Pokémon Nicknames: Togedemaru

All credit goes to the original cosplayer … and  Hey – you electric type — GET AWAY FROM THE POOL when I am in here!

ALOLA COUSINS!!! — wooh! —  whatzit?1? — (Denny reacts to scurrying underfoot, nearly spilling his Pokébeer). What is it with Pokémon and electric mice? First there was Pikachu – along with its pre-evolved and evolved forms, Pichu and Raichu respectively. Then in Pokemon XY, there was Dedenne. Techinically, the little surfing mouse and regional variant “Alolan Raichu” is yet another mouse. (I’m not sure if the water mice — like Marill could inherit an electric move)

Now for the Alola region, there is another little electric ball mouse. Togedemaru!

From Bulbapedia: Togedemaru (same as the Japanese word: トゲデマル  “Togedemaru”) is an Electric and STEEL type Pokémon. There are no known evolutionary forms.

I actually think that “Togedemaru” is already a pretty cool name, so I was resistant to nicknaming it. However, when there are sooo many of them – yah — (Denny whirls suddenly, as more mice dart underfoot) … you need to be able to sort them out.

I have named them the same name as my mouse or electric Pokémon – names such as “Eek!-A-Mouse” (after the punk-rock band) or “Voltaire” (after the French philosopher).  Cutesy names like “Sparky”, “Cheeky” or “Mookie” are always applicable.

Other suggestions:

“Rotund” because it is a fat, spherical little mouse. Other names based on spheres, circles or balls might work. “Circle Shock” base on the famous LA punk band “Circle Jerks”

“Zig Zag” after the tail.

“Plug-N-Play” for various electronic devices. “Plug-Ins” after the room deodorizer.

“Topo Gigio” after the famous mouse who used to appear on the Ed Sullivan Show. This led me to think of “Gigli” after one of the worst movies of all time, staring one of the most arrogant and idiotic actors of our time.

You might name Togedemaru based on which moves you teach it. It can learn the move “Rollout” early on, so you might use the name “Rollerball” after the classic sci-fi movie.  “Topspin” or “Holy Roller” are other examples. The Pokémon may have the “Iron Barbs” ability, which will make your opponent think twice before hitting you with a physical move. You could name females “Barb” or “Barbs” , “Rhubarb” and the like.

My favorite name is “Lectricshave” after the shaving lotion commercial. Electric shaving comes to mind since Togedemaru is both Electric and Steel type. Ahem … (Denny takes long slug of his Pokébeer). Ladies, use that electric shaver today, and see just how enthusiastic that makes your fellow tonight. I guarantee there will create some electricity.

My other favorite name for Togedemaru is “Toga Toga” or “Toga! Toga!” after a scene in the “Animal House” movie. Clip linked here.

(Denny finished Pokébeer) Well, I never say that you have to use my names —  I only want to inspire your own creative names.

 Please write your suggestions in the comments area!

Pokémon Nicknames: Stufful and Bewear

Today on “Pokémon Nicknames”, I consider Stufful and Bewear. (Denny knocks Sapporo beer can over, but picks it up quickly with little spillage): Oops … sorry … I’m a klutz, and sometimes have a hard time holding onto items. No I’m not drunk … Oh .. right (Denny in stilted falsetto): Alola … er …ALOLA COUSINS! Today I will suggest nicknames for two cute, cuddly – but DANGEROUS Pokémon.

Be warned … or “Be Ware” – ha ha, because I have a mind … that wanders …

On the Bulbapedia web site it says that Stufful (in Japanese: ヌイコグマ  “Nuikoguma”) is a Normal + Fighting dual-type Pokémon. Stufful is the “Flailing Pokémon” supposedly because it would flail around its cute stuffed-animal-like arms. Many Pokémon fans like to buy plush dolls of their favorite Pokémon. Maybe it is time for a Pokémon that is already a stuffed animal!

Stufful even has a tag!

