Deenan writes: I just saw the promo tonight and Elijah Wood got Punk'd! I'm not quite sure of the air date but it's been said that it will show on MTV on Monday April 24th at 10:00pm EST in the U.S. [mtv.com]

Also, Amazon has the Green Street Hooligans DVD available for pre-ordering in the U.S. and Canada. [USA] [USA]

Adele writes: In the May issue of Empire Magazine there is an interview with Ian McKellen. You can also find it online on EmpireOnline.com: 'The only grande Dame with a knighthood, Ian McKellen talks Twankey, Magneto and an extraordinary career...' Scroll down page and click on 'Sneak Peek.' [More]

djdeathskiss sends this along: British actors Orlando Bloom and Colin Firth are expected to star in a new TV adaptation of hard-hitting 1966 film CATHY COME HOME. The new BBC version is to mark the 40th anniversary of the original KEN LOACH movie, which pricked Britain's conscience regarding the issue of homelessness. A spokeswoman says, "It feels timely to look at poverty and inequality in Britain today. [More]

Xoanon here, this morning my wife and I were lucky enough to get an advanced look at the new Lord of the Rings exhibit at the Te Papa Museum in Wellington, New Zealand. [More]

The Button Lady writes: I was there at the LA Weekly Awards ceremony where 'Fellowship! The Musical' won two awards. Here is my report. [More]

Actor Andy Serkis was languishing in showbiz obscurity until he landed the role of Gollum in Lord of the Rings. He provided the character's voice and movements but only briefly appeared on screen himself. He repeated his CGI antics as the great big monkey in King Kong, out on DVD now. [More]

Te Papa, New Line Cinema and principal sponsor Air New Zealand are delighted to announce the return of the most popular exhibition in New Zealand’s history - The Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy - The Exhibition. Opening at Te Papa on 14 April 2006, this interactive and immersive exhibition with many brand new exhibits explores writer/director/producer Peter Jackson's epic trilogy based on the J.R.R. Tolkien masterpiece. [More] [tepapa.govt.nz]

Earlier this morning I was allowed access to the coolest place on earth, WETA Workshop. Located in a non-descript area of Wellington near the airport, this small groupings of offices and warehouses has produced some of the best practical and special effects seen in this century (and the last one too). Not only that, but it is also a digial studio, miniatures unit, production facility and more. If you've seen, held, or heard anything from Lord of the Rings, King Kong, Narnia and a few other films in the last few years, chances are it was made here. [More]

We at TORn, and on behalf of EA Games, would like to thank all the writers who entered this writing contest. We had entries from all over the world who eagerly put words to their thoughts and imaginations and sent us some outstanding entries. It was the sheer quantity and quality of these entries that caused us to delay announcing the winners, but we are now ready to do so. And don't forget to check out EA Games latest venture into the world of the Lord of the Rings - The Battle for Middle-earth II, in stores now! Winners will be contacted via email in the next few days. [Winners] [Battle for Middle-earth II]

William writes: I don't know if you read 'Pooch Cafe' -- but it's hysterical. Today's was quite poignant for Rings' fans. [More]

K. Roberts writes: Cate Blanchett and Orlando Bloom recently met up at a party in Geneva, Switzerland, thrown by Swiss watchmakers IWC at an aircraft hangar in the city's airport. [More] [Photos]

Celebriel forwards a BBC News report that a statue of Treebeard planned for Birmingham, UK, to be created in honor of J.R.R. Tolkien by his grand-nephew Tim Tolkien, will be moved because road experts are worried it might distract drivers. [More]

Hollywood director and Kiwi multi-millionaire Peter Jackson is adding another flourish to his Wairarapa mansion - his own railway track. The region's most famous local bought the $5 million, 30ha property with his partner, Fran Walsh, seven years ago and has been transforming it into a fairytale property, with castle-like buildings and ornamental lake. Train enthusiast Ian Welch, of Mainline Steam Trust, told the Sunday Star-Times Jackson had bought a replica of a 1900s steam train from Canada. Welch supported Jackson's venture and the train was "beautiful... a gorgeous replica of an early period of steam. It's very American, like a cowboy train". [More]

Tim Richardson, Director "The Dork of the Rings" writes: Alright, all you Dorker filmmakers out there, we are proud (if not self-indulgent) to announce the DORK FAN FILM CONTEST. Pull out your cameras and shoot your own movie using characters, themes, whatever from The Dork of the Rings . Explore our website, watch our videos and read the forum to get your inspiration at www.dorkoftherings.com. [More]

Author Henry Gee writes: Dr Dimitra Fimi has been teaching an online Tolkien course at Cardiff University and due to popular demand it will be run again from May 1. This course can be taken by anybody in the world (student or adult learner) and its credits can be used towards a qualification at any other Higher Education and/or Higher Education Lifelong Learning institution in Britain. The website of the course is here.

Among the medieval entertainers, hawkers and vendors at the Middle Earth Festival in Downtown Vacaville on April 22 & 23, there will be a surprise - a Green, Eco-Friendly vendor area. Visitors will discover advanced technology vehicles such as the Honda Civic GX (dedicated compressed natural gas) and a unique home refueling appliance on display. [More]

Linuxelf writes: The Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy: The Exhibition, returns at Te Papa museum Wellington. A quote from the site: "It’s back home by popular demand – and full of great new stories and exhibits. After its record-breaking season at Te Papa in 2002/03, and the blockbuster international tour that followed, this exhibition has been seen by over one million people around the world – but none have seen all of its latest attractions. [More]