In this lesson, we will explore what implicit and explicit memories are, as well as each of their sub-components. Furthermore, we will discuss how age influences each of these sub-components.
I want you to try and remember two things. First, I want you to try and remember learning how to ride a bike. Maybe you have a scar you received when you flipped over the handlebars. The next thing I want you to remember is how to ride a bike.
The reason I asked you to recall both of these memories is that they belong to two different designated realms of memory. Memory is a fluid and dynamic system that is exceedingly complicated. To this end, psychologists have attempted to divide memory up to make it easier to study.
There are two main categories. Explicit memory is a memory that can be intentionally and consciously recalled. This is your memory of riding a bike, of falling over the handlebars and skinning your knee. The other is implicit memory, which is an experiential or functional form of memory that cannot be consciously recalled. This is your memory of how to ride a bike or how to balance. These are often not tied to a visual memory but are more like muscle memory.
Let's look at explicit and implicit memory in a little more detail and see how age influences these.
Episodic memories are like episodes of a TV series that is all about you. You can recall the episode of the first time you asked someone out, the first broken bone you had and what you ate for breakfast. As we age, these memories become more difficult to create and maintain. This means elderly people are less likely to form new episodic memories as they age but will likely keep the ones from their youth. That's why your great-grandfather is always prattling on about his time on the farm as a youth - it's all he remembers.
Semantic memories are the facts and figures that you can recall. When did Columbus sail the ocean blue? When is your birthday? These are recallable facts even if you can't remember when or how you learned them. Semantic memories are the most stable type of memory. While we might forget something occasionally and feel like we're losing our minds, these memories tend to stick around (they may just get a little harder to bring back up).
Priming is where something occurs that makes a person more sensitive or more likely to do something a certain way. If I walked you through a bakery where they were making fresh chocolate cake and gave you $10 to spend, you would probably buy some chocolate. Or if I had you study a list of words, and then had you write a story about anything, the words you had studied would filter into what you had wrote. With priming, there appears to be slight decreases as we age.
Procedural memories are your muscle memories. These are the things you know how to do just based on the number of times you've done them. Think about driving a car. You don't have to think about the angle of the pedal or braking; you just do it. It is especially true if you drive stick shift, with all the various things you have to do automatically. So far, no study has conclusively indicated changes in procedural memory due to age.
Everyone in psychology knows about Pavlov's dogs. You ring a bell, you give them food. You ring the bell, they start to salivate. You have it too in your own house if you own dogs. Say 'Walk,' and what does your dog do? Conditioning is taking something that should not have a reaction, like a bell ring or the word 'walk,' and having it linked to something else. There appears to be some age-related decline when conditioning. I guess the connections aren't as easy to make when your brain is older.
Explicit memory is memory that can be intentionally and consciously recalled. It consists of episodic memory, which is personal events that can be recalled, and semantic memory, which are facts and figures that can be recalled.
Implicit memory is an experiential or functional form of memory that cannot be consciously recalled. It consists of priming, which is when prior exposure influences later testing; procedural, which is repetition-induced motor memories; and conditioning, which is defined as the linking of unrelated stimuli and responses.


text:
Bankruptcy is now an option for city
Emergency Manager Cathy Square will likely have to stay on the job longer than she expected to tinker with the city's budget.
By Charles Sercombe
Hamtramck's finances are not as rosy as thought.
Just a few weeks ago Emergency Manager Cathy Square said she had a sound budget for this year and next year that even boasted a surplus.
But then last week, the city's pension operator, MERS (Municipal Employees' Retirement System), had some bad news. Because the city fell behind several months in making payments before Square came here last year, MERS demanded higher yearly payments.
Square said that would result in the city falling behind in payments once again by next year.
MERS now wants upwards of an additional $5 million over the next five years, Square said.
"MERS gave us some numbers that will bankrupt the city," Square said. "It's a disaster."
Square said she is talking with MERS to get a better deal.
In the meantime, Square is still seeking a $2 million emergency loan from the state, which would be used to make up the missed payments to MERS.
The worst case scenario, Square said, is that she will have to apply for bankruptcy.
No matter what, Square said it looks like she will be staying past her scheduled exit point at the end of this month by at least a few more weeks.
If the city were to go into bankruptcy, pensioners will likely take the brunt of cuts to the budget, Square said.
She said she would seek to end the city's coverage of health insurance for retirees under the age of 65. Those over 65 are already eligible to collect Medicare.
The city spends $1.2 million a year for health insurance for pensioners under 65.
The city fell into a financial emergency by not making payments to MERS the year prior to Square being appointed as emergency manager.
Missing those payments, Square said, "was a huge mistake."
At the time, city officials thought they had no other choice. The other option was to miss city employee payroll, including paying police officers and firefighters.
Although the situation appears bleak, it could be worse. At least the city has $46 million invested in MERS, whereas the City of Highland Park found itself with no money in the pension fund.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Q: UNNEST not working when trying to unwrap values from array in POSTGRES [![enter image description here][1]][1]I am trying to insert some data into a table as such:
filterArr:= ARRAY(SELECT row(f_id, sub_id, item_id,item_code ) FROM
ToList(p_f_id, p_c_id));

INSERT INTO my_table (id, d_id, dc, IE_code)
SELECT
        p_id AS id,
        fr.d_id AS d_id,
        fr.dc AS dc,
        'I' AS IE_code
From UNNEST(filterArr) fr
ON CONFLICT (id, d_id) DO NOTHING;

however when I call this procedure,
I have an error that complains of:
NOTICE:  items {"(2981,1,64704240,5055125912306-66233804)","(2981,1,66008001,5033849029197-71818244)","(2981,1,64857780,9780952006237-67074218)","(2981,1,64102887,5032510500997-66410192)","(2981,1,67008012,5060031875409-76016747)","(2981,1,63934027,5032510500959-66410324)","(2981,1,64988254,9780952006220-67074201)","(2981,1,64011641,5032510500942-66410301)","(2981,1,67007174,5060031875393-76016764)","(2981,1,66796500,5053947835261-74769014)"})
INFO:  filterArr{"(,,,)"}

