Well, it's Day 2 of this event, and nothing was much different than yesterday's. I still had to manage my stand, and I still cosplayed. As I knew this was going to be the case, I simply reused the costume I wore yesterday, third-generation Ash, since it was still fresh. Typically for multi-day events I try to wear different costumes on both days, but if I can't for reasons of practicality, convenience, or anything else, and the costume still happens to be fresh, then I will wear the same costume again instead of breaking out another set.
As I suspected, most of the cosplayers came today, making it a good day for cosplay. Today also happened to be the day when the cosplay walk or parade competition for this event was held, so that helped. Unfortunately I failed to participate in the competition since the registration was online on social media and I missed the part where I was supposed to register. But that's OK - there will be others soon enough. I'm sufficiently pleased to just be able to cosplay.
After having evaluated all the stands, I finally acquired a few Pokémon-related things to add to my collection, but they're neither much nor big. Some were even given to me as courtesy, which was honorable. Regardless, those things will be discussed rightfully in their own post to keep this one uncluttered and relevant.
As for the rest of the event, today it didn't rain, so it felt drier. However, the event, like yesterday, also ended earlier than I thought it would, which was also how a few of my cosplayer friends felt. That's also OK, since it is convenient to not have to cosplay for nearly half a day. Even so, the event was a far cry from last year's edition, which was fraught with problems from the venue and the weather, which wasn't at the same place and was even more open-air than this year's. I'd say I'm ready for a future edition if the event keeps improving like this.
Sunday, April 30, 2017
Saturday, April 29, 2017
Cosplay: ComiCamp 2, Day 1
It seems that quite a few of the events that happen this year are events that are happening for the second time, and this one happens to be one of those. This event can be said to be a local version of Comic Market-style events, of course with all the frills of typical Japanese events. That means cosplay is included, and this time I chose to go back to my roots and cosplay third-generation Ash. The choice was made because it was one of the few costumes that I hadn't used in the venue of the event, and there have been quite a few events in the venue in the past.
Speaking of venues, the problem with this one is that while there is a roof over it, the sides are exposed to the air outside, so if it rains, then it will be somewhat moist - and it did, and it was. It's something that has happened for the past few events that were held in the same venue, and it has happened again for this one. Fortunately the rain overall was not disruptive to the course of the event as well as to the community and merchant stands.
As for cosplay, it has been a slow day; come to think of it, it has been a slow day for everything. Today is after all a Saturday, and local Saturday events (with the exception of one in particular) are generally slow and lacking in attendance. I didn't see many cosplayers on the floor, so I was one of the few that actually did cosplay. The day also ended earlier than I thought it would; today's events actually ran until about 6:30 PM, while most stands already closed up 15 minutes earlier, and by 6:45 PM few people were left. That is why I was able to go home early and write up this review.
One other thing: I did not see many Pokémon collectibles by the independent merchants, or at least not one that I've found captivating and/or unique enough to bring back, but that's also because I could only browse through the merchant stands quickly as I was managing a community stand with the help of friends. I'm going back to them tomorrow to rethink if I should get their offerings. Tomorrow is Day 2, and the event goes on; I expect more of the same, but with a greater crowd for everything. That should hopefully mean a lot more fun.
Speaking of venues, the problem with this one is that while there is a roof over it, the sides are exposed to the air outside, so if it rains, then it will be somewhat moist - and it did, and it was. It's something that has happened for the past few events that were held in the same venue, and it has happened again for this one. Fortunately the rain overall was not disruptive to the course of the event as well as to the community and merchant stands.
As for cosplay, it has been a slow day; come to think of it, it has been a slow day for everything. Today is after all a Saturday, and local Saturday events (with the exception of one in particular) are generally slow and lacking in attendance. I didn't see many cosplayers on the floor, so I was one of the few that actually did cosplay. The day also ended earlier than I thought it would; today's events actually ran until about 6:30 PM, while most stands already closed up 15 minutes earlier, and by 6:45 PM few people were left. That is why I was able to go home early and write up this review.
One other thing: I did not see many Pokémon collectibles by the independent merchants, or at least not one that I've found captivating and/or unique enough to bring back, but that's also because I could only browse through the merchant stands quickly as I was managing a community stand with the help of friends. I'm going back to them tomorrow to rethink if I should get their offerings. Tomorrow is Day 2, and the event goes on; I expect more of the same, but with a greater crowd for everything. That should hopefully mean a lot more fun.
Friday, April 28, 2017
Pokémon Floor Mat
So here's one of the items that I purchased the other day to add to my collection and to enliven the place where I live. It's a Pokémon floor mat, and it's a pretty big one. My plan is to be able to place it somewhere in my room as I reorganize and rearrange it, but looking at the size of the mat, this may or may not happen. I've measured it, and the mat is approximately 1.6 meters by 1.2 meters (almost a 4:3 ratio), which means I'll really have to find space for it in my room. Alternatively, I can use it somewhere else where floor seating may be desirable, though that's less likely since it's now part of my collection and not leaving the vicinity of my living space.
As for the design of the mat, I like that it doesn't have the Go emblem, a telltale sign of most current custom merchandise. However, the images are eclectic (there's something visible from the first, fourth, and fifth generations, and the mat includes the now-familiar Pokémon logo) as well as eccentric (note the creature in the middle). It's still a custom merchandise by any means, but I'm not too concerned about that. At the end of the day, it's still a Pokémon mat that looks neat and fulfills some desirable functions.
Speaking of functions, I've already mentioned one of them - making it possible to sit on the floor - but it is possible that I can use it as just a mat under my desk to make the space under it look neat. After all, the design is very colorful and lends itself to that. Also, the mat is in relatively good condition, despite having a few fold marks. But when I unrolled the mat for the first time, I detected an unsavory smell, which might be because it's been wrapped in plastic for quite some time. Today I left the mat to air out, and the smell seems to have disappeared, making it more favorable for use. I might just not use the plastic again in storing this mat temporarily.
I don't know about you, but I just like this floor mat so much. The design is appreciable and an honest effort to incorporate Pokémon, which is not a bad thing. It makes the floor space look nice, whether for direct seating or otherwise. Despite its size, I'd say it's a keeper in my collection, even if I have to plan out where and how I would use it. The important thing is that it's still got Pokémon on it, which makes me a happy camper.
As for the design of the mat, I like that it doesn't have the Go emblem, a telltale sign of most current custom merchandise. However, the images are eclectic (there's something visible from the first, fourth, and fifth generations, and the mat includes the now-familiar Pokémon logo) as well as eccentric (note the creature in the middle). It's still a custom merchandise by any means, but I'm not too concerned about that. At the end of the day, it's still a Pokémon mat that looks neat and fulfills some desirable functions.
Speaking of functions, I've already mentioned one of them - making it possible to sit on the floor - but it is possible that I can use it as just a mat under my desk to make the space under it look neat. After all, the design is very colorful and lends itself to that. Also, the mat is in relatively good condition, despite having a few fold marks. But when I unrolled the mat for the first time, I detected an unsavory smell, which might be because it's been wrapped in plastic for quite some time. Today I left the mat to air out, and the smell seems to have disappeared, making it more favorable for use. I might just not use the plastic again in storing this mat temporarily.
I don't know about you, but I just like this floor mat so much. The design is appreciable and an honest effort to incorporate Pokémon, which is not a bad thing. It makes the floor space look nice, whether for direct seating or otherwise. Despite its size, I'd say it's a keeper in my collection, even if I have to plan out where and how I would use it. The important thing is that it's still got Pokémon on it, which makes me a happy camper.
Thursday, April 27, 2017
Out of This World: Episode 690 - "A UFO for Elgyem!"
I like episodes where there are quirky events and zealous characters all woven into a plot that is seemingly normal. This episode from the Unova saga of the Pokémon anime is just that. The episode is effectively a "Pokémon showcase" where one Pokémon is featured as part of the plot, but the plot itself involves some elements that are quite surreal, or rather supernatural, as they pertain to this episode.
So what happens is that on their journey, Ash, Iris, and Cilan become sidetracked when they were woken up by flashing lights in the sky and decide to investigate the matter. They come upon a science professor (named Icarus in the English dub) and his accompanying Elgyem. An encounter with Team Rocket then predictably leads to chaos as well as a sky-high adventure for all, even involving a flying saucer, whilst Elgyem demonstrates its psychic capabilities all throughout the episode.
This episode also puts Cilan in the spotlight as he takes on the role of a "science connoisseur". In order to investigate the mysteries posed by the events in the episode, Cilan takes on the assumption that there are sensible reasons for why things are the way they are. And in fact, there are - though the root of the matter remains otherworldly. In doing so, Cilan attempts to demonstrate that he is a "renaissance man" of sorts in regard to knowledge. He's already a fine Trainer and a fine cook, so there's no reason he can't be fine in knowledge either.
By the end of the episode, things turn out to be seemingly not that weird after all. The same applies even in our world; we likewise hear many claims and see many pictures of supernatural happenings, though we cannot be conclusive that they are as such. As Cilan says, we can only depend on "rational explanations" that clear them up sensibly... at least until conclusive evidence proves that they are otherwise out of this world.
 |
| Bright lights in the sky!! |
So what happens is that on their journey, Ash, Iris, and Cilan become sidetracked when they were woken up by flashing lights in the sky and decide to investigate the matter. They come upon a science professor (named Icarus in the English dub) and his accompanying Elgyem. An encounter with Team Rocket then predictably leads to chaos as well as a sky-high adventure for all, even involving a flying saucer, whilst Elgyem demonstrates its psychic capabilities all throughout the episode.
 |
| "All supernatural events have a rational explanation." |
This episode also puts Cilan in the spotlight as he takes on the role of a "science connoisseur". In order to investigate the mysteries posed by the events in the episode, Cilan takes on the assumption that there are sensible reasons for why things are the way they are. And in fact, there are - though the root of the matter remains otherworldly. In doing so, Cilan attempts to demonstrate that he is a "renaissance man" of sorts in regard to knowledge. He's already a fine Trainer and a fine cook, so there's no reason he can't be fine in knowledge either.
 |
| Ash, Iris, and Cilan watch the professor work on the saucer. |
By the end of the episode, things turn out to be seemingly not that weird after all. The same applies even in our world; we likewise hear many claims and see many pictures of supernatural happenings, though we cannot be conclusive that they are as such. As Cilan says, we can only depend on "rational explanations" that clear them up sensibly... at least until conclusive evidence proves that they are otherwise out of this world.
 |
| No saucer, no problem. |
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
In Pursuit of Collections
Today I bought two Pokémon-related items that I think are quite wonderful to add to my collection and to use where I live. One of them I will divulge sometime soon, as it really deserves a review and can be really, really useful. The other one I'll keep to myself since... well, I'd rather not divulge it right now - just trust me on this. So this reminds me that I also need to keep in mind what I have and how my collection items work and play well with others (as well as by itself), certainly in addition to keeping them Pokémon.
In some sense, the principles that I outlined when I discussed the mechanical fan a while back applies to my other collections as well, only a little differently. Some of the things I collect in one understanding are purely visual, so that's pretty much their only function. However, visuals can be manipulated, so at the least from time to time I can change up how my collections are displayed to give a different effect. For other items that I do have, I like if they can do something neat, but it's not a prerequisite to the visual aspect. While those principles need to be loosely re-interpreted in regard to my collections, at the least they are still satisfied.
But the most prime concern has to be space. Collections are of no use if I don't have space to show them off. That indirectly affects the amount of collections I can have; I don't have to own everything and anything related to Pokémon, but to have some things is better than to have none. I won't judge my own collections, or anyone else's for that matter, solely by their sheer amounts; size shouldn't be the only thing that determines the penchant of a collector. Everyone has different concerns regarding collections, of which a couple of mine have been outlined above. In the end, I'm (primarily) a collector of Pokémon things, and as long as I stick to that, I'm just fine.
I will still collect Pokémon things, but these are the concerns that I often abide to and often dictate whether or not I will pursue something to be added to my collection. If something just doesn't work for me because of these concerns or the consequences thereof, then I won't make the efforts to integrate it into my collection, but if it does, then by all means. Whatever the case, I'm happy to collect Pokémon things and even happier to be proud with what I have.
In some sense, the principles that I outlined when I discussed the mechanical fan a while back applies to my other collections as well, only a little differently. Some of the things I collect in one understanding are purely visual, so that's pretty much their only function. However, visuals can be manipulated, so at the least from time to time I can change up how my collections are displayed to give a different effect. For other items that I do have, I like if they can do something neat, but it's not a prerequisite to the visual aspect. While those principles need to be loosely re-interpreted in regard to my collections, at the least they are still satisfied.
