NEWS FOR THE DAY 08.06.06

J.K. Rowling Voted Greatest Living British Author

As we told you in March, The Book Magazine, a quarterly pulication launched this year, ran an online poll to select the greatest living British writers. J.K. Rowling tops the list, with three times the number of votes as the second-place author, Terry Pratchett. Others in the top 20 include A.S. Byatt, Salman Rushdie, Harold Pinter, Kazuo Ishiguro and John La Carre.
Congratulations, Jo! :)

Emma Thompson, Imelda Staunton at UK Glamour Awards

Last night, actress Emma Thompson was awarded the UK Glamour Women of the Year award, as "Film-Maker of the Year." Also attending this award ceremony was her new co-star in Order of the Phoenix, actress Imelda Staunton. You can see some good photos of the actresses who play Professor Trelawney and Professor Umbridge respectively at this award ceremony here in our galleries. Recently the two had been filming scenes together for the upcoming Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix movie, which is due in theaters next July.

New Michael Gambon Interview: Driving, Dumbledore and More

Michael Gambon recently appeared on the British television show Top Gear, and sat down with presenter Jeremy Clarkson for a chatty and very funny interview in which he discussed cars, interviews, theater and film. You can see this interview in WMV and iPod-friendly format here, thanks to our reader Sarah, who sent it in:

WMV

MP4 (iPod Friendly)

Here's the Dumbledore bit -- but please bear in mind that this was said in a tongue-in-cheek manner:

Dan Radcliffe Appearance on "Extras" Due Soon

Ricky Gervais appeared on the Jo Whiley Radio Show recently, and confirmed again that actor Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) would be appearing on the comedy show "Extras" in the near future. Mr. Gervais said that a cameo appearance from Dan is coming soon, as new episodes of the program are being filmed starting today. You can listen to the entire interview with Ricky Gervais via this link. We do not have a confirmed air date as yet for the Dan Radcliffe appearance, and will update with more when we can. Thanks Lauren!

Weekly Cauldron Shop Update

Here is your weekly Cauldron Shop update, highlighting what's hot in the shop. This week, all things Slytherin:

Lucius Malfoy Walking Stick

Draco Malfoy Wand

Snape Mini Bust

Snape Wand

Slytherin House Ring

Slytherin Tie and Scarf Set

Slytherin Pin

All purchases made via the Cauldron Shop help support the entire Floo Network, and we appreciate your support very much!

Happy Birthday, Jason Isaacs!

Oh what glad tidings and joy I have this day
Everyone, won't you please join in and say
Here's to you, Jason Isaacs,
Happy 43 Birthday!

Here's to you Jason, our favorite beautiful blue-eyed baddie! May you always wear the Paris Hilton wig as Lucius Malfoy with style for years to come. Cheers to you on your birthday!

Harry Potter Comes Up Short at MTV Awards

We told you about the nominations for the MTV Movie Awards when voting opened in April. The winners were announced last night, and unfortunately, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was shut out in all three categories for which it received nominations. Christian Bale ("Batman Begins") won Best Hero over Daniel Radcliffe, Hayden Christensen ("Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith") beat Ralph Fiennes for Best Villain and Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson ("Wedding Crashers") were named Best Screen Team, over Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson. The MTV Movie Awards wil be aired on June 8.
Thanks to everyone who emailed!

Happy Birthday, Draco Malfoy

Well, after the events in Book Six, it's hard to say this, but I guess we should join in for a chorus of 'Happy Birthday Draco Malfoy', as noted on the calendar for June 5 on JKRowling.com.