ERROR:  null value in column "d_id" violates not-null constraint

my ToList Method:

    items := array(
        select row(p_f_id, p_f_rec.m_sub_id, d.st_item_id, d.st_item_code)
        from mytable)

So the items are indeed coming through in the array, they just dont seem to UNNEST in 'filterArr'
probably being quite blind here but a second pair of eyes will be much appreciate.
as you can see there are no NULL values :
NOTICE:  items {"(2981,1,64704240,5055125912306-66233804)","(2981,1,66008001,5033849029197-71818244)","(2981,1,64857780,9780952006237-67074218)","(2981,1,64102887,5032510500997-66410192)","(2981,1,67008012,5060031875409-76016747)","(2981,1,63934027,5032510500959-66410324)","(2981,1,64988254,9780952006220-67074201)","(2981,1,64011641,5032510500942-66410301)","(2981,1,67007174,5060031875393-76016764)","(2981,1,66796500,5053947835261-74769014)"})

how ever they do not unnest
INFO:  filterArr{"(,,,)"}

A: As it is directly related to constraint of a particular field, there are two options:

*

*Try changing the constraint of column d_id to NULL to accept null values, if at all it solves the problem fully.

OR

*Fix the NULL values in the UNNEST(filterArr) table.

A: There is no need to convert to a array of records and back. Keep it simple:
INSERT INTO my_table (id, d_id, dc, IE_code)
SELECT f_id, sub_id, item_id, item_code
FROM ToList(p_f_id, p_c_id);

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


If you are thinking of upgrading your current backpack or are new to the category and need a recommendation of a couple of good brands to get you started, then you can't go wrong with either a Gregory or an Osprey.
They are both incredibly popular and well-respected brands, each offering their own vast selection of backpack styles and models to suit a range of budgets.
Both have a reputation for manufacturing quality accessories, so choosing between the two is going to be a tricky one. Never fear! We are here to provide our Gregory vs. Osprey backpack comparison to help bring some clarity to your next big purchasing decision.
Your first consideration should be the type of backpack you are going to need, and by that we mean its primary function.
Do you need something for your daily commute to work that can safely and securely house your laptop and valuables, or something to take with you hiking or on a mountaineering trip?
Will you require lots of internal space for changes of clothing, or do you need to be able to attach any technical equipment? Are you going to be out on arduous day-long treks where an integrated water chamber would be a useful feature? So get clear on your mission so that you can look at the right category of Gregory and Osprey backpacks for your own unique purpose.
Of course, the budget will most likely be your next significant consideration. Generally speaking, Osprey has a more comprehensive selection of more cost-effective bags than Gregory does, so they might be your starting point if money is tight.
Up next, then, are any enhanced performance features you might require, and we touched on that briefly above. Not just the overall performance regarding quality, dependability, and durability, but what about things like anti-theft features, waterproof construction, or an ergonomic and comfortable fit?
Let's look at some of the most popular products by category from these two reputable brands.
If you are looking for a generic and budget-friendly backpack then Gregory and Osprey both have plenty to offer. Looking at the value for money category, we would recommend the Zulu from Gregory, and it is one of their all-time best sellers. It has an integrated rain cover and a convenient hip harness belt to ensure even weight distribution.
There are also pockets handily located on the hip belt for easy access to valuables and essentials, plus compression straps for securing your load. It's also a comfortable fit with EVA foam and ventilation fitted in the backpack.
In comparison with Osprey, then, we'd put forward the Hikelite 26 which is a serious contender for best backpack under $100, so if budget is a concern this is highly recommended.
It is smaller overall, but wow does it have some impressive features packed in. There's an integrated rain cover as well as a super convenient front pocket to handle your valuables.
It also features a hydration sleeve which is compatible with Osprey's reservoir Hydraulics system for on the go hydration and refreshment. Again, plenty of ventilated back panels and that hip harness belt to hold your bag securely and comfortably in place.
Next, let's take a look at what both brands have to offer when it comes to very large capacity style backpacks for those among you who are heading on a more extended camping adventure, or an expedition that requires plenty of essentials.
From Gregory, you might want to consider their 75 liter Baltoro hiking bag. Perfect for extended trips with multiple convenient compartments and pockets so that you can keep everything organized on your trip.
It even comes with its own integrated, removable daypack, a great option if you are headed out of camp. It's high on the comfort stakes too, with a hip harness belt, as well as a sternum strap and their well ventilated back panels.
Osprey doesn't have anything quite so substantial or robust, but they do have an incredibly lightweight but sturdy, 60 liter capacity bag, which is more than sufficient for a week-long trip.
We are talking their Levity 45 model. Rather than using the traditional zipper closure, this one comes with a drawstring to secure your valuables. It has plenty of pockets for storage and internal compartment space for organization plus, again, an inner hydration sleeve for on board water refreshment.
Comfort is essential, and the backpack comes with a fully ventilated back panel and that convenient sternum and hip belt, so useful when you are carrying more substantial and heavier loads.
Finally, let's take a quick look at two firm favorites in this category from both of these highly reputable brands. While a hiking backpack could also be used for your daily commute, chances are you will be traveling with a laptop or other electrical device, therefore, ideally you want something that has been designed with that practical function in mind.
Looking first at what Gregory has to offer, we like the look of their Border 35 Daypack. It is the size of carry-on luggage, so an excellent choice for a frequent business traveler.
It also incorporates a dedicated laptop compartment that can house up to a 15" device, plus there is a separate sleeve for your tablet. There are plenty of other internal compartments to store all your other daily essentials. It's comfortable to carry with a soft EVA foam back panel.
Osprey has a brilliant travel backpack that really is multi-functional and can be carried traditionally on your shoulders, but also features wheels and a handle just like a suitcase would, enabling you to pull it along. We're talking about the Sojourn model, and it really is great for frequent travelers.
There are plenty of internal compartments to really organize all your gear, although one thing it doesn't have, sadly, is a dedicated laptop only sleeve. Other than that, this really is an excellent choice for traveling.
So who wins in the Gregory vs. Osprey backpack comparison? Well, we honestly think they are both winners, and investment in either brand is a savvy one. Overall, though, it will come down to the kind of backpack style you require and the budget that you have available, but both have some seriously impressive gear that is worth closer inspection.


