned for twenty-six new paintings. He will be at 'University Bookstore' in Seattle, WA today (Oct 28th). Follow this link to see his next stop! [More]

News for Oct. 27, 2004

TORn Announces the More People's Guide

10/27/04, 11:06 pm EST - weetanya


[click for larger image]

TORn staffer Anwyn writes: TheOneRing.net and Cold Spring Press are pleased to announce the release of More People's Guide to J.R.R. Tolkien. Following last year's successful The People's Guide to J.R.R. Tolkien, this volume continues in the best tradition of Green Books and Tehanu's Notes to explore the words and worlds of J.R.R. Tolkien through essays, Q&A from readers, and interviews with special guests. [Available at Amazon.com]

CNN: Scientists uncover possible new species of human

10/27/04, 2:06 pm EST - Xoanon

(AP) -- In a breathtaking discovery, scientists working on a remote Indonesian island say they have uncovered the bones of a human dwarf species marooned for eons while modern man rapidly colonized the rest of the planet. [More]

RINGERS is Ready for the World (Almost)!

10/27/04, 1:26 pm EST - Xoanon

Cliff Broadway ‘Quickbeam’ writes: The time has come to celebrate, for we have completed the first rough cut of RINGERS: LORD OF THE FANS. The camera crew has put away the equipment and bright lights. We worked through an intense period of post-production to bring the film together in the best possible way, with music cues, motion graphics, animated segments, and a ton of extra visuals. [More] [Ringers Official Website]

Science of Middle-earth Special Report – An Unexpected Party

10/27/04, 1:05 pm EST - Xoanon

Olog-Hai writes: They were about three foot six tall, kept well out of the way of the Big People, lived in holes in the ground, had a simple technology fashioned with long, clever fingers … and, it can now be revealed, hung on in the real world until almost historical times. In an astonishing case of life imitating art, the remains of hobbits just like these have actually been unearthed in a cave in a hillside overlooking a river valley, in a remote and unspoiled part of Middle-earth. All that seems to be missing is the brass doorknob and (so far) confirmation of hairy feet. [More]

Ted Nasmith Book Tour Salt Lake City

10/27/04, 12:44 pm EST - Xoanon

In celebration of the Lord of the Rings 50th anniversary, Ted Nasmith presents slides of his paintings from the new edition of J.R.R. Tolkien’s prequel to the trilogy. Nasmith was commissioned for twenty-six new paintings. He will be at 'Borders Book Store' in Salt Lake City, UT today (Oct 27th). Follow this link to see his next stop! [More]

Sean Astin Auction for Charity

10/27/04, 12:41 pm EST - Xoanon

Erica writes: I'm involved with a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization called CoachArt that provides free lessons in the arts and athletics for underpriviliged children with life-threatening illnesses. Sean Astin has donated a unique heart-shaped ceramic plate that he decorated with his own design, as an autographed Lord of the Rings photo. [More]

The Sil/LOTR News & Reviews

10/27/04, 12:37 pm EST - Xoanon

Our very own MrCere writes: There are things you want for Christmas, even if you don't know it. For example, two wonderful new additions to the Tolkien library. J.R.R. Tolkien was dreaming about puplication of his created mythology long before the publication of even his widely known "The Hobbit." That children's tale and its 'sequel' of sorts, "The Lord of the Rings" reached publication and immense popularity while his initial work was read only among family and friends. [More] [TORN Shop]

News for Oct. 26, 2004

A ROTK:EE Review!

10/26/04, 10:54 pm EST - Xoanon

Anonymous writes: I don't know if I'm at the right address, but I've recently seen the brand-new extended cut of The Return of the King, in my professional capacity, and I thought I'd let know you know about it. I had seen the theatrical version once in the theatre, and two more times with my kids, and I must admit that the longer cut is far superior, for it ties everything you could consider loose-ends, it extends what you thought what great, and it adds awesome new scenes. Many characters benefit from this extended cut...!!! SPOILERS !!! [More]

Marquette Tolkien Conference Report

10/26/04, 9:35 pm EST - Xoanon

True-Hearted Easterling writes: I have just returned from the superb Lord of the Rings conference held at Marquette University in Milwaukee this past Friday and Saturday. The conference commemorated the fiftieth anniversary of the publication of The Lord of the Rings and paid tribute to Dr. Richard E. Blackwelder, who donated his large private Tolkien collection to Marquette in 1982. [More]

Master of the Ring Report

10/26/04, 9:26 pm EST - Xoanon

Cat writes: I just thought I would write up an little report about the event I went to this weekend. Master of the Ring. I had been looking forward to this event for an long time and although there was no huge guests accounced I like talks and workshops and it promised to be by the fan for the fans. [More]

