Sunday, February 1, 2026

Pokémon Go Community Day, 2/1/2026

And, well, there is Community Day on the first of the month, the first regular edition with such a manner of featuring the event. Not exactly the first time would be the manner of the featured Pokémon species, but it's still a workable manner nonetheless. For those in the know, the species evokes "a song of ice and fire", but it has nothing to do with a battle for the seat of a kingdom; rather, it has a closer tie to a kind of "vixen" mythology, something that could become innate within someone's body.

With that, the featured species is Vulpix, both the Kanto and Alolan forms - thus, the "double-double" format. Either one certainly evolves to Ninetales of the respective (regional) form, and in the case of this edition, the Kanto form gets the Charged move of Energy Ball and the Alolan form gets the Charged move of Chilling Water. They're not same-type moves for their types, so they're more for coverage in the realm of PvP; in fact, the latter move has profound effects in PvP as demonstrated by its inclusion for Florges some time ago. The main bonus is triple XP, directed for those still on their leveling journey.

The remaining event bonuses are of the by-now standard variety: double Candy and Candy XL chance, three-hour Incense and one-hour Lure Modules with appearance bonuses, trade discounts and more Special Trades, photo bombs, and special backgrounds galore for both Vulpix forms. On the Research side, Field tasks are of the usual variety, though the catching task applied for both forms instead of either one; Timed tasks are gotten if one checked in (of course), and the paid Special Research set is titled "Icy and Spicy" for the qualifiers of both forms - not quite a song, but still entertaining.

Just as entertaining was my decision to do the same thing I had done in January for this edition of Community Day, to spend it with a few faraway Trainers, whom I am now finding to be a real pleasant bunch. I didn't catch as many Shiny forms today as I did last month, but the ones I got were a real treat, as was evolving them and others that I needed into Ninetales for certain purposes. Aside from this process, there was always the process of building up resources for possible future uses. This method and the faraway gathering can stand to be repeated whenever it's possible (and convenient) for me to do so.

On the matter of that "song of ice and fire", this species family with its regional forms - one set being the classically recognized one - is or has become innate with all Pokémon fans from the past to the present. They may have their own "songs" when put into battle, and the two new moves for them that are gotten from this edition of Community Day can just put a brand-new spin on their melodies. In the struggle of Pokémon battles, that may just be the song to listen to and counter as needed.

Three years ago: Pokémon Is... A Lifesaver?
Seven years ago: Wrap the Light Fantastic
Eight years ago: The Workings of Raids
Nine years ago: Poké Ball Food
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Saturday, January 31, 2026

The State of Nominations, Part 38

It's January, so this month also begins the year's run-up of updates to the progress on my PokéStop nominations. It's a progress that is always inherently bittersweet due to its varied possibilities, both acceptance and rejection alike. Yet after a particularly bittersweet December (even more so, the couple months since the last update), it seems that this nomination update has (to) become bittersweet as well for its progress. Regardless, I have to make the update and see what I can glean from it for current and future progress in this area.

One bittersweet aspect is that my Accepted nominations have become stagnant at 191 from the last update. Then, my Not Accepted ones have increased by 2 to 71, which is arguably more "bitter" than sweet. Further, the most recent nominations to be rejected in this way became as such by what is apparently the automated process new to the system, even before others could vote on them. Of course, I could always put them up for renomination or appeal the rejection, but either way, they would involve serious considerations (more so the latter).

This situation also raises "red flags" for my nomination process, in that it might be risky for me to make nominations of "dicey" places, and the next ones that I make should be of "safe" places (and truly "safe" ones) like houses or places of worship, parks with evident signs, and absolutely unique and absolutely permanent places. It is quite possible that making "dicey" nominations could in fact affect my actual Pokémon Go progress, so now the "safe" nominations are preferred, as is just purely focusing on regular Pokémon Go workings.

Meanwhile, one sweet element is that I've been able to be informed about how my approved nominations have affected players of Pokémon Go and other games. Since October, a "monthly impact" newsletter has been e-mailed to me; the latest one for this month shows that there were 26948 visits by 1252 players in December to the waypoints from those nominations. From the first one, the numbers never went below 10000 and 1000 respectively, so this is rather impressive. This may be an inspiration to try to keep nominating when possible.

