Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Entertainment/2007 June 12

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June 12

Potter versions

I've resolved that if I ever read Harry Potter it won't be the condescendingly Americanized editions. My friend Amy, an itinerant book-dealer, offers to pick up The Philosopher's Stone on her next visit to Vancouver, but suggested that I try to make sure that the text as published in Canada is the original. Anyone know for sure? —Tamfang 06:05, 12 June 2007 (UTC)

Are you sure that the text is different in the American editions? Our article on the subject makes no mention of this, although it does state that the title of the first book was changed to The Sorcerer's Stone for the American market. Personally I would be very surprised (and a little shocked) if Rowling had agreed to the text being changed. Where did you hear this? BTW, you could always order a copy from Amazon in the UK [1] if you wanted to be sure of getting the original edition. --Richardrj ^{talk email} 07:28, 12 June 2007 (UTC)

Actually, they mention the Americanization of the US version in our article on Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone; apparently, they changed spellings and even some words. If you want to be sure it's the original version, look for the Bloomsbury UK editions. Iachimo 10:11, 12 June 2007 (UTC)

As far as I know, the text was only altered in the first and sixth books and these alterations (aside from spelling) were very minor.

Well, if mum was indeed changed to mom throughout, as the article suggests, I think that is unjustified. --Richardrj ^{talk email} 11:49, 12 June 2007 (UTC)

Changes are to things like 'sweater' instead of 'jumper', and 'cookie' instead of 'biscuit'. And I suppose the US words for 'crisp' and 'fanny', if it should come to that. The Canadian version is the same as the UK version. The US version is also illustrated (one illustration per chapter, which gives the US books a different page count). Anchoress 12:10, 12 June 2007 (UTC)

As evidence that, as Anchoress says, quite a lot of changes were made to the books for the American market (more in the earlier books than the later books, leading to confusion for some American readers. This was presumably because she had more clout when the later books were released, although she diplomatically claims to be happy about the changes. If that were really so, why would she retain 'sherbet lemon' in the later books, when it gets changed to 'lemon drop' in the earlier books? But I digress...) I give you the Harry Potter Lexicon's guide to the changes. Enjoy! Skittle 21:21, 13 June 2007 (UTC)

The fully Americanized edition, did away with the text and just used easily understood pictures, in big bright colours sorry colors, Barney & Friends did an intro, sold well i heard...(oooh you'll pay for that one Perry) Perry-mankster 12:38, 12 June 2007 (UTC)

I never understood why the American versions are illustrated, and was horrified when I found out. Is this common practice in American books for older children and teenagers? Skittle 21:23, 13 June 2007 (UTC)

CCCP t-shirts

Could anyone give me some history about T-shirts with "CCCP" in bold lettering? When and where did the style first appear? Are they mimics of "USA" T-shirts? Are they made by one specific company? Thanks for any information! --Kaasje 06:30, 12 June 2007 (UTC)

I remember them well in the 80s. They were an example of radical chic, capitalising on the strong imagery of Soviet art. Presumably the wearers of such T-shirts were either oblivious to Uncle Joe's less pleasant activities, or of the opinion that it didn't matter as long as a strong fashion statement was being made. --Richardrj ^{talk email} 07:22, 12 June 2007 (UTC)

The Soviet union sports teams wore red shirts (or athletics vests) with CCCP on them for a number of years. USSR national football team shows the design. Perhaps back then people were more fans of Ivan Drago than Uncle Joe.  slυмgυм [ ←→ ] 19:05, 12 June 2007 (UTC)

• I remember them during punk along with red stars.I think it was a cocking a snook at authority type thinghotclaws 07:05, 13 June 2007 (UTC)

Jaws

When was the exact release date of Jaws 3 the movie?

In USAland, it was 22 July1983, sez IMDB, but that's no more information than the article Jaws 3 would have told you.  slυмgυм [ ←→ ] 19:10, 12 June 2007 (UTC)