August 18, 2002 - August 25, 2002

8-25-02 Latest News

Weekend Roundup
Xoanon @ 11:53 pm EST

Sean Astin Reads for Storyline on BookPALS Site

Comic-Con 2002 Report

Napoleon tries on the simple, domestic life in `New Clothes'

Guide book to Middle-earth completed

NZ wizard seeks charms of normal life

New Zealand: Middle-earth Magic

Billy Boyd Blurb: Sniper 470

The One Page LOTR

British Fans can buy the One Ring?

Technophile Alert!

If Aragorn really sang Elvis

It's Poll Time Again!

Watch Kia's LoTR Commercial

Greg Hildebrandt On Dynamic Forces Show

Aragorn merely sings like an immortal

Sean Astin Reads for Storyline on BookPALS Site
Xoanon @ 11:35 pm EST

Tony Z writes: Just thought that you folks might want to know that there is a national organizational "BookPALS" that has actors read to school kids. SAG (Screen Actors Guild) is involved in the organization, and Sean Astin picked one of his daughter's favorite stories to read on the site. The link below is to the site's new "Storyline" section of the site. On that page you'll find a link on the left side of the page to the video where Sean reads the story "A Bad Case of Stripes." So for all you ring fans you can have Sean read you're kids a very cute story! [More]

New Zealand: Middle-earth Magic
Xoanon @ 7:54 pm EST

From: Éowyn

I got an issue of Condé Nast Traveler and to my delight I saw a headline on the front that said: "NEW ZEALAND: Middle-earth Magic." I have scanned the pages so that you can see the gorgeous photography.

ALSO: The captions contain crucial info about where certain things were filmed. I'm not sure if you already have these, but they're definitely VERY cool.

Misty Mountains=Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park

Mordor=parkland near Cape Palliser, North Island the Anduin=Kawarau river

"Fellowship's approach to the Paths of the Dead"=Putangirua Pinnacles, North Island

I'm still not sure whether this is a spy report or not, because I really didn't do any spying. This is the SEPTEMBER issue of Condé Nast Traveler for those nterested in getting their own copy.

If Aragorn really did sing Elvis ...
Tehanu @ 4:27 pm EST

That report certainly got people's imaginations going.

Sally could see one standout possibility: "'You Ent nothing but a Balrog'"

Shalane found the whole concept rather inspiring: "Ohmy, you know, DVDtown may just be on to something here! Perhaps Viggo could cut a CD or two: Aragorn Sings Elvis, Beloved Ballads of The Dúnadan, Strider's Greatest Hits.....the possibilites are endless! So, here's my suggestion for incorporating an Elvis song into the movie. Of course, the lyrics would have to be somewhat revised to fit the film. I am thinking that a nice moment would be on the Bridge of Khazad-dûm as Gandalf is challenging the Balrog. Right after he says, "Go back to the Shadow!" and the creature does his Balrog-Breath thing, Aragorn could leap onto the bridge and start this song (to the tune of "You Ain't Nothin' But A Hound Dog"):

"You ain't nothin' but a Balrog, a-burnin' all the time. You ain't nothin' but a Balrog, a-burnin' all the time. You ain't never caught a Hobbit and you ain't no friend of mine!"

Which would really get the Balrog flamin' mad, don't you think? Then of course, he takes it out on poor Gandalf, and from that time on the rest of the Fellowship harbor a secret resentment against Aragorn. Riddled with guilt, Aragorn cuts several CDs and donates the proceeds to the Gandalf Relief Fund.

Heather was also quick to seize on the possibilities offered by this scenario:

"I can't name any one song, but I think I know what scene they're mixing it up with. The new, improved dialogue with Arwen:

I Did It My Way

(Merry, Pippin, Sam and Strider are gathered around Frodo, who is suffering badly from his morgul wound. We see a figure surrounded by a white light get off a horse. The hobbits and Strider watch, as she comes towards Frodo. We hear her (and Strider) speak in a strange language…)

Arwen: A well'a bless my soul, what'sa wrong with you? You’re turnin’ into a wraith,

I don’t know what to do.

Strider: We ought to talk it over now….

Arwen: It’s now or never!

Strider: He’sa gonna get all shook up, baby.

Arwen: People, don’t you understand? The child needs a helpin’ hand.

Strider: Let’s rock!

Arwen: Viva Las Vegas! Viva Las Vegas!

(Arwen rides off on her horse with Frodo in her arms, towards the Last Homely House; Rivendell. Meanwhile, the hobbits try to figure out what just happened.)

Sam: Who was she?

Pippin: Why couldn’t I understand her and Strider talking?

Merry: She was an elf. That’s why she was speaking Elvis.

(We see Arwen, at the edge of the ford, with black riders across the water from her. Their leader challenges her.)

Black Rider: Give up the Halfling, she-elf!

Arwen: Don’t be cruel! You aint’ nothin’ but a hound dog!

(As the riders are washed away by the water, we can hear Arwen say…)

Arwen: I faced it all, and I stood tall, I did it my way.

--------- (We are now on the bridge, where Aragorn and Arwen are professing their love in the lyrical tongue of Elvis.)

Arwen: Wise men say only fools rush in, but I can’t help fallin’ in love with you.

Strider: You light my mornin’ sky, like burnin’ love.

Arwen: My love I offer you now, my heart and all it can give.

