In the Pocket of the Beholder

Now, with the global recession reaching the furthest and darkest corner, even potential consumers of old-fashioned board games are trading down.

And where else are we to find the most compact and efficient version of Hungry Hippos, than in Japan. Here we have Hungry Hippos...

...on a keychain!

$6.50. Ideal for those who need to carry all their entertainment needs in a trouser pocket. Also ideal for those who have delicate fingers and are not prone to breaking things. The packaging says, in the big red star, "with Limited Gameplay". And this should be warning enough.

But if you're still looking for a portable solution to your old-fashion diversion needs, then look no further than the....

....magnetic dart board on a key chain!


Now, anyone who has ever played magnetic darts has wondered how this genre of game did not die out together with Mr Frosty. But making a pocket version creates a whole new dilema - shall I buy it, knowing full well that it is completely useless?

And this reminds me a little of the market. While junk can be tempting in the short term, it often leads to regret upon reflection.