This is it! The last day to vote on Houghton Mifflin's LOTR cover for the LOTR Gift Set. With 43.9% of the vote, it looks like Rivendell will be taking the cake, so to speak, but it is not to late for Minas Tirith or Frodo to come back! And don't forget, place your vote and you could win the gift set for free! [Vote]

Each week, I scour Ebay looking for the hot Tolkien items up for sale. I post the most interesting here for you to bid on! [More] [Shop]

Irascian writes: July SFX magazine has 7 pages of ROTK pictures they claim this is an “SFX exclusive” although this mainly seems to be a printed copy of all the photo’s recently posted by TORN. There’s no real news – just the pictures, the same issue has coverage of the recent Readers Awards ceremony where LOTR won lots of categories and features a picture of Brian Sibley collecting his award for “Best SF-Related Non Fiction Book”. [More]

WeeTanya writes: Ian McKellen's official site has a transcription of an interview he did about his upcoming movie, 'Emile'. [More]

You can also read what Ian had to say about 'Emile' while still in Vancouver shooting 'X2' in our exclusive interview with him. [More]

Alquawen writes: Not only is genius filmmaker Ray Harryhausen about to get a long deserved star on the Hollywood walk of fame, but apparently Patty Duke, mother of our own Sean Astin (Sam) will also be so honored this year. [More]

Media Watch: Vogue Magazine (UK) Talks Bloom

Stanlea writes: Here is an article on Orlando Bloom (Legolas) in the July issue of British Vogue, it talks mainly about "Pirates of the Caribbean". [More]

R writes: The Sev Wide Web has another LOTR related poll. This week, the question is who looks fakest on the movie screen. (Perhaps the term 'anti-poll' is more appropriate.) Gollum is running against Jar Jar Binks, the Hulk and a couple more. [More]

Rachel writes: I just wanted to let you know that Enya was interviewed on 'Goodmorning America' on Sunday Morning. One of the subjects they discussed was making the music for Lord of the Rings.

This is TheLastLaugh.net's Tribute To Middle Earth. There's articles, LOTR horoscopes, a Chick's Guide to Middle-earth dating, a spoof Travel Guide and more, none of it serious, most of it funny, and some of it bound to offend some of you. It passed the 'it made me laugh loud enough to frighten the cat' test for me. [More] Strong Language Advisory

Kim sent us news of some great fun events for Tolkien fans in Denmark: Festivals, open-air screenings of the films, food and music. [More]

Many fans have written to us in the past few weeks about 'The Two Towers' still being in local cinemas. Jump over to your favorite movie ticket website and see if it is still playing in your area!

TheOneRing.net will once again be at Comic-Con 2003 in San Diego CA, July 17th-20th. This year we will have our own exhibitor space with a live webcam, chatting, web-surfing, a Tolkien confessional, and other great activities. As always, we'll be giving away some great little promotional items as well. We hope to see you all there! [Comic-Con Info]

Los Angeles Ringers know very well one of the most unique toy stores in town is the 'Puzzle Zoo' located in Santa Monica's 3rd St. Promenade. For 2 years now, Sideshow/Weta Collectibles has had a display (seen here) in the main window featuring a custom built stone troll pressed against the glass. The stone troll is still there, but the product has all been completely refreshed. You can now have a closer look at Sideshow/Weta's Two Towers line-up, including weapon sets and even some exclusives. Follow the link for a map of where Puzzle Zoo is located. [Map]

Ringer Cathy sends along this scan of 'IT Elf' Orlando Bloom in this week's Entertainment Weekly magazine. [More]

BRAVO will be starting a series on the transformation of great works of literature into films. The first episode deals with 'The Lord of the Rings' and Peter Jackson & crew's task at bringing it to life. Check your local listings for times. Thanks to Ringers Stephen and Danny for the heads up. Use the following link to see a clip from Sean Astin and description of the show. [More]

Which culture do you think was the greatest of Middle Earth? Not an easy question considering what we've got to choose from. And what exactly makes a culture great? Tolkien filled Middle Earth with fascinating cultures and he gave them languages, complex histories, tragedies and triumphs. Elves, Dwarves and Men all created grand realms that would shape and change the world for good and bad. And what about the Shire? Surely not the grandest realm, but can it still not be said to have been truly great and successful?[More]

Jill writes that in one of the featurettes on the Terminator 2: Extreme DVD, there are interviews with Peter Jackson along with a couple other people talking about the LOTR films and a few clips of TTT. The featurette is mostly about advances in digital technology, and Peter Jackson talks about how T2 inspired him in that field, among other things.

