Middle-earth Minutes

MEM 26: Hobbit Production Video 06

2012-03-06T11:58:00.000-06:00

In this episode of Middle-earth Minutes we discuss a real, hand-made Red Book of Westmarch, beautiful photos of Hobbiton, a giggly Smaug, the Mithril edition of LOTRO, the 6th Hobbit production video, and more. Originally heard live on Middle-earth Network Radio.

Links to all stories in this episode can be found at the Middle-earth Minutes Delicious page.

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MEM 25: To Dungeons Deep And Caverns Old

2012-02-20T10:25:00.001-06:00

Come with us far over the misty mountains cold as we feel the love of beautiful things made by hands and by cunning and by magic moving through us during this 25th episode of Middle-earth Minutes.

Links to all the articles we discussed can be found on our Delicious page.

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MEM 24: The Most Awkward Wednesday

2012-01-15T21:58:00.000-06:00

Join the father and son podcasting team as we discuss the Hobbit teaser trailer, the 5th Hobbit Movie production video, and the most awkward Wednesday Bilbo Baggins could ever remember - all on Middle-earth Minutes 24.

Links to all news articles and videos can be found on our Delicious page.

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MEM 23: Christmas Greetings

2011-12-18T21:31:00.000-06:00

Has it really been a month and a half since the las episode?! We have an excuse; we were waylaid by princesses and goblins. Listen to find out more. This holiday season episode includes news regarding a Hobbit movie teaser, Stephen Fry, Elijah Wood, and Luke Evans talking about the films and sets, Lord of the Rings Online updates, enhanced e-book versions of the Hobbit, and much more. For links to all the articles discussed this episode, visit our page on Delicious.

Music: Gloucestershire Wassail by Brocelïande, from the brand new album, "Minstrels of Yuletide: Christmas in Middle-earth" on Swordsong Records.

Micah and I are so very thankful for all of you that listen to Middle-earth Minutes, and we wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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MEM 22: Long Ago In The Quiet Of The World

2011-11-06T22:23:00.000-06:00

MEM 22 featuring a much older Micah after leveling up with a between-show birthday!

In the news: Hobbits could be coming... to Otago? Hobbit are in Matamata. Hobbits reunite for 10th anniversary of LOTR films. The full press conference with Peter Jackson in Hobbiton. Sylvester McCoy takes the gag order in a seriously funny way. Luke Evans can't wait to get back to work on The Hobbit. Super set pictures from the South Island. Benedict Cumberbatch crawls around on his belly for a workout. Peter Jackson releases 4th Hobbit production video... and puts you in the action!

The links to all these stories can be found on our Delicious page, and includes the two previous episodes we recommend listening to before next time. This is really a test of sorts. Let us know if you like it.

In this episode we discuss one particular Tuesday morning at Bag End long ago in the quiet of the world.

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MEM 21: In A Hole In The Ground

2011-10-23T20:42:00.000-05:00

The 21st episode of MEM is also Micah's very last one as an 11 year old! Yes, he is leveling up on the very same day that the Council Of Elrond was held in T.A. 3018.

In the news: Andy Serkis discusses motion capture with the BBC. $50,000 camera and drone combo captures epic scenery in The Hobbit. More Tolkien inspired video games coming soon from Warner Bros. HarperCollins begins celebrating The Hobbit anniversary early. A genuine Hobbit convoy!

Join us for a journey from the heart of The Shire, Three Farthing Stone, on up to Bag End as we talk about the history of all three.

Music: "Hobbit Birthday Song" by Marc Gunn, from his brand new album Don't Go Drinking With Hobbits.

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MEM 20: I Am A Hobbit

2011-10-09T22:56:00.000-05:00

After skipping an entire month we are back with a new episode! Benedict Cumberbatch talks about his role in The Hobbit... when he can get a word in edgewise. Prime Minister John Key interviews Sir Peter Jackson. Warner Brothers grants the Master Toy License for Hobbit movie toys to The Bridge Direct, Inc. Micah and his siblings are already pooling their monies!

This episode we discuss the race of Hobbits. Investigating the who, what, where, and when of these delightful holbytlan.

Make sure to read the first few pages of the 1st chapter of The Hobbit in preparation for the next show. And join us on the Elendilmir server in Lord of the Rings Online as we follow as much of Bilbo's unexpected journey as possible. Contact us if you'd like to join our Kinship.

