From message board member visualweasel: It’s a little ways off yet, but Chris Vaccaro asked me if I could help spread the word on the Tolkien conference at the University of Vermont next April. I’ve attended this conference for the past three years and I can highly recommend it. Here’s the Call For Papers:

Tolkien at the University of Vermont 2009, an academic conference devoted to the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, will be held at the UVM in Burlington, VT on Saturday, April 11th and Sunday, April 12th. The keynote address will be delivered by Professor Jane Chance of Rice University. The conference organizers seek 20-minute papers on any topic related to Tolkien or his texts, but the following topic will be given priority consideration: sex and/or gender in Middle-earth or related to Tolkien’s life or works.

Please send a one-page abstract electronically to Christopher Vaccaro at cvaccaro@uvm.edu or by mail to James Williamson at 400 Old Mill, University of Vermont , Burlington , VT 0540 as early as possible. Please include Tolkien 2009 in the subject line. Deadline is January 30th, 2009. For further information, contact the conference organizers.

Ladies and gentlemen, sharpen your pencils.

Kangi Ska from the Minnesota Tolkien Society writes: The Riverview Theater (3800 42nd Ave South Minneapolis, MN 55406) will be hosting its fourth annual screening of the trilogy on Sunday December 21st. This year, for the first time ever, they will be showing the extended editions of Fellowship of the Rings and Two Towers! The following link is to ticketing information and times Etc. Tickets can be ordered on the site. Showtime Info:612-729-7369 Box Office: 612-729-7360

Nienna writes: Brad Dourif is going to awarded a lifetime achievement award according to this article. He certainly deserves it!

Jonesy writes: The Giant 78-foot wide screen at Denver’s Continental Theatre re-opens this week after an auditorium remodeling. To celebrate, they are showing several past hits, including the Extended Edition of The Fellowship of the Ring (2pm & 8:30pm on 11/05). These screenings aren’t currently listed on Fandango, but can be confirmed with a call to the theatre (303 758-6732) Spread the word – Fellowship on the Giant Screen is not to be missed! Details at OnTheBigScreen.net.

Inkibus writes: Juts thought you might be interested in the upcoming New Zealand/Auckland filmed fantasy series premiering next Saturday; ‘Legend of the Seeker’ based around Terry Goodkind’s novels. Aside from the NZ locations. it employs some familiar LOTR faces; Bruce Spence, Jay Lagalia, and Craig Parker among them. It’s reportedly being helmed by Sam Raimi, who collaborated famously with the ‘Xenia’ series, which employed much of the pre-LOTR production team. www.legendoftheseeker.com

Mary writes: I found this news tidbit from Entertainment Weekly: Dominic Monaghan is scheduled to be a guest star on the February 2nd episode of “Chuck”!! Here’s the link to the news plus an interview with Dom. Monaghan Returns to TV, Sorta