Eamonn Fitzgerald's Rainy Day

Nigel Newton, chairman of Bloomsbury, said yesterday that export sales for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, which will be published on 21 July, are already 17 percent ahead of the total overseas sales of the last Potter book. Part of the reason for the steep rise, according to Newton, is the number of people around the world seeking to learn English as a second language, especially in China, where sales are up by 226 percent on the last edition.

And here's the kicker: "Overseas readers don't want to wait for the time it takes for the books to be translated into their languages, which can be three-six months," Newton said. Question: What will all those translators turn their hands to now that their trade is obsolete? Suggestions on a postcard, please, in English.