The Two Faces of My Return

As in past years, on September 5, I discuss my return to playing Pokémon Go, which happened eight years ago (see below) and incidentally in the first year I started this blog. I've discussed a few aspects related to this matter since then, some less personal and others more personal. This year, I've decided to take the latter route and discuss an aspect that is very personal, especially given what has happened over the course of this year and my relations with certain other Trainers who play the game.

Basically, my return to playing Pokémon Go has exposed me to two different sides or "faces" of those other Trainers. One of those "faces" is the relations with good Trainers, ones who may be as passionate for other Pokémon things as I am and are supportive of each other. The other "face" is ones who are less stellar in that regard to the point of being snobbish and derisive toward others, no matter how great their progress may be. Given others' sentiments, I may not be alone in this regard - but I can offer my views.

I'm happy that my return allowed me to meet the former group of people, which was the case the first time I met one such person and now recently with a faraway group that I've only met for the first time. This kind of experience can be considered to be the "foundation" of my return as it should be for others, becoming a motivation for those who might decide to return today as I had back then. Certainly, this also needs to be facilitated by existing Trainers and be the sole best "face" of any return effort. 

On the other hand, I'm also slightly disappointed that my return efforts have resulted in that other "face". Yet at the same time, I couldn't have possibly foreseen such an outcome for my return efforts, so I can only take it in stride. The best (and the least) thing I can do is to turn away as much as possible - especially since the Trainers involved might be difficult to change - and to stay on the good side of things, to consider that I am also presenting that "face" to other potentially returning Trainers.

These two "faces" will likely remain part of my Pokémon Go experience after having returned so many years ago as the personal choice that I made, not to mention for being able to furnish experiences and information about the game on this blog. With the way that the "faces" relate to other people and how they too might have the same experiences, it can also be considered "interpersonal" in a number of ways as well. In either case, it's the return effort that remains important, if this and other discussions are of any indication.

One year ago: Wishing Others' Return

Two years ago: Point of (No) Return?

Three years ago: Return Back, Return Forward

Four years ago: Returns in Various Guises

Five years ago: Returns Come and Go

Six years ago: Return, Return, Return, Return...

Seven years ago: A Happy Return

Eight years ago: Here I Go (Again)

One Last Dance, with Darkness...

Recently, the sky in my area has been a bit dark in the afternoons and unleashed its wet fury, which is a little bit unusual for this time of year. Even so, it might not be too unusual for other parts of the world at the same time of year and day. It's also not as dark as a certain Pokémon happening whose darkness goes far beyond the real happenings as described above, which might be considered almost unimaginable.

The happening concerns a certain situation in Galar where the sky turns really dark and a really huge creature brings forth its presence and power. In the process, the creature might possibly imbue other Pokémon to be able to become really huge themselves and then stand up to that really huge creature. In some circles, this happening is appropriately enough called the "Darkest Day" for all its shady qualities.

As well, in the midst of the adventures of Ash and Goh in the "world saga", they themselves had to deal with this happening and allow it to come to a minor resolution - one that would lead to other resolutions later on. All the aspects of that happening as described above are (were) indeed involved in the dealings of Ash and Goh when it happened, and quite a few things were revealed... but I won't reveal them myself.

In fact, this happening is also related to the games, for which the main series games featuring the region above has all the crucial details. More recently - as in now - Pokémon Go has put into motion something that encapsulates that happening in its own way with all the Max elements that have been implemented. In either case of these games, they may be considered (or are) "last stands" or "last dances" of some sort. 

While meteorological phenomena like the one I described above are incomparable to the phenomenon of the "Darkest Day" as I described, in some sense it might be possible to regard them side-by-side as through this post and all the relevant reasoning that accompanies the happenings. With that, some people might just need to stand up to the occurring darkness and bring forth a "dance" that deals with it in a definitive way.

One year ago: "Spending Better" vs. "Better to Spend"

Two years ago: Quickies: "Toward the Light" with Pokémon

Three years ago: The Dream Archivist/Historian

Four years ago: Survival Mode in Pokémon Shuffle

Five years ago: Pokémon Go Datamining Moments

Six years ago: It's Gonna Be...

Seven years ago: A Mascot Reinterpretation

Eight years ago: Local Hangouts and Pokémon

Under a Cloudy Sky

Trainers of Pokémon Go will definitely recognize the Cloudy weather, which becomes the time for Pokémon of the Fairy, Fighting, and Poison types to appear in greater numbers as well as greater strength. It might be a frequently encountered kind of weather in certain parts of the world, one of which happens to be my corner of the world. At times it might be a fine weather to have, although it can get a bit dreary, and that makes it something from which insights can be drawn, especially right this moment, for Pokémon or otherwise.

For some reason, today has been a rather cloudy day, and Pokémon Go has reflected that mostly well through the in-game weather and appearing species - save for Spotlight Hour, for which today is the occasion. The Pokémon of the three expected types above came out to be caught, along with "guest" Pokémon of other types. The (real) cloudy weather might have been the dreariness that it was, but at least the in-game weather was pleasant enough for its purposes, and so were the Pokémon that appeared to make that so.

Regardless, the cloudy sky might have provided a few other indications - for Pokémon and beyond - that I needed to be (or should have been) aware of. In particular, that would mean being on the lookout for the wiliness of some Pokémon of the mentioned types above while seeking the comfort of others of the same types. It is said that even on a day where no rain falls, which might be like this cloudy, tears are still shed; in this case, they could be by the happenings or by the recall of better times on non-cloudy days.

Some days will inevitably be cloudy ones just like this day, and the gloom may be as much in the mind as it is in the clouds that hang over in the sky. Yet as evidenced by Pokémon matters, some Pokémon can enjoy and take advantage of those days with cloud cover, and their human counterparts can do so as well. That would make it a fine weather for all who are involved, despite all the dreary impressions; they might just be left in the mind, and under the same skies, all things go around, in and out of Pokémon matters.

Now, it seems I may need to excuse myself to deal with some other "cloudy" matters...

One year ago: Crossover Holowear?

