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New Zealander builds Hobbit hole
Ananova / The Evening Post ^ | 1/26/02

Posted on 01/27/2002 6:18:35 PM PST by John Farson

New Zealander builds Hobbit hole

A New Zealand man has built a Hobbit house.

Carl Gifford, a stonemason from Wellington, says he used a 10-tonne digger to make the hole.

He's put rocks either side of the front door and plans to install a chimney and lantern on top.

He told the Evening Post he was embarrassed as he was constructing the home.

He said: "I must admit I was hiding as the cars were driving past. I thought, 'These people think I'm an idiot'."

The house is part of a series of stonework mounds, designs and sculptures dotted around his land.

"I'm just having a bit of fun. Things that were built by those ancient people like caves have always fascinated me."



TOPICS: Culture/Society; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: carlgifford; hobbithole; newzealand; tolkien
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To: BibChr
I thought maybe the Moria gates weren't supposed to reflect - they are made of isil-whatever, and that's magic... glad there are other people who so understand Tolkien!
81 posted on 01/29/2002 7:09:00 AM PST by JenB
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To: RosieCotton
This weekend (after seeing it again) I really heard the conversation between Boromir, Pippin and Merry when Boromir was teaching them sword fighting. Listen to it when after Boromir accidentally hurts Merry, and they charge him "for the Shire!" and "ow my arm". It is really good.

I love the part with Pippin and Merry crying after Gandalf's fall. But the look on Frodo's face, with the one tear falling, says it all.

I also cry when Boromir's only concern when dying is "they took the little ones..." I think Jackson did a great job developing the love that Boromir has for the Pippin and Merry (how could you not)

Jackson is also doing a great job developing the love that Aragorn will feel for Merry and Pippin. Afterall, he will have them buried next to him. That sums it all up.

Merry and Pippin are comic-relief, but I have always found them extremely funny in the books. I can't wait to see Two Towers and Return of the King.

Also, everyone, check out e-bay under LOTR-movie posters. There are quite a few. I just ordered one with Aragorn, and another with the hobbits hiding and the black rider over them.

I like everyone posting the little things they saw. It makes for a much richer viewing. Jackson didn't miss any details... and the details are going to pay dividends later.

Well, I guess I'm going to have to see it again.

82 posted on 01/29/2002 7:14:15 AM PST by carton253
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To: 2Jedismom
Well, while we're comparing tearfulnesses, Eowyn's brave stand before the Nazgul gets me, and fallen Theoden telling (forgive me if I name the wrong one, I'm o-o-o-old) Merry (?) that he won't be able to share a pipe and hear stories of the Shire, and Merry later saying he'd never be able to smoke again, and Gandalf's response....

Gahh! Quit it, you guys! I'm at work! { sniff! }

Dan

83 posted on 01/29/2002 7:14:49 AM PST by BibChr
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To: BibChr
We are planning the same thing in Cincinnati. But, we are plan to use the director's cuts.
84 posted on 01/29/2002 7:15:11 AM PST by carton253
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To: BibChr
One thing that makes me chuckle is the blemish under Frodo's lip...it's there when he's making tea for Gandalf while they're discussing the ring. And it's there in some shots when they're leaving Lothlorien in the canoes.
85 posted on 01/29/2002 7:15:28 AM PST by 2Jedismom
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To: John Farson
Actually hobbit holes would be very energy efficient
86 posted on 01/29/2002 7:18:10 AM PST by Centurion2000
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To: carton253
I want the director's cuts too...and a brand new big screen TV to watch it all on. . .sigh.
87 posted on 01/29/2002 7:19:43 AM PST by 2Jedismom
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To: BibChr
What tears me up...

In the Hobbit, when Bilbo invites the remaining dwarves to tea at 4:00, but they can come anytime - the door is always open.

I do tear up when Merry asks Pippin if he is going to die. Another thing that gets me is when Pippin tries to get Gandalf to help with Merry, but Gandalf is too busy... until he finds out it is Merry, then he drops everything and comes.

The love the fellowship have for each other is splendid. Legalos taking Gimli to the Grey Havens. I also cry when Frodo must leave Sam... "I am wounded, Sam."

These are great books, but reading the appendix is really finishing the story, and when you find out that love and devotion continued even until death... it touches you.

