I am having a severe problem with the above game. I am addicted - I have done over a thousand of these little puzzles and I have still have a couple of thick books to work on. The addiction is not so serious when compared to the relationship I have started to develop with the individual numbers. Because the numbers are constantly looking at you or you them. They are very much become part of your reality. Here's what has happened.

Number 1 - its a signature of perfection but generally plays very little role in actually solving the puzzle - therefore it is lazy or unnecessary. Take it out of the loop and you'd probably not miss it. In the long term though removing it would extract what ever purity is left in the game and also where would one start counting from ? - not from Number 2 - its part of the evil trio.

Number 2 - just look at it. Fat up top, one slender line to stand on which is just a pretense of elegance. Also it is looking to the left . It probably votes for Harper/Bush etc. This number must really think itself very special. It is constantly teaming up with Numbers 6 and 9 to make up a concoction of mind splitting tricks. They have that "bring it on" attitude. My only consolation is I usually win against the b'tards but not after having developed a brain tumour. They are the bad boys of the game and wish the would go back where they came from but that might open the gates of Hades.

Number 3 - its a wannabe - not exactly an 8, not graceful like 7, not pure like 1 and not evil like 2,6 and 9. Rumour has it that it hates Numbers 4 and 5. It is something that goes back several hundred years and has never been resolved. We will probably hold a commission on this - in Canada they hold commissions about anything - nose bleeds, grocery trolley wheels and I believe they are still investigating why French people speak French. This inquiry has been going on since 1493, with the same judge holding the chair; don't even think about the aroma of that committee room. But this is in a country where they hang someone and in 100 years time they are a national hero. Note to myself - get hung.

Number 4 - I really like it, something is so lovely about the Number in fact I am actually or maybe in love with a number! You can write and display it in so many ways. It can be stoic, fancy, graceful and even over the top. In the puzzle it usually reveals its location early giving a buzz to the solver. Particularly if the puzzle solver is using solvents.

Number 5 - now there's a number - bold and looking forward. He's a fair player in the puzzle. Never causing to much pain nor giving it out for free. Shame about the belly, never like that on a person. Actualy never did go there - haven't I been lucky?

Number 6 - he's nasty see Number 2. It's also the day of my birth so it really lucked out once - otherwise it needs to be put in the bin. Aren't I an egotist?

Number 7 - oh yes my girl freind. You can look to the left with grace. Someone should really tell Number 2 and of course to the those with a liking to the left should know that you can carry it off without the neccessity of appearing inhuman. Oh dear I think I am writing about numbers as humans and thereby losing the plot in due course.

Number 8 - its always Christmas Day with this one. She hides the gifts under the girth; she cooks like a mad woman and she's - well - she's fat! I have had a couple of run ins with her in the puzzle arena. But generally she makes little difference. I bet she's lonely and only hopes she'll not be forgotten.

Number 9 - see Number 2- but a couple of comments. He's not a 10 and knows it so we can play with his mind whenever we wish. Maybe this feeds the evil; but whatever is all I can say. Aren't I hip?

Happy Birthday Mark, Fiona, and Wayne.

As always and ever shall be
Pxx