Daily Loaf

It all began at 11 a.m. Saturday, and it continued until the wee hours of Sunday morning. It was a grueling task: no bathroom breaks, no speaking to friends or family who weren’t involved in the project — even eating was limited to what sustenance we could easily guzzle while poring over hours of video, trying to make connections that we’d missed, watching one of the world’s greatest stories unfold.

No, it wasn’t a covert government operation: It was Harry Potter Hoopla, the madman’s misadventure that served as my excuse for a weekend. Along with two friends, I agreed to watch all five of the Harry Potter movies — from Sorcerer’s Stone to Order of the Phoenix — before seeing the recently released sixth film, The Half Blood Prince (see Kevin Hopp’s review here). In one sitting.

See if I completed my epic mission after the break:

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The most popular film series since Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is subject to controversy even where none exists. Some religious groups see the film as corrupting the morals of children by depicting magic, which is the enterprise of devil. Others believe the series contains a hidden gay agenda.  Are homophobes just desperate for a new children’s movie to attack,  or does the world’s most popular wizard enjoy both being naked with horses and wand waggling boys?

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You don’t have to play quidditch or drink butterbeer (then again, why wouldn’t you?) to recognize Mary Grande Pre’s soft, colorful, evocative artwork. They’ve sold millions of copies worldwide as the whimsical cover art of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. All seven book covers are on display at Nuance Galleries, along with original bonus art from the HP book prints. To get the downlow on the sixth installment in the movie series, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, check out our review here. Visit nuancegalleries.com for more info. (Pictured: cover art from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince) Through the month of July. Nuance Galleries, 804 S. Dale Mabry, Tampa. 813-875-0511.

Opah! When My Big Fat Greek Wedding turned the world of rom-coms on its head a few years back, some of the most memorable moments (aside from the almighty panacea that is Windex) were the high-energy Greek circle dances. At tonight’s Greek Dance Workshop, dancers of all ages and skill levels are invited to try their luck at the ancient art of dance, led by the performers of the Levendia Troupe. Visit tarponarts.org for more info. 7-8:30 p.m. every Thursday in July., Heritage Museum, 100 Beekman Ln., Tarpon Springs, $20 for four classes.

This month’s selection in the “Dalí­ and Beyond” film series is Edward James: Builder of Dreams. James, an avid Surrealist art collector, poet, architect and Dalí­ patron, built one of the world’s largest architectural monuments to Surrealism, hidden in the jungles of Mexico. Recognized in his time as “a legend among legends,” James’ popularity has faded over the years, but the stunning legacy of his work lives on. (Pictured: James at his Surrealist-inspired estate, courtesy mexconnect.com) 6 p.m. Thu., July 16, Salvador Dalí­ Museum, 1000 Third St. S., St. Petersburg, $5, 727-823-3767, salvadordalimuseum.org.

Wine guide Charles Visalli leads Teach and Taste Wine, a series of workshops on wine etiquette, how to sample wine when dining out, wine varietals, the art of pairing food with wine and more. This week’s focus is “dessert wines and sweet treats.” E-mail timeforwine@tampabay.rr.com to reserve a spot, or visit carrollwoodcenter.org for more info. 6-7:30 p.m. Thu., July 16, Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa, $25, $20 for CCC members, 813-269-1310.