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November 02, 2005 - November 13, 2005

11-13-05 Latest News

LOTR Concert: Spokane, Washington Reports
Xoanon @ 8:35 pm EST

Bob writes: My family and I went to the Spokane Symphony's LOTR concert last night ( Nov. 12th), and came away with a (for the most part) very enjoyable experience. While not exactly matching the scope and depth of the original score for the movie, the Spokane Symphony made up for it in feeling and expressing the music -- it still had all of its glory and majesty intact. The Spokane Symphony Chorale and Spokane Area Children's Chorus were excellent, Kaitlyn Lusk outstanding, under the heart-felt control of conductor Alastair Willis.

That being said, I don't think the Spokane Veteran's Arena, turned into the "Star Theater" (where the Arena is basically cut in half) was the best place suited for the concert. The seating was cramped (at least up in the nosebleed section where we were -- see attached picture). The acoustics were a bit flat (at least no echoing), and the air condition/heating blowers would turn on noisily and distract. And it looked like Shelob may have been lurking in the rafters, with all the spider webs. My feeling is arenas are for loud rock concerts and hockey, not symphonies.

But, I don't think the concert could have been held elsewhere in town, since the opera house is hosting "The Lion King" and The Met is too small, and the Fox to begin renovation, so my complaints are mere quibbles when it comes down to it. I am happy we had the chance to experience the concert, no matter what venue.

-----

gloryliberty writes: We find our seats (last row on the floor, right in front of the box seats)... and then complain a tad. Not about the Symphony, mind you, but the venue. Normally, the Symphony would be playing in the Spokane Opera House, but at the moment the Opera House is in the middle of a six-week run of the national touring companies' production of The Lion King, so for the Spokane Symphony to throw Rafiki, Simba and the Gang out on the street for one night wasn't really feesable. Especially on a Saturday. But, the Arena has a solution: The Star Theatre - basically they curtain off one end of the Arena and call it a "theatre". The Arena isn't known for its spectacular acoustics, so my mother and I were kind of suspect of how a symphony performance would sound in that kind of space. Another thing to rag on: food vendors. At a symphony performance. It's just not... right. We gave them credit that they weren't trolling through the performance, but they were hard to miss before and during intermission with their Uncle Sam oversized hats and their cotton candy.

Besides that, it was beyond expectation. The worries about acoustics? Unfounded,at least from my viewpoint. We had a guest condutor, a very capable man by the name of Alastair Willis instead of Eckart Preu, the Symphony's music director/house conductor. Our featured soloist, Kaitlyn Lusk, was mind blowing.

The music itself was performed very well with each specific song flowing into another, something that I didn't expect, but enjoyed nonetheless. The visuals including the Lee/Howe artwork was a welcome bonus. Being able to hear the score performed live was awesome because I was able to hear instruments that I couldn't hear on the CD and also to see what instrument created what sounds and where the choirs came in... it certainly was an experience.

Besides the Lee/Howe visuals, watching the conductor was also... an interesting experience. Even though we could only see the back of him, you could tell he was contucting with such emotion and power. I can only imagine the facial expressions.

The only thing I can say I didn't approve of was the choice of male soloist for "The Return Of The King". The man they chose... he was a bass, where I'm almost sure Vig's a baritone. His voice was too deep and too powerful for what the text required. It sounded... out of place, but then I'm biased. No one steps on Viggo's turf.

I was pleased with the soundtrack selections that made it into the symphony. I would have enjoyed more from TTT and ROTK, but I understand why; more music from FOTR needed to be in the piece to set up the themes for the other two movies. What I didn't get was why Billy's song from "Steward Of Gondor" wasn't included. I was really looking forward to that, so for it not to be in there was disappointing. Guess I should have made the journey to Cleveland.

11-11-05 Latest News

Hall Of Fire This Weekend -- Seven Deadly Sins In LoTR
Demosthenes @ 6:41 pm EST

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 Saturday November 12 at 5.30pm 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.

America:
5.30pm EST (New York)
4.30pm CST (Chicago)
3.30pm MST (Salt Lake City)
2.30pm PST (Los Angeles)

Europe:
10.30pm GMT (London)
11.30pm CET (Paris)

Asia-Pacific:
6.30am AWST (Monday 13th) Perth
8.30am AEST (Monday 13th) Brisbane
9.30am AEDT (Monday 13th) Sydney
11.30am NZDT (Monday 13th) 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:

Sat November 12 - The seven deadly sins in LoTR
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!

Did you know that Hall of Fire has a mailing list? Join today and get topic announcements and news delivered regularly to your inbox!

