Plucky Canadian firm Corel had sad news to relate to the throng assembled at London Zoo for the launch of its latest CorelDraw software package. Balking at calling the new version CorelDraw 13, superstitious Corel had decided on X3. However, despite such efforts, the launch was doomed nonetheless.

The X3 packaging features Carlos the Chameleon, and Corel had lined up London Zoo's Christoper the real-life Chameleon as a body-double for the launch. But the curse of 13 struck the unfortunate creature, and he promptly popped his clogs after 40 years in the fast – er – slow lane, 48 hours before he was due on stage.

So remember, if you ever find yourself in a similar situation, make sure you have a backup chameleon, just in case.

18 Jan 2006