It's Leap Year Day!

Today is an odd day, but a special one. It is of course Leap Year Day, which is a rare occasion indeed, happening about once in every four years. It's hardly anything special in relation to Pokémon, apart from the fact that it may be two days after its anniversary in the years that contain this day. But add back this blog, and now there is something special to connect them, which is why I've chosen to commemorate the day with this post and to connect it with Pokémon.

Some Pokémon games that contain some kind of mechanism for catching Pokémon may also keep records regarding when certain ones are caught, and that may be considered as an impetus to catch quite a few of them on this day to preserve the date as a record, if nothing else. Notably, it's also the first time for Pokémon Go, as it was launched on a leap year, but somewhat way past it. If one desires, then it's really the time to catch a few Pokémon for the posterity of saving the occasion as a record.

In regard to numerology, the numbers that are important of this date are 2 and 29. Concatenating them in two ways results in the numbers 229 and 292. All these numbers correspond to the Pokémon species of Ivysaur, female Nidoran, Houndoom, and Shedinja, and thus they could be considered the representative species of this day. These are all also quite diverse in terms of abilities, types, and evolution stages. Sure, they might not mean much by way of coincidence, but it's hard to say otherwise even if they aren't. I'd like to think that things are neat the way they are.

And then it's back to this blog. When I started things over three years ago, I had some inkling that I would eventually be able to get to this point, and today I have. It is as neat as it is surreal. It feels like I've attained an interesting achievement in regard to discussions related to Pokémon. And yet, there are still more interesting achievements that I've yet to attain through the posts on this blog, and it would be neat if I would be able to attain them somehow. It seems apt for me to continue posting as I make my way to attain them.

As I've said above, today is both odd and special, as a day that comes along every few years. Even with that odd and special quality, there is a sense that it's still yet another ordinary day. But then again, I've been able to interpret those ordinary days as something more, especially with Pokémon as something that fills those days. And so it goes for this Pokémon fan, who lives each day filling it up with as much Pokémon as possible and seeing what comes out, even on this oddly special day.

Happy Leap Year Day.

Since it's Leap Year Day, there are no posts from previous years. But feel free to check out posts from February 28 (yesterday) or March 1 (tomorrow).

Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 2/28/2020

It's finally the right time to make the Pokémon Go event rollup for this month, which happens to be within the last days of the month. The reason is that there is a method to my madness... or rather, there is a method to the madness. It's actually quite rare that events in Pokémon Go work out this way, so it is worth to explain them together. It's also very rare that lots of events happen throughout a month, which also deserves an explanation all at once. This is why I saved the rollup up until this moment.

This month, two new experimental events were introduced: Spotlight Hour and Mystery Bonus Hour. The former involved more of a Pokémon appearing at one time, while the latter involved an additional perk similar to ones involved in Community Day. Like Raid Hour, which was a previous experiment that became a success and was retained, these were held for one hour at local time, the former on Tuesdays and the latter on Thursdays. The first two editions of the former involved Onix and Tentacool while the third and last featured more Pokémon all around; the first and third editions of the latter involved Stardust bonuses while the second involved raid XP. Both were notably absent for the last week of the month. Based on responses, it seems that Spotlight Hour may have staying power since it has the potential to be diverse, while it seems that Mystery Bonus Hour is rather limited. What remains of both needs to be seen.

The rest of the events this month were neatly organized in special thematic weekends that ran from 8 AM on Friday to 10 PM the following Monday. In the first weekend of the month, there was what was called the Sinnoh Weekend. As can be expected from the title of the event, this event featured Pokémon from the Sinnoh region (the fourth generation) everywhere, including in the wild, raids, Field Research, and Eggs. All the Pokémon that appeared during this event were neat, but one arguably took the stage: the Shiny Riolu family, which had the possibility of appearing through 7-kilometer Eggs from friends. Hippopotas was also rather prevalent and could be Shiny as well. For anyone who loves the Pokémon from this region and generation, this event was a great one.

Hot on the heels of this great event was another great one the next week, perfectly timed with a day of love and affection. As can be guessed based on the above, it was of course the Valentine's Day Weekend. For this one, the frame of mind was much like that of the year before - "think pink" - only with a lot more pink, as it was the debuts of Audino and Alomomola, along with the return of everything pink, including Shiny Happiny and Chansey. Plus, there were Lure Modules that were extended for six hours, allowing for lots of love in the air, along with a special Lickitung Raid Day. For the latter, there was of course its Shiny form, which I obtained thanks to friends in my raid group and beyond. For anyone that could take advantage of the perks, it's safe to say that they got the love and affection needed.

For the third weekend of the month, social relationships became very important as the Friendship Weekend. During the weekend, friendship levels increased faster, with an interaction on a single day counting as two days. Stardust costs for trading were lowered and the Candies earned through them increased, which became a double win. Meanwhile, for Gift lovers, more of them could be held at one time and more of those sent by friends could be opened. I'd like to think this partially assisted with Community Day (which happened the same weekend), by which one can hold more gifts from PokéStops spun during that time, and the leftovers from that time can be traded for lots more Candy. Regardless, it really was a time to see how far things could be taken with friends.

The fourth weekend of the month is obviously now, and as yesterday was Pokémon Day, the weekend is appropriately the Pokémon Day Weekend, though this really started three days ago. In Pokémon Go, the celebration is rather focused on the launch of Mewtwo Strikes Back: Evolution on streaming media: clone Pikachu are abound in photobombs and clone final-form Kanto starters are abound in level 4 raids. Outside of that, there are new Party Hat forms for Pikachu, Eevee, and the Kanto starters, but they all cannot evolve. Soon, there will also be Party Hat Nidorino and Gengar in a Raid Day. Of course, with the Mewtwo movie, it has to be the top level 5 Legendary raid, while an additional perk this weekend is double Special Trades per day. Everything around this day has to be truly special, including the weekend.

With events happening in Pokémon Go every weekend and even in many days between weekends, there was a madness of events, not to mention different types of them. Yet, there were a semblance of methods among them in that way, which is why everything demanded to be explained within this one single post. Given that it is the "anniversary month" for Pokémon, though, it is hardly surprising. It is the right time for a rightful month of events that are just right for every Pokémon fan out there.

One year ago: The Birthday of a Hero
Two years ago: Cosplay Poses
Three years ago: Cosplay: Japanese World 2017

Pokémon Day 2020 - 24th Anniversary

For those in the know, February 27 (today) is Pokémon Day, the all-important anniversary day for the franchise. It's been an unbelievable ride through almost two decades and a half, and that's quite an accomplishment for a franchise like this one. It may be considered as unbelievable as the things that I have been involved in along with the franchise (such as this blog), as well as the things about the franchise itself. And what makes them even more unbelievable is that there's a lot of them to take in even today, any which way one goes with the franchise.

When it comes to numbers of things, one needs to look no further than the number of Pokémon species. After starting with 151 of them as the first generation, the number of them has continued to increase with the progression of time, and today there are close to 900 of them. That's an unbelievable number by any means. What's also unbelievable is how many of them have persisted in the minds of people, enough for them to remain popular even with time. Granted, it's a small subset of the close-to-900 number, but it's a good number that may leave even the most loyal fans in wonder.

In fact, some of those species were polled in by fans for a "Pokémon of the Year", and the results were just announced. The top 10 species have been declared, and they represent a diverse number of past generations; the top of the pack is Greninja, which admittedly has been an unbelievable wonder since its appearance in the Kalos saga of the anime. There is also one more unbelievable wonder in the form of a newly announced Mythical Pokémon species for the eighth generation, with the name Zarude and Grass/Dark typing. The unbelievable wonder for this species may just remain to be seen within a short time, particularly in relation to specific Pokémon things.

As for other unbelievable wonders, some of them are happening as I write this (or have happened) in Pokémon Go, but as with Valentine's Day, I'm saving some of those unbelievable wonders for a different post, which will come soon enough. Events in Pokémon Go are always fascinating, but they seem especially so this month, given that this is after all the "anniversary month" for the franchise, not to mention the other things that happen in the month such as the aforementioned. I'm sure once I explain them, the unbelievable wonders will become apparent.

It is true that Pokémon has been an unbelievable wonder in the 24 years that it has been present. As unbelievable as it is, next year might be even more unbelievable when Pokémon marks a spectacular and gilded milestone, one that I've already hinted upon in a post close to one year ago. There is one year left to piece together the spectacularly, unbelievably wondrous things for that. But for now, one deserves to revel in all the things that have happened over the past 24 years. I dare say, that would leave just about any Pokémon fan in wonder of what is next to come.

