The folks from the ‘Letters to PJ’ Organising Team write: The ‘Letters to PJ’ is a worldwide fan appreciation project, undertaken by two dedicated fans of the Lord of the Rings film trilogy. The ‘Letters to PJ’ book, organised, promoted and compiled throughout the year of 2005, contains letters of appreciation for the films created by director Peter Jackson and all involved. The book is a specially made, plain paged, leather bound hardcover, consisting of original contributions from all willing participants, in the form of e-mails, hand written letters, poems, drawings, photographs etc. Upon completion, the book will be delivered to New Zealand in December (2005)/ January (2006) and passed on to Peter Jackson or associates.

‘Letters to PJ’ has been a chance to show true ‘fanship’ on behalf all fans, differing in age, race, gender etc. yet bound together though their love and dedication towards the Lord of the Rings films. This project has experienced considerable success so far, garnering the attention of fans, well known supporters and even those actively involved in making the Lord of the Rings trilogy, from whom we have received greatly- appreciated and even unexpected support and assistance. Over the months, we as organisers have built a solid foundation for the major action plan of ‘Letters to PJ’ to take place effectively. During the process of this non-profit project, we have created an email account, a .com website, and mailing address, started and maintained contact with a variety of people, as well as keeping up to date with contributors and websites involved.

The appeal of ‘Letters to PJ,’ a challenging but thoroughly rewarding experience, lies in the rare opportunity it presents for Lord of the Rings fans worldwide to join in appreciation and celebration of the labour of some extraordinary filmmakers. If all goes to plan, the book will be completed by the deadline and looking brilliant, full to the brim with creative and genuine expressions of the ‘fanship’ we have been fortunate enough to witness. Very professional, striking and long lasting is the look we anticipate for the finished result. The main hope we have is in the success of the final stages; the ‘Letters to PJ’ project will come to a satisfactory (and exciting!!!) close if a personal exchange with Peter Jackson is possible.

What needs to be achieved is the final search and collection of contributions, the confirmation of certain participants, the organization of contributions, the confirmation of details regarding the New Zealand trip and the compilation of the book, on top of the ongoing task of responding to e-mails and contributors.

As organisers, we can only give our sincerest “thank yous” to everyone involved, for every wonderful, kind, helpful thing they have gone out of their way to do! This project would not be possible without the assistance and support of the Lord of the Rings fan community. Our desire is that the ‘Letters to PJ’ project has an immeasurably awesome, long lasting effect on fans and Peter Jackson alike.

www.letterstopj.com

Meet Tom DeSanto, Carlene Cordova, and Cliff Broadway live in-person as the worlds of fantasy and strategy collide this weekend at the hugest of huge events! The legendary Gen-Con has opened its doors this weekend (Nov. 17 – 20) for Southern California gamers and fantasy enthusiasts. The filmmakers behind RINGERS: LORD OF THE FANS will appear on Saturday, Nov. 18, at 2:00PM in the Anaheim Convention Center (in room 207B) to present special clips from their award-winning film. This special presentation on RINGERS includes audience Q&A and many surprises! [Click here for more info!]

Following last year’s sell-out success, Ian McKellen returns to The Old Vic as Widow Twankey, the ultimate pantomime dame. He’s joined by Roger Allam as Abbanazar and Frances Barber as Dim Sum. Sean Mathias directs this classic show for all the family. [More]

This weekend in Hall of Fire we’ll be discussing the Seven Deadly Sins as they can be found in Lord of the Rings.

First there is Pride — the excessive belief in one’s own abilities. It has been called the sin from which all others arise. Pride is also known as Vanity. Perhaps Boromir or Denethor could tell us about this fault?

Envy is the desire for others’ traits, status, abilities, or situation. It’s probably something Saruman knows a great deal about. [More]

This weekend in Hall of Fire we’ll be discussing the Seven Deadly Sins as they can be found in Lord of the Rings.

First there is Pride — the excessive belief in one’s own abilities. It has been called the sin from which all others arise. Pride is also known as Vanity. Perhaps Boromir or Denethor could tell us about this fault?

Envy is the desire for others’ traits, status, abilities, or situation. It’s probably something Saruman knows a great deal about.

Gluttony — the inordinate desire to consume more than that which one requires. Well, let’s just consider what happens when you set a trio of Hobbits in a field of mushrooms.

Lust is an inordinate craving for the pleasures of the body. Does Lord of the Rings hold any lessons here? Maybe Grima Wormtongue could be our archetype?

Anger is manifested in the individual who spurns love and opts instead for fury. It is also known as Wrath. Is this what leads Boromir to his downfall when he confronts Frodo on Amon Hen?

Greed is the desire for material wealth or gain, ignoring the realm of the spiritual. It is also called Avarice or Covetousness. Surely one of the things the Ring tempts Sam and Galadriel with. But is it found anywhere else?

Sloth is the avoidance of physical or spiritual work. Lazy, lazy elves?

These, of course, are just a few instances where these traits are exhibited in Lord of the Rings. During the chat, we’ll explore where else they are found in the text — in both the ‘goodies’ and the ‘baddies’.

Join us on Sunday November 20 at 2.00pm EST in the Hall of fire on the TORn IRC server as we chat about the Seven Deadly Sin in LoTR!

Time zone conversions

Not sure what time the chat will be where you are? Check this little conversion table out for some help.

Time and date:
Sunday November 20

America:
2.00pm EST (New York)
1.00pm CST (Chicago)
12.00 midday MST (Salt Lake City)
11.00am PST (Los Angeles)

Europe:
7.00pm GMT (London)
8.00pm CET (Paris)

Asia-Pacific
3.00am (Monday) Perth
5.00am (Monday) Brisbane
6.00am (Monday) Sydney
8.00am (Monday) Wellington

Our chats usually last 45 mins to an hour, and are very newbie friendly. Simply drop in and join the conversation!

Where?

Chat happens on #thehalloffire on irc.theonering.net – the TORn IRC server. You can connect instantly via our java chat client that works inside your web browser (find it here! ) or choose to install a dedicated chat program such as mIRC on your computer.

To find out more about using mIRC to connect to TORn IRC server, check out these instructions.

Upcoming topics:

Sun November 20 – The seven deadly sins in LoTR
Sat November 26 – Silmarillion Ch 15: Of the Noldor in Beleriand
Sun December 4 – Silmarillion Ch 15: Of the Noldor in Beleriand

Got a topic? Let us know your idea!

If you have a burning desire to discuss something in Hall of Fire, drop us a line with your topic at halloffire@theonering.net. If we like it, we’ll probably give it a run in the coming weeks – you might even get to guest moderate the session!

Join HoF Announce!

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Hof-announce@theonering.net
http://www.theonering.net/mailman/listinfo/hof-announce