Strider: You have made my life complete, and I love you so.

Arwen: Darlin’ so it goes, some things are meant to be…

(Arwen takes off her necklace (a thick gold chain) and gives it to Aragorn.)

Strider: A hunk, a hunk of burnin’ love?

Arwen: Baby let me be your lovin’ Teddy Bear.

Strider: Thankya…thankyaverymuch. (Kiss)

All Elvis dialogue taken from the following sources: "All Shook Up", "Burning Love", "Can’t Help Falling in Love", "Don’t Be Cruel", "Hound Dog", "I’m Yours", "I’ve Lost You", "In the Ghetto", "It’s Now or Never", "Love Me Tender", "My Way", "Teddy Bear", "Viva Las Vegas".

Annael is an old hand at this: When he meets Arwen:

Can't Help Falling in Love (words & music by George Weiss - Hugo Peretti - Luigi Creatore) Wise men say only fools rush in but I can't help falling in love with you Shall I stay would it be a sin If I can't help falling in love with you Like a river flows surely to the sea Darling so it goes some things are meant to be take my hand, take my whole life too for I can't help falling in love with you Like a river flows surely to the sea Darling so it goes some things are meant to be take my hand, take my whole life too for I can't help falling in love with you for I can't help falling in love with you

He sings this one night while the Fellowship is traveling south to Caradhras:

I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry (words & music by Williams) Hear that lonesome winter bird He sounds too blue to fly The midnight train is whining low I'm so lonesome I could cry Did you ever see a robin weep When leaves began to die That means he's lost the will to live I'm so lonesome I could cry The silence of a falling star Lights up a purple sky And as I wonder where you are I'm so lonesome I could cry I'm so lonesome I could cry

Frodo overhears him singing this on Cerin Amroth: Blueberry Hill (Words & music by Lewis - Stock - Rose) I found my thrill on blueberry hill On blueberry hill when I found you The moon stood still on blueberry hill And lingered until my dreams came true The wind in the willow played Love's sweet melody But all of those vows we made Were never to be Tho' we're apart, you're part of me still For you were my thrill on blueberry hill

Aragorn sings this one to Sam when Sam is worrying about whether Rosie will wait for him: Soldier Boy (Words & music by David Jones - Theodore Williams) Soldier boy why feel blue Don't you believe that she will be true It's written in the book That she was meant for only you Soldier boy tell me why do you cry When you return she'll rush to your side It's written in the book That she was meant for only you So prove your love is true She'll be there to say "I do" And if you go o'er sea or land She'll make you understand While you're gone oh try to believe Her love for you is really for real It's written in the book That she was meant for only you So prove your love is true She'll be there to say "I do" And if you go o'er sea or land She'll make you understand While you're gone oh try to believe Her love for you is really for real It's written in the book That she was meant for only you

to Legolas and Gimli, after Path Galen: Stand by Me (Traditional - arranged by Elvis Presley) When the storms of life are raging Stand by me When the storms of life are raging Stand by me When the world is tossing me Like a ship out on the sea Thou who rulest when wanted Stand by me When I'm growing old and feeble Stand by me When I'm growing old and feeble Stand by me When I do the best I can And my friends misunderstand Thou who never lost a battle Stand by me Thou who never lost a battle Stand by me

Before entering Minas Tirith: Stranger in My Own Home Town (Words & music by Percy Mayfield) I'm like a stranger Like a stranger in my own home town I'm like a stranger Like a stranger in my own home town My so called friends stopped being friendly Oh but you can't keep a good man down Oh no, can't get him down I came home with good intentions About 5 or 6 years ago I came home with good intentions About 5 or 6 years ago But my home town won't accept me Just don't feel welcome here no more My home town won't accept me Just don't feel welcome here no more I came home with good intentions About 5 or 6 years ago, yes I did I came home with good intentions About 5 or 6 years ago But my home town won't accept me Just don't feel welcome here no more I'm like a stranger, like a stranger in my own home town Yeah, I'm like a stranger, like a stranger in my own home town My so called friends stopped being friendly Oh but you can't keep a good man down I came home with good intentions About 5 or 6 years ago, yes I did I came home with good intentions About 5 or 6 years ago My so called friends stopped being friendly Oh but you can't keep a good man down I'm like a stranger, like a stranger in my own home town I'm like a stranger, like a stranger in my own home town My so called friends stopped being friendly Oh but you can't keep a good man down

To Faramir: Britches (Words & music by Wayne - Edwards) Beware of a gal in britches Yo-di-o-di-o Never trust no gal in britches No-di-o-di-o If you had a sense of this here horse You would have known it by now of course Who wears the britches is the boss That's a gal, that's a gal in britches Don't mess with a gal in britches Yo-di-o-di-o No feminine gal wears britches No-di-o-di-o She'll beg you to come to the country dance You ride twenty miles for the big romance She shows up in her brother's pants What'd you expect from a girl in britches Yo-di-o-di-o-i-ay, It's none of my misfortune Yo-di-o-di-o-di-ay, Just thought you'd like to know Don't marry no gal in britches Yo-di-o-di-o You'll never know which is which's No-di-o-di-o She'll put a halter through your nose Have you cooking and washing clothes While she goes chasing them buffaloes Bet your boots, that's a gal in britches.

