NEWS FOR THE DAY 25.05.06

Wall Street Already Anticipating Book Seven

Wall Street is already anticipating the release of Book Seven as stocks of Scholastic rose today after a positive review of the company. The AP reportsthat Stifel Nicolausreviewed several book publishers, and Scholastic stocks were ratedas "buy", as they eye the future for the publishers of the Harry Potter books. Quotage:

" Crum was particularly bullish on Scholastic. The company is known for its children's book titles, such as the "Harry Potter" and "Baby-Sitters Club" series, which he believes will fuel future sales at the publisher. Shares added 7 cents to $26.07 in morning trading on the Nasdaq before retreating back to their opening price of $26 later in the session.

"We are compelled by the potential upside in the shares given the impending publication of 'Harry Potter' number seven, when considering the stock's history of advancing and peaking ahead of a book release," he said.

Scholastic shares have traded within a 52-week range of $25.35 to $39.74."

WB Italy Contest to Win Phoenix Set Visit

We told you about the contest, sponsored by Warner Bros. France, to win a visit to the set of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, and meet the cast and crew of the film. The same prize is being offered on the Warner Bros. Italy website. Good luck to contestants!
Thanks to Mrs. Weasley for letting us know.

Jason Isaacs, Viggo Mortensen are "Good"

Actor Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy) is now set to star in a film version of C.P. Taylor'saward winning play "Good." Coming Soon now reports that actor Viggo Mortensen(Aragorn, Lord of the Rings) will also join the cast of this new movie, due to start filming in Potsdam and Berlin later this year. Gemma Jones, who plays Madam Pomfrey in the Harry Potter films, will also star.

WB France Contest to Win OotP Set Visit

Warner Brothers France has now launched a contest to win a set visit to the filming of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Open to residents of France and Corsica, winners will receive a four day, three night trip to London August 1- 4 to meet the cast and crew of the new Harry Potter film. More info here. Thanks to UHPand SnitchSeeker!

"Dracorex Hogwartsia" Photos in Gallery

Thanks to The Children's Museum in Indianapolis, we have six photos of the newly named dinosaur, "Dracorex Hogwartsia," in the gallery. Photos include the display, the dinosaur itself, and the quote from J.K. Rowling, the full text of which is below:

"The naming of Dracorex hogwartsia is easily the most unexpected honour to have come my way since the publication of the Harry Potter books! I am absolutely thrilled to think that Hogwarts has made a small (claw?) mark upon the fascinating world of dinosaurs. I happen to know more on the subject of paleontology than many might credit, because my eldest daughter was Utahraptor-obsessed and I am now living with a passionate Tyrannosaurus rex-lover, aged three. My credibility has soared within my science-loving family, and I am very much looking forward to reading Dr. Bakker's paper describing 'my' dinosaur, which I can't help visualising as a slightly less pyromaniac Hungarian Horntail."

Autographed Gambon, Fry Photos Being Auctioned for Charity

Michael Gambon has donated a signed photograph of himself, in full Dumbledore regalia, to a charity auction on eBay. Among the other signed photos in this auction is one of Stephen Fry, narrator of the British Harry Potter audiobooks, in his "V for Vendetta" costume. Funds raised will benefit World Cancer Research Fund, whose mission statement is:

"World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF UK) is the principal UK charity dedicated to the prevention of cancer through the promotion of healthy diet and nutrition, physical activity and weight management. We are spreading the news that 30-40% of cancers could be prevented by taking simple steps to improve lifestyle."

Bidding closes May 26. Good luck to bidders, and thanks to Catherine in Dublin for the notice!

Ralph Fiennes Will Present at Tony Awards

The first list of presenters for the June 11 Tony Awards ceremony has just been announced, and includes Harry Potter cast member Ralph Fiennes (Lord Voldemort), along with Julia Roberts, Eric McCormack, Cynthia Nixon, Martin Short, Alfre Woodard and Anna Paquin. As we told you last week, Mr. Fiennes is also among the nominees for the Tonys, which honor the best of Broadway. He won the award for Best Actor in a Play for his performance in the title role of "Hamlet" in 1995.

Dale, Griffiths, de la Tour Win Drama Desk Awards

We told you when the Drama Desk nominations were announced. The Awards were presented yesterday at Lincoln Center in New York, and the winners included Potter audiobook narrator Jim Dale, Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical, for "The Threepenny Opera;" Richard Griffiths (Uncle Vernon), Outstanding Actor in a Play; and Frances de la Tour (Madame Maxime), Outstanding Featured Actress in a play, both for "The History Boys," which also won three other awards, including Outstanding Play.

Congratulations to Mr. Dale, Mr. Griffiths and Ms. de la Tour!
Thanks to Kyra for the heads up. :)