Sunset near Twizel, New Zealand on the day of our story.
TWIZEL, NEW ZEALAND — Not every conversation I had in New Zealand is fair game for publication at TheOneRing.net. If they all were, people would have spoken with me a lot less and a lot less openly or maybe just have not spoken with me at all.

During one such private meeting, a shared photo led to a side conversation that led to a revelation about an act of kindness that hit me, and still hits me, in my core. Somebody I knew, not in New Zealand, had heroically withstood some of life’s trials and others, in New Zealand, had selflessly performed a service for them. I can’t relate the story here because it was unmistakably not an interview situation and even the people on the receiving end of the generosity have kept it to themselves.

I was amazed by the revelation at the time and I was on the road much of the next 24 hours, meaning I was alone with my thoughts; Despite having a lot to ponder, this bit of unselfishness stayed with me for the entire drive when I wasn’t distracted by things like getting lost or finding a place to stay. Continue reading “Unreported acts of kindness from New Zealand”

From Ladbrokes.com: Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit may be a year from release but the new trailer has caused such a stir that Ladbrokes are already offering odds on it being the most successful JRR Tolkien adaptation yet.

Odds of 1/2 are being offered on the first of the two Hobbit films to be released surpassing the world box office takings of third Lord of the Rings film, Return of the King.

That film – released in December 2003 – was the highest grossing of the Lord of the Rings trilogy which took progressively more at the box office. [Read More]

Sohaib Awan from the radio show Fictional Frontiers also does a segment on SUVUDU that focuses on fantasy and science fiction books, movies and comics. He spoke with our own MrCere this week about his trip to New Zealand including Weta Workshop and Richard Taylor. They talk Hobbit of course, Hobbit trailer insights and a lot about travel possibilities for anybody. Listen to the segment right here.

Since our show launched in April 2011, we have *NEVER* missed a broadcast of TORn TUESDAYS Live with Quickbeam! But this week we take a little Holiday break to spend time with loved ones and prepare an even better show for the 3rd of January, 2012!  In the exciting New Year we will have two new guest commentators Bobby Rice (who recently played Boromir in a delicious parody of LOTR) and Eowymilia (the Swedish Girl with the Horse Tattoo) both joining host Clifford Broadway to explore the worlds of Tolkien and The Hobbit production! Prepare for a wide array of special guest stars and exclusive interviews!  Check out the show in our Live Event section next week: 3 Jan 2012 at 5:00pm Pacific Time! Happy New Year to you all from TheOneRing.net!
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We have big news for fans of Jerry Vanderstelt and his works in Middle-Earth! Jerry is pleased to announce that he will be creating art pieces based on Peter Jackson’s adaptation of The Hobbit. Like his amazing art prints based on The Lord of the Rings these prints will be sure to capture what we all expect to be a couple of truly fantastic films. There is also news for those that collect his superb art work based on The Lord of the Rings, and here’s a hint to what is coming next:  Durin’s Bane has been found. As soon as we get a good look at anything based on The Hobbit or The Lord of the Rings we will let you know.

If you want to know more about Vanderstelt Studios and his work check out our interview with Jerry along with his site with all his art work.