Spulling Mistake??

The Americans are perfectly entitled to whatever spelling system they like in their own country, it's all about "Freedom of Expression" blah blah blah. ;-) I'll admit, it does irritate me though when I see words like:

Encyclopedia
Pediatric
Color
Favor

and WORST of all ........ "mold."

"What" you say??? Is this even a word?? I first came across this word during my summer in Chicago when I bought the final Harry Potter book. I genuinely struggled to figure out its meaning. After 5 minutes, LIGHTBULB!! What they really wanted to say was "mould." Now isn't that better. :-)

Please don't interpret this post as being the slightest bit anti-American either, I have loads of lovely American friends from that glorious summer in Chicago. Plus I've NEVER tasted pizza so good anywhere. Check out "Dués" on Ontario/Wabash and tell them you know me! I can also see the many benefits of adapting spelling in this way, English is convoluted enough as it is without making it more difficult to learn with weird spelling. Different strokes for different folks. It's just not the way I was raised....sorry I swear I didn't mean to paraphrase Miss California!