Pokémon (and Other) Diversions

Of all the things I haven't discussed on this blog with certain relation to Pokémon, the topic of "diversions" might prove to be a wild one. The reason is that it can apply in several different ways, including for Pokémon. Yet for the purpose of this post, they have to be illustrated or explained in some way, and that becomes my task. It's also admitted that the task may not be evidently easy, but it shows the nature of things.

When Pokémon species become a diversion, they're usually involved in spots of trouble or other hijinks. Snorlax from the Orange Islands and Jigglypuff throughout the early days of the Pokémon anime were both diversions in their own right, the latter from certain musical ventures and the former from the management of a fruit (Berry) orchard. Only by dealing with the diversions themselves could order be restored.

For Pokémon itself becoming a diversion, any fan who plays the games frequently can attest that it is as such, becoming a useful (and therefore good) aside from other matters of life. As with any other form of a diversion, leaving things unchecked can make things less than stellar, but that shouldn't happen even to the best and most fervent of Pokémon fans like me. The key seems to be their management for all their usefulness.

And, as a bit of diversion from this discussion...

Me: I guess I effectively sent you on a few faraway diversions today.

Ash: Yeah, um... it took a bit, but I got quite a few things done that maybe you wouldn't be able to do yourself.

Goh: Wasn't there a festival or something? 

Ash: There was... and there wasn't.

Me: And the situation was regrettable. If things come to fruition, we might be able to talk about it.

Ash: You might also want to take things easy.

Me: Good point. Though I'm a little unsure since things keep happening.

Goh: I'm sure you can deal with them.

Me: Well... that, and hopefully there aren't any extreme diversions in the mix. 

The way that diversions are, they really can make people take side turns from the intended things. A few of them might just involve Pokémon, and that could be something good for its fans, for even in the Pokémon world there are specific diversions involving the eponymous species as well. Wherever those diversions might lead, it may be that their results can affect Pokémon (and other) matters in possibly the best of ways.

One year ago: The Good and Evil of Ace Spec Cards

Two years ago: Why Do I Still Play Pokémon Go?

Three years ago: Pelipper's Carry-Ons

Four years ago: The Silph Arena Continentals Meta

Five years ago: Multiple Pokédexes in Pokémon Go?

Six years ago: Local Tailors and My Cosplay Costumes

Seven years ago: A New 3DS Story: A Second Monster Home

Eight years ago: Personalities

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)

The Peak of Delightful Days

After three months, the climax of the latest Pokémon Go season is at hand, and that season is about to end soon - both of which are in my usual regard, regardless of what happens and when they happen. I had suggested that the season would have quite a bit of "fun in the sun" when I introduced it as it began (or was about to), and that is a good starting point for the discussion of its tail end and everything that has happened in it, also as always both inside and outside of Pokémon Go (as Pokémon in general as well).

Considering the events of the game of relevance, they all did leverage the perceived "theme" somehow (including the ultimate event of this month), especially given the typical mid-year happenings of Pokémon Go Fest. Incidentally, there were also some transitions in and out of the darkness, suggesting that countering the darkness may be necessary at times in order to have even more of that "fun in the sun". Of course, most everything should have provided continuous delight for all participating Trainers.

Outside of Pokémon Go, the biggest delight for all Pokémon fans was certainly the World Championships just a couple of weeks ago. While the happenings in other Pokémon games or realms may or may not have been directed to the "delightful days" of this grand tournament, at least some of the events in the lead-up to it had its own kind of elements of "delightful days", some of which involved colorful Pokémon like the Eon Pokémon that are capable of bringing delight to everyone's days.

For many people, this time of year is surely a period of "delightful days", but even within that period, there are still some struggles to be had, if Pokémon Go as the game that furnishes this season's title is of any indication. That may be considered true to different extents for other, different games or realms of Pokémon, and it is effectively a constant determination for bringing wonderful things by all that they offer.

In that sense, the only other constant thing in Pokémon life and other life is change. Seasons change (as will happen soon), things change, and even Pokémon species change, the last one being something that is always evident and replete for this realm. On this last day, perhaps there can be many reasons to celebrate delight - that of the season that has progressed and of the season that is to come and likely promise its own delight.

One year ago: The Peak of Shared Skies

Two years ago: The Peak of Hidden Gems

Three years ago: The Peak of Go

Four years ago: The Peak of Discoveries

Five years ago: Pokémon: Twilight Wings

Six years ago: The Start of a Decked-Out Adventure

Seven years ago: Solidarity Making

Eight years ago: Reunions!

The FOMO Aspect and Pokémon

There are three specific aspects that I would consider related by virtue of them sounding the same and being mentioned at the same time, although a bit of that is due to personal experience. One of them is as mentioned in the title: "FOMO", short for "fear of missing out". It surely refers to how some people don't want to miss out on things, which is good... except for the developed "fear" in this case. It also has a certain applicability to Pokémon, and the goal of this post is to elucidate how that may be - or in some cases already is.