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Originally Published: April 15, 2019 4:07 p.m.
With April 15 looming large for many taxpayers, the notion of getting money back from a government agency is likely to be welcome news.
So Chino Valley water users should be happy to hear the Town Council opted to drop its monthly wastewater rates from last year's $62.14 to $60, or a 3 percent decrease as of July 1.
This is the second year in a row those rates have been reduced as growth has enabled the town to be able to lower rather than increase rates.
In 2013, Chino Valley wastewater rates were at $79.02 per month, according to an analysis provided by Finance Officer Joe Duffy.
Duffy explained to council members the fees have been carefully reviewed and it was deemed appropriate to offer a decrease to remain competitive with other towns and cities in the state. In a resolution unanimously approved by council members, it states that these rates are suitable to cover town costs while still giving residents a financial break.
As of last year, Chino Valley's wastewater rates were 65 percent higher than the average rate in Arizona and 28 percent higher than other systems in the area.
A study of rates last year indicated that each $1 in rate reduction reduces the annual cash flow by an average of $24,000 a year.
Even with this decrease, Duffy said the expectation is that the town will generate some $322,500, making it a healthy fund. This is far different than in past years when there was a deficit as high as $275,000.
The town now has a $700,000 reserve fund to cover emergency costs, Duffy said.
With this change, residents are spending about $102 a month for water and sewer based on an average of 7,500 gallons per month, a rate still slightly higher than the average in the Quad Cities and statewide.
The average Arizona homeowner pays $80.95 and in the Quad Cities the average is $97.69, Duffy said.
Council member Lon Turner favored the decrease, voicing hope in the next five years the rate will drop to about $55 so as to be closer to the state average.
"We want to do what we said we would do," Turner said.
"Looks like a good move to me," declared Mayor Darryl Croft.
• The council opted to make no change to the town's tax code as it relates to manufactured housing.
Two years ago, the council reduced the "transactional privilege tax rate" for manufactured housing from 4 percent to 2 percent, Duffy said.
The reduced tax rate coincided with a growth in the business and growth in purchases, Duffy said. In 2015, gross receipts for that industry in Chino Valley totaled $2.1 million and now they are up to almost $11 million. In 2018, there were 108 such homes sold, 31 of them leading to a local building permit and the rest going out of the area, Duffy said.
Clearly, Duffy said the rate reduction impacted the growth of that industry.
With that in mind, council members again unanimously agreed to retain the tax rate as is rather than conduct a public hearing to consider an increase.
• Town Manager Cecilia Grittman highlighted the process for the May 21 special election ballot question related to allowing the town to acquire up to five local water systems. If this ballot measure passes, the community is enabling the town to buy the water companies; it does not compel the town to do so.
In 2000, the town voted on a measure that would allow the town to acquire private water companies, but a later lawsuit stated that municipalities must specifically identify any water companies they might wish to acquire. This election was scheduled to clarify the wishes of members of the community as it pertains to the town's ability to acquire water companies in the future.
Voter information packets are to be mailed out on April 16 with voter registration to close on April 22. On-site voting will be available at the Yavapai County Administration offices on Fair Street in Prescott as of April 24; Town Hall will have a drop box available until 7 p.m. on May 21.


Mount Greylock's Charlotte Sanford earned a victory at No. 3 singles Saturday afternoon to clinch a 3-2 win over Pope Francis in the Mounties' season opener at the Williams College tennis courts.
Photographed by: Stephen Dravis - 04/06/2019Click on a photo to purchase, send postcard or launch slideshow viewer.


