Harry Potter and the Book Banners

The objections raised by some fundamentalist Christians to the Harry Potter books continue to make the news.

The Christian attacks on the Potter series aren't an attack on witchcraft and magic, so much as an attack on the imagination and freedom of expression - and by extension an attack on literature. The Harry Potter books aren't 'How To' manuals on witchcraft, nor is the author, J.K. Rowling, advocating the practice of witchcraft.

The themes in the Harry Potter stories pit the good against the dark side. Magical themes happen to be an effective way to play out the drama in a manner that is engaging, especially for younger readers.

Professor Dumbledore, the Hogwarts headmaster, is clearly the personification of good and urges Harry to use the power of love when dealing with the dark side personified by Lord Voldemart. On one level the Potter books are morality tales that happen to take place in a make-believe world that is magical - but then a lot of literature contains magical themes, including books by famous Christian authors.

C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkein are examples of Christian authors who created magical worlds with plots that at root are moral and even Christian in philosophical intent. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by Lewis creates an intermediary zone between the real and imaginary worlds using a prop - the magical wardrobe. Enchantment and make-believe allow the 'other world' beyond the wardrobe to become a possibility. Similarly Tolkein in Lord of the Rings invokes the powers of wizardry and magic. But it is used as a device to enable characters and events that couldn't feasibly exist in the 'ordinary' world. This doesn't mean that either Tolkein or Lewis were promoting magic or attempting to 'corrupt' the minds of young readers.

The problem with the criticism coming from a section of the evangelical community is that their interpretation of the books is much too literal. They seem to think that young readers are incapable of divining meaning and truth beyond the trappings of the tale. They get hung up on the trappings themselves rather than probe the deeper meaning of the stories. When they do look a little deeper, they often misconstrue the author's intent and try to spin the plot as evidence of literary evil doing. Fortunately, a few leading voices in the evangelical community have had the good sense to take a more objective view of the content, and have resisted the temptation to try and subvert a fictional fantasy in order to smoke out the devil.

In attempting to ban the Harry books or in other ways suppress them, the detractors ironically succeed in adding to their allure and power. When something is 'forbidden' it becomes a lot more tempting. When the D.H. Lawrence novel Lady Chatterley's Lover was banned, it did more for the sale of the book than any promotional campaign could ever have done. The same went for Ulysses by the great Irish writer James Joyce.

Moreover when you consider the amount of material on magic and witchcraft that is freely available in book stores these days, on the internet, in magazines, via certain video games or just by word-of-mouth - it makes it almost absurd to try and suppress Harry Potter books.

If Harry Potter gets banned in the bailiwicks of the offended - what's next on the list? Grimm's Fairy Tales? Rupert the Bear? Teletubbies? We live in a society in which diversity of opinion is an integral part of our fundamental freedoms. People who for personal or religious reasons attempt to create a chill by pushing for a ban of material as innocuous as Harry Potter, cater to a mean spirited approach that diminishes us all. Objectors can refuse to buy the books or have them in their home, and that's as far as it should reasonably go.

We are talking about tales for young readers after all - not Anton La Vey's Satanic Bible.

Aidan Maconachy resides in Ontario, Canada. He has a BA Hons and a BEd. He taught in the UK and Canada, and has been a contributor to a variety of magazines and newspapers over the years. You can visit his blog at http://aidanmaconachyblog.blogspot.com/

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Rupert Grint To Play Tintin In the Upcoming Tintin Movie

Tintin the movie has led to may rumors. The facts we do know is that Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson are to direct two of the three films that will make up the Tintin trilogy.

The first Tintin movie is due to be finished in production by the end of 2009 and rumors abound about who will play the famous Belgian boy detective. There have been many people linked to the film in the past but the latest story is that Rupert Grint of Harry Potter fame will get the nod for the Tintin role.

Rupert Grint seems like an obvious choice. Rupert Grint first came to international attention as Ron Weasley the friend of Harry Potter the world famous young wizard created by J. K. Rowling in her very successful series of books that were then made into very successful films.

The first book Harry and the Philosopher’s Stone (Harry and the Sorcerer’s Stone in the USA) was a worldwide success. When made into a film in 2001 it stars of all it young main characters.

Rupert Grint as Harry’s friend was a lovable character who was more that a bit clumsy which many young fans could associate with. He soon became a well known star and with his shock of red hair was easily recognizable.

This red air makes him an obvious choice for the film as the Tintin character has the distinctive red hair too. The choice of a already much loved star in Grint with either Peter Jackson or Spielberg directing would help sell the film better in America where Tintin is still not the most recognizable cartoon character.

Tintin was introduced to the world only a few months before Mickey Mouse so was never really captured in the imagination of the American public who favoured their own plucky mouse rather than some European inspired boy detective.

Tintin still proves very popular worldwide however and if Rupert Grint were to play the role he would find himself as the star of one of the biggest films of the 2009. Rupert Grint can also be found in the films Thunderpants and Driving Lessons.

John Helios has been a big Tintin fan for a number of years. He is very much looking forward to the new Tintin movie directed by Spielberg and Jackson. You can watch a classic Tintin adventure as a cartoon it is Tintin and the broken Ear on his site.

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Is Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Movie a Success?

Are you a true fan?

There is always a constant debate over whether or not true fans of a classic (which Harry Potter is surely on its way to becoming if not already having obtained this status) like the movie version of their beloved book for what it has tried to do (like squeeze an 800 page book into 2.5 hours!) or if they have to turn their noses up to the movie.

I stand by the declaration that true fans of a character or series are only true if they like ALL its major components. In the case of HP, the movies are just as much of a phenomenon as the books. Do not get me wrong, the books are always the way to go, but if you truly love Harry then you will truly love the movies too. To me it is like Star Wars. So many fans scoffed at the newest editions (1, 2, and 3) citing that they could never possibly be as good as the originals (4, 5, and 6). While this may be true, the new ones are awesome in their own right. True fans accept and learn to love any of their story counterparts.

That said, let us get to talking about The Order of the Phoenix book versus movie. This book is by far the dark horse of the Potter series. Harry is cast aside by the Wizarding World, ignored by Dumbledore, ostracized by Umbridge - it is no wonder he's constantly on the edge snipping at his best friends. All good series must have the one story where the hero is the underdog and this is it for Harry. As she always does, Rowling writes with her usual flair, sending the Weasley twins off with a bang, making us love Dumbledore even more when he rescues Prof. Trelawney from being banned from Hogwarts. Some of us may even feel sorry for Snape when Umbrdige gives him a hard time about his teaching. And of course, there is huge-hearted Hagrid and his attempt to save "Grawpy" his full Giant brother. These minor details plus the addition of some wonderful new characters, Luna "Looney" Lovegood being among the best, make book 5 the most detailed and intricate of the series. On top of this, as if we are not always heartbroken for Harry, we become even more so when Sirious is killed in the Ministry of Magic. Overall, I would say this is the best of the Potter books.

