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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We also answer listener email, and messages from Twitter.

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

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

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

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

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