Strange to think that five years ago today I saw my first Lord of the Rings movie. It was so long ago I have to link you to my first blog. Life has never been the same, eh?

What did I do before Orlando Bloom, elvish, Tolkien? I bet you can trace the upward movement of my lifetime word count in all my stories from December 2001 on...there were a few years there, in high school, I think, when I didn't write at all, unless required...yet now I have 150,000 words in three years, and probably equal to that with other writing projects.

And think of all the money I've spent on the franchise, eek

  John Mayer, Wheel (Live)
  Academ's Fury, Jim Butcher (yes, again)
file under: lordoftherings , writings Posted by Jen at 4:24 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Today is JRR Tolkien's 113th birthday. Amazing, isn't it, how one man could have such an effect on popular culture? I wonder if he would have been happy at how his books created such fervent obsession I hope he would have liked the movie.

I saw Phantom of the Opera this past weekend, which was nice. I liked it, and so did the parents There were definitely some off notes, but on the whole the actors really could sing. The costumes were great and it was nice seeing the sets be more realistic than they are, by necessity, on the stage. Unfortunately for me, we saw it at an independent theater that doesn't show big-name trailers, so no Kingdom of Heaven trailer for me. Alas. I just went home and watched it on my computer

Hope you all had a safe and happy holiday season. I need to take down my tree sometime, I guess. *sniff* I like the holidays. I just wish I'd had a little bit more time off. Ah well. someday grasshopper. Troy comes out tomorrow I know it wasn't all that great of a movie, but hey. It's Orlando. That makes me happy. Random thought: anyone else notice that Kingdom of Heaven includes two actors Orli has worked with before? Marton Csokas and Brendan Gleeson also star...like you care. Random thought #2: if you like instrumental music you might like Mehdi.

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 10:57 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Someone pointed out on one of the numerous LotR livejournals that this time last year we were all waiting for the King... ahh, LotR nostalgia. It makes me very sad that there isn't anything else to wait for, except perhaps a massive soundtrack collection of all the music from the movies, which I would adore, but it won't be the same...this is the first december without a midnight premiere, and I don't know why, but it makes me sad. Just had to slip in a LotR quote there. I don't know when or if there will be something like these movies that so inspires the fangirl in me. Spider-man and Harry Potter perhaps approach it (I have seen both the Spidey movies on opening night/midnight, after all) but they're not at the same level.

so who's up for a movie marathon?

Oh, and happy birthday Miranda Otto (Eowyn)! I can't believe it's past the ides of the month. sigh. *keeps telling herself that there's still four days until the orgo final*

  Dave Matthews Band: Say Goodbye

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 5:22 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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yeah, so my mom called me to let me know that she has a rather large box waiting for me at home. sigh. I so want to go home and just steal it out of the house, but I bet she's got it hidden for just that reason the agony of waiting! It's not fair...but I will concede that if I had it right now I would be watching it if I could, and not studying. Well, I'm not really studying now anyway, but you get the point. I really do need to be studying; doing pointless nothings right now in a massive procrastination effort, trying not to think about the RotK:EE. Yeah. Not helped by all the people on LJ who are posting about their EE experience...oh, and check out Etoile's (not me, lol) music section, it's a nice introduction to the music of the Lord of the Rings, which, unless you are hard of hearing you love just as much as I do *seethes silently at the waiting* *tries to get into an orgo mood* *giggles and the closeness of 'orgo' to 'orgy'* Sigh. I'm going bonkers. Wish me luck on orgo!

  Howie Day: She Says

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 3:10 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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I hate waiting. I don't know how people stand waiting for things. I guess I'm just a very impatient person when it comes to my *ahem* passions. I like things right!now. Does that mean I'm bad?

Although it means I know exactly what I'm getting for christmas, I had to tell my dad how to get onto a site so he could get me a calendar, from all places, Hot Topic. Now, there's a Hot Topic store in the mall, but I doubt he's ever been in, in fact I would be surprised if he had, since it's sort of a goth-teen store that even I feel a little weird entering. Regardless, the store doesn't seem to have the LotR stuff that they offer on the website, so I sent him there. He said he was a little freaked out by the stuff on the site. He's also cute because he chooses used books instead of new. Luff my daddy.

Hah. If I were rich, oh the things I would buy and probably never wear...

Random thought: why are all the good fan shirts black? It's not my favorite color, you know...

  Keane: Somewhere Only We Know

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 4:16 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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This Legolas Lithograph would make a nice gift, don't you think?

[edit]*moan* I want this Legolas calendar! Yes I am a fangirl. Haven't you figured that out by now?[/edit]

I have a small wishlist, which is, of course, at home, not at work. Therefore you'll just have to settle for going to Amazon or AE and search for my wishlists there, or you could always click on the links beneath this post Seriously, folks, what (cheap) things do you want for christmas? I think I've got my parents taken care of, but I have no idea what to get Olga, my roommate, for instance. She gave me chocolate and the mini Trilogy version of the LotR calendar. Mmmr. And this next paycheck is basically going to pay the rent and the bills, so I won't have a lot left over to spend on gifts. Sigh.

In case you were wondering, I went through and changed some of the ads/affilates through out the site. I'd really appreciate it if you did some shopping through those links...activity is nice, and there are some good deals. Hopefully they're not too intrusive. lol. do your shopping through my site! whee!

In case you were wondering, I got my latest orgo test back, and I did much better. I guess the flash cards helped. Though that means I have to make a heckuva lot before the final...grumble grumble. Studying sucks. The final really will determine my grade...I think I'm still hovering about the mean, when I want to be on the happy side of the bell curve...*dreads orgo studying* And silly library, getting both (rather long) books that I had on request in on the same week...both due the week of the final. I guess we'll see if I finish them. I'm sure there are requests for both of them so I won't be able to renew. Ah well. There's always another hold, I suppose...

Still pent up about that saturday lab. I really don't like the fact that I have to take it; but I guess I will. Doesn't mean I have to like it! I know I spent all those saturdays in high school and college getting up absurdly early to make it to track meets, and spent much longer times at said meets than the piddly 8am - 2pm lab will take up, but at least those were fun and I wasn't graded...ugh. Did I mention the fact that there's an Arthurian Mythology class offered Wednesday nights (which is of course the same time as the orgo class)? Sigh. One of these days I will be able to take fun classes. Tap dance for free, anyone?

Because I really like this picture and you might see more of it soon, once I find a nice hi-rez version...

  The Polyphonic Spree: Light and Day

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 2:16 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Six minutes of heaven
Squee! Fangirl moment. Click above for the link to a six-minute preview of the Lord of the Rings: Return of the King special extended edition Ahh, that makes me happy, even if I'm going to attempt to stay away from it until I'm done with orgo. The final, anyway. Still haven't signed up for next semester. Not like the class is going to be full or anything. Course, now that I've said that, watch it be the only evening class that fills up. Sigh.

Did get Spidey 2 and Hero (couldn't resist) last night, and the National Treasure and The Matrix (yes, I know, behind on the times, it was on sale) soundtracks. Bad Jen.

So...who wants what for christmas? I basically should just ask for money this year because no one is going to buy me an mp3 player, a keyboard or a new laptop. That's just the way life is. And one of these days I WILL make enough money to get them for myself. Greedy little minx, aren't I? I have no clue what to get my parents. Thank goodness I don't have brothers or sisters, so I don't have to figure out something for them too. I'm so bad. Ah well.

I'm just rambling, really. I should be doing orgo. Guess I'll go do that.

PS: pray for my mom. She's in the hospital for her blood pressure. Not cool.

  Hans Zimmer: Run Free (Spirit: Stallion of the Cimmeron Sdtk)

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 3:31 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Museum of Science - Lord of the Rings Boston's MoS is having the only exhibition of the LotR memoribilia and other such things related to the film in the US. I really want to go. It's there until October...which incidentally is about the time when I should be in Kansas City for the renaissance festival...anyone interested in that?

Jesus, I need more friends. I don't have anyone to go to the Moonlight Ramble with either, unless Leo or Alex change their minds. Sigh. This is where I missed out being an only child...no built-in trip buddies.

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 12:27 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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..but if I ever see one I might just get it, on the principle of the thing...
Barbie Collector Showcase

And in case you've ever wondered...What if Orlando needs a green card?

I've made more icons. Soon there will be a post. But probably over at the LJ. I'll get back to you on that. Wait! There are some up in the Iconic gallery already. Yeah. Go comment.

And you must check out this site for Harry Potter fanart. Wow. artdungeon.net ~ Harry Potter Artwork (Fan Art by Marta) Am inspired.

Want the King Arthur soundtrack, the Spidey 2 score, and the Ned Kelly dvd. Next tuesday there will be a sharp drop in Jen's budget.

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 12:42 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Oh my goodness how much it has rained. Flooding-type weather here, hail in some places. Thank goodness nothing's flooded around my place yet, but some of the low roads have standing water and the highways were a mess last night. I hate to say it but St. Louis drivers on the whole are pretty bad. Now, you can't lump me in with the whole because I'm a very good driver (almost always ) and I've never had (read: caused) an accident, but gosh, the people in my town can't drive if there's severe weather. When my car was hit (about a year ago, I guess) it was only slightly rainy and the lady sure had the choice of going up on the curb or hitting my car...sheesh. Go slow, turn on your lights, and don't tailgate like the stupid van behind me this morning.

And so I have finally seen Return of the King on DVD, which makes me happy...however, it's also the first dvd that I've ever bought or rented that is defective. Nearly all of chapter 28, the Siege of Gondor, flickers, breaks up, and just plain stops until there's only five or so minutes left to the chapter. *yes it's a long one* The rest of the movie plays fine. So I'll have to exchange that today. blah. Somehow I managed to buy two copies of the Hidalgo soundtrack, so while I'm at it I'll return the duplicate...and return the cd-only version of the new Hanson album because I found the cd-dvd version at fye. Yay returns! (heavy sarcasm there)

Some subtle improvements could have made Troy a much better movie...

From the end credits of the Return of the King:

Me mahara tonu taatou nga Uri-aapakura noo tuaanuku nei, noo te waaotuu te tu kekehua ana o ngaa Eldarin kua hohouu mai i te Uru-moana.
�Let us dedicate our memories to the spirits of the Eldar who came to us from the Ocean that lies to the West.�

I missed Sir Ian McKellan's birthday yesterday. Happy belated 65th, Gandalf!

I want a Legolas t-shirt! I don't know when I would ever wear it, but it would be so nice to be able to see him all day I love my elf.

Stop raining! At this rate we'll never play a softball game...

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 10:06 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Well, after months of waiting, RotK comes out on dvd today. I've had my copy reserved for a while now, and I think I even get a King Aragorn figurine when I go pick it up. Someone from the store called yesterday just to make sure that I remembered to come by the store...like I would forget. I reserved mine at FYE, but I should have gone to Borders...they had a midnight release party. I think I could have gotten another t-shirt. Ah well. I don't really need any more t-shirts, though it would have been cool. But then I would be tired today. See, I have some common sense.

I wouldn't be surprised if our softball game gets rained out on thursday. not because it's actually raining, but the 'field conditions' thing again. Sigh. I remember griping about this before...it's april showers, not may showers. bah.

Oh yeah, the "extended cut" of Underworld comes out today as well. Maybe I'll pick that up too You know me and werewolf/vampire flicks What to watch tonight? Healthy wholesome family flick or dark bloody horror? Or the 24 "season finale you'll never forget"? lol.

Too bad Alex and Leo are going down to Texas. I'll just have to have fun without them. Be safe you two!

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 9:35 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Or at least my literature-reading betterment. I just finished Ned Kelly (aka Our Sunshine, the book that the eponymous movie is based on) and I'm starting the Iliad today. Yes, I am reading an ancient classic for fun. I'll try to, anyway. Alex says I'll like it. And you know the reason I read or will read these books is because there's a hot guy called Orlando Bloom in the movies...so now I have a glorious face to put with the characters Yes, I know, it's a silly reason to read lit books but hey. I've got to get excited about something.

Btw: Ned Kelly is a really good book. It took me half a day to finish only because I spent three hours and twenty minutes yesterday seeing Return of the King for the fourth time. Yes folks, it's true, I have now been in a theater for thirteen hours and twenty minutes because I love that movie so much. I reserved my copy of RotK on dvd this weekend (along with spending lots and lots of money at the mall--bad jen!) and I'll get an exclusive Aragorn figurine on may 25 when I go pick it up. That date can't come too soon. Unlike Leo I can watch movies over and over and over again And in case you're wondering...yes, it's still good. Even if Legolas is Captain Obvious. I've heard he'll have more (meaningful) lines in the extended edition (which is still (!) scheduled for a Christmas release ;-P).

And on a much different note. My uncle as you may or may not know has been battling pancreatic cancer for a goodly while now, and my mom just told me that it's gotten worse. So if you're the praying type I'd really appreciate your help. And go out and give blood because he's used up about ten people's so far.

You can tell it took me a while to get this whole entry down. I called my mom in the middle of it. Funny how you can go from rather content to pretty depressed so quickly.

file under: lordoftherings , reallife Posted by Jen at 1:25 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Well color me happy. Lord of the Rings: Return of the King won all 11 awards it was nominated for, tying it with Titanic and Ben-Hur as the most decorated Oscar winner. Everyone in New Zealand got thanked at least twice, and most probably three times...it's not that big of a country We even got thanked...and by we I mean the fans, the extremely happy fans, the obsessive ones...ok, maybe that's just me.

RETURN OF THE KING: BEST PICTURE!
Peter Jackson for Best Director
Grant Major and Dan Hennah won the Oscar for Best Art Direction.
Ngila Dickson and Richard Taylor won for Best Costume.
Jim Rygiel, Joe Letteri, Randall William Cook and Alex Funke for Best Visual Effects.
Richard Taylor and Peter King for Best Makeup.
Christopher Boyes, Michael Semanick, Michael Hedges and Hammond Peek for Best Sound Mixing.
Howard Shore won for Best Original Score.
James Selkirk won for Best Film Editing.
Annie Lennox, Fran Walsh and Howard Shore won for Best Music (Song).
Fran Walsh, Peter Jackson and Philippa Boyens won for Best Adapted Screenplay.
(from TORn.)