Now, with the movie recently out and on DVD for all to take home and watch, we question how and why the producers chose to keep and cut certain things from the story. For example, a small but I find very significant fact left out of the movie is that Harry is not made a Prefect and Ron is instead. While this may seem unimportant, it is one of the beginning clues to Dumbledore's distance from Harry and also our first glimpse of Harry as the fallen hero. Very important so why is it left out? Who knows? In the case of adding to the story, it's unnecessary and obviously for pure entertainment value the ending scene where Voldemort invades Harry's body and mind. While this is alluded to in the book, this scene plays a HUGE role in the movie. Again, why did they chose to emphasize this particular part? I guess I would have to say that for the entire following of HP fans out there that only watch the movies (and trust me their group may be bigger than the book readers) this is an important piece of the puzzle that the movie is fitting together.

Overall both the book and the movie are excellent and true Harry fans love both equally. Some days we may be more into the book and others the movie, but we true fans are crazy about it all!

For more great book talk and fun facts about The World of Harry Potter - http://www.book-club-queen.com/the-world-of-harry-potter.html

We're always adding book reviews! For more book reviews and book talk, visit me at http://www.book-club-queen.com.

Desiree, aka Queenie D is an English teacher, mom, and lover of books!

Want more information on book clubs? Looking for a book to read? Want to share something you've read? Visit http://www.book-club-queen.com for a fantastic adventure in reading!

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Harry Potter: The Boy Who Made Kids Love Reading

With all of the controversy surrounding Harry Potter, including cries to ban the book from schools, the novels have done something that American parents and teachers, as a group, have failed to do. They have made our children read.

A recent study by Scholastic notes some intriguing statistics among the kids of Harry Potter's world. Parents and kids both credit Potter with getting kids to read for fun; just over half of the kids surveyed said they neglected to do so before latching on to the series. Almost two thirds – 65% - have noted improvements at school since they started Rowling's works.

More important than grades, however, is the entire shift in attitude towards reading. Previous surveys have found that children's reading drops after the age of 8. The average Harry Potter reader, however, start the series at 9 and continue to read – and reread – the books as they get older.

Reread the books. This single statement spoke volumes to me. Most people I know read a book once and then never again. Most people, who will watch the same movie over and over, refuse to read a book they have already enjoyed because 'they know how it ends'. They watch the same television shows with the same expected, overused endings. Yet we have kids now reading and rereading books. The idea boggles the mind.

Speaking of mindboggling, you do realize that most adults read less than five books after they graduate school, be it high school or college. Reading is apparently too difficult for most people. But Rowlings has lured her audience to read not one but six books, and eagerly anticipate the seventh. Not only that, but according to the aforementioned survey, half of Harry Potter readers will seek out a new series to devour. One in three – that is 33% - intend to reread the series. Oddly, only 27% intend to look for a new Rowlings book; perhaps the rest are afraid of being sucked into another ten year series.

You can put me down for all three sections, personally (no word was spoken on overlap, by the way). I will reread the entire series immediately before Book 7 comes out, trying to time it so that I receive my book 'just in the nick of time'. That's how I managed the last two books. I will continue to seek out new books and new series to read. And I will eagerly anticipate Rowlings next book – although I might wait until she concludes her next series before I start reading this time around.

Nola Redd is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Fiction Writing.

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Harry Potter In Rome, Muggles Be Aware!

To all those who feel a bit magical and have decided to fly out to Rome on a Nimbus 2000 on a very special weekend for the magic world. Nothing to be missed. Rome is behind to nobody and all the major bookstores will be open at 08:00 am sharp on the 21st of July for the last chapter of the Harry Potter saga. Book your Rome accommodation and you will spend a very original weekend with the most known wizard in the world.

Feltrinelli International, one of the major bookshops in Rome is located in the Termini area, therefore you could book one of the very many hotels around there. 4 star hotels as well as 2 star guest houses and bed and breakfast to satisfy all kind of wizard and witch. It would be nice to stay in the area since the bookstore is organizing events that will go on for the whole day. At 08:00 breakfast with Potter, at 17:00 Tea Time and at 18:00 reading with Alison Victoria. Not to be missed!!

The Almost Corner Bookshop is doing something even more original. It will be open from 01:00 to 01:30 am which is exactly 12:00 Greenwich time. The bookstore is located in the Trastevere area which is once again rich of nice bed and breakfast and cosy hotels. Trastevere is, according to many, one of the most characteristic, more mysterious areas of Rome. It is full of narrow alleys and gloomy ends. Some parts of the area are so quite to seem nearly inhabited, just the perfect spot for a nice trip abroad of the Hogwarts students. Rome is even organized to host a real quidditch game. Circo Massimo could be the ideal location to enjoy a super cool quidditch match besides of course… that is full of history.

After you have purchased your book you could spend a few hours in the Avalon Pub. Wood tables and benches, gloomy atmosphere, gates, armours, it resembles a castle. You could really feel at Hogwarts. Avalon takes its modern name from the celtic Annwyn, or rather the fairy godmother island. Nothing better! Enjoy.

Rome offers nice lodgings and cheap bed and breakfast around the Vatican area for the muggle world, for those who don’t believe in magic and for those who refuse to see its positive aspects; for those who agree with Rev. Amorth who condemns Harry Potter novels affirming it can easily lead to Devil and could confuse a young child who reads the novel. For those who believe that magic is Evil, Rome offers nice hotels with or without private facilities for those who are on a budget but still want to enjoy the protected atmosphere of a holy world. Relax. Don’t be so uptight. Don’t worry, Christian parents. Harry Potter is not the real world! It is an imaginary world. Children know the difference between the two.

Come on then! The pro Harry Potter could spend the weekend in Rome without having to hide. They could purchase the last book of their favourite hero and spend a nice weekend booking a hotel room where Harry Potter would book it too. For the others….oh well Rome is big enough. The Eternal city will accommodate you as well.

Paola Lo Russo is a Rome Guide and expert of his city. You can find more informations about Rome hotel reservations and Italy hotels on http://www.RomaClick.com

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"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling - Book Review

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" was perhaps the most anticipated book ever. It certainly received a lot of media attention this year, before its release. The final book in the series, it was expected to provide an answer for all the many questions Harry Potter fans were speculating about. Would Harry survive? Would Voldemort win? What about Ron and Hermione – would they be alright? Would Harry and Ginny get back together? Was Dumbledore’s faith in Snape justified?

I was amongst those who had pre-ordered the book to find out all the answers. It was with mixed emotions that I received it on the day of its release, because I knew that after this there would be no more Harry Potter novels to look forward to. Of course, that didn’t stop me from settling down with the book immediately.

In this seventh installment of the series, we find Harry once more at Privet Drive, ready to say farewell to it for the last time. This year, he won’t be a student at Hogwarts. He has a task to complete – he needs to locate and destroy the remaining Horcruxes. Harry being Harry, he is determined to go alone rather than risk the lives of his friends. Things work out a bit different than planned, and soon he is on the run from the dark powers of Voldemort with Ron and Hermione at his side.

Like most Harry Potter novels, friendship, courage and hope are at the centre of the storyline. As I followed the characters on their near-hopeless quest, I felt despair on their behalf and I do admit I shed a couple of tears when everything got very bad.