Bay Area Baggins Picnic Images

10/26/04, 9:22 pm EST - Xoanon

Cel writes: The Annual Bay Area Baggins' Birthday Picnic was later this year than usual, but still had enthusiastic attendance from all of Bilbo's friends, and a few former enemies. The picnic draws over 50 fans from a hundred mile radius each year. [More]

West of the Moon Interviews Craig, Bruce & More

10/26/04, 8:49 pm EST - weetanya

Shadow at West of the Moon sends along her Dragon Con interviews with Craig Parker, Bruce Hopkins, and the Brobdingnagian Bards, as well as fan reports from the Supanova Pop Culture Expo and Sean Astin's book signing tour. They all can be found [Here]

Monaghan & Mortensen Nab People's Choice Nom

10/26/04, 4:29 pm EST - Xoanon

The 2004 People's Choice Awards Nominees have been announced. Viggo Mortensen has been nominated as 'Favorite male action movie star' along with Matt Damon, Hugh Jackman, Tobey Maguire & Will Smith.

Meanwhile Dominic Monaghan's new TV series "Lost" has been nominated as 'Favorite new TV drama' alongside "Boston Legal," "CSI: NY," "Desperate Housewives," & "Jack and Bobby." Follow this link for the full list. [More]

Rings star Boyd makes studio call

10/26/04, 4:22 pm EST - Xoanon

Billy Boyd says Scotland's facilities could be better Lord of the Rings star Billy Boyd has called on ministers to help launch a dedicated film studio for Scotland. The young actor has urged the Scottish Executive to show the initiative and take advantage of the "rebirth" of the Scottish screen industry. [More]

LOTR Stage Play Producer Interview

10/26/04, 1:35 pm EST - Xoanon

The folks from Kevin Wallace Ltd write: Kevin Wallace, producer of the eagerly anticipated stage version of THE LORD OF THE RINGS, is the latest guest at the Balcony on the West End series of interviews at the Theatre Museum, London. [More]

Elvis Presley tops dead rich list

10/26/04, 10:28 am EST - Xoanon

Elvis Presley has come top of a list of the highest-earning dead celebrities, with an annual income of $40m (£22m). Fans of The King have continued to snap up merchandise and visit his Graceland home 27 years after his death. Peanuts cartoon creator Charles Schulz was in second place on the list, complied by influential US business website Forbes.com. Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien was in third, making the top three unchanged for the second year in a row. Thanks to ShelaghC for the link! [More]

Ted Nasmith Book Tour St. Paul, MN

10/26/04, 9:57 am EST - Xoanon

In celebration of the Lord of the Rings 50th anniversary, Ted Nasmith presents slides of his paintings from the new edition of J.R.R. Tolkien’s prequel to the trilogy. Nasmith was commissioned for twenty-six new paintings. He will be at 'Bound to Read' in St. Paul, MN today (Oct 26th). Follow this link to see his next stop! [More]

News for Oct. 25, 2004

Nasmith Book Signing Images

10/25/04, 9:46 pm EST - Xoanon

Nasmith Book Signing Images anonymous writes: I attended the book signing and slide show presentation in Shorwood on Sunday. Ted is a quiet man, but very interesting to listen to. The insight he gives into a book that some have found difficult to read is inspiring. I know I have a renewed interest in reading the book again after seeing his slideshow and hearing him talk. It's especially interesting to see some of the sketches and concepts that have not yet made it into full blown paintings. I hope that some of them will see the light of day, they are wonderful. I highly encourage anyone in the cities he is coming to in the next week to make the time to go and see him. It will be worth your effort. [More]

Hall Of Fire Special Chat With Anne Petty!

10/25/04, 5:50 pm EST - Demosthenes

Calling all scholars and students of Tolkien, fantasy, mythology and anyone interested in creative writing! Hall of Fire staff are delighted to announce that author Anne Petty will be our special guest during our scheduled HoF chat on Sunday, November 7 at 2:00 P.M. EST.

Ms Petty will be sharing her views on Tolkien as a myth-based writer, as well as ideas for those writing their own mythopoeic fiction. She will also be answering our questions on Tolkien, mythology and creative writing, especially creating characters and world-building. All are welcome to join us on the day, or if you'd like to submit your question in advance you can do that too! [More]

A higher class of hobbit

10/25/04, 4:29 pm EST - Xoanon

What do sports teams and hobbits have in common? They both have rabid fans. It made sense, then, for S. Gary Hunnewell to begin his session at the 50th anniversary conference for "Lord of the Rings" by placing his autographed Red Sox cap on the podium. [More]

Beloved Tolkien trilogy sets cash registers ringing

10/25/04, 4:27 pm EST - Xoanon

Some day historians will list billionaires of the 21st century: Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Frodo Baggins. Frodo Baggins? Fifty years ago this month, the fantasy tale that became a worldwide phenomenon was launched when J.R.R. Tolkien's ``The Lord of the Rings'' was first published in the United States by Boston-based Houghton Mifflin. [More]

ORC News and Tickets on Sale Now!!

