The Leaky Cauldron - HP References

Ian Rankin Says JK Rowling "Writing Family Trees" and Working on Scottish Book

Fri Sep 04 14:41:00 -0400 2009

Author Ian Rankin has given a new interview on BBC radio with Simon Mayo (download here) where he mentions his friend and neighbor in Scotland, J.K. Rowling. In the middle of this interview, Mr. Rankin notes that while he has not seen the Harry Potter author in some time, he said she "was working on her Harry Potter encyclopedia" and "drawing family trees for all the characters, going back gene...

Muggles Post Photo of Giant Squid on Google Earth, Devils Snare Found in Garden

Wed Aug 26 07:59:00 -0400 2009

The Muggles have done it again! STV reports today that a search of Google Earth photos has revealed what they are calling a possible sighting of the elusive Loch Ness Monster, otherwise known as the Giant Squid in Lake Hogwarts ;)

Also, apparently pranksters from Hogwarts may well earn the wrath of Herbology Professor Sprout as the Daily Mail reports that a dangerous Devils Snare has been found...

Magical Moving Photo Type Ads Due for Limited Copies of Entertainment Weekly

Thu Aug 20 11:18:00 -0400 2009

Thanks to everyone who emailed today regarding the news of a clever real world Muggle marketing and advertising campaign that will echo the moving photos seen in the Daily Prophet. The BBC reports that on September 18, readers in LA and New York who purchase a copy of Entertainment Weekly will see their issue contain special video -in-print ads. These will be "slim-line screens - around the si...

Boston Globe Examines Relationship Between Harry Potter and Religion

Wed Aug 19 11:31:00 -0400 2009

The Boston Globe has published a lengthy article regarding the growing acceptance of the Harry Potter books among the religious communities and scholars. Citing the advancing moderate views by a number of religious scholars and theologians, the article relates their argument that the Harry Potter books "contain positive ethical messages and a narrative arc that is worthy of serious scholarly e...

Who Cast the Owl Crop Circle Spell?

Mon Aug 17 10:12:00 -0400 2009

There is a rather offbeat yet fun Harry Potter reference in the news today as there is a report that a giant owl crop-circle has appeared in a field in England as a tribute to the late pet of Harry, Hedwig. The Telegraph reports that a new series of mysterious crop-circles (patterns cut in farmers fields) have appeared this summer in fields in Wiltshire, the most recent being this 400 foot patt...

Weasley Clock Ticks Closer to Becoming Reality

Sat May 09 21:03:00 -0400 2009

Those who desire a Muggle version of the Weasley family clock may not have much longer to wait for this type of technology to be available in their homes. The Times is reporting this evening that researchers at Microsoft have completed user trials for their Whereabouts Clock. As TLC reported back in 2007, the company had been testing this device which 'monitor[s] the movements of family memb...

Stephen King Comments on JK Rowling and Stephenie Meyer

Tue Feb 03 19:52:00 -0500 2009

Scores of readers let us know about a new interview with acclaimed author Stephen King, who has made some new comments regarding Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling and Stephenie Meyer. Speaking with USA Weekend, Mr. King compared the two authors and had some blunt things to say about the Twilight author Meyer. Quotage as follows:

Both Rowling and Meyer, they’re speaking directly to young people. ....

More on Potter the Stage Production that Might have Been

Mon Jan 26 12:00:00 -0500 2009

The Telegraph has a short article online, with more on a possible Harry Potter stage production that might have been. The paper reports that many years ago, acclaimed theater director and producer Sir Trevor Nunn had expressed an interest in creating a stage production out of the Harry Potter novels, but when he asked, he discovered he was too late as he was told 'Oh if only you had come to u...

Marketing Professor: Only Hufflepuffs Totally Loyal to Harry

Mon Oct 20 16:33:00 -0400 2008

The Telegraph is reporting tonight that a professor in the UK has done a study on readers of the Harry Potter novels, with the findings apparently revealing there are four distinct type of readers. According to the report, Professor Stephen Brown of the Ulster Business School says the groups closely mirror the Houses of Hogwarts, and indicates the breakdown of the groups as follows:

'Huf

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Harry Potter Display at National Library of Medicine

Wed Sep 24 14:03:00 -0400 2008

The National Library of Medicine in Bethesda, MD is hosting a special Harry Potter display, called Harry Potter’s World: Renaissance Science, Magic, and Medicine. The NLM website says this exhibit “using materials from the National Library of Medicine, explores Harry Potter’s world, its roots in Renaissance science, and the ethical questions that affected not only the wizards of Harry Potter, b

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Scientists Appear Closer to Real Invisibility Cloak

Wed Aug 13 04:29:00 -0400 2008

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 materials is

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Brief Update on Closures, Construction for Wizarding World of Harry Potter Theme Park

Mon Jul 14 12:38:00 -0400 2008

A brief update today regarding the ongoing construction at Universal Orlando for the new “Wizarding World of Harry Potter” theme park. The Orlando Sentinel has word today regarding areas being closed in the existing park, including closures of the “Flying Unicorn ride, the Enchanted Oak Tavern restaurant, the Dragon’s Keep store and the Alchemy Bar. All will be refurbished with new themes relat...

Enjoy a Feast Hogwarts Style at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Tue Jul 08 03:05:00 -0400 2008

Well as if this recent flurry of new “Half-Blood Prince” high res photos and news about the video games weren’t enough to fuel your appetite for all things Harry Potter, we have another morsel to tempt you tonight. The top chef at Universal Orlando has given a new interview where he speaks about food for visitors at the upcoming Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park attraction being built ...

"We Are Wizards" Documentary Screening at Film Festivals in April

Mon Mar 31 21:55:00 -0400 2008

As some of you may know, there is a new documentary focusing on the Harry Potter fandom called “We Are Wizards.” This documentary has been described by the film makers as a piece that “tracks the influential figures leading the creative subculture surrounding the popular series. The film follows a set of individuals ranging from web journalists, authors, artists, filmmakers and musicians, as t

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College Quidditch Gains Media Coverage (Updated)

Thu Mar 27 19:47:00 -0400 2008

Over the past several years we’ve reported on the rise in popularity of Quidditch being played at various Harry Potter gatherings and especially now at US universities. This week, the Middlebury College Quidditch club is taking the magical sport on the road with it’s Spring Break tour. This event has garnered media attention, as a recent match played at Princeton University was covered by outle

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