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☆ Mt. Etna Puffs Perfect Smoke Rings Into Sicilian Sky
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-09 | by ( Elisabetta Povoledo | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Etna, one of Europe’s most active volcanoes, has been spewing circular, mostly white smoke rings into the skies over Sicily. The rings, known as volcanic vortex rings, appeared earlier this month after a small vent opened on the northwest border of the Southeast crater. In this case, the vent is perfectly circular, making for particularly perfect rings. “It is bellissimo,” said Simona Scollo, another volcanologist at the INGV Etna Observatory in Catania, using the Italian word for beautiful. Ms. Scollo copublished a study on the dynamics of volcanic vortex rings last year in the journal Scientific Reports.

Persons: It’s, it’s, Etna, Boris Behncke, ”, Simona Scollo, Scollo Organizations: National Institute of Geophysics, Volcanology Locations: Mt, Etna, Sicily, Catania

☆ Now you can visit a real-life ‘Hobbit Hole’ in New Zealand
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-04 | by ( Francesca Street | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Tolkien’s imagination – and therefore sadly off limits to tourists – the Hobbiton Movie Set provides a pretty good substitute. The Hobbit sets – mostly facades built into landscaped hillsides – have operated as a tourist attraction in some capacity since 2002, but until recently most of the Hobbit Holes have been out of bounds to visitors. The Hobbiton Movie Set formed the backdrop to the "Lord of the Rings" movies and the subsequent Hobbit trilogy and is now a tourist attraction. Shaun JeffersNow, two fully decorated Hobbit Holes have opened to the public for the first time. Shaun JeffersExploring the Hobbit Holes is now included as part of the Hobbiton tour experience.

Persons: J.R.R, Peter Jackson, –, Shaun Jeffers, Hobbiton, “, it’s, ”, crouch, Doom, Conor McNish, Lane, Aragorn, Gandalf, King Théoden, Rohan, ’ ”, ” CNN’s Thomas Page Organizations: CNN, Getty, CNN Travel, Mount, Sunday Locations: New Zealand, Matamata, Waikato, “, Auckland, Hobbiton, LOTR, Zealand, South, Ngauruhoe, Ruapehu, London

☆ An Exhibition of Orcs and Elves Has Rome Abuzz, and Bewildered
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-17 | by ( Jason Horowitz | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

On the opening night of Rome’s most talked-about new exhibition this week, top government ministers in sharp suits hobnobbed with Roman socialites in fur coats, and eccentric art lovers rubbed shoulders with hard-right youth group members. They all contemplated a drawing of a glam-rock Gandalf in a form-fitting wizard’s cloak, acrylic armies of orcs and other works of fan art displayed in gilded frames. Some were enthusiastic, others bewildered. But if there was any question why Italy’s Culture Ministry had staged a major retrospective dedicated to the life, academic career, and literary works of J.R.R. “I found the exhibition very beautiful,” Giorgia Meloni, the prime minister, said after her personal tour of “Tolkien: Man, Professor, Author.” “As a person who knows the issue pretty well, I found many things I didn’t know.”

Persons: Frodo, Tolkien, “, ”, Giorgia Meloni Organizations: Ministry, National Gallery of Modern Locations: British

☆ British Library looks at evolution of fantasy genre in new exhibition
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Martin’s “A Game of Thrones” to live-action role play costumes and Gandalf's staff from "The Lord of the Rings" films, a new London exhibition opening on Friday delves into the fantasy genre. "Fantasy: Realms of Imagination", running at the British Library, features more than 100 items from around the world including manuscripts, first editions, games, film props and costumes. “Fantasy has never been as exciting as it is today." "Fantasy: Realms of Imagination" runs until Feb. 25, 2024. Reporting by Marie-Louise Gumuchian; Editing by Rod NickelOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: George R.R, Martin’s, Lewis, Ursula K, Le, Tanya Kirk, Marie, Louise Gumuchian, Rod Nickel Organizations: British, Reuters, Thomson Locations: London

☆ How Dumbledore Became Michael Gambon’s Most Recognizable Role
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-28 | by ( Julia Jacobs | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

In the latter part of Michael Gambon’s long and storied acting career, some of the most animated analyses of his performances could be found not in theater or film reviews, but in forums for the “Harry Potter” fandom, where dedicated Hogwarts obsessives would dissect his every onscreen utterance as the wizard Albus Dumbledore. It wasn’t originally his role. Richard Harris, the eminent actor who was originally cast, died after filming the second “Harry Potter” movie. Several other well-known actors were initially considered to succeed Harris in the role, including McKellen, who demurred, and Peter O'Toole, who turned it down because of his long, close friendship with Harris. In the end the choice was Gambon, whose family said Thursday that he had died.

