The History ChannelHistory Channel’s Monster Quest is going to be investigating ‘real’ Hobbits in an episode premiering on January 16th 10PM ET. I’m not sure Bilbo et al would take too kindly to being called apes, but here is the official episode description: “A MonsterQuest expedition will deploy researchers and the latest technology into the jungle, searching for evidence of a creature natives describe as half man, half ape.” Check your local listings for airings in your area. [MonsterQuest]

The Science ChannelI happened to be flipping through channels over the holiday and ran across a marathon of The Science Channel’s ‘How It’s Made.’ You are probably saying, yea, so what?! Well, this particular episode was on how pinball machines are made and the pinball machine they were making was a The Lord of the Rings one! After further investigation, it looks like you can watch this episode online at the Science Channel website. If you don’t feel like watching it online, it looks like this episode is airing again on Jan 19th. [How It’s Made]

MoviefoneMoviefone has posted their Top 25 Oscar Best Picture winners list, and ‘The Return of the King’ has taken the 11th spot on the list. Jump on over to Moviefone for the complete list – we won’t ruin what No. 1 is for you, but we all know it should have been ROTK. And don’t forget to discuss the choices in our Forums. [Read the List]

ALEP InvitePrimmy sends along this update for ‘A Long Expected Party:’ “ALEP (A Long Expected Party), a most unusual all-Tolkien event happening September 25-28th, is now over half-filled with registrations! Join the event Shire-like Shaker Village, Kentucky for Middle-Earth-themed activites, seminars, live music and costuming fun! Space is limited due to the accommodations at the Village, so don’t wait too long to register!” [Learn More]

Market SawMarketSaw is citing a source at WETA that states Peter Jackson will play host to key insider people for a rather large scale discussion on what 3D options to elect for “The Hobbit” Part 1 & Part 2 and the original “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. [Read More]