The Times’ Brian MacArthur reveals ‘tortuous negotiations’ required in order to interview J.K. Rowling: “Our self-respect was eroded, our journalistic integrity insulted. Never again,” wrote MacArthur in today’s Times. (Editor’s Note: This editor wishes The Times a speedy recovery.)

From Reuters: Rather than envy U.S. Potter publisher Scholastic Corp’s success, industry insiders are grateful that Rowling’s magic touch has fired up interest in children’s books.

From This is London, a rare interview with Dame Maggie Smith, in which she comments on her career, her personal life, and her role in Harry Potter.

Matt Berman, Children’s book columnist for the Times-Picayune, writes: Many have commented since then (and I’d agree) that the Harry Potter books are not the greatest children’s books ever written, not even the greatest fantasies ever written. So why are they the most successful? Thanks to bumblebee for the link!

Thanks Petra, for this item about the National Braille Press’s efforts to provide Potter books to the blind: Here’s a chance for HP fans to help make OotP accessible & affordable to the community of Braille readers: on Sat., 7/26/2003, assemble and box volumes of OotP in Braille for National Braille Press in Boston, MA. …read more!

Sci Fi Wire has a report on pirated OotP’s that have turned up in Pakistan. Thanks Courtney for the heads up!

A Commentary by Tom Dodge has a few interesting bits, including mention of JK and Harry. Getting smart has been a low priority for a long time, I think. Those who do are called nerds, geeks and losers, but they grow up to make society better for all the rest… The author of Harry Potter …read more!

Newsround squashes some rumors, as per usual! Tilda Swinton will not be in the movie, though sources say she was approached, and as has been said, it’s far too early to cast GoF, as they have to have a script and a director first!

According to Ananova, kindergarten children in Oslo came across a human skull while digging for, “Harry Potter and dinosaurs.” Okay…dinosaurs I understand, but who buried Harry????

Joining Jojo on the TLC newbie front is Kristin Brown, who will not only be helping out on posting, but taking point on monitoring our comments board. Kristin is known in the HP world as B Bennett, and has a lot of experience working to maintain friendly relationships between popular HP sites. We feel she’s …read more!