But the most prime concern has to be space. Collections are of no use if I don't have space to show them off. That indirectly affects the amount of collections I can have; I don't have to own everything and anything related to Pokémon, but to have some things is better than to have none. I won't judge my own collections, or anyone else's for that matter, solely by their sheer amounts; size shouldn't be the only thing that determines the penchant of a collector. Everyone has different concerns regarding collections, of which a couple of mine have been outlined above. In the end, I'm (primarily) a collector of Pokémon things, and as long as I stick to that, I'm just fine.
I will still collect Pokémon things, but these are the concerns that I often abide to and often dictate whether or not I will pursue something to be added to my collection. If something just doesn't work for me because of these concerns or the consequences thereof, then I won't make the efforts to integrate it into my collection, but if it does, then by all means. Whatever the case, I'm happy to collect Pokémon things and even happier to be proud with what I have.
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
Shuffling in Alola
Pokémon Shuffle on the 3DS just updated, and it's a good and big one, because now the Pokémon of the seventh generation from the region of Alola are available for play. Actually, the seeds of this update had been sown a few weeks earlier as the game itself had a major update (that required downloading from the eShop) to display the starters of Alola on its preview image and splash screen, in addition to a few fixes. However, the Pokémon denizens of Alola were nowhere to be seen in the game itself... until today, when the check-in extra data brought forth new stages with the seventh-generation Pokémon.
And there are lots of those new stages. In addition to 30 new main stages, half of which are repeat Pokémon for boosters, plus one new expert stage, all the special stages are for Alolan denizens, including new Daily Pokémon and a new Pokémon Safari. The good thing is that you have the course of two weeks for most of these special stages, so you can take time for some of them, but I still suggest that you use up as many of your Hearts as possible since they're all new stages for all players. That's what I am doing right now even as I write this.
Now that the Pokémon of the seventh generation are in, I'm intrigued if the game will later on update to allow Z-Crystals to be used, as they have some semblances (and are analogous, as a major new game mechanic) to Mega Evolution, which is already in the game from the very start. Mega Evolution is already implemented in a unique way - using a gauge - so Z-Crystals might have either something similar or completely different. Regardless, the expectation is that should they make it in, Z-Crystals could be obtained in the same way as Mega Stones: through specific stages or by competitions. Also, it's not too far of a stretch for this to happen, since Pokémon Enhancements had been added in an early form between major updates and refined since. So this remains to be seen.
This is the first time that I've seen a Pokémon game with a direct generational update; most games tend to stick to Pokémon up to the generation when it was introduced and are never updated, though in the past that was because the system didn't allow games to be updated. With the 3DS, updates are possible for games, so anything could happen, even generational updates like this. It's hard to foresee if Shuffle will survive into a future eighth generation, but it's at least a fancy thought. For now I'm just glad that Shuffle has taken things into the seventh generation, and it really makes me feel I'm "Shuffling" in Alola. ☺
And there are lots of those new stages. In addition to 30 new main stages, half of which are repeat Pokémon for boosters, plus one new expert stage, all the special stages are for Alolan denizens, including new Daily Pokémon and a new Pokémon Safari. The good thing is that you have the course of two weeks for most of these special stages, so you can take time for some of them, but I still suggest that you use up as many of your Hearts as possible since they're all new stages for all players. That's what I am doing right now even as I write this.
Now that the Pokémon of the seventh generation are in, I'm intrigued if the game will later on update to allow Z-Crystals to be used, as they have some semblances (and are analogous, as a major new game mechanic) to Mega Evolution, which is already in the game from the very start. Mega Evolution is already implemented in a unique way - using a gauge - so Z-Crystals might have either something similar or completely different. Regardless, the expectation is that should they make it in, Z-Crystals could be obtained in the same way as Mega Stones: through specific stages or by competitions. Also, it's not too far of a stretch for this to happen, since Pokémon Enhancements had been added in an early form between major updates and refined since. So this remains to be seen.
This is the first time that I've seen a Pokémon game with a direct generational update; most games tend to stick to Pokémon up to the generation when it was introduced and are never updated, though in the past that was because the system didn't allow games to be updated. With the 3DS, updates are possible for games, so anything could happen, even generational updates like this. It's hard to foresee if Shuffle will survive into a future eighth generation, but it's at least a fancy thought. For now I'm just glad that Shuffle has taken things into the seventh generation, and it really makes me feel I'm "Shuffling" in Alola. ☺
Monday, April 24, 2017
Crossovers!
If my post yesterday about One Piece and Pokémon is any indication, it's that I love crossovers with Pokémon as much as I love Pokémon itself. It's a great way to have a little Pokémon pleasantry along with other things. What kind of things? Well, that depends on your tastes and my tastes. You may like the same things that I do, but then again, you may not, and it's the same for me. You are entitled to them as much as I am to mine.
Crossovers are something that I have to discuss about sooner or later, especially with the way I post on this blog. It's only natural for any series to cross or be crossed over at some point after their creation; certainly the nearest and dearest one to Pokémon is the Super Smash Bros. games, which is a mega-crossover of Nintendo's most popular franchises (and pals) into a fighting game. I've only rarely played the games, but they're already great for featuring Pokémon. I don't plan on owning any of the games anytime soon, but it would be great to play a friend's copy alongside them.
Crossovers are often made by other people, but that doesn't mean I can't make a few of my own. I tend to think of myself as a "remix artist" since I really like to mix up or re-interpret the works of others, and in fact I actually do earn something from a similar effort to this when it comes to what I know best: languages - though not in the area of serial crossovers. But really, I have made a crossover of sorts with words involving Pokémon and another series, though I'll save that for another post, since it really deserves that.
Pokémon is a lively franchise, but it's even more lively to see it cross over with and into other things, certainly with anything else that I like. Crossovers are somewhat of a test (as well as a testament) of our creativity to pair and/or complement things that are not necessarily compatible and to have fun with the results. I know I'm already delighted and having fun with the ones that involve Pokémon, and I'm inspired and curious to see and make further ones.
Crossovers are something that I have to discuss about sooner or later, especially with the way I post on this blog. It's only natural for any series to cross or be crossed over at some point after their creation; certainly the nearest and dearest one to Pokémon is the Super Smash Bros. games, which is a mega-crossover of Nintendo's most popular franchises (and pals) into a fighting game. I've only rarely played the games, but they're already great for featuring Pokémon. I don't plan on owning any of the games anytime soon, but it would be great to play a friend's copy alongside them.
Crossovers are often made by other people, but that doesn't mean I can't make a few of my own. I tend to think of myself as a "remix artist" since I really like to mix up or re-interpret the works of others, and in fact I actually do earn something from a similar effort to this when it comes to what I know best: languages - though not in the area of serial crossovers. But really, I have made a crossover of sorts with words involving Pokémon and another series, though I'll save that for another post, since it really deserves that.
Pokémon is a lively franchise, but it's even more lively to see it cross over with and into other things, certainly with anything else that I like. Crossovers are somewhat of a test (as well as a testament) of our creativity to pair and/or complement things that are not necessarily compatible and to have fun with the results. I know I'm already delighted and having fun with the ones that involve Pokémon, and I'm inspired and curious to see and make further ones.
Sunday, April 23, 2017
Luffy and Infernape
Some people say that Luffy is like an Infernape. 😮
Yes, that's Luffy as in the one whose name begins with "Monkey D." In addition to Pokémon, I'm a bit of a fan of the One Piece series, and while I haven't been in the know of recent happenings in the series for a variety of reasons, one of which is to focus on Pokémon, I'm somewhat versed in the beginnings of the series up to a good portion of it. While I'm not attracted to it as much as I am attracted to Pokémon, at least I show a good amount of appreciation for it.
And from what I've seen, I'd say that this is appropriate. True to a part of his name, "Monkey", his powers make him as flexible as one; he can stretch his limbs as needed to move and swing about in a monkey-like fashion. As the series progresses, he gains the Gear Second ability, which lets him heat up his body to deliver more serious hits. Infernape is both in those respects, as it's also a monkey of the Fire type and can perform similar maneuvers. It's no wonder that there are a few pieces of fan art where Infernape and Luffy are combined or paired. I've seen them, and they're cleverly and impressively designed.
I'm posting this because... well, I have to say that there was a minor cosplay event yesterday, and I was specially requested to cosplay as Luffy, and even to perform in a stage play. Since I didn't cosplay as a Pokémon character, I can't authorize myself to review the event, but I can say that thinking of this connection helped with the cosplay, in addition to thinking about how Luffy behaves. So by my own experience, I'd indeed say that Luffy and Infernape are a lot like each other and are a natural pair. And this makes for a fascinating connection between Pokémon and One Piece.
Some people say that Luffy is like an Infernape, and I'm fine with that. 😀
Yes, that's Luffy as in the one whose name begins with "Monkey D." In addition to Pokémon, I'm a bit of a fan of the One Piece series, and while I haven't been in the know of recent happenings in the series for a variety of reasons, one of which is to focus on Pokémon, I'm somewhat versed in the beginnings of the series up to a good portion of it. While I'm not attracted to it as much as I am attracted to Pokémon, at least I show a good amount of appreciation for it.
And from what I've seen, I'd say that this is appropriate. True to a part of his name, "Monkey", his powers make him as flexible as one; he can stretch his limbs as needed to move and swing about in a monkey-like fashion. As the series progresses, he gains the Gear Second ability, which lets him heat up his body to deliver more serious hits. Infernape is both in those respects, as it's also a monkey of the Fire type and can perform similar maneuvers. It's no wonder that there are a few pieces of fan art where Infernape and Luffy are combined or paired. I've seen them, and they're cleverly and impressively designed.
I'm posting this because... well, I have to say that there was a minor cosplay event yesterday, and I was specially requested to cosplay as Luffy, and even to perform in a stage play. Since I didn't cosplay as a Pokémon character, I can't authorize myself to review the event, but I can say that thinking of this connection helped with the cosplay, in addition to thinking about how Luffy behaves. So by my own experience, I'd indeed say that Luffy and Infernape are a lot like each other and are a natural pair. And this makes for a fascinating connection between Pokémon and One Piece.
Some people say that Luffy is like an Infernape, and I'm fine with that. 😀
Saturday, April 22, 2017
Costume Issues
As a human, I'm not a perfect one, so sometimes I err in my ways. As a cosplayer, I try to stave off as many errors as possible, but occasionally I leave some behind. So I would be lying if I said I didn't have issues with my costumes, especially my Pokémon costumes. I want to fix them whenever I can spare time, money, and resources to do so. Here are the issues I have with them:
Ash Classic (first, second generation). The clothing articles for this costume are perfect, so I have no issues with them. The cap emblem is a little big, but it's OK. The only problem is the gloves: sometimes the finger holes fit more snugly than they should, which sometimes causes problems upon removal. Either I will have to fix this particular part, or make new gloves entirely.
Ash AG (third gen.). All the parts for this costume are perfect, except maybe for the gloves. Since the gloves are shared with Ash DP, I just used the same one I made a long time ago, and now they're starting to split. Small fixes should be possible to keep the gloves together.
Ash DP (fourth gen.). Aside from the gloves issue above, I don't have much complaints about this costume, except that the yellow stripe on the vest that I have now is straight rather than angled, and perhaps a little tall. It's a pretty small thing, so I may or may not fix this - it's low on my list of priorities.
Ash BW (fifth gen.). This may be the most problematic of my regular Ash costumes. When I made the cap, I was scant on resources, so I did more than I needed, and now the front of the cap always seems to fall flat. The circular motif on the jacket also looks somewhat weak, and I do believe the shirt under it is off. I really want to perform revisions of this costume sooner if not later.
Ash XY (sixth gen.). The outside appearance of this costume is perfect; the inside is another matter. I've noticed that the inside hook of my pants are placed in a way so that it fits me too tight, and I'm getting it fixed as I'm writing this. I've also noticed that Ash's undershirt is more than just a simple black shirt, which I've used to get by, so I'm interested in making this.
Lucario Prince Ash. This is the most expensive costume I have but it's also the most spectacular. So to find that the overalls, shirt, and pants are getting too tight is a big problem. For me, the easiest way out is to redesign all of those; I've never been fully satisfied with them from the very beginning, and this solution would take care of both problems.
Pokémon Trainer Red (old). I have no issues with my set, except that the symbol on my cap was drawn with a marker, so I have to be real careful with that. I might just do a different take on the symbol should it disappear entirely.