Happy 24^th anniversary.

One year ago: Pokémon Day 2019 - 23rd Anniversary
Two years ago: Pokémon Day 2018 - 22nd Anniversary
Three years ago: Pokémon Day 2017 - 21st Anniversary

Eighth Cosplay Anniversary - Doing What I Want

As indicated by my previous-year posts below, today is my cosplay anniversary. It's always fascinating for me to be able to discuss my views on cosplay, particularly Pokémon cosplay as the thing that interests me. This year, it seems apt that I discuss my personal course of actions regarding it, as in doing the things I want to do. It might make my motives regarding cosplay clearer in regard to many things.

In a way, this subject might seem like an adjunct to what I discussed last year. Back then, I said that I didn't follow the trends or whims of others in my cosplay, and that is very much true. Pokémon has become the thing of my greatest interest, and it means a lot. Other things mean something to me as well, but Pokémon means quite a lot, more than them. That is why even in cosplay, I integrate Pokémon by cosplaying Ash and Red as two of the forefront characters of the franchise; it's simply what I want to do, and in fact the impetus (trigger) for my cosplay.

Still, there are other reasons why I do the things that I want to do, particularly in cosplay. For me, I want to establish that I can work with the resources that I have or are available, such as using my own hair rather than wearing a wig if it is not necessary. I also want to understand how well I can relate to Pokémon characters through my cosplay, which also becomes evident in the blog posts where Ash and Pikachu (or sometimes Red) are present. Above all, I also want to have the greatest amount of fun possible with Pokémon in my cosplay, because if I cannot have that, then there is no point.

The above are all somewhat personal reasons, but there are also reasons for everyone. I would like to think that through my cosplay, I'm presenting Pokémon to those for whom the franchise is not too popular and hope to be able to incite appreciation, at least where I am at present. Regardless, I also want to appeal and connect to existing Pokémon fans through my cosplay at the surface level, and everything else related at a deeper level. Through this and pretty much other things that I do with Pokémon, I'd like to be able to contribute somehow, including to Pokémon itself. I'm sure these are all noble goals for one and for all.

Cosplay is clearly something I want to do. Involving Pokémon in that effort is also clearly something I want to do as well. It might seem like a personal thing, but in my view, it seems that it could be rather applicable for everyone, including other franchise fans. On that note, it seems important that I continue do what I (want to) do, including Pokémon cosplay as part of the greater things that I do with Pokémon.

Happy eighth cosplay anniversary to me.

One year ago: Seventh Cosplay Anniversary - Timeless Cosplay
Two years ago: Sixth Cosplay Anniversary - From No-One to Someone
Three years ago: Fifth Cosplay Anniversary

Trade Evolutions in Pokémon Go

Nearly two years ago, I wrote a post regarding the consideration of trade evolutions. That post was, in a way, an "affirmation" post for the existence of the evolution method in its various guises. Pokémon Go seems to have taken this frame of mind as well and went ahead and implemented evolution by trade just recently. When the trading function was implemented two years ago, evolution by trade appeared to be a possible further step, and today that further step is a reality.

For Pokémon that can evolve by trade, a "trade" icon appears on the "Evolve" button of the Pokémon. If the Pokémon hasn't been traded, the icon is followed by the normal Candy amount for evolution, but if it has, the icon is followed by a check mark and no Candy amount. And yes, this means that Pokémon that can evolve by trade can do so for free, making this the first time that Pokémon in Pokémon Go can viably freely evolve. However, supposing that one does not wish to evolve by trade, one can still do so; if there are not enough Candies, tapping "Evolve" will show a friendly reminder to get more Candies or to trade the Pokémon, but if there are enough, the reminder becomes a "confirm anyway" message. The normal "confirm" message is presented for already-traded Pokémon.

At present, the available Pokémon that can evolve in this manner are Kadabra, Haunter, Machoke, and Graveler (the "classic four" from the first generation), as well as Boldore, Gurdurr, Shelmet, and Karrablast (newcomers from the fifth generation). It is notable that the base forms of the first six still need Candies to evolve even if traded, though once evolved, they no longer require Candies; as well, the newcomers have relatively steep Candy requirements if they are to be evolved by them, requiring 200 Candies and an additional 50 for a previous base form, and unlike the main series games, Shelmet and Karrablast do not require to be traded for each other - any trade is sufficient.

Speaking of the main series games, some Pokémon that evolve by trading while holding an item there still only require their items and Candies in Pokémon Go. It seems the two methods may not yet be able to stack up on each other. This may be a potential further development, however, given that trade by evolution is itself a further development. Even so, it may not be likely that any other Pokémon will be applicable for multiple evolution methods outside the trade-or-Candy scheme, which itself constitutes multiple evolutionary pathways and therefore an innovative development.

The new trade evolution method has major implications. Any of the above traded Pokémon species will certainly benefit, but the ones that benefit the most are the ones that are traded and become Lucky as a result, which further obviates their Candy needs. For the species that require 200 Candies to evolve, it becomes obvious that one should try to trade for ones with good stats ("re-roll" them, so to speak), and if one happens to come upon a very valuable one that isn't traded, then it becomes up to one whether to gamble the re-roll, keep it as is, or scrounge up the 200 Candies needed. The choice is up to one to make.

It can be said that with the introduction of evolution by trade in Pokémon Go, the evolution method has found a reason to thrive. Even if it wasn't initially implemented because trading wasn't available, the fact that it is now implemented means that the game considers this as an honorable evolution pathway that the main series initiated, and with trading present, it's only right that it is implemented as such. It becomes another guise of the method that makes it even more appreciable.

One year ago: Meeting of the Minds
Two years ago: Cosplay: Japan LovEvolution Vol. 3 - Haruka ni Yoi - Full Japan Day 2018
Three years ago: Dealing with Cosplay Offerings

Pokémon Go Community Day, 2/22/2020

Me: OK, so two days ago you stated that you rounded up lots of Rhyhorn. It wouldn't be for anything else other than this - an additional "assignment" while you're on "assignment".

Ash: Hey, why not? I like Rhyhorn, and I think many people like it too! In Kalos, you can even ride on one.

Pikachu: Pika pika! ["Sure enough!"]

Me: Well, that's true. As for the story of many people liking Rhyhorn, this was really how this one worked out. For this one, at the end of last month, people were given a choice of four possible Pokémon, with Dratini, Machop, and Vulpix (both Kanto and Alolan) as the other possible choices. A few weeks ago, they were able to vote on what should appear, and many people voted for Rhyhorn. So that's what we had.

Ash: That's interesting! The others must have had some support too.

Me: Indeed. Some were actually hoping for Dratini, though it wouldn't be exactly a repeat of two years ago (see below), and there was good support for Machop and Vulpix as possibly unique Pokémon for this treatment. But most - and I have to say I myself as well - really wanted Rhyhorn, so things worked out well.

Ash: That's neat. OK, so Rhyhorn, and its evolved forms Rhydon and Rhyperior, are Rock and Ground types. So the special move for Rhyperior had to have been something great.

Me: You bet. It's a new move called Rock Wrecker, a Rock-type move. As you and I both know, special moves that suit its type are always workable and in demand. It just works.

Ash: Of course, I know I'm getting a Shiny Rhyhorn and the others, but I'm also getting something else.

Me: That something else is triple Stardust for each capture, which means Star Pieces need to be used to gain an advantage. Well, that's enough of the specifics - how'd things work out this time around?

Ash: It was really a challenge this time. The place had only three PokéStops and a Gym, and they were all kind of far. I thought there would be more since the place is supposed to be active. I set up two of your Lure Modules on two PokéStops with some distance between them - I hope you don't mind.

Me: No, I don't. This is why I keep a handful of spare Lure Modules for occasions like these. You did use the Star Pieces, right? Anything else?

Ash: I did! But I also spaced things out because of the parade and all. I also thought an Incense would help, so I used just one at the beginning. That one you don't seem to have as many.

Me: No, I don't. But it's totally fine. They beg to be used.

Ash: Anyway, I got a ton of Rhyhorn for you, and I even got four Shiny ones! They look really nice, but their stats may be all over the place.

Me: Don't worry about it. How many did you evolve for me?

