Me: All right, are you up for something really different and really unusual?
Ash: Hey, what's this one about?
Pikachu: Pi pika pika? [curious]
Me: OK, so usually I'd send you to theme events or conventions early on so you can prepare, see the sights, do stuff, and so on and so forth. But this time, I'm sending you later than I would usually, especially for this.
Ash: Sure. And what about this event?
Me: I've never sent you to this one, mainly because it's so far away, so it becomes rather prohibitive. But now, there's an opportunity, so we have to take advantage of it.
Ash: I see. I think I'd do the same myself.
Me: Also, I'm sending you with someone, or rather, a group of people.
Ash: Hey! I know the people you're sending me with. They're-
Me: Shhh. That's for a later part. But first, the important stuff. Did you make it there?
Ash: Well, there was a bit of time before I finally got there, but yeah, I got there. It's really a LONG ways away. Now I see why you don't want to send me there.
Pikachu: Pi, ka... [winded]
Me: Now you know, and I guess I know. What's it like over there?
Ash: It's a lot like many of the events you send me to, but it does seem like a lot less for something far away.
Me: My suspicions seem to be confirmed. I've also been told that it seems rather sparse from year to year.
Ash: OK, so now, can I tell about the people I'm with?
Me: Sure!
Ash: So I'm with a band called Otaku, and my friend and I have known about them for a long time. I'm with them because...
I GOT TO SING WITH THEM LIVE!!! YES!!!
Pikachu: PIKA PIKA PIKA!!! ["WONDERFUL!!!"]
Me: ALL RIGHT!!! They had asked me last week if I could send you today to do so, and seeing that this could be a very rare thing, I had to be able to do it no matter what.
Ash: And it all happened so suddenly!
Me: Yeah! But I'd like to save most of the juicy details so that I can discuss them later... I hope. Now, actually, I wanted to send you here not together with them earlier today so that you could take part in the singing competition, but in retrospect, that seems to be a bad idea because of the distance involved.
Ash: You know what? It's OK. You'd have spent too much effort to send me here, and you can't tell if I would be able to win or not. But this one didn't take much effort, and I still felt like a winner.
Me: That's absolutely true. Still, this event is actually a two-day thing, and the character parade would be tomorrow. I had hoped to get you to somehow stay for that, but I can't. Would you mind if you skipped it?
Ash: I don't mind. It's your call.
Pikachu: Pika chu. ["You decide."]
Me: Then it's settled: this is our only day here. For what it's worth, it has been an amazing day, even if it has been out of the ordinary. I can only hope that it happens again.
Ash: Me too! I think it might just happen.
Pikachu: Pi pika pika chu pi! ["I'm really sure of that!"]
One year ago: Local EX Raid (and Rain, Again), 11/30/2018
Two years ago: Feature Film 20 - "Pokémon The Movie - I Choose You!"
Saturday, November 30, 2019
Friday, November 29, 2019
Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 11/29/2019
I find some event rollups for Pokémon Go are hard to write, in the sense that their scheduling is difficult, not in that I'm lacking content for them. A previous example of this occurred seven months ago with the event rollup for that month. This month, that seems to be the case, as a particular event had only started a day ago. Because I wanted to include it in this month's event rollup, I wanted to experience it for at least that one day, which means I could only write the rollup starting yesterday. But then I'm due for quite a bit of chaos on the weekend, as previously noted on a special Thursday. That means the rollup has to be today, but that's fine; at least now I can definitely write about them.
One of the definite events of this month is the Colossal Discovery event that many participated in early this month, but the "core" of that event is a paid one, and I already discussed it then. But even if one didn't pay to access the "core" of the event, one could still participate in the "remnants" of the event, as the increased raids and the return of the Three Titans in raids could be raided by anyone, and during the actual event duration, one could still stock up on Candy from the additional featured Pokémon. Further, if one purchased the access to the event but then couldn't participate at any time, one would receive another kind of "remnant": the Special Research tasks would change into a more general form, allowing for ease of completion at any time, but the rewards do not. All of the perks for this are still great in any case.
In the third week of this month, there was an event called Super Effective Week. During that week, Pokémon that are strong and potentially useful in any kind of battle appeared more often. In fact, Level 3 raids absolutely exploded with them, and many could also be raided solo under most conditions. Healing items, as Potions and Revives, were also featured in greater amounts, which should also have helped with the battles that require them. If anything, this event became an incentive to conceive the necessary troops for those battles. I personally would love for this event to be repeated at some point, and so would perhaps some of my raid fellows.
The Team GO Rocket expansion this month is not really an event - more like the greater form of a feature - though the Special Research almost makes it seem to be that way. However, one effect from it could almost certainly be construed to be as such. In similar fashion to what happened in July, all PokéStops were taken over by them for a period of three hours, this time from 11 AM to 2 PM - though the execution of this personally ended up conflicting with a different agenda on that day. Regardless, I was right back then that this could stand to be repeated, and it happened this month. There's no telling if this will happen on a regular basis, but that would still at least provide a little something to do.
The latest event, the one I had mentioned as starting only a day ago, is called Friend Fest and will last up until all this weekend. The event features not only "friends", but "family", as it also features Pokémon with a "familial" appearance to them, including some multi-headed "friends". Some unique Field Research tasks are also especially devoted to the Nidoran "family", more so if one is willing to go through them. As well, trades are cheaper by half and Trainers can make two Special Trades a day, and friend boosts become more beneficial in raids. Those are all neat features to be sure, even if the event duration is somewhat short. I may think any of these could be replicated in another event, though not necessarily the same one.
With all of the events that have happened this month, one thing is definite: events in Pokémon Go are not short on the things they offer, provided they happen. What may be short is the window I have, in being able to write about them (another indication being the time that this post was finally posted). Still, all of these events definitely provide some progressions within the realm of Go, and that much I can expect. I also might expect difficulties in deciding to write the rollups of further months, but that's to be dealt with if it definitely happens.
One year ago: Multiple Pathways to Evolution?
Two years ago: The Words of a Pikachu
One of the definite events of this month is the Colossal Discovery event that many participated in early this month, but the "core" of that event is a paid one, and I already discussed it then. But even if one didn't pay to access the "core" of the event, one could still participate in the "remnants" of the event, as the increased raids and the return of the Three Titans in raids could be raided by anyone, and during the actual event duration, one could still stock up on Candy from the additional featured Pokémon. Further, if one purchased the access to the event but then couldn't participate at any time, one would receive another kind of "remnant": the Special Research tasks would change into a more general form, allowing for ease of completion at any time, but the rewards do not. All of the perks for this are still great in any case.
In the third week of this month, there was an event called Super Effective Week. During that week, Pokémon that are strong and potentially useful in any kind of battle appeared more often. In fact, Level 3 raids absolutely exploded with them, and many could also be raided solo under most conditions. Healing items, as Potions and Revives, were also featured in greater amounts, which should also have helped with the battles that require them. If anything, this event became an incentive to conceive the necessary troops for those battles. I personally would love for this event to be repeated at some point, and so would perhaps some of my raid fellows.
The Team GO Rocket expansion this month is not really an event - more like the greater form of a feature - though the Special Research almost makes it seem to be that way. However, one effect from it could almost certainly be construed to be as such. In similar fashion to what happened in July, all PokéStops were taken over by them for a period of three hours, this time from 11 AM to 2 PM - though the execution of this personally ended up conflicting with a different agenda on that day. Regardless, I was right back then that this could stand to be repeated, and it happened this month. There's no telling if this will happen on a regular basis, but that would still at least provide a little something to do.
The latest event, the one I had mentioned as starting only a day ago, is called Friend Fest and will last up until all this weekend. The event features not only "friends", but "family", as it also features Pokémon with a "familial" appearance to them, including some multi-headed "friends". Some unique Field Research tasks are also especially devoted to the Nidoran "family", more so if one is willing to go through them. As well, trades are cheaper by half and Trainers can make two Special Trades a day, and friend boosts become more beneficial in raids. Those are all neat features to be sure, even if the event duration is somewhat short. I may think any of these could be replicated in another event, though not necessarily the same one.
With all of the events that have happened this month, one thing is definite: events in Pokémon Go are not short on the things they offer, provided they happen. What may be short is the window I have, in being able to write about them (another indication being the time that this post was finally posted). Still, all of these events definitely provide some progressions within the realm of Go, and that much I can expect. I also might expect difficulties in deciding to write the rollups of further months, but that's to be dealt with if it definitely happens.
One year ago: Multiple Pathways to Evolution?
Two years ago: The Words of a Pikachu
Thursday, November 28, 2019
Keeping Gratitude in Mind
I've written up posts about Thanksgiving since I've started this blog, the first one two years ago and the second one last year, despite being removed from the celebrations. And I'm writing up another one today, since in the U.S., that is when it occurs this year. As noted last year, the celebrations, which are in part solemn, have left an impression on my mind, so it's worth discussing about them and to link them to my Pokémon experiences. Another good reason to do so is that it keeps in mind a certain feeling: gratitude, which is pretty much at the heart of the celebration.
I've had at least one instance where my gratitude was put to the test, particularly with Pokémon in tow, and I've discussed it on this blog two years ago, in fact. Though I've discussed it, it seems hard to keep it in mind, most likely because of the gravity of the situation back then. It is probably all the best not to remember the situation itself, but the thing that was missing then - gratitude - is to be kept in mind. It's been a blessing for me or anyone else to have Pokémon things and be with them, and that much deserves the maintaining of gratitude.
Meanwhile, within the next few days, I will be faced with a number of opportunities where I can very much integrate Pokémon or else Pokémon is integrated, but I will only be able to take part in some of them. For the others, I cannot take part in them because they will take place at pretty much the same time and I can't be in two places at once, or there are restrictions that will unacceptably allow me to participate. Yet, I can only be thankful (have gratitude) that all of these opportunities exist, even if I can only participate in some of them and not others.
Based on my experiences, gratitude remains important, whether it's Pokémon or for anything else. Having gratitude indirectly means having appreciation as well; if I want to show appreciation, then I should show gratitude as well. I become nervous that I don't show my gratitude (enough), though I have much appreciation. Thus, a small part of this blog is to be able to say "thank you" to all the Pokémon opportunities I've been able to experience, and now is really one of the times to be able to say just that.
But of course, to say "thank you" or to keep gratitude in mind, one does not have to wait until Thanksgiving. One can do so anytime, even when it's not this time of year. Admittedly, this is the perfect time to do it, as the extended tradition of Thanksgiving demands. With that, it still seems appropriate to say that today would instill a feeling of gratitude that hopefully would not be forgotten. In that case, it would be fine to say that one can "celebrate" Thanksgiving all year long, especially with a Pokémon spirit in tow.
On that note, for those celebrating, I wish a Happy Thanksgiving.
One year ago: Sinnoh Stone: Agglomerating Evolution
Two years ago: Journeys and Adventures
I've had at least one instance where my gratitude was put to the test, particularly with Pokémon in tow, and I've discussed it on this blog two years ago, in fact. Though I've discussed it, it seems hard to keep it in mind, most likely because of the gravity of the situation back then. It is probably all the best not to remember the situation itself, but the thing that was missing then - gratitude - is to be kept in mind. It's been a blessing for me or anyone else to have Pokémon things and be with them, and that much deserves the maintaining of gratitude.
Meanwhile, within the next few days, I will be faced with a number of opportunities where I can very much integrate Pokémon or else Pokémon is integrated, but I will only be able to take part in some of them. For the others, I cannot take part in them because they will take place at pretty much the same time and I can't be in two places at once, or there are restrictions that will unacceptably allow me to participate. Yet, I can only be thankful (have gratitude) that all of these opportunities exist, even if I can only participate in some of them and not others.
Based on my experiences, gratitude remains important, whether it's Pokémon or for anything else. Having gratitude indirectly means having appreciation as well; if I want to show appreciation, then I should show gratitude as well. I become nervous that I don't show my gratitude (enough), though I have much appreciation. Thus, a small part of this blog is to be able to say "thank you" to all the Pokémon opportunities I've been able to experience, and now is really one of the times to be able to say just that.
But of course, to say "thank you" or to keep gratitude in mind, one does not have to wait until Thanksgiving. One can do so anytime, even when it's not this time of year. Admittedly, this is the perfect time to do it, as the extended tradition of Thanksgiving demands. With that, it still seems appropriate to say that today would instill a feeling of gratitude that hopefully would not be forgotten. In that case, it would be fine to say that one can "celebrate" Thanksgiving all year long, especially with a Pokémon spirit in tow.
On that note, for those celebrating, I wish a Happy Thanksgiving.
One year ago: Sinnoh Stone: Agglomerating Evolution
Two years ago: Journeys and Adventures
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Herding the Last: Wooloo Sticker
Almost three months ago, I wrote up about two sets of Pokémon stickers with interesting "flavors". The second set, as I noted, was like the first in that it is composed of three stickers, but I opted not to get the third member because it wasn't yet to my taste, so to speak. It so happened that the same set of stickers was available again from the convention on Sunday, so at that point, I opted to obtain it for the sake of completion, and of course so it can be discussed in its own post here.
This is a sticker of Wooloo, one of the newest Pokémon in the grand lineup of its species. It belongs to the eighth generation and is one of the Pokémon found in the Sword and Shield games. It might seem a bit surprising that a Pokémon this new and perhaps not as popular as, say, the starters is already featured in merchandise, but then all Pokémon have the right to be featured in merchandise, and this one seems to already have its share of fans. I suppose it's not a bad thing, then, that this one would be featured somehow, especially in a custom one such as this.