Pokémon Trainer Red (new/Nendoroid). The clothing and equipment for this one is OK, except that the first and last time I cosplayed this, I used a wig that was somewhat off, and I'm not satisfied with that. I'll do better next time, and maybe I can use what would be a new wig for this for old Red also.
Every costume set of mine seems to have problems, not all of which are the same. I know that I can deliver a better cosplay experience if I fix them, so that becomes the imperative. But most importantly, by doing so, it will show that I remain a dedicated fan of Pokémon - not a completely perfect one, but at least more perfect and more dedicated than before.
Ash Classic (first, second generation). The clothing articles for this costume are perfect, so I have no issues with them. The cap emblem is a little big, but it's OK. The only problem is the gloves: sometimes the finger holes fit more snugly than they should, which sometimes causes problems upon removal. Either I will have to fix this particular part, or make new gloves entirely.
Ash AG (third gen.). All the parts for this costume are perfect, except maybe for the gloves. Since the gloves are shared with Ash DP, I just used the same one I made a long time ago, and now they're starting to split. Small fixes should be possible to keep the gloves together.
Ash DP (fourth gen.). Aside from the gloves issue above, I don't have much complaints about this costume, except that the yellow stripe on the vest that I have now is straight rather than angled, and perhaps a little tall. It's a pretty small thing, so I may or may not fix this - it's low on my list of priorities.
Ash BW (fifth gen.). This may be the most problematic of my regular Ash costumes. When I made the cap, I was scant on resources, so I did more than I needed, and now the front of the cap always seems to fall flat. The circular motif on the jacket also looks somewhat weak, and I do believe the shirt under it is off. I really want to perform revisions of this costume sooner if not later.
Ash XY (sixth gen.). The outside appearance of this costume is perfect; the inside is another matter. I've noticed that the inside hook of my pants are placed in a way so that it fits me too tight, and I'm getting it fixed as I'm writing this. I've also noticed that Ash's undershirt is more than just a simple black shirt, which I've used to get by, so I'm interested in making this.
Lucario Prince Ash. This is the most expensive costume I have but it's also the most spectacular. So to find that the overalls, shirt, and pants are getting too tight is a big problem. For me, the easiest way out is to redesign all of those; I've never been fully satisfied with them from the very beginning, and this solution would take care of both problems.
Pokémon Trainer Red (old). I have no issues with my set, except that the symbol on my cap was drawn with a marker, so I have to be real careful with that. I might just do a different take on the symbol should it disappear entirely.
Pokémon Trainer Red (new/Nendoroid). The clothing and equipment for this one is OK, except that the first and last time I cosplayed this, I used a wig that was somewhat off, and I'm not satisfied with that. I'll do better next time, and maybe I can use what would be a new wig for this for old Red also.
Every costume set of mine seems to have problems, not all of which are the same. I know that I can deliver a better cosplay experience if I fix them, so that becomes the imperative. But most importantly, by doing so, it will show that I remain a dedicated fan of Pokémon - not a completely perfect one, but at least more perfect and more dedicated than before.
Friday, April 21, 2017
Tropius Fruit and Other Pokémon Edibles
In the past few days, I've rediscovered the joy of eating bananas as I've tried to incorporate them into my eating patterns. They remind me of the fruits of a Tropius, a third-generation Pokémon that looks quite like a dinosaur with a palm tree attached to it and not unlike the newly introduced Alola Exeggutor. Since the lore for the fruit says that it is edible, that brings me to wonder just what edible things we theoretically can get from the creatures of Pokémon.
One edible is obvious, as it also exists in item form in the games: the Moo Moo Milk. Wherever there's milk, that means there is also the great big world of dairy products. As such this edible thing needs no further discussion. What does merit further discussion are less obvious edibles that may be gotten from other Pokémon. For example, Farfetch'd always holds a leek, and we consider leeks as commonly edible things; wouldn't it be possible to harvest those particular leeks, with or without their help, and eat them? In a similar vein, wouldn't it be possible for Bayleef to donate a few leaves every now and then for use in cooking? These are the kinds of edibles I'm talking about.
Tropius fruit would also be included, though this already has an established lore that says they are edible, and in fact popular with young children. If so, then what does this fruit taste like? Does it taste like the real-world fruit it resembles? Should that be the case, then it would be conceivable that some adults would have a liking for the fruit as well. The point is that Tropius bears an edible fruit, and if it's anything like the real one, then many people would enjoy it, as part of the greater world of Pokémon edibles.
It doesn't matter what world they're in - real or imagined, common or fantasy - people still have to eat, and this is as true for us as it is true for the world of Pokémon. And in the world of the latter, people have their own selection of edibles that are derived from Pokémon. It's a fanciful thought, but one that is true when you think about it on a deeper level. It's just a natural thing for people in the Pokémon world to obtain edible resources from their Pokémon friends.
Now I shall excuse myself to consume a few moreTropius fruit ahem, bananas.
One edible is obvious, as it also exists in item form in the games: the Moo Moo Milk. Wherever there's milk, that means there is also the great big world of dairy products. As such this edible thing needs no further discussion. What does merit further discussion are less obvious edibles that may be gotten from other Pokémon. For example, Farfetch'd always holds a leek, and we consider leeks as commonly edible things; wouldn't it be possible to harvest those particular leeks, with or without their help, and eat them? In a similar vein, wouldn't it be possible for Bayleef to donate a few leaves every now and then for use in cooking? These are the kinds of edibles I'm talking about.
Tropius fruit would also be included, though this already has an established lore that says they are edible, and in fact popular with young children. If so, then what does this fruit taste like? Does it taste like the real-world fruit it resembles? Should that be the case, then it would be conceivable that some adults would have a liking for the fruit as well. The point is that Tropius bears an edible fruit, and if it's anything like the real one, then many people would enjoy it, as part of the greater world of Pokémon edibles.
It doesn't matter what world they're in - real or imagined, common or fantasy - people still have to eat, and this is as true for us as it is true for the world of Pokémon. And in the world of the latter, people have their own selection of edibles that are derived from Pokémon. It's a fanciful thought, but one that is true when you think about it on a deeper level. It's just a natural thing for people in the Pokémon world to obtain edible resources from their Pokémon friends.
Now I shall excuse myself to consume a few more
Thursday, April 20, 2017
The Music of the Poké Flute
I've been feeling dozy today and I'm being a little challenged to do the things that I want and need to do. And no, it's not because it's Four-Twenty, which so happens to be today. I feel like a Snorlax about to go off into a nice, long slumber after a big meal - but I don't want to, at least not yet. I think I need a little bit of that Poké Flute magic, which is really great, because it puts out an enchanting tune that even Snorlax can't resist waking up and moving about to.
In the first-generation Game Boy games, the Poké Flute is a physical item, and the tune played is very short. In the second-generation games, the Poké Flute is a radio channel that can be tuned into in Kanto, and the tune is significantly longer as it is played there. In both of these generations' games (and its encore in X and Y), the tune is used primarily for waking up Snorlax. If you have and use the messaging program LINE, the Pokémon sound sticker pack has one of the stickers playing an even shorter snippet of the Poké Flute music, and it's for the image of... a Snorlax. So Snorlax and the Poké Flute go hand in hand.
Like the first-generation bicycle music, the tune for the Poké Flute is mostly in the major scale, so it should be another tune that's easy to play on any instrument. It's also shorter and a little more repetitive than the bicycle music, so it should be even easier to play. In truth, before I started to experiment with playing the bicycle music by ear on the piano, I started by playing this one. Once I was successful with this one, I moved to the bicycle theme. Needless to say, as with the bicycle theme, the only part I can play of this piece is the melody; a full accompaniment is out of reach with my current skills.
Now then, I've got a busy weekend ahead of me with even more things to keep me busy beforehand. If I'm going to be a Snorlax, let me be one - temporarily - after I'm satisfied with my current business for the day. I think I'm going to have a listen to that Poké Flute music a few times until that happens.
In the first-generation Game Boy games, the Poké Flute is a physical item, and the tune played is very short. In the second-generation games, the Poké Flute is a radio channel that can be tuned into in Kanto, and the tune is significantly longer as it is played there. In both of these generations' games (and its encore in X and Y), the tune is used primarily for waking up Snorlax. If you have and use the messaging program LINE, the Pokémon sound sticker pack has one of the stickers playing an even shorter snippet of the Poké Flute music, and it's for the image of... a Snorlax. So Snorlax and the Poké Flute go hand in hand.
Like the first-generation bicycle music, the tune for the Poké Flute is mostly in the major scale, so it should be another tune that's easy to play on any instrument. It's also shorter and a little more repetitive than the bicycle music, so it should be even easier to play. In truth, before I started to experiment with playing the bicycle music by ear on the piano, I started by playing this one. Once I was successful with this one, I moved to the bicycle theme. Needless to say, as with the bicycle theme, the only part I can play of this piece is the melody; a full accompaniment is out of reach with my current skills.
Now then, I've got a busy weekend ahead of me with even more things to keep me busy beforehand. If I'm going to be a Snorlax, let me be one - temporarily - after I'm satisfied with my current business for the day. I think I'm going to have a listen to that Poké Flute music a few times until that happens.
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
Oddest Things with Pikachu
Just recently I noticed in my local neighborhood that there was a food stall, and on a box used as a part of the stall, there was a picture of a smiling Pikachu pointing to the right, but strangely there was nothing on the right. There was also no apparent relation of Pikachu to the food stall. As much as I am in delight to see Pikachu in such an odd location, it makes me wonder if there are other odd things with Pikachu on them (but not as odd as a wall mural, which is more creative than odd).
Continuing the food theme, it wouldn't be odd to see Pikachu on a tumbler - in fact, I would like to either make this or buy one if it already exists - but it would perhaps be a bit odd to see one on a cooking pot or pan. If the Pokémon snack I found last month is any indication, it might not be so odd to see Pikachu on many foodstuffs, unless the foodstuff happens to be some obscure, out-of-the-ordinary, ethnic one, in which case it would be bordering on odd. It seems the general rule for food-related stuff and Pikachu is that if it works, then it's not odd, but if the connection is not immediately or at all evident, then it may be considered odd.
A similar point of view may be taken for other non-food items. To see Pikachu on electricity-related stuff wouldn't be odd, but it would be perhaps somewhat playful. I could foresee decorating my power meter with Pikachu, though this could run afoul of regulations, so I won't do it - it therefore would be odd in that case. Instead, I could just put Pikachu to point where electricity could be obtained, which would be less odd and less dicey. Clothing items are a given to put Pikachu on, but that also depends on the item. Shirts like the ones I have naturally work to have Pikachu on them, as would a Pikachu tie, which is something I'm interested to have, but to have Pikachu on boxer shorts? That would be odd, but that is in fact the case; I do have Pikachu/Pokémon boxer shorts, which I wear on certain occasions, but I won't take a picture of it and show it here - you'll just have to take my word for it.
So really, if something is complemented with a Pikachu motif, then it's not odd; when it doesn't, then it is odd. As much as I want Pikachu on absolutely everything, if the impression is out of the ordinary, then it's definitely odd. On that note, maybe I should visit that food stall and try out the food to see if it's worthy of having Pikachu on the side. Just perhaps, that food stall isn't odd at all for having Pikachu.
Continuing the food theme, it wouldn't be odd to see Pikachu on a tumbler - in fact, I would like to either make this or buy one if it already exists - but it would perhaps be a bit odd to see one on a cooking pot or pan. If the Pokémon snack I found last month is any indication, it might not be so odd to see Pikachu on many foodstuffs, unless the foodstuff happens to be some obscure, out-of-the-ordinary, ethnic one, in which case it would be bordering on odd. It seems the general rule for food-related stuff and Pikachu is that if it works, then it's not odd, but if the connection is not immediately or at all evident, then it may be considered odd.
A similar point of view may be taken for other non-food items. To see Pikachu on electricity-related stuff wouldn't be odd, but it would be perhaps somewhat playful. I could foresee decorating my power meter with Pikachu, though this could run afoul of regulations, so I won't do it - it therefore would be odd in that case. Instead, I could just put Pikachu to point where electricity could be obtained, which would be less odd and less dicey. Clothing items are a given to put Pikachu on, but that also depends on the item. Shirts like the ones I have naturally work to have Pikachu on them, as would a Pikachu tie, which is something I'm interested to have, but to have Pikachu on boxer shorts? That would be odd, but that is in fact the case; I do have Pikachu/Pokémon boxer shorts, which I wear on certain occasions, but I won't take a picture of it and show it here - you'll just have to take my word for it.