After many editions of keeping track of my nominations for PokéStops, one conclusion that I can draw is that the process is not always sweet, and there may be some bitter times alongside the sweet ones, like what is happening now. It's just something to be taken in stride in the bitterness of the moment, while knowing that existing contributions are already sweet and will still remain that way. The progress is ongoing and may need some careful considerations for the future, and bitter and sweet are always part of the equation.

Five years ago: Zorua in Mareep Clothing
Seven years ago: The Magic of 25
Nine years ago: It's Been a Month...
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Friday, January 30, 2026

Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 1/30/2026

This month, Pokémon Go continues to pave the paths that are part of the season aptly called "Precious Paths" as such. After the paths of the end of the year in the previous month, it seems the events this month wants to take Trainers on paths that go over, under, and all around as they begin the year. As usual, that's evident in the events themselves and their content, and with the end of the month nearly at hand, it's definitely time to get the rollup for that rolling.

Kicking off the new year was the usual New Year's event, which actually began on December 31 as the new year is heralded, then ending on January 4. Along with a selection of hatted Pokémon from past years in the wild and raids, this time Blacephalon also took the stage in five-star raids, including for a New Year's Eve Raid Hour; it too gets a special move called Mind Blown, while Trainers can get an avatar item based on the species. Field Research from PokéStops had Stardust, while daily ones had an Incense or Lucky Egg. The event itself had bonuses of double XP and Stardust from raids plus increased chance of Shiny Pikachu with a hat, overworld fireworks, increased legacy Lucky Trades, and extra items and encounters by the paid Timed Research. For many, it may have been an "explosive" rolling start for the new year.

After rolling, Trainers had to get pinching in the Pinch Perfect event from January 6 to 11. The event served as the debut of Klawf as well as Shiny Delmise, two Pokémon that can get a grip on things. They're joined by other clawed and able Pokémon in the wild, raids, and Research; Corphish, Dwebble, and Clauncher were also of focus with increased Shiny chances for them as well as free Timed Research sets featuring each one every two days; the paid ones had more items and more encounters. Topping it all off were a double XP catch bonus and a Raid Day featuring Kyurem in its Fusion forms plus Reshiram and Zekrom on January 10 with all the usual features. The sharp features of the event may not have left Trainers "in a pinch".

But then, it may drive them to new heights, as through the High Zaptitude event from January 13 to 18. The Wattrel family became a debutant, while Shiny Tadbulb became a special feature, the latter in the wild, 2 km Eggs, and Field Research along with other Electric-type Pokémon while the former through Global Challenges that unlocked special bonuses alongside the debut appearances in the wild and Field Research. The paid Timed Research by the event's paid ticket brought about even more Egg-related bonuses as Trainers discovered what they need in order to soar high and zap powerfully like the debuting species family here.

Pets are precious in the real and Pokémon worlds, so there was the Precious Pals event from January 20 to 25 to honor them. Specifically, there was Shiny Fidough debuting, accompanied by other pet-like Pokémon species in the wild, 2 km Eggs, and Field Research - some of them also factoring into two Collection Challenges. Boosts were also in place for Shiny Goldeen and Fidough, as well as massive ones for Buddy Pokémon and several species that need to become one to evolve, particularly their requirements. Friendly bonuses were also in the paid Timed Research set. However, less friendly are Team Go Rocket, who made a takeover on January 23 onwards to the event's end, bringing with them Shadow Thundurus (Incarnate), some more Shadow species with a Collection Challenge for them, and the usual features, as well as a Shadow Raikou Raid Day on January 24. This event was therefore a real pet-filled whirlwind.

If two weeks prior Trainers went over, they then went under - Into the Depths - from January 27 until February 1. The Glimmet species family debuts in this event as it appears on Routes and Research (Field and Timed), while the wild, 7 km Eggs, and other Research aspects have Pokémon that are characteristic of caves. The exploration aspect is bolstered by a triple XP bonus, paid Timed Research Egg bonuses, and a big glimmer in the sky with a Battle Weekend for Dynamax Ho-Oh on January 31 and February 1. It's a deep and broad scope for them.

Even as Trainers go over, under, and all around through the various paths of the events in the second month of this season, they might just be able to grasp certain senses of "precious" that apply to those events. That might very well be the most important thing for them, aside from participating in the events as much as possible and capturing the Pokémon that they offer.

Six years ago: Bringing It Home
Seven years ago: Three TCG Booster Packs
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Thursday, January 29, 2026

Pokémon in 60 Seconds?

