FrenaBee writes: I just had to write TORN and let you know that the Crown Palace 17 in Hartford, Connecticut and the Jupiter Abacoa 16 in Jupiter, Florida are showing the Return of the King this week on their Odyssey Large Screens -- 5 stories tall!! Here's a link to their Web site. [More]

Thanks to Emma for getting this down! There's nothing conventional about Viggo Mortensen - not his quiet committed career, not the pictures he paints and definitely not the way he looks at the world. Chris Heath rides with the slightly strange star of "Hidalgo" as he deflects praise from his fans, squares off with his right-wing foes and explains his lust for the East German Swim Team. Language Warning [More]

LadyMerenwen I got a newsletter from the University of Miami today with information on classes for the Fall 2004 semester: Old English Language and Literature - taught by Professor John Goodmann. This course uses The Lord of the Rings, Professor J.R.R. Tolkien's popular novel of medievalism, as a way into Old English language and literature. Students will learn to read Old English, and will then read selections from Beowulf in the original, as well as looking at Tolkien as a critic and creative responder to Old English literature. [miami.edu]

Keith from McKellen.com writes: Perhaps some ringers would like to see an advance screening of Ian McKellen's new film, EMILE, at METHOD FEST in Burbank, California. It screens at 5:45 pm on Saturday April 3, then again at 7pm on Sunday April 4. Details available at McKellen.com or methodfest.com

David sends in the latest comic from Userfriendly.org. Apparently Illead's latest plotline is about learning Quenya and creating an Elven Linux distro (an Elvish version of the Linux Operating System to non geeks -Xo). [More]

Melody's Song writes: With 'The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn' coming up on its 5th anniversary, they're having a Big 5 contest. This contest has the fans voting for the best 5 Questions question ever. Go and vote for Sir Ian McKellen; he's certainly the best! [More]

It's all go for fans of West Ham United. Last weekend they rioted during a derby match at Millwall; this Saturday, they will entertain none other than Elijah Wood. [More]

David writes: ROTK:EE has been rated by MPAA! It's PG-13, just like all the others. "Rated PG-13 for intense epic battle sequences and frightening images." Go to www.filmratings.com and search for "rings". [More]

Message Board admin Altaira reminds us that today, March 25, is "Tolkien Reading Day." According to The Tolkien Society, the event is "aimed at encouraging the use of Tolkien's works in education and to get schoolteachers and library staff to participate in reading Tolkien to their classes and in their libraries." And, as Altaira says, "Crack open those Tolkien books, and share them with a child if you can." And really, why limit it to children? [More]

Visit the lovely lakes... According to Billy Boyd's official website Billy will be attending the Scandanavian Sci-Fi, Game and Film Convention in Malmö, Sweden on the 24 - 25 April 2004. Check out their website for more! [More]

Ringer Spy Diana alerted us to this press release right here. Amongst others it states that Sean Astin's book about his months on set, 'There and Back Again: An Actor's Journey' will be available for publication sometime this fall. Can't wait to get my hands on it!

Ringer Spy Utkarsh sends in word about a blasphemy, a cinematic disaster in Chennai, India: "I was just wondering, do people know that ROTK was cut short by (at least) 15 minutes in Chennai (Tamil Nadu, India)?" [More]

Dr. Ralph Wood, professor of theology and literature at Baylor University in Waco, TX, will be the featured speaker at Campbell University’s Lecture-Symposium, Tuesday, March 30, at 7 p.m. in Scott Concert Hall of the Rogers Fine Arts Center. Wood’s topic, “J.R.R. Tolkien: Writer for Our Time of Terror,” explores the relationship between the works of the author of The Lord of the Rings and modern day terrorism. [More] Kudos to Lee for this link!

Ringer Spy Frodo-esque writes: Here's a link to more info on Dom Monaghan's tv project 'Lost' (although irritably enough, it doesn't mention Dom *pouts*). [More]

From Yahoo! News: A giant replica of the ring for 'The Lord of the Rings' film trilogy. New Zealand silversmiths who crafted the ring are giving the first of a limited edition set of replicas to the city of Eureka in California. [Picture] Thanks to Christine for the heads up!