So really, if something is complemented with a Pikachu motif, then it's not odd; when it doesn't, then it is odd. As much as I want Pikachu on absolutely everything, if the impression is out of the ordinary, then it's definitely odd. On that note, maybe I should visit that food stall and try out the food to see if it's worthy of having Pikachu on the side. Just perhaps, that food stall isn't odd at all for having Pikachu.
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
Console Renewal?
My friend-and-fellow-Pokémon-fan has given me another Wii break; during our last get-together, he allowed me to borrow the Wii for another week. Now I feel compelled to attack PokéPark 2 further while I am in possession of it again. At the same time, I can't help but wonder if I should acquire new game consoles so I can play the Pokémon games on them. So allow me to break down the current situation and make a conclusion for myself.
3DS/New 3DS. I'm pretty proud of the LE Pikachu 3DS that I acquired from the same friend above. It has been my workhorse for the sixth- and seventh-generation games, as well as a few odd games, including my current preoccupation with Shuffle. I don't see any incentive to upgrade my experience to the New 3DS, even if it has an LE Pikachu of its own, which is indeed pretty nice. I'm told that the seventh-generation games, Sun and Moon, still somewhat lag even on the New 3DS, so that alone is not enough of an incentive. It'll have to be a really blockbuster game for myself to get me to buy the New 3DS.
Wii. Obviously from time to time (as in, now), I have access to my friend's Wii and can play the Pokémon games on it. However, my friend only has three games - both PokéParks and Battle Revolution - and I'm not quite sure if that is of enough incentive to get a Wii. The Wii does have one thing going for it, which is that it can play GameCube games, and Pokémon XD is one that I've been wanting to try for ages. So that alone is a good incentive to acquire a Wii somehow. My friend also has been assuming the role of a "Wii purveyor" nowadays, so he can help with the setup also. This one needs some thought.
Wii U. A Wii U is even more dicey than a Wii for me, since I only foresee only playing Pokkén on it, and it would be harder to set up than the Wii U. My friend tells me that he can help out with the setup of a Wii U as well, but I'm not sure how far this would go. And even though the Wii U is fairly recent and has been eclipsed by the Switch, it's still a little expensive for me. This one needs even more thought and consideration than getting a Wii.
Switch. As I've stated in my early considerations for the Switch, I think it's still too early to get one. It has just been released, its capabilities are unique, and its form factor is neat, but it's still very expensive and there are not many games for it, not even Pokémon, though (at least) one has been informed to come. At this point I'm not even considering the Switch, and similarly to the case of the New 3DS, I will only get it if a really blockbuster game for me appears.
Based on the considerations above, it is most likely that I will get a Wii so that I won't have to borrow from my friend and I'll have a resident console that both I and my friends can enjoy playing. A Wii U is also not completely out of the picture since it may also work for my needs. Meanwhile, I'm still reserved about getting a New 3DS or the Switch. Whatever I decide on, the important thing is to enjoy playing what I get, since that's the whole point of getting a console. It would definitely provide a fun break for possibly not just me, but all of my friends, including the one from whom I borrow the Wii.
3DS/New 3DS. I'm pretty proud of the LE Pikachu 3DS that I acquired from the same friend above. It has been my workhorse for the sixth- and seventh-generation games, as well as a few odd games, including my current preoccupation with Shuffle. I don't see any incentive to upgrade my experience to the New 3DS, even if it has an LE Pikachu of its own, which is indeed pretty nice. I'm told that the seventh-generation games, Sun and Moon, still somewhat lag even on the New 3DS, so that alone is not enough of an incentive. It'll have to be a really blockbuster game for myself to get me to buy the New 3DS.
Wii. Obviously from time to time (as in, now), I have access to my friend's Wii and can play the Pokémon games on it. However, my friend only has three games - both PokéParks and Battle Revolution - and I'm not quite sure if that is of enough incentive to get a Wii. The Wii does have one thing going for it, which is that it can play GameCube games, and Pokémon XD is one that I've been wanting to try for ages. So that alone is a good incentive to acquire a Wii somehow. My friend also has been assuming the role of a "Wii purveyor" nowadays, so he can help with the setup also. This one needs some thought.
Wii U. A Wii U is even more dicey than a Wii for me, since I only foresee only playing Pokkén on it, and it would be harder to set up than the Wii U. My friend tells me that he can help out with the setup of a Wii U as well, but I'm not sure how far this would go. And even though the Wii U is fairly recent and has been eclipsed by the Switch, it's still a little expensive for me. This one needs even more thought and consideration than getting a Wii.
Switch. As I've stated in my early considerations for the Switch, I think it's still too early to get one. It has just been released, its capabilities are unique, and its form factor is neat, but it's still very expensive and there are not many games for it, not even Pokémon, though (at least) one has been informed to come. At this point I'm not even considering the Switch, and similarly to the case of the New 3DS, I will only get it if a really blockbuster game for me appears.
Based on the considerations above, it is most likely that I will get a Wii so that I won't have to borrow from my friend and I'll have a resident console that both I and my friends can enjoy playing. A Wii U is also not completely out of the picture since it may also work for my needs. Meanwhile, I'm still reserved about getting a New 3DS or the Switch. Whatever I decide on, the important thing is to enjoy playing what I get, since that's the whole point of getting a console. It would definitely provide a fun break for possibly not just me, but all of my friends, including the one from whom I borrow the Wii.
Monday, April 17, 2017
We're All Tied to Pokémon
If you've played the Pokémon games or watched the anime comprehensively, you may have noticed that along with Trainers, Rangers, and other primary characters, there are many other characters with just as many occupations that much resemble our real-world counterparts. This leads to a little consideration: no matter what we do, if we are to be placed in the Pokémon world, we would all fit in, not just as primary characters, but also in what we actually do. It's a little fantastical, but bear with me.
I keep saying this, but it's really true: our world and the Pokémon world are like each other. So much. In the real world, everyone has a role to play; we all have something that we can do or should do best, and we cannot necessarily be and do everything. As an example, not everyone can be a chef, but some people can, and they're to help those of us lesser-abled in cookery. This is what makes our world tick. In a way, the same is also true of the Pokémon world - we can't all be (free-roaming) Trainers and Rangers and whatnot, because other people have to be there to support them. Some people in the Pokémon world can therefore conceivably take up being chefs rather than full-fledged Trainers to do so, as an example. They and others make the world of Trainers as well as the world of Pokémon tick.
In the Pokémon world, though, everyone is linked to Pokémon in some way. Trainers, Rangers, and other primary characters are obvious in this case, because Pokémon is a major part of what they do. For everyone else, Pokémon are friends, pets, helpful creatures, and so on. This is true no matter what the occupation of the person concerned is. A chef, to continue the example above, could potentially enlist (but not exploit) the help of certain Pokémon in cookery, giving things an added value. And if worst comes to worst, then a chef may turn into a Trainer if so challenged as one. This is conceivably part of a life lived with Pokémon.
You could think of these relationships as augmented versions of the ones in our real world, with Pokémon added, and thus we would fit in there just doing what we do, with the added bonus of their help. Of course, we have no Pokémon in our world, so we can only do what we can without them. It's still a worthwhile thought to be sure, and one that inspires us to keep doing that which we can do best. I don't know about you, but I'm certainly inspired to do so.
I keep saying this, but it's really true: our world and the Pokémon world are like each other. So much. In the real world, everyone has a role to play; we all have something that we can do or should do best, and we cannot necessarily be and do everything. As an example, not everyone can be a chef, but some people can, and they're to help those of us lesser-abled in cookery. This is what makes our world tick. In a way, the same is also true of the Pokémon world - we can't all be (free-roaming) Trainers and Rangers and whatnot, because other people have to be there to support them. Some people in the Pokémon world can therefore conceivably take up being chefs rather than full-fledged Trainers to do so, as an example. They and others make the world of Trainers as well as the world of Pokémon tick.
In the Pokémon world, though, everyone is linked to Pokémon in some way. Trainers, Rangers, and other primary characters are obvious in this case, because Pokémon is a major part of what they do. For everyone else, Pokémon are friends, pets, helpful creatures, and so on. This is true no matter what the occupation of the person concerned is. A chef, to continue the example above, could potentially enlist (but not exploit) the help of certain Pokémon in cookery, giving things an added value. And if worst comes to worst, then a chef may turn into a Trainer if so challenged as one. This is conceivably part of a life lived with Pokémon.
You could think of these relationships as augmented versions of the ones in our real world, with Pokémon added, and thus we would fit in there just doing what we do, with the added bonus of their help. Of course, we have no Pokémon in our world, so we can only do what we can without them. It's still a worthwhile thought to be sure, and one that inspires us to keep doing that which we can do best. I don't know about you, but I'm certainly inspired to do so.
Sunday, April 16, 2017
Dialectics
In many Japanese graphic (manga and anime) serials that feature combat or fighting, the clash usually occurs or is considered a proxy to assert the views of one side or the other. Pokémon is true in a certain way for both of these aspects, so it may be considered to be included. Because this method of resolving conflict is done in this manner, it may be thought of as a form of dialectics, which has strong roots in the search for knowledge.
A general definition for dialectics would be the logical resolution of conflicting arguments or opinions. In the typical pursuit of knowledge, this would be done in calmer and more formal ways. But in relation to Japanese graphic serials, this is expectedly anything but calm and formal, often being their total opposites of frantic and informal. Regardless, since at the end an argument or opinion is asserted, it still constitutes a form of dialectics.
Now, what about the logic? For every serial it's different, but at least I can attempt to explain the way things are for Pokémon. It, of course, has to do with Pokémon battles. Every time a move is made, an argument is being attacked. The losing argument crumbles partially each time a Pokémon is defeated, and completely after the battle is over. And should a draw occur, then the arguments are inconclusive.
This is perhaps best illustrated with an example. When Ash and Trip met in one episode, Ash sent out his three fifth-generation starters starting with Snivy, with the argument that things were better at that moment than in the previous times he met Trip. Part of this argument in effect crumbled when Trip's Servine defeated Snivy. Trip's argument was that things were not much better than before, which would appear to be proved when Oshawott lost control of Aqua Jet, but slightly crumbled when Oshawott defeated Timburr. Finally, neither Trainer's arguments became conclusive when Tepig and Vanillite hit up each other for a draw. Certainly every battle has its own interpretation that is not necessarily the same compared to another.
The Japanese graphic serial way of dialectics is not a particularly or necessarily elegant method of resolving arguments, but it's still dialectics nonetheless as wins and losses can be seen to confirm and deny feelings, respectively. And as Pokémon involves head-on challenges in the form of battles, it provides a space for this kind of dialectics to occur. The goal remains the same: to break down arguments to their core and seek the understanding to be known about them with every battle.
This is perhaps best illustrated with an example. When Ash and Trip met in one episode, Ash sent out his three fifth-generation starters starting with Snivy, with the argument that things were better at that moment than in the previous times he met Trip. Part of this argument in effect crumbled when Trip's Servine defeated Snivy. Trip's argument was that things were not much better than before, which would appear to be proved when Oshawott lost control of Aqua Jet, but slightly crumbled when Oshawott defeated Timburr. Finally, neither Trainer's arguments became conclusive when Tepig and Vanillite hit up each other for a draw. Certainly every battle has its own interpretation that is not necessarily the same compared to another.
The Japanese graphic serial way of dialectics is not a particularly or necessarily elegant method of resolving arguments, but it's still dialectics nonetheless as wins and losses can be seen to confirm and deny feelings, respectively. And as Pokémon involves head-on challenges in the form of battles, it provides a space for this kind of dialectics to occur. The goal remains the same: to break down arguments to their core and seek the understanding to be known about them with every battle.
Saturday, April 15, 2017
True Colors (...of a Logo)
Lately, I've noticed that the international Pokémon logo has appeared more distinctly than what I recognize it to be. Instead of blue and yellow, it's blue and orange for the outline and fill of the characters respectively. I've seen this variant on a collection package, and I've even seen it while watching the local dub of the anime. I'm told that this variant of the logo denotes that the item in question is for distribution in Asia. As much as I think that this is a unique way of doing things, I can't help but wonder if this is dividing up an identity.
The characteristic international Pokémon logo was designed by the late Eric Medalle, and it's been omnipresent since the very first games were released in English, using the blue-and-yellow color scheme. Internationally, Pokémon is lucky to have such a logo, used for pretty much everything and anything related to Pokémon; in Japan the games have a logo of one style and the anime has one of a different style, though this has remained consistent for both items.