The grand finale of the book and the inevitable confrontation between Harry and Voldemort is like a tightly woven web. Everything comes together in the lead up to the conclusion, and I found myself satisfied with the way it turned out.

Afterwards, we catch a glimpse of the future and get to find out what happened to the various remaining characters. I found this to be a nice bonus and closed the book with a smile.

There are only a couple of negative sides to "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows", in my opinion. My main grievance is the editing. It feels rushed, there are quite a few errors and there are many run-on sentences. I spotted one sentence of more than 90 words in length. This could potentially cause difficulties for some readers. There were a few instances where I felt the lengthy sentences took away from the tension, especially at crucial moments in the plot. Additionally, there was a lot of repetitiveness in description.

The second “issue” I have is that there seem to be some inconsistencies in the plot. Some aspects do not add up. Perhaps, to a casual reader, this will be unnoticeable but the editor in me made me flick back several times and re-read paragraphs. This did somewhat hinder the overall reading experience.

For parents wondering whether or not this book is suitable for younger children, I would advise you to give the book a read first. There are darker moments and a few characters do find their end. Some of them are popular characters, which could cause some upset.

Overall, I did enjoy this installment and I would certainly recommend it to others. J.K. Rowling is an excellent author who knows how to hold a reader’s attention. The plot is interesting and the characters are so believable you can’t help but feel for them and care for their fate.

According to the author bio, J.K. Rowling has written fiction since she was a child. She wrote her first “book” at the age of six. Her Harry Potter series is known throughout the world and loved by readers of all ages. Apart from the main series, Rowling has written two companion books, "Quidditch Through The Ages" and "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them", both in aid of Comic Relief.

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" was first published in 2007 by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, with ISBN 978-0-7475-9105-4.

Kit Marsters is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Writers.

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Harry Potter Chess Set

Both advanced chess players and complete beginners can uncover the secrets of this very old game of kings because it has been never played before. Every chess piece have the unique characteristics and featured in the film is modeled visually on life-size pieces. The players become the generals and the board a battlefield where the troops are deployed and use their all strength, skill and stamina to have a winning strategy by capturing the enemy king and shouting ‘Checkmate’! and wash out the opposing army.

The issue 1 is on sale at a special introductory price. It also comes with the Magnetic black Rook first piece in addition with the Magnetic ‘Magic’ Wand that allows the players to move the magnetic pieces around the board without touching them.

The White Knight is included in the issue 2 and white ‘Exploding’ Pawn, which self-destructs in addition. The Knight lets out a winning ‘neigh’ while the Knight’s spectacular L-shaped leap is completed. Along with the card playing pieces and a temporary cardboard chessboard this issue comes so that the collectors may start the battle before the completion of their chess armies.

A model of Hermione’s Time-Turner and the original black ‘Exploding’ Pawn are included in issue 3.

For both the beginners (level one) and the more practiced players who are in level two, this chess set is divided in two sections. Harry Potter for ages 6+ are: the chess manual builds step by step in a full chess set as well as guide, along with many beautiful accessories enthused by the Harry Potter magical world, elucidated chessboard and with 32 chess pieces.

Full collection is comprised of:

With two levels the weekly issues of step-by-step guide for perfecting the skills and learning the game are here. The players are taught official rules in the level one: Chess, they are shown when to attack, how they move, where the pieces on the board to be kept, when to defend as well as how to get to the checkmate and check. Those who already know the game or who have finished the first level the level two: Chess Challenger is for them. It gives different opening moves, more tips on strategy, improving their skills and tactics.

• Every glowing corner displays Philosopher’s Stone chessboard, exclusive and illuminated Harry Potter - the crests of one among the four schoolhouses of Hogwarts.

• To make two full ‘armies’ 32 chess pieces are there and

• The additional accessories are enthused by Harry Potter’s magical world.

Swati Banerjee is the owner of Writing Ink, a web content management firm based out of India, that services clients from across the globe. Please take a minute to visit http://www.writing-ink.com to experience how the bright young minds here make magic with words!

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Creator of Harry Potter - Rowling In Name And Fame

The book & film series of Harry Potter has left the kids and elders spellbound. J K Rowling (Joanne Rowling), creator of this fantastic character of Harry Potter has written seven books to the date. The marketing strategy of releasing the final Harry Potter book and the fifth Harry Potter film simultaneously has created a magnificently manic response.

Ganesha finds it interesting to reflect on Rowling's last amazing ten years since the first mega-best seller started to roll.

She has Moon (emotional nature), Mercury (mental abilities) and Venus (social skills) in royal sign Leo. These three planetary positions suggest a methodical, pragmatic thinker who is keen to rich details. Leo, the sign traditionally associated with children being the 5th sign of Rasi chakra and the joyful spirit they convey. Also joining her three planets in Leo are Uranus and Pluto-two ethereal influences that stimulate a taste for the surprising and the unusual (Uranus) as well as an interest about that which is dark but deeply enthralling in nature (Pluto).

Neptune in the Ascendant enables the novelist to create entire imaginary landscapes that are strange and dreamlike but still powerful enough to capture the readers' full attention.

The transit of Uranus in 1997 and in 1998 made a very stimulating contact to J.K.'s Sun. This pattern happens once every 84 years. It is known to give certain people, especially those who are innovative and have special talents, name & fame out of the blue. As per Vedic Astrology she was under the influence of Rahu-Mercury Period. In D-10 Chart, Mercury in 9th house with Jupiter and Rahu placed in the 5th house in Gemini, indicate extraordinary success in profession. She has never looked back from that point of time and acquired name, fame and wealth during the whole Rahu Mahadahsa phase.

She is currently under the influence of Jupiter Mahadasha and Jupiter Bhukti. For the future, she's unlikely to retire instantly but will perhaps spend more time promoting her favorite causes. From April 2008, she will be under the influence of Jupiter mahadasha and Saturn Bhukti and Saturn is debiliated in the Navmansa chart and placed in the 8th house of D-10 chart. She will have to take extra care of her health and she may devote her life to the service of humanity and social causes.

Get daily horoscopes for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces Horoscope at Ganeshaspeaks.com

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The Importance and Value of Books for Children

What’s your favorite fairy tale? Each one of us could answer this question rather easily. Fairy tales are an important part of our childhood. Our parents read them to us at bedtime allowing us to bond with them and meet our favorite heroes in dreamland as well.

Fairy tales and other similar types of stories are frequently found in books for children that are common at home or in libraries and in school. These books can really stir up the imagination of children and teach them good morals and values.

In the past, boy’s and girl’s preference for the kind of stories found in books for children differed. Boys are interested in stories about adventure like those of pirates, explorers, and pirates. Girls n the other hand are mostly to read about ponies or training as nurses.

Modern stories however cater to the interest of both sexes, and while in the past stories revolve around a group the same gender, today’s stories often combine them. The trio of Harry, Ron and Hermione in the Harry Potter series is a perfect example.

Most of the stories in the past also portray a pleasant world were children could wander around safely. In modern books for children however, girl characters like Hermione can get stuck in dangerous situations as much as their boy counterparts.

Nevertheless the mellow flavor of traditional stories is still part of their charm, it allows readers to be reassured by the idyllic world of classics like The Wind in the Willow.

