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

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

April Fool's Day 2025: Balls for You and Me

Things are back to that one day a year where a few things go crazy, including some Pokémon things. That would be April Fool's Day, and already some realms of the world have their own shenanigans for this very day - including for Pokémon (and specifically Pokémon Go), but that's to be explained shortly. Now, a key part of the Pokémon experience is being able to capture Pokémon in special capture balls in the range from Poké Ball to Great Ball and beyond, so the concept of "balls" are inherently tied to Pokémon in this case. Of course, that's in part a formality derived from the main series games, and capture balls may or may not be needed in other cases. Yet the "ball" concept may still manifest itself in other ways.

Perhaps in close relation to the ubiquity of Poké Balls specifically, some Pokémon species have developed appearances that resemble that ball. Then, when they're interacted with - in both intended and unintended ways - expected and unexpected consequences may result. That may still be exceptional, though, and it is likely in the usual cases one will interact with them in good ways, or as in the older main series games, be able to find balls containing items in their place and not have to deal with them at all. The species and mannerism of getting items may be somewhat idealized, but they're still what they are for their worth.

In situations where the capture balls are not pertinent for their actual usage, it may still be nice to have a bit of whimsy with them - like having beach balls in their motif, as some anime episodes have demonstrated, or having figures that closely replicate the look and feel of the capture balls. Both are quite perfectly suited for real-life applications, although the latter is more admittedly so and the former could be considered a bigger whimsy of the Pokémon world itself, but if they can work out for fun, they'll work out nonetheless.

Me: What do you think?

Ash: Poké Balls or any kind of balls or fun!

Goh: Fun and functional. I recall you two demonstrating it last year.

Ash: Oh yeah! 

Me: Of course, that happened. (See below.) 

Ash: But then, Pikachu prefers being outside with me, so it doesn't really care for balls. Right?

Pikachu: Pika chu. ["Right you are."] 

Goh: What's the story on that?

Ash: It's kind of long - it might take a journey for some people to understand.

Me: And now's not the time for that.

Goh: Well, I gotcha.

Me: Anyway, I don't have anything special for Ash this time - I thought I'd just call you up to talk.

Ash: That's fine - hey, is that an Amoonguss over there?

Me: Looks like it. I'll go catch it real quick... What do you know - it's a perfect one.

Goh: Very nice!

Pikachu: Pika! ["Nice!"] 

Ash: Now you have a ball Pokémon you could really deal with.

Me: That's very true. It'll be fun trying to make it work somehow.

All things considered, there's a place for Pokémon balls somehow and somewhere for everyone that enjoys them. There will be ones that are functional for the capture of certain species, while certain species function to duplicate the look of the capture balls, and look-alikes of the balls will be abound in one form or another. It's a ball-filled life for those who fancy and deal with Pokémon, and there is just no substitute for that.

Happy April Fool's ...and have a ball (that is, fun).

One year ago: April Fool's Day 2024: Making Good (Excellent?) on Things

Two years ago: April Fool's Day 2023: For the Birds

Three years ago: April Fool's Day 2022: Life in Duplex

Four years ago: April Fool's Day 2021: Aipom Business

Five years ago: April Fool's Day 2020: Truth in a Post

Six years ago: April Fool's Day 2019: Objectivity and Subjectivity

Seven years ago: April Fool's Day 2018: Stepping Back, Moving Forward

Eight years ago: It's April Fool's Day!

Thinking About... Us

We must be truly clear and absolutely clean

Pure in our bodies and in our souls

Look inside yourself before you start to speak

Cast away the dust that's still present there

Oh, cast away the dust that's still present there...

-- "Untuk Kita Renungkan (For Us to Think About)", Ebiet G. Ade (free translation)

Like in past years, there's that certain special time of year - which seems rather coincidentally (or not) placed close to a certain "break" - that I want to touch on while incorporating some things related to Pokémon. In the past couple of years, I did that rather indirectly and almost vaguely with the mediating aspect, but this time, I have a clear song that I can use as that mediating aspect. It's one from a local artist who also has another song that I used in the past as an end-of-year song, and it seems pertinent for all matters of concern. 

Both songs were in fact once used by a certain party to promote contemplation for this certain moment of the year many, many years ago when the actual moment was during a different time of year - clearly as it shifts throughout the year. Furthermore, both songs were actually conceived after disasters, this one after a natural one and the previous one after a human one. In any case, it is their contemplative nature - specifically for the current song for the current discussion - that becomes importantly pertinent.

"Contemplation" is also indeed relevant for this specific song, as the translated title contains the word "think". The song itself, beyond the first verse, is a call for reflection when terrible things happen, and to keep in mind that there is a supreme power about that keeps things in line. What that supreme power might be might depend on the person - and in the case of Pokémon matters, it might involve a certain four-legged beast - but the key is that the supreme power continues to hold sway, while people still contemplate what it means.

Now, to relate all this to Pokémon, it has been plain to see that my Pokémon relations have been on edge lately, and the causes of this may be both external and internal. I've done my share of self-contemplation (that is, introspection) to try to figure it out where and how things went wrong, though it's still a difficult process; I'm not sure if the others have done the same or not sufficiently enough. What's for sure is that the matter will still need to be dealt with in the short term for the better of us.

Perhaps at this time, Pokémon may need to contemplate a few things as well, particularly given the shift of Pokémon Go management to be under Scopely and the continued problems with the physical TCG out there, in order to find possible solutions to rectify matters or make sure things always proceed as possibly as they can. Given that next year is somewhat of a big anniversary year, this also becomes a bit of an imperative in some ways, along with whatever else is to come in the lead-up to that or whatever will become closely associated.