Music this episode: "An Unexpected Journey" by Lonely Mountain Band.

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MEM 19: The One Ring

2011-08-28T22:45:00.001-05:00

Snow falls in Auckland, NZ for the first time in 72 years. Steven Fry says "that's crazy!" on Twitter. Evangeline Lilly off to New Zealand for filming. John Rhys-Davies talks... returning for the Hobbit? Jackson Spokesman: filming "resumed last week." Hobbiton visitors sworn to secrecy, but primed for shoot soon? Lord of the Rings Symphony album coming soon.

This episode we dive deep in to the Silmarillion for a discussion of Sauron, and more specifically, the Rings of Power.

Music this episode is "A Well Dressed Hobbit" off the forthcoming album Don't Go Drinking With Hobbits, by the great Marc Gunn.

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MEM 18: Peter Loses His Andy Serkis

2011-08-14T21:32:00.000-05:00

Gandalf among the top 10 most beloved wizards of all time. GeekDad hoping the Hobbit inspires his kids to read. Peter Jackson says the Hobbit will be more humorous. Micah's dream house is fit for a Hobbit. Absolutely beautiful screenshots from the LOTRO: Rise Of Isengard expansion can be seen here and here. James "Bofur" Nesbitt suffering from Deep Vein Thrombosis. But, don't worry, he's well enough to eat great looking Polly Burgers. Orlando Bloom, New Zealand bound. The third Hobbit Production Video finds Peter Jackson has lost his Andy Serkis as well as himself. But he encounters a White Wizard! Casting Call for Elf extras. Andy Serkis gets no respect. The Mythgard Institute is offering online Tolkien studies, and has some exciting announcements regarding partnerships with University of Wales Institute, Cardiff.

We also answer listener email, and messages from Twitter.

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MEM 17: First Look

2011-07-17T21:03:00.000-05:00

This episode is jam-packed with Hobbit Movie news! Sauron chosen as the number one evil sorcerer. A 6.5-magnitude earthquake shakes Wellington, NZ. Hobbit photos in Miramar Park banned. Richard Armitage talks the Hobbit. First look at a bunch of the Dwarves. And an exclusive look at Thorin Oakenshield and the beautiful Orcrist! Peter Jackson continues to please with the second production video from the set. A brand new War In The North trailer. Plus a listener submitted link to an amazing LEGO build of the Battle At Minas Tirith from Brickworld, 2011.

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MEM 16: Melkor

2011-07-03T20:03:00.000-05:00

In the news: Andy Serkis talks about the excitement on the Hobbit set. Luke Evans - from one Clash Of The Titans to another - cast as Bard the Bowman. He may not be Leonard Nimoy, but Benedict Cumberbatch to take on dual roles as Smaug and the Necromancer. Peter Jackson announces Evangeline Lilly as a Woodland Elf, and Barry Humphries as the Goblin King. The Antiques Roadshow finds a copy of the Hobbit appraised at $80,000 to $100,000 in El Paso. Beautiful pictures from the set of The Hobbit including the very first magazine cover. Everybody wants to talk to Frodo, Elijah Wood says he looks the same. "With theses 50,000 LEGO, and two months, I can build Barad-Dur!"

This episode we discuss the Great Dark Lord, Melkor: first and most powerful of the Ainur.

We also take you on an audio tour of Bag End.

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MEM 15: The Long Lake

2011-06-10T13:10:00.002-05:00

Mark Hadlow spills the beans on Dori? More like spills a bean. A fun read none-the-less. Peter Jackson answers the first fan question on his Facebook page; confirms the While Council and Dol Goldur will feature in the films. Titles and release dates announced for the Hobbit films. New photos of Rivendell set en route to Hobbit studios. James Nesbitt says he makes a dashing Bofur. Great photos of Czech Tolkien fans re-enacting scenes from the Hobbit. Stephen Fry talks about his role as the Master of Laketown. GeekDad article asks The Hobbit: More Awesome Or More Aweful? We know where we stand on the subject. Elijah Wood excited to return to Middle-earth in October. Peter Jackson's jet lands in Queensland. One article says "nothing to see here, folks", another says "sure looks like they're here to film." A quick map search shows, to your hosts, that they're awfully close to the Long Lake! Take a look for yourself.

