This week, we finish up our Patterns in Potter discussion for Book 5, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.  This time, we focus on Harry’s visions (courtesy of Lord Voldemort) and his driving urge to understand the truth of these visions, and what knowledge they can bring in aiding in the fight against evil.  It’s quite an interesting discussion, and we end up talking about Gödel’s Theorem, for those of you who know what that is (for those of you who don’t, that’s why there is Wikipedia), and discuss rationalism, existenialism and religion.

Send us your thoughts, we look forward to hearing from you! You can leave comments here on the blog or send in your voicemails to 206-337-0357 in the US or 07092899490 in the UK. Please make sure to keep the message as close to one minute as possible and try to speak loudly and clearly.

This podcast is brought to you by Audible.com. Download a free audiobook of your choice today at http://audiblepodcast.com/hp.

In the news:

• Vote for the Beedle The Bard winner.
• JK Rowling received Auther Of The Year Award. Again.
• Emma Watson made Maxim’s Hot 100 List.  Penny came in right before her though.
• No Moaning Myrtle in Half Blood Prince. The actress who plays her is busy checking out nursing homes (oh snap, that was mean.  I know.  I apologize to Shirley Henderson, but come on- she is old.)
• JK Rowling to write a “Story Card” with other notable authors.

You can listen to the podcast with the player below, or download it directly as an mp3.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

There comes a time in a person’s life when they realize, for the first time, that the world is not actually the way they thought it was.  That the picture they had in their mind about how the world works, the rules of the game, are suddenly gone.  It is the end of innocence.  When does this end of innocence occur for Harry, and for the series?  In this week’s show, we discuss when Harry Potter first comes face to face with a picture of the wizarding world that is not what he thought he knew.

In the news:

• Amazon.com bought “The Tales of Beedle the Bard”. Awesome reviews on their website .
• As mentioned before on HP Progs, JK Rowling came in 3rd for Time’s Person of the Year. Better luck next time you finish writing the world’s most popular book series that turned a generation back on to reading and inspired millions of people, Jo.
• JK Rowling gave her Fan Site Award to the Harry Potter Alliance. Next year, HP Progs (assuming that Greg ever writes his thank-you letter).
• New actors announced for minor roles in HBP movie.  Phew. I haven’t been sleeping at night wondering about who would play Marcus Belby.
• Stephen Colbert bested JK Rowling in the AP’s “Celebrity of the Year” .  As a member of “Colbert Nation”, I am happy for Stephen but think this is ridiculous.
• JK Rowling types REALLY fast.  You can see a video of her finishing Deathly Hallows. Thanks, ITV.

We are happy to announce that we will be attending Portus 2008, the Harry Potter symposium which will be held in Dallas, TX from July 10-13, 2008.  We will also be taking part in the Portus Podcast Palooza while we are there.  You may remember what a fantastic time we had at Prophecy 2007-  we hope you can join us this year!!

You can listen to the podcast with the player below, or download it directly as an mp3.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

So…we preordered a copy of the Order of the Phoenix DVD, but it didn’t arrive yet…so, we borrowed a copy so that we could watch the extra features and review them for the podcast but…there were no extras on the copy we borrowed….so instead we just watch a few scenes and offer our comments.  Hope you like it.

Mark you calendars: the first ever HPProgs call-in show is set to kick off at 11PM EST this Saturday, December 15.  Call in and talk to us about whatever you like!  It’s going to be awesome.  In case you’re too shy (or chicken) to verbally engage us, we’re pretty sure you can listen live.  The call in number is 646.595.4635, check out the call-in page for more details.

Looking for the perfect holiday present for a Harry Potter fan?  Why stuff their stockings with a Harry Potter t-shirt from the HPProgs T-shirt store.  It’ll guaruntee a Happy Christmas.

In the news:

• Jim Dale was nominated for a Grammy.  “Oh Hareeeeeeee!”
• JK Rowling is Barbara Walter’s Most Fascinating Person of 2007.  Let’s hope she wins the Triple Crown.
• The trio actors will be featured on Biography’s “Potter Kids” documentary.  Not to be confused with the “Cosby Kids”.
• Several HP actors have been nominated for Theatregoer’s Choice Awards.  Well done.  Well done.
• Tim Roth as Snape?  Say it aint so!!!!
• Dan says HBP movie is set to be the funniest of the Potter series.  Yeah, I always found the scene where Dumbledore  died funny.  Didn’t you?
• Happy Birthday Charlie Weasley.  Did you have a party for Charlie?  I did.  In my mind (quote from HP Progs listener David E.).
• JK Rowling has updated her site with some good new info.

You can listen to the podcast with the player below, or download it directly as an mp3.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.