text:
3.4 Auditing the Balanced Budget Requirement
Part 1: Issues from the 2002-03 Audits
Part 2: Other Issues Arising During 2002-03
Part 3: Areas of Focus for 2003-04
Appendix 1: Details of Non-standard Audit Reports Issued
3.4 Auditing the Balanced Budget Requirement Local government: results of the 2002-03 audits. https://oag.govt.nz/2004/lg-2002-03/part3-04.htm https://oag.govt.nz/@@site-logo/logo.png
Local government: results of the 2002-03 audits.
Section 100(1) of the Local Government Act 2002 (the 2002 Act) requires local authorities to set each year's operating revenue at a level sufficient to meet operating expenses, i.e. "balance the budget". However, section 100(2) of the 2002 Act allows a local authority to set projected operating revenues at a different level from that which would be necessary to meet operating expenses, provided that the local authority resolves that it is financially prudent to do so, having regard to –
(a) the estimated expenses of achieving and maintaining the predicted levels of service provision set out in the long-term council community plan, including the estimated expenses associated with maintaining the service capacity and integrity of assets throughout their useful life; and
(b) the projected revenue available to fund the estimated expenses associated with maintaining the service capacity and integrity of assets throughout their useful life; and
(c) the equitable allocation of responsibility for funding the provision and maintenance of assets and facilities throughout their useful life; and
(d) the funding and financial policies adopted under section 102.
The intent of this provision is to ensure that local authorities make adequate and effective provision for the ongoing maintenance of service levels.
A variation of this provision was first introduced in 1996 with an amendment to the Local Government Act 1974 by the Local Government Amendment Act (No. 3) 1996. The wording of the earlier section was a more prescriptive balanced budget requirement. This earlier section had the effect of requiring local authorities to cash fund their depreciation expense (subject to a few limited exceptions) and became known as the funding of depreciation requirement.
While the 2002 Act provides greater flexibility to allow local authorities not to balance the budget, it increases the complexity of the judgements that auditors need to make in assessing compliance.
We are therefore currently developing our expectations as to what work we will expect our auditors to undertake to assess compliance with section 100(1) for the financial year ending 30 June 2006 (the first year in which a local authority must have its long-term council community plan (LTCCP) audited).
For the financial year ending 30 June 2004 (and also the financial year ending 30 June 2005) we have advised our auditors that they need to ask local authorities how they have demonstrated compliance with section 100(1).
For those local authorities which indicate that they have not complied with section 100(1), we expect that they will have:
made reasonable efforts to assess the impact of their decision not to set each year's projected operating revenues at a level sufficient to meet that year's projected operating expenses in terms of the considerations set out in section 100(2)(a), (b), (c) and (d);
resolved not to set projected operating revenues at a level sufficient to meet that year's projected operating expenses;
included a statement in the LTCCP that the budget does not balance, and the reasons for this decision; and
identified any information deficiencies – in terms of being able to demonstrate compliance with the considerations set out in section 100(2)(a), (b), (c) and (d) – and put in place an action programme for remedying these deficiencies before 2006.
If these steps are taken, and the decision to not comply with section 100(1) appears prudent, then we have advised our auditors that it will not be necessary to make any reference to the non-compliance in the audit opinions that are issued on a local authority's financial statements.
We have advised local authorities of these expectations in our newsletter titled Auditing The Future: Project Update #2, December 2003. The newsletter is available on our web site at www.oag.govt.nz.
PDF (691KB, 114 pages)
Annual audit highlights