No literary discussion this week in order to make room for our special guests, Father Roderick and Dave Kale of the Secrets Of The Hobbit podcast.

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MEM 14: Never Laugh At Live Dragons

2011-05-29T21:53:00.000-05:00

A man named Conan cast as an Orc called Azog! To learn about Azog, the quintessential Orc, listen to MEM 12. Matamata will be upgrading facilities to create a "Hobbit-like feel" with the help of cold-hard cash. Even more casting news: Stephen Fry cast as the Master of Laketown, Benedict Cumberbatch casted as somebody - according to Martin Freeman, and the ladies will be happy that Orlando Bloom is officially back as Legolas! Two and a half million dollars raised for Christchurch earthquake releif during a 12-hour telethon. A man suffered injury to his nostril hair caused by an "explosion" on the Hobbit set.

Our discussion this show is about Dragons. Where did they come from? Why was Gandalf so concerned about one Smaug the Golden? How many types of dragons are there? What is the "Dragon Spell"? We talk about these and much more, including the greatest dragon ever, on Middle-earth Minutes.

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MEM 13: The Istari

2011-05-15T18:53:00.001-05:00

News mainly revolves around the Hobbit movie casting on this 13th episode of Middle-earth Minutes.

Robert Kazinski is out as the Dwarf, Fili; Dean O'Gorman is taking over the fat-suit, Peter Jackson reports. What is better than one Bilbo? Two Bilbos! Ian Holm returning as Bilbo in the Hobbit. Nobody other than Hugo Weaving can play the role of Elrond, and he has obliged. Radagast The Brown will be in the Hobbit, therefore we are expecting to see the White Council. Sylvester McCoy will play the animal loving, wayward Wizard. Gimli has no tattoos; his stunt double does, according to John Rhys-Davies.

In keeping with our previous discussions, this week we talk about the Istari as described in Unfinished Tales. Who are they, what are they, and what do they do?

Music: Middle-earth Bragging Song by Marc Gunn. Taken from Music Alley: the podsafe music network.

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MEM 12: Longing For The Lonely Mountain

2011-04-22T23:14:00.002-05:00

The Good Friday episode of Middle-earth Minutes with Michael and Micah.

A lot of news to cover. How much is a dragon worth? Let's just say a 14th share would suffice, according to Forbes. Elijah Wood is excited to return to Middle-earth, but is bemused that Orlando Bloom has read the whole script! Did Gimli cause Peter Jackson's ulcer? Well, Andy Serkis will help with the load. He's taken on the additional job as 2nd Unit Director. Regardless, the films will be beautiful, owing in part to being filmed at 48 frames per second. Is it true, as according to a NY Times blogger, that women don't like the Hobbit?

For our discussion this episode we piggy back on the subject from MEM 11 and continue our study on Durin's folk. We give a quick review of the events that led up to that Unexpected Party that Bilbo Baggins found himself host to. How did 13 Dwarves find themselves in Bag End, Bagshot Row? Listen to find out!

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MEM Special: The Tolkien Professor

2011-04-20T00:04:00.002-05:00

We had the great pleasure of hosting Dr. Corey Olsen, more affectionately known as the Tolkien Professor, for a live special announcement on the Middle-earth Network. We feel honored that he chose to give us the exclusive news of his forthcoming book about... well, just listen. You'll enjoy it.

Join the Tolkien Professor, Mark from Bird and Baby, John from the Lonely Mountain Band, Arwen from Middle-earth News, and myself for a fun and informative hour, as heard live on the Middle-earth Network.

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MEM 11: Durin's Folk

2011-04-03T20:31:00.004-05:00

The longest episode of MEM yet! After discussing the latest Hobbit movie news we use the the topic of the latest upgrades to LOTRO to launch into a discussion of Dwarves. As always we use the Silmarillion and the Lord Of The Rings appendices, as well as the Tolkien Gateway as reference material.

We are also joined by very special guest, Mark, from Dunedain Radio and the Middle-earth Network to talk about the launch of the brand new Tolkien/Fantasy internet radio station.

We were excited to hear Father Roderick mention MEM on episode 4 of his wonderful Secrets Of The Hobbit podcast (never mind that we said episode 3 during this show), and encourage everyone to listen to all his "Secrets" podcasts.