Most specifically, the aspect has been tied to Pokémon Go, for which it can be said that the game exploits the aspect to get its players (Trainers) involved in all the game's events and thereby spend what is needed to do so. This works for the most part, as quite a bit of the things introduced in the game have appeared once or a couple of times at one point and then not repeated again for a very long time. Knowing this, Trainers become influenced to play through and preclude the fear - and then repeat this as more and more events appear.

With other continuously updated Pokémon games like Café Remix and Unite, the aspect also manifests itself in these games in much the same ways, goading players to play to preclude the fear and get the Pokémon and/or items that they need, for which the appearances could be sparse. Meanwhile, the main series games are not constantly updated, but it has started to get into the act of having a number of limited-time events that effectively act the same as ones that are present in the continuously updated games.

Physical Pokémon goods like merchandise and TCG cards are obviously not immune to the aspect, and especially for the latter, for which it is very well-known that scalpers have gotten quite a foothold on the goods. For merchandise, a lot of it is certainly limited by the nature of the goods being produced in only certain quantities and for restrained venues and periods like the recent pop-up store at the World Championships. The aspect thus plays on the effects of these circumstances to influence fans in obtaining the goods... if they can.

Considering the above and how the aspect manifests itself in other areas of life, it's very much a psychological matter, and that matter can be quite pervasive. For Pokémon, it does have the effect of drawing attention to its goings-on and making sure that fans can take part and get something out of them before the goings-on are displaced and the fans miss out. The resolution of this may be questionable in some ways, but there is no question that the aspect is psychologically real, and that's for people (in particular, Pokémon fans) to grapple with. 

One year ago: The Matter of "Specific Evolution" in Unite

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Fest 2023 (Global), Day 2

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Fest 2022 (Global), Finale

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 8/27/2021

Five years ago: Road to the 25th Anniversary

Six years ago: Blogging on Blogs: The Pokémon Go Official Blog

Seven years ago: My Pokémon Groups on Facebook

Eight years ago: In-Town vs. Out-of-Town Events

Seeking Salvation for Me and Others

Pokémon can be considered to keep me in line in some ways, and this might very well be also applicable to others. What I perhaps haven't really brought up much - apart from a mention some years ago - is the "safety" that it brings for me and others, and how that "safety" can be sought after. I thought I'd bring it up for a discussion at this current point, given I had a bit of a vision (perhaps it could also be construed as a dream) of how things could be without that "safety" and what it means for me and others as we seek it. 

In the vision, there was an electrical catastrophe of a major sort, something that I might say could be caused by an errant Pikachu or Raichu - if it were a Pokémon causing it. Otherwise, it's the sort of thing that I might cause if I were more of an errant person myself, perhaps much like some people who are hanging around in society at present who have more "unsafe" tendencies. There's a sense that I'm kept out of this by being involved with Pokémon matters, and that works out to my benefit - a sought "safety".

For other people, the benefits might be similar in that Pokémon can afford them the best experiences of an ideal and safe humanity - and to keep it that way, given some of the things that occur in the games and its other media forms. Seeking after this "safety" might become a goal for many people, whether or not they realize it, and Pokémon might just provide the means. Some of the efforts in all those media forms at the very least have some good to them, and leveraging them might be the first effort to bring about safety.

At present, there might be a lot of "unsafe" things in the world, and they might continue for a good bit of time, with some of the consequences potentially unknown. The vision I had might represent some of those potentially unknown consequences, even if I'm not the one who brought them about in the first place. What is known well is that Pokémon has a lot of good things going for it, and they might just be good enough for "safety" in this sometimes "unsafe" world; the former is definitely someting to go towards and seek.

One year ago: Network Connections

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Fest 2023 (Global), Day 1

Three years ago: Pre-Puzzle and Mid-Puzzle Items in Café Remix

Four years ago: Go Battle Night Burnout

Five years ago: Continuous Inspiration

Six years ago: Making Others (and Myself) Happy

Seven years ago: Figure Gathering, Again

Eight years ago: Cosplay: B-Bunkasai 2017 - Yume no Tobira

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

The Divide between Official and Fan Art

The recent gaffe of the "immersive" art for Ho-Oh in TCGP also brings up a bit of an issue that affects not only Pokémon but also many other game franchises in the world. It concerns the treatment of art that is specifically made for official media and art that is made by fans for their purposes. More specifically, these two realms can be considered to have a "divide" between them that may be difficult to resolve. Even with that difficulty, there is an imperative to discuss the situation and what it means for both parts of the divide.

Considering the realm of gaming franchises, Pokémon can be regarded as a "friendly" one with respect to fan art. If it weren't, all the fan art out there - including, say, by "Trainer K" - would have been quashed with a certain immediacy. Of course, any art with a highly and particularly evident negative light can still be quashed; this would likely be the course for any other (game) franchise, even for ones that like and appreciate fan art. Not only the art but also image (as in reputation) have to be protected after all, as a human mannerism.

