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May 29, 2006 - June 06, 2006

News for Jun. 06, 2006

Dragon*Con 2006 Tolkien Track News

6/06/06, 8:42 pm EST - Xoanon

Zhie writes: Some news from the Dragon*Con 2006 Tolkien Track virtual headquarters. Check out the Tolkien events planned at Dragon*Con! Check out the Dragon*Con Tolkien Track Web Site. We are still looking for a few fanfic writers who are attending Dragon*Con in Atlanta this Labor Day weekend (September 1-4, 2006) who would be interested in sitting on one of the fanfiction panels. We would prefer authors who write about Men, Hobbits, or Dwarves but we may be able to make room for another Elf writer or two on the het and general panels (slash Elf writers are already covered). If you are interested, please contact Jean Baughman (aka Lady Mirfain), the Tolkien Track coordinator, at tolkien@dragoncon.org. [ Dragon*Con Website]

A Call to Fans for 'Collector Showdown'

6/06/06, 8:38 pm EST - Xoanon

Natasha from Treasure HD TV writes: Upon the recommendation of those at the NY Tolkein Society, I m passing you some information about our new HD TV series called Collector Showdown. We are currently seeking participants for our upcoming episode on LOTR and Narnia Collectors. As the show’s researcher, I would be thrilled if you could send out our ‘casting call’. [More]

Lord of the Rings musical gets 15 nominations for Dora Awards

6/06/06, 8:27 pm EST - Xoanon

TORONTO (CP) - The world premiere of the Lord of the Rings musical, panned by many critics when it opened in March, picked up a leading 15 nominations Tuesday for Toronto's annual Dora Awards. Alisa Palmer, the show's resident director, said getting nominated for so many awards was a fantastic reward to those who have worked so hard on the musical. "All the awards and reviews, all that stuff is gravy on top of the real heart of the matter which is the audience's experience and what the artists are doing on stage," she said. The Lord of the Rings is nominated for outstanding new musical and best actor and actress in leading roles in a musical, as well as in sound, lighting, choreography and other categories. [More]

Ian Brodie Website Online

6/06/06, 8:24 pm EST - Xoanon

Ian Brodie writes: I am the author of the Lord of the Rings Location Guidebook. I have just set up a new website at www.ianbrodie.net. Included within the pages are a number of Lord of the Rings location images which you might find of interest to readers. I have also put a link up to theonering.net as I consider you were my inspiration to get those books going in the first place. If I could have one back that would be great!

News for Jun. 03, 2006

Cool Autograph Auction for Charity

6/03/06, 10:27 am EST - Xoanon

John Bierly from the PEACE Fund writes: The PEACE Fund is a charity founded by Highlander actor Adrian Paul to Protect, Educate and Aid Children Everywhere. We're conducting our third charity auction right now, and we have several LOTR-related items in our auction. I wanted to ask if you guys might be willing to mention our auction on your website. [More]

Billy Boyd Announced for SFX Convention in Toronto

6/03/06, 10:22 am EST - Xoanon

Brigitte writes: Billy Boyd has been announced as attending the SFX Convention in Toronto this year. Details like ticket prices, etc. are still to be announced. [More]

Richard Taylor Podcasts

6/03/06, 10:19 am EST - Xoanon

Bruce writes: Just a quick note that the new series of Supanova podcasts is now up and running and the first release features Richard Taylor from the Friday night at Brisbane 2006. The address is: supanova.joffrestreetproductions.com.

BBCAmerica Gets 'Sharpes'

6/03/06, 10:18 am EST - Xoanon

Geri writes: You might be interested to know that Sean Bean's British TV show 'Sharpe's Challenge' is being show in BBCAmerica under the title 'Sharpes Eagle.' From BBCAmerica: Every Saturday night this summer, BBC AMERICA takes viewers on a sweeping two-hour journey to a new land, a new battle, and a new set of potential love interests with the epic romantic war saga Sharpe. Created by novelist Bernard Cornwell and starring Sean Bean (North Country, The Lord of the Rings), Sharpe chronicles the victories and loves of the legendary fictional Napoleonic war hero, Richard Sharpe. [More]

News for Jun. 02, 2006

Movie Chat this weekend: Empire Strikes Back & Return of the Jedi

6/02/06, 11:12 pm EST - maegwen

Movie Chat returns this weekend with a double-bill of "Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi." Join us Sunday on our IRC server at 2 pm EST when we pop our copies of ESB into the DVD player. After the usual confusion, at around 2 pm EST we'll all press play on our individual players and proceed to cheer and jeer (or discuss and argue, if you like!) the finer points of the film. We plan to take a break midway through the film, to allow for stretching of fingers and backs. Barliman will be on hand to serve drinks and snacks (and to enforce the house rules). "Return of the Jedi" will follow at 5:30 p.m. [More]

Potter, LOTR & Star Wars Study

6/02/06, 9:07 pm EST - Xoanon

Pontus & Joseph writes: Some weeks ago we invited the moderators of your forums to take part in a survey on the success of Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and Star Wars. Our paper is now finished. If you want to read it or publish it you can download it from the following URL: home.student.uu.se.

