I’ve long kept a list of “unexpected”, “strange” and “just plain barmy” film/tv title translations somewhere but I’ve searched high and low and suspect that it went in the bin during the last big declutter so I’ll have to start a new one.

My all-time favourite has to be The Avengers, shown in France as Chapeau Melon et Bottes de Cuir (Bowler Hat and Leather Boots). A search produces a few lists such as Bond film translations, a rather dubious one here (I’m going to cross check these) and another (with sound effects) but the focus is currently on the film Lost in Translation.

So back to the list – any good title suggestions from you guys?

I might be tempted to watch tv tonight – at 20:00 (UK time) on Sky Cinema 1 we have Les Visiteurs with the gorgeous Jean Reno. Very funny. And much, much better than the appalling Hollywood remake. Here’s one review:

This IS a silly film but delightfully put together. It combines some wonderful farcical moments and superb over acting.The imcomprehension (of the two 12th Century visitors) in regard to 20th Century France is wonderful. The sending up of the stuffed shirt Bon Chic, Bon Gens (BCBG – Yuppies to the uninitiated) Montmirail family and their total accpetance of Jean Reno and Christian Clavier as possible long lost relatives is wonderful. It does not matter that this is in French with subtitles… you won’t notice them as the action is so obvious that everyone can understand it. Get yourself a baguette, some brie, open some red wine and thoroughly enjoy yourself…

Or at 20:00 on Sky Cinema 9, The Pledge with Jack Nicholson. Very disturbing. The only film I’ve seen that makes me understand why Nicholson is so highly thought of.

Morgaine and Richard are baring their blogging souls so…

Abstract thoughts [eh?].
Loves reality and abstract [eh?].
Intelligent and clever. [See above.]
Changing personality. [Even as we speak]
Attractive.
Sexy.
Temperamental [very].
Quiet, shy and humble.
Honest and loyal.
Determined to reach goals.
Loves freedom.
Rebellious when restricted.
Loves Hates aggressiveness.
Too sensitive and easily hurt. [Oh too true]
Gets angry really easily but does not show it.
Dislikes unnecessary things.
Loves making friends but rarely shows it.
Daring and stubborn.
Ambitious.
Realizing dreams and hopes. [Bit vague that?]
Sharp. [Can be.]
Loves entertainment and leisure. [What?]
Romantic on the inside not outside. [Very true]
Superstitious and ludicrous. [Ditto]
Spendthrift. [Ditto.]
Tries to learn to show emotions. [Ditto]

I should add that you can get the full list of months from Morgaine.

And *cough* the results in full.

You can take the test here. Some would say that it should be renamed “How much of a gadget tart are you?”

US cash machines infected with worm

Cash dispensing ATMs belonging to two US financial institutions were shut down when the computer worm Welchia invaded their embedded Windows XP operating systems in August. Diebold, the Ohio-based company that makes the machines, revealed the security breach on Tuesday.

[via Outwardly Normal]

Will Carling and friend demonstrate their life saving skills.

Still licking the wounds after a dreadful weekend. Normal service will be resumed shortly.

Postscript: Lest anyone should think that your host is [gritted teeth] English, may I remind them that as an ex-pat Welsh person living in England, I believe it my duty [clenched fists] to transfer loyalties to the England rugby squad as soon as the Welsh squad have left Australia. Aythangyew.

With apologies to Spengy

England v Australia

[with apologies to Mr Chuck Berry and to the rest of the England squad but I've only got time to massacre one song]

Jonny Be Good

Deep down in Frimley close to old Camberley
Way back up on a street in the heart of Surrey
Stood a semi detached house made of brick and wood
Where lived an English boy named Jonny So Good
Who quickly learned to read and write and all
But he could kick the ball like no-one at all

Go go
Go Jonny go
Go go go Jonny go
Go go go Johnny go
Go go go Johnny go
Go
Jonny So Good

He used to carry his ball in his school rucksack
Go stand before the posts on Frimley Green rec
Oh, the locals would see him running in sun and shade
Kicking that ball o’er the posts until the sun did fade
People passing by they would stop and say
Oh my that little English boy could play

Go go
Go Jonny go
Go go go Jonny go
Go go go Johnny go
Go go go Johnny go
Go
Jonny So Good

His mama told him “someday you will be a man
And you will be the hero of rugby mad land
Many people coming from miles around
To see you kick that ball until the game is won
Maybe someday you will be in lights saying Johnny So Good”

I’ve been enjoying some new photography sites this week, starting off with London street photography by Matt Stuart [via Green Fairy]. This led me to in-public and a host of other great sites:

* Nick Turpin

* Melanie Einzig

* Dod Miller

* Bryn Campbell (especially the British beach pictures)

* Jesse Marlow

Closer to home, Sensiti has cunningly kept some beautiful pictures to cheer us up on these dark November days while Gert and Harriet have been documenting the Bush visit for those of us unable to protest in person.