text:
A Story That Loves Love: Go For It, Nakamura! | OWLS "Adore"
Chances are that if you were linked here from another blogger pal, then you might be new. To those first-timers, "Hi, I'm Takuto, welcome to my anime cafe!" For the OWLS blog tour's second monthly topic of 2019, "Adore," I wanted to stray away from the darker content I typically go for with these posts and focus on something lighthearted. Fortunately for me, none come more fluffy and adorable than the one-shot shounen-ai manga that's got the BL community completely under its love spell: Go For It, Nakamura!
In February, we will be exploring love and romance. The word selected is "adore" because it has two main connotations: to be loved and respected or to feel worshipped. We will analyze characters that give us a feeling of admiration and explain why we love those characters. We will also be exploring different forms of love (familial, friendship, and even self-love) and how those types of love influence our lives.
I myself happened to have recently finished the book, so this prompt came in good timing. Thanks Lyn!
A brief, spoiler-free discussion on the one-shot (11-chapter) manga "Go For It, Nakamura!," story and art by Syundei, and licensed in English by Seven Seas Entertainment.
Ganbare! Nakamura-kun!!
Nakamura Okuto may be a shy gay high school boy, but he sure knows what he wants—the love of his life, his adorable high school classmate, Hirose Aiki. He constantly daydreams of just about every cliche romance scenario ever written, but when it comes to executing his charm, Nakamura is a total klutz! To make matters worse, the two haven't even formally met yet, and Nakamura's clumsy streak is sure enough to botch things before they even begin. Oh boy, good luck Nakamura!
Serialized in Opera magazine over the course of a couple years, the 11 chapters that make up this volume comprise the existing story as it currently stands. It is a collection of vignettes from the titular character's high school life sectioned off in a way not unlike that of a 4-koma manga.
It's also a comedy manga—and one that's fun as heck to boot. The comedic timing will leave you giggling in your chair, and the few moments of genuine connection between Nakamura and Hirose will make your heart all warm and mushy. There's never a dull moment in Nakamura's pitiful yet utterly relatable life.
As mentioned earlier, the romantic scenarios are cliche: staying after class, school festival drama, chance meeting in an alley, school plays, CLUBS, you get the picture. Even though you know how the story might play out that particular chapter, Nakamura's inner dialogue and anxious turmoil transform repetition into a breath of fresh air. And yes, the retro art style contributes immensely to Nakamura's uniqueness.
A Lost Art: The 1980s Japan Aesthetic
I'm not a historian by any means, but if I had to pin a time period, I'd say that Syundei's story takes place in 1980s Japan. Regardless, it's old school, but cute. Really cute. Think Rumiko Takahashi (Ranma 1/2) printed in modern day. Wacky expressions, explosive bangs, random chibi appearances, traditional hair and clothing styles, that kind of 80s Japan. Between the bright colors on the cover, the fuzzy glow effect of Nakamura's daydreams, and the flowery patterned backgrounds, Syundei has created a retro aesthetic that is quite the rare find these days.
I really loved the revival of the cartoonishly big hair bangs (a nice choice!). Not only does this design detail take us back to the past, but it makes the characters seem even fluffier than they already are. Hirose in particular is just such a kind, SOFT boi, and I totally understand why Nakamura's enamored with this sparkling chestnut head! Hirose's large round eyes also make him seem more gullible, innocent, and inviting, a stark contrast to Nakamura's gloomy aura. For a guy who is used to hugging against the shadows, Hirose's radiant light is blinding. So pure!
The duality of Nakamura's expressiveness—from the estranged slim-eyed "bully" look to this blushing, red-faced, obsessive weirdo—establishes an even stronger bond between Nakamura and the reader. He may have a scary exterior, but he's just a big softie (and one who's madly in love!), and I found myself rooting for Nakamura throughout his antics because I relate to his struggles of silent obsession and unrequited love. Slowly but surely, Nakamura is crawling out of his shell and opening up to people, and I really look forward to further developments should Syundei return to this wonderful title.
A Refreshing Spin on BL
Although he may be a closet gay to his peers, Nakamura isn't afraid to let the reader know, and I really enjoy how being gay isn't a big deal in Nakamura. Even his classmates don't mock him for desparately wanting to hang out with Hirose, and it's just so, so refreshing. If you're new to BL, this story would make an excellent entry point. (Being a single-volume story helps make this a recommendation even more convincing!)
Additionally, this isn't a BL story about lust and skipping the foreplay just to do the deed. Go For It, Nakamura! is as innocent and pure as they come, and for all the right reasons. Sure, Nakamura is a bit obsessive for Hirose, but not much more than any other girl or boy tailing after their romantic idol. The story sticks to themes of adoration and manages to run as far as a lovely, blossoming friendship. And interestingly, its lack of explicit content is what marks it as one of the bests.
A Story That Loves Love
Watching the push and pull between Nakamura and Hirose grow with each chapter sure doesn't leave the heart with much time to rest. At times stupidly funny, other times highly resonate and heartwarming, I couldn't think of a high school couple more deserving of mutual love and affection. More than they realize, they need a person just like the other, and the ending will leave you with so much hope and happiness.
Syundei's Go For It, Nakamura! is a story that loves love, and about loving yourself, too. Its characters are cute and fluffy, and despite my wanting to smash the two together and shout "NOW KISS!", I wouldn't have wanted the story (as it stands now) to end any other way. I was left squealing and stirring in my chair for hours after reading the last page, and if there's any BL title out there to boast the word "adore," this is easily the one.
Y-you're the one who said it was important to be true to yourself. — Nakamura Okura
Well, when you don't have to cover animation, music, voice acting, and directing, this makes for a pretty short post! Reading Go For It, Nakamura! easily became the highlight of my week, and its short single-volume release makes it easy to consume yet hard to let go of. It's fun, simple, and it'll make your heart go doki-doki for sure! As if I needed to reinforce its notability, Syundei's Go For It, Nakamura! establishes itself as a "Cafe Mocha" title, an absolute hit for anyone wanting to spend an afternoon enjoying the softest BL manga ever written. Seriously, you'll love it.
This concludes my February 3rd entry in the OWLS "Adore" blog tour. Man, when was the last time I went this early!? In fact, it looks like I'm the one kicking off the February tour, so I hope I set the groundwork well enough for all the great posts to come. Now, look out for my good friend Hazel (Archi-Anime) with a post about After the Rain on Wednesday, February 6th! Thank you so much for reading, and until next time, this has been
Tagged 1980s, adore, BL, blog tour, february, friendship, Go For It Nakamura, heartwarming, Hirose, innocent, light-hearted, love, manga, OWLS, pure, romance, Seven Seas, shounen ai, Syundei
On Love, Loneliness, & the Growing Distance Between Us | The Works of Makoto Shinkai
Have you ever had that "feeling"? You know the one—when you notice yourself suddenly skipping about here and there, flattering others in an uncharacteristically cheery way that makes them remark, "I want what they're having!" Some call that expression—that intense feeling of deep affection, interest, or yearning—love. It's but a simple four-letter word, and yet it can give some people enough purpose and motivation to perform wild, breathtaking feats, going to the greatest of lengths just for that shared pleasure of joy. "Love makes the world go round," it truly does.
Such a complex and powerful emotion often finds its way into animation. Specifically, the romance genre of anime holds steady as one of the field's experts. Its incredible variety masterfully demonstrates that love is not only sweet and tender, but can also be realistically crushing and emotionally devastating.
The latter is the kind of stories director Makoto Shinkai likes to tell. Rather than measuring up as a statistically sound series or film—that is, a rated "10/10" on various elements such as plot, pacing, characters, animation (his forte), sound etc.—Shinkai films excel at eliciting a feeling, usually on the heartache end of the emotional spectrum. To quote his latest award-winning hit, Your Name., Shinkai's films provide, simply put, "Nothing more or less than a breathtaking view." Each possess their own fair share of flaws, some more than others, but beyond the little plot holes lies a relatable character struggle that just might tread a path you yourself have walked.
And it's exactly that strong resonance between one's own experiences and Shinkai's ill-fated cast which makes him one of the bests in the industry. Everyone wants to feel connected to others, and Shinkai depicts through his picture-perfect worlds what that connection is really like, and why it isn't always everything that we wanted after all.
In the iconic, beautifully cruel style which solidified his films as masterworks of modern animation, Makoto Shinkai appeals to humanity's most innate fears of rejection and loss by directing his characters through the timeless themes of love, loneliness, and the growing distance which separates people as time goes on. These lessons teach us that though life has its fair share of heartbreak, each relationship we stumble into and every opportunity we miss out on still carries the potential to live out a better tomorrow—you just have to look beyond the distance.
A comparative study and light analysis on the works of Makoto Shinkai. For each title, I will delve into the big issues or "separators" at hand, factoring in whether the story's realism and emotions which the endings provoke somehow determine the possibilities for happiness and sadness alike. As such, SPOILERS for nearly all of his films WILL BE PRESENT. Also, these will NOT be individual reviews for each title. For those prepared to relive all of these amazing films, enjoy!
(NONE OF THIS GORGEOUS ARTWORK BELONGS TO ME. All praise and ownership goes to Makoto Shinkai and CoMix Wave Films.)
She and Her Cat (1999)
I will always be by your side. After all, I am your cat.
Aside from the music (by Tenmon), this 4-minute short was completely created by Shinkai alone, marking the early beginnings of his budding career as not only an animator and writer, but also a director. It's the short tale of an average Japanese girl living in an apartment told from the viewpoint of Chobi, her beloved cat. Chobi speaks formally and passionately about his owner, yet he still has this pure, unclouded perspective of a cat. Arguably his softest work yet, She and Her Cat: Their Standing Points stood out due to its innovative (and awfully cute) exploration of love.
What ultimately separates the two from "eloping" is, well, obvious—"She" is a human girl, a woman, while Chobi is a cat. It's an unusual relationship, but that doesn't stop the film from being so unrealistic as to the plot being "impossible." The woman, nicknamed Kanojo by the community, faces her own hardships in the real world (including a possible love interest), and though Chobi would like to know what she does and where she goes once she closes their apartment door, he understands that her life likely isn't all sunshine and roses—it doesn't really concern him. All that matters to him is that she returns home at the end of a long day.
Like with all of Shinkai's films to follow, what separates them (different species, the "language barrier") also unites them, for through each others warm embrace—that of a cat and his owner—they find comfort and care. Simple, peaceful, heartwarming.
Voices of a Distant Star (2002)
We may be the first generation of lovers separated by time and space.
Stepping up his game, yet still working alone (aside for Tenmon's gorgeous piano and string score), Shinkai quotes this rather aged 2002 short film as the piece which put him out in the world. Set in the near future, mankind's ambition to explore space separates Nagamine and Noboru, a young girl and boy in junior high. As Noboru enters high school, Nagamine is sent off on an expedition into space's infinite depths. The farther she strays away from Earth and her Noboru-kun, the longer it takes for their texts to reach one another. Minutes turn into hours, days, weeks, months, and soon—
Though inventive at its time, the 3D graphics haven't aged all too well. But thematically, Voices of a Distant Star packs more of an emotional punch than most 12-episode series could today—and this film only clocks in at 25 minutes, including the credits! It seems as if the big separator in Voices is the physical distance, but waiting for their messages of goodwill to traverse the vast blank void that is space ushers in another factor: time. As Nagamine's unchanging body fights on (in what I can only imagine to be early-2000 Shinkai's mecha dream-of-a-giant robot), Noboru ages at what feels like an alarming pace. In reality, his growth rate is no different from any of ours is, but the way Shinkai conveys the rapid passage of time only accentuates our lovers' tragedy. Is it realistic? Even as a sci-fi flick, not really. But does its bittersweet run end on an ambiguously hopeful note? Absolutely.