88 posted on 01/29/2002 7:19:56 AM PST by carton253
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To: 2Jedismom
Theatrical make-up is hard on the skin. I know!
89 posted on 01/29/2002 7:21:07 AM PST by carton253
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To: carton253
Yes, the appendix really is much like Paul Harvey's "The rest of the story".
90 posted on 01/29/2002 7:23:47 AM PST by 2Jedismom
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To: carton253; 2Jedismom; JenB
You're right; all the dimensionality Jackson shows about Boromir and the hobbits enriches the story. Boromir could have been a one-dimensional character, but between them Jackson and Sean Bean decimate that possibility.

Notice too that Boromir grabs them and jumps the chasm at Khazad-dum with both Merry and Pippin in his arms. And I just hear that dialogue you mention last time, my seventh ("Ow! My arm!"). It's a precious little scene for B and the hobbits, but also is Aragorn's only laugh, a brief lighter moment.

That gets to one of Jackson's many strengths, too. He keeps going from some relatively intimate moment to a big moment -- from that scene you mention down to the huge works at Isengard; from Frodo's house in the Shire to the huge works at Minas Morgul; from Frodo and Aragorn to Aragorn's battle with about a kazillion Uruk Hai, and then Boromir's final battle. Wow, wow wow wow wow.

BTW, some of this is why those idiots (including here at FR) who sniff that it was "boring" tick me off so. On many movies, tastes just differ. And some people just can't abide fantasy movies (and so shouldn't go to one). But to watch such an epic tale of bravery, friendship, good vs. evil, sacrifice... and say it is "boring"! I fear something's missing in someone like that.

Dan

91 posted on 01/29/2002 7:27:39 AM PST by BibChr
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To: BibChr
Boromir in the book was a bit scary, because we saw mostly through Frodo's eyes, and Frodo was scared of him. The camera, being less discriminating, gave us a more balanced view of the noble Gondorian.

That said, Aragorn's still cooler. But Boromir's the kind of guy I wouldn't mind have protecting me. I'd feel safe.

92 posted on 01/29/2002 7:31:06 AM PST by JenB
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To: BibChr
In fact, when Aragorn lets Frodo go and turns to face about a gazillion Urak H'ai is when I absolutely fell in love with Aragorn.

Courage, honor, nobility... all there with the wind blowing his hair while he slowly takes out his sword. Even if it is two gazillion versus 1, you (almost) feel sorry for the two gazillion because it isn't going to be a fair fight.

The other thing about that scene is Legalos. Arrow in head of Urak Hai then fired. Then the three arrows fired in rapid succession, each finding their mark. Wow!

Boromir's death is fantastic. I think Sean Bean did a great job showing Boromir's lust for the ring and his commitment and love for the hobbits and the rest of the fellowship.

93 posted on 01/29/2002 7:33:40 AM PST by carton253
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To: BibChr
Doesn't Boromir catch Sam also at the bridge?
94 posted on 01/29/2002 7:37:27 AM PST by carton253
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To: BibChr; JenB
A great summary, Dan.

It is nice, isn't it JenB, to be able to talk with people that get into this book as much as you do. My husband, as indulgent as he is, is really just not "in" to it as much as Matthew and I. Whenever I speak of the movie, or read parts from the book, he smiles and nods but doesn't contribute. He's read the books once. He saw the movie once and has no interest in seeing it again.

It'd be nice if we could all get together for the opening night of the Two Towers...(wishful thinking?)

95 posted on 01/29/2002 7:37:29 AM PST by 2Jedismom
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To: BibChr
LOL, I feel sooooooooooo behind. I've only seen it twice. I did win four tickets to see it again, tho!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;-)
96 posted on 01/29/2002 7:41:20 AM PST by BornOnTheFourth
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To: carton253
In fact, when Aragorn lets Frodo go and turns to face about a gazillion Urak H'ai is when I absolutely fell in love with Aragorn.

I think this is one of JenB's favorite scenes too. ;-) He has a similar look on his face when he says "Let's hunt some orcs". Oh baby baby.

97 posted on 01/29/2002 7:41:56 AM PST by 2Jedismom
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To: ;john farson;rebelbase;2jedismom;centurion2000
Ive been considering building a hobbit hole from Nest Egg for quite a while. Maybe Ill be at the leading edge of a trend...
98 posted on 01/29/2002 7:44:47 AM PST by gnarledmaw
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To: 2Jedismom
Oh, baby, baby is right!

Absolutely sexy!!!

99 posted on 01/29/2002 7:45:20 AM PST by carton253
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To: 2Jedismom
Oh, yeah... that is such an incredible scene, he's just nonchalantly about to take on ten thousand orcs - and win! I'm no monarchist, but a king like that would be worth following.
100 posted on 01/29/2002 7:45:47 AM PST by JenB
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