This certain yearly special time always makes itself out as a time to think about things, which makes sense given the song above and in particular its quoted verse above, especially now personally and in some ways for Pokémon itself. The latter is regardless composed not only of those who enjoy it but also those who make the enjoyment happen, and thus the "us" element is manifested in more ways than one. All that seems to be ever important to be put under the scrutiny of thought, even at this moment.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 3/31/2024

Two years ago: The State of Nominations, Part 21

Three years ago: Consume and Create

Four years ago: "New Daybreaks" for Pokémon

Five years ago: The Long-Winded Side of Things

Six years ago: Cosplay: ONEGAI Bunkasai 2019 - Eiyuu no Uprising

Seven years ago: Mauville's Progress

Eight years ago: Nostalgia: Episode 672 - "Here Comes the Trubbish Squad!"

3000 Posts!!!

This post being written has a significance: it becomes the 3000th post I've written on this blog. It comes a few years after I've written my 2000th, and it will always be that way because of the number of posts and the intervening time for all of them. The most significant digit of the number for the current milestone is of course 3, which has strong ties to Pokémon in its manifestations (three Legendary Pokémon in a bunch, three evolutionary stages, three starters or first partners, and so on and so forth). Meanwhile, the number itself is a part of a certain facet of pop culture that also in part encompasses a certain triad, and with that in mind, I thought I'd use (interpret) it as the framework for the occasion of this milestone.

Each of the elements in the triad technically represent "zones", but for the milestone occasion, I thought I'd interpret them as "concerns". The first of these deals with residential affairs, which may have been considered by many of the posts on this blog. These can be interpreted as my entrenched progressions, as well as those of others, in the games as well as how the games continue to entrench themselves for everyone who deals with them, like me. They're really "entrenched" in the sense that they're persistent... and therefore "resident" as well, and that's something I like to present in the posts about the above topic.

Of course, Pokémon now has a lot of things offered for money deeply embedded within many of its things, so there are commercial affairs afoot. In addition to the games - which in a way I'm promoting thanks to my posts about them - there also has been a lot of merchandise, which I've also taken to promote at times. Some are purely aspirational, as in ones that come to my attention and I promote without owning them, but others are genuine, as in ones that I do actually own and/or have gotten and have taken to promote them as such. The affairs might be considered "iffy" for some - even me - but they're still part of the process.

Lastly, there are industrial affairs and their associated concerns. In the case of the posts on my blog, these can be considered to be the various analyses and critiques I've made of matters surrounding official Pokémon goings-on as well as my own creative efforts, the latter of which could be considered as further extensions. The process of putting Pokémon things out - including for this blog and my related creative efforts - is not (and has not been) always an easy one, and it may be helpful to review and check them as they occur. That's definitely a concern along with all the other concerns I've outlined or suggested above.

All the elements above in their original form need to be balanced in some way in their original context, and that would seem to have to apply well for the posts on this blog. After having written 3000 posts, I've explored so much about Pokémon and yet there's much more about it to explore, especially as Pokémon itself continues to develop. What other significances Pokémon will have in the future and I will provide in return for this blog may not be known yet, but to look for them as I deal with and write about Pokémon is the task.

One year ago: Rethinking Pokémon-People Relations

Two years ago: Cosplay: Culture Festival

Three years ago: Pokémon of Overlapping Roles?

Four years ago: The Post Malone P25 Virtual Concert

Five years ago: No Sight, No Mind

Six years ago: Fashion Statements by Pokémon

Seven years ago: PokéTerminology

Eight years ago: Cosplay Hair

Pokémon Day 2025 - 29th Anniversary

As is always the case (for me personally), the end of February is always a time for certain anniversaries, and the most pertinently important one is for Pokémon itself - which is today. It's the celebration known as Pokémon Day, and this year marks the 29th anniversary, twenty-nine years after the first Pokémon games were released. Admittedly, though, the occasion of this year's anniversary - among some of the past few years - could be considered an "in between" anniversary for certain reasons, and that "in between" quality seems to serve as a good discussion point for this year's Pokémon Day.

The reason it's "in between" is because next year is a particularly round anniversary number; it would be the 30th anniversary, which in some circles, albeit uncommonly, may be regarded as the "pearl" anniversary. Because of this, the content for next year's anniversary is likely to be fuller and more fleshed out akin to the silver anniversary from some years ago (see below), while this year's can be considered to be a "filler", to borrow a term from the anime fandom, and to pass the time waiting for that anniversary.

Reports have also indicated that this year might be an "in-between" year regardless for some Pokémon affairs as well, though some might just be somewhat too early to tell, in particular the circumstances of their happening. One of them has even been brought up on this blog and is awaiting answers. I'm also "in between" some of them, as well as between a figurative "rock and a hard place", and perhaps so are many fans. To resolve all of that, something like Pokémon Presents is needed to pin things down. 

With that, an edition of Pokémon Presents is indeed scheduled for today, and it divulges things that are now not so "in between". As usual, it will take a separate post to discuss (and a bit of time to organize for that purpose), but I can give the highlights of the showcased facets. The most important have to be... a shade of "big" in the physical TCG, a "championship revival", and of course the big-time "legendary" reveal that everyone has waited for with bated breath - hopefully with at least some gulps of air. 

Even on an "in between" year like this one, it's always a great day for Pokémon, and especially today as the occasion of the franchise's anniversary. That - including what is (was) in Pokémon Presents today - may be all it takes to fill the gaps in each and every day, and all parts between them, for all the days of this "in between" year into the next year and even beyond. Between you and me, that should be a great thing.

Happy 29^th anniversary.