to the Army of the West before the Battle of the Black Gate: There's a Brand New Day on the Horizon (Words & music by J. Byers) There's a brand new day on the horizon Everything's gonna be just fine There's a brand new day on the horizon And the whole world's gonna be mine I'm gonna tell old trouble, he'd better be moving on Happiness is going to take his place around here from now on The old dark clouds are gonna roll away The sun is gonna shine And the whole world's gonna be mine I'm gonna tell old heartaches, pack his bags and go I've decided that I don't want him hanging around no more Don't you know I said everything's gonna be just fine 'Cause the whole world's gonna be mine I'm gonna chase away old problems till they're out of sight And I guarantee you honey they won't be coming back Well don't you know I said everything's gonna be all right 'Cause the whole world's gonna be mine I know my luck's gonna change, just you wait and see Startin' tomorrow only good things in life are going to come to me There's a brand new day on the horizon And the whole world's gonna be mine And the whole world's gonna be mine

Michael and Lee Ann suggested "The obvious pick would be "I Can't Help Falling In Love With You," "Wise men say/only fools rush in/but I can't help falling in love with you."

Lee Ann added "However, the thought of Viggo Mortensen shaking his booty to "Burning Love" has a certain appeal." And Sylvia agrees and adds, "I can hear the Man singing in Elvis(h) "... to Arwen - anytime, but the silhouette on the bridge in Rivendell would be a lovely backdrop....."

Lomelindione: ""Cold Kentucky Rain" comes to mind...perhaps we could substitiute "high country" for Kentucky..."walking through, with the rain in my shoes" is quintessential Ranger. "Searching for you..." could certainly mean the Ring or perhaps little Mr. Underwood (pre-Bree)"

These suggestions came in from Ruan:

FIRST IN LINE (about himself) or may be "Are you loathsome tonight?" to the mouth of sauron...

or may be FOR THE SIMARILLIONTH AND THE LAST TIME ;-)

From Elvish Lives: "FROM A JACK TO A KING -Aragorn- "From a jack to a king, from loneliness to a wedding ring. I played an ace and I won a queen and walked away with your heart"... "...For just a little while, I thought that I might lose the game, oh but just in time I saw, I saw the twinkle in your eye."

TROUBLE- Saruman- "If you're looking for trouble, you came to the right place. If you're looking for trouble just look right in my face"... "...Well, I'm evil, evil, evil can't you see? Well, I'm evil, evil, evil as can be. So don't mess around, don't mess around with me!"

WON'T YOU WEAR MY RING -Frodo, Gollum, Sauron- "Won't you wear my ring, up around your neck, to tell the world you're mine by heck!"... "...They say that we're too young to know the meaning of a ring"

I'VE LOST YOU -Treebeard- "I've lost you, yes, I 've lost you. I can't reach you anymore. I've lost you on a journey but I can't remember where or when oh noooooo."

BURNING LOVE -Gandalf and the Balrog- "Lord almighty, I feel my temperature rising. Won't you help me I feel like I'm slipping away." ... "It's coming closer the flames are now licking my body."

Mark said, "This one is easy.... The song is "I'm All Shook Up", and Aragorn sings it while the others are tending to Frodo's wound from the cave troll in reference to the whack into the wall that he took that no one seemed to care much about."

Lily Sandybanks suggested: King of the Whole Wide World - well, yes... I want you, I need you, I love you - To Arwen on the bridge in Rivendell It's now or never - To Arwen in Minas Tirith Follow that dream - To Frodo or to Aragorn's own reflection in Galadriel's mirror perhaps It is so strange - The mines of Moria? That paths of the dead? A recurring theme perhaps? Doncha' think it's time - To Arwen on the bridge at Rivendell, perhaps - or in the Return of the King just before his coronation? Steadfast, loyal and true - At the Council of Elrond Lonely Man - At Bree before he meets the Hobbits Come What May - On the bridge with Arwen (That's What You Get) For Lovin' Me - likewise Walk a Mile in My Shoes - To Elrond, who know longer believes in the strength of men Where Do I Go From Here - After Gandalf's fall in Moria

From Peter: At the Council of Elrond, he breaks into If I Can Dream There must be lights burning brighter somewhere Got to be birds flying higher in a sky more blue If I can dream of a better land Where all my brothers walk hand in hand Tell me why, oh why, oh why can't my dream come true

There must be peace and understanding sometime Strong winds of promise that will blow away All the doubt and fear If I can dream of a warmer sun Where hope keeps shining on everyone Tell me why, oh why, oh why won't that sun appear

We're lost in a cloud With too much rain We're trapped in a world That's troubled with pain But as long as a man Has the strength to dream He can redeem his soul and fly

Deep in my heart there's a trembling question Still I am sure that the answer gonna come somehow Out there in the dark, there's a beckoning candle And while I can think, while I can talk While I can stand, while I can walk While I can dream, please let my dream Come true, right now Let it come true right now Oh yeah

And my favourites from Gina's list were 'Fool, fool, fool,' to Pippin, 'Wear my ring around your neck' (more like Sauron singing to Frodo) and 'Whole lotta shakin' goin' on' (when the stairs break in moria)

Glass Hammer Presents Latest Videos
Jincey @ 3:05 pm EST

For the third year we are pleased to announce we will be having a Glass Hammer presence. This year Steve Babb joins us to talk about how Tolkien has influenced his life as an artist. Steve is the bassist \ vocalist \ keyboardist for Glass Hammer, and writes the majority of the group's lyrics.

