The Evening Standard reports on the 30th Evening Standard British Film Awards, where Daniel Radcliffe presented the technical achievement award to Eve Stewart, saying of special effects work: “When you’ve been stuck on a broomstick for as many days as I have, you really appreciate it.”

From Yahoo news: “The question of whether J.K. Rowling’s books and the films on the boy wizard have a positive influence came up at a news conference on Monday where the Vatican presented a document on ‘New Age’ spirituality. ‘I don’t think that any of us grew up without the imaginary world of fairies, magicians, …read more!

CBBC Newsround reports that JK Rowling is unlikely to tour around the UK with The Order of the Phoenix when it comes out on 21 June. Instead, she wants to spend time with her new baby.

According to an article from The Scotsman, the results of a poll of UK children showed a definite preference for JK Rowling’s books above other children’s classics. Quotage: While Peter Pan and Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone were both recognised by every youngster polled, only 12 per cent had read JM Barrie’s tale of …read more!

A few nights ago, “Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets” was the answer to a round of the popular game show. Its category was a “Title” and I believe the girls that won that round, eventually went on to become the winners of that night. Congratulations to them, and well… this just goes to …read more!

The Cincinnati Enquirer [US] is holding a “Write Your Own Potter Prose” contest, inviting readers to speculate what comes after Dumbledore’s enigmatic “Please sit down. I am going to tell you everything,” in 25 words or less.

A signed first edition of a Harry Potter book has fetched £3,200 at auction. Matthew Lawson, 14, sold his prized copy of “Harry Potter And The Chamber of Secrets” to help fund his future university education. (From Ananova.)

FlickChick at TV Guide was asked about whether Terrence Stamp (probably known by most for costarring with Hugo Weaving in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert) was a possible contender for Dumbledore. Ms. Chick stated that Michael Gambon definitely has the role, glossing over the fact that WB has not announced the casting yet.

John Williams’ fansite has posted a report from a Q&A he did in Washington, D.C. last Thursday. In it, he said that scoring PoA was not on his agenda, “although things could change.” Thanks to Jennifer for the link.

Check out EW’s story on Peter O’Toole’s refusal to accept an honorary award from the Academy – the seven-time nominated actor, whose name has been mentioned in connection with playing Dumbledore, wrote a note back to the organization explaining his reasoning: Variety reports that he responded with a handwritten letter that said he was ”enchanted” …read more!