Chain reaction

You know, asides from cling film, checkout assistants and faulty DVDs that stop the film seconds from the end, there aren't that many things that drive me up the wall.
And then there are my so-called friends.
I might have seen them earlier today, or 10 years ago, but I never EVER realised they were THAT superstitious.
I have to admit a large percentage of the 'junk' emails I receive at work and at home are from my friends.
And they always begin a little like this: "PLEASE don't delete this, this is wonderful and it works."
Yet more dribble later (usually with with some nancy picture)... is: "Keep the chain going...."
Who really gives a flying whatsit?!
Is little Jessica going to die if I don't send the email on to 20 people who will ultimately hate me for doing so?
Will I be better in bed for not sending another chain email within 15 minutes?
I think not.
It's not bad luck if you 'break the chain'.
The way I see it, it's bad luck to receive chain letters. And even worse luck for the so-called friend who sent it when I see them again.
WAKE UP PEOPLE! Focus the time spent on reading the email on something useful.
Such as telling friends to NEVER bother you with such tosh again.
I have to admit I was once the sort of person who would forward these chain letters on, but then I left primary school and decided I knew right from wrong. Only now through this blog can I reveal how annoying they are.
And here's the interesting bit...
There are currently no laws in existence to ban chain letters. Yes they are generally regarded as a nuisance simply because they clog up inboxes.
In fact, Himmelsebriefe ('Heaven letters') date back to the Middle Ages.
According to some sources you can even look at the Egyptian Book of the Dead as a chain letter as it promised resurrection to those entombed with a copy.

REVIEWS:

Title: Wario: My Word Coach
Platform: Nintendo DS
RRP: £19.99
Hit count: 3/5

"It's like scrabble but way cooler," a friend's son said after 10 minutes of fevereshly testing out My Word Coach.
Having grabbed the DS out of his hand to try it out myself, I tend to agree.
I have to admit, the thought of most development titles bores me to tears but I actually really like this one.
A particular feature I like is the way the title automatically adapts the difficulty level to match the skill of the individual user.
Rather than going through a series of levels where you are forced to spell two letter words, you can almost immediately really test yourself and, ultimately learn.
Boasting more than 16,800 words, My Word Coach will actually help the user to adapt and develop their vocabulary. Users can also choose from four different personal coaches to guide them through the learning process.
The game's developer, Ubisoft, also boast that it will 'develop your ability to express yourself with confidence and persuasion'. Now that, in my case, is still to be proved.
Nonetheless, every little helps right?
Surely it's only a matter of time before teachers allow students to bring in their consoles to use as learning tools...? The way of the future perhaps.


Title: My Horse & Me
Platform: Nintendo Wii
RRP: £29.99
Hit count: 4/5

When My Horse & Me landed on my desk my immediate thought was 'developers are really scraping the barrel now...'.
However having jumped on (sorry...) and given it a go, I have to say the title is one of the most imaginative and refreshingly fun games out there.
Whether you want to simply gallop around at your own free will, train and take part in championships or simply care for your horse, every option is open.
Many of the world's well-known championship locations are featured making it as realistic as possible.
The title also looks lush with colourful and rich graphics enhancing the experience.
Me? I'm not a horsey person having (in my childhood) perfected the art of planting my face in the ground rather than successfully horse 'riding'.
But I can still enjoy this title and those with and without a passion for equestrian sports will feel the same I'm sure.


Title: Imagine Pet Vet
Platform: Nintendo DS
RRP: £29.99
Hit count: 3/5

Continuing with the animal theme, Imagine Pet Vet is another innovative title which makes good use of the DS' capabilities and tools.
The idea behind this title is for the user to start up a vets business and learn and acquire new skills to become a master vet and develop the practice into a hospital.
Users can take care of a variety of animals including cats and dogs, pigs, rabbits and horses.
Throughout the game users use the Nintendo DS stylus as a stethoscope, a thermometer and even a microscope to examine and treat the poorly animal.
Can you save poor Jess in time? You hold the key to her life.
Possibly best suited to the younger gamers, Imagine Pet Vet is a lot of fun, and - as most Nintendo DS titles seem to be - educational.