Two years ago: Cosplay: Anime Cosupure (Cosplay) Matsuri

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 7/29/2022

Four years ago: P25 Music for Life?

Five years ago: The Values of Posts

Six years ago: By Words, By Sound, By Video

Seven years ago: First Anniversary of My Raid Group

Eight years ago: Under 100 Hours?

I'm On to Your Vitals

Every breath you take

And every move you make

Every bond you break, every step you take

I'll be watchin' you

Every single day

And every word you say

Every game you play, every night you stay

I'll be watchin' you...

-- "Every Breath You Take", The Police

Pokémon training is reputedly not (in fact, never) as simple as just being with a Pokémon. A Trainer would have to be watchful and mindful of the things that the Pokémon would do, and guide that Pokémon to become the best that it can be. Thinking about this leads me to think about this not-too-upbeat but not-too-mellow song for someone's significant other, which leads me to the application of it to Pokémon affairs.

This song specifically deals with that significant other as distance grows between that person and that someone. The essence is that as the former becomes farther from the latter, the latter still has the heart for the former. It should be noted that the song was in a way "remade" years later on, but it doesn't have the same connotations as the original version, and moreover I'm personally not fond of it, so it's the original for me and Pokémon affairs, including this one.

Spiritually then, the song carries a certain relevance for Pokémon that are already distant from their Trainers, although it's also perfectly applicable to the ones that are still close as well. The hope may be that the latter takes the nurture of the Trainer and they become great themselves while the Trainer still supervises, and the former takes what has been nurtured and they become great with their current environments under a figurative supervision.

Come to think of it, the song could be applicable to Trainers themselves, especially those who are being seen in the light of others, like Ash - or maybe even me in a sense. The others, as the "watchers", have hope for the ones being watched, even as the latter makes slip-ups (which are bound to happen, as no one is perfect). And if a critical response is generated, the only hope is that improvement would occur and chaos is downplayed.

Watching over other people (and Pokémon as the analogue of creatures) might be considered an expected thing for people, especially if they develop relationships with both of the entities mentioned above. All vital aspects might just be a concern for those who are watching, for which the above song then gains a certain relevance. It's a matter with some significance, maybe on par with every breath taken.

One year ago: My Pokémon Boost Emblem Progress in Pokémon Unite

Two years ago: Tournament: Arcaviary Tournament - Arcana Cup

Three years ago: BJ Podcast: The Varied Nature of Japanese Fans

Four years ago: Reminiscing Pokémon Karaokemon... and More

Five years ago: More "Countermeasures" for Pokémon Go

Six years ago: Performance Critique: Bunkasai 2019 J-Song

Seven years ago: Shiny Obsessions... Again?

Eight years ago: Oddest Things with Pokémon

Do You or Do You Not Understand?

They don't understand

How we communicate

Or so many things

That we do and say

They don't really get

What it's all about

No they never can 

Understand - Pokémon

-- "They Don't Understand", Dream Street

Here too is something I meant to discuss much earlier because the momentum was there and less so now - and it should make clear about what I intend to discuss in the next few days. Back to that momentum, it involved an incident where a person of a high stature thought lowly of Pokémon, amounting it to a "small business" - when it's clear to most that it isn't. It's a case of the person not understanding the situation, which happens with or without Pokémon. With that, the above song that has ties to Pokémon becomes pertinent, moreover for the purpose of this discussion. 

This song, brought by perhaps a somewhat lesser-known boy band, is associated with the second feature film or movie in western regions, and is thus part of its "alternative" soundtrack wherever that's a concern. It was even performed live at a special event for the movie, affirming its status as such. The quoted part above is the chorus, which can be considered to carry the ultimatum of the song: that one finds someone else's lack of comprehension disturbing. Hence, the title of this post was conceived as a question, for which this song and its regard becomes the answer.

In a way, the song could be interpreted as encapsulating the relationships between people and Pokémon (species, that is) as they coexist with one another. The relationships don't necessarily result in comprehension between the two parties, but when that happens, the result is bliss. At least, until certain people come along and they say they don't understand the relationship between them, at which point one can try to make them understand. And if they still cannot understand... then it goes back to the lyrics of the song, and the people who are involved will have to answer the question.

As for connecting this to real life matters, it may not only concern the incident with the person as above but also personal ones - as in, mine. It has been the case that I became involved in a number of situations involving Pokémon and the lack of understanding by other people, for which the song becomes relevant. But then there are similar situations involving other matters with similar elements of people failing to understand; worse yet, the consequences have not exactly been to my favor - perhaps even theirs - and thus the call to question someone else's understanding is relevant.

Since the incident, as I've indicated above, the momentum has died down, which may or may not indicate that the person has come to an understanding (about Pokémon). Even so, the incident may still be regarded as disconcerting for fans, and especially me, who may have gone through other and similar instances of people not understanding things. After many years, then, the song above - as loosely as it may be connected to Pokémon, apparently - still has relevant messages concerning those other people, with the only hope being that they'll eventually understand things.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Tools in Niantic Campfire

Two years ago: Pokémon Keeps Me...

Three years ago: Brave with the Firefly

Four years ago: On "Digital Talents" and Pokémon

Five years ago: Play Pokémon on a Plane

Six years ago: A Tropius Keychain

Seven years ago: Cosplay: J-COSHOKAI 3 - Saikou no Yorokobi

Eight years ago: Shuffling Stages

Going Around in Circles...?

One of the most irksome of feelings is going around in circles, where it seems that the things that one does seem to loop back on themselves without resolution. I've had to go through that feeling at some points in time - perhaps even today. For some Pokémon, though, going around in circles (literally) may just be the thing that brings out the best in them. I thought I'd round up how that may be so while such a feeling applies to me.

Falinks often has its individual units go in a straight line when they move or attack, but in the latter case - if Pokémon Unite has anything to say - the most powerful one occurs when the units move about a target in a circular fashion like (being about to be) ganging up on it. It's called the "Dust Devil Formation", and it could be a doozy for some Pokémon trying to counter it, lest they be sucked into its "vortex" for a ride.