Voices is arguably the first film in Shinkai's line-up to convey this notion that perhaps the lack of realism can lead to a happy ending. Very interesting . . .
The Place Promised in Our Early Days (2004)
On those now-distant days, we made a promise we couldn't keep.
To tackle the 1 hr. 30 min. length of this next film, Shinkai needed a team. Between his early beginnings and now in 2004, he partnered with the animation studio CoMix Wave Films. The results—The Place Promised in Our Early Days visually blew audiences away, nearly more so than with 2002's Voices. Set near the turn of the century in an alternate reality Japan, which is split by America and the Soviet Union, young boys Hiroki and Takuya aim to fly to the top of the fantastical, unbelievably high Hokkaido Tower using an old drone. While at first a secret for just the two of them, Sayuri, a girl Hiroki and Takuya both like but would never admit to one another, discovers their secret, leading to the boys putting their project on indefinite hiatus. When Sayuri suddenly disappears from their life, however, the two come to realize that reaching the mysterious tower—the promised dream of their childhood—might be the only way to save her.
Hiroki and Takuya experience a loss of youth, of innocence, as they learn to develop their own dreams and ideologies different from their childish musings. What once united them in friendship tears them apart, and the disappearance of Sayuri and discovery of her untimely illness are what kicked off the depressing events that plague the film's middle. To watch two friends come at each other's throat can be painfully real to some, as we've all have our fair share of little spats with friends. Additionally, I'm sure we've all seen sickness and temptation take the life of a loved one and push them into a place beyond our reach. Thankfully, a happy reunion awaits the cast at the end, leading to the belief of how sacrifice can yield rebirth.
Once again, Shinkai writes with a science fiction mind, and although people still relate to Hiroki and Takuya, the entire premise is unrealistic, nothing more than a child's fantasy. Can you still learn from it? Of course, but come Shinkai's next film, reality takes a turn for the worst—the start of a tragic trend.
5 Centimeters Per Second (2007)
At what speed must I live to be able to see you again?
Here it is, Shinkai's greatest creation (thematically, that is). I'm sure it needs no introduction, unlike his more obscure early works, but in case you forgot, it's the story of two very close friends and classmates: Takaki Toono and Akari Shinohara. Elementary school should be a time of play and triviality, but for these two, such isn't the case. Rather than run around on the playground, Takaki and Akari would rather read in the library, or simply chat about life's musings. Just as they become close, however, Akari's family plans to move. Takaki and Akari send letters to one another, but Akari only continues to move further and further away. In a final attempt to see Akari before she's beyond his limits, Takaki sets out to reunite with her. His unlucky trek attracts a cold winter's blizzard, delaying the series of trains to Akari's town. But that doesn't stop the two from finally, FINALLY meeting once again. And boy, does your heart just melt the frost away.
Equal parts faith and love, Takaki made the effort to travel out in the cold, sure, but Akari was the one who waited—the one who sat there miserable and alone with nothing to do but pray that her young love was on his way. It was proof that their love should be everlasting, but alas, that's not the story Shinkai is trying to tell. In this first episode, it is a physical distance which separates our main couple.
A chain of short stories about their distance.
After this touching first episode, the film enters its next "story." Time passes on. Takaki, too, moves away from his hometown to the warm regions of Tanegashima (a stark contrast to the first episode's frigid finale). Now a high schooler, Takaki meets a new girl, and though she tries to admit her feelings to him, Takaki knows all along that his heart only belongs to one person: the woman of his past. Time and other relationships have left him traveling aimlessly. In the final episode, Takaki is old. Maybe not in the physical sense, as late 20s—early 30s is still quite young, but his spirit definitely seems lost—his heart broken from years without seeing or hearing from her.
The painful reality is that, as life would have it, she has moved on, already engaged to another man. And that's just it—the final separator which drives these now-unrelated adults is life itself. Life is always changing, and as we continue down our own paths, we sometimes have to leave others behind.
At its core, 5 Centimeters Per Second strives to present one's "first love," and how difficult it is to hold onto it—so much so that it almost feels not worth experiencing at all. Takaki, by his end, is lonely, depressed, and empty. It's a sad film, yet a brutally honest one. Shinkai's first feature-length film in a world without giant robots or fantasy towers is painfully real, and that aspect remains what distinguishes Shinkai from today's anime directors. By this point, Makoto Shinkai had earned the appreciation and respect of his more mature adult viewers.
Children Who Chase Lost Voices (2011)
This is the journey to know the meaning of "goodbye."
Shinkai returns to the realm of fiction with this next film. Clearly inspired by the magical presentation of Studio Ghibli movies, the story follows young Asuna, an excellent student who maintains her family's house in a rural town during her mother's absence. Aside from spending time with nature, Asuna is alone. She finds escapism in her secret hideout up in the mountains, and frequently tunes into her old crystal radio for relaxation. One day, she unexpectedly picks up on a curious frequency: a rather melancholic melody, different from any song she had ever heard before. As if fated to meet, a mysterious boy named Shun rescues Asuna from a wild, bizarre creature, unintentionally dragging Asuna and her teacher, Mr. Morisaki, on a perilous journey to Agartha, a land long-lost to time and human presence.
Though not his smartest film by any means, Shinkai has been longing to visit this colorful, enchanting world—Agartha—for some time now. The luscious planet upon which Nagamine lands in Voices of a Distant Star; the domain where the comatose Sayuri resides in The Place Promised in Our Early Days; Takaki Toono's realm of dreams in 5 Centimeters Per Second—each time this wondrous world reappears, it offers comfort to the characters. Not coincidentally, the design remains the same, too. From the gorgeously iconic "Shinkai clouds" to the seas of green grass and remains of old ruins, Agartha FINALLY gets the thorough fleshing-out that it has since deserved, and I'm just glad we got to go there at long last.
But Children Who Chase isn't all sunshine and roses. Awaiting Asuna and Morisaki is an adventure rife with death, and a thorough demonstration as to what happens when man attempts to bring those passed back to life. Foolish, blind greed and a gaping sense of loss are what separate Morisaki from someone pure-hearted like Asuna. But in the same way, the journey of letting go and understanding what "goodbye" truly means allows for the film to end with an odd, lukewarm sensation of happiness. Adventure yields danger, but to those who learn their lessons, the hope to live a fulfilling life burns on. God may be a cruel teacher, but so is history.
Children Who Chase Lost Voices is far from a realistic story, and thus, the pattern of Shinkai's fantasies ending contentedly continues. Is he trying to say that reality is just full of heartache and nothing else? Perhaps so with his next couple of films.
The Garden of Words (2013)
Before there was love, there was loneliness.
A personal favorite of mine, Shinkai's The Garden of Words provides a 46-minute feels trip through an unusual couple's short-lived romantic spat.
Tenmon takes a break from the music to allow talent like Daisuke Kashiwa's immersive piano soliloquies to establish an atmosphere unlike ANY other. And the visuals—THIS is the incredible level of quality which defines Makoto Shinkai's digital landscaping, lighting, and realism today. Visually, The Garden of Words remains the most beautiful short film I have ever seen, and it will probably hold that title for a long time to come!
On a rainy morning in Tokyo, aspiring shoemaker Takao Akizuki does what every student on a rainy day wishes they could do—he skips class to sketch designs in the city's beautiful garden. Thinking he'd be all alone in this calm misty weather, he accidentally meets a beautiful yet reserved young woman. Her name is Yukari Yukino, and though she continues to skip out work to drink and eat chocolates in the garden, Takao takes a liking to her poetic words. To [figuratively] get her back on her feet, Takao offers to make Yukino new shoes. And thus they vow to themselves: for each day it rains, I will spend time with her/him.
More rainy days arrive, and as the two secretly convene in their garden of words—of shared acceptance and belonging—the two unknowingly start to lighten their own personal burdens just by being together. Tokyo's rainy season may be long, but like all good things, it doesn't last forever. As warmer days creep ahead and the chance for precipitation diminishes, Takao and Yukino's relationship risks drying up like the rain which brought them together.
The Garden of Words paints the true vision of life's loneliness before love intervenes. It's the gentle story about finding solace in another, and learning to alleviate one's personal worries through something as simple as conversation. At first, a lack of courage casts Takao and Yukino as an awkward couple. Only after Yukino is revealed to be a teacher at his school do we see the true separator at hand: the age gap, and the societal notions that place stigmas on teacher–student relationships. YUKINO KNEW THE WHOLE TIME, yet held of on saying anything for fear of judgement. And in the end, Takao yells at her, forcing her on her feet through their compelling emotional conflict.
Realistic in every sense of the word, its finale feels bittersweet, yet resolved. Separated from each other, the two resume pursuing their own personal aspirations. Though somewhat sad, in truth the ending is optimistic about the different directions Takao and Yukino take, as it was through comfort in one another's presence which allowed them to find their way back on the path—and with a stronger, more confident "footing" this time around.
The Garden of Words rings true as the new Shinkai standard, but thematically, it revolutionized Shinkai's game: for the first time, a realistic story does, in fact, yield a happy ending.
Someone's Gaze (2013)
There are a lot of things you two have forgotten.
Returning to form, Makoto Shinkai cranks out another charming yet touching short (6 minutes in length) with the release of The Garden of Words. It hearkens waaay back to his beginnings, with the simple yet relatable tale of a girl and her cat. Aa-chan lives in a near-future Japan, and has recently made the big transition of living on her own following graduation and the start of a new job. With her mother working overseas as a doctor, her loving father is left behind at the apartment with the family cat, Mii-san, who happens to be very old by this point. Seeking a way to reach out to her, her father tries several times to reconnect with his distancing child, but the gap is too awkward for him to bridge. Eventually Mii-san passes away, but this sudden grief holds the power to reunite a tired daughter, a busy mother, and a lonely father.
All that emotional energy conveyed in such a short time serves to remind us as to Shinkai's greatest strength, that is, being able to make his viewers experience heartbreak followed by hope (or hopelessness) in a matter of mere minutes. Someone's Gaze is especially relatable, as the burnout experienced by today's youth and the parental fear of their children growing up in today's world both hit us hard at some point in our lives. With maturity comes opportunity, but that often involves temporarily leaving an old way of life—and the people in it—behind. In truth, familial bonds change over time, and as we grow up, it can be hard to maintain that "want" to communicate.
Like The Garden of Words, Shinkai permits for a realistic story to end optimistically hopeful, perhaps marking that the guy really is turning a new leaf from his long history of depressing, failed love stories.
Cross Road (2014)
I sought to find something great, and while it may not have been what I expected, I found something . . . or rather, someone.
Although this latest short is actually just a 2-minute commercial for the Z-Kai cram schools, it was still directed by Shinkai, and holds that same breathtaking, picture-perfect style to boot. As college entrance examinations draw near, two students living completely different lives focus their time and energy into a correspondence education service. Juggling their studies with their already-involved daily lives, the two diligently work towards that high goal of college admission, unaware of how much they share in common. It's a brief yet inspiring "work hard, play hard" preview into a film that I can only imagine would've been absolutely stunning had it received the length it deserved. Not as absurd as those 30-second Cup Noodle ads, but even just a couple minutes more would have doubled the story's length. I suppose we don't always get what we want; such is life.
