While this article about The Wizard of New Zealand wanting to setup his own school of Witchcraft and Wizardry appeared in “News of the Weird”, I challenge you to browse the gentleman’s Web site, read a few of the articles and watch some of the videos. Facinating and quite applicable stuff. On a side note, …read more!

Finally, a positive view from the Catholic community about the Harry Potter phenomenon – from the Catholic Standard.

Ananova reports on Danny Radcliffe’s first award: Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe has won his first Hollywood award.Radcliffe won the Male Youth Discovery of the Year Award from the Hollywood Women’s Press Club.But he wasn’t able to pick up his award in person as he’s filming Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets.Other winners of …read more!

News and views for 5 December The Warner Bros feud over Harry Potter is covered in an article from Online.ie A Kansas girl gets special Harry Potter present — from the Nebraska Journal/Star Harry Potter now has to worry about vanquishing more than just the evil Lord Voldemort — Australian Treasurer Peter Costello wants the …read more!

Lots and lots of news that’s been sitting in my inbox from Rhiannon (who will be posting herself soon): ‘Potter’s’ take may be overhyped; Box-office figures need to be viewed in context – cheeriness from the San Francisco Gate Through magic of translation, Harrius! – from Bergen.com ”Harry Potter” beats ”Titanic” in weekend grosses – …read more!

According to an article on Ananova, “Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone” is to be translated into Latin and Ancient Greek. Bloomsbury claim the translations will make learning the languages more fun. Works for me – I have to learn them in a couple of years time so I’ll definately buy them.

Internet movie reviewer Lucius Shepard seems to be so very surely one of those curmudgeons who takes pure joy in ripping pop culture apart just because it’s pop culture, or intent on hating something just because it has a large conglomerate company attached…though his review of HP seems not worth the attention, we’ll post it …read more!

Counting Down recently reported that British actor Robson Green is in consideration for the role of Sirius Black. The production office at Green’s company, however, says they have heard nothing of the rumor, though someone might have mentioned his name in casting, and that they are “sure that he would love to be considered for …read more!

Thanks Maureen, for this info about Harry Potter fanfiction site, The Sugar Quill: The CBBC (Cooperative Children’s Book Center) has named it their site of the month, for the following reasons: Harry Potter websites keep getting bigger, better, and more creative every day. The Sugar Quill is an extensive collection of Harry Potter fanfiction which …read more!

Another news bonanza (thanks Rhi): Harry Potter worth the price, Disney says – from the Orlando Sentinel.We learn ABC paid $70 million for the first movie and over $60 for the second. Quotage: The price tag is among the highest ever for broadcast rights to event movies. News Corp.’s Fox Network paid $80 million each …read more!