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Matchstick Marvels has created yet another astonishing model, constructed solely from matchsticks: the Hogwarts castle. The model, which comprises over a half-million matchsticks and took a whopping three years to build, will be displayed at a Spanish museum in December. You can check out some photos of this masterpiece below:
Images: 1, 2, 3, 4
Thanks to Patrick for the tip!
Posted by
06-17-2006
at 7:28 PM
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Our friends at HP Fan Trips have asked us to remind everyone that there are only 10 days left to reserve a spot on their trip to London to see Equus (starring Dan Radcliffe and Richard Griffiths), Lady from Dubuque (starring Maggie Smith), and Wicked. In between shows on the six day trip, participants will tour areas of England where parts of the Potter films have been shot.
For more information, visit this link! You can also read about the special MuggleNet fan trip right here.
Posted by
12-04-2006
at 4:49 PM
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Harry Potter has been revealed the fifth most searched term on MSN during 2006. With a movie (and possibly a book) out this year, we can expect it to reach the #1 spot (or close to) in 2007. Thanks, Matt!
Posted by
01-01-2007
at 1:03 PM
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In an interview with the Times Online, a chief NASA scientist says that a "micro-gravity sports competition" is not out of the question when their first ever space settlement arrives on the moon in 2024:
"If you had a large, pressurised habitat, people could take advantage of the low-gravity environment by attaching wings to themselves and flying about."
While the typical Harry Potter fan may never be able to get to the moon, NASA says the Quidditch-like area would be used to keep their space inhabitants in shape. Thanks to Elizabeth for the link!
Posted by
02-15-2007
at 9:16 PM
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MTV has released an article covering all aspects of the growing music genre in the Harry Potter fandom known as Wizard Rock.
The article mentions well-known bands such as Harry and the Potters and Draco and the Malfoys. It goes on to say:
"Fans of the Harry Potter books and movies have done something magical — and practically unheard of — with their devotion: They've turned it into song. Yes, there have been songs inspired by other cult books and movie series (think Led Zeppelin and "Lord of the Rings"), but wizard rock isn't a song here or there or even a concept album. It's become a genre."
Posted by Micah
06-06-2007
at 11:29 PM
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As many of you know or have read, Darfur, in the Sudan region of Africa, is currently under a horrendous regime of genocide and brutality. It's allowed to continue for many reasons, a chief one among them being the willingness of leaders to do nothing about it. That's where Harry Potter fans come in.
As we approach the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and fans around the world come together to celebrate, fans are yet again teaming up to make a difference. We're asking you to join in the effort today. The Harry Potter Alliance is an unofficial group that encourages fans to use the messages in the Harry Potter books to help make a difference in the world. And now there's a concrete way to do just that. Through the Harry Potter Alliance, Harry Potter webmasters are helping fans educate, inform and act to end the suffering.
Posted by Emerson
07-10-2007
at 6:18 PM
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For the past two days, fans have been lining up outside Waterstones Piccadilly Circus where MuggleNet staffers/MuggleCast co-hosts Andrew Sims, Kevin Steck, Jamie Lawrence, Eric Scull, and Laura Thompson will be podcasting from tonight, as part of the many REALLY superb festivities in their massive Book Seven release party!
We've compiled a video with footage from so-far, including several burly Waterstones staffers loading boxes of the books in through the back door of the six-story shop! Set to the video is "The Final Countdown" by Europe. There are no spoilers in the clip.
Posted by
07-20-2007
at 10:37 AM
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A couple weeks ago, Emerson told you about the Harry Potter Alliance: a group of Harry Potter fans dedicated to saving Darfur.
For those of you interested in hearing more information, a free podcast is available for download. The show features interviews and insight from world leaders on the subject, including leading human rights activist John Prenderdergast, and retired diplomat Joseph C. Wilson (author of The Politics of Truth: Inside the Lies that Led to War and Betrayed My Wife’s CIA Identity: A Diplomat’s Memoir).
It features interviews, discussions, cameos, and humor bits from wizard rockers Harry and the Potters, Draco and the Malfoys, The Remus Lupins, and more. Matthew Vines of Veritaserum talks about his experiences fighting injustice in Sudan.
You can easily download the show by right clicking HERE and selecting "Save Target As..." Special thanks to PotterCast editor Matt for putting the entire hour-long show together. Enjoy!
Posted by
07-24-2007
at 1:58 PM
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On its spectacularly stunning *fifth birthday*, MuggleNet's premiere fan-interactive segment The Crazy Caption Contest is given a new title... 'version 2.0'!
First begun in 2002 by webmaster Emerson Spartz himself, this segment has since grown into the mighty MuggleNet's largest and most fan-interactive segment throughout these many years of Potter. To celebrate, the contest has been given a *double dose* of fan interactivity, as all visitors now have the opportunity to vote on each week's winners. Not only this, but voting has been made available on every one of the contest's 250-week lifespan, creating hours of hilarious fun to be had in reading and 'judging' the winners of the past!
There has never been a better time than now to check out this cool segment on MuggleNet, and become hooked! We are VERY proud to bring such a cool renovation to the section that has been loved increasingly for the past five years, and which may very well continue for a few more.
Posted by
10-23-2007
at 3:32 PM
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HP Fan Trips announced today its 2008 summer Harry Potter tour packages, celebrating five years of hosting the most comprehensive, fan-centric Potter tours on the market.
The "Sorcerer" Trip for MuggleNet fans is one of the packages and should appeal to all of you who visit this site. Special to the tour this year is a guest appearance by our own Jamie Lawrence of MuggleCast. He'll be having dinner with the group on the final night of the trip!
For more tour packages and full details, click here!
Posted by
11-14-2007
at 00:42 AM
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When schools begin to slack off in academic achievement, who do they turn to? One school in Nottingham, England went to Harry Potter and came up with the idea of Potter-themed classes. Since then, they've seen a turn around in performance:
The theme-based approach has catalyzed a dizzying rise in academic achievement at Robert Mellors. Three years ago it was languishing in the bottom quarter of English schools; it has since vaulted into the top 25%. A September visit from Ofsted, England's educational inspection body, yielded a rating of "outstanding," and special kudos were given for the school's ability to mentor pupils with learning disabilities or behavioral problems. "The school recognizes that pupils will only be successful if lessons are stimulating," the report said.
Hopefully this article may inspire some other schools who are looking to improve their students' participation. Thanks to Liquid for the tip!
Posted by
11-16-2007
at 5:12 PM
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While waiting for Half-Blood Prince, we thought it would be fun to see how much MuggleNet fans know about other fantasy series! In a couple of weeks MuggleNet will be holding a contest to send a MuggleNet visitor and a guest to cover the premiere of The Spiderwick Chronicles! We will let you know more details as it gets closer but in the meantime, click here to check out the film and start thinking about why being a fantasy fan makes you the right one to be MuggleNet's official representative at the premiere!
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Earlier today, Andrew Slack of the Harry Potter Alliance issued a call to action for all Harry Potter fans concerning a terrible state of affairs involving the mothers of Darfur. Our community has long been recognized for its concern for and response to urgent global situations.
As the crisis in Darfur continues to worsen the Harry Potter Alliance, MuggleNet, Leaky, and the Wizard Rock Community are asking for your assistance.
Please take a few minutes to read the following statement by Andrew. It is our hope you will join all of us in taking the steps to help resolve this very serious issue.
"More than any thing else, Harry Potter is a treatise on the power of love, in particular, the love of a mother for her child. Darfur is in the Western region of Sudan where the government is currently engaging in a form of genocide by hiring their Janjaweed militia to systematically kill the people of Darfur and there are now as many as 2.5 million refugees."
To donate to the cause, CLICK HERE! You can read more about what the HP Alliance stands for at the link below...
Posted by Micah
11-16-2007
at 11:43 PM
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The Harry Potter Alliance, well-known for its campaign against the situation in Darfur, is now speaking out in favor of media reform. Their website notes "the Harry Potter series presents a world where media consolidation continues to fail the Wizarding World."
In its most recent podcast there is some great Harry Potter comedy and Wizard Rock in a way that's never happened before: ten bands getting together to perform ten original songs about The Daily Prophet and Potterwatch.
Posted by Micah
12-08-2007
at 10:32 AM
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Like we mentioned a couple of weeks ago, our contest to search for the ‘Ultimate Fantasy Fan’ is finally here! We will be footing the bill for one lucky MuggleNet visitor and a guest to cover the premiere of The Spiderwick Chronicles! All you have to do is tell us in 500 words or less why you are the Ultimate Fantasy Fan and should be chosen as MuggleNet’s official representative at the premiere! Be sure to check out the film and watch the trailer on MySpace to get ideas for how being a fantasy fan will make you the ultimate reporter! You can also check out the galleries to see stills from the film! Entries are due December 31st, so spend your Christmas break wisely and get those quills ready!
Be sure to check out the Official Rules for all the details before Submitting your entry!
Good Luck!
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Happy Holidays! Winter break has officially started in most of the US so be sure to get working on your entries for the ‘Ultimate Fantasy Fan’ contest! There are only 11 days left! All you have to do is tell us in 500 words or less why you are the Ultimate Fantasy Fan and should be chosen as MuggleNet’s official representative at the premiere of The Spiderwick Chronicles! Don’t forget to check out the official site and watch the trailer on MySpace to get ideas for how being a fantasy fan will make you the ultimate reporter!
Be sure to check out the Official Rules for all the details before Submitting your entry!
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Don't forget! There are only 3 days left in the 'Ultimate Fantasy Fan' Contest! Tell us why you should be chosen as MuggleNet's official representative to The Spiderwick Chronicles premiere and we'll foot the costs for the winner and a guest!
Be sure to check out the Official Rules for all the details before Submitting your entry!
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You asked for it, now you've got it (a little late, sure, but better than never)! Editorial fans can now subscribe to an RSS feed and be updated whenever a new editorial or column is posted in the section. Just click on the RSS icon on the right side of your browser's address bar and select "MuggleNet Editorials RSS," or copy this link and paste into your favorite feed reader to subscribe. You can also subscribe to MuggleNet's news and MuggleCast feeds.
On a related note, we're still working like little house-elves to keep the editorial section going, but we need readers' help! Jo may have answered most of the questions that kept editorials busy before the final chapter, but there are surely topics still worth exploring. We've reopened The Burrow and are accepting submissions for February's topic, so tell us what you think. And hopefully we'll have some new features coming soon!
Posted by
01-21-2008
at 01:49 AM
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We've had a fantastic response to our offering the chance to work as an intern for Magical Tours on all their Harry Potter themed tours next summer. The application period has ended with over 600 incredibly qualified candidates from 21 countires! Every applicant who furnished a valid e-mail address will soon be notified of the preliminary results.
