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.

He has tamed three-headed dogs; tangled with the Dark Lord Voldemort, and now Harry Potter is heading for the Balkans to bring peace and unity to future generations. With telecom tanking and most firms still pinching pennies, tech firms are looking elsewhere to sell their wares. Some hope Hollywood and people like Andy Hendrickson are …read more!

Got money? J.K. Rowling hs donated an autographed set of Harry Potter editions to First Book, a charity that helps buy books for children with low income families. The books are up for auction at Mission Fish; the bidding as of this morning was $700. So if you’re rich, go help some kids in need. …read more!

Britain’s first-ever free phone line for lone parents was launched in Edinburgh and London today with the help of world-famous city author, and one-time single mum, JK Rowling. The helpline will offer advice on a range of topics including legal and financial worries. The Edinburgh launch was supported by Scottish Health Minister Malcolm Chisholm, who …read more!

Meet the man putting the potter into Harry. North Norfolk potter Thom Borthwick has been commissioned to make pottery props for the second Harry Potter film, due out in November.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone failed to win any awards at this year’s Oscars. It was nominated for three awards: Best Music (Score), Costume Design and Art Direction. However, Daniel Radcliffe did appear in a pre-recorded film talking about his favourite film. He chose 12 Angry Men, which he described as “really inspirational”. What …read more!

Erin Martin sends us this report from Durham and HP2: Just thought I’d drop a note to tell you that I while I was at a conference in Durham, I stopped in at the cathedral. I noticed several lorries outside, and they were dismantling a big marquee that had been set up on the lawn …read more!