We've posted a number of stories that analyse Tolkien from a faith-based perspective. This one from Alabama is rather perceptive, I thought. Thanks to Rez for the link. [More]

Tarfalathwen sends along this scan from USA today featuring Billy Boyd (Pippin) discussing his next role in 'Master and Commander'. [More]

Media Watch: The Daily Telegraph Talks Wenham

Nadine sends along this David Wenham (Faramir) article from the June 14 edition of the "Daily Telegraph" (NSW). [More]

Weta Digital is spending millions of dollars doubling its processing capacity as it gears up to produce the special effects for the third instalment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Supplier IBM has begun delivering 1174 blade servers, each with dual 2.8 gigahertz Xeon Intel processors and 6 gigabytes of memory. [More]

Aerlinn writes: I spotted two pretty terrific pictures of Cate Blanchett from the 1999 and 2000 Oscars in People Magazine's Special Collector's Edition: Oscar Style. [More]

The Two Towers Extended Collector's Edition Boxed Set

We all want the regular ole theatrical edition of The Two Towers. But the prize this year is going to be The Two Towers extended edition DVD Collector's boxed set, featuring the exclusive Gollum statue from Sideshow/Weta Collectibles. And guess what folks!? It went on pre-sale today at Amazon.com. I'm sure more retailers will be posting links shortly, but in the meantime, we have posted an in-depth look at what the Extended Edition will contain, both speculation and confirmed added scenes. Check out our complete Extended Edition coverage! [More]

Lia writes, "Next week on 'Home Truths' (TV3 @ 11pm on Thurs nights) with John Campbell, Sir Ian McKellan will be interviewed. Should be good as John is a great journalist who always seems to take a special interest and almost fan-based view of whomever he is interviewing on this program...As well, the transcript is likely to be available almost immediately afterwards from the tv3 website via the Home Truths link.

Good article in USA Today about how "fans have the muscle to shape the movie." We're mentioned, along with AICN, TheForce.net, Dark Horizons and Comic2Film, who do the same kind of things for their favourite movies. Over time, the studios realised that sometimes "the Internet is my friend!" as Gollum would say. [More]

I'll stomp out a rumour before it can get its boots on: I don't "know" Elijah Wood or Sir Ian McKellen as in, I don't have their phone numbers, addresses, or the faintest idea where they are. Do not email me to ask.

Peter Jackson has been listed on the 2003 Forbes 'Most Powerful People in Hollywood' list, coming in at number 27. Congrats PJ! [More]

Arwen_Undomiel, a Barliman's chatter, advised us that there will be a performance of "The Hobbit" premiering in Edinburgh tomorrow. [More]

The estate of Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien has allowed the publication of a Tolkien 'chronology' written by the owner of a one-man publishing house. The Tolkien Trust, run by the author's son Christopher, had earlier filed a lawsuit against Michael W Perry and his Inkling Books over the publication. US district judge Barbara Rothstein dismissed the case in January. [More]

HobbitAinsley writes: "I can confirm that The Two Towers is being played in some hotels on Pay-Per-View - I just got back from a week stay in Long Beach California, at the Radisson next door to Knotts Berry Farm."

barbarshop writes: Bilbo Baggins our very favorite racehorse went on to win the first race at Penn National last night on the turf! BILBO BAGGINS was slow from the gate, rallied wide around the turn to gain command just before three furlongs then drove clear. Let's hear it for Bilbo Baggins! [More]

Warren writes: Today I picked up a Southwest Airlines Spirit Magazine and I found a statistic inside that said: "ONE - rank of Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring as the movie Americans would love to watch over and over again for a week." in a survey by Blockbuster.

Bruce Spence (Mouth of Sauron) has joined the cast of 'Star Wars: Episode III', according on starwars.com [More]

Dimple Danderfluff writes: At the Hawkes Bay Museum in Napier, New Zealand there is an exhibition promoting the medal as a viable art form. It includes work by Richard Taylor. It runs from 13 June - 27 July 2003." Worth considering if you're a LOTR tourist in that rather scenic part of the world!

Kalayna writes, "I've taken those E3 screencaps (from HerrderRinge, plus a few from Dark Horizons) and diddled and fiddled them, then reorganized them into something vaguely resembling book order. I've also thrown in a few old images, which really help to place some of the Minas Tirith scenes (and maybe a few of the others)." [More] !!!SPOILERS!!!