LOTR Auction for Charity

6/02/06, 8:53 pm EST - Xoanon

Peter: Fellow Lord of the Rings fans, you have a chance to take home your own talking Gollum statue. Los Angeles based non-profit Project Angel Food is holding a Hollywood themed auction, HOLLYWOOD 100, on June 17, 2006 to raise money for their continuing mission to provide free meals throughout Los Angeles county for those affected by HIV/AIDS and other serious illnesses. In order to help Project Angel Food, New Line Cinema has donated two limited edition talking Gollum statues that where never sold in stores. Each of these statues will be auctioned, along with other Lord of the Rings memorabilia, on June 17, 2006 at Bonhams and Butterfields in Los Angeles with eBay Live Auctions allowing bidding from around the world. All proceeds will go directly to supporting Project Angel Food’s mission. [More]

News for Jun. 01, 2006

Mythic Journeys 2006 Update

6/01/06, 7:36 pm EST - Xoanon

Anya Martin, Co-Director, Public Relations for Mythic Imagination Institute writes: Just wanted to update TORN readers on Mythic Journeys 2006 (June 7-11). The ties to "The Lord of the Rings" aren't as obvious this year, but we're sure J.R.R. Tolkien's name and works will be invoked many times. This "Festival of Imagination" which seeks to reconnect people with the old wisdom tales, however, does include many of the world's top fantasy authors and artists including Peter S. Beagle ("Ringers"; The Last Unicorn). [More]

Major 'Dork of the Rings' News

6/01/06, 7:29 pm EST - Xoanon

Tim Richardson, Director of "The Dork of the Rings" sends this along: Details are still being worked out, but as it looks right now we will be having the World Premiere of THE DORK OF THE RINGS at GenCon in Indianapolis at 10:00 p.m. on Friday, August 11. GenCon runs from August 10-13 and we’ll have additional screenings, seminars and appearance throughout the event. Their website is www.gencon.com and please continue to visit our website www.dorkoftherings.com for updates. We’ll let everyone know if the premiere time changes for any reason via our website and newsletters. [More]

Build Frodo's Minas Tirith Shutters

6/01/06, 7:25 pm EST - Xoanon

Cathy writes: In the “I Can Do That” column in the June 2006 issue of Popular Woodworking has plans for the shutters in Frodo’s room in Minas Tirith. You can see a small picture of them here. [More]

Man behind King Kong takes on PS3 role

6/01/06, 7:14 pm EST - Xoanon

The actor who has been heavily involved in computer generated graphics in movies has transferred his knowledge for use in a new game for the Playstation 3. Andy Serkis was the actor behind Gollum in the Lord of the Rings movie, as well as being the human face behind King Kong. He is now working on his video game debut, which will come in the PS3 title Heavenly Sword, in which he will play an evil king. [More]

Sean Bean is THE HITCHER

6/01/06, 2:18 pm EST - Xoanon

From Cinescape: Sean Bean will play a serial killer in the upcoming remake of THE HITCHER for Rogue Pictures. The remake of the 1986 horror film also stars Sophia Bush. The script for the film was penned by Eric Bernt and follows a young couple driving across the country who become prey for a serial killer. The killer blames all of his murders on the young man. No word yet who is playing Sophia Bush's male interest in the film, but with shooting set to begin this month we should find out soon.

News for May 31, 2006

Essay: Orthodoxy and Tolkien

5/31/06, 6:09 pm EST - Xoanon

Maureen writes: You will probably remember that Taran gave us his take on LOTR as seen in Ukraine in GreenBooks back in 2004. I thought all the TORnsibs would appreciate this translation of an article that appeared in a Russian Orthodox magazine. It’s a little rough, but the quote from Tolkien translated back to English should give people a chance to test their familiarity with “On Fairy Stories”. [More]

Portrait of a Special Effects Whiz

5/31/06, 5:59 pm EST - Xoanon

Allen Hemberger was safely ensconced at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind., teaching his first semester in the engineering department when he got the call. It was from New Zealand. There was a giant ape in the woods, and they needed his help. Hemberger hung up the phone and considered the options: stay in the Midwest teaching about visual effects or hop on a plane to the other side of the planet to work with one of the world's foremost directors, Peter Jackson, on his epic remake of the classic thriller King Kong. "It was too sweet of an opportunity for me to pass up," Hemberger recalls, "so I took it." [More]

Hollywood Scriptwriter Talks 'Sci-Fi Boys'

5/31/06, 4:29 pm EST - Xoanon

Paul Davids writes: The June issue of HOLLYWOOD SCRIPTWRITER has a major piece on THE SCI-FI BOYS on pp. 24, 25, 29 and 30. It also has an article on p. 38 about the Lifetime Achievement Award that was given to Ray Harryhausen at a special SCI-FI BOYS screening. (PDF File) [More]
Order 'THE SCI-FI BOYS' on Amazon.com today!