Like the other members of the set, Wooloo in this sticker appears candid, typical, and even quite expressive. It has its characteristic "puffball" appearance that is common of this Pokémon. There is even a little heart on the top-right corner that indicates its expression. The background is a piece of pasture that may be part of where it may appear, which is rather complementary. My girl fan has stated that this sticker is very cutesy, and I'd have to say I agree; that may be why we both decided upon getting this sticker, though my reason is decidedly more personal.
Still, now the sticker set is complete, and I've tasted the full range of its "flavor". It's a neat one that is just one of the "flavors" that Pokémon stickers and merchandise in general can have. For this one specifically, the "flavor" has a certain "new" element to it that I can appreciate, and so do other Pokémon fans, as I've found out first-hand. And the most unique thing is that the completion was accomplished by "herding" this last sticker, in an appropriate fashion to the featured Pokémon.
One year ago: Poké-Pareidolia
Two years ago: The Pacing of Types
This is a sticker of Wooloo, one of the newest Pokémon in the grand lineup of its species. It belongs to the eighth generation and is one of the Pokémon found in the Sword and Shield games. It might seem a bit surprising that a Pokémon this new and perhaps not as popular as, say, the starters is already featured in merchandise, but then all Pokémon have the right to be featured in merchandise, and this one seems to already have its share of fans. I suppose it's not a bad thing, then, that this one would be featured somehow, especially in a custom one such as this.
Like the other members of the set, Wooloo in this sticker appears candid, typical, and even quite expressive. It has its characteristic "puffball" appearance that is common of this Pokémon. There is even a little heart on the top-right corner that indicates its expression. The background is a piece of pasture that may be part of where it may appear, which is rather complementary. My girl fan has stated that this sticker is very cutesy, and I'd have to say I agree; that may be why we both decided upon getting this sticker, though my reason is decidedly more personal.
Still, now the sticker set is complete, and I've tasted the full range of its "flavor". It's a neat one that is just one of the "flavors" that Pokémon stickers and merchandise in general can have. For this one specifically, the "flavor" has a certain "new" element to it that I can appreciate, and so do other Pokémon fans, as I've found out first-hand. And the most unique thing is that the completion was accomplished by "herding" this last sticker, in an appropriate fashion to the featured Pokémon.
One year ago: Poké-Pareidolia
Two years ago: The Pacing of Types
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Going Deeper into Team GO Rocket
Early this month, the Team GO Rocket invasion in Pokémon Go became much deeper. An announcement on YouTube revealed a more intricate (and familiar) side to them, and it's something that may provoke mixed emotions based on how things play out. Overall, most of the mechanics still involve going to PokéStops and battling, but there are a few very important twists, which cover pretty much all the bases in the game. It was therefore important for me to delay its coverage on this blog for as long as I can, and today it has come to that point.
First of all, there are now four important characters, three of which I'll detail now. Those three characters are Sierra, Cliff, and Arlo; the three are the Team GO Rocket leaders, and they're clad in uniforms with yellow, blue, and red accents... which might seem familiar, as they're the colors of Teams Instinct, Mystic, and Valor respectively, making the Team GO Rocket leaders the "anti" versions of Spark, Blanche, and Candela. It has even been documented that Arlo himself is an ex-Valor, which suggests the others are not too far off the beaten path (or in fact, very far off it). They play a key role in this deeper invasion.
At this time, when one successfully defeats a Team Rocket Grunt, the Grunt will also drop an item called a Mysterious Component. Obtaining six of these will allow one to form an item called a Rocket Radar, which when equipped will allow one to seek and battle a Team GO Rocket leader until one is victorious; if one so chooses, after assembly of the first, subsequent Radars may be purchased to save time and effort. If the Grunts are simple to battle and defeat, the leaders are much less so; they use a team of three Pokémon, with the latter two being variable and strong, and unlike a Grunt, they will use Protect Shields in battle. One has to be totally prepared yet able to adapt to the situation.
The last of those important characters is a figure well-known not just in Go, but pretty much wherever Pokémon is concerned: Giovanni, the big boss himself. To encounter him, one has to complete a Special Research, issued the same day as the announcement, in order to earn a Super Rocket Radar to seek and battle him. His team is less variable than the leaders, but it does contain something special: a Shadow Legendary Pokémon, the first ever appearances of these. Still, it takes quite a bit of effort to get to him, and defeating the three leaders below him is indeed an important part of the package.
And that's where I am. Right now, I'm mustering up the effort to defeat the leaders to get to Giovanni, and this seems to be a point where I and some of my Go fellows are having trouble due to the high variability involved. What's more, at this point I may be under time pressure, as the report is that the Special Research is renewed each month, and to get next month's, I would have to complete this month's. It seems nerve-racking to be sure, but it may also be the impetus to really get moving and do things.
This is also indeed the next turn of things after that first invasion four months ago. It has reputedly struck some terror even for Spark, Blanche, and Candela, making what they do a bit more difficult. For everyone else, all the Trainers in Pokémon Go, it becomes something to overcome with everything that it presents. I suppose there's only one thing to do considering all that has happened: go deep, real deep... and don't surrender, but prepare to fight.
One year ago: Individual Appearance Variations Among Pokémon Species
Two years ago: Popularity
First of all, there are now four important characters, three of which I'll detail now. Those three characters are Sierra, Cliff, and Arlo; the three are the Team GO Rocket leaders, and they're clad in uniforms with yellow, blue, and red accents... which might seem familiar, as they're the colors of Teams Instinct, Mystic, and Valor respectively, making the Team GO Rocket leaders the "anti" versions of Spark, Blanche, and Candela. It has even been documented that Arlo himself is an ex-Valor, which suggests the others are not too far off the beaten path (or in fact, very far off it). They play a key role in this deeper invasion.
At this time, when one successfully defeats a Team Rocket Grunt, the Grunt will also drop an item called a Mysterious Component. Obtaining six of these will allow one to form an item called a Rocket Radar, which when equipped will allow one to seek and battle a Team GO Rocket leader until one is victorious; if one so chooses, after assembly of the first, subsequent Radars may be purchased to save time and effort. If the Grunts are simple to battle and defeat, the leaders are much less so; they use a team of three Pokémon, with the latter two being variable and strong, and unlike a Grunt, they will use Protect Shields in battle. One has to be totally prepared yet able to adapt to the situation.
The last of those important characters is a figure well-known not just in Go, but pretty much wherever Pokémon is concerned: Giovanni, the big boss himself. To encounter him, one has to complete a Special Research, issued the same day as the announcement, in order to earn a Super Rocket Radar to seek and battle him. His team is less variable than the leaders, but it does contain something special: a Shadow Legendary Pokémon, the first ever appearances of these. Still, it takes quite a bit of effort to get to him, and defeating the three leaders below him is indeed an important part of the package.
And that's where I am. Right now, I'm mustering up the effort to defeat the leaders to get to Giovanni, and this seems to be a point where I and some of my Go fellows are having trouble due to the high variability involved. What's more, at this point I may be under time pressure, as the report is that the Special Research is renewed each month, and to get next month's, I would have to complete this month's. It seems nerve-racking to be sure, but it may also be the impetus to really get moving and do things.
This is also indeed the next turn of things after that first invasion four months ago. It has reputedly struck some terror even for Spark, Blanche, and Candela, making what they do a bit more difficult. For everyone else, all the Trainers in Pokémon Go, it becomes something to overcome with everything that it presents. I suppose there's only one thing to do considering all that has happened: go deep, real deep... and don't surrender, but prepare to fight.
One year ago: Individual Appearance Variations Among Pokémon Species
Two years ago: Popularity
Monday, November 25, 2019
Spreading Inspiration
A local TV channel, one that I frequently watch and have some history with, is celebrating the anniversary of its founding or creation today. Every year, the channel provides a tagline for its anniversary, and this year's tagline means as expressed in the title of this post. I find this year's tagline relevant to be discussed in the context of this blog as well as Pokémon, because as noted in the very first post, Pokémon is an inspiration of mine, which means I'm inspired by it. With the tagline in question, I'm also inspired to spread that inspiration as much as it also does the same.
I find that Pokémon inspires me primarily by getting me to do things that I never thought I can do. The original games led me to my first foray in a kind of game that I've never played before. The anime sold me on watching others of its kind. Both have fueled my creative juices in cosplay, singing, and even art. Regarding the spreading of inspiration, that seems to be absolutely true. I have been inspired across a breadth of things, of which all are varied. I don't expect this spreading of inspiration to stop; in fact, I expect it to continue along with the other things that I do.
As for me spreading inspiration to others with (the help of) Pokémon, that has occasionally happened. I've witnessed others playing Pokémon games because I play them, and that's a great thing. In a way, I may perhaps have inspired others to partake in the competitions that I partake in with Pokémon, even though others don't necessarily do the same. It may be hard to tell for sure, but at least that's how things seem to be. That would really be a spread of inspiration.
What is certainly true is that inspiration spreads from Pokémon to others, and I've seen plenty of that in all my years with it. There are things that people do with it that I can't necessarily do, and that's fine. The inspiration has definitely spread to them, and they've made the best of it. I can only hope that in the future, the same inspiration may spread to me, and then perhaps the spirit may link both of us, enough to then do something together - in other words, a collaboration. It's impressive to discuss, and even more impressive if it happens.
I should note that their spirit of "spreading inspiration" may be a bit different from what I'm considering with me, Pokémon, and everyone else. But it is regardless a good spirit to have, whether it's their interpretation or mine. Both are perhaps quite necessary, whether I'm watching that TV channel or dealing with Pokémon. Inspiration may be taken from many places and then spread to more places; it can be proven to correlate with Pokémon as well, just as the channel has proven it with their programs.
I hope that we can continue to spread inspiration wherever they may go, both with the real world and the Pokémon world.
One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 11/25/2018
Two years ago: Late Launch Party... Minus the Party
I find that Pokémon inspires me primarily by getting me to do things that I never thought I can do. The original games led me to my first foray in a kind of game that I've never played before. The anime sold me on watching others of its kind. Both have fueled my creative juices in cosplay, singing, and even art. Regarding the spreading of inspiration, that seems to be absolutely true. I have been inspired across a breadth of things, of which all are varied. I don't expect this spreading of inspiration to stop; in fact, I expect it to continue along with the other things that I do.
As for me spreading inspiration to others with (the help of) Pokémon, that has occasionally happened. I've witnessed others playing Pokémon games because I play them, and that's a great thing. In a way, I may perhaps have inspired others to partake in the competitions that I partake in with Pokémon, even though others don't necessarily do the same. It may be hard to tell for sure, but at least that's how things seem to be. That would really be a spread of inspiration.
What is certainly true is that inspiration spreads from Pokémon to others, and I've seen plenty of that in all my years with it. There are things that people do with it that I can't necessarily do, and that's fine. The inspiration has definitely spread to them, and they've made the best of it. I can only hope that in the future, the same inspiration may spread to me, and then perhaps the spirit may link both of us, enough to then do something together - in other words, a collaboration. It's impressive to discuss, and even more impressive if it happens.
I should note that their spirit of "spreading inspiration" may be a bit different from what I'm considering with me, Pokémon, and everyone else. But it is regardless a good spirit to have, whether it's their interpretation or mine. Both are perhaps quite necessary, whether I'm watching that TV channel or dealing with Pokémon. Inspiration may be taken from many places and then spread to more places; it can be proven to correlate with Pokémon as well, just as the channel has proven it with their programs.
I hope that we can continue to spread inspiration wherever they may go, both with the real world and the Pokémon world.
One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 11/25/2018
Two years ago: Late Launch Party... Minus the Party
Sunday, November 24, 2019
Cosplay: CHoCoDays 2019
Ash: Oh hey! I know this one!
Me: You should. I sent you to this last year and many years prior, so it has become an annual thing - I have to send you to this one as well.
Ash: I know. I don't mind - thank you!
Pikachu: Pika pika! ["Thanks!"]
Me: So today, I'd like you to wear the outfit from your special journey.
Ash: That's great! I like that one.
Me: I do too. Now, I wanted to try to get you in the performance competition, but that one is for two characters, and I couldn't get you to do something with someone else. There is also a singing competition, but we didn't make it past auditions.
Ash: Yeah, this is too bad.
Me: On the other hand, there is still a character parade, so there may be some hope for us. Did you get in?
Ash: I did! This is definitely a good thing.
Pikachu: Pika! ["All right!"]
Me: Certainly. As for the place, you might remember that it's the same place it was held in a few years ago. You might notice it looks... different?
Ash: Yeah, they cleaned up the place. Now it looks so open! But the convention was all in the building next door, and it's still cramped like it was then.
Me: So they may or may not have considered the experience from back then. How were the stands inside?
Ash: They were kind of standard, but they are OK. The communities are neat, the merchandise is amazing, and there are just enough food stands to keep me going! Haha. Seriously, though, they're all great, if only it weren't so crowded inside.
Me: Did you meet anyone special?
Ash: Guess who?
Me: Oh wow! That's my friend from a long time ago and our girl fan. What were they up to?
Ash: They were in the dubbing competition.
Me: Yes, as it should be. They're pretty good at that. That competition, I'm not sure if we can ever have a hand at it.
Ash: Maybe we can try?
Me: Perhaps, but we'd have to think hard about it. Now, what about the results of the only competition we made it through?
Ash: No win. It was me and 50 others, and there were only five prizes. A couple of character friends I know did win the prize, though, and the same was true for the team performance.
Pikachu: Pika pika. ["I guess that's that."]
Me: And what about the others?
Ash: The dubbing competition was great, but it seems everyone was unprepared somehow. Your friend took second place, and our fan didn't win.
Me: Well, that's great. I think all of us did a good job somehow. What do you think about this edition overall?