Persons: Michael Gambon’s, Harry Potter ”, Albus Dumbledore, Richard Harris, Harry Potter, Gambon, Alec Guinness, Obi, Wan, Ian McKellen, Gandalf, Harris, McKellen, Peter O'Toole, Harris’s Organizations: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft

☆ 'Lord of the Rings': Ian McKellen reveals major stars who turned down Gandalf role
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-07 | by ( Lisa Respers France | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Ian McKellen is beloved as Gandalf in the “Lord of the Rings” franchise, but he almost missed out on the role. In an interview with Variety, the esteemed actor shared that he was not the first choice to play the character. I certainly wasn’t the first choice for Gandalf,” McKellen said. The new movie is set to debut at the Toronto International Film Festival. It was a tricky balance to strike.”The 48th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival kicked off Thursday and runs through Sept. 17.

Persons: CNN — Ian McKellen, Gandalf, “, ” McKellen, “ Tony Hopkins, Sean Connery, McKellen, ”, Jimmy Erskine, Nina Land Organizations: CNN, Rings, Variety, Toronto

☆ What Should I Wear to Officiate a Wedding?
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-31 | by ( Vanessa Friedman | More About Vanessa Friedman | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Being asked to officiate for a friend’s or relative’s wedding is an honor. Sean Parker, of Napster and Facebook fame, reportedly asked Sir Ian McKellen to officiate at his 2013 “Lord of the Rings”-themed wedding dressed as Gandalf. When it comes to officiating, the wedding couple’s wishes come first. That means that when it comes to deciding what to wear, the first thing to do is understand the wishes of the couple. You would not wear the same thing to officiate at a beach wedding as you would a country club wedding as you would a backyard wedding; evening weddings demand different clothes than lunchtime weddings, and so on.

Persons: — Kathleen, Sean Parker, Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Ian Organizations: S.C, Napster, Facebook Locations: Columbia

CNN —Matt Damon turned down a major role years ago – except this role was one that could have made the Oscar-winner upwards of $250 million. “Water” sits behind “Avatar” and “Avengers: Endgame,” which has grossed nearly $2.8 billion since its release in 2019. It’s a decision that may haunt him, but all signs seem to indicate that Damon did just fine without venturing around Cameron’s planet of Pandora. For now, Damon stars in director Christopher Nolan’s latest war-era epic “Oppenheimer,” which premieres in theaters on Friday. As for Damon’s claim that his decision resulted in the most money an actor has declined ever, that’s debatable.

Persons: Matt Damon, Chris Wallace, ” Damon, James Cameron’s, ” Cameron, Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Joel David Moore, Michelle Rodriguez, ”, It’s, Damon, Christopher Nolan’s, Oppenheimer, Sean Connery, Gandalf, Peter Jackson’s, “ didn’t, Bond Organizations: CNN

☆ Bearer of rare 'One Ring' card from 'Lord of the Rings' lore could fetch $2 million and face hefty tax bill
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-10 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

And the ring bearer — if they choose to sell the "precious" — may owe a hefty tax bill on the profits. Marta Iwanek | Toronto Star | Getty ImagesThe Canadian who acquired The One Ring card would most likely pay tax on half their profits. If The One Ring card were sold for 2 million euros — which appears to be the current top bid — then 1 million euros (about CA$1.46 million) would be taxable. Total Canadian tax bill is 'subjective'But what's Canada's tax rate on the profits? (In reality, the effective tax rate would be slightly lower since Canada's income tax system is progressive, as in the U.S., experts said.

Persons: Elijah Wood, Frodo, Misty, Sauron, Mount Doom, —, Roger Perzan, Marta Iwanek, Plaskett, Howard Gleckman, it's, Scott Plaskett, John Oakey, Oakey, Sir Ian McKellen, Gandalf Organizations: Coast LLC, Canadian, Toronto Star, Getty, Urban, Brookings Tax Policy Center, Total Canadian, Chartered Professional Accountants Canada, Canada Revenue Agency Locations: Rivendell, Toronto, Canada, U.S, Ontario, Scott Plaskett Toronto

☆ Can the U.S. See the Truth About China?
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-27 | by ( David Marchese | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +14 min

Photo illustration by Bráulio Amado Talk Can the U.S. See the Truth About China? To see China solely as trying to displace the United States is only going to stoke more fears. The Chinese people believe that a substantially weakened Russia might not be in the interest of China, because if there were the sense that the United States needed to seek out an opponent, China would be next. And then also, the United States thinks that China wants to displace it. The industrial espionage stems from a lack of appreciation from the start of intellectual property, and the United States, by pushing China to do more intellectual-property protection, is actually good for China.