Then, there is Skitty with its long tail. Such an appendage has the propensity to cause the Pokémon to chase after it in a circular fashion, tiring it out and making it fall asleep... much like the lore of a really big dog (not quite related to Pokémon) that does the same with its long tail, albeit not at a very high speed. Still, if it does happen at such a high speed, it may just be the prelude for it to learn a new move, perhaps of the contest type.

As well, there is Dragonite and a few other Dragon-type or dragon-like Pokémon. They might just be capable of the Dragon Dance move, one that is often depicted by its initiators circling about, creating a vortex with great attacking power. That's one for the species of concern to size up, while for those on the receiving end, it might become a warning to get one's act together before dragon(s) strike at full force.

So, at least for some Pokémon, going around in circles may be a beneficial thing, which as suggested by the words of a certain song may even let them fly high like birds. For people, though - particularly those on the receiving end, like me - it may still be considered a source of frustration. That may be a prompt to resolve the situation in an out-of-the-box manner, and maybe one or more of the Pokémon above could be insightful.

One year ago: In Search of (a) Hi-Hat Cafe

Two years ago: What to Evolve for Community Day

Three years ago: Mixing and Matching Pokémon Game Music

Four years ago: Subscribing to Pokémon Home

Five years ago: The Call of the Forest

Six years ago: Localizing the TCG

Seven years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 5/3/2018

Eight years ago: Gender Mismatch Detected

Quickies: There and Back Again...

One of the great things about Pokémon is the feeling of being able to go to different places in its world and feel like one is actually there, even given the focus on capturing monsters and battling with them. Then, that same feeling can be repeated through different experiences facilitated by different things, not limited to the games. It's that feeling of going and going again that might just explain why some people like me continue to be fans of the franchise, despite the ups and downs over the years.

With or without a full-on quest through different lands and environments, the goal of making oneself (as a Trainer) and one's Pokémon all that one can be is a quest in itself, one that can also be considered as repetitive in one form or another. Based on the efforts, they could stand to be written in a book... though the Pokémon and related achievements might speak for themselves without that having to be done. Considerations too seem to repeat themselves for what species to deal with and when.

It too seems that personally, my Pokémon dealings (including but not limited to raising them for battle) take me to different places and situations, and then again as I deal with yet others that evoke the already familiar places and situations. Some of them might involve this blog directly - perhaps even this post as it is being written - while others might just involve general Pokémon situations that then will lend themselves to be written up later on this blog. It might just be all cyclical in a manner of speaking.

Going to places is a normal part of real life as it is for Pokémon life. Yet there's also something special about how that occurs for the latter and involves making returns (or repeats) for different purposes and objectives. In all, that makes for fascinating and often wonderful journeys across lands and places, complemented by all the wondrous creatures all along the way. Much of that may afford to be gone through time and time again as well as in many different forms... and so, may it be.

One year ago: The (Local) Pikachu Special Edition Oreo

Two years ago: Country Compositions for Factions Teams

Three years ago: Impulsive Conscience

Four years ago: New Pokémon Snap Unleashed

Five years ago: Pervasive Pokémon

Six years ago: Hit in the KOR

Seven years ago: Keeping the Demo Versions

Eight years ago: Cosplay Laundry

Dreaming of Pokémon Friends?

Friends are always important for Pokémon matters (and journeys), and I even consider it a "pillar" as such. It may also be possible that a person dreams not only about Pokémon happenings but also the friends that they relate to in those cases. It would seem to be a wonderful thing, as wonderful as the happenings themselves and especially if they occur. To that end, it too seems to be a wonderful thing to make a discussion out of it and see how this possibility may actually play out.

Recently, I in fact had such a dream. One of my Pokémon friends, whom I don't meet regularly due to being separated by a great distance, appeared in my dream and we spent a great time together along with other people. Though we also had planned on doing some activities related to Pokémon, it seemed that they didn't work out as they were intended to be. Regardless, it was a wonderful dream, and when it ended as I woke up, I felt disappointed yet relieved to have dreamed it.

The dream I had can be considered to indicate that the friend is a close friend, and in reality the friend is very much so. For Pokémon fans, having close and dependable friends like the one in my dream is almost an essential matter. I would think that some of my Pokémon fellows (who sadly have become distant) can and do dream or at the least fantasize about meetups with those in their friend "circle". Whether or not the results would be like the above dream might be anyone's guess.

Having said that, the current post about dreams happens to coincide with another one from many years ago (see below). Though that dream wasn't with a friend per se, the contents of the dream are rather similar to the recent dream and may be considered in the same vein. They may also represent aspirations for friendly relations that anyone can deserve to have... and certainly dream again and again, which might be what has happened exactly with the recent dream I had as above.

Something that some people may say about certain journeys, particularly when their ends are unexpected, is that the real journey may be the friends that are made along the way. Dreams could be considered journeys with unexpected ends, and if they involve Pokémon friends, that may be a journey that is as real as any actual one that involves them. As stated above, friends are a vital part of the Pokémon experience, and that vital quality can be evident even in the confines of a dream.

One year ago: Musical Emotion, Place, and Event

Two years ago: Going for (Real) Pokémon Cookies

Three years ago: Rotating to Objectives

Four years ago: Longing for Team Go Rocket

Five years ago: Impressions of Chef Mallow

Six years ago: Choosing Pathways

Seven years ago: And Again, I Dream

Eight years ago: We're All Tied to Pokémon

Spiritually Lost

I'd been intending to take care of a few Pokémon matters earlier today; however, a sudden happening put a complete stop to those efforts. In retrospect, it seems that it just wasn't meant to be, and I may be better off without it - at least for now. While that may be the case, missing out on it at the current moment has left me "spiritually lost" in a way, furthermore with some recent situations. Since the "MooMoo Milk has been spilled", I thought I'd take the topic and run with it to discuss it with Pokémon in tow.

A species family that may be emblematic of the current situation is that of Galarian Corsola. It's of the Ghost type, compared to its Water and Rock brethren, and its evolved form Cursola appears even more like a straggler. The point is still that the species (family) are seemingly apparent as "lost souls" in light of the original or firstly discovered form. It also does seem a bit coincidental that it fits my current situation, moreover as I'm dealing with them right now - thus, "lost" in more ways than one.