What becomes the primary concern of the divide, as with all sorts of nice things in today's world, is money and how that is brought about by the art in question. Pokémon is commercial, certainly, so there's money to be had from official art. Fans may not necessarily be in it for the money (also in a sense, perhaps in knowledgeable ways), but at the same time, Pokémon also cannot enjoy that benefit willy-nilly from fan art, which sheds a light on the "authenticity" issue that surrounds the aforementioned TCGP art gaffe and its production.

For that, licensing becomes a concern that is drawn into this divide. If something is licensed, especially by prior agreement and intent, then Pokémon can stand to make money off of it - and it should, given how costly official merchandise is these days. But then, there is the difficulty - perhaps close to impossibility - of licensing something that wasn't licensed in the first place, which ties into the issue of making fan art official and yet again ties into that gaffe. The complicating issues make an apparent divide even more stark.

So, apart from revealing more bits about that gaffe, all the points above highlight the situation that official art and fan art are separated not only by their creation process but also the issues that they present for each other, which may not be easily bridged. What may be more easily bridged, however, is appreciation on both sides where legalities aren't involved (too deeply) and positivity is apparent. It seems that there will always be a divide; the question is how to work with and around that divide for the good of everyone.

One year ago: The (Blinding) Light of Evolution

Two years ago: Cosplay: Utsuru 8

Three years ago: Deliveries in Café Remix

Four years ago: Furthering Eevee's "Eeveelutions"

Five years ago: More on Pokémon Go Gift Stickers

Six years ago: Red and Riley Keychains

Seven years ago: The Apple and Pokémon

Eight years ago: Cosplay: Nimatsuri 2017

"Bunnelby Holes" with Pokémon

They say that rabbits dig (or at least go into) holes that lead to fantastical places with a lot of things going on in there, so they are called "rabbit holes" by virtue of that. The rabbit has a few equivalents in Pokémon, one of which is the Bunnelby family; incidentally, digging holes might very much be the MO of its members, whether or not the holes might have a sort of fantasy about them. By extension, the holes would then be called "Bunnelby holes" for all the similar things that they have to offer.

As they may hold fantasies, they may be of the plentiful and exciting kind, like a hole that leads to a secret Pokémon paradise with many species and plants. The Pokémon might already be present there, or they might have followed the Bunnelby (or Diggersby as its evolved form) down the hole. Such a paradise could conceivably be enjoyed by the Pokémon or even people who come upon it, and they'd have a great time; this would be the ideal situation and a picturesque fantasy that is not out of imaginative reach.

On the other hand, those same fantasies might be overwhelming in some sort of way, and those who are exposed to them might desire to cast them off instead, at least for a temporary stretch of time. In particular, that would mean not following the Bunnelby and their kin down or into the hole or even getting out of that, the latter being a more difficult proposition. Of course, the fantasies will still be there, and if they're especially in Pokémon species form, they'll be gladly waiting to interact with those who will fancy them.

With the way that Bunnelby (or real rabbits) are and what sorts of holes they might dig or be followed into, different kinds of fantasies, both real and related to Pokémon, might just surely follow. But then, that might also be up to the ones who will do just that, and perhaps most importantly, when they might make a decision for that. The fantasies are likely to be as opportune as the Pokémon species involved with them, and that could be something that fans will look forward for their coming experiences.

So... how far down the "Bunnelby hole" will one go?

One year ago: Observing (and Playing) an Evening with TCG Friends

Two years ago: 3DS eShop Winds Down - Pokémon Games Too

Three years ago: The Old (City) for the New Championships

Four years ago: In the Mix: Pokémon Presents, 8/18/2021

Five years ago: Too Many Items from Raids?

Six years ago: This Is My House

Seven years ago: Local Ex-Raid (and Changes), 8/19/2018

Eight years ago: Pikachu Image Pillow

I Want to Be Free (...as a Bird)

Um... well, today's a special day, which should be evident by previous years' posts (see below). Due to some currently prevailing sentiments, however, I don't feel like addressing it directly - although as the prevailing topic of this blog, I can (and have to) always address Pokémon directly. It's like I'm not really "free" in doing so, even with today being a day for "freedom". For that, the desire to be "free" is very strong, and it's something that I and others possess, even with Pokémon in tow somehow.

Some people may consider that birds are the most emblematic animal of freedom, certainly if cages don't become a matter for them and the aspect. In fact, most countries in the world have some sort of a national bird (possibly even more than one), and these birds may be purely representative or deeply symbolic. And when it becomes very much the latter, then it will be present as emblems in various areas or contexts. Conceivably, this also applies - and very much so - for a certain reference area.

With that, the national bird of the reference area is a local raptor, a sort-of hawk and a sort-of eagle. The consideration of its significance is really not for these specific resemblances, nor the fact that it's now a very rare species, which it is. Rather, when the bird takes flight and spreads its tail and wings, it becomes the perfect shape for embodying a certain symbolism that drives national agendas, then and now. As well, the bird isn't particularly gleaming, but the symbolism is quite as such.

