NEWS FOR THE DAY 19.05.06

New PotterCast.com Now Live

PotterCast.com, the Web site for our podcast, has gotten, once again, a huge facelift. Go poke around and have fun, but first here's the rundown of what you can find in this new version:

Flash player: Listen to PotterCast right on the site, with a customized streaming audio Flash player that is small enough to keep on in the background while you sit at your comp
Blogs: ALL the PotterCasters will be blogging on the main PotterCast.com page whenever a piece of HP news or issue strikes their fancy. Yes, John too; and don't think we're not scared to let him loose on you all. These will be updated a few times a week to reflect different viewpoints, and to just have fun.
Polls: We'll have show-related polls on the main page and inside the archives, so that you can let us know what you think.
Episode ratings: Rate each episode so that you can provide new listeners with an idea of some of the favorites.
Comments: Comment on the blog, comment on the poll, comment at the Leaky Lounge.
News ticker: All your LeakyNews.com news scrolls across the top of the page.
AJAX: Used in small ways, AJAX helps to improve the site's overall function.
Improved search: A much better search engine than we've had, with even more improvements to come in the near future.

Still there are all your direct download links and transcripts, with more great features - such as a "random moment" from each show as well as a highlights reel - on the way. And soon there'll also be a PCGear section, for PotterCast Tshirts and the like.

Big thanks for this project go to superstar Alex Robbin, our programmer who slapped it all together in less than week; John for designing the whole thing yet again, proving how even after a Jo smackdown we love him; Chris Chang for creating our cool new Flash player; Naomi, Doris, Kim, Jason, KimmyBlair, Sue and everyone who helped get all our information into tip-top shape inside the new system.

Enjoy, guys! More coming soon (and in less than 13.5 weeks, we promise).

Reminder: Voting for MTV Movie Awards Ends Tomorrow

A quick reminder that voting for the MTV Movie Awards ends tomorrow. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was nominatedin three categories, including "Best Villian" (Ralph Fiennes as Voldemort), "Best Hero" (Dan Radcliffe as Harry), and "Best On-Screen Team" (Dan Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson). To vote online, click here. You can also vote via cellphone by texting "MOVIEAWARDS" to 91757 to get the ballot. The MTV Movie Awards will air June 8.

Netscape Names Potter Actors as Best of British

Netscape has drawn up their list of "The Best of the British" and included some actors from the Harry Potter films. Of number eight, Ralph Fiennes (Lord Voldemort) they say "He's what we like to call the George Clooney of England, except with more talent and less girlfriends. Hey, it all evens out! " At number nine are the trio of Dan Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson.

"Yes, as long as these "Harry Potter" stars continue to do movies together, we will continue to categorize them together. I'm sure they don't mind - after all, they're three of Great Britain's richest teenagers. "

ThanksPage!

Special Auction for Tickets to JKR New York Reading

Last week when we told you that Jo was coming to New York City to take part in a charity reading, it was announced that there was going to be an special auction for tickets to this event. The auctionfor these tickets has now begun, and Bloomberg.com is reportingthat the prices are already up to $1,000 per ticket. This package includes two premium seats and a set of three autographed books, one from JKR, Stephen King, and John Irving, with proceeds to benefit the Haven Foundation and Doctors without Borders. The auction ends tomorrow, May 19 at 1pm. Some regular tickets to "An Evening with Harry, Carrie and Garp" for both nights (Aug 1 and 2) still remain.

Happy Birthday, Miriam Margolyes

It is fitting that May, the month for flowers, sees the birthday of our favorite Herbology professorMiriam Margoyles(Professor Sprout)! Today Miriam is celebrating her 65th birthday. Cheers! (and gooo Hufflepuff!)

Rumor of Filming for Phoenix Near Tower Bridge

We've received a report that some filming for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix has been taking place in London near Tower Bridge. They say that they have been shooting for the last four days in the Butlers Wharf areaalong the Thames. Readers will remember that last yearin an interview, Phoenix director David Yates did say he wanted to "do a great big wizard chase past the London Landmarks," and also spoke about filming along the river. We can not yet confirm the accuracy of this report, or if they will be filming again today. More when we get it. Thanks to the reader who sent this in!