Pokémon Nicknames: Lotad, Lombre and Ludicolo

“Yes, I would love to come visit you on your lillypad Haruka!”

From Bulbapedia: Lotad (in Japanese: ハスボー “Hassboh”) is a dual-type Water/Grass Pokémon introduced in the original Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire (Generation III). Lotad evolves into Lombre starting at level 14.

Lombre (in Japanese: ハスブレロ “Hasubrero”) remains a Water/Grass dual-type. Lombre can only evolve into the final Water/Grass form — Ludicolo (in Japanese: ルンパッパ “Runpappa”) when exposed to a Water Stone.

My favorite name for Lombre’s form is “Pedro” or “VOTE-4-PEDRO” after the famous t-shirts utilized in the Napoleon Dynamite movie.

Another reason to like the name “Pedro” is the character from those humorous  “South of the Border” billboards commonly seen on U.S. Interstate Route 95.

Oddly, the “border” in these billboards refer to the state border between North Carolina and South Carolina. The SOB complex is a typical regional “tourist trap” specializing in kitsch. Also, you can BUY fireworks there. It is illegal to LIGHT THEM, but state law says that it is legal to BUY THEM.

A name I like to use for Lotad is “CrunchyFrog” after the Monty Python sketch about “crunchy frog chocolates“.

Don’t drink the water — who knows what Lotad did in it! Ha.

“OneTonOfMayo” is an alternative way of singing the famous Cuban ballad “Guantanamera” typically sung by Mariachi bands in Mexican restaurants. One ton tomato? Along that theme, various Mexo-kitsch names could be used.

Names like “Hat Dance”  after the Mexican Hat Dance that Ludicolo does.

These frogs are going to be eating some fish-chalupa tonight!

I thought that “LOL” might work for female Ludicolo. The text word “lol” is frequently used in social media exchanges. Speaking of social media — you better not use names like “Pepe” or “PepeTheFrog” as the internet has nearly corrupted the original Boy’s Club character. If you want free speech – you gotta love Pepe!

By Source (WP:NFCC#4), Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=49072067

One fan who posted on the Name Rater’s site came up with “Lombrero” which is straightforward … and logical. (Always remember however that the Name Rater HATES YOU!). Another fan posted “Guacamole” which may be appropriate, as Ludicolo is Avocado shaped!

Fuchi Capesta!!! Sorry everyone! It must have been those re-fried Pokebeans!

I like the name “Cheech” for Lotad — after Cheech Marin from the 1970s comedy duo Cheech and Chong.

What is the name for your frog from “South of the Border”? Please comment!

Kimonos on Someday … Haruka Kodama on her “Coming of Age Day” January 9, 2017.

Oh … she turned 20 this past year. Will Harrupi just keep getting more and more beautiful every year?

It was “Coming of Age Day” in Japan on  Monday, January 9th. Several members of the AKB48 family were in attendance at Kanda Myojin shrine. I would like to share photos of all of them, but have been too busy to make blog posts. I thought I would at least share a few photos of one of my favorite HKT48 members — Haruka Kodama. “Harrupi” looks happy, and she STUNS as per usual in her blue and floral pattern furisode. The hairpins were homemade by the delicious young idol herself.

Holy Happy Homemade Hawkstown Harrupi Hairpins!!!

I am still in the process of collecting images from Google, Tumblr, and various websites which have covered the event. Several other of my favorites also were at the event. I will need to find photos of the glorious face of Nao Furuhata, the intimidating Jurina Matsui (who colored her famous jet-black hair for the event!), and that peppy little Ririka Sotou … just to name a few.

“… same to you buddy!”

Of course I could not be there to give a shout to my favorite young idols.  The day was cold wet and nasty …

… kind of like what it is like at my employer’s … but I digress. I will try to find and post some more photos and photographer’s photo links of the big day — as long as I don’t get hit with a frying pan.

You know how “arty farty” professional photographers can get …

This link from Tokyo Girls Update should hold you for awhile.