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MEM 10: The Dunedain

2011-02-20T20:50:00.003-06:00

More Hobbit movie news: Peter Jackson recovered quickly after emergency surgery for a perforated ulcer. Are the sacred mountains off limits to the Lonely Mountain? Are you an elf? Report for Hobbit duty as an extra. Finally a date! The Hobbit set to begin filming March, 21st.

On this episode we also discuss the Dunedain; who were they and where did they come from? Source material is taken mainly from the Silmarillion, the Lord Of The Rings Appendices and the Tolkien Gateway wiki. Excuse the mis-pronunciation of some names and the mis-represented URL to the MEM Facebook page. Actual link below.

Music this episode is the track Gollum Blues, by Marc Gunn. Taken from Music Alley - the podsafe music network. If you play Tolkien inspired music, please upload some tracks to Music Alley and let us know. We'd love to hear it.

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MEM 09: Frodo Lives!

2011-01-17T08:26:00.007-06:00

The big news, regarding the Hobbit movies, of course, is that Elijah Wood is reprising his role as Frodo. But Frodo is nowhere to be found in the story of Bilbo's adventure! We share our thoughts on that - the Red Book of Westmarch may be the key - as well as other casting news. Plus an eleven-year-old's eye view of LOTRO (Lord of the Rings Online), this day in Middle-earth history, and more.

Music for this episode: Song Of Durin's Awakening, provided by the amazing Lonely Mountain Band.

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MEM 08: A Long Expected Podcast

2011-01-04T16:43:00.007-06:00

After a 13 month absence, we are back with a new episode of Middle-earth Minutes. This is just a quick update to introduce my newest co-host.

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We are working on the next episode now, so tell your friends.

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MEM 07 - J.R.R. Tolkien: Secret Agent 007

2009-11-18T13:39:00.013-06:00

Covering the news and events from the last couple of months, Michael Kaiser and Pieter Collier bring you up to date on specific items of interest to any fan of Tolkien.

J.R.R. Tolkien trained as a British spy?

On Sept. 16, 2009, the Telegraph reported that "Novelist JRR Tolkien secretly trained as a Government spy in the run up to the Second World War, new documents have disclosed" (emphasis added). Pieter shows how this story isn't news by citing sources such as the J.R.R. Tolkien Companion and Guide, as well as other Tolkien scholars.

MGM: The Lion, The Ditch, and The Hobbit

The studio with the most recognizable logo in movie history continues to make news. MTV Movies Blog reported on Sept. 25, 2009 that "things are looking bleak", and that the studio needs a total of $170 million to finish out the year and to "fund high-profile projects like The Hobbit". THR.com reported on Oct. 1, 2009 that MGM has "secured enough support from key lenders to allow the studio enough cash to proceed with its participation in The Hobbit." And Variety.com has reported on Nov. 11, 2009 that, according to several sources, MGM "will essentially be auctioned off within the next few weeks."

We discuss all these things, as well as the great news coming out about the progress regarding the script, casting rumors, and more including:

According to SciFi Wire.com, "Gandalf" has read the script, and Comic Book Movie.com asks "Could we being seeing Brian Cox as a Dwarf in The Hobbit?"

Music

This episode features the song "The Grey Havens" by New York band Fathom.

New Segment: Browsing the Tolkien Library

Each episode Pieter will step out of the Tolkien Library with a prized book, or news of upcoming releases, to share with us. This time we discuss his article about The Book of Jonah, which is to become available in February, 2010. Talk centers around Tolkien's work as editor of The Jerusalem Bible, his translation, and possible as-of-yet unsubstantiated participation in translating other books of the Old Testament.

Did C.S. Lewis and Tolkien plan to write together?

C.S.Lewis.com conducted an interview with Dr. Steven Beebe about the forthcoming publication about his discovery of a "previously undiscovered fragment" of a manuscript in the Oxford library. A manuscript which he believes is the much-sought-after beginnings of a collaboration between Lewis and Tolkien.

Festivals

We reported last episode about the Festival In The Shire. Now we have more news; and it is shaping up to be the pinnacle of Tolkien festivals! Pieter fills in some of the particulars on this episode, and we know that you will be anxious to attend this event.

