Atheryn sends in a letter to TORN stating that while he enjoyed the two recent LOTR specials aired in New Zealand, he felt that the second episode painted a rather dangerous picture of his country, read on! [More]
Month: December 2002
Atheryn writes: If you’re like me, you probably just finished watching the two features on New Zealand that were shown on the Travel Channel a little while ago (“New Zealand: The Royal Tour” and “Secrets of New Zealand”). Being a New Zealander myself, I just thought I’d make a comment, particularly in regard to the second feature.
“Secrets of New Zealand” depicted New Zealand as being a country teatering on the edge of nationwide disaster – that is simply not the case. It is true that New Zealand has volcanoes and experiences earthquakes from time to time, but not in the way that was made out. The truth is, as far as I can remember, Mt Ruapehu (Mt Doom in LOTR) has only erupted once in my lifetime, and that was in 1996. Most of the earthquakes I’ve experienced in my time were very small ones – usually so small you don’t even notice them. It is true that the waters between the North and South Islands (The Cook Strait) are rough sometimes, but when they are, the interisland ferries simply don’t make any crossings until it is safe. While the programme did show a lot of the natural caution-points New Zealand has, it did over-dramatise them severely – so please, if you have any desire to come to New Zealand for a holiday, whether it’s to visit LOTR locations or simply to relax, don’t let this programme scare you away. New Zealand is just as safe as any other holiday destination out there.
Cheers,
Atheryn
Mehunt writes: Great site you have! The latest issue of the New Yorker features a cartoon titled “Tolkien Characters that Never Made it out of the Author’s Notebook.” [More]
Paul Badali, owner of Badali Jewelry and a Tolkien fan who has been making The One Ring since long before Peter Jackson’s movie, has made a generous donation to TheOneRing.net’s Line Party efforts. Thirty rings are in the mail to various line party leaders around North America to be used as giveaways for Midnight screenings and one may be coming to a line near you! The rings are designated for TORnados who sign up and attend a line party event. It isn’t too late to join a line party so sign up today! [Badali Jewelry] [Line party]
Xoanon here with some great news for Montreal area Ringers. I’ve just received word from the folks at Guzzo Cinemas that they are reserving an entire cinema for my line party! This private screening begins at 9PM with a pre-party starting at 7:30 with raffles, free food and pool, and more! Take a look! [More]
The latest newsletter is ready to go! Do you want to receive our free weekly newsletter? Packed with tons of info to keep you up to date on the latest? Plus filled with exclusives from time to time! Join the crowd of over 12 100 mailing list members! Sign up now! [More]