Starlight: Happy Harrupi Hawkstown Haruka was born on September 19, 1996. Oddly, the same day I bought these stretch pants I am now wearing…

If you want to see more of Kodama-san, please view my Pinterest page for her linked here.

Denny’s vow of celibacy

You got that right Haruppi! Too much thinking can cause yourself a lot of stress!

Something has been bothering me lately. I feel that I should not write any more blog posts, because I need to dedicate more time to writing and publication in my professional life. My job “processing agricultural chemical orders” has not been going very well. I have not been making the kind of accomplishments that I really need to make. I didn’t keep up with technology. I get poor reviews. I am not in line for raises.

Yes, that is how I felt, Miss Kodama … like a big “F” -ing hat.

A couple of months ago, I told myself that I would not spend any more time on social media until I made a major accomplishment at work. Either complete a major project …  publish an industry article …  or actually help one of my colleagues. Well, I stopped posting (only two posts in two months), but I STILL did not get anything done at work. All I accomplished was that I was just making myself very unhappy because I could not write about topics I like … animes I have seen, Pokémon nicknames, kimono styles, or JPop music I love.

Well, I’m just happy that you are happy Haruka.

I really hated not writing on WP because when the Pokémon Go mobile game launched, my Pokémon Nicknames posts started getting hundreds of views every day! I would really like to create more posts. (Note: My “Pokémon Nicknames” is often not really about Pokemon nicknames. It is often just a jumping off point for some other rant on popular culture or my old man stories. The Sunflora example linked here.)

It is frustrating because I have the OPPOSITE problem of writers block. I have many ideas for blog posts, but I feel guilty if I use my time to write them. I feel that I should not waste time on pop culture and entertainment social media … when I know I should be developing myself professionally.

Ideas for writing about pop culture keep popping up, just like you Haruka!

It does not help, that I genuinely despise my work. I try to look on the humorous side when possible. I don’t like the field, and I can’t understand why any young person would ever want to go into it. Why stay?  Oh yeah, it is easy — and I have pretty good job security.  (On a bad day, I can just close my office door, put on a Hanako Oku concert DVD, listen to headphones and be instantly transported.)  I know I could not find another job that pays as well for someone my age.  … but it is like living a lie. If I could write my blogs for a living … I sure would.

Oh… you were so sweet. Your suggestions for “tropical fertilization” were a nice gesture, Kodama-san.

You kids should have seen me in my younger days though. All full of piss and vinegar  — writing articles in the industry …  traveling to conferences … educating the young interns. (Cut to scene of young Denny in business suit – jingling his pocket change: “I’ve got you’re your fertilizer right here”. I was cashing in, moving up, blazing new trails … and … and all … “put it on my tab.” Now I’m deadwood.

Yes, I appreciate your ability to “handle old wood” Haruppi, but I need to do this for my own good.

I need to rededicate myself to professional life – and that means no blogging. I need to redeem myself.

Allways contemplating in lonely solitude. I know the feeling Haruppi.

I will still check in with some of my blogging friends once in a while. It is also frustrating not being able to read all of YOUR posts. Just today, I was scrolling down through all of these WP articles I would like to read and comment on, but I feel like I would be letting my family down if I use up time when I should be chasing a raise.

Sorry Haruka, I can’t see the entire message … but I would still not be able to ANYTHING you out — until I get some real work done!

I am going to take a solemn vow. I am not going to post anything on WordPress until I actually make an accomplishment in my professional life.

I will still check in on your posts and make comments, but I will post no new articles. I can’t live without MorningBerryz48 idols blog, and I depend on The Otaku Judge to advise me on which anime to choose. I should be a better role model for young Matthew. All of you who routinely read and “like” my posts …. I will see you down there at the “likes” area … and I will be checking in. The next time you see Pokemon nicknames, Kimonos on Monday, or a list of risqué jokes about Japanese idols, that means that I have turned it around.

It does inspire me that you will wait for me Miss Kodama.

Starlight: Eight years of this Ronin life.

 

Having Breakfast with HKT48!

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I know … where does Haruppi put it?

