Pokémon Nicknames: Blitzle and Zebstrika

Credit goes to the artist.

Blitzle (in Japanese: シママ  “Shimama”) is an Electric-type Pokémon. The little electric zebra evolves into Zebstrika (in Japanese: ゼブライカ “Zebraika”) at level 27 where it remains an Electric-only type. There is no Mega-Evolution form as of yet.

All thanks to the artist : )

Blitzle and Zebstrika were always among my favorite Pokémon. The first Pokémon game which my son taught me to play was Black/White, where I played the White Version. Zebras are colored perfectly for a game called Black and White of course.  I have went back and played all the series now — my son picks one version, then I always get the other.

My female Zebstrika was my favorite Pokémon on my team. I named her “Mary Ellen” which is a name that does not have anything to do with zebras, or lightning. Instead I named her after a very strong, capable, and dependable woman I knew.

Credit goes only to the artist.

Generally, you want to choose “Z” words like “Zenith“. “Ladyland” refers to Jimi Hendrix’s “Electric Ladyland” the name of his studio and one of his greatest records.

If your Zebstrika has the “Lightning Rod” or “Motor Drive” abilities, perhaps use the name: “Start-Me-Up” after the Rolling Stones song. On that note, “Spark Plug” might be good for a little Blitzle. “Sparky” is cute, especially since the little one can learn “Spark” attack.

I thought about naming one “Greased Lightning” after the song from the musical “Grease”, but there are too many letters. Maybe just call it “Greased L“. Oy.

Does anyone remember drinking Zima? It zucked. I thought it tasted like Noxema. Ha Ha (1980s joke., copyright Denny). Actually, Zima is still sold in Japan by the Miller Brewing Company!

I know what you are thinking, you thought I was going to suggest a French-sounding zebra name like “Zee-Bra“, and then show various types of Zebra-patterned underwear.

Oh, how little you must think of me.

You might want to use Electric moves like Thunderbolt, Shockwave or Discharge. Alternatively, if you plan to super-train a higher Attack rather than Special Attack, I suggest the following — but Wild Charge has recoil, and thus should be partially replenished by a held item such as a Shell-Bell or Leftovers.

I was very happy to catch a SHINY Zebstrika at a Mirage Spot in Pokémon Omega Ruby. It is dark purple in color.

I named him “Ultraviolent” as a play on Ultra-Violet (purple).  Later, I changed his name to “Purple Haze” which was the name of a Jimi Hendrix song (and was also the name of the blotter-acid popular with the burn-outs in my old high school).

Credit goes to this lovely cosplayer and her photographer.

When you hear thunder and see lightning, does that mean that the Gods are bowling? Perhaps use a name like “Striker“!

Lightning related terms like “Dart-Leader”, “Strokes”  or “Thunderclap” might be fun if you are a meteorology geek. Zebstrika can learn  the TM “Flash“, so you could name it “Hot Flash” or some variation. Perhaps use something Thor-related if you are a Marvel geek.

I did not find a lot of names I liked from The Name Rater’s Site (link here). However, I did like the suggestions “Zapidash“, “Haywire“, and “Blitzkrieg“. Zapidash is a cute variation on Rapidash. I would like to see a Rapidash/Zebstrika or a Ponyta/Blitzle on a double-battle team.

Blitzkrieg translates from German as “Lightning War”. The term refers to the German armies which quickly smashed into their neighboring countries during World War II. Along the lines of the WW II German Blitzkrieg reference, perhaps another historic name could be “Sieg Sieg” or some variation. (Note to readers: Please only make Nazi references if you have an academic interest in history.)

The twin lightning bolts of the Nazi SS. Credit goes to … oh, shit, they can sue me.

The SS Bolts are a hated symbol. The twin bolts have made their way into some stylized calligraphy in pop culture however (ex. The KISS logo, among others). The symbol is derived from the SchutzStaffel (SS) of Nazi Germany. You really have to be careful with your historical references, as there are so many politically-correct jackasses out there (which includes 90% of all college students, and 99% of all college professors).

What electrifying name would you suggest for a zebra? Please comment!

References:

http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Main_Page

http://www.serebii.net/

Google, you know the rest.