One year ago: Pokémon Day 2024 - 28th Anniversary

Two years ago: Pokémon Day 2023 - 27th Anniversary

Three years ago: Pokémon Day 2022 - 26th Anniversary

Four years ago: Suddenly Silver: Pokémon Day 2021 - 25th Anniversary

Five years ago: Pokémon Day 2020 - 24th Anniversary

Six years ago: Pokémon Day 2019 - 23rd Anniversary

Seven years ago: Pokémon Day 2018 - 22nd Anniversary

Eight years ago: Pokémon Day 2017 - 21st Anniversary

Thirteenth Cosplay Anniversary - In and Out of Solitude

Well now, it's been thirteen years since I formally started cosplaying, and today would be its anniversary. My specialty and preference is of course Pokémon cosplay, which is why it's on this blog when it is on for conventions, festivals, and such. It is also an effort that allows me to meet many other people and the characters they bring out through their cosplay, yet in a way I'm also finding myself as being alone in the effort at times. It's this going in and out of a state of "solitude" that I thought I'd take up as this year's topic of discussion.

The "solitude", of course, is due to the fact that Pokémon cosplay in my area is scant, unless people bring in their own surprises like Pikachu the other day or Charizard in the past, or a team project gets initiated - furthermore with my blessing. Thus, it's always a journey to go out of that "solitude" when I partake in conventions and festivals locally. Certainly, if I was in the U.S., chances are I might not have to venture much to get out of that situation, since Pokémon cosplay is more plentiful there due to the "mainstream" status.

It is true that I'm technically and physically never "alone" when I go to conventions and festivals, as I share other interests outside of Pokémon with other people. Yet I'm also often left up to my own devices outside of these situations and seemingly in a difficult position to ask for assistance, sometimes let alone to receive it. While at least going to conventions, festivals, and such might alleviate that condition temporarily, the rest of the way will take my own effort, which is acceptable yet could use some help in some cases.

At least, the rise of people providing cosplay services, like prop makers and rentals (the latter of which might have a presence on aggregators like a specific one) also lets me - and others - know that I'm not necessarily ever alone. Yet given that my focus is on Pokémon cosplay, even sometimes these services aren't too helpful for that purpose... and I'm right back where I started. This too is thus a "struggle" against a solitude, and they all may need to be utilized in the best way for the purpose of my Pokémon cosplay and others for theirs.

"Solitude" is not necessarily a bad thing, even now after I've been active for 13 years in cosplay, but having people to share that with is always a neat thing, and especially so in my case with Pokémon cosplay. So, the journey continues in order to be able to seek people to enjoy both Pokémon and cosplay together, and to deal wisely with the times when there aren't people for that purpose. Whatever the case, having Pokémon around is always a prerogative - especially in my case - and cosplay and other people will still be needed for that.

Happy thirteenth cosplay anniversary to me.

One year ago: Twelfth Cosplay Anniversary - Fostering Hope

Two years ago: Eleventh Cosplay Anniversary - (Part of) My World

Three years ago: Tenth Cosplay Anniversary - Still Patient

Four years ago: Ninth Cosplay Anniversary - Taking a Backseat

Five years ago: Eighth Cosplay Anniversary - Doing What I Want

Six years ago: Seventh Cosplay Anniversary - Timeless Cosplay

Seven years ago: Sixth Cosplay Anniversary - From No-One to Someone

Eight years ago: Fifth Cosplay Anniversary

Valentine's Day 2025: All Your Love, Awesome

This day, February 14, needs no introduction, as many people will recognize it as Valentine's Day. It's a day of certain feelings or sentiments, the most notable one being love. A certain song says that the sentiment is all that one needs, and this is true to some extent; yet what might also be true is that if the entirety of that love is given, then that might just be the greatest thing - hence the phrase in the title of this post. That's the theme I've decided to run with for this year's discussion, certainly with Pokémon in tow for that purpose.

For example, it is true that Trainers should develop the best Pokémon they have (that is, give all their love to them), but there is also truth in putting love to the selection process for that purpose. The most important thing is that the love is there - being without a point otherwise. Of course, it's also wise to have that love distributed, for if not, one ends up in a "Pikachu and Riolu" situation, for those who know what I'm referencing. So, there is a sense of "all in" for "all" that is or who are concerned with love.

It might seem that in the current state of the world, what might be lacking is a sense of "love" as well as the "all in" quality, for Pokémon or other matters. This has been my own first-hand experience in recent times particularly, and it's certainly not quite an awesome experience. Resolving this situation presents its own challenges, but looking into Pokémon, focusing into its positives may be a key aspect of the resolution, and it's something I'd happily take up, hopefully knowing others can do just the same.

As for relating the phrase further into Pokémon and the matters of today, a certain group that also delves into certain Pokémon affairs also has things going on with the "all in" and "awesome" aspects, and furthermore, it's related to the games - this being their "middle name". In fact, I have mentioned the group somewhere else on this blog, though by the token of the recent events, I'm not quite privileged to mention it. If things do improve, I might just happily make a separate discussion on them - all in good arrangements.

While "love", "hearts", and "attractions" - all things I've mentioned or discussed in previous years (see below) - are seemingly missing even on this particular day and in this particular time, there's no reason that it can't be restored somehow either. Pokémon (games) might just provide the basis for this restoration, even with all of its abstractions that may or may not suggest love. Still, all of it to its major fans is awesome, and with that, there might just be reasons to keep its things going... and perhaps find love in there.

Happy Valentine's Day, and your love is awesome - all of it.

One year ago: Valentine's Day 2024: Pick What You Love

Two years ago: Valentine's Day 2023: A Batty Heart

Three years ago: Valentine's Day 2022: Within Attraction

Four years ago: Valentine's Day 2021: No Love, Only Love

Five years ago: Valentine's Day 2020: In Pursuit of Love

Six years ago: Valentine's Day 2019: Think Pink

Seven years ago: Valentine's Day 2018: Address to a Luvdisc

Eight years ago: It's Valentine's Day!