10/25/04, 2:43 pm EST - Xoanon

We are very proud to announce our first guests for the One Ring Celebration. Joining is in Pasadena, CA, in January will be Sean Astin, John Rhys-Davies, Brad Dourif and Bruce Hopkins, along with performances by Emerald Rose and Charles Ross (The One Man Lord of the Rings performer). Tickets are on sale now! It's going to be a fabulous Friday for LOTR fans. [OneRingCelebration]

Tolkien Exhibit in Milwaukee, WI Report

10/25/04, 10:45 am EST - Xoanon

Entmaiden writes: I attended the opening reception for an exhibit of J.R.R. Tolkien's original manuscripts and working drafts of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings at the Haggerty Museum of Art at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. Anyone who is a fan of Tolkien has an opportunity to view this exhibit through January, 2005. [More]

Ted Nasmith Book Tour Madison, WI

10/25/04, 10:35 am EST - Xoanon

In celebration of the Lord of the Rings 50th anniversary, Ted Nasmith presents slides of his paintings from the new edition of J.R.R. Tolkien’s prequel to the trilogy. Nasmith was commissioned for twenty-six new paintings. He will be at the University Bookstore in Madison, WI today (Oct 25th). Follow this link to see his next stop! [More]

News for Oct. 24, 2004

Ted Nasmith Book Tour Shorewood, WI

10/24/04, 4:13 pm EST - Xoanon

In celebration of the Lord of the Rings 50th anniversary scholarly conference held at Marquette this week, Ted Nasmith presents slides of his paintings from the new edition of J.R.R. Tolkien’s prequel to the trilogy. Nasmith was commissioned for twenty-six new paintings. He will be at the Harry W. Schwartz Bookshop in Shorewood, WI today. Follow this link to see his next stop! [More]

Cate Blanchett to present AFI award

10/24/04, 10:39 am EST - Xoanon

Acclaimed actor Cate Blanchett will present the AFI Award for Best Film at Friday night's ceremony, The Sunday Telegraph can reveal. The coup in scoring the services of the low-key Blanchett will be officially announced tomorrow. [More]

Final LOTR Flight

10/24/04, 10:32 am EST - Xoanon

Aragorn & Arwen NZ Air Plane Minorbird writes: Yesterday (Oct 23rd), 54 Japanese LOTR costumed fans were on board Air NZ's LOTR painted B747 airplane from Japan to Middle-earth. The plane will be removed from service very soon, and this is the last tour with the airplane, prepared by Air New Zealand. Ian Brodie - author of LOTR location guidebook has planned this tour, attended.

FOTR on WB in High-Def

10/24/04, 10:21 am EST - Xoanon

Shawn F. writes: I was just leafing through the new Entertainment Weekly with Jamie Foxx on the cover and came across a full-page ad heralding the Broadcast premiere of "Fellowship of the Ring" on the WB November 7th and 8th at 8pm each night, uncut and in High-Defnition (where available).

Top-Earning Fictional Characters

10/24/04, 10:19 am EST - Xoanon

NEW YORK - There is real money being made in the land of make-believe. Not to mention in Middle Earth, 100 Acre Wood and in a galaxy far, far away. According to our calculations, the top-ten fictional characters grossed more than $23 billion worldwide last year. Traditional media companies like The Walt Disney Co., Viacom and AOL Time Warner grabbed the lion's share of that revenue, but firms ranging from videogame makers to consumer-products giants are also cashing in. [More]

Dominic Monaghan on TV Guide

10/24/04, 10:14 am EST - Xoanon

djdeathskiss sends along the lastest issue of TV Guide, featuring Dominic Monaghan and the rest of the cast of 'Lost'. [More]

HIFF judge arrives still exhilarated from "Molokai" and "Rings"

10/24/04, 10:04 am EST - Xoanon

David Wenham is just a few hours off the lengthy flight from Sydney but sounds remarkably fresh and especially excited about his visit to Molokai the next day. "I can't wait, I really cannot wait," says Wenham, a judge for the Hawaii International Film Festival. "Living at Kalaupapa for the four or so months doing 'Molokai: The Story of Father Damien' really is one of the most profound experiences of my professional and personal life." [More]

Hobbit Play in Buffalo, NY

10/24/04, 9:54 am EST - Xoanon

Beruthiel writes: I thought the readers might like to see a good review of the Hobbit which is being performed in Buffalo, NY by the Theater of Youth. [More]

Cold Spring Press Releases

10/24/04, 7:47 am EST - weetanya

David Brin, one of sci-fi’s most popular authors, calls The Science of Middle-earth "one of the most clever and insightful explorations of its kind…one of the delights of this book is the chance to see yet another layer in the subtlety of Tolkien's rich mind." [More] [Order now from Amazon.com]


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