24 super-star finalists will qualify to post video presentations on YouTube by February 14th. MuggleNet will post the viewing links so our fans can help choose the best person for the job. We'll announce the name of the winner by February 21st. There's still space available on next summer's Magical Tours, so click here for all the details.
Posted by
01-31-2008
at 10:55 PM
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As most of you know, JK Rowling and Warner Brothers are currently in a legal battle with RDR Books concerning a Potter encyclopedia by the Harry Potter Lexicon. JKR and WB are fighting the publication of the book, and just the other day Jo submitted her declaration. In it, she makes several statements about the fandom as a whole. As the AP reports:
Rowling said she was especially irked that the site's owner and the lexicon's would-be publisher, RDR Books, continued to insist that her acceptance of free, fan-based Web sites justified the efforts.
"I am deeply troubled by the portrayal of my efforts to protect and preserve the copyrights I have been granted in the Harry Potter books," she wrote in court papers filed Wednesday in a lawsuit she brought against the small Muskegon, Mich., publisher.
She said she intends to publish her own definitive Harry Potter encyclopedia.
"If RDR's position is accepted, it will undoubtedly have a significant, negative impact on the freedoms enjoyed by genuine fans on the Internet," she said. "Authors everywhere will be forced to protect their creations much more rigorously, which could mean denying well-meaning fans permission to pursue legitimate creative activities."
Leaky has JK Rowling's full declaration right here. Thanks to everyone who's e-mailed with the information, and we'll continue to update you as this case moves forward.
Posted by
02-29-2008
at 11:04 AM
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HP Fan Trips, who hosts Potter-centric trips to the United Kingdom, has teamed up with Alivan's to create a new FREE virtual journey for everyone: HP Quest. From their website:
The object of the quest is simple - solve a series of weekly clues and you'll be able to register to win a variety of weekly wizarding prizes and a chance to win the School of Wizardry trip.
Each week a new series of clues will be released. Participants solve the clues to discover new "destinations"/new website addresses. Fans must play each week to be eligible for that week’s prize drawing. Each website address provides the next set of riddles/challenges that need to be solved. Total number of clues imbedded in your website will be determined by the number of participating partners and the level of participation of each partner.
The first weekly drawing was held today and will continue through April 25th. It all leads up to the Grand Prize drawing on that day: a trip for two to Ford's Castle in England. For more, be sure to check out their website, and don't forget about their special trip for MuggleNet fans as well!
Posted by
03-17-2008
at 12:44 AM
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Posted by
03-21-2008
at 3:20 PM
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Last week we told you about CBS News' report on the growing trend of colleges playing one another in Muggle Quidditch. Now, MTVU has a video report online in which they cover a Middlebury VS Princeton game. You can watch the video here to see some of the game action, learn how it is played, and more.
Will Intercollegiate Quidditch sweep the fandom like Fan Fiction, Wizard Rock, and Podcasting have? Let us know what you think in the comments.
Posted by
03-31-2008
at 10:31 AM
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The author of the wildly popular Twilight series recently gave an interview to MTV News and spoke about the connection between her books and the Potter series. She also speaks about the fandoms for both:
“The interesting thing about the comparison is that I think you can compare my fans to her fans more easily [than me to her]. I do think that we both have people who are just really really enthusiastic, and will come miles to see you and be involved, and everybody really cares about our characters. But the [’Harry Potter’ and ‘Twilight’] stories are just so different.”
We here at MuggleNet are well aware that several of you are big Twilight fans (a few of you finally gave in after hearing about it on MuggleCast so much). It may interest you to know that I was on the set of the upcoming Twilight film two weeks ago and released my set report just last week for movie site DarkHorizons.com.
Posted by
04-10-2008
at 3:52 PM
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Andrew Slack from the Harry Potter Alliance has started a brand new petition against the genocide in Darfur. He wrote to us with this message:
It’s time now to join Harry, Dumbledore, and our real world hero Jo Rowling in making this world a place where the spirit of every child, including the children of Darfur, can be safe to come out of the cupboard and experience the magic of life and love.
There are millions of Harry Potter fans across this world.
Do you think one thousand Harry Potter fans can sign a petition to prosecute those guilty of war crimes against children in Darfur? The HP Alliance is asking all Harry Potter fans to go to http://wantedforwarcrimes.org/hpa right now, scroll down, and sign the petition. The mission is to wake up the UN Security Council to take action against the genocide in Darfur the way Dumbledore’s Army woke the world up to taking action around Voldemort’s return?
The HPA’s goal is one thousand signatures before the UN Security Council votes to take action in June.
We know MuggleNet fans can act quickly, so sign the petition today! Thanks to everyone for their support.
Posted by
04-15-2008
at 11:19 AM
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Our friends at HP Fan Trips have announced a really great trip for anyone who may be interested visiting New York City for two big Potter-related events this fall.
From November 20th to the 22nd, join HP Fan Trips and fellow Potter fans for a weekend of seeing the Equus stage play starring Dan Radcliffe and the Half-Blood Prince film! Full details can be found right here.
Posted by
04-17-2008
at 9:52 PM
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The other day, we told you about The Harry Potter Alliance's goal of reaching over 1,000 signatures for a petition against genocide in Darfur. Thanks in part to all of you MuggleNet visitors, their expectations were far surpassed! Check out what Andrew Slack, founder of HPA, had to say about it right here.
If you haven't signed the petition yet, read more about it and find out how to sign it by clicking here!
Posted by
04-18-2008
at 12:09 AM
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Nearly two months ago we told you about HP Quest, an online Potter scanvenger hunt brought to you by HP Fan Trips. Today, they announced the grand prize winner, who happens to have found out about the Quest through MuggleNet!
Lucy Adams of Australia has won a trip for two to the HP Fan Trips' School of Wizardry, July 23-27, 2008 at Ford’s Castle in England. Congrats to her! For a list of the weekly winners, click the Read More link below.
And lastly a reminder: HP Fan Trips' Equus and HP6 trip is selling out quick! For an all-in-one trip to see Equus on Broadway and Half-Blood Prince in the city, check out their site.
Posted by
05-07-2008
at 6:20 PM
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Last month, we told you that the Harry Potter Alliance was organizing a petition against genocide Darfur. Their original goal was 1,000 signatures, then with the help of MuggleNet they reached 3,000. Now they have a goal of 5,000 signatures and they need to reach it by tomorrow, June 1st!
If you haven't signed the petition already, go here to read what the campaign is all about and then sign the petition.
Posted by
05-31-2008
at 6:41 PM
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Yesterday, July 1st, the Harry Potter Alliance officially launched a new project called Magical Acts of Kindness.
Publicized at Wrockstock 2008 and set in motion by the amazing Jess and Lauren, this project encourages participants to do small acts of kindness every day.
The introductory post on the site states, “The idea is that, just like Hermione trying to help out the house elves, we all need a little appreciation and encouragement sometimes, and it’s amazing how much difference the smallest of gestures can make. Even a simple smile or holding a door open for someone can completely turn their day around. We’re sure that if you think for a moment you’ll be able to find something that’s happened recently that made your day a whole lot better, yet didn’t take much effort on the part of the other person. Well, that’s what we want you to do.”
To find out more about this wonderful project and how you can do your part, please visit the Harry Potter Alliance website or the Magical Acts of Kindness page.
Posted by
07-02-2008
at 1:16 PM
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You may remember that back in late May, we told you about the Harry Potter Alliance's petition against genocide in Darfur. Thousands of people in the Wizard Rock and MuggleNet communities signed the petition, and just yesterday HPA leader Andrew Slack reported some amazing news!
Here’s what Nick Donovan, the Head of Campaigns, Policy, and Research at the UK-based Aegis Trust has to say:
“You all at the HP Alliance made it possible to send almost 10,000 emails to the UN Security Council, asking for the Council to speak out and put pressure on Khartoum to hand the men over. Without your imaginative campaigns over 3/4 of these emails would never have been sent.
“The end result is the first ever UNSC presidential statement condemning Sudan’s lack of action and demanding an end to impunity. Our actions helped, the pressure generated by other NGOs helped - and the grassroots emails sent by you all really made the difference - showing that it wasn’t just NGOs and members of the elite who care about Darfur - but people from all walks of life disgusted at impunity for mass murder and eager to see action.”
Great work, everyone! For more on what the Harry Potter Alliance stands for in today's world, click here.
Posted by
07-09-2008
at 8:47 PM
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Posted by
07-10-2008
at 4:32 PM
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US Potter audiobook narrator Jim Dale spoke at Portus 2008 this morning, and what a treat it was! After months of anticipation, Dale took the stage and entertained the audience with live readings from a few of the Potter books.
Scenes he read from (with full enthusiasm, singing, and physical acting) included the sorting hat ceremony in Sorcerer's Stone, the trio being with Moaning Myrtle in Chamber of Secrets, and Aunt Marge and Trelawney scenes from Prisoner of Azkaban. He wrapped his readings up with the Mad-Eye Moody/Ferret scene in Goblet of Fire.
The audience was nothing short of enthralled while Dale spoke, acting like students in the Great Hall whenever there was a triumphant moment in the book scenes. In between readings, he talked about what it takes to record these lengthy Potter books and coupled the explanations with funny stories. Check out some pics from the event:
- Jim speaking to the crowd: 1, 2, 3, 4
- Jim gets asked a question by an attendee
- The audience listens to Jim reading
Posted by
07-12-2008
at 6:14 PM
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With the 2008 summer Olympics rapidly approaching, the Harry Potter Alliance has begun to promote the Switch Over to Darfur petition. Signers pledge that during the Olympics he or she will not watch the commercials, but instead tune into Mia Farrow’s reports from a Darfurian refugee camp.
The HP Alliance believes that “it’s inconsistent with the spirit of the Games for China to fund a genocide abroad while hosting the Olympics in Beijing.”
They are clear that they are not asking for a boycott of the Olympics, but that the pledge is “directed at the corporate sponsors of the Olympics, because of the influence they hold with the host country; if China will listen to anyone right now, it’s them.”
The companies in question – notably Coca-Cola, General Electric, and Volkswagen – have been asked time and again “to urge China to help bring peace to Darfur.” Their refusals have shown the companies’ inclinations to choosing what is easy over what is right.
With a recent success in waking up the UN Security Council with the Wanted for War Crimes petition, the HP Alliance acknowledges that it is time to wake up the Olympics’ corporate sponsors by honoring the “true spirit of the Olympics” and pledging to ignore the commercials. For more information visit the HP Alliance website!
They are looking for 5,000 signatures from Harry Potter fans – and we can surely surpass that goal! Please let all of your friends and family know about this pledge and don’t forget to sign it here.
Posted by
07-15-2008
at 03:08 AM
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In celebration of the ONE-year anniversary of the Deathly Hallows release, the Harry Potter Alliance has announced their new official podcast: Potterwatch! Also, in eleven days (on July 31) the HP Alliance will invite everyone to celebrate the ELEVEN-year anniversary of the Philosopher’s Stone release.