Ash: I evolved three - one with a low CP and one with a high CP, and the Shiny form with OK stats. I used your supply of Sinnoh Stones for those.

Me: I think they'll all work; in fact, that first one may have had a role yesterday. And that's a good use of my spare Sinnoh Stones. If I didn't have spare Stones, I could have battled other Trainers for rankings instead and I could still have gotten a few. But the spares should have been more than sufficient.

Ash: I'm glad you got me all set up so I can do this even if the place wasn't too good. I thought about it, and I also put in a request for a good spot nearby that could be turned into a PokéStop. Maybe it'll help people later on.

Me: I hope so too. Also, I guess you couldn't find others playing, not like in January?

Ash: No, but someone did set up a Mossy Lure Module next to one of yours, but I couldn't find the person. Pikachu, you also looked for the person, right?

Pikachu: Pika, pika pika chu. ["I did, not a soul."]

Ash: Yeah, it was kind of sad.

Me: It's not something to get worked up over, but at the same time, it could be considered cowardly of the person. All that matters now is the plenty of Rhyhorn that you got for me.

Ash: Sure! I had fun with the parade and with this to fill the time. It filled your time, I guess?

Me: Yes, it's a good time filler. Although, perhaps next time I want to fill my own time instead of filling in the time of an event.

Ash: If you can't, I'll still help out.

Me: OK. That should be still good to some extent, like it was this time.

One year ago: Don't Forget Our Roots
Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 2/24/2018
Three years ago: Memories of Johto

Tournament: Raid Group Rose Cup

There is nothing like a tournament - specifically a Pokémon Go tournament - to close off a good weekend. I actually had the choice to go to this or a faraway event, but I decided the latter wasn't worth it in terms of both cost and effort (plus there was already a taxing competition yesterday, and I did end up quite tired in the morning) so I decided upon the tournament hosted by my raid group and utilizing the current SLA theme.

Typically, for these tournaments, I have little time and sometimes resources to prepare for them, so I tend to craft things at the last minute based on what I think will be useful. I had thought up some of the "bones" of my team prior to today, but it was only today that I thought up of the rest (including one by way of a single occasion that I haven't yet detailed) and registered my team on the SLA before the tournament as is required.

The tournament was held in the same place and with the same vibe as the previous tournament in January. Like before, there were some out-of-town participants for this one, but there were also some in-town participants who have never made themselves known to my raid group, and they accordingly joined at the end of the tournament. In all, there were about the same number of participants as last time.

Thanks to the participants, things were rather lively. It was also lively because there were many surprises that occurred in the tournament. A few Trainers who were expected to do well instead fizzled, and a few others who normally didn't do as well did a bit better. Notably, it was also possible for the tournament to culminate in a "final match", as by the last round, two Trainers were left with neither of them having lost any previous ones, and they were assuredly picked to battle each other; one was in fact one of the newly known participants, and the other was a regular participant. The latter won, though both were equally celebrated.

As for myself, I did surprisingly better this time. Out of five rounds, I won three of them, with some surprising turnouts. In the first match, I lost all three matches, while in the second, I won twice and lost once. Then I lost twice and won once in the third, won all in the fourth, and won twice in the fifth. Some things could have turned out better - perhaps I could have won another in the third match and took a fourth round - but the last round showed a kind of excellence in being able to think things through and win. With three rounds and eight matches won, this is the first time I've been able to take a good majority of progress, finishing thirteenth from the top.

This tournament went in a few different ways, some not as well as they should be and others better than they were expected to be. There were a few thrills and a few spills for many of those involved, myself included. Overall, it was also the way to go at the end of this weekend. While I may not be able to guarantee that future tournaments will work out in this manner, if I do participate, then it might as well have great results somehow for everyone.

One year ago: Let's Go Take Pictures
Two years ago: Community Days!
Three years ago: Competitive or Non-Competitive?

Cosplay: Beat Launch Party

Me: Remember how years ago there was a character competition in an event for a motorcycle launch party? (It was years ago, before I started this blog.)

Ash: Oh, hmm. I wanted to forget that one. That was fun up until it rained. Then it was rough.

Pikachu: Pika chu! ["I'll say!"]

Me: Yes, that was regrettable. Well, this is a follow-up to that, and it's also somewhat further away. They say it's been a long time since they've had characters join in, so I want you in.

Ash: OK, I'll bite. What's the deal?

Me: Well, since it's far away, I'm going to have you go there with another character friend. That should be a pretty good deal for you and that friend. And you'll be in the parade, like last time.

Ash: I want to wear the same outfit from that journey and from Sunday. Can I?

Me: Sure! In fact, I want you to, so you can see how you fare on stage with it.

Ash: Great!

Pikachu: Pika! ["Nice!"]

Ash: OK, so we got there, and it's a lot like last time, with a lot of motorcycle stands and a stage. But the area was really open, and I almost wanted to ride something there.

Me: Did you?

Ash: I wish I could have. The fee for renting a small bike was OK, but I didn't get a chance.

Me: Maybe I can work something out, but it'll be expensive for me even though I'm sure there is some usefulness to it.

Ash: I think I might just like it if you do. Pikachu might too.

Pikachu: Pi, pika pika pika! ["Very much so!"]

Ash: It would have been nice.

Me: As I've said, I might make something happen, but not now. Now is the time for this parade in this launch party. How was it?

Ash: I think I did fine on stage. I tried a few new things that I haven't done before. I would have loved to do more if the announcers didn't cut me off.

Me: But didn't someone say to you to perform for as long as you can?

Ash: Yeah, that, and to do a pose. Maybe I should take it in stride.

Me: That may be something to consider. Results?

Ash: There were three prizes for the 13 characters, but I didn't get one. I did get a certificate for being in it, though.

Me: Oh, that's OK. Most of these competitions don't even think of simply giving a token for just taking part.

Ash: That is good. You know, this was kind of better than the last time things happened, even if it's further away and I got a sore bum afterwards.

Pikachu: Chu. ["Ouch."]

Me: Sorry about that. Now you (and I) know how far it is to get there and why we've never done it.

Ash: Also, if I could, I wanted to ride on Rhyhorn, but I ended up rounding them up instead. I got a lot for you.

Me: Great! That's a story for later. Right now, let's have a bit of a rest. This next week will be a frenzied one for everything.

One year ago: Local EX Raid (in a Frenzy), 2/22/2019
Two years ago: Trainer Caps, and a Teaser
Three years ago: Back in the Park

Hobby as a Partner

Recently, I heard a fascinating statement about hobbies, the things that people like me do for fun. According to the statement, one should treat a hobby (or hobbies, for those who have more than one) like one treats a partner. It's a fascinating statement, because it attributes a human quality to something that is considered inanimate. And yet, there might be some truth to this, in particular for those of my own, which likely involve Pokémon in some form.

When one treats a partner, one should provide love and affection in some way. One should be able to care and give attention. (With that in mind, it seems to be another adjunct to the day of love and affection from last week.) In consideration of this viewpoint, for a hobby, this would mean being able to respond to its needs in the best possible way that would satisfy the hobbyist and the hobby. That would be like me playing the Pokémon games to the greatest extent and enjoying other related things as much as possible. So long as this seems reasonable, then one has become a good partner; at least this is what I strive for.

In the discussion of partners, as well as hobbies with things that are of Japanese origin, it's hard not to discuss the notion of "waifu", which I've also discussed a few times on this blog in different contexts. I still don't consider myself to possess one, and to stave off criticism, I wouldn't say my hobby is one either; it might in some sense "go off the deep end" of the above analogy, though it is seemingly in the same vein. Regardless, for people who like Pokémon and possess Pokémon waifu, their hobbies involving them might seem an apparent proxy.

As for this relationship translating to real ones, there might be a possibility, though I wouldn't affirm it for myself or others. Still, love, affection, care, and attention are equally applicable to real people as they are applicable otherwise, so the hobby relationship might be thought of as "practice for the real thing". They remain as things that I observe within and around Pokémon as the thing that is involved in my hobbies and beyond. I'd like to think that I can nurture it further as part of my life and even contribute to its greater presence.

Regarding that statement, I'd say there really is some value to it. There is something in the treatment of hobbies like (human) partners in that one has to show devotion to achieve at least some good results. Based on what has happened and what I've covered on this blog, I'd like to think I've done at least some of that, particularly with Pokémon involved. As inanimate as my hobbies with them are, maybe the feelings are lively and animated.