Pokémon Nicknames: Weedle, Kakuna and Beedrill

Weedle (in Japanese: ビードル  “Beedle”) is a BUG & POISON dual-type Pokémon. The pointy-headed little grub evolves into Kakuna (in Japanese: コクーン  “Cocoon”) at level 7, where it remains a BUG & POISON dual type.

Kakuna in turn, evolves into Beedrill (in Japanese: スピアー  “Spear”) at level 10, where it is still a BUG & POISON dual type.

Wanna see the slow reveal? Click here. Actually you can level up a Beedrill faster than this … but WHO CARES!

Beedrill can Mega Evolve into Mega Beedrill by using the Beedrillite stone.

Image from Bulbapedia.

A lot of trainers do not name a Weedle, as they expect that they will just level it up anyway, and would have to change to a more appropriate name. My favorite name for Weedle is “PowerPoinT” as in all the Microsoft Powerpoint slide shows you enjoy sitting through. These can bug you or make your head feel like it has been poisoned alright. You might use “PPT file”, “Attachment” or some variation. The name is still appropriate when players reach Weedle’s final form — Beedrill.

Readers: I have already written a “Pokemon Nicknames” post for Kakuna two years ago. The original post is linked here.

https://dennysinnoh.wordpress.com/2014/09/07/pokemon-nicknames-kakuna/

One of my favorite nicknames for a female Beedrill is “Honey Horné” named for a character from the “Wayne’s World” movie.

Here is that inspirational clip about the horny hornet:

Other names I like to use: “Charlotte” for females, as in the Charlotte Hornets NBA team.  “Bonnet” is also good — as in when someone has a “bee in their bonnet”.

“HoneyDripper” for the 1980s musical collaboration between Robert Plant and Brian Setzer. who derived their name from Roosevelt Sykes , an American Blues Singer also known as “Honeydripper”. Do you remember?

I also like “Thrill Me” as a play on “drill me” I suppose. I was thinking of that song, “Thrill me, kiss, me kill me” … um … however it goes. Sing it Zooey.

Others? “BuzzFeed” to “make fun of that terrible website. “Drone Strike” for the military drones which can execute a terrorist without a trial. “MellowJacket” in order to calm this Yellow Jacket bug. Maybe “Sting” for the singer of the 1980s band The Police.  “Stinger” might be bland, but combine it with “Vodka” for the mixed drink Vodka Stingers? How about “Black Decker” after the company which makes drills and power tools?

References and Rescources:

http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Main_Page

http://www.serebii.net/

http://pkmn.net/?action=rater

All image credits go to the original artists …

(Denny leers like Rodney Dangerfield) … but maybe we could work something out.

You don’t have to use my nicknames … I only hope these ideas will stimulate your own inventive nicknames!

What do you call your thrilling little stinger? Please comment!

Pokémon Nicknames (REDUX): Mime Jr. and Mr. Mime

Mime Jr. (in Japanese: マネネ  “Manene”) is a dual-type PSYCHIC & FAIRY baby Pokémon. Mime Jr. evolves into Mr. Mime when leveled up while knowing the move Mimic. (Source: Bulbapedia). I don’t mind a male or female Mime Jr. …

… but I don’t like FEMALE Mr. Mimes — as that does not make any sense!!!

I like to name Mime Jr. something cute, like Floppsy, Floozy, Fapper, etc.

Let us see … now if you have a MISTER Mime … what name might you choose?

I nicknamed the clown-mime Pokemon “Mr. Mime” R.D.R.R. meaning the way someone might laugh “Har Dee Har Har”.  Mr. Mime is a dual-type PSYCHIC-FAIRY Pokémon (prior to Kalos it was a pure Psychic Pokémon).   Oddly, there are both Male and Female Mr. Mimes. There is no difference in appearance. Gamefreak really should have at least made the hair look different.  It says at the Pokemon Bulbapedia website that Mr. Mime is a “Barrier” Pokemon. The name is “Barrierd” in Japanese — バリヤード   — but I cannot find any Japanese reference for that term.

I guess the joke is on me – HAR DEE HAR HAR !!!