Despite the let-down of a run time, Cross Road still manages to follow a truncated version of the Shinkai formula: two individuals in similar situations are separated by different lives, but their unexpected meeting reveals that, through hard work, the hope to overcome their challenges increases. Call this a lighthearted take on the next and final film—the realistic outcome of what possibly could have been.
Wherever you are in the world, I swear I will find you again—no matter what.
Your Name. exploded onto the anime scene, continuing to break record after record until it became the highest-grossing anime film in the world (among other nominations). Funimation and Madman Entertainment's combined efforts to license, dub, and promote the film through staggered theatrical releases maintained its hype not just for the remainder of 2016, but for most of 2017, too. Even now, anime fans who are finally getting around to watching it share their praise with the community, reviving the excitement of this rom-com drama to no end. By this point, Your Name. wasn't just another Shinkai film—it was a moving, breathing phenomenon.
Like any high school girl born and raised in the Japanese countryside, Mitsuha Miyamizu craves the wonder and excitement of city life. Unfortunately for her, the family's shrine needs its maiden, restricting Mitsuha to her life in the boonies. Meanwhile in the lively Tokyo, high school student Taki Tachibana labors away at his part-time job with the hopes of eventually pursuing a career in architecture.
One day, Mitsuha awakens to an unfamiliar ceiling, but the chic apartment and bright view of the city skyscrapers instantly identify as Tokyo. "This is my dream life! But wait . . . wha—I'm in a boy's body!" Out in the countryside, Taki finds himself waking up in a similar frightening situation. A strange phenomenon swapped the two's places, and in order to figure out the reasons for their predicament, Taki and Mitsuha live out random days in the other's shoes, learning about the differing lifestyles, and that above all, fate works in mysterious ways. As Taki and Mitsuha desparately begin searching for the other, their actions begin to dramatically impact the course of destiny, forever altering the threads of fate which tie them together.
Your Name. almost feels like the culmination of all of Shinkai's themes, plot points, and even character personalities that make a work, well, Makoto Shinkai's. Enormous skies, photo-realistic cities, intense lighting, a calm atmospheric music score, themes based on things taken for granted in daily life, and lots of trains. THIS is what Shinkai represents to us now, and on that cinematographic level, Your Name. is perfection. (Also, like, Radwimps wrote the greatest insert songs to an anime EVER.)
A girl and a boy torn apart by an impossible distance, but brought together through circumstance and, of course, fate. At first, that distance is literal: Taki lives in Tokyo, while Mitsuha resides miles away living her humble country life. And part of that is the trick, the gimmick behind the landscape facade, for as soon as the big reveal of the comet Tiamat's destruction is made, BOOM—time turns out to be the true separator here. Though Taki felt confident and sure of this feeling tugging at his heart, his confession was sadly three years too late.
And because of this he suffers. Mitsuha suffers. These star-crossed lovers save their beloved Itamori and all its kind, caring folk, BUT—as if their story weren't painful enough—one last divider severs their last chance of reuniting: their memories of each other are lost to time. Is it a realistic element? Hardly, but it does lead to one of the most happily fulfilling endings I've ever experienced. Here's why.
Makoto Shinkai's latest film borders on tragedy. Up until this point, it was about to become the biggest heart-breaker in anime film history. But thankfully, Your Name. appreciates a sort of cosmic balance to all the good we do—Shinkai calls that seemingly magical, underlying, connecting force musubi, and we can thank it for honoring Mitsuha and Taki's feelings for one another. By the film's end, the two are left with just that—a subtle feeling of the all their shared struggles, surprises, happiness, sadness, inspiration, appreciation, love. . . now memories lost to a different time.
But when distance tried to physically separate them, Taki and Mitsuha took the trains;
When time placed a rift between them, dreams gave them clues to find each other;
When katewaredoki briefly cut their first meeting short, Mitsuha fought on to finish Taki's mission;
When memories of one another's name left their minds, love held on tightly to that lingering feeling—that's why Taki wrote "I love you" on Mitsuha's hand, for bridging the timeline gap at twilight involves giving up memories of the other. Names will fade, but emotions have the power to transcend time;
And when tragedy attempted to end their tale of romance and miracles, fate reconnected the strands of love to the cord of hope. Thus, Taki and Mitsuha became destined to meet again.
Separated by distance, connected by fate.
What Shinkai's Works Have Taught Me
Have you ever felt that "feeling," that despair of something that can't be changed or is beyond your reach, but you still long for it anyway? I'd like to call it "love," but Makoto Shinkai interprets such a complex emotion as "longing in solitude." It is only through loneliness that we understand what compassion really feels like, after all.
Shinkai's works tend to feature unusual yet somewhat realistic relationships, which more so play out as bittersweet than truly tear-jerking (save for maybe Your Name.) He covers a broad range of relationship stages, too, from the cutting of ties and moving on (5 Centimeters Per Second) to the early beginnings of expression (Garden of Words). Unlike most film writers and directors, he delves into themes like pain, longing, yearning, loneliness, and emptiness to give the audience stronger, almost more common emotions to connect with. His creative use of time laps emphasizes this distance or emotional disconnect that the characters and audience experience, and his hyper-realistic visuals never fail to immerse you in the setting he wants, be it on faraway roving fields of green, a quiet Tokyo apartment, or a rainy day in the park.
Most of all, through distance, Shinkai is able to explore the gap between two people's feelings: why it exists, and how it is a natural part of the human experience. Life isn't that glamorous fairy tale that Disney or Hollywood make it out to be. Instead, Shinkai tells us it can be messy, and often times painful to shoulder alone. It's okay to fall both in love and out of it, as people are always changing. He also teaches that you can, in fact, grow as an adult; emotional maturity has nothing to do with one's age, for even as adults we can get lost on our path.
None of us are invulnerable to emotional struggle, grief, and even depression. But none of us are forever doomed to loneliness, either—such is why even his most realistic works end in both sadness and happiness. After studying all of his films, I can confirm that NO CORRELATION between the level of realism and whether the ending is positive or negative exists, as Shinkai doesn't sugarcoat the reality we live in. He presents it for what it is, which has its fair share of good and bad times.
Ultimately, no amount of magic or sci-fi gimmicks can determine whether YOU chase after the ending you want, for you, too, are constantly growing and learning new things. The hope that we can always change for the better resides within us all—you simply have to decide who you want to be for yourself, and make that leap of faith over the scary distance to connect with another. While you're at it, don't forget to enjoy life's little things we often take for granted.
In Makoto Shinkai's picturesque, emotionally charged films, I found a rekindled passion for life's hidden beauties, and so long as he continues to explore the growing distance between us and how finding solace in another can heal our emotional wounds, I'll always look forward to his next creation.
I still don't know what it really means to grow up. However, if I happen to meet you, one day in the future, by then, I want to become someone you can be proud to know. –Makoto Shinkai, 5 Centimeters Per Second
Afterwords
At a touch over 5,000 words, this is officially the longest post I've ever written, and if you read all of it, you're my favorite person ever—I hope you learned something new! As you can tell, Makoto Shinkai's works mean a good deal to me. Most find them repetitive, as in "If you've seen one, you've seen them all." But really, that's not the case, as each offers a different commentary on relationships and life, even if the execution or premises feel very much the same. So instead of fighting against the argument, I wanted to write this—to leave behind my innermost thoughts and emotions on Shinkai's films in hopes that whoever stumbles upon this in the future might feel the same way, and that I can comfort them with my musings.
Have you ever resonated with one of Makoto Shinkai's films, be it his oldest shorts or his latest hits? If so, do you happen to have a favorite or two? I want to know! If you're fairly new to this director, was Your Name. your introduction to Shinkai's scenic style? You have to let me know that, too! I've met several new faces (including a dear friend) through Your Name.'s theater experience (which you can read about here), and I hope that you, too, get the chance to share one of his films with a friend or even a lover.
This officially concludes my comparative study over the creative works of Makoto Shinkai. It's been a long time coming, what with the writing process and reserving time to rewatch ALL of Shinkai's films in order, and I'm finally glad I got to share it with you. Despite being terrifyingly long, it's one of those posts I feel proud to have written. Please let me know any thoughts of the films or this post down in the comments, as I'd love to hear your feedback! Also, feel free to share this to any Shinkai fans you know out there!
As it happens to be on love and romance, I saved writing this post for February, so Happy Valentine's Day, my dear readers! Whether you spend this season of love with others or save it for yourself, know that I'll always be wishing you good health and happiness! Thank you so, so much for reading this lengthy analysis—'till next time!
With much love,
Posted in All Anime Reviews, Projects
Tagged 5 Centimeters Per Second, adulthood, Agartha, analysis, anime, beautiful, Children Who Chase Lost Voices, comparison, Cross Road, cruel, deep, destiny, distance, emotional, fate, feeling, film, heartache, heartbreak, life lessons, light-hearted, Loneliness, longing, loss, love, Makoto Shinkai, memory, music, Musubi, parting, personal, photorealistic, picturesque, promise, science fiction, separation, She and Her Cat, short film, slice of life, Someone's Gaze, study, tears, Tenmon, The Garden of Words, The Place Promised in Our Early Days, time, Voices of a Distant Star, yearning, Your Name, youth
Cowboy Bebop, A Journey of the Blues
A brief, spoiler-free review of the 26-episode spring 1998 anime "Cowboy Bebop," produced by Sunrise, based on the original story by Shinichiro Watanabe.
Come 2071, planet Earth is not the only home for humans. Most of the solar system has been colonized leaving a densely polluted Earth left behind. With a series of space gates that facilitate quick n' easy cosmic travel, criminals cower to the deepest corners of space while mafias run rampant in the back alleys of distant planets. The Inter Solar System Police can only extend its justice so far, and as a result outlaw bounty hunters AKA "Cowboys" are deployed to muddy their hands with a huge cash reward dangling in front of their noses.
For cowboys Spike Spiegel and Jet Black, a single woolong (a dumb penny) is enough elicit risking their lives in chasing bounties and hauling dinner. Born as men for the good of the cause, life aboard the Bebop goes south when the ship recruits three new members that will eventually detour its steady course: Ein, the last purebred Welsh Corgi; Faye Valentine, a formidable and seductive cowgirl in her own right, yet currently searching for her elusive past; and Ed, a bizarre lil' fella' who knows how to use a computer quite well . . . scary well, actually.
As the eccentric crew aboard the Bebop get themselves into all sorts of mayhem, we gradually uncover the shady events that brought them all together.
There are two reasons Cowboy Bebop has withstood the test of time. One is that the animation by Sunrise is stunning and artistic, encompassing more meaningful symbolism and well-choreographed action scenes in the first episode alone than what I've seen in entire shows as of late! Two is the fact that its episodic rhythm followed up with its smooth flow of fragmented "memories" detailing the characters' bygone lives is more than well-written. It's brilliant, mostly because it doesn't feel artificial; by the halfway point, we feel the passionate weight these characters are dragging with them, and how their past influences their present choices. Though the story doesn't get kickin' until episode five, the action-packed opening episodes are an amusing gateway to the show's darker themes.