text:
Real, Vol. 5
Creator: Takehiko Inoue
U.S. publisher: Viz Media
Released: July 2009
Awards: Japan Media Arts Award
When I first started reading Takehiko Inoue's prize-winning manga series Real, I didn't expect to appreciate it as much as I do. Real has actually become one of my favorite series. I wasn't particularly interested in wheelchair basketball, one of the main subjects of Real, although that has since changed. Instead, I was initially drawn to the manga because it was created by Inoue, whose artwork I greatly admire. I also am very impressed by his storytelling skills, especially in Real, but also in his other manga available in English, Slam Dunk and Vagabond. As much as I enjoy those two series, in the end it's Real that I find to be the most compelling. It is a very powerful work. I've said it many times before, but it is still true–I honestly believe Real to be one of the best comics that is currently being released in English. The fifth volume of Real was originally collected in Japan in 2005 while the English-language edition, released under Viz Media's Signature imprint, was published in 2009.
Ever since his motorcycle accident, Nomiya's life has been falling apart. Although he has tried to earn his drivers' license, it has taken him quite some time since he is terrified to be on the road. Nomiya is even more terrified of facing Natsumi, the young woman who was in the accident with him. While Nomiya was barely injured, Natsumi has lost the ability to walk and must now use a wheelchair. Nomiya blames himself for the accident and Natsumi's current condition. The guilt has nearly brought his life to a standstill. He wants to do all that he can to move forward, but this means confronting his fears and confronting Natsumi. Unsurprisingly, she's not particularly interested in seeing Nomiya, either–she blames him for the accident, too. Her rehabilitation is going well, but Natsumi's life has been changed forever. Takahashi's rehabilitation has actually taken a turn for the better, too, after a visit from Nomiya that ends rather badly. It's been about six months since Takahashi's own accident which cost him the use of his legs, but he has recently shown enough improvement that he will soon be able to leave the hospital.
Whereas the previous volumes of Real thoroughly introduced the lead characters–Nomiya, Togawa, and Takahashi– and explored their personal, internal struggles, the fifth volume addresses some of the more practical problems and challenges experienced by those who are disabled in an world and environment designed for the able-bodied. This can particularly be seen when Takahashi is considering returning to Nishi High to finish school. Not only is he not yet in a position where he can take of himself, the school itself isn't at all accessible to someone in a wheelchair and the needed accommodations are prohibitively expensive. These external issues and concerns are inexorably tied to how Takahashi and the others view themselves and and see themselves as people of worth. Takahashi in particular is obsessed with ranking people and assigning them value. He used to consider himself one of the elite, but now his self-worth has been severely compromised. It's understandable that this is something that he continues to struggle with, especially as he no longer feels that there is a place for him.
Takahashi isn't the only one suffering from a crisis of self-worth in the series. A major theme in Real deals with what it means to be a good person and a decent human being. Takahashi's attitude and efforts to be the best in whatever he does comes across as extremely arrogant, but people are beginning to see through his facade of perfection. Nomiya has made, and continues to make, plenty of mistakes in his life, but his honest desire to improve himself and the care and acceptance that he offers others show that he is a much better person than he recognizes. This search for self-worth isn't limited only to the series' leads, either. All of their friends and family members are struggling with it as well. In a particularly heart-wrenching development, Togawa's close friend Yama, who has always been vibrant and maintained an admirably positive outlook, is frightened of who is becoming now that his disease is overtaking his body and mind. Inoue's characterizations in Real are fantastic. The series is compelling because it is so easy for anyone to identify with the personal struggles being portrayed in the manga even if the characters' particular situations are unique.
Filed Under: REVIEWS Tagged With: Japan Media Arts Award, manga, real, Takehiko Inoue, viz media, VIZ Signature
Released: April 2009
I am a huge fan of Takehiko Inoue's illustrations and manga. Everything that I have read by him has impressed me; his artistic skills and storytelling, as well as his complex characterizations, are fantastic. When I first began reading Inoue's manga I fully expected to enjoy his series Vagabond the most. Vagabond is marvelous and I love it, but it was Inoue's wheelchair basketball series Real that became my favorite. Real also happens to be the first manga by Inoue that I read. Since I don't follow sports of any sort very closely, I was somewhat taken by surprise by how much I enjoyed Real. But the series is about so much more than basketball. Inoue adeptly portrays hard-hitting challenges and life-changing events in Real; basketball is just one part of the whole. The fourth volume of Real was published in Japan in 2004 while the English-language edition was released under Viz Media's Signature imprint in 2009. Inoue received a Japan Media Arts Award Excellence Prize for Real in 2001, the same year the manga began serialisation.
After a violent falling-out with the captain of his wheelchair basketball team, Togawa has only recently returned to the game. There is still a fair amount of tension between the members of the Tigers, but with the Sunflower tournament coming up the team has started to pull together in a way that it hasn't been able to in a long time. Togawa's hard work and enthusiasm for basketball have served as an inspiration for some of his teammates. Unfortunately, some of the other players aren't as appreciative of his attitude and the grueling practices that he leads. It is very likely that the Tigers forward momentum is only temporary and that the team will soon fall apart again. For Togawa, playing basketball and playing for the Tigers means everything to him. Having his right leg amputated as a middle school student because of bone cancer brought his dream of becoming a sprinter to an abrupt end. Togawa struggled immensely with this loss and it wasn't until he discovered wheelchair basketball that he was able to find himself and his passion as an athlete again.
Just as the third volume of Real largely focused on the beginning of Takahashi's rehabilitation, the fourth volume in the series delves more deeply into Togawa's past, looking closely at the state of his life immediately following the amputation of his leg. It shows how the young track star, after having his ambitions crushed, came to play wheelchair basketball. The loss of his leg was devastating for Togawa. He became withdrawn, cutting himself off from his classmates and his friends, and his father unintentionally reinforced this isolation. Along with his leg, Togawa lost his sense of purpose, drive, and direction in his life. Even greater is the tremendous loneliness that he experiences. Togawa doesn't want pity from others, he wants understanding. At the same time he is shunning contact and pushing people away, he is desperate to ease the loneliness that he feels. Togawa is extremely fortunate to meet a man by the name of Tora who helps drag Togawa back out of the shell he created for himself, serving as a much-needed role model–something that Takahashi has yet to find.