Mr. Mime in his latest (Kalos) animation is a mime-trapped-in-a-box, thus is the barrier? … or are his Psychic moves form a barrier?

I am partly basing the nickname on a line used in the “Bart the Genius” episode of the Simpsons.

Fourth-grader Bart Simpson cheats in class by switching math aptitude tests with his classmate Martin (the genius). Bart is transferred to a school for gifted children, where he is in way over his head.

Teacher: “So y = r cubed over 3. And if you determine the rate of change in this curve correctly, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. “

Everyone in the class laughs except for Bart who is confused, and rightly so.

Teacher: “Don’t you get it, Bart? Derivative dy = 3 r squared dr over 3, or r squared dr, or r dr r “

I thought of names like “Bozo” or “Krusty” but those are both way too obvious. I’ve never been good at using a Mr. Mime and all the “tricky moves” it can learn anyway. When I am battling through a Pokemon game-story, I am not usually battling a human opponent.  I tend to use Pokemon that just attack, attack, attack. If I played more linked-battles against another humans, I might learn more of Mr. Mime’s trickster ways.

Furthermore, I am a little weird-ed out by “humanoid-type” Pokemon. Pokemon are not people, and I believe that it is wrong for Pokemon to take human form.  They should not appear to us in that manner.

I know what you are going to say:

“Denny, aren’t you just going to show a cute girl in a Mr. Mime Pokemon cosplay?”

Hmm … maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to be trapped in a pantomime’s box …

Oh, you know me all too well. … what is the name for your clown? Please comment!

I threw the Pokeball, at Floozie, it got her right in the Honker.

HONK HONK!

Update: I think that a good name for female Mime Jr. would be “Miracle” or Miracle Love” after this cover of a Mariya Takeuchi song by Riho Makise. Her hat is very cute! Enjoy this magical music video!

Pokémon Nicknames: Venonat and Venemoth

 

She took a break from “Pokemon Go” and still attracted a Venonat.

Venonat (in Japanese: コンパン  “Kongpang”) is a BUG & POISON dual-type Pokémon. It is termed the “Insect Pokémon”. That is disappointing, perhaps “Annoying Insect” is to be inferred. Venonat is too big to be a Gnat, which it resembles. Venonat is actually a blood-sucking Mite.

Stop buzzing my ear! You are annoying me dude!

If I want to keep the annoying little bugger a little bugger, I give it an Everstone and use names like: “Vinny” or “CousinVinnie” like in the movie.

“VenyBoomBox” is named after my doctor … My Doctor … Dr. Vinny … Dr.-Vinny-Boom-Box. (The kids always laugh when I say that.)  Actually ,Rodney Dangerfield’s doctor was named Dr. Vinny Boombatz (link here). “Boom Box” might be good for this squat little bug with the antennae, but I usually save that name for an Exploud. “AmazingNat” is another name I use, in reference to “The Amazing Mets” baseball team. Maybe call him “Washington” for the Washington Nats baseball team.

Venonat evolves into Venomoth – the “Poison Moth Pokémon” (in Japanese: モルフォン  “Morphon”) at level 31, where it remains a BUG & POISON type. The Japanese name “Morphon” is actually a decent nickname.

What flavor Poison BTW? I’m thinking sweet Grape Kool-Aid !

In general I name Venomoth names which start with letter “V”, such as “Victoria”.  At first I thought the top of Venomoth’s head was a “V” shaped antennae — it looks like it on the animation sprites of the early generations–  but there are clearly three prongs there.

“Veronica” is my favorite name for female Venomoth. This is in honor of Elvis Costello’s grandmother.

“You can name me anything you want … but my name is VERONICA!!

“Here’s the TRICKY PART!!!”

Another “V” name I use for females is “Vanderbilt” or “Vassar” after the expensive women’s colleges for the snotty, self-righteous, privileged classes of all races.  What? … these are both co-ed?

HAIRY vs. SMOOTH? Many people confuse moths with butterflies. There are some key differences.  Butterflies are cute and smooth on the abdomen, (cough) … while most moths are much more fibrous (ahem …), but a hairy thicket can still be enjoyable, and some may find it preferable. Look, both are good. Sometimes you start wanting one when you have had only the other for a long time.  Mix up your team with those who have a smooth thorax versus the delightfully bushy ones.  Note that Venomoth is much bushier — than say a Beautifly.