Bebop is not, however, a mind-blowing series of bleak revelations, but a journey cram packed with themes that jive with the soul. It is much more light-hearted, with enough emotional weight to rub the heart in a melancholic way—much like warm chicken soup or a deep blues tune would do—yet not enough turn off the viewer. You can feel this impact with the leads themselves, the subtle placing of the classic jazz-inspired episode titles, or the bluesy soundtrack masterfully composed by Yoko Kanno. All three work together to provoke sorrow, joy, regret, reminiscence, and wonder, in a futuristic world driven by detached hearts and jazz music.
Bebop's ending, which perfectly captures the nature of the show.
Most of the light-hearted nature of Bebop comes from the goofy or sassy interactions shared among the crew. Spike (dubbed "Cabbage Head" by my sister) is a way-too-lax and easily irritable man with a particularly complex history that frequently bumps heads with the present. His roots to the mafia come back to haunt him (like the mafia typically does), and his development is found in the monumental decisions he'll be forced to make regarding the safety of the crew—and that of his own life.
Jet is an ex-cop now bounty hunter. 'Nuff said. If Spike is the ill-tempered dad who always leaves the house for personal biz, then Jet is that mom who A) won't tolerate your shit, and B) will cook dinner each night if YOU buy the ingredients. Rough around the edges, yet the one with the biggest heart, Jet serves the plot by being restrictor of reckless actions, even though he occasionally loses his temper. He holds Spike and Faye back from doing stupid stuff that could get them all killed, and as such plays a necessary role for this ragtag crew.
Lastly are the two sisters, one a troublesome teenager, the other a weird child. They are the tough-on-the-outside/terrible gambler Faye and the noodly Edward, and are mainly aboard to service the fans (Faye brings the sexy, Ed brings the laughs). While Faye will go on to have a much darker, richer past, Ed is pretty much there for the ride. The two share one thing in common, however, that being this common question burning the at back of their brains: "Why am I here, and where am I going?" It's a romantic notion of growing up and dealing with acceptance. And that's why they both work so well in Bebop—it's the story of finding your place in this huge, cruel world.
Watching Cowboy Bebop is equivalent to revisiting an old website that you used to frequent back in the day, yet haven't seen in ages. Does it feel nostalgic? Euphoric? A bit melancholic? Perhaps a bit of all three, but one theme Bebop enjoys feeding us is that internet is more than a tool—it can be a place for some, putting literal meaning to 'home' page. For me, this online café has given me a place to chat with and meet new friends. For the characters in the anime, the web is a place for an old man to play one last game of chess before giving his last breath, or for a disabled kid to vent his faith by becoming a God himself. It sounds a bit odd, but seriously, how much does the internet mean to you?
You should watch Cowboy Bebop because, in one way or another, it's the story of our lives. Everything that challenges the Bebop crew and everyone they meet along the way represent a fragment of our deepest worries and regrets. Should you merely enjoy this anime for the comedy, then hey, that's awesome, it's got a lot of funny moments! But Bebop sure does have this genuine way of letting you know you've reached the end when it comes. With all of the interlaced light-hearted moments, it's as if the show is reminding us that "Nope, sorry, this wasn't the show you signed up for—and you know that." Instead, you're probably like myself and most Bebop fans, in that once it's over, you'll find yourself detached from the solar system, solemnly jiving to The Real Folk Blues.
"Life will challenge you to do things . . . sometimes, you just have to let go!" – Spike Spiegel
However you watch this anime, here's advice straight from the Host: DO NOT string your viewings out for THREE months! It's terrible! I endured this journey with my family, and being like all families, it's hard to squeeze in quality movie time. But we did it, and now who knows what we'll watch together, if anything. Rated a "Caffe Mocha" here, did you enjoy my review of this classically-acclaimed space western? Also, what's your favorite aspect of Cowboy Bebop? Should it have lasted longer? I barely scraped the surface to avoid spoilers, but let's talk about it in the comments! Thanks for reading and until next time, SEE YOU SPACE COWBOY . . .
Tagged action, anime, blues, brilliant, classic, Cowboy Bebop, darker, deep, Ed, Ein, Faye Valentine, jazz, Jet Black, light-hearted, melancholy, music, regret, review, science fiction, Shinichiro Watanabe, sorrow, space western, Spike Spiegel, Sunrise, weight, Yoko Kanno
Ben-To Review
While ramen bowls and instant rice make for a quick, cheap meal, the premade bento box featured in grocery stores is the dinner for kings – some say it's even to die for. Today, an anime centered on retrieving that ultimate dish not only for the driving guts, but for the incomparable glory.
Yo Sato, a high school pervert who revels in playing old SEGA games, decides to purchase a bento box from his local grocery store when he realizes that was his first mistake. Waking up from his unconscious state, he sees that all of the bento are gone. "Wolves," intense brawlers who live thrive for the taste of a half-priced bento fight in the store until only the mighty survive. Yarizui, the "Ice Witch," is the head of the Half-Pricer Club at his school, and upon his cold knockout, forces Sato to join the club and to enter the battle of the bento!
Taking an unnecessarily serious approach to the art of low-budget dining, Ben-To is hilarious. There really isn't much more to say. It is a pure comedy, lacking any dark history or overly dramatic plot twists. The show is perfect for "rinsing your anime palette," especially after watching something really intense.
The characters are also light-hearted. They each have their own unique names they are coined for: "Ice Witch," "Lady of the Lake," "Wizard," so on and so forth. Over the course of the show, you begin to realize how they got their name, their concentrated strategies and styles, but most important, their motive and willingness to fight – the honor of the bento. None of the characters come from a distorted past, meaning that they are pure enjoyment! That's not to say that "what you see is what you get," however; you'll be surprised by the interesting personas provided by each character.
It's also amusing to watch the stereotypical archetypes duke it out in what? A grocery store. The quiet girl, the perverted girl, the ordinary high schooler, the "older sister," the twins, the leader type – it all works, and it's fascinating! J
I've never seen animation by Production David, but they did a fine job with the dramatic brawls that unfold in the store. And while the characters look really beautiful up close, specifically the eyes, even a couple feet away from the viewer the characters' eyes appear really spaced out/messed up. It becomes distracting after a while, and during a few of the softer moments it kinda trashes the overall appeal.
Interestingly enough, the OST for Ben-To features many brass instrumentals, which is a cool change in music compared to other anime. For those who've seen it, it's reminiscent of C: The Money of Soul and Possibility Control.
The saucy opening "LIVE for LIFE" by Aimi matches perfectly as far as lyrics and context. The in-depth views of characters in the supermarket make the scene look very busy, and in the anime, it most certainly is! In contrast, each day concludes peacefully with the ending, "Egao no Housoku" by Mariya Ise, featuring a soliloquy-esque spotlight by the cerulean-haired red-eyed babe Yarizui.
There is plenty of ecchi scenes and fanservice, and while I'd like to say it's for the girls, for a change it's actually for Sato. Oshiroi, the perverted girl and innocent classmate, never stops shipping Sato with the other boys and older men in the series. She reminds me of Rikka from Haganai. Characters such as the student council president or the head of the judo club also have a bolt to pick with him. As a guy, the natural hatred by the setting followed by the slow growth to fondness is comical. Besides this, there are still plenty of skin-revealing scenes for everyone, so yeah . . . awesome.
There isn't really much else to add besides the known fact that Ben-To is a must-watch comedy series. The "shop till you drop" story makes for fantastic hand-to-hand combat, my favorite being Shaga, though I also like Yarizui, and it never loses its touch. Though the show's not family friendly because of the platefuls of fanservice, it's definitely a great watch after a really sad/dramatic or intense thriller anime. Ben-To will make you hungry, so why wait? The laurel wreath sticker has been placed, the "Wolves" are ready at their marks, the doors close, finally BAM – it's time to dine!!
"Say your thanks before you eat." – Sen Yarizui
Thanks for checkin' out my rather quick review of Ben-To, a comedy action series booming with fun! I have not seen the dub yet, but I love Trina Nishimura, so yeah, got to check it out. Please give me a like if you enjoyed the review, as it makes my day! Until next time, this has been
Tagged action, anime, ben-to, bento, comedy, food, hilarious, honor, light-hearted, sen yarizui, yo sato
The Devil is a Part-Timer! Review
These past couple of weeks I have been telling myself that I just need go out to my local Hastings, pick up an anime, and marathon the whole thing regardless of time. Well, I got to do that, and let me just say that I wish it didn't ever end. Today I will review The Devil is a Part-Timer!, a light-hearted comedy-adventure of the Devil and the Hero struggling in modern-day Japan.
Years of war have resulted in bloodthirsty demons conquering about ¾ of Ente Isla, the foreign medieval world. When the Devil's palace is stormed by armies of rebelling humans led by Emilia the Hero, Satan, lord of all demons, and his general, Alciel, flee through a portal to the human realm with the Hero tagging along. They find themselves in present day Tokyo, a world deprived of magic and mana. Without his demonic force slaving away for him, Satan adopts the name of Sadao Maou, rents a cheap apartment shack, and gets hired as the "perfect employee" at the local MgRonald's. Alciel, now Shirou Ashiya, remains as a "stay at home mom" for Maou, tending to all of the basic needs of the household, cooking included. With this new unexpectedly mundane lifestyle Emilia, now just Emi Yusa, finds employment as a call center agent all the while keeping a watchful eye on the humble demon king.
One of this anime's best features is its fresh plot. The top moments, in fact, are merely watching the Devil and the Hero struggle with the basic troubles of our own lives – missing a wallet, paying for rent, acquiring a job, and even getting a tummy ache.
What the story also wants us to notice are the setting/character/stereotype relationships. The Devil is supposed to be evil. The hero is good. The Devil is a Part-Timer! puts Satan in a position where he can't necessarily commit evil, so why should he? And with the Devil just trying to earn enough money to feed himself, does the Hero really need to step in? No. And that's why this anime is so good at deconstructing the "good guy" and "bad guy" roles – heck, Satan even saves some humans in later episodes, so I guess you can't judge based on appearance alone! The characters are fun and bring out their true selves when they are simply around each other, eating plentiful quantities of udon.
While the animation by White Fox is nothing fancy, it gets the job done. The show uses bright colors on in-anime advertisements to support itself. Great dynamic moments include the many expressions of the show – Emi in particular has many rage faces that are just awesome.
There are few notable tracks, such as "The Strength of the Hero and the Devil" and "Give Up on Ente Isla," which are both stand-out pieces. Otherwise, the OST is plain silly, complimenting the tone of the anime quite nicely. The opening, "ZERO!!" by Minami Kuribayashi, though nothing special at first, really grew on me after a while. It's catchy, upbeat, and has decent animation sequences to go along with it.
The only problem I had with this near-perfect anime was, well, it ended. Maou and Emi never completely sort things out and the *spoiler* main antagonist is technically still around. I hope a second season is produced, otherwise this first season of great material kinda goes to waste.
The Devil is a Part-Timer! is a wonderful yet short anime. The English dub is also really good! I recommend this anime to anyone simply because it's a light-hearted comedy show, but specifically because of the interesting characters getting worked up over simple things like cash and noodles. Comedy shows depend on your tolerance of humor alone. But if you're like me, it'll make you laugh a genuine laugh, and you'll want to find a job at a fast food restaurant, trust me. The show is a juicy hamburger complete with crunchy lettuce and melted cheese that will inevitably be eaten up by your eyes – but "would you like some black pepper fries with that, sir or madam?" – Maou
I believe you can watch the whole series subbed on FUNimation.com, or you can support the official release like I did! A copy of The Devil is a Part-Timer! rests on my shelf awaiting the next hungry customer. This is one anime that you won't fully appreciate until it's over! Agh:)
Thanks for reading! Hit the like button if you enjoyed this review or if it inspired you to check it out. Same with the follow button – stay up to date with me and read other material I've written. Till next time! ~
Tagged action, adventure, comedy, devil, hero, hilarious, light-hearted, mgronald


