From the San Francisco Chronicle, an article on the joy of acting young, and of sometimes being silly. While not a Harry-centric article, perhaps it is a good response to the Esquire Magazine post from earlier this week: And then there’s Harry Potter, of course, who seems to have reintroduced reading to an untold number …read more!

From This Is York: The famous Harry Potter Hogwart’s Express train left a trail of fire behind it as it steamed along the York to Scarborough line. North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said a faulty cinder box had meant red hot cinders were spilling out on to the bone dry trackside. Thanks to Simon …read more!

Commentary on the series from an English major and teacher: Adult readers empathize with Harry as they remember all too well not being invited into conversations even though they had much to offer. Olivia however, as an 11-year-old Harry Potter fan, adds another perspective. “Harry throws way too many tantrums and the book is too …read more!

Ron Wolfe of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette notes that Harry Potter has changed what kids dream of growing up to be: ” In stories, most wizards are born with the gift of magic. Every child wishes to be that different. They wish to be acknowledged as unique and admirable. “ And while a cowboy needs a …read more!

According to a report by the Hollywood Reporter, Warner Brothers took the #1 spot in DVD sales for January-June 2003 all because of a certain boy wizard.

American edition Harry Potter artist Mary GrandPre has provided artwork for the Cincinnati Opera’s Summer Festival, as previously reported. Thanks to HPANA for pointing us to the link!

Fashion experts from Esquire magazine offer their list of inappropriate behavior for men over thirty, which includes staying in bed past 11 AM or wearing a watch costing less than £100. Says fashion editor Simon Tiffin: ‘We were inspired by the sight on planes, trains and buses of too many grown men reading Harry Potter. …read more!

Thanks to the many readers who pointed out the end-of-page paragraph that was slipped into the Newell appointment announcement, and which holds quite a bit of important information: Afraid of alienating die-hard Muggles by cutting scenes, the studio and scribe initially had talked about breaking the book into two separate films to be released in …read more!

The North Devon Gazette has article on Reed Chill Cheater, a North Devon company that has just finished a large order of innovative thermal suits for the PoA film! “Apparently it is for an incredibly wet Quidditch game,” said owner Chris Reed.

A big “thanks” to Dave at The Snitch for letting us know about this new report AND the pictures with it!