My, How Time Flies

Of course, the biggest reason for the load of "my" posts over the past few days would be because it's the occasion of my birthday today. For some people, it's a time that they might dread because it reminds them of time's passage, while for others, that same passage is something they look forward to. With that, it seems like a fine topic to discuss on this occasion, along with the necessary Pokémon perspectives as a part of this blog.

As indicated, the passage of time can be an ornery one - or else it's one that is full of great happenings, especially on a personally related day like today. That also might explain why this post might have taken longer than usual to make, since they all happened to happen on this very day, including Pokémon ones. And as I try to go through them, time just... passes by (flies), and all of a sudden this special day returns. But that's a good thing for Pokémon and my Pokémon loving self.

For that, there is the reminder that a lot of things have happened for both Pokémon and me, and they'll keep on happening. I'm not required to go through all of them, but some are, and others are all the same even if the requirement isn't all that evident. Whichever one applies, to go through them and come out with a pleasant feeling afterwards is not only an expectation but also a right, one that I can exercise for myself on this day - my "anniversary" - and then again when the anniversary for Pokémon happens... but this latter matter is best reserved for when it happens, next month in fact.

The occasion of today, and the topic I've chosen for it, brings to mind a specific song by one of my favorite artists:

My! My! Time flies!

One step and we're on the moon

Next step into the stars

My! My! Time flies!

Maybe we could be there soon

A one-way ticket to Mars

-- "My! My! Time flies!", Enya

Essentially, the song bears the messages I brought up above, with the way the song recounts world happenings like the one quoted above in its first verse. It also has a slight tinge of rock music, unusual for this artist and her songs in general. But Pokémon is unusual enough for me that the artist's slightly unusual song is warranted on this particular day.

Speaking of which, perhaps the artist wouldn't mind to have a Pokémon version of the song... maybe with the following lyrics, at least what I can currently furnish:

My! My! Time flies!

A professor comes and warns you

To not go inside the grass

My! My! Time flies!

He then says, "You'll be OK,

If you take one of these balls..."

By the way, as an aside, it seems that I've been having problems keeping track of how long I've been around... but that may be a side effect of the theme I've been discussing throughout this post: time flies.

Regardless, there's at least some good things that occur as time passes by, and evidently one of them is me getting acquainted with Pokémon and all that pertains to that. And then there is today as my "anniversary" of sorts. With all of the above together, time may just pass by even more quickly.

Happy birthday to me, and that should make for memorable times ahead.

One year ago: Starting (Anew on) a New Day

Two years ago: A Legendary Existence

Three years ago: Unique Touches

Four years ago: Wishes for Good Days

Five years ago: Always Together

Six years ago: Wonderful Opportunities

Seven years ago: 30 Going on 10... Or Something Like It

Eight years ago: A Pokémon Party?

Hoppip New Year 2025

Hoppip New Year! For those still keeping up with me, this is now the entry point to my ninth year of Pokémon blogging. That's a pretty long stretch of time for anything I've ever started and continued, aside from being drawn to Pokémon in the first place. It also represents a rather intensive commitment that I've made over these years... and that seems to become a pertinent issue for this blog as I'm starting yet another year. Pokémon affairs are a given and natural for anything I choose to write about, but then there are other aspects that go into that.

Last year was actually a bit of an eventful year when it comes to Pokémon, and I got a good bit of that in all my posts throughout the year, including all the usual bunch of happenings to which I put in my Pokémon twists. My commitment is thus justified for Pokémon affairs, wherever and whenever I can fit them along with whatever else I need to do, which also means exploring and discussing them through all the posts on this blog. It's a fine commitment to be sure, especially if both those affairs and the goings-on in life can play nicely.

For that last bit, it has to be admitted that they haven't always played nicely, even up to the point of this post being written. It becomes a challenge when that happens, including toward my commitments, Pokémon or otherwise. Finding ways for them to be able to do so is also a pertinent challenge, but it can and should be handled for this blog - and my life in general - to move forward. That in itself should be a commitment, while other things, including Pokémon itself, move forward and not necessarily in the direction other people and I want it to.

As with every year (and an aside to the above), I also deliver my "Hoppip Report"... for which over the course of the past year, the Hoppip have been wandering in and out of happenings - and the "winds" - in Pokémon Go. The ones I've encountered have not been fairly beneficial or unique, and so they went to Professor Willow instead. Even so, over the years, I've managed to find Shiny forms of both genders as well as the newly found XXL and XXS size forms, so I've chosen to display them for this year's "report" just like I did in some past years.

It is also inevitable that the list of previous posts at the bottom of each new one is to grow longer, this time with ones from eight years ago. It grows as this blog grows... and perhaps that can also be said for my commitments, again for Pokémon affairs and other things. The management of both of these seems to become warranted in this ninth year of blogging and many more years of continued involvement with Pokémon and all things related to it. So, as the Hoppip keep moving with the winds, my Pokémon life and this blog have to do the same.

One year ago: Hoppip New Year 2024

Two years ago: Hoppip New Year 2023

Three years ago: Hoppip New Year 2022

Four years ago: Hoppip New Year 2021

Five years ago: Hoppip New Year 2020

Six years ago: Hoppip New Year 2019

Seven years ago: Hoppip New Year 2018

Eight years ago: First Post Time!

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

A Natural (Pokémon) Christmas

Of course, the special day of Christmas itself isn't too much of a wild and radical thing - more like a mild and common one given its history, which is out of scope for this Pokémon blog. As usual, I'd like to tie the writeup for this day not only to Pokémon but also to a particular concept, with this year's chosen one being "nature". It might be a fascinating one considering the roots of the special day, and it's also partially based on my experiences.