text:
Euphorbia spinosa är en törelväxtart som beskrevs av Carl von Linné. Euphorbia spinosa ingår i släktet törlar, och familjen törelväxter.

Underarter

Arten delas in i följande underarter:

 E. s. ligustica
 E. s. spinosa

Bildgalleri

Källor

Externa länkar

Törlar
spinosa

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


History is best written by those who lived it.
Community Foundation of the Lowcountry recently received accreditation with the nation's highest standard for philanthropic excellence.
Businesses and individuals who continually research the market for better health insurance plans often have too many options.


text:
\section{Introduction}

Combined ultraviolet, optical and infrared data are now becoming available for
large samples of galaxies. To extract constraints on the stellar populations and ISM of
galaxies from these multi-wavelength observations requires the consistent modelling
of the emission by stars, gas and dust.
A standard approach to this problem is to compute the radiative transfer
of the light emitted by evolving stellar populations through gas and dust in the ISM
(e.g. Silva et~al. 1998, Dopita et~al. 2005). Such sophisticated models
provide valuable insight into the detailed emission of individual galaxies.
However, because of the complexity of
radiative transfer calculations, these models are not optimised to derive statistical
constraints on physical parameters from observations of large samples of galaxies.
We present a simple, largely empirical but physically motivated model which can be used to
interpret the mid- and far-infrared SEDs of galaxies consistently
with the emission at ultraviolet, optical and near-infrared wavelengths.
This model allows us to derive statistical estimates on physical parameters
related to the star formation history and dust content of large samples of galaxies.