Still appalled that there was no nom for Cinematography, but I guess since a LotR movie has won before and it already had 11 noms they decided against it. Whatever. Still happy. All the songs were performed wonderfully tonight...makes me want to see A Mighty Wind even more now, and almost makes me want to see Cold Mountain to see how the two (!) songs that were nominated fit into the movie. No terribly strange outfits this time...oh, I could be nitpicky but it's late and I won't. I really liked Nicole Kidman's hair. And the top of her dress. Ditto for Sandra Bullock. You already read about Angelina Jolie if you read the previous entry. All four hobbits were there...it was so cute! And PJ wore shoes

Jen's a happy fan.

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 12:48 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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TheOneRing.net has a list of the 11 nominations that Lord of the Rings: Return of the King garnered this year. Thankfully, Best Picture and Director are among them, and thank God the Academy got its head out of its collective behind and let RotK's score be nominated. Yeah sure it sounds like the other two, for continuity's sake...but it has wonderful original moments. But...no cinematography? Eh. It'll be interesting to see which of my two favorite movies of the year (RotK and Pirates) win in the categories they're going head to head in. And yay Johnny Depp! A nomination for best actor! Whee! This should be an interesting night.

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 2:17 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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My cousin's finally the same age as me again She spent the day driving to New York and sightseeing. Lucky for her with the sightseeing...not so fond of the driving part.

It SNOWED! And I got to SLED! Whee! Jen is happy. I'll probably be more sore tomorrow what with having to walk back up Art Hill after sledding all the way to the bottom, but it's worth it. And the new sled I got, while it did split up the middle on the bottom, worked wonderfully. Nothing a little duct tape can't fix! It was a pretty even snow, not so much accumulation, but icy. It took quite a while just to get the ice scraped off the car...hopefully it won't refreeze so I don't have to spend more time scraping the car tomorrow morning! Maybe I'll get into work on time. Last friday I somehow managed to turn off my first alarm but sleep through my emergency second alarm. So I woke up about ten minutes before I'm theoretically supposed to be at work, even though I never get into work until 15 after anyway. Darn walk from the parking lot gets me every time.

Anyway, after sledding Alex, Leo and I saw the Butterfly Effect. Interesting movie. While there were some horrifying moments I'm not disappointed I saw it. Ashton Kutcher is sort of a cutie, especially when he's clean-shaven...It's a good concept, and I think it was well done. It's just not quite up there. Eh. I guess my standard is pretty high now, what with the LotR movies...shoot, they even influence how long I feel a movie is. Anything under three hours is a short movie now, haha. But yeah, about TBE...I'd recommend it, I guess, it's pretty suspenseful. It's not a movie you could see again very readily though. Part of what made it good was that you really didn't know what would happen. So here's my ambivalent-with-a-nudge-to-go-see-it vote.

And speaking of LotR...watched the end of the golden globes tonight so I got to see RotK win Best Original Song, Director and Motion Picture Drama (!!!Whee!!!) RotK also won best Original Score which means they won all the awards they were nominated for. Go RotK! At least the Hollywood Foreign Press got it right. Let's hope the Academy are taking the hint.

I like snow.

file under: lordoftherings , movies , working Posted by Jen at 11:44 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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the BOW! and the QUIVER! and the DAGGERS! (but you already knew about those) all at lordoftheringscatalog.com. This stuff was previously only available in Germany (...wtf?) So now all you people asking me where you can buy the bow (since you don't read sidebars) can visit there.

Wouldn't it be cool to have the kit? I don't know what I'd do with it and I certainly don't have the money for it, but damnit it would be SO cool to have. There's even a display plaque for the bow and six arrows. When am I gonna be rich again?

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 5:27 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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and here I answer some pretty inane ones.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but that's what some website had for the translation

Anyway, here are some answers to your burning questions.

Q: where can i find legolas's bow? A: I've already answered this, several times...take a look at the sidebar under "right now" and you might be able to figure it out. As of right now the bow is not officially available.

Q: buddy icons. A: Also already answered this...you people don't check back often enough. I don't really have time to make a lot of icons, so there aren't a lot on my site. You can find plenty online!

Q: What is this website for? A: This website is my personal journal/portal to all my other sites. A place where I can ramble about my (argueably) unexciting life. Click on the 'what the heck is an etoiline" link on the sidebar. NOT affiliated with Orlando Bloom, Lord of the Rings, or anything in Hollywood. Just a fangirl! Am I gonna have to make a disclaimer?

Q: How many times has Orlando Bloom factured his skull? A: I'm not quite as obsessed as some, so I can't tell you for certain. I believe just once. Though he has broken his ribs three times. and Q: how much money did Orlando Bloom make? A: As I'm not his agent nor his accountant I am not privy to any of his financial information...honestly, people. I must not sound like a girl! and Comment: I'm a big fan of you OB and I was wondering how could a guy so hott{sic} like you not be married but then again maybe you could stay single for 11 years{laugh}? Where on this site does it say I am Orlando? Can someone tell me why this looks like anything other than a fansite? There's nothing official about it. Go bug full bloom.

Q: will i marry legolas? A: Gosh I sure hope not because that would mean you are delusional. Not quite so obsessed with the lovely elf prince that I don't realize he's fictional.

Q: Age? A: Come now. You obviously didn't look at the site very long, did you?

Q: what does the back of arwen's crown look like? A: Wait, let me ask her to turn around for you. I wish I knew, but I'm not a metalsmith so I couldn't even begin to guess. Do I look like a jeweler?

Egad. I had more of these than I realized. Maltese falcon screencaps indeed. I've never even seen the movie. And I don't think Billy Boyd or Orlando will marry anyone who visits this site...and I certainly can't tell you what they're thinking! And yes it's true, the cast are all friends still. Read any interview and you can see that is true. I have only sketched Orlando in his Legolas and Will Turner guises, and just pure sexiness as himself. Maybe more later.

Just heard Melissa Etheridge's new song, Breathe, as originally sung and produced by the St. Charles (near my hometown) band Greenwheel. They're both on the same label, and she picked it up. I recommend the Greenwheel version.

file under: lordoftherings , miscellany , orlando Posted by Jen at 1:05 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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And things are a little boring around here. Yay triglyceride assays that don't work. And I made a timesheet for tomorrow's experiment. And I read some of the RotK Script, with screencaps of the first half...

I can't believe I forgot to wish Tolkien a happy 112 birthday last saturday. Alas. Well, I saw RotK in honor of it...yeah, that's it. And yes, that does mean that I've seen the lovely bit of cinema that is Return of the King three times, and as far as I know I've got at least one more in me...we'll see if I can rack up the 6 theater viewings I had for FotR. Only once more to tie my TTT record...and have you heard that the RotK EE is most likely going to come close to FIVE HOURS long? Ahh. Bliss! lol. Kidding. Really. How are they even going to fit all that on two discs? lol.

Would you like to be a part of a research project on Lord of the Rings? Click here.

I'll have to check out Walgreens to see if they have RotK valentines yet

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 2:18 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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but I'll answer some questions anyway. And yes, I did see RotK again this past weekend, and it was quite good, again. My parents liked it too, though my mother is quite sure she knows why the movie won't win best picture at the Oscars. Ah well.

Q: Does billy Boyd sing in the Soundtrack? A: Yes, yes he does, and quite well too, on track #5, The Steward of Gondor. Quite a moving scene in the movie. I just love his accent. Go Scotsmen. Also, Viggo Mortensen sings in Elvish on track 17, The Return of the King (a ten minute long track! Viggo only sings a short bit in it.)

Q: Inama Nushif A: Well, if you want to anything about it, I suggest you look at this post or this post (first is better, since it has a link to the composer's website). Then you should rent the Children of Dune miniseries and watch (and listen) for the scene it's played over. Such a good scene.

Q: Will Orlando Bloom answer my letter? A: Now how am I supposed to know that? I mean, if I had ever written him a letter mayhap I would know if he responds, but alas, being neither Orlando Bloom nor his publicist I can't help you.

And in the same vein: Q: Does Billy Boyd fancy me? A: I honestly don't know, but to make you happy, I'll say of course. I'll be sure to pass that onto him the next time I see him... yeah.

I should mention that the midnight premiere started at 12:17 am on 12/17 (by my watch, anyway) and that the reason I see the midnight premiere is because the atmosphere is so much better. For instance, you knew people were going to cheer at the appropriate moments at the MP, but there were only two places for cheering at the saturday matinee...Legolas' Mumakil moment and Eowyn vs. the Witch King. And there was some polite golf-clapping at the end, vs the rather thunderous applause at the MP...so much more fun at the midnight showing. Where else are you going to find all these people in cloaks yelling at the screen?

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 5:07 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Aspyr is going to release the RotK game for Macs next year! Whee! Now all I have to do is get a computer that can play it. sigh. I really want a new computer...

I really need to balance the gifts between my parents. I have about seven gifts for my mom and two for my dad, and those two are pretty small. sigh. what do you give your dad? He never asks for anything and really hates it when people spend money on him.

It's weird wrapping presents by myself. I mean, I suppose I can wait a little bit, but it's still weird. And sort of a pain. And messy. But pretty

Want to read Return of the King but don't have the time before you see the movie? Check out this site and you'll be all set. I like things that make me laugh. There's lots more great stuff where that came from.

I want to see Return of the King again this weekend! Really! I want to subject myself to three hours and twenty minutes of butt-numbing stupendousness! I do, really! I'll shut up now.

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 2:17 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Well, I'm officially tired now, and I really need to go christmas shopping still. and pick up something for the lab lunch party tomorrow. and tape smallville and angel. are they even new tonight? I don't know. Blast, I forgot to tape 24 last night. That's the first episode all season I've missed. Too bad I don't still have bit torrent on this computer. takes up too much bandwidth.

Happy Birthday to Bernard Hill! He's 59.

I wanna see it agaaaiiinnn...meh. Soon, grasshopper. I've listened to the RotK soundtrack so many times today, and I still don't know the names of the songs. Beautiful stuff.

So I'll be going now. If you actually made it through all the tripe I wrote today, I salute you. Bed never sounded so good.

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 6:24 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Heee. Foxtrot is funny. So is this one. Gotta love it when comic strip writers go pop culture. Especially when it mentions my favorite actor.

Did anyone else notice the scar on Viggo's lip? I guess cause I was seeing his face up close and personal...makes you wonder how he got it. Or maybe that's just me. And Orlando sure does like the pursed-lip mug for the camera. Cute though.

I can't wait to see the Mumakil scene again! lol. You have to love it when you can see on his face that he's deciding to do this outrageous thing that no one else would even think of, and then he does it! Whee!

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 2:55 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Are you a LotR Expert? Hee. I am and some interesting statistics.

Spoiler thought...

At Aragorn's coronation, he communes with the remaining members of the fellowship, and you get to see Lego in a crown...of sorts. Makes him look a little poncy, but I was like, hey, Prince Legolas of Mirkwood! And then he does this cute little eye flick and directs Aragorn's attention to a banner behind him...and lo and behold there is Arwen, with Elrond the proud pappy looking on. Now this sounds cheesy, but it works.

You see all the people of Minas Tirith on the Spike of Ecthelion (er. I think it's the Spike) and Aragorn passes Faramir and Eowyn...they look happy, standing close together, but I wish they would have put in a little of the romance for the two. But I guess that will come with the Houses of Healing sequence. That just makes the EE a must-see. And what about the seedling of the White Tree? I hope that gets addressed in the EE as well.

I cannot wait to see this again. I didn't really care for the beginning, what with Smeagol and Deagol, but I suppose it's nice to see how Smeagol became Gollum, so that's sort of a pain to sit through, but once you get past that, it's spectacular. A spectacular piece of cinematic history.

And yes, I wore my costume. I did have a coat on outside as it was in the twenties and very windy. But once we got in the theater I had full costume...minus a belt. I can't believe I forgot the belt! Luckily we didn't have to wait outside long...they let us in over an hour before midnight, good thing. Maybe they felt sorry for us There were some people in costume, a lot of people in cloaks, mostly at the beginning of the line. You could tell some people had been camped out there a while. We should have gotten there a half-hour earlier and we would have been closer to the front of the line...but we got good seats anyway. We sat in the fifth row this time, not the third...still a little bit of a crick in the neck, but right in the middle of the theater. Good stuff.

You WILL have to go to the bathroom at the end of this movie! It's amazing how three hours and 20 minutes taxes your bladder

Some more questions that need answering (there's been an influx of questions in the last few days...I guess I'm showing up on some weird searches...but feel free to ask anyway!):

Q: Sound track the return of the king. A: If you want to know where to get it, check out lordoftherings-soundtrack.com or

Amazon. If you want to know my opinion...I'll have to listen to TTT again, which I think is my favorite, but I've been listening to the RotK soundtrack for at least a week straight, so it's my favorite right now. Sweeping sounds, reprises from the first two movies, beautiful symphonic stuff that makes you want to be a composer. I would have to say the LotR music as a whole is my favorite soundtrack work at the moment...Howard Shore is still not my favorite composer, though he's high on the list. But behind Hans Zimmer and James Horner still, I think. I highly recommend the RotK soundtrack. Of course, I also highly recommend the FotR and TTT soundtracks as well. Spring for the deluxe versions if you can get it. They're just a little more fun.

Q: Trailers before RotK. A: There were a couple of not so good trailers and a few interesting ones. Spiderman 2 and The Butterfly Effect are trailers that stood out...I assume you know what I'm talking about with Spidey2...if not, search the web and I'm sure you'll find the trailer as it went online on Monday. The Butterfly Effect stars Ashton Kutcher and Amy Smart, neither of whom I think are great actors, but the movie sounds not half bad. There was a sort of stupid teaser for the 2nd Mask movie. Something about a baby born with the Mask's powers? Eh. Go see the movie. I liked the trailers but that was not why I was there

The credits of RotK are pretty neat. For each actor's name there's a pencil sketch next to it of the character they play. I didn't stay for the whole thing but I will next time. I want to hear the whole "Into the West" song in theaters. Sigh. Theoretically I might still be able to make it to a show tonight, but that's probably pushing it. I want to see RotK again! Right now! lol. At least I know I'm guaranteed at least two more showings, possibly three...and I'd have no problem with that at all.

Today is the 100th anniversary of the first flights at Kitty Hawk. Whee! So glad the Wrights were smart

I'm sure there will be more later.

file under: lordoftherings , movies Posted by Jen at 12:35 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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TheOneRing.net Fan Reviews

Here's my review that I submitted to TORn. You can read it here and see how I rated things, or just read the text below...

!!!SPOILERS!!!