Books for children can be quite lucrative. They can be found in our homes, day cares, and children libraries throughout the world. The characters have even been brought to life in movies. Disney made movies of the classics like, Peter Pan, Aladdin, Cinderella, and Snow White.

JK Rowling is recognized as today’s foremost wirier of books for children. She follows in the light o other writer’s in children’s fiction like Roald Dahl and JRR Tolkien. Her characters, Harry Potter and his friends are now world-famous and her stores have also been immortalized on the silver screen as well.

Her work is so appealing the children who had no attraction to reading are now awaiting the next potter book impatiently. Although her books have been criticized as having no place for religion and are exposing children to potentially harmful realm of magic they also teach values to children.

Courage, loyalty, and comradeship are just a few of the values hat can be learned from books for children Harry Potter.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Books for Children. Visit our site for more helpful information about Books for Children and other similar topics.

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Why Harry Potter Should Be The Next President

I must confess that I am not one to succumb to pop culture. Nevertheless, even I cannot help but be drawn into the tale of Harry Potter and his band of friends. I wonder what it would like to have such a character as our president.

Of course today, the very characteristics that grace one with the presidency are more akin to Lord Voldamort, it would be a fantastic change of pace to see a man who is loyal, hardworking, talented, and excellent in the white house. Unfortunately, the characteristics that make the public love Harry are ironically, what we despise in a presidential candidate.

Loyalty – Harry is unwilling to sacrifice the relationships he has made over his life. In fact, he holds his friends to a higher standard of loyalty than they themselves are capable of producing on their own.

Honesty – Harry is not willing to deceive or let his friends be deceived. He is always vigilant and seeking the truth no matter what the cost.

Integrity – Harry’s main strength is his integrity, something we do not value in our leadership.

Strength of conviction – Harry is willing to sacrifice everything even his own reputation and life to fight for what he knows is right.

As Americans, we flock to the movies and idolize this character. Even his faults are not important because of the overriding desire of Harry’s heart to do right.

In contrast, Voldamort is every thing Harry is not. Is too is talented but has a talent for bullying, for being rash, narcissistic, destructive….

As Americans, while Harry would be the perfect president, one who would always look out for the interests of his friends and the interests of others, he is not popular. People do not want to believe the truth.

Rather we prefer the liar, the self-centered politician that only means to hurt and destroy what we all know to be right and good and true. Americans love the liar, badmouth, and make fun of the honest and good intentioned.

Lord Voldamort in 08!

Jonathan Dever is an attorney whose practice focus is real estate, finance, debt mitigation, business counsel, asset protection and estate planning. He is a frequent lecturer and has been named a Super Lawyer by Law and Politics for the last three years. He also publishes web sites and advises small businesses on best practices, strategic management, IT and Human Resource integration.

His Hobbies include Political Blogging and the Outdoors.

http://www.rightversusleft.com

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Harry Potter Wands - Where to Find One

If you're thinking about getting yourself a Harry Potter costume, you'll definitely need convincing Hogwarts robes, or perhaps a fashionable pointy hat. But there's just one more very important thing you need: A good wand. How and where do you find one?

You could always pick out a decent stick and pretend that's your wand. It's cheap-- can't get much better than free. You could even stain and varnish it. It'll get the idea across either way. Even so, you would still be waving around a stick. Wouldn't it be cool to wield a beautiful wand that looks like it was truly made by Ollivander himself?

If you don't mind shopping online, and you're willing to shell out some money for a decent wand, you have plenty of options. Amazon, for example, has a fair number of wands for sale. But if you want a quality wand, be careful: Most of the Harry Potter wands available on Amazon are cheap toys.

Now, if you want an accurate reproduction of a Harry Potter wand and can afford to spend at least $35, look into what Noble Collection has to offer. Noble Collection is known for recreating jewelry, swords, props, and other items you see in fantasy movies. The company sells wands modeled after the ones wielded by Harry, Ron, Hermione, and even Dolores Umbridge.

Unfortunately, the wands by Noble Collection aren't the most durable. Since each wand is made either partly or entirely from resin, they are quite fragile; they're for display only. If you want a beautiful wand that you wouldn't be afraid to take with you to a Halloween party, consider the wooden ones made by Whirlwood or Alivan's.

The Whirlwood wands are all handcrafted by Gary Hall, who's been creating fine art for over 30 years. Almost all his wands are made from solid maple wood. They are elegant and very strong-- even if you WANTED to break one, you'd have a hard time of it. You don't want to scuff them up, of course, but you don't have to be afraid to use one of these wands to complete your Harry Potter costume. They tend to start at $50, but they are high quality and worth the price.

Your other option is to buy a wooden wand from Alivan's. Although they don't look quite as nice as the Whirlwood wands, they are definitely worth looking into. They're cheaper, and Alivan's offers a wide variety.

Doubtless there are more options, but Noble Collection, Whirlwood, and Alivan's appear to offer the best.

Interested in learning more about Harry Potter wands and wandmakers? Stop by Harry Potter Wands on Squidoo for more information.

Victoria Neely is a freelance writer. You can read more articles by Victoria at Squidoo.

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Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Harry Potter and Star Wars

[From our deconstruction of hundreds of Hollywood blockbusters and sitcoms (see below for the URL of our Home Page) and our isolation and identification of more than 188 stages of the Hero's Journey that you need to know about...]

The Hero's Journey is the template upon which the vast majority of successful stories and Hollywood blockbusters are based upon. In fact, ALL of the Hollywood movies we have deconstructed are based on this template.

Understanding this template is a priority for story or screenwriters.

The Hero's Journey:

a) Attempts to tap into unconscious expectations the audience has regarding what a story is and how it should be told.

b) Gives the writer more structural elements than simply three or four acts, plot points, mid point and so on.

c) Gives you a tangible process for building and releasing dissonance (establishing and achieving catharsis).

d) Gives you a universal structural template upon which you can superimpose your situational story.

and more...

Harry Potter and Star Wars

The Harry Potter and Star Wars stories are good examples of the applicability of the Hero's Journey (Monomyth)

Both are orphans living with distant relatives (foster parents or aunts and uncles).

Both meet magical wizards as mentors (Hagrid or Ben Kenobi).

Both have unique skills (a great little pilot and a quidditch player)

Learn more…

WRITE THAT SCREENPLAY!

The Complete 188 stage Hero’s Journey and other story structure templates can be found at http://www.clickok.co.uk/

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Using Audio Books for Learning English

My children's knowledge of the English language is far better than their friends'. The only reason for it is the fact that they are using audio books for learning English. My elder son has just finishing listening to the last Harry Potter audio book. Of course he became a great fan of the story. I got him the original script along with the audio book so he can search for words he can not understand within the book. this Harry potter audio book was a book on tape and consisted of several 30 minutes audio book cassettes.

Students all over the world are learning English using audio books. Audio books are the most effective way of learning English. It is well known that the best way to learn a new language or to improve the existing knowledge of a language is listening or talking the language.

Learning English by using audio books broadens the vocabulary, helps understanding rapid speaking but more than all it is the only method that helps you learn the right pronunciation.