\section{Description of the model}

We compute the emission by stars in galaxies
using the latest version of the \cite{Bruzual2003} population synthesis code
(Charlot \& Bruzual, in prep.).
The stellar emission is attenuated using the simple
two-component dust model of \cite{Charlot2000}, which accounts for
the fact that stars are born in dense molecular clouds with
typical lifetimes of $10^7$~yr; at later ages, stars migrate to
the ambient (diffuse) ISM (see equation 2 in da Cunha et~al. 2008).
We use an `effective absorption' curve for each
component, $\hat \tau_\lambda \propto \lambda^{-n}$, where the slope $n$
reflects both the optical properties and the spatial distribution
of the dust. We adopt $n=0.7$ for the ambient ISM and $n=1.3$
for the stellar birth clouds.
This prescription allows us to compute the total energy absorbed by
dust in the birth clouds and in the ambient ISM; this energy is
re-radiated by dust at infrared wavelengths.

We define the total dust luminosity
re-radiated by dust in the birth clouds and in the ambient ISM as
$L_\mathrm{d}^\mathrm{\,BC}$ and $L_\mathrm{d}^\mathrm{\,ISM}$,
respectively. The total luminosity emitted by dust in the galaxy
is then $L_\mathrm{d}^\mathrm{\,tot} = L_\mathrm{d}^\mathrm{\,BC} + L_\mathrm{d}^\mathrm{\,ISM}$.

We distribute $L_\mathrm{d}^\mathrm{\,BC}$ and $L_\mathrm{d}^\mathrm{\,ISM}$
in wavelength over the range from 3 to 1000~\hbox{$\mu$m}\ using four main components:
\begin{itemize}
\item the emission from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs;
i.e.~mid-infrared emission features), \item the mid-infrared
continuum emission from hot dust with temperatures in the range
130--250~K, \item the emission from warm dust in thermal
equilibrium with adjustable temperature in the range 30--60~K,
\item the emission from cold dust in thermal equilibrium with
adjustable temperature in the range 15--25~K.
\end{itemize}
In stellar birth clouds, the relative contributions to
$L_\mathrm{d}^\mathrm{\,BC}$ by PAHs, the hot mid-infrared
continuum and warm dust are kept as adjustable parameters.
These clouds are assumed not to contain any cold dust. In the
ambient ISM, the contribution to $L_\mathrm{d}^\mathrm{\,ISM}$
by cold dust is kept as an adjustable parameter. The relative
proportions of the other 3 components are fixed to the
values reproducing the mid-infrared cirrus emission of the Milky
Way. We find that this minimum number of
components is required to account for the infrared SEDs of galaxies
in a wide range of star formation histories (see da~Cunha et~al. 2008
for details).

\section{The star formation activity and dust content of local galaxies}

The model summarised in the previous section allows us to derive statistical constraints on the physical
properties of galaxies from ultraviolet, optical and infrared observations.
We build a comprehensive library of stochastic models covering a wide
range of star formation histories, metallicities, dust attenuation, dust temperatures and
fractional contributions by different dust components to the total infrared luminosity.
For each model in the library, we compute the predicted ultraviolet, optical and infrared
fluxes in the \hbox{\it GALEX}, SDSS, 2MASS, {\it Spitzer}, \hbox{\it IRAS}, \hbox{\it ISO}\ and SCUBA bands. We compare
these predictions with observations of two local samples of galaxies: the {\it Spitzer} Infrared
Nearby Galaxy Sample (SINGS, Kennicutt et~al. 2003), and a sample of 3258 SDSS galaxies
with complementary photometric observations by \hbox{\it GALEX}, 2MASS and \hbox{\it IRAS}\ (da Cunha et~al. 2009).

For each observed galaxy, we assess how each model in the stochastic library (characterised by a set
of randomly drawn physical parameters) fits the observed SED by computing the $\chi^2$ goodness-of-fit.
We build the likelihood distribution of any physical parameter by weighting
the value of that parameter in each model of the library by the probability $\exp(-\chi^2/2)$. Our final estimate
of the parameter is the median of the likelihood distribution and the associated confidence interval is the
16th--84th percentile range.

\subsection{SINGS sample}

\begin{figure}
\begin{center}
\includegraphics[width=0.9\textwidth]{fig1lowres.eps}
\vspace*{-0.2 cm}
 \caption{Best-model fit to the observed SED (red squares) of the SINGS galaxy NGC~337.
The dashed-blue line shows the unattenuated stellar spectrum
and the black line shows
the total SED (i.e. stellar emission attenuated by dust + infrared dust emission).
In the bottom panel, we plot the fit residuals,
$(L_\mathrm{obs}-L_\mathrm{mod})/L_\mathrm{obs}$,
where $L_\mathrm{obs}$ is the observed luminosity and $L_\mathrm{mod}$.}
\label{fig1}
\end{center}
\end{figure}

\begin{figure}
\begin{center}
\includegraphics[width=0.9\textwidth]{fig2lowres.eps}
\vspace*{-0.25 cm}
\caption{{\it Spitzer} infrared colours ({\it left} -- ratio of 8- to 24-\hbox{$\mu$m}\ luminosity;
{\it right} -- ratio of 70- to 160-\hbox{$\mu$m}\ luminosity) plotted against the median-likelihood estimate of the
specific star formation rate, \hbox{$\psi_{\mathrm S}$}, derived for the galaxies in the SINGS sample.}
\label{fig2}
\end{center}
\end{figure}

We start by exploiting our model to interpret observed SEDs of the SINGS sample,
which contains 75 local galaxies spanning a wide range in morphology and star formation activity. We
compare our model predictions with the ultraviolet, optical and infrared observations of these galaxies
using the method outlined above.
To illustrate the quality of our fits, in Fig.~\ref{fig1}, we show an example of the best-fit SED
of one galaxy of this sample with median {\it Spitzer} infrared colours, NGC~337.

The results of our spectral fits for the full sample show that the mid- and far-infrared colours of galaxies
correlate strongly with the specific star formation rate
(i.e. star formation rate divided by the stellar mass; see Fig.~\ref{fig2}),
as well as with other galaxy-wide properties such as the ratio
of infrared luminosity between stellar birth clouds and the ambient ISM,
the contributions by PAHs and grains in thermal equilibrium to the total
infrared emission, and the ratio of dust mass to stellar mass.

\subsection{SDSS-IRAS sample}

We further investigate the relations between star formation activity and dust content
using a sample of 3258 star-forming SDSS galaxies with complementary
photometric observations by \hbox{\it GALEX}, 2MASS and \hbox{\it IRAS}\ (da Cunha et~al. 2009).
We find that the specific star formation rate correlates strongly with the dust-to-stellar mass
ratio, the ratio of dust mass to star formation rate and the fraction of dust luminosity
contributed by the diffuse ISM (Fig.~\ref{fig3}). A comparison with recent models of chemical
and dust evolution of galaxies suggests that these correlations could arise, at least in part,
from an evolutionary sequence (da Cunha et~al. 2009).

\begin{figure}
\begin{center}
\includegraphics[width=\textwidth]{fig3lowres.eps}
\vspace*{-0.5 cm}
 \caption{Median-likelihood estimates of three galaxy
properties against specific star formation rate, \hbox{$\psi_{\mathrm S}$}. {\it Left panel}:
ratio of dust mass to stellar mass, $\hbox{$M_{\mathrm{d}}$}/\hbox{$M_{*}$}$. {\it Middle
panel}: ratio of dust mass to star formation rate, $\hbox{$M_{\mathrm{d}}$}/\hbox{$\psi$}$
(which may be used as a proxy for the dust-to-gas ratio).
{\it Right panel}: fraction of total infrared
luminosity contributed by dust in the ambient ISM, $f_\mu$. In each
panel, the grey contour shows the distribution of the full matched
\hbox{\it GALEX}-SDSS-2MASS-\hbox{\it IRAS}\ sample described in \cite{daCunha2009},
while the points show the distribution of the sub-sample of 1658
galaxies with highest-S/N photometry in all bands.
The error bars represent the median confidence
ranges in each parameter. The Spearman rank coefficient $r_{S}$
is indicated in each panel.}
\label{fig3}
\end{center}
\end{figure}

\begin{acknowledgments}

E. da Cunha acknowledges the IAU for a travel grant and also financial support
from the EU ToK grant 39965 and FP7-REGPOT 206469.

