International Medieval Studies Congress - Kalamazoo, Michigan

My wife and I are driving out to Kalamazoo today... about 750 miles. Hopefully my hybrid Prius will make it enjoyable excursion. We're going to the International Medieval Studies Congress.

I'm bringing my laptop, of course, but not because I'll be goofing off (or working on books!) the whole time. I'm attending a lot of sessions, mostly on the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas, and a few on Tolkien. I'll take notes and post what I think is interesting. And hopefully I'll finish my Adoration book!

News: JRR Tolkien's Eleventy-sixth birthday

From The Tolkien Society:

On the 3rd January 1892 JRR Tolkien was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa. To celebrate this event, on this day each year Tolkien fans around the world are invited to raise a glass and toast the birthday of this much loved author.

The toast is "The Professor".

For those unfamiliar with British toast-drinking ceremonies:

To make the Birthday Toast, you stand, raise a glass of your choice of drink (not necessarily alcoholic), and say the words 'The Professor' before taking a sip (or swig, if that's more appropriate for your drink). Sit and enjoy the rest of your drink.

Sign up to drink a toast to JRR Tolkien here.

JRR Tolkien was, of course, the author of "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" (as well as many historical texts for the world he created), a devout Catholic, and a dear friend of CS Lewis. The toast this evening is at 9:00 PM, whatever time zone you happen to be in.