As Andrew writes on the HP Alliance website, one and eleven are significant ages for Harry: “when he turned one he was sent out of the Wizarding World and into the Muggle World. When he turned eleven he was invited back from the Muggle World and into the Wizarding World.”
In commemoration of July 21 to July 31 (ELEVEN DAYS), the Harry Potter Alliance has launched the first day of “ Eleven Days of Breaking Out of the Muggle Mindset!”
Each day through July 31st, the HP Alliance will post “a simple exercise to help each of us tap into the magic of our creativity – away from the Muggle Minded world of Privet Drive and into the magic and mystery that Harry discovered at Hogwarts,” that participants can discuss in the HPA forums. Today’s activity is listening to the brand-new Harry Potter Alliance podcast Potterwatch, which gives further information on the Eleven Days project!
Posted by
07-21-2008
at 1:32 PM
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Today, July 31, 2008, marks the eleventh and final day of the Harry Potter Alliance’s latest project, “Eleven Days of Breaking Out of the Muggle Mindset.” It also marks the eleventh year of the Harry Potter series.
For the previous eleven days (since the one year anniversary of the Deathly Hallows release) the Harry Potter Alliance has been posting a different activity each day to help us “break out of the Muggle Mindset and into the magic of our creativity.”
Today’s activity includes lighting a candle for Harry and Jo's birthdays and listening to a brand new episode of HP Alliance Potterwatch, the site’s podcast, about Harry’s eleventh birthday. Check out the podcast here or get it here in the iTunes store.
If you haven’t already done so, check out and participate in the previous ten days of this awesome project on the HPA website!
Posted by
07-31-2008
at 6:03 PM
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The Harry Potter Alliance is asking Harry Potter fans around the world to celebrate this year’s Olympics motto, “One World, One Dream.” The Alliance likens the Olympics to the TriWizard Tournament in that “both are ancient athletic competitions designed to bring about international cooperation,” though this ideal was “hijacked by Lord Voldemort” during the TriWizard Tournament – and “we don’t want that happening in our world.”
As the 2008 Olympic Games are being hosted by China (whose government is actively funding the genocide in Darfur, the military regime in Burma, and several other equally horrific ventures across the globe), the HP Alliance is asking everyone to come together to truly stand for the “One World, One Dream” ideal and “not allow it to become an empty phrase of propaganda like Grindelwald’s ‘For the Greater Good.’”
As part of this, the Alliance is asking you to host and/or attend a Harry Potter Alliance house party! All the tools you need to host a house party are available on the Harry Potter Alliance website.
Andrew Slack of the HP Alliance writes, “We think this is going to be a really fun way to take action on behalf of our world. We’ve even divided what you can do into Three Tasks! Together we can apply the message that we’ve learned from Harry Potter, in these dark and difficult times, do what’s right over what’s easy, and have fun as we celebrate Harry Potter and the authentic ideal of One World, One Dream!”
For more information, check out the House Parties page on the HP Alliance website, and if you’re interested in hosting a house party or would like to find one in your area, please email Dinah at houseparties@thehpalliance.org!
Posted by
08-01-2008
at 09:15 AM
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With an intro by Jim Dale and significant contributions from several activists and members of the fandom, this latest episode of the Harry Potter Alliance podcast is particularly informative and inspiring. It asks Harry Potter fans to help personify the theme of the 2008 Olympic Games by working on behalf of the people of Darfur, Tibet, and Burma despite the Chinese government's actions in those regions.
As stated on the Harry Potter Alliance site, "We hope you find it empowering, educational, and inspiring as we ask for Harry Potter fans across the world to embrace the Olympic (and the TriWizard) ideal of 'One World, One Dream.'"
Check out the podcast in the iTunes store or listen to it directly here.
In similar news, the Harry Potter Alliance House Party Coordinator Dinah will be hosting her own HPA House Party tomorrow in Chico, California at noon. If you're in the area, stop by what is sure to be an incredible event!
Posted by
08-15-2008
at 5:32 PM
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Whimsic Alley, an awesome Harry Potter merchandise store located in Santa Monica, CA, is hosting a big Wizard Rock concert this Saturday and Sunday:
The fun begins on Saturday, August 30th at 12:00 p.m. (noon), as we start the festival off with the Punk Rock band Switchblade Kittens. We follow with Wingardium Leviosa, Tonks!, and new band The Ginny Potter Revelation. Then we will finish off the afternoon with Wizard Rock fan favorites The Hermione Crookshanks Experience and Marked as His Equal.
Then, on Sunday, August 31st, beginning at 3:00 p.m., popular Wizard Rock bands The Remus Lupins and The Whomping Willows will serenade fans, both magical and muggle, with their greatest hits.
Admission is free, and Whimsic Alley is located at 2717 ½ Wilshire Blvd. in Santa Monica, CA. For more information, check out their website.
Posted by
08-28-2008
at 4:58 PM
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Having already registered hundreds of new voters at wizard rock concerts across the United States, the Harry Potter Alliance’s Wizard Rock the Vote project has expanded to include online registration!
If are a US citizen over 18 years old and you were unable to make it to a show this summer, please click here to register to vote! Scroll down the left side of the page to the link “Wizard Register to Vote Right Here.”
As stated on the Alliance website, “Remember: the HP Alliance does not endorse any candidate or party. We just want you to vote! It is our choices that define who we are, not only as individuals but as a society. If we have the chance to make a choice this November, we should make sure to make that choice!”
Posted by
09-07-2008
at 6:56 PM
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Our friends at HP Fan Trips have informed us that spots on their Equus trip this November only has a few spots left! From their site:
For two incredible nights, Harry Potter fans will gather in New York for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Fans will enjoy one of their favorite actors in the award-winning play, Equus, attend an Equus workshop, meet an Equus Cast Member, play HP Fan Trips' Wizarding Game, inspired by Harry's favorite sport and more!
Additionally, Whimsic Alley in Santa Monica, CA wants everyone to know that they'll be having a Sorcerer's Stone anniversary party this Tuesday at their store. You'll be able to purchase a copy of the 10th anniversary edition, win prizes, experience some Wizard lectures, and much more! Check their site for details.
Posted by
09-17-2008
at 8:18 PM
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Before Notre Dame's thrilling 38-21 victory over the Purdue Boilermakers last weekend (GO IRISH!!), students played a Quidditch match where Gryffindor - members of my dorm - defeated Slytherin 170-60 and the score was broadcast several times on the jumbo-tron during the football game!
Click here to see a picture of the scoreboard (it's working now), snapped by MuggleNet reader Ken. We are hoping to make this a yearly tradition!
ACADEMIC STUDY: Hey guys, if you guys want to take a quick online survey on your love of Harry Potter, Notre Dame is doing an academic study you can be a part of! Click here - it shouldn't take more than 10 minutes!
Posted by Emerson
10-01-2008
at 4:06 PM
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If you have ALREADY REGISTERED to vote in the upcoming United States elections, but have not received a confirmation card, there is a chance that for a number of reasons your registration did not go through properly.
If you have NOT received a confirmation card in the mail, call your Secretary of State’s office by Monday, or (to be safe) REGISTER ONLINE:
Go to the Harry Potter Alliance’s Wizard Rock the Vote page., scroll down a little bit, and click on the icon in the left hand column that says "Wizard Register To Vote Right Here."
REMEMBER, voter registration ends in 25 states on Monday, October 6! Registration for the states of Mississippi, Nevada, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Washington ENDS TODAY. If you are a US citizen over the age of 18 and have not yet registered to vote, please register online!
And for those of you who live in Canada, make sure you Wrock the Vote this October 14th!
Posted by
10-04-2008
at 05:47 AM
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Last year, readers may remember that Middlebury College received a lot of press surrounding their Intercollegiate Quidditch League. Several colleges competed for the World Cup, and this year, 14 teams will be traveling to Middlebury for the 2008 tournament!
The event will take place on Sunday, October 26th, from 10 AM to 6 PM in the middle of the campus. For more information, you can check out their website. Good luck to all of the teams, and we'll update you with the results next week!
NOTE: It's important to mention that this tournament has been graciously supported by our friends at Alivan's, who have contributed lots of Potter-related merchandise.
Posted by
10-20-2008
at 6:24 PM
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The Harry Potter Alliance, continuing their perpetual effort to support equal rights for all, is asking for your help to ensure that every Californian be afforded the same liberties regardless of sexual orientation. Drawing on the lessons of love we learn from the Harry Potter series and remembering the greatest wizard of them all, Albus Dumbledore, the Alliance has been striving consistently to raise awareness about this serious issue.
Today, Paul DeGeorge of Harry and the Potters writes in the HP Alliance Patronus Alert newsletter, “If you live in California and you are able to vote, I ask you to take some time and think about whether or not it's fair to deny couples the right to marry. Think of any people that you might know that would be affected by this constitutional amendment. Would it be legal to deny people the right to marry based on race or social status? If the answer to that question is no, then why should it be legal to do so based on sexual orientation?”
If you are in California, sign up here to encourage fellow Californians in person or here to do so by phone! If you’re not in California, sign up here! You can also raise awareness by sending messages to spread the word.
Help California defeat Prop. 8 and make love legal!
Posted by
10-27-2008
at 8:34 PM
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Last year Harry Potter fans raised over $8,000 for civilian protection in Darfur through the Harry Potter Alliance and Standfast campaign. This year with your help we can raise even more money and help protect more civilians in Darfur.
The project works by participants giving up - or “fasting” from - one luxury item on December 3rd, and donating the money that they would have spent on this extra item to helping save and improve the lives of countless Darfuri in refugee camps.
STAND and the Genocide Intervention Network have worked tirelessly on a Civilian Protection Program on the ground in Darfur that will help families in the camps survive. Women there have to leave the safety of the camps to collect firewood so that they can feed their families, and are often attacked and raped by waiting militias. Their program ensures that as little as $3 can help one woman from having to leave the camps by funding firewood patrols and providing income-generating projects so that women can buy firewood instead of having to collect it.
The HPA is asking for your help to raise funds and organize events to raise awareness. Please join the Alliance and other organizations as we make a difference this December!
Posted by
11-13-2008
at 09:54 AM
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“Nitwit, Blubber, Oddment, Tweak,” the brand new University of Edinburgh chapter of the Harry Potter Alliance, has made a grand entrance into the fandom by organizing a Wizard Rock charity compilation album as their first fundraising effort!
Scheduled for release in February 2009, the proceeds of this album will go directly toward the HP Alliance's efforts toward civilian protection in Darfur and Burma.
Bands are encouraged to contribute songs and others are encouraged to support the album and the chapter’s goals. Email HPAEdinburgh@gmail.com for more information or to submit music!
Posted by
11-23-2008
at 2:47 PM
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Our friends at HP Fan Trips have announced their schedule of upcoming tours for next year! There are four to choose from, and they all occur around July's Half-Blood Prince movie release.