Steve will present Glass Hammer's latest videos: "The Way To Her Heart" and "Mirkwood". "The Way to Her Heart" was the group's first video, shot back in 1993 and features a cast of Elven maidens and a heartsick Ranger. The final edit of the video has never been seen by the public, and will be debuted at Dragon*Con 2002. "Mirkwood" is a music video of one of the tracks on "The Middle Earth Album", and features a little girl lost in an Elven forest. The first showing of "Mirkwood" will also occur during Steve's visit to Dragon*Con.

Glass Hammer was founded in 1993 by Steve and co-writer Fred Schendel. The group has had six releases, including two with heavy Tolkien influences, "Journey of the Dunadan" and "The Middle-earth Album". Glass Hammer's seventh title "LEX REX" is set for an October release, as is another Babb and Schendel project named "David and Goliath - The Musical". A one hour documentary and music video collection is also set for a fall release, and features the group's two new Tolkienesque videos.

For more information, please visit the band's official site [Glass Hammer].

8-24-02 Latest News

Greg Hildebrandt On Dynamic Forces Show
Xoanon @ 5:10 pm EST

Artist Greg Hildebrandt will be a guest on Dynamic Forces' upcoming show on HSN on Tuesday, Aug. 27 at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT. Hildebrant, who has frequently worked with his brother Tim as the Brothers Hildebrandt, will join Dynamic Forces president Nick Barrucci on the show The Brothers Hildebrandt's credits include their fantasy novel, Urshurak, the famous poster for Star Wars and calendars for J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. Greg's art has appeared on covers for Omni and Heavy Metal. The Franklin Mint and Lenox have issued his work on collector's plates, figurines, dolls and swords. His art has been used in advertising for ABC and Dr Pepper and has been licensed for many products. This show will feature: The Dynamic Forces Spider-Man versus the Green Goblin Lithograph signed by Greg and Tim Hildebrandt and offered at a special introductory price; the Spider-Man Giclee by the Brothers Hildebrandt; the DF Ultimate 21st Century Lucky 21 starter set; the Spider-Man Premiere Hildebrandt Acetate "Cel" Lithograph -- eaturing Spider-Man and signed by Greg and Tim Hildebrandt and more.

8-22-02 Latest News

Oxonmoot: Tolkien Society Event in Oxford
Tehanu @ 6:14 pm EST

13th-15th September 2002, St Antony’s College, Oxford

Registration is £30 for members and £35 for non-members.

Saturday Events Schedule New Book & Signing Alex Lewis will be giving a talk on his and Elizabeth Currie’s new book The Uncharted Realms of Tolkien followed by an autograph session.

Ted Nasmith’s Slide Show: renowned Tolkien illustrator Ted Nasmith hosts a slide show.

"One Ring To Rule Them All" Why Tolkien's works are going to rule the media until 2010 – a talk on the prospects of filming the Hobbit, Silmarillion etc. Not to be taken too seriously, by Marcel Bülles of the Deutsche Tolkien Gesellschaft.

Merry & Pippin’s Dance Workshop your compères for this event are Peregrin Took and Meriadoc Brandybuck. Take to the floor and learn to perform the Springle-Ring and other dances that the denizens of Middle-earth would probably enjoy. Perfect performances not required: come along and participate for fun.

"The Essence Of Events: Peter Jackson's Adaptation of FOTR" Alex and Christine Davidson's presentation on Peter Jackson's "The Fellowship of the Ring", first delivered at the Tolkien Society Seminar in Whitby. Witty, light-hearted, thorough and respectful all at the same time.

"The Legacy of Tolkien" Dan Timmons has a PhD in Tolkien, and will be presenting a film he has made on the cultural legacy of the Professor.

Dutch & Traditional Auction of Tolkienalia: This event will be hosted by Jeremy Morgan (host of the Hospitality Room) and Rene Van Rossenberg (proprietor of the Holland’s Tolkienshop). Jeremy will host the Traditional auction, and Rene the Dutch auction.

Tolkien Quiz. Your Quizmasters are Angie Gardner (proprietor of Daeron's, specialist bookshop) and Neil Holford. Brace yourselves for an action-packed two hours! Attendance for the full event is by no means compulsory – but you may feel inwardly compelled as the tension mounts.

Art Show featuring works by Ted Nasmith, Anke Eissman and contributions from members

Sales Room featuring Tolkien Society Trading, Sophisticated Games, Daeron’s Books, Rene Van Rossenberg and the Book Wyrm. Register Online

Registration and Accommodation Information:

The Bookings Officer (Oxonmoot), 28 Loverock Crescent, Rugby, CV21 4AR, United Kingdom or

e-mail bookings@tolkiensociety.org

Media Contact

Oxonmoot Publicity, 26 Loverock Crescent, Rugby, CV21 4AR, United Kingdom or e-mail ocs.publicity@tolkiensociety.org

What is Oxonmoot?

Oxonmoot is the Tolkien Society’s major social event, providing both our members and the public with the opportunity to gather together and celebrate Tolkien’s life. Originating as an informal gathering of friends to pay their respects to the late Professor Tolkien, it is now one of the country’s longest established events of its kind. Held annually on the weekend closest to the fictional birthday of Bilbo Baggins, the event traditionally takes place in central Oxford because Tolkien spent much of his professional life here and his grave is nearby. The venue is St. Antony’s College, Oxford.