One year ago: Even More LINE Pokémon Stickers
Two years ago: Quirky Raids
Three years ago: Secret Garden

Living with My Buddy

A few months ago, the Buddy system in Pokémon Go was upgraded with a bevy of new features. They make the system even more attractive for Trainers to spend time with their Buddy Pokémon. I too have taken advantage of this new system for all my Buddy Pokémon in order to get close to them and take advantage of the system's benefits for them. There is quite a bit of that, as well as an adventure for me and my Buddies.

As noted in the explanation post, Buddy Pokémon can earn hearts for different things and find things like items and souvenirs. The latter is in fact tied to the former and will award what is called a Bonus heart, which only helps to further progress. Some hearts also have their own quirks like only being able to be earned one at a time, while if a Buddy Pokémon becomes Excited, one has to work quickly to earn the double hearts that this allows. The efforts that one may take for this could be monumental, and some of this was involved in last week's "love" post. There's a lot of intrigue in this regard, and I've been involved in that.

Though Buddy swapping is possible and allows working of many Buddy Pokémon in a single day, many would conceivably choose to work with one at a time, since the total effort may turn out to be Herculean. I work with only one at a time for this reason, as well as for the reason that I still need the utility of my Buddy Pokémon for their Candy. That said, ever since the system was revamped, I haven't had a Best Buddy; all my Buddy Pokémon hover at the Ultra level, and it may be that they'll remain there for some time. I still appreciate how far they have gotten, though, and hope that it may be possible to return to them at some point.

As for my Buddy Pokémon, I only have but three. The first was a Blaziken that I still had in December to gain Torchic Candy for December's "super" Community Day edition. The second was a Piplup for rounding up Candy for January's edition. The third is for this month's Community Day... but I'll get to that shortly. Evidently, my Buddy Pokémon are of the current Community Day, or whatever works for that, being rarely anything else if at all for the Candy reason mentioned above. I still enjoy their company and making them progress with the system.

Last time, I also noted that there were a few problems that arose along with this revamp, and I can safely say that at this point they have been fixed, which means a more pleasant adventure with Pokémon Go in general. The hope is that future improvements will also avoid problems and maintain the pleasant adventure. It has to be, for something that may take a month or more to achieve all that can be achieved.

What I love about this revamped Buddy system is that a Trainer can get up close and personal with their Buddy Pokémon. It is somewhat a change from the earlier simplistic system, but its advantages are just as great as its adventure potential. It almost makes the Buddy Pokémon appear to be lively... and they are, if the system is considered to bring them to life for adventures and to allow Trainers to "live" alongside them.

One year ago: Poké-Tourism
Two years ago: Pokémon "Cover Songs"
Three years ago: Venice and Alto Mare

For the Sake of Consistency

To be consistent - in other words, to have consistency - is to expect to have something remain the same for good intentions, such as for a common understanding. This is something that may be desired for a lot of different things, which include Pokémon in different guises. It is easy to say that this is the way things should be, but the reality is that things may be difficult, as is true of some other things. I can already point out three Pokémon things in regard to their relation to the above.

One of those things is a facet of Pokémon Go, specifically in relation to raids. There doesn't seem to be a consistent way to refer to the differentiation of raid difficulty from one another. In the Field Research tasks obtained from PokéStops, they are referred to as "levels", but in the posts on its official blog, they are referred to as "stars", while a popular reference for them refers them as "tiers". They are different names for the same concept, leading to inconsistency; "levels" are used for a few other things, "stars" are used in yet other facets, and "tiers" are a thing for that popular external reference. Still, even with this inconsistency, things seem to be understood just fine. There is no consistency to the name, but the differentiation is consistently known and understood among them all.

There is another consistency related to Pokémon Go as well as this blog, but is inconsistent between each other. It concerns the title of the game itself, particularly its orthography. The game is officially referred to in all capitals ("GO"), while on this blog, I've only used initial capitals ("Go"). The latter particularly hasn't changed, except in reference to the GO Battle League a while back. This is particularly reminiscent of a similar inconsistency regarding EX Raids that happened a long time ago and I changed at that point. Similar to that, I may just reform for consistency, though there is no plan for this as yet.

Speaking of this blog, I've been very consistent with its posts even up to today. That's not to say that there have been threats to this consistency, though I can't really detail them here. I consider this consistency incredible, and for now it's worth continuing that consistency even in the face of those threats. I'm also consistent in believing that this will somehow lead to an opportunity to become further involved with Pokémon, particularly on a greater level. I have to be consistently certain that this effort will somehow pay off.

There's a certain value for consistency, in that while it may lead to things looking the same, it also leads to things looking good as well. It's something that has not been present in some ways with some Pokémon things and yet present in other ways. It may be a hard reality to deal with in some ways, and yet it's the one that I, Pokémon, and this blog are present in right now. There may be some hope later on for consistency to further thrive, and I and others may have to see that it does happen for the good of things.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 2/19/2019
Two years ago: Pokémon Go Team Leader Stickers
Three years ago: Let's Get Ready to Rumble

To Lure or to Walk?

By now, Pokémon Go has a boatload of events, some being mundane and others being spectacular. For many of these events, Lure Modules might become essential... or they might not. There is the sense that for quite a few of them, walking may actually help, perhaps more than setting up Lure Modules. It becomes a sort of a debate between the two approaches, and for that, it becomes useful and enlightening to explore the two approaches in relation to working the events.

The point of the Lure Modules is to get more Pokémon to appear in a particular place so that they can be caught. As well, some events may extend them beyond their usual duration of 30 minutes, one of them being the ever-present and ever-valuable Community Day, for which it spans the entire length of time. Others may do so, but to lesser extents. Considering this, if an event explicitly states that extended Lure Modules are part of the program, then it's surely worth it to set up a Lure Module or two to take advantage of them. Otherwise, other considerations are in order.

Part of those other considerations is of course walking around to catch more Pokémon. Walking moves one from place to place, potentially exposing one to newer Pokémon appearances. By walking, one can spin PokéStops and hatch Eggs, which may be necessary mechanisms for certain events. Further, walking achieves the "fitness" goal of Pokémon Go for people. All of these may be necessarily more worth it than setting up a Lure Module, especially one that is hard-earned; it can thus be saved for more pressing situations, while the goals of the event itself may be achievable without the use of one.

Still, Lure Modules benefit not just one person, but many people; setting up one can potentially benefit many as much as it does benefit one person. Thus, the "combination approach" employed for Community Day and some similar events is proper and workable: setting up Lure Modules is important to allow everyone the greatest chance to catch Pokémon, but walking around is also important to complete as many Field Research Tasks as possible, capture differently located Pokémon, and accomplish the other previously stated goals. For events such as these, both appear to be necessary.

In the end, the decision to lure and/or to walk may rest on the individual. If one can make Lure Modules work, then one is welcome to set them up. If one would rather walk instead, then it is permissible for one to take up the effort. Some events may just allow either or both of these efforts to achieve their goals comfortably and successfully, and there are a multitude of these events with each passing moment in Pokémon Go... and perhaps, just as many approaches for getting them done the right way.

One year ago: Mewtwo @ Everywhere
Two years ago: Cosplay: CHoCoDays x CLAS:H/ICGP Regionals 2018
Three years ago: Pokémon Art on Walls

Delayed Costumes

Yesterday was what I would call the "soft debut" of Ash's Movie 21 (The Power of Us) costume for my cosplay purposes. It's the first time in a long time that I've been able to debut with a new costume. It is rather delayed from when the actual object of cosplay was first presented. Yet, come to think of it, many of my cosplay costumes, specifically my Pokémon costumes, can be considered to have been delayed in some way or another. They happen for different reasons, but I'm able to pin them down as three basic reasons regarding the cause of their occurrence.

One of these reasons is just purely and simply because of the creation of the costume. The most recent costume suffered from this reason. I actually had most of the costume prepared some months ago, but the only thing missing was the outerwear. I had bought the necessary materials and reserved its creation, but it kept getting delayed. It was only recently that the outerwear was finally finished and became ready for its debut. There was nothing else I could do (except continue to do other things) while I waited for the outerwear to be made. It's obviously hard for me when this happens.

Hand-in-hand with the creation of a costume is the research that goes into it. Sometimes not all of the details of a costume are available from the get-go, and that makes things hard if one desires to get things right the first time in order not to worry later on. An example is Ash's shirts, which are sometimes not immediately evident. I'll admit that these are less visible and can be made up, but if it turns out the detail is wrong, it means extra effort that may be deemed unnecessary. But this is obviously less desirable for the highly visible details. The research is thus important and may contribute to delays.