Definitely check out the tours if you're looking for a great way to experience the world of Harry Potter in England.
Posted by
12-06-2008
at 08:30 AM
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Have you ever wanted to go to Hogwarts? Magical Tours is currently registering for their summer 2009 tours but they are filling up fast! This is your chance to join other MuggleNet visitors on a once in a lifetime trip to see the filming locations of the movies! To read more about the filming locations visit FindHogwarts.com and then learn about the tours at Magicaltours.org
To celebrate the release of JK Rowling's The Tales of Beedle the Bard, Magical Tours is giving away one Collector's Edition of the book to the person who submits the best Harry Potter fan photo! There are other great prizes as well including wands from Alivan's! Upload your best fan photograph from a Harry Potter related event - whether it's a tour, a book release party, or just waiting to see the movie with friends! We want to see pictures that best capture the Harry Potter phenomenon!
Entries are due Monday, December 8th. Click Here for more details and the complete rules.
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The semi-finalists for the MuggleNet and Magical Tours Fan Photo Contest have been chosen! We received many great entries! Now it's up to you to pick the winners!
Vote for the photo that you feel best represents what it is to be a Harry Potter fan. These photos were taken at Harry Potter events far and wide and each represents a unique angle on the fandom!
Click here to vote and view the 12 semi-finalists. Voting will be open for 1 week.
For more fandom fun, don't forget to check out the summer 2009 Magical Tours. The tours are filling up fast! Don't miss your chance to visit the filming locations of the movies! To read more about the filming locations visit FindHogwarts.com and then learn about the tours at Magicaltours.org
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Looking for the coolest way to rock out to Wizard Rock this summer? HPEF's Azktraz 2009 has just announced Wrock Around the Rock - a four hour cruise around Alcatraz and the San Francisco Bay with Wizard Rock bands playing on board! From HPEF:
There will be food, an open bar (three hour open bar with alcohol available for a small additional fee), and music from Brian from the Draco Malfoys, The Remus Lupins, The Whomping Willows, The House of Black, Ministry of Magic and more!
Also, we'll have one deck on the yacht that's music-free, with space for games, conversation and, of course, food!
For full details, click here. Don't forget: MuggleCast will be hosting a LIVE podcast right after the midnight premiere of Half-Blood Prince at Azkatraz 2009. You can see more details on that at this link. If you're registering, be sure to put 'MuggleCast' in the referral area so they know who sent you!
Posted by
12-16-2008
at 5:13 PM
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Thus far our “real world Dumbledore's Army” have raised over $5400 through the Harry Potter Alliance since October! This amount could fund either the protection of about 8 entire villages in Burma (1083 families) OR the protection of over 1800 Darfuri women.
In total, with the help of events like Wrock for Darfur the HP Alliance has raised over $15,000 for Civilian Protection in Darfur and Burma! Andrew Slack writes, “The generosity of this community, including the Whomping Willows raising $1600 for Haiti from his recent tour is amazing.”
Don’t forget that you can continue to donate toward Civilian Protection until January 31, 2009 as part of this project. You can give right here.
Posted by
12-26-2008
at 10:06 AM
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Our friends at Fan Trips.Travel are looking for some interns for their upcoming summer tours this July.
If you have always wanted to experience an award-winning HP Fan Trip, this is your opportunity to do a little work in exchange for an amazing adventure!
For more details, click here.
Posted by
01-13-2009
at 2:37 PM
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Back in August 2007, rumors surfaced claiming that a Harry Potter musical was under development. Just last week, it was denied by JKR's representatives.
Now, an article from The Telegraph reveals that the opportunity to secure rights for the musical were missed by only a few weeks. National Theatre Boss Sir Trevor Nunn says:
"Many many years ago I proposed it and they said: 'Oh if only you had come to us a few weeks ago. We have just sold the movie rights'," he harrumphs. "It will be a long time now before anyone is allowed to stage Harry Potter."
Fans reacted harshly when we reported the possibility in Summer 2007. Our news report received over 700 comments in just a few days - most of them very angry at the idea.
Posted by
01-25-2009
at 5:22 PM
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Last month, we ran a fan photo contest in conjunction with Magical Tours. MuggleNet visitors had the chance to submit a photo that best represents what it is to be a Harry Potter fan. These photos were taken at Harry Potter events far and wide and each represents a unique angle on the fandom! We received many great entries and narrowed it down to 12 semi-finalists. The winners were voted on by MuggleNet visitors. You can view the winning entries here! Congratulations to Stephanie Gallo, Clair Schaub, Katie Aiani, and Amanda Melhuish for winning the Ultimate Fan Photo Contest!
If you are also an ultimate Harry Potter fan, now is your chance to join other fans on the trip of a lifetime! Magical Tours is currently registering for their summer 2009 tours but they are filling up fast! This is your chance to join other MuggleNet visitors on a once in a lifetime trip to see the filming locations of the movies! To read more about the filming locations visit FindHogwarts.com and then learn about the tours at Magicaltours.org
Congratulations again to the winners!
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This year’s STANDfast campaign has continued the tradition of being a hugely successful civilian protection program. Since 2007, Harry Potter aficionados have donated over $14,000 to fund the protection of civilians in Darfur and Burma.
This project officially ends January 31, so if you’re interested in contributing please do so soon on the Harry Potter Alliance website! For more information on the campaign, visit the main HPA page or see our previous post here.
Posted by
01-31-2009
at 00:24 AM
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Our friends at the Harry Potter Alliance are hosting another meeting this upcoming Wednesday to discuss consume culture with Paul DeGeorge and Matt Maggiacaomo from Wizard Rock bands Harry and the Potters and the Whomping Willows, respectively.
For more details on listening in, click here!
Posted by
02-23-2009
at 01:01 AM
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The third live Harry Potter Alliance Dumbledore’s Army meeting will be held this Sunday, 1 March 2009. It will focus on the new HPA campaign “Accio Books!”
Among the awesome fandom members featured on the call will be Evanna Lynch, MuggleNet visitor and Harry Potter actor. For more information about how to listen in, visit the HP Alliance website here.
Posted by
02-26-2009
at 10:39 AM
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The HP Alliance has begun Accio Books!, it's first annual book drive and the first project in the HPA's new House Cup competition! Sign up in the HPA Common Room to let them know what Hogwarts House you're in and then start donating books! All questions can be emailed to housecup@thehpalliance.org.
Also, the HPA recognizes that this April 7th marks the fifteenth anniversary of the Rwandan genocide, and as such is collaborating with the Vlog Brothers to create a compilation video to post on candlesforrwanda.org. Some of these videos will be played during the actual candle-lighting ceremony in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, on April 7. The deadline to submit is midnight on March 22. Find out more about the project and submission details on the HPA website.
Posted by
03-19-2009
at 08:37 AM
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Our friends at HP Fan Trips have an exciting new journey for fans to participate in:
HP Fan Trips™ is pleased to announce the limited availability of tickets for a steam train journey in the carriages used for the "Hogwarts Express" in the filming of the Harry Potter movies.
These tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The cost is $145 US (approx. 79 GBP) per ticket.
If you're interested in more information, click here!
Posted by
04-03-2009
at 2:03 PM
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Just in case you weren’t able to make it to the United Kingdom this year for the worldwide release of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, HP Fan Trips has brought the UK to you to create a very authentic School of Wizardry experience at affordable prices starting at $799.
Chris Rankin, the actor portraying Percy Weasley, will be your host at the Farewell Banquet. Award-winning storyteller, Amy Douglas, and top-ranked guide, Heather Davies, will be coming to Chicago this year to create a magical place for Harry Potter fans. Click here for more information and to make a reservation!
Posted by
04-27-2009
at 9:51 PM
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On Thursday April 30th at 9:30am CDT, the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, IL will open its doors to Harry Potter: The Exhibition for the public!
Our website was one of few to get a preview Wednesday afternoon of the exhibit, followed by a roundtable discussion with its creators. I was on location and have compiled this report of events and sights to behold within.
Over 3,000 man-hours have been put into the setup and transfer of all original artifacts from the Harry Potter films, straight from the studios at Leavesden. The exhibition will remain in Chicago until the end of September where it will then move on to another, as-of-yet kept secret location somewhere on the globe. The exhibit was created by Exhibitgroup/Giltspur in association with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and is a definite must-see for all Harry Potter fans.
If you check out the exhibit, we hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Posted by
04-29-2009
at 11:39 PM
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Our friends at Alivans, Master Wandmakers have informed us of a charity drive their running to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Any time a customer purchases a Holly/Ebony wand (original Hermione design), Alivans will donate 100% of the profits to Ronald McDonald House Charities. After the Hurricane Katrina disaster, Alivans hosted a similar charity drive and earned over $9,000 for victims. They hope to have the same successful run Ronald McDonald!
You can see the product right here, and browse the rest of their site at this link.
Posted by
05-07-2009
at 08:15 AM
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HPEF has made some updated and announcements about Azkatraz 2009, and cleared up a rumor that could have impacted Infinitus 2010. The rumor stated that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter would not be opening until late 2010. However, Infinitus 2010 chair Jenn Clack confirmed with Universal this week that it will be open in time for Infinitus in July of 2010.
But before that, we'll be at Azkatraz, and we hope to see you there! At Azkatraz, the main feature of each day (other than Friday - more about that below) will be their formal programming. The schedules for each day have been uploaded to their website - click here for the details!
Friday, there's no formal programming - instead, you can explore San Francisco, recuperate from the HBP showing and Leaky Mug and/or head down to Golden Gate Park on the Official Azkatraz Bus for a day of fantastic Quidditch play. The Quidditch Tournament details are up right here. There are still spaces on all eight teams, so sign up soon!
Tickets are still available for Wrock Around the Rock, and if you have friends who'd like to go without registering for Azkatraz, tickets are now available to the general public right here. If you've already registered, you can add tickets by modifying your registration at this link.
When you register or modify your registration, don't forget to put MUGGLENET as the site that referred you to Azkatraz. More news will be out in early June about a special MuggleNet meet-up, as well as special activities with Emerson and Ben as they promote their new book: Harry Potter Should Have Died.
See you in a few weeks!
Posted by
05-28-2009
at 8:32 PM
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Our friends at FanTrips.Travel have announced a magical evening on July 18 in London, England, featuring Legends from Britain and the World, past and present.
Stanislav Ianevski, the actor who portrayed Viktor Krum in Goblet of Fire, will be on hand along with international storyteller, Debbie Guneratne, to enchant guests. Fans participating in HP Fan Trips will be joining the event this evening.
Click here for more details!
Posted by
06-01-2009
at 10:48 PM
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Our friends at the Harry Potter Alliance have announced a new campaign titled "What Would Dumbledore Do" that asks you that question:
The HP Alliance would like to invite the entire Harry Potter fandom in a project to honor and stay loyal to the spirit of Albus Dumbledore in the
real world. This summer, after watching Dumbledore's death millions of
people will be exiting theaters having just heard Harry say that Dumbledore
will live on so long as there are those that are loyal to him.