Wanna know why the Ring went to Eureka first? Thanks to Brian for sending us this article in which that bit of info is shared! [More]

Ann sends in word that Elijah Wood will be a guest voice on 'King of the Hill' this season: The episode is called "Girl, You'll Be a Giant Soon", and if new episodes are aired every Sunday night, this one should be shown on April 18. It is episode 19 of Season 8: "Hank and Luanne protest a no-propane rule at the Texas State Fair Grill-Off, but campus radicals take over the protest and turn it into an anti-globalization rally."

MILWAUKEE To complete the ultimate quest of "The Lord of the Rings," Carl Hostetter has left his home in Maryland to navigate roaring rivers and cross vast plains -- all to stride bravely through looming masoned gates in search of a nearly hidden glass door. [More]

Cat writes: Even Classic TV has been influenced by The Lord of the Rings. On the 2004 TV Land Awards show, there were two references to LOTR. During the acceptance speech for the Pop Culture award for Gilligan's Island, the Professor (Russell Johnson) stepped up and said, 'I'd like to thank the people of New Zealand!' Later in the broadcast, host Brad Garrett said, 'If you're just tuning in, The Lord of the Rings has just beaten McMillan and Wife.'

Dundee Contemporary Arts and macrobert Stirling announced last week the creation of DISCOVERY: Scotland's First International Film Festival for Children and Young People at DCA. Running from 5 - 19 September 2004 the festival will be based in Dundee and Stirling before touring to venues around Scotland. [More] Thanks to Katia for the heads up!

Ringer Spy Becky writes: I saw the picture of the Treebeard cake a few weeks ago, and thought you might like to see a picture of my Hobbit Hole Cake. My former college roommate and I made it for a birthday party I hosted in September...it was a joint birthday party for my roommate, Bilbo, and Frodo. [More]

Brandon from boxofficemojo.com writes: 'Return of the King's worldwide total rose to $1,082,248,739 over the weekend. In China and Egypt, 'ROTK' topped 'Fellowship of the Ring's final gross to become No. 1 of the trilogy in each of those countries. So far, 'ROTK' has out-grossed 'FOTR' and 'Two Towers' in 52 out of 61 territories. [More]

Rebecca writes: IMDB reports that Ridley Scott and the cast of 'Kingdom of Heaven' are under tighened security following death threats from Islamic extreamists, who are offended by battle scenes in Scott's film about the Crusades. The cast and crew, including our very own Orlando Bloom, are still filming in Morocco while under the protection of soldiers and King Mohammed of Morocco. [More]

Sigh. It's hard to imagine that people could want anyone other than Pierce Brosnan as James Bond, and yet -- what do I know? There's a poll on Entertainment Tonight's web site asking for votes on the next Bond. Right now Orlando is leading the race. Go and vote as your conscience dictates. [More]

Message Board admin Altaira reminds us that March 25th is "Tolkien Reading Day." According to The Tolkien Society, the event is "aimed at encouraging the use of Tolkien's works in education and to get schoolteachers and library staff to participate in reading Tolkien to their classes and in their libraries." And, as Altaira says, "Crack open those Tolkien books, and share them with a child if you can." [More]

WELLINGTON, new Zealand (AP) -- Hobbits, orcs and wizards are helping draw so many tourists to New Zealand that the creatures are about to vanquish dairy farmers as New Zealand's No. 1 export earners. The runaway success of director Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy of movies, combined with New Zealand's image as a safe haven from the world's troubles, have turned this remote South Pacific nation into a must-see location for millions of travelers each year. [More]

MS writes: MidSouthCon 22 and DeepSouthCon 42, both conventions of some longevity, are combining this year to be held jointly in Memphis from March 26-28, 2004. Several guests, including James Swanger, the founder of the Middle Earth Gaming Association, and Dr. Amy H. Sturgis from Belmont University ("Harry Potter is a Hobbit"), will be speaking and participating in panel discussions. For more information see the official site, which will be updated with more specific programming information soon, and is available at midsouthcon.org

Celandine writes: There was an LOTR reference on "The O.C." tonight. The gang are heading to a party in Hollywood, and Summer says "I hope Orlando Bloom is there, Legolas is sooo hot!" When Seth says something pithy in reply, she responds "He's an elf! And he helped save Middle-earth! That's like an important piece of Europe's history!"