\end{acknowledgments}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaArXiv


Trainer Noah Neiman puts host Erik through a grueling three-minute routine that works his muscles from head to toe.
Trainer Noah Neiman demonstrates an at-home boot camp workout that will make your abs rock hard.
Yoga expert Amanda Murdock shows us that the key to a good workout is first warming up!
Join Amanda Murdock as she uses yoga to get a great upper body workout!
Yoga Instructor Amanda Murdock demonstrates a simple yoga routine that will restore balance and strength to your lower back.
Strengthen chest and triceps with this four-minute at-home Tabata workout from trainer Will Lanier.
Muay Thai master Tyler Peterson shows Eric an at home upper body workout, incorporating the martial art's most intense moves.
Strengthen and stabilize your core with this balance workout from Surfset creator Mike Hartwick.
Surfset creator Mike Hartwick shows Erik how to get a solid core workout at home.
It's all about cardio as Tyler Peterson demonstrates an at-home, full-body cardio workout in his Muay Thai style.
Erik Valdez does his Rocky Balboa. Mike Chang does his Apollo Creed. They both find The Eye of the Tiger in this Fighting Weight homage to Rocky III.
Erik Valdez meets up with Mike Chang in Santa Monica to learn how to get a chiseled six pack and avoid making huge mistakes in burning belly fat to get the defined six pack you want.


Are These Players Really What Ipswich Town Need?
As expected, even more players have been linked with Ipswich Town over the last few days.
Leicester City's Paul Gallagher has been linked and reporters suggest that Ipswich have made a £750,000 offer for the 27 year old. Another player linked over the last couple days has been Northampton's encouraging youngster Michael Jacobs. Jacobs is a quick left winger and although he is also out of contract in the summer, Northampton would be due to receive compensation should he change clubs before next season.
However, the most prominent transfer story at Ipswich over the last few months has been the possible transfer of Joel Ward from Portsmouth. Ward seems an ideal option for Paul Jewell as the 22 year old can play comfortably at centre back, right back and central midfield which are all areas Jewell is looking to strengthen.
Jewell himself has made it obvious that Ward is going to be his main target by mentioning that he nearly joined in January and has stated that Ward is keen to join Ipswich. The real question the fans want to know is; are any of these players that have been linked going to push Ipswich to the next level?
It is hard to judge Joel Ward based on this season's performances with Portsmouth being such a mess both on and off the pitch. It should be alarming that Ipswich are after a player who was part of such a struggling defence but there were much bigger problems at Portsmouth this season that contributed to their downfall.
Ward must have been doing something right because Ipswich are not the only club after him with Crystal Palace, Watford and Leeds all linked with the defender. However, even if the young centre back has had a good season this year he hasn't played in a team with any pressure or expectation. Ipswich need a leader at the back and 22 is an early age to expect a defender to dominate and lead the back line.
Looking at the other players linked most recently there are also question marks raised over their ability to push a team into the Premier league. Paul Gallagher is probably best defined as a strong forward but has often been used as a straight out striker and occasionally as a winger. The Leicester City man has never really scored a great amount of goals at any level and has never really secured himself a consistent starting role at any club.
On the other hand, Michael Jacobs is a very exciting prospect and he could well be the right kind of player that Ipswich need but at 20 years of age he won't be near his peak yet. These potential signings and others that have been linked previously don't sound like anything special and they pretty much sum up the current state of the club. Ipswich have been outside of the Premier League for a long time now, as a result home attendances have dropped and the club has turned into a consistent mid table side. With a situation like that, Ipswich will never be able to attract the type of players that the fans would love to see at Portman Road. Any top players from the lower leagues will be snapped up by Championship clubs who are in more attractive positions and the same is true for players dropping out of the Premier League.
The players that are being linked with Ipswich are gambles. It could be argued that any player is a gamble as even the best sometimes fail to perform after a big move but these are real unproven gambles.
The fact of the matter is that Ipswich will need to bring in lots of under rated players from various sources and hope that they are better than everyone had previously thought. This is not necessarily as bad as it sounds though as the safe options only get you as far as mid table. It is likely that Paul Jewell will bring in relatively unproven talent like Michael Jacobs and Joel Ward as well as inconsistent strikers like Paul Gallagher.
If Jewell can bring a couple more young players into the club that are on the same level as Aaron Cresswell, as well as a few experienced heads then the side will be looking more like promotion contenders. Whether these signings in particular will be good enough to fulfil these ambitions is unknown though and the moves will be pure gambles. However, for a club like Ipswich it is the best transfer policy they can have given the position they are in.


