The hunt is on! With our lovely and talented former host Rebekah Platt moving on to the Mouse House at Disney, we are in need of a replacement host, and this is where YOU come in! Producers Daniel McNicoll and Michael Regina (hey, that’s me!) are on the hunt for the next host of ‘Hobbit in 5’, do you think you’ve got what it takes? We will be looking for qualified candidates and then have the fans, yes YOU again, vote on who will host the show! Because, trust me, you do NOT want to see Daniel and Michael at 720p in HD…it’s a frightening thought…

So, if you answer YES to the following questions, drop me a line at xoanon@theonering.net with the subject ‘I wanna host!’ to be entered!

DO YOU:

– Live in the Charlotte/Atlanta area?
– Feel comfortable in front of the camera?
– Enjoy giving interviews?
– Possess a passion and knowledge of Tolkien and his works?
– Possess a passion and knowledge of Peter Jackson’s films?
– Love for fantasy/sci-fi in general?
– Feel you can volunteer your time to host?

Rob writes: A discussion on Tolkien was held on the irish radio station Newstalk last Sunday. Their “Talking History” program covered Tolkien’s life and how that influenced his writing. Guests included Julianne Stephens, Conor Kostick, Stephen Benedict, John Garth and Simon Tolkien. Just click on “Highlights from Talking History” on that page below for the list of recent discussions. It is also available on iTunes. More..

Nikki writes: Plunket are an iconic NZ charity and Park Rd Post have very kindly donated an exclusive guided tour of the facilities and lunch for 4 in our current charity auction on NZ auction site Trade Me. Great opportunity for your NZ members to see behind the scenes of the Academy Award winning facility! More..

Pieter Collier from the Tolkienlibrary.com writes: Exactly 50 years ago the artist Cor Blok created about 140 illustrations to accompany The Lord of the Rings, he visited Tolkien who liked his art and bought 3 pieces – the only artist who ever sold his art to Tolkien. In his letters Tolkien once said that if ever an illustrated The Lord of the Rings could be created it would have been Cor Blok who would receive the job. No such thing ever happened. However Cor Blok’s art was featured on the Dutch translation of The Lord of the Rings for 27 years, without even mentioning the name Cor Blok. Some five years ago I talked to Cor Blok and embarked on a mission to track down his art, since many were sold and lost. They were all over the world, no one knew how much there were and how they looked like. Continue reading “New Book: A Tolkien Tapestry: Pictures to accompany The Lord of the Rings”

Eowyn Rohan writes: Greetings all Middle-earth friends! Time is rapidly running out for you to register for the A Long-Expected Party 2, taking place from September 28th to October 2nd, 2011 in beautiful Shaker Village, Kentucky. There are a few open spots left, so if you have considered going but have delayed your decision, now is the time! If you are curious about our little get-together, check out the website,www.alep2.us, and listen to the interview with the organizers and musical Celtfather Marc Gunn on Middle-earth Network’s Bird and Baby Blog. Keep checking back for an additional interview, which will be conducted in this coming week! We also have a schedule of events posted here. Come one, come all, and tell your friends not to miss this unique event!