Also, the Edge of the Wild annual Middle-earth Art Exhibition, now into its 7th year, is scheduled for March 26-29, 2009 according to the Facebook Page.

Call the Middle-earth Minutes voice line at: (815) 2-HOBBIT
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MEM 06: Browsing The Tolkien Library

2009-09-14T15:27:00.023-05:00

The change in format is here! I'm joined by Pieter Collier from the Tolkien Library to discuss news and views about all things Tolkien: Literature, Art, Film, Festivals, and more. We're sure that Pieter will become a regular part of Middle-earth Minutes, and are certain that you will enjoy the news that we have brought you... some of which is being heard here for the very 1st time.

Legend of Sigurd Audio Book Delayed:

All those who had pre-ordered the Audio CD were expecting to be listening to it by now. Find out why it is not yet available according to the publisher. But, Harper Collins has some news that is being reported here for the 1st time...

Never-Before Published Hobbit Painting By Alan Lee:

When asked about what else we could expect the answer came back that "the Alan Lee illustrated Hobbit hardback is getting a much deserved reprint with a slightly different cover, which includes a brand new never-before published Hobbit painting by Alan Lee."

We took the opportunity of that good news to discuss Alan Lee and the interview that Pieter conducted with him in March, 2008.

The Edel Silmarillion Student Project:

Further discussion with David Brawn at Harper Collins turned to the Edel Silmarillion, a student project produced by the very talented Benjamin Harff, which was featured on the Tolkien Library. Harper Collins says that The Benjamin Harff Silmarillion "has not been considered commercially". We encourage all Tolkien fans everywhere to take a look at this book, and send a friendly email to both the Tolkien Estate and Harper Collins asking that this book be published so that we may all have a copy. You can email both by visiting Tolkienestate.com/contact, and perhaps, with enough letters from eager fans, we can persuade Harper Collins to release this beautiful book.

Tolkien Settlement: More Than $100 Million:

THR, Esq. reports on the resolution of the litigation between New Line Cinema and the estate of author J.R.R. Tolkien, and we offer our own comments as well as those of Christopher Tolkien (“The Trustees acknowledge that New Line may now proceed with its proposed films of ‘The Hobbit.’”) and Peter Jackson who says that they're "not even greenlit yet", and suggests that we "drop Warner Bros. a line and encourage them to be kind to [the film makers]".

Also, according to High-Def Digest New Line/Warner has delayed The Lord of the Rings Trilogy Blu-ray.

Oxonmoot 2009:

Oxonmoot 2009 will take place at Lady Margaret Hall from September 25th to 27th. Advanced booking has now closed but you can still attend Oxonmoot and pay at the door. For more information, visit the Oxonmoot website.

And lastly, according to Pieter...

Festival In The Shire:

Next year there will be organized a completely new Tolkien event, namely "Festival in the shire - A celebration of all things Tolkien inspired".

It will be held from August 13th -15th, 2010 at Y Plas Machynlleth, Wales, United Kingdom. The town of Machynlleth is located on the edge of beautiful Snowdonia National Park and is the historic capital of Wales.

There is not much known about this event yet, but it promises to be great! I have heard rumors that Ted Nasmith (the Tolkien artist), Jane Chance (the author of many Tolkien related books and articles) and John Garth (author of Tolkien and the Great War) and Tom Shippey (probably the greatest Tolkien scholar alive) are confirmed to be participating/attending. This event will be combining a Tolkien conference with an exhibition of Tolkien-related books, art, memorabilia and other fantasy items. The three-day event will feature food, music and entertainment.

There is no website yet but I have been told it will be going live shortly.

Tolkien fans that wish to provide input on the program planning and events related to Festival of the Shire are encouraged to do so. If you would like to exhibit your company’s products, exhibit items from your personal Tolkien collection, or participate in the entertainment, contact Mark Faith. info [AT] markfaithbooks [DOT] com.

Music:

"Tolkien: The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings" provided by Brobdingnagian Bards and taken from Music Alley - a place for musicians to upload songs that podcasters from all over can play and help to promote. If you, or a friend, play any music that is Tolkien related please upload to Music Alley and leave us a comment for this episode. We would love to hear and possibly play it on an upcoming episode of Middle-earth Minutes.