Now, for the efforts to deal with those matters involving Pokémon, I'm running into the conundrum that certain people associated with those matters have lost touch with what makes the matters so wonderful for people around them or the relations themselves with other people. As such, the state of being "spiritually lost" is a given, almost in the same way as the species mentioned above with the appearance as well as type. Finding those lost spirits will be the most difficult matter, perhaps for all.

This Pokémon blog seems not to be immune from the condition. It affects posts in two ways: delayed conception, where an idea languished for a long time before it got written (like the recent beta version post, which had been planned since mid-October last year), or shifted composition, which... is perhaps best not to be explained to readers for certain concerns. The condition may make some of the posts on this blog out of touch with certain spirits and therefore "lost" in due time - regrettably so.

Given the "spiritually lost" condition, I may be in need of healing, whether or not that would involve Pokémon. In that sense, the skipped over matter may have to remain skipped over for now, as disheartening as it may be without a real way of truly making up for it. But then, Pokémon is broad and especially now, so I can opt for something else related to it as the form of healing. To find what has been lost will surely not be an easy matter, but I still believe that Pokémon will still allow me to find (some of) the way.

One year ago: Pokémon Profile Frames and Video Backgrounds

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 4/15/2023

Three years ago: Love Nature, Find Beauty

Four years ago: Great League, Remixed

Five years ago: On Pokémon and Computing

Six years ago: The Fullness of the Cup

Seven years ago: Cosplay: GAME - Games Animation Marketplace and Exhibition

Eight years ago: True Colors (...of a Logo)

Let's Talk About Social Impact

Me: Well, there are only a few days left in the month (and that "break" that we brought up earlier), so I thought we'd fill it with a "Let's Talk".

Goh: I guess it makes sense. You might not be sending Ash to anything for a bit.

Ash: Well, um...

Goh: Oh, something today? 

Ash: But we can talk about it as we go.

Me: And it also ties into the topic for today - "social impact".

Ash: OK, so... it's like, doing good for others and really making them feel good.

Me: Yeah, more or less.

Goh: I bet you do that all the time with what you do that doesn't involve Pokémon.

Me: I would like to think I do, but I'm not sure to what extent. 

Ash: I'm sure you do! You don't have to think about it.  

Pikachu: Pi pika. ["So do I."] 

Me: I wouldn't doubt that. So, as for relating this to Pokémon...

Ash: Oh, I know! It's like cleaning up Grimer from the sewage, or getting rid of Alolan Rattata.

Goh: That would definitely affect many people in good ways. You must have done them before.

Ash: Yeah! In Kanto and Alola.

Goh: Well, of course. And having been Professor Cerise's research fellows, I think we would have affected many people too with what we did in that time.

Ash: Hey! That's a good way to think about it.

Me: I've seen some of that, and I think I can vouch for them. But then again, sometimes social impact just means going "back to the basics".

Ash: Like, making sure they're not hungry.

Goh: Or cheering them up when they're down.

Ash: They're both important! But also the first one.

Goh: You know, you seem to be never not hungry.

Me: I think that makes two of us. (Although, I do need to cut back every so often...)

Pikachu: Pi pika pika! ["That could be three!"] 

Ash: Haha. Well...

Me: Anyway, Ash has a good point. Which is why I sent you to a familiar place to do something familiar for that purpose.

Goh: Oh, again like last year!

Ash: Yeah! And just like last year, everything went by in a flash.

Goh: I guess a lot of people were hungry too during this break.

Me: Sure. That's also the case with me.

Goh: I'm sure you had a good time with our friend's friends.

Ash: Yeah, but then when I needed to go and do something for our friend, I slipped up... I think you might need some of that "social impact".

Me: Oh, hmm. If only that could be the case. I'll deal with it somehow.

Ash: I also stopped by to meet your card game friends before doing something else for you. I felt a little better after that. 

Goh: Why not. That's a "social impact" in a way. 

Pikachu: Pika chu. ["Sure."] 

Me: So, to sum things up, social impact can come in various ways, with or without Pokémon.

Goh: But you know, you always prefer having that along the way.

Ash: I do too!

Me: Very much so. And if that can come with a host of friends who love you - especially for who you are - then that's all the more reason.

Goh: Given what happened to you recently, that may be for the best.

Ash: But we'll still be here for you!

Goh: That's true.

Me: Now, I think I need to scrounge up a few more things - especially before and as the "break" draws to an end.

Goh: I suppose that will be soon?

Me: Soon.

Ash: And then we can keep on making "social impacts".

Me: That should always be the case, with or without a "break" to go along with them.

One year ago: The Charm of Open-Air Pokémon Markets

Two years ago: Tournament: Arcaviary Tournament - Ionic Cup

Three years ago: The Route Themes of Journey Beginnings

Four years ago: Let's Talk About Waiting Games

Five years ago: Tournament: Raid Group Toxic Cup

Six years ago: Gender Appeal

Seven years ago: At a Loss... in Lavender Tower

Eight years ago: GSC Nendoroid Series #425: Red

100 Years, 1 Million Memories

15, there's still time for you

Time to buy, Time to lose yourself

Within a morning star

15, I'm all right with you

15, there's never a wish better than this

When you only got 100 years to live

-- "100 Years", Five for Fighting

The final song in my "Rocking for Pokémon" series of posts is one that is contemplative - or should be as such - to fans of Pokémon, this music (sub-)genre, or both. It too is a somewhat old song, though not as old as the one from two days ago, and could be considered to cross over with other genres as well. It's still a rock song in some ways, so it's something to consider, particularly for the messages that it contains and in this case, perceived relations to Pokémon.

Overall, the song is a "chronicle" of one's journey in life, as it mentions a number of certain ages, including the one that makes up the title of the song. The next most significant one would be 15, extensively mentioned in the choruses of the song (of which the second one is quoted above). For each mentioned age, there is an important recollected happening - a memory, which is why the title of this post is the way it is, also a rib on a certain anniversary that I now unfortunately have some regrets of.