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

NYC Rings Concert and Gathering
Xoanon @ 10:34 am EST

From the folks at herenistarion.org: As you know this Sunday November 13th at 3pm, The Rings: Myth and Music will be the opening season concert for:

The Collegiate Chorale
Carnegie Hall (57th Street & 7th Avenue)

Robert Bass, Conductor
(See our interview with Mr. Bass here)

Soloists: Christine Goerke and Valentin Peitchinoff
New York City Gay Men's Chorus

Works by Richard Wagner and Howard Shore

In our last newsletter we put it to a vote where North East Tolkien Society members can meet, and chat while enjoying a hobbit-like meal--alot of you voted and the official choice is:

The Brooklyn Diner, located
212 West 57th Street
(between Broadway and 7th Ave.)
brooklyndiner.com
TEL: 212.581.8900

If you would like to join us and did not vote, we shall all meet outside Carnegie Hall on the corner of 57th and 7th st's and head to the diner--if you do not see us, head to the Diner and we'll meet you there.

11-10-05 Latest News

OWN the Ring in Dominic's hand!
Xoanon @ 3:51 pm EST

Ever looked at that big shiny “ring” in Dominic’s hand on the RINGERS cover artwork and think, “Gosh, I’d sure like to own that ring.” ? Well now’s your chance! We will be having a silent auction to benefit the National Center for Family Literacy at the RINGERS: LORD OF THE FANS world premiere on Wednesday, November 16th.

This ring (which was held by Dominic Monaghan for the entire afternoon while we were shooting the cover) and other exclusive, autographed items will be offered up for charity auction at the RINGERS Premiere after-party. This auction will be held at Rudy’s Barbershop after the screening. You can ONLY bid on these exclusive items IN PERSON AT THIS EVENT!

Here’s a list of what we’ll be auctioning off:



There are still some seats left for this event, so if you’d like to purchase some click here!

We will also be giving away one copy of “The Lord of the Rings Sketchbook” autographed by Alan Lee, to our costume contest winner. Other costume contest prizes include RINGERS postcards autographed by Dominic Monaghan! See you at the Vista Theatre on Nov. 16th!

11-07-05 Latest News

ONE RING CELEBRATION TO BE SPONSORED BY GAMES WORKSHOP
Xoanon @ 10:15 pm EST

ONE RING CELEBRATION TO BE SPONSORED BY GAMES WORKSHOP

November 7, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GAMES WORKSHOP TO SPONSOR THE ONE RING CELEBRATION: THE LORD OF THE RINGS FAN CONVENTION

The One Ring Celebration, the annual gathering of Lord of The Rings fans being held January 20-22, 2006 at The Pasadena Center in Pasadena, California, today announced that GAMES WORKSHOP will be a presenting sponsor of the convention. Games Workshop is the largest and the most successful tabletop fantasy and futuristic battle-games company in the world. Major brands include Warhammer and Warhammer 40,000. In addition, Games Worshop holds a global license from New Line Cinema for a tabletop battle-game based on director Peter Jackson’s BAFTA and Academy award winning film trilogy The Lord of The Rings.

Authorized by New Line Cinema, The One Ring Celebration features a full weekend program of LOTR themed guests, exhibits, events, parties and competitions. The 2005 event drew over 5,000 attendees from around the world. Sean Astin, Billy Boyd, Miranda Otto and John Noble have already been announced as special guests for 2006, along with performances by popular musicians The Fenians and a one-man LOTR show from Charles Ross. Additional headliners are currently being invited.

Games Workshop will be on hand running Mines of Moria demo games and painting lessons. Visitors to the Games Workshop area will be encouraged to play the Mines of Moria Strategy Battle Game as well as paint a model to take home as a complimentary souvenir. Three participation games (all models supplied) will be ongoing throughout the weekend:

"The Battle of Pelenor Fields" - Gondor and Rohan vs. Mordor

"Ambush of the Rohirrim" - Rohan vs. Wargs and "At the Gates of Moria" - Dwarves vs. Goblins

The latest Games Workshop Lord of the Rings releases will also be available at the convention.

Complete information, including up to date guest and event listings, is available at creationent.com. The One Ring Celebration is produced by Creation Entertainment in association with TheOneRing.net.

11-06-05 Latest News

Alan Lee Book Tour: Beaverton, OR Report
Xoanon @ 11:30 am EST

Alan Lee Book Tour: Beaverton, OR Report

Turimel writes: I took these very cool pics of Alan Lee in Beaverton, OR. He's drawing a picture of Sam on a concrete stepping stone. That stone will be placed in the Elanor Garden, which is just up the street from the bookstore where Alan appeared.