Where I am right now, it is said that it is always rainy around Christmas time. This is in contrast to snow as is typically expected, making for a "white Christmas"; instead, it makes for an (ahem) "transparent Christmas". In Pokémon terms, it seems that some Pokémon somewhere are always putting on a Rain Dance during the occasion and bringing the rain, perhaps in a bit of celebration of their own. Still, it may just be a whim of the weather itself, and the Pokémon contributions in this case are incidental for the occasion.

Even so, there are still both Pidgey and Yanma flying about, the occasional Politoed (or other members of its family) wandering, and Joltik coming out to feed. In the same vein, all kinds of Grass-type Pokémon are still present and reaping the bounties of nature while at the same time giving back to it in some way or another. Considering my local area, Ice-type Pokémon might be only rarely found, but they can still characteristically appear, as with Delibird as the "Santa Bird" that it very much is - although by this time this last one might have gone off elsewhere to deliver its Presents.

It seems that even Pokémon can realize that the day is indeed of a special occasion, even though it's more like "business as usual" for many of them - even for the people they are closely linked to. The people can similarly realize the presence of the special occasion and bring in elements of nature and/or Pokémon for the occasion, the former of which they always do (or have done) and the latter being something more contemporary. In this way, all things are celebrated, perhaps including its roots as well. 

There might always be something to discuss for Christmas with involvement of Pokémon, even if it seems that it's sometimes hard to put both of these in perspective - or rather, to align them on the same perspective level. But given the elements that I've discussed in previous years (see below) and even this year, having the celebration with them and Pokémon may just be a way to make that celebration seem all the more uncommon or special.

Merry Christmas, and may there always be something of Pokémon and nature in it. 🎄

One year ago: The Colors of (Pokémon) Christmas

Two years ago: Much Ado About Christmas

Three years ago: Keeping the (Pokémon) Christmas Spirit

Four years ago: Merry Christmas... in Fantasies

Five years ago: I Like Christmas, Merry Christmas

Six years ago: Christmas Bash: Concept Album?

Seven years ago: Merry Christmas!

Gobbling Down and Quacking Up

As usual, the fourth Thursday in November means Thanksgiving, a holiday that is quite North American-centric but is not unknown in other countries (including Japan as the "home" of Pokémon), certainly with their own unique aspects and differences. I've already discussed much about the aspect of thankfulness in posts of previous years, so those continue to apply as part of the sentiments of this day. The other sentiments concern a few other things characteristic of this day "over there", two of them being food and birds - a certain large one for the latter, but history might have allowed for others alongside. Those are the perspectives I've chosen to take for this year's discussion, still with some added Pokémon views.

Food has actually been discussed in a past year, although the perspective on that was more philosophical, even with Pokémon in tow. This time, I'd like to take a more comical perspective - in particular, one that involves consuming them. That's one sense of the sound made by a certain real bird characteristic to this time of year, though similar birds are less prevalent for Pokémon. Even so, it has been known that even a bird like Pidgey can consume ("gobble") more than its fair share and becoming rather plump in the process, much like that certain real bird, something that the bird may just aspire to.

Prior to that bird becoming the food item du jour, as noted, there (may) have been other birds on the Thanksgiving table, some of which may have taken the manifestations of, say, Psyduck and/or Unfezant, to name a couple of relevant bird Pokémon. For the Pokémon Thanksgiving table, they might be alongside it rather on it - understandably, even if the "other" matter can be understood, but the spirits of any festivities of the occasion should still be applicable regardless of what's with or on them.

That would mean eating what's on the table, conversing with everyone there, and maybe having a little bit of fun - the "quacking up" or "cracking up" part of that. When that happens, another bird Pokémon may just join the festivities, the recently discovered Fezandipiti. Thus, both of the objectives in the title of this post are realized and fulfilled, and coupled with a sense of thankfulness for everything, it becomes all the point of today.

It seems that it may be permissible for a bit of fun to occur on this very day, if the above somewhat comical interpretation could represent all the things of today, occurring together with Pokémon. Those who never tire of it will certainly have something to be thankful for, along with gobbling down food and quacking up at anything else fun that may be had

On a day like today, the reminder to be thankful may just present itself with some fun. So, I wish a Happy Thanksgiving for those who celebrate.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 11/28/2023

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 11/28/2022

Three years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 11/28/2021

Four years ago: Pokémon Go Event Rollup, 11/28/2020

Five years ago: Keeping Gratitude in Mind

Six years ago: Sinnoh Stone: Agglomerating Evolution

Seven years ago: Journeys and Adventures

Halloween 2024: Chasing Illusions

Obviously, the big thing in October is a day for spooky stuff, otherworldly stuff, and all kinds of things related to them. And they're all under the banner that is called Halloween. In some of the past years (see below), I discussed about "spooks", particularly during a time when Pokémon and everything in the world were at odds. Something that may play into the "spooks" and the things that make them up in the world are the "illusions" that accompany them, and now it seems I have to discuss them with a Pokémon perspective along with the conceptual tie of "chasing" them.

For the "illusions" part, that's not fairly difficult to understand. Some Ghost Pokémon are capable of initiating the "poltergeist" phenomenon with their abilities, some Psychic Pokémon are capable of bending things like spoons, and others can manifest as other Pokémon; to (uninitiated) people, they do seem rather illusory - especially befitting of the occasion of this day. Then, there's the existence of a myriad of Shadow Pokémon - including but not necessarily of the above types - whose illusory qualities become evident in their darkness.

As for "chasing" them, that may be the necessary thing to exercise control over them, in particular if the origins of today are of concern. And some Pokémon Trainers may still do just that, in particular for matters of Shadow Pokémon that they need to adapt for their own needs, moreover any of the other illusory ones that were mentioned above. To chase after these illusions and more seem par for the course, even given Pokémon.