With TheOneRing.net's help, Houghton Mifflin is letting the fans of TORN pick the cover for a limited edition of The Lord of the Rings to be included in the 'Book and Bookends Gift Set' coming to American bookstores this November. Vote for your favorite jacket image by June 23rd and you might just win one free of charge! Rivendell has had a pretty big lead over the past few weeks, so if you are a Frodo or Minas Tirith fan, vote now! [Vote!]

Bruce Hopkins (Gamling) has a very different look in this pic! Thanks to Wee Tanya for the link. [More]

News from Max Jaybo: "Hey guys, I've been hearing that 'Shark in Finding Nemo is the voice of Sauron' news too much around the net. So just in case you don't know, Sala Baker (Sauron) does NOT do the voice of one of the Sharks. Rather, Bruce Spence, who plays the MOUTH of Sauron, does the voice of Chum in that movie."

Yo, any Stephen King fans out there? Maegwen [again!] found this article in USA Today, about on the progress of his 'Dark Tower' series. It's heading towards completion at last. King describes the way Tolkien inspired him to start writing his own epic fantasy. [More]

Maegwen writes, "Given that it’s ‘Harry Potter week,’ all the media outlets are dragging out their LOTR/HP comparisons. Here, the BBC discusses whether Harry ought or deserves to enter literary canon alongside the likes of LOTR, or if Phillip Pullman is more deserving." [More]

Thanks to somebody who sent this in from Huddersfield ... Hope TORN's ROTK party doesn't have the same problems. [More]

Tom writes: A class on Tolkien is being offered Fall Semester 2003 at Crichton College in Memphis, TN. Tolkien's works will be evaluated against the writings of great authors. [More]

As a quick update to the Sideshow/Weta Collectibles story we reported this weekend, the Galadriel bust is now down to less than 40 pieces available before it sells out. [More]

TheOneRing.net is proud to once again bring you a chance to learn a bit of the fair tongues collectively know as Elvish. Please join Kris Nelson, Jeff Sherrill, and Paul Dunne (Dragon*Con's Elvish 101 guys) for a general introduction to Tolkien's Elvish languages as a whole and a tour of online and other resources for Tolkien linguists. [More]

Rxphilip has created, in my opinion, an EDEN on earth! This fantastic back-yard fountain and pool looks like a great place to relax! Take a look! [More]

ingrid sends along these scans from Details Magazine featuring Orlando Bloom (Legolas). [More]

All-Canadian writes: I have been reading TORN site for over two years now, but never contributed sofar but would like to add to the trailer-confustion; A-films (the Dutch distributor for NewLine) has just announced to their relations that the trailer will be no earlier then September, but a teaser poster will be availiable in July. [More]

Brinck writes: Middlebury College in Vermont is offering a freshman seminar (their introductory literature/writing classes) this spring on the Silmarillion and the Lord of the Rings!

divine hobbit writes: Access Hollywood has a contest to attend the world premiere of Pirates of the Carribean, where they'll get to meet the stars of the film among other things. [More]

Greetings, Quickbeam here. Green Books kicks off the summer with another full update featuring new articles that will give mucho gusto:

--- Go Out on a Limb with me in search of Middle-earth's missing penguins, foot fungus, kitty boxes, and other unmentionables!
--- Anwyn's new Counterpoint asks if the Rings pop-culture explosion is really a good thing?
--- Turgon's Bookshelf provides a great overview of TTT movie-related books from Brian Sibley, Gary Russell, and more.
--- Tookish offers diverse jokes and humor (submitted by Fans) in Ticklers!
--- Moon Letters has a great selection of Fan Fiction and Poems, and even a recipe for Goldberry Tarts!
--- Questions & Answers has 15 fascinating new queries including:
1. Were Balrogs the children of Morgoth?
2. Was Rohan critically depopulated?
3. Why didn't Gollum seek the Ring in the Shire?
4. Were there two Dwarrowdelfs?
5. When was the ban on Galadriel lifted?

Want to share your views on Tolkien with an intelligent readership? You could be our Special Guest writer! Submit original article ideas to Turgon here. Join us as we continue to explore the WORDS and WORLDS of Tolkien!

Much too hasty,
Quickbeam

This comes from a reputable TORN source: One of our New Line exhibitor services reps told me today that the first trailer is targeted for August; however, the teaser poster will be out soon.

Let the Speculation-fest commence!