When these are taken into account, some of the Pokémon birds that fit into this reference are Braviary, Pidgeot, and Corviknight. The first of these is somewhat agreeable with the species and resemblance, while the others are more agreeable in their impressive symbolism. Yet if purely "impressive symbolism" is to be considered, then there is nothing like Ho-Oh, which in some circumstances may appear as gleaming as that particular symbolism, even if it might be less agreeable in shape and size in this specific regard.

Ultimately, the point of this discussion and the references made for that purpose is to reason for my "freedom" as well as that of others, some of which has been seemingly lost. So it is that birds provide an outlet of reason, whether it would be that certain national bird or the Pokémon birds that resemble its likeness and then that symbolism. The next thing would be to ensure that "freedom" flies high in any form and that my desire (and those of others) are fulfilled on its wings. 

So, yeah, um... happy that "freedom" day. Yeah, that.

One year ago: Seeking the Unity of All Aspects

Two years ago: My Land, Never Gone

Three years ago: Independence Numerology, Pokémon Style

Four years ago: Sparkling, Shining for the World

Five years ago: Rise Up and Live, with Body and Soul

Six years ago: ...And Social Justice for All

Seven years ago: United in Diversity

Eight years ago: Red and White Philosophy

Quickies: What Would Professor Oak Build?

Sometimes, one may need to make do with the things that one has in order to perform specific tasks. This state of affairs might also apply even to Pokémon Professors, with all the things that they do. Every Pokémon fan will recognize Professor Oak, who can be attested to be very knowledgeable, yet is sometimes a little "janky" as well; he might be considered the perfect (and foremost) candidate for having to make (build) things out of practically nothing in order to deal with problems that occur in the area of his laboratory and beyond.

For example, it may be necessary for the professor to keep two distinct groups of opposing Pokémon separate from themselves and even himself while he deals with them for purposes of studying them. Fences and/or separate rooms may already work well for this purpose, but it's also that he will need something more for this purpose. That probably could mean building an effective form of diversion (like artistic arrangements of everyday objects) to get the Pokémon to forget about their separation and confinement, let alone about attacking each other. It's a fascinating challenge and one that the professor may have to readily tackle.

Meanwhile, it is somewhat well-known that some (of Ash's) Pokémon are quite "attached" to the professor, so he would often need to keep them in check while the professor does other activities that don't necessarily involve these Pokémon. That doesn't necessarily mean separating and distracting them as in the previous case, but it could mean having something to make sure that they keep themselves in line and still get what they need - for example, a "feeding time" activity using a Pokémon feeder along with other items that accomplishes the purpose of providing them sustenance while keeping them entertained.

The above situations might be somewhat idealized, yet they are also somewhat realistic given the demands of the activities of Professor Oak. Being a Pokémon Professor who knows a lot about the ways of Pokémon might demand him to combine that knowledge with that of other ways of life in deterministic ways. The question as posed in the title of this post then becomes a way to reflect on all of the knowledge that the professor poses while at the same time being able to express his "janky" side that works and plays well with many other Pokémon.

One year ago: The Adventures of Pikachu and Snorlax

Two years ago: Let's Go on Routes

Three years ago: The Pokémon Unite Phone-Switch Transition

Four years ago: Nostalgic "Coins" of Pokémon

Five years ago: Remote Raids and Invitations

Six years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 8/3/2019

Seven years ago: Divergent Anime?

Eight years ago: A Hobbled Pikachu... 3DS XL

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?

Dealing with Losing Streaks in Pokémon Games

Any game with battles and thereby results of wins and losses is prone to generate streaks of either one, the latter unpreferable and the former quite the opposite. Many Pokémon games of the present day obviously have this property, and every once in a while, losing streaks do come up - even to the best. Given how evident and ubiquitous this is, and especially to yours truly recently, I thought I'd write up about it and in particular how to regard or deal with it when it does happen.

In some games, it is possible to switch play modes and complete other objectives, even if the primary objective is not fulfilled. The Go Battle League in Pokémon Go, for example, often offers more than one format, and one of these might just be able to break losing streaks that may just be incurred by another. Meanwhile in Pokémon Unite, although Ranked matches only really come in one form, at least other matches can help to achieve other objectives without having to incur more Ranked matches if a losing streak does occur.

For those who play the main series and VGC, the format is likewise a straight-through matter, so a losing streak might also be quite tiresome. In that case, it may be time to try to raise other viable Pokémon and/or (in more recent installments) take on raids with friends. Something like Café Remix may not have losing streaks per se, but subpar results on certain stages may present themselves like losing streaks, and they might prompt a play shift to other kinds of stages for a possible rethinking. In short, it's the shifting that matters.

When all else fails, though, it may be that if losing streaks continue to occur (specifically in one game), it may be time to shift to other Pokémon games and/or entertainment - or possibly even others outside of that - to refresh perspectives. And if that's not enough, then it may be necessary to do other things and/or take (relaxing) breaks, just as in the case of when one is fed up with other things in life. After that, things might just make themselves clear and one can then shift back to whatever it is that generated a losing streak.

