Snape's birthday

[Matt]

> > Carol wrote:
> > Has anyone besides me wondered why the site says January 9 on 
> January
> > 8? I've been celebrating Snape's birthday a day early! Until now 
> the
> > site dates have corresponded with my computer's calendar.
> > 
> > Carol, confused as usual and apologizing profusely to the List 
> > Elves
> 
> 
Matt:
 
 Carol, if we are talking about JK Rowling's web site, it is likely 
 based on UK time, which would mean anyone in North America (or 
 Central or South America too!) would see the site saying January 9 
 in the mid afternoon and evening of January 8, because North 
 American time is "behind" the UK time due to N.A. being west of the 
 UK.  Thus, the UK and the site reach January 9 before N.A. does!
 
 As a side point, a similar issue happens when the book release is 
 embargoed to midnight UK time.  Everyone east of the UK can't 
 actually get there book until the UK hits midnight.
 
 Hope this helps!
 
 Matt S.W.