Phantasy Phantasmagoria

Jackson Sues New Line Cinema over $100 Million!

2005-06-29T06:18:00.000+01:00

You've all heard it, now here are the details:

LOS ANGELES, CA, United States (UPI) -- "Lord of the Rings" Director Peter Jackson earned about $200 million for the Oscar-winning trilogy but says New Line Cinema owes him up to $100 million more.

The claim strikes at the heart of today`s vertically integrated media in claiming New Line sold merchandising rights through a closed process, called pre-emptive bidding, mainly to other Time Warner subsidiaries at less than market value, the New York Times reported. In the February suit, Jackson accused New Line of fraud in handling revenue from the 2001 "The Fellowship of the Ring" that underpaid him by millions. If applied to the hobbit trilogy that grossed some $4 billion, Jackson`s lawyer said New Line would owe the director, co-producer and co-writer of the movies about $100 million. New Line said it would fight the suit. "There`s a certain piggishness involved here," an unnamed New Line lawyer said. "New Line already gave him enough money to rebuild Baghdad, but it`s still not enough for him."

Copyright 2005 by United Press International

Posted by Tonks.

Beowulf Hits the Big Screen

2005-06-17T14:16:00.000+01:00

And now, Phantasy Phans, let us all take a journey back to our roots. Without this book, The Lord of the Rings wouldn't have been written. Or, maybe, orcs would just have been called something else.

Rumours have been circulating that The Polar Express director Robert Zemeckis will now undertake an endeavor with far more potential. Big names are being mentioned, too. Anthony Hopkins, of course, is who we're all shouting for, as well as Brendan Gleeson and Ray Winstone. As long as we can keep Tom Cruise out of it (as well as the rest of Hollywood), we should be fine.

Writing credits are a little more promising. Robert Avary, who wrote Rules of Attraction and worked for a number of years with Quentin Tarantino, and Neil Gaiman, who I deem to kick subtantially more ass for writing Princess Mononoke.

Beowulf is reported to be in pre-production, currently, with a release set for 2007. While we're all feeling a little scared because Zemeckis is rumoured to be considering performance capture for the whole movie (which would basically mean an entire movie shot how Gollum was shot in The Lord of the Rings), going back into familiar digital territory, most of the Phans are rooting for real actors and real performances. Remember, kids: not everyone is as awesome as Andy Serkis.

As for the mean, opinionated report: If you want 'Fair and Balanced' go to Fo...oh, wait, Fox News doesn't do it either. Sorry.

Posted by Phantasy Phantasmagoria Book and Movie Reviewer, Kahil.

CBS News Fears LotR Exhibit May Overshadow Education in Museums

2005-06-16T14:48:00.000+01:00

CBS news believes that we may be losing sight of some of the educational aspects of trips to the museum. But who care what the article's about? It has an inside scoop on the Exhibition and pictures! (I'm the PPB technical advisor; I don't write, even read, really.)

Here's the link: From King Tut To Princess Diana, CBS News reports.

Posted haphazardly by the PPB techie-bitch, Anthony.

Harry Potter: No Longer in Need of Advertising!

2005-06-15T23:49:00.000+01:00

What author would possibly opt to avoid mainstream advertising to promote his or her own book? Why, you'd have to be Rowling to do such a thing! Well, Rowling did do such a thing. Aside from her high-profile contest hosted by the BBC, Rowling has kept herself out of the spotlight, letting it come to her, which, of course, it has. Thus far, no book in the history of mankind has done what Harry Potter has done, save for perhaps The Lord of the Rings and the Bible. That's saying quite a lot. So why waste money on advertising when you J.K. Rowling, and you're book was at the top of the chart before you'd written it?

You can read the original article from the The Journal Gazette, "Author, publisher ditch tradition for ‘Potter’ press"

Posted by Harry Potter News Correspondant, Harry.

Lucky Harry Potter Know-it-All Scheduled to Interview JKR

2005-06-14T17:46:00.000+01:00

After winning a grueling HP trivia contest, one lucky fan will be shipped over to Edinburgh, Scotland, where they will be given a preview of the newest Harry Potter Book, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The day will conclude with an interview with J.K. Rowling. This contest, hosted by the British network ITV1, is open to all Potter fanatics ages 8 to 16.

To view the original article, see the Ireland Online Website's article, "Harry Potter Fan to Interview J.K. Rowling".

