WB released a new HBP trailer yesterday, and it looks amazing. If you haven't seen it, check it out here at the lovely Leaky Cauldron. I suggest QuicktimeHD 1080px.

This is the most excitement I've felt about a Potter trailer in a long time. It feels like they've done a lot of things 'right' with this one. The memories look fantastic, and scenes like the bridge collapse and Inferi surge will be intense on the big screen. I'm most looking forward to seeing Tom Felton and Alan Rickman's portrayals of Draco and Snape. To see those characters finally fleshed out in movie form will be wonderful.

On a side note: the trailer is playing in front of Twilight when it premieres next Friday. Excellent timing on WB's part because the fandoms are so intertwined, but a bit ironic since HBP was originally slated for release on that date.

Northwest Norman got hit by golf ball size hail last Wednesday and I'm just now uploading pictures. Luckily, the broken glass at our place was limited to my driver's side mirror and a couple of flood light bulbs. Things look pretty dimpled though. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. More at my gallery, but here's a preview:

My dad had fun decorating the house again this year. We had some friends over, ate pizza, and watched Young Frankenstein while handing out candy. I wasn't at the door for this one, but my favorite costume idea of the night was the girl dressed up as a voting booth. She had people cast their vote by putting candy in their candidate's side. I'm curious what the final results were.

The cutest of the night had to be the toddler dressed up as a teddy bear. Her mom let us know that she couldn't quite get the 'trick-or-treat' line, but she was making do with 'candy.'

The kid that said 'Do it again!' after our shaking skeleton freaked him out by falling off its perch was pretty classic too. The thing just kept clattering on the porch after a collective squeal from the group.

Our front porch (or, 'Hey, kids! Find the doorbell!')

The view from the front door

Dad's pumpkin

My pumpkin

Our pumpkins at the end of the night. Mine's getting a bigger chimney next year.

My brother played his first show at the Opolis last Saturday with his band, Double Saginaw Familiarity. I managed to record a few songs, but quickly found that my camera doesn't handle volume too well, especially if there's a bass involved. The least buzzy of the bunch was "Cafeteria Crush."

The three guys on the left are from The Samurai Conquistadors. The whole band joined in for a couple of songs, including the most energetic rendition of "Hayley" ever seen. The crowd was really enthusiastic, dancing all night and chanting for an encore, which turned into this crazy jam from both bands. Great fun!