Find a list of the Habitat Brisbane volunteer groups in the southern suburbs of Brisbane. To join a Habitat Brisbane group, or if you would like more information, phone Brisbane City Council on 07 3403 8888.
Arnwood Place Bushcare Group maintains a major riparian revegetation area that was planted in 2001 and 2003 by Council, Norman Creek Catchment Coordinating Committee, and the local community. Our goals are to reduce erosion along the banks of Norman Creek, improve habitat for native animals, and involve local people in an enjoyable and social outdoor activity. Norman Creek has a long history of disturbance, so we do planting in addition to weed control. For more information or to join, email Stephanie Ford.
This group works in an urban park at the corner of Lagonda Street and Clive Street, Annerley. The group formed in 1990 with aims to rezone the park, control weeds, regenerate the wetland/creek site and establish indigenous flora in appropriate areas of the park. For more information, phone Greg Church on 0422 277 978.
The Doulton-Alfred Park Bushcare Group carries out weed control and revegetation work between Doulton Street and Alfred Street in Calamvale. This project will help control weeds and provide important habitat for local wildlife. For more information, phone Michael Ryan on 0417 627 943.
Working in parkland along the Brisbane River, this group concentrates on revegetating the creek line that runs through the park. Their work focuses on weed control and revegetation of rainforest species, including the endangered angle-stemmed myrtle (Gossia gonoclada). This project will help control weeds and provide important habitat for local wildlife. For more information, phone Marguerite Renouf on 0478 220 551.
Working in Benarrawa Park at Allen Street in Corinda, this group focuses on rehabilitating the banks of a tributary of Oxley Creek. This is a designated recovery site for the endangered angle-stemmed myrtle (Gossia gonoclada). For more information, phone Noel Standfast on 0417 703 442.
The Nosworthy Park Bushcare Group is working to restore riparian vegetation along Oxley Creek. This project involves weed control, erosion control and revegetation of wetland, open forest and dry rainforest species. The park is also home to the endangered angle-stemmed myrtle (Gossia gonoclada), which the group is restoring habitat for, assisting in the recovery of the species. For more information, phone Marie Holingworth on 0408 465 591.
This group concentrates on restoring wetland habitat along the banks of Pennywort Creek. The group is expanding its site to include an upstream area located in parkland across the road from its existing site on the corner of Cliveden Avenue and Pratten Street, Corinda. Pennywort Creek Bushcare Group is one of about seven Habitat Brisbane sites that are also part of the Oxley Creek Catchment Association network. For more information, email Trevor Armstrong or phone 0414 691 264.
The aim of this group is to restore and regenerate the natural bushland from Francis Outlook down to Horace Window Reserve on the Brisbane River riverfront. This will provide an enhanced ecosystem for native flora and fauna. The group is also encouraging neighbours to treat weeds on their properties that are affecting the reserve. For more information email David Walker or phone 0431 816 818.
The Wishart Outlook Bushcare Group is working along the upper reaches of Bulimba Creek in the Maisie Dixon Park, Eight Mile Plains. The site is located at two of the eight main tributaries: Bulimba Creek East and Bulimba Creek West. The group seeks to enhance native riverbank vegetation to establish a corridor of quality habitat linking to the Wishart Bushcare site on the northern side of the creek. For more information, phone Melissa Walker on 0433 773 034.
The Faulkner Park Bushcare Group is restoring this important area adjacent to the Brisbane River at Graceville. This area features a mixture of open forest, riparian creekline vegetation and large open spaces. The group's emphasis is on providing additional habitat for native birds, which need larger areas of dense vegetation to avoid predators and hold their own against aggressive miners. For more information, phone Jane O'Sullivan on 0427 420 743.
Working in the Strickland Terrace Parklands on the banks of Oxley Creek at Sherwood, this group has a strong fauna focus, with many species of birds using the site for nesting and feeding. For more information, phone Jocelyn Clarkson on 07 3379 6021.
This group established a bushcare site at the end of Dauphin Terrace on the edge of the Brisbane River in early 1995. Members encourage the regrowth of local plant species, with an emphasis on dry rainforest species, to provide a viable habitat for local fauna. They also raise awareness in the surrounding community about the need to restore and protect local bushland. For more information, phone David McDonald on 07 3846 2262.
This group works to restore riparian vegetation along Ekibin Creek at Holland Park. Activities include controlling environmental weeds and revegetating with local native plant species. For more information, phone Sue Akeroyd on 07 3349 8378.
Working in Kev Hooper Park, Inala, this group brings the community together to restore a tributary of Blunder Creek. This site is home to a variety of wildlife, including freshwater shrimps, turtles, frogs and possums. The park's many large, hollow-bearing eucalypts support a large and diverse native bird population. For more information, phone John Maelich on 0429 196 294.
The Horizon Drive Habitat Group formed after a community-led campaign to save the bushland from development. The Horizon Drive Bushlands were purchased by Brisbane City Council in 2007 under the Bushland Preservation Levy. The 3ha site is a refuge for birds and other fauna, including occasional koalas and wallabies. Members work monthly with the aim of removing weed species to restore the bushlands to their former beauty. For more information, email Chris and Cheryl Elefson or phone them on 0414 476 738.
This group is rehabilitating the 1km open-space corridor between Moolabin Park and the corner of Vendale Avenue and Tarragindi Road, Moorooka, to create an important corridor between Toohey Forest and Moolabin Creek. For more information, phone John Hegerty on 07 3892 7426.
Fox Gully Bushcare Group is working to consolidate, restore and link the habitat of Mt Gravatt Conservation Reserve. Activities include restoring degraded areas adjoining private properties and working with property owners to build wildlife corridor links to Roly Chapman Bushland Reserve. With truckloads of weeds and rubbish removed and the most degraded areas replanted, the focus has now changed to natural regeneration, which the group is supporting by removing and composting weeds onsite, stabilising slopes, and then letting nature take over. The work is informed by extensive flora and fauna research conducted by the group, which has been used to support revegetation, ongoing community education and installation of habitat infrastructure (e.g. nest boxes used by squirrel gliders, kookaburras and rainbow lorikeets). For more information, phone Michael Fox on 0408 769 405.
MEG formed in early 1999 with a charter that includes lobbying for protection of bushland in the Mt Gravatt area and undertaking bushland management activities in local parkland. The group works at Gertrude Petty Place in Mt Gravatt Bushland Reserve, and employs gentle bush restoration practices to retain and protect habitat linkages between bushland on Mt Gravatt and the Bulimba Creek corridor. For more information, phone Sue Jones on 07 3349 9443.
Working in the reserve and adjacent wetland area on the banks of Oxley Creek at the end of Cliveden Avenue, Oxley, this group has a strong regeneration focus. The area is a refuge and designated recovery site for the endangered angle-stemmed myrtle (Gossia gonoclada). For more information, phone Carole Bristow on 07 3379 1453.
The Lawson and Kendall Street Bushcare Group is working to improve the resilience and diversity of riparian vegetation in parkland along Oxley Creek at Kendall Street and its nearby tributary, Mayfly Creek, at Lawson Street, Oxley. The group aims to achieve this by controlling weeds to reduce competition with existing native plant species and to undertake strategic plantings of native species to better manage creek bank stability along the Kendall Street reach of Oxley Creek. For more information, email Rod Goldsworthy.
Rikki Bailey Park is located at Englefield Road, Oxley, within the upper Oxley Creek catchment. This group is working to restore eucalypt woodland by removing exotic weeds (e.g. agave, glycine, celtis, and weedy grass species) and regenerating native lomandras and grasses (e.g. kangaroo grass). For more information, phone Bronwyn Rigby on 0418 879 530 or Ingrid van Grysen 0414 309 357.
The reserve is located at Oxley and is a significant native bushland habitat. The main objectives of the bushcare group are the protection and rehabilitation of the bushland, education about the area's significant habitat value, and enhancement of the existing cleared area along Fort Road for use by residents. For more information, phone John Lahey on 07 3379 7293.
This 56ha parcel of parkland was handed over by the state government to Brisbane City Council in 2003. Following a bushwalk organised by Councillor Felicity Farmer in July 2003, a group of local people expressed interest in forming a bushcare group to help manage the area. This land is bordered by Wolston Creek to the south and Sumners Road to the north, and is a mix of remnant vegetation and mown parkland under powerlines. Wallabies are still seen frequently in the area. The group intends to conduct flora and fauna studies, remove weeds, replant appropriate native species, and identify local needs regarding pathways and viewing areas. For more information, phone Julie Vejile on 0402 048 611.
Working in parkland on the eastern side of Brandon Road, Runcorn, this group focuses on restoring wetlands that are part of the upper reaches of the Bulimba Creek catchment. Their work involves weed control, revegetation and creekbank stabilisation. The project aims to improve water quality and increase native plant and animal diversity. For more information, phone Margaret Buchanan on 0412 239 568.
This group is working on a wetland site in the upper reaches of Bulimba Creek catchment. They are currently concentrating on weed removal and replanting with indigenous species. This site has the potential to provide good bird, butterfly and, possibly, fish habitat. For more information, phone Ben Bruynesteyn on 0416 775 323.
This group works along the upper reach of Rocky Waterholes Creek in Salisbury, from Evans Road to McCarthy Road. Members focus on rehabilitating and revegetating the banks of the creek and the riparian zone. Their regular working bee is the third Sunday of the month from 8am to 10am. For more information, email Greg Tasney.
Working in Gaddes Park, on the banks of Stable Swamp Creek, this group has a strong fauna focus, with a frog pond, butterfly host plants and native bees on site. For more information, phone Ian Lees on 0431 910 114.
This group's main focus is on eradicating weeds and stabilising the banks of Stable Swamp Creek. They have a keen interest in the fauna using the park, and in propagating local provenance plants. For more information, phone Mick Richardson on 0419 793 583.
This group is working to strengthen, protect and restore a unique blend of flora and fauna in an urban bushland context. Focusing on natural regeneration, they are removing weeds in a staged approach, assisting the process where required by planting local provenance species. They also aim to build community awareness, engagement and respect for the bush while enhancing an important corridor linkage between Roly Chapman Reserve and Toohey Forest. For more information, email Roly Chapman Reserve Bushcare Group.
This group is working to restore the riparian corridor along Bulimba Creek off Maibry Street, Wishart. Works include controlling environmental weeds and revegetating locally native plant species. For more information, phone Reg Barr on 07 3349 4100.
This group is passionate about establishing, maintaining and rehabilitating natural vegetation along the Brisbane River, which is an important natural corridor and a natural asset central to local amenity. Their work improves wildlife habitat and amenity and controls bank erosion. The Yeronga/Fairfield riparian areas support a diversity of Brisbane wildlife, including wedge-tail eagles, buff-banded rails (rare in Brisbane), wrens, kingfishers, lizards, frogs, butterflies and bandicoots. The riverside vegetation needs the group's active involvement to manage and improve it. New members are welcome to help with weed management and new plantings. For more information, email Yeronga Bushcare Group.


Atiku sobbing at his Campaign Headquarters The group made the demand following the claim of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that Atiku is a nationality of Cameroon and not a Nigerian. The group said what Atiku has done by concealing his identity is tantamount to crimes against humanity and that he must tender an unreserved apology to Nigerians.
This same scenario could also be the reason why former President Olusegun Obasanjo refused to allow him to succeed him as President of Nigeria in 2007.
The post "Return To Cameroon Within 21 Days And Apologise To Nigerians" – Coalition To Atiku appeared first on Naijaloaded | Nigeria's Most Visited Music & Entertainment Website.


TMT Camp 3 TMT is located on 2 nd and 3 rd floor of the convenience store, Family Mart. It is about a 10-minute walk from the Camp.
Cozy room decorated in tiger tones. Each room is air conditioned and has a private bathroom with hot water showers, cable television, safety-boxes, wi-fi internet, and refrigerators. Maid service cleans the room 2 times per week.
Wanna stay at one of our available properties when training at Tiger?
Then please book and pre-pay for your accommodation today!


Consumers that have applied for a First Premier Bank Platinum Mastercard and been approved can activate their card online at the First Premier credit card activation website. The site is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week for users to enroll, activate, and login to their account.
There are 3 ways for new cardholders to activate their credit card – online, by phone, or via ATM. If you have immediate access to a computer the online option can be the fastest and most convenient route.
Cardholders can also elect to activate their platinumoffer activation by telephone which only takes a short time.
The online Platinumoffer.com activate process not only activates your card for first time use but also enrolls you into the online account access. You can manage all of your account transactions online, pay your bill, sign up for text alerts, view your billing statement online, and more.


Cover furniture with blankets or towels to protect against nicks and scrapes. Wrap glasses and tumblers individually (first with a sheet of tissue and than with normal paper. Store and transport them upright in a box padded with lots of bubble wrap or newspaper).
Be sure to separate valuable items such as jewelry, coins, and camera equipment. Handle their transfer yourself (a safety deposit box can be purchased if you're concerned about losing things).
Collect all your important documents prior to the packing date (if you're worried about them, put them somewhere safe or ask a relative to hold on to them until the move is complete).
Save space. Leave some clothes in your bureau or chest of drawers, but make sure it's unlocked though (it may be necessary to open the drawers to get a better grip while moving).


Welcome to our Highlights from March 2019. We now know that Brexit will be delayed, but by just how long remains unclear, as public concern about the EU and Brexit hits a record high. All this and more in our round up.


Home → News → GROUND BREAKING - Real boost for homebuyers..
Vikas Bhasin, MD, Saya Group, says that the development has come out as a huge relief for the existing and future homebuyers of this sector. "It is now just a matter of approval from the lower house that RERA will become a reality for the country's realty sector. With the new amendments in place, even the existing projects will be counted in for justice," Bhasin says.
Homebuyers are also overjoyed."It is a good news for all buyers and the Act will have good control on builder's illegal activity," says Sumit Saxena, a homebuyer.