Ringer Spy Tamara writes: Missed the Barlibash in Boston? Not to worry, the Boston Line Party is still going strong and there will be another opportunity to join your fellow Ringers on a journey to the Museum of Science.

We’ve got about 25 people committed to join us at the Museum of Science Lord of the Rings Exhibition on Saturday, September 4, 2004 at 2 PM, but each time slot has 100 tickets, so there is plenty of room. As of today, there are still tickets available for 2 pm (as well as 1:45, 2:15 and 2:30 if those sell out) Take a look at our website listed below to see who is going and to join us in any of the Moot activities- like our evening at Boston Beer Works on Canal Street. If you haven’t made up your mind about attending, I can vouch that the Exhibit is stunning. From the Bigatures, to the costumes and weapons, to the interactive activities. All are a high quality.

We didn’t get enough people to get our own hotel rate, but we joined with some of our friends at WorldCon to share space (Their con is also Labor Day Weekend), since they had a great rate of $144 for the Marriott. Several people have booked rooms already and still have space for roomates. Or, as the discounted deadline approaches, I suggest booking your room and then worrying about getting a roommate or two (or three). Here’s several links to help make your trip easier:

Info on the Moot (including a Ringer Calendar, Things:
http://expectopatronvm.com/mos/mos.html

Moot discussion Forum:
http://expectopatronvm.com/phpBB2/index.php

Boston Museum of Science- LOTR:
http://www.mos.org/lotr/

Order Exhibition Tickets:
http://store.mos.org/?action=showevent;event_id=295

Worldcon/NoreasCon:
http://www.boston2004.org

Hotel rates for WorldCon roomies:
http://www.boston2004.org/facilities/aboutMarriott.html

WorldCon roommates discussion:
http://www.boston2004.org/discuss/index.php?cmd=show&thread=-5&posts=16

Use the discount code to reserve a room at the
Marriott:
http://marriott.com/property/propertyPage/BOSCO

Lisa writes: In addition to being a fan of the LOTR movies (he still needs to read the books!), my husband is also a dyed-in-the-wool Nebraska Cornhusker fan. In other words, he’s a fan of the University of Nebraska football team. He sent me this link from another Cornhusker fan to show the adaptability and hilarity of LOTR spoofs. [More]

And while we are on the topic of John Howe and Alan Lee: Ringer Spy Elderhobbit chimed in with the following: John Howe and Alan Lee have been nominated For a World Fantasy Award in professional category for the art work they did for Lord of the Rings. World Fantasy is an international and annual conference of fantasy authors agents and publishers. This year’s World Fantasy Conference is in Tempe Arizona at the end of October with the World Fantasy Awards to be announced on October 31st. [More]

More exciting news from The Fellowship Festival, this time about John Howe and Alan Lee as well as a list of convention-exclusive offers from publishers Harper Collins!

From the organisers themselves:

Dear friends,

We announced a few days ago that celebrated Tolkien artists, Mr Alan Lee and Mr John Howe, who were responsible for the “look and feel” of Middle-earth in the films will be attending The Fellowship Festival, from 28th-30th August, at Alexandra Palace in London.

We are proud to announce that Alan and John will be meeting and signing for fans as part of the standard entry ticket therefore you will not need to purchase any extra tickets to meet them face to face, it’s all part of the package!

Not only that, we have some very special offers for you. In conjunction with our publishing friends at Harper Collins, you can purchase the following at the festival for an amazingly greatly reduced show only price:

The Hobbit – Special show price £25 (normal price £25) Beautiful new edition of the children’s classic, illustrated by Tolkien artist Alan Lee. SHOW EXCLUSIVE – NOT YET IN THE SHOPS!

Myth and Magic – by John Howe – Special show price £15 (normal price £19.99) A portfolio of over 250 of John Howe’s Tolkien and fantasy cover, calendar and exhibition paintings, with supporting notes, sketches and photographs by the artist. Includes Foreword by Peter Jackson, director of the $300 million film trilogy.

Myth and Magic Poster Collection – Special show price £5 (normal price £14.99) Six stunning poster-sized paintings taken from John Howe’s lavish portfolio of work

Lord of the Rings Poster Collection – Special show price £5 (normal price £14.99) A selection of stunning poster paintings from the celebrated Tolkien artist Alan Lee – the man behind many of the striking images from The Lord of The Rings movie.

The definitive guide to the design of the each of the movies, with over 500 illustrations by artists including John Howe and Alan Lee.

Art of the Fellowship of the Rings – Special show price £20 (normal price £25)

Art of the Two Towers – Special show price £20 (normal price £25)

Art of the Return of the King – Special show price £20 (normal price £25)

Illustrated hardback editions of Fellowship of the Rings/ Two Towers/ Return of the King Special show price £20.00 (normal price £25)

A huge thanks go to Harper Collins and of course, John and Alan.

If you haven’t got your tickets yet (entry to the show starts from as little as £20 for 13 hours of action packed entertainment) then hurry, don’t miss the event of the year!

See you at The Festival!

Show details: www.aaaevents.co.uk