The word that describes my viewing of the midnight premiere is 'breathtaking.' Even though I've read the books several times before and knew what was going to happen, I still felt myself carried along with the story and waiting (or dreading, depending on the mood) to know what was going to occur next. The way the story is told is original...using the book as a guide, but done in its own way.

First off, a few gripes...I realize that with a story with so many different characters and arcs that there's going to be a little discontinuity, but some of the jump cuts were disconcerting. This bothered me in the Two Towers as well, but it's something I can live with. Sometimes Howard Shore's beautiful score was drowned out by the action onscreen, but that's not a terrible thing either. I miss the Faramir/Eowyn relationship and the Houses of Healing. I want to see Aragorn work the magic of the King. But at least they'll be on the dvd.

It was interesting to finally see the promo stills and trailer clips in their proper context, strange to see how they had changed since we first saw them.

Now the highlights: I'll admit my fangirl status by saying Go Legolas! His taking down the Mumakil singly got the loudest cheers during the whole movie. And a funny part to boot. Thank you PJ for listening to the fans. And he's knowledgeable about the Paths of the Dead, eh? lol. And finally making note that he's a prince of the Woodland Realm...good stuff.

Aragorn. Wow. Viggo, my hat's off to you. Aragorn seems so real, so human, I believe I would follow you too. Gandalf: nice to see you for most of the movie. I'm glad you got to kick butt with your staff and stave off a couple of Nazgul. Pippin! I love the accent, and the lighting of the signal fires was a wonderful cinematic moment. The soaring music and sweeping vistas...one of these days I'll go to New Zealand and see it for myself.

Eowyn/Merry vs. the Witchking! Yay! Women/Hobbit power! Don't those bad guys ever learn that just because 'men' can't kill them they can still be killed? The battle scenes! Huges shots of the armies coming together, when you know that it's hopeless...they're willing to make the ultimate sacrifices just for the chance one small hobbit will make it to the Cracks of Doom. And the final fight between Frodo and Gollum. That part stayed with me from the book, and I will always remember it from the movie as well.

I'd heard this one could be a tearjerker, and there were some times that I almost cried. This is pretty impressive, because I never cry at movies. But everything just feels so realistic, so immersive, that you can't help but emphasize with the characters.

I was worried at the beginning with the slowness of the movie, but I got into it quickly. I never looked at my watch the entire 3 hours and 20 minutes. I do remember thinking just about the time when Frodo and Sam were at the foot of Mt. Doom that there was still a lot to go...but I'm glad they wrapped it up. I'm glad the Hobbits got new suits.

I was sad to see it end (for real, after the several fade-to-black frames), and a little numb. What an amazing experience. I'll need to see it at least two more times to get the full impact. Thank you PJ, cast and crew for making such a wonderful, touching, moving, action-filled, workout-for-your-subwoofer film. Hannon le.

Final analysis: I loved it, can't wait to see it again, so-THAT'S-what the silver frock is supposed to look like, yay Lego in a crown, Aragorn: the fans have found their captain, Arwen: ok, she's very pretty and not as silly in this movie as TTT, read the last two pages of RotK, and walk out smiling. I'll be listening to the soundtrack all day, and coming back with more thoughts as they come to me...now to work, now for wrath, now for ruin and the world's ending! er. Still excited.

file under: lordoftherings , movies , orlando Posted by Jen at 9:43 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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And this will be my last post before I go home, try to sleep, eat something, watch the 2nd disc of TTT, read the last two pages of RotK, and go wait in line! Egads!

btw, that buffer I was working on all day? Out of the 20 liters the bottle can hold I made 10. Yeesh. Took me all freakin' day to do that...I so hope it doesn't take as long to fill the bottle!

Tomorrow is gonna be whacked out, man, so don't expect too much from me.

See you on the flip side...and expect to see a familiar title to tomorrow's post.

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 6:46 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Seven hours, really. Another hour spent making buffer and pHing it. Still haven't read the last two pages of RotK, which are apparently closely hewn to in the movie, said to be ending with the exact same line. I like that.

Eeggh! Can I go soon? Gotta watch the second disc of TTT still...

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 5:05 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Egad. I've been making buffers all day. What a joy. Until you have experienced the fun of a pH meter, you haven't lived. *strong injection of sarcasm there* Someone tell me again *why* we need so much 20x TBS? (Which will be 200 liters of TBS when its used at 1x. Whee! Gaah.)

Some links for you: USA Today's sort-of review

MSNBC's 'Triumph' review

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 4:06 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Just so it's not another boring countdown entry, thought I'd let you know that it's Mirando Otto's (Eowyn) 36th birthday today. Nice present, eh? I can't wait to see her character kick ass.

Also, the official LotR site has finally put up a new interview with Orlando Bloom, with new downloads! Whee! Know what I'm doing on my (very late) lunch break...

Do you think I should try to make it to my cousin's graduation this friday? it's at 12:30 pm. Sigh. Why do they always make graduations in the middle of the day on a weekday? Sigh. Early congrats, Corey! *mwah*

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 2:01 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Wouldn't you know it that it's supposed to get cold tonight? Last year it was surprisingly warm for December. And yesterday it got up in the 50s. But tonight, yes precious, tonight, it's supposed to get down to 26....eep!

Don't forget to vote for me in the Enchanted Realms...check out the sidebar! This is a topsite so it keeps going, through holidays and premiere dates...

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 12:59 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Welcome to the first countdown to RotK for the day! Rest assured there will be more throughout the day

I still haven't decided whether to wear my costume or not. It would be really neat to, and if you look into last year's December entries, you'll see I swore I would have a costume ready to wear for the last one...er. I'll have to see how many layers I can fit underneath the silver frock and tunic...cause it's gonna be a cold one tonight. 26 and windy, if the forecast stays the same...your thoughts?

Ed. Note: In case anyone actually reads the time on these things, I really did post this around 9:15 am. For some reason the server clock thought it was an hour ahead...ah well. Hopefully it works now. Seriously. I can add.

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 10:19 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Two days! Two days! Eek! I'm excited, can you tell? lol. Tomorrow at 10 we'll be standing in the cold, waiting for the doors to open...hopefully this year we won't have to crane our necks from sitting too close to the screen...hopefully we'll get good seats. RotK here we come! Expect an hourly countdown tomorrow

I meant to mention this last night when I was waiting for Survivor to finish, but thank goodness they finally captured Saddam Hussein. I do hope he gets what he deserves. Now if they could only catch Osama bin Laden and get the hell out of Iraq I'd be happy. Why does Bush think that spending money and troops so lavishly and continuously (still!) that the place is going to get any better? Eh. I hate politics.

btw, the Spiderman 2 teaser trailer is online. I saw it off a link on yahoo.com but I'm sure that it's several other places on the web. Whee!

file under: lordoftherings , politics Posted by Jen at 11:08 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Three days till RotK. I'm quite excited. They're showing new tv commercials. "Starts Wednesday." Whee! Wonder if I'll make it though the books before I see the movie. Perhaps.

It snowed all day yesterday. I got up at 6 am to help my mother with her last art show of the year (visit BSPA) and by the time we finished setting up around 8:45 it was snowing steadily. It didn't stop until sometime this morning. A nice smooth blanket that probably would be good for sledding. Alas I have no sled. I should have picked one up last night when I had dinner with the 'rents after the show, but I wasn't able to. Hopefully I'll be able to sled some other time...Art Hill is the best sledding hill ever. Really. Especially if it's icy.

Went to the StL alumni party last night at the City Museum. Alex and Leo were busy so I went by myself. Glad I went though, as the place is so cool and saw some of my friends from my class who are still in StL.

Did I already tell you that my Matrix name is Winter? Probably. I can't remember.

If you are a friend of mine and know that I don't have your address or you would like some mail, let me know and I might be able to send you a christmas card.

We still have to finish watching the first two LotR movies. I know that it's gotten good reviews but the anticipation is killing me. Still haven't heard from anybody about wearing the costume for the line. Sure would be nice if I could find out anyone else going in costume. I'm sure there will be. Perhaps I'll just wear the cloak over my coat. (This is your hint to comment.)

By the way, OMB means Oh My Bloom or Oh My Buddha, depending on which fanclub you're at (LotR and Roswell, respectively).

Survivor spoiler:

Sandra just won. I figured. Not who I wanted, but ah well. Congrats to her...and I'm glad I didn't have to do it.

Thank goodness we're having a lab lunch on wednesday. I'll be pretty well useless after the midnight premiere, and I won't be the only one. Too bad Mark isn't seeing RotK at Esquire. Side note: Ross and I have a sort-of date to see RotK at a later time... whee!

Goodnight, folks. Maybe I'll answer some questions later.

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 10:48 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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or at least that's what empire magazine gave RotK in their review. Whee! Five days...less, really, given that this day is closer to being over with and I'm seeing it at midnight...last night during my shows there were two new commercials for LotR...it's so nice to see 'Starts Wednesday' instead of the farther-away-seeming 'December 17.' So nice that the last one ends on a date with one of my favorite numbers it it...

Entertainment Weekly also gave RotK an A, which is cool. You can check out ew.com if you're a subscriber or I think you can buy the issue today.

LotR viewing tonight??? I hope so! It's been a while since I've seen FotR, extended or otherwise. It'll be nice to see it again. Wanna join us? lol. Happy weekend!

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 7:08 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Take a look at this article...I was amused. Too Clever By Half :: SPIN MAGAZINE ONLINE

An excerpt:

In any group of people, each member often develops a particular identity -- the brain, the jock, the drama queen. Did that happen to you?

Monaghan: Once, when we went back for reshoots, the four hobbits were riding horses.

Boyd: Elijah was having a lot of trouble with his horse, but he was trying to be a leader, and Sean was having an allergic reaction to the ?horsies. Dom was in a bad mood --

Monaghan: -- I was grumpy because of certain technical things that were pissing me off about the scene.

Boyd: And I was just in stitches watching all of them. It was so funny. And a girl from the special-effects team was standing there with a friend, and she looks at us and says, "Sneezy, Happy, Grumpy, and Doc" and walked away.

And happy belated 27th birthday to Mr. Monaghan...he celebrated yesterday. By going to a premiere, perhaps?

Random thought...Orlando Bloom is a Capricorn. I'm supposed to get along nicely with Capricorns. hey baby, what's your sign? er. yeah.

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 2:42 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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yes, that's right. In exactly 7.5 days I'll be sitting in a theater anxiously waiting for the opening credits of RotK.

Just as I was leaving for work I caught the tail end of a radio promotion where you call in and they were giving away tickets to some movie sneak preview. It took them all the way until the end of the promo to say the name of the movie, but of course it was RotK. How cool would it be to see a sneak? sigh. The last winner was a secretary calling in for her boss who was in a meeting. How's that for dedication? Just once I'd like to win something like that...passes to a movie I'd really like to see. Anyway.

I love how no one says anything about the new layout...mmph. just me being glory-seeking I guess. and I can't get that stupid picture to move up for the life of me. what is wrong with my tables? sigh. Any clue as to why there's that little break in the middle of the blend? Please look at the code and tell me.

The RotK soundtrack arrived last night...mucho happy is me. Pretty stuff. At first listen I think TTT might be better...but this one sure has a much better ending credits song, sung by Annie Lennox. If you go to lordoftherings.net or lordoftherings-soundtrack.com you can listen to it, I believe. It's fun because Billy Boyd and Viggo Mortensen sing some of Tolkien's songs on here...it will be nice to hear them in context come next week!

Whether or not the time on this thing actually says noon is up to debate, but know I posted this at noon according to my clock. And that's all that counts.

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 1:03 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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The Mind of a Man

Just thought I'd share.

Don't forget about the ABC Primetime Return of the King special tonight at 10 ET/9 CT! Whee! And Elijah Wood was on Jay Leno last night, and Orlando Bloom will be on Jay tomorrow...yay publicity

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 2:30 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Or actually, 13 days. I was going to mention the fact that the movie I've been waiting all year for is coming out in two weeks yesterday, but what with learning the ropes in the glucose transport lab I've not been able to goof off as much at work Got to talking about LotR with the guys in the lab and I of course showed off my geekiness in knowing exactly when the movie comes out and that I've already got my ticket for the midnight premiere...ah well.

Did I mention how I don't have a dvd player in my laptop? This is probably a good thing in the long run as it cuts down on procrastination. I still want a comp with a dvd drive though. But it wouldn't help me all that much anyway as even if I got a new one as it would only be good for watching a movie, say PotC, which has lots of enhanced PC dvd features. Meh. This is where I, defeated, admit I would like a PC for some reasons. Sigh. Silly people. Don't they realize that Mac-lovers are movie-watchers too?

Anyway, it's late, so I'm off to bed. Two weeks! I can't believe it. Must run dhea. Don't ask.

file under: lordoftherings , working Posted by Jen at 3:01 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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So I've finally seen the Two Towers Extended Edition. Whee! It's fun seeing the extra stuff in there just for the fans. I can see why some of it was cut out, but on the whole it seemed a nicer cut. Maybe it's just me and the little bit more Legolas that we get. Mmm, wet elf...I did notice that the EE seemed to have a little bit more violence in it than the original. This is a good thing or a bad thing depending on your point of view...I guess for me it fell in the not-really-necessary part, but hey, that's just me. I guess I still have some gripes about the editing in the original parts that was conserved into this edition, but who am I to nitpick...I'm not an editor!

I did find out that there'll be a RotK midnight screening at Esquire so I'm happy about that. Can't wait till they actually start selling tickets...

Newsweek article about RotK

And now, page 7...

Today was the fifth and last day for swimming the rats. 6 hours today. Yahoo. Mostly because all I do when looking out for the rats while they're swimming is read (and write some snippets of Moonstone) I've finished three books in four days. I'll admit that some of them were rather short, but still...I read Timeline (in honor of the movie coming out) and Angels and Demons (the first book featuring the protagonist of the Da Vinci Code) and To Catch a Wolf (which was the short one). Whee! And now I'm on Anne Rice's Blackwood Farm, which is a little odd, because the last AR book I read was Queen of the Damned when I was in college. So obviously there's a ton of backstory that I'm missing. Ah well.

