I hate to be the bearer of bad news. The Queen Mother has died this afternoon at Windsor Castle in England. From everyone here our condolences go out to everyone in the UK as well as the Royal Family. Here is the New York Times‘ article.

Thank’s to Siobhan for the following: “Harry Potter and Me” is going to be shown on Hong Kong TV channel Pearl for the first time on April 6th (Saturday).

Jelly bean lovers beware: the Easter bunny might have some unusual treats stashed in your basket this year. Today’s jelly bean lovers are snacking on new-age flavors such as liver, booger, ear wax and sardines. These magical candies, popularized in the Harry Potter book series and movie, are just some of the new flavors that …read more!

Be sure to mark your Harry Potter calendar. The world of Harry Potter is beginning to heat up once again. J.K. Rowling’s fifth book in the series, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, “is being written and may be delivered later this year,” according to Christopher Little, Rowling’s literary agent in London. Equally …read more!

From Tesco: “Win a visit to Hogwarts School, Laycock Abbey, Chippenham, and visit the Owl Sanctuary in Devon! To enter this competition, tell us, in no more than 20 words, why you should be the winner of this fantastic prize. The prize will be for a family of six, in June 2002 and will include, …read more!

Whether you are a Middle Earther or a devoted fan of quidditch, there is no getting away from the fact that the young upstart wizard Harry Potter is knocking Gandalf off his literary pedestal in the auction houses. (Thanks to IHP for the link; registration may be required to view the article.)

Ottakar’s thinks hobbits and child wizards pushed up its full-year sales and profits. The bookshop chain also improved supplier terms, reduced old stock and overhauled customer accounts during 2001. But the group was also boosted by a host of best-selling titles flying off the shelves, particularly over the festive season. High margin Harry Potter products, …read more!

Russia has become the latest country to succumb to the spell of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, with the fantasy movie grossing $US1.5 million ($A2.87 million) since it premiered here Thursday, an official with the film’s distributor said today.

AOL Time Warner Inc. said Monday it would take a $54 billion write-down in the first quarter to account for a decline in market value since the biggest media and Internet company was formed last year… AOL’s stock has fallen about 47 percent since the deal was completed. It was down 29 cents at $24.21 …read more!

The people who rehabilitate injured animals in Manitoba are worried about some strange behaviour by an owl. They believe it’s proof that movies can blur the lines between fantasy and reality. At least one person believes it was taken out of the wild because of the frenzy over Harry Potter.