Ash: Maybe, if you were to describe it, it would be "two steps back, one step forward". I mean, it's neat and all where it is, but it's not too different from last time. But the open area helps.
Me: I hear that there will be another convention in the same place next month. I think there are enough lessons from way back then and right now to be learned.
Ash: But you'll send me there, right?
Me: Certainly, if the opportunity arises.
Ash: All right!
Pikachu: Pi pika! ["Yeah!"]
One year ago: Cosplay: Art and Culture Exhibition 2018
Two years ago: Catching Them All
Me: You should. I sent you to this last year and many years prior, so it has become an annual thing - I have to send you to this one as well.
Ash: I know. I don't mind - thank you!
Pikachu: Pika pika! ["Thanks!"]
Me: So today, I'd like you to wear the outfit from your special journey.
Ash: That's great! I like that one.
Me: I do too. Now, I wanted to try to get you in the performance competition, but that one is for two characters, and I couldn't get you to do something with someone else. There is also a singing competition, but we didn't make it past auditions.
Ash: Yeah, this is too bad.
Me: On the other hand, there is still a character parade, so there may be some hope for us. Did you get in?
Ash: I did! This is definitely a good thing.
Pikachu: Pika! ["All right!"]
Me: Certainly. As for the place, you might remember that it's the same place it was held in a few years ago. You might notice it looks... different?
Ash: Yeah, they cleaned up the place. Now it looks so open! But the convention was all in the building next door, and it's still cramped like it was then.
Me: So they may or may not have considered the experience from back then. How were the stands inside?
Ash: They were kind of standard, but they are OK. The communities are neat, the merchandise is amazing, and there are just enough food stands to keep me going! Haha. Seriously, though, they're all great, if only it weren't so crowded inside.
Me: Did you meet anyone special?
Ash: Guess who?
Me: Oh wow! That's my friend from a long time ago and our girl fan. What were they up to?
Ash: They were in the dubbing competition.
Me: Yes, as it should be. They're pretty good at that. That competition, I'm not sure if we can ever have a hand at it.
Ash: Maybe we can try?
Me: Perhaps, but we'd have to think hard about it. Now, what about the results of the only competition we made it through?
Ash: No win. It was me and 50 others, and there were only five prizes. A couple of character friends I know did win the prize, though, and the same was true for the team performance.
Pikachu: Pika pika. ["I guess that's that."]
Me: And what about the others?
Ash: The dubbing competition was great, but it seems everyone was unprepared somehow. Your friend took second place, and our fan didn't win.
Me: Well, that's great. I think all of us did a good job somehow. What do you think about this edition overall?
Ash: Maybe, if you were to describe it, it would be "two steps back, one step forward". I mean, it's neat and all where it is, but it's not too different from last time. But the open area helps.
Me: I hear that there will be another convention in the same place next month. I think there are enough lessons from way back then and right now to be learned.
Ash: But you'll send me there, right?
Me: Certainly, if the opportunity arises.
Ash: All right!
Pikachu: Pi pika! ["Yeah!"]
One year ago: Cosplay: Art and Culture Exhibition 2018
Two years ago: Catching Them All
Saturday, November 23, 2019
Make a Wish for the Little One
I had intended on saving this topic for as long as I could before discussing it, but now is a good time as any. Nearly three weeks ago, I performed a neat and special Pokémon song as part of a singing competition. Its title is "Chiisaki Mono", and it serves as the ending theme of the sixth Pokémon feature film or movie, which is titled "Jirachi: Wishmaker" in English. Also as I've noted, the special quality of the song extends to the language aspect as well, because this song has two versions, in Japanese and English. It's a song that transcends the language boundaries, or rather straddles it, as will soon become clear. It is nevertheless a unique song in that regard.
In Japanese, the title is as mentioned, and it is sung by Asuca Hayashi. The title actually means "The Little One"; the song in general is a reminiscence of days gone by, specifically the days when one was so young and so naive. These feelings are most evident in the verses, while the choruses are rather expectant in feelings. It's a slow and subdued song, though the choruses are rather uplifting and hopeful. The part that perhaps means the most is the bridge, which I've also explained in the previous post with the connotations that it may entail.
If the Japanese version is neat, the English version is just as neat, in further respects as well. In English, the title is "Make a Wish", and it is sung by Cindy Mizelle. As such, it becomes clear that the title of this post is a concatenation of the titles of both versions. Remarkably, the entire song isn't in English, as only the first verse, the first chorus, and the bridge are. The second verse and the following double chorus remain in Japanese, while the final double chorus, which in Japanese consists of the second chorus plus the first chorus, becomes the Japanese second chorus plus the English chorus, with some English vocal accents in the former. It might seem rather strange, but it is admittedly unique - this is why I said the song "straddles" the two languages.
The English version also has different sentiments than the Japanese version. The half-English lyrics tie into the song as it is described as a lullaby, earlier in the movie or feature film; it is also more hopeful and pleasant in its connotations. In my personal view, the song being half-and-half may be because of the "exotic" quality of the Japanese language, at least for people not used to be around it. I grew up with the English dub of the Pokémon anime, so even with what I know about Japanese, I still feel it to be rather exotic. There is some incongruity to this, to be sure, but I'm apt to ignore it for the feelings that the song evokes.
And that's probably what's the most important part of the song: the feelings. To this day, I still get "tingly" when I listen to the song, with either of the versions in question. In either case, I no longer mind the language of the song, only the sentiments of the song. Whether I'm reminiscing about "the little one" or "making a wish" to the stars, I'm happy to do it prompted by Pokémon and the storyline of the related movie or feature film. Perhaps Jirachi as the "star" Pokémon of the film might just be tempted to agree.
One year ago: The Amazing Pokémon Race
Two years ago: Thankfulness
In Japanese, the title is as mentioned, and it is sung by Asuca Hayashi. The title actually means "The Little One"; the song in general is a reminiscence of days gone by, specifically the days when one was so young and so naive. These feelings are most evident in the verses, while the choruses are rather expectant in feelings. It's a slow and subdued song, though the choruses are rather uplifting and hopeful. The part that perhaps means the most is the bridge, which I've also explained in the previous post with the connotations that it may entail.
If the Japanese version is neat, the English version is just as neat, in further respects as well. In English, the title is "Make a Wish", and it is sung by Cindy Mizelle. As such, it becomes clear that the title of this post is a concatenation of the titles of both versions. Remarkably, the entire song isn't in English, as only the first verse, the first chorus, and the bridge are. The second verse and the following double chorus remain in Japanese, while the final double chorus, which in Japanese consists of the second chorus plus the first chorus, becomes the Japanese second chorus plus the English chorus, with some English vocal accents in the former. It might seem rather strange, but it is admittedly unique - this is why I said the song "straddles" the two languages.
The English version also has different sentiments than the Japanese version. The half-English lyrics tie into the song as it is described as a lullaby, earlier in the movie or feature film; it is also more hopeful and pleasant in its connotations. In my personal view, the song being half-and-half may be because of the "exotic" quality of the Japanese language, at least for people not used to be around it. I grew up with the English dub of the Pokémon anime, so even with what I know about Japanese, I still feel it to be rather exotic. There is some incongruity to this, to be sure, but I'm apt to ignore it for the feelings that the song evokes.
And that's probably what's the most important part of the song: the feelings. To this day, I still get "tingly" when I listen to the song, with either of the versions in question. In either case, I no longer mind the language of the song, only the sentiments of the song. Whether I'm reminiscing about "the little one" or "making a wish" to the stars, I'm happy to do it prompted by Pokémon and the storyline of the related movie or feature film. Perhaps Jirachi as the "star" Pokémon of the film might just be tempted to agree.
One year ago: The Amazing Pokémon Race
Two years ago: Thankfulness
Friday, November 22, 2019
Everyone's Contributions
Seven months ago, I discussed in a post about benefits compared to profits or losses, particularly in relation to what happens with Pokémon and especially me. That post could also loosely be said to describe my ways of contributing toward Pokémon, so I can't really discuss it in that manner. What I can discuss, however, is how everyone can do the same - that is, contribute toward Pokémon. It's something that everyone pretty much can do if they like or are linked to Pokémon, and the results are beneficial too.
The obvious thing, though not necessarily the simplest thing, is to buy Pokémon things. It's obvious because it provides support and therefore contribution. It's not simple because everyone is different in their financial capabilities. That said, it seems everyone can contribute at whatever pace they prefer. It may not have to be at the level of splurging, but some spending is warranted. Hopefully, it would make all parties, including those involved with the specific things, happy and appreciative.
Contributions can also be achieved by acting and interacting with Pokémon things. This would certainly be achieved by playing the games as one of the ways to do so. Watching the anime could also be included, especially through the best ways to do so. Though rather indirect, discussions and debates about all things Pokémon could conceivably serve much of the same purpose. The main thing is that if it gets people together and/or leads to enjoyment, then that would be enough action and interaction.
The greatest contribution would have to be able to make things related to Pokémon, which then could be put through the other two processes above. It may take skill to do so, but if the results are really good, then it might just become successful, and if the results are really good, it may become something of a phenomenon. If the developers can make the games, then the fans can make other things - and between them there may be other kinds of potential, perhaps for collaboration as well.
Pokémon has a lot of appeal to many people. That may be why some of them decide to be involved with it, while others decide to enjoy it, and they all continue to do so as time goes on. Regardless of their links and roles, they all can contribute in their respective manner and beget something good for everyone. It takes a concerted effort, but if the effort is whole-hearted, then the results should be great. If you ask me, that's an amazing benefit for all concerned.
One year ago: So Little and So Much
Two years ago: A Pokémon Menu
The obvious thing, though not necessarily the simplest thing, is to buy Pokémon things. It's obvious because it provides support and therefore contribution. It's not simple because everyone is different in their financial capabilities. That said, it seems everyone can contribute at whatever pace they prefer. It may not have to be at the level of splurging, but some spending is warranted. Hopefully, it would make all parties, including those involved with the specific things, happy and appreciative.
Contributions can also be achieved by acting and interacting with Pokémon things. This would certainly be achieved by playing the games as one of the ways to do so. Watching the anime could also be included, especially through the best ways to do so. Though rather indirect, discussions and debates about all things Pokémon could conceivably serve much of the same purpose. The main thing is that if it gets people together and/or leads to enjoyment, then that would be enough action and interaction.
The greatest contribution would have to be able to make things related to Pokémon, which then could be put through the other two processes above. It may take skill to do so, but if the results are really good, then it might just become successful, and if the results are really good, it may become something of a phenomenon. If the developers can make the games, then the fans can make other things - and between them there may be other kinds of potential, perhaps for collaboration as well.
Pokémon has a lot of appeal to many people. That may be why some of them decide to be involved with it, while others decide to enjoy it, and they all continue to do so as time goes on. Regardless of their links and roles, they all can contribute in their respective manner and beget something good for everyone. It takes a concerted effort, but if the effort is whole-hearted, then the results should be great. If you ask me, that's an amazing benefit for all concerned.
One year ago: So Little and So Much
Two years ago: A Pokémon Menu
Thursday, November 21, 2019
The Hype Cycle and Pokémon
Close to a year ago, I wrote a post on a specific term and how it relates to some of my Pokémon experiences. That term, in fact, is actually related to something larger, which is called the "hype cycle". "Hype" itself is something that some of my fellow Pokémon fans talk about, especially in relation to the release of a new game such as the recently released Sword and Shield for the Nintendo Switch. I figure that it's worth returning to this term and its superset for a discussion with some things Pokémon.
The "hype cycle" was conceived by a technology analyst firm named Gartner, and it is supposed to describe how technologies appear, manifest among the people, and become accepted, as part of their "hype". Yet, it's not without its criticisms. One is that it's not a "cycle", which shall be evident soon enough, and another is that it lacks evidence and is not quite scientific. Despite these criticisms, the "hype cycle" itself seems quite defined and applicable, including to Pokémon, which while itself is not "technology" per se, does make use of other technologies.
My earlier post actually has pretty much described the cycle in its entirety, though only for the part of the term in question. The other key parts of the cycle are the "technology trigger" (the point at which it becomes present), "peak of inflated expectations" (the initial high of excitement) which then leads to the "trough of disillusionment", "slope of enlightenment" (the second rise of eagerness for it due to renewed understanding), and the "plateau of productivity" (the point of established stability or acceptance). Evidently, it's not really a cycle; it's just a series of phases that some technologies may go through. Yet this latter bit is key.
Pokémon Go may be taken as having gone through all the phases. When it was released ("triggered"), excitement and "expectations" were pretty high - at its "peak" - until it seemed to crash to the "trough" with only just its initial set of features that could be considered to be not much. But then more and more Pokémon came about, and then there were raids, trades, and most importantly Trainer battles, in addition to other features. Now players are flocking back (the "slope") and, thanks to Trainer battles, an outlet of "productivity" is achieved. It seems it has gained stability and may even grow further. The phases of the "hype cycle" are therefore evident here.
To a lesser extent, the new Sword and Shield games on the Switch may also be considered to fit, though it may have or have not quite gone through all phases. There are two ways to consider this: the "trigger" may be considered to be either at its announcement or at its release. In the first case, the "peak" manifested with information about it, and the "trough" manifested with the controversies (National Dex, ahem); however, at this point, its popularity may only indicate the "slope" and not the "plateau". In the second case, the "peak" is with its current popularity, while the rest of the phases are uncertain; there may even be a chance that it may not go through the phases. This brings up an important point: the "hype cycle" appears to be subjective as it is qualitative. It is no wonder why some people dismiss it.