In these dark and difficult times that our world currently faces, we need a visionary like Dumbledore to live on in each of our hearts as well as in the heart of our world. And so we are very excited to have you join us in presenting these millions of theater goers with a list of 100 ways that we can all be loyal to Dumbledore, both as individuals and as a society.
We have just begun writing that list together and we need your help! So please join our What Would Dumbledore campaign by going right here to learn more and then to our Common Room so that you can add your voice on what we can learn from the world's greatest Wizard.
Posted by
06-05-2009
at 11:56 AM
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(Taking a break from all the Half-Blood Prince news for a moment) Do you like Harry Potter? Do you like musicals? An acting troupe has put together a fantastic Harry Potter musical that you can see on YouTube starting at this link.
While it's not the rumored official musical we told you about in August 2007, this musical runs through all of the major events in the Potter series and includes hilarious, well-written characters and songs. Please note that there is some language that may be inappropriate for younger views.
We want a soundtrack version of this! Thanks to everyone who sent in the links.
Posted by
06-21-2009
at 00:43 AM
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Earlier this week, we told you about a group of talented actors who created their own Harry Potter Musical based on the plot of the entire series.
Since then, they've temporarily taken it down in order to make sure they're not breaking any rules in terms of legalities. They're also working on releasing a soundtrack - both will be back soon.
In the mean time, we've been in touch with one of its creators. University of Michigan Student Matt filled us in on his theater group, how they got the idea, and more:
How did your group come up with the idea to create a Potter musical?
We initially had the idea years ago when we read Goblet of Fire (possibly our favorite book in the series). We started getting a real strong hunch that Malfoy had a crush on Hermione. He's way too mean to her to not be hiding some secret feelings. Then we were joking around and made up an idea for a song called "I'm In Danger of Falling In Love... With Hermione Granger". We kind of made up a scenario where Ron and Draco shared a duet at the Yule Ball, both of them realizing how much they love Hermione when they see how beautiful she looks in her gown. Then the idea for a musical developed from there. It was originally supposed to be just of Book 4, and it was called "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Music". Then it just became a joke amongst our friends until after the seventh book came out and we decided to actually do it. Only now, since we knew how HP ends, we decided to do a show that kind of included the whole story. But the first act still remains mainly inspired by "Goblet of Fire". So we always knew that Draco and Ron would sing a song at the Yule Ball (that song became "Granger Danger") because it was the initial spark for the entire idea.
Posted by
06-27-2009
at 02:05 AM
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With just hours to go now before the release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, our friends at The Harry Potter Alliance have put together a massive effort to remind the world that value of love that Dumbledore taught is what we need in our lives and this world right now. More on Dumbledore's message in the Potter series can be found on the HPA's What Would Dumbledore Do website.
How do you help out? Including "#Dumbledore" and "Harry Potter" in as many tweets as possible over the next 24 hours. The goal is to get the phrase "#Dumbledore" into the Twitter Trends list (the Trends list displays the Top 10 most-used phrases on Twitter at any given time).
So get tweeting! If we can get "#Dumbledore" in the Twitter Trends list we'll be showing the world how much we love Albus Dumbledore's messages in the series.
Posted by
07-14-2009
at 10:04 AM
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Book critic Lev Grossman made a hilarious blog post on TIME.com, describing his Azkatraz visit
for everyone who did not have the chance to attend the convention this past week.
Here are some of his comments:
Harry Potter fans are really nice and friendly and clever. They also stay up too late and drink way too much.
Chris Rankin was here, who plays Percy Weasley in the movies. He is in fact a nice and regular dude, who hung out in the evenings despite the incessant squeeing from fangirls. He also did a karaoke performance of "Summer Lovin'" from Grease.
UPDATE: Here's video of said performance. Thanks to Ronbon!
Posted by
07-22-2009
at 6:43 PM
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Registration for Infinitus 2010 is officially open! The people who brought you Lumos, Prophecy, Portus and Azkatraz are back at it again! HPEF is offering an early bird registration price for $165.00 until midnight of September 7th, 2009. After that, registration will be $180.00 until March 31, 2010. It will then increase to $200.00 pending availability. Be sure to put "MuggleNet" in the referral box when signing up!
Please note that your registration will include all Formal Programming except Keynote Luncheons (which can be purchased at a later date). Information about tickets to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be available soon!
For complete information, head on over to Infinitus2010.org. Infinitus will take place in Orlando, Florida from July 15-18, 2010.
Posted by Micah
08-24-2009
at 6:49 PM
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"A Very Potter Musical," the popular musical parody, now has a website and a soundtrack!
The website crashed earlier this week when it was first announced, but it is up and running again with information about "A Very Potter Musical" and "Little White Lie."
The soundtrack is available for download for free right here, but Team Star Kid is asking for donations to fund any future projects.
Posted by
09-13-2009
at 12:34 AM
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Our friends at Magical Tours have let us know that their great Harry Potter themed tours in Britain are ready for reservations. Next summer, five tours are being offered. It’s a little soon to tell too much, but their 2010 tour season is slated to have some really amazing surprise events.
Magical Tours also revealed that there will be another Summer Intern Contest – soon to be announced right here on MuggleNet!
Visit Magical Tours to see what’s coming up next summer, and stay tuned to MuggleNet to get the details on the contest to determine who will win an all-expense paid summer internship to learn the travel biz while traveling to all the Harry Potter book and movie locations in England and Scotland!
Posted by
09-17-2009
at 5:16 PM
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Middlebury College is set to host the Third Annual Quidditch World Cup later this month. As you may recall, Middlebury has made everyone's favorite sport from the Harry Potter series popular across college campuses.
The event will take place on October 25th from 9 am - 5 pm with 26 teams competing from around the United States. You can get all the information and latest updates on their Facebook page or by following them on Twitter.
Be sure to check out MTV's coverage of this up-and-coming college sport!
Thanks to Emily for sending this in!
Posted by Micah
10-07-2009
at 08:48 AM
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The HPA will stand up against Proposition One--a ballot that would repeal same-sex marriage in Maine--by "Wrock-ing 4 Equality" on Oct. 24.
The Harry Potter Alliance is bringing together thousands of Harry Potter fans across the world to fight Proposition One. The basic gist is one day of activism set in Portland, Maine at the North Star Cafe (225 Congress Street Portland, Maine 04101) featuring Harry and the Potters and Draco and the Malfoys. The concert will be live streamed for fans to watch online. After the first show is over, concert attendees in Portland will canvass and those watching online will phone bank in conjunction with both Mass and Maine Equality. At the end of the day, we'll be coming together for a second concert to close things out.
Click here for more information.
Posted by
10-17-2009
at 1:35 PM
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Forget football Sunday, today is the Quidditch World Cup!
There will be 22 teams participating in the Intercollegiate Quidditch Association's tournament, so tune in here.
Thanks to Matt for the tip!
Posted by
10-25-2009
at 12:33 AM
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A single mother from the United Kingdom was planning to have a Harry Potter-themed party this weekend to celebrate Halloween. Instead Ms. Marmite Lover will have to change things up a bit.
Last Friday, she received a cease-and-desist letter from Warner Bros. suggesting that her "proposed use of the Harry Potter properties...without our consent would amount to an infringement of Warner's rights."
Ms. Lover was looking to charge a small entry fee (as she has for other themed parties), but says that no harm was intended. She set up a small site to purchase tickets online.
"My living room holds under 30 people, this is hardly some cynical money spinning exercise – at a maximum of 25 British pounds a head I won't make a profit, I'll be struggling to cover the costs of the ingredients and props I've shelled out on, such as dry ice and miracle berries."
Warner Bros. said they do not, of course, object to her holding a generic wizard/Halloween night and that is what Ms. Lover has been forced to do.
What do you think of this? Should Warner Bros. be shutting down Potter-themed Halloween parties? Or is Ms. Lover in the wrong?
Posted by Micah
10-26-2009
at 3:48 PM
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It was several months ago when an acting troupe now known as "StarKid Potter" took the Harry Potter fandom by storm with their Harry Potter musical " A Very Potter Musical". To date, it has received over 200,000 views on YouTube.
Many of you wrote in tonight to let us know about this new video they posted, revealing that they are working on "A Very Potter Sequel". They plan on releasing it in Summer 2010.
We can't wait to see it!
Posted by
01-02-2010
at 00:10 AM
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As many know, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti on Tuesday, and the country fears that more than 100,000 have died.
Many more are currently in need of assistance, and the Harry Potter Alliance is rallying Harry Potter fans to donate to the cause:
Please consider donating $10 to Haiti by texting “HAITI” to 90999. Or if you have access to a credit card, we highly recommend you donate to Partners In Health as they have been in Haiti for over 20 years and have written the book on health and human rights. Partners in Health both tackle the symptoms as well as the root causes.
We encourage everyone to give what they can so the people of Haiti can begin recovery efforts.
Posted by
01-13-2010
at 4:00 PM
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Harry Potter fans have joined with members of fandoms from other popular books, movies, and TV series to create Helping Haiti Heal, a home-grown effort to contribute to the growing humanitarian aid and charitable relief activities in Haiti.
This Saturday, January 23rd, at 2 P.M. EST, HPA's PotterWatch, PotterCast, MuggleCast, Hogwarts Radio, and FictionAlley will come together for a live fundraising webcast on Livestream to benefit Partners in Health. This four hour live event will feature a donation drive where donors have the opportunity to win prizes, leaders and celebrities from various segments of popular culture, wizard rockers, interviews with civic leaders and Haitian Americans, and so much more.
The MuggleCast LIVE portion will begin shortly after 2 PM ET. To help us spread the word, tweet the following: "We're Helping Haiti Heal - learn about a huge fandom event happening Sat. from 2pm to 6pm ET! http://bit.ly/5603s6 #hhh"
Wizard Rock bands Harry and the Potters, Draco and the Malfoys, The Remus Lupins, Ministry of Magic, Lauren Fairweather, and The Whomping Willows will perform as part of this live event.
Many amazing, unique, and rare prizes are available do donors, including:
- Half-Blood Prince DVD and Blu-ray copies donated by MuggleNet
- Female Force JK Rowling comic book donated by MuggleNet
- Unique birthday/voicemail messages from MuggleCast made just for you
- Involvement with MuggleCast's upcoming Bad Romance parody
Posted by
01-21-2010
at 1:07 PM
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Earlier today, Harry Potter fans joined with members of fandoms from other popular books, movies, and TV series in a home-grown effort to contribute to the growing humanitarian aid and charitable relief activities in Haiti. The Helping Haiti Heal webcast, benefiting Partners in Health, raised over $33,000 in just six hours time!