“Begin the day / With a friendly voice/ A companion unobtrusive / Plays that song that’s so elusive / And the magic music makes your morning mood …”  

Thanks, Neil, but I know you did not have this genre in mind when you wrote that. Nonetheless, it certainly is inspirational to hear/see the HKT48 girls early in the AM. I like listening/watching HKT48 YouTube playlists on my iPhone during breakfast. They girls are true to the spirit that you wrote about. You know, they would have been good on AM radio. Right up there with the Archies.

I have been so happy and entertained by these lovely young women — my adopted daughters from Hawkstown. I think I like the HKT48 even more than the main AKB group now. These youngsters have so much pep, and they sing and dance with such energy and enthusiasm. This is Idol music the way it is supposed to be … like a milkshake that never ends!

First off — lets hear “12 seconds” while the coffee finishes brewing. This is my song of the summer! … or at least my favorite in the Idol genre. You will not need any sugar in your Breakfast Blend. Aika Ota is sweet enough! Good example: see time 1:39 – 1:42 seconds. Lovetan is not even singing at that point … she just poses … but …

Love-tan you are KILLING me. At least my heart is started.

This next one goes back to HKT48 Dome Concert in 2013. This is probably the CUTEST idol duet I have ever seen. That is Aoi Motomura in the hot pants, and Sakura Miyawaki in the skirt. Musically, I think that one part is stolen from “Be My Baby” by The Ronnettes. The young Sakura-tan is so adorable here so I will not quibble Akimoto’s possible theft.

I could not be more proud (tearing up a bit). Future Anthropologists should study Sakura’s moves in order to define and understand what a Japanese Idol should be. Sakura is pure joy in a bottle. She is like a little piece of God piercing a hole in the fabric of space-time into our universe. Through this teenage girl, we might then be able to comprehend new dimensions … and a higher plane of consciousness. …Um, … Did you put something in my coffee?

Um … Now this next one is lower video quality, but that is OK because I’m dancing while I reheat these eggs anyway. A better quality video is available, but you have to be on YouTube. I grock that heart shape at the end.

Remember when The Beatles used to sing “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah”? Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you added ONE MORE “YEAH”? Find out here. I like this one because this PV features HKT48’s youngest member Yuka Akiyoshi. I own underwear older than her. She’s a little rascal alright!

This next one is from a great mini-concert outside of the HawksTown Mall last year. They cover their big-sister’s hit single “Baby Baby Baby”. Much of the video is down shot at floor level — kind of like a Yasujiro Ozu film. Like the late, great Ozu-sama, the HKT48 kids gave me a great “Late Spring”. The crowd LOVES it!

The next one is “Tenshi no Shippo”. After a introduction by Aika Ota (to time 0:27 seconds), the trio performs this Akihabara Theater favorite.

Warning: Tails are shown in this dance video! (Denny eating too fast and rambling): I like the animated balloon background. The dancing is super cute, and it reminds me of CHAM. Sometimes these performance videos don’t have the greatest sound. It sounds a little like the girls are at the end of a tunnel. The 21-year old Ota-san is a little flirtatious here. Hmmm …

“Angel Tail” you say Love-tan? “MOE! MOE!!”

“Modestly, I love You?”.  Ha Ha, at first Google Translate had it as “Conservative I Love You”.  There are so many performance videos of this out there on so many shows. The dancing is always great. I love how the song mixes some English words in with the Japanese. I think I like the performance videos of this better than the official music video. While that official music video (linked here) is glorious color eye candy, that video is cut so quickly you can hardly get a look at your favorite idol when her cloud passes by. (Forget YOU – Rolling Stones!)

Oh, man, we need to get going. I could watch these all day. Let’s have one more cup of coffee, and watch one more. This is another cover of an older AKB48 song, but it is a perfect match for the younger HKT48. The sound is “muddled dome” because of the distance … but DID YOU SEE THOSE CUTE BOOTS AND HATS!?!?

Oh. wow I am so late … I don’t think I can finish my melon juice! The kids sing with the Japanese mascot Funassyi – who is actually a “Pear Fairy” not a melon.

(Plus, I have already been blamed for looking at melons when I wasn’t … but that is a rant for another meal).

