How to get some Harry Potter magic
Updated on 16 July 2007
With the imminent arrival of the new film and the last book here are six of the best Harry Potter bandwagon-jumping stories (other than this one).
1. Potter look-a-like to visit Dubai
Yes folks, it's true. This boy really looks like the wizardy one. And if you want to catch a glimpse you should hot foot it down - enormous carbon footprint permitting - to the UAE bookstore in Dubai.
The shop has invited Dhavel Dave to the launch of J K Rowling's last book, Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows.
"It will be my first trip overseas. I am very excited," young Dhavel told The Hindu.
2. Meet the city's very own Harry Potter
Name your son Harry Potter and get yourself some heady press coverage. Well, that's what Norwich's Evening News is giving one little Harry Potter who was born at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital almost five years ago.
"He may be a Muggle, but to his mum and dad, he's the most magical little boy of all," said the Evening News, because he was born on Halloween. Bless.
3. Do adults think Harry Potter will die?
Reuters keeps it upbeat with the to-the-point headline 'Few adult fans think Harry Potter will die'. Well, that is a relief.
Apparently, according to a recent poll, one in five adult fans think Potter will cark it by the end of JK Rowling's last book. Just to be clear, that's 20 per cent of adults.
Indeed his death is a preoccupation amongst the world's press: "If author JK Rowling decides that Harry Potter will die in the seventh book of the series on the young wizard, it would be a "betrayal" to fans" according to a university professor", says CTV.ca . Ms Rowling, you've been warned...
4. Harry Potter follows in Malasia's footsteps
In 'You're too late, Harry Potter' Davin Arul of The Star lists all the reasons why Malasia was magical long before Harry Potter arrived on the scene.
He goes through an extensive list to prove his point - everything from wand wiggling behind the wheel to sports fanaticism.
5. Harry Potter glasses have magical effect
Harry Potter is praised for making wearing glasses cool amongst young people, reports the Daily Telegraph. Apparently Potter, along with the more recognisably cool Johnny Depp, has been praised by eye experts for making it fashionable for children to wear glasses.
Now is definitely a good moment for spectacle shops to get this message out loud and clear.
Beardism
And finally, one from the archives: in 2002 after the release of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets the BBC reports that facial hair campaigners believe the film is responsible for Beardism.
The article, featuring a dyptich of Robbie Coltrane - one side bearded, the other clean shaven - goes on to say that the film could damage the average beard wearer and lead to beardist sentiments among the Potter-loving general public.