Posted by Phantasy Phan and General Writer, C.A. Hoskins.

HBP Orders Grow to Overwhelming Number, Booksellers Aren't Surprised

2005-06-10T16:38:00.000+01:00

As I am sure we all know, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince will apparate onto our shelves on the 16th of July, a date long anticipated by all informed Potter Phans. Pre-orders have already reached a record high, and more are still coming in. In an article released yesterday, June 9th, by the Houston Chronicle, booksellers told of the astounding number of pre-orders they've already received, and, of course, advertised the reasonable discounts they'll feature. Becky Bowman wrote:

"The 672-page hardcover volume sky-rocketed to No. 1 on Amazon.com when it became available Dec. 21 and has stayed there all but a few days, said spokeswoman Kristin Mariani. Only YOU: The Owner's Manual, a book featured by Oprah, could dislodge it."

The PPB would like to issue a statement: SO? Come on, Phans, are we honestly going to let Oprah oust us? That is SO not PHANTASY!

"'People still want more Harry,' Mariani said."

Oh. Good.

Anyway, here are the stats. Amazon.com, ever faithful, will be offering a 40% discount to all those who pre-order. That brings you down from the original $29.99, which no one posting on THIS blog could probably afford, to a more reasonable $17.99, which will only prohibit us from buying food for several days. But, who cares? We chapter-hungry Potter-lovers are already forsaking sleep until such time as we have read HBP cover to cover.

On a closing note, we turn back to Becky Bowman and...some lady from Borders.

Susan Ryan, a manager at the Borders location on Kirby Drive, said she's looking forward to the release events.

"The kids are so cute," she said. "So are the grown-ups."

You can read the original article here: Time again to get wild about Harry
Written by: Becky Bowman
Source: The Houston Chronicle

Posted by Phantasy Phantasmagoria Harry Potter News Correspondant, Harry.

Author of the Month: Old Tommy B.

2005-06-08T20:37:00.000+01:00

Old Tommy B. just finished his first year of college, and is currently working towards a degree in Music Education, but don't be fooled by that; he can write more than notes. He has been a Tolkien buff since the tender age of seven, but only recently entered the vast world of fanfiction. The PPB team agrees that Old Tommy B. is an exceptional author.

Rating: 10/10 stars
"Not only does this writer do justice to Tolkien's works, but he elaborates upon them in such a creative and supremely believable fashion that one cannot help but become enamoured. In most cases, I was rather convinced that I was reading Tolkien's own writing. In other cases, the style was far more descriptive."
Sara K. Hoskins, Author of A Hadra En Daln and Twisting Fate.

You may view several of Old Tommy B.'s stories at the following addresses. Sara's reviews follow:

A Letter From Lobelia
"This is a strikingly tender vignette. The imagery is tearfully beautiful, and the portrayal of Mr. Baggins is masterful, to say the least."

The Entwives' Garden
"This piece weaves the wonderful narrations of the author with a perfect poem, both of which are executed in an unmistakably Tolkien-esque style."

Bombadil Goes Dancing
"Though I normally try to write eloquently, the only response to this poetic child of Tolkien and Lonfellow I can formulate is this: I'm in shock. Amazing!"

Of the Dwarves
"This is the centerpiece of Old Tommy B.'s grand table. He has perfectly captured the side of Tolkien's writing found in The Silmarillion, which can only be described as Scriptural."

Posted by Phantasy Phantasmagoria Lord of the Rings Connoisseur, Lady Haleth.

Reviews by PPB editor, Sara Hoskins.

Harry Potter Book Prices

2005-06-08T18:27:00.000+01:00

As July 16th draws near, more Harry Potter fans are beginning to plan how long they will spend each day reading the books. Some plan to stay up all night. Some are rereading the books at this very moment. Some are thinking, "How the hell am I going to pay for it?" Some are saying, "How much does it cost?" As the official Harry Potter bookie I find it my job to post the prices.

Barnes&Noble:
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince-
List Price- 29.99
B&N Price- 17.99
Member Price- 16.19

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Deluxe Edition-List Price- 60.00
B&N Price- 42.00
Member Price- 37.80

Borders:
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince-
List Price- 29.00
Borders Price- 17.99

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Deluxe Edition-List Price- 60.00

Amazon:
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince-
List Price- 29.99
Price- 17.99

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Deluxe Edition-Price-46.96

Posted by Harry Potter Bookie, PureGeenius.

