Info. for today - 28 th Feb 2007

See it here.

NECA's official website has been updated with pictures of their Series 1 Order of the Phoenix toys in their packaging. These action figures will be released next month.

Lia Wyler, the Brazilian Harry Potter translator, speaks in a new interview of how she got the coveted job, and the process of translating some of the novel's unique words:

"Initially the series was meant for children so I tried to convey the idea behind each of Rowling's creations. Quidditch, a game played with four balls, became 'quadribol' and 'Muggles' became 'trouxa' (fool), a lucky guess among hundreds of possible meanings."

Equus opened last night in London where it was greeted with enormous enthusiasm and praise. Daniel Radcliffe, in particular, received a standing ovation at the end of the performance, and many celebrity guests commented positively on his role. Click here to see a video interview with Dan and Richard Griffiths (co-star, and Mr. Dursley in Potter).

Other reviews: The Independent, The Guardian, The Times, Reuters, AP.

The Scottish Medicines Consortium has refused to recommend Tysabri (a drug which combats an aggressive form of Multiple Sclerosis) ahead of a debate on the drug tomorrow. The reason being that it's too costly - 15,000 pounds sterling a year per patient. The decision also means doctors must apply to the health board in each individual case for funding of the drug.

Jo Rowling, who lost her mother to the disease and is the patron of the MS Society of Scotland, has condemned the SMC's decision:

"I know from personal experience that MS can have a devastating effect on everyone who comes into contact with it. My mother suffered terribly with MS and it was so frustrating that there was little or nothing doctors could do to help her.

"If a drug can help tackle MS - particularly the very aggressive type of relapsing MS we are talking about - it should not be ruled out because of cost alone.

"Once again, decisions about treatment are being made by accountants rather than clinicians, and I hope MSPs will speak up on behalf of the thousands of families affected by MS across Scotland."

thnx 4 da info n da pic of harry was nice