Nowadays, Pokémon has a lot going for its numerous aspects, if many of the posts on this blog are of any indication. It can be pretty hard to condense anything that pertains to them into a very short amount of time (like 60 seconds or 1 minute) for certain purposes (like to show off the franchise to the uninitiated). Yet if that were to happen, the results could be rather varied in form but remain attractive for all those who are concerned. With that, I thought I'd make a discussion out of it to see how things might just work out for the effort.

Part of the inspiration for this is that a real long time ago, certain campaigns got creative by including the concept for "60-second movies". They claimed that the people receiving them would get the gist of a movie (or even a show) with relevant dialogue within that stretch of time. This might be something that one could try to apply for the episodes and movies of the Pokémon anime, and the results could be interesting, at least for those who only need the gist - while the rest of the people and fans would probably prefer to watch them in full instead.

Meanwhile, closer to the present, challenges were given to two people to see who could point out specific things appropriately and answer certain questions correctly. The same challenges could be adapted for Pokémon with its multitude of aspects, and the result has to be as entertaining as the challenges in their original form. It might also resemble a certain newly established Pokémon game show and could be made an offshoot of that game show... although it may be more appropriate to let the challenges stand on their own for their sake.

In the simplest of ways to encapsulate Pokémon within 60 seconds, descriptions could be made for certain aspects about them. For example, a question like "what is Pokémon really all about" could demand that an answer be given within that time, and a viable part of that answer - at least based on my views - could involve the "four pillars" that I described such a long time ago, while also including the relevant points about the eponymous species and any other features that can stand to be included within that short (or not) amount of time.

A certain famous figure once said that of timespans that are seemingly very short, they can still be longer than one thinks they are. This certainly might apply well to a span of 60 seconds, which might conceivably fit a lot of things from actions to explanations. With all the things that it has going on, Pokémon could be construed to have a lot of them, and several different kinds of them could be made to fit within 60 seconds, if any of the above points may be considered. For the short and long of it, 60 seconds for Pokémon may just be enough for its multitude.

Three years ago: Cosplay: Utsuru 7.5
Six years ago: Expecting the Contrary
Seven years ago: Color Me (Shiny) Groudon
Nine years ago: Fire Power!
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Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Analyzing the Traffic for My Blog

Dedicated readers will know that I sometimes discuss "meta" content related to this Pokémon blog itself in addition to actual Pokémon content, and this time I thought I'd post another one relating to the former. It concerns the traffic that comes to (and views) this blog, which is undoubtedly important for any site, even this one on my corner of the Internet. Using the information that I obtain from the Stats section of the site management for this blog, I'd like to discuss some particular points of interest about the traffic to this blog.

It should be noted that I can analyze traffic from the periods from a certain time in the past up to the now, although I can't analyze periods that don't involve the now. For this discussion specifically, though, I'd also like to place focus on the overall all-time traffic from the start when this blog was created to the now - although I can also point out specific trends within some specific times in that entire period, which should be just as fascinating as the overall traffic itself. Of course, all this can be tied back into Pokémon somehow.

Now for the pertinent stuff. For views, this blog was relatively "sleepy" from its start in 2017 up until mid-2024 when the views suddenly surged to many thousands, the highest around the end of last year entering this year. Even so, most of that view traffic has been indicated to come from an unknown source (or sources), so I can't exactly point out what they were for. A lot of the view traffic, however, is indicated to come from search engines and social media, which means that at least some people are actively seeking Pokémon content, finding my blog in the process, and then referring back to the content in it in some way.

As well, I can point out the origins of those views. To this point, one-third of the views were identified as coming from Singapore, which is notably the home of Brandon Tan as the prime Pokémon Go player... but the views may have more obscure origins and not be necessarily related to either Brandon Tan or Pokémon Go, the latter still a frequent topic of discussion here. The rest of the views are from my resident country (of course), the U.S., other identified countries, and other unidentified ones, each of them roughly in one-sixth amounts. That may or may not mean something for Pokémon fans in all of those regions.

Meanwhile, the topic of what are those views were viewing - as in, the posts on this blog - is also a pertinent one for this discussion... but I feel like this could be siphoned into its own post because of its rather broad scope and great relevance for many more Pokémon things, particularly the ones associated with those posts. So, I expect the discussion for this one to be made whenever, especially at the point "whenever" becomes relevant.