There They Are: Buttons!

2005-06-07T02:53:00.000+01:00

Thanks to Conner, who is now the OFFICIAL Button-Bitch.

Posted by Tonks.

"Are You A Phan?" Aligned Right

2005-06-07T02:44:00.000+01:00

Button 3 "Are You A Phan?" Aligned Left

A Smaller Phantasy Phantasmagoria Banner

2005-06-07T02:43:00.000+01:00

Small Banner "Phantasy Phantasmagoria"

"Are You A Fan?" Aligned Left

2005-06-07T02:40:00.000+01:00

Button 1 "Are you a Phan?"

And there they are.

2005-06-07T00:02:00.000+01:00

That should be it. I'll try to get some smaller buttons made as soon as possible, if my banner bitch will agree to be my button bitch, as well.

Posted by Tonks.

"I solemnly swear I am up to no good."

2005-06-06T23:53:00.000+01:00

"No Good" Banner

"Mischief Managed"

2005-06-06T23:52:00.002+01:00

"Mischief" Banner

"Discover the Jedi Within"

2005-06-06T23:52:00.001+01:00

"Jedi" Banner

"Discover the Hobbit Within"

2005-06-06T23:52:00.000+01:00

"Hobbit" Banner

Are You A Phan?

2005-06-06T23:45:00.001+01:00

"Phan" Banner

"Discover the Wizard Within"

2005-06-06T23:45:00.000+01:00

"Wizard" Banner

"Yes, My Precious"

2005-06-06T23:44:00.001+01:00

"Gollum" Banner

"Luke...I Am Your Phather"

2005-06-06T23:44:00.000+01:00

"Star Wars" Banner

At last, we have Banners!

2005-06-06T21:09:00.000+01:00

Everyone should give Conner a big hug for making banners for the PPB! Please use them to link back to this blog (http://phantasyphan.blogspot.com). There's a Star Wars banner, and a few for The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter as well, and also a couple general ones. I'll post links to them in a few seconds, here...

Thanks, Conner!

Posted by Tonks.

Get Well Soon, Devon!

2005-06-06T16:37:00.000+01:00

Ouch! Poor Devon Murray! In his latest blog entry, he tells about a little accident he had yesterday. Read his journal entry here, and please post a "feel better soon" comment or something. I'm sure he's appreciate a little TLC from his fans.

Posted by Harry Potter News Correspondant, Harry.

Say Hello to the New Kids

2005-06-06T02:33:00.000+01:00

Phantasy Phantasmagoria would like to welcome two new members to their Administration. PureGeenius and Nutari are the newest aditions to the Phan Phamily. Nutari is our Fantasy Gaming Correspondant, and PureGeenius will be joining us as the official Harry Potter Bookie. Phantastic!

Betting you guys wish we'd stop spelling all word beginning with 'f' with 'ph's, Tonks.

News for the Ringers in Texas

2005-06-03T21:30:00.000+01:00

The Lord of the Rings: the Exhibition opens in Houston, Texas on June 4th at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Created by the New Zealand National Museum Te Papa Tongarewa under the supervision of both New Line Cinema and director Peter Jackson, this exhibition has toured the major cities of the world, featuring Celtic music, sword-fights demonstrations, horses in armour, and, of course, a costume contest along with the extensive exhibitions of everything Rings, from the costumes worn by the actors of the movie to the weapons handled by them.

Tickets are timed. People may stay in the exhibition for as long as they like, but the tickets they purchase will carry an assigned time-slot and they will not be allowed to enter the exhibition prior to their time-slot. Though the first entry tickets are sold-out, the exhibition will be opening at 11:30 on June 3rd, tonight. Last entry of the "night" will be at 6:OOam. Free posters will be given to the first 250 visitors. Touring exhibition manager James speaks to the Houston Chronicle about the event in this article by Louis B. Parks.

Posted by the Creator, Tonks, who cannot add her cool avatar to this post because she's using Matthieu's crap computer.

E3 Expo and Conference Conludes

2005-06-02T00:46:00.000+01:00

The E3 Conference (May 17-19) and Expo (May 18-20) has recently come to an exciting close. During the past week, E3 has been out showing off games...with all of this news its almost impossible not hear of a few new games, such as Killzone 2 or Ninja Gaiden 2; rumored to be the hardest game to be shown at E3.

