Change is Stupid

Mattel, apparently because it has too much spare time on its hands, has decided to change the rules of Scrabble. Apparently now you can use proper names.

Fine, Mattel. Be that way.

A spokeswoman for the company said the use of proper nouns would "add a new dimension" to Scrabble and "introduce an element of popular culture into the game".She said: "This is one of a number of twists and challenges included that we believe existing fans will enjoy and will also enable younger fans and families to get involved."

Yes, by all mean, Mattel, try to cater to the lowest common denominator in a vain attempt to get the cool kids to spell stuff. And not even real stuff, but fake stuff like "nodoz" or "eminem" or "spanx."  I see endless arguments in my future. They do mention that they'll still sell boards with the old rules, but the genie is already out of the bottle. Or as Simka from Taxi would say, "It's like closing the barn door after the horses have eaten your children."

I just want to know how Mattel is going to reimburse me for the bajillion points I've lost out on over the years not being able to use proper nouns. Now get off my lawn.