Which type? I am going to guess “hairy” there, Miss V.

A name I liked from the Name Rater’s website was “Metamothos” for Venomoth, and “Bugzilla” for Venonat. Of course, the NR hated both of them.

What is the name for your hairy moth? Please Comment, or like … or something.

References:

http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Main_Page

http://www.serebii.net/

Pokémon Nicknames: Natu and Xatu

Natu ( in Japanese: ネイティ  “Naty” ) is a dual-type Pyschic and Flying Pokémon. It is known as the “Tiny Bird Pokémon”.

Is the bird really the word?

Natu evolves into Xatu (in Japanese: ネイティオ  “Natio” ) at level 25, where it remains a Psychic/Flying type. (There is no Mega-Evolution.) Xatu is known as the “Mystic Pokemon”.  Thus I like to teach it Psychic, Ghost, Dark or Fairy special-attack type moves.

Both Natu and Xatu are stylized with colors and graphics similar to American Indian iconography and themes. In fact, Xatu looks somewhat like a teeppee (tipi) tent, or wigwam.

Natu is a cute little bird so it deserves a cute name. “Teepee” or “Tipi” might be good to go along with the theme. Maybe “Psy-Chick” for females?

I called one Natu “Nanu Nanu” after the catch phrase of the 1970s TV character “Mork”, played by the late actor Robin Williams.

“Nanu Nanu” was a Williams ad-lib, but it became to be known as a goofy but mystical way of saying either “hello” or “goodbye” every episode. (Some fans have equated the phrase with Star Trek’s Mr. Spock saying “Live Long and Prosper” as a mystical hello/goodbye greeting.)

Another name I like to use for little bird Pokémon is “Little Wing”. This name does sound a little like a Native American name … I use it because of the classic Jimi Hendrix song “Little Wing”.  

“When I’m sad, she comes to me …  

          With a thousand smiles, she gives to me free …”

The song (lyrics linked here) has been covered by all reputable blues bands, but you will not find the Hendrix original version on YouTube (cough …R.M.I.).

Other Indian-themed names are “Wigwam“, “Wompum“, or “Peyote“.  Of course you can have a mystical experience with peyote. I discourage using “squaw” as part of the name (“Psycho Squaw“) for example, because the word is sometimes used as a slur. Of course, these days using ANY Native-American word might be trouble … or taken the wrong way … if you ever  have to deal with the mentally-deficient  politically correct ninnies who dominate college campuses.

Xatu can learn the TM “Fly”.  My name “Flying Luck” is based on the phrase “I don’t GIVE a flying luck!”  I have also used names like “Flying Jung” a play on the “Dying Young” film and the famous psychologist Carl Jung. Since Xatu is a “Mystic Pokémon” why not name one “Mystic Pizza” after that famous Julia Roberts movie?

I like to think that these Pokémon cosplayers would like to learn some mystic moves with me.

I like to name them “Arizona” because the coloration is like the classic “SouthWest” type I suppose. I also use the name “Anasazi” after the southwestern American native civilization which mysteriously disappeared.

On that note, you could name the little bird “Pueblo” ,”Adobe” or “Stucco“.

On the Name Rater’s site (he is angry because of YOU) I saw a couple of interesting nicknames. “The Word” (because the bird is the word!) for Natu. Also for Xatu, the names “Tomahawk” — another Indian/bird reference,  and “Psyclone” which is an appropriate air name because Xatu is a flying type. Thanks for the ideas NR, I might name one “Tommy Hawk“.

I named a Xatu which was evaluated with “outstanding potential” the term “Dreamtime“. Actually, the dreamtime is more of an Australian Aborigine phrase for the mystical experiences and visions one may have. The term also correlates with the mystical religious experiences one may have in a sweat lodge.

During my dream-time I want to see a beautiful vision like her!

Ha! “Xatu the Future” (episode linked here).

What is the name for your mystic little bird? Please comment!

