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Posted by on 09-01-2008 at 6:48 PM
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The actor who plays Harry Potter is once again appearing in Details Magazine, this time in their October issue to promote Equus. Details' website has online a video interview with Dan, who's sporting a very unique new hairstyle for the magazine's photoshoot.
Radcliffe is a little manic. He leans forward as he talks—arms tightly folded, eyes darting about, speaking quickly through a clenched jaw that's lightly dusted with stubble. It's likely that Radcliffe is a bit jumpy about being in public—since we left his Manhattan hotel against his handlers' wishes, a bodyguard trailing by a discreet half-block, our stroll has attained the frisson of a Compton roll with Snoop Dogg.
"Not particularly," Radcliffe says when asked if he's nervous. "No, no, no, not at all! The reason I'm looking around is 'cause I always like to clock where everybody is in terms of who's recognized me. 'Cause they try to be subtle and they never are."
What's the latest count?
"Well, there were those two Japanese girls, and that couple over there, and those other two girls, and that mother and daughter . . . "
Posted by on 09-02-2008 at 12:17 AM
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Some great new photos have emerged online that show parts of Hogsmeade for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter park currently under construction at Universal Orlando resort. The building shown in the pictures below is a "sporting goods" shop called "Spintwitches," according to IOACentral.com.
Photos - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Posted by on 09-02-2008 at 4:02 PM
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Snitch Seeker has received yet another new picture from Half-Blood Prince. This time, it's of Tonks, Lupin, Harry, Ginny, and Arthur frantically watching the attack on The Burrow. You can check it out right here.
Posted by on 09-05-2008 at 8:04 PM
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Dan Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson were all interviewed for the latest issue of Teen Vogue magazine, where they talk about romance in Half-Blood Prince and prior on-screen experiences:
What's the kissing scene like between Harry and Ginny Weasley?
[Dan:] I think Bonnie (Wright, who plays Ginny) was maybe a bit nervous, and I probably was, too. It is very much the case that it's nowhere near as exciting to film those scenes as people would imagine them to be. I hate to disillusion everyone.
Did you give Rupert any advice on his kissing scenes?
[Dan:] I wasn't there because they filmed the actual kiss after I had gone home one day. I couldn't watch it and laugh at him, which was deeply annoying. I love watching the scenes where Lavender swoons over Ron. I think there's a little bit of Rupert looking embarrassed, which makes me really laugh.
You can read the rest of the interview and check out scans on SnitchSeeker. Thanks to them for the tip!
Posted by on 09-06-2008 at 4:40 PM
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Earlier this evening in Chicago, MuggleNet staffer Eric attended a surprise test screening for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and will be writing a review to be posted within the next 24 hours. Eric has said his report will be relatively spoiler free and also include information on his post-screening meet up with a few special attendees.
We'll also have coverage on an upcoming episode of MuggleCast within the next week or two!
Posted by Micah on 09-06-2008 at 7:32 PM
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Last night I was able to unknowingly attend what turned out to be the secret test screening of Half-Blood Prince in Chicago, IL. My review, which contains mild spoilers and plot details, can be found right here. Important things of note are that the movie was amazing, and that the purpose of the test screenings is for the filmmakers to gain feedback in time to possibly make some changes to the film based on an audience's concerns. In other words, the film is in great hands and the finished product will be even better.
UPDATE: For those of you who were interested in a little bit more from me. My girlfriend and I recently sat down with my friends at Hogwarts Radio and were interviewed, for their podcast, with an hour-long Question-and-Answer session! More is discussed on their seventh episode than in my review here, so take a look! You can listen from their site or subscribe to their podcast on iTunes. The Q&As are very insightful and it was a pleasure to be able to talk about the film in that medium. Please note that there are a bit more spoilers - discussion was partly in response to other write-ups done on the film and in response to some of the comments already on this newspost. Thanks!
Posted by on 09-07-2008 at 10:48 AM
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Having already registered hundreds of new voters at wizard rock concerts across the United States, the Harry Potter Alliance’s Wizard Rock the Vote project has expanded to include online registration!
If are a US citizen over 18 years old and you were unable to make it to a show this summer, please click here to register to vote! Scroll down the left side of the page to the link “Wizard Register to Vote Right Here.”
As stated on the Alliance website, “Remember: the HP Alliance does not endorse any candidate or party. We just want you to vote! It is our choices that define who we are, not only as individuals but as a society. If we have the chance to make a choice this November, we should make sure to make that choice!”
Posted by on 09-07-2008 at 6:56 PM
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HPANA is reporting that the judge on the JKR/WB vs. RDR Books trial has reached a verdict. The verdict is in favor of J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros.