What happens at an oxonmoot?

Apart from all the fun on Saturday, the weekend actually starts on Friday night with many attendees arriving at the college on Friday afternoon, to settle in, greet old friends, and make some new ones. In the evening, those who have arrived gather for an informal meal at the college, where those new to Oxonmoot can get to know the regulars. Saturday’s events are listed above, but in addition to these there will be an art show open throughout the day displaying the works of both amateur and professional artists such as renowned fan artist Anke Eissman and Tolkien illustrator Ted Nasmith, whose paintings have been used for the illustrated Silmarillion as well as many Tolkien calendars. There will also be a sales room offering a wide variety of Tolkien related items, ranging from collectors’ editions of Tolkien’s works to merchandise from Peter Jackson’s film adaptation, plus our own Tolkien Society products. On Sunday there is Enyalië, a private ceremony of remembrance at Tolkien’s grave.

Who are we?

The Tolkien Society is an independent educational charity devoted to furthering interest in the life and works of J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Founded in 1969 membership has grown to in excess of 1,000. The majority of our members are based in the UK, but many can be found as far afield as Australia and Latin America, and we enjoy close ties with other Tolkien Societies around the globe.

Any queries regarding this Press Release should be addressed to:

Ian Collier, Publicity Officer, 45 Caldew Maltings, Bridge Lane, Carlisle, CA2 5SW

e-mail publicity@tolkiensociety.org

Oh please note that I've moved!

regards

Ian Collier Tolkien Society Publicity Officer 45 Caldew Maltings Bridge Lane Carlisle CA2 5SW

e-mail publicity@tolkiensociety.org

Please note that the society is run by volunteers in their spare time.

The Tolkien Society was founded in 1969 to further interest in the life and works of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.B.E., the author of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion and other works of fiction and philological study. Based in the United Kingdom and registered as an independent, non-profit making charity, number 273809, the Society has an international membership which benefits from regular publications and events.

San Francisco/Bay Area picnic for Frodo and Bilbo's Birthday
Tehanu @ 5:52 pm EST

ANNOUNCING A SAN FRANCISCO-BAY AREA PICNIC & POTLUCK IN CELEBRATION OF BILBO AND FRODO'S BIRTHDAY

Tolkien fans from TORn, Imladris, TORc, the Official Fan Club and various other fan groups are organizing a pot-luck picnic to celebrate Bilbo and Frodo Baggins' Birthday and you're invited!

RSVP: PLEASE let the organizers know that you plan to come...PLEASE reply to either of the email addresses below and let us know your names, how many adults plan to come, and how many children will attend. It really helps in the planning!:-)

Yarrow at platypus94121@yahoo.com

BeastyBunny at jschuler2000@yahoo.com

DATE: September 22 (of course!)

TIME: 10:00am - 3:00pm (plus, after 3:30pm, hiking/hobbit walking-parties along coastal trails at the Marin Headlands)

WHERE: Marin Headlands Hostel. This is a fabulous place...a little like Rivendell, the Gray Havens, and the Misty Mountains combined. It's often foggy and bitterly cold there (but usually not at the end of September), and eagles are frequent visitors in the fall.

The Headlands Hostel has a fireplace, a piano, comfy couches, a huge kitchen, and an inside dining area with picnic tables; a downstairs recreation area with ping pong, billiards, foosball; and outside...ahhh, outside...barbecue pits, vast green playing fields, coastal trials leading to the sea and abandoned WWII battlements (reminiscent of Amon Sul), and a lagoon filled with rapters and egrets and pelicans. Plus, it's only a 10 minute drive north of San Francisco over the Golden Gate Bridge.

ACCOMMODATIONS/OVERNIGHT STAY: picnic guests MAY be able to rent very cheap rooms or a bed in the common rooms at the hostel (depending upon hostel occupancy, of course). Click here to find out more about the facilities, and to check on reserving a bed overnight.

Directions and Map

PARKING: Is plentiful and free.

ENTRANCE FEE: Each ADULT picnic guest is cordially requested to contribute $5.00 to help offset the cost of the day rental of the hostel. Please pay the fee at the picnic (no need to pay in advance).

FOOD: This is a potluck, and guests are also requested to bring food. A web site will soon be set up to help organize the planning of food. More info to follow.

LEMBAS BAKE-OFF OR MUSHROOM DISH COOK-OFF?: Our last SF LOTR picnic included a lembas bake-off competition, but there is movement afoot to change the competition to a mushroom dish cook-off. A VERY nice LOTR prize will be awarded the winner of the Bake-off (or Cook-off?) competition. More info to follow.

MUSIC: Yes, please. There is a piano at the hostel. Any LOTR musicians out there? Tehanu's bringing her horn and her piano-playing boyfriend, plus a vocal/piano score of the LOTR soundtrack. Anyone else interested in playing the piano, or bringing their violin, or guitar? The hostel is an ideal place for music.

VOLUNTEERS: Needed! Please let us know if you are willing to volunteer. We'll post a list of volunteer tasks that need to be covered very soon.