References:

http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Main_Page

http://www.serebii.net/

All images are just snagged from the Inter-Webs public domain. All credit for the art goes to the original starving artists. The models (ahem …) can come and see me to work out a payment.

Pokémon Nicknames: Scyther and Scizor

She is BEAUTIFUL … but I might not be thinking with my mantis head …

Scyther (in Japanese: ストライク  “Strike”) is a BUG & FLYING dual-type Pokémon. (Some players are frustrated however, that this flying bug cannot actually learn the TM Fly!) Scyther is known as the “Mantis Pokémon“. It only evolves into Scizor (in Japanese: ハッサム “Hassam”) when traded holding the Metal Coat item. (You might want to get it traded back, so only trade it with another trusted trainer. Scizor becomes a BUG & STEEL type and is known as the “Pincer Pokémon”. Scizor can Mega Evolve into Mega Scizor if holding a Scizorite stone.

Scizor can Mega Evolve into Mega Scizor if holding a Scizorite stone.

My favorite nickname for Scyther is “Slingblade” named after the classic Billy-Bob Thornton film “Slingblade”. (By far, his best movie.)

This is most appropriate — as you can see in the intense scene below.

“Some folks call it a Scyther-blade … I call it a sling-blade …”

My second favorite name for Scyther or Scizor is “Ronin” or some variation of a Samurai-related term. “BoshidoBug” for example.

Scyther — in the game — does not  look very female, so naming the fairer-gender may be harder. These cosplayers make Scyther look more like a beautiful fairy than an ugly bug however.

I usually name female Scyther something like “A.Castrator ” or “La Castra”, because …

Ahem … this flying fairy bug could easily castrate an opposing male Pokémon.

(Denny in high pitched voice): – maybe you could teach it the move “Swords Dance” for extra power!

Scyther is a Mantis. I learned in my Invertebrate Zoology course that the female Mantis is much larger and is a more viscous predator than the male.  Typically she will bite the head off of her chosen male suitors. In fact, the male will mate more effectively once his head has been severed. (Guys, take this Mantis advice:  (cough) … If you are ever having trouble at the crucial point …don’t over-think it … Ah, and it will be … OK, there it is again…).

Another female who cannot figure out why she cannot sustain a meaningful relationship.

Once the female Mantis has received sperm from the typical unthinking male, she will devour the rest of him. In fact, she may continue eating the other stupid males who were also attracted by her pheromones, and were waiting their chance. The males would be better off by not thinking with their little bug dicks, but who can ever learn that lesson?

Names for Scizor: I have used include “Edward” because of the film Edward Scissorhands”. The name “Scissorhands” has 12-letters which just makes the limit.

You could use the name “Run-With-Me” as a joke, because everyone know that you should not run with Scizors … Ha.

What is the name for your castrating bug? Please COMMENT, or “Like” … yada-yada-yada.

REFERENCES: I always get my basic information from Bulbapedia or Serebi dot net. You can also get nickname suggestions from the Name Rater‘s web page link (although HE HATES YOU). Everything else is Googily-dooed on Pixeley-Poo.

DISCLAIMER: All artwork is property of the original artists. Would you like to meet me for a drink to discuss your work?

Kimono on Monday: His and Her Pikachu plush

Pika Pika!! Pikachu in kimono!

You can purchase these 8 inch plush dolls  at the  PokEmon Center shop linked here. I don’t work for the company — I just think that  they are cute.

http://www.pokemoncenter.com/collections-s0107-0000-0000/pikachu-celebrations/paired-pikachu-celebrations%3A-new-year-kimono-pikachu-%28standard%29—8-701-00205

Click any image to see the full size details. I would not mind having a life size copy of the “men’s kimono” with that PokEball symbol!

Too bad that these are only available in eight-inch size … even though that is “standard” on the size chart.

Starlight: “New Year’s”?

In Birthdays today: Miss Yuki Kashiwagi — The REAL Superhero.

Assemble your team Yukirin!

Japan is 12 hours ahead of my time zone, so I want to be among the first to wish MY FAVORITE NIECE  a happy 25^th Birthday!!! I wish you all the happiness in the world, my dear young lady.