More games than we can count are shown at E3 every year. Most games are left completely unshown except for a few murmers of life. Others, such as the next installment of the Zelda series, almost completely took over the showings. A quote from the CEO of Nintendo says that you will be "wowed" by the new system soon to be released from Nintendo`s vaults. Another of the system lords Microsoft was the first to show his system. This is what IGN had to say about the specs on the X-Box 360, one of the most powerful systems featured. Next, we had the PS3. Again, I go to IGN for the details.

In finish, many things have been seen and said at E3, and we cannot cover every moment of it. Let it just be said that E3 is THE Mecca for gamers.

Posted by Phantasy Phantasmagoria RPG & Gaming Correspondant, the Mystical, the Magical, and always wrapped in Mystery, Nutari.

Seamus Finnegan Speaks: Child Actor Devon Murray's Blog Updated for May 31, 2005

2005-06-01T19:12:00.000+01:00

Devon Michael Murray, who plays Seamus Finnegan in the Harry Potter Films, has updated the journal on his blog. If you are not familiar with the journal, Murray speaks occasionally about his doings in the process of filming Harry Potter. Read the update to his journal here. To explore Murray's complete personal website, visit the Devon Murray Official Website, which also features contact information on Murray.

Keep up your countdowns, Phans. HBP is almost here!

Posted by Phantasy Phan and Harry Potter News Correspondant, Harry.

International Tour of The Lord of the Rings: The Exhibition to Hold Final Showing at Indiana State Museum

2005-06-01T17:15:00.000+01:00

That's right! Not only is this huge exhibition of all things Rings coming to Indiana, but its final exhibition in the US will be held at the Indiana State Museum. This exhibition has accumulated content throughout its tour, making this the largest exhibit ever. Many PPB bloggers hail from the Hoosier State (C.A. Hoskins, Anthony, Sara Hoskins, Matthieu, and Tonks, and Lady Haleth will come if she has to fight rabid wargs and rent a jet to get there), so, if you decide to go and see this wonderful exhibit, you may just see a few of your fellow bloggers there.

This massive touring exhibition was created by The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, and will visit the Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis Oct. 6, 2005, through Jan. 3, 2006. Please be aware that this is the absolute end of this exhibition's world tour, and it is unlikely that you'll find another chance to see it. It will feature large sections on Costumes, Jewelry, Armour, Weapons, Make-up, and Special and Digital Effects.

Also featured in this exhibition are many dozens of intricate miniature sets and maquettes seen in the world of Middle-earth. These skillfully crafted models will depict such well-known settings as Orthanc, Barad-dur, and Frodo's vision, seen in Galadriel's mirror, of a ruined Hobbiton Mill.

Interviews will be shown of the cast and crew of the Lord of the Rings, revealing more than ever before about the filming of this epic trilogy. Additional interviews will include conversations with Barrie Osborne, Alan Lee, and award-winning special effects artist, Richard Taylor.

The entire experience is meant to be interactive. Demonstrations will even be given in the art of "scaling", allowing fans to see the science behind making a hobbit short and a wizard tall. The techniques used to create Massive will be explained, as well. For those who haven't watched the many hours of documentary on the Extended DVD's, this was the system by which huge digital armies of independently thinking and moving Elves, Men, and Orcs were made to do battle realistically. Also, the Indiana State Museum's IMAX theatre will be showing The Lord of the Rings Trilogy at selected times throughout the duration of the exhibition. Costumes are welcome, but the museum asks that no weapons, whether they be real or props, be brought into the exhibit.

Due to the huge number of Ringers present in any area, tickets are timed. The museum will admit 100 people every 15 minutes. Ticket buyers will be permitted to select the date and time they wish to attend, provided that time slot is not sold out. Keep in mind, also, that the museum will be extending its hours to accommodate visitors during this exhibit. Tickets will be available to the general public on August 1. However, if you are a member of the Indiana State Museum, you may purchase a ticket as early as July 1.

Ticket prices are as follows:
$14 for adults
$13.50 for seniors (60 and older)
$9 for children (3 to 12)
$4 for museum members

For additional ticket information and exhibition location, please visit the Exhibition Information page. If you wish to further explore the exhibit, check out the Exhibition Homepage. For additional information on the ISM, please visit the Indiana State Museum Homepage.

Posted by Phantasy Phantasmagoria Lord of the Rings News Correspondant, Lady Haleth.

Thanks, Kahil!

