The New Hobbit Hole

[HairOfTheDog]

Welcome to The New Hobbit Hole
Concerning Hobbits
The New Hobbit Chronicles

This is a continuation of the infamous thread New Zealander Builds Hobbit Hole originally posted on January 26, 2001 by John Farson, who at the time undoubtedly thought he had found a rather obscure article that would elicit a few replies and die out. Without knowing it, he became the founder of the Hobbit Hole. For reasons incomprehensible to some, the thread grew to over 4100 replies. It became the place for hobbits and friends of hobbits to chit chat and share LoTR news and views, hang out, and talk amongst ourselves in the comfort of familiar surroundings.

In keeping with the new posting guidelines, the thread idea is continuing here, as will the Green Dragon Inn, our more structured spin-off thread, as soon as we figure out how to move all the good discussion that has been had there. As for the Hobbit Hole, we will just start fresh, bringing only a few mathoms such as the picture above with us to make it feel like home, and perhaps a walk down memory lane:

Our discussion has been light:

It very well may be that a thread named "New Zealander builds Hobbit hole" will end up being the longest Tolkien thread of them all, with some of the best heartfelt content... Sorry John, but I would have rather it had been one with a more distinguished title!… post 252 - HairOfTheDog

However, I can still celebrate, with quiet dignity, the fact that what started as a laugh about some wacko in New Zealand has mutated and grown into a multifaceted discussion of the art, literature, and philosophy that is Tolkien. And now that I've managed to write the most pompous sentence of my entire life, I agree, Rosie… post 506 - JenB

Hah! I was number 1000!! (Elvish victory dance... wait, no; that would be too flitty) … post 1001 - BibChr

Real men don't have to be afraid of being flitty! Go for it. – post 1011 – HairOfTheDog

Seventeen years to research one mystical object seems a bit excessive… post 1007 - JenB

Okay...who's the wise guy who didn't renew Gandalf's research grant?… post 1024 – Overtaxed

To the very philosophical:

…Judas Iscariot obviously was a good man, or he wouldn't have been chosen to be one of the Apostles. He loved Jesus, like all of the Apostles, but he betrayed him. Yet without his betrayal, the Passion and Crucifixion would never have occurred, and mankind would not have been redeemed. So without his self-destruction infinite good would not have been accomplished. I certainly do not mean this to be irreverant but it seems to me that this describes the character of Gollum, in the scenes so movingly portrayed above… Lucius Cornelius Sulla

To fun but heartfelt debates about the integrity and worth of some of the characters…

…Anyone else notice how Boromir treats the hobbits? He's very fond of them but he seems to think of them as children - ruffling Frodo's hair, calls them all 'little ones'. He likes them, but I don't think he really respects them… post 1536 - JenB

Yes... Tolkien told us not to trust Boromir right off the bat when he began to laugh at Bilbo, until he realized that the Council obviously held this hobbit in high esteem. What a pompous dolt… post 1538 - HairOfTheDog

…I think almost every fault of his can be traced directly back to his blindness to anything spiritual or unseen. He considers the halflings as children, because that is what they look like. He considers the only hope of the ring to be in taking it and using it for a victory in the physical realm. He cannot see what the hobbits are truly made of, he cannot see the unseen hope of what the destruction of the ring might mean--the destruction of Sauron himself, and he cannot see the unseen danger that lies in the use of the ring itself… I just feel sorry for Boromir--he is like a blind but honorable man, trying to take the right path on the road but missing the right path entirely because he simply cannot see it… post 1548 - Penny1

Boromir isn't a jerk, he's a jock… post 2401 – Overtaxed

-----------------------------------------

Oh, I think by the time Frodo reaches the Cracks, he's not even himself anymore! I think he's not only on the brink of a dangerous place physically, he's on the brink of losing himself completely during the exchange with Gollum. But for some reason, the take-over isn't complete till he actually has to throw the Ring in. The person speaking to Gollum is not Frodo, but the "Wheel of Fire" that Sam sees. After the Ring is destroyed, Frodo not only comes back to himself, but comes back with the unbearable (to him) knowledge of what it's like to be completely without compassion. I think that's why it's so important to him to be compassionate in the Shire… post 2506 - 2Jedismom

…Regarding Frodo's compassion... it's a little too much at the end. Even Merry tells him that he's going to have to quit being so darn nice. But you're right. He's learned a lesson about evil that very few ever learn since it wasn't an external lesson but an internal one. (Those kinds of lessons have the greatest impact) Not only did he totally succumb to it, but he was rather ruthless to my little Smeagol… post 2516 - carton253

Well that Frodo was a big mean bully! (to Smeagol)… post 2519 – Overtaxed

So as you can see, everything JRR Tolkien (and Peter Jackson) is welcome here in our New Row, our soon-to-be familiar New Hobbit Hole…; philosophy, opinion, good talk and frequent silliness.