There is actually another inspiration for this post's theme, and it's musical. "Chasing Shadows" is a piece by Yanni that is admittedly more spirited and less spooky, but it seems supportive enough to become the background of a few pursuits of any of the illusions I've mentioned above. Still, it does seem to depend on the viewpoints of the listener.

Goh: I just listened to the piece, and it made me want to chase a few things on my own.

Ash: Haha, same here!

Me: Well, I hope you chased after a few things I needed for today first.

Ash: I sure did! I was able to fix up a few Pokémon things you had problems with the night before.

Goh: Maybe the "spooks" got there before today came?

Me: Maybe Goh has a point. Anyway, thanks also for the other things. It'll be good for a little night in and whatever tomorrow brings.

Goh: So, no plans like last year.

Me: Nope. If there were, I'd be all over it by now.

Ash: I guess that's fine too. I think it might even be great for Halloween!

Me: I'd agree. I still wish I could make an actual Halloween night happen with what I have today.

Goh: Who knows? I think it might just work.

Ash: I do too.

Me: Then, it won't be an illusion.

Illusions come in many guises, Pokémon or otherwise. Some of them could totally be chased and be taken advantage of, while others could be just left alone to their devices; either way, something will manifest, and that something may be illusory (or not as much) in quality.

Right now, though, Halloween is no illusion - it's still something conceived yet has become a cultural facet of life. So, Happy Halloween, and be mindful of (and chase) the illusions. 🎃

One year ago: Halloween 2023: Going (All) Out

Two years ago: Halloween 2022: Relative Spookiness

Three years ago: Halloween 2021: Spooky Branding

Four years ago: Halloween 2020: Facing the "Spooks"

Five years ago: Halloween 2019: Taking My Chances

Six years ago: Halloween 2018: The Tricks to Treats

Seven years ago: Happy Halloween!

Seeking the Unity of All Aspects

Also a MO in the month of August, at least for a corner of the world situated in a huge group of islands straddling two lands and two seas, is the day of commemorating its independence. That would be for Indonesia, of course, which like the Hawaiian islands where the Pokémon World Championships is being held this year, is archipelagic, only much greater in scale. The situation of that environment presents its own unique challenges, in particular for the matter of unity of different (even, all) aspects, and that is now what I'd like to discuss - certainly, with some Pokémon matters also embedded in that discussion.

For that, a concept ties into the matter very well. "Nusantara", faithfully translated as "the islands in between", represents the domain of the islands and water between them, something that has also guided a certain empire of the past in this area in its rule. In a more modern context, the concept is representative (or rather, implicative) of the attempt to bring together certain aspects of life, like culture and economics - hence the theme of this post. Bringing this into Pokémon, specifically the Alola region as the closest match, it would exemplify resource usage to make connections - like surfing between islands - for progress.

Speaking of which, the country is to have a new capital city, and it's called... "Nusantara", which is emblematic of those ideals and is in fact the reason for the change. It's the manifestation of an idea I brought up years and years ago in another Worlds post about it being in a different capital city at that time, and now it is obviously reality after being only conveyed verbally then. Even so, as I've mentioned back then, the business center as the soon-to-be former capital will still play a certain role (moreover presently during the transition) in certain affairs, and that would include certain Pokémon ones - but I'm getting ahead of myself.

Back to Pokémon, if there is a kind of unity of aspects, it would certainly concern not only those of the people but also those of the eponymous species. That would mean implementing not only what is best for the people but also for the species, whether they remain in the wild or become companions to people. This is the kind of thing that would be expected to occur in, say, the Hisui region of the past and then carried to the present, though there is also a certain sense of universality in the matter across regions.

The dream and ideals of a unified Nusantara are present in the Indonesia of today, but much still remains to be achieved. In the same way, there is so much that people and Pokémon in their world - and even in this one, if the World Championships have anything to say - can and should accomplish together. The pursuit of those achievements and accomplishments ought to shed light on how all relevant aspects can be unified for the greater good of everyone and fulfillment of interests in the best way possible.

In the current moment, Indonesia at least has a reason to celebrate for the process of realizing those dreams and ideals, ones that this Pokémon fan can even reference in dealing with it and then provide insights for those who are also relevant. As usual at this time of year, this Pokémon fan wishes a Happy Independence Day, and places the hope of a great unified future.

One year ago: My Land, Never Gone

Two years ago: Independence Numerology, Pokémon Style

Three years ago: Sparkling, Shining for the World

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

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

Six years ago: United in Diversity

Seven years ago: Red and White Philosophy

Blessed Be These Efforts

Let's get one thing out of the way first up: today is July 4 and as such it's the day for the commemoration of independence for the United States. It's something I've covered in connection to my Pokémon experiences since a number of years ago and will likely remain that way going forward. For this year's treatment of the topic, I've decided to go into what might be a least-discussed aspect (if not one many) that pertains to the former and could be said to describe much of the latter. And it's something that might be easily ignored.

Those who have possessed a one-dollar bill and looked at its backside might notice the words "annuit coeptis" (in Latin) written on it. Strictly (literally) speaking, it means that an entity gives favor to undertakings - of the people, certainly; more loosely, it could be taken to mean the words that are stated in the title of this post. These words have some spiritual connections, especially considering their origins and the surrounding symbolism, but those are beyond the scope of the discussion of this post.

What isn't as such is how it could be construed to be related to Pokémon. Everyone in this world makes some kind of effort for their dealings with the species of concern, particularly the Trainers. For those efforts, they may need to believe that those efforts have received blessings in some kind of way - at least if good intentions and/or methods are to be had rather than malicious ones. It would then be similar to the efforts of the people of that country above, both in the past and the present, which may explain the use of those words.

