Huge thanks to Roonwit and Chris for getting us these high-quality videos of J.K. Rowling on “The Richard and Judy Show” today. We’ve got videos ready for you in WMV and MP4 format. J.K. Rowling on Richard and Judy, part 1 (WMV, 118 MB) J.K. Rowling on Richard and Judy, part 1 (mp4, iPod friendly, …read more!

J.K. Rowling will receive a Doctor of Laws honorary degree on July 6 from the University of Aberdeen for her contributions to multiple sclerosis research. She said, of the honor: “I am extremely honoured to be receiving this honorary degree from such a distinguished Scottish university, with such a dynamic international reputation. I am also …read more!

Aint It Cool News.com has a new promotional image for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix that was displayed at the recent New York Licensing Show. The poster shows Harry brandishing his lit wand, with Hogwarts castle in the background. Caution to parents, beware of language at this link.

Three years ago, we had just fastened our hands around the behemoth Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the book where Harry gets mean, gets kissed and gets a destiny. And yesterday we got this first look at the kids during the Order of the Phoenix filming period, while we wait for the …read more!

Bloomsbury, publishers of the U.K. Harry Potter books, has launched a search for the literary villains readers most love to hate. As part of a campaign to promote Mark Walden’s novel, H.I.V.E. (“Higher Institute of Villanous Education”), Bloomsbury has created a website where readers can vote for their favorite literary villain. You-Know-Who is, of course, …read more!

Actress Fiona Shaw (Aunt Petunia) will be appearing on the London stage for a limited run in “Woman and Scarecrow,” by Irish playwright Marina Carr. Whatsonstage.com gives this description of the play: A Woman – gaunt and ill, haggard after giving birth eight times – faces death. What was life? What was love? What else …read more!

PotterCast 44, “The Internet is for PotterCast” (points if you get the reference first…) is now up! Remember to hit “Update” on your iTunes! In this show: -This week’s special guest: Tom Morris, author of “If Harry Potter Ran General Electric.” Sue interviews Dr. Morris as our third “Lumos Limelight” spot. -In Canon Conundrums: Is …read more!

Playbill reports that the multiple-Tony-winning play “The History Boys” has extended its run on Broadway for another month, until October 1. In addition, Tony award winner Richard Griffiths (Uncle Vernon) will be absent from the cast from July 18-23 “to honor a film commitment.” Frances de la Tour (Madame Maxime), who also won a Tony …read more!

Some of our sister sites on the Floo Network – The Harry Potter Lexicon, Quick Quotes and The Cauldron Shop – are having some server burps and giggles this week, and have been unable to update; please be patient and it will all be fixed shortly. Thanks much!

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire has been nominated for a Teen Choice 2006 award, in the category, “Choice Movie – Drama.” its competition is Flight Plan, Pride & Prejudice, Take the Lead, Goal! and Walk the LIne. Voting is open now, and continues until August 11. The awards ceremony will air on Fox …read more!