A few days ago, I did the dumbest thing ever and pre-ordered Harry Potter off Amazon.com

It was all in an effort to save a few bucks (I was ordering another book at the same time), but I realize now I could have gotten the book here (in England) for even cheaper and at nearly any store.

And since I won’t be getting my copy until, like, a gazillion years from now (i.e. 2 weeks), I’m forced to carefully, laboriously tread the Internet, mindful of any potential spoilers.

I’m talking to you, woman.

If you enjoyed the Animation vs. Animator movie, you’ll also like the follow up, Animator vs. Animator II, which was created by a different author. Not as well designed as the first one, but this one’s funnier and more creative.

Thanks Jon!

it’s for my sister

You know, the 20-something tough guy with the ripped jeans and tank top who vehemently denies knowing anything about Harry Potter. Then he’s spotted on release day lining up at the local bookstore with all the other Potter nuts in full Quidditch gear.

You know, I was thinking this morning about some of the truly deep questions of humankind, and I realized something.

Harry Potter is big

No, I mean, think about it: The movie version of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix comes out July 13th, about two weeks or so after most kids are out of school.

Cha-Ching!

The movie precedes the final seventh book, so that will increase ticket sales even more. And then there’s the fact that the Harry Potter movies are family friendly ventures. I didn’t particularly enjoy them, but they’re certainly watchable for adults.

All this adds up to the fact that the fifth Harry Potter movie is going to rake in an absurd amount of money. Definitely the biggest blockbuster of the year.

And then there’s the book.

Hooo Booy!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is going to be released on July 21, 2007. The title, by the way, is absolutely crap. Might I suggest one for the ’secret’ eighth installment? How about Harry Potter VIII: Hermione Goes Legal.

I wouldn’t be surprised if this day sets some kind of record for the “Most Number of People Reading a Book”. The book has already set a record for the most number of pre-ordered copies.

And don’t get be wrong, it’s a wonderful thing. Having a book that unites so many people and get so many people reading in this day and age — well, that’s a magical thing in itself.

Sure, I’m a enthusiastic fan of the series. In fact, the Harry Potter books numbered 1-6 are almost the only books in my bookshelves that aren’t exclusively technical textbooks about math. It makes a bit of an odd highlight if you’re browsing through my library.

I’ve enjoyed all of them including my favourite: The Order of the Phoenix, and least favourite: Chamber of Secrets, and I look forward to wrapping things with the seventh.

One day, I was talking to another ‘Potter’ fan, and we were discussing the issue of closet-Potters.

You know, the 20-something tough guy with the ripped jeans and tank top who vehemently denies knowing anything about Harry Potter. Then he’s spotted on release day lining up at the local bookstore with all the other Potter nuts in FULL Quidditch gear.

The truth is, the books may not be the most brilliant piece of writing to grace mankind — but they’re undeniably magical. It’s the best kind of escapism.

And whether you’re a 10-year old kid or a 25 year old adult, everybody wants that kind of escapism.

It’s light, frothy fun, and it’s hard not to deny the book its charm.