[2Jedismom]

Matthew's going into some more intensive grammer today...nouns, pronouns, verbs and adjectives...stuff like that. I have him watching Grammer Rock right now, to get him in the right mind set! LOL

[Bear_in_RoseBear]

I have him watching Grammer Rock right now

Have you seen this?

Schoolhouse Rock 30th Anniversary DVD

We're thinking of getting a copy just 'cause we loved Schoolhouse Rock when we were little. :)

[RosieCotton]

I wish Aragorn's speech had made it into the movie. Someone should have put Boromir in his place!

[2Jedismom]

No!! Thank you so much for posting that! The tapes we have a literally from the time they were running these shows! They were given to us by neighbors who got them for their kids who are grown now! They are on their last leg and any minute I know they'll break.

We also have America Rocks and some of it just breaks my heart because it isn't "politically correct" and mentions God and shows a covered wagon with a woman holding a Bible. I wonder if they've altered this version?

[RosieCotton]

< Boromir whine mode >Gondor does all the work, and you guys don't even APPRECIATE us! < / Boromir whine mode >

[Overtaxed]

< Aragorn whine mode > Rangers do all that work and even the LOCALS don't APPRECIATE us!< /Aragorn whine mode >

[rightwingreligiousfanatic]

In case that reference went over your heads, I refer to this thread that made me think of you guys....http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/760264/posts

[ksen]

Here are some Ferengi Rules of Acquisition I found. Some of them sound absolutely Dwarvish. Here they are:

• Once you have their money, you never give it back.
• If they want their money back, give it to them.
• The best deal is the one that brings the most profit.
• Never spend more for an acquisition than you have to.
• I found it; it's mine.
• Never allow family to stand in the way of opportunity.
• Keep your ears open.
• Small print leads to large risk.
• Only a fool passes up a business opportunity.
• Opportunity plus instinct equals profit.
• Greed is eternal.
• Greed is dead.
• Anything worth doing is worth doing for money.
• A deal is a deal... until a better one comes along.
• A contract is a contract is a contract--but only between Ferengi.
• A Ferengi without profit is no Ferengi at all.
• Satisfaction is not guaranteed.
• Never place friendship before profit.
• A wise man can hear profit in the wind.
• Nothing is more important than your health... except your money.
• There's nothing more dangerous than an honest businessman.
• What's in it for me?
• Never make fun of a Ferengi's mother. (Insult something he cares about, instead.)
• It never hurts to suck up to the boss.
• War is good for business.
• Peace is good for business.
• If it's free, take it and worry about hidden costs later.
• She can touch your lobes, but never your latinum.
• Profit is its own reward.
• Never confuse wisdom with luck.
• Never trust anyone whose suit is nicer than your own.
• The bigger the smile, the sharper the knife.
• Reward anyone who adds to your profits so they will continue to do so.
• Never ask when you can take.
• Always exaggerate your estimates.
• Good customers are as rare as latinum--treasure them.
• There is no substitute for success.
• Free advice is seldom cheap.
• Keep your lies consistent.
• Let's you and him fight.
• The riskier the road, the greater the profit.
• Win or lose, there's always Huyperian beetle snuff.
• Huyperian beetle snuff may be fun for you and me, but it's no fun for the beetles.
• Ferengi are not responsible for the stupidity of other races.
• Knowledge equals profit.
• Home is where the heart is, but the stars are made of latinum.
• Every once in a while declare peace.
• Beware of the Vulcan greed for knowledge.
• The flimsier the product, the higher the price.
• Never let the competition know what you're thinking.
• Learn the customer's weaknesses so you can better take advantage of him.
• Ask not what your profits can do for you, but what you can do for your profits.
• There are many paths to profit.
• Females and finances don't mix.
• Expand or die.
• For every Rule, there is an equal and opposite Rule (except when there's not).
• Enough... is never enough.
• If you can't take it with you, don't go.
• Every man has his price.
• Trust is the biggest liability of all.
• Nature decays, but latinum is forever.
• Fill a desparate need with your most expensive product, then mark it up 500%.
• Faith moves mountains... of inventory.
• There is no honor in poverty.
• Dignity and an empty sack is worth the sack.
• Treat people in your debt like family--exploit them [ruthlessly].
• Everything is for sale, even friendship.
• Even a blind man can recognize the glow of latinum.
• You can't make a deal if you're dead.
• Wives serve; brothers inherit.
• Only fools pay retail.
• There's nothing wrong with charity... as long as it winds up in your pocket.
• Sell the sizzle, not the steak.
• Even in the worst of times, someone turns a profit.
• Whisper your way to success.
• Know your enemies... but do business with them always.
• Not even dishonesty can tarnish the shine of profit.
• Let others keep their reputation. You keep their money.
• Hear all; trust nothing.
• A Ferengi waits to bid until his opponents have exhausted themselves.
• Never cheat a Klingon... unless you're sure you can get away with it.
• It's always good business to know about new customers before they walk in your door.
• The justification of profit is profit.
• New customers are like razor-backed Greeworms--they can be succulent, but sometimes they bite back!
• Sometimes the only thing more dangerous than the question is an answer.
• Employees are the rungs on the ladder of success--don't hesitate to step on them.
• Never begin a business negotiation on an empty stomach.
• Never gamble with an empath.
• You can't free a fish from water.
• Always know what you're buying.
• Always know the competition.
• Sometimes what you get free costs entirely too much.
• Possession is 11/10 of the law.
• Beware the man who doesn't make time for oo-mox.
• Latinum lasts longer than lust.
• You can't buy fate.
• Never be afraid to mislabel a product.
• More is good... all is better.
• Synthehol is the lubricant of choice for a customer's stuck purse.
• A wife is a luxury... a smart accountant, a necessity.
• A wealthy man can afford anything except a conscience.
• Never allow doubt to tarnish your lust for latinum.
• When in doubt, lie.
• Deep down, everyone's a Ferengi.
• No good deed ever goes unpunished.
• When Morn leaves, it's all over.
• Whenever you exploit someone, it never hurts to thanks them. (That way, it's easier to exploit them the next time.)
• The more time they take deciding, the more money they will spend.
• The greater (the) amount you are taking from someone, the greater the distraction must be.
• A bargain usually isn't.
• One person's secret is another person's opportunity.
• The hand that holds the latinum may also hide a dagger.
• You can tell a great deal about a man from his shoes.
• Time's an asset.
• Your goods are now my goods.
• Exploitation begins at home.
• When you see a good deal, jump on it.
• A Ferengi without a head for business has no future.
• Business is business, even among friends.
• Everything has a price.
• Ears open, eyes wide.
• Never believe anyone taller than you.
• There's a Rule of Acquisition to cover everything, but that doesn't mean one's always got to be applied.
• It's better to live on one's feet than to die on one's knees.
• A good negotiation should be savored, like a good wine.
• A man is only worth the sum of his possessions.
• When no appropriate Rule applies, make one up. (The unwritten rule)[Example: When the messenger comes to appropriate your profits, kill the messenger.]