As for relating this song to Pokémon, 15 would be the age (approximately) that a lot of Pokémon things became formative for me, and perhaps for many fans that I also know. At 22, another mentioned age, my Pokémon life wasn't quite "on fire" - or even like the song - but it was enough for Pokémon. At 33, I was already mid-way into this Pokémon blog and at some highs and lows. The rest of the mentioned ages haven't happened yet, but surely they'll have something to relate with Pokémon when I come to them. It remains to be seen how much of the 100-year "pie" I can go through - rightfully, since today is Pi Day.

In some sense, the feel (and personal interpretation) of this song is similar to another song by a different artist that I put up early on this blog as I was getting started with it. The age mostly dealt in the song here, though, is six years earlier than the previous years, but the frequent mention of it almost makes it seem like one could always remain at that age even as the journey of life goes on. It's a bit of an ideal even for the song itself, but it's something to contemplate, as is true of the rest of the song.

With that, the "Rocking for Pokémon" series of posts is complete, spanning rock songs from various times and the just-as-varied impressions I have of them along with Pokémon. It's quite clear that songs of various genres have always helped me get a feel of Pokémon (or explain that), and I hope other fans can find the same feel. Certainly, there will be more songs that I will put up here for that purpose, but for now, as mentioned in another part of the song...

You're on your way, every day's a new day...

One year ago: Cook and Collect in Café Remix

Two years ago: Serving up Paldea with a Twist

Three years ago: To Share and To Care

Four years ago: Berry Cuisine

Five years ago: Pokémon Anime Song Remixes?

Six years ago: Profits on the Side

Seven years ago: It's Pi Day!

Eight years ago: Pokémon and Puzzle Games

The Lightning and the Thunder

Just a young gun with a quick fuse

I was uptight, wanna let loose

I was dreaming of bigger things and

Wanna leave my own life behind

Not a "Yes, sir," not a follower

Fit the box, fit the mold, have a seat

In the foyer, take a number

I was lightning before the thunder

...

Thunder, feel the thunder

Lightning, then the thunder

Thunder, feel the thunder

Lightning, then the thunder, thunder, thunder

Thunder...

-- "Thunder", Imagine Dragons

The fourth song in my "Rocking for Pokémon" series of discussions can be said to be not only sentimentally appropriate, but also whimsically appropriate - and one can see why (soon to be explained). Some time ago, I discussed another song from this band, and that song happened to be the single released prior to this one; both songs regardless cement the band's legacy in music. Meanwhile, the song itself is also a "cementing" in some sense, including for its (my) interpretation with Pokémon, and that's what I also come to discuss.

For the song itself, it tells of a free soul not bound by convention and present condition, who then transforms into someone greater and changes that status quo (thus, becoming the "thunder" after the "lightning"). According to certain interpretations, the song might also define the rise of the very band that sings this song, even if the band itself has also acquired the "controversy" label due to their unique musical approach. Still, it is what it is, and the song calls out to those who make lightning strike and thunder heard.

All this talk about "lightning" and "thunder" certainly brings to mind the forefront Pokémon with these elements - Pikachu, of course. And the one that belongs to Ash can be considered to have a life story (the prologue, at least) that mirrors the ideas and themes invoked in the song, particularly the verses like the first one mentioned above. The choruses (also mentioned) are simply an "echo" of the "thunder" idea, but still make sense as well.

Come to think of it, Ash's overall journey throughout the anime was kind of a mold-breaking one in itself, also paralleling the same ideas and themes. In this way, the song also very much applies to him as it does to his most loyal partner. Given how it started in the beginnings and what was achieved after that, the "lightning" really did manifest early on and it took some time for the "thunder" to be heard, as is true of the weather phenomenon.

Even after this song has achieved its big-time hit (and so did the band effectively), there's still a story to be gained from it, and one that is perfectly applicable to Ash and Pikachu after their departure from the Pokémon anime. With that, fans may find reasons to let lightning strike and thunder be heard for whatever initiatives they can muster.

One year ago: Let's Talk About A Break for the Light

Two years ago: Here Comes a Factions Cycle

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 3/13/2022

Four years ago: More Pokémon Go Quality-of-Life Improvements

Five years ago: The First Hoenn Saga Japanese Opening Theme

Six years ago: The Poké Ball Classics Merchandise Line

Seven years ago: Yes, Even More Pokémon Stickers

Eight years ago: Every Day We're Shufflin

To Hold Hands and Love

(Hold my hand)

Want you to hold my hand

(Hold my hand)

I'll take you to a place where you can be

(Hold my hand)

Anything you wanna be because

I wanna love you the best that,

The best that I can...

-- "Hold My Hand", Hootie and the Blowfish

Continuing the "Rocking for Pokémon" series, after a bit of a somber song, it seems wise to follow it up with a more uplifting one. It also happens to be the oldest song out of all the songs I've discussed or about to discuss, and its release even predates Pokémon by a few years. In making the discussion, therefore, I'm in a way bringing it back to "contemporary awareness" while of course relating it to the Pokémon experiences of me as well as others.

Essentially, the song is about someone offering compassion and cooperation to another party, most likely someone who is not feeling that great. That could be in the form of love (as stated in the chorus above) or perhaps, at the most basic level, a relation of friendship. The outreach is certainly symbolized with hands as well as movement to where both parties can become what they can or need to be, even if the results may not be as spectacularly as expected.

The further relation of this to Pokémon and in particular my experiences with it does implicate the relationships of people and Pokémon with one another and across the two. As they link hands, they can bring each other to better places where they can be all they can be; that may or may not involve love, but at least it could for some lucky souls. It may just be something that current Pokémon fans may need to be reminded of, including me and others close to me.

It so happens that the song is spiritually connected (and similar) to another song I discussed many years ago, though of a different genre. The timeframe of reference is also similar, though this one is admittedly a bit early in comparison. Still, it affirms that the message is universal regardless of how it's conveyed, and that's a wonderful thing, as is the message itself. 