A cute name might be “Socks” or “Sock Buddy” … (hic)

Stufful evolves into Bewear (in Japanese: キテルグマ  “Kiteruguma”) at level 27, where it remains a Normal + Fighting dual-type. Beware is the “Strong Arm” Pokémon. Bulbapedia says: “While Bewear may appear friendly, it is actually a very dangerous Pokémon. It must never be approached carelessly, even if it is merely swinging its arms around in a friendly fashion. It shows affection with a fond embrace, but its hugs have incredible force.” The story goes that many trainers have been severely injured, and some were even killed by Beware’s loving hugs.

(credit goes to the unknown artist)

Stufful is the perfect Pokémon for those of us who love Japanese Popular Culture! Its ears even look like those “headband ears” which are so popular with cosplayers, maid café goers, Japanese schoolgirls and/or the otaku of the Akihabara district of Tokyo.  Cat (neko) ears are probably the most common headband ears, but mouse, fox, bear or other fuzzy animal ears are also common.

Her cosplay ears are the biggest giveaway that she would love to meet and date a fellow nerd like you!

You should use Tokyo Pop Culture type names for the Pokémon. Names like “Akihabara”, “Shibuya”, or “Harajuku” would be appropriate. I also named one of these bears “Otaku”. “Yuri” or “Yoai” would also be fun, if you enjoy those genres of anime and/or manga.

 

Stufful is a plush doll, so maybe you could use “Doll Parts” after the song by the 1990s alt-rock band Hole (linked here). Cutesy names like “I Wuv You” , “Cuddles” or “Fuzzy Wuzzy” should also work when you bear evolves. “Huggie Bear” is based on the archtypical and quintesential “pimp” character from the 1970s TV police series “Starsky and Hutch“.

A good name would be “Gyu” or “Gyu Gyu Gyu” which is loosely translated as “hugs” or “squeezes”. It is one of those Japanese words which do not translate directly into English. When you give someone a hug there is that wonderful moment, when the hug “becomes a hug” and the mutual feeling of love is exchanged — Gyu!

Another Japnese pop culture name might be “Moe” which loosely describes affectionate aspects of otaku culture.

A good name for a fighting-type I have used is “Hold-My-Beer“. Speaking of …

The Pokémon pink color is off course very “kawaii” but the bright pink is juxtaposed with dark brown portions of its body.  This combination put me off at first, but I understand it is popular, and I have learned to love it.

This color juxtaposition led me to name one of my party Pokémon “PinkAndStink”.

(Denny turns to drinking buddies): You know guys, “the pink” is about the most wonderful thing that there is in this existence. It also is located in very close proximity to “the stink”.  (Gulps) They are both delightful in their own ways … (Sapporo can drops again, but is quickly put upright) … they both have their own unique charms. You may have directed yourself to the pink. You probably spend most of your time there, and the points north, but don’t tell me you have not also explored the stink. There is also that wonderful, sensitive border area, right in between the pink and the stink. You can tell a lot about a lady by how well she manages that marchland … You don’t have to be a conquering hero, but it is a great way to bond with her. You might even end up surprising yourself.

Oh … right … Pokémon names … (Denny raises hand, orders another Sapporo).

A Pokémon with Fluffy takes half damage from moves that make contact. It also takes double damage from Fire-type moves. Fire-type moves that make contact will deal regular damage. (Bulbapedia)

What is the name for your stuffed bear? Please comment!

“I wuv the pink and the stink!”

KIMONOS ON MONDAY: The Kimono styles from Furifu

How about a stop at the Furifu store, my lady?

This charming chain shop features a modern take on kimono and kimono accessories. It features clever patterns, textiles, and many interesting Japanese-Western hybrids. The shop features alternative-modern clothing designs, various hair accessories, bags and hosiery. It’s traditional, it’s retro, it’s quirky, it’s serious. You always look beautiful, but consider these. There is that party coming up right?

Furifu is known for its “Neo-Taisho” aesthetic of bright-cum-vintage colors and cutting-edge patterns. This is a style that’s proved particularly popular among fashionable young ladies with an appreciation for the past. You don’t have to be an otaku, you don’t have to be a kimono purist. Just dive in, and try something fun.

For more information on this and other fun Japanese fashion ideas please see the Furifu website linked here.