The ways of battling games, like many Pokémon games are, are likely to result in wins and losses depending on what happens - and sometimes runs of either. It's the latter that becomes the most excruciating part of the efforts for these games, and the sure chances of them occurring also needs sure ways of dealing with them. Fortunately, those same Pokémon games may also offer ways to do that in addition to normal life ways, and they merit consideration for when things do get hairy.

One year ago: Cosplay: Arto Fest

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 7/28/2023

Three years ago: Energy Exchange in Pokémon Unite

Four years ago: Road of 25th Anniversary: Creative Excitement

Five years ago: On Live Blogging (and Pokémon)

Six years ago: Team GO Rocket Blasting Off

Seven years ago: Figure Photography

Eight years ago: Modern Games, Retro Flavor

Quickies: The Fancy of Pokémon Leaves

One of the most common types of Pokémon is the Grass type, and its associated species often feature parts of some sort of botanicals - that of plants and such. Then, one of these parts is the leaf, which is recognizable as a sign of a plant. True to that, many Pokémon of this type do have leaves of some sort, even becoming a striking visual characteristic for the "fancy" of some Pokémon fans like me. Considering that, I've decided to go through a few Pokémon of this type with leaves that really stand out in this manner.

Two species that stand out with some large and lengthy leaves are Venusaur and Tropius, and they're definitely some of the most impressive leaves, especially with their details that reflect (at least in part) a tropical background. Less lengthy are the leaves of Victreebel and Shiftry, and the latter's are considerably more functional than the former's, but they're still impressive for their size and still characteristic of these Pokémon. In a way, size does seem to matter somehow, at least for appearance if not for function.

Meanwhile, some species have less significant leaves but they are still a part of what makes them what they are. Exeggutor and Leafeon notably have leafy ends on opposite ends of their bodies that aren't too massive yet are still a fair marker of them as species of the Grass type. Then there are Sunkern and Petilil with miniature leaves, on par with them being "seedlings" or "sprouts" for their later evolved forms. Anatomically, the leaves still work for them and are a nice part of their representation for their type.

If in real plants (and botanicals) the leaves become a key part of what makes them tick, for the Pokémon species above and others of the same type, the leaves become their identifiers while they perform the same function that real leaves do - and more, for their special abilities, given their use in combat. That may serve as sufficient "fancy" for Pokémon fans as well as botanists, and it's a well-deserved one for all that the species are significant, as a wild representation of the botanical yet combative side of nature.

One year ago: Alternative Communities for Pokémon Fans

Two years ago: Contemporary Issues with Pokémon Games

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 7/17/2022

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Fest 2021, Day 1

Five years ago: Catch Me If...

Six years ago: The First Johto Saga Japanese Opening Theme

Seven years ago: Rearranged Pokémon Music

Eight years ago: How Far Do People Know Pokémon?

A New Order of the Ages...?

OK, it's July 4 again, so it's the day that the United States commemorates its independence. Since several years ago, I began the norm of discussing it (by a theme related to the country) along with some relevant Pokémon matters, and that remains true for this year. The theme taken last year was a Latin saying found on a piece of national imagery... and yet it's actually one of two on that imagery, like either Plusle or Minun. With that, I figure I need to discuss the second of the pair, moreover since now there is some relevance and importance to some other Pokémon matters.

That second saying is "novus ordo seclorum", which means... more or less the words in the title of this post. Its apparent history is that it's a reinterpretation of a phrase found in a certain classical Latin piece - which I would consider to be of interest to me, but I digress - and it was chosen (along with the saying above) to represent the dawn of the new country, implicatively as a place of independence and freedom, spiritually speaking. It then goes back to the occasion of this day as the commemoration of that.

As for the relevance of this with Pokémon matters, recall that years ago (see below), I had written about how the U.S. can be regarded as a "center" - a focus place, so to speak - of Pokémon happenings. That is still true today, although recent upheavals outside of Pokémon (not to be discussed here) might seem to make that fact a little less on the pleasant side. It's as if the saying above is realizing its premise, only in a darker direction. Even people beyond Pokémon affairs feel exactly this way, as if the spirits above are becoming lost.

With that, what would be needed for this "center" to become viably pleasant for Pokémon players - since a few Pokémon events (like the World Championships) are invariably held there - is... perhaps the phrase itself, but in a better direction for the country. What's done is done, and it's clear that the current situation of an age shift has been nightmarish, but that doesn't mean it can't change again for the better, as far as all Pokémon fans are concerned.

Independence for this country has been a wonder such a long time ago, which might just explain the choice of using the saying in the national imagery. That seems equivalent to the wonder Pokémon has aroused in a fraction of the time of that independence. Time keeps on changing and ages keep on shifting, and for all that is good (like Pokémon) in this world, the ages may need to shift again for the country before it's too late.

But what is never too late is wishing well for the independence of a country, especially as the pertinent occasion comes up for Pokémon fans there and all other people of interest. On that note, that is just what I'd like to do - to wish well on the occasion - and hope that the ages may newly turn for the better.

