A TOAST TO THE PROFESSOR

According to my Tolkien calendar, today, September 2nd is the anniversary of J.R.R. Tolkien's death. So in his honor I offer this caricature.

A man of accomplishment, he was scholar, professor, translator but what he is best known for, are the fantasies of Middle Earth. His Hobbits and theories of sub creation influenced all that followed up to Robert Jordan and George R.R. Martin (whose pen name is a blatant homage) so much so that Tolkien is called the "Father of Modern Fantasy." His books have been made in to plays, radio shows, Led Zeplin tunes, animated cartoons and movies.

I personally was touched from the moment David Wilson handed me a copy of "The Hobbit." I devoured everything I could. I drew pictures, wrote poetry and even in my Youth Center days did a Middle Earth celebration. (Mathew Nasworthy at age five won the Hobbit height contest)

So if you get a desire to read Tolkien's work whether it's again of for the first time, consider the pod cast "Talking Tolkien." 

http://www.wondernauts.net/talking-tolkien-pdc/

It is my current drive time passion. Katie and Jonathan are the knowledgeable hosts with Chase playing the "everyman." It's a book club that you can take a more passive approach. 

At the turning of the last to this new century, Time magazine had the readers vote on the most important piece of literature of the century, their choice ... "Lord of the Rings. 

Need I say more???

So join me, and raise your glass ... and Toast the Proffesor.