Thanks to MuggleNet reader Rashmi for the tip-off, and our friend Jeff at HPANA for the news. We'll keep you posted with further developments in the aftermath of this prolonged case.
Posted by on 09-08-2008 at 1:28 PM
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We've received statements from Jo and Warner Brothers about today's verdict. Both of who have been battling this case since October 31st.
From Jo:
“I took no pleasure at all in bringing legal action and am delighted that this issue has been resolved favourably,” said J.K. Rowling. “I went to court to uphold the right of authors everywhere to protect their own original work. The court has upheld that right.
The proposed book took an enormous amount of my work and added virtually no original commentary of its own. Now the court has ordered that it must not be published.
Many books have been published which offer original insights into the world of Harry Potter. The Lexicon just is not one of them.”
From Warner Brothers:
"We are obviously pleased with today’s ruling by Judge Patterson supporting the position that the proposed lexicon book infringes on Ms. Rowling’s rights. As a content company, it is imperative that we work vigorously on all fronts to protect the intellectual property rights of those who create the stories and characters, words, pictures and music that entertain and benefit the worldwide audience."
Posted by on 09-08-2008 at 4:00 PM
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After this morning's JKR VS RDR verdict in New York City, we received official statements from Warner Brothers and JK Rowling. Now, we have a statement from RDR Books, who was to be the publisher of the Harry Potter Lexicon:
"We are encouraged by the fact the Court recognized that as a general matter authors do not have the right to stop the publication of reference guides and companion books about literary works. As for the Lexicon, we are obviously disappointed with the result, and RDR is considering all of its options."
The full text of the trial decision is also now online. It notes that RDR has to pay statutory damages of $750 for each of the seven Potter books as well as Fantastic Beasts and Quidditch Through the Ages. That brings it to a total of $6,750.
Posted by on 09-08-2008 at 6:19 PM
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When Warner Brothers announced that they'd be moving Half-Blood Prince to 2009, many wondered what would happen to the film's video game that was scheduled for a November release.
Today, EA officially announced that the game will be delayed until Summer '09. With the announcement came two sets of remarks; one of which belonging to film producer David Heyman:
We have enjoyed a wonderful partnership with EA in collaborating on the videogames for all of the Harry Potter films. The visual look of the game for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is incredibly authentic to the film and will provide a truly compelling experience for everyone who plays.”
Also today, the Wall Street Journal published an article detailing how fans reacted to the movie delay. This news poster was quoted in the article, as was Melissa from Leaky and several other fans.
Posted by on 09-09-2008 at 00:31 AM
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The Grand Rapids Press has spoken with the author of The Harry Potter Lexicon, which just yesterday had its publication halted by a New York City judge. Vander Ark's thoughts after hearing the verdict:
"I've always been a fan of Harry Potter and of Rowling and my hope all along was that we'd find an amicable way to settle this. I'm disappointed, but this is the way it went and I don't hold any ill will at all. It was a question of law over a difference of opinion and, in a way, I'm glad that it's finally over."
The newspaper notes that Vander Ark is currently in England where he's working on a new book which visits real-life locations placed in the Potter series.
You can also view other verdict statements at these links: JKR and WB | RDR Books
Posted by on 09-09-2008 at 02:50 AM
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The other day we told you about EA delaying their Half-Blood Prince video game because of the film's delay. Today, EA is saying that the push back will put a $120 million hole in its current fiscal year earnings expectations. From GameSpot:
The gamemaker reported today that it had expected Half-Blood Prince to contribute $120 million in revenue during the company's current fiscal year, which ends March 31, 2009. While significant, the revenue is only a fraction of the $4.9 billion to $5.15 billion total earnings the publisher has forecast for its full fiscal year.
EA did not reveal whether the new summer release window would impact its earnings expectations for the game.
Posted by on 09-10-2008 at 7:27 PM
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There are various news stories tonight surrounding the upcoming July release of Half-Blood Prince.
First up, ScarPotter has a new photo which depicts Neville Longbottom (played by Matthew Lewis) curled up in his bed within the Gryffindor dormitory. See it right here.
Next, we now know that Lucius Malfoy will have a very small appearance in the film. The actor who plays him, Jason Issacs, recently told MTV News that he went into Leavesden for one day so they could turn him into a portrait.
And lastly, The Jewish Journal has a new profile of Potter film producer David Heyman. Mr. Heyman talks about how he originally found the Potter books, a new film project he's producing, and his childhood years.
Thanks to everyone who e-mailed with the tips!