The fundraising efforts will continue throughout the week until Saturday, January 30 at 11:59 p.m. If you would like to donate please visit this page. You can become eligible for the now more than 200 gifts generously given by so many different people. The signature item is a signed U.K. Edition set of the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, including a handwritten thank-you card from the author.
Today's webcast will be available in its entirety shortly, as will the individual podcasts you heard on today's stream. We will keep you posted on all the details!
Many thanks to the Harry Potter Alliance, The Leaky Cauldron, HPANA, and all the others who made today such a success! But most importantly, thank you to all who donated!
Posted by Micah
01-23-2010
at 6:31 PM
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The Harry Potter Alliance has united with fan communities across the world, raising over $50,000 for Helping Haiti Heal! That money will charter an entire cargo plane that will bring critical life-saving supplies to thousands of Haitians and more.
Today at 2 PM ET will be another Livestream event (not as long as last week's - but just as important nonetheless) at thehpalliance.org/haiti!
And we're still going! When you donate at thehpalliance.org/haiti/prizes, you become eligible to receive one of over 200 thank you gifts based on individual donation levels. These gifts include a:
- Full UK set of seven signed Harry Potter books by J. K. Rowling, along with a handwritten card from the author!!!
- Signed guitar from Harry Potter actor Tom Felton's personal collection.
- Harry Potter book signed by the Harry Potter cast (courtesy of actress Evanna Lynch)!!!
-Signed copies of Unseen Academicals and Wintersmith by author Sir Terry Pratchett!
-A signed copy of Harlequin Valentine from Neil Gaiman!
-And so much more!
We are less than $17,000 away from chartering a second plane for Partners In Health! Every little bit helps - please donate today!
Posted by
01-30-2010
at 09:10 AM
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Our friend Zack Luye of Adagio Teas recently posted a video review of fan-made Harry Potter house teas.
They're available to purchase through Adagio's website, but you may not want to purchase them - Zack didn't enjoy the combinations too much.
Watch his review at this link!
Posted by
02-11-2010
at 06:43 AM
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It's been almost two weeks since the Potter community came together with others online to raise money for the relief effort in Haiti. Since then, Helping Haiti Heal has raised close to $97,000 thanks to all of your incredible efforts!
If we get to the $105,000 mark, Partners in Health will name the three full cargo planes we funded after Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
This morning J.K. Rowling has passed along a message, specifically to all of you:
To everyone who has helped raise such an incredible amount for the earthquake survivors in Haiti: THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.
Like many others, I made a personal donation to the DEC shortly after the earthquake happened; but never did I expect such an amazing response from all of you. You cannot imagine how awed, moved and humbled I am to know that planes named Harry, Ron and Hermione are going to be flying off to help. I did not need this to remind me how extraordinary Harry’s fans are, but you keep giving me proofs. THANK YOU! - Jo
Remember, that you can still donate right here with a chance to win some great prizes!
Posted by Micah
02-05-2010
at 07:53 AM
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Posted by Micah
03-04-2010
at 12:45 AM
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Good news for Team Starkid fans in Michigan! "A Very Potter Sequel" will be performed live May 14-16. Not in Michigan? Don't fear. A recorded version of the show will play at Infinitus this July in Orlando, Florida. The stars of the musical will then hold a panel and perform their songs live.
Team Starkid, the makers of the original YouTube hit "A Very Potter Musical," made the announcement via Twitter. Check out the video announcement here!
Will you be seeing them at Infinitus? Thanks to everyone who emailed in!
Posted by
03-11-2010
at 10:11 AM
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Likely to tie in with her upcoming episodes from Universal Orlando, The Ellen DeGeneres Show has announced that they are looking for kids "who know everything about Harry Potter":
Do you have a precocious child who knows everything there is to know about Harry Potter books and movies? Is talking about Harry Potter his or her favorite subject? If so, we want to hear about them! Click here to tell us about your little wizard.
You can fill out the submission form on this page. The page doesn't explicitly state any age limit - so everyone should feel free to apply!
Posted by
03-09-2010
at 3:53 PM
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Infinitus 2010 has officially announced that the Harry Potter parody -- Harvey Putter -- will premiere at the convention July 16 at 7 p.m.
Infinitus guests will be the first to see the long-awaited feature-length Harry Potter film spoof “Harvey Putter and the Ridiculous Premise” starring Bryce Cone, Sunny Williams and Joe Scheibelhut. For fans by fans, the film also features Kiran Shah (“Lord of the Rings”, “Chronicles of Narnia), MuggleNet webmaster Emerson Spartz and music by Wizard Rock bands such as The Remus Lupins, Oliver Boyd and the Remembralls, and Draco and the Malfoys.
Keep an eye on the Harvey Putter website for more information on DVD pre-orders.
Posted by
03-19-2010
at 5:05 PM
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Our friends at HPEF have let us know that today is the final day to register for Infinitus 2010 - a Harry Potter fan conference to be held this Summer in Orlando, Florida - for the price of $180. Starting tomorrow (April 1st), the price will rise to $200.
Infinitus 2010 will play host to several special events. Podcasts (including a live MuggleCast), Wizard Rock, and a special party in the Harry Potter theme park event are just a few of the things to look forward to!
Full details can be found on Infinitus' website. If you register, please be sure to put 'MuggleNet' in the referral box so they know who sent you. Hope to see you there!
Posted by
03-31-2010
at 08:33 AM
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Our friends at HPEF have just announced that their upcoming Infinitus 2010 Harry Potter conference, to be held July 15th - 18th at the Universal Studios Orlando Resort, will include a special event inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park, exclusively for Infinitus attendees!
More details concerning events within the park will be coming soon. MuggleCast will also be hosting a podcast at Infinitus and will participate in various activities throughout the entire conference.
To learn more information and to register for the event, click here! If you do register, be sure to put "MuggleCast" in the referral box so they know who sent you!
Posted by
02-12-2010
at 3:19 PM
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For a while now we've been telling you about HPEF's Infinitus 2010 - a Harry Potter symposium to be held in Orlando from July 15th - 18th. HPEF holds a Harry Potter conference every year, and this one is extra special as it's at the site of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park.
They've let us know that they are nearly sold out of full registrations, and tickets for Night of a Thousand Wizards (their exclusive party within the Wizarding World park) are nearly sold out as well.
Lastly, they are nearly out of rooms in their block of hotel rooms with special rates. In other words, if you're interested in going.. BOOK NOW!
To learn more, visit the Infinitus website. If you do register, be sure to put 'MuggleNet' in the referral box so they know who sent you. MuggleCast will also be hosting a podcast at Infinitus. Details on that are forthcoming.
Hope to see you there!
Posted by
06-11-2010
at 8:15 PM
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Our friends at Richardson Productions have launched a new trailer for their Harry Potter parody Harvey Putter! It will be premiering at Infinitus 2010 (the same place we'll be) on July 16th.
Visit the new website now to see the brand new (and awesome) trailer, a new forum, the Harvey Putter lexicon, and more.
Alternatively, you can see the trailer right here on Vimeo. It's pretty impressive - we recommend you check it out.
If you'd like to pre-order the two-disc special edition, click here! That link will also give you access to the film's soundtrack.
Posted by
06-14-2010
at 08:20 AM
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There's a really easy way for you to help better the world. The Harry Potter Alliance is in the running for the Chase Community Giving Challenge, and they are currently one spot away from receiving the top prize of $250,000.
All they have to do is have the most votes out of all the charities in the competition. There are 22 days left for voting.
To vote, CLICK HERE, press the green "Vote Now" button, hit "Like" (if you haven't already), and then press Vote Now again. Encourage your friends to vote too!
It's a ridiculously simple way to help a great cause. Thanks for the support! For the record, here's how The Harry Potter Alliance plans to use the money:
With $250,0000 we can improve Literacy, LGBT Rights, AND build an Online Coalition of Fandoms, Youtube Communities, and Organizations. No one has ever before brought communities like these together and the one time we have, we raised over $123,000 for Haiti. Human rights and fighting global warming continue to lack the kind of energy and enthusiasm that we will bring to the table. Ready to see a game changer in the world of social activism? If we win the $250,000 prepare to see a massive shift!
Posted by
06-20-2010
at 09:55 AM
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A few months ago, the Harry Potter fandom came together with The Harry Potter Alliance to help raise money for Haiti.
We're now all getting together one more time on Sunday to host a wrap-up party and to raffle off a set of Harry Potter books signed by JK Rowling. The books were won in the original HHH raffle by Association of Electrical Contractors of NYC, and are now being re-raffled to benefit the AEC's scholarship foundation and Kamp Kiwanis. The books had been donated by The Association of Electrical Contractors back to The Harry Potter Alliance so they could be raffled again.
JK Rowling herself recently wrote a letter to Andrew Slack - the founder of The Harry Potter Alliance - expressing her gratitude for the work that he and everyone else involved has done for Haiti. You can read the letter Jo sent to him at this link.
To enter the auction and to help us raise more money for charity, click here! And please tune into the Livestream on Sunday, June 27th starting at 2 PM ET by visiting this page.
Posted by
06-26-2010
at 1:35 PM
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The MuggleNet team has been attending Infinitus 2010 in Orlando, Florida over the last few days.
The conference got off to a great start on Thursday with the Opening Feast and there has been tons of formal programming and educational offerings here at the symposium.
MuggleCast did two live shows on Friday (one at the Royal Pacific) and another at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter's Three Broomsticks as part of Night of a Thousand Wizards.
We look forward to giving a full report in the coming days. Look for MuggleCast Episode 203 on Sunday, which will be a combination of both of yesterday's live shows.
Be sure to follow HPEF on Twitter for up-to-the-minute information.
Posted by Micah
07-17-2010
at 12:10 AM
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The folks behind A Very Potter Musical took the world by storm last year when they debuted their musical comedy focused on the Harry Potter series.
Yesterday, they debuted the follow up titled 'A Very Potter Sequel'!
You can watch it in its entirety here on YouTube.
Are you a fan of these Potter-inspired musicals? We think they're hilarious!
Posted by
07-23-2010
at 09:05 AM
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The Comic-Con 2010 panel for Harry Potter is today at 11:45 am PT/2:45 pm ET. Andrew is live at the event and will be blogging throughout.
Tom Felton will be presenting new footage from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
To get all the latest information during the event follow our @MuggleNetLive Twitter account.
Posted by Micah
07-24-2010
at 10:00 AM
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UPDATE: Melissa from Leaky and Andrew recorded a Leaky Mug podcast to recap EVERYTHING that went on concerning Deathly Hallows today! To download, update your MuggleCast podcast RSS feed or click here to directly download the file. We dive into the Deathly Hallows footage that premiered today, talk about our interview with Tom Felton, and more!
The Deathly Hallows panel took place earlier today at Comic-Con 2010 and included a great new clip from the two-part finale. Check out the description in our blog below (we will have video as soon as it is available).
