It's Hobbit Day!

Today is Hobbit Day declared so by fans of J.R.R. Tolkien and, in part, in anticipation of Peter Jackson's upcoming film trilogy based on Tolkien's book The Hobbit.  Why was today, the first day of autumn, chosen?  Anyone who has read Tolkien's books can tell you September 22nd is the joint birthday celebration of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins.  It is also the day (their birthdays) on which adventures begin and come to their conclusion.  Picnics, pubs, readings, film marathons, the internet, and birthday parties will bring devotees together around the globe to share their enthusiasm for the films and the books.  Pathetic, silly, and nonsense some might denounce these celebrations undertaken by a weird bunch of nerdy losers.  Really?  Is camaraderie over a story any worse, or different for that matter, than people getting together to watch groups of all ages running around and tussling over a ball or throwing a ball into a hoop or hitting a ball with a stick or driving a car or engaging in pugilistics?  We think nothing of watching sports and purchasing all manner of sports related memorabilia and clothing.  Why should we criticize those who care more about books or the arts or academics.  The world is made up of all different types of people.  What an uninteresting planet this would be if we were all exactly alike.  Now, how about another piece of cake, Mr. Baggins?