Grinch alert: We’ve been about due for one of these Potter harangues for some time. This time it’s from a new face, not William Safire or A.S. Byatt or even Harold Bloom. It’s retired business editor Jack Markowitz of the Tribune Review who calls the Potter books “the most over-praised, over-publicized and marketed books ever …read more!

There’s a big blue piece of candy illustration in the place of JKR’s “Extra Stuff” section on JKRowling.com. We didn’t publish this as news at first because, well, a picture of a blue piece of candy isn’t news. It’s the picture (enlarged) of the piece of candy that has been behind every door of her …read more!

I’m wrapping up work, as I know are many of you, and various Leaksters are boarding various planes (or not, as in Kristin’s case, due to snow) to go home for the holidays. We want to take this moment to wish you all a very, very wonderful holiday, no matter what you celebrate. We know …read more!

Harry Potter film actors James and Oliver Phelps (Fred & George Weasley) and Devon Murray(Seamus) will be here in the states in January, 2005. They are due to appear at “The Coolest Show on Earth” collectors show, held in Orlando, Florida. They will be available for autographs at this show which runs January 28th-30th. Admission …read more!

MovieMistakes.com mentions all three Potter films in their Most Mistake-filled Movies of 2004 round up, with Prisoner of Azkaban making the number one slot with a supposed 234 mistakes. The movies are also mentioned in other categories, including Best Mistakes of All Time. Thanks to Pejhman for the link!

Allo, from Dan Radcliffe.com just recently took a Warner Brothers Studio tour, and has written a good report about her trip. On her visit, she was able to see the WB Museum which features an entire floor filled with things from all three Potter films, such as costumes, models and other props. Amoung the items …read more!

To those of you who were wondering in our comments section on Monday night (while everyone was going mad putting the puzzle together in real-time) whether Jo was sitting there cackling at us figuring all this out, here’s your answer from the lady herself: So now you know! Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince will …read more!

She’s updated the NEWS section of her website with a note about the July 16, 2005 release of HBP; there’s a PS, too: P.S. Anyone interested in the ‘hidden meaning’ of the riddles and questions you had to answer before getting the message behind the door should head straight for the ‘Rumours’ section. So check …read more!

Today, actor Ralph Fiennes (Lord Voldemort in upcoming Goblet of Fire film) turns 42. Happy Birthday Ralph!

It’s been less than 12 hours since the release date of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and publication is more than 200 days away (see countdown above), and the book is already the #1 Bestseller at Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com. Thanks Jutti! (Click below for screencaps, provided by Jutti.) Amazon.com Barnes and Noble