In a way, logos constitute the identity of something, and I feel consistency factors in a bit too. It appears Japanese folks seem to be OK with keeping the identity of the games and the anime separate by the way they use the separately-styled logos. But since internationally there is one distinct logo for everything, there is a kind of oneness that is being presented, which could be construed as a little lost given the situation that I've explained above. Then again, the international logo is in a different world in regard to appearance compared to the Japanese logos.
So now logo-wise it seems there are already several identities for the franchise, yet the creatures are all the same. You know, I think that last bit is important. Since the creatures are all the same, if you overlook the difference in logo designs, then you'll find that's the only thing that really matters. It doesn't matter whether they're in the games, anime, or other places, Pokémon act and do things in mostly the same way. I personally feel that is a great thing indeed to keep in mind, regardless of the logo being used. Perhaps the song for which I titled this post says it best:
But I see your true colors shining through
I see your true colors
That's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let them show
Your true colors; true colors are
Beautiful like a rainbow
-- "True Colors"
I like that. And I like to see the true colors of Pokémon too. 😃
The characteristic international Pokémon logo was designed by the late Eric Medalle, and it's been omnipresent since the very first games were released in English, using the blue-and-yellow color scheme. Internationally, Pokémon is lucky to have such a logo, used for pretty much everything and anything related to Pokémon; in Japan the games have a logo of one style and the anime has one of a different style, though this has remained consistent for both items.
In a way, logos constitute the identity of something, and I feel consistency factors in a bit too. It appears Japanese folks seem to be OK with keeping the identity of the games and the anime separate by the way they use the separately-styled logos. But since internationally there is one distinct logo for everything, there is a kind of oneness that is being presented, which could be construed as a little lost given the situation that I've explained above. Then again, the international logo is in a different world in regard to appearance compared to the Japanese logos.
So now logo-wise it seems there are already several identities for the franchise, yet the creatures are all the same. You know, I think that last bit is important. Since the creatures are all the same, if you overlook the difference in logo designs, then you'll find that's the only thing that really matters. It doesn't matter whether they're in the games, anime, or other places, Pokémon act and do things in mostly the same way. I personally feel that is a great thing indeed to keep in mind, regardless of the logo being used. Perhaps the song for which I titled this post says it best:
But I see your true colors shining through
I see your true colors
That's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let them show
Your true colors; true colors are
Beautiful like a rainbow
-- "True Colors"
I like that. And I like to see the true colors of Pokémon too. 😃
Friday, April 14, 2017
Friendly Plays
A bunch of my friends are at my home for a party, and it's a really lively one. In fact, quite a few of us also love playing the Pokémon games, though our current fates are pretty much the same: we're not able to get into it as much as we used to or would like, due to pressures from other stuff. That got me to thinking about how much of the friendly relations I have arose in relation to Pokémon. As it turns out, there are quite a lot of those relations.
The first and most obvious is the bunch of friends that I'm currently hosting. As mentioned, some of us enjoy playing Pokémon; as a matter of fact, it is exactly this that formed some of the basis of our initial relationships. Together, we form a clique of people that do out-of-the-ordinary things, and we like what we do. Still, in terms of Pokémon, nowadays we appear to be somewhat divided by what we're doing. It is my hope that someday those of us that have played Pokémon can return to our roots and have a great Pokémon party for games or otherwise; I look forward to see it happen.
In addition to my clique, I'm also involved with a local association of Pokémon players. You might have read in this blog about the first tournament we held if you've been with me from the very beginning. Unfortunately, while we were fervent about things from the end of last year (when we decided to form the association), it seems things have gotten the better of us, and now we also haven't been into things as much as we would like. Plans to get together or even for a second tournament have not been borne out; we haven't even kept up with each other lately. It's somewhat of a shame, but I hope things work out closer (read: we can be more free) toward the middle of the year.
Not only am I involved with a local association, but I'm also involved with a national group of players - but many of them reside closer to the economic center of the country, so it hardly qualifies as a national group in that way. It's still a national group nonetheless because I and several other regional players are in it. What's funny is that I was introduced to this group by someone in my clique of friends, yet now he's not very active in Pokémon anymore. Regardless, I'm still glad that I have these links, because I found them useful when I dropped by for a visit last year. They've been very active playing the games, and I'm shameful to say that I haven't been. I want to change that somehow.
So there you go: I'm friends with Pokémon players on three levels. I have some in my clique, I have relations with other local players, and I'm connected with national players. While we're all currently active at different levels, at least we're all still connected by the fact that we like Pokémon. In the end, I'm proud to share this life with many other Pokémon players; we make our world as lively as that of these creatures.
The first and most obvious is the bunch of friends that I'm currently hosting. As mentioned, some of us enjoy playing Pokémon; as a matter of fact, it is exactly this that formed some of the basis of our initial relationships. Together, we form a clique of people that do out-of-the-ordinary things, and we like what we do. Still, in terms of Pokémon, nowadays we appear to be somewhat divided by what we're doing. It is my hope that someday those of us that have played Pokémon can return to our roots and have a great Pokémon party for games or otherwise; I look forward to see it happen.
In addition to my clique, I'm also involved with a local association of Pokémon players. You might have read in this blog about the first tournament we held if you've been with me from the very beginning. Unfortunately, while we were fervent about things from the end of last year (when we decided to form the association), it seems things have gotten the better of us, and now we also haven't been into things as much as we would like. Plans to get together or even for a second tournament have not been borne out; we haven't even kept up with each other lately. It's somewhat of a shame, but I hope things work out closer (read: we can be more free) toward the middle of the year.
Not only am I involved with a local association, but I'm also involved with a national group of players - but many of them reside closer to the economic center of the country, so it hardly qualifies as a national group in that way. It's still a national group nonetheless because I and several other regional players are in it. What's funny is that I was introduced to this group by someone in my clique of friends, yet now he's not very active in Pokémon anymore. Regardless, I'm still glad that I have these links, because I found them useful when I dropped by for a visit last year. They've been very active playing the games, and I'm shameful to say that I haven't been. I want to change that somehow.
So there you go: I'm friends with Pokémon players on three levels. I have some in my clique, I have relations with other local players, and I'm connected with national players. While we're all currently active at different levels, at least we're all still connected by the fact that we like Pokémon. In the end, I'm proud to share this life with many other Pokémon players; we make our world as lively as that of these creatures.
Thursday, April 13, 2017
Paint It, Picross
One of the Pokémon games I still have on my 3DS that I enjoy is Pokémon Picross. For those uninitiated, Picross is a kind of paper puzzle that mixes logical puzzle skills and art; it's like a crossword, but you make a picture instead of filling in letters, hence the name (pic + cross). If you read puzzle periodicals from the U.S. - and I do, and one of these is GAMES World of Puzzles - you may know this puzzle under a different name: Paint by Numbers. So if you've already played it on paper, this is an electronic version of that. Now, many electronic implementations of Picross/PbN exist, but in the past, I've always wished that there would be one that's entirely Pokémon-themed. My prayers were answered when this game came along.
I haven't played this game in a while, but that's for a good reason: I've completed it, the whole nine yards. I've solved all the puzzles and completed all the secondary goals. And all without paying a single cent. This game is designed to let you be able to spend eShop credits for the in-game currency, which is called Picrites, but I didn't do that. Instead, all the Picrites I earned and spent came from two features in the game: Daily Training (a series of mini-Picross puzzles to be solved quickly) and achievements for doing certain things in certain ways. Had I spent money for extra Picrites, I would have completed the game much quicker; from start to finish, it took me over a year to earn and spend the necessary Picrites to fully complete the game.
What are Picrites used for? They are used to open up new areas of the game for new puzzles, recover your puzzle energy and Pokémon energy, and upgrade your feature sets. Now, each puzzle represents the image of a Pokémon; complete that puzzle for the first time and you'll "catch" that Pokémon. For later puzzles, you can then use that Pokémon to aid you in solving puzzles. Sure, you can solve all the puzzles the old-fashioned way without aids, but if you want the Picrites for the achievements, and certainly to do all the things above, you'll have to solve them with their help. Personally, I don't mind doing that. Oh yes, this game features Mega Evolutions too, but before you can use any of them, you'll need the Mega Pencil, a feature that costs a whopping 500 Picrites. Good luck with that.
This game does not only have traditional Picross puzzles, however. For 300 Picrites, you can unlock an alternate mode of play with Mega Picross puzzles (not just for the Mega Evolutions) that feature multiple neighboring rows and columns with chunks of black spaces, which also necessitate a slightly different logic. This is where the Pokémon assists really come in handy if you're already too used to the traditional puzzles, though I'm sure you'll eventually figure them out with some extremely good logic.
If you cannot get enough of Picross/PbN puzzles and you cannot get enough of Pokémon, this game is perfect to satisfy both of those. If you're impatient, then you'll want to spend for some Picrites to help quickly complete the game. Whatever you do, just enjoy all the puzzles and all the features of the game. Picross/PbN is "a unique blend of art and logic"; throw in Pokémon, and you've got a truly unique experience, one that I'm extremely pleased to have played.
I haven't played this game in a while, but that's for a good reason: I've completed it, the whole nine yards. I've solved all the puzzles and completed all the secondary goals. And all without paying a single cent. This game is designed to let you be able to spend eShop credits for the in-game currency, which is called Picrites, but I didn't do that. Instead, all the Picrites I earned and spent came from two features in the game: Daily Training (a series of mini-Picross puzzles to be solved quickly) and achievements for doing certain things in certain ways. Had I spent money for extra Picrites, I would have completed the game much quicker; from start to finish, it took me over a year to earn and spend the necessary Picrites to fully complete the game.
What are Picrites used for? They are used to open up new areas of the game for new puzzles, recover your puzzle energy and Pokémon energy, and upgrade your feature sets. Now, each puzzle represents the image of a Pokémon; complete that puzzle for the first time and you'll "catch" that Pokémon. For later puzzles, you can then use that Pokémon to aid you in solving puzzles. Sure, you can solve all the puzzles the old-fashioned way without aids, but if you want the Picrites for the achievements, and certainly to do all the things above, you'll have to solve them with their help. Personally, I don't mind doing that. Oh yes, this game features Mega Evolutions too, but before you can use any of them, you'll need the Mega Pencil, a feature that costs a whopping 500 Picrites. Good luck with that.
This game does not only have traditional Picross puzzles, however. For 300 Picrites, you can unlock an alternate mode of play with Mega Picross puzzles (not just for the Mega Evolutions) that feature multiple neighboring rows and columns with chunks of black spaces, which also necessitate a slightly different logic. This is where the Pokémon assists really come in handy if you're already too used to the traditional puzzles, though I'm sure you'll eventually figure them out with some extremely good logic.
If you cannot get enough of Picross/PbN puzzles and you cannot get enough of Pokémon, this game is perfect to satisfy both of those. If you're impatient, then you'll want to spend for some Picrites to help quickly complete the game. Whatever you do, just enjoy all the puzzles and all the features of the game. Picross/PbN is "a unique blend of art and logic"; throw in Pokémon, and you've got a truly unique experience, one that I'm extremely pleased to have played.
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
Pokémon Couriers?
Recently I've been experimenting with a courier/ride service that really works and I'm really enjoying it. They really deliver the stuff that you want or need, and their prices are friendly. That got me into thinking of how couriers could be realized in the world of Pokémon. Sure, if our world and the Pokémon world is anything like each other, then both worlds would have the same courier services. What would set the Pokémon world apart is courier services that specifically pertain to using the aid of Pokémon.
In the old days in our world, pigeon couriers were one possible way of sending and delivering letters; in the Pokémon world, Pidgey couriers are their equivalent, though there are many other similar bird Pokémon that can perform the same task - Taillow is one that comes to mind. Also, since many winged Pokémon can also be flown and ridden on, it's not hard to imagine that some couriers can make use of Pokémon for their duties. Once I saw a fan art of a Dragonite carrying a messenger bag, perhaps on its way to a delivery; it is exactly this that can be imagined to happen.
Meanwhile in the games, in particular the ones that feature only Pokémon, there have been implementations of courier-like services. If you've played the first Mystery Dungeon games, then you've obviously dealt with the Pelipper Post Office, which not only works, but is also amusing to think about. If you play PokéPark instead, then you deal with Drifblim that carry you across areas in the game. These are very imaginative and can conceivably exist in the Pokémon, though the reality could be somewhat different.
If this world and the Pokémon world are like each other, then courier services are a sure thing. The world of Pokémon is lucky to have its creatures that understand and have a deeper connection with people; as such, it would only be natural to involve them in courier services for people and Pokémon alike. Such courier services would therefore by nature become friendly as well, and sometimes that's all that matters. Perhaps they can inspire us to make even more friendly courier services than what we have now.