2005-06-01T05:24:00.000+01:00

Kahil, you obviously have no clue how often I'm on here, reading Starkiller's articles. Thanks a lot. I wouldn't have had the courage to do that.

Posted by PBB Editor, Sara Hoskins.

A Surprise for Sara

2005-06-01T05:15:00.000+01:00

Sara Hoskins, with whom I am currently chatting, has just expressed to me that she thinks she should redo her book cover. However, I'm a fan of her first two ideas for it. If anyone who may read this blog has a suggestion to make the cover better, please leave a comment and tell us! By the way, guys, this image is EXTREMELY copyrighted, so don't steal it, punk. ; )

I wonder when Sara will notice I posted her cover...

Posted by Phantasy Phan and Book and Movie Reviewer, Kahil.

Jedi "Religion" Sees a Dramatic Increase in Practitioners with Release of Episode III

2005-06-01T04:23:00.000+01:00

A religious "cult" established back in the 1970's has seen a dramatic increase in spiritual membership. With the release of Episode III: The Revenge of the Sith on May 18, thousands of Star Wars fanatics have found their religion in the Jedi faith. Commonly compared to Middle-eastern religions, it can't be denied that the words of Master Yoda are pretty Zen. Lucas has said on occasion that he did draw certain aspects of the Jedi tradition from Taoism. However, Lucas also assures fans that a good deal of the Jedi's faith comes from Christianity. George Lucas was raised in a Methodist household, and also says that, through his films, he tries to promote a belief in God rather than any specific religious structure.

What ultimately shocked the PPB, though, were the outrageous statistics. In an article by Jon M. Sweeney, featured on ExploreFaith.org, it was reported that "more than 390,000 people in England declared themselves Jedi in their census of the same year—a shocking number when you consider that only 260,000 people in England declared themselves to be Jewish. There are various Internet campaigns going on now that encourage voters in the U.S. to petition for Jedi as an official religion on the next U.S. census form."

You can read the original article here: Jedi "Religion" Sees Dramatic Growth (we're not kidding).

Posted by Phantasy Phantasmagoria Star Wars Phan, Starkiller.

Astronomers have decided to rename the planets of the Solar System after characters from Lord of the Rings! Wonderful news to brighten you day.

2005-05-31T00:19:00.000+01:00

In a silly bit of news released by BBC News' CBBC Newsround, it was announced that the planets of our solar system were to be renamed as characters from The Lord of the Rings. As absurd as this may seem, a few very gullible people seem to have taken this very seriously, and sent hate-mail to NASA, as well as the BBC. However, the issue has recently been cleared up, and, unfortunately, all of our planets will be retaining their traditional names. In the near future, Phantasy Phantasmagoria may be releasing a petition to turn this web-prank into a galactic reality. You can view the original artical here: Earth to be renamed as 'Gandalf'. Sorry, Star Wars fans, but the Ringers are officially moving into your territory.

Posted by Phantasy Phantasmagoria Technical Support, Anthony.

The Marauder's Escapades: Episode I, Volume 1 - The Case of the Lost Holy Golden Snitch