Using audio books to learn English is quite easy. You should only get audio books on Cd, books on tape or download audio books (You can also download free audio books).

You should find an audio book that best suits your needs. If you are a beginner, The speech should be clear and slow. I also recommend getting an audio book with more than one speaker.

I consider myself as a relatively good English speaker. Yet, listening to the English audio book version of Crime And Punishment by Feodor Dostoyevsky was not easy. I listened to each of the three audiobook cds at least a couple of times. I enjoyed broadening my vocabulary with rare words and listening to the british accent.

Henry James wrote : "Summer afternoon, Summer afternoon... The two most beautiful words in the english language", so get your children the harry potter audio books on cd, get out for the summer afternoon and let him enjoy learning english using audio books.

911 Corp. has executed an independent research to find the best place to get audio books from. Find out the clear results and all about audio books only on the Audio books bible.

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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire more than earns its PG-13 rating and than some and is definitely not for the younger fans of the Harry Potter series. With that said, Goblet of Fire is by far the best of the series and the one where Harry finally stops being the accidental hero and lives up to all of the hype and awe that surrounds him.

For those of you who don’t know, Goblet of Fire centers on the Tri - Wizard tournament, a mystical, glorious and extremely dangerous tournament that involves three schools, where three students are selected to compete in three dangerous and potentially deadly trials where the last one standing is declared victor and receives eternal glory for being the best of the best. Well, due to some powerful magical interference Potter’s name is chosen as one the champions, as they are called and the Tri-Wizard tournament all of a sudden becomes the Quad – Wizard tournament and no one is happy about it, least of all Harry.

Mike Newell really outdid himself with Goblet of Fire. The movie is appropriately dark and foreboding, the pacing is excellent and the light scenes of teen angst and budding awareness of the opposite sex are priceless. Newell does seem to channel the Lord of the Rings in the visual aesthetics of the movie, however. In viewing the film I kept saying to myself, “You know I’ve seen this somewhere before.”

I realized later that the dark environment, the spooky settings, even the sign of Lord Voldermot, a skull with a snake that appears in the sky every time Voldermot is summoned (Think the eye of Sauron that appears in the sky in LOTR) and even the death eaters put me in the mind of the Lord of the Rings. There’s nothing wrong with channeling Peter Jackson’s epic, especially considering that the Harry Potter series and Goblet of Fire in particular are pretty epic in and of themselves but it would have been nice for a little originality on Newell’s part.

Radcliffe (Harry) still could use a bit of help in the acting department but Grint (Ron) and Watson (Hermione) more than make up for his shortcomings. The movies true gems are Neville (Mattthew Lewis) and the Patil twins (Afshan Azad and Shefali Chowdhury). There is a very funny and endearing sequence as Neville learns to dance for the upcoming ball and the twins try to finagle a date out of Harry. Dumbeldore is excellent as always and we see a new side of Hagrid as he engages in a relationship with the giantess, Frances de la Tour (Madame Olympe Maxime)..

While there are many great things about this Potter film the best is that finally Potter takes control of his destiny as opposed to events just happening to him. He’s a lot more take charge and finally displays true heroic feats not just luck as it has seemed in the past. It’s a great movie. The whole family can enjoy it. Once again I say however, be careful about the little ones, it might just outright terrify them.

T.S. Johnson is a freelance writer and owner of PrologueReviews.com. Visit http://www.prologuezine.com for all of your writing needs or http://www.prologuereviews.com to have your music, movie or book reviewed.

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A Magical Introduction To Public Relations

If you were anywhere in the civilized world toward the end of June 2006 you probably witnessed public relations working its magic. While the release date of the final installment in the series of Harry Potter novels would not be announced for six months, something extraordinary happened. On a British talk show, author, J.K. Rowling, mentioned that two familiar characters would meet their doom in book number seven, and that one of them might be young Mr. Potter himself.

This short dialogue set an avalanche of press coverage into motion. All of the major television networks and their web and cable counterparts covered the story. The New York Times gave the story a prominent spot in its pages and on its website. Even the venerable Wall Street Journal gave it a mention. The story also graced the pages of newspapers across the globe thanks to news wire services such as the Associated Press and Reuters.

The trade journal Ad Age covered the story and the story behind the story- the reason this announcement is such a big deal.

When you look beneath the surface you see that not only is it in Ms. Rowling’s interest to keep her work in the public eye, it is significant to the book’s publisher, the producer and distributor of the popular Harry Potter movies, and a countless number of companies that make and sell Potter paraphernalia. Since the Harry Potter brand has reached a fanatical popularity with children and adults everywhere it is also in the interest of television producers, newspaper editors and magazine publishers to cover this announcement. Why? A mere mention of the boy wizard’s name gets the instant attention of viewers and readers which is good for the organization covering the story and great for those who advertise with them.

“The Harry Potter phenomenon started with a unique product: an engaging, imaginative novel that bridged generations by captivating children and adults alike. Favorable media coverage stemming from the first book made Harry into a ‘star’ that became as newsworthy as anyone on the Hollywood A-list,” says Michael Drabenstott, a partner in SPARK a PR and marketing firm based in suburban Philadelphia. “The public wanted to know about Harry and journalists willingly obliged. Each successive book stimulated additional excitement and buzz. When people you trust and admire talk about a product, you are more likely to buy it so you, too, can become part of the conversation,” Drabenstott concludes.

This is the win-win-win situation created by the unique form of marketing created through PR. The people delivering the message win by getting the word out about their work, those delivering the message win because it draws the public to their information outlet, and the consumers win because they get access to the information that they crave. This is the magic of public relations.

Gaetan T. Giannini Jr. is Chairman of the Business, Management & Economics department at Cedar Crest College in Allentown, Pa. He is also President and Chief Consultant of Giannini Marketing. A firm that specializes in marketing technical and industrial products, as well as products sold into the affluent marketplace.

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Emma Watson - A Magic All Her Own

Had J.K. Rowling not put pen to paper and created her unfathomably famous series of children’s books, “Harry Potter”, the world may have had to wait a lot longer for the likes of British actress Emma Watson to triumphantly emerge.

In a somewhat unprecedented move the leading female role of Hermione Granger, one of Potter’s closest friends in the Harry Potter series, was given to Emma. Why unprecedented you ask? Because prior to her fantastically lucky break, young Miss Watson had never so much as acted a day in her life on the big screen. Her acting credentials listed only school plays. However, this is not to say that she lacked talent, on the contrary, those who saw her school stage roles instantly noticed that she had a particular flare for the craft.

At a mere fifteen years of age this talented, freckle faced teen actress already has four Harry Potter movies under her cape, staring in each as the same Potter pal role of Hermione Granger. This character sees her as the female comrade to an almost exclusively cast of male leads. At the tender age of ten Watson’s convincing, endearing role as somewhat stuck up, perfect student Granger in the first Potter movie, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone”, had fans hooked. Over night she became the most searched for Potter cast member on the Internet.

Though her acting career has thus far extended only into the realm of Harry Potter sorcery and humongous box office sales, Watson has an unmistakable talent that will likely see her through when the days of Harry Potter films eventually come to an end. Her acting ability is so bang on that it has earned her the nickname of “One Take Watson”.