Regardless, the "hype cycle" (or perhaps at this point it's best to just call it a "pattern") seems to fit certain cases. It may not have the underpinnings of certain analytical tools, but somehow it becomes rather applicable to some things, which may include some Pokémon ones. At the least, the so-called "hype cycle" does shed light on how some technologies and related things may progress - including Pokémon - even if that may be its only purpose.
One year ago: Traveling All the World
Two years ago: Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon Uptake
The "hype cycle" was conceived by a technology analyst firm named Gartner, and it is supposed to describe how technologies appear, manifest among the people, and become accepted, as part of their "hype". Yet, it's not without its criticisms. One is that it's not a "cycle", which shall be evident soon enough, and another is that it lacks evidence and is not quite scientific. Despite these criticisms, the "hype cycle" itself seems quite defined and applicable, including to Pokémon, which while itself is not "technology" per se, does make use of other technologies.
My earlier post actually has pretty much described the cycle in its entirety, though only for the part of the term in question. The other key parts of the cycle are the "technology trigger" (the point at which it becomes present), "peak of inflated expectations" (the initial high of excitement) which then leads to the "trough of disillusionment", "slope of enlightenment" (the second rise of eagerness for it due to renewed understanding), and the "plateau of productivity" (the point of established stability or acceptance). Evidently, it's not really a cycle; it's just a series of phases that some technologies may go through. Yet this latter bit is key.
Pokémon Go may be taken as having gone through all the phases. When it was released ("triggered"), excitement and "expectations" were pretty high - at its "peak" - until it seemed to crash to the "trough" with only just its initial set of features that could be considered to be not much. But then more and more Pokémon came about, and then there were raids, trades, and most importantly Trainer battles, in addition to other features. Now players are flocking back (the "slope") and, thanks to Trainer battles, an outlet of "productivity" is achieved. It seems it has gained stability and may even grow further. The phases of the "hype cycle" are therefore evident here.
To a lesser extent, the new Sword and Shield games on the Switch may also be considered to fit, though it may have or have not quite gone through all phases. There are two ways to consider this: the "trigger" may be considered to be either at its announcement or at its release. In the first case, the "peak" manifested with information about it, and the "trough" manifested with the controversies (National Dex, ahem); however, at this point, its popularity may only indicate the "slope" and not the "plateau". In the second case, the "peak" is with its current popularity, while the rest of the phases are uncertain; there may even be a chance that it may not go through the phases. This brings up an important point: the "hype cycle" appears to be subjective as it is qualitative. It is no wonder why some people dismiss it.
Regardless, the "hype cycle" (or perhaps at this point it's best to just call it a "pattern") seems to fit certain cases. It may not have the underpinnings of certain analytical tools, but somehow it becomes rather applicable to some things, which may include some Pokémon ones. At the least, the so-called "hype cycle" does shed light on how some technologies and related things may progress - including Pokémon - even if that may be its only purpose.
One year ago: Traveling All the World
Two years ago: Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon Uptake
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
The State of Nominations, Part 2
Four months ago, I wrote about the state of nominations - that is, nominating places or objects of interest in the real world as PokéStops or Gyms in the overworld of Pokémon Go. I coupled it with my own progress in doing so, due to my eagerness of contributing to the game. Since that time, lots of things have changed - including my shift to another part of my town - so this topic is worth discussing again. This particularly includes my progress, which has been affected by everything that has gone on, as well as added particulars to the nomination process.
One of those things is how many nominations that I've made. As predicted, I've been able to nominate 12 places or objects, and in fact lots more. According to my records, I've made 22 nominations, one of which I've made just this afternoon, and I have two more nominations to spare; that means I'm due for 24 at the least and even more with regained nominations. There is actually a way to gauge progress in this. The Options screen states for me that "more nominations may be available in 14 day(s)", which means I may regain a nomination in that time, provided that I haven't reached 7 available nominations, which seems to be the limit. Therefore, the suggestion a friend gives, which is to nominate something every other day, makes sense; it leaves room for a nomination to return after two weeks while demanding one to contribute. It's a good thing in that way.
As for the progress of them being reviewed, that's another matter. So far, I've had two nominations approved, including the previous one. Unfortunately, I've also had two nominations rejected, one due to an unknown reason and the other because the object in question "does not match what is seen from map views", as the review process is aided by the innovation that is Google Maps and Street View, perhaps in addition to people just coming to the object in question to see it for themselves. It has been suggested that if this happens and the nomination seems valid otherwise, it may be possible to renominate it, as some reviewers may be apt to reject a "wild" nomination. Nevertheless, the ones that have been accepted have proven to be very good ones: each has converted a PokéStop in their surrounding area into a Gym. With progress like this, I'm definitely warranted to continue nominating, especially in the area where I live, which could use a few more nominated places.
It is most likely that the review process for those nominations were carried out through Niantic Wayfarer, which as I've noted previously was in the works for those playing Pokémon Go. Around three weeks ago, it became live for my local area, and my raid fellows began using it. I myself haven't accessed it, as neither my Google nor my Facebook account (either being the two credentials for using it) are linked to Pokémon Go, and I log into the game exclusively by a PTC account. But that's fine; I expect others to be reviewing, not so much myself. With a larger reviewer base, it would seem that this may and does expedite the review process; the first accepted nomination, before Wayfarer, took 18 days or so, while the second took only nine days. The impact is therefore perceptible. As for the others of uncertain status, with the first of these dating all the way back to five months ago, they may still need to be processed.
The process of nominating places and objects will certainly continue. I've identified many places or objects that could very well have a place in the game's overworld, and I'm likely to nominate them as I regain nominations that could be used for them. Should they be approved after the review and be a part of the overworld, then I would say I've done a very good job, as have the reviewers. This may eventually inspire me to review as well... though not in the near future. What matters now is that the nomination process continues so that it may make the overworld a better place, as nice as the real one it is based on.
One year ago: A Raid Group Gathering
Two years ago: On Cosplay Props and Prop Makers
One of those things is how many nominations that I've made. As predicted, I've been able to nominate 12 places or objects, and in fact lots more. According to my records, I've made 22 nominations, one of which I've made just this afternoon, and I have two more nominations to spare; that means I'm due for 24 at the least and even more with regained nominations. There is actually a way to gauge progress in this. The Options screen states for me that "more nominations may be available in 14 day(s)", which means I may regain a nomination in that time, provided that I haven't reached 7 available nominations, which seems to be the limit. Therefore, the suggestion a friend gives, which is to nominate something every other day, makes sense; it leaves room for a nomination to return after two weeks while demanding one to contribute. It's a good thing in that way.
As for the progress of them being reviewed, that's another matter. So far, I've had two nominations approved, including the previous one. Unfortunately, I've also had two nominations rejected, one due to an unknown reason and the other because the object in question "does not match what is seen from map views", as the review process is aided by the innovation that is Google Maps and Street View, perhaps in addition to people just coming to the object in question to see it for themselves. It has been suggested that if this happens and the nomination seems valid otherwise, it may be possible to renominate it, as some reviewers may be apt to reject a "wild" nomination. Nevertheless, the ones that have been accepted have proven to be very good ones: each has converted a PokéStop in their surrounding area into a Gym. With progress like this, I'm definitely warranted to continue nominating, especially in the area where I live, which could use a few more nominated places.
It is most likely that the review process for those nominations were carried out through Niantic Wayfarer, which as I've noted previously was in the works for those playing Pokémon Go. Around three weeks ago, it became live for my local area, and my raid fellows began using it. I myself haven't accessed it, as neither my Google nor my Facebook account (either being the two credentials for using it) are linked to Pokémon Go, and I log into the game exclusively by a PTC account. But that's fine; I expect others to be reviewing, not so much myself. With a larger reviewer base, it would seem that this may and does expedite the review process; the first accepted nomination, before Wayfarer, took 18 days or so, while the second took only nine days. The impact is therefore perceptible. As for the others of uncertain status, with the first of these dating all the way back to five months ago, they may still need to be processed.
The process of nominating places and objects will certainly continue. I've identified many places or objects that could very well have a place in the game's overworld, and I'm likely to nominate them as I regain nominations that could be used for them. Should they be approved after the review and be a part of the overworld, then I would say I've done a very good job, as have the reviewers. This may eventually inspire me to review as well... though not in the near future. What matters now is that the nomination process continues so that it may make the overworld a better place, as nice as the real one it is based on.
One year ago: A Raid Group Gathering
Two years ago: On Cosplay Props and Prop Makers
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
A Theme Event Dream
The other day, I discussed about "volatile" topics while discussing about the drafts of posts on this blog, and now I have one such topic. It happens to concern a dream, which by their nature are often fleeting. Because of the fleeting nature of dreams, I have to note them as soon as possible, lest they simply vanish from memory; the drafts also allow this to be done conveniently. And of course, if it's on this blog, it involves Pokémon somehow. That said, the story of the dream could be considered abstract. This one happened yesterday in the early hours of the day.
The dream concerns a theme event, something I frequently visit with my Pokémon cosplay, especially to engage in the competitions there. In the dream, I was about to engage in the singing competition, singing what is now a staple for me - "Mezase Pokémon Master" - but my turn was delayed, even after all the others have gone. I also almost forgot to register for the cosplay competition, but then I barely made it before it closed. I was then about to wait for my turn in the competition after showing off my Poké Ball to another person, but as it happened, the dream ended, and as I awoke, I promptly noted its most important facets before they disappeared from memory.
Besides the happenings in the dream, there were a few other facets regarding the dream. I saw lots of my friends in the dream, some of which I regularly see at theme events, conventions, or likewise, as well as others that I didn't expect to see. Though I could not tell which one it was exactly, the event that occurred was one I had not seen for a long time, and it was likely in a mall due to its indoor appearance. Most importantly, there were also equipment problems, specifically sound equipment, which most likely also contributed to my delayed performance in the singing competition. This last one is rather serious, but the other facets are important as well.
Dreams may be interpreted in various ways, and this one may be open for that. As I noted earlier this month, I had succeeded in collaborating with a band to sing a Pokémon song, after over a year of participating in singing competitions to show what I can do. It may be that something is holding me back, and the best course of action is to break open a few more boundaries; some related things that happened just after the dream may be indicative of this. Meanwhile, on the cosplay front, it might seem like undermining its importance with things that have been happening.
Yet, cosplay remains a fundamental part of my expression of Pokémon appreciation, so I need to keep it up somehow. As for singing, the challenge is perhaps to keep it relevant with Pokémon, my cosplay, and my abilities, which could also manifest itself with various ways. These are not as "volatile" as this dream, but they could appear to be at times. I feel that Pokémon may have enough to keep that "volatility" at bay; now I just need to find out how with those two important things at theme events and so on.
One year ago: Fans of Fans
Two years ago: Cosplay: MINORI 5
The dream concerns a theme event, something I frequently visit with my Pokémon cosplay, especially to engage in the competitions there. In the dream, I was about to engage in the singing competition, singing what is now a staple for me - "Mezase Pokémon Master" - but my turn was delayed, even after all the others have gone. I also almost forgot to register for the cosplay competition, but then I barely made it before it closed. I was then about to wait for my turn in the competition after showing off my Poké Ball to another person, but as it happened, the dream ended, and as I awoke, I promptly noted its most important facets before they disappeared from memory.
Besides the happenings in the dream, there were a few other facets regarding the dream. I saw lots of my friends in the dream, some of which I regularly see at theme events, conventions, or likewise, as well as others that I didn't expect to see. Though I could not tell which one it was exactly, the event that occurred was one I had not seen for a long time, and it was likely in a mall due to its indoor appearance. Most importantly, there were also equipment problems, specifically sound equipment, which most likely also contributed to my delayed performance in the singing competition. This last one is rather serious, but the other facets are important as well.
Dreams may be interpreted in various ways, and this one may be open for that. As I noted earlier this month, I had succeeded in collaborating with a band to sing a Pokémon song, after over a year of participating in singing competitions to show what I can do. It may be that something is holding me back, and the best course of action is to break open a few more boundaries; some related things that happened just after the dream may be indicative of this. Meanwhile, on the cosplay front, it might seem like undermining its importance with things that have been happening.
Yet, cosplay remains a fundamental part of my expression of Pokémon appreciation, so I need to keep it up somehow. As for singing, the challenge is perhaps to keep it relevant with Pokémon, my cosplay, and my abilities, which could also manifest itself with various ways. These are not as "volatile" as this dream, but they could appear to be at times. I feel that Pokémon may have enough to keep that "volatility" at bay; now I just need to find out how with those two important things at theme events and so on.
One year ago: Fans of Fans
Two years ago: Cosplay: MINORI 5
Monday, November 18, 2019
Drafts Piling Up
As a Pokémon blogger who posts every day, I have to have a topic on hand for discussion on that day. Thus, if I happen to think of a topic that could be discussed on that day but I can't due to one factor or another, or even desired to be discussed at another time, I can shelve it; this blog allows me to do so by keeping drafts of topics that I can potentially discuss in a post on another day. And right now, those drafts are really piling up. I can stand to convert all of those drafts to posts on different days, but that's a process that is subject to variation.
At present, not counting this post (which has become a real post and therefore no longer a draft), I have 26 drafts on tap. Of those drafts, four are from 2017 and three are from 2018, the first and second years of this blog respectively. The remaining are from this year, but even then there's something remarkable there. While there are six drafts prior to October and four from that month, nine are from this month alone, most having been conceived over the past week. This isn't intentional either; I've already thought up of quite a bit of potential topics based on what I've been doing with Pokémon and what will potentially happen. The great thing is that I can make these drafts and keep them handy in case I forget.