Andrew covered the event live and interviewed actor Tom Felton (who says hello). You can continue to follow his tweets right here @MuggleNetLive as things wrap up.
- Clip included: shots of a dead Dumbledore, Nagini, Bellatrix holding Harry, the 7 Potters, Harry and Hagrid driving through Hogwarts, Snape meeting with Voldemort, Death Eaters congregating, Ron talking about listening to the radio, Harry and Ron's fight, Bellatrix going crazy and lots of shots of Harry and Hagrid on the motorbike.
- Felton: "Everyone has put absolutely everything into it. Without question we're most excited about these films."
- Tom Felton takes the stage at Comic-Con.
- Crowd goes wild as Deathly Hallows introduced.
Posted by Micah
07-24-2010
at 11:45 AM
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Our friend Amy from Box Office Magazine is looking for some help from diehard Harry Potter fans! She writes:
Box Office is launching a new magazine for movie fans that will be hitting a theater near you in November. We're looking for Harry Potter fanatics for a feature called "Fantastic," where we'll profile the best movie memorabilia collections in the country. We know Potter fans are diehard, but we're also open to entries about other amazing displays. If you or a friend has a collection that reigns supreme, send us a few pictures and tell us about yourself at amy@boxoffice.com.
So if you think you have an impressive collection, please do e-mail her!
Posted by
07-31-2010
at 04:00 AM
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A business journal is reporting there are rumors about Harry Potter: The Exhibition next hitting Seattle, Washington. It is currently in Toronto, Canada, and it was recently announced that its stay would last two weeks more than originally scheduled.
The business journal's report says an announcement about the Seattle stop is expected tomorrow. We agree that we are due for news about the next stop.
After Seattle, what could be next? This Potter fan hopes for Los Angeles.
Posted by
08-09-2010
at 3:05 PM
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Our friends at the International Quidditch Association (in other words... Quidditch for Muggles!) have let us know that they've revamped their website with new information.
They've added a new Forum section as well as a section which provides information concerning their upcoming Quidditch Tourmanent at Alnwick Castle in association with HP Fan Trips. That's the same place they filmed Harry's first flying lesson for the movies.
Head over to InternationalQuidditch.org to check it all out!
Posted by
08-09-2010
at 7:10 PM
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Our friends at Harry Potter Fan Trips have announced a great trip surrounding the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1:
Join us November 18-19, 2010 in Seattle for a magical weekend of wizardry to celebrate the newest HP movie!
- Exclusive showing of the HP Exhibition
- Private HP Fan Trips IMAX showing of the movie
- Afternoon of activities at a true English castle
- Exclusive HP Fan Trips Gala Banquet
For more details, click here! It looks like a great time.
Posted by
08-26-2010
at 3:05 PM
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Our friends at Gimmee Jimmy's Cookies are raising money for Habitat for Humanity, and by helping them raise funds you can win a trip for two to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park.
To participate, simply click here and place an order for one of the special cookie orders they have available (I've tried 'em - they're delicious). For every pound of cookies you order, you'll receive one entry into the Wizarding World contest.
Each additional pound of cookies also sends an additional $5 to Habitat for Humanity. We hope you order, help a good cause, and win the trip!
Posted by
08-27-2010
at 12:30 AM
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If you're going to be in France this December, you may want to check out a "Magic Christmas" in Paris from December 18-19, 2010 at La Maison Internationale.
The conference's Facebook page has Tom Felton, Chris Rankin and Matthew Lewis listed to attend, as well as others who have worked on the Harry Potter films. Those who have done French voiceovers for Harry, Ron, Hermione and Dolores Umbridge will also be in attendance.
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in sessions with cast and crew, attend an autograph session and photo shoot, play games, enter contests and see a few magic shows. An orchestra will play music from the films throughout the conference. On Saturday night, a Sorcerer's Ball will be held.
If you're interested, check out the conference's Facebook page for full details. Thanks to Amandine!
Posted by Micah
08-30-2010
at 9:10 PM
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The Oprah Winfrey Show is looking for Harry Potter fans to share their stories about how Harry Potter has impacted your life. The description reads:
What life lessons has the Harry Potter series taught you? Did reading about the death of Harry's parents helped you cope with loss in your own life? Have the books helped you escape from a difficult time in your own life? If you could ask J.K. Rowling a question, what would it be?
Tell us how J.K. Rowling and the Harry Potter series has inspired you or your family. Please only write if you are a muggle and willing to appear on The Oprah Winfrey Show.
You can read more and write to the Oprah show at this link! At this time, we do not know when this Harry Potter episode will air. Thanks to Breanna for the tip.
Posted by
09-08-2010
at 10:05 AM
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You may know him as Harry Potter in the fan-made parody "A Very Potter Musical," but audiences worldwide may soon know him for his role in "Glee."
Actor Darren Criss has been cast as a gay student from a rival school, according to E! Online and Entertainment Weekly.
Are you a fan of "Glee?" Will you be tuning in to see Darren?
Thanks to everyone who emailed in with the tip!
Posted by
09-26-2010
at 8:25 PM
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Our friends at the Harry Potter Alliance are celebrating their fifth birthday this Sunday in Boston. The event will also be broadcast on Livestream for those who aren't in the area:
For the first time ever, wizards will be coming together from far and wide to the birthplace of the Harry Potter Alliance. Celebrate the amazing accomplishments of the HPA with videos, inspirational speeches from Andrew Slack and leaders of HPA partner organizations, live performances by Harry and the Potters, the Whomping Willows, Lauren Fairweather, and Justin Finch-Fletchley and the Sugar Quills, a presentation honoring the spirit and memory of our good friend and fellow HPA member Esther Earl, and a look back at what we’ve done over the last five years! This will be a huge celebration of our chapters, our members, and YOU!
For more details, click here. Happy Birthday, HPA!
Posted by
10-06-2010
at 08:30 AM
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If you're looking for a really unique way to celebrate the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2, our friends at Harry Potter fan trips have an itinerary that you'll love.
For seven years HP Fan Trips has provided authentic and memorable journeys into the world of Harry Potter. To celebrate the release of Deathly Hallows, we've taken only highlights from our top-rated HP Fan Trips to create the ultimate itinerary. Pack your trunks and set off on a vintage steam train excursion along the routes used in the movie. Enjoy a hike to Steall Falls where Harry defeats the Horn-tailed Dragon, and the Gala banquet at Edinburgh Castle. Join us in 2011 as the final chapter nears, and see why fans the world over choose HP Fan Trips again and again as their escape from the Muggle world.
Trips are filling up quickly, so please click here to view dates and packages!
Posted by
10-06-2010
at 12:10 AM
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The team at Embassy Suites have let us know that a diehard Harry Potter fan named Ashley is currently in the running for their "Über Fan" Contest on their Facebook page.
We wanted to share the news with MuggleNet fans so we could band together and help her win! It's because of her Potter obsession that she is one of the finalists.
The prize is impressive: $10,000 cash, 20 free night stays at Embassy Suites, and an iPhone 4. She's a diehard fan because she wrote her undergrad thesis on WWII parallels in Deathly Hallows, owns a ton of merchandise, has a big wish to go to the Wizarding World theme park, and much more.
You can help Ashley win the prize by visiting the Embassy Suites Facebook page. Good luck, Ashley!
Posted by
10-06-2010
at 11:30 AM
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On tour for his upcoming show, "Marcel's Quantum Kitchen" on the Syfy network, Top Chef's season 2 runner-up, Marcel Vigneron, recently visited the Universal Studios Resort in Orlando, FL and concocted several Potter-themed goodies using his trademark bizarre techniques, such as liquid nitrogen. What's more? Mr. Vigneron confesses to using MuggleNet (this very site) for his research and inspiration!
From Zap2it's blog by Hanh Nguyen: Served in a Chinese spoon, the butterbeer spheres are made with cream soda and a reaction between two chemicals. But first, Vigneron uses maltodextrin, which turns fat into powder, on some browned butter to make a nutty brown butter powder, which then gets a few drops of butterscotch flavoring. The spheres -- which are still liquid in the center, but held by a gossamer membrane that bursts upon eating -- are placed alongside the butter powder.
Our cooking section, Madame Rosmerta's Recipes boasts over 15 excellent Potter treats, with more being added frequently. For the full story from Zap2it, please click here. Additionally, you may want to check out our brand new interview with Dinah Bucholz, author of "The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook." MuggleNet currently has a contest in the works to win autographed copies of this delicious book.
Thanks to MuggleNet reader Hilary K. for pointing this out!
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The International Quidditch Association is looking to raise money to help fund the Quidditch World Cup and lend a hand to a great charity at the same time.
The IQA is selling t-shirts with 20% of each sale being donated to Book Aid International, one of the world's foremost library development charities.
Featured recently in the Wall Street Journal, the association hosts regional tournaments around the world, is looking to develop a grant program for their official members, and create outreach efforts to teach Quidditch to kids.
The World Cup is relocating this year to the Big Apple where more than 60 college and high school teams have registered to compete Nov. 13 and 14.
Posted by Micah
10-26-2010
at 06:15 AM
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With less than one month left until Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part One hits theatres, Harry Potter fans everywhere are making plans to attend midnight releases and other celebratory parties to mark the film's release in a big way.
One such event being held is the "Hordes of Wizards March" in downtown Chicago, IL. Stretching from Chicago's famous "Bean" monument and ending at the IMAX movie theatre on Navy Pier, Chicago Potter fans are donning their robes and walking along the lake for what is sure to be a very exciting public event on the night of November 18th. Most fans are then attending the midnight screening of the film at the Navy Pier IMAX, where select seats have been reserved. For more details on this event, check out the Facebook page at this link.
What are YOU doing for Deathly Hallows, Part One? Do you have a party you think that we should know about? Tell us in the comments!
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A truly magical journey can be a reality when you book with HP Fan Trips. With several tour packages and excursions available for 2011, the Wizarding World is only a swish and click away. In the past we've highlighted our excursions and featured activities, now here are what some fans have to say about their experience:
It felt truly magical--of course, being in Scotland helped! I wanted you to know how much we appreciated you careful attention to detail--you made sure that everyone was well-taken-care-of, and that everyone's wishes were fulfilled. Your sensitivity, kindness, generosity, and professionalism made this trip the most wonderful experience we have ever had with a tour. - LuAnn F, Bally, PA
I wish this trip lasted forever and would definitely do it again...It was the best time of my life. - Cheyenne H, CA
We did the pricing, if you tried to do everything on your own there is no way we could have fit it all in or paid what we did. An excellent value and so much was included! - Kristin K, Oakland, CA
Sign-up today and see why so many fans choose HP Fan Trips for their Harry Potter tour destinations. We're fresh out of Time Turners, so don't let the train leave the station without you on this final HP Fan Trip Adventure!