And in case you didn't know, my mother's 50th birthday is tomorrow. Now, you can't call her 50 yet...she's still got five hours left! Feel free to send a card

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 8:10 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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I guess it was from being in the animal house yesterday working with the rats, but I was alllergic to something I encountered yesterday. My eyes are all swollen and I have the occasionally runny nose. It was really bad before I tried to sleep last night...even went to bed early but I think I got less sleep than I normally do because it hurt even when I closed my eyes. Yeah. That sandpaper feeling? Right here. And now I know how John Rhys-Davies felt with that prosthetic makeup hurting his facial skin...the skin around my eyes is all tender. I don't know why, if this current attack is from working with the rats, it hasn't come up before this. I mean, I've worked with the rats for longer times than yesterday...although I did have to do it twice...maybe it was because it was hot in there? Eh. I dunno. I probably shouldn't have driven to work today. And actually Pablo, the dude I'm working with (running the experiment, natch) isn't here, cause he's got the same thing I do only worse, I suppose. Rats. In any sense of the word.

I can't believe I didn't mark the one-month countdown to RotK when it happened two days ago. Exciting, no? I'm still worried about getting tickets to *some* midnight premiere. I wonder when the Esquire will get their act together and start selling tickets! As I recall they weren't sure about a midnight premiere until around a week beforehand...I sure would like to know before then this time. Silly I know, but I would love to see all three of the movies in the same theater at the same kind of premiere...

The song for the RotK credits sounds pretty good. It's called Into the West and it's sung by Annie Lennox. Which originally sounded odd to me, but I really like some of her stuff and this particular song seems to fit really well. I'd love to get the soundtrack right now...I'll probably wait until I can get the special edition or even the internet special edition, if lordoftherings-soundtrack.com would ever get updated. Silly people. I want my stuff!

Posted this at the other blog, but it's a taste of what I'd love to work on...Dr. Koop-Healing Your Own Heart Valves

file under: lordoftherings , working Posted by Jen at 1:47 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Click here to see samples of Orlando Bloom's prowess with a camera phone Too bad I don't have a good camera or a camera phone...course, the camera phone necessitates a phone in the first place, which I still don't have. One of these days, after a new computer and several road trips maybe I will get one.

btw, Billy Boyd also participated in this fundraiser. Check his out too. I'm rather suprised at the artisticness of some of the photos, given the slightly skeevy method of point-and-click phone-cam shooting.

I wonder if my Orlando obsession will last as long as my Ricky Martin obsession. It can't be longer simply because I am still slightly enamoured of the latin heartthrob singer, but my Orlando love is quite a bit stronger at the moment. And besides, Orli is making really cool looking movies right now. :wpog:

file under: art , lordoftherings , orlando Posted by Jen at 2:31 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Today has been dubbed Legolas Day because October 25th is the first day of the Council of Elrond and therefore the first time we are introduced to Legolas in the Fellowship of the Ring book. Silly, but hey, gotta feed the obsession somehow. And yes, Punz, I think someone should buy me daggers for my next birthday

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 12:48 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Pinball News - First and Free

They're gonna make a LotR pinball machine! How cool would that be? Can't you just imagine having that in your basement? lol. I would spend hours in front of the thing. Just look at the descriptioin! Whee!

Cryptonomicon is a really good book. Even if it is indirectly about math.

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 1:44 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Viggo Mortensen (aka Aragorn) is 45 today. Rock on with your bad self!

TheOneRing.net | Lord of the Rings Movie News and Rumors has a Trilogy Tuesday Aftermath report. Seems like there are a heckuva lot of disappointed fans about not being able to get tickets. Sigh. I'm still debating whether I should go ahead and buy tickets for the Ronnie's midnight premiere (we know they're having one) or wait and see if the Esquire is going to show a premiere again. Meh. And I want to see the extended editions of FotR and TTT in the theater if I can...but I guess I can settle for the DVD versions...ah well. Obsessions can suck, I suppose.

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 11:05 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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come on, you have to admit it would be cool to see all the LotR movies together on one day on the big screen. But alas, I would have had to get the info earlier in the day and actually bought tickets. I've noticed this about myself...I'm good at wavering on decisions until the decision is made for me. Meh. I'll just have to find myself a big screen and watch the EE's on dvd (which will be out at the time) or see the special engagements of each movie separately. Rats. I let things slip through my fingers. Ah well. It's money I didn't need to spend, I suppose.

rant: if there's enough people to get the screening sold out, where the hell are they??? I find it amazing that I've never met any of them out there. Meh. end rant

Hi Alex! Now you don't have to worry about people laughing at us.

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 4:26 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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I was helping Eduardo swim the rats today and while taking one out of the swimming tanks, it bit me...twice. Rats! I'm ok, the rats aren't testing diseases or anything. Just washed it out and had it checked out by the employee health service...don't get me wrong, it's not pretty. But I'm gonna be fine. They gave me a tetanus shot just to be sure...I know I was up to date for college, but I can't tell you how up to date I was at the time. The booster will probably hurt more than the bite will tomorrow. Bleah. Ah well. I guess we'll check the weights on the tails before we take them out next time! Sigh.

We should have gas in the apartment and the new phone line is in...it's a very easy to remember number with lots of 7s in it Though Alex has more. How exciting! Maybe I'll get more moved in tonight after the wb season premieres. We'll see...

Isn't anyone else out there interested in going to all three of the LotR movies when RotK comes out? I'm very much looking forward to spending the day at the movie theatre

file under: lordoftherings , reallife Posted by Jen at 3:41 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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The Return of the King trailer is here! Go watch 2 and a half minutes of goodness. I have to admit the absurd font of joy that spouted from me after watching this the first time. Eeek! December 17th seems so far away!

Things are coming together for the apartment. We'll get gas and phone service soon so the place will actually be liveable I still have to figure out what to do for a bed though. I've had some experience with futons and I'm just not sure if I like them or not. Didn't have too good of a night's sleep...but if I take the mattresses from home then what happens if I want to visit my parents/they want to make my room a guest bedroom? Bah. Whatever. I need a dresser and a desk as well. Wonder where they'll go. And I want to buy some Legolas posters for decoration and I'll have to think up a scheme! Whoo. Let's go spend some cash!

file under: lordoftherings , reallife Posted by Jen at 4:31 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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I am pleased to announce that the realm of calenhíril is completely finished! Well. All images work, the clique is up and running, the site has been nominated for some awards...so go visit. Join the clique. It's quite easy now

Someone asked me What did Gimli say to Haldir when he said "ishkhakwi ai durug nul"? Was that an insult of some kind? and I'll say, I believe that it was supposed to be an insult in dwarvish but I don't think there ever was any meaning to it. I remember the clip in one of the fotr SE archives or commentaries where John Rhys-Davies was talking about that part and how much trouble he had saying it...and how it didn't mean anything. Eh. Who knows. I'd have to watch FotR SE again

Someone else asked me my name, but unless you mean who I am, I can't help you there...unless of course you were looking for your elvish name, in which case I would direct you to BarrowDowns. Yet another person asked, will i find HIM? and to that I say, dear God I hope so. Of course, that means I have to find "him" as well. Come on, someone out there is tall dark handsome and elvish. And whoever asked simply 3x5 would just get that it is my favorite John Mayer song and everyone should go to my stupid mouth and see if anyone's got a live version available.

Go visit the realm. And for all those interested...I finished chapter six of The Moonstone Chronicles. If you've been reading it, you know what to do. If you haven't, go read it and if you feel the need to read farther than chapter four, contact me to get the password...

Still haven't heard about the apartment. Sigh. Ah well. Going home now...

file under: lordoftherings , webetcetera Posted by Jen at 6:57 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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It's Bilbo and Frodo's Birthday! Thank you Gabby for reminding me.

I am still at work. Bleah. And actually doing work. Or I shall be in five...four...three...two...one...

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 6:59 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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The Aspire Forum is now blue. Go check it out, and post, damn you! lol. No one loves the forum. And remember the gallery is cool too. I'm trying to get back into that web-design mentality and fix up all my sites that haven't been updated in too long. Someone enjoy them.

It's just about midnight and there are people in this time zone buying the Two Towers right now. Sigh. I have to wait till tomorrow, but thank you Alex. It's a nice birthday present. Don't you want to get me something too? lol. You know what I'll be doing tomorrow, don't you?

file under: lordoftherings , webetcetera Posted by Jen at 12:24 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Blades by Brown Cutlery: Legolas' White Knives Damn but I want these. It's not like I would do anything with them and I have no way or place to display them, but it's the principle of the thing, you know? Course, I also want Narsil and Arwen's sword...guess what the likelyhood of either of those happening is.

Wish Happy Birthday to John Howe (LotR Concept Artist), Alan Lee (LotR Concept Artist) and John Noble (LotR Actor), who all had birthdays this week. So did Jess Stra, if I'm not mistaken. Happy 22nd, Jess! (Remember, my bday is next week why don't you check out my Amazon wishlist?) Check out this article on LotR archery-ness: Films add a string to archer's bow. Yay for natural archers! I consider myself one More random LotR news: Pre-release sales of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers have broken all records at Amazon. The internet retailer says over 50,000 pre-orders have been taken ahead of the video and DVD's UK release on Tuesday, August 26. Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets was the previous record-holder, with 40,000 pre-orders in April. (Thanks to TORn)

Today I designed and made a totally new layout for the gallery but I forgot about gif-ness so it's a little wonky. I'm quite proud of it nonetheless...you can take a look but I'd probably rather you wait a bit. lol.

Back to voting I go...

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 5:58 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Here's a picture of me and Cathy at Comic-Con after the masquerade. I'm not sure the entire story behind the dolls...I'll figure it out later. Just so you know, I hadn't pulled my jerkin down as far as it should have been for this shot. The whole costume tended to shift upwards if I raised my arms any...hopefully there will be more soon. I'll let you know.

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 5:52 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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So, here's where I'll try to summarize my experience at the pop-culture behemoth that is Comic-Con. This will take me a while, so bear with me...

Wednesday morning, far too early for comfort, I rolled out of bed and remembered to pack everything last minute except my sandals. Not such a big deal but a bit annoying. Wore my contacts and a cute yellow v-neck. Sat on a plane for three hours, watched X2 for two and a bit of them, sort of to my chagrin cause I'd hoped to be able to sleep. Got to LA and was amazed by the palm trees. You don't see those in StL. Also don't see movie billboards on ever corner. Don't see them at all, really. Nor on buses or bus stop posters...We drove around, had lunch (at California Pizza Kitchen, natch) and then we were on our way to San Diego. Bright bright sun. My contacts were really bugging me so thankfully I had some sunglasses...but apparently there was something really wrong with my eyes cause I could barely keep them open the next day. sigh. you heard about that, I believe...Anyway, preview night was cool. we got to see everything before the rush of crowds. A good thing, that...cause it got really crowded. Got some free stuff and bought some postcards...so hopefully my friends in far off places will be able to get a little giftie...

Thursday was a bit crappy as I couldn't see most of the day. Spent the morning at the con and then came back. (Or did we? I can't remember what we did in the morning.) I was a bit worried cause I realized I hadn't contacted my partner-in-masquerading as to how we were going to get together at the con...thank goodness that worked out, thank goodness for the LotR_Costume group at Yahoo and thank goodness for Tammy. I slept quite a bit, didn't have lunch, and woke up in time to go to *a* mall in San Diego, which shows you how big the city is. I mean, we have a downtown, but there aren't nearly as many malls here...we were going to see Pirates that night but it was sold out. So we just had Pizzeria Uno's for dinner, which is grand. Funny how I didn't go to any place for food that they don't have here, save the Pacific Fish Co on the ground floor of our hotel...went swimming that night (never managed to get into my new suit though, was saving that for the beach, and well...read on)

Friday was better. Found out how to get in touch with my masq partner. Spent the morning at Coronado Island. Didn't see the famous hotel cause it was on the other side of the island and we didn't want to walk, lol. Did find some souvenirs and had some really great ice cream. I stood on the shore of the Pacific, finally. If it had been a little nicer weather we might have tried to make time to swim, but it was even a little chilly if you can believe it. Went back to the con and bought a Legolas doll, lol. It was the TTT version with Rohan armour...he looks pissed off. Maybe he's annoyed at the orcs. We met Jan again (person who took us to the mall) and went to see Pirates. Still good. Very happy. Will see it again...wonder if I'll end up seeing Pirates or Seabiscuit first with my parents...one way or another I'm going to get them to see Pirates. Came back, without eating more than ice cream for lunch and chips for dinner to work with Cathy on the masquerade skit. We thought it was pretty funny. We did end up getting laughs, but more about that later...up far too late and stayed up later looking at the complete FotR and TTT movie card decks I bought. Yes, I'm just in it for the Lord of the Rings.

And now we come to Saturday. Sigh. I missed Angelina Jolie and Halle Berry cause they were in the morning while Cathy and I were at Masquerade Orientation. Saw Dominic Monaghan as I was leaving the orientation. At first I didn't realize his bodyguard was a bodyguard; just thought it was someone dressing like Agent Smith. But then I realized he was actually protecting someone. I saw the clothes first and Dom was just wearing a grey tee and jeans, and by the time I actually processed his face (he had a cute little grin going) I was walking past him. Did a double take, I can assure you. If I'd have been quicker on the draw I might have run back to him and asked for an autograph or picture or something, but I'm not that fast nor am I that bold. So I at least breathed the same air as a celebrity for a while...

Met up with Lammy and Ire (her sister) and Banica (her friend) in the Kevin Smith talk. Sorry Alex, no autographs. He was pretty damn funny. And after his talk it was the New Line panel, and that was exciting. We had to sit through a 'Freddy vs Jason' spiel (not gonna see that movie) but then Richard Taylor came out and started talking about LotR yay! Andy Serkis talked a little as well. They had a great costume/prop demostration, there was a Galadrim elf, a Rohan warrior, Lurtz (the big-bad Uruk-hai, in full gear) and a hobbit lass. One of the armourers started making a sword. Some lucky person with the right ticket got to take it home. The hobbit lass had to be checked over by someone who really knew their hobbits...the aforementioned Dom. Later Elijah Wood and Sean Astin showed up, and they all talked a bit. We saw some behind the scenes stuff, Andy Serkis' audition tape, and what we were all waiting for, the preview to RotK. It was only three minutes of the 12 that will be on the dvd in August (should I pre-order or wait to see if they have another giveaway like they did last year? Let me know!) but it still looked neat. I can't believe the change Frodo goes through. And everyone says this is the best movie of the three, and the battle of Pelennor Fields makes Helm's Deep look like a minor scuffle. We'll see. Can't wait!