DANGERS: Besides the lurking, skulking Nazgul (you know who you are), there are other dangers at the Marin Headlands: the small chance of bitter, biting cold (along with summer hiking gear, hats, and sunscreen, you may want to bring a winter coat; it's unlikely, as the end of September is USUALLY warmish and sunny, but you never know...sometimes Caradhras is particularly cruel); and poison oak everywhere. Tolkien forgot to write about poison oak in Middle Earth, but the stuff is so nasty it would make the Urak-hai blanch (poison oak was undoubtedly an ingredient in the recipe Melkor used to change elves into orcs). You should stay on the paths and wear long pants to protect your legs, or you'll look like an orc, too.

QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS: please feel free to email either of us at the following addresses:

platypus94121@yahoo.com jschuler2000@yahoo.com

Hope to see you at the celebration!

8-21-02 Latest News

Passport to Middle-earth - Interview with Tehanu
Tehanu @ 12:42 pm EST

Today is the last show of Passport to Middle-earth, at least in this format, and on this frequency, so we have prepared something special for you. First we will have an exclusive interview with a member of your very own TheOneRing.net! Yes Tehanu has agreed on answering our inquisitive questions so tune in to hear about all the secrets of TheOneRing.net!

Then we wanted to do an interview with Michael Martinez, author of Visualizing Middle-earth, (Parma Endorion and several articles on Tolkien's work at Suite 101 but due to time constraint we will have to content ourselves with his written answers to our questions, which we will be sharing with you on the air. It will definitely be interesting.

Then we will have comments from Tolkien fans regarding what they like the most about the books, and we will also share our personal thoughts on that. So make sure to tune in! You can hear us on CJMQ 88.9 FM if you're in the Eastern Townships (Quebec, Canada) from 4pm - 6 pm (eastern time) or catch us online

Also, if you would like to share with us what you like the most about Tolkien?s work live and on the air, call us: 819-822-1838 during the show. Check out our website

8-20-02 Latest News

Check the Guest List at the Toronto Film Festival
Jincey @ 9:06 pm EST

Smeagol7 heard the following on CTV News in Toronto tonight: Elijah Wood and Cate Blanchett are slated to appear at this year's Toronto International Film Festival. We checked CTV's website and only found confirmation for Wood, but the webpage clearly states their lengthy listing is incomplete. TIFF runs from Sept 5-14. We'll keep you updated with news! [More] [TIFF]

The Dominion Talks Figwit
Xoanon @ 12:59 pm EST

Ringer Spy sends along this article from The Dominion, all about our favorite FOTR extra, Figwit!

8-19-02 Latest News

Guide to Video Game Releases
Flinch @ 7:40 pm EST

Wondering just what is coming to your video game consoles from the land of Middle Earth? Confused as to what games will be attached to what console? Confusion be gone with this easily understood guide! Lets get down to business.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
company: Vivendi Universal
consoles: Playstation 2, Xbox

The Fellowship of the Ring by Vivendi Universal will follow the text as close as humanly possible. Utilizing such Tolkien experts as our very own Quickbeam Vivendi Universal has exercised efforts en mass to ensure this game is identical to the literary experience.

The game play is richly RPG based, where combat isn’t always your only option. Playing as either Frodo, Aragorn, or Gandalf you traverse the world of Middle Earth discovering treasures yet only read about. From Tom Bombadill to the confrontation with the Balrog every inch of FOTR is yours to explore.

To be released in the Fall of 2002

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
company: Vivendi Universal
consoles: Game Boy Advance

Similar to the Fellowship of the Ring game for the PS2 and XBox, the Game Boy Advance version is adapted for the smaller console. You will have the opportunity to develop many characters described in Tolkien’s text and delve into the strategies required to complete your quest.

To be released in Fall of 2002

The Hobbit
company: Sierra
consoles: Nintendo Gamecube

Follow the story of Bilbo Baggins and his discovery of The One Ring. Traveling as Bilbo himself from his home in Hobbiton, then on to the darks of Mirkwood and the depths of the Lonely Mountain where he faces Smaug the Dragon! Discover treasures, explore unique worlds, and delve into the fast knowledge that Middle Earth has for so long held.

Release to be announced

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
company: Electronic Arts
consoles: Playstation 2

Bring the characters of Peter Jackson’s epic film trilogy to life in this exciting Action Adventure game set to the story line of The Two Towers. Follow Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas in their quest to discover the whereabouts of Merry and Pippin, then head to Edoras and eventually stand for the world of men in the epic Helms Deep Battle. Play as Aragorn, Gimli, or Legolas and discover each character's unique strengths and weakness’ to successfully traverse the beautiful world brought to life by the team at WETA Workshop.

To be released in Fall of 2002

Guide to Video Game Releases
Flinch @ 7:40 pm EST

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
company: Vivendi Universal
consoles: Playstation 2, Xbox

To be released in the Fall of 2002

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
company: Vivendi Universal
consoles: Game Boy Advance

To be released in Fall of 2002

The Hobbit
company: Sierra
consoles: Nintendo Gamecube

Release to be announced

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
company: Electronic Arts
consoles: Playstation 2

To be released in Fall of 2002

Rivendell For Sale?
Xoanon @ 10:50 am EST

From: Thora

Now that the elves are leaving Middle Earth, Rivendell (located just west of Perth, Ontario, Canada on highway seven) is for sale. Obviously the appearance was somewhat altered for the film. Enjoy the pictures!