Posted by on 09-12-2008 at 10:10 PM
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The actor who plays Harry Potter continues to do some press for his upcoming performance in Equus on Broadway. Just the other day, the New York Times spoke with him about Equus, the differences between Alan Strang and Harry Potter, and much more:
“I didn’t want to just rehash the performance,” he said. “I wanted it to be a lot stronger and have a lot more anger. Also, the ideas they play with in ‘A Clockwork Orange’ are so similar. It’s about taking away what makes someone an individual so they fit into society as a whole.”
Read the full interview right here. Don't forget, the link to the Equus on Broadway site can be found right here, and you can go here to purchase tickets for one of the shows.
Posted by on 09-13-2008 at 12:32 AM
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The Detroit Free Press is reporting this morning that a notice of appeal will be filed by attorneys on behalf of Roger Rapoport and Steve Vander Ark in an attempt at "preserving the men's right to continue the legal battle for their Harry Potter book."
As reported last week, Judge Patterson ruled in favor of J.K. Rowling and Warner Brothers stating that The Lexicon takes too much from Rowling's work. Rapoport and Vander Ark are looking into editing the current edition of the book.
No statement has been issued by either J.K. Rowling or Warner Brothers at this time.
Posted by Micah on 09-15-2008 at 10:45 AM
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The latest episode of our Harry Potter podcast is now available! This week's show is a doozy as one of our co-hosts, Eric Scull, had an opportunity to see Half-Blood Prince a couple weeks ago at a test screening in Chicago. And:
- Andrew and Matt chime in with their thoughts on Alan Horn's statement.
- Eric tells us all about his experience at the Half-Blood Prince screening!
- How he got in, who was there, a spoiler-free review of the movie, and much more.
- JK Rowling saw 20 minutes of the film, says it may be her favorite so far.
- The JKR vs RDR Books verdict is finally in. What happens from here?
- Sorcerer's Stone Anniversary Edition released earlier than planned. Is the book worth buying?
- Micah provides an update on Teddy Bears for Hope.
- A new segment: Guess the Scene!
To download for free, we recommend subscribing through Apple iTunes. Just CLICK HERE and then press "Subscribe" to the right of our album art. (Already subscribed? Refresh your feed!) No iPod or MP3 player needed! You can also visit the MuggleCast website to listen right within your browser. Enjoy!
Posted by on 09-15-2008 at 5:20 PM
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We've just received details on the David Heyman-produced historical movie The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas, in which the son of a Nazi commandant befriends a Jewish boy. See below for trailers, posters and more information.
Trailers (Quicktime Downloads)
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Medium
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Quad Poster
Production Notes
The movie, which stars David Thewlis, is already out in the UK and is due for US release on November 18th.
Posted by on 09-17-2008 at 4:10 PM
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Our friends at HP Fan Trips have informed us that spots on their Equus trip this November only has a few spots left! From their site:
For two incredible nights, Harry Potter fans will gather in New York for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Fans will enjoy one of their favorite actors in the award-winning play, Equus, attend an Equus workshop, meet an Equus Cast Member, play HP Fan Trips' Wizarding Game, inspired by Harry's favorite sport and more!
Additionally, Whimsic Alley in Santa Monica, CA wants everyone to know that they'll be having a Sorcerer's Stone anniversary party this Tuesday at their store. You'll be able to purchase a copy of the 10th anniversary edition, win prizes, experience some Wizard lectures, and much more! Check their site for details.
Posted by on 09-17-2008 at 8:18 PM
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As many of you know, Scholastic will be holding a special event next Tuesday, September 23 in conjuction with the official release of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: 10th Anniversary Edition. Fans will get the opportunity to read from the novel while sitting in the same chair author J.K. Rowling used during her post- Deathly Hallows appearance at Carnegie Hall last October.
This morning Scholastic has updated their blog to let fans know that various celebrities will be on hand to read, as well as released a video last night previewing the event.
Don't forget that if you can't make it to the store in downtown New York next week you can view the event online. Thanks to Molly for sending this in!
Posted by Micah on 09-18-2008 at 09:26 AM
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J.K. Rowling has updated her site to wish Hermione Granger a happy birthday for September 19th. Here's to a good one for the "brightest witch of our age."
Posted by Micah on 09-19-2008 at 10:27 AM
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UPDATE: A picture of show holding her new award can be seen right here via The Telegraph.
According to a recent report released by BBC News, author J.K. Rowling will receive the Edinburgh Award at a ceremony tonight in Edinburgh, the city where she created the famous Potter series.