Starlight: “Off on your way / Hit the open road / There is magic at your fingers / For the spirit ever lingers / Undemanding contact / In your happy solitude …”

You and me both Neil.

Never play hide and seek with Haruka Kodama.

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Never play hide and seek with Hawks Town Haruka Kodama, she is just too good.

Haruppi is pretty good at playing “hide and seek”. The Hawkstown 48 Idol has a way of completely disappearing into a hiding space. I never would have looked in the linens storage area!

Good hiding place Kodama-san! 

Ok, you got me. I just wanted to make a slide show of this amazing idol in cute outfits.

She is becoming one of my favorites in the AKB family.

Denny singing:  “I’m just wild about Ha – er, … Haruppi“!

Happy Hawks Town Haruppi — She stuns, doesn’t she?

Which one is sweet … Haruppi or the tea?

What happened to all the seeds … oh no … Haruka … DON’T!!!

Kodama-san has a way of reviving “old wood” that is for sure!

Of course Haruka is concerned with foresty!

It must be the “backlighting” … I think I am seeing spots!

Haruppi knows all the hidden passageways at the Hawks Town Mall. Did you get that bag there?!?

If I ever win an award for anything, I hope that this is the trophy.

Kodama-san, I would be HONORED if you would be my “second”!

 

So sue me, I’m hiding out in Hawks Town.

I also have to admit that “12 seconds” is now my “song of the summer”! Please enjoy ANOTHER full version of the HKT48 power pop hit in HD before the Record Industry Weasels find out about it. IT IS THE PERFECT IDOL SONG FOR SUMMER! If you haven’t already, check out that adorable little pose the members do right at the end of this dance. It kills me!

Man, they are something else. I feel like I am falling in love with AKB48 all over again — only it is with HKT. I do fall in love very easily — you probably know that by now.  When I fall, I am very loyal however.  What?

Starlight:  Haruppi place 8th in the AKB48 Election preliminary voting. The FINAL ELECTION is hours away! I will post results then!

See more HKT48 on my Pinterest Board linked here.

 

Well, Lewis Carroll is probably doing SOMETHING in his grave …

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I am starting to like the HKT48 a lot!. HKT48 stands for “Hakata” 48, as the group performs in their own HKT48 Theater in the Hawks Town Mall located in Hakata ward of Fukuoka, Japan. When I think HKT however, I think GO HAWKSTOWN!  HKT48 is centered/managed by (the somewhat older) Rino Sashihara. Now, why Sashi is in Hawks Town is … ahem … another story, but let’s just say that I am glad that they put this Irishwoman in charge. (What, she’s an O’Hara, right?)

The HKT48 are a lot of fun, and they have a lot of youthful energy! They remind me of AKB48 when the original members were first starting out years ago. They are always so happy and enthusiastic when they do their dances in their pretty outfits. I super-love their single “12 Seconds”. There is a great music video for it, but for right now, let’s view a live performance in 1080 HD!

I think that 12 Byou is a cool, rockin’ power-pop song. I especially love the uniforms that they use for the MV and for this dance. Haruka Kodama is amazingly pretty … and did you see those CUTE SOCKS?

You are killing me with those socks Haruppi!

I hope yourtube does not remove it, because I want to watch this PV all summer. Just in case, I downloaded the MP4 and played it on my PS3 USB, where it looks PDQ on the IT.

The more I watch HKT48, the more I like them! I also like some of those “kick” moves that they put into the dance. See time 2:00 — I actually make those same knee-kicks like that whenever my leg goes to sleep, or if I have a really bad “Charley Horse“! Thanks, young ladies, for showing me how to stay limber.

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Now for the music video: The HKT48 girls go “down the rabbit hole” and become part of Lewis Carroll‘s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland“. It is a lot of fun, and the sets look great. Unfortunately YouTube only has the “preview” version of the official MV, but you can find the full version out there if you know where to look.

I was able to find it on Jpopsuki website, but you have to wait a long time for it to load. Watch in a new window on Jpopsuki linked here.

