LOS ANGELES (Jan. 25) — Dominic Monaghan plays heroin-addicted rock star Charlie on ABC’s hit series Lost. And, cozied up on the back patio of a Melrose coffee house, the actor reveals his own rock-star side. While on leave from the Oahu set, Monaghan, 29, is here to talk about tonight’s hallucination-filled episode (9 ET/PT), which flashes back to Charlie’s past and hurls him into an uncertain future. But he also talks about love (with co-star Evangeline Lilly), drugs (Charlie’s habits and his own) and rock ‘n’ roll (well, mostly John Lennon). [More]

There’s nothing like a tropical island filled with sun, sand, a doomsday hatch and some homicidal Others to bring two people closer together. The London Mirror claims “Lost” lovebirds Dominic Monaghan and Evangeline Lilly, who have been quietly dating for about a year, are engaged. According to the paper, the proposal took place last week in Hawaii, where the ABC smash is filmed, with the erstwhile Hobbit going the traditional route by getting down on one knee to slip a cornea-searing bauble on the up-and-coming starlet’s finger (feel free to insert the inevitable “Lord of the Diamond Ring” joke here). [More]

Sue writes: Tickets for the Lord of the Rings Concert in Denver Colorado on May 19th, 20th and 21st are now available for purchase via ticketmaster.com. I already have mine and can hardly wait to reveille in sweet music by Howard Shore. The Colorado Adult choir and Children’s choir will be performing as well. Still lots of good seats but will be going fast as time gets closer. Spread the word! [More]

Step into Alan Lee’s Dartmoor cottage, and it’s a bit like walking into Tolkien’s imaginary world. Alan lives and breathes the work of JRR Tolkien. It’s not just his job…it’s his life. Everywhere, there are paintings, drawings, and sculptures from The Lord of the Rings. On the coffee table, there is even a Lord of the Rings mug, from which the world-renowned artist sips his coffee. Most of the pictures on display are Alan’s own creations. [More]

Mary writes: I received this link through Time Out: Clearview Cinemas, in honor of the Academy Awards, will be presenting “Lord of the Rings” week February 24-March 2nd. Here’s the link to the info & screenings times. [More]

Dr. Dimitra Fimi writes: The online Course on Tolkien hosted by Cardiff University last semester (Autumn 2005) will be run again during the Spring Semester (20 February – 30 April 2006). Both students and adult learners can enrol, and explore the rich background of myth, languages and contemporary ideas of Tolkien’s creative writing. For more information visit the Course’s website.