Unfortunately I didn't get to see anything else that day, really, cause by the time I'd eaten a (very) late lunch (about 4 pm) it was time to meet up with Cathy do practice the skit. But she'd gone to try and get Lij's autograph. Don't know if she ever even got it, but needless to say she was gone a pretty long time. Went to check in for the Masq and started getting dressed...put the ears on, did the side braids...had to wait a while for someone who knew how to do a fishtail braid so they could do the one in the back. No wig for me, too much trouble. Just me and my black hair, eh. At least the clothing was right! We had a pretty funny skit about the Lothlorien Beauty Care line, but I'll spare you the details. The bad thing was that there were no mikes so dialogue had to be taped. And the tech people started the music before the mc (who happened to be Robert Englund of Freddy Kruger fame) stopped introducing us. So we lost the timing, but there were laughs at the end, so I guess we were either actually funny or they were laughing at the problems we were having. My quiver almost slipped off cause one of the buckles wasn't in all the way...ah well. There was even a little Pirates tribute. The masq lasted most of the night, so I was very happy to get back to the hotel and sleep. Had to pack though...and there was the *sniff* moment when I remembered I had to go back to StL the next day.

So sunday comes, and we headed off to the con for one last time. Just walking around, trying to see some of what we hadn't before, but still didn't get to see everything. Lammy did manage to find a Pirates bag which she'd been looking for all evening. I wish I could have gotten some more free stuff. Alas. I'd just have to find someplace to put it anyway. I was sorely tempted to buy the deluxe gift set from FotR with all the character dolls in it...$60 which wasn't too bad and I even had the money, but how was I to get it home on the plane? So I settled on the FotR Legolas doll. They're so cute. This one doesn't look so pissed off. I'll keep them forever. Had to open them last night to see how all the little pieces fit together...too bad I didn't have them when I was trying to make the costume!

We made the drive back to LA, and I felt bad that we couldn't spend more time there. But I got the absolute last flight back into StL that you could get and it still be sunday night. The flight was a little bumpy but uneventful...there wasn't even a movie, just CBS's Eye on American which was a bunch of shorts from CBS shows. Didn't watch too much of it, wrote some Moonstone instead. So the story is advanced it's sort of coming together.

I think that's all of it. If you managed to read this far, congratulations. I don't have anything for you. If you ever have a chance to go to CC, I recommend it, but just dress up for the con, don't do the masq, unless you've got a big group. Bring lots of money and be prepared for your feet to hurt; mine still do. And try to stay longer than the con. I wish I could have. On the whole, I'm happy, I got to do a little theater, and sort of felt like an elf. If nothing else I'll have a great halloween costume

guess I should get back to work now.

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 12:41 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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in lovely San Diego for Comic-Con. I can't believe we're actually here. It seems odd that after so long of talking about it that it's finally being done. Preview night was last night, there looks like there's some great stuff there. Can't wait to see celebrities

I'm really tired, which isn't so odd, but my contacts did something to my eyes so that it hurts to have them open for too long. Or at least the left eye. So I can see out of one eye...I should get an eyepatch before we see Pirates tonight. lol. We'll meet up with another Arrow for dinner and the movie

We did decide to get internet access, which is grand. I don't understand why I have to clean out hundreds of spam messages...stupid spam. why do people do it? bleh.

I did a bad thing and didn't arrange how to meet up with the person I'm doing the skit with. sigh. I don't even know where she's staying or what the name of her booth is or what her last name is...meh. there could be trouble then. eek. what if I had to do it by myself? and what if my eyes aren't ok for the blue contacts, or any contacts for that matter? yesh. I'm not going to worry about that right now because I'm going to take a nap. Maybe when I wake up everything will be better.

file under: lordoftherings , reallife Posted by Jen at 4:25 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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...but for all practical purposes the costume is finished. I keep thinking there's something I'm missing. There probably is, and it's probably not the nagging feeling that I don't have a pouldron. Nor a sword. But I can't think of what I could be missing. I tried it all on tonight, looks rather realistic for all that half of it is synthetic fabric. Dad cut out the knives, they're all bright and shiny and if I remember, I'll "etch" them with my little paint marker. I must always remember that I can make things simpler. Don't rivet when you can tie. I'll need a buddy to help me get the quiver fastened, and hopefully someone can braid my hair. I can try it myself but damned if it doesn't work very well. I'll bring the wig, just in case, but meh.

Need a blank tape to dub "I Feel Pretty" on. I hope it's a funny skit. Not that I really want to make fun of Legolas...but heck. It's not like I'm gonna win Best in Show, but maybe we can make them laugh their pants off...

Please remember to vote. The link is everywhere on the page. I know I won't win anything there, but hey...at least people love me!

I really wish our scanner worked...I'm quite proud of my peacock quiver and leg wraps/vambraces. Hopefully that attention to detail will make people overlook the bad fit. Ah well. Never claimed to be a tailor. Although I have to admit I've got the sewing bug. At least I can thread the needle and make a semi-serviceable buttonhole

I want to be in a costume drama. lol. I've got a lot of dreams. I hope I'll be able to write some of my stories while I'm gone. btw, in case I didn't mention it, part III of Decadence is up. It's a bit of a boring part cause it's just background, but hopefully you'll like it anyway. As always, feel free to leave feedback!

and because someone asked:

Does Logolas die in the third movie?

Unless they're doing a major departure from canon, no, Lego doesn't die. He's around plenty long enough for us to drool.

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 1:46 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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I found out that instead of the sure lose I was going to have last week in the Wizard's Quest I instead moved onto the Tower. Now, this is the highest level of competition in this particular comp, and I've never made it there before. So I'm happy to be there, even if it is a bit of a fluke that I got there. Now the problem is thus: I had planned on taking a leave of absence this week, as I'll be gone at Comic-Con starting Wednesday. But if you take LOA in the Tower, you drop back down to your team's high-qualify level. So I'm asking everyone nicely to please vote for my site even though I might not be able to return the favor. You can take days off next week. Like I said, it's never easy. And for those of you just stopping by... PLEASE VOTE! just click the link:

http://www.thewizardsquest.com/tower/

I'll love you forever. I know I probably don't have a chance, but at least I'd like to make a showing!

And now onto the slightly less dilemma-ish:

I tried on most of the costume today. Looks alright, I suppose. Wish I had a mannequin so I could have gotten the seams a little closer to my proportions. but eh. whatever. Finished the gosh darn quiver today! And it looks near like what it's supposed to...although getting it on and off isn't the easiest thing to do. The buckles are just a little bit on the small side (no offense to my most wonderful jewelry major cousin Corey who cut them out of nickel for me) so the leather doesn't just slide through. Ah well. There will be plenty of people out there who'll be able to help me out, I'm sure. Started on the "blades" for the white knives, it will be interesting to see if they actually stand up straight. Hopefully. I might have time to make a scabbard or two, we'll see. I only put one set of clasps on the silver frock because you can't see anything else but the one when I'm wearing the whole thing. Might put snaps on so I don't have to wear the whole thing the whole time, but that might be later....

I need to pack. Please dear God let me consolidate well. Please vote. It would make me happy.

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 2:17 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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about not being spoiled for who dies in HP #5. But a girl who signed my guestbook provided a link to her site, which I visited, cause I'm nice like that. She does have a disclaimer on her site that says it contains spoilers for OotP, so I went to close the window, but caught sight of the splash graphic at the top of the page. It said "Tribute to -----" or somesuch, and yep, that's who died. Arrgh. Hon, if you're gonna have spoilers, put the disclaimer *before* the images that spoil! sigh. Although I wonder if this person is really gone. Oh, I know, they say that this one really is out of this world, but it just doesn't seem like it's final to me. I mean, in GoF, the person who dies seems really dead, you know, body on the ground and everything. This time...I don't know. Maybe just wishful thinking.

Finished the fifth book around 10:30 this morning. Only had to read about 30 pages, cause I was up til 2:30 reading. Silly me. I probably could have finished it last night, but I couldn't keep my eyes open. It was nice to have part of it to read this morning. Went by much quicker than I expected. I figured it would take me four days, at least three, to finish, cause it took me three to read the 4th... but just about two days, that's it. Probably cause I read all day at work on Friday. Good, fast paced, definitely darker. Lots of characters. Some you really love to hate. Glad I got to read it now, but yeah. Definitely waiting to buy the paperback.

Mom had a booth at Heart Hands & Voices today. I think it was a success...I didn't really work it (bad me) I was fletching arrows. All five finished. They're never gonna fly straight, indeed I'd be surprised if they flew at all, but that's not really the point, is it? Two green and three yellow, canon be damned. That's what I had oh, if you ever need a quill pen, let me know. I'll cut you one from the many I've got left. Red, blue, some yellow, fake turkey. white or black. Your choice!

Costume check:
Clothing. (Mostly) Done, will have to do if I run out of time.
Vambraces. Done.
Leg Wraps. Done.
Shoulder straps for quiver. Tooled. One needs staining. Attach lower steadying strap, front buckle. Side buckle?.
Belt. Needs tooling. Attach buckles.
Quiver. Peacock painted. Knife case made, needs attaching. Straps!!!
Arrows. Shafts painted, need fletching and cutting to size. Nock. Tips?
Knives. Hafts need cutting, rasping. Cut "blades" and cover with silver tape.
Cape. Done; needs holes for quiver straps.
Pin. Baked, needs pin back.

Sew the gosh-darn clasps on the shirt!

Busy Jen tomorrow.

file under: books , lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 2:41 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Harry Potter Update: I'm on page 101. As usual I have nothing to do today but read, so perhaps at the end of the day you'll have an example of my speed-reading prowess. or not.

There's a new tech that came today...he's supposed to work with Luigi, but Luigi isn't here, remember? This guy (Jesse) drove all the way down from Vermont to do some research over the summer, and now his guy isn't even here...he goes to Dartmouth. Ooooh. Ivy League.

Costume check:

Clothing. (Mostly) Done, will have to do if I run out of time.

Vambraces. Done.

Leg Wraps. Done.

Shoulder straps for quiver. Tooled. One needs staining. Attach buckles.

Belt. Needs tooling. Attach buckles.

Quiver. Peacock painted. Knife case made, needs attaching. Straps!!!

Arrows. Shafts painted, need fletching and cutting to size.

Knives. Hafts need cutting, rasping. Cut "blades" and cover with silver tape.

Cape. Done; needs holes for quiver straps.

Pin. Baked, needs pin back.

*ah shit moment*

Ok now. I'll finish if it kills me. Darn work taking time away from my fantasy.

Box Office Guru (courtesy of Y98 FM) gave PotC three reels out of four. Everybody likes it!

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 9:38 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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I'm always amazed, and I shouldn't be, at the time it takes to make things detailed. I sewed the sleeves on the jerkin today, and theoretically all I have to do is perhaps put in a few more grommets and sew the hooks and eyes on...good Lord do you know how long that takes? Thank God I'm not trying to sew in leather.

Wish me luck.

And is it really so hard to understand that the "got a question" box above is for you to input a question to *ahem* ask me anything...by clicking the button to the side of it? I keep getting these blank emails from that button. It's like a kid discovering a light switch: the kid gets to flip the lever while the adults get peeved. Feel free to really ask a question though...

oh, and if you noticed the last entry...I was very very drunk at the time, and immensely proud that I didn't misspell anything.

file under: lordoftherings , webetcetera Posted by Jen at 11:33 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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I sent off my registration for Comic-Con today, and I bought my plane ticket, and I paid for my share of the hotel room. There goes most of my next paycheck...No turning back now!

I sewed the body of the silver frock last night. It looks almost like it could be the real thing, lol. I need to find pictures of the embroidery on the jerkin front and frock sleeves so I can attempt that. It's going to be painted on the jerkin cause it's not real leather...and I've got to find fabric for the trews, aka pants. and make the arrows. and finish the pin back. and find blue contacts. shape the ear points. lose weight. lol.

Maybe it will all get done...let me know you're rooting for me

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 1:29 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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I started making the elven brooch last night. For such a simple-looking thing, it's pretty difficult to get right. Add to that it's been some years since I've done any clay work, and you might gather it's been an interesting experience. And I had green thumbs because the clay is super-saturated with color. We'll see if it looks anything like the real one. And I suppose it doesn't matter anyway as it's significantly cheaper. Now if I can only figure out how to make the quiver...and how on earth am I supposed to get the not-knives to California?

Go visit Sara. She's got a great Matrix layout.

Yes, Virginia, there is a St. Louis Renaissance Festival and I want to go! Should I dress up?

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 1:06 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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We've mostly discussed the heroes in LOTR. What about the villains? What do you think of the way they were written and portrayed in the movies? If you read the books, are they as you pictured them?

(visit the new Rings Thing LJ)

So. Villains. I definitely liked Saruman better in the book than I like him onscreen, he was developed more. However, I really like how Christopher Lee plays him. He looks like he should. Sauron...He looks pretty good for a flaming eyeball. Obviously, it's easier to portray a flaming eyeball as a villain in a book where you can just accept the concept, whereas in the movie it's gotta be an actual force, and that's tough to do. I think it flew pretty well...I think the baddies (orcs, Uruks, etc) were done really well. Esp. the wraiths. You really get a chill when they come by! I usually read those parts really quickly and never formed an image of them. Besides, who wants to carry that around in your imagination if you don't have to? lol. And if you consider Gollum a villain (which he definitely can be) he was a) wonderfully created in the book and in the movie and b) much better than I expected in the movie. It's great to have one of those ambiguously villainous characters that you don't know whether to pity or hate.

Course, now that I have the dvd I'll just skip over all the ugly parts and focus on Legolas Kidding. I almost never skip. I do occasionally rewind...

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 5:38 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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You've probably seen this before...but since May so nicely provided it for me, I thought I'd share it with you. Kind of sad how many apply to me

1. You get pulled over by a cop, and when he is writing you a ticket, he asks you for your name and you respond: "Tell me your name officer, then I shall tell you mine."

2. If someone tries to get by you, you turn and exclaim loudly: "YOU SHALL NOT PASS!"

3. When you check your email, you start speaking to Sauron.... After all, your computer is your Palantir! Just hope no one throws it down the stairs....

4. When you hear a knock at the door, you look around suspicously and mumble: "They are coming...."

5. When you are surfing the web, you get another annoying pop-up window, and you rub your chin and say to yourself: "What is this new devilry?"

6. You come to Math class on the day of the finals and mutter under your breath: "You find more cheer in a graveyard!"

7. You call the ugliest person that you know "Smeagol," and when he/she replies: "What are you smoking?" You say: "The finest weed in the Southfarthing."

