If anyone understands a Scrabble-addiction, it’s this former English major. The thrill of crafting a word over a “Triple Word” spot, getting points for an “X” on a “Double Letter,” or, king of kings, using all seven of your letters in one move…there is just nothing quite like it. But, as hosts of media reports told us this morning, Alec Baldwin has taken the obsession to a whole new level.
Going so far as to get kicked off a plane at the Los Angeles International Airport because he refused to stop playing Words with Friends, the popular Zynga (News - Alert)-based game of word competition, Baldwin began lashing out at American Airlines via Twitter. "Flight attendant on American reamed me out 4 playing WORDS W FRIENDS while we sat at the gate, not moving. #nowonderamericaairisbankrupt," he tweeted Tuesday night.
I think it’s safe to say that American Airlines is not bankrupt because it mandates that patrons turn off electronic devices before takeoff, although clearly, Baldwin disagrees. American Airlines did not comment on the occurrence as reports were vague about what sort of device Baldwin was using specifically, as well as the status of the plane when he was kicked off.
Furthering his tweet-rage, Baldwin blasted, "Now, as I was kicked off this flight, the word I was playing was UNITED."
Most of us understand how easy it is to get addicted to online games, just ask anyone who has played Angry Birds. And, while Words with Friends is highly addictive (it’s easy to get caught up in the competition and rush of trying to spell “JUKEBOX” over a “Double Word” score) most of us say that refusing to pause a game because you’re about to fly in the air is just inexcusable.
Words with Friends can wait, Baldwin. And if you disagree with me, I challenge you to our own war of the words.
Juliana Kenny graduated from the University of Connecticut with a double degree in English and French. After managing a small company for two years, she joined TMC (News - Alert) as a Web Editor for TMCnet. Juliana currently focuses on the call center and CRM industries, but she also writes about cloud telephony and network gear including softswitches.
Edited by Carrie Schmelkin
