YouTube of the Whenever: The Last Days of Soviet Russia: The Reckoning (Part 3)

A great escape, an epic swordfight, and a funny (if thought-provoking) conclusion.

The fall of the Soviet Union can best be explained in two words: human nature. Humans are generally good-natured, but tend to be greedy, lazy slobs. In a perfect world, communism (and other utopian ideals) would work - but ours isn't a perfect world. Democracy and capitalism (with a reasonable degree or regulation) are the governmental and economic systems that best suit a species that values free will. Anything else falls short in some way or another.

Tons of HS: Triumphant scans on Pokebeach!

The HS: Triumphant Prereleases are here at last! It looks like an OK set, in spite of it not having Lost World like everyone expected; no biggie to me, since a) Gengar Prime is still pretty dangerous without it (especially with Gengar Lv. X), and b) it just gives us something to look forward to in the next set!

The HS: Triumphant Prerelease promo is apparently Electivire, and the sleeves feature Celebi.

If you don't mind spoilers, most of the card scans can be found on Pokebeach.

YouTube of the Whenever: The Last Days of the Soviet Union: The Reckoning (Part Deux)

As promised, here is Part 2 of of The Last Days of the Soviet Union: The Reckoning. When we last left our hero, he was traveling throughout the Soviet Union, making a documentary. In Part 2, he continues his quest, traveling from Moscow to East Germany (where he barely escapes with his camera), taking a side trek to the Kazakh SSR before finally ending up in Vladivostok. Unfortunately, the KGB have set a trap for him.

Will our hero escape? Stay tuned for Part 3 to find out!

10th Anniversary Mew Wireless Download

It's cute, it's pink, it's furry, and it literally knows every trick in the book. And on October 15-30, 2010, it can be yours!

Yes, Pokefans, in honor of the 10th anniversary of Pokemon Gold and Silver's debut in North America and Europe, owners of Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver (not so sure about D/P/P) can download Mew onto their cartridges. It comes in a Cherish Ball and carries a Premier Ribbon (not a Classic Ribbon like most downloaded Pokemon). Best of all, it's at Level 5 and only knows Pound, so you can customize Mew to your heart's content. Happy training!

Pokemon Black and White US release date

According to people who preordered Pokemon Black and White at Gamestop, the much-anticipated 5th Generation Pokemon games will come out on April 22, 2011. Those who preorder them (as I hope to in the near-future) will be given the opportunity to download Zoroark into their games. It is unknown whether this will be a direct download or via a shiny Legendary Beast like in Japan.

Also, I picked up a copy of Pokemon Ranger: Guardian Signs yesterday after work, and I can't seem to put it down! It's every bit as good (or even better) than the previous games. The Sign mechanic adds new dimensions to play, the Pokemon Assists have greatly improved, and the mere idea of riding on a Legendary Beast is thrilling. Pick it up if you haven't already.

YouTube of the Whenever: The Last Days of Soviet Russia: The Reckoning (Part 1)

Here's a little-known gem from YouTube: a college Economics student's project about the fall of the Soviet Union. In this 3-part movie, a disgruntled nail factory worker (who looks an awful lot like my friend Danny from Pokemon League) obtains a video camera and sets out to make a documentary film exposing the Soviet Union's glaring economic problems. Along the way, he talks to peasants in Ukraine and city-folk in Moscow, who express their complaints candidly. All the while, the KGB is hot on his tail - sorta.

Will our hero succeed in his task, or will the KGB catch him in the act? Stay tuned for Part 2 in a few days!