But of course, to turn the drafts into posts, I have to have the content for them. Luckily, with these drafts, I already have them as the first "stepping stone". The next of these "stones" I can then lay as I see them fit, which will then lead me to a post. There may be that rare chance that the stones don't lead to a post, but with the breadth of scope that Pokémon has, the stones may just lead to a post somehow and no matter what. For the drafts I already have, many of these should already have clear directions. The ones that don't... well, they may just clarify themselves soon enough. For now, the focus is on the others.
There will always be exceptions that exist. For example, from time to time, there will be what I call "volatile" topics that deal with something that happen at a specific point in time are best to be discussed as soon as possible before they go stale. This is precisely why I chose to set aside other topics when I chose to discuss the lost and found of Miss Psyduck. Most events and conventions are likewise "volatile", best discussed as they happen. Still, if they all stack upon one another, then it's time to discuss them over a span of a few days - which brings me back to the usage of drafts.
Whatever happens, an abundance of drafts is a benefit to me as a Pokémon blogger, as I can have a topic at the ready to be discussed. Pokémon itself is such a large thing at present and consequently has a wide breadth of topics to be discussed, not to mention as it applies to my daily experiences. I'm certain that my increased pile of drafts is a bit of a testament to that, and so is this blog on a larger scale. All it takes to add to the pile is something I'll discover about Pokémon on my everyday journey.
One year ago: Trough of Disillusionment
Two years ago: A Little Teaser... and Guessing Game
At present, not counting this post (which has become a real post and therefore no longer a draft), I have 26 drafts on tap. Of those drafts, four are from 2017 and three are from 2018, the first and second years of this blog respectively. The remaining are from this year, but even then there's something remarkable there. While there are six drafts prior to October and four from that month, nine are from this month alone, most having been conceived over the past week. This isn't intentional either; I've already thought up of quite a bit of potential topics based on what I've been doing with Pokémon and what will potentially happen. The great thing is that I can make these drafts and keep them handy in case I forget.
But of course, to turn the drafts into posts, I have to have the content for them. Luckily, with these drafts, I already have them as the first "stepping stone". The next of these "stones" I can then lay as I see them fit, which will then lead me to a post. There may be that rare chance that the stones don't lead to a post, but with the breadth of scope that Pokémon has, the stones may just lead to a post somehow and no matter what. For the drafts I already have, many of these should already have clear directions. The ones that don't... well, they may just clarify themselves soon enough. For now, the focus is on the others.
There will always be exceptions that exist. For example, from time to time, there will be what I call "volatile" topics that deal with something that happen at a specific point in time are best to be discussed as soon as possible before they go stale. This is precisely why I chose to set aside other topics when I chose to discuss the lost and found of Miss Psyduck. Most events and conventions are likewise "volatile", best discussed as they happen. Still, if they all stack upon one another, then it's time to discuss them over a span of a few days - which brings me back to the usage of drafts.
Whatever happens, an abundance of drafts is a benefit to me as a Pokémon blogger, as I can have a topic at the ready to be discussed. Pokémon itself is such a large thing at present and consequently has a wide breadth of topics to be discussed, not to mention as it applies to my daily experiences. I'm certain that my increased pile of drafts is a bit of a testament to that, and so is this blog on a larger scale. All it takes to add to the pile is something I'll discover about Pokémon on my everyday journey.
One year ago: Trough of Disillusionment
Two years ago: A Little Teaser... and Guessing Game
Sunday, November 17, 2019
Pokémon Go Community Day, 11/16/2019
Me: Along with the character duty from yesterday, I also sent you on an important errand. I think you should have loved it.
Ash: Yeah! You told me there would be a lot of Chimchar that would appear at a specific time yesterday, and my task was to capture them. It's so neat - Chimchar was one of my favorites from Sinnoh. There's a good story about it too. And it's perfect since I was with my Sinnoh outfit.
Me: Right you are. It's as if I had planned it. Now, if you evolved a few during that time to Infernape, you should have gotten ones with a special move. Know what it is?
Ash: I know! It's Blast Burn. The Fire-type starters often have that move.
Pikachu: Pika! ["Nice!"]
Me: Very good! If you're lucky, you should also have found its Shiny form as well, and Eggs should have hatched faster. So, how'd you do yesterday?
Ash: I think I did great! The place you sent me to only had one PokéStop, but that was OK. I put in a Lure Module as soon as the Chimchar came, and that helped a lot. It lasted while the Chimchar came.
Me: How many Shiny Chimchar did you catch?
Ash: I got four! I'm kind of surprised myself that I got four. How many do you usually catch when you do this without me?
Me: It kind of varies. One time, I got more than 10, while another time, I got no more than 2. Four is a good number, especially when you can't really walk around to do things as I usually do.
Ash: Yeah, that is kind of a problem. Since I just had this place and that one PokéStop, I couldn't walk around. I also wanted to hatch your Eggs, but I couldn't either. They did hatch, though, after I was done with my duty.
Me: That's still great anyhow. How many did you evolve into Infernape?
Ash: Three - two of your Lucky ones and the best Shiny one that I got. Maybe you'd like to evolve a few more later on? I saved up hundreds of Chimchar Candy.
Me: That might just work, and that's good enough. Chimchar appear every so often even without Community Day, so it might make up for the Candy that wasn't gotten. So at least this "minimalist" thing does work, but I definitely don't recommend it every time, especially if Eggs hatching faster is part of the deal.
Ash: But you know what really helped? I bought the Community Day Box for you, and it made up in a pinch.
Me: It does, doesn't it? I've purchased it once or twice in the past, and it's sometimes helpful, especially for planning ahead if at all possible. Any other issues?
Ash: In the middle, I thought I had trouble catching Chimchar, but it seemed to work out fine. It was fine the rest of the way.
Me: So for that issue, it might be hard to tell who is at fault. By the way, I received word that something special was present right after the Chimchar appearances. Did you do something about that?
Ash: Yeah! Galarian Weezing was everywhere in Gyms. I raided a couple with your raid friends after I was done with my duty and I could meet them.
Pikachu: Pi, pika pika! ["That's great!"]
Ash: It's a great first look into Galar!
Me: I agree. This is the first time something like this has happened. I'm sure most people will like this, and they'll want to try to get into Galar soon. I'd say this has been quite successful despite the obstacles for you.
Ash: I think so too! I'll help out again if things work out this way.
Me: Sure. It may not always happen this way, but at least things can happen if they do.
One year ago: PikaPool
Two years ago: Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon Unleashed
Ash: Yeah! You told me there would be a lot of Chimchar that would appear at a specific time yesterday, and my task was to capture them. It's so neat - Chimchar was one of my favorites from Sinnoh. There's a good story about it too. And it's perfect since I was with my Sinnoh outfit.
Me: Right you are. It's as if I had planned it. Now, if you evolved a few during that time to Infernape, you should have gotten ones with a special move. Know what it is?
Ash: I know! It's Blast Burn. The Fire-type starters often have that move.
Pikachu: Pika! ["Nice!"]
Me: Very good! If you're lucky, you should also have found its Shiny form as well, and Eggs should have hatched faster. So, how'd you do yesterday?
Ash: I think I did great! The place you sent me to only had one PokéStop, but that was OK. I put in a Lure Module as soon as the Chimchar came, and that helped a lot. It lasted while the Chimchar came.
Me: How many Shiny Chimchar did you catch?
Ash: I got four! I'm kind of surprised myself that I got four. How many do you usually catch when you do this without me?
Me: It kind of varies. One time, I got more than 10, while another time, I got no more than 2. Four is a good number, especially when you can't really walk around to do things as I usually do.
Ash: Yeah, that is kind of a problem. Since I just had this place and that one PokéStop, I couldn't walk around. I also wanted to hatch your Eggs, but I couldn't either. They did hatch, though, after I was done with my duty.
Me: That's still great anyhow. How many did you evolve into Infernape?
Ash: Three - two of your Lucky ones and the best Shiny one that I got. Maybe you'd like to evolve a few more later on? I saved up hundreds of Chimchar Candy.
Me: That might just work, and that's good enough. Chimchar appear every so often even without Community Day, so it might make up for the Candy that wasn't gotten. So at least this "minimalist" thing does work, but I definitely don't recommend it every time, especially if Eggs hatching faster is part of the deal.
Ash: But you know what really helped? I bought the Community Day Box for you, and it made up in a pinch.
Me: It does, doesn't it? I've purchased it once or twice in the past, and it's sometimes helpful, especially for planning ahead if at all possible. Any other issues?
Ash: In the middle, I thought I had trouble catching Chimchar, but it seemed to work out fine. It was fine the rest of the way.
Me: So for that issue, it might be hard to tell who is at fault. By the way, I received word that something special was present right after the Chimchar appearances. Did you do something about that?
Ash: Yeah! Galarian Weezing was everywhere in Gyms. I raided a couple with your raid friends after I was done with my duty and I could meet them.
Pikachu: Pi, pika pika! ["That's great!"]
Me: I agree. This is the first time something like this has happened. I'm sure most people will like this, and they'll want to try to get into Galar soon. I'd say this has been quite successful despite the obstacles for you.
Ash: I think so too! I'll help out again if things work out this way.
Me: Sure. It may not always happen this way, but at least things can happen if they do.
One year ago: PikaPool
Two years ago: Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon Unleashed
Saturday, November 16, 2019
Cosplay: Mini Futsal Cup 2019
Me: OK, so I have to say that in my world, I can send you to do other things besides at events and conventions. You've already experienced this first-hand during April Fools' and Halloween, but now you're going to experience something entirely different.
Ash: I'm interested. So what is this one?
Pikachu: Pika pika? ["What is it?"]
Me: So, a friend of mine who often sends a famous ninja teacher character also manages teams of futsal, which for those who don't know, is like a smaller form of soccer - arena soccer, in fact. And to make things different for their next tournament, he proposed that it would be opened with characters instead.
Ash: And you want me in.
Me: Exactly. It would be a change of pace for the both of us. Speaking of change, this was originally scheduled for the middle of last month, but then there were some issues, so it got delayed to today. But it doesn't matter, since today is just as fine and good.
Ash: Well, OK. What do I and Pikachu need to do for this one?
Me: Not much. You just have to be yourself in the character parade that opens his tournament, with nine other characters including the teacher ninja himself. And you just have to be ready. I'll ask you to wear the Sinnoh outfit since it's valuable for both of us.
Ash: That we definitely can do!
Pikachu: Pika pikachu! ["Definitely, yes!"]
Me: That's great. So, how were things today?
Ash: The parade was a bit late, but you say that may be expected based on how other things go. But it was great when it started. The field was like a Pokémon battlefield - I almost wanted to have a battle on it! All of us had fun, though.
Me: Maybe you'll have your chance soon enough. What else happened today?
Ash: The ninja teacher and his ninja student made a great performance after the parade! I really liked it. I wish I could be there with another Pokémon Trainer.
Me: We'll have to see if we can get that going. I assume the tournament went OK?
Ash: I think so, but I saw the teacher's team losing big at the start.
Me: Well, at the least we had fun. By the way, there should have been a little something for the both of us for participating today. Did you get it?
Ash: I did! This should be great.
Pikachu: Pi, pika pika! ["I agree!"]
Me: This should be more than great - it's one of the reasons I send you. I'm sure the next time something like this happens, you'd like to join again.
Ash: Sure, why not?
Me: All right. That said, it has been a good day. It's an even better day when it's also supported by something else Pokémon... but I'll save that for us tomorrow.
One year ago: The Detective Goes Live!!
Two years ago: Go My Dear One, and Pursue Your Dreams
Ash: I'm interested. So what is this one?
Pikachu: Pika pika? ["What is it?"]
Me: So, a friend of mine who often sends a famous ninja teacher character also manages teams of futsal, which for those who don't know, is like a smaller form of soccer - arena soccer, in fact. And to make things different for their next tournament, he proposed that it would be opened with characters instead.
Ash: And you want me in.
Me: Exactly. It would be a change of pace for the both of us. Speaking of change, this was originally scheduled for the middle of last month, but then there were some issues, so it got delayed to today. But it doesn't matter, since today is just as fine and good.
Ash: Well, OK. What do I and Pikachu need to do for this one?
Me: Not much. You just have to be yourself in the character parade that opens his tournament, with nine other characters including the teacher ninja himself. And you just have to be ready. I'll ask you to wear the Sinnoh outfit since it's valuable for both of us.
Ash: That we definitely can do!
Pikachu: Pika pikachu! ["Definitely, yes!"]
Me: That's great. So, how were things today?
Ash: The parade was a bit late, but you say that may be expected based on how other things go. But it was great when it started. The field was like a Pokémon battlefield - I almost wanted to have a battle on it! All of us had fun, though.
Me: Maybe you'll have your chance soon enough. What else happened today?
Ash: The ninja teacher and his ninja student made a great performance after the parade! I really liked it. I wish I could be there with another Pokémon Trainer.
Me: We'll have to see if we can get that going. I assume the tournament went OK?
Ash: I think so, but I saw the teacher's team losing big at the start.
Me: Well, at the least we had fun. By the way, there should have been a little something for the both of us for participating today. Did you get it?
Ash: I did! This should be great.
Pikachu: Pi, pika pika! ["I agree!"]
Me: This should be more than great - it's one of the reasons I send you. I'm sure the next time something like this happens, you'd like to join again.
Ash: Sure, why not?
Me: All right. That said, it has been a good day. It's an even better day when it's also supported by something else Pokémon... but I'll save that for us tomorrow.
One year ago: The Detective Goes Live!!
Two years ago: Go My Dear One, and Pursue Your Dreams
Friday, November 15, 2019
Sword and Shield Unleashed
Well, that day has come. Today is the day when Sword and Shield are officially released (again, in my fanciful terms, "unleashed") to the world. It's something that has been in the works since at least October of two years ago and announced only nine months ago. And now, a grateful world can now reap the results of that long development... or maybe for some people, a little less grateful due to what has transpired over the course of that time. It's helpful to review that as the lead-in to the happenings of this day.
