Babel, the Movie and the Fish

I just added yet another nifty tool for bloggers: a Babel Fish translator for my web page (check out the right side bar). With this button, one can translate my entire blog to the language of choice: French, Italian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, German, Portuguese or Spanish. Of course my use of this little toy presupposes certain, well, huge assumptions not the least of which is that there is someone reading my blog. Anyway, the code for this tool is pretty short and adding it to your web page or site is quite simple. One thing I like about it is that even the linked pages in my blog are likewise translated for the convenience of the reader. Best of all, you don’t have to stick it in your ear (see Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams). Shiny!

And speaking of Babel, there’s an upcoming film of the same name starring, inter alia, Brad Pitt (12 Monkeys, Se7en), Kate Blanchett (Elizabeth, Pushing Tin) and Gael Garcia Bernal (El Crimen del Padre Amaro, Y tu Mama Tambien, Motorcycle Diaries, Amores Perros). Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu and written for the screen by Guillermo Arriaga – both of Amores Perros and 21 Grams fame – the film is said to be a strong contender for the Cannes. Judging from the trailer, awards may well be forthcoming. Here are two good reviews: one by Rolling Stones and the other by Hollywood Reporter. Check out the movie’s official website too.