Wired Talks WETA
Xoanon @ 10:41 am EST

From: Mithrandir_777

The september issue of Wired mag lists the top five special effects workshops (in no particular order). Among them is Weta Digital. The others are: Digital Domain, ILM, Rhythm and Hues, and Sony Pictures Imageworks.

The caption for Weta reads:

PAST WORK: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, one Oscar, one Bafta. BRAGGING RIGHTS: Shoo-in for three consecutive Oscar nominations, thanks to the LOTR trilogy. TECH CRED: AI-powered software that can choreograph complex battle sequences in just hours. IN THE QUEUE: Two more LOTR epics. I WAS BLOWN AWAY: "When I saw 70,000 individually animated soldiers onscreen at one time." - Peter Jackson, cofounder and director

Weekend Round Up
Xoanon @ 12:06 am EST

Fan DVD Desktop!

Sean Astin To Direct Angel Episode?!

Hobbit Interview Video!

Weekly Ebay Items

Weekly Cast Watch

Houghton Mifflin Announces New LOTR Publications

4 Months Until THE TWO TOWERS!!

Orlando And Heath Go Hairy

GAMING: TechTV Talks LOTR Games

Cate Is One Of OZ's Hottest

Media Watch: Belgium's 'MovieBox' Magazine

Shoring Up 'Gangs' Score

Reasons to go to WorldCon

"Waiting for Frodo"

Rockets and Bonfires for Bilbo's Birthday

John Rhys-Davies to Attend Ring*Con!

DVD: Malaysia and Mexico

Preachin' to the Rhythm of the Orcs

Which DVD to buy....or both?

8-18-02 Latest News

Gaming in Middle-Earth
Jincey @ 11:50 pm EST

Ok folks, let's face it ; ) There are a lot of serious gamers out there! There has also been a serious dearth of LOTR inspired games for many years. Now that The Fellowship of the Ring is out, we've been treated to many new games in several genres. In light of all the enthusiasm out there, we've asked several folks in to give us the latest information on their games: what they are, how they are played, what kind of tournament action is available, collector's information, and perhaps even some demonstrations and tips. We hope you'll drop by one of our gaming sessions and see what exciting new games are out there.

Games Workshop will be bringing us previews of their new tabletop game modules in two sessions. These intricately detailed miniature figurines come in various sets that relate to different parts of LOTR. We will be seeing the new Two Towers game set, including passarounds of actual game pieces and learn of the new scenarios.

Universal Interactive is also slated to visit twice, with a preview of their new Middle-earth inspired video console games. The LOTR: Fellowship of the Ring game will be built for all major gaming platforms. We'll see production shots and views of finished portions of the game, due out this fall.

For Games Workshop and Universal Interactive session times, check the [Schedule]!

Hobbit Interview Video!
Xoanon @ 5:42 pm EST

In part II of our interview with the FOTR stars in Hollywood (Check out part I here) last spring we bring you Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan!

Billy and Dom (along with Sean Bean, Sean Astin and Orlando Bloom) were interviewed by our very own Quickbeam at the Beverly Hills Hotel in LA on Oscar Weekend. Take a look!

We have 3 downloads for all types of connection speeds. The large DSL (14MB) for high speed connections, a slightly smaller (9MB) connection for those on modems, and another, same size and sound...just much smaller (1MB) for those poor souls with very little connection speed or patience!

Right click on one of the images below and choose 'Save Target As'. These videos work best with Quicktime 6, Download it here for free

Weekly Cast Watch
Xoanon @ 3:02 pm EST

To get more information, use the sites I use like the ones below. Simply find a movie or actor you want to see, go to one of the sites below and see if the film is playing in your area. mydigiguide.com, tv-now.com and IMDB.com

Viggo Mortensen
(Aragorn)

Liv Tyler (Arwen)

Ian Holm (Bilbo)

Sean Bean (Boromir)

Ian Mune (Bounder)

Martyn Sanderson (Bree Gatekeeper Harry Goatleaf)

David Weatherly (Barliman Butterbur)

Marton Csokas (Celeborn)

Thea Hartwell (Child Hobbit)

John Noble
(Denethor)

Noel Appleby (Everard Proudfoot)

Alexandra Astin (Elanor Gamgee)

Peter Mckenzie (Elendil)

Karl Urban
(Eomer)

Hugo Weaving
(Elrond)

Miranda Otto
(Eowyn)

David Wenham
(Faramir)

Cameron Rhodes (Farmer Maggot)

Elijah Wood
(Frodo)

Cate Blanchett (Galadriel)

Bruce Hopkins (Gamling)

Ian McKellen
(Gandalf)

Mark Ferguson (Gil Galad)

John
Rhys-Davies (Gimli)

Andy Serkis
(Gollum)

Stephen Ure (Gorbag)

Craig Parker (Haldir)

John Leigh
(Hama)

Timothy Bartlett (Hobbit)

Harry Sinclair
(Isildur)

Orlando Bloom
(Legolas)

Lawrence Makoare (Lurtz)

Robbie Magasiva (Mahur)

Ray Henwood (Man at
Rivendell)

Dominic Monaghan (Merry)

Robyn Malcolm (Morwen)

Bruce Spence (Mouth of
Sauron)

Megan Edwards (Mrs. Proudfoot)

Billy Boyd (Pippin)

Sarah McLeod (Rosie Cotton)

Sean Astin (Sam)

Christopher Lee
(Saruman)

Sala Baker (Sauron)

Brian Sergent (Ted Sandyman)

Bernard Hill
(Theoden)

Nathaniel Lees (Ugluk)

Brad Dourif
(Wormtongue)

Jim Rygiel (SFX)

Howard Shore (Composer)

Peter Jackson (Director)

Houghton Mifflin Announces New LOTR Publications
Jincey @ 2:50 pm EST

Publisher Houghton Mifflin has just announced publication dates and released the cover art for their upcoming LOTR publishing run.

