Talk:Yakov Smirnoff/Archive

First thing, an apology: my browser doesn't support the format buttons, so I don't know how to bullet or indent this paragraph I'm adding. Anyway, I just wanted to say this: I fortified and enriched the section in the In Soviet Union jokes. What was there was poorly written, and didn't explain at all what has been "lost" in the modern invocations of formulaic "In Soviet Russia" jokes. The wiki really didn't give a very encyclopedic breakdown of the form and subtexts of Smirnov's jokes, nor a good description of the shift that's occurred to a more general, non-political formula for the jokes. There were a few points where I don't have faith in my word choice, maybe even some rough-spots, but I'm confident that my additions are far superior to what was there before. The previous author was either confusd, or wasn't a native english speaker, or was very very sleepy. Secondly: I think the ([dis?]proportionately large?) section on In Soviet Russia jokes should STAY on this page, because they truly are his legacy. But, if anybody wants to change "In Soviet Russia" to "In Soviet Union" throughout the wiki, feel free. I don't think it's important, especially since the wiki already includes information about the textual revision that Smirnov made to his form after the breakup of the soviet union.

Good stuff! A page detailing Wikipedia formatting can be found here: Wikipedia:How to edit a page --cheese-cube 06:16, 5 October 2005 (UTC)

• The vast majority of this page is about "Soviet Russia" jokes. Wouldn't it make more sense to move that to its own page and fill this one with more information about Smirnoff himself?
  • No, because he is famous for the Soviet Russia jokes. -- Victor
    • Here are a few quotes from him. It's true that most of his act was anti-Soviet humor, but this article is mainly about the formulaic, often nonsensical "In Soviet Russia, X Ys YOU!" jokes that seem to have developed on Slashdot, rather than the more diverse humor of Smirnoff himself. You know... like jokes with actual punchlines. AdamAtlas 21:43, 27 Sep 2004 (UTC)

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In any case, what about his "What a country!" jokes about US? --Jerzy(t) 15:56, 2004 Jun 11 (UTC)

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Did he ever really say "Soviet Russia"?

I remember when Yakov Smirnoff was actually doing his routine in the mid-1980's, and I am almost certain that he used the term "the Soviet Union" , but never "Soviet Russia". Can anyone check this in old videotapes, etc.? As it stands, pretty much every related article quotes him with "Soviet Russia", and I see it becoming like Carl Sagan's misquoted "billions and billions". -- Paul Richter 14:32, 24 Aug 2004 (UTC)

That is actually a good question. I can remember him saying "Soviet Russia" once or twice, usually he said "Soviet Union" on Night Court, where I remember him the most. (Doesn't leave the ol' noggin') JoeHenzi 08:36, 8 Apr 2005 (UTC)

Artwork

The article discusses the 9/11 mural, but no pictures or links. What gives? (I can't find anything on it, first I've heard of it) JoeHenzi 08:33, 8 Apr 2005 (UTC)

There's an article & pictures <a href="http://www.yakov.com/mural.html">here</a>, if anybody wants to link to it. --Calair 00:31, 23 January 2006 (UTC)

The KGB story

Is the story about KGB-FM true? Specifically that it nearly caused him to have an accident? This story has been a part of his routine for a long time, so it could easily be just a joke, but then just because it's in his routine doesn't necessarily mean it's untrue. Does anybody have a source where this is quoted as true (and unambiguously not as a joke)? - furrykef (Talk at me) 20:18, 24 May 2005 (UTC)

Do we know why and how the guy came to the US? It's a powerful meme, I can't help wondering if it is old cold war propaganda. Secretlondon 13:08, 8 August 2005 (UTC)

Russian-born from Ukraine

Hello,

It's not clear whether he Yakov Smirnoff is Russian or Ukrainian. Please clarify. --Hdante 18:58, 30 November 2005 (UTC)