Meanwhile, for those who have contributed to Pokémon and made the franchise, universe, and world what it is, they only deserve the highest blessings, if they haven't already considered that their actions have received them as such. Even with all the hard work that goes into those actions - undeniably for any effort - they would likely be still nothing without some amount of blessings, and so the words still ring true to some capacity. It's also a capacity that I would like to attain at some point in time.

Blessings can be a little hard to come by these days with all that's going on in the world, but if those words on the one-dollar bill have anything to say, it's that there are blessings in the best of efforts, even if the results come out in unexpected ways. So true is this for anything that people do, even as they pertain to or involve Pokémon. Having been a fan of it for a long time - something that started out in the pertinent country as above - at the least, I can say that there are still blessings to be had for all the things I do with it.

So, with the (good) blessings from whomever, have a wonderful independence day celebration, for those in the U.S.

One year ago: From Sea to Shining Sea

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

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

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

Five years ago: Welcome to the Jungle

Six years ago: Metal Reversed Cap Pikachu Keychain

Seven years ago: The Subdued Hometown Themes

Labors of Love

Speaking of "responsibility" the other day, I've referenced quite a few special days on this blog - both directly and indirectly - but I've never quite referenced this one. May 1 is what is known as the International Labor Day ("May Day"), which is intended as a commemoration of workers in the labor line. It does have a lot of specific "overtones", though (and in contrast, certain places commemorate the same thing sometime else in the year), so I won't bring up about either. What I will bring up, however, as is the norm for this blog, are the possible relations that it could have to Pokémon, which might be considered to have a "passionate" element to it. 

Because Pokémon is popular in many places today, and because its fans are also numerous and seek many things, there is a sense that some of its elements must be mass-produced somehow. And behind that mass production, there has to be a number of people who ensure that the processes occur as expected. In this way, they are effectively part of the "labor line" and thus the people may be considered laborers as well, even if the sense may be different from what could be considered to factor into the commemoration of this day. Even then, many people from different lines of work do so, and in fact in some places it could be an off day.

That said, the "passion" that serves well for many fans of the franchise might serve well for the same laborers involved in the production of Pokémon things. They're effectively creating things that serve the passions of other people, so the same "passions" could and should be reflected in their work. In that case, the "labor" ought to be considered a "labor of love", or one of many as such, which explains the reference I made in the title of this post. That seems to be perfectly commemorated for the purpose of this specific day - at least where it is a concern.

Pokémon itself may be considered to be a "labor of love" for some of its fans, whose efforts may be derived from the production labors of other people, and that's a consideration that is appropriate to be made on this particular commemorative day - or even when a similar occasion comes up at another time. Any and all of those "labors" could be a responsibility in addition to passion, and thus the commemoration is also appropriate for that regard. At least on this particular day, some labors don't go unappreciated, worthy of Pokémon fans and people in general.

One year ago: Tournament: SWEEP JR vs. Majestic Tiger Elite (SA Factions)

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Mega Evolution Rework

Three years ago: Like a Slowking Without the Shell

Four years ago: Seek and Ye Shall...

Five years ago: Transcending to a Beautiful Harmony

Six years ago: Old Memories, New Memories

Seven years ago: Indie Pokémon Stickers

A Song in My Heart, The Air That I Breathe

Well, today's a certain special day that I've touched on in past years but never directly, and that will seemingly always be the case. As such, my dealing with it on this blog, besides involving Pokémon as expected, can only be based on the goings-on of that day. One potential part of that is a certain song that has intense statements and feelings but is actually slightly divisive as to how it should be regarded - is it a love song, or a spiritual song? Regardless, I have found it appropriate to involve it in a discussion along with Pokémon for the presently appropriate time.

In lieu of citing the relevant lyrics of the song, I can describe its lyrical content in a general manner. The four key parts of the song are its two verses, chorus, and bridge. The verses deal with the desires and longing of a person for a certain entity, and in particular the ideals of that person vis-a-vis that entity, without which the person feels weak and lonely. The chorus deals with likening the entity to two things, which also happen to be in the title of this post (and thus the only direct lyrical address). The bridge reaffirms the desires and ideals presented in the verses, with and without the entity in question. Neither love nor spirituality elements are mentioned directly anywhere in the lyrics, yet the song itself seems to evoke both at the same time - perhaps depending on who one asks as well.

As for Pokémon connections, considering the song and its lyrics in a general sense, there are the ever-present connections between Trainers and their Pokémon and (to a lesser extent) Trainers and someone else they consider important. Love could certainly be involved somewhere in there, and that would fit in, being a potentially evoked theme of the song. Meanwhile, the things to which the song creates a likening could resemble the songs made by Pokémon like Jigglypuff and the Sweet Scent of certain Grass-type Pokémon. They seem to be always present no matter what, and so they linger in one's heart or ethereally - also admitted and affirmed in the song's bridge.

Spiritually, there is always a kind of desiring and longing around this special day, especially given that "break" I've mentioned recently, and the day in fact marks something significant for that. Going into it with more detail on this blog is not what I'm interested in, but Pokémon remains an interest for me and many people (fans). In a way, it and its elements are perhaps the lingering song or air that the song mentions, which would be desired or longed for when it's missing in certain capacities.

Being somewhat indirect about the topic in question, the above discussion might not fully satisfy the curiosity of readers and/or Pokémon fans. On this special day, however, any sort of special sentiment - especially as suggested by the above - seems rather welcome, and that may just be what Pokémon evokes just as much as the song evokes. And as the song plays and the air is inhaled, Pokémon and real life continues to proceed.