Twenty-five … Wow … a quarter-century. She sounds kinda ancient now. Of course, in comparison I am Precambrian.

If you are going out this weekend to watch the latest Marvel/DC tights wearing movie, please consider my case that Yuki Kashiwagi is actually the REAL superhero. She is a trooper. Remember a couple of years ago how she was sent to Osaka to join NMB48? I scoffed at the move at first, but look how great it turned out — “Ibiza Girl” and others. How did she know to be just in the right place at just the right time? Does she have Spidey sense?

Ha. Even if you are wearing your “Bat-Yukirin” costume — I CAN STILL TELL IT IS YOU!

She was also called upon to be the “den mother” to the newly formed NGT48. Heroically she has helped to get this new sister group off the ground. Forget “The Avengers” … (I’m not really sure what the new movie is called. I just know that Stan Lee makes a cameo!) … Yukirin is the REAL superhero.

Forget that “Superman marries Batman” … or whatever that thing was. I’d rather see Yuki’s new solo concert tour Blu-Ray!

Forget the Bat-signal — give me a Yuki Signal!

Indeed, Yukirin — even Superheros deserve a good foot rub once in a while!

Kashiwagi-san is EVERYTHING that anIdol should be. Will this be her last Birthday as a member of AKB48? Yukirin only ranked 5th in the last AKB election — where I thought she had a shot at taking #1.  I will bet if her recent solo concert tour came after the election she might have used the last day to make a graduation announcement. She is a trooper — a hero — she can take one for the team, so maybe she will take the 5th place and just roll with it … but I speculate and digress too much …

Starlight: Miss Yuki Kashiwagi – born July 15, 1991.

A song? Where are you going to find one of those?

See more Yuki on my Pinterest board for her, linked here.

Denny Sinnoh is now on Twitter!

Denny Sinnoh is now on Twitter!

Look for user denny_sinnoh

I finally broke down and created a Twitter account a couple of days ago. I really don’t Tweet. I will probably use it to just to  better post photos to my blog.

If you want to follow me, I will follow you right back. 

I might not really have all that much to say. I hope I don’t end up making ill-informed political statements. For example, I am still a little concerned about this whole League of Nations trouble. … but please … do not BLOCK me because of my views.

I’m still trying to figure all this out … let’s see … cut and paste, carry the four …

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>What? Iwasa Misaki was in Fayetteville, and I missed her? <a href=”https://t.co/1iBT9UvepP”>https://t.co/1iBT9UvepP</a></p>&mdash; Denny Sinnoh (@denny_sinnoh) <a href=”https://twitter.com/denny_sinnoh/status/752874236834902016″>July 12, 2016</a></blockquote>
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Starlight: “I cannot recommend following a Blue Jay. I tried to follow one, but all of his tweets were about birdseed.”

What? Iwasa Misaki was in Fayetteville, and I missed her? https://t.co/1iBT9UvepP

— Denny Sinnoh (@denny_sinnoh) July 12, 2016

Tweets by denny_sinnoh

Dang it, the photo was just there. Oh well, Happy tweeting!

Kimono on Monday: Iwasa Misaki at the Japan Expo in Paris.

Image

Kimonos on Monday: Iwasa Misaki at the Japan Expo in Paris.

I sure wish I could have been at the Japan Expo in Paris this past week. Iwasa Misaki was there to sing some of her Enka (style) songs. I think that she dazzles in this red with floral pattern kimono. Also, check out this great yukata in dark purple with pink flowers:

You can see more of her kimono, and her accessories on her official Instagram page linked here.

https://www.instagram.com/wasaminnn/

Wanna play some Wasa-games?

View this post on Instagram

#japanexpo2016 #モンハン #レイコレクション #ゆかた #yukata

A post shared by 岩佐美咲 (@wasaminnn) on Jul 10, 2016 at 6:35am PDT

Ha! All those people walking right past her. I wonder if anyone knew who she was?

I sure would not bother her though. Plus, she was available for autographs and photos later. Dang it. This may be the only time that I wish that I were in France.

Starlight: “Oh, Muarice … you make me so mad.”

          — Could you give me something like that kid?