8. You go to the local old folks home to visit mom, and you see an old, decrepid, elderly man sitting on a chair. Thinking quickly, you grab a nearby staff, hold out your hand, close your eyes, and say: "From my power, I release you!"

9. You run through a load of pigeons, shouting: "Fly, you fools!"

10. You change your answering machine message to: "This is the Dark Lord Sauron! Give me a ring!"

11. Next Olymics, when the torch bearer enters, you jump up and shout: "Kill him, Legolas! Kill him!"

12. You explain to your children/little sibling that "The Three Billy Goats Gruff" were really trying to cross the Bridge of Khazad-Dum to the greener pastures of Lothlorien.

13. You refuse to go anywhere unless plans are made at least a week in advance. Any sooner would just be too hasty.

14. You walk into your local bakery and ask for two loaves of lembas bread.

15. You've read all three books more than ten times.

16. You've kept it hidden and safe.

17. You've turned you back on your faithful tv and now watch the palantir.

18. Since you've seen the first one of the three LOTR movies you're listening to Enya all day long.

19. You think it is a strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt for so small a thing.

20. Words like "Yrch" make sense to you.

21. You dedicate all your free time to learning Sindarin or another Tolkien language.

22. You know when Durin IV lived.

23. You've become strangely obsessed with mushrooms.

24. Whenever you close a door, you say "They have a cave troll!"

25. When you come to a dead end you're still convinced that the road goes ever on and on.

26. There's a sign on your door saying "Speak Friend and enter!"

27. Whenever you get a chance, you burst into song. Preferably one that has more than 20 verses.

28. The only map you can read is the one of Middle Earth.

29. You're starting to make strange hissing noises when you speak and call all your possessions "my precious".

30. You change your name by deed poll to a Tolkien character and seriously consider naming your children after LOTR characters.

31. You have more than thirty sets of the books - and several are in languages you can't read.

32. You buy the bookmark with "the one ring" tied to the tassel, and then wear the ring around and pretend to be invisible.

33. Every time you see birds in the sky you have the urge to say "Fly you fools!"

34. When someone knocks on your door you grab them, pull them inside and ask "Are you frightened?... Not nearly frightened enough!"

35. You try to walk on top of snow like the elves do.

36. You think about getting toupees for your feet.

37. You have made up names for all the nameless characters in the movie, like various hobbits at Bilbo's party or the elves at the Council of Elrond.

38. You are able to reenact the whole movie in character.

39. Your computer's screensaver is a marquee reading, "Ennyn Durin atan Moria: pedo mellon a mino" and the password is actually "mellon".

40. You print out the whole movie script and religiously study it.

41. You've highlighted all your favorite parts of the books, and your highlighter has ran out of ink.

42. You have a special clock that always tells you how many days, hours, and minutes are still left until the next part of the movies opens in theaters.

43. You find yourself taking many detours and shortcuts

44. The last five times you went to see the movie, you only went to see the preview trailer.

45. All day you hear words such as 'habit' and 'going', in your mind as 'hobbit' and 'Gollum'.

46. Whenever you see a tree you give it a hug and say "Hail Treebeard!".

47. You grow long hair and tie it back, and prance around delicately - and you are male.

48. You get someone to shoot you with 3 arrows, just so you can reenact Boromir's death scene.

49. You start to put 'elvish' down as your religion.

50. You cannot see a beer without blurting out "It comes in pints? I'm getting one!"

51. You manage to bring the words 'hobbits' and 'Mirkwood' into every sentence.

52. Your friends instantly know you are going to say something about LotR even before you open your mouth.

53. You get a long blond wig and give yourself an elvish name.

54. You see a carrot and can't help but think of Merry.

55. You learn all 25 pages of Very Secret Diary by heart and say phrases from them at all times (And after he found a carrot that was just the right shape...)

56. You just can't keep yourself from saying "nobody tosses a Dwarf" at inappropriate moments.

57. You point out one word differences between speech in the film and in the book.

58. You notice everyone else goes "aaaahhh" at the same time when Legolas gets off his horse.

59. You're certain that tiny bits have changed since the eighth time you've seen the movie.

60. You have organized your bookmarks into subcategories "elvish" and "Legolas".

61. You devote free time to drawing sketches of LotR characters from the various posters around your room, then realise you don't need the poster, you know the faces off by heart.

62. A shadow and a threat is growing in your mind.

63. You stayed up 'til 5am watching the Oscars and threw things at the screen when Ron Howard/Russell Crowe/Jennifer Connelly appeared.

64. You go to lordoftherings.net and spend hours refreshing the page, just to hear the actors say "Hello, I'm Elijah Wood (or whatever). Welcome to lordoftherings.net"

65. You start saying "a star shines on the hour of our meeting."

66. You're determined to refresh lordoftherings.net until you discover how to pronounce 'Viggo'.

67. You have more than 20 LotR sites in your browser's favourites.

68. You are attracted to all people with long blond hair regardless of their sex.

69. You begin to cry when someone tells you it's just a book and a movie.

70. You start digging for mithril.

71. You see birds flying towards you and shout "Crebain from Dunland!", then tell everyone to hide

72. You shamelessly wear LOTR clothes and try to convince trees and animals that you are actually an elf.

73. You refuse to date because you're afraid you'll fall in love and have to give up your immortality.

74. Your swearing vocabulary consists of "A Eru", "Elbereth Gilthoniel" and "urca"

73. If you see anyone with a ring you order them to give it to Frodo and become violent when they don't.

74. You've started forging the Great Rings and try to give them to 3 beautiful people, 7 short people, 9 power hungry people and one seriously evil person.

75. When people go against your will you warn them that you are not a conjurer of cheap tricks.

76. You've started stealing vegetables with your shortest, most Scottish friends.

77. You've started trying to convince orcs and goblins to breed, with flowers and candlelit dinners.

78. You had nine dogs named after each member of the Fellowship. After the death of Boromir, you only had eight dogs.

79. You are constantly asking the trees in your yard if they've found the Entwives yet.

80. Every September 22nd, you throw a birthday party for Bilbo and Frodo.

81. When someone asks you your name, you respond with "I am [blank] son (Or daughter) of [blank]."

82. You named your cubicle "Helm's Deep" and brag that no one has ever broken through

83. Whenever you do something wrong, you blame it on Isildur's bane.

84. You have friends over for dinner and only serve one piece of Lembas bread.

85. You refuse to give your kids vitamins because you want them to be hobbit-size forever.

86. When your car breaks down, instead of calling someone for help, you wait for the Eagle Lord to swoop down and save you.

87. You put Rogaine on your toes and feet.

88. You call your best friend "Sam". He gets annoyed and says that his name is Peter, and he won't talk you if you call him Sam again.

89. When a friend tells you that your love for Legolas is becoming dangerous, you tell her you're marrying him in a month.

90. You throw all your mom's rings to the fire trying to see if one of them is the One ring.

Oh yeah, and Punxatauney Phil (the groundhog) saw his shadow, so we're supposed to have another six weeks of winter. Even though it was near 70 deg F yesterday. Go fig. Gotta love StL weather.

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 1:04 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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**Of the characters who continued from FOTR, who did you think came off the best as a character, not necessarily as a performance) in TTT?

Did you think anyone got really short-changed?

Did you favorite character(s) change from FOTR to TTT?**

(see the rest of the Ringers... beware of popups)

Well, I do think they developed Aragorn's character more. And they gave Legolas more lines so I'm happy. He's no longer just the elf with the bow, he's got Skilz! I think Faramir did get (short)changed. Probably for the good, we'll have to wait till we see RotK. I don't like how he was portrayed but I understand the reasons that PJ and Co made the reversal in character. Legolas changed, of course...he got more screen-time! And he got that nice looking armor and the sword...man I can't wait till the extended version of TTT, where hopefully we'll see more of Ginsu Elf and perhaps more orc-killing action? lol.

So I'm working on this blend for the new layout of this site. I guess it looks pretty good. Trying out colorizing and things. But you'll have to wait for a while till I can get it online, as cleaning my room currently takes up all my time.

For any of you wanting to join the AATE clique: rest assured I got your submission, it's just gonna be a while cause I'm gonna make a new layout for that site as well. Yay, layout ideas! There's gotta be someone out there who wants to give me a web design job...maybe once I learn PHP...or not...

file under: lordoftherings , memes Posted by Jen at 12:05 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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"Did you avoid spoilers for TTT? If so, why? If not, why?"

I didn't avoid much for TTT. I wanted to know what they were going to put in it. I watched every clip that I could, and at points I was worried that I was seeing too much, that I'd already seen what the movie would be like, but when I finally saw it I realized I hadn't seen much of it at all. And being that I had just finished the book...lol. the biggest spoiler of all. I knew what was supposed to happen. I just didn't know how it was going to be depicted on screen. And that was perfect.

btw, I've now seen the movie 4 times. Thank you Molly It's still damn good. I might have to wait a while to see it again, especially now that I've seen it four times in two weeks...I've got a popcorn bag and should be thoroughly sick of movie theater popcorn for some time now.

Irony: last night while walking to Molly's car I dropped the TTT soundtrack cd on the road and stepped on it. Rats. It's got a big scratch on it, and I'm listening to it right now to see if I killed it...of course it fell jelly side down. It's in rather good shape considering how it slid a bit and I mushed it into the ground. Ah well. If I need to I'll just get the regular version, lol...

Thank you to everyone who sent me a Christmas or New Years card. I've just been too lazy to fire up the other comp and make something for you guys, and we haven't had internet at work for the last few weeks. Maybe tomorrow. I miss all my 'day IM' friends...why don't you get on right now? lol. Hope I talk to you soon!

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 9:06 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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from Christina

1) You, Legolas, alone in one room. What do you do? Ask him to show off his bow

2) You, Arwen, alone in one room. What do you do? wonder how she got Aragorn

3) We sadly lost 3 when he fell into....ummm...ok, we just lost him.

4) What gift would you ask of the Elves? to be one of them

5) What race would you most like to be: Human, Elf, Dwarf, or Hobbit? see #4

6) Honestly...would you keep it secret, and safe? Yes.

7) If you would keep it secret and safe, would you be the ring-bearer, or would you swear to protect the ring-bearer? Protect. I'd like to stay sane, thanks.

Ok, you are the ring bearer, who makes up the Fellowship with you (of your friends) and if they�re enough like a character, say who they�d be: and here's where I feel crappy cause I don't think I have enough friends to make up the fellowship. Or that would have any interest in being part of it.

9) Ok, you�re not the ring bearer (but you are in the Fellowship like above), who of your friends would be the ring-bearer? Sheesh. You know I'd be Legolas, but apparently I'm more like a dwarf with my lethal sprint speed...see #8. I honestly have no idea who could do this.

10) Are you evil? Evil enough to become a tool of Sauron? Hell no. I am a nice girl!

11) If you had to be one of the nasty/evil creatures (i.e. the Balrog, the Cave Troll, an orc, Ring Wraith, etc) what one would you be, and why? Ringwraith. Such a cool name.

12) If you didn't know the ring was The One Ring, but you knew it made you disappear and such, what would you do with it? Hide from coworkers.

13) Pippin and Merry- are they really ok guys, or just big nuisances? Cute hobbits. End up being better in the book than the movie makes them out to be.

14) Who kicks the most ass; Gandalf, Legolas, Strider, or Gimli? you have to ask? Legolas, of course. Seven shots, seven orcs, the white knives, punching out a few Rohirrim...

15) Would you rather be an Archer, Wizard, or Ranger?: Archer, right now, but Lego uses a sword too...haha! Two-for-one deal!

16) Who's your favorite character? Legolas, all the time.

17) Who's your favorite hobbit? Tie between Merry and Frodo.

1 If, for some odd reason, Aragorn and Legolas were to get in a fight, who do you think would win (and why)? Heh. Long-range? Legolas all the way. Can't beat his archery prowess. Up close and personal? Tough to say. Andruil would probably break the long knives.

19) Do you think the race of men is weak? well, yes. But then I would be putting down myself, and we can't have that...so just less strong-willed than the elves.

20) Does it make you sad to know the Elves are leaving these shores? Yes. I want to go with them...

21) React to this: Frodo lives! lol.

22) If you've read the book and seen the movie, did you like both, or do you think one was better than the other? I enjoy both. I like having the movie's visual when rereading the books. And the books just get better with each rereading. Like the movies get better with each viewing.

23) Do you think the movie was an insult to Tolkien's genius? Oh for heaven's sake. It's just a movie. PLOT DEVICE!

24) Any problem with the cast? Well, there is absolutely no reason for Liv to have such a prominent place in the publicity, but I like the cast. I think they work well togther. Wish I could be a part of something like that.

25) Honestly...do you think Liv Tyler did a good job as Arwen, or are you glad she's in the movie just because she's hot? She is great as an elf, but I don't personally like her that much. The movie would have been fine without her (Why no Glorfindel?)

26) What do you think of the choice to cut out Tom Bombadill? He would have been interesting. But alright considering the amount of material they DID put in.

27) Was the Balrog all you had hoped for? Honestly wasn't hoping for too much. Glad it turned out as it did.

2 Any other changes from the book to the movie that irritate you? Arwen's role in FotR and TTT...Missing Merry/Pippen moments...Faramir being a jerk.

29) How about that special-edition dvd, pretty cool, or no? Hot damn, baby. Among the top reasons to spend $60. Others being to buy books or cds.

30.) Lastly, what was your favourite bit of the movie? FotR: Moria/Amon Hen. TTT: Helm's Deep/Casting out of Saruman and parts leading up to it. And that damn flying elf

there's more...click the link!

last book you read: Whole book: The Two Towers for the third time. Part of book: Blue Moon by Laurell K Hamilton. It is the full moon, after all.

- last movie you saw: The Two Towers, for the second time.

- last movie you saw on the big screen: See above.

- last phone number you called: Sarah

- last show you watched on TV: Providence, cause it was on

- last song you heard: one of the myriad LotR songs off the two soundtracks

- last thing you had to drink: milk

- last thing you ate: Pasta house for dinner

- Last Time you showered: before bed yesterday

- last time you cried: a week ago, when I found out I will be losing my job Feb 1st

- last time you smiled: when Todd's new fuzzy rug got delivered to the lab

- last time you laughed: see above

- last person you hugged: Mom

- last thing you said: I won't be watching it

- last person you talked to online: Alex

- last person you talked to on the phone: Someone who wanted to talk to Todd

- last thing you smelled: Linguini with clam sauce

file under: lordoftherings , memes Posted by Jen at 10:57 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

vote for ATTS: ER | Wishlist: {Amazon} |

It's been about twelve hours since I walked out of the midnight premiere of the Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers at the Esquire theater. And I can't stop thinking about it. If I could leave work right now and see it again I would. But I've got an experiment running...so I won't.

