The Sydney Morning Herald has a review of Stephen Fry’s audio version of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, and of the joy of listening to a good book (and yes, we noted the one mistake in the article as well :). Thanks to Sharon for the link!

Fifty-six young men were chosen to go on to the next round of tryouts for the role of Viktor Krum in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. More than 600 tried out. Thanks to Sarah for the tip!

Some of you oldbies may remember the Letter Box project from last spring, where hundreds of (mostly older teen and adult) fans sent letters to JK Rowling in a gorgeous box, all through the organizational work of Ali Wildgoose. Today, the text of JKR’s letter to all of us whose letters were in that box …read more!

UK optical firm Graham Coates is making parts to be used as special effects for the movie “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”. One part has already been sent out,with more to follow. Editors Note:We are not certain that this has anything to do with ‘Mad-eye Moody’, but it is encouraging to know that …read more!

The Sun has posted what may be our first look at everyone’s favorite Hippogriff, Buckbeak. According to the article, the 7ft model uses real feathers and is operated using complex hydraulics.

In a list of the best and worst of 2003, India’s Business Standard gave P to Potter. (The article says the sixth book brought the craze around, but thanks to Jonathan of the Israeli Harry Potter 4 Grownups Community, we know that in India books four and five were split up into smaller books – …read more!

Slovenia now have a translation of the fifth book– thanks to Kaja for the link!

Several readers have let us know that Michael Gambon will be profiled tonight on Access Hollywood – check here for program times.

J.K. Rowling has been nominated (again) for the Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland Top Scot Award. Thanks to Liz and to Sue for the links!

The Daily Telegraph takes a look at the dark look of PoA. Thanks, Valerie!