Emma Watson, otherwise known as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films, turns 16 today, and Emma Thompson, otherwise known as Sybill Trelawney in the Harry Potter films, turns -somethisumwhuh- today. Happy birthday, ladies!

A new book by Willa Shalit called Becoming Myself:Reflections on Growing Up Female contains a essay written by Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling. This book is a collection of thoughts and reflections on being female from sixty-seven notable women including Jo, as well as others such as poet Maya Angelou , author Joyce Carol Oates, …read more!

The April 16 edition of USA Weekend, a magazine found in many Sunday newspapers here in the States, will feature the fourth Harry Potter film in their DVD Insider column. This column has celebrity opinions about the latest DVDs, and NBA star Gilbert Arenas of the Washington Wizards weighs in with his thought on the …read more!

Our text chat will be opening tonight from 9pm to 12am EST, just for some general chatting and fun; LeakyLounge staff and PotterCast regulars will be around, so make sure to come say hi and discuss some Potter! You must be a LeakyLounge member to take part; click here to register. Also, the chat is …read more!

Since they filled up so fast last time, we are re-opening sorting for our LeakyLounge Reading Groups tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. EST. (See the announcement here.) This will be to discuss Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone; if you signed up for the waiting list last time, you will NOT need to sort – …read more!

We are celebrating two Harry Potter birthdays today. Cheers to Julie Christie (Madam Rosmerta) and Production Designer Stuart Craig. Many happy returns of the day to both!

A few days ago, we first told you that actors Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) and James and Oliver Phelps (Fred & George) were due to be guests on the Jo Whiley radio program. According to the Radio Times website, that interview has now been scheduled for Wednesday, April 19. The Jo Whiley program airs on …read more!

On May 1, Girlguiding Scotland will feature a new series of interviews with “100 Inspirational Women” and Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling is among those on this list. Jo is listed on their website as part of their successful ex members, which also includes others such as actress Dawn Steele (Monarch of the Glen) and …read more!

Update, February 17: To see ALL of our countdown options – including Widgets, Desktop Items, book countdowns, joint book/movie countdowns, and more – click here! Our new Leaky Flash guy John Holt has designed an all-new Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix countdown! You can put it on your own site, blog, MySpace, …read more!

A while back we told you about a panel with Michael Goldenberg, scriptwriter for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, about translating the book to film, and translating Harry Potter in general, that I will be moderating at NYC’s Makor Center; it was supposed to occur on Apr. 11 but has been postponed …read more!