In the meantime, let me see if I can get more stuff from that already-so-friendly courier/ride service.
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
Romanticism of Tall Grasses
In the main series of Pokémon games, Pokémon are found in tall grass. If you've played the first-generation games, you'll no doubt recognize the warning at the beginning of the game of not going into the tall grass without a Pokémon of your own. For the rest of the time, you are only simply warned that Pokémon live in tall grass, and thus to avoid them, you'd have to sidestep any patches of tall grass. The fact that this has remained in the main series of games since the beginning is a sure sign that this is a part of the childhood image that Satoshi Tajiri attempts to share with Pokémon.
I don't know about you, but my childhood was different. I didn't grow up with sprawling fields of tall grasses, though I did spend some time in the country (or at least a little piece of it), and I've been told that the place I currently lived in used to be surrounded by fields and fields of a certain kind of grass, which while they're not quite tall, are bushy enough, before those fields turned into houses and buildings and became a part of the city. But to imagine doing what Satoshi Tajiri did while he was young, that which became part of the lore of Pokémon, feels pleasant and romantic in a way.
I can imagine spending a day with friends in tall grasses, finding critters that we can duke out against each other, and having fun all the while. The interactions that could take place and the emotions we'd feel would be so varied; maybe there would be times of happiness when things work out and sadness when they don't. Maybe we'd be glad to make new acquaintances - and just maybe, attractions - and be dejected when it's time to part. And in all that would be the camaraderie we'd feel when we're together. Come to think of it, I've already felt all that, while playing the games and watching the anime.
So really, the tall grass is where it's at. It's where Pokémon are found, and it's where feelings and emotions mingle into something much more... but only when you enter and interact. For some it would indeed be the greatest childhood memory, and for others who are less fortunate to experience it, Pokémon is there to help make it up. And that alone seems a romantic enough reason to re-enter that patch of tall grass. ❤
I don't know about you, but my childhood was different. I didn't grow up with sprawling fields of tall grasses, though I did spend some time in the country (or at least a little piece of it), and I've been told that the place I currently lived in used to be surrounded by fields and fields of a certain kind of grass, which while they're not quite tall, are bushy enough, before those fields turned into houses and buildings and became a part of the city. But to imagine doing what Satoshi Tajiri did while he was young, that which became part of the lore of Pokémon, feels pleasant and romantic in a way.
I can imagine spending a day with friends in tall grasses, finding critters that we can duke out against each other, and having fun all the while. The interactions that could take place and the emotions we'd feel would be so varied; maybe there would be times of happiness when things work out and sadness when they don't. Maybe we'd be glad to make new acquaintances - and just maybe, attractions - and be dejected when it's time to part. And in all that would be the camaraderie we'd feel when we're together. Come to think of it, I've already felt all that, while playing the games and watching the anime.
So really, the tall grass is where it's at. It's where Pokémon are found, and it's where feelings and emotions mingle into something much more... but only when you enter and interact. For some it would indeed be the greatest childhood memory, and for others who are less fortunate to experience it, Pokémon is there to help make it up. And that alone seems a romantic enough reason to re-enter that patch of tall grass. ❤
Monday, April 10, 2017
Evolution Revolutions?
Talking about Mega Evolutions reminds me of a different evolution issue, but one in the same vein. The issue concerns evolutions of regular Pokémon. Starting in the second generation, there was a tradition of providing older Pokémon with pre-evolutions (also called babies because they indeed often looked like immature versions of their evolutionary followups) as well as new subsequent evolutions. This tradition continued up until the fourth generation, and then suddenly stopped with the fifth generation onwards, except for a one-time return in the sixth generation to provide Eevee with Sylveon. Otherwise, after the fourth generation, there was nothing new in the way of these evolutions.
This state of affairs is similar to the one for Mega Evolutions, but it's one that has persisted longer. But unlike the issue for Mega Evolutions, there are two ways to think about this. On one hand, the absence of new evolutions for older Pokémon could mean that regular evolutions are now mature and only absolutely needed for Pokémon of the current generation - in other words, there is no longer any need to disrupt the evolutionary consistency of older Pokémon. On the other hand, some Pokémon have lore related to the concept of evolutions or transformations that have not been fully fleshed out. Eevee is certainly part of this way of thinking, since at present it and its evolutions only cover 9 out of the 18 types that are available. If Eevee is truly an evolutionary marvel, then it would have to cover all the types available sooner or later. Of course, what applies to Mega Evolutions also applies to regular evolutions, which means that if new evolutions do appear, their roles have to be considered in full.
Evolution is a core concept of Pokémon, whether in the regular ways or into Mega forms. That the regular way applies to most Pokémon of any single generation is something that's appropriate and expected. But as demonstrated by the second to fourth generations as well as the most recent Sylveon, the regular way can apply to provide retroactive linkages to a prior generation. The recent absence of this as well as new Mega forms may really just come down to their roles, whether or not they can be fulfilled considering existing Pokémon. The question of whether expansion can occur seems to still be an open one.
This state of affairs is similar to the one for Mega Evolutions, but it's one that has persisted longer. But unlike the issue for Mega Evolutions, there are two ways to think about this. On one hand, the absence of new evolutions for older Pokémon could mean that regular evolutions are now mature and only absolutely needed for Pokémon of the current generation - in other words, there is no longer any need to disrupt the evolutionary consistency of older Pokémon. On the other hand, some Pokémon have lore related to the concept of evolutions or transformations that have not been fully fleshed out. Eevee is certainly part of this way of thinking, since at present it and its evolutions only cover 9 out of the 18 types that are available. If Eevee is truly an evolutionary marvel, then it would have to cover all the types available sooner or later. Of course, what applies to Mega Evolutions also applies to regular evolutions, which means that if new evolutions do appear, their roles have to be considered in full.
Evolution is a core concept of Pokémon, whether in the regular ways or into Mega forms. That the regular way applies to most Pokémon of any single generation is something that's appropriate and expected. But as demonstrated by the second to fourth generations as well as the most recent Sylveon, the regular way can apply to provide retroactive linkages to a prior generation. The recent absence of this as well as new Mega forms may really just come down to their roles, whether or not they can be fulfilled considering existing Pokémon. The question of whether expansion can occur seems to still be an open one.
Sunday, April 9, 2017
The (Current) Fate of the Megas
A friend of mine has kindly reminded me to pick up a gift batch of Mega Stones for Sun and Moon, since these are not obtainable within the game proper. That reminds me of something that has been going on in general with Sun and Moon, and in effect VGC 2017 as well: it seems that Mega Evolutions are being - or rather, have been - relegated to second-class status. The games have been fervent with them since the previous generation that it's odd to see them de-emphasized in this manner.
The concept of Mega Evolutions as powered-up forms of mature Pokémon is neat since it gives a new twist for Trainers that use and go up against the Pokémon concerned, and it gives a new life to some Pokémon that would be underutilized otherwise, though inevitably some Mega Evolutions also became more popular than others as with regular Pokémon. The concept was popular enough that its initial iteration in X and Y was expanded in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, as well as integrated into Shuffle and even Super Mystery Dungeon. It seemed that Mega Evolutions would become an accepted norm with its presence in several games.
And then when Sun and Moon came, there was no word about Mega Evolutions, apart from the fact that they were still in the games. The concept was also not slated for expansion to any Pokémon of the current or previous generation that did not already have Mega forms. VGC 2017, which was also introduced with Sun and Moon, also disallows Mega Evolutions, effectively limiting the current use of the concept as well.
While I don't think every mature Pokémon needs to have a Mega Evolution, there are some for which Mega Evolution is a given to be had. The starters are an example, since they conventionally always have three evolutionary stages, which means it is not unreasonable to expect Mega forms for these. Some Legendary Pokémon could also receive Mega forms in similar fashion to Mewtwo, Diancie, and Rayquaza; one that perhaps I could offer is Genesect, but its role would have to be fully fleshed out, though this is also obviously true for any Mega form.
Mega Evolution is a useful and popular concept to be sure, but its current use in the main series of Pokémon games doesn't appear to lend much support for it. There's not really any way to escape the concept now that it's established, nor should the concept become forgotten. Expansion is the key, and as can be shown by Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, it doesn't have to be in a new-generation game. Perhaps a fourth-generation remake - if all the hints are indeed leading up to that - can have some "Mega" answers.
The concept of Mega Evolutions as powered-up forms of mature Pokémon is neat since it gives a new twist for Trainers that use and go up against the Pokémon concerned, and it gives a new life to some Pokémon that would be underutilized otherwise, though inevitably some Mega Evolutions also became more popular than others as with regular Pokémon. The concept was popular enough that its initial iteration in X and Y was expanded in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, as well as integrated into Shuffle and even Super Mystery Dungeon. It seemed that Mega Evolutions would become an accepted norm with its presence in several games.
And then when Sun and Moon came, there was no word about Mega Evolutions, apart from the fact that they were still in the games. The concept was also not slated for expansion to any Pokémon of the current or previous generation that did not already have Mega forms. VGC 2017, which was also introduced with Sun and Moon, also disallows Mega Evolutions, effectively limiting the current use of the concept as well.
While I don't think every mature Pokémon needs to have a Mega Evolution, there are some for which Mega Evolution is a given to be had. The starters are an example, since they conventionally always have three evolutionary stages, which means it is not unreasonable to expect Mega forms for these. Some Legendary Pokémon could also receive Mega forms in similar fashion to Mewtwo, Diancie, and Rayquaza; one that perhaps I could offer is Genesect, but its role would have to be fully fleshed out, though this is also obviously true for any Mega form.
Mega Evolution is a useful and popular concept to be sure, but its current use in the main series of Pokémon games doesn't appear to lend much support for it. There's not really any way to escape the concept now that it's established, nor should the concept become forgotten. Expansion is the key, and as can be shown by Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, it doesn't have to be in a new-generation game. Perhaps a fourth-generation remake - if all the hints are indeed leading up to that - can have some "Mega" answers.
Saturday, April 8, 2017
On the Road Again
On the road again
Just can't wait to get on the road again
The life I love is making music with my friends
And I can't wait to get on the road again
On the road again
Goin' places that I've never been
Seein' things that I may never see again
And I can't wait to get on the road again
On the road again
Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway
We're the best of friends
Insisting that the world keep turning our way
And our way
Is on the road again...
-- "On the Road Again", Willie Nelson
After something subdued for a Pokémon journey, it's time for something more upbeat. This song by Willie Nelson is just the right thing. And the best part? All of the lyrics are absolutely appropriate to make any Pokémon fan think of Pokémon, which is why I've posted all the relevant lyrics above. It's even more appropriate if you're Pokémon Trainer, since the images that this song conjures up are exactly of that.
As an aside, this song was also used some years ago for a TV food show entitled Spain... On the Road Again, which was about a group of food fans - two chefs, two celebrities - traversing Spain for its cuisine. None of them are really musicians as part of the first verse would suggest, but the song is still evocative of moods for them. The same is true for Pokémon Trainers; not all are really musicians, but the lyrics still ring true for them. So perhaps, the "music" may not necessarily be of actual sounds, but the "melody" in the things that people do. It's a romantic way to think about it.
For the rest of the lyrics, they are truly evocative of journeys, especially that of Trainers in the Pokémon world. Trainers, as they can be imagined, would visit many places around the world, where they may not have visited before, and which they might see for only that time. Trainers could also travel as a band or a group, and the most well-known one is that of Ash and friends. And even if they don't, there's still no reason they can't remain friends with each other. Most of all, a Trainer's journey is very much affected by the feeling of wanting their journey to work out for them, i.e. win battles. Thus all the premises in the lyrics do ring true for Pokémon Trainers.
Since this song does have true premises for any Pokémon Trainer, this song can be thought of as an anthem for them. Why not? I can imagine if this song existed in the Pokémon world, it would be something that Trainers could sing for themselves. In this way, it feels a little fanciful, but it might very well be true. I would sing it if I were actually one.
So thank you, Willie Nelson, for giving us Pokémon Trainers an anthem (or at least a song) we are proud to sing. We simply can't wait to get on the road again.
Just can't wait to get on the road again
The life I love is making music with my friends
And I can't wait to get on the road again
On the road again
Goin' places that I've never been
Seein' things that I may never see again
And I can't wait to get on the road again
On the road again
Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway
We're the best of friends
Insisting that the world keep turning our way
And our way
Is on the road again...
-- "On the Road Again", Willie Nelson
After something subdued for a Pokémon journey, it's time for something more upbeat. This song by Willie Nelson is just the right thing. And the best part? All of the lyrics are absolutely appropriate to make any Pokémon fan think of Pokémon, which is why I've posted all the relevant lyrics above. It's even more appropriate if you're Pokémon Trainer, since the images that this song conjures up are exactly of that.