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Starlight: Can’t … break … the pulsar’s … gravity … must … 

My tribute post to Morningberryz48

[Readers: Please play the YouTube music while you read my post. I chose it for the special emotions I am feeling today]

Today, I wanted to discuss my blog, blogging stats, other bloggers and such. I am getting close to 200,000 views on my blog. I guess that is good. I noticed that I get a big jump in views when a new Pokemon game comes out. Perhaps I should have monetized my site. Since I started blogging in 2014, I have always used the “free” WordPress site. I have over 400 “followers” but I think that most of them are “commercial” blogs. There are only a handful of WP bloggers who actually read and comment on my blog. (I’m winking at you Mabel and the  Otaku Judge.) I subscribed to several music, anime and Pokemon blogs. I have seen them come — and I have seen the bloggers go — on this site. Some of my followers who I used to read and interact with …   only stayed around for a few months, then they would disappear into the blogging ether.

Where am I going with this? (Denny sighs sadly, exhales) …I have to be honest –

I miss MorningBerryz48.

Some of my fellow bloggers know her. Her homepage is linked here.

https://morningberryz48.wordpress.com/

“MB” as I will call her, was the greatest Japanese pop culture/Idol music/ AKB blogger I have known. She shares a lot of great articles and media on her blog. Also, she’s intelligent, witty, and maybe “a little naughty” at times. She was more than just a pile of random electrons to me. I miss her replies to all my goofy comments, and my weak attempts at comedy. If I ever made her smile, then that is a light upon the world. (That’s not hyperbole is it?)

Jesus, … er .. I mean Buddha … What a great lady she is. Look at her website. She likes music, but she also likes sports. The lady even likes stock-car racing. I know that I do not follow racing, but that fact that SHE likes it just adds more depth and dimension to her cultural multiverse. She lives in Hawaii, so that means that the place really is paradise.

She liked, and posted about Watarirouka Hashiritai. Do you people realize how long I have wanted to talk to another soul on this planet about the Watarirouka Hashiritai 7?  Glorious God in heaven … I am not ALONE … in this cold, cruel world. Another person who “gets” my appreciation for Idol songs. Up until now, my friend’s reactions to my AKB48 fandom has usually been the old “Get Away From Me Man”. I’m talking to you Bob, and Nate.

She introduced me to so many Japanese musical artists, who I would otherwise never know even existed. She is a great Idol historian. A true Idol scholar. She taught be about Coco, ribbon, ZARD, Qlair and many others.

When I discovered this genre of idol music from the late 80s, early 90s it was like memories were activated from my parallel life. I never knew about this stuff at the time. It was something which I always missed, but which I never knew even existed. Something was missing in my musical life in the early 1990s, but I never knew exactly what it was. MB has eased my pain. The hole in my heart was filled. Somewhere in the space-time continuum, it is 1992 and I am listening to ribbon.

Thus, she made a difference in my life — and I’m not making one of my smartass jokes here. Music is very important for me. Her blog’s influence is a big part of my current listening.

I loved reading her articles with morning coffee on the weekends, or wasting company time in the office, or checking in one a day to see if I missed anything. I learned a lot from her blog. When I first started blogging I thought I might become some type of expert on Idols/AKB. (Denny exhales.) I can’t even come close. Nothing has made me prouder however, than when she would comment on one of my posts.

(Denny sighs again — heavily):

MB has stopped writing her blog … at least for now. She said it was because of technical problems, but there may other reasons, and I respect that. For whatever reason(s) she has stopped posting. I have been going through the usual five stages of grief.

1. Denial: “This can’t be happening” I thought. No more Idol video links? … this is NOT happening … Nope, definitely NOT happening. I had hysterical blindness when she posted that she was quitting. I was bumping into lamps, tripping over the couch.
2. Anger: Damn that computer which crashed and caused her to lose so much work. It is a conspiracy I tell you! It is all SONY’s fault. (Denny shakes fist, imitating Homer Simpson): Your empire would lay in smoking ruins you bastards … if I didn’t need a new PS4 so much. You corporate screw-ups will pay for taking her away from me … you will ALL PAY!!!
3. Bargaining: “Maybe she can just post once in a while”. Maybe she can stop after she finishes that big “Coco” post she was working on when her computer failed. Maybe she can just make a post when there is a new AKB48 record. Maybe just a top-ten list post at the end of the year. Maybe …
4. Depression: “Why go on?” Why get out of bed in the morning if I can never enjoy learning about the Idol genres I love. There won’t be a post about the new HKT48 single, so nothing matters. In fact, I will stop blogging now. What’s the point if her light is not in this electronic world anymore?
5. Acceptance: “It was good while it lasted” There are still a lot of old articles, and articles from her previous blog site. I just feel lucky to have known her. She is a great lady and has other interests. Perhaps it is time for a break. Time to concentrate on other life goals. Perhaps there may be some guy in her life who is on the receiving end of her efforts now. (The lucky bastard.)

