Ep. 111: The Lord of the Rings, iPhones, and Janet Yellen

A multi-media masterpiece of modern fantasy, J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings' has been captivating both readers and movie-watchers for generations now. Ben and Pat are no exception, having both been lifelong fans of everything 'Middle Earth'. On episode 'Eleventy-One' of 4Thirty, the guys dive way too deep into 'The Lord of the Rings', from their appreciation of Peter Jackson's motion pictures some 20 year after they hit theaters, to their study and enjoyment of Tolkien's writings, and everything else in between. The guys also handle their usual smattering of odd news this week, including a psychedelic current event or two, and yet another world record attempt out of Idaho. Is 'The Lord of the Rings' the greatest film trilogy of all time? How many copies has Tolkien's work sold since it was first published? Why didn't Tom Bombadil make an appearance in Peter Jackson's movies? Who's the true 'main character' of the entire story? Did a prominent U.S. cabinet member participate in a 'magic' recreational activity during an official trip to China? For answers to these questions and eleventy-one more, give this extra-special episode of 4Thirty a listen!