As an aside, this song was also used some years ago for a TV food show entitled Spain... On the Road Again, which was about a group of food fans - two chefs, two celebrities - traversing Spain for its cuisine. None of them are really musicians as part of the first verse would suggest, but the song is still evocative of moods for them. The same is true for Pokémon Trainers; not all are really musicians, but the lyrics still ring true for them. So perhaps, the "music" may not necessarily be of actual sounds, but the "melody" in the things that people do. It's a romantic way to think about it.
For the rest of the lyrics, they are truly evocative of journeys, especially that of Trainers in the Pokémon world. Trainers, as they can be imagined, would visit many places around the world, where they may not have visited before, and which they might see for only that time. Trainers could also travel as a band or a group, and the most well-known one is that of Ash and friends. And even if they don't, there's still no reason they can't remain friends with each other. Most of all, a Trainer's journey is very much affected by the feeling of wanting their journey to work out for them, i.e. win battles. Thus all the premises in the lyrics do ring true for Pokémon Trainers.
Since this song does have true premises for any Pokémon Trainer, this song can be thought of as an anthem for them. Why not? I can imagine if this song existed in the Pokémon world, it would be something that Trainers could sing for themselves. In this way, it feels a little fanciful, but it might very well be true. I would sing it if I were actually one.
So thank you, Willie Nelson, for giving us Pokémon Trainers an anthem (or at least a song) we are proud to sing. We simply can't wait to get on the road again.
Friday, April 7, 2017
Caravansary
Caravan, journey in the sky
As the sun comes out from the day
Caravan, we know who we are
We discover where we went
Oooh, caravan, there we find the love
Love shimmering and soon our love is gone
-- "Caravansary", vocal version by Kitaro ft. Pages
I love so-called "new age" music, though this name is a misnomer. One of the brilliant artists whose music is often included under this heading hails from Japan, the same place where Pokémon hails from. That artist is Kitaro, and he's got good music too that brings Pokémon to my mind. One of them is "Caravansary"; this piece is better known and more popular among fans as an instrumental piece, but a vocal version exists with lyrics that feature the artist Pages. The two versions bring to mind Pokémon in different ways.
Now, "caravansary" refers to a rest house that is located on the trade routes of central Asia (e.g. Silk Road) where traveling people can stop, take a break, and even communicate. Doesn't that sound familiar? Aren't Pokémon Centers in the anime frequently depicted in this way? The title of the piece alone already brings up Pokémon connections. The instrumental version of the piece is a little quiet, so it conjures up exact images of those, as Trainers come by to get their Pokémon healed and to peruse the facilities while they rest.
For the vocal version, the piece is a little more bouncy but still subdued. That one brings to mind not only Pokémon Centers, but also Ash and company using them and then continuing on their journey. There's a certain romanticism in the lyrics that make me think of them specifically, in particular the middle two lines of the chorus, which is the part that I quoted above. They really know who they are and discover places as they stop by.
This piece is wonderful in that it brings up different images of Pokémon for its different versions. Yet the core image is the same, that of Pokémon Centers, which could indeed be considered a modern yet fantasy version of the object for which this piece is titled. In that way it's not only pleasant, but also warming, and most importantly, elegantly appropriate.
As the sun comes out from the day
Caravan, we know who we are
We discover where we went
Oooh, caravan, there we find the love
Love shimmering and soon our love is gone
-- "Caravansary", vocal version by Kitaro ft. Pages
I love so-called "new age" music, though this name is a misnomer. One of the brilliant artists whose music is often included under this heading hails from Japan, the same place where Pokémon hails from. That artist is Kitaro, and he's got good music too that brings Pokémon to my mind. One of them is "Caravansary"; this piece is better known and more popular among fans as an instrumental piece, but a vocal version exists with lyrics that feature the artist Pages. The two versions bring to mind Pokémon in different ways.
Now, "caravansary" refers to a rest house that is located on the trade routes of central Asia (e.g. Silk Road) where traveling people can stop, take a break, and even communicate. Doesn't that sound familiar? Aren't Pokémon Centers in the anime frequently depicted in this way? The title of the piece alone already brings up Pokémon connections. The instrumental version of the piece is a little quiet, so it conjures up exact images of those, as Trainers come by to get their Pokémon healed and to peruse the facilities while they rest.
For the vocal version, the piece is a little more bouncy but still subdued. That one brings to mind not only Pokémon Centers, but also Ash and company using them and then continuing on their journey. There's a certain romanticism in the lyrics that make me think of them specifically, in particular the middle two lines of the chorus, which is the part that I quoted above. They really know who they are and discover places as they stop by.
This piece is wonderful in that it brings up different images of Pokémon for its different versions. Yet the core image is the same, that of Pokémon Centers, which could indeed be considered a modern yet fantasy version of the object for which this piece is titled. In that way it's not only pleasant, but also warming, and most importantly, elegantly appropriate.
Thursday, April 6, 2017
These Foolish Things Remind Me of Pokémon
A tinkling piano in the next apartment;
Those stumblin' words that told you what my heart meant;
A fairground's painted swings;
These foolish things remind me of you.
-- "These Foolish Things (Remind Me of You)"
Here's a song that has many cover versions yet still sounds nice; the original is by Billie Holiday, but I'm personally partial to the Rod Stewart cover. This one is even more abstract than Shania's minor hit, but it still manages to remind me of Pokémon. In general, this song is considered part of the Great American Songbook as it was a popular song in the mid-20th century, but in my book it might as well be part of the Great Pokémon Songbook.
Considering the lines exactly as above, I'm indeed reminded of a few things. The tinkling piano might not be in the next apartment, but it is part of a particular cover of "Smile", one of the ending themes of the anime. Stumbling words and expressions? There was much of the same when Ash and Misty met for the first time - and subsequent times too. And then the painted swings, they may not be a part of fairgrounds, but they may also be part of schools as in the Trubbish episode. These may be esoteric and a little odd, but they're also a part of Pokémon nonetheless.
I didn't include the very first part of the first verse in the quoted lyrics above for a good reason: I'm not friendly with one of the parts. But that is part of the beauty of the song; they can be revised as little as possible, as above, or even totally to suit a more Pokémon mood. So let's see if I can conjure up a slightly different verse:
Two guardians present, a town on the sea;
I have a blank look, but you can trust me;
Oh, how the ghost of you clings; (Sabrina vs. Haunter comes to mind!)
These foolish things remind me of you.
Hmmm. That works, I guess - with some apologies to Eric Maschwitz (the original songwriter). You and I might have our own foolish things, but they may just remind you of Pokémon. And as another part of the song says:
These things are dear to me; they seem to bring you so near to me.
Those stumblin' words that told you what my heart meant;
A fairground's painted swings;
These foolish things remind me of you.
-- "These Foolish Things (Remind Me of You)"
Here's a song that has many cover versions yet still sounds nice; the original is by Billie Holiday, but I'm personally partial to the Rod Stewart cover. This one is even more abstract than Shania's minor hit, but it still manages to remind me of Pokémon. In general, this song is considered part of the Great American Songbook as it was a popular song in the mid-20th century, but in my book it might as well be part of the Great Pokémon Songbook.
Considering the lines exactly as above, I'm indeed reminded of a few things. The tinkling piano might not be in the next apartment, but it is part of a particular cover of "Smile", one of the ending themes of the anime. Stumbling words and expressions? There was much of the same when Ash and Misty met for the first time - and subsequent times too. And then the painted swings, they may not be a part of fairgrounds, but they may also be part of schools as in the Trubbish episode. These may be esoteric and a little odd, but they're also a part of Pokémon nonetheless.
I didn't include the very first part of the first verse in the quoted lyrics above for a good reason: I'm not friendly with one of the parts. But that is part of the beauty of the song; they can be revised as little as possible, as above, or even totally to suit a more Pokémon mood. So let's see if I can conjure up a slightly different verse:
Two guardians present, a town on the sea;
I have a blank look, but you can trust me;
Oh, how the ghost of you clings; (Sabrina vs. Haunter comes to mind!)
These foolish things remind me of you.
Hmmm. That works, I guess - with some apologies to Eric Maschwitz (the original songwriter). You and I might have our own foolish things, but they may just remind you of Pokémon. And as another part of the song says:
These things are dear to me; they seem to bring you so near to me.
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
That Way You've Got
You've got a way with me
Somehow you got me to believe
In everything that I could be
I've gotta say-you really got a way
You've got a way it seems
You gave me faith to find my dreams
You'll never know just what that means
Can't you see... you got a way with me
-- "You've Got a Way", Shania Twain
I've noticed that I began this week discussing about songs and music, even odd ones, that remind me of Pokémon. It so happens that I dipped into my music collection today and found a few more that do the same. Well, heck. I'll just continue this week doing the same thing - consider it a special week of good music and good stories to tell in relation to Pokémon. It'll be convenient for me as well, given my agenda for the rest of this week.
One of the songs I happened to dip into today was the minor hit for which I quoted the verses above, and the explanation for this one is simple. The verses are all about Ash - that's it. I'm plenty inspired by what Ash does, what Ash says, how Ash is, that everything I quoted above is true. It's why I now pursue writing up all things Pokémon and me in this blog, as part of the effort "to find my dreams", because I believe that I can be great with it.
There is one concession I do want to make regarding this song, and it's about the chorus (and a little of the second verse). It concerns the word "love". As the lyrics are written, they suggest physical love. I prefer to ignore this, or at the very least downplay this in relation to Ash, because it's really not that. It's really just an adoration, which is fortunately mentioned in the bridge, and I would rather have it interpreted as that. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.
As Ash pursues his goals and travels on his journey, I do the exact same thing. They may not be quite in the same way, but the gist is the same, which is to do one's best. So to see someone as high-spirited as Ash in what he does is truly an inspiration, even when today Ash doesn't quite look the same as he did in the past. That much may change, but I wouldn't change anything else.
I love you just the way you are. ... It's just the way you are.
Somehow you got me to believe
In everything that I could be
I've gotta say-you really got a way
You've got a way it seems
You gave me faith to find my dreams
You'll never know just what that means
Can't you see... you got a way with me
-- "You've Got a Way", Shania Twain
I've noticed that I began this week discussing about songs and music, even odd ones, that remind me of Pokémon. It so happens that I dipped into my music collection today and found a few more that do the same. Well, heck. I'll just continue this week doing the same thing - consider it a special week of good music and good stories to tell in relation to Pokémon. It'll be convenient for me as well, given my agenda for the rest of this week.
One of the songs I happened to dip into today was the minor hit for which I quoted the verses above, and the explanation for this one is simple. The verses are all about Ash - that's it. I'm plenty inspired by what Ash does, what Ash says, how Ash is, that everything I quoted above is true. It's why I now pursue writing up all things Pokémon and me in this blog, as part of the effort "to find my dreams", because I believe that I can be great with it.
There is one concession I do want to make regarding this song, and it's about the chorus (and a little of the second verse). It concerns the word "love". As the lyrics are written, they suggest physical love. I prefer to ignore this, or at the very least downplay this in relation to Ash, because it's really not that. It's really just an adoration, which is fortunately mentioned in the bridge, and I would rather have it interpreted as that. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.
As Ash pursues his goals and travels on his journey, I do the exact same thing. They may not be quite in the same way, but the gist is the same, which is to do one's best. So to see someone as high-spirited as Ash in what he does is truly an inspiration, even when today Ash doesn't quite look the same as he did in the past. That much may change, but I wouldn't change anything else.
I love you just the way you are. ... It's just the way you are.
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
One Thing
So get out, get out, get out of my head
And fall into my arms instead
I don't, I don't, don't know what it is
But I need that one thing
And you've got that one thing
-- "One Thing", One Direction
If you've been reading the past two posts on this blog, then you've noticed how songs that are seemingly unrelated to Pokémon do in fact remind me of Pokémon. So here's another one, this time by a more globally known music group. This song is about the attribute that makes someone interested, the "one thing" mentioned in the song. In regard to me and Pokémon, the "one thing" is connected by something I've discussed previously: passion.
As told by One Direction in song, they don't know what the "one thing" is, but they need it from an attraction they found. A similar situation occurs with me and Pokémon. Sometimes I can tell what it is I like about something Pokémon, like the persistence displayed by Ash or the power demonstrated by Pikachu, but other times, I have a hard time describing or expressing what it is I like about something Pokémon, though obviously I have to try my darndest for this blog. I personally feel that it goes back to the other thing I mentioned above, passion. There are times when my passion makes it clear what I can say I like, as for the things above, but then there are also times when my passion clouds specific things, and at that point I am only able to just say I like things as a whole. Again, the challenge for this blog is to get past the latter so I can be in the former.