Posted by
10-31-2010
at 9:30 PM
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MSNBC recently did a special report on the sport of Quidditch where they interviewed high school captain Annabel Cryan and looked ahead to the Quidditch World Cup.
The event will take place from November 13-14 in New York City.
The video also mentions that our friends over at Alivan's are the title sponsor and financial supporters of the 2010 Quidditch World Cup.
Posted by Micah
11-06-2010
at 2:15 PM
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In anticipation of the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1, Warner Bros. Canada today announced Harry Potter fan appreciation day taking place Friday, November 12 at Yonge & Dundas Square in Toronto.
Fans are welcome and encouraged to dress as their favourite Harry Potter character and enjoy Wizarding World treats and the chance to win awesome Harry Potter prizing at the first ever Harry Potter fan appreciation hour.
DATE: Friday November 12, 2010
LOCATION: Yonge & Dundas Square
TIME: 4PM – 5PM
WHAT: Harry Potter fan appreciation hour, celebrating Harry Potter fans with Wizarding World treats and prizes
Posted by Micah
11-09-2010
at 4:25 PM
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Are you the biggest Harry Potter fan in America? If so, Moviefone wants you to prove it!
Submit a short video (no longer than three minutes) right here, telling them why you think you deserve to get the title!
Once you've uploaded your video, fellow fans and supporters can vote you up or down. On Monday, November 22, the entry with the most "up" votes will be crowned America's number-one 'Harry Potter' fan.
Good luck to all who enter!
Posted by Micah
11-09-2010
at 5:50 PM
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A few weeks ago we asked you to vote for this shirt to be printed by Threadless.
Well, the House Brawl shirt that you voted for came out on top and is now available for purchase!
Additionally, we'll be giving away five shirts to celebrate! You must be a US resident.
First five in the comments to answer who Prisoner of Azkaban is dedicated to will win a shirt!
Congrats to Alice on a job well done!
Posted by Micah
11-11-2010
at 12:45 AM
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The Harry Potter Alliance is uniting the entire Harry Potter fandom with the Deathly Hallows Campaign in order to battle seven horcruxes for our world. They are asking HP fans across the world to meet up with one of the 170 Lumos Parties (or start their own) across the Globe before the film on Thursday, and to sign their petition to persuade Time Warner to make all Harry Potter chocolate Fair Trade.
“We are going to make sure that none of the chocolate frogs we buy were made by child slaves on the Ivory Coast,” says HPA Executive Director Andrew Slack. “We have over 6,000 people who have signed their names. My question is if we can get that number to 10,000 before the movie opens?” If you’re in NYC you can join the biggest names in the fandom as part of a giant flash mob and parade from Columbus Circle to the IMAX theater in Lincoln Square at 8:00pm ET on November 18th. Check out the facebook event page.
If you cannot attend a Lumos Party, you can still participate online! There is a special livestream event on Wednesday, Novermber 17th starting at 3:00pm on the HPA’s livestream channel: www.livestream.com/imaginebetter. All day on Wednesday and into Thursday and Friday HPA members will be spreading the word about Fair Trade via social media! Include a #dhc tag in all of your tweets, ask a friend to sign the petition, or volunteer for our Campaign Staff by emailing deathlyhallows@thehpalliance.org.
Posted by
11-16-2010
at 1:05 PM
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Last weekend marked the 4th annual Quidditch World Cup (hosted in New York City), and believe it or not this is in fact a real sport! Over 400 schools from around the US and Canada compete a yearly tournament and the top 46 are invited to compete in the World Cup. Some of you may be wondering how exactly players fly on brooms... And so did we, so MuggleNet attended the event to find out!
Disappointingly enough, we discovered that players do not in fact fly (shockingly), but that isn't for lack of trying. Each player is required to have a broom between their legs at all times - partially because like all aspects of the game, all of the rules described in the Harry Potter books are respected, and partially because it probably just feels quite comfortable. Each team consists of chasers, beaters, a keeper and a seeker. Points are scored by throwing the Quaffle through the 3 hoops; if players are hit by a Bludger (think dodgeball), they have to drop the Quaffle and return to their team's hoops before rejoining play. Finally, when the snitch is caught (which is worth 30 points instead of 150), the game ends.
Despite being played on foot, matches in the Quidditch World Cup (QWC) are every bit as violent as its fictional counterpart due to rough tackles, rogue Bludgers and a serious desire to win! Ambulances were on hand to treat the injured since Madam Pomfrey couldn't make it; thankfully our friends at Alivan's were also there, providing wands for those players that needed to cast the odd Reparo charm to fix any smashed brooms.
Posted by
11-17-2010
at 7:20 PM
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The New York Daily News has online a photo of a New York City subway entrance that appears to offer an entrance to the Hogwarts Express. They write:
The number is visible on the south side of 14th St., just around the corner from the Regal Cinemas Union Square 14, which shows the seventh installment of the wizard films based on author J.K. Rowling's books, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1," at least 16 times daily.
The charmed sticker is slapped in the slot that featured a "W" until June when that line went out of service. The design mimics standard Metropolitan Transportation Authority signage and at first glance could pass for a relic from the defunct No. 9 line.
Read more at The Daily News! Thanks to everyone who sent this in.
Posted by
11-23-2010
at 09:00 AM
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Last week, MuggleNet's Andrew Sims debated Potter vs. Twilight with Twilight Lexicon's Laura Byrne-Christiano on a segment taped for AOL Moviefone.
Twilight was voted the winner and that didn't sit well with MTV's Terri Schwartz. She weighs in as to why Potter cannot be knocked from its pedestal by teenage vampires and werewolves.
Terri responds to each question in the debate, including comparing the two fandoms, discussing the book-to-screen adaptations, and as far as standing the test of time? Well, she says, Potter's got a theme park!
Posted by Micah
11-23-2010
at 10:35 AM
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Imagine sitting in the theater among fans and friends, moments away from viewing the final film in the Harry Potter series. For the past six days you’ve traveled to the same locations as seen in the films, experienced the magical world, and met new fans and friends all along the way. Celebrate the end of an era in the beautiful country that brought the beloved series to life – Britain!
Book from now until December 31st and receive these special Holiday Offers:
- The Crown Jewel Tour (July 9-17 2011 - 9 days/8 nights) Receive a special holiday gift box upon purchase – complete with a personalized certificate and photo album to use on the trip, and other unique surprises.
Ah! But there’s one more gift; as a Holiday Bonus, when you book these packages from now till Dec. 25th, you will receive them gift-wrapped, ready to present to that special wizard in your life.
For The Family:
- Scotland “Apprentice” Family Tour (July 12-17, 2011 - 6 days/5 nights) Designed with the family in mind, this trip highlights the beauty and exciting exploration of the Scottish Highlands. This itinerary includes the top-rated excursions and sights from the past seven years of HP Fan Trips.
  For Adult Travelers:
- England and Scotland “Sorcerer” Adult Tour II (July 9-17, 2011 - 9 days/8 nights) This itinerary has been specially designed with adults and teen fans in mind. It offers an exciting exploration of London, Oxford, the Scottish Highlands, Alnwick Castle and Edinburgh through the eyes of Harry Potter.
Posted by
11-29-2010
at 12:05 AM
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Our friends at Gimmee Jimmy's Cookies are raising money for Habitat for Humanity, and by helping them raise funds you can win a trip for two to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park.
To participate, simply click here and place an order for one of the special cookie orders they have available (I've tried 'em - they're delicious). For every pound of cookies you order, you'll receive one entry into the Wizarding World contest.
Each additional pound of cookies also sends an additional $5 to Habitat for Humanity. We hope you order, help a good cause, and win the trip! They're also a great idea for a Holiday gift.
Posted by Micah
12-14-2010
at 5:10 PM
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On December 21, 2006 a little door opened on J.K. Rowling's site. Well, not by itself. You had to click a mirror image of a tree, and then some other stuff, and eventually the fans had to guess the title of the 7th Harry Potter book themselves by playing a game of hangman. Or, perhaps, you heard it from us.
The title for "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" was revealed on this day four years ago on J.K. Rowling's official site. And the crowd went wild. Sparking a hesitation and concern that likely followed the book through to its eventual July 21, 2007 release, fans spent serious time trying to figure out what the book's title meant, and what it said about the journey before Harry.
We at MuggleNet are keen at looking back, and it is surprising just how much time has passed since that fateful day. Where were you when you found out about Book 7's title? Leave us your response in the comments!
Thanks to MuggleNet reader Kristin for the pleasant reminder.
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When Jeannette Parrish, a fifth grade school teacher from North Carolina, decided to travel to Scotland, she was unaware it would be the first of many vacations with HP Fan Trips. Over the course of 5 years she’s traveled 4 times with the popular HP Travel Group.
"It was the first time I had been to Europe, and it was a perfect experience to encourage me to do it again," she said regarding her first tour, The Scotland "Apprentice" Family Tour.
"While I enjoyed everything about the trip including the accommodations, the movie sites, the story tellers and the train ride, I would have to say that the Harry Potter party at Edinburgh castle introduced me to not only Harry Potter history but Scottish history too," she added, "It was stunning, these trips introduced me to a huge group of friends that I still keep in contact with today."
The initial visit was so wonderful, Jeannette followed up her Scotland Tour with 3 London / Scotland tours.
"By having a different tour guide each time, I saw and learned something new and wonderful from each visit no matter how many times I saw the sites."
This Holiday Season, you can put a bow on an once-in-a-lifetime experience. Book The Crown Jewel Tour (July 9-17 2011 - 9 days/8 nights) from now until December 31st and receive a special holiday gift box upon purchase – complete with a personalized certificate and photo album to use on the trip, and other unique surprises.
So Accio your passport, round up your loved ones, grab some Floo Powder, and travel with HP Fan Trips in 2011 now! As a Holiday Bonus, when you book these packages from now till Dec. 25th, you will receive them gift-wrapped, ready to present to that special wizard in your life.
Posted by
12-22-2010
at 07:55 AM
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Liz Riesterer walks across the Michigan State campus fully clad in wizard robes - and she does it for good reason. Riesterer, who received MuggleNet's Fan of the Year Award in 2009, is turning the attention she receives from her Hogwarts attire into funds and awareness for Tourette syndrome.
According to LivingstonDaily.com, Riesterer credits Harry Potter for helping her deal with depression, brought on by students who bullied her because of the disorder.
"The whole Harry Potter thing started in the seventh grade when I was dealing with depression from the constant bullying I received because of my Tourette's. I was reading the fifth book and saw how nobody understood or believed Harry when he said Lord Voldemort was back. That sort of thing stuck with me, and led me to believe that if I stayed true to myself, one day everybody would see me for who I am."
Riester hands out business cards to each person she meets. They provide links to websites (like this one) where people can learn more and find ways they can help to raise awareness about the disorder.
Posted by Micah
01-15-2011
at 07:30 AM
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