Parker Bros. | "DESTROY ALL FANBOYS!"

Photo: AP

Man, it absolutely sucks to be seen as a token sexist tool by the huddled masses yearning to breathe free, but Hasbro asked, the fans decided and the trusty old Iron got the axe. I guess it evens things out a bit, as ol’ Mr. Monopoly cut loose that Howitzer a while back (“too violent!” the rabble voted), and the Purse (“out of style!”), Lantern (“what’s a lantern?”), Locomotive (“who rides trains anymore?”), Rocking Horse (“too dangerous for the kids!”), Man on Horseback (“ladies ride too!”) and oddly enough, Sack of Money (well, that last Wall Street crash probably did that piece in). Such is life in the crazy world of board games. And you though video games were too competitive! Continue reading →

If you have to have to update that busted old Scrabble set (or want to grab a new one for a gift that will last forever), I say spend the extra cash and go all out with one of Winning Solutions official (and officially awesome) Deluxe Scrabble sets. Ranging in price from $39.99 for the pocket size Deluxe Folio Edition to $199.99 for the already sold out Typography Edition, these are great editions of the classic word-making game that would be great additions to any collection. My personal favorite: the Giant Scrabble Deluxe Wood Edition that’s perfect for old fogies like me because the oversize board and tiles mean I can see what I’m misspelling with ease. Anyway, go get your word on if that’s your thing, I say. We need a LOT more in the way of smart people these days, and hell, you may as well have F-U-N while you’re expanding your brain’s horizons. Winning Solutions also has a nice collection of other classic Parker Brothers and Hasbro favorites, but you’re probably already poring over their page already, correct?