One year ago: Blessed Be These Efforts

Two years ago: From Sea to Shining Sea

Three years ago: The U.S. as a "Center" of Pokémon

Four years ago: Searching for Myself... with U.S. Included

Five years ago: A Few Words about U.S. (Us)

Six years ago: Welcome to the Jungle

Seven years ago: Metal Reversed Cap Pikachu Keychain

Eight years ago: The Subdued Hometown Themes

Camerupt Waiting to... Erupt?

One of the most enigmatic Pokémon species (as a consideration) might be Camerupt. It has the appearance of being tame, but with the right conditions and provocations, it might be prone to become rather explosive and make its humps erupt like a volcano - thus, befitting its name. At that point, it would also be hard to calm it down. Such a condition could also seem to be applicable to a few people-Pokémon situations today, both personal and public.

I'm always wary that what I do - particularly involving Pokémon - might not be received in good faith even if the intent is good (or not meant to be bad in the first place). Some of this may have played a factor in a certain departure I discussed many years ago, and now history seems to repeat itself with the local Pokémon Go raid group in my area. I essentially always seem to be treading around Camerupt that might erupt at any moment by what I do.

The same feeling is had even for other people in my local area, beyond the aspects of the above that I consider parts of the ways I express myself with Pokémon. They appear to be even more sensitive - and that's saying a lot given that I'm sensitive myself for a few things, even a few Pokémon ones and not necessarily the same things. In my "head canon", seeing some of the people like Camerupt is the fitting impression of them, perhaps broadly applicable.

And then... there is today's world. A lot of people out there today seem to be "hotheads" - for which Camerupt is then the "spitting image" - and that causes concern that if they "erupt", then a lot of things will be affected, including other Pokémon things (or "species", given their image as one). The ones that aren't Camerupt are treading around those who are, and without knowing how and when they might possibly "erupt" by their own or other accords.

Certainly, every Pokémon species is fascinating yet quirky in their own ways, and that is especially applicable for Camerupt, particularly for its transformative temperament and some potentially explosive ("eruptive") behaviors. The greatest concerns with this species are not getting them to erupt in the first place, and if they do, finding ways to alleviate that. For the people-Pokémon of today, that might just present itself as pressing current matters.

One year ago: The True Nature of Pokémon Things

Two years ago: So Weird, So Glorious (for Pokémon)

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 6/27/2022

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 6/27/2021

Five years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 6/27/2020

Six years ago: Club 40 ID Tournament Memorabilia

Seven years ago: Leaders

Eight years ago: A Little Dream

Bringing Pokémon Cosplay to the Big Time

As Sunday's convention made it evident, one of the exhibited performances in the final round of the big-time cosplay competition that day was a Pokémon performance. All told, it was somewhat based on the TCG but also took cues from the main series games - Scarlet and Violet, since the performance involved species of the ninth generation. The inclusion of this performance affirms that Pokémon cosplay can be brought into this realm, but the reality isn't as simple as this affirmation. For that, I want to make a good bit of discussion regarding this matter and how it ties into me as both a Pokémon fan and cosplayer to boot. 

First up, it's helpful to bring up the relevant competitions and realms again. ICGP is part of the competitive realm of the World Cosplay Summit (WCS), and its focus is placed on the art and craftsmanship of cosplay; it accordingly has a number of regulations and checks - particularly on costume creation - for those who are competing for and in it. ICC meanwhile is part of the realm of Pop Culture Hiroshima, and its focus is highlighting that and its appeal; its regulations are less focused on costume creation and more focused on the performing arts, especially on making cosplay performances wholesome (family-friendly) - a requirement briefed to me for the competition I didn't get to see, but did receive reports on.

With this, the hurdles for each are obviously different. One has to be practically a "semi-pro" or professional crafter (in addition to being a cosplayer in general) for the former, while one may just need to be well-versed in cosplay for the latter. Another hurdle is the selection of suitable subjects for depiction in performance... although as seen the other day, if Pokémon can be made to work, then it shall work - and it does (did), for the team that won the regional ICGP competition with the performance and performed again for the finals with it. Even so, many years ago for ICGP/WCS in particular, it was reported that the subjects were limited because of the constant issue of rights management, though it was relaxed later on; obviously now this is no longer a problem for Pokémon, and the same may be said to apply to ICC/PCH.

Yet even then, there's the question of Pokémon being able to deliver a winning (not to mention entertaining) performance. The Pokémon performance the other day lost out to a few other teams, whose takes are admittedly more intricate and appealing to the audience - a Pokémon battle tends to be just like "that" compared to other, more action-driven series, but that's not to say that it can't be intricate and appealing, which would be something for a potential contender to figure out. If a Pokémon battle is involved, and it will likely be that way, it would have to be as intricate and entertaining as the ninja battle (for that well-known series I keep hinting about) that was performed at last year's WCS finals, which incidentally is also the winner of that competition.

