Hi folks, ringer spy Taniwha here again – I have to include myself in this, but clearly our Wellington spies are SLIPPING!
There was surprisingly average attendance at two events on Sunday – first the New Zealand Festival’s Writers & Readers session with Philippa Boyens and Christine Jeffs (director of Sylvia and Rain), then the concert last night by Grada, featuring Alan Doherty who is of course famous for that haunting ‘Concerning Hobbits’ flute line on the LOTR soundtrack. For shame, Ringers! The band was amazing as always – extremely tight musicians who clearly enjoy playing together (not as common as it sounds!), and their new album ‘The Landing Step’ is just out. Check gradamusic.com for more about them, or nzacoustic.net for a couple of song samples.
But there’s still hope – they’re finishing up their New Zealand tour over the next couple of days, with gigs at Marlborough Centre (Blenheim) and the Aurora Centre (Christchurch), so if you’re in either of those two places, get out an enjoy them! They’re on to Tokyo and Nagoya after that, then home to Ireland – check the Tour page on their site to see what’s next…
Linuxelf writes: The time of Armageddon is upon is again!; this time there are three LOTR guests; John Rhys-Davies; Lawrence Makoare; John Noble.
John Rhys Davies is set to be there for all three days; with Lawrenece Makoare appearing on Sunday 18th only, and John Noble Saturday 17th only.
Here is more info, from the website I complied together, go to the links above for the latest news and confirmations that the guests will be there.
Middle of the April School Holidays
Where: Aotea Centre and Town Hall Auckland
When: Armageddon Pulp Culture Expo April 16-18th
Guests: Lord Of the Rings – John Rhys Davies Witch King himself & Lurtz – Laurence Makoare (Appearing Sunday 18th April only) The Steward of Gondor Himself, John Noble (Appearing Saturday 17th April only)
Opening Times / Days: Friday 16th 9am-6pm, Saturday 17th 9am-6pm Sunday 18th 9am-5pm April 2004
Entry Prices: Entry cost – Adult one day $14 Child (12 and Under) – one day pass $10 Family pass (2 Adults & 2 Children) – one day only $40 Three Day Pass – $40
There will be two enterances to the expo, with twice as many tils operating to keep ques short. I would also recommend bringing abit of money because the guests hopefully will be signing autographs, from previous experience you need to buy the photos to be signed on the Day. This helps paying the airfare & costs back to the guests. If anyone can confirm this.
This show moves to Wellington September 25-26th; keep checking site for updates as to who the guests will be etc.
Steve writes: It’s the Boca Raton line party here again with another report on an event we attended. This time we went to MegaCon 2004 to see Grima Wormtounge!
The Boca Line party here again to report on another event we attended this past week. Our group headed north, then into the west to attend Megacon 2004 in Orlando. None other than Grima Wormtounge himself was in attendence!
We once again suited up in our costumes and even found some other great LOTR characters at the convention. The Frodo in our group seemed to be followed by the amazing Gollum walking around. (and by walking around, we mean on all fours…during the entire convention!) The Aragron we saw was incredible as well. Great detail on that costume, right down to the ring and sword! There were so many wonderful and creative costumes walking the isles. We’ve included pics of some of our favorites that we saw.
However, our business was with Isengard so we headed over to the Brad Dourif line. Upon seeing our entourage, Grima looked at Eowyn and uttered, “I know you.” Later he exclamed in full Grima voice, “But you are alone!” to her, which made for a great moment. We also learned something about the EE of ROTK from Brad. SPOILERS AHEAD!
He mentioned to us that Legolas shoots his character with, “arrows to the heart.” So there you go. Multiple arrows from the elf, that’s how he bites it.
From the convention we headed to our hotel room which we were pleased to find out was LOTR themed! First off, when we entered the lobby, we noticed Enya playing over the hotel’s speaker system. Then there were the barrels. Yes, barrels. Everywhere you looked there were barrels. It was very Hobbiton/Green Dragon-ish. Finally, when we were assigned our rooms the lady behind the counter said, “Your rooms are located in the second tower.” to which our Pippin asked, “Your hotel has two towers?” Our group laughed. The lady behind the counter looked bewildered as she stated, “Yes, two.”
After retouching up our costumes in the rooms, we headed out for feasting and fighting at…MEDIEVAL TIMES! (cue the horns)
If you’re a LOTR fan and can make it to a Medieval Times location, do so. It’s worth it. The fighting is spectacular and the atmosphere is so much fun. Our group cheered and jeered throughout the evening and had a great time.
On the way back to the hotel we passed a “Seven Dwarf rd.” Yeah, it’s Disney, but we thought of those who used to dwell in Moria. Also, we passed a store that had a certain LOTR feel to it. Take a look at our pics. Behold, it’s Gandalf the Purple! LOL
The grand opening for the LOTR Motion Picture Exhibit was last night and megamendong was there to give us the scoop.