Perhaps the most extensive and tough delay is delay by effort. I've always had the desire to cosplay as Ash for a long time, by now even about two decades. But as will be evident shortly, it took around half that time before things were finally realized, and even then it still took a fair bit of external assistance. Nowadays, this isn't much of an issue as back then, but the issue still remains. I still wonder what would happen if I had actually been able to start cosplaying much earlier. It's a delay that probably might still have the same results then and now, but sometimes I still wish it hadn't occurred.

Obviously, everything takes time, even my foray into cosplaying Pokémon and particularly Ash. By the same token, some of that time could have also been cut down, allowing me to enjoy cosplaying even earlier. But then, things simply just seem to happen, and now even with the delays that have occurred as with the latest costume, I'm still pretty much where I want to be. It may seem that with or without the delays in effort, research, and creation, my fun as Ash in cosplay is never delayed, which seems to bode well regardless.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 2/17/2019
Two years ago: Time for a Pikachu New 2DS XL?
Three years ago: The Park Is Open

Cosplay: Cosplay on the Street II

Ash: Hey, this thing is back!

Me: Yeah, it is. Everyone liked it last time, so it's back. And it couldn't have happened sooner.

Pikachu: Pika! ["Nice!"]

Me: But I do have to say something about it. Even with only a few interested people for it, it went on. So I figure I'd send you.

Ash: You know what? It's OK. I'll take it up for the others.

Me: It's also a good opportunity to test a little something new. Last time, I sent you with a really good version of your Kanto outfit.

Ash: Right, I remember.

Me: This time, you're going with an outfit about the story of everyone - or at least, what everyone can do, and what you wore when that happened.

Ash: Hey, that's a great one! You planned this all along.

Pikachu: Pika chu! ["Oh wow!"]

Me: Yeah, neat, huh? We have to test out the outfit before I send you to a real, live event or convention with it. This is perfect for that. I was actually going for this last time, but it wasn't ready then.

Ash: I see where you're going with this. I'm glad you got it worked out.

Me: How was it like over there?

Ash: A few came early, like me, and a few came just as it started. We had fun for a bit, but then the rain started. It was really coming down!

Me: Well, that's a real problem. Because if I know my way around the place, which is where it was last time and also home to a possible EX Raid, when it rains it pours, and there's no two ways about it.

Ash: Yeah. Luckily someone set up a tent, so everyone went under the tent. But we couldn't do much since the rain was so heavy and lots of people were there.

Pikachu: Pikachu. ["So many people."]

Me: See, that's a real problem this time of year. If it weren't for that tent, you and the others would be really wet.

Ash: It was that bad. But it did clear up and the other people left, so I and the others got to do a few things. We first played a game.

Me: Oh? What was it?

Ash: It was throwing a ball to hit a board. It was like throwing a Poké Ball. If you can hit the center three times, you're supposed to win a prize. I hit the center only twice, so I didn't get the prize.

Me: I think I throw my Poké Balls in Pokémon Go the same way.

Ash: I guess. Then there was a birthday surprise for someone.

Me: That's neat. That's something I pretty much have never gotten. It had to have been festive.

Ash: It was like that, but the feeling went away at the end.

Me: That's a bit problematic. Anything else I should know about?

Ash: There was a bit of discussion about something that could happen on Saturday. Think I can get in?

Me: I think I may have to work out the details on that.

Ash: And that was that. After that it was dealing with the rain again. By the way, the outfit was great. I'm sure I can really wear it.

Me: That's great to hear! OK, so this one was very different from the previous one, and I think the rain really brought most of the problems.

Ash: You could say that. Maybe if the rain hadn't happened, everything would have been fine.

Pikachu: Pi-ka-chu. ["If only."]

Me: Even so, I'm sure you'd enjoy another round of this, if and when it happens.

Ash: Sure, why not. But maybe we need to watch the weather.

Pikachu: Pika. Pika pika. ["Yes. Most definitely so."]

Me: No promises, but I think we can all try.

One year ago: Romancing the Ball
Two years ago: Once and Again: Cosplay Teaser for 3/11/2018
Three years ago: We Three Birds of Kanto Are...

Words of the Heart

Valentine's Day is gone and done, but it seems I've got room to discuss something else that might be vaguely related and yet still apropos. It concerns what Pokémon might actually say when they "say" things. Some of these can be known with some certainty, but yet others might seem a bit ambiguous. It might seem hard at times to be able to figure out what they say. And yet, there might still be a way to do so. That would involve what I've given as the title of this post, the "words of the heart".

As much as some things said by Pokémon are definite (such as "Pika pi" = "Satoshi" = "Ash" and "Chu~ pika!" = "Iron Tail!" by Pikachu), others might seem less so. And how could they not. Many Pokémon "say" something comprised of the syllables of their name, which is true for both the English and Japanese "sides of the pond". This does seem to be a limiting factor in their linguistics, which for more complicated expressions might require longer concatenations of these syllables. Voice intonations do help too, though in writing this is hard to represent. For the anime, though, this is discernible and accessible.

Speaking of the anime, there was once an episode that touched on the issue of Pokémon speaking. One character appeared to be able to speak perceptibly to Pokémon, more specifically Ash's Pikachu. This is of course a neat thing considering the above, though given the shortness of the episode, it doesn't leave much room for exploration. Still, the gist seems to be that there may just be a wide interpretation. It seems better to consider that when intending to speak with "Pokémon-speak", the intent needs to be placed in the heart, therefore these are the "words of the heart".

Personally, these are what I've tried to discern whenever I converse with Ash and Pikachu for event and convention reviews, for example. It serves well for my understanding at the very least. It also prompts me to try to continue to discern what, say, Pikachu is saying at certain points in certain episodes of the anime. It's still useful to try to speak the "words of the heart", because if these words don't speak, I suppose nothing will - particularly when Pokémon species are involved.

Pikachu: Pika chu! Pika pika chu! ["That's great! That's really great!"]

Me: Isn't it?

Ash: I guess it is kind of hard sometimes to tell what Pikachu is saying, but I like your effort.

Me: That's the entire point.

With Valentine's Day, love and affection are abound, especially among hearts of people and what people say. Beyond its confines, the "words of the heart" may be just about everything that people intend to say... and perhaps Pokémon species also.

One year ago: Local EX Raid (and Quick Connections), 2/15/2019
Two years ago: A Break in the Action
Three years ago: Pocket Monsters Best Wishes Partners Figure - Satoshi

Valentine's Day 2020: In Pursuit of Love

February 14 is here again, so it's not hard to know what this day entails, especially looking at my previous-year posts below. With Valentine's Day being today, love and affection is in order. And that can be something that can be in hot pursuit by many people, with the end results being potentially vague. For me, though, there may be certain results for these that are achieved through Pokémon, and this may be something that is worth telling on this particular day for love and affection.

As with the occasion on my birthday last month, I went out on a "Gym tour" with the same Pokémon Go friend; again, this is a common occasion by now, but that doesn't mean it can't sometimes be different. That difference just happened to occur today. I noticed that we became rather attached to our particular efforts with the game. While there is no attachment between us other than just being really good friends (and not much more than that), it's surprising how the game can be sometimes. It seems to be able to incite some deep feelings, especially with the attachment to our respective Pokémon and including our buddy Pokémon - this last one being a topic that should be discussed later on as well. That may at least be an indication of affection and love, something we pursued and got.

Meanwhile, there were some other efforts by my other Pokémon fellows to "spread the love". They involved movements of many of the species across things as well as to get them to show up in greater numbers. There were a few issues with both of these, but there was something evident with the efforts as well. With the supposed movements, there was indeed love in a way, enough for the associated fellows to send the species across different things. As for getting them to show up, there was some affection in a way for the outreach to them, which may carry over to other people. What's clear is that the love and affection may just continue for at least over this weekend, which is likely to continue the pursuit.

(And yes, speaking of Pokémon Go, the posts from the past two years have mentioned the related event for today, but I've decided to save it for something else this time. It's for pursuing a different kind of objective, which will become clear then.)

I have to say that the love and affection objectives I've detailed now are leaning towards abstract. But it seems that's kind of the way it has always been for me regardless. At least with Pokémon, there is some kind of certainty I've observed today for me and others, which means there is less vagueness. The pursuit for love (and affection) may then still continue beyond the confines of this day.