"So much has happened to me both professionally and personally since I moved here nearly 15 years ago, that to receive this recognition is particularly meaningful and special," Rowling said.
A panel of judges from the fields of arts, business and science unanimously voted her the 2008 winner.
Congrats to Jo on yet another impressive award!
Posted by Micah on 09-19-2008 at 10:36 AM
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David Heyman, the producer of the Potter films, has spoken with several fansites about Half-Blood Prince while promoting his new film that we told you about the other day. You can see his answers to a couple a questions at these links: Snitch Seeker, HPANA, Leaky.
Each interview went over several aspects of Half-Blood Prince that some fans are concerned about after hearing reviews from the Chicago screenings. We recommend checking them all out if you want to hear where the producers are coming from when making the tough decisions.
Posted by on 09-20-2008 at 03:31 AM
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Several news sites are reporting this morning that JK Rowling has donated a staggering 1 million pounds (about 2 million US dollars) to the Labour Party. From the BBC:
Ms Rowling said she was motivated by Labour's record on child poverty and opposed a Conservative plan to give tax breaks to married couples.
Her donation will boost Gordon Brown as he tries to calm unrest among party members at Labour's annual conference.
Mr Brown said he was delighted to have the backing of "one of the world's greatest ever authors".
Posted by on 09-20-2008 at 03:42 AM
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A plethora of new Half-Blood Prince photos from the 2009 Harry Potter calendar and some other Potter merchandise has emerged online.
Check the pictures out below (that include shots of the trio, Snape, Romilda Vane, Dumbledore and more), but please note that some could be considered spoilers.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26
Thanks to Verlag via UHP.
Posted by on 09-21-2008 at 09:14 AM
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ComingSoon.net is reporting today that a recent IMAX conference call revealed that Half-Blood Prince will have 25 minutes of 3D footage, compared to Order of the Phoenix's 17 minutes:
Last month, during the IMAX Corporation's 2008 Q2 Earnings Report conference call, Rich Gelfond, the Co-Chairman and Co-CEO of the IMAX Corporation told shareholders, "we believe this film will include approximately 25 minutes in IMAX 3-D split between the opening sequence of the film and the finale."
Thanks to Matt for the tip!
Posted by on 09-21-2008 at 5:12 PM
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This year, the United States is having one of its most important Presidential elections. Here on MuggleNet, we want to get in on the action - but take it from a Potter perspective!
Over the next couple of months, running right up to the US election on November 4th, we want YOU to help us elect a new Minister of Magic. We know that Kingsley Shacklebolt currently holds the position, but we want to know what would happen if fans were given the choice.
MuggleNet's team has selected eight candidates, which are divided into two fictional parties: the Wizocrats and the Hogicans. The fans will elect one representative from each party who will face off on election night. Each candidate has their own Twitter which you can follow them on as they campaign throughout the Wizarding World. Thoughts from our own political experts will be available for each and every match up.
More information, the candidates and their bios, as well as the official voting schedule can be seen in our Election Center. Voting will only be open for 24 hours in each poll, so make sure to come back for each round!
Posted by Micah on 09-21-2008 at 5:41 PM
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Scholastic has just announced that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be released in paperback on July 7th, 2009 for $14.99.
The US book publisher also noted that over 14 million copies of Deathly Hallows have already been sold in the United States. From the press release:
“We have another big year planned for Harry,” said Ellie Berger, President of Trade, Scholastic. “As we look toward the tenth anniversary of the U.S. publication of J.K. Rowling’s first Harry Potter novel, we are thrilled to continue to bring Harry Potter to fans of all ages in new and exciting ways.”
Posted by on 09-22-2008 at 11:19 AM
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Sometimes WB wins some, and sometimes they lose some. The latter was the case this time when a Dehli, India courtroom turned down Warner Brothers' case claiming that the upcoming 'Hari Puttar' film was too close to the Potter brand. The BBC reports:
"The case has been dismissed. The court said that Warner Bros had known the title of the film since 2005 and had delayed bringing the case to court until the last moment," lawyer Pratibha Singh was quoted by news agency AFP as saying.
The Delhi High Court also said that consumers who read the Harry Potter books, written by JK Rowling, were sufficiently educated to know that Hari Puttar was different, the agency quoted the lawyer as saying.
Thanks to everyone who e-mailed with the tip!
Posted by on 09-22-2008 at 5:23 PM
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A couple days ago, we announced MuggleNet's Ministry of Magic Elections. Now, the first round of voting is here for 24 hours!
How to vote: First, just like any election, review each candidate's beliefs and stances right here. In this round's case, you want to take a look at Harry and Hermione.