The garden was built to be an homage to JRR Tolkien and his beloved character, Sam Gamgee. We wanted to make a special stone as a tribute to Sam for the garden path, and Mr. Lee was gracious enough to brave the difficult media of rough concrete and a very messy bottle of paint to produce a lovely sketch of Sam on this stone. It bears an imprint of nasturtium leaves and a flower, and will eventually say, "Well, I'm back!" This will surely be the crown jewel of the Elanor garden and I'm thrilled that Mr. Lee was willing to do this--particularly after a long evening of presentations, questions, and booksignings.

Free "Dork of the Rings" Sneak Screening
Xoanon @ 11:12 am EST

Tim Richardson, The Dork-rector of 'The Dork of the Rings' writes: Coming this December will be a FREE sneak screening on the “big screen” in South Bend, Indiana of clips and interviews from THE DORK OF THE RINGS, which is coming out in summer 2006. Our website is dorkoftherings.com

Meet the cast and crew of the film and watch the movie trailer, the documentary THE MAKING OF MUDDLE-EARTH (which has screened internationally), footage of co-director Jack Peterson at conventions (where he talked to Elijah Wood about the film), new and improved computer enhanced scenes from the film and much, much more!

An hour-long DVD with many of these videos will be available as well at the event and through the website starting December 10. We will also hopefully have new Dork t-shirts available for sale by then.

This sizzling event will take place Saturday, December 10 at 2:00 p.m. Indiana University South Bend at Wiekamp Hall in lecture room 1001. Visit iusb.edu to find the address and map information.

11-05-05 Latest News

Chat with Alan Lee Today!
Xoanon @ 10:20 am EST

Everyone is reminded that Alan Lee, the acclaimed LOTR illustrator and Academy Award-winning conceptual designer for the film trilogy, will join us in the Hall of Fire (on the TORn IRC server) on Saturday November 5 at 6pm EST for a live question and answer session.

Alan will be answering questions on his work illustrating Lord of the Rings, his involvement with Peter Jackson and WETA as a conceptual designer for the Lord of the Rings film Trilogy and his new book The Lord of the Rings sketchbook.

The book presents more than 150 of Lee's celebrated illustrations to show how his imagery for both the illustrated Lord of the Rings and the films progressed from concept to finished art. In addition, the book contains 20 full-color plates and numerous examples of the conceptual art produced for Peter Jackson's film adaptation.

Alan has been creating fantasy artwork since 1978. He's illustrated writers such as Dennis L McKiernen, Ursula K. Le Guin and has also worked as a set designer on the films Legend (1985), Erik the Viking (1989) and Merlin (1998).

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Tolkien, a new 1,200 page edition of The Lord of the Rings was planned. Alan Lee was chosen as the illustrator. With 50 colour plates, the book was a stunning artistic and commercial success.

This chat will be held on Saturday November 5 at 6pm EST on the TORn IRC server. However, if you can't make it, you can still submit your question for Alan simply by e-mailing it to us at halloffire@theonering.net. We'll ask it for you on the day!


Alan's United States book tour

Alan Lee is currently touring the United States to promote and talk about his new book during October. His events will will feature a slide show, a Q&A with fans, and a booksigning. You can also order your copy from Amazon here.

And if you want to find out more about his tour, including dates and locations, check out Alan's tour blog! Get along, ask some questions, buy the book and get it signed by Alan, himself.


About the live Q&A

Because we expect a large number of people, this chat will be moderated. That means you'll pass your questions to us and we'll ask them on your behalf. The reason we do this is because we don't want Alan overwhelmed by dozens of people all asking a question at the same time.


Time zone conversions

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

America:
6.00pm EST (New York)
5.00pm CST (Chicago)
4.00pm MST (Salt Lake City)
2.00pm PST (Los Angeles)

Europe:
11.00pm GMT (London)
11.30pm CET (Paris)

Asia-Pacific:
7.00am AWST (Sunday 6th) Perth
9.00am AEST (Sunday 6th) Brisbane
10.00am AEDT (Sunday 6th) Sydney
1.00pm NZDT (Sunday 6th) 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 13 - The seven deadly sins in LoTR
Sat November 19 - The seven deadly sins in LoTR


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!

11-02-05 Latest News

Alan Lee Chat -- The Full Details
Demosthenes @ 4:17 pm EST


Everyone is reminded that Alan Lee, the acclaimed LOTR illustrator and Academy Award-winning conceptual designer for the film trilogy, will join us in the Hall of Fire (on the TORn IRC server) on Saturday November 5 at 6pm EST for a live question and answer session.

Alan will be answering questions on his work illustrating Lord of the Rings, his involvement with Peter Jackson and WETA as a conceptual designer for the Lord of the Rings film Trilogy and his new book The Lord of the Rings sketchbook.

The book presents more than 150 of Lee's celebrated illustrations to show how his imagery for both the illustrated Lord of the Rings and the films progressed from concept to finished art. In addition, the book contains 20 full-color plates and numerous examples of the conceptual art produced for Peter Jackson's film adaptation.