There may be a few minor spoilers here and there in this review...it's probably all I'd ever get to cause I'm lazy that way. But I wanted to get something up for TORn (review #264, under Calenhíril). So here it is...

I truly enjoyed this movie. It was a near-constant barrage of action and adventure, and I think even if I hadn't seen the midnight premiere I would be tired after seeing it! The settings were, as before, wonderful. The music just swept you into Middle-Earth and is even better than the score for FotR.

The acting on a whole I think was more cohesive in this film, but some of the script was a little forced and predictable. But even when you knew you were supposed to laugh, it was funny.

I appreciated the effort that went into making Gollum and Treebeard. Gollum was well done, but there were just times when you could see that he was cgi. Treebeard was a bit of a disappointment, and there were definitely times when you could tell it was JRD's voice. The whole Merry/Pip/Treebeard story could use a little work.

Helm's Deep was amazing. The effects were wonderful and you really felt the action, and the emotion. The jokes on Gimli's stature were a little annoying after a while but did lighten the mood of a very dark and slightly scary part.

I loved the flooding of Isengard. Triumphant Ents, what can I say.

I'm very pleased at how they wove the three stories together--just about the time you were wondering "what happened to..." they cut to that group. And I have to put out my shoutout to more lines for Legolas The love triangle was not in as much evidence as it looked to be, and while the alternate Frodo/Sam ending was a little weird and completely not canon, I think it fit in with what PJ was trying to do, and I accept it.

Overall a very good film. I think it was better than FotR. More action, superb effects, and a year of experience only serve to enhance the movie. Go see it!

one thing that is quite spoilerish that disappointed me...(scroll down)

Legolas doesn't kill the Uruk that's going to set the fire for the blowing up of Helm's Dike! He hits the shoulder, then reaims and gets him but it's too late... and the Dike goes BOOM! I suppose someone had to do it, considering that the dike really does fall, b-b-b-but why did it have to be cause Lego's shooting wasn't spot-on at that moment? Bugger.

(end spoilage)

Aside from that , all was wonderful. We got there about 10, waited for a while until Alex came by with the tickets...I could have worn my cloak and no one would have laughed. And we weren't the first. And had we gotten there any later we wouldn't have gotten a seat near the front and near the middle...as it was we were at the right end of the third row...not ideal for your neck, and needless to say I'm paying for it today. My neck and shoulders are very sore. But it was worth every minute of waiting and craning. I loved it.

I know there are things I forgot in the review, like how the beginning just hits you with a load of beautiful scenery and snatches of dialogue and then we see the fight with the Balrog. One phrase I can use to describe the movie is boom-boom-boom. The images just keep coming. There isn't a long Hobbiton sequence to bog down the first part of the movie, you don't have to wait till the middle of the movie to meet more characters. Legolas is there all the time And he does more of those "oh-Valar-my-heart-just-broke" looks. Damn that is one fine elf. No Legolases from the costumed moviegoers. Not as common as it should be, lol. Next year I will wear a costume. It better be done by then!

More elvish. More action. Some things are totally different but it still makes a good movie. And that's what I went to see: a good movie. And that is what I got. Many OMB moments.

I'll probably be back for more, when I remember. Feel free to comment

file under: lordoftherings , movies Posted by Jen at 3:44 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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God willing this will be the last countdown entry. My dad should be here in about a half hour to pick me up, then I'll go home and drive back to the school area to pick up people and we'll go to dinner. Then we'll won't freeze our butts off (it's supposed to be in the 50s all night! How weird is that, in the middle of december?) for the two hours beforehand. Maybe we'll just sit in the bar nearby the theater and play cards all night, lol. Or something. Gah. Midnight must come faster! I know I am gonna be so tired tomorrow. That's what I should do now. Take a nap so I can stay up through the whole movie! Wouldn't that be so terrible if I slept through part of it! I'm sure someone would wake me up though. lol. Note to self: not obsessed. Really. Although you could buy me the really large Legolas poster that just came up (and is already sold out) on Allposters.com (see link in the sidebar to go to my referral site ) and you wouldn't be reminding me that I'm obsessed.

For all of you out there waiting with me, I'm sorry it's coming!

PS: vote for me, ok? and visit the new forum.

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 6:14 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

vote for ATTS: ER | Wishlist: {Amazon} |

no, I'm not obsessing.

Also, it's Bernard Hill's birthday today. He plays Théoden in the movie I'm about to see Look, not just posting random TTT countdowns!

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 3:11 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

vote for ATTS: ER | Wishlist: {Amazon} |

sheesh, can the day go any slower?

In case you stop by here on your way to buying me christmas presents (hah, yeah right) I just set up an American Eagle Outfitter's wish list. So in addition to your Amazon.com choices you could make me all warm by buying me sweaters

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 1:54 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

vote for ATTS: ER | Wishlist: {Amazon} |

That's all I can say. Oh, and happy belated birthday to Miranda Otto, who plays Éowyn. Her birthday was yesterday.

One Day!

Real life sucks, btw.

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 12:15 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

vote for ATTS: ER | Wishlist: {Amazon} |

I'm so excited in one week I'll have seen The Two Towers! Yes! BTW, please vote every way you can. At least keep me tied for second place

Also, there is a new board for the Etoiline.com network! it's located at http://etoiline.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi/YaBB.cgi, so please check it out and sign up again if you were on the old board. Sorry, the other one went wacky for some unknown reason so here this one is!

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 6:11 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

vote for ATTS: ER | Wishlist: {Amazon} |

So I got the TTT soundtrack on friday, the same day that I got an email telling me it had shipped. Fast service, I like it! Now, the street date was supposed to be the 10th, so I got it really early if that's still the case. Cool beans! It's very good. I've only listened to it about five times in three days...but it's got some really cool new stuff. I got the internet special edition so there's some bonus features that I haven't had time to check out yet, but will soon. Tell you all about it then!

I missed Dominic Monaghan's birthday yesterday (err, the 8th anyway) so happy 26th, Dom!

Ok, this is important. I moved up to the Apprentice's Challenge (again ) so I need you to vote for me everyday this week! Wouldn't it be nice to be in the Tower (the highest level of competition) during the week that LotR comes out? lol. Not obsessed am I

Oh, and in case you were thinking of getting me a gift and didn't see anything terribly interesting on my wishlist (see after the post) you could try going to TORn's Holiday Gift Guide for the Tolkien Fanatic and see if something suits your impression of me and thank you, Alex

Jem, I'll get right to work on that reader's guide for you. Yeah. I did some of your layout this weekend. I'll try to get it done soon. But I really need the title you want...it's part of the illustration, you know...

Please vote! Welcome to all my new supporters!

file under: competition , lordoftherings , music Posted by Jen at 12:23 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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(I didn't make it, but it sure is cool, eh?)

Egad. I really wish it was the 17th already! Well, maybe not, as I've done *no* Christmas shopping (eek, only nineteen days left!). Heh. Trans-Siberian Orchestra's Carol of the Bells just came on the radio. And the classical station that's always on in the lab on the first floor is playing christmas music too. I wonder if I really could get a PS2...then I truly would have a dilemma. Sit in front of the comp oogling Legolas or sit in front of the dvd playing Legolas? Murph. I think I'd rather have the bow. Do you think I could hide it from my parents? lol.

I ought to order the Legolas ornament, eh?

Yes, I like to ramble. Guess what? I got bands! Yahoo! (scientific humor. Just smile and nod.)

Thanks for getting me up to level two in DWA and hopefully this time next week I'll be in the lead for the Apprentice's Challenge...wishful thinking never hurt anybody...

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 12:47 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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which is a good thing. But funny how it's been snowing all day but it still looks like only about an inch hit the ground...sigh.

two weeks! Two weeks till TTT mustn't forget the WB special tonight.

file under: lordoftherings , reallife Posted by Jen at 3:32 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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It doesn't suck. But I got a talking to today. I need to do more work. And I feel really bad cause some of the stuff that I should have been doing and just didn't could help Todd with his poster. And he said that Jan was non-confrontational and would just disapprove without telling you. Shite. I still wonder if tissue engineering is truly the way I want to go, maybe I should just be a writer. I'd enjoy myself more, I think. I just wouldn't make any money. I used to be a problem solver. What happened to that? Did the advanced math just kick it out of me?

On a happier note, Alex got tickets for the midnight premiere of TTT today, so I'll be very happy in two weeks or so...

also, I finally uploaded Chapter Five of TMC to Caldir. If you don't know how to get it, send me an email.

file under: lordoftherings , working Posted by Jen at 12:22 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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OK, 'fess up: how many times did you see FOTR? Do you think you'll see TTT as many, more, or fewer times? Have you made any special plans regarding the movie's opening?

I saw FotR seven times during its theatrical run. Six times in the theater and once on a computer (shh don't tell!) I saw the seventh in March specifically for the fan preview tacked onto the end. I will probably see TTT at least three times, being that I've got two free tickets and I'm going to see the midnight premiere again. If they offer it. Still haven't gotten tickets for that yet, grr. No real special plans for the TTT premiere other than seeing the midnight showing. We'll probably get there about two hours early. I bet it will be more crowded than last year, but I got there an hour early last time and there was hardly anyone there. We'll see. I can't wait! 21 days!

I can't really see myself seeing TTT as many times as FotR, but I haven't seen how much Legolas is in it hot elf, anyone? lol.

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 6:00 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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John F Kennedy was assasinated. I remember when Beauty and the Beast came out it premiered on the 22nd of Nov, and how it was sad that such a great movie came out on the same day as such a tragic event. I was 10 or so, already thinking deep thoughts, lol. Of course, there were several music cds, etc, released last year on Sept. 11, and it's always a little wrenching to see that as the release date.

On a lighter (or darker, as the case may be) I've been writing more on Decadence and TMC. Decadence is already getting gory. Definitely an influence of the books I've been reading I hope I can actually go through with it.

I finally developed the pictures from graduation and this summer and this fall...course it's only three rolls. There are some pretty wacky pics in there. You can see some of them here, don't laugh too hard.

I want advance tickets to TTT, damnit! All the sites I've tried don't seem to have them for this area. Phooey. lol. I'm not obsessed, really. Only 25 days left!

file under: lordoftherings , serious , writings Posted by Jen at 5:32 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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in case you're wondering, here's the link: http://www.lilithofsherwood.com/rings-thing/

There seems to be a trend of including more and more on the DVD release of a film.

Can this trend be taken too far? Has it already gone too far? Or is the more always the merrier?

Well, I'm certainly glad they did it in this case. The LotR:FotR Collector's Edition DVD is a masterpiece to say the least. SO much information. I still haven't gotten through anything but the movie and a few of the interviews. I like having the information available, but I know that most movies have more stuff generated that we'll never see that if every movie came out with stuff like this we'd be broke in a year. I don't especially like duplicating movies that I have, but in this case I think it was worth it. I guess what I think is good is put the extras on one disc, or two at most. I don't think any of the other LotR movies will have such a big set, being that most of the behind the scenes stuff was in this edition. But I can't wait to see the extended versions of the other two movies. I don't mind sitting through extra hours of footage. I'm a LotR freak and happy with it.

BTW, advance tickets for TTT are supposed to come out on Friday. I'll be looking!

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 6:03 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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...and still probably will not have made it through all the extra features of the Collector's Edition of LotR:FotR. God but it's good. And even better now that we have a DVD player aaaaahhhhh. We got a new tv and a dvd/vcr combo. So far the only bad thing is that the closed captioning is awkward to get to on the tv. That and the fact that I have to pay for half. ergh. Bigger speakers! Larger screen! Headphone jack for watching late at night! Too bad I only have four dvds, two of them being different versions of LotR: FotR

A month from a half an hour from now. at 12:01 am, to be precise. I can't wait. I finally got back into reading TTT, although I did break one of my rules and bought a hardback book by David Blaine, the musican. I just hope it's worth the money. Actually, I bought a couple of hardback books. Used, of course, so all just about the same price as paperback. I'll show my analness and tell you how I wanted the hardbacks of the Rhapsody trilogy. They've got certain printing features that the second and third books neglected to use in paperback, which actually takes away from the story. And I like having hardbacks to read (esp. since they're easier to read while brushing my hair. Hey, it's long, it takes a while!). I just hate buying them. It's silly to pay $25 for a book that, if it's important enough to come out in hardback, will be available at the library for free with a pretty minimal wait. I know, I'm addicted to books. Better than drugs, I guess.

Anyone know when the advance tickets go on sale for TTT? I can't believe I don't know this yet.

Don't forget to vote for me this week!

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 12:44 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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I got the Special Collector's Extended version of Lord of the Rings : Fellowship of the Ring yesterday. I knew it had come home, cause I watched the tracking all day I got home and there was this HUGE box! It was mostly those air pillows things to cushion the SE box, and wow, I had a BIG grin on my face The packaging is wonderfully painted, the Argonath bookends are glorious, the little magazine is cute, 2 (two!) tickets to TTT, three trading cards, the National Geographic Making of dvd, and oh yeah, the movie. Four discs. Two for the movie and four different commentary tracks, and two appendicies. Wow. I just stared at it for a while, since I couldn't watch it! Hopefully this weekend we will get a DVD player that lasts. *crosses fingers*

It's so wonderful to watch. It's like watching a whole different movie or seeing it for the first time. And more Legolas! Elvish! More Action! Egad, makes me feel like it's December again. I haven't even watched the first disc very much. Just the new Council of Elrond. I haven't seen it with commentary, I haven't watched any of the special features, but I will. Oh yes, I will. When I get a player!

and y'all should thank May for getting me out of the cellar. I'm glad she thinks I've got a prince charming.

Btw, the snake was found and put back in its cage, way back on Monday. We decided to call it Harry because a) it's got no hair and b) after Harry Houdini because of its little disappearing act It now has some crickets and goldfish to nibble on and a heat lamp. So the lab has a mascot

And if you're VERY spoiler happy, I finished a MAJOR plot point for TMC. I could send it to you if you want, but I'm not going to put it up. It would spoil you too much. I just wanted to let you know that TMC is definitely being written, and I've got a good idea to start Ch. 5 with. I just had to get that little plot device out of the way.

Please vote for me! I'm in second place, and I'd really like to move up. Remember, I love you if you vote!