Can I say that I have a blinding passion? In some ways, but I can also say that I have a passion that guides my way. It's blinding in that it keeps me noticing only particular things at times, but it's guiding because it also leads me to new things to like. It is both at the same time. The trick is to balance the two aspects and know when to stay put and move away from a particular facet that I like, so as to equalize everything.
So what is the "one thing"? It seems to be many things, in regard to the many facets of Pokémon. But then again, in the Pokémon world, all the creatures are united in being called Pokémon. So just perhaps, that one thing is Pokémon itself, connected by the passion I have. It's a simple and elegant way to think about it, since it will remain something that I like. I need it, and you've got it - that one thing.
And fall into my arms instead
I don't, I don't, don't know what it is
But I need that one thing
And you've got that one thing
-- "One Thing", One Direction
If you've been reading the past two posts on this blog, then you've noticed how songs that are seemingly unrelated to Pokémon do in fact remind me of Pokémon. So here's another one, this time by a more globally known music group. This song is about the attribute that makes someone interested, the "one thing" mentioned in the song. In regard to me and Pokémon, the "one thing" is connected by something I've discussed previously: passion.
As told by One Direction in song, they don't know what the "one thing" is, but they need it from an attraction they found. A similar situation occurs with me and Pokémon. Sometimes I can tell what it is I like about something Pokémon, like the persistence displayed by Ash or the power demonstrated by Pikachu, but other times, I have a hard time describing or expressing what it is I like about something Pokémon, though obviously I have to try my darndest for this blog. I personally feel that it goes back to the other thing I mentioned above, passion. There are times when my passion makes it clear what I can say I like, as for the things above, but then there are also times when my passion clouds specific things, and at that point I am only able to just say I like things as a whole. Again, the challenge for this blog is to get past the latter so I can be in the former.
Can I say that I have a blinding passion? In some ways, but I can also say that I have a passion that guides my way. It's blinding in that it keeps me noticing only particular things at times, but it's guiding because it also leads me to new things to like. It is both at the same time. The trick is to balance the two aspects and know when to stay put and move away from a particular facet that I like, so as to equalize everything.
So what is the "one thing"? It seems to be many things, in regard to the many facets of Pokémon. But then again, in the Pokémon world, all the creatures are united in being called Pokémon. So just perhaps, that one thing is Pokémon itself, connected by the passion I have. It's a simple and elegant way to think about it, since it will remain something that I like. I need it, and you've got it - that one thing.
Monday, April 3, 2017
A Story of Love, A Story of Passion
Let love burn intensely in our hearts
Let love bring us together
This story of love that I feel for the first time
Never let it end, our story of love
-- "Cerita Cinta" ("Story of Love"), Kahitna (translated)
While still on the subject of the BW series of the Pokémon anime, there's another song that comes to my mind when listening to the music from this series. This time, it deals with the Japanese side, and specifically, it deals with the first opening theme, aptly titled "Best Wishes". I found that a sliver of the opening theme, the part before the final two lines of the full version of the song (the "Yea-he-he-hey" part), seems to also fit the chorus of "Cerita Cinta", a song by the hit Indonesian pop group Kahitna, of which I have provided the above translation. And now I find singing that chorus every time I hear that part.
So yes, I do get exposed to local content - other than the obvious exception of the Indonesian dub of the Pokémon anime - and like it every now and then. Actually, it is thanks to this coincidental association that I now like Kahitna. This music group has been around for about the same age as I am and I've never given the group much thought until this coincidental association came along. Most of the songs from the group talk about love, including this one, but there's no reason some of the other songs can't also apply to Pokémon in different ways.
Speaking of love, the above song that I quoted somewhat resonates for me and Pokémon. Pokémon is really the first thing I've felt very much attracted to, and has become quite a passion. Think about it - if I didn't have that, I wouldn't be writing this up as a post, a story if you will, on this blog right now, nor would I continue playing the games, watching the anime, or even cosplaying as Ash. Pokémon has affected many parts of my current life for the better, and to like it and to continue to do so is truly an intense feeling I have in my heart.
And I don't want it to end. Never let it end, our story of love.
Let love bring us together
This story of love that I feel for the first time
Never let it end, our story of love
-- "Cerita Cinta" ("Story of Love"), Kahitna (translated)
While still on the subject of the BW series of the Pokémon anime, there's another song that comes to my mind when listening to the music from this series. This time, it deals with the Japanese side, and specifically, it deals with the first opening theme, aptly titled "Best Wishes". I found that a sliver of the opening theme, the part before the final two lines of the full version of the song (the "Yea-he-he-hey" part), seems to also fit the chorus of "Cerita Cinta", a song by the hit Indonesian pop group Kahitna, of which I have provided the above translation. And now I find singing that chorus every time I hear that part.
So yes, I do get exposed to local content - other than the obvious exception of the Indonesian dub of the Pokémon anime - and like it every now and then. Actually, it is thanks to this coincidental association that I now like Kahitna. This music group has been around for about the same age as I am and I've never given the group much thought until this coincidental association came along. Most of the songs from the group talk about love, including this one, but there's no reason some of the other songs can't also apply to Pokémon in different ways.
Speaking of love, the above song that I quoted somewhat resonates for me and Pokémon. Pokémon is really the first thing I've felt very much attracted to, and has become quite a passion. Think about it - if I didn't have that, I wouldn't be writing this up as a post, a story if you will, on this blog right now, nor would I continue playing the games, watching the anime, or even cosplaying as Ash. Pokémon has affected many parts of my current life for the better, and to like it and to continue to do so is truly an intense feeling I have in my heart.
And I don't want it to end. Never let it end, our story of love.
Sunday, April 2, 2017
I Found You, Black and White
Through this window everything seems new
The worlds not changing it's just my view
Spent so much time looking for what I thought was right for me
But it's only when I gave up that I got what I really need...
...
Anticipation is something new
When you never had someone to look forward to
I thought I knew who I was and who I wanted to be
But my mind just kept wandering waiting to let me see...
-- "I Found You", Aaron and Andrew
As I had been (re-)watching the BW series of the Pokémon anime, in particular with the English dub, I noticed something. While this was going on, I had also been watching a program on local TV that used an instrumental version of the above song for its credits sequence; I grew interested in the song and ended up listening to the vocal version as well. So then I was watching a certain episode in the series - I forgot which, but it was one of the early ones - and thought the music of the credits sequence, which was simply just an instrumental version of the "Black and White" opening theme, fitted the verses of the above song. After that point I began to sing along the verses every time the credits appeared.
On the surface, this song doesn't have anything to do with Pokémon, let alone the anime. But with some fanciful interpretation, this song - or at least the verses above - could be construed to have some relation. For the first verse, it's about the relationship between Ash and Pikachu, for as much as Ash relies on his other Pokémon, time after time he also ends up relying on Pikachu, which is not a bad thing at all. For the second verse, the "anticipation" is of the discoveries, people and Pokémon alike, that Ash find along his journey, which help to shape him as a person. These interpretations are a bit of a stretch, but they make sense if you think about them deeply.
The link between this song and the Pokémon anime is purely coincidental, but it's an elegant and sentimental coincidence nonetheless, and I'm only happy that it worked out in this fashion. It allowed a fresh, new perspective on what goes on in the anime, which is good to keep in mind, no matter what happens with Ash and Pikachu on their journey.
The worlds not changing it's just my view
Spent so much time looking for what I thought was right for me
But it's only when I gave up that I got what I really need...
...
Anticipation is something new
When you never had someone to look forward to
I thought I knew who I was and who I wanted to be
But my mind just kept wandering waiting to let me see...
-- "I Found You", Aaron and Andrew
As I had been (re-)watching the BW series of the Pokémon anime, in particular with the English dub, I noticed something. While this was going on, I had also been watching a program on local TV that used an instrumental version of the above song for its credits sequence; I grew interested in the song and ended up listening to the vocal version as well. So then I was watching a certain episode in the series - I forgot which, but it was one of the early ones - and thought the music of the credits sequence, which was simply just an instrumental version of the "Black and White" opening theme, fitted the verses of the above song. After that point I began to sing along the verses every time the credits appeared.
On the surface, this song doesn't have anything to do with Pokémon, let alone the anime. But with some fanciful interpretation, this song - or at least the verses above - could be construed to have some relation. For the first verse, it's about the relationship between Ash and Pikachu, for as much as Ash relies on his other Pokémon, time after time he also ends up relying on Pikachu, which is not a bad thing at all. For the second verse, the "anticipation" is of the discoveries, people and Pokémon alike, that Ash find along his journey, which help to shape him as a person. These interpretations are a bit of a stretch, but they make sense if you think about them deeply.
The link between this song and the Pokémon anime is purely coincidental, but it's an elegant and sentimental coincidence nonetheless, and I'm only happy that it worked out in this fashion. It allowed a fresh, new perspective on what goes on in the anime, which is good to keep in mind, no matter what happens with Ash and Pikachu on their journey.
Saturday, April 1, 2017
It's April Fool's Day!
It's April 1st, so you know what that means - it's April Fool's Day! This is a day rife with all kinds of trickery, and in this cyber age, even Web sites are not immune to the phenomenon. I personally am not apt to create such trickery and won't try to implement one here, but I can implement other kinds of trickery, ones in ways that already appeal to what I can do.
One of those ways is through cosplay. Ever since I had wanted to have an Ash costume - and before I knew more about cosplay - I had thought of an additional use for it, and that was to go out on April Fool's Day wearing it and to act as if I was Ash while doing other things. I suppose in a way this would be an indirect cosplay. Three years ago, I had the chance to pull off this trick, cosplaying as Ash while I played DanceDanceRevolution, something I was able to do better back then. The result is encapsulated in this photo:
Sadly, the DDR machine in that photo is now gone, so now I would have a hard time pulling off the same exact trick. However, now that maimai is available and I can play it well, I can pull off a variant of the trick with the machine. Today, however, I lucked out because it so happened that my mahjong friends decided to hold a play date, and it was in a café that also often supports cosplay events. And so I cosplayed, played mahjong, and had a great time.
Of course, I'm always looking for new tricks that I can do to stir up the tomfoolery on this day. To participate in it is an opportunity that is not to be missed, in any reasonably possible way or form. And...
Hold on, I think I have someone to show you.
[AshKetchumMode]
Hi! I'm Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town. This is a nice blog you've got here. Anyway, I'm honored that you've supported me all this time. I may not quite be the best there is right now, but I'm still trying to get there. I didn't know I was such a good dancer with my feet, haha; I should try it sometime. Thanks so much for letting me have a part in your blog!
[/AshKetchumMode]
You're welcome, Ash. There you go - that's something I can do with writing for this April Fool's Day. And this is not just for April Fool's Day; I have a feeling I can get him to come back for other occasions on this blog.
Have a great April Fool's Day! 😁
One of those ways is through cosplay. Ever since I had wanted to have an Ash costume - and before I knew more about cosplay - I had thought of an additional use for it, and that was to go out on April Fool's Day wearing it and to act as if I was Ash while doing other things. I suppose in a way this would be an indirect cosplay. Three years ago, I had the chance to pull off this trick, cosplaying as Ash while I played DanceDanceRevolution, something I was able to do better back then. The result is encapsulated in this photo:
Sadly, the DDR machine in that photo is now gone, so now I would have a hard time pulling off the same exact trick. However, now that maimai is available and I can play it well, I can pull off a variant of the trick with the machine. Today, however, I lucked out because it so happened that my mahjong friends decided to hold a play date, and it was in a café that also often supports cosplay events. And so I cosplayed, played mahjong, and had a great time.
Of course, I'm always looking for new tricks that I can do to stir up the tomfoolery on this day. To participate in it is an opportunity that is not to be missed, in any reasonably possible way or form. And...
Hold on, I think I have someone to show you.
[AshKetchumMode]
Hi! I'm Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town. This is a nice blog you've got here. Anyway, I'm honored that you've supported me all this time. I may not quite be the best there is right now, but I'm still trying to get there. I didn't know I was such a good dancer with my feet, haha; I should try it sometime. Thanks so much for letting me have a part in your blog!
[/AshKetchumMode]
You're welcome, Ash. There you go - that's something I can do with writing for this April Fool's Day. And this is not just for April Fool's Day; I have a feeling I can get him to come back for other occasions on this blog.
Have a great April Fool's Day! 😁
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