Perhaps now it's time to pursue other affairs as well. For now, Happy Valentine's Day.

One year ago: Valentine's Day 2019: Think Pink
Two years ago: Valentine's Day 2018: Address to a Luvdisc
Three years ago: It's Valentine's Day!

What to Nominate

The feature of nominating objects to become PokéStops in Pokémon Go has been around for a good bit of time at this point, and many will have made good use of it. I myself have done so as well, as evident in my two posts about my own nominations. I'm due to make another one based on my recent nominations, but I'll save it for a later time. Right now, I want to discuss about a related issue, which is that of the objects to be nominated in the first place. It may become a tough thing to decide which ones to nominate or otherwise leave alone.

The guidelines for nominations are quite descriptive, and there is even an adjunct for explanations of nominations that fit. Even with these, it might seem that some nominations might go one way or another. There is even a supplementary set of guidelines for other specific things. It might seem a lot to go through, including me. Based on these, however, it seems possible to determine objects to nominate "in a nutshell", so to speak. I've taken pretty much the entirety of these guidelines, as well as my collective experience with my and others' nominations, and come up with rules of thumb in do/don't form.

DO: Nominate public hangouts and significant cultural features in open public spaces
DON'T: Nominate anything in private or critical spaces that cannot be walked up to

An object that is significantly meaningful historically, culturally, and/or artistically should be nominated, especially if people can walk up to them. Public hangouts include spots where locals gather, including parks, libraries, places of worship, major transport hubs, and even athletic fields, playgrounds, post offices, and lighthouses. The key words are "public" and "walkable" because if they are in someone's home or schools (private spaces), can disrupt emergency services (critical spaces), or just cannot be walked to, then they just don't fit to be nominated.

DO: Nominate objects that are permanent, stationary, and/or uniquely crafted
DON'T: Nominate objects that are temporary, moving, and/or mass-produced

PokéStops should represent objects that are ever-present and of unique human creation. Objects that are only on special occasions or are natural features (which may indeed also be non-permanent and/or evolving, considering an extended range of time) wouldn't qualify. Art that has potential to disappear with time wouldn't work, as would flagpoles without something at the base to make them unique. While something as a lake doesn't fit, man-made markers that lead to them may fit, depending on their significance.

DO: Nominate objects that are highly visible, in some manner
DON'T: Nominate objects with poor visibility, whatever the case

Since nominations require taking a picture, most nominations (especially outdoor ones) should be made in the daytime, when they are likely to be more visible, particularly considering even today's phone cameras. They also shouldn't be blurry, unclear, or taken while moving, or contain people who are specifically camera-aware and in focus. Perhaps most importantly, considering the review process, it is well worth it to nominate something that can be immediately checked for visibility - that is, most likely through Street View - before nominating other, less visible objects.

DO: Nominate objects with room to play around and are friendly for all
DON'T: Nominate objects in tight locations or are specifically for adults

With PokéStops that can potentially turn into Gyms, it is expected that groups of people would come to objects to play, so the nominated objects should ideally (be able to) accommodate these groups of people. Since Pokémon and Pokémon Go are also popular for everyone, nominated objects should not be something that is evidently for grown-ups with potentially damaging futures; they should be for everyone, with potentially blissful futures at hand.

These four rules of thumb should sufficiently cover all (if not most of) the bases for nominating objects to be made into PokéStops in Pokémon Go. They should make it clear and simple which ones should be nominated, thereby expanding the overworld with valuable objects representing the real world, and which ones should just remain in the real world. While what happens after a nomination is submitted isn't necessarily so, at least for the time that follows, the same clarity and simplicity can be expected for Pokémon Go when they do become realized as such.

One year ago: Cryptic Pokémon
Two years ago: Two Games at Once?
Three years ago: Cosplay: Japan LovEvolution Vol. 2 - Kaizen

Pokémon as a Study Aid

A few days ago, I wrote a post on how Pokémon might have a role to play in a certain memory technique. It's something that may be essential for students of all ages. I should know; I had been one for at least two decades. Yet in the years I've become one, sometimes I've wished that Pokémon played a greater role in my studies. Specifically, what I've wished for is for Pokémon to have a way to help me in my studies, becoming a "study aid" for them in order to enable further understanding.

Granted, this is an area where Pokémon wouldn't really be able to have a major influence. After all, many things that I study are things that have little or no relation to Pokémon. As such, it may be hard or next to impossible to try to relate them to Pokémon. However, some things could still be made to relate to Pokémon, perhaps because they are sufficiently abstract for this to be able to occur, and in doing so it would help for the studying of those things.

When I was younger, I saw what seemed to be a book for learning math, but it was quite different. For one, it seemed to be made in conjunction with something else that has similar origins as Pokémon. The way that the book allowed for learning of the concepts of the subject appeared to be integrated, not only regarding the subject but also involving that "something else", as if that something would allow learning to be accomplished in an easy-to-understand as well as fun manner. This is what I'm referring to when it comes to Pokémon as a "study aid".

I, for one, could use (or have used) this aid for certain subjects. One subject that I seemed to have never done well in and quite grasped is physics. There is something that always seems to be out of reach of my understanding. Of course, I understand Pokémon just fine, so sometimes I wonder if the two can be combined. There were times where I've tried to think of problems involving the subject in Pokémon terms, and I suppose that it helped in understanding, even though I still didn't have a complete grasp. Perhaps in the hands of someone who really understands, it might become somewhat more clearer.

Beyond memory techniques in general, there may be some potential for Pokémon to be actually used as a "study aid" for different knowledge subjects. It may not work for all subjects, and the relationship may have to be elucidated as much as it would elucidate the subject in question, but in the right ways, it may be just as right for the subject as it is for Pokémon itself. If it's possible for certain other things, then it may be possible for Pokémon as well. The results might just be fascinating and help both Pokémon as well as the subject of knowledge.

One year ago: A Pikachu Pillow Keychain
Two years ago: Anywhere Is
Three years ago: My Essential Pokémon Cosplay Equipment

To Eat and to Lure

Some things in Pokémon Go are best accomplished through the use of Lure Modules and PokéStops as the way to encounter lots of Pokémon and be able to catch them in a short time. It's hard to beat this method, in particular if one needs to take a break from traversing. Of course, when one takes a break, it would also be ideal for one to be able to eat as well. That brings up the subject of eateries in conjunction with PokéStops, which becomes a fascinating subject for discussion.

Due to the way things are located in different places, it may be possible for some eateries to have or be located next to PokéStops. Granted, the PokéStops may not necessarily relate to the eatery so much as they relate to features that are located around the eatery, but for the purpose of the eateries concerned, they may be considered to belong to the eatery, especially if they all are reachable from the eatery. What may also help is the existence of a Sponsored PokéStop, which some eateries may very well have. Whichever way things are, one could be set up for good times with available and reachable PokéStops around an eatery.

In my local area, there are some eateries with PokéStops that are reachable from them. I've had the opportunity to visit a few of these eateries, and they seem or do have the potential for good times given a few Lure Modules and perfectly timed plus well suited events. The number of these eateries also seems to increase over time, which should provide many options in terms of food and play locations. And yet, a few of them may remain to be discovered, so it becomes the task of others to find out and to inform about them to everyone else, including me. There are no Sponsored PokéStops, and this is not likely to change anytime soon, but it's still something to be wondered about.

What would help with the discovery and documentation is a list of some sort that details the eateries and their related PokéStops in order to find out which ones are suitable for play needs and culinary desires. I for one would like to be able to seek appropriate PokéStops for my needs and an eatery with food that I desire, and I sense that I'm not the only one in this regard. Of course, this list wholly depends on my and others' contributions to it, which has to occur in the best way possible, or the ideals of this list may not be realized otherwise. The list would conceivably be helpful not only to local players but also outside players when they are in the area, so good contributions are expected.

Food is a necessity of all people; it's what keeps people going throughout each day. For some people, though Pokémon also becomes something important that becomes a part of daily life. For those who specifically play Pokémon Go, it may be expected that there would be some way to keep the game going while also taking a break to fill up, particularly after a day of traversing. Eateries with PokéStops would of course be the answer, especially if one knows where and for what to look. At least they would stem hunger while allowing play to continue.

