happy belated may day.

Just got home from X-Men Origins: Wolverine. The Boy said that it was 'okay.' I thought it was pretty good, but then Hugh Jackman spent pretty much the entire movie shirtless. I can forgive a lot of plot mistakes/special effect mistakes for certain concessions. Usually. Troy's at the limit.
I was going to post this on the appropriate day but I forgot. so...belated April Fool's Day, too.

Luther professor wins role as Dumbledore

Date 4/1/2003 12:00 AM | Topic: News

Warner Brothers Pictures announced this week that Fred Nyline, Luther College Professor of Music and director of Luther's bands, is to replace the late Irish actor Richard Harris in the role of Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter franchise.

"The death of Richard Harris left pretty big magical shoes to fill," said Chris Columbus, director of the first two Potter films. "He became an icon for children around the world. At first we thought that replacing Harris would be a problem, as children would be comparing the new Dumbledore to the old one," Columbus added. "The executives at Warner knew that the actor we chose had to be perfect; we could not afford to fail."

"I really didn't expect to get it," said Nyline, "my grandchildren made me do the audition. I'd do anything for those kids."

Nyline is no stranger to the screen. He starred in the original 1947 production of "Miracle on 34th Street" as Santa Clause. He is also a veteran of major movie franchises, having played the British super-spy James Bond three times in the late 1960s.

As part of the audition process, Nyline had to meet with Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling. Rowling had dismissed other popular choices for Dumbledore such as Sir Ian Mckellan, who played the mighty Gandalf in the "Lord of the Rings" franchise. "Ian just didn't do it for me," Rowling said. "Don't get me wrong, he's great, but I really didn't think he captured the true spirit of Dumbledore. When Fred walked into my office, I knew immediately that he was the one. He is everything Dumbledore is. He's just so darned adorable! Kids will love him."

Children everywhere are responding very positively to Nyline. British children are already discarding their Richard Harris inspired Dumbledore dolls for the new line modeled after Nyline.

"Being an action figure is strange," Nyline told David Letterman during a Late Show appearance. "The kids back at Luther love it though. For my students, it's not much of a stretch to see me hold a magic wand. I conduct the band with a wand-like baton everyday."

Being a movie star has changed very little for Nyline. "He's like Superman!" exclaimed tuba player Tim Arnold ('04). "Even though he's Dumbledore now, he's still directing the band, and still dolling out the same wisdom he always has. Just the other day, before he flew off for another day of Potter filming he reminded us, 'Stay out of work, stay out of trouble, stay out of jail.' What a guy!"

Nyline is slated to portray the great wizard for the next five films, and regardless of the grueling filming schedule, he intends to keep on directing the bands at Luther. "Everything I do, I do for the kids. Being Dumbledore is just one more wonderful thing I can do for children everywhere."

Luther College is very excited for its distinguished faculty member. "This will attract a lot of students to Luther," says President Richard Torgerson. "Everyone will want to be in Dumbledore's band."

Frank Vomis
Chips Freek Editor