Daffodil Baggins writes: Sean Astin will be speaking at the annual Starland convention here in Denver, Colorado on April 18th! The convention will cover the entire weekend, April 16-18, but Sean will speak only on Sunday, the 18th. [More]

The March 29, 2004 issue of Newsweek had this article on a Tolkien camp for youngsters. [More]

TheOneRing.net is pleased to announce it has two new t-shirts styles on sale starting today in several colors. The much requested "Don't Make Me Get My Ring" shirt is finally on sale and due to demand, we have also made available a new printing of "The Return of the One Party" shirts. But, that isn't all, there are still a few more surprises. [More]

Dozens, nay, hundreds of people have emailed us today about the latest Foxtrot-comic which once agains features a Lord of the Rings-reference! Be sure to check it out here!

Five hundred powerful computers used by Weta Digital to help create the special effects for the Lord of the Rings may be put up for hire. The special effects company is considering renting out several racks of IBM blade servers – worth about $2 million – in partnership with Telecom, which would share a proportion of the revenues. [More]

DarkHorizons is reporting today that unknown actor Christopher Anderson-Peters ('The Captives') is rumoured to play the oldest of the four kids in "The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe (that'd be Peter). IMDb.com doesn't seem to have a listing for the actor or the film, so anyone who has some info on this fellow; we'd love to hear it!

When Howard Shore accepted the task of composing 12 hours of music for the film versions of the beloved "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, he says he felt like Frodo carrying the ring to Mount Doom. The Columbus Symphony Orchestra accepted its own burden when it booked a live performance of the score nearly two years ago — before all the music was written. [More]

Andy Serkis will be signing his book: 'Gollum:- How We Made Movie Magic' in the Manchester branch of Waterstone's here in the UK on the city's main drag, Deansgate, from 17.00 on 26th of March (that's Friday). Entry is free!! (So expect humongous queues.) We don't believe there is an associated chat but there may be! Check out their website for more information. [More] Thanks to Ringer Spies Gothmog101 and Wife for that!

Ringer Spy Swiller the Goblin writes: I went to our local garden show (Rochester, NY) last week and enjoyed a truly great LOTR themed garden. Here's a follow up from our newspaper so I can share a bit. The picture show the centerpiece: A water curtain with LOTR images projected onto it! Soft background music from the soundtrack filled the air. The setting seemed right out of Lothlorien, with Elven names created for various plants and trees in the garden. Finally, the garden showcased many of the great weapons, including Sting, Narsil, and Strider's sword. [More]

Lhunsarniel writes: Saturday night at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, I was volunteering for the 18th annual Genesis Awards show wherein Sean Astin and his wife were guests and presenters. I got to escort them both to their table (they arrived late). The Genesis Awards will air on the Animal Planet channel early to mid-month April. [More]

Farmer Barley Jones sends in some Lord of the Rings related programs on tv in the UK this week. [More]

New Zealand is still basking in its Middle-earth status. Full marks for creative endeavour have to be awarded to lawyers Kundig Associates. Their page offering assistance for LOTR fans wishing to traverse the Mordor-like terrain of NZ Immigration policy is worth a read! [More] Meanwhile at Red Carpet we're always improving our Middle Earth tours, which are running through NZ monthly. Latest to join the team is promotions manager Susi. She's given our LOTR tours website a new look with her gorgeous photos.

A few weeks back Viggo was in Munich to promote Hidalgo, adn one of our regular contributors Barbara attended the interview session and sent us her impressions of the man. [More]

Never let it be said that TORn staffers don't listen to requests from fellow fans. Our mail has been swamped by requests for some specific t-shirts and we aim to please. Because you requested it, tomorrow TheOneRing.net will offer an expanded catalog of shirts that includes the "Don't Make Me Get My Ring" shirts in a brand new color and another highly requested TORn style. And, in the following weeks and months, there are even more surprises to come! Check out the current crop of shirts. [More]

The Creation Entertainment site has just added Bruce Hopkins (Gamling) to the list of guests for the 2004 Grand Slam XII in Pasadena. Other guests include John Rhys-Davies and Sala Baker! [More] Thanks to Rod for the heads up!

I spent Oscar night dressed as an elf. Surprisingly, I wasn't alone. Nearly 900 rabid Lord of the Rings fans gathered Feb. 29 for a "Return of the One Party" at the Hollywood American Legion, just blocks from the Kodak Theatre, where Oscars were being presented. [More]

TORn Staffer Ostadan writes: A scan of the 8-page color brochure for the forthcoming "War of the Ring" boardgame was recently posted to the net. It might be interesting to the gaming havens readers or others. [More] [Gaming Havens]