Heigh-ho, bearded brethren, and a bodacious new year to you all!
It is, of course, the birthday of TLBC patron J.R.R. Tolkien, born on this date in 1892.
From the title of this post, one might wonder if it consisted of a recipe for Toliken Toast (toasted on one side), or maybe a story of someone having seen the professor's face in a piece of toast, but no. It concerns a growing new tradition - promulgated by the Tolkien Society - of toasting professor Tolkien on his day;
To make the birthday toast The Tolkien Society say you should stand and raise a glass of your choice of drink (it doesn’t have to be an alcoholic beverage) and say the words “The Professor.”
Wow, what could be easier? I like the way they allow that the beverage "doesn't have to be" alcoholic, implying that, ya know... it really ought to be. We here in the sovereign nation of Squirrelandia will definitely take part this evening, and mayhaps will read out a bit of The Lord of the Rings for good measure. I may take the occasion to declare January 3rd a national holiday.
(The Toast story comes from The Hobbit Movie blog, via Jen Pierce on Facebook)
I don't have a pipe (I was hoping I'd get a surprise in my Christmas stocking, but alas) but it seems a walk around the block, smoking a bowl, might be appropriate, too.
Nevertheless, I shall raise a glass of Goose Island Honker Ale tonight.
Robert
Posted by: Robert Harrison | 01/03/2011 at 10:29 AM
I'll raise some Samuel Smith oatmeal stout - while reading LOTR. I began reading it again, for about the sixth time, and am half way through The Fellowship of the Ring.
Posted by: Paul S. | 01/03/2011 at 11:25 AM
Count on a Pipe and a pint of "Alberta Crude" Outmeal Stout for the Professor here!
Posted by: Paul | 01/03/2011 at 01:45 PM
A couple of days late, but Cigarson and I toasted "The Professor" with some fine Irish whiskey which he had received for Christmas.
Pipes full of British tobacco were also puffed in his honor.
Posted by: Del | 01/05/2011 at 06:01 PM