Miscellaneous:

Do you have a question or comment for us, or maybe some news that you would like to hear reported? Please leave a comment below. If you would like to have your comments heard in your own voice on Middle-earth Minutes use the "Call Me" widget in the sidebar of the Middle-earth Minutes blog. We would enjoy hearing from you and including it on the show.

And that is it for this episode of Middle-earth Minutes.

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MEM 05

2009-04-29T19:33:00.009-05:00

After a long hiatus Middle-earth Minutes is back with episode no. 5, recounting our favorite news items from the last couple of months.

Courtesy of IncGamers.com The Saul Zaentz Company is expecting a new Lord Of The Rings and Hobbit videogame to be out in time for Christmas.

From the Examiner.com: the Top 5 Weirdest bands from the San Francisco Bay area includes a Tolkien inspired band - A Band of Orcs - in the #1 position.

TotalFilm.com interviews Viggo Mortensen about The Hobbit, and we find the tone of the article to be a bit "fishy". Can anyone provide the full audio interview?

From Chris Bouchard, director of The Hunt For Gollum fan film: Release date is May 3rd, 2009! We, at Middle-earth Minutes, kindly ask that you wait until the 4th of May to view as to not risk bringing down the servers as we try to watch the film. Just kidding, Chris!

World Exclusive on EmpireOnline.com: Jackson and Del Toro talk Hobbit. Revealing the make-up of both films.

From TolkienLibrary.com: Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun Release Party will be held online with guest Tom Shippey & giveaways!

Join us on the Middle-earth Minutes site to share your ideas on how you would like to see each film made. What should comprise the 1st and 2nd film? How long should each film be? When do you expect the announcement of a Trilogy?

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MEM 04

2009-01-19T09:56:00.005-06:00

Heavier on the Hobbit Movie news...

Following a link from KillerMovies.com: Ian McKellan Talks "The Hobbit" in an interview with iFMagazine.com.

Question: Can you have a Ring Saga movie without Sir Ian?

Answer: Of course not! He IS Gandalf.

From iStockAnalyst.com - The Powers of Good and Evil Collide as The Lord of the Rings: Conquest Raids Retailers Worldwide. Now if Electronic Arts Inc. would like to send me the game along with a PS3 console (We are Playstation folk at the Kaiser Haus) I'd be more than happy to review and love it.

Andy Serkis on The Hobbit in an article posted at ComingSoon.net. The same question and answer found above naturally applies... just substitute Gollum for Gandalf.

TheOneRing.net Exclusive: Monaghan is interested in "the Hobbit" film. Of course he is! And I for one hope that they can place the whole lot of young Hobbits within the frame work of the movies. Even a small cameo would suffice... right at the end of the THIRD film. I know, I know its 2 films, for now.

Musical selection: From Lincoln Nebraska Garfan presents us with a Black Sabbath-esque track "Gandalf", taken from the Podsafe Music Network.

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MEM 03

2009-01-07T21:49:00.007-06:00

After an unplanned month off due to slim news in Middle-earth, we're back with highlights of Tolkien related news since the last episode.

December 19 was the red letter date when the Yahoo News UK and Ireland site reported a two year delay for the Hobbit movie. The good folks at BilboHobbit.com as well as multiple other sites posted the news as reported, and then Guillermo Del Toro himself squashed the erroneous article on the OneRing.net... all on the same day! No wonder nobody wants to buy Yahoo.

Also making Dec. 19 a monumental news day - the makers of the beautiful looking independent fan film "The Hunt For Gollum" released the first full trailer on the Hunt4Gollum blog. The makers have graciously allowed use of part of the score on Middle-earth Minutes since the get-go.

January 3rd was, and is, the birthday of J.R.R. Tolkien. If you haven't done so already, read some fascinating information about him on Wikipedia.

Tolkien Gateway provided a link to the Milton Keys Citizen which contains an interesting article on the release of the memoirs the Tolkien's brother Hilary. The collection is said to contain early tales crafted by both brothers that occupied at least a part of the more famous of the brothers' epic stories.

The Guardian.co.uk reports on Tolkien's version of Norse legends that are soon to be published.

Pack your bags and have them ready... we're going to Spain to visit the Middle-earth theme park! That is, if it does get built.

"Randy Newman's Theme from The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" by Paul & Storm. Taken from the Podsafe Music Network.

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