In a world of fluffy, pop star-like personas and less than intellectual characters brunette-headed Watson is a refreshing change from the bubble gum-ness that has beseeched the majority of young female actors. Her strong-willed and charming personality only add to her movie appeal and fans can’t seem to get enough of this charismatic fifteen year old.

Hopping the pond, Emma has appeared on a racket of North American late night TV and talk shows; notably her first talk show appearance in 2002 on the long running, phenomenally successful Oprah Winfrey show. Others include Jay Leno in 2002 and Live with Regis & Kelly in 2004. When not dabbling in onscreen witchery and magic Watson goes to the British all-girls school Headington where she primarily studies history, English and art. In her down time Watson’s second love comes out, sports. Her favourites include tennis, rounders and hockey.

Though the world has only known of Emma for four short years, she has created a lasting onscreen character that is recognized by Potter fans – both young and old alike – the world over. Watson says that she wants to branch out and try a variety of roles, and in 2006 fans will be able to see Emma in her first non-Potter role to date. Scheduled to be released within a year the film “Airborn” will see Watson playing Kate de Vries, in an adventurous dramatic tale of cruise ships, pirates and deserted islands. Rather a broomstick’s length away from Hogwarts for this ambitious British actress.

Jessica Cander is a full time freelance writer who loves to stay on top of up-to-the-minute entertainment trends, such as rising stars Emma Watson and Hilary Duff. For the latest information, gossip and hot facts, Jessica recommends Answers.com .

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Parents Must Teach Children Fiction From Reality

If you have not heard of Harry Potter, you either do not have children or have not read the New York Times best seller list in a long time! Thirteen-year-old Harry is the hero of three books by Joanne K. Rowling and a student at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In his adventures, he faces the challenges of normal schoolchildren, with a twist, and in the end he prevails because he is courageous and smart.

I think the Harry Potter books and movie were wonderful and so did my kids. The stories are modern fables where good vs. evil ends with good always winning.

I am tired of hearing people preaching about its all from the devil. Have you people ever heard of an imagination? God gave us our imagination so we can use it, not to stifle it in his name. But to some people, allowing children to have anything magical in their lives is a real and serious threat. If you don't want to open your minds feel free to voice your stuffy, narrow opinions but do not expect everyone to take your views.

I believe in God but can not believe he would ever condemn anyone for bringing joy to millions with magical stories that include friendship and courage. Our jobs as parents are to teach children right from wrong and fiction from reality. Something your parents obviously failed to do. I feel sorry for people that can't enjoy something as simple as a fairytale.

Evie Lampard is a freelance writer. Sometimes she writes about items such as Harry Potter rumours

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Overcoming Stuttering and Filler Words - The Marble Technique for Eliminating Speech Impediments

I st... st... st... ststutter... While severe stuttering is a medical problem and should be addressed by a health care professional, mild stuttering and other speech obstacles are impediments no one need suffer. Do you occasionally get caught on a word? Do you read smoothly, or does your speech break in places where it shouldn't? Do you say 'uh' or 'like' between every word? Here's how to fix it.

Materials Required

Boiling water (don't worry, it won't hurt!)
Mouth
Marbles
Books (preferably a Dr. Seuss, a Harry Potter, and a Bible)

Warning!

Marbles may pose a choking hazard.
Do not just drop marbles into boiling water - they may shatter! Allow them to heat with the water instead.

Directions

1. Sterilize 2-4 marbles in boiling water.
2. Grab a Harry Potter book.
3. Put marbles in mouth, but don't swallow!
4. As clearly as possible, read the book out loud.
5. Hear speech problems disappear!

Added Benefits

Improved enunciation.
Increase lip and tongue coordination.
Greater appreciation for unimpaired speech!

Why does it work? Marbles force you to speak slowly and to concentrate on the actual mechanics of speaking. They also make it hard to make any unnecessary sounds – so you won't say 'uh' or 'like'! Most importantly, however, the break old habits. When you are focusing on speaking itself, you don't utilize the same neural pathways that caused your stuttering, pausing, and other speech impediments. New habits replace the old!

To increase the marble drill's effectiveness, use Harry Potter (or another book) as a gage only. Read Dr. Seuss to increase flexibility and speed, and read the Old Testament to really break the old habits and give your brain a workout along with your mouth. When the reading gets easier, go faster!

Happy Speaking!

Devin R. Bean is a nationally acclaimed public speaker and writer. He currently edits http://www.speech-time.com and attends Harvard University. Visit http://www.speech-time.com for more free public speaking advice!

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Writing Made Them Rich #1: JK Rowling

Joanne Kathleen Rowling was born in Chipping Sodbury, England in 1965. She began writing at the age of 6 with a story called 'Rabbit', which she never finished.

In high school her favorite subject was English. From High School, Rowling went to Exeter University where she earned a degree in French.

After graduating, she spent a year studying in Paris and then went back to London where she worked in a number of jobs, including a year with Amnesty International and a short time as secretary for a publishing company, where she was responsible for sending out rejection slips.

In the summer of 1990, on a delayed train from Manchester to London, she came up with the idea of a boy who discovers he is a wizard. But it would be 7 years before the idea became a book.

In that same year her mother died of Multiple Sclerosis and she left for Portugal to teach English, hoping to find a way to deal with her grief.

In October 1992 she married a Portuguese television journalist, Jorge Arantes. But the marriage lasted just eleven months.

In 1993 she left her husband and returned to England, with the one legacy of her failed marriage - an infant daughter named Jessica.

Her life suddenly took a nose-dive. Fighting poverty and depression, she lived in a mice-infested flat in Edinburgh and struggled to raise her baby daughter on a welfare check of 70 pounds ($100) a week.

Unable to heat her flat, she sat in cafés nursing an espresso for 2 hours at a time and worked feverishly on the manuscript of 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' while her baby daughter slept in a pram.

The manuscript is said to have been rejected by three British publishers - Penguin, Transworld and HarperCollins.

But Bloomsbury Children's Books did sign her up, reportedly paying £10,000 ($14,300) for the rights to 'Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone'.

The Philosopher's Stone was published on 30 June, 1997 and was an instant success.

The book was published under her initials because her publisher feared that boys would be less likely to read the book if they knew it was written by a woman.

At a book fair in Italy later that year, Scholastic Books bought the American rights for $105,000, an unheard of figure for a children's writer with only one book to her name.

It was published in the States in 1998 with the title 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone'.

The sequel - 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets' - was published in June of 1999 and later that same year, the third book in the series was released, 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban'.

By the time her fourth book appeared in 2000 - 'Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire' - the series had become an international phenomenon: the initial print run for her 4th book was 1.5 million copies in the UK and 3.8 million in the US.

By 2000, JK Rowland had become the highest-earning woman in Britain, with an income of more than £20.5 million ($29.3m) in the previous year.

In 2001 her annual earnings were estimated at over £24m, ($34.3m) placing her between Madonna and Paul McCartney in the ranks of high-earning celebrities.