Being able to hold hands with another is arguably a basic human emotion, which extends to sentient beings like Pokémon, as is demonstrated in all media forms related to the franchise. It doesn't take a retro song like the above - which it is now - to remind contemporaries of the message, but it does help somewhat, and so does the consideration of fitting in Pokémon.

One year ago: What Lurks in the Pokémon Night

Two years ago: Cosplay: Unity, The Story of Us

Three years ago: Let's Talk About Challenges in Connecting

Four years ago: Making the Case for Open-World

Five years ago: Possibility of a "Basic League"?

Six years ago: Beta Testing

Seven years ago: Taking the Go Train

Eight years ago: Worldly Inspirations for a Small World

Here on My Mind, Here in My Dreams

I'm here without you, baby

But you're still on my lonely mind

I think about you, baby

And I dream about you all the time

I'm here without you, baby

But you're still with me in my dreams

And tonight

It's only you and me...

-- "Here Without You", 3 Doors Down

Next on the "Rocking for Pokémon" agenda is a song that is just as mellow as the previous one yet somewhat more sentimental. Among fans of this genre (in particular the sub-genre) of music, this might be a favorite of them, and I've become attracted to it as well, in particular thanks to something outside of Pokémon. With that, I thought I'd reapply Pokémon to the song and discuss related impressions from it - and there is a particular one, which is to be explained shortly. In that way, the song definitely leaves a mark.

The song itself is one of longing, certainly, if its title hasn't already made that clear. It  tells of someone being separated from someone else, whether by time, place, distance, or way of living. Despite this fact, both of them can still be together, even if only within the realm of thoughts and imaginations. For people who are heartbroken, lonely, or otherwise just torn asunder, this song may be considered to speak volumes - and now I'm speaking quite a bit about it, including relating it to Pokémon.

For that, some fans even now might still be longing for Ash, even after it's clear that he's now absent in the Pokémon anime (for more than 100 days now - a span of time that is mentioned in the song above) and any chance of him returning is slim. Clearly, the sentiments of the song very much apply in this case, for those who feel the longing. To them, though, it may be that as hard as this is to take, the fact that Ash has and had been the face of the anime can't be taken away, and that fits with the lyrics in the bridge (not mentioned here).

Some songs from this (sub-)genre have a way of evoking deep sentiments, and the song mentioned above definitely does that in some respects, including one related to Pokémon. If the core message of the song is that a person is never really separate from another, significant person - or maybe even thing - then it seems the best course after all is just to keep on living until they can be together. That seems to be even more appropriately applicable for Pokémon, whose things might only just reside in someone's mind and dreams, as the song suggests.

One year ago: To Be a Jumpluff

Two years ago: Postcards in Pokémon Go

Three years ago: On the "Grass Divas"

Four years ago: Quickies: Surf's Up, Surf's Down

Five years ago: The Wonders of the PokéRap and Beyond

Six years ago: Quantity and Quality

Seven years ago: Cosplay: Daisuki! Japan Fest 2018

Eight years ago: Have You Seen My Childhood?

You, Me, and All People (and Pokémon)

'Cause it's you and me

And all of the people

With nothing to do

Nothing to lose

And it's you and me

And all of the people

And I don't know why

I can't keep my eyes off of you...

-- "You and Me", Lifehouse

All right, I'm in the mood to catch up a little on the "break" and other Pokémon affairs, so I want to deliver my impressions on Pokémon for a bit, instead of discussing hard things related to the games and so on. For that purpose, I have a series of posts lined up under the title of "Rocking for Pokémon" because they all involve songs that are of the rock music genre (in a sense) and the impressions I get from them about Pokémon. And that starts with the song above, a mellow number from a neat band.

The song, obviously, regards someone's feelings for someone significant; more specifically, it's about the fascination that the person has. That fascination can be considered to make the person almost go mindless and lose track of other things, yet that also affirms that the significant someone is important for that person regardless. This latter message would be particularly reflected in the chorus, which happens to be the part quoted above. In all, it's a good love song as well for anyone feeling it.

For my Pokémon impressions, significances of people-Pokémon relationships (the former as Trainers, keepers, or whoever they are) become particularly important - in addition to people-people relationships as suggested above - given the song's messages. The people don't have to be mindless about it, although some can and might become as such... including me, it seems, for which many of the posts on this blog from recent times might be seen as a testament to that feeling with Pokémon in tow.

I still have much to catch up on, but there will always be music - in this case, rock music in particular - and there will always be Pokémon to accompany me throughout all of that. Hence, the series of posts somewhat makes sense to be done now as I catch up to things and things catch up to me. As the first song in the "Rocking for Pokémon" series, the song above offers a mellow start while I gather up my thoughts for the forthcoming posts, and of course, for my catching-up efforts for Pokémon and all.

One year ago: The "Reject" Terms

Two years ago: Zacian, the Sword-Wielding "Menace"

Three years ago: "Plus Moves" in Pokémon Games

Four years ago: Thundering into the Vortex

Five years ago: A Taste of the Poison Paradise

Six years ago: Everybody, Polkamon

Seven years ago: Action or Strategy?

Eight years ago: Thank Heaven for Little Boys

Real Words on Artificial Intelligence (A.I.)

This may be a topic that I should have picked up for discussion a somewhat longish time ago, but like many things, I suppose it's better late than never. Many people are surely familiar with the rise of artificial intelligence (A.I.) in the past few years through bots, assistants, generators, and the like, some of which can now also understand, recognize, and deal with matters related to Pokémon. Beyond all the assistive capacity that they possess, in some ways they also conflict with the same capacity for people (humans). As such, I feel the need to make a statement on the issue and to augment that with experience related to the issue. 

Some days ago, in a certain space on the Internet, someone posted a poem that others suspected to be generated by an A.I. bot due to some telltale signs. The confirmation came after "denial by silence", but by then damage had been done, as the critics themselves were silenced. An apology was made, yet it too was somewhat late and put the original poster in imperfect standing. Even with the signs, some people could have conceivably taken the poem as is and they'd never know that a human wasn't involved in the actual composition of the poem, aside from getting the A.I. to do it by way of a "prompt". And that becomes a concern.