Despite all of the sweat and tears in Real, Volume 4, it tends to be slightly more ruminative and quiet than the volumes that precede it. One of the major themes that Inoue explores in the series–the meaning and purpose of a person's life–becomes particularly prominent in the fourth volume. Both Togawa and Takahashi are faced with enormous challenges and changes in their lives which require them to completely reevaluate who they are as people. They are both struggling to rediscover and redefine their identities. Having lost something incredibly important to them, they anguish over the reasons why and what could have been done to prevent it. Ultimately, these are questions that don't have an easy answer or solution. Over the course of the series, Takahashi frequently lashes out at those around him. In contrast, as seen in Real, Volume 4, Togawa tends to internalize his anger and despair. The similarities and differences in their situations and personalities are striking and an extraordinary effective part of the series. Real is a powerful and emotionally engaging work.
Takehiko Inoue is probably best known for his basketball manga series Slam Dunk. Now, I enjoy Slam Dunk quite a bit. However, it's another basketball manga by Inoue that is my personal favorite–Real, which specifically features wheelchair basketball. Although Real and Slam Dunk both share some similar themes, Inoue's approach in Real tends to be much more serious and realistic, which make sense as the series is intended for a more mature audience. Real began serialization in the manga magazine Weekly Young Jump in 2001. Later that year, Inoue would win a Japan Media Arts Award Excellence Prize for the manga. The third volume of Real was released in Japan in 2003. Viz Media published Real under its Signature imprint, releasing the English-language edition of Real, Volume 3 in 2009. Real is a fantastic series that starts strongly and only continues to get stronger with each volume.
Things always came easily for Takahashi and he naturally excelled at both school and sports. But now he is faced with one of the most daunting challenges of his life. The question is whether or not he will be able to meet that challenge. After being hit by a truck, Takahashi has lost all feeling in his legs along with his ability to walk. He is in complete denial about his condition and is convinced that with only a little effort he'll be back to playing basketball in no time. Takahashi is in for quite a shock when he begins his physical rehabilitation and he doesnt' take it well. Recovery, both mental and physical, will be a long and excruciating process and in the end Takahashi will never have the mobility he once enjoyed. Coming to terms with that fact and facing reality are the first steps that Takahashi needs to take in order to move on with his life, but they may be some of the most difficult ones to accomplish.
Although Takahashi is largely the focus of the third volume of Real, he is not the only one who is facing a significant crossroads in his life. Moving forward after a traumatic experience is one of the themes addressed in Real, Volume 3. Nomiya still feels incredibly guilty over the accident that he was in which caused Natsumi to lose the use of her legs. She, like Takahashi, has begun her rehabilitation. It's a painful and exhausting process for the body, the mind, and the spirit. Seeing this, Nomiya desperately wants to change the direction his life is heading and to become a better person. This, too, is not an easy process. At this point in the series, Togawa serves as proof that these sorts of challenges can be overcome. Things certainly aren't perfect for him and he still harbors intense anger and frustration, but even with a missing leg he leads a full life. However, it took hard work and effort to get to where he is now. Whether or not Takahashi will be able to do the same remains to be seen.
One of the things that impresses me about Real and Inoue's work in general is his ability to create incredibly flawed characters who are still sympathetic. Takahashi in particular can be extremely harsh and unlikeable, but I still care about him and his situation. His tormented feelings over no longer being able to walk and how he believes that makes him a lesser person are counterproductive. But he is not the only person who shares them; others struggle with those types of feelings as well. Tamura, the captain of Togawa's basketball team, has repeatedly expressed similar sentiments which either deflates the other players or pisses them off. (Togawa is particularly sensitive to this issue and has hauled off and punched Tamura at least once because of it.) Inoue's adept handling of these concerns, while specific to the context of Real and its characters, is also more universally applicable. Almost everyone, no matter who they are, has experienced feelings of inadequacy and disappointment at some point in their lives. Real simply shows what can happen when that reality is faced head on.
March 9, 2014 by Ash Brown
Released: October 2008
Although I wouldn't necessarily consider myself to be a sports fan, I have come to the realization that I really enjoy sports manga. Out of all of the sports manga that I've so far read, Takehiko Inoue's wheelchair basketball series Real is the one that stands out for me the most. (Actually, Real happens to be one of my favorite manga series in general.) But it's really more than just a sports manga. Yes, basketball is an important part of the series, but to an even greater extent Real is about challenges faced in life and how people deal with them. It's a mix of human drama, tragedy, and hope that earned Inoue a Japan Media Arts Award Excellence Prize in 2001. The second volume of Real was first published in Japan in 2002 while the English edition was released in 2008 by Viz Media under its Signature imprint. Real, Volume 1 did a fantastic job of introducing the series' main characters and establishing some of the themes that the manga begins to explore more deeply in the second volume and those that follow.
After his accident, Takahashi no longer has the use of his legs. Confined to a hospital bed and with very few visitors he has had to come to terms with his condition largely on his own. He had good grades and excelled at whatever he applied himself to, becoming the captain of his high school's basketball team with ease. No longer having the ability to walk is a devastating blow to Takahashi and how he is viewed by others and by himself. It won't be an easy process to compensate for what he has lost. It's been five years since Togawa lost one of his legs to bone cancer and that's something he continues to struggle with. He still has most of his mobility, but having a leg amputated brought his dream of becoming the fastest sprinter in Japan, if not the world, to an abrupt end. An extremely competitive athlete he has redirected his ambitions towards wheelchair basketball, now one of the few things in his life for which he has any enthusiasm. Nomiya has a strong love for basketball as well, but as a high school dropout he currently has no outlet for that passion.
A large portion of Real, Volume 2 is devoted to Togawa and part of his backstory. The series turns to his middle school days as he is discovering his love of running, struggling with his relationship with his father, and developing strong, lasting friendships. Immensely talented, it is crushing to know that Togawa will never achieve his dream even as everything seems to be going his way. Just as Takahashi is now being forced to admit his limitations, Togawa also had to deal with events in his life that were beyond his control. The interplay between their two stories in Real is handled extraordinarily well. The two young men have never met, their only direct connection at this point is that they both know Nomiya, but Inoue draws on the parallels between their experiences to great effect. Takahashi is at the beginning of his recovery while Togawa has made years of progress, but the challenges that they face are very similar. Their personalities and how they handle things are very different, though.
Parallels also exist between Togawa and Nomiya. They are both very focused and intense, taking any and all opportunities that they can to practice and improve their game. Even when Togawa, Nomiya, and Takahashi's stories don't directly intersect, they are all still very closely tied together. The second volume of Real is very much about beginnings and endings. After originally leaving his basketball team, Togawa has found new drive and inspiration that brings him back. Nomiya doesn't have the option of returning to his old team and can only watch from the sidelines as his former teammates play their last game. As for Takahashi, he can't even do that. His denial is slowly turning into agonizing despair as he comes closer to admitting to himself that his life will never be the same. Inoue captures all three of their struggles in a very realistic way. The story is emotionally intense without being melodramatic and the artwork is fantastic, making Real and incredibly effective series.