2005-05-30T07:45:00.000+01:00

** mr_padfoot has joined the chatroom **
** mr_moony has joined the chatroom **
[mr_padfoot] Hello, Mr. Moony.
[mr_moony] [smirk] Hello, Mr. Padfoot.
[mr_padfoot] And what brings you to this dim corner of Knockturn Alley on a dreadful evening like this?
[mr_moony] An invitation from one James Potter. And yourself?
[mr_padfoot] The same.
[mr_moony] What do you think he's up to?
[mr_padfoot] The last I heard, he'd been detained by the "authorities". It would seen he became careless during his last investigation. He thought he was looking for the Hound of the Baskervilles...(cont'd)
[mr_padfoot] but all he found was some mangy werewolf.
[mr_moony] [smirk] authorities?
[mr_padfoot] Yes. The headmaster dragged him in by the ear and gave him detention. *gasp!* What was that? I heard something! Wait...
** mr_prongs has joined the chatroom **
[mr_padfoot] Hello, boys. He's after me again, I'm afraid. Damn that bearded nuicance Agent Dumble 07!
[mr_padfoot] Hello there.
[mr_prongs] Hello, Mr. Padfoot. Hello Mr. Moony. Lovely evening.
[mr_moony] Prongs....Prongsy, Prongsy...tsk, tsk. Typical of you to get caught. What were you doing? And the evening is horrible, by the way.
[mr_prongs] Well, you see, I was hunting this horrible, monstrous, savage animal. Nearly caught the filthy half-bred blighter, too. I had him cornered in some dusty old treehouse.
[mr_padfoot] Pity.
[mr_moony] [shifts uncomfortably]
[mr_moony] yeah...too bad...
[mr_moony] [sweats]
[mr_moony] Where the hell is Wormtail?
[mr_padfoot] What's wrong their, Mr. Moony, need a potty break?
[mr_prongs] He should be along soon. I have a sneaking suspicion the rogue followed me here.
[mr_moony] No. I'm just a bit....yes. Yes, that's it.
[mr_moony] [nervous laugh]
** mr_wormtail has joined the chatroom **
[mr_wormtail] Erm, hello, there, boys. How go the proceedings?
[mr_padfoot] Well, enough, though Mr. Moony's a little jumpy tonight.
[mr_moony] I drank....coffee...[nervous laugh]
[mr_wormtail] Mr. Moony, it's good to see that you're feeling better.
[mr_moony] [kicks Wormtail discreetly]
[mr_moony] Thank you
[mr_padfoot] Now, now...quiet, all. I believe Mr. Prongs has an announcement to make...or should I say...*Mr. Potter*.
[mr_wormtail] Gasp! J...James? It can't be!
[mr_moony] [faints]
[mr_prongs] Yes, I'm afraid it's true. I'm sorry to have deceived you all, but it was...ahem...necessary, under my circumstances.
[mr_padfoot] [kneels and gently cradles the fallen Mr. Moony in a slashymanner.]
[mr_moony] [wakes]
[mr_moony] [blushes]
[mr_prongs] Oh, dry up, you fags.
[mr_wormtail] What's the announcement Ja --er, Mr. Prongs?
[mr_moony] Yes do tell, you slimy old breeder.
[mr_prongs] [lights pipe] Well, if Mr. Moony can withhold his derogatory comments for a few moments, I shall tell you...
[mr_prongs] I am on a quest, gentlemen!
[mr_moony] You called me a fag, you hypocrite!
[mr_moony] And a quest for what, exactly?
[mr_wormtail] You leave him alone! And don't take that tone with him, you filthy, mangy, half-bred --
[mr_moony] [punches Wormtail in the face, breaking three of his teeth out]
[mr_moony] [gasps]
[mr_moony] [looks stunned]
[mr_wormtail] Uuugh...
[mr_moony] sorry, mate...
[mr_padfoot] I...didn't know you had it in you, Mr. Moony.
[mr_moony] Neither did I...
[mr_prongs] AS I was saying, gentlemen.
[mr_prongs] I am on a QUEST...to rescue the Holy Golden Snitch, which we will find, here. [pulls out map]
[mr_prongs] The directions on this Holy Treasure Map, which I nicked from the Hidden Cathedral of Saint Argus IV, tell us the EXACT location of our prize.
[mr_moony] And what is so wonderful about this "prize"?
[mr_prongs] Well, you see... It can only be found using ANOTHER Holy Treasure Map, which we shall find on the hill where Christ was crucified.
[mr_moony] ....
[mr_prongs] This map, it is said, shall lead us to the Holy Grail. However, there will be three Grails set before us. Only under the TRUE grail will we find a scrap of parchment...
[mr_prongs] On this scrap of parchment, we shall find directions to the lost city of Atlantis, written by Christ, himself.
[mr_prongs] Having followed these directions and come to Atlantis, an old blind homeless merman will tell us how to find the city of El Dorado, a city made entirely of GOLD.
[mr_moony] ....
[mr_prongs] There, we shall find the Holy Golden Snitch, but it'll be pretty hard, seeing as it'll probably blend in...
[mr_moony] Why do we want it?
[mr_prongs] Because I'll get in trouble if I don't find it and have it back by tomorrow's game. To undertake this quest, I am afraid that we shall have to make a great sacrifice!
[mr_padfoot] What, sacrifice, Mr. Prongs?
[mr_wormtail] I don't have any money left...
[mr_prongs] We shall have to skip Divination AND Arithmancy!
[mr_wormtail] GASP!
[mr_moony] Now you're going too far.
[mr_padfoot] [snigger]
[mr_moony] If I miss those classes, I swear I'll fail the exams! Really!
[mr_prongs] Oh, please, Remus? Just this once? I'm gonna be in a load of trouble for losing the Snitch again...
[mr_wormtail] I'm with you, Mr. Prongs!
[mr_padfoot] Aw, how sweet. Maybe we should just leave you two alone...
[mr_wormtail] [pout]
[mr_moony] Well, I suppose I’ll come, just this once.
[mr_padfoot] You can expect my attendance, as well, Mr. Prongs.
[mr_prongs] Then it is decided. We shall leave on the morrow! Goodnight, gentlemen.
** mr_wormtail has left the chatroom **
** mr_moony has left the chatroom **
** mr_padfoot has left the chatroom **
** mr_prongs has left the chatroom **