Alternatively you could watch it in a new window on Voz48.com linked here. Much less loading time.  What a Lolita-styled beauty is the “Alice” here!

If all else fails, you can go with YouTube, but the company will only let me show you the preview. Dag-nabbit wabbit, it still sounds and looks so inspiring I’m interested in both the fine literature AND the pretty skirts!

The “Alice in Wonderland” theme here gives rise to the speculative question:

Was noted British author Lewis Carroll a pedophile? (Note: “Lewis Carroll” was the pen name of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson.) It is commonly known that the author based the “Alice” in his books on Alice Liddell, his neighbor, and the daughter of his church leader. It is well documented that he had a friendly relationship with Alice and her family, however the extent of their relationship has given rise to some speculation. (Link here.)

Denny turns his bar stool to face the reader: Look, regarding these famous writers and your English majors, scholarly professors and the like — they all go one of two ways: Either they are 1) a total “fruit salad” and thus are harmless to women, or 2) they are lecherous serial womanizers that think they are above common decency.  … but I digress.

Furthermore, a British documentary produced earlier this year investigates the relationship between Carroll, Alice and her other young sisters. They conclude that although Carroll was obsessed with the young girl, he was too “repressed” by his religion and conscience to act upon it. There is evidence that he took photographs of Alice and her sisters, but they were NOT sexualized images. Researchers uncovered an old photograph of Carroll and Alice in an embrace however. I will NOT show that photograph here, but it is available on a Pinterest page linked here. It is argued that the photo has been faked in order to diminish the author. There is no evidence that the late Mr. Dodgson ever had an inappropriate relationship with any child.

Ok, that being said, I think that Lewis Carroll would have approved of HKT48 and how they bring his concepts to life! I think he would also enjoy these performances.  Here is another PV of the “12 seconds” single: Enjoy the silky pastel colors version in 1080 HD!

Before I go, here is a rockin’ instrumental version with guitar by YouTube user Arif Hadianto.

“Party on Garth!!!” 

Starlight: You would have traveled 2,232,000 miles if you were going at the speed of light!

KIMONOS ON MONDAY: Hawks Town Haruka Kodama

Quick! Before you scroll down, choose ROCK, PAPER or SCISSORS. You will see why at the bottom.

Haruka Kodama STUNS in this blue kimono! I will have to admit that I have not followed the HKT48 very much yet. The market for the “Hawks Town” 48 seems to targeted a little lower in age than AKB48. Kodama-san is a rising member in the AKB Family however, and I have taken notice.

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This 18 year old Yamaguchi Prefecture native is turning into a fan favorite. Haruka or “Haruppi” (her nickname) is the “oshimen” or at least the HKT “oshi” for many fans.

If you’re happy … then I’m happy, Haruppi!

Her nickname reminds me of the cute HKT48 single “Hikame I Love You” linked here .  I even have it stuck in my head now … “HAPPY … HAPPY…”

Help!!!

Haruka Kodama is part of a “dynamic duo” within the HKT48 along with co-member Sakura Miyawaki. I’ve noticed that there is always a “dynamic duo” in each sister group. In NMB48 it would be Sayaka and Miyuki. In JKT48 it would be Melodie and Haruka. In SKE48 it would be Jurina and Rena. AKB … probably Mayuyu and Yukirin.

Sakura (L) and Haruka (R) of HKT48. They are not in kimono, but these dresses are very pretty. Maybe the sash and dress are “kimono-inspired” fashion!

Haruppi trivia: Kodama-san’s birthday is September 19, 1996. Exactly the same day when I last updated my webpage at work!

Help me UPLOAD Haruppi-chan!!!

Get this — her favorite color is “Black and White”. That is odd, for the very colorful “Happy Haruppi”!

Of course Haruka Kodama is inspirational to digital artists!

Are you ready to face Haruka now?

DID YOU WIN? I’ll bet you chose Scissors! 

OK, Haruppi, you can relax now … Hey! … that’s not a kimono that’s a ROBE!

Starlight: I calculated that it is 6,899.27 miles to the Hawks Town Mall. How many Kodama postage stamps would it take to get my letter to Hawks Town?