Chieko married who?

I know I've been missing out on a lot of Japanese entertainment news but I saw this yesterday and I knew I had to talk about it. On August 8, actress/singer Chieko Kawabe filed for marriage with television producer Masato Ochi. Now, this normally wouldn't be a big deal. However, Kawabe is 21 and Ochi is double her age at 42. My jaw dropped at this news. I've watched Kawabe when she was Sailor Mercury in the Sailor Moon stage musicals; I watched her when she was Naru in the live action Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon drama; I enjoy her music immensely and have been awaiting more from her. And now she married a man twice her age. Well, I still wish her happiness and I hope that there isn't something (read: pregnancy) that forced her into the marriage.

Game review: First Class Flurry

Every little girl dreams of being a flight attendant when she grows up, right? Well, maybe not so much but now you can try your hand at the job without actually leaving your computer with First Class Flurry.You need to fulfill all of your passengers needs to the best of your ability. I really wanted to like this game. However, there are a lot of problems with it. Since it takes place on an airplane, there isn't a lot of room in the passenger area to move. Yet there is a full kitchen in the back so you can make them elaborate meals. Doesn't that seem wrong? This game would have been a lot better if it played a little more like an actual flight than some fantasy land flight. Otherwise, it's just an OK game.

Lessons for kids

I've debated signing my daughter up for horseback riding lessons. I used to do that back when I was a kid. Though I seem to remember that equestrian clothing is rather expensive. And, after all, she is taking ballet and tap classes. I don't want to sign her up for too many things at once.

Game review: Wedding Dash 2: Rings Around The World

Way back in September, I talked about Wedding Dash, a time management game from the creators of Diner Dash. Wedding Dash 2: Rings Around The World has finally debuted. While the game play is exactly the same, this time Quinn is traveling around the world to plan everyone's weddings. A photographer has also been added so now guests can request to have their picture taken. The speed problems have been resolved, which makes the sequel a lot more fun compared to the original. Even with the few added chores, such as chasing birds away from the reception and making sure one of the guests doesn't choke, I never felt like it was impossible to complete a level. It's the perfect level of difficulty. I'd easily recommend this over the original game.

I need a new TV

While we currently have a large screen television in our house, I think it might be too big. It also needs some repairs. There's a pink square in the middle of the screen and there's some scratches on it too. Unfortunately, these types of repairs are often expensive. That means I get to browse for new televisions and, of course, tv stands to put a new set on. It would be nice to have a bit more space in that area of the living room. We're running out of space for all our DVDs! On the other hand, I really like having the big screen television. It makes everything larger than life. Maybe I can talk my husband into a new big screen but not THAT big.

Game reviews: Fitness Frenzy

In Fitness Frenzy, you play Vicki. She has recently gotten herself into shape and she wants to share the joy of exercising with everyone. So she opens her own gym. You need to help all of your members find a good routine, learn how to use the equipment and cheer them on when they need it. Of course, sometimes the equipment gets sweaty so you'll need to wipe it down occasionally too. I know this sounds like a terrible game but I actually found it to be quite fun. It's a basic time management game so you aren't actually using the exercise equipment, just pointing people in the right direction. You'll find yourself addicted in no time!

Vacation is almost over

I've been on vacation for the past few days. It's been nice spending a couple of days away from the monotony of the every day. Tomorrow we head back to work. Like many people, we've been looking for new jobs. Of course that means going through the employment screening process. While I don't mind the interview, drug screenings and whatnot are annoying. I understand why they exist but that doesn't make it any better!

Game review: Mystery Stories: Island of Hope

Mystery Stories: Island of Hope is a hidden object game based on a Caribbean vacation. Natives claim a missing casket is from a curse while you, Michelle, think otherwise. You set out to prove your claim. For the most part, this is a typical hidden object game. However, there are a few things to change it up. In some levels, only one object will be shown to you. You have 30 seconds to find this object before the list moves onto the next object. I think this is the best way to challenge someone who plays a lot of hidden object games.

Another change is that some levels have audio clues. While I can understand why someone would want to make an audio hidden object game, I prefer to play games without their sounds as I listen to my own songs. So, in order to play these levels, I need to shut off my audio and turn the sounds back on in the game. It's not a ton of work but it would have been nice to have been warned of this beforehand.

As much as the audio level annoyed me, I found the rest of the game to be quite enjoyable. This is a wonderful game for the more experienced hidden object player. Unfortunately, this means that someone who doesn't play these games a lot may find this too difficult. Play at your own risk.