jrr_tolkienIan Collier, Tolkien Society Publicity Officer writes: At 9pm (local times) on January 3rd fans around the world are invited to raise a glass and toast J.R.R. Tolkien’s Birthday. The toast is: “The Professor”. For those unfamiliar with British toast-drinking ceremonies: to make the Birthday Toast, you stand, raise a glass of your choice of drink (not necessarily alcoholic), and say the words ‘The Professor’ before taking a sip (or swig, if that’s more appropriate for your drink). Sit and enjoy the rest of your drink.

The Tolkien Society has some webpages for the 2010 toast where fans across the globe can let other fans know where they’ll be celebrating if they’re hosting a party, or just what particular tipple they’ll be raising. Fans will be able to check the webpage and see who is celebrating where and if they wish to get in touch and join in.

Hobbits on WeathertopForum member batik thought this trilogy screening at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Austin, TX, might be of interest: “this all-day event is an annual Alamo tradition as old as the ancients…or whenever RETURN OF THE KING came out. Each year we must gather to recount the epic quest of the hobbit Frodo and his merry band of dwarves, wizards, elves and Viggo’s. We snuggle up together and watch the entire LORD OF THE RINGS TRILOGY – nearly 12 hours – and get loaded to the gills with food, beer and wine all inspired by Tolkien’s Middle Earth!” The screening will be held on Sunday, November 29 starting at 10:30 a.m. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, November 3, at noon. More..

Are you coming New York next weekend for the Radio City concert, or do you live in the area? Are you longing to meet and mingle with other like-minded fans? Are you going to the Saturday concert and looking for something fun to do Friday night? Then come help us kick off the weekend Friday, October 9th at our mixer!

 The party will be held just steps away from Radio City and the Times Square area at Connolly’s Pub, 121 W. 45th Street. A top-shelf bar and all-you-can-eat appetizers will be available throughout the three-hour gathering which starts at 7:00 p.m. and runs to 10:00 p.m. We’ll also have a trivia contest with prizes and a swap table where you can bring your LOTR “mathoms” and swap them for other items.  The price is $52 for adults and $19 for kids under 16 in advance, and $57/$24 (cash only) at the door. Payments can be sent via Paypal to RCMHmixer@gmail.com. Contact altaira@theonering.net with any questions. Hope to see you there!

Greg Pyne, aka Fool of a Took, Hobbit Meals founder, writes: Hobbit Meals is pleased to report that a total of 247 lbs of food was raised on September 19th during the First Ever Hobbit Meals Moot. All seven hobbit meals (breakfast, second breakfast, elevensies, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and supper) were served and all three extended versions of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings movie trilogy were shown. Price of admission was a full bag of nonperishable groceries for donation to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Approximately 30 people from all over Central Florida and beyond came to support the event and offer their help to those in need. Continue reading “Hobbit Meals Moot a Success!”

There’s a fair bit of news over at the Noldor Blog, including booksignings at the Weta Cave by Alan Lee and Ian Brodie as well as a new kids’ book with Richard Taylor and possibly Dr Grordbort himself, Greg Broadmore. There’s news about the Capitol Court Cinema co-owned by PJ, Richard Taylor and PJ’s editor Jamie Selkirk. Apparently it’s being fixed up -hope their sense of fantasy runs wild with it! (Read More) The Chocolate Fish cafe beloved by LOTR cast and crew is opening in a new beachside location not far from the original. And finally Jack asks who’ll join him in celebrating the 10th anniversary of first day of LOTR filming?