Even now, traffic is vital to any web site, including this little one - well, maybe not so little now - about all kinds of Pokémon things and how I deal with all of them in some way before writing and showing them off here. With the way that the blog is going, at least some traffic may be expected to come to it for all the posts that I've made and continue to make, and that could become the impetus for including a lot more Pokémon things.

Three years ago: Cosplay: Utsuru 7.5
Six years ago: Expecting the Contrary
Seven years ago: Color Me (Shiny) Groudon
Nine years ago: Fire Power!
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Tuesday, January 27, 2026

New "Rare" Items in Café Remix

In a recent update, Café Remix revamped the look of its Delivery feature while also adding something else on top of that. That "something else" would be a couple of items that may be classified as "rare" items, which like their main series archetype (as the Rare Candy) provides a supplement for enhancing Pokémon. I thought I'd discuss those "rare" items since they seem rather fascinating for the items themselves and what they supplement.

The first is the Almighty Macaron, which of course supplements the Macarons of various Pokémon types here and can be used in place of them if one is short. Even so, a player will still need to obtain other Macarons each day from the Daily Tasks since these are more readily available, in effect saving these only for emergencies. At least, the newly introduced item is quite supplementary in its regard.

Next, there is the Classic Kitchen Note, which supplements the various kitchen notes for different Pokémon, making this item the first of this kind of item to be introduced after a long absence. Yet it doesn't exactly supplement, as practical usage of kitchen notes would require quite a bit more than one, and one of these may not cut it, with or without possession of the non-"rare" kitchen notes in the first place.

Both of these new items are in fact obtained by Delivery: by paying Golden Acorns for making deliveries or making the daily one, these items are obtained in alternating fashion after every 50 deliveries. Since delivery by tickets don't count, one has to spend the currency or else be patient to get these new items. It's a bit of an implicated pay-to-win situation given the means, and it's not necessarily easy for players to be on top of it. 

As functional as they are, the "rare" items remain "rare" by the way they are obtained and how they function. At least in some ways, their necessity of functioning to supplement existing items for supplementing Pokémon in Café Remix is welcomed and can already be useful right away, even if "right away" means making extensive use of the Delivery feature. The items may just suit the circumstance of the feature renewal and players' states.

Two years ago: Your Journey - A Poem
Six years ago: Spinning Like a Spinda
Seven years ago: The Cards, Revisited
Eight years ago: Changes
Nine years ago: A Loss Is... A Loss?
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Monday, January 26, 2026

My Favorite Vivillon Patterns

Vivillon is an occasional discussion topic on this blog, but it's a fascinating one with regard to anything about Pokémon. The fascination certainly comes from all the different patterns that make the species what it is. It would be expected, then, that some fans might have different preferences for these patterns, and in fact I do too. With that, I thought I'd discuss my own preferences, as the patterns I'm fond of - else, my "favorites".

I actually have a fondness for the Meadow pattern, even if it may be considered the pattern that is "archetypal" of the other patterns. Its design is plain with its pink motif, but I find that a charm considering that other Vivillon patterns may be considered somewhat complex and "busy". Sometimes, simple is best, and the Meadow pattern has that going for it, which also may provide support for its "archetypal" status.

Then, I also like the Marine pattern. In part, the same quality that applies to the Meadow pattern also applies to this one: it's simple (but blue instead of pink) albeit having less of an "archetypal" quality. It's also similar to certain blue and white butterflies in the real world, so there is an element of realism inherent in the pattern - something that also applies to the next one. It's still a pretty nice pattern overall.

As one more pattern that I'd like to mention, the High Plains pattern has its realism by being somewhat in close resemblance to the real-life monarch butterfly, being orange in color and thus true to at least one root of the inspiration for the species. Incidentally, the real butterfly itself resides close to the area where the pattern is found in Pokémon Go, so all of the inspirational characteristics are tied together.

Lovely as they are, Pokémon fans will certainly find some Vivillon patterns to be ones they're most fond of, and the three I mentioned above are mine. The "threads" that tie them together are of simplicity and realism, and those are great characteristics that make things fascinating. Fascination will surely be a present quality for any Pokémon species, not just Vivillon, but it has to be admitted that this species seems quite emblematic of that.

Five years ago: Unity Power
Six years ago: Cosplay: Aishiteru Minna
Seven years ago: SwitchCon
Eight years ago: Private vs. Public Raids?
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