While the generated content by A.I. is interesting and possibly helpful for certain efforts, a lot of the content is also riddled with mistakes and errors in whatever form it may take. That state of affairs justifies the warning that generators now carry, in that they can possibly make mistakes. With that in mind, the best way to treat the content seems to be to treat them as raw materials for use in creative work, or information that needs to be fact-checked with someone or something else, and never at face value. This would be incidentally true for anything made by people in general, but it seems even more true for the "machined" things.

Because of the above, I now feel that I also need to make a statement. All written content on this blog - that is, aside from images and other rich media - are solely made by me and without the assistance of any A.I. in any form. This also means I (have to) own up for any mistakes they might contain and will correct them as necessary. Furthermore, any written content that I create, write, and publish, for Pokémon or otherwise, will never make use of A.I. content - unless it is for discussion about them, as this post serves to do in a way.

I also need to say that if any written things appear on the Internet and they look suspiciously like they were written by me, then it could be the work of an A.I. scraping up the words in the posts of this blog and spitting out something that resembles that. It's what A.I. things do in order for them to do what they do, and it may or may not necessarily be something that I can prevent. At the least, the assurance of this blog having written content that came purely from my mind, heart, and soul along with interactions to Pokémon remains something definite.

Pokémon is surely at present also affected by (the content generated by) A.I. things, and admittedly a few of my other dealings are affected in much of the same ways. With that experience and situation, this post becomes quite necessary to be written up in order to show that my assistive capacity for Pokémon matters, in writing at the very least, is not dependent on A.I. things and/or content and can stand up to them if at all deemed necessary, like now.

One year ago: Isshoni Tanoshimimashou Under Fire

Two years ago: Performance Critique: Bunkasai Japan Fest J-Song

Three years ago: The 2022 Pokémon Anniversary Week

Four years ago: (Pokémon) Songs as Advice

Five years ago: Cosplay: Beat Launch Party

Six years ago: Local EX Raid (in a Frenzy), 2/22/2019

Seven years ago: Trainer Caps, and a Teaser

Eight years ago: Back in the Park

How to Say "Farewell"

For some people, they might not know how (or at least have difficulty) to express certain things in certain situations. A recent one that has come up for me is the expression of "farewell" in some situations, certainly with them having some sort of relation to Pokémon matters. The instances of "farewell" in the situations are a bit "abstract" and in a couple of cases might seem a little "premature", but the essence of the parting in the situations is there - and so is the difficulty of expressing things.

The report of Niantic potentially selling its games unit (including of course Pokémon Go) is one of the situations. Though it hasn't happened yet - making this one of the "premature" situations - the potential to say "farewell" to the way that things have always been may be at hand, if not having already happened owing to the way that Niantic has handled said game up to today. Being up in the air, it's definitely difficult to say something about them as of yet.

Meanwhile, just today and in the same realm as above, I've been able to achieve an important milestone that is effectively a parting or "farewell" with an earlier focus. However, this too is a "premature" situation, as there have been reports that the earlier focus may just return if the circumstances are right. Still, it may just depend on the execution of the above situation, and if so, the "farewell" might be as temporary as it was the last time; at the least, it can be there until the "farewell" says its "farewell" - something also hard to say.

Recently, I've also had to part with a friend from my earlier Pokémon cosplay days, and this "farewell" is permanent... as that friend has passed on due to health problems. While we never collaborated on any Pokémon projects together, some of the times we shared have shaped my Pokémon cosplay even today. Thus, the "farewell" is a little hard to take and obviously also hard (for me) to say anything about, as I've discovered while attempting to do so on the relevant social media channel. 

Perhaps the best way of saying things is through music, even if the music doesn't say anything at all - like another piece from Yanni, appropriately entitled... "Farewell". It has evidently become the way for me not only consoling but also expressing with these situations, and the subdued nature of the piece - one from the very early solo days of the composer - is appropriate in that regard. 

Having this Pokémon blog means being able to say a lot of different things about Pokémon matters, even if some are only tangentially related (moreover abstractly to the "farewell" concept) as in the above. Admittedly, though, it can be pretty difficult to say things about things from time to time, also regarding the above, and the "how to say things" part of the Pokémon matters is a sticking point as are the matters themselves.

One year ago: Still Otaku, Yet Separate

Two years ago: SWEEP JR Taking on the World

Three years ago: 3DS eShop Closing - Demise Is Near

Four years ago: More NPC Trainers in Pokémon Go?

Five years ago: Hobby as a Partner

Six years ago: Even More LINE Pokémon Stickers

Seven years ago: Quirky Raids

Eight years ago: Secret Garden

Pokémon Food Memories

Being a culinary enthusiast in some ways, food is for me something to savor and enjoy (in addition to make, find, and procure). For me personally, it can also be a way to create, keep, and conjure memories in all kinds of ways - certainly as far as this blog is concerned, even Pokémon ones. With that in mind, I thought I'd take a post on discussing how this is possible and reflected in the experiences that have transpired for me.

In creating memories, that has occurred with a friend, also involved in different Pokémon affairs, who I don't get to see physically often, as that friend is usually far away from me. However, some of the best times I've had with that friend were during mealtimes, be they common fast food or cultural delicacies. It can be said that we not only bond over our appreciation of Pokémon, but also the food that we enjoy together. In this way, memories are created over food alongside whatever we're involved in for Pokémon together.

Meanwhile, memories are kept for my Pokémon Go raid group and I, for which the former's anniversary celebration parties have always involved food of some kind. If the same kinds of food are presented even outside the context of that anniversary celebration (or even more simply, just by thinking about the food), it becomes hard not to associate them with the memories of those parties. Recently, things have turned sour for both of us, so the matter has become more of a "dissociation", but the point is still the same: it's hard not to do so.

As for the conjuring of memories, there are the various times my raid subgroups gathered and made an occasion of it with food, or when my other Pokémon fellows or I myself make certain occasions and predictably have food alongside. They bring to mind the specific occasions one after another as they occur, and the memories are conjured up in this way. Unlike the soured group relations above and like the still-sweet relations with that friend, this is something that is expected (or I expect it myself) to continue for as long as they possibly can.