☆ New ‘Lord of the Rings’ Movies Are in the Works, Warner Bros. Says
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-24 | by ( Gareth Vipers | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Ian McKellen, left, as Gandalf and Elijah Wood as Frodo in the Peter Jackson directed “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.”Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. is doubling down on Middle-Earth, announcing that a new raft of “Lord of the Rings” movies are in the works. The company has brokered a deal to make “multiple” films based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” books, chief executive David Zaslav said in an earnings call Thursday.

NBC News’ longtime president, Noah Oppenheim, is stepping down but will stay with NBCUniversal to produce movies and scripted television shows, the company announced Wednesday. Rebecca Blumenstein, a deputy managing editor of The New York Times since 2017, will step into the new role of president of editorial, Conde said. “We are excited for his new chapter and that he will continue to work closely with NBCUniversal in this new role,” Conde said of Oppenheim. In addition, Janelle Rodriguez, who helped develop NBC News’ highly successful and profitable news streaming service, is joining the leadership team as executive vice president of NBC News NOW. “Under her leadership, NBC News NOW has been the largest and fasted growing streaming news network and provides more live programming than any other streaming news service,” the company said in a statement.

☆ 15 of the best movie trilogies you need to see in your lifetime
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-19 | by ( Gabbi Shaw | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

The "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, released from 2001 to 2003, told a sprawling tale of good versus evil set in a fictional world called Middle Earth. "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King." New Line CinemaBased upon J. R. R. Tolkien's series of books, there hadn't (and still hasn't) been anything quite like director Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. And what a world Middle Earth is. The "Lord of the Rings" trilogy is available to stream on Max.

Persons: Peter Jackson's, Frodo, Gandalf, Saruman Locations: New Zealand

☆ Someone paid $440,000 for the Bible used in 'The Shawshank Redemption'
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-06 | by ( Stephanie Stacey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

The Bible used in "The Shawshank Redemption" sold for about $441,000 in an online auction. Early in the film, nefarious prison warden Norton hands Dufresne the Bible, telling him "Salvation lies within." The inscription in the Bible used in The Shawshank Redemption. Turning the page, Warden Norton reveals the outline of the hammer Dufresne used to tunnel his way out of the jail. According to the Propstore auction listing, "only one rock hammer Bible was finished for the pivotal scene, as the process of cutting the hammer outline was precise and time-consuming."

☆ Netflix reportedly pitched a $250 million 'Marvel approach' to 'Lord of the Rings' TV shows, but it 'freaked out' the Tolkien estate
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-05 | by ( Travis Clark | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Netflix pitched the Tolkien estate on "Lord of the Rings" TV shows before Amazon landed the rights. It took a "Marvel approach" that "freaked out" the estate, according to The Hollywood Reporter. HBO also pitched the estate on a TV series, THR reported, on essentially remaking the film trilogy. One source told THR that Netflix took a "Marvel approach, and that completely freaked out the estate." THR also reported that Netflix bid $250 million for the rights, which has been widely reported to be the number Amazon paid for the series.

☆ Playlist de vacanță de la Humans of Chișinău
▼ + stars: | 2015-04-13 | by ( Onixmedia Srl | ) diez.md time to read: +2 min

Playlist de vacanță de la Humans of Chișinău – Fiți mai aproape unii de alțiiE vacanță. E vreme frumoasă afară și e păcat să-ți petreci timpul în fața calculatorului. Echipa #diez ți-a pregătit, de data aceasta, un playlist în colaborare cu echipa Humans of Chișinău, care, cu mare plăcere, a propus muzica ce va spori productivitatea ta, dar și dorul de a ieși mai des la o plimbare. Pagina Humans of Chișinău a fost lansată la sfârşitul anului 2013 şi în acest moment sunt trei persoane ce fac parte din echipă. Echipa #diez și Humans of Chișinău îți urează audiție plăcută!

Persons: Ian McKellen, George Ezra ., Maria Răducanu, Îi Locations: Chișinău, Chişinău

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