The biggest issue that has plagued the games has been, of course, the National Dex controversy. It came to the point where upon various "reveal" opportunities (such as a certain "livestream"), people started pointing out which species were "safe", meaning likely to be present within the game among all other new species. This has resulted in a couple of hashtags related to communication about the final content found in the game as intentionally or unintentionally gotten, most likely through reviewers and those who received advance copies of the game. Whatever the case, it remains a brooding issue with these games.
What seems to make the greatest appeal at this point is what I term as the "unification" trailer for the game. It depicts Pokémon from all prior generations in prior games on prior consoles coming together to form the "brave new world" of the new games. While it may not ease the prior controversy and the fallout effects of the games, the premise of the trailer is epic; it makes it seem wonderful and attractive enough for fans to buy and play the games regardless of any controversy. The point just seems to be buy, play, and enjoy - perhaps the rest will take care of itself sooner or later.
Speaking of sooner or later, some of my Pokémon fellows have taken to obtain the game, and a few, in fact, have gotten it by today. One in particular, who is currently living remotely, bought a double pack of both versions and received the game two days ago, in fact, to really start playing early. Another received one of the games by yesterday and received an (un)pleasant surprise after starting to play the game. Others have indicated that they have one of the games in their possession and will be playing it soon. Still others have only indicated that they have purchased the console (Nintendo Switch) with no sign of the games, but the direction is obviously clear, being for those games.
As for me, I don't have either ready at the moment, nor anytime soon. The story for this one might end up a little like the story of my (old) 3DS, which happened to also be not at the ready when it and Pokémon X and Y (the latter my choice) respectively came out, as I've noted previously for my preparations. At the same time, I'm also negotiating my options for what I will obtain, if and when that happens, except of course that I've opted for Sword as my choice. Being that I'm a huge fan, I will eventually have to move in this direction to preserve continuity, and this in turn preserves the continuity of the franchise as well. Moreover, I may still have a few things to take care of before going in that direction, but the point is that the direction is clear, one that I will take.
For my final words, I'd like to address a popular comical interpretation of the games. It has been said (by Dan Fornace) that the games are "Sword" and "Shield" because they're half-attacked and half-defended, owing to the qualities of the respective represented objects. While it may be right to scrutinize ("attack") and then support ("defend") them, it seems even more right to take them as they are, as some of my fellows have done. At that point, it now seems apt to welcome and herald this new "royal" chapter of the main series of Pokémon games.
One year ago: Seeing Red: Cosplay Teaser for 12/2/2018
Two years ago: Ma? Ma? Ma? Marshadow...!
The biggest issue that has plagued the games has been, of course, the National Dex controversy. It came to the point where upon various "reveal" opportunities (such as a certain "livestream"), people started pointing out which species were "safe", meaning likely to be present within the game among all other new species. This has resulted in a couple of hashtags related to communication about the final content found in the game as intentionally or unintentionally gotten, most likely through reviewers and those who received advance copies of the game. Whatever the case, it remains a brooding issue with these games.
What seems to make the greatest appeal at this point is what I term as the "unification" trailer for the game. It depicts Pokémon from all prior generations in prior games on prior consoles coming together to form the "brave new world" of the new games. While it may not ease the prior controversy and the fallout effects of the games, the premise of the trailer is epic; it makes it seem wonderful and attractive enough for fans to buy and play the games regardless of any controversy. The point just seems to be buy, play, and enjoy - perhaps the rest will take care of itself sooner or later.
Speaking of sooner or later, some of my Pokémon fellows have taken to obtain the game, and a few, in fact, have gotten it by today. One in particular, who is currently living remotely, bought a double pack of both versions and received the game two days ago, in fact, to really start playing early. Another received one of the games by yesterday and received an (un)pleasant surprise after starting to play the game. Others have indicated that they have one of the games in their possession and will be playing it soon. Still others have only indicated that they have purchased the console (Nintendo Switch) with no sign of the games, but the direction is obviously clear, being for those games.
As for me, I don't have either ready at the moment, nor anytime soon. The story for this one might end up a little like the story of my (old) 3DS, which happened to also be not at the ready when it and Pokémon X and Y (the latter my choice) respectively came out, as I've noted previously for my preparations. At the same time, I'm also negotiating my options for what I will obtain, if and when that happens, except of course that I've opted for Sword as my choice. Being that I'm a huge fan, I will eventually have to move in this direction to preserve continuity, and this in turn preserves the continuity of the franchise as well. Moreover, I may still have a few things to take care of before going in that direction, but the point is that the direction is clear, one that I will take.
For my final words, I'd like to address a popular comical interpretation of the games. It has been said (by Dan Fornace) that the games are "Sword" and "Shield" because they're half-attacked and half-defended, owing to the qualities of the respective represented objects. While it may be right to scrutinize ("attack") and then support ("defend") them, it seems even more right to take them as they are, as some of my fellows have done. At that point, it now seems apt to welcome and herald this new "royal" chapter of the main series of Pokémon games.
One year ago: Seeing Red: Cosplay Teaser for 12/2/2018
Two years ago: Ma? Ma? Ma? Marshadow...!
Thursday, November 14, 2019
The Music of Shuffle
Like any great modern game, especially any great Pokémon game, Pokémon Shuffle also has music to complement its gameplay. Music has a fair bit of importance in this game in that it mostly serves as indicators of areas or states, such that one can tell where one is or what happens even if one's attention is diverted, which might occur at times. In considering this and the musical themes found in the game, I've found that overall there are three categories that pertain to the musical content of the game.
One category of music in the game is what I consider "zonal music". All the Main Stages are divided into groups with specific zone types; though each group has a different name, some zone types are actually repeated. But what's important music-wise is that each zone has a distinct musical theme, such as "festival", "forest", and "mechanical". If one knows the sequence of the zones, then it shouldn't be hard to tell where one is based on the music and therefore the themes. Though they're distinct, the Expert Stages and Special Stages can be considered their own "zones" because they too have their own musical themes. The musical themes for the zones are therefore area indicators.
Another category of the game's music is "battle music". This simply covers the music that plays in the battles, that is, the puzzle screen. Each Pokémon has a distinct battle theme out of a handful of themes; as examples, Meowth has a "playful" theme, while there is a distinct theme that applies for the stages of many Legendary Pokémon. But regardless of the stage, if a Pokémon capable of Mega Evolution is in play and has Mega Evolved, the "Mega Evolution" theme takes over and plays instead; that theme is upbeat and very melodious, perhaps almost to the point of annoyance for some people playing the game - and yet it does serve as a powerful reminder that Mega Evolution is present and active. These are definitely indicators of states.
The last category of music is what I call "special music". These involve music that is found in one technical part of the game and nowhere else. The intro music is included in this respect, as it is only present on the "splash screen" before one taps "Start" to open the rest of the game; one might take a moment to enjoy it before going on to the game. The results screen music is also unique to said screen as one reviews the results of the stage. Finally, there is the shop music, which is shared for all of the shops, including the Special Shop and Jewel shop. They may not be found anywhere else, but their presence is warranted and necessary for their respective parts.
Music is important for a modern game. If anything, it serves to complement the situation or environment of certain parts of the games. The same would be true for even a minor game such as Pokémon Shuffle, and the three categories of music do indeed just that. They indicate the environment or the state of the situation to a good extent. In that regard, they are lively and dynamic, just as much as the puzzles and battles they intend to complement.
One year ago: GTS and Wonder Trade in Pokémon Go?
Two years ago: 1000 Episodes!!!
One category of music in the game is what I consider "zonal music". All the Main Stages are divided into groups with specific zone types; though each group has a different name, some zone types are actually repeated. But what's important music-wise is that each zone has a distinct musical theme, such as "festival", "forest", and "mechanical". If one knows the sequence of the zones, then it shouldn't be hard to tell where one is based on the music and therefore the themes. Though they're distinct, the Expert Stages and Special Stages can be considered their own "zones" because they too have their own musical themes. The musical themes for the zones are therefore area indicators.
Another category of the game's music is "battle music". This simply covers the music that plays in the battles, that is, the puzzle screen. Each Pokémon has a distinct battle theme out of a handful of themes; as examples, Meowth has a "playful" theme, while there is a distinct theme that applies for the stages of many Legendary Pokémon. But regardless of the stage, if a Pokémon capable of Mega Evolution is in play and has Mega Evolved, the "Mega Evolution" theme takes over and plays instead; that theme is upbeat and very melodious, perhaps almost to the point of annoyance for some people playing the game - and yet it does serve as a powerful reminder that Mega Evolution is present and active. These are definitely indicators of states.
The last category of music is what I call "special music". These involve music that is found in one technical part of the game and nowhere else. The intro music is included in this respect, as it is only present on the "splash screen" before one taps "Start" to open the rest of the game; one might take a moment to enjoy it before going on to the game. The results screen music is also unique to said screen as one reviews the results of the stage. Finally, there is the shop music, which is shared for all of the shops, including the Special Shop and Jewel shop. They may not be found anywhere else, but their presence is warranted and necessary for their respective parts.
Music is important for a modern game. If anything, it serves to complement the situation or environment of certain parts of the games. The same would be true for even a minor game such as Pokémon Shuffle, and the three categories of music do indeed just that. They indicate the environment or the state of the situation to a good extent. In that regard, they are lively and dynamic, just as much as the puzzles and battles they intend to complement.
One year ago: GTS and Wonder Trade in Pokémon Go?
Two years ago: 1000 Episodes!!!
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Shuffle Special Stage Play Limits
Well, the band thing has been spectacular, but it's time to really get back to discussing other Pokémon things, like something from Pokémon Shuffle for instance. In Pokémon Shuffle, some Special Stages can be played without limits like regular Main or Expert Stages, only with the caveat that they appear for a limited time period before disappearing. However, other Special Stages place limits on how many times they can be played in certain periods; once the limit has been reached, the stage disappears for the period. These limits also differ from stage to stage and may also require expending of currency to be played to their limits. The following is a guide to many of them.
Some Special Stages are playable once (and only once) a day before disappearing for that day, though they reappear each day in the period of time they are available. The Special Stages for the Therian Trio (Thundurus, Tornadus, and Landorus) in their Incarnate Form, Pinsir, and the Frillish family have this pattern. As such, when playing these stages, one has to be absolutely certain of the Pokémon and the items to be used to play them, lest one wastes the efforts and costs and has to wait another day or the next period to play them if it's the last. These are obviously quite challenging, particularly if the Pokémon in question have not been caught.
The Special Stages for Eevee and Victini - the former on weekdays and the latter on weekends - can be played once for free; however, they can also be played up to 14 more times (15 total) by spending 1 Jewel for each subsequent play. In contrast, the Meowth Special Stage, which appears along with Victini, can be played once for free and then 3 more times (4 total) by just spending 1 Jewel. Eevee and Victini in that regard can become costly, though may be worth it for extra Skill Boosters or Experience Points; meanwhile, Meowth is totally worth the cost compared to simply buying Coins with Jewels. One may elect to spend on these stages.
Similar to the three preceding stages, at the beginning and middle of the month, a stage called Monthly Challenge appears; when cleared, the reward is a set of helpful items. These can be played once for free, then up to 4 more times (5 total) with 2 Jewels for each play. The main reason for replaying these stages is that there are certain probable reward sets, often five different ones, so replaying them might result in different rewards. Whatever happens, one must hope to be lucky to get the desired rewards, at least until the stages can no longer be played.
Every so often, one of the major Ultra Beasts will also appear as a Special Stage. Unlike other stages with play limits, this stage must be unlocked first to be played; 20,000 Coins unlocks the stage for 10 plays. Therefore, this stage is not "free" for first play, but the good news is that one does not have to spend for items to play... because no items may be used. The Coin fee and the 10-play limit, not to mention no items, present major challenges for playing these stages, dictating that one must have sufficiently strong Pokémon to overcome the Ultra Beasts within the 10 plays given.
These stage limits for Special Stages in Pokémon Shuffle are remarkable because they entail two things. One is that one has to be prudent in determining the best course of action since one may not be given many chances (or in some cases only one) to succeed in the stages. The other is that one may have to be forced to pay up in order to be able to attain greater success by way of playing these stages. In either case, careful decisions are in order, but they're decisions that may lead one to reap many rewards than one would otherwise.
One year ago: Marshadow and Mimikyu Keychains
Two years ago: Cosplay Assistants
Some Special Stages are playable once (and only once) a day before disappearing for that day, though they reappear each day in the period of time they are available. The Special Stages for the Therian Trio (Thundurus, Tornadus, and Landorus) in their Incarnate Form, Pinsir, and the Frillish family have this pattern. As such, when playing these stages, one has to be absolutely certain of the Pokémon and the items to be used to play them, lest one wastes the efforts and costs and has to wait another day or the next period to play them if it's the last. These are obviously quite challenging, particularly if the Pokémon in question have not been caught.
The Special Stages for Eevee and Victini - the former on weekdays and the latter on weekends - can be played once for free; however, they can also be played up to 14 more times (15 total) by spending 1 Jewel for each subsequent play. In contrast, the Meowth Special Stage, which appears along with Victini, can be played once for free and then 3 more times (4 total) by just spending 1 Jewel. Eevee and Victini in that regard can become costly, though may be worth it for extra Skill Boosters or Experience Points; meanwhile, Meowth is totally worth the cost compared to simply buying Coins with Jewels. One may elect to spend on these stages.
