The original works of U.S. Harry Potter illustrator Mary GrandPré will be featured through January 1, 2006 at Artinsights Gallery in Reston, Virginia, and will then become a permanent addition to the gallery’s offerings. The gallery will donate a portion of the proceeds from sales of both original HP illustrations and limited edition prints to …read more!

PotterCast #19, the first part of the results of our live call-in show that took place on Dec. 10, is now available for download! Show notes: PotterCast #19 is the first of two parts, bringing our fist-ever live call-in episode, where we answered Skype calls so we could directly answer our listeners’ questions. The sound …read more!

Dame Maggie Smith (Professor Minerva McGonagall) celebrates her 71st birthday today. Cheers! Thanks to Maria for the reminder.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire has officially earned more at the box office than either Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets or Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and is second only to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s (Philosopher’s) Stone in revenue for the franchise. It was also the most expensive …read more!

Ireland Online has a feature today about Alex Moseley and Roger Mills, who have designed the fonts for The Monster Book of Monsters, The Daily Prophet, the Marauders’ Map and other props in the Harry Potter films. Several of the fonts are based on those found in ancient manuscripts. Mr. Moseley, a computer professional and …read more!

Blogpulse has announced its list of the most frequently blogged terms for 2005. In the “People and Personalities” category, Harry Potter topped the list, followed by President George W. Bush and the late Pope John Paul II. More information can be found here.

A study appearing in the British Medical Journal asserts that on the weekends during which the last two HP books were released, hospital emergency rooms in Britain received half the usual number of visits from 7- to 15-year-old children with traumatic musculoskeletal injuries. Unlike other “crazes” like inline skating and microscooters, reading the HP books …read more!

Entertainment Weekly magazine has named its “Top 15 Entertainers of 2005,” and our beloved Harry has the number nine slot! Thanks to all who sent this in! Update/Correction: Ack. The spot on the list was for all things Harry — specifically the GoF film and HBP, not the trio, as originally posted. Thanks to everyone …read more!

The Scotsman reports that a granite plaque is set to be placed on Nicolson Street in Edinburgh to commemorate the place where J.K. Rowling “famously went to work on her books while still a struggling single mother, as she couldn’t afford to heat her flat.” The plaque will feature a photograph of Jo, and will …read more!

From Leaky’s family to yours – have a wonderful, safe, merry Christmas! We can’t believe we’re nearing the end of yet another year with you all – it continues to be a blast. All the best and warmest wishes for a holiday full of fun and love this weekend.