In October 1998 Warner Brothers bought the rights to 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' and its sequel ('Harry Potter and the Chamber Of Secrets'), for the tidy sum of $700,000.

With the release of the first Harry Potter film, J.K. Rowling's total earnings are estimated to have exceeded $100 million.

In March 2001 she was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) by the Queen, for services to children's literature.

------------------------------------------------------------ Michael Southon has been writing for the Internet for over 3 years. He has shown hundreds of webmasters how to use this simple technique to build a successful online business. Click here to find out more: http://ezine-writer.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Southon

Store That Collection of Harry Potter Books In Your Kids' Bookshelves

Arrange those Harry Potter books starting with the first novel, Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone, to the 7th book, Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows. The saga that begun in 1997 ended in July 2007, but your children don't know that. They want Harry Potter to continue to thrill them with his brave exploits. So keep those books on the kids' bookshelves.

Magic, Wizards, and A Sad Little Boy

Combined in a bedtime story, magic, wizards, and a sad little boy make for spectacular storytelling. With the first book, you progressed to the next, and the one after that to satisfy your little ones until they were able to read the book on the own. As Harry Potter grew up, so did your kids. It's nice if you've kept the complete collection in kids' bookshelves. They'll never forget this hero who colored their bedtime with his feats and filled their childish friends with magic.

If you recall, your kids hated the Dursley family - long-necked Aunt Petunia, ill-tempered Uncle Vernon, and the fat pig-in-a-wig Dudley. They were the antagonists, just like the much loathed Lord Voldemort. Though the story has ended, they can still pick up these books anytime from the kids' bookshelves you've placed in their bedroom.

Sometimes you sneak a book out now and then when you're tired of the latest news and the troubles of the world. You prefer a Harry Potter book because at least, the turmoil and the intrigues were in far-away Hogwarts. The 7 books will remain on kids' bookshelves until they are old and tattered from repeated handling and reading during those rainy nights.

Even the tiniest member of the family will have his share of the bedtime magic. By that time, you've had the names of all the characters down pat - Harry (for sure), Ron, Hermione, the Dursleys, the Weasleys, Hagrid (the gentle half-giant), Dumbledore, and other amazing witches and wizards. You'll be describing in full detail the game of quidditch, the invisibility cloak, and the monsters that Harry Potter battled with.

Words of Wisdom

As the kids grow up, you'll be able to borrow words of wisdom when your kids are troubled or have tiffs with both friends and foe. If you get the book Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone, you can quote the line: "it takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends", and send your child out to the world with this reminder that will help shape their values.

Or if your kids are discouraged with their failed projects and friendships, you can also quote form Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire: "understanding is the first step to acceptance, and only with acceptance can there be recovery." Beautiful and right on target. Your kids will understand this. Haven't they shared Harry's highs and lows too?

So be sure to keep those precious books on the kids' bookshelves until they have grown and until the baby has gone through the seven books. You'll be surprised that they'll remember the details of Hogwarts more than you can. Someday, they will share the magic with their own children. Just like J.K. Rowling, you've made this magic live in your children's hearts and minds. So keep those books on the kids' bookshelves.

Store books in your kids' bookshelves and your kids will have great reading adventures all the time curled up on kids' rockers Match these with an adorable toy storage box. Visit RonJuneShop.com today and shop for quality toys and children's furniture.

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Harry Potter Movies

I love movies, all movies. The only television I watch is usually a movie, with the exception of the Sopranos (what about that last episode huh!?) or possibly MindFreak, with the creepy but cute, Chris Angel.

I enjoy Harry Potter and love the books. I have read them all except the final one, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows". My daughter has had her head buried in it for two days now, and I will be the next to read it.

These books stir the imagination and paint incredible pictures on our brains, children and adult alike.

We have seen the first Harry Potter movie, "The Sorcerers Stone". It was a disappointment in that it stole our imagination, and forever more when we read the books, we see the Harry from the movie, the Snape from the movie , the Hogwarts from the movie, and so on. We can't recall the others from our imagination, pre-movie!!

The original Harry Potter movie resembled the book as closely as possible. They did an amazing job, but regardless, the scene with the unicorn in the woods and Voldemort floating above with blood dripping from his mouth, burned a horrifying vision on my daughter's memory. The book never affected her in a negative way, but the visual seared a clear and lasting image. This leads me to the issue of movie ratings. Who in their right mind comes up with these G ratings? Are they insane or just childless? The only other explanation is that they are completely desensitized to the visual violence and terrifying images.

Why are they so desperate to have every child see these movies? Couldn't it be something for the younger children to look forward to with great anticipation, for when they get older? My son is seven and only just recently watched the first Harry Potter movie after completing the book. The book was an absolute prerequisite to the movie. He was prepared for most of what was coming , but even then we fast forwarded the scarier bits.

I know some will think me paranoid and over protective, which is fine with me. I know my children can sleep at night with the lights off and not have nightmares. I will reiterate what I said at the beginning, I love movies, all movies, but I think parents have to be choosy, even if it goes against the norm, and stand up to that adult peer pressure and do what is right for their child.

The movie ratings are not devised with a child's best interest at heart. The primary motivation is to get as many to see the movie as quickly as possible, and put as much money as possible into the pockets of the companies involved. I have friends who won't even let their children read the Harry Potter series. That is going a little too far for me, but the movie industry should be held socially responsible for the degree of realism in the content, and it is up to the parents to demand it. We will eventually see the entire series of Harry Potter movies, but in our own good time, and when each child is emotional ready.

Debbie is a professional home schooling mother, animal advocate, spiritual seeker, alternative thinker and business owner. You may visit Debbie's website at: http://www.santegoji.com/gochi.html

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Harry Potter and his MAGIC!

So, what is Harry up to now? Does he have another wand-waving magic that we do not know of? Not exactly. I’m going to talk about what he has magically done to the world in the last few years.

This has been reported many times but what I have today is my own personal opinion that inadvertently confirmed all those previous reports. I’m sure that every parents in the world today realized that JK Rowling’s Harry Potter have created a big storm last few years. Suddenly we have a new generation of euphoric kids who loves to read fantasy story books. Such scene has not been seen for quite some time and the impact that Harry Potter is bringing to the world today is a big welcome for parents. Harry Potter does have real world magic after all.

I’m in Malaysia, a small nation in the South East Asia region. Believe it or not, Harry Potter’s impact on the young generations here are phenomenal. I can see it with own eyes through observations made on my own 8 to 12 year old nieces, nephews and my close friend’s children. Before Harry Potter, none of the kids I knew read books. Their reading habits are almost non-existent except for the sole cause of completing their school’s homework. Every Malaysian parent then were groaning and nagging their kids to read books but all that goes in vain.

Then suddenly JK Rowling’s first book on Harry Potter came out. Nothing happened here in the first few months but suddenly children are begging their parents to buy them their very first book on Harry Potter. I really don’t know how this new craze for Harry Potter develops in the first place really. Over in South East Asia, the marketing promotions for JK Rowling’s Harry Potter are limited to established book stores such as MPH and Kinokuniya. There are no specific television or radio promotions that I could remember. After interrogating my nieces, nephews and their friends on the matter, I found out that this whole obsession with Harry Potter was probably started here in South East Asia by the internet itself. Some kids who are internet savvy and have access to the internet must have stumbled upon some rave Harry Potter fan sites and that ignites their curios interest. The news will of course spread through words of mouth from one child to another and by the time we know it, every kid is hooked on Harry Potter. So, that’s how it started here.