Similar to the three preceding stages, at the beginning and middle of the month, a stage called Monthly Challenge appears; when cleared, the reward is a set of helpful items. These can be played once for free, then up to 4 more times (5 total) with 2 Jewels for each play. The main reason for replaying these stages is that there are certain probable reward sets, often five different ones, so replaying them might result in different rewards. Whatever happens, one must hope to be lucky to get the desired rewards, at least until the stages can no longer be played.
Every so often, one of the major Ultra Beasts will also appear as a Special Stage. Unlike other stages with play limits, this stage must be unlocked first to be played; 20,000 Coins unlocks the stage for 10 plays. Therefore, this stage is not "free" for first play, but the good news is that one does not have to spend for items to play... because no items may be used. The Coin fee and the 10-play limit, not to mention no items, present major challenges for playing these stages, dictating that one must have sufficiently strong Pokémon to overcome the Ultra Beasts within the 10 plays given.
These stage limits for Special Stages in Pokémon Shuffle are remarkable because they entail two things. One is that one has to be prudent in determining the best course of action since one may not be given many chances (or in some cases only one) to succeed in the stages. The other is that one may have to be forced to pay up in order to be able to attain greater success by way of playing these stages. In either case, careful decisions are in order, but they're decisions that may lead one to reap many rewards than one would otherwise.
One year ago: Marshadow and Mimikyu Keychains
Two years ago: Cosplay Assistants
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Performance Critique: Mezase Pokémon Master feat. Maestoso
I've already explained the band history behind a breakthrough collaboration, so now it's time to make a self-critique of the performance. Technically, I don't need to critique this one since the performance was purely for entertainment, but because I strive to do as well as possible, it becomes somewhat necessary for me so that I can glean insights from the execution. As well, I performed a Pokémon song, so it becomes all the more reason to do so. This is in order to show my further appreciation for everything related to it, including things that I conceived myself, or in this case alongside a local band.
This self-critique is made possible by a recording of the performance. The recording for the performance was graciously assisted by a friend, who so happened to be the same one I tasked for recording the ill-fated one for the J-Karaoke competitive performance. The biggest difference is that this recording is complete from the time I was called by the band to come up on stage for the collaboration, up to the end as we wrapped up. While it's regrettable that the competition performance recording wasn't complete, it's rather appreciable that this one was, as it ended up becoming the real "prize" of the day. Likewise, this one should have been recorded on the "master camera", but I'm not too worried, since this recording is also pretty good.
Now onward to the particulars. First, I don't know whether it's an issue of me, the equipment, or the recording, but it does seem like I sometimes can't hear myself fully, including the initial introduction of myself as Ash, a carryover from my singing performances, of course. Yet I also feel like I've given as much as I can. The next performance will have to demand even more. Still, I'd say that the best parts would have to be the choruses, bridge, and coda ("Aa, akogare no..."). I also enjoyed having the band's female vocalist as my accompanying vocalist, though there were still a few missed lines (one example: the "furui to wa nanjaa~!" remark mid-way through the second chorus). For a first-time collaboration, everything was still really good.
The performance was also as it was intended to be. The band's arrangement of the song is unique: the intro is doubly extended, including the melodic portion. This also enabled me to conveniently place my introduction in the second repetition of the melodic portion. In exchange, the post-chorus breaks are shortened, except the first one before the second verse. The "outro" also had an extended and amazing drum solo by the drummer before the final flourish. Other additions by yours truly include the "Rock it!" shout as the guitar break started and the salute after the flourish ("Give it up for Maestoso band!!") certainly adjusted to the band I collaborated with; these too have been planned - for this exact song, no less - ever since I envisioned a collaboration such as this. And the neat thing is that they all came true as well.
Yet, there were other particulars regarding the performance, though these were not detrimental to it; they instead added flavor. One of them is recording quirks: the recording that I have was created using my phone through accessing the camera directly, and late in the performance, there were alert sounds from my phone that made it into the recording. Next time, I may consider silencing my phone before a recording session. Then there were shouts or cheers by the audience, which were either supportive or in jest, but were still quite positive; these could be heard in the recording as well. The last one is that this performance occurred before I competed in the J-Karaoke competition, which made it a warm-up of sorts. They might seem rather odd, and yet that's the way things played out.
This collaborative performance was not a performance for a competition, but some things about it can still be pointed out. Doing so inspires me to be able to do better (one-up this one) in the next one, whenever that may be. And though I've yet to be able to furnish a recording and a critique for a winning performance, I feel that with this performance, I can be considered to have won the hearts of certain people. In fact, some people I know have said that this has been pretty much the case with my cosplay over the years. In that sense, I'm glad that I've been able to to win their hearts, just as Pokémon has won my heart - so much that it resulted in a collaboration such as this one.
One year ago: Rediscover Cosplay
Two years ago: Cosplay: Japan Pop Culture 2017
 |
| "Come on up!" |
This self-critique is made possible by a recording of the performance. The recording for the performance was graciously assisted by a friend, who so happened to be the same one I tasked for recording the ill-fated one for the J-Karaoke competitive performance. The biggest difference is that this recording is complete from the time I was called by the band to come up on stage for the collaboration, up to the end as we wrapped up. While it's regrettable that the competition performance recording wasn't complete, it's rather appreciable that this one was, as it ended up becoming the real "prize" of the day. Likewise, this one should have been recorded on the "master camera", but I'm not too worried, since this recording is also pretty good.
 |
| "Ore, Masara Taun no Satoshi da! Mezase Pokémon Master!" |
Now onward to the particulars. First, I don't know whether it's an issue of me, the equipment, or the recording, but it does seem like I sometimes can't hear myself fully, including the initial introduction of myself as Ash, a carryover from my singing performances, of course. Yet I also feel like I've given as much as I can. The next performance will have to demand even more. Still, I'd say that the best parts would have to be the choruses, bridge, and coda ("Aa, akogare no..."). I also enjoyed having the band's female vocalist as my accompanying vocalist, though there were still a few missed lines (one example: the "furui to wa nanjaa~!" remark mid-way through the second chorus). For a first-time collaboration, everything was still really good.
The performance was also as it was intended to be. The band's arrangement of the song is unique: the intro is doubly extended, including the melodic portion. This also enabled me to conveniently place my introduction in the second repetition of the melodic portion. In exchange, the post-chorus breaks are shortened, except the first one before the second verse. The "outro" also had an extended and amazing drum solo by the drummer before the final flourish. Other additions by yours truly include the "Rock it!" shout as the guitar break started and the salute after the flourish ("Give it up for Maestoso band!!") certainly adjusted to the band I collaborated with; these too have been planned - for this exact song, no less - ever since I envisioned a collaboration such as this. And the neat thing is that they all came true as well.
 |
| One part with a popular audience cheer. |
Yet, there were other particulars regarding the performance, though these were not detrimental to it; they instead added flavor. One of them is recording quirks: the recording that I have was created using my phone through accessing the camera directly, and late in the performance, there were alert sounds from my phone that made it into the recording. Next time, I may consider silencing my phone before a recording session. Then there were shouts or cheers by the audience, which were either supportive or in jest, but were still quite positive; these could be heard in the recording as well. The last one is that this performance occurred before I competed in the J-Karaoke competition, which made it a warm-up of sorts. They might seem rather odd, and yet that's the way things played out.
 |
| "GIVE IT UP FOR MAESTOSO BAND!!" |
This collaborative performance was not a performance for a competition, but some things about it can still be pointed out. Doing so inspires me to be able to do better (one-up this one) in the next one, whenever that may be. And though I've yet to be able to furnish a recording and a critique for a winning performance, I feel that with this performance, I can be considered to have won the hearts of certain people. In fact, some people I know have said that this has been pretty much the case with my cosplay over the years. In that sense, I'm glad that I've been able to to win their hearts, just as Pokémon has won my heart - so much that it resulted in a collaboration such as this one.
One year ago: Rediscover Cosplay
Two years ago: Cosplay: Japan Pop Culture 2017
Monday, November 11, 2019
A Story of Bands
Previously, I discussed about my collaboration with a local band in terms of what has happened and will continue to happen, as well as what may have played a key role in making it actually happen. However, as noted in the former post, I chose to hold back on most of its history, preferring instead to discuss it in a different post. Now, I'm ready to do so; this is something I had intended to do if a collaboration ever occurred, and it did. Also as I've noted, the band is a crucial part of the collaboration, but there are also three other local bands that can be considered to have played pivotal roles in the realization of the collaboration.
To that effect, I will also be discussing about things in a metaphorical fashion. The collaboration can be imagined as a "door" that is to be "opened" in order to be realized. All the bands that I will describe have some metaphorical relationship to this "door", along with me as the person who wishes to act upon the "door". Given this metaphorical imagery, I also will discuss the bands in chronological order up to the realization, when the "door" was finally opened.
The first band that I consider to have played a role is one named Akiba Street. I first recognized them during the first major edition of the convention that is now called the Daisuki! Japan Fest. The following photos with some of their personnel on stage were taken at that time five years ago, back before I started this blog and when I still used a paper Pikachu in my cosplay. Now, I would have passed them off as ordinary had they not done something special at that time: they performed "Mezase Pokémon Master" live on that same day. For some time afterwards, I kept referring to this as "pulling off an Akiba Street", in the case that another band would follow suit and do the same.
Metaphorically speaking, they were the ones who "indicated the existence of the door". They were the ones that suggested that a possibility of collaboration with someone existed, though at the time I didn't even consider the possibility as being real. Yet, with my musical and vocal experience, it seemed that the possibility (and therefore the "door") existed somewhere near. However, I didn't know where and in what direction to look for that "door". It would take the next band to guide me in the direction and to the place of that "door".
That band would be one named Otaku. I've actually recognized this band for longer than the previous one; I've met them early on during my cosplay efforts and often throughout that time. Chronologically for this collaboration, however, they come in second. They were the guest star band of a really faraway event that occurred over two years ago as I've started this blog. At that time, after their performance, I met and talked with them (with a photo taken, which can be seen below); they conjectured that it may be possible for them to play "Mezase Pokémon Master" at some later point in time and to involve me somehow, but at the time I wasn't quite open about my vocal abilities, nor did I have the lyrics to said song fully committed into memory.
Considering the metaphor, then, they "helped to find the door, but only knocked on the door". In realistic terms, they suggested that an actual collaboration may just occur because the possibility might seem real enough, but they may or may not be the ones to realize it - in other words, "to open the door", which was also "locked" due to neither I nor them having a "key". Then, I sought to craft the "key" myself by participating in singing/J-Song competitions - partially as having been suggested to do so by another friend - and in the meantime, I met another band.
The third band with a role in the effort is named Hyakushiki. The band was created two months shy of my second cosplay anniversary, and they have had some changes in personnel since then. Admittedly, though, we have never interacted much until about the time I joined the competitions to see if I could develop and realize a collaboration effort. On various occasions, we brought up the matter in conversation, and though the possibility was likely to be realized, whether with "Mezase Pokémon Master" or even another Pokémon song, it still seemed rather vague.
In terms of the metaphor, they "pulled the door handle, but did not open the door". Likewise, neither of us had the "key" to be able to "unlock and open the door"; we could only test the door at the time, knowing that it could be "opened" if it were "unlocked". Though the possibility became very much real at this point, with somehow the both of us producing our quid pro quo for it if it were to happen, it became a matter of producing the "key" that would "unlock and open that door". It would take one more band to make the possibility of a collaboration a reality at last.
That band goes by the name of Maestoso. They are a fairly recent bunch, only about four and a half years old at this point. Yet their career as a band is also rather illustrious, with them winning the band competition of my "home turf" event four years ago (in fact, a month after their formation), then again the following year plus another school competition in that same year. That's pretty significant, but what was even more significant is that their keyboardist, the leftmost in the following picture, asked me during an event in October if I wanted to collaborate with them in a later event, and I of course accepted. The rest played out as I mentioned in the previous performance critique, and the breakthrough collaboration occurred in that same event.
(Also of note: due to the collaboration and the theme event happening, I wasn't able to go to the second of two events that happened one year ago - see below - which also happened on that same day this year. But both really made up for that.)
Thus, in relation to the metaphor, they "produced a key", then they "unlocked the door and opened it". What was once a conjectured possibility became a plan and subsequently reality. The "unlocking of the door" allowed us and particularly me to enter a new area related to both music and Pokémon. And it's a new area that can stand to be developed even further along the way, possibly with another band as well and particularly any of the three above that I have not collaborated with.
I owe much gratitude to all of these bands, not just the one with which the collaboration finally occurred. All of them provided insights and advancements in its progression, eventually leading up to today. They themselves enrich the musical situation at events and conventions in my area, while I myself do so with Pokémon and cosplay. In a way, it's been proven that we can, might, and do make a great team together. That too is something to be highly appreciated.
As for that "door", it has been opened, and my hope is that it will remain so for the future. The world of Pokémon music is rich with many songs, whether ones that I have sung and/or want to be able to sing. It would be great for me to do so in upcoming singing/J-Song competitions, and it would be even greater still to do it with a live band behind me. I'm sure that some of the local bands and I myself have what it takes to make this happen, at least once again.
One year ago: Cosplay: Manga no Kiseki & Japan Pop Culture 2018
Two years ago: Heroes, Veterans, and Special Ones
To that effect, I will also be discussing about things in a metaphorical fashion. The collaboration can be imagined as a "door" that is to be "opened" in order to be realized. All the bands that I will describe have some metaphorical relationship to this "door", along with me as the person who wishes to act upon the "door". Given this metaphorical imagery, I also will discuss the bands in chronological order up to the realization, when the "door" was finally opened.
