NEWS FOR THE DAY 23.06.06

Jo Rowling, Doctor of Laws

J.K. Rowling will receive a Doctor of Laws honorary degree on July 6 from the University of Aberdeen for her contributions to multiple sclerosis research. She said, of the honor:

"I am extremely honoured to be receiving this honorary degree from such a distinguished Scottish university, with such a dynamic international reputation.

I am also particularly pleased to support the work that the university's institute of medical sciences is doing on MS research.

As the patron of the MS Society Scotland, and someone with personal experience of the devastating effects of MS, it is a great privilege to be able to help the institute continue its pioneering work into the causes and effects of multiple sclerosis.

She will receive the degree in a ceremony at the university's Marischal College. Other honorees are American space pilot Brian Binnie and chairman of Baxters Food Group, Audrey Baxter.

Jason Isaacs talks Lucius and Phoenix

Actor Jason Isaacs has given a new interview where he discusses his role as Lucius Malfoy, and filming for the upcoming Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. With filming currently on hiatus and due to resume next month, Jason says of his scene involving the battle at the Ministry:

"My bit is in September and October. It's a big blue-screen battle for a lot of it so that will be a laugh," he says. He adds, "We always have to sign these incredible confidentiality clauses where we offer up our children's eyeballs if we ever break them. I've never quite understood since they're the most popular books on the planet, but anyway, I think I'm involved in the big battle."

Isaacs admits, "I torture myself by always trying to be interesting and human on screen, but every now and again it's great to be in 'Harry Potter' and just rip it up and be as singularly evil and unpleasant as possible."

Jason is currently filming a new movie in Canada for the BBC, and can also be seen in his new television series called "Brotherhood," which debuts on Showtime July 9. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix will be released next year on July 13, 2007.

Video and Screencaps of HP Scene from BBC One Queen's Party Ad

We now have the video of the portion of the new BBC commercial for the Queen's birthday party which features the Trio and Neville. You can see it here(Windows media). We also have an Ipod friendly version,here. Please, don't forget to Right Click and Save As. The screencaps of this video clip are available here in our gallery.

OotP Promo Image Shown in NYC

Aint It Cool News.com has a new promotional image for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix that was displayed at the recent New York Licensing Show. The poster shows Harry brandishing his lit wand, with Hogwarts castle in the background. Caution to parents, beware of language at this link.