After reviewing that information, don't vote just yet! Micah and I have prepared this campaign trail update (MP3, 3.6 MB) to let you know what Harry and Hermione have been up to.
Next, use the poll on the right side of this page to cast your vote. Also don't forget to follow all of the candidates on Twitter! You can find their respective accounts on the Wizocrats and Hogicans pages.
Posted by on 09-23-2008 at 00:51 AM
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UPDATE: The event concluded at 5:22 PM EST, with a Scholastic representative saying they'd be back next year for the 10th anniversary of Chamber of Secrets. A new book and Cover to Cover reading to come? We'll let you know!
A few weeks ago we told you about Scholastic's Cover to Cover Sorcerer's Stone reading, which lets fans take turns reading the first book in Scholastic's headquarters.
That event is TODAY and is streaming live online so everyone can enjoy the fun. Check out the stream right here. They expect the event to wrap up no later than 5 PM EST.
Scholastic also passed along a few pictures from the event that you can see here, here, here, and here, and here. To everyone who went: great job reading!
Posted by on 09-23-2008 at 11:59 AM
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In celebrating 10 years since Potter hit store shelves in the United States, MTV has asked some celebrities what they think of the series. Everyone from Robert Pattinson to Shirley Manson was interviewed:
Robert Pattinson (Cedric in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," Edward in "Twilight"): "Does it make me a traitor? 'Harry Potter' was what made me become an actor. I credit 'Harry Potter' with everything else that's come since for me. I didn't know what I was doing before that. I hadn't read the books before doing the movie, so at first I read it just as an acting exercise. But I really enjoyed it! But I think Edward would kick Cedric's ass, to be honest."
Read all of the thoughts from celebs right here.
Posted by on 09-24-2008 at 4:18 PM
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Not even an 8 month film delay can hold back the Disney-owned family channel from snagging cable rights to the sixth film. Variety reports this evening that the company recently made a late deal for Order of the Phoenix and a very early deal for Half-Blood Prince. The Potter franchise as a whole has done well for ABC Family:
The first four Potter movies — "Sorcerer’s Stone" (2001), "Chamber of Secrets" (2002), "Prisoner of Azkaban" (2004) and "Goblet of Fire" (2005) — are already under contract to ABC Family. Tom Zappala, senior VP of program acquisitions and scheduling for ABC Family, said the movies have become one of the bellwethers of the network’s annual "25 Days of Christmas" programming initiative, often getting key primetime slots.
Posted by on 09-25-2008 at 10:37 PM
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A few days ago, we told you about MuggleNet's Ministry of Magic elections that we need YOUR help with! The United States election is keeping everyone in the country very busy, but we'd like to know who Potter fans would choose if they had to elect a new Minister.
Round Two is now open for the next 24 hours, and the battle is between Wizocrats Lucius Malfoy and Dolores Umbridge. The other day, round one of our election found that MuggleNet-ers prefer Hermione Granger over Harry Potter. What will today's results find? Help us vote!
Election Coverage: Micah and I have recorded another election analysis, this time focusing on today's candidates. You can listen to it here (MP3, 4.24 MB).
Posted by on 09-26-2008 at 00:31 AM
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Posted by on 09-27-2008 at 5:18 PM
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In late-August, we asked you all to send in your stories of how you discovered the Harry Potter series. We ended up receiving over 500 entries for this area of the site that we're putting together, and it's now available right here!
We encourage everyone to take some time to read these stories, as they remind of why Harry Potter became the success that it is. Thank you to EVERYONE who contributed with their stories. We couldn't include them all, but we believe that the ones chosen for publication on the site reflect the best parts of the fandom. Enjoy!
Posted by on 09-28-2008 at 5:13 PM
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Two years ago, readers may remember that MuggleCast was nominated and then chosen as the Peoples Choice winner at the 2006 Podcast Awards. Last year we couldn't be nominated again because of our first big win, but this year we're back in the game!
We cannot win Peoples Choice again, but we are able to be nominated in the Best Entertainment category. So, if you'd like to help us get in the running, do the following:
- Visit PodcastAwards.com.
- Scroll down, and in "Entertainment", put MuggleCast as the Podcast name and http://www.mugglecast.com as the Podcast URL.
- Scroll down further and enter your personal information. Please only submit the form once, as multiple entries by the same person or computer will not be counted.
Thanks to everyone who helps us out! We'll let you know if we're nominated. In other MuggleCast news, we plan on having our next episode out in about a week. See you then!
Posted by on 09-29-2008 at 2:59 PM
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Posted by on 09-29-2008 at 6:16 PM
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