One year ago: A Pidove Keychain
Two years ago: Memories of Hoenn
Three years ago: LINE Pokémon Stickers

On (No) Coincidences

In my area, there is a popular public figure who says that the person doesn't believe in coincidences. The person instead stated that everything that is pleasurably excellent came about as a result of prior planning, whether by human or divine sources - no coincidences are ever involved. I'm inclined to believe that this may be the case for many of the things that I do or experience, including some of my Pokémon ones. It seems appropriate if I take this post in order to flesh out how that might be the case.

Over the years, I've had the experience of being exposed to many Pokémon things. Even if I didn't ask for it, I seem to always be exposed to it. I've obviously taken that in stride and continued to enjoy Pokémon as I should. Some people might be tempted to say that these exposures have been coincidental, that I only happened to be exposed to them and then enjoyed them afterwards. However, I am convinced they're not coincidental, and that I was meant to enjoy them. The fact is that this has occurred similarly with other things, but I didn't connect with them; it was only with Pokémon things that I did. That seems to be hardly a coincidence.

On the level of personal relations, I've made quite a few relationships through Pokémon, and unfortunately had a few broken as well. As previously mentioned in that post, based on my musings with a friend, we decided that some things are meant to be. It's hard to call them as "coincidences" ex post facto; surely the ones who stay are really the ones for me, and the ones who go are the ones that do not concern me - or maybe even Pokémon for that matter. The ones who I can enjoy being with in addition to Pokémon are meant to be, and the "no-coincidence" matter stands.

All this talk about coincidences remind me of a song, or rather a piece of music, which had been commented with regard to the matter. The comment states that as people come and sometimes eventually go, there are no coincidences, and this too applies to the "aces", the ones good at certain things. With regard to Pokémon, I'm an "ace" regarding some things and not others, but I've also met other "aces", for Pokémon or otherwise, of pretty much the same situation. The way we've been able to have meetings of minds goes superficially beyond our encounters, and I'm sure that's no coincidence either.

In a way, I'm sure that public figure is right. There may not be any place for coincidences in this world, and I'm sure there is an order, human or divine, that governs the really good things in our lives. The really good thing in my life as well as that of others is of course Pokémon, and a lot of it just seems to be meant to be, especially by the order of how things are to play out. With the way things are, I'm sure the case for Pokémon has been totally ordained as with everything else; as for coincidence, I wouldn't think of it.

One year ago: Cosplay: Tresno no Matsuri
Two years ago: Hoenn (Fully) Confirmed on Go
Three years ago: Space

Coming Up Roses

February is of course a flowery month for many people and even for Pokémon, for those in the know. I'll hold most of the discussions about them for a later time, but I can discuss something in particular right now. One specific well-known flower for this month is the rose, which may come in different colors, not the least of which red and pink, and perhaps uncommonly purple and gray or even shades lighter than those colors. It's a fundamentally important flower for this month, and especially right now: "Rose" is the theme for the Silph League Arena for Pokémon Go this month, which suits its flowery nature.

The theme is rather abstract but has a few concrete particulars as well. The Pokémon involved in this theme are to be of the colors I previously mentioned: pink, red, purple, and gray. These colors apply to the regular - that is, the non-Shiny - appearance of the Pokémon, so even if their Shiny forms are of those colors, if their regular form aren't, then they are excluded. Other exclusions include no Legendary or Mythical Pokémon (by group), no Water types (by type), and no Bastiodon (by species), which should be rather clear and concrete. That said, as with most recent themes of the SLA, there is also the "approval list" to see just which Pokémon makes the cut for this theme and to help out Trainers in general.

By way of these criteria, the "approval list" boils down to a paltry 176 species, about a third of what is available right now in Pokémon Go. Thanks to the inclusion of the gray color, many Rock, Ground, and even Steel types are included, precluding the restricted Bastiodon as above. The red color is fodder for Fire types, of which quite a few are on the list. The pink color allows for some Normal and Fairy types to join the party, while the purple color does so for Ghost and Poison types. With all of these types included, the colors almost virtually include the aforementioned types. However, the colors also allow for odd Grass and Fighting types to enter the fray. Thus interred, there may be some make-or-break decisions among those in this list.

As with any sort of format, teambuilding boils down the viable list even further to the ones that most Trainers will likely choose and peruse. It results in something that I've discussed in full capacity (or maybe not so full). In one instance, 40 of those 176 species had been posed as good choices for modest Trainers - as in, they are free to use whichever ones are available, certainly while still considering what to fend off and how to fend off. Notably, the selection includes pretty much all the types mentioned above, which only affirms that they're the main types to deal and be dealt with. Color might perhaps take a backseat role when it comes to this.

Color is still fundamentally important for the theme of SLA this month, even if only as a background inspiration. It is the thing that belies the inner spirits of the Pokémon to be used in combat, and there will surely be a flurry of the four colors above in battle. Likewise, the colors belie the beauty of the flower that becomes the namesake of the theme this month, and in a way, it is expected that the battles this month will bring flowers in combat. It seems the appropriate remark to make about all of these is that things are "coming up roses" - all things will be fine in the SLA this month, perhaps even as spectacularly flowery as the month itself.

One year ago: Cosplay: Eien no Kiseki
Two years ago: Seeking Confirmation
Three years ago: Time

Memories and Mnemonics

For this Pokémon blog, I often get my ideas on the spot, which means I have to keep them handy somehow. I've explained the use of drafts in another post, but even with them, I have to also rely on memory, especially if I can't access my blog to quickly put up a draft so I won't forget. That seems to be a variable thing, and I've lost some draft ideas occasionally because I can't keep them in my memory long enough before I can access my blog to put the ideas up as drafts. However, there is something that may help in this regard.

A popular technique for memory improvement is the use of mnemonics, by which chunks of information, particularly trivia or bits and pieces of knowledge, are condensed and given a linkage, preferably in the form of a vivid image. This is often done for information for materials that are being studied academically by students, such as history, science, and others. As such, this is a technique popularized in self-help books for them, as I've found by looking over them. Beyond academics, this is (conceivably) also a technique that can apply to and be used regularly for other things.

As expected, one of those things would be Pokémon. At a simple level, these could be used for simple memorization of appearances and names. A mnemonic I often use is "MAU RBY, UMA", which relates to Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf, the "Lake Trio"; the part before the comma refers to their appearance, with Mesprit being red (R), Azelf being blue (B), and Uxie being yellow (Y), while the part after refers to their Pokédex order. This is extremely helpful for keeping in line the details of these three beings, which look a lot alike and can potentially be confusing. More enterprising people can use mnemonics for advanced things like stats and other particulars.

Of course, there is also the potential for Pokémon to also be used as the mnemonics themselves for memorization of other things. If vivid imagery can be created with things that aren't even Pokémon to begin with, then it can stand to be reasoned that Pokémon can also be used to assist in creating vivid images. This might be even more helpful to fans, especially really big fans like me. Now the scenario is clear: if I have an idea for a blog post, I can think about a mnemonic for it involving Pokémon to keep it in mind until I can put it up as a draft on this blog and develop it.

The inception of mnemonics as a memory technique is clever, thought-forming, and sensible. It keeps things distinct yet memorable. It becomes a bit of a wonder why I as a big Pokémon fan don't use the technique more often - and with a Pokémon twist - for things that I need to keep in mind, like ideas for posts on this blog. It might help to do so before I get out of touch with them. Given that I don't expect to get out of touch with Pokémon, I'm sure that through mnemonics for my memory, I can definitely stay in touch with it and other things beyond.

One year ago: Pokémon Clocks
Two years ago: (It's a Wonderful) Local Ex-Raid, 2/8/2018
Three years ago: Serena-Shipping: "Heaven Help My Heart"

Turning Around and Back

A few years ago, I posed a "yearly theme" of "Total Turnaround" because I sensed that some things would undergo a "turnaround" from being unfavorable to being favorable, in other words from not so good to good. The general definition of a "turnaround" is as such, or sometimes it might go the other way in the worst of cases. As with that year, I've had my moments with cases of these, and Pokémon is involved as well in some of these "turnarounds".

Many turnarounds are obviously of the positive nature. Back when I was in the U.S., I tended to be averse to many Pokémon things that were decidedly on the Japanese side of things, having gotten used to the English treatment. For example, I tended to like listening to the English songs rather than the Japanese songs, though I also liked the Japanese songs as instrumentals, in other words without their vocals. However, after I left, I began to be exposed more and more to the Japanese side of Pokémon, and I enjoyed a bit more of the things associated with it. Obviously now I enjoy the Japanese songs since I use them to compete in singing competitions, to continue the previous example. On the whole, I still enjoy the non-Japanese side more than I do the Japanese side, but I still nicely appreciate the latter in addition to the former.

