Scientists Appear Closer to Real Invisibility Cloak

USA Today has an article online discussing the scientific advances in technology that would make it possible for an invisibility cloak object to exist. Once only something of fiction from the Harry Potter novels, the article reports that scientists have created two prototyped materials that bend light, the first of many steps in advancing the technology. The creation of these two mat

Three Broomsticks Pub Concept Art from Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando Resorts has new concept art online depicting the Three Broomsticks pub for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park attraction currently under construction in Florida. The official website for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter was updated with this new early concept work which showcases the atmosphere and architecture of the popular Hogsmeade haunt. To view Continued...

Dr. Horrible Learned Evil from Voldemort

Bit of a light note tonight: this week, you can watch Dr. Horrible, a free Internet musical by Joss Whedon and his brothers and associates (Joss Whedon wrote Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly, Serenity, and is working on a TV series called Dollhouse).

Dr. Horrible (played by Neil Patrick Harris) is a goober “supervillain” who…shall we say…didn’t graduate summa cum evil. He pines for t

Whimsic Alley Seeks Young Harry Potter Fans for Interviews

Harry Potter apparel and product retailer Whimsic Alley has updated their website to announce an upcoming video interview call for fans of the novels aged 8 to 14 taking place in Santa Monica, California. On May 18th, Whimsic Alley will be interviewing Harry Potter fans of all kinds from that age group on their experiences reading the novels. The website also indicates that Harry PotContinued...

Report: Auditions to Begin for Characters at Harry Potter Theme Park

With construction now underway on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park, work begins on other facets relating to the theme park in Orlando, Florida. As such, we’ve gotten a new report today stating auditions are now, or will soon be, underway for actors to portray an assortment of magic related people, including characters from the Harry Potter novels. Word is that they “are

CNN Features Harry Potter in Academia

While many readers and fans of the Harry Potter novels have long delved into the deeper meaning and context of the books in broader relation to other subjects, it would seem college universities here in the US are now following suit. CNN has a special feature article now online, highlighting the use of Harry Potter as curriculum at some of the universities in the States, including at Y

Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger Named Among EW's Favorite Fictional Lovers

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Entertainment Weekly has released a list of Pop Culture’s Best Couples, a ranking of 26 of our favorite true (fictional) lovers. The fictional pairing of characters Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series are included on the list. Along side such iconic fictional couples as Superman and Lois Lane, from the Superman comics; Ricky Continued...

Research Finds Harry Potter Descended from Wizards

As if any more evidence was needed, researchers from Oxford University who have been studying aspects of wizarding genes, found that evidence points to Harry Potter descending from a magical bloodline. The Telegraph has a fun look this evening at ‘an analysis of wizardry’ study on the genetics of wizards from the Harry Potter novels. Their aim is to study wizard lineage in hopes to “Continued...

MTV Picks Top Ten List of Wizard Rock Bands

Let the end of the year list season commence! MTV has now released their top ten list of the best Wizard Rock groups this year. While we at Leaky proudly salute all who WROCK, the MTV list is as follows:

Sectus Announces New UK Harry Potter Conference for 2009

Good news for Harry Potter fans as there is a new conference in the UK to tell you about. Sectus will hold a new conference at Bodelwyddan Castle in Wales from June 26-29, 2009. This new conference for adults will feature a mix of academic presentations and informal discussions of canon and fandom-related topics. All proceeds from the four day event will benefit SOS Children’s VillageContinued...

(Updated)"Good Morning America" to Preview "Beedle the Bard"

The “Good Morning America” news program will feature a special preview and discussion of “The Tales of Beedle the Bard” on Monday morning, November 26. As we first told you earlier this week, the handwritten book by Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling will be on display here in New York at Sotheby’s auction house starting Monday November 26 as well. The manuscript will later be on displ

Followup: More on "Elders' Crossing" Hoax

A follow up tonight on that mysterious website we told you about earlier this week, that had rumors flying and fans buzzing about a possible sequel to the Harry Potter series called “James Potter and the Hall of Elders’ Crossing.” While this was officially debunked as a hoax and not an official book or film, The Scotsman reports this is a work of fan fiction by a man named “George Lip

J.K. Rowling: a Living Genius

There is another list out today and one that would make Ravenclaw proud: a list of the 100 top “Living Geniuses.” Included on this list is our favorite author, J.K. Rowling who came in at number 83. The number one spot was actually shared by two men, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, who is credited with creating the world wide web, and Albert Hoffmann, the Swiss scientist who created the drug LSD

Harry Potter Films Help UK Tourism Business

Hollywood is good for business, including the tourism business in the UK. In a new report released today, locations used in many films such as the Harry Potter series are a big draw, and have led to a boost for the tourism industry, with fans flocking to locations such as Alnwick Castle in large numbers. The beautiful castle, used as a setting for Hogwarts, “led to a 120% rise in visit

Leaky to Ask First Question at J.K. Rowling Web Chat on Monday

As many of you have noted, you can currently submit questions to J.K. Rowling for a live Web chat the author will be doing on Monday. This morning, Jo and Bloomsbury invited Leaky to ask the first question, an awesome and intimidating honor, as most of the staff here has more questions for her now than ever before. (And especially since the only response we could think of was: !!!!!!!!Continued...