Hobbitangel writes: I just found this little article in my local paper, thought it might be of some interest!

Orlando Bloom gets a chest wig

Orlando Bloom has been told to wear a chest wig to look ‘more manly’ for his new film. Movie bosses want the screen hearthrob to cover up with the hairy rug for his new lead role in the Crusades epic Kindom of Heaven.

Director Ridley Scott reportedly believes the actor, who stars as Paris in Troy, needs to cover up his hairless chest to make a more convincing hero.

The 28 year old has also been bulking up for the part, revealing that he has been spending more time in the gym ‘builing up’ to play the farrier-turned-warrior in the upcoming film.

Izzy attended the Saturday evening performance of Howard Shore’s Lord of the Rings Symphony in Atlanta. He tells us that a very special guest dropped by to the delight of the audience! [More]

Izzy writes: I attended the Saturday evening performance of Howard Shore’s Lord of the Rings Symphony in Atlanta. I have been to many orchestral performances in my life, but this was by far the best. Watching Howard Shore conduct was an honor that I won’t soon forget. The biggest treat came the last time Shore came out for a curtain call and brought Alan Lee (who was in town for the Mythic Journeys conference) out on to stage with him. Everyone was surprised and, if possible, the applause and cheers in the audience grew even louder. I didn’t have my camera on me so hopefully another Ringer was there and got pics!

Unawen writes: sean-astin.net has pictures from the MTV Movie Awards; Sean Astin and Dom Monaghan accepted the LOTR awards. [More]

Yahoo! News has the list of winners from the 2004 MTV Movie Awards, taped Saturday night in Culver City, California. The show will air on MTV (and MuchMusic in Canada) on Thursday, June 10th. [More]

Four New Zealanders who came home covered in honours after Oscar night have added to their gloryboards. Ngila Dickson, costume designer for Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, was made an officer of the NZ Order of Merit. Screenwriter Philippa Boyens, designer Grant Major and editor Jamie Selkirk are made members of the NZ Order of Merit. [More]