Rowling’s Muggle world

The new “Harry Potter” movie may be delayed, but at least we can talk about: “The Tales of Beedle the Bard.”

It’s J.K. Rowling’s new book of short fable-style stories set in 16th century Muggle society, a time before the wizarding world went into hiding (as they are in the “Harry Potter” novels). Thankfully, Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore puts the collection in context for modern Muggle readers, noting that “Beedle was somewhat out of step with his times in preaching a message of brotherly love for Muggles.” (Thursday)

My boss can’t stop talking about: Britney Spears’ “Circus.”

He’s got the preview tracks playing on repeat in his office. Apparently Spears’ latest album is “Jam after jam after jam!” We shall see. . . . (Tuesday)

You should have been talking about: Animal Planet’s “Living With the Wolfman”

Meerkats, shmeerkats. The more gripping and bizarre of Animal Planet’s reality series follows a man -- and his reluctant girlfriend -- who studies wolves by living among them. It concludes at 10:30 tonight with no mention of a renewal yet from the network. Will the couple make it intact to the end? (Tuesday)

Beyonce will be the reason people talk about: “Cadillac Records”

No doubt talk of Beyonce -- not to mention Sasha Fierce -- in the flashy role of Etta James, ‘50s soul great and potty-mouthed heroin addict, will overshadow her “Cadillac” costars. (But what you should really pay attention to is Jeffrey Wright as Chicago bluesman Muddy Waters. Guaranteed awards magnet if ever there was one.) (Friday)

Let’s again talk about: “Wanted.”

Angelina Jolie’s smoldering is reason enough to revisit the R-rated action fest about an office drone (James McAvoy) who wakes up one day to find out he belongs to a line of hard-core assassins. Jolie is so in her element that she almost makes you forget all about that ridiculous loom of fate. Almost. (Tuesday)

-- Denise Martin