I also can and do have to talk about myself as a part of these. Obviously, I'm out of the league for ICGP/WCS, as my crafting ability for cosplay or otherwise is so-so. This competition is especially looking out for "cutting-edge" materials and techniques - again, something that professionals would understand (for example, one of the teams talked about "biodegradable" materials, something rarely heard within cosplay). I'm better suited for ICC/PCH, and even then if there is a partner who is willing to work and stand by me for the purpose of this competition, and that's something that's hard to come by when it comes to Pokémon. And believe me: I really can't go it alone for very obvious reasons.

The prospect for bringing Pokémon cosplay to the big time - specifically these competitions and others in their vein, with the aim of bringing winners to Japan for the ultimate competition - is wide open, if it hasn't already been affirmed as such. It becomes the challenge of the contenders to work with the materials that they have as well as the regulations that apply to either, and present a dazzling performance, which can and should be done with involvement of Pokémon. The big-time reward is impressive - as is perhaps going there without competing - and appealing, even for this Pokémon fan.

One year ago: To All the Lovely Boys (and Girls)

Two years ago: Cosplay: Indonesia Comic Con - Pop Asia 2023, Day 2

Three years ago: The Pokémon Unite Club Membership

Four years ago: Until Perfect, Until Appreciated

Five years ago: Let's Talk About Grievances

Six years ago: The Show Must Go On

Seven years ago: Jumping the 'Karp

Eight years ago: Married... to Pikachu?

The Expressive Ditto

The award for the blandest Pokémon species could be considered to go to Ditto. It's plainly obvious, given that it's just a "blob of purple goo"; even Pokémon with similar transformative abilities as this Pokémon have far more attractive appearances. Yet what might not be so bland about it is the expression on its face - or the part that might be considered its face - and how that expression becomes emblematic of the Pokémon even as it takes on different guises, and evocative of it without it actually being present.

Usually, the telltale Ditto expression is the colon-end-parens smiley face just like the classic emoticon, which is retained in a transformation and in particular for individuals with imperfect capabilities for doing so. It becomes a sure sign of a masquerading Ditto, making it emblematic in that manner. Of course, its other expressions (delight, surprise, and a few others) are also distinctly characteristic, even if they are in the same plain-symbol style as that basic emoticon smile. They're all still expressive by any means.

As for its "presence" without its presence, some time ago, the host of a very popular TV show made a somewhat recognizable mistake during taping, and in the process made a face that may be considered to resemble the Ditto expression. Even without the Pokémon being actually involved, the facial expression seems rather evocative of the Pokémon in this way. Come to think of it, that specific person is rather transformative in many ways, so the Ditto aspect may be quite evocative for that person beyond facial expressions.

While "expressive" may be somewhat of a weird term for describing the transformative purple blob that is Ditto, it's still rather obvious that the purple blob has a face of its own that can make a few usual and unusual expressions. That includes that emoticon smile that may just persist in its transformations, which for the observant will be a dead giveaway of its presence - perhaps for its expressive nature as well. In that sense, the purple blob may not be all that bland and has something to show for its own.

One year ago: Cosplay: Gold Generation

Two years ago: Possibility of Bottle Caps in Pokémon Go?

Three years ago: Voice Acting, for Me and...

Four years ago: Personal Social Media Experiments with Pokémon

Five years ago: Go with the Flow

Six years ago: The State of Officialness

Seven years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 6/16/2018

Eight years ago: Limited Editions

Friends of Pikachu... by Pokédex Numbers

For one last discussion of Pokémon with them being tied together by Dex numbers, I thought I'd go back to basics and refer to a species that many should know the Dex number of by now. That would be Pikachu, whose number is #25. Given this number, one line of reasoning is that its (close) friends could be found among Pokémon whose Dex numbers share the same two digits as this popular Pokémon. Thus, I've taken this line of reasoning and go over the Pokémon that are related by this virtue.

These Pokémon species would be Electabuzz (#125), Delibird (#225), Spoink (#325), Drifloon (#425), Boldore (#525), Bisharp (#625), Litten (#725), Dottler (#825), and Maushold (#925). Evidently, they're all the ones with 25 at the end, but in line with the other recent discussions, they cover the breadth of species up to the more than 1000 that are known today. The species that would have the number #1025 would fit in too... but things aren't there yet. When things get there, surely there will be a friend to be found.

Of these species, they might be considered to be "yellow friends" (Electabuzz, Dottler), "tailed friends" (Spoink, Litten, Maushold), "floating friends" (Delibird, Drifloon), and "strong friends" (Boldore, Bisharp). That's a whole lot of types of (possible) friends for a very popular yellow mouse, but then all of these friends may be helpful in all the ways that I've listed, allowing Pikachu to do more than it could if it were only by itself. That is perfectly in line with the spirit of friendships, in and out of Pokémon and both creature and human alike.