I would be honored if I could call her “friend”. I know that some of my Internet friends, Derek, Matthew and others also miss her. You guys, if you get a chance, re-blog my article. Tweet, or Face-tube or whatever-the-devil you kids call it — to get my message in a Poke bean bottle out there.

If any of my current readers love MB’s blog even half as much as I did, please sign a tribute comment below.

Starlight: MB, if you are out there, I’m not really crazy. 

Pokémon Nicknames: Bruxish

Alola cousins! (Denny imitating Professor Kukui): “Have you tried the fish tacos?”

Bruxish (in Japanese: ハギギシリ “Hagigishiri” is a Water and Psychic dual type. Thus far, there are no known evolutionary forms. It is given “Gnash Teeth” as its Pokémon category. Gnash teeth? I can hear Mrs. Sinnoh’s teeth gnashing whenever I am playing Pokémon and I’m supposed to be doing chores and home repair.

I was excited and very interested to see this new Alola region Pokémon. It looks weird, and maybe a little unnatural, but that is what I like about it. Some Pokémon resemble their real animal counterparts a little too much. Bruxish is based on a real life Hawaiian Reef Triggerfish. Bruxish’s wild psychedelic coloration also remind me of a real-life Parrotfish as well. Bruxish’s body is more “head-shaped” than fish-shaped it seems. Its mouth reminds me of the Kissing Fish, and and the sharp teeth remind me of a Piranha.

Bruxish has an odd flower-like protuberance on the top of its head. It is this organ which is the source of its psychic power. Bruxish’s full biology is described at the Bulbapedia site linked here.

My old hippie friend thinks that you should catch this fish, dry-cure the protuberance – then SMOKE IT for a really mellow buzz. I disagree. I am anti-drugs for one thing, plus I think that Poké-animals should be treated a little more kosher. They are spiritual beings, and they should not exist merely to be over-harvested, or in order to make us feel good about ourselves… but I digress.

I used my psychic powers to nab this fish.

I nicknamed a female Bruxish with “Outstanding” potential “Kiss-Me-Kate” after the famous musical of the same name. Here is a song from the movie version. My Kiss-Me-Kate is a ladyfish with the “Strong Jaw” ability, which enhances her “biting” moves. “Psychic Fangs” is her signature move.

I named another “RazzleDazzel” because the fish’s coloration may dazzle opponents. It has the “Dazzling” ability, which surprises the enemy and makes the opponents’ “priority moves” useless.

You could name these fish after famous impressionist artists – “Picassofish” after the painter. I think that “Matisse” would be a good arty name, and would work for males or females. You can think of your favorite artist. I named one “ColorMeGone” after the alt-rock group. You may like “ColorMeBad” rather.

Haruka also suggested the name “Fish Taco” I don’t know why.

I named one toothy fish “Britishsmiles” after an episode of “The Simpsons”. Ralph Wiggims was wary of going to a dentist, and lied about brushing his teeth regularly. The dentist pulled out a photo book titled “The Big Book of British Smiles”. The joke being this book would scare children into taking care of their teeth, so that they would not end up looking like a Cockney prostitute. That humorous clip is LINKED HERE.

Also along the British theme, I named a Bruxish “Brexit” because I just thought the fit the fish. It will beat you, then exit. Of course, the real Brexit will never happen, as Britain’s central government does not want the U.K. to leave the EU and will delay the process until it can be voted down in another election. … and yes, I do digress again …

The hippie movement and psychedelia thing could be mined for more “SummerOfLove” and other groovy names.”Love + Peace” for example. If only there were some way to get this HKT48 song piped into the White House and the Kremlin at the same time.