Kids suddenly made about turns and return back to positive reading habits. In the long run, this helps them in performing better at schools too! Pure magic. Their new found passion in reading story books reminded me of my own childhood. Remember Enid Blyton’s books anyone? Yes, I too was very much attached to her books. Reading them brought me a lot of good. My English mastery both orally and in writing is better than most of my peers and gave me a slight edge in the society. Seeing the new rejuvenated interest kids nowadays have on reading fantasy story books such as Harry Potter, I foresee a great future for them. If you still can’t see it, the following is what Harry Potter has magically done for children here in South East Asia:

1. Redevelop that crucial reading habit that was waning fast before the arrival of Harry Potter.
2. Helps them to perform better in schools and achieve better grades much to the joy of their parents.

So, if you are looking for a fun way to develop good reading habits to your kids, you may start by buying them fantasy story books. Harry Potter’s series would be preferable since your kids would then be able to reach out and connect to a big Harry Potter’s fans out there. They can immediately be a part of the group and develop that sense of belonging in no time. One word of advice though, maybe it is best that you buy a few dictionaries to accompany that Harry Potter’s books. Stories written by British story tellers do sounds a little bit odd and mind boggling at times. Keeping those dictionaries handy for your kids would ensure that they would be able to enjoy their reading fully.

Saidul A Shaari is the principal and founder of Sahabatul Ventures, specializing in helping aspiring home based entrepreneurs establish and setup their online businesses cost effectively. An enterprising business individual who turn half ideas into real money making opportunities.

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The Magic of Harry Potter Films

What's up with these Harry Potter films anyway? It is absolutely amazing the effect that these movies have on some of their fans. Have you seen the first four? Well, if the answer is no, then you're certainly in the minority. The amazing thing is that both kids and adults alike seemed to equally love the adventures of the young wizard.

As a matter of fact, the Harry Potter films alone have made J.K. Rowling a very, very wealthy woman. There's just something about wizards and supernatural evils that gets our juices flowing. I suppose it's the mystery and magic of it all. I know two things for sure, this movie series will be around for a long time, and lots of money will be generated from them. Harry Potter films are similar to a new-age Star Wars. It's that kind of phenomenon.

It all began if one single book. We humans seem to love our works of fiction. Or perhaps in this case, fantasy. Either way, the Harry Potter series is a runaway smash hit. When the first book hit the shelves of every bookstore around the world, I actually didn't really care for its. Yippy, yet another children's novel that delves into the supernatural realm of magic and the age old good versus evil genre. Like that hasn't been done to death already. But kids from all over the world were new to these concepts and this in turn got the adult's attention as well.

Because of the wild enthusiasm that the kids work is flying, the adults too were getting sucked into these imaginative books. The writing was on the wall that we would soon see feature films created. While I did see the first four, they didn't really excite me as much as I had hoped. But that's just me, my daughter absolutely adores them. I must admit, the concept of the Harry Potter films is the perfect key to classic escapism. Isn't that why we go to the movie theaters, as an escape from our everyday lives. Come on, you want to get your money's worth and there's a lot to be said for vicarious thrills.

If you're not an avid reader you may want to simply watch the Harry Potter films. In my opinion, the third and fourth installments or more entertaining than the first two. Of course this is just my opinion, but the way cinematography was much better. The Internet also provides any fan of the Harry Potter films with a plethora of material. You can hop online and pick up any of the first four Harry Potter films today on DVD for a decent price. Amazon.com is a superstore or you can find any of these films and can buy them either new or used.

Morgan Hamilton offers his findings and insights regarding the world of entertainment. You can get interesting and informative information here at Harry Potter Films

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Harry Potter House Teams Work "Magic" in Classrooms

Throughout every school year at Hogwarts School, Harry Potter and his schoolmates worked on a point system on their house teams. The 4 teams in the Harry Potter novels were Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin.

The students were sorted into their teams on the first day of school when they arrived at Hogwarts for their very first year. You may wish to sort your students for the entire year, semester, month or week depending on what you will think work best for your group. Teachers wishing to purchase a real Hogwarts Sorting Hat can find one online in the Harry Potter Shop. along with many other terrific Harry Potter items which can complement your teaching strategies.

Each student can gain or lose points for their team based on their attendance, punctuality, classroom participation, working cooperatively with other classmates, following instructions or completing tasks on time. As well, points may be gained or lost for their team based on academic achievement, sports intramural activities to promote good health and physical fitness, classroom monitoring jobs etc. There are many various ways that allow each team to compete with each other.

Students need to be able to learn how to work effectively as a team, with others as well as individually. The peer pressure from their team members will help motivate positive responses from a student often more effectively than the teacher can motivate alone.

At the end of the competition, there should be a reward that the teacher will chose depending on what is most appropriate for his/her group of students. Work a little magic into your classroom activities this year. Challenge your students effectively.

Valerie Giles owns and operates Cyber-Prof: Teacher Resource Site an educational web site that specializes in resources for school and teacher supplies . Free stuff for teachers, teaching strategies, K-8, educational toys and games, back to school, classroom technology and home school curriculum. http://www.cyber-prof.com The accompanying article is copyrighted. It may be reproduced only if the hyperlinks here are left intact.

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Harry Potter Audio Books - the Pros and Cons

The Harry Potter mania has not skipped the audio books world. Apart from Harry potter books, movies and video games you could find all the Harry Potter series on audio books formats – downloadable audio books, audio books on CD and books on tape. Is it good for our children? Decide yourself after getting to know the pros and cons of the Harry Potter audio books:
The pros:
1. The Harry Potter audio books are an excellent educational activity for young children that can not read yet or for children with dyslexia. Yet, young children may be afraid of some of the chapters on the Harry Potter audio books – just skip these parts.
2. The Harry Potter audio books are the perfect solution for children who do not like to read. It will help them get all the essential values from the Harry potter books without actually reading them. More than that, it could motivate them to start reading books. One mother told me that she allowed her children to listen only to the first Harry Potter audio book. To get to know the rest of the Harry Potter series, her children had to actually read them.
3. The Harry Potter audio books are the best method to teach children proper pronunciation. A perfect reading will teach them new words and correct speaking techniques.
4. The Harry Potter audio books will keep your children busy for hours. You could use them while traveling in the car, instead of reading to them before they go to sleep or just to get some rest from your children.
The cons:
1. The Harry Potter audio books may encourage children not to read books. In some cases I have heard of, children who started listening to audio books, have read less books. Yet, I believe it’s all a matter of a good education and parents’ domination.
2. Some say that listening to audio books such as the Harry Potter audio books may damage the imagination and creativity of the children.
Paton Jackson is the audio books’ expert of 911 corp. Find the best audio books sources and more about audio books on http://www.911makemoretime.com/audio Harry Potter audio books and more. All about time management on http://www.911makemoretime.com
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