The good, the bad and the ugly

REMEMBER free running? Yes, those folk inexplicably leaping over bollards and somersaulting across roofs as though their lives depended on it. If you always fancied a go then here's your chance.

The acrobatic sport has moved from underground cult to mainstream phenomenon with the launch of a new type of exercise class. Based on the principles of free-running, this outdoor workout uses everything from park benches to lampposts as exercise tools. Hour-long classes are held in the early evening and are designed to take the body – and possibly the public – by surprise by introducing new moves in each session. Classes launch in Scotland next month. For more information, contact Urban Gym (www.ratraceurbangym.com).

BAD

RENAMING a mountain after the one in the fantasy sci-fi hit Avatar is a step too far. Chinese officials have retitled the Southern Sky Column (though surely not it's original name anyway) in Zhangjiajie, Hunan province, to Avatar Hallelujah Mountain.

The landmark is said to have provided the inspiration for fictional word of Pandora in the film that has become China's biggest ever hit and earned 50 million at the box office so far. The municipal government website has also adopted the slogan "Pandora is far but Zhangjiajie is near", and tours of the locations that they claim inspired the film are on offer to visitors.

What next? Nessie being renamed Shrekkie or Ben Nevis becoming Brokeback Mountain?

UGLY

DOUBLE denim is back. A host of Shakin' Stevens lookalikes were met by rapturous applause – or stunned disbelief – as they stormed the Paris catwalks last week. This is a trend to leave well alone if you were tried it the first time around. But if not, step away from those stone-washed jackets.

This article was first published in Scotland on Sunday, January 31, 2010