Some other names I might suggest, but have not used yet include:

“Humuhumu” would be a great (shortened) name for the real triggerfish’s Hawaiian name:  “humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa”. 

The song is LINKED HERE.

“Trig” as Bruxish resembles a trigger-fish, although that name sounds a little too macho for such a gay-colored fish.

Um … I think this was a translation error from the original Japanese Sun Moon anime.

“Dragqueen” due to its lip coloration, and arguably the fish resembles a guy wearing makeup. Covered with makeup, but you can still tell it is a guy. They are pretty good about not gnashing there their teeth though. Ahem … you should see what types of images dirty-minded people are posting about Bruxish on Tumblr … and yes, I digress again.

You have to watch how you pet these Snapper-fish.

“Headshop” due to its shape, and its psychedelic coloration. “Bad Acid” as in the quote “remember the time you took that bad acid, and you got up on top of the roof, and said that you were Jesus Christ and that you could fly?”

What … wait … Fish tacos? You mean those are really real, Haruka ? … I always thought “Fish Taco” was just a euphemism.

What is the name of your Psychic Fish? Please comment!

Pokémon Nicknames: Pyukumuku

“you can’t beat death  but you can beat death in life, sometimes.”

“Alola cousins!” Have you seen that new Pokémon on the beach?

Pyukumuku (in Japanese: ナマコブシ  “Namakobushi” ) is a Water-type Pokémon of the Alola Region. It has no known evolution. (The Bulbapedia reference page for Pyukumuku is linked here).

Pyukumuku’s name already sounds somewhat Japanese, or even Hawaiian. This new Pokémon is based on real-life “sea cucumbers” a type of echinoderm (which are sea animals related to starfish).

The sound (or “cry”) it makes is “Puke … Muke”.

This is appropriate because one of Pyukumuku’s abilities is “Innards Out”. When Pyukumuku faints in battle, it expels its inner organs. This move will deal damage to the opponent “equal to the amount of HP it had left before last being hit.” (from Bulbapedia)

This defensive strategy is very similar to real sea cucumbers, which when disturbed by a predator, will “spill its guts” out. Now how this would be is an evolutionary adaptation for the echinoderm, I do not quite understand. However, these creatures do have an extreme capacity to regenerate injured or missing parts. It is probably not a big deal for the sea cucumber to (literally) blow guts.  It will just grow more. The expelled filaments are said to be sticky and toxic, so I guess any predator would just get disgusted and leave. See video link here.

One time while out on a college marine biology field trip, our group happened upon a sea cucumber trapped in a rocky inter-tidal pool. This one chick ran over and squealed “I want to do it” … but too late, the Prof had already squeezed it first. She was disappointed and angry that she was not able to squeeze the life juices out of a pulsating cucumber. Looking back, I have to wonder about that chick, and what type of psycho-sexual urges she had … and yes, I see that I digress once again.

Maybe “Joy Explosion” for female Pyukumuku?

Some players might nickname Pyukumuku “puke” type names. I can’t say that  I have many suggestions that would fit this echinoderm. Perhaps “Air Lunch”, “Wolf Cookie”  or “Blow Chuck” are representative examples. How could you not name one “Ralph“? I didn’t think too hard about this, as these are all euphemisms for … well … you know … which reminds me again of my drunken college Biology-majoring years.

Now if we could consider a completely different phylum of animal, you might name a Pyukumuku “Afterbirth” or “Born Again”. When Pyukumuku expels its own innards it does remind us of the afterbirth which comes out of all female mammals after birthing their young. Thus, “Placenta” might be another name on this theme.  

Sometimes a Christian friend of mine would say that they became “Born Again” when they accepted their religion. I always would reply “Wow, you must have left a really big afterbirth!” (You see, I was a very sarcastic …  and troubled young college student.)

Human placenta from just after birth with the umbilical cord in place. “Ye will be born again …”

Ladies … Ahem … something else to consider; all mammals eat their own placenta after giving birth. The afterbirth contains a lot of nutrients which are needed by the young ones, and these minerals and antibodies will be transferred trough your milk of human kindness.  (Cough.) Just sayin’ … who am I to argue with millions of years of mammalian evolutionary adaptation … and yes, I digress once again.

