When Howard Shore accepted the task of composing 12 hours of music for the film versions of the beloved “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, he says he felt like Frodo carrying the ring to Mount Doom. The Columbus Symphony Orchestra accepted its own burden when it booked a live performance of the score nearly two years ago — before all the music was written. [More]

Andy Serkis will be signing his book: ‘Gollum:- How We Made Movie Magic’ in the Manchester branch of Waterstone’s here in the UK on the city’s main drag, Deansgate, from 17.00 on 26th of March (that’s Friday). Entry is free!! (So expect humongous queues.) We don’t believe there is an associated chat but there may be! Check out their website for more information. [More] Thanks to Ringer Spies Gothmog101 and Wife for that!

Ringer Spy Swiller the Goblin writes: I went to our local garden show (Rochester, NY) last week and enjoyed a truly great LOTR themed garden. Here’s a follow up from our newspaper so I can share a bit. The picture show the centerpiece: A water curtain with LOTR images projected onto it! Soft background music from the soundtrack filled the air. The setting seemed right out of Lothlorien, with Elven names created for various plants and trees in the garden. Finally, the garden showcased many of the great weapons, including Sting, Narsil, and Strider’s sword. [More]

Lhunsarniel writes: Saturday night at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, I was volunteering for the 18th annual Genesis Awards show wherein Sean Astin and his wife were guests and presenters. I got to escort them both to their table (they arrived late). The Genesis Awards will air on the Animal Planet channel early to mid-month April. [More]

Lhunsarniel writes: Saturday night at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, I was volunteering for the 18th annual Genesis Awards show wherein Sean Astin and his wife were guests and presenters. I got to escort them both to their table (they arrived late). The Genesis Awards will air on the Animal Planet channel early to mid-month April.

As I was walking them to their table, they were intercepted by someone from the Born Free Foundation who chatted with Sean about big cats in captivity and their plight as well as the fact that Virgina McKenna was an honorary at our awards program. Sean seemed genuinely interested in this issue so I’d say we may see him and his wife both more active in animal rights issues which is a big plus for us animal lovers and the Humane Society of the US! I wanted to chat a wee bit with him myself, but with him being a late arrival, I had to get him to his table.

Then, when Sean was up on stage doing the intro for his segment, he said he this was his first Genesis awards show and we certainly hope it’s not his last.

If you’re interested in knowing more about the Genesis Awards, check out www.genesisawards.com

Or, www.animalplanet.com for the actual show time when it’s ready to be aired.

Farmer Barley Jones sends in some Lord of the Rings related programs on tv in the UK this week. [More]