BEN STANLEY – Waikato Times More than 700 would-be Hobbits turned out for a casting call in Hamilton. A large crowd was waiting at the Minogue Park netball courts when interviews began at 1pm yesterday. By 1.30, the line of people trying for a bit part in Sir Peter Jackson’s movie, snaked from the main building around the main court and back to the building’s door again. More..

Everyone’s favorite Hobbit/Castway/Music Video star Dominic Monaghan is slated to stop by Jimmy Kimmel Live! tonight on ABC. Set those DVR’s for 12:06AM. The whole episode should appear online shortly after that on abc.com.

Cathy writes: Fellowship: The Musical won a special citation at the NY Musical theater festival awards. From their press release: An Outstanding Ensemble Citation to The Cast of Fellowship!: The Musical Parody of The Fellowship of the Ring: Brian D. Bradley, Lisa Fredrickson, Kelly Holden-Bashar, Edi Patterson, Steve Purnick, Cory Rouse, Ryan Smith, Peter Allen Vogt, and Matthew Stephen Young, awarded by Matthew Murray. nymf.org

Janet writes: For any LA Ringers: members of Tolkien Forever and MythSoc will hold their monthly meeting and celebrate the life of Glen Goodknight this evening (Tuesday) at Conrad’s, 861 E. Walnut St, Pasadena CA 91101. [Map]

Did you ever want to ask a troublesome Tolkien question? Just who the heck is Tom Bombadil, anyway? Does the Ring think for itself? Well, you’ve come to the right place!

TheOneRing.net’s Reading Room is intended to be a forum for critical analysis and on-topic discussion of Tolkien’s literary works. Reading Room features include ongoing discussions of Tolkien-related books and topics, where volunteers lead ‘formal’ discussions, as well as posts of general interest you can make at any time!

So please feel welcome, don’t be shy (we don’t bite!) and jump right in! The Reading Room is open to all. [Reading Room]