One year ago: Tournament: SWEEP JR vs. Kingsman (SA Factions)

Two years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day Classic, 4/10/2022

Three years ago: Harkening Back to "Versus Guides"

Four years ago: Let's Get Going Today

Five years ago: Expecting the Detective

Six years ago: Bandai Pokémon Sun & Moon Pokémon Lover Mascot 6 - Wobbuffet

Seven years ago: Evolution Revolutions?

April Fool's Day 2024: Making Good (Excellent?) on Things

The calendar says it's April 1, so it's time for another day of relatively non-serious business involving Pokémon or otherwise. I say "relatively" because there might be the possibility of something serious creeping into the usual tomfoolery. This time, I'd like to address having gone into bad situations and then rectifying them. At a glance, it seems like a rather serious matter, but it may just be possible to take it in a more light-hearted manner and with the involvement of Pokémon.

As bad as situations go, sometimes it might prove worthwhile to take a step back and laugh at matters like a laughing Sunflora once presented itself in the anime. Then it might be followed by laughing with Aipom and Ambipom before getting back into the situation and making good on it. It seems that a moment like April Fool's Day, even for those who don't revel in it too much, may be necessary to discard bad feelings from the situation and then to continue rectifying it after the moment.

With that, the only way things can (or should) go is to become good - as best as possible, even "excellent" as they would be in Pokémon Go parlance for throws. It may be the hardest thing in the world in some opportunities compared to others, but in some sense it remains possible to be made, and that's a comforting thought as well as a noble objective. Of course, sometimes it could be facilitated and rewarded... and that could be where all the fun (and maybe even frustration) lies.

Me: It's the oddest yet most fun thing in the world, don't you think?

Goh: I could see that happening.

Ash: OK, so why did you call for us?

Me: Well, I wanted to test our ball throwing skills... in a way.

Ash: That's fine. I can do that for a bit.

Pikachu: Pika chu pi pika. ["I'll try to help."]

Me: Whatever you can't complete, I'll finish up.

Goh: Throwing balls is a basic skill, but it could be done in a really good way.

Me: That's pretty much the point, I think. It should be the same for electricity.

Ash: Hey, I got a lot of really good throws! But as you say, I think you will have to finish up.

Me: That's nice.

Ash: And... You mentioned electricity, and I think you have some problems. Pikachu and I would love to help, but...

Pikachu: Pi pika chu. ["I wish we could."]

Me: That's just great. More stuff to deal with.

Goh: I'm sorry about that.

Me: *sigh* I'll have to make good on this somehow.

So, there are always serious things even on the most non-serious day like this one. The capacity to make good on them is always appreciated, whether for Pokémon or other things. The issue of making them "excellent" could be another matter entirely, but in the end some things have to be dealt with. And a little fun like this day and all the things that it brings is sometimes in order even when things get (a little, or way too) difficult. In that case, Pokémon and all its things may just mellow things out.

Happy April Fool's - make it a good (even "excellent") day.

One year ago: April Fool's Day 2023: For the Birds

Two years ago: April Fool's Day 2022: Life in Duplex

Three years ago: April Fool's Day 2021: Aipom Business

Four years ago: April Fool's Day 2020: Truth in a Post

Five years ago: April Fool's Day 2019: Objectivity and Subjectivity

Six years ago: April Fool's Day 2018: Stepping Back, Moving Forward

Seven years ago: It's April Fool's Day!

Leap Year Day 2024: Leaps and Bounds

Of course, the reason why this February hasn't quite ended is because this year is a leap year, and it's the second one that I've come upon since I've started this blog. Appropriately for this Pokémon Go season, it's one last "timeless travel", as it recurs almost every four years, and this is one such time. As such, the sentiments of my previous post on that date (see below) - the only one thus far - continue to apply. But certainly, I'd like to add some additional sentiments on this instance of its recurrence, and that would include some Pokémon ones as well.

When thinking about things that leap, frogs come to mind, and in a Pokémon sense, that would mean frog Pokémon, the likes of Politoed and the more recently introduced Bellibolt. They make leaps and bounds in their own ways - one in water and the other with electricity. They could be considered an analogue of hardcore and dedicated fans who also make leaps and bounds in similar ways, having intensities of their own. These kinds of fans (and the Pokémon by extension) are laudable, especially if good relations can be made with them and they have the purest heart possible.

Although less "hardcore", Spoink as the Bounce Pokémon is known for its leaping ways in that it has to continue leaping; if not, it will erase its own existence. It makes its own leaps and bounds - perhaps it's a little more bounded than it is leaping - but at least the sense of its dedication is there. In this way, it is thus the analogue of dedicated but not as hardcore fans, and they're a laudable group of people as far as Pokémon is concerned, just as much as those in the other camp.

Personally, I consider myself to fall into the latter camp, also as I've put in an explanation from some years ago that still remains true today, and particularly in contrast to the fellow fans I spend my time with. Some people might instead consider me to fall into the former camp instead, and that could be perfectly fine if they insist; it would be a "leap" of their perceptions instead of mine, and I'd still welcome that. Like a Spoink, my attraction to Pokémon continues to motor my life, and like a Politoed or Bellibolt, I still leap to action when things, especially matters of Pokémon, demand it.

Getting to another leap year day is nonetheless an achievement for this daily blog on things related to Pokémon as well as my take on them according to my life. That's a big leap from the previous occasion of this post, and I want to consider that as possibilities for bigger leaps (into Pokémon, particularly) in the future. It is a certainty that Pokémon will follow suit - especially if Pokémon Presents the other day is of any indication - so we'll all have to be ready for whatever big leaps will come next... and then to actually make that leap, beyond this day.

Happy Leap Year Day.

Four years ago: It's Leap Year Day!

Also check out posts from February 28 (yesterday) and March 1 (tomorrow).