TV Watch: Monaghan on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live'

5/31/06, 10:06 am EST - Xoanon

A repeat airing of Dominic Monaghan on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' airs tonight on ABC. This clip is a keeper with Dom in fine goofy form as he shows his 'fun' daily life in Hawaii. Mega-genius J.J. Abrams is the guest director and Dom has a little fun with him. If you haven't seen it, its new to you! Catch it tonight on ABC or follow this link for the segment! [More]

News for May 30, 2006

SHOP: Boromir on Sale Now!

5/30/06, 2:18 pm EST - Celeborn

Click for Larger VersionClick for Larger Version
The exclusive edition of Sideshow Collectible's Boromir 12-inch figure is pre-ordering right now at SideshowCollectibles.com. Sideshow revealed today that the exclusive edition of this figure comes with a severed Moria Orc Head, and a Lothlorien Cloak with Elven Broach. If you are a newsletter member, you get to place your orders now - if you are not, you will have to wait until 3pm ET to place a pre-order. [ ]

Politics and Middle-earth

5/30/06, 1:07 pm EST - Xoanon

Folks from The Tolkien Society write: The 2006 Tolkien Society Seminar will be held on Saturday 22nd July in the Pierce room at the Assembly House, Norwich, England. [More]

News for May 29, 2006

“One Morning Long Ago” Report and Pics!

5/29/06, 9:34 pm EST - Xoanon

'One Morning Long Ago' Report Andrew writes: The exhibition opened at 7pm Friday 19th May 2006 for a private preview party by invite only. From the visitors book and replies 107 people attended in addition to the organisers, artists and performers. 1 large Eagle also attended. Complimentary drinks (soft drinks and alcoholic) and food was served throughout. A welcome speech was given by the organiser who introduced the programme of events, tour guide and the artists. Ted Nasmith formally opened the exhibition. Live music was performed, Piano pieces by Charlotte (Enting) Dom on the tin whistle and Tolkien inspired songs performed by Ted Nasmith, Madeline Anderson and Alex Lewis. The evening ended around midnight. [More]

Halo Movie in Limbo?

5/29/06, 9:08 pm EST - Xoanon

May 28, 2006 - According to TeamXbox, the Halo movie has been changed to a 2008 release: The directorless film adaptation of Microsoft's popular video game will be executive produced by triple-Academy Award winners Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh via their WingNut Films banner. The Halo script was penned by Alex Garland (28 Days Later), who was paid $1 million by Microsoft to write a script that met Bungie's approval. [More]

TV Watch: Ian McKellen on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live'

5/29/06, 9:06 pm EST - Xoanon

A repeat airing of Ian McKellen on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' will air tonight on ABC. If you haven't seen it, it's new to you, if you want to catch it online follow out original post about it here. [More]

Brett Ratner wants Ian Mckellen as 'Rush Hour 3' baddie

5/29/06, 9:04 pm EST - Xoanon

Washington, May 29(ANI): Director Brett Ratner is hoping to persuade busy British thespian Sir Ian Mckellen to play the villain in his upcoming sequel 'Rush Hour 3' Ratner and McKellen have only just finished working together on the much anticipated action sequel 'X-Men 3', in which McKellen plays the notorious role of Magneto.

SHOP: Boromir, Son of Denethor Pre-Orders Tomorrow

5/29/06, 1:27 pm EST - Celeborn

Last week we linked you a sneak peak at the Boromir, Son of Denethor 12-inch Figure coming from Sideshow Collectibles. Sideshow has since updated their preview with a striking image of one of our favorite characters from The Lord of the Rings. If you are planning on adding this figure to your collection, the exclusive edition will be available for pre-order at 10am PT Tuesday -- make sure to follow the instructions on Sideshow's website concerning Priority Pre-Order. Check it out! [ ]

POLL: Which character is most tragic?

5/29/06, 11:41 am EST - Celeborn

Sideshow Collectibles has posted a poll asking 'Which character is the most tragic?' While the list is limited to the licenses they carry, KING KONG and LOTR characters do make an appearance. TORnadoes will probably prefer the 'Boromir' option. The poll is located in the red bar on the right side of their homepage. Cast your vote! [ ]

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