The first band that I consider to have played a role is one named Akiba Street. I first recognized them during the first major edition of the convention that is now called the Daisuki! Japan Fest. The following photos with some of their personnel on stage were taken at that time five years ago, back before I started this blog and when I still used a paper Pikachu in my cosplay. Now, I would have passed them off as ordinary had they not done something special at that time: they performed "Mezase Pokémon Master" live on that same day. For some time afterwards, I kept referring to this as "pulling off an Akiba Street", in the case that another band would follow suit and do the same.
Metaphorically speaking, they were the ones who "indicated the existence of the door". They were the ones that suggested that a possibility of collaboration with someone existed, though at the time I didn't even consider the possibility as being real. Yet, with my musical and vocal experience, it seemed that the possibility (and therefore the "door") existed somewhere near. However, I didn't know where and in what direction to look for that "door". It would take the next band to guide me in the direction and to the place of that "door".
That band would be one named Otaku. I've actually recognized this band for longer than the previous one; I've met them early on during my cosplay efforts and often throughout that time. Chronologically for this collaboration, however, they come in second. They were the guest star band of a really faraway event that occurred over two years ago as I've started this blog. At that time, after their performance, I met and talked with them (with a photo taken, which can be seen below); they conjectured that it may be possible for them to play "Mezase Pokémon Master" at some later point in time and to involve me somehow, but at the time I wasn't quite open about my vocal abilities, nor did I have the lyrics to said song fully committed into memory.
Considering the metaphor, then, they "helped to find the door, but only knocked on the door". In realistic terms, they suggested that an actual collaboration may just occur because the possibility might seem real enough, but they may or may not be the ones to realize it - in other words, "to open the door", which was also "locked" due to neither I nor them having a "key". Then, I sought to craft the "key" myself by participating in singing/J-Song competitions - partially as having been suggested to do so by another friend - and in the meantime, I met another band.
The third band with a role in the effort is named Hyakushiki. The band was created two months shy of my second cosplay anniversary, and they have had some changes in personnel since then. Admittedly, though, we have never interacted much until about the time I joined the competitions to see if I could develop and realize a collaboration effort. On various occasions, we brought up the matter in conversation, and though the possibility was likely to be realized, whether with "Mezase Pokémon Master" or even another Pokémon song, it still seemed rather vague.
 |
| Picture reposted from an event in July. |
In terms of the metaphor, they "pulled the door handle, but did not open the door". Likewise, neither of us had the "key" to be able to "unlock and open the door"; we could only test the door at the time, knowing that it could be "opened" if it were "unlocked". Though the possibility became very much real at this point, with somehow the both of us producing our quid pro quo for it if it were to happen, it became a matter of producing the "key" that would "unlock and open that door". It would take one more band to make the possibility of a collaboration a reality at last.
That band goes by the name of Maestoso. They are a fairly recent bunch, only about four and a half years old at this point. Yet their career as a band is also rather illustrious, with them winning the band competition of my "home turf" event four years ago (in fact, a month after their formation), then again the following year plus another school competition in that same year. That's pretty significant, but what was even more significant is that their keyboardist, the leftmost in the following picture, asked me during an event in October if I wanted to collaborate with them in a later event, and I of course accepted. The rest played out as I mentioned in the previous performance critique, and the breakthrough collaboration occurred in that same event.
(Also of note: due to the collaboration and the theme event happening, I wasn't able to go to the second of two events that happened one year ago - see below - which also happened on that same day this year. But both really made up for that.)
Thus, in relation to the metaphor, they "produced a key", then they "unlocked the door and opened it". What was once a conjectured possibility became a plan and subsequently reality. The "unlocking of the door" allowed us and particularly me to enter a new area related to both music and Pokémon. And it's a new area that can stand to be developed even further along the way, possibly with another band as well and particularly any of the three above that I have not collaborated with.
I owe much gratitude to all of these bands, not just the one with which the collaboration finally occurred. All of them provided insights and advancements in its progression, eventually leading up to today. They themselves enrich the musical situation at events and conventions in my area, while I myself do so with Pokémon and cosplay. In a way, it's been proven that we can, might, and do make a great team together. That too is something to be highly appreciated.
As for that "door", it has been opened, and my hope is that it will remain so for the future. The world of Pokémon music is rich with many songs, whether ones that I have sung and/or want to be able to sing. It would be great for me to do so in upcoming singing/J-Song competitions, and it would be even greater still to do it with a live band behind me. I'm sure that some of the local bands and I myself have what it takes to make this happen, at least once again.
One year ago: Cosplay: Manga no Kiseki & Japan Pop Culture 2018
Two years ago: Heroes, Veterans, and Special Ones
Sunday, November 10, 2019
In the November Sky
For this post, I want to take a bit of a different approach. After September's and October's "song of the month" plus their personal Pokémon connections, now it's time for November's. Actually, this month's is not so much a song but just music, yet the effect is more or less the same. The musical piece in question is appropriately titled "November Sky" and it's by a guy I sometimes discuss on this blog: Yanni (yes, once again). In connection with Pokémon, this piece has inspired me to look up in the sky around my local area and think about what Pokémon I might just see up in the sky while listening to this song, on this particular day.
In the morning, the weather was bright and sunny. So bright, in fact, that Ho-Oh might have been present in the sky and soaring across the land. There might also have been some action by Moltres in another part of the sky. All around, it seemed like the perfect time for members of the Pidove family (with Tranquill and Unfezant) and the Pidgey family (with Pidgeotto and Pidgeot) to soar high and tend to their business with their flocks. In short, it was picturesque and calm, enough for all of these Pokémon to perhaps take to the sky and do things while things looked nice.
In the afternoon, the weather started to turn towards chaos; it briefly went cloudy as if it were going to rain, but then it didn't. I suspect that Zapdos might have been around within the clouds for a bit, and then quickly left, explaining the rain that could have happened but then didn't. Meanwhile, the Starly family with Staravia and Staraptor might have decided to venture out while things seemed uncertain for other Pokémon that take to the sky, and Rufflet with Braviary might have also gone forth to move from place to place. These are certainly some of the hardier Pokémon in the world, so it's conceivable that they would be present.
At night, things were more like in the morning, except without much light and with more cloud cover. By this time, most sky-bound Pokémon would be back in their nests, but there may still be a few that hang around in the sky. It's likely that Murkrow and Honchkrow may be up there, though of course unseen by the darkness and cloud cover. Elsewhere, Skarmory might be present, though its presence may remain subtle. My local area is right next to a couple of mountains, so I suspect there may be interactions from Dragonite and possibly Articuno there. It remains a pretty shady and cool night from what I see, which is rather supporting of them.
Spiritually, it might be hard to make out which Pokémon may just be present in the sky at a given time, but there may be telltale signs through the environment. But what seems to be important is that like most creatures, Pokémon move about in any environment. It's partly this that I sense through listening to "November Sky" and looking up at the sky for Pokémon. The music befits my monthly progression as much as it seems to be emblematic of their movements in the sky of this very month.
One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 11/10/2018
Two years ago: Mission Cards in Shuffle
In the morning, the weather was bright and sunny. So bright, in fact, that Ho-Oh might have been present in the sky and soaring across the land. There might also have been some action by Moltres in another part of the sky. All around, it seemed like the perfect time for members of the Pidove family (with Tranquill and Unfezant) and the Pidgey family (with Pidgeotto and Pidgeot) to soar high and tend to their business with their flocks. In short, it was picturesque and calm, enough for all of these Pokémon to perhaps take to the sky and do things while things looked nice.
In the afternoon, the weather started to turn towards chaos; it briefly went cloudy as if it were going to rain, but then it didn't. I suspect that Zapdos might have been around within the clouds for a bit, and then quickly left, explaining the rain that could have happened but then didn't. Meanwhile, the Starly family with Staravia and Staraptor might have decided to venture out while things seemed uncertain for other Pokémon that take to the sky, and Rufflet with Braviary might have also gone forth to move from place to place. These are certainly some of the hardier Pokémon in the world, so it's conceivable that they would be present.
At night, things were more like in the morning, except without much light and with more cloud cover. By this time, most sky-bound Pokémon would be back in their nests, but there may still be a few that hang around in the sky. It's likely that Murkrow and Honchkrow may be up there, though of course unseen by the darkness and cloud cover. Elsewhere, Skarmory might be present, though its presence may remain subtle. My local area is right next to a couple of mountains, so I suspect there may be interactions from Dragonite and possibly Articuno there. It remains a pretty shady and cool night from what I see, which is rather supporting of them.
Spiritually, it might be hard to make out which Pokémon may just be present in the sky at a given time, but there may be telltale signs through the environment. But what seems to be important is that like most creatures, Pokémon move about in any environment. It's partly this that I sense through listening to "November Sky" and looking up at the sky for Pokémon. The music befits my monthly progression as much as it seems to be emblematic of their movements in the sky of this very month.
One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 11/10/2018
Two years ago: Mission Cards in Shuffle
Saturday, November 9, 2019
Tournament: Raid Group Ferocious Cup
I've already detailed about the Ferocious Cup of the Silph League Arena, so now it's time to put it into action. That would be by way of a tournament with the format, and what better than one hosted by my local raid group. This tournament would be considered to be hot on the heels of the previous tournament, and it's designed to get as many as possible competing and having fun. That said, I've chosen to participate as well, not only to fulfill this premise, but also to test my mettle.
This tournament takes place in the food court of a mall, which notably was also the former space where a certain two-day cosplay competition was held. Last time, the tournament was held in a campus cafeteria. Perhaps it is worth noting that quite a few people in my raid group like cafes, cafeterias, food courts, and so on, possibly due to proximity to food. But really, due to tournaments, it becomes understandable why this is so: all of these places can and may provide tables and seats of some kind, which are essential to facilitate smooth battling, based on my tournament experience. And if the area is majorly and commercially linked, the proprietors may just be willing to aid with its organization, as was the case with this one. In any case, everything is beneficial.
At the start of the tournament, there were 31 participants, which fortunately stayed the same until the end. The number of (local) participants seems to always be a variable thing; the first tournament I participated in had 39 participants, while the previous one had 24. It might really seem to depend on the whim of the participants to join; that first one was likely driven by the excitement of PvP being a newfangled thing, while the one prior to this one was driven by the restart of the competitive season. For both of the latter, there were even some public participants not from the raid group proper, which added flavor to the tournaments. Now the venue change makes a bit of sense, so that more people can take part.
As for me taking part, it was mostly down and not much up. In the first round, I received a bye due to the odd number of participants. I proceeded to lose all battles in the second and third round, followed by a win streak in the fourth round and back to losing in the fifth. It may have been possible for me to win a couple more battles had I not out-predicted myself, and while the bye "win" is OK, it only artificially inflated my position; another participant losing all prior rounds, the only one left by the fifth, automatically received a bye, ensuring that everyone won at least once, with a bye or otherwise. As well, everyone also received a souvenir in the form of a Ferocious Cup pin that looks neat, if nothing else. Overall, there were also surprises in that there were a few "resurgent competitors", while others fell somewhat short.
The Ferocious theme with its wild stipulations is opportunistic, as today's tournament has demonstrated. It brings something new to the table, while letting everyone bring something new of their own - which may or may not always work - to the table. Given today's reception, there may be a possibility of everyone bringing more new things to the table should a second Ferocious Cup be held, within this month certainly, before the theme turns over to something else next month. This too would be a great opportunity to be taken advantage of, whether by me, the rest of my raid group, and/or other Pokémon Go Trainers.
One year ago: 3D Printing and Pokémon
Two years ago: (Mid-)Generational Updates
This tournament takes place in the food court of a mall, which notably was also the former space where a certain two-day cosplay competition was held. Last time, the tournament was held in a campus cafeteria. Perhaps it is worth noting that quite a few people in my raid group like cafes, cafeterias, food courts, and so on, possibly due to proximity to food. But really, due to tournaments, it becomes understandable why this is so: all of these places can and may provide tables and seats of some kind, which are essential to facilitate smooth battling, based on my tournament experience. And if the area is majorly and commercially linked, the proprietors may just be willing to aid with its organization, as was the case with this one. In any case, everything is beneficial.
At the start of the tournament, there were 31 participants, which fortunately stayed the same until the end. The number of (local) participants seems to always be a variable thing; the first tournament I participated in had 39 participants, while the previous one had 24. It might really seem to depend on the whim of the participants to join; that first one was likely driven by the excitement of PvP being a newfangled thing, while the one prior to this one was driven by the restart of the competitive season. For both of the latter, there were even some public participants not from the raid group proper, which added flavor to the tournaments. Now the venue change makes a bit of sense, so that more people can take part.
As for me taking part, it was mostly down and not much up. In the first round, I received a bye due to the odd number of participants. I proceeded to lose all battles in the second and third round, followed by a win streak in the fourth round and back to losing in the fifth. It may have been possible for me to win a couple more battles had I not out-predicted myself, and while the bye "win" is OK, it only artificially inflated my position; another participant losing all prior rounds, the only one left by the fifth, automatically received a bye, ensuring that everyone won at least once, with a bye or otherwise. As well, everyone also received a souvenir in the form of a Ferocious Cup pin that looks neat, if nothing else. Overall, there were also surprises in that there were a few "resurgent competitors", while others fell somewhat short.
The Ferocious theme with its wild stipulations is opportunistic, as today's tournament has demonstrated. It brings something new to the table, while letting everyone bring something new of their own - which may or may not always work - to the table. Given today's reception, there may be a possibility of everyone bringing more new things to the table should a second Ferocious Cup be held, within this month certainly, before the theme turns over to something else next month. This too would be a great opportunity to be taken advantage of, whether by me, the rest of my raid group, and/or other Pokémon Go Trainers.
One year ago: 3D Printing and Pokémon
Two years ago: (Mid-)Generational Updates
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