STAY TUNED NEXT WEEK FOR ANOTHER EPISODE OF The Marauder's Escapades.

Posted by the Phantasy Phantasmagoria Marauders.

Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs, are back! And they're 11 years old and bored silly. Oh, the games we play.

2005-05-30T05:59:00.000+01:00

Coming soon! The action-packed accounts of the Marauder's adventures can only be found here! Watch as these top-hat wearing, pipe-smoking, mystery solving, trench-coat clad First Years face every challenge known to mankind on their daring quests to discover the Secret to Life, the Universe, and Everything.

Posted by the Phantasy Phantasmagoria Marauders.

Hooray for the Force!

2005-05-29T19:59:00.000+01:00

Just read a lovely blog! I'm sure I'm probably the last one to notice these sorts of things, but, if I'm not, here's the link: Darth Side: Memoirs of a Monster
The guy's a pretty good writer, so I suggest you all give him a looksie. Very cool work.
Also, on the subject of Star Wars...I just saw it. You all know what I'm talking about. Born and raised a Star Wars fan. I cried for an hour after it was over. Not just because [SPOILERS] Padme died and not just because Anakin went to the Dark Side and betrayed Obi-Wan-Kenobi, and not just because Luke and Leia were so precious, or even because Padme was so pretty....but because it was...over. No more movies. No more Luke, no more Leia, no more Anakin or Vadar. Worst yet, no more Ewoks.

Oh well. Back to the books.

Posted by Phantasy Phantasmagoria Star Wars Phan, Starkiller.

Just to Remind You...

2005-05-28T23:30:00.000+01:00

Just a note:
Remember, kids, keep those wands out of your back pockets. Better wizards that you have lost buttocks, you know.

Posted by Phantasy Phan Tonks.

An Introduction to Tonks & Friends

2005-05-26T14:41:00.000+01:00

Hey, gang. This is Tonks, here to tell you a bit about this blog. Phantasy Phantasmagoria is devoted to providing fans of fantasy with a place to express themselves, as well as a source for fun fantasy news and writing. This blog began as a small webpage hosted by Geocities, created back in 2003 by a 14 year old calling herself SHIFT, who, by the way, was me. That strange little kid soon developed a 16 year old with an interest in blogging, and, in 2005, became Tonks and started Phantasy Phantasmagoria.

Matthieu, my close friend, soon joined me. Then, something very, very cool happened to the blog. It started growing. It took on a life of its own, and its digital heart began to beat. Author Sara Hoskins, amusingly also very young, found us, and expressed interest in helping us develope our blog. In return, we happily promote her newestbook, A Hadra En Daln.

Her cousin, known here as C. A. Hoskins, a staff writer for a newspaper and a successful stage actor, followed suite. His boyfriend, Anthony, later became one of our team. Lady Haleth stepped in from somewhere out of the blue, already knowing an ungodly amount about all things Tolkien.

And then, there was Harry. Don't be fooled by his seemingly shy and modest posts; he's a trouble-maker. This Harry Potter expert e-mailed me the worst flame I'd ever gotten, telling me all about how much my blog sucked. After leaving the wounds to fester for a week, he sent me another e-mail praising it and asking to become a member. It was two weeks later when I realized that these two very different messages had been sent by the same person. What a sneak.

Starkiller, our amazing Star Wars correspondant, joined the team that same week, though her request was, thankfully, far less creative. Last but not least, there's Kahil. Kahil is an 11 year old fan of Rowling, Tolkien, George Lucas, Steven King, and Ambrose Bierce from California. He is also, by the way, the official Boy Genius of the Phantasy Phantasmagoria Blog. He and and the two Hoskins writers were much responsible for the name of the blog. They were the only two who knew the meaning of "phantasmagoria".

Posted by Tonks.