That's right: On January 3 we will be celebrating the 122nd birthday of the great master that brought us Middle Earth and all of Arda. With the deepest thanks to this perfect Gandalf of a man, who left the world a better place when he departed.... that is, if he really ever went away. So may I request all Tolkienplanetarians to send a kind and loving thought his way, on this coming Friday. I really wish we could have a Bilbo Baggins-style party under a huge Party Tree in the Shire! Well, maybe one almost could, thanks to Peter Jackson and his New Zealand Hobbiton! Namari’ all, and may the stars shine on your paths this new year. Year of the Horse, by the way.

123! I hope Tolkien has found Edith again, as Beren found Luthien, dancing in the hemlock. It brings tears to my eyes. Wait a second. This isn't the anniversary of his death, this is his birthday! Hooray! Joy! Let the party go on forever, and we can forget that the most important member is missing...

No greater man has walked the earth,

None have been, of greater worth.

Sadness on the day of birth,

When should be mirth.

Great was his fall,

But no thrall,

Was He.