I just wanted you to know that the LOTR exhibition opened last night with the President of Singapore as the Guest-of-Honour. There was a thronging crowd of 900 who attended last night’s opening ceremony. My two teenage daughters and I, regular volunteers at the Singapore Science Centre which is the venue of the exhibition, were roped in for crowd control and securing the prestine condition of the exhibits. One of my daughters even had the chance to speak to the President.
A lot of the night was spent asking people, politely of course, not to take photographs, not the touch the exhibits (other than the interactive onces, of course) and taking away empty champage glasses to a safer spot. There was a free flow of beverages, including wine, and lots of food at the buffet table. In attendance was the President and his family, several ministers and staff of various government bodies (plus their spouses and children), ambassadors and CEOs of larger companies in Singapore. It was a formal night with all the Science Centre staff in formal attire (i.e. in Singapore’s context, long dresses for ladies, and shirt and tie for the men). As Singapore takes pride in its multicultural heritage, many too came in their traditional ethnic outfits. There were also a few, some of them volunteers from the Science Centre, who were dressed up as characters in the movie. Lucky for them, not many people were tyring to touch them — unlike the exhibits which people just can’t help touching. I must say I had a field day asking people, “Please don’t touch” … “Please don’t touch”.. all with a polite smile in my face. Legolas’ outfit had the most number of people trying to touch it.
I started out guarding the statue of Sauron, but had to be quickly whisked away by a LOTR exhibition staff to help control people who are getting touchy feely with the twelve foot sculpture of the cave troll. Galadriel’s beaded dress drew a lot of attention, as well as the replica of a dead Boromir in a boat. The crowds were mesmerised by the absolutely detailed figure done in silicone — it looked like a real person — like Sean Bean exactly!
The were lots of Faramir fans, including me, who were quite disappointed that not more of him was shown. However, we are not complaining because all in all the night was fantastic and everyone who is a fan of the movies should go and see teh LOTR exhibition. By the way, for Asia, Singapore is the only venue of the exhibition. After the stint here in June, it will travel up to Boston, USA. So fans in Asia, don’t miss a chance of a lifetime to see how the movies were made — come on down to Singapore and visit the LOTR exhibition!
Glad to be alive the Company follow Gandalfs lead towards ‘The last homely house’, the residence of Elrond; a descendant from elves and ‘heroes of the North’. To the sound of singing elves they arrive in the fair valley of Rivendell, and the travellers are happy to get to a place of rest, though there is a history of conflict between the Dwarves and the Elves that must be disregarded.
They benefit greatly from Elronds wisdom during their stay. Not only does he offer a good amount of insight regarding the quest, but he gives them two special swords of protection. Moreover, he can help solve the riddles of the map.
Do you think Elrond is in league with Gandalf in setting up this Quest? What part does nature play in Tolkiens ‘the Hobbit’? What impression do you get of Rivendell and the elves in this chapter? Join us in #thehalloffire as we take a closer look at Chapter 3 of ‘The Hobbit’ – A short rest.
Times: Saturday Chat: 5:30pm ET (17:30) [also 11:30pm (23:30) CET and 9:30am Sunday (09:30) AET]
Sunday Chat: 7:00 pm (19:00) CET [also 1:00pm (13:00) ET and 5:00am (05:00) Monday morning AET]
ET = Eastern Time, USA’s East Coast CET = Central European Time, Central Europe AET = Australian East Coast
Do you have a possible topic for Hall of Fire? Drop us a line at halloffire@theonering.net
Glad to be alive the Company follow Gandalfs lead towards ‘The last homely house’, the residence of Elrond; a descendant from elves and ‘heroes of the North’. To the sound of singing elves they arrive in the fair valley of Rivendell, and the travellers are happy to get to a place of rest, though there is a history of conflict between the Dwarves and the Elves that must be disregarded.
They benefit greatly from Elronds wisdom during their stay. Not only does he offer a good amount of insight regarding the quest, but he gives them two special swords of protection. Moreover, he can help solve the riddles of the map.
Do you think Elrond is in league with Gandalf in setting up this Quest? What part does nature play in Tolkiens ‘the Hobbit’? What impression do you get of Rivendell and the elves in this chapter? Join us in #thehalloffire as we take a closer look at Chapter 3 of ‘The Hobbit’ – A short rest.
Times: Saturday Chat: 5:30pm ET (17:30) [also 11:30pm (23:30) CET and 9:30am Sunday (09:30) AET]
Sunday Chat: 7:00 pm (19:00) CET [also 1:00pm (13:00) ET and 5:00am (05:00) Monday morning AET]
ET = Eastern Time, USA’s East Coast CET = Central European Time, Central Europe AET = Australian East Coast
Do you have a possible topic for Hall of Fire? Drop us a line at halloffire@theonering.net