As for turnarounds with a negative nature, I don't have much to speak of with Pokémon. I like most Pokémon things such that this doesn't happen often. If I have to cite an example of this happening, it might have to be with the fifth movie or feature film, where for the time before I saw it I was sufficiently enamored for the interest to watch, but after watching, I wasn't as enamored for obvious reasons. That could be considered a relatively quick turnaround with this nature. A longer turnaround could be considered to have happened for a couple of Pokémon songs in English that I hardly ever listen to anymore due to an obscure reason, but this turnaround has the potential of being reversed at anytime. Still, the negative turnaround does seem to be able to occur.

While I love Pokémon to a great extent, admittedly some things continue to happen, which may present the potential for turnarounds like the ones I've experienced to occur. If anything, such turnarounds may be possible for many fans, not limited to just me. But given that turnarounds may happen in one of two ways, it is expected that turnarounds happen for the better, not for the worse. That much is hoped by me and most likely just about any Pokémon fan.

One year ago: Local EX Raid (with "Friend Boost"), 2/7/2019
Two years ago: An Eye for Pokémon
Three years ago: Conserve and Cooperate

In My Full Time

Yesterday, I wrote a post about the correlation of some of my Pokémon experiences with time. I figure that I can do the same with this post, but for a different context. For this post, I want to discuss how my preoccupation with Pokémon is realized, which in terms of jobs is like part-time and full-time. In relation to me, the answer should be rather obvious, but I want to try to flesh this out a bit more, especially regarding the specifics, as the games I play and other things that I do. The answer might turn out to be a bit more complex.

Before the advent of most spin-off Pokémon games, I spent my time pretty much fully with the main series games. There wasn't really much else to do without possession (or even existence) of many of the spin-off games that exist today. The main series games were all that was there to focus on, and that seemed to be fine; it was a main draw of Pokémon back then, and it still is today. It would seem like it would be considered one-note today, and yet it seems appreciable. I can stand to do it under the right circumstances, and others can do or have done it as well.

Nowadays, I find myself to be a part-timer when it comes to the main series games, and I seem to be almost a full-timer with the spin-off games, one game of which in particular has taken a life of its own and forms its own category of tags on this blog. I'd love to be a full-timer with the main series games today, but with all that has happened over time, this could be considered boring in a way. It is nice to know that the world of Pokémon has expanded, and it seems even nicer to try to get into the action in the expanded world.

As for other Pokémon things, I find myself to be a part-timer for many aspects, but a full-timer for the anime in a way. It's something that fills my Pokémon time when it's not spent on the games, and I'm often occupied with things related to it, especially through cosplay, where it can be said that this is demonstrated in the best way possible. I don't expect to become a full-timer for any other Pokémon aspect, but for non-game aspects, I can say that I deal with it just as I deal with the games with one certain thing in full time.

Evidently, I'm still a full-timer with regard to Pokémon. I let myself be involved in various aspects and I let other aspects pervade. These too can be described as part-time or full-time, as if they were "jobs" within my "job" of being preoccupied with Pokémon. It does seem like a complex situation when one starts to think of it. But it's also situation where good time is spent, buzzing away for something that I can enjoy. Perhaps in that way it may not really be a "job" after all.

One year ago: The Feeling of Disaggregation
Two years ago: Life with My Raid Group
Three years ago: Alola-Exeggutor - From Humanoid to Coconut Tree Dragon

It's (All) About Time

As I've detailed in my post about my raid split, there are other subgroups of my local area raid group, and I'm a part of one of them. At that time, I stated that the group may or may not be able to be fully independent. Lately, though, I may have to consider that the former has become the case, and especially today, as it is Wednesday and a Raid Hour is at hand. I became a witness to how they were able to hold a majorly successful Raid Hour with me as a willing participant. I conclude that what it took for this to happen was a bit of time, which may also be relevant in different ways to my current Pokémon experiences as well.

But first, I'd like to backtrack to the post from last week that seemed somewhat cryptic and somewhat shorter than most posts I write in recent times. That post actually dealt with this situation, except on a smaller scale. This fledgling group has existed for quite a while, but its relative successes have only been recent. It may be that time is what it took for this to happen; it took time to furnish a realization of the potential for success, which then happened today on a bigger scale. If this can be maintained, then success is liable to continue over time.

Meanwhile, today there was a certain repeated discovery of something Pokémon on TV. It's something that has been there for a while for some people in the know, but for others, it may very well be that the discovery comes later, as would be the case for it happening today. I've recalled the same discovery happening at different times, so this is a rediscovery that keeps getting rediscovered, so to speak. I have to say it's understandable to some extent yet also puzzling to another extent. Time definitely has its role in this.

As well, time is something I haven't had for some of my own Pokémon matters, as the games I want and need to play. It's been that way since practically last month with no breaks, exceptions being periods where I'm allowed to shirk my main activities during that time. On the whole, time has gotten away and hasn't been able to heal what needs to be healed with them. But if anything, to some extent I can still trust time to get back to me and eventually heal whatever it is that needs to be healed. It just takes time.

Time seems to be key to a lot of my current affairs with Pokémon, whether it's this game or that game, or this group or that group. I suppose that this will continue to be the case, whether or not I address it directly. If it's anything like that raid group happening, it may manifest itself at one point in time without my realization and then re-manifest itself at another point, this time with my realization. It's enough for me to sense that there will be many determinants for me and my Pokémon experience, whether it's this time or the times to come (shortly).

One year ago: First-Generation Glitches... Plus My Experience
Two years ago: I Need a Laugh - Pokémon Humor
Three years ago: Itasha Revisited

Lost Player Ties

I've made a few posts over the years on my connections with other Pokémon fans or players, one in the first year of this blog, then the second year, and then the third year. Much of the posts concern the connections I've made, but quite a bit also concern the "disconnections". It seems I have to revisit the latter in this post, which I have to say is a bit of a shame, as much as I relish to do so. It concerns some happenings with them that have come to light in recent times and affected our relationships.

Today, I went out with one my really good friends (even, "better-than-best friends") in Pokémon Go for an evening in my area. We noticed a Lure Module set up by a friend player of that friend, alongside another one set up by another one of my friends. There was talk of approaching them to use the Lure Module together, but after the latter came to light, we decided not to. Apparently the reason is because when they are together, they tend to talk condescendingly of others, something that I've also been a (reluctant) witness in a different place with related players and the same situation. Even if it's just in jest, I get the impression that this may somehow put off others, which seems to be the case for others, including my friend. This may be the further explanation for the "raid split" I detailed last year. Personally, I'm rather disappointed that this is the case.

Meanwhile, some months ago, I had my own personal case of "disconnection". I had become friends with someone on Facebook, but the person is not just any person. The person is a well-respected part of pretty much any local Pokémon operations, and I and many fans admire the person as such. In fact, the person came to assist with the organizing of a local TCG tournament, which prompted me to be able to actually meet the person. In fact, we did meet at the place of the tournament, but when we did, the meeting felt awkward, as if we didn't recognize each other. When I checked my Facebook to confirm, I found that we were no longer friends. This too became a bit of disappointment, particularly as I thought we'd be able to connect further.

I happened to discuss the above matter with another friend - or rather an admirer - of mine, and my friend said that since the person effectively cut off ties, the person is no longer a matter of concern and does not need to be pursued, though it may still be possible to talk with the person despite the seemingly irreparable nature of the relationship. I fear that this may be what has happened with some in my raid group with the way people talk about other people, only in a more subtle manner, since aside from inside Pokémon Go, there are no evident friendship relationships. And yet, I could sense the aura of shaky ties among them in the group chat for my raid group.

I love my raid group, but I feel disheartened that the above case has come to light, and perhaps other similar but undisclosed cases may exist. Likewise, I feel disheartened about that lost personal connection, especially since we are both still active. It may seem that we've let our differences got the best of us and we've forgotten what made us in common with each other - Pokémon. I only hope that it may be possible for us to forget what made us disconnect and be able to reconnect over the creatures we have become so attracted to.

One year ago: The False Gods

Two years ago: Tournament: PTC18 Online Tournament 2

Three years ago: Pokémon and Mahjong Tile Games