Issues for a Modern Day Middle Earth

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. The producers of Longbottom Leaf and Old Toby face bankruptcy after a class action was filed against them by numerous ill hobbits claiming the product was responsible for respiratory conditions and stunted growth. Spokesman for the pipeweed industry Fingle Hairfoot claimed there was no evidence suggesting a link between the smoking of pipeweed and ill health, saying "One of our greatest heroes, Gandalf the Grey was an avid smoker and not only showed no signs of ill health but lived well over two thousand years." Where in the Shire are Longbottom Leaf and Old Toby grown? Buckland The White Hills The Dell Southfarthing

2. After news broke in Minas Tirith of the terrible famine underway in Far Harad, minstrels from throughout Middle Earth banded together to raise money for the relief fund by performing an enormous concert at Isengard. The huge crowd thrilled to the finale, an electric lute solo and laser show from atop Isengard's great tower. What is this tower called? Orthanc Armenelos Barad-dur Amon Sul

3. Police were sent in to remove protesters from the banks of the Anduin after clashes with workers on the Rauros hydro-electric scheme. Protesters claimed damming of the Anduin would not only flood vast areas of the Wilderland but also submerge a number of important historical sites including a large rock of cultural significance to the Beornings. What is the name of this rock? Seregon Uluru Carrock Redhorn

4. A major upset occured at the Osgiliath Games when the dwarven team from the Iron Hills defeated a much taller team from Fangorn in the gold medal match of basketball. After only a minute of play and with the dwarven side already down 20-0 coach "Spuds" Ironfoot called a time-out. When the Fangorn side failed to emerge on court, remaining instead deep in conversation, officials had no choice but to declare the dwarves victorious. As the dwarves collected gold medals their opposition remained huddled together still talking things over. Which creatures of Fangorn would behave in such a way? Ents Trolls Mewlips Woses

5. Scientists revealed satelitte imagery reflecting their concerns on global warming. The pictures revealed enormous sections of a northern ice pack melting at an alarming rate. Which of these is a Middle Earth ice-field? Umbar Erech Narog Helcaraxe

6. The Woses have been given permission to open their first casino and legalise gambling within the bounds of their forest. Woses chief, Steve Guri-Ghan-Guri said legalised gambling would bring much needed capital into his community, and he hoped money could be directed toward "the health and education of the Woses people". What is the name of the forest in which the Woses live? Fangorn Greenwood Doriath Druadan

7. Mining in the Caves of Aglarond has finally recommenced after workers and management of Gimli Mining Inc. agreed to a new wage structure. The industrial dispute ended with the company's dwarven workers returning to work and management agreeing to amend their "your own weight in gold" pay structure. Under the old policy skilled dwarven workers were frequently paid half as much as their human counterparts. Where are the Caves of Aglarond? Helm's Deep Dol Guldur Erebor Angmar

8. The Gondor Times has officially apologised to its readers after it was revealed the much hyped serial the "Sauron Diaries" was a hoax. Historians said one of the claims within the diaries was clearly incorrect. Which of these extracts from the Sauron Diaries is incorrect? Second Age 3262 Captured by Ar-Pharazon, being taken to Numenor. Suffering terrible sea sickness Third Age 3019 Finally captured that pointy hatted clown Gandalf. Have him imprisoned on the Barad-dur roof. Hooray! First Age 466 Savaged by that flea bitten hound Huan. Must get to doctor for a rabies shot. Second Age 3441 Lost my ring! Not to mention the finger it was on. Have cancelled piano lessons.

9. Eccentric billionaire Ragmor Brandybuck has failed in his attempt to become the first person to balloon from Middle Earth to Valinor. His balloon Smaug 7 ditched into the ocean only hours after taking off from Dol Amroth. Brandybuck was retrieved by support crew cold and wet but unharmed. What is the name of the ocean between Middle Earth and Valinor? Almaren Helcar Ekkaia Belegaer

10. Pop singer Robin Wilibald has shocked fans at a media conference today. Reading from a prepared statement Wilibald said "For many years I have lived with speculation about my personal life. This has taken its toll not only on me but also on my friends and family. So now I would like to state clearly and categorically that, yes, I am an Elf. This is not a decision I have made; I was born an Elf and am happy and proud to be an Elf. I hope my fans can appreciate me for my music and continue to offer me their support, for which I am most grateful. Thank you." As an Elf Robin Wilibald cannot do which of the following? Serve in the Gondor army Die of old age Perform magic Enter Khazad-dum