Not many rural communities the size of Gloucester can boast the arrival of a symphony orchestra for a concert in Gloucester. Sinfonia Orchestra of the Mid North Copast will be here to give their first concert for the year at Gloucester Soldiers Club on Sunday June 22 at 2.00pm. [More]

The film production Troy has continued its support of the SPCA, with memorabilia from the movie fetching about Lm4,500 at a fund-raising reception hosted at the US ambassador's residence on Sunday. A host of Troy actors - Orlando Bloom (Legolas), Sean Bean (Boromir), Brian Cox (25th Hour), John Shrapnel (Gladiator), Diane Kruger, who is playing Helen of Troy and Garrett Hedlund as Patroclus - attended the event, mingling with the guests and using their celebrity status in aid of Malta's many stray animals. [More]

Stewart writes: This summer, the award winning Tron Theatre Company will be appearing at the official Edinburgh International Festival (EIF) with the world première of a SAN DIEGO, a new play by the acclaimed Scottish writer David Greig. Surreal, comic and strangely, powerfully resonant, SAN DIEGO features an ensemble cast of eleven performers including Billy Boyd, making a cameo appearance as the playwright himself. [More]

Nadine writes: The Mo Awards were held in Sydney on June 16 and Miranda Otto (Eowyn) won for her role in A Doll's House in the Female Actor in a Play of the Year category. [More]

Arwen2003 writes: The latest issue of Movie Magic (lifestory), with Harry Potter on the cover, has something about LoTR. There is a sneak peview of Return of the King and 'The Truth about Gollum'.

Anyone with scans, send them along!

Patricia let us know that Barnes&Noble are once again offering a free online course about The Hobbit and LoTR, this one goes from July 9 to August 13. [More]

R writes: The Sev Wide Web, which features comic parodies of LOTR, currently has a poll on which trilogy 3rd movie people are most anticipating. RotK is running against The Matrix 3, T3 and a couple of others. [More]

Canada.com's film columnist wonders whether Orlando Bloom's career will flourish as a serious actor, or whether he's always going to be "just a pretty face." [Hey, I'm just quoting what she said!] [More] The talkback responses below the article make for, uh, scary reading. Thanks to Maegwen for the link.

Daniel Falconer, of Weta workshops, wrote to say he'd be at Gen Con in Indiana, doing two different talks (each one twice, spread over the four days of the Con) about Weta and the task of designing Middle-earth for the trilogy. Interested attendees can register for the seminars via the event registration forms on the Gen Con website. [More] Note that Sean Astin and John Rhys-Davies will also be there.

There's lots happening for LOTR fans, if you can get to Wellington for the World Premiere on Dec. 1

First up, we have Phil Capper's LOTR Homestays Project. If you plan to be in Wellington for the Premiere, or you live in Wellington and would like to host a visiting TORNado, Phil is the 'Clearing House' for setting that up. [More]

Secondly, for people who want to do a guided tour of film locations with other LOTR fans and also witness the Premiere festivities in Wellington, Red Carpet Tours is taking bookings for the 'Rohan' tour.'Gondor' tour is already booked out. Both will be in Wellington for the Premiere. [More]

Thirdly, TORN and Red Carpet are planning to host a party event in Wellington for the Premiere on either November 30 or December 1. We're still looking at venues etc. but once again, this should be a night to remember. The night of a lifetime, in fact. Watch this space!

Lisa writes: If you go to www.wrebbit.com you will find Lord of the Rings puzzles including two really cool 3D puzzles. One is Orthanc and the other is the Golden Hall. [More]

Does the sight of

$body =~ s/([\s.,(]^|)
           (http:\/\/|)
           ([a-z0-9]+\.|)
           (theonering\.net\S*?)
           ([.,)]{0,2})(\s|$)
           /$1<a href="http:\/\/$3$4">$2$3$4<\/a>$5\ /xgi;

give you warm fuzzies? Moreover, can you see what it might do (and can you spot the potential bug?) If you can, and if you're looking for a major project this summer - if you believe that TORn is something more than just another fansite and want to contribute something back - then read on... [More]

Update: We've received a huge number of responses in the last 24 hours - thank you to everyone and we'll get be getting back to you as soon as we can.

We've received this information from Ringer Spy Ringer Rocks. I saw the teaser trailer in New York at a convention last week, at New Line Cinema's booth. I asked the nice folks manning the booth when the public might see it, and he told me to expect it at the end of the summer. This might be putting gasoline on a flame, but I just thought you all might like to know. And by the way, it’s GREAT!

We are trying to follow this up with various sources, but it tends to support the previous report from spies across at TORC that we wouldn't see a trailer until September.