Nice little piece on one the Elf Fantasy Fair in Utrecht, only this time from the viewpoint of one of the stars who was there to sign his autograph for the fans. Luckily he had time to look around and describe the fair too! [More]

TORN Pal Ethan Gilsdorf sends us word on his new book ‘Fantasy Freaks and Gaming Geeks’ and a West Coast book tour, take a look!

Ethan Gilsdorf presents his travel memoir / pop culture narrative “FANTASY FREAKS AND GAMING GEEKS: An Epic Quest for Reality Among Role Players, Online Gamers, and Other Dwellers of Imaginary Realms.” The book is an exploration and celebration of fantasy and gaming subcultures. The events begin with a “geek trivia contest” with prizes that tests the audience’s knowledge of all things Tolkien, Harry Potter, Dungeons & Dragons and more. Gilsdorf will then read an excerpt from “Fantasy Freaks and Gaming Geeks,” followed by a Q&A and book signing. More info: http://www.fantasyfreaksbook.com

Read the rest of this entry »

As the excitement of the wonderful weekend many of us shared in New York City for the Radio City Fellowship of the Ring concerts winds down, TORn would like to officially thank the generous businesses that donated prizes for various events held throughout the weekend. Follow the links to check out their great merchandise: Royal Selangor – pewter Frodo goblet, pewter Galadriel goblet; Jens Hansen – silver chain from their LOTR collection; Impact Books – “Forging Dragons” book of dragon artwork by John Howe; author Ethan Gilsdorf – copies of his book “Fantasy Freaks and Gaming Geeks”; Fantasy Flight Games – Lord of the Rings – the Confrontation board games; artist Colleen Doran – “Gimli’s Gift” prints; Design Toscano – $25 gift certificate; Alpha Video – Christopher Lee oldies DVDs; Weta Workshop – key chains; Mythology Body – soaps; Vampirathemovie.com – temporary tattoos designed by Daniel Reeve; Shop New Zeeland – manuka honey samples; Connolly’s Pub – pens; Idaho Potato Commission – various ‘tater’ related prizes. Thank you all!

Join Cliff “Quickbeam” Broadway as he and other Tolkien fans celebrate Bilbo’s 111th birthday party with a picnic out at Los Angeles’ Griffith Park.

The Lord of the Rings Extended Edition Movie Marathon is taking place right now in TORn’s IRC chatroom. We’re currently watching The Two Towers. Return of the King will start at approximately 7 p.m. EDT. (New York)

Join us as we cheer, jeer and tear over our favorite films. Over the course of 12 hours we will watch all three movies, taking periodic breaks for food, drink and frivolity. Anyone is welcome! You can come and go any time you like, as often as you like.

EVERYTHING you need to know about the event can be found on our Marathon FAQ.

Read the rest of this entry »

Are you coming New York next weekend for the Radio City concert, or do you live in the area? Are you longing to meet and mingle with other like-minded fans? Are you going to the Saturday concert and looking for something fun to do Friday night? Then come help us kick off the weekend Friday, October 9^th at our mixer!

 The party will be held just steps away from Radio City and the Times Square area at Connolly’s Pub, 121 W. 45^th Street. A top-shelf bar and all-you-can-eat appetizers will be available throughout the three-hour gathering which starts at 7:00 p.m. and runs to 10:00 p.m. We’ll also have a trivia contest with prizes and a swap table where you can bring your LOTR “mathoms” and swap them for other items.  The price is $52 for adults and $19 for kids under 16 in advance, and $57/$24 (cash only) at the door. Payments can be sent via Paypal to RCMHmixer@gmail.com. Contact altaira@theonering.net with any questions. Hope to see you there!

Message board member, WhiteLadyEowyn sent us this announcement: Greetings Hobbits and other friends! Did you attend A Long-expected Party last September in Kentucky? Do you wish you had? Do you want to go “There and Back Again”? Well, here is your chance! The organizers of last year’s events are just crazy enough to give it another go! The dates are confirmed, September 28th through October 1st, 2011, Wednesday through Sunday. The website is in progress, so I have no links to give you as of yet. The official annoucement was made at DragonCon in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday night. Marc Gunn, Celtic musician and past Party guest, was so excited that he immediately Tweeted the news to those that follow his blog. We hope to see you all there!

LOTR artist Alan Lee will be appearing at the Weta Cave in Wellington to sign advance copies of his new book, a re-telling of tales from Ovid’s Metamorphoses by brilliant British poet Adrian Mitchell. Read More. His appearance on Sat October 3, like John Howe’s recent booksigning there, is reassuring in terms of Hobbit news as it confirms that both LOTR film artists are spending time in Wellington as production ramps up for the films.

TORn staffer Garfeimeo wrote in to let us know the date for the LA area Baggins Birthday Bash has changed from Sunday, September 20 to Saturday, September 26. All the other details remain the same: Southern California Tolkien fans are invited to join in the merriment of TORN’s Annual Baggins Birhday Bash, which will take place on Saturday Sept 26 starting at noon in Griffith Park near the Merry-Go-Round. Costumes are encouraged, and prizes will be bestowed upon the most beautifully or most creatively attired lads and ladies. There will also be fun and games, as usual, and maybe even the traditional impersonation contest (if partygoers are up to it). There will be lots of wonderful prizes to be won. The picnic is potluck so bring something to share. RSVP to Garfeimao@theonering.net. Please let me know what you plan to bring so I can make sure we’ve got all bases covered for a good, Hobbity meal.

For directions, visit the original story here.

Southern California Tolkien fans are invited to join in the merriment of TORN’s Annual Baggins Birhday Bash, which will take place on Sunday Sept 20 starting at noon in Griffith Park near the Merry-Go-Round. Costumes are encouraged, and prizes will be bestowed upon the most beautifully or most creatively attired lads and ladies. There will also be fun and games, as usual, and maybe even the traditional impersonation contest (if partygoers are up to it). There will be lots of wonderful prizes to be won. The picnic is potluck so bring something to share. RSVP to Garfeimao@theonering.net. Please let me know what you plan to bring so I can make sure we’ve got all bases covered for a good, Hobbity meal.
Read the rest of this entry »