As Pikachu is very well-known, it would be expected that all (if not most) Pokémon are also friends with it, as is the case for the people connected to it in both real and imagined ways. The ones selected above according to a characteristic of their Dex numbers in line with that of Pikachu would then only be... a selection as such, but even that selection highlights how Pikachu can get along with others, in particular Pokémon species. On that note, it seems fitting to end the current discussion run, knowing that even Dex numbers can really link things.

One year ago: Time to Get Back into the Cards?

Two years ago: Keeping the Memory of Silph Arena (Factions)

Three years ago: Yoshinoya ID Pokémon Merchandise

Four years ago: Let's Talk About Pursuing Our True Selves

Five years ago: There's a Time and Place

Six years ago: Chaos and Darkness

Seven years ago: Singular vs. Multiple Focus Legendaries

Eight years ago: I Don't Want to Miss a Thing

Descending Species on the Upper Hand

The other direction from rising - as in the previous post for Pokémon species with National Dex numbers that exhibit this property - is falling, and it becomes obvious that numbers can also exhibit the property with their digits. Likewise, that can then be applied (back) to the Dex numbers to see what species come out of the specified pattern and then to find more specific patterns among them. Here, too, there might be a few liberties in more ways than one, but that may be the point of it all and the fun to be had.

Given the concern above, then, the species that tie into that are Koffing (#109), Granbull (#210), Wailord (#321), Purugly (#432), Venipede (#543), Braixen (#654), Oranguru (#765), Indeedee (#876), and Flutter Mane (#987). As with the previous post, one of the liberties concerns the usage of the number zero as the "cyclical" filler for a couple of the digits in the species numbers of concern and where things go from there. And where they go might be in places that one might not expect to go.

As a start, this group contains what might still be considered the largest out of all "common" Pokémon, Wailord - perhaps the biggest "upper hand" of the group. Then, there are Granbull, Purugly, Braixen, Oranguru, and Indeedee, all species that may be considered to deliver their own "upper hand" (or paw). The rest might just be considered the oddities, including Flutter Mane, which is part of an interesting group of species that I was really hoping to cover on their own... and that's how it's going to be - but not now.

In the light of their "descending" Dex numbers, the selected species above seem to have their ways of gaining the "upper hand", even if it's just a figurative interpretation at any rate. Yet that's a liberty (among others) to be taken when considering multiple species that only seem to be rather disjoint - except, certainly, with regard to their Dex numbers. Covering the two directions of rising and falling in this case makes for a neat fancy with regard to numbers and Pokémon, especially for the one doing so.

One year ago: Quickies: Smells Like Pokémon

Two years ago: Tournament: SWEEP JR vs. Icy Wind (SA Factions)

Three years ago: Yoshinoya ID Pokémon Promo

Four years ago: The Floating City Awaits

Five years ago: As In As All...

Six years ago: Nationally Challenged

Seven years ago: Before Gold and Silver

Eight years ago: Red on a Bike

Species on the Ascending, the Up and Up

Following Pokémon species with their Dex numbers all the same digit, now I thought about going through ones whose digits are all different - specifically, ones whose digits are one-away (consecutive) from each other in a rising fashion. There's no set name for these numbers - at least, none that I can find - but they may be considered as ones people naturally think of when they think of numbers. The same may not necessarily apply to Pokémon species, but it's still fun to consider ones for which the numbers apply.

Accordingly, the species in question are Scyther (#123), Stantler (#234), Lileep (#345), Finneon (#456), Archeops (#567), Meowstic (#678), Cosmog (#789), Eternatus (#890), and Ursaluna (#901). A little bit of liberty is taken here with regard to zero since that's what happens to the last digits of numbers when they increase; they loop back to that number, so the ones included here are of natural consequence. Also of natural consequence is that if there is ever a species with number #1234, it won't happen for quite some time, which is even more the case compared to the repdigit future case.

Meanwhile, of these species, they could be taken to have "ascending" or "expansive" things about them as well. Scyther and Stantler would have evolutionary forms in Hisui that are their own rightful species, for which Ursaluna is one for Ursaring (not present here); the latter is even more "expansive" as well with an alternate and "bloody" form. Then there's Cosmog that is the expanse of the cosmos in a miniature form, and Eternatus that is just plain expansive no matter how one looks at it. For the others, they might just have more than meets the eye, whether in their next or previous evolutionary stage as applicable.

Even if there may or may not be a definitive name for the numbers in question, the numbers just naturally seem to make themselves evident, and that may be all that is needed to deal with the numbers. Dealing with them in reference to Pokémon species by way of their National Dex numbers is then an expansive step when Pokémon fans are considered, and it turns out there may be some "ascending" or "expansive" ideals with the species of concern. That may just be a matter that a fan has to "rise" upon.

One year ago: Signs of a Good Day (and Morrow)

Two years ago: Cosplay: "It's My Town" Competition

Three years ago: Finding Reasons to Sing and Connect

Four years ago: Justification for Writing My Blog

Five years ago: Low-Bit Fantasies with Pokémon

Six years ago: Field Research Task Reporting

Seven years ago: The Myth of Shiny Pokémon

Eight years ago: On Skateboards and Pokémon