You could try various “Squishy” names. A good name might be “Squanchy” or “Squanching” after the Rick and Morty character and act.

My FAVORITE nickname for Pyukumuku is “Bukowski” after the famous American poet Charles Bukowski.  When asked how to pronounce his name, the late writer would reply “ It is BUKE –owski … it rhymes with PUKE …”.  See time 1:45 on this YT video linked here. 

The late Mr. Bukowski (1920 – 1994) was popular with the American “counterculture” of the 1970s and beyond. He was published in The New Yorker magazine. He was published in Hustler magazine.

From Wikipedia: “Bukowski wrote thousands of poems, hundreds of short stories and six novels, eventually publishing over 60 books. The FBI kept a file on him as a result of his column, Notes of a Dirty Old Man, in the LA underground newspaper Open City”.

His semi-fictional autobiography “Barfly” was made into a movie starring Mickey Rourke (the trailer is linked here.)

Ahem. (Denny get uncharacteristically serious for a moment): 

Dear friends, I would like to share some of Charles Bukowski’s poetry posted on YouTube linked here … as long as these things might last before being taken down for some reason.  My FAVORITE Bukowski poem is “The Laughing Heart”.  Just to be sure the words last, in case the video is blocked, let me post the original Bukowski-typed page. Just for you, dear heart.

You might also enjoy this version read by singer Tom Waits (linked here).

“Innards Out” my friends … my innards are now out.

 

Pokémon Nicknames: ALOLA forms of Vulpix and Ninetales

ALOLA COUSIN!

I need to update my original “Pokémon Nicknames” post  for Vulpix and Ninetales, as there is now a special Alola form of Vulpix and Ninetales. My original Vulpix/Ninetales post is linked here.

Pokémon Nicknames: Vulpix and Ninetales

The Alola form of Vulpix is an ICE-type. It evolves into Ninetales by using the ice stone.

Credit goes to the original artist.

The Alola form of Vulpix/Ninetales is only caught in Pokémon Sun, but these two Pokémon are readily available through trading on the GTS or with a friend. (Pokémon Moon has Alola ice-type Sandshrew and Sandslash, which also evolves with an ice stone.  It would be jolly good form for you to trade your extra ice-Sandshrew for an ice-Vulpix, or vice versa).

Now that Vulpix is ICE rather than FIRE, I need to suggest nicknames other than names for fire-hot redheads like “Lucy”. I am thinking that instead of a redhead, Vulpix is now a platinum blonde.

I might suggest naming female Vulpix “Gwen” or “Stacy” after Gwen Stacy the tragic girlfriend of Peter Parker in the Spiderman comic books.

I might name one Gwen after singer Gwen Steffani (another platinum blonde), but I have not listened to her music since the 1990s. Other famous, sexy, platinum blonde names could also be used. For example: “Harlow” after legendary actress Jean Harlow.

You may name one “Marilyn” after Marylin Monroe, probably the quintessential platinum blond bombshell. Um … wait … did I say SEXY platinum blondes?  Huh huh … er … yes, well Vulpix and Ninetales females are very beautiful.

She may be a “bottle blonde” but she is also a “beautiful bombshell”! I can’t wait to hear her Nine Tales!

If you want sexy, just don’t name one after Madonna. Why not name your ice-blond “Blondie” after the comic strip, or the early new wave band from New York?

Male Vulpix …. hmmmm … maybe something like “Warhol” after crazy-white-hair-artist Andy Warhol.

Crazy fucking mental-case. See, I am good at NAMING!

I think “Ice Nine” would be a good name for male Ninetales. The term is from the famous Kurt Vonnegut novel “Cat’s Cradle”. The “ice-9” form of water caused the end of the world, but you can read all about it when you go to college. Try  “Snow Job” which is slang for lying, especially if the ice-fairy fox knows moves like “Blizzard”. .  “Shaved Ice” might work, but only because my mind wandered. How about a Spanish name like “Helados“  or “Terra Fría“?

I will end with some nice Vulpix cosplay. Thank you to Tumblr user Vykril Cosplay for her Vulpix kimono cosplay. It looks beautiful!

What is the name for your icy fairy fox? Please comment!