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 4:35 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Movie Quotes That, Thank God, They Didn't Use (but are hilarious anyway.

Some of my favorites:

Legolas to Aragorn after gift-giving: "You know the difference between you and me? I make this look good."

-- Men In Black

Lurtz: "Who's in charge?"

Orc breeder: "I am."

(Lurtz strangles the breeder)

Lurtz: "Once again, who's in charge?"

Orc minion: "You are."

Lurtz: "Excellent."

- Passenger 57

Isildur to Sauron: "Hello! My name is Isildur. You killed my father. Prepare to die."

-- The Princess Bride

Boromir: "Why did it have to be a cave troll? I hate cave trolls."

-- Raiders Of The Lost Ark

Frodo: "We're the good guys. Why are we running?"

Aragorn: "We're not running. We're eluding."

- Rising Sun

Boromir: "My brother..."

Aragorn: "I have a brother? I HAVE A BROTHER!"

-- Robin Hood Prince Of Thieves

Aragorn (looking at the orcs outside Helm's Deep): "How many?"

Legolas: "6,000."

Aragorn: �6,000?�

Merry: (further away) "How many?"

Aragorn: "50!" (to Legolas) "He can't count anyway."

-- Robin Hood Prince Of Thieves

Orc to Gandalf: "I remember you! We killed you!"

- Robocop

Frodo looking in Galadriel's mirror: "What the hell am I looking at? When does this happen in the movie?"

- Spaceballs

Galadriel: "Do you guys like lembas?"

Legolas: "Yes."

Gimli: "No."

Legolas: "Yes."

Gimli: "No."

Legolas: "I love lembas, (looks at Gimli) and so do you."

Gimli: "Yes."

- Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home

Legolas to Aragorn: "When nine hundred years old you reach, look as good you will not. Hmm?"

Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi

Aragorn at Helm's Deep: We've got company!"

Theoden: "Orcs?"

Legolas: "How many?"

Aragorn: "Uh, all of them, I think."

- Terminator 2: Judgement Day

You really should go visit. And you still have time to vote! Be a good American, or just a nice friend who votes for my site

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 7:18 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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The Council of Elrond: Could it have gone differently? Is there another choice that could have been made?

Well, the elves might have tried to keep a closer eye on Gollum lol. But then lovely Lego wouldn't be there! Haha. I wonder if the Ring could have passed to someone else, I wonder what would have happened if they hadn't argued. If an Elf carried the ring, would there have been such turmoil? You can tell where my loyalties lie.

I guess I think that with the way Tolkien wrote the story there really wasn't another option. I mean, the Ring couldn't be destroyed by conventional means, so it would have to get to Mordor, and it appears that the only ones who could resist it (partially anyway) were the hobbits. So as much as I'd rather not like the hobbits, I think it worked out rather well.

Only one little kid recognized my carving of Legolas in my pumpkin last night. Ah well I thought it was cool. I'll post a pic, eventually

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 11:39 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Do you think Aragorn would have tried to reclaim the throne of Gondor had the Ring not come along?

Probably not. I mean, he was all happy to be in exile, he chose it, and he could have had Arwen with fewer problems, I'm thinking. Course, if he was destined to become king, then I think something else would have pushed him towards kingship. Some other evil, some other conflict would come up. That's the way of the world, any world. Even Middle Earth.

I had one of those wonderful connection moments with TMC last night in the shower. You know the times when bits and pieces of the story come together to make something whole. I had to finish showering quickly and keep repeating the story to myself so I wouldn't forget. Then I sat in the bathroom with a pad of paper and wrote it down. Man it's messy, cause I was writing so quickly. Part of the problem was that I see things in images...and it's a bit difficult to write down images. esp when you just have this glimpse. Ah well. I think I managed enough. One day TMC is gonna be really cool.

And I just lost a paragraph of Decadence. I hate it when the comp freezes... sigh. It'll come back to me. Be sure to check here for periodic updates to Decadence. I'm trying to write at least a paragraph a day. Eventually I'll get to do that for TMC too. Someday, grasshopper...

It bugs me that I can't share it with all of you. It would majorly spoil some plotlines.

file under: lordoftherings , writings Posted by Jen at 3:31 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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With Viggo Mortensen's recent announcement that he will no longer be accepting fan mail after October 31, 2002, the question arises: How important is an actor's contact with fans to the (long-term) success of his/her movies? To his/her career? And, more specifically, how important is the contact the Fellowship actors have with their fans to the success of the Lord of the Rings movies?

Considering I've never written to a celebrity (however much I'd like to write to Orlando and get something personal back) it doesn't matter to me how much they come into contact. I seriously doubt that I'd ever meet Viggo or Orlando or anyone, for that matter, considering St. Louis isn't exactly the hotbed of actor activity, I think as long as they get out there and say hi occasionally, it's alright. I'm the type of person who can ignore things that I don't like about a person, like how Orli smokes and is a vegetarian. We would never get along I don't care if I never meet any of the fellowship; I mean, it would be a glorious thing, but it's not going to make me not see the movies if I can't see the actors. I'm not quite that obsessed.

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 12:13 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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I know, I know, technically this was yesterday, I'm just running late today. TTT december 18! And the extended version dvd comes out in little under a month! I think I might hold off on pre-ordering it and just go to best buy and see if I can get those free tickets. I'd still see it midnight even if I did get free tix. I really need to buy something through the fan club though. I would totally buy the SE version if it were less expensive than amazon, but it's not. Sometimes retail is good. Although I didn't spend $100 just so I could get a card and a magazine...but I can't wait to see my name at the end of the credits! Hopefully some people in the lab will want to go. Would you believe that the other girl in the lab hasn't seen FotR yet? She's gonna borrow my vhs sometime, lol. See, I knew we should get both! Cause we still haven't gotten another dvd player. Someday, grasshopper.

btw, Decadence will live here: decadence in case you're curious to see the progress I've made. I know it's a bad idea to start something new and I'll probably never get around to finishing it, and if I finish them both before I'm eighty I will consider it an amazing accomplishment. Bug me and I might get to them before my student loans are paid off. Maybe they'll help me pay off my student loans. Wouldn't that be a kick? I could be another one of those yuppies who makes a living having nothing to do with that lovely piece of paper called a college diploma.

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 12:28 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Please keep voting...

yeah, so my PCR didn't work. Erm. Doing it again with other dna samples. faugh.

Watched a history channel special on Braveheart: 'History vs. Hollywood." So some of my illusions were shattered, but I learned some things too...for instance, did you know that a typical Scottish claymore was 5'6" long? Good grief. Taller than me.

Waiting for midnight so I can download the hi-res version of the TT trailer I am such a dork :look:

file under: celebration , lordoftherings , movies Posted by Jen at 11:25 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Rank the Fellowship in the order (best to worst) that you like them.

Explain why.

1. Legolas. Do I really need to say any more?

2. Aragorn. The manly type, oh yeah, and he's the hero king.

3. Frodo. He's cute, and he has to bear the Ring.

4. Gandalf. yeah, he's a wizard.

5. Merry. He seems slightly more intelligent than your average hobbit...

6. Boromir. Even though he died... he's still cool. And he's got a big horn.

7. Pippin. He might not know what he's talking about, but at least he's funny.

8. Sam. Not too fond of the obsequeious "Master Frodo" thing.

9. Gimli. I hate to say it, but I just don't like dwarfs. I must have elvish blood.

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 1:19 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Now that we know The Two Towers is not going to end where the book does, how would people like to see it end? And taking it perhaps a little further, how would people like to see the two individual threads end -- the Frodo/Sam and the rest of the Fellowship?

I feel a little silly, but I have absolutely no idea what this is talking about. I mean, I know there will be differences between the book and the movie (I'm reading FotR again, btw) but the biggest thing I've heard is that there's going to be more of the Aragorn-Eowyn-Arwen triangle. That doesn't bother me all that much. I could be totally uncanonical and say how I want Legolas to find his ladylove and go off into the West with her instead of Gimli, but really, I'm just interested in seeing what they do with it. I can't wait to see the battle of Helm's Deep, and I'm interested in how much they show Legolas I want to see how Merry and Pippin "grow up". As much as I love Elijah's eyes, I'd rather see the other parts of the fellowship. Erm. You can tell where my loyalties lie

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 11:28 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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The page is here

LOTR merchandise--where do you stand? Have to buy everything? Nothing? Just

doing enough of?

I don't like the fact that I'm going to end up with three editions of the same movie (the vhs that has nothing but the movie, the widescreen dvd with some cool extras, and the future special collectors edition with the bookends) because I had to (the collectors ed will have my name in the credits). I wish I could buy the Toy Biz Legolas doll, just to say I have one. I have the art book cause it's damn cool, but I most likely would only buy other stuff relating to Legolas. Like the box of trading cards I bought just because it had Legolas on it. They'd make a killing if they sold official recreations of the costumes. You know how many people would buy Legolas or Arwen costumes?

file under: lordoftherings , memes Posted by Jen at 4:05 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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About the music: what is the best musical part of the film, where the music carries the plot forward or describes the mood, and what is happening on screen?

I always get chills when the "breaking of the fellowship" comes on. When that "dun..dun...dun" comes on signifying the Uruk-hai baddie with the bow...then the part in Moria, the fall of Gandalf. Actually the whole Moria music is very good. And I very much like the "In Dreams" song which plays over the credits.

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 5:33 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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So much of The Fellowship of the Ring concerns the journeys of the main characters, whether it be quests for knowledge, duty, or self-discovery.

Do you think the characters (main and secondary) choose to go on these quests of their own free will, or are they compelled by fate and/or circumstances?

I think it's a mix. I think most of them chose to go on the quest... some were compelled. I don't like the idea of "fate is the only thing guiding our steps" but I also don't like the "I am the one entity responsible for what happens to me." I think there is a destiny for everything--everything happens for a reason--but we can do certain things to make things happen the way we want them to.

Short answer... but CsCl prep calls.

just for your info: I'm going to be 22 tomorrow. Go to Amazon.com (courtesy of the link at the bottom right of this page) and search for my wish list. "Jennifer Shew" Thanks in advance, lol.

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 5:54 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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odd facts constantly reminding me of Orli:

Everyday on the way to work we pass a florist called "Always in Bloom";

I'm reading a book by William Boyd. The actor Billy Boyd is in LotR with Orli;

I was listening to a cd I made, and a song from the soundtrack of "Deep Impact" was on it; Elijah Wood was in that movie, but also in LotR with Orli;

I'm learning to sew because of Legolas, Orli's character...

Too bad I won't ever meet him!

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 1:04 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Now that you've seen the latest edition of the Two Towers preview:

What are you most looking forward to in The Two Towers? More Legolas. Helm's Deep sequence.

Which character (new or continuing) do you particularly want to see in a

prominent role? You have to ask? Legolas. Also, Eowyn looks interesting.

Have you heard anything that makes you think you might have a problem with

the film? Unless you count having to wait till December, no... I mean, the Helm's Deep sequence is supposed to be 50 minutes long! Whoohoo!

I do so hope someone will watch it with me on opening night. I don't want to go alone.

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 1:04 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Now that you've had the DVD for a while, what did you think of it? Did what you saw on the DVD in any way change or alter your perceptions of the film?
Did it hold up for you on the small screen?
How many times have you watched it?
Did you do anything special to commemorate its release?

Well, I just saw it this weekend, and since we finally got a dvd player at home, I can watch it as much as I want in the future, yay! I have to admit that it has so much better quality than the VHS, but I'm glad I have that one too cause it can be used in all tvs in the house. Here's to the "art room" which now will have a tv/vcr! I don't think anything changed with the way I think of the film, I still love it, and am still amazed at how long it takes Legolas to get on-screen Luckily with this new screen (which is technically the same size as the previous one) is just a little wider so the widescreen is not so squished. And the new tv has better sound too. I've seen the video once and the dvd once, hopefully will watch it again soon (while I'm making my costume, I hope). And y'all know that I spent and hour and a half (or so) outside Best Buy on the 5th of August, waiting for midnight (it was still90 degrees out, even at 11 pm) getting my free tshirt and FotR poster, and I got the VHS at 12:09 am. I actually got the dvd two days later, even though I wasn't expecting to get it for another week. It was very exciting I have LotR stuff now! lol. And Lammy sent me a Gandalf postcard she got from Comicon.

Won't it be cool when we get together next year? Whoohoo!

PS. You can look at the Ring Thing site here.

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 10:59 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Even as I'm contemplating changing my Legolas layout for a really John Mayer one, I am getting inundated with LotR Stuff. Not that that's a bad thing. I got the FotR dvd and the Art of LotR:FotR today, and my dad brought back home the LotR:FotR publicity cd. And I went to JoAnn Fabrics and bought some patterns to make a Legolas outfit for next year's Comincon. And maybe a renaissance faire or two. Although my mom thinks I should make a dress like Galadriel's instead. I'm for the comfort of leggings. Any thoughts?

So I have a year to make the costume(s?) and learn how to play guitar. Oh, and learn tagalong.

but, I am one step closer to getting a dvd player. This weekend is Preferred Customer weekend at Best Buy, so hopefully I'll be getting one... *crosses fingers* I can't wait to see the dvd!

I'm insane, I know.

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 11:10 PM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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I went to Best Buy and bought the VHS of LotR:FotR. Stood in line for a little over an hour, but I got a really cool tshirt and the FotR one-sheet movie poster. So I'm happy, and I know what I'm watching tomorrow night

Now all I need is a Legolas stand-up and I'll be set, lol. I am seriously entertaining the thought of trying to make a Legolas costume for Halloween. Not that I'd be going to any parties or anything, but at least I'd have a reason to wear the ears.

I really want to learn how to play guitar. And I miss the piano.

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 1:52 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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Are you buying both the August and November DVD (or VHS) releases of the

etc.) good marketing or corporate greed?

I will probably end up buying both the editions, if just the August VHS anyway. I'll probably try to bum a August DVD viewing off a cousin or friend just so I can see the 10 minute preview. I am definitely buying the collector's edition, cause I want the National Geographic dvd and the Argonath bookends. And of course, the 30 or so minutes of extra footage. Oh yeah, my name will be in the credits of the Nov. editions... so I'll just have to get those. I like the different editions, although I'll admit it does seem a little excessive. However, in this case I'm glad. There was so much more that needed to be told...

file under: lordoftherings Posted by Jen at 1:17 AM | Permalink MTIfCommentsActive>|

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