Some find Pokemon to be a source of entertainment, while others would go as far as to dub it as evil. But a few people believe in its educational value. Ben Stein was thrilled to host the Pokemon Spelling Bee, located at the Los Angeles Public Library, as he finds that the games stimulate the young mind. And, appropriately, the grand prize was a $2,000 mutual fund that is geared towards the child's future education. But enough about the dry facts, lets get into what it was really like!

Arriving fairly early, the small lobby leading into the auditorium was fairly empty. There for the enjoyment of all were two GBA stations (with 4 systems each, just like at E3) with Pokemon Crystal equipped and ready to go. Although most of the kiosks were open, I decided to find the Nintendo representative. After asking a few workers, I was greeted (thanks to Billy's preparation) and was able to chat. Although nothing worth noting came up, the cheerful atmosphere was greatly appreciated. Meanwhile, at the lobby, Pikachu and Pichu were greeting the guests while the kids played the newly-released Pokemon game. Many got their pictures taken with one or both of the popular Pokemon.

Eventually, Ben Stein, the host of the Spelling Bee, came for a video interview with the Nintendo guys. As he was right in front of me, I was able to shake his hand and introduce myself. He asked me if PGC covered "Everquest," and seemed disappointed when I said, "No." I'm not sure if he plays that game or if he was just trying to make conversation, though.... Anyway, most of what he said was repeated during his speech during the Spelling Bee, though he did answer the question "What is your favorite word on the list" with "Bulbasaur....it evolves into a Pokemon with a big nose!" The way he said it was quite amusing, and once the interview goes online, be sure to check it out. You mean even hear me laughing in the background....

Eventually, the rest of the press arrived and I took my place in the Press section. After the two stuffed Pokemon let the kids and parents in, the room was abuzz with excitement. A girl from Radio Disney (and another that seemed to be the assistant) came out to MC the event, keeping the kids entertained. She didn't know too much about Pokemon, but the kids seemed eager to inform her. She asked questions such as, "How many Pokemon are there?" and "What was the hardest Pokemon to catch?" Numerous kids would respond at once, making it quite difficult for her to respond.... Before too long, Pikachu and Pichu came in to save the day, dancing their way to the side of the building and waving to all of the ecstatic kids.

After calling the names of the contestants and doing a raffle for a free GBA, the first round of the competition began. The first round involved translating Pokemon-related items from the "Unown" alphabet to English. Twelve or so words were displayed for three seconds each, while the 30 kids scrambled to get the right translation.

While the answer sheets were being tallied, the Radio Disney girl came out and attempted to keep the kids interest. She failed at the beginning--that is, until the second raffle took place! A lucky kid won a copy of Pokemon Crystal, and then the finalists were announced. Then, after a special introduction, Ben came out to do the two things he does best: asking questions and making speeches!

After complimenting the finalists and comparing the study of Pokemon to the likes of Ancient Greek, Latin, and Calculus for exercising the mind, everyone was ready to begin. There were easy words, hard words, and a few blunders on the kids part (forgetting the G in Pidget). Mr. Stein did a good job pronouncing the words (which could be anything from Pokemon) for the first half, and then was corrected by the speller when he messed a name up. Ben would then do a trademark "WHAT?!" expression, as seen on "Win Ben Stein's Money."

When all was said and done, the victor was contestant #105, who proceeded to run around the stage and hop up and down. It was amazing to see such sportsmanship on the runner-up's part (no doubt in part to the lessons learned in Pokemon): both boys would compliment and shake hands when getting a word correct, and did the same when one of the two messed up. Ben and Pikachu presented the talented boy with a novelty giant $2,000 mutual fund certificate and a trophy, and the audience proceeded to surround Ben, asking for autographs (I let them go ahead of me ;-). In the middle of the chaos, the final raffle drawing took place, and someone went home with both a GBA and Pokemon Crystal. Of course, that's somewhat funny, giving away a GBC game with a GBA, but I wouldn't have complained either.

Back in the lobby, Pichu--and later Pikachu--were getting their pictures taken with fans once again. For souvenir's sake (yeah, that's it....) I got a Polaroid with the older rat before leaving the Library.

It was fun to see kids get tested on what they love so much, and Ben Stein only added to it. And whoever says Pokemon is going out of style should have come to this event....those kids (of various ages) were totally engrossed in the day. And to remind everyone that Nintendo was in charge, the Nintendo representatives sported "The Nintendo Difference" shirts. Nintendo is slowly bringing everyone up to speed with its new motto, it seems. And that can only help the GameCube out.