Bilbo Baggins is smoking his pipe and minding his own business when one day the wizard Gandalf arrives at his front door. Gandalf asks if Bilbo would be interested in going on an adventure, but Bilbo declines. He invites the wizard to come over for tea some time so as not to seem rude, but excuses himself not wanting anything to do with adventures. The next afternoon his doorbell rings and a Dwarf pushes past him and sits down to eat by Bilbos table. He’s followed promptly by 12 others of his kind and Gandalf. An unexpected party begins.[More]

From TORn Oscar Party Staffer Garfeimao: Here is a little preview of some of the great auction and raffle items we’ll have on display at the Oscar Party. [More]

Ringer Spy Minnie sent us the news that the Visual Effects Society (VES) gave ROTK four honors at their awards ceremony yesterday, including Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual Effects-Driven Motion Picture. [More]

Ruthe Stein writes: A black SUV pulls up across from City Lights, and Viggo Mortensen hops out. I suggested meeting at the North Beach bookstore to get away from the hotel where’s he’s stuck promoting “Hidalgo” — a sort of “Seabiscuit” in the sand in which he charms the stirrups off a horse. [More]

Emerald Rose has scheduled a debut public performance in L.A. area, in advance of their appearance as featured entertainers at the TORn Post-Oscar party for The Lord of the Rings. The Celtic folk-rock band from North Georgia will perform a special showcase of their high energy music at 14 Below, a music club in Santa Monica on February 27 from 7:30 to 9:00. The show will be followed by a meet and greet with the artists at the club. [More]