A new single volume The Lord of the Rings movie tie-in edition has just been released and is available in both hardcover and paperback. On Sept 9 The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King will be released in paperback with new covers.

Brian Sibley has authored The Lord of the Rings: The Making of the Movie Trilogy. This book will be on bookstore shelves Nov 6. It includes almost 300 photographs (from all THREE films) and has cast and crew interviews.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Visual Companion is a continuation of the series of visual companions begun with the book for The Fellowship of the Ring. Jude Fisher brings us exclusive images from the second movie, including pictures of Gollum, Treebeard and the Battle of Helm's Deep. Publication date is Nov 6.

Taking a close look at the inhabitants of Middle-earth, The Lord of the Rings: Creatures will present the peoples and "monsters" in the films. This book, out on Nov 6, will show behind-the-scenes details on how each creature came about for the screen.

A new children's book, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Photo Guide is geared toward young readers. Full of photos from The Two Towers, it also includes free photo stickers. This book also is being released on Nov 6.

For more details and shots of the cover art, we've posted the actual press release [here].

Media Watch: Entertainment Weekly
Xoanon @ 2:17 pm EST

Ringe rSpy Allan sends along these scans from the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly, take a look at the TTT Hype!!!

Shoring Up 'Gangs' Score
Xoanon @ 1:38 pm EST

From: LAO

Just saw an article in the Wall Street Journal (page W7) about some scuffling between Miramax and Dreamworks over their new DiCaprio films both coming out on Christmas, and saw the following regarding some of "Gangs of New York" difficulties:

"The filmakers recently determined the movie's [Gangs of New York] score, composed mostly by Oscar-winner Elmer Bernstein, needs work. Miramax has enlisted the help of another composer, Howard Shore, who won an Oscar last year for scoring "The Lord of the Rings." As a result of the late tinkering with the music, Miramax estimates it won't have a finished print of Gangs until Dec. 5. A spokeswoman for Mr. Scorcese says there are no problems. 'Marty's just putting together a combination of music that he feels is best for the film,' she says."

Reasons to go to WorldCon
Tehanu @ 12:01 pm EST

The preliminary programme for the 2002 Worldcon, this year in San Jose California is now available online here

There are a lot of Tolkien related items, some of which I've listed below, but perhaps most interesting to TheOneRing readers will be the Hugo Awards, the annual ' Oscars' of the SF & Fantasy world, and of course LotR:FotR is nominated in the category of Best Dramatic Presentation! The results will be announced on the evening of Sunday 1st September.

Tolkien and the 21st Century Thursday 2:30pm CC A5 Harold Bloom says he won't be read. Tom Shippey says he's essential. Diana L. Paxson, David Bratman, Teresa Edgerton, Dr. Elizabeth Anne Hull, Philip Kaveny

SIG: The Lord of the Rings Fan Club Thursday 5:30pm CC C3C4

Sound & Spirit: Lord of the Rings Sneak Preview Friday 11:30am CC A3 When Ellen Kushner became host of the national, public radio show _Sound & Spirit_, in 1996 she swore that someday she would do an entire hour on _The Lord of the Rings_. This year, she finally pulled it off! Catch a sneak preview of most of this highly-produced radio piece (including an interview with Michael Swanwick), which will be broadcast in November, 2002. Ask Kushner how and why it happened, and discuss Tolkien, sound and spirit with Kushner. Ellen Kushner

Tolkien vs. Peake Saturday 11:30am CC D Is it only a twist of fate that Tolkien is popular and Peake is only beloved by a few? What would a fantasy genre based on Peake be like? Would a Peake clone be any less bad than a Tolkien clone? Why do they have to be in opposition? Karen Haber, Gordon Van Gelder, jan howard finder, Lisa Goldstein, Jon DeCles

Costuming from Lord of the Rings Saturday 4:00pm CC C1C2 Lord of the Rings has spawned a number of lively discussion groups and high costumer interest. Get deep into the nuts and bolts of this popular film's costuming. Cat Devereaux, Mary Cordero, Lisa Deutsch Harrigan

Tolkien as an Iceberg Sunday 11:30am CC D The Silmarillion and other works below the surface. Patrick Nielsen Hayden, David Bratman, Tom Whitmore, Elizabeth Humphrey

Book to Movie and Back Again Sunday 2:30pm CC J1J4 Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings were made into movies. Attack of the Clones became a book. Which translation works better? Is this intrinsic to the type of translation? What, for instance, would the novelization of Lord of the Rings look like? Eleanor M. Farrell, Steve Saffel, John Steakley

Film: _Lord of the Rings, Fellowship of the Ring_ Hugo Nominee Sunday 4:30pm F Imperial Ball

Hugo Awards Sunday 8:00pm Civic Auditorium

Go back to Special Reports Archives