Some things leave a mark on my mind, and one of those is definitely Pokémon. But food is also pretty well-defined in this case, and it also leaves a mark on my mind. Considering the above, they definitely can occur together as well, and that should be a good thing for me as I am a big fan of the former and a good fan of the latter. I'm sure that many Pokémon fans can agree on these sentiments and bring their own food memories to the table.

One year ago: Poké-Clickbait (or Having None of It)

Two years ago: A Clash of Realms on Go Tour

Three years ago: A Leftover Pokémon Promo?

Four years ago: The Sweetness of "Attractors"

Five years ago: Memories and Mnemonics

Six years ago: Pokémon Clocks

Seven years ago: (It's a Wonderful) Local Ex-Raid, 2/8/2018

Eight years ago: Serena-Shipping: "Heaven Help My Heart"

Quickies: The Little Bugs in Life

Every so often, my neighborhood becomes swarmed with some bugs, and at times, a few even make it into my house. A lot of them are of the little sort (fortunately), and while they mostly don't pose bodily harm, they can be quite annoying to deal with, never mind by just being present. Yet they're also a reminder - for me - that some Pokémon species are little bugs of their own and present their own challenges, like the bugs I deal with.

Most recently, the little bugs are (were) of the sort of Wurmple and Caterpie, which being the wormlike caterpillars that they are, could make them regarded as slightly "icky" under certain circumstances. The Pokémon species are likely friendly even with their resemblance, though the real ones aren't necessarily so. It may take a quite a bit of nerve to become emotionally attached to them or to just deal with them as necessary.

Then, there are the little bugs of the sort of Joltik and Spinarak, two spider-like little bugs. Having them appear in places can certainly give some people the creeps, even the ones that are Pokémon species, never mind the real ones. The Electric and Poison capabilities of the former doesn't help matters much either in dealing with them, as analogs to what the real bugs can do. There is a certain "handle with care" quality that goes with them.

As much as some people (including me) would prefer not to have to deal with little bugs like those of the above sort, both the realistic and Pokémon ones, admittedly they give their own colors to some situations of life. And they'll always be present for their purposes if the people let them be. With that, it seems I'll keep dealing with swarms of bugs as best as I could, hopefully preferring that they'd be Pokémon ones.

One year ago: Waiting to Break into Pokémon Spinoff Games

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day Classic, 1/21/2023

Three years ago: Six Degrees of Separation

Four years ago: Seeking Comfort with Pokémon

Five years ago: Getting Too Technical

Six years ago: Takara Tomy Arts Manmaru Pokémon Netsuke Sun & Moon - Torracat

Seven years ago: Cosplay: AsiA Cosplay Competition 2018, Day 2

Eight years ago: Dreams of Itasha

Eight Years Holding Items

Also as usual is this final post of the year, which marks the completion of a full eight years of all kinds of posts related to Pokémon, on both happenings and experiences as I capture them. By my convention, I associate it with a game mechanic or concept, and I've chosen to employ the concept of "held items" for this year's discussion and interpretation of the way things have gone throughout this year for all things and happenings related to Pokémon, including what pertains to me and this blog personally. That concept could be considered to be as diverse as those things and happenings.

Many hold items for Pokémon restore aspects of themselves that have been compromised in battle. I say "restore" because something that ties into this is healing, and I've already discussed healing - twice over in past years; meanwhile, "restore" itself covers more than healing. Still, healing is quite related to hold items, which is the purpose of ones like Oran and Sitrus Berries toward HP. Recovery of other aspects then becomes the purpose of other items like the Leppa and Pecha Berries, as PP and the Poisoned condition respectively. As for how this ties into this year, I've partially restored myself in Pokémon Go PvP, and conventions and festivals continue to be an outlet for personal Pokémon expression, even if they may be slightly deemphasized. Of course, anything related to Pokémon will surely restore its fans, even if only minorly revealed as with the sole edition of Pokémon Presents earlier this year.

Other hold items, particularly those introduced in contemporary times, serve to enhance Pokémon. Particular examples of these are Mega Stones for allowing Pokémon to access specific Mega Evolution forms and Z-Crystals for enabling them to use Z-Moves; less drastic but still enhancing are items like the Incense family and type items like Charcoal and Never Melt Ice. A local journey - that is, in my local area - featuring the franchise's mascot is surely (and was affirmed to be as such) an enhancer of local affairs... and those who venture to take part from abroad as well. Though a variant rather than an enhancer of gameplay, the recent Trading Card Game Pocket still enhances the landscape nonetheless and provides another outlet for its experience.

Then there are just other hold items that have different effects, like the Red Card and Eject Button whose effects are evident in battle, and the species-specific "Type Plates" for Arceus and Drives for Genesect that change their appearances and to some extent their skill sets. The continuous addition of features (and Pokémon) to contemporary games along with the expected dynamics of the "vanguard" games - main series and physical TCG - are different strokes for different fans, and that would reflect the hold items that they would have or take.

It's plain to see that hold items for Pokémon take many different forms and have equally many different effects. Their development, from the second generation onwards, has taken its own twists and turns - and Pokémon developments this year also have had some of that, even personally. As such, the concept seems to align in this way at the very least, if nothing else does, besides Pokémon itself as the anchor.

With this blog, it may be considered that I'm presenting my own selection of hold items that I've used and what others have used. What those items may be, besides the ones I've construed out of the above, may be open to further interpretation, especially in more recent Pokémon contexts that I haven't gotten in touch with and will need to when the time is right.

Each Pokémon is different, and so are all kinds of hold items. Their experiences, like the ones in this year and in all years past, will vary accordingly.

Look real hard, and there may just be Pokémon items to be held in some way. Cheers! 🎒

One year ago: Seven Years with Usage of Field Moves

Two years ago: Six Years & The Conferring of Statuses

Three years ago: Five Years - Extended Healing

Four years ago: Four Years, Taking Damage and Healing

Five years ago: Three Years: Making My Moves

Six years ago: Two Years of Evolution

Seven years ago: One Year Full of Pokémon