When I first began reading Takehiko Inoue's manga series Real it was simply because it was the only work of his that my local library had at the time. I was already familiar with and loved Inoue's fantastic artwork but I hadn't actually yet read any of his manga. The series that I really wanted to read was Vagabond, but it happened to be Real that was more readily available. Little did I know that Real would not only end up being my favorite series by Inoue, it would become one of my favorite manga period. I honestly believe that Real is one of the best comics currently being released in English. The first volume of Real was published in Japan in 2001, the same year that Inoue won a Japan Media Arts Award for the series. Viz Media released the English-language edition of Real, Volume 1 in 2008 under its Signature imprint.
Ever since he quit the Nishi High School basketball team, nothing seems to be going right for Tomomi Nomiya. His life is changed forever when he is involved in a motorcycle accident. Nomiya comes through it relatively unharmed, at least physically, but Natsumi Yamashita, the young woman who was riding with him, is no longer able to walk. While visiting her at the hospital Nomiya meets Kiyoharu Togawa, another young man who, like him, has a passion for basketball. He's incredibly talented, but with only one leg it's wheelchair basketball that has become his outlet. Thus begins a somewhat antagonistic friendship between Togawa and Nomiya. And then there is Hisanobu Takahashi, one of Nomiya's former classmates and the current captain of Nishi High's basketball team. He may have the skills on the court, but he has an extremely arrogant attitude and delights in making Nomiya and his friends miserable. But soon he'll have some serious challenges to face in his own life as well.
In general, Inoue's artwork in tends to be very realistic, with a particular focus on characters and their designs. This is certainly true for Real, and his style suits a story that emphasizes real-life issues as the source of its drama incredibly well. The characters' personalities and attitudes can easily be determined by their actions and how they are drawn. When Nomiya is first introduced, he seems to be nothing more than a delinquent. And to some extent he is a delinquent, frequently getting into fights and finding ways to scam rich kids out of their money. But he is also exceptionally kindhearted and accepting of others. Nomiya's facial expressions and body language range from pure anger to utter delight. Togawa, on the other hand, more often than not has a smirk or sneer on his face and barely manages to suppress his extreme irritation. He has absolutely no patience for people who can't take themselves or what they are doing seriously and it shows. At times Nomiya and Togawa's respective intensity can be both frightening and exhilarating.
At its heart Real is very much a manga about its characters and how they deal with the challenges and setbacks in their lives. Basketball is simply a part of that because the game is important to the characters as individuals. The first volume of Real does an excellent job of introducing the main players of the series–Nomiya, Togawa, and Takahashi. In one way or another, each one of them is searching for some direction in their lives. It is their passion for basketball that provides some of that needed purpose. Nomiya struggles a great deal with the guilt he feels over the incident that cost Natsumi the use of her legs; his love of basketball is the only thing that really remains from before the accident. Togawa holds onto a tremendous amount of anger that playing basketball helps to keep under control. As for Takahashi, his talent for basketball was one of the few things that secured his popularity. But even considering the important role that basketball plays in Real, it is not at all necessary to be a fan of the game to be able to appreciate the manga.
My Week in Manga: October 28-November 3, 2013
November 4, 2013 by Ash Brown
I have been so incredibly busy recently (which is why I don't have any fun online discoveries to share with you all this week) but I was still somehow able to post a few things here at Experiments in Manga. The most recent manga giveaway is underway and there is still time to enter for a chance to win Sankarea: Undying Love, Volume 1 by Mitsuru Hattori. For those of you interested in the absurd amount of manga that make its way onto my bookshelves, October's Bookshelf Overload was also posted. And finally, I reviewed the second edition of Hedi Varian's The Way of Taiko. I myself am a taiko player, and there are very few books in English devoted to taiko, so I am very happy to see the volume back in print in a new edition.
His Arrogance by Takashi Kanzaki. Despite being part of Digital Manga's 801 Media imprint, His Arrogance isn't exceptionally explicit. It's also not very interesting and I found myself bored with both the story and the characters. Even the artwork, while fairly solid, wasn't particularly outstanding or noteworthy. Although, occasionally Kanzaki would capture a look of utter adoration that was delightful to see. Ryou's father established a modeling agency specifically to aid Ryou's older brother Tomohito in his career. In addition to helping out with the company, Ryou also lives in the dorms with the models. Kazuto is one of those models, one of Ryou's classmates, and the self-proclaimed rival of Tomohito. I think I would have enjoyed His Arrogance more if Kanzaki would have kept the manga's focus on Ryou and Kazuto's relationship. Instead, Ryou's rather bizarre and vaguely incestuous bond with his brother severely encroaches upon the story. Perhaps it was supposed to be played as comedy, but it just ends up being kind of weird and awkward.
Real, Volume 12 by Takehiko Inoue. Many people assume that Inoue's masterpiece Vagabond would be my favorite of his manga, but that honor probably goes to his series Real. I absolutely love Real, and I'm not even a huge fan of basketball. Although the sport is certainly an incredibly important part of the series, to me Real is much more about the characters themselves, their internal and external struggles, and their development as people. While the previous volume had a particular focus on Nomiya and his tryout for the Tokyo Lightnings, the twelfth volume turns its attention to Togawa and his efforts to become a better team player–something that is extremely difficult for him. Despite of or maybe because of his natural skill as an athlete, Togawa has always been very critical, harsh, and demanding of his fellow players. If there is a theme to Real, Volume 12, I would say that it is change, and specifically the need, desire, and willingness for change. Several of the manga's characters must make important decisions about who they are and who they want to be in this volume.
Sankarea: Undying Love, Volume 3 by Mitsuru Hattori. The best thing about the third volume of Sankarea? Rea's father isn't in it. (That guy is an utter creep.) Hattori also introduces an important new character–Darin Arciento Kurumiya, who is very interested in zombies and therefore very interested in Rea. She also brings along with her a marvelously ridiculous zombie owl. In addition to Kurumiya's introduction, this particular volume also focuses on Rea and her attempt to return to school after her zombification. There are some challenges, to say the least. Her body continues to decay and fall apart and since she doesn't really feel pain anymore she has a tendency to overtax herself physically. I was a little surprised to see how toned-down the extraneous fanservice was in this volume. It's still there, but it's not nearly as prominent or distracting as it once was. I am honestly enjoying Sankarea much more than I ever expected that I would. It's a very odd series with very odd characters and I can appreciate its quirkiness. Rea and Chihiro are both weirdos, but they make a cute not-quite-couple.
Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor directed by Yūzō Satō. After watching and enjoying Akagi, watching Kaji seemed to be a natural choice. It's another anime series based on a manga Nobuyuki Fukumoto featuring some exceptionally intense and legitimately life-threatening gambles. But whereas Akagi is calm, cool, and collected, Kaiji is hot-blooded and frenetic. (The actor who voiced Akagi also voiced Kaiji; I was quite impressed by his range and how differently he was able to play the two characters.) Kaiji also has extremely bad luck. His troubles really begin when a friend defaults on a loan that Kaiji agreed to co-sign. A man comes to collect but Kaiji, himself in debt, has no way to repay the loan. But he is given an extraordinary opportunity to clear the debt by participating in a series of absurd and increasingly dangerous gambles. Kaiji is incredibly intense and occasionally disturbing with a huge focus on the psychological aspects of the story and the mental torment and despair of its characters. Even a seemingly simple game of rock-paper-scissors can be a traumatic experience.
Filed Under: FEATURES, My Week in Manga Tagged With: anime, Kaiji, manga, Mitsuru Hattori, real, Sankarea, Takashi Kanzaki, Takehiko Inoue
Library Love, Part 17
September 27, 2013 by Ash Brown
Support manga, support your library!
Here's what I've been reading:
Arisa, Volumes 5-7 by Natsumi Ando. As ridiculous and unbelievable as Arisa can be, I'll have to admit that I actually am rather enjoying the series. The number of plot twists that Ando works into the manga is astounding. I know that they're coming, but I have no idea where Arisa is going. I've learned not to stress out about it and just sit back and enjoy the absurdity as it develops. However, I can't help but wonder where all the adults are in all of this. Occasionally a teacher, parent, or guardian is seen, but none of them seem very involved in the students' lives at all. But then again, that might be part of the point of the series. The students in class 2-B have issues (they have a lot of issues) and King Time began in part because their needs and concerns weren't being addressed elsewhere. More and more of their secrets are being revealed, but I'm not sure we're any closer to actually learning who the King really is. Arisa continues along its dark and twisted path and I can't help but be oddly mesmerized by the whole thing.
Cowa! by Akira Toriyama. Cowa! had completely slipped under my radar until just recently. It's a shame that I didn't read it sooner because it is a terrific and highly enjoyable manga appropriate for kids as well as adults. The first few chapters are fairly episodic and start out with Paifu, a young half-vampire/half-werekoala, and his best friend and ghost José Rodriguez getting into all sorts of trouble. But then the manga develops a continuing story–Paifu's hometown of Batwing Ridge is suffering from an epidemic of the Monster Flu. It's up to Paifu, José, their not exactly friend Apron, and Maruyama, a grumpy ex-sumo wrestler, to save the day. Together they travel in search of the cure and it ends up becoming quite an adventure. There's action and danger, bad guys and monsters. The interactions between Maruyama and the youngsters are simply marvelous. The manga is a lot of fun and funny, too. It may be silly at times, but it's also heartwarming and has a good message. Cowa! is an absolute delight and definitely worth a look.
Slam Dunk, Volumes 7-10 by Takehiko Inoue. I am a huge fan of Inoue's manga. While Slam Dunk isn't my favorite of his series, I still find it to be a great manga. Slam Dunk was Inoue's breakthrough work and is immensely popular and influential. The basketball games in Slam Dunk are extremely well done, but so far what appeals most to me about the series is the characters. I particularly enjoy all of the delinquents that show up in the series and on Shohoku's basketball team. The guys are just as capable in a fist fight as they are on the court. Granted, Sakuragi still has a lot to learn about basketball. He has some natural ability and potential, but I'm not sure anyone has actually taken the time to explain all the rules to him. Realistically, this is somewhat unbelievable, but it does provide a certain amount of humor. In general, Slam Dunk is much more comedic than Inoue's other manga available in English. However, there's still some seriousness and plenty of heartfelt passion in the series, too.
Time Lag written by Shinobu Gotoh and illustrated by Hotaru Odagiri. I didn't realize it at first, but Odagiri is also the artist for Only the Ring Finger Knows, which I quite enjoyed. Time Lag is a slightly older work, and not quite as memorable, but still enjoyable and rather sweet. Satoru and Shirou used to be very close growing up, but after junior high they've grown apart despite Satoru repeatedly professing his love for the other young man. Satoru can't seem to figure out what went wrong, but when a letter from Shirou arrives three years late he may have one last chance at setting things right. However, complicating matters even further is a love-triangle involving Seichii, another classmate. Plots that revolve around a giant misunderstanding often annoy me, but in the case of Time Lag I think it was handled very well. Some of the smaller misunderstandings were still frustrating, though. Granted, those deliberately created by Seichii and his jealousy make a fair amount of sense in the context of the story and the resulting drama is understandable.
Filed Under: FEATURES Tagged With: Akira Toriyama, arisa, Hotaru Odagiri, manga, Natsumi Ando, Shinobu Gotoh, slam dunk, Takehiko Inoue
Pepita by Takehiko Inoue
May 6, 2013 by Anna N
Pepita: Takehiko Inoue Meets Gaudi
This has been a very good year for fancy hardcover editions of manga materials. There's Gundam: The Origin, Wandering Son is still coming out, Heart of Thomas, and the Nausicaa box set was great. This book, about Takehiko Inoue's architectural tour of Spain and specifically Gaudi works isn't filled with enough drawings to be an art book, and it doesn't have enough biographical or written content about Gaudi to be a true study of the man. Instead, we get an interesting travel sketchbook that reveals as much about Inoue's artistic process as it does about the subject he's exploring.
I started reading this without much knowledge of Gaudi other than the fact that he was an architect who explored form in an innovative manner. Inoue travels to Spain to get a sense of the man and his approach to designing with nature. Inoue's reflections come in the form of written thoughts and some exuberant drawings, as he comes up with his own interpretations of Gaudi's trademark mosaic salamander. Throughout the book we get impressions of Gaudi's life and some of his most significant work. Inoue's illustrations are sometimes superimposed on photos, which creates an interesting effect. Inoue's questions and struggle to understand Gaudi show the reader a great deal about Inoue's artistic process and artistic approach. There's enough information about Gaudi in the book that I felt I came away from it slightly better informed, but I thought I'd have to do even more study to really grasp the topic.
In the end, this hybrid art book gives the reader a feeling as if they've just spent a little bit of time on an architectural tour of Spain with Takehiko Inoue as their tour guide. This is a pretty good feeling to have! Serious students of architecture might not find the book very informative, but to a casual reader with an interest in Gaudi, this book is worth checking out. I always think that any book by Inoue is worth reading, and I did enjoy this very much.
Filed Under: REVIEWS Tagged With: pepita, Takehiko Inoue, viz media
Takehiko Inoue MMF Roundaup: Part Four
July 1, 2012 by Michelle Smith
It's the fourth quarter, and your co-hosts have banded together to take you through the final stretch!
Anna joins me for a special Let's Get Visual column dedicated to Inoue's artwork, where we discuss pages from Real and Vagabond.
And speaking of Vagabond, we both weigh in on the series, with Anna tackling the two most recent VIZBIG editions to be released (nine and ten) and me checking out the first one. Ultimately, it looks like neither of us has found a new favorite over the course of the MMF, but we still both enjoyed branching out!
A