It is up to you to decide which ones fit. ;^)

[Corin Stormhands]

Hold your family close Rosie. I lost my Dad when I was in college. I was 20. He was the youngest of nine in his family (7 lived to be adults, 2 died with the "Spanish" flu in the early 1900s).

My Aunt, always the "practical" one thought it would be easier if we just got together on Christmas Eve (a Sunday that year) at a community center and didn't get together as a family on Christmas Day. That would've left my mom, my brother and I all alone. I threw a fit. So my mom (feeling much the same) invited everyone to our house for Christmas dinner.

The Christmas Eve dinner was cold and harsh. But Christmas Day that year, at home, with all the family is still one of my warmest memories.

Twenty-four years later, I still miss my Dad. It's a little less painful every year. But the empty spot is still there.

It won't be easy. But hold each other close. Let the tears flow. It's okay.

[RosieCotton]

LOL! Yeah, reading back, it IS kinda like that!

[Corin Stormhands]

I don't believe I ever bonked any of my kid's heads on the doorway of the car unless my mom was standing right there.

Without fail, when a visit with my mom is coming, one or both of my boys will have a cold or a bruise (or both).

[Overtaxed]

Hehehe....it's like they're having an underappreciation topping session.

[RosieCotton]

Thanks for that story...and for not saying "I know JUST how you feel..."

In our case, because there are still younger kids at home and people being what they are, I imagine we'll get invited to half a dozen dinners, but we mostly just want to be together. So being gracious is going to be a strain, as it was when she first passed away and everyone treated Dad as if he were helpless.

But Mom was always the one who kept up traditions and who was the center of everything, both spiritual and "external" during the holidays. We'll get through it, but not without tears and without feeling her loss.

[RosieCotton]

Hehehe....it's like they're having an underappreciation topping session.

Yeah! "You think YOU'VE got it bad? Well...I'M more rejected, shunned and unappreciated than YOU!" "Oh yeah? Well..."

[Overtaxed]

"You think YOU'VE got it bad? Well...I'M more rejected, shunned and unappreciated than YOU!" "Oh yeah? Well..."

Frodo: "What are you complaining about? I've got the Great Eye looking for me!"

[Corin Stormhands]

So being gracious is going to be a strain...

It will be. But be firm. You guys know what you need and that's each other. People mean well. But sometimes people are stupid.

[ksen]

RE #29317

Here's something from my family to yours:

[ksen]

Watch out Bear & Rose, the weather says Lili may reach category 4 or 5.

[RosieCotton]

Boromir: "Yeah? Well, ya little pipsqeak, if you'd just let me have that ring a sec, I'll show HIM who's boss. Gimme!"

If they told him once, they told him a thousand times, but did he listen???

[RosieCotton]

Here's something from my family to yours:

Awww....thanks!