Alan has been creating fantasy artwork since 1978. He's illustrated writers such as Dennis L McKiernen, Ursula K. Le Guin and has also worked as a set designer on the films Legend (1985), Erik the Viking (1989) and Merlin (1998).

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Tolkien, a new 1,200 page edition of The Lord of the Rings was planned. Alan Lee was chosen as the illustrator. With 50 colour plates, the book was a stunning artistic and commercial success.

This chat will be held on Saturday November 5 at 6pm EST on the TORn IRC server. However, if you can't make it, you can still submit your question for Alan simply by e-mailing it to us at halloffire@theonering.net. We'll ask it for you on the day!


Alan's United States book tour

Alan Lee is currently touring the United States to promote and talk about his new book during October. His events will will feature a slide show, a Q&A with fans, and a booksigning. You can also order your copy from Amazon here.

And if you want to find out more about his tour, including dates and locations, check out Alan's tour blog! Get along, ask some questions, buy the book and get it signed by Alan, himself.


About the live Q&A

Because we expect a large number of people, this chat will be moderated. That means you'll pass your questions to us and we'll ask them on your behalf. The reason we do this is because we don't want Alan overwhelmed by dozens of people all asking a question at the same time.


Time zone conversions

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

America:
6.00pm EST (New York)
5.00pm CST (Chicago)
4.00pm MST (Salt Lake City)
2.00pm PST (Los Angeles)

Europe:
11.00pm GMT (London)
11.30pm CET (Paris)

Asia-Pacific:
7.00am AWST (Sunday 6th) Perth
9.00am AEST (Sunday 6th) Brisbane
10.00am AEDT (Sunday 6th) Sydney
1.00pm NZDT (Sunday 6th) 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 13 - The seven deadly sins in LoTR
Sat November 19 - The seven deadly sins in LoTR


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!

Did you know that Hall of Fire has a mailing list? Join today and get topic announcements and news delivered regularly to your inbox!

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

Alan Lee Chat -- The Full Details
Demosthenes @ 4:11 pm EST

Everyone is reminded that Alan Lee, the acclaimed LOTR illustrator and Academy Award-winning conceptual designer for the film trilogy, will join us in the Hall of Fire (on the TORn IRC server) on Saturday November 5 at 6pm EST for a live question and answer session.

Alan will be answering questions on his work illustrating Lord of the Rings, his involvement with Peter Jackson and WETA as a conceptual designer for the Lord of the Rings film Trilogy and his new book The Lord of the Rings sketchbook.

The book presents more than 150 of Lee's celebrated illustrations to show how his imagery for both the illustrated Lord of the Rings and the films progressed from concept to finished art. In addition, the book contains 20 full-color plates and numerous examples of the conceptual art produced for Peter Jackson's film adaptation.

Alan has been creating fantasy artwork since 1978. He's illustrated writers such as Dennis L McKiernen, Ursula K. Le Guin and has also worked as a set designer on the films Legend (1985), Erik the Viking (1989) and Merlin (1998).

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Tolkien, a new 1,200 page edition of The Lord of the Rings was planned. Alan Lee was chosen as the illustrator. With 50 colour plates, the book was a stunning artistic and commercial success.

Although the chat will not be held until November 5, you can still submit your question for Alan in advance simply by e-mailing it to us at halloffire@theonering.net. We'll ask it for you on the day!


Alan's United States book tour

Alan Lee is currently touring the United States to promote and talk about his new book during October. His events will will feature a slide show, a Q&A with fans, and a booksigning. You can also order your copy from Amazon here.

And if you want to find out more about his tour, including dates and locations, check out Alan's tour blog! Get along, ask some questions, buy the book and get it signed by Alan, himself.


About the live Q&A

Because we expect a large number of people, this chat will be moderated. That means you'll pass your questions to us and we'll ask them on your behalf. The reason we do this is because we don't want Alan overwhelmed by dozens of people all asking a question at the same time.


Time zone conversions

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

America:
6.00pm EST (New York)
5.00pm CST (Chicago)
4.00pm MST (Salt Lake City)
2.00pm PST (Los Angeles)

Europe:
11.00pm GMT (London)
11.30pm CET (Paris)

Asia-Pacific:
7.00am AWST (Sunday 7th) Perth
9.00am AEST (Sunday 7th) Brisbane
10.00am AEDT (Sunday 7th) Sydney
1.00pm NZDT (Sunday) 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 13 - The seven deadly sins in LoTR
Sat November 19 - The seven deadly sins in LoTR


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!

Did you know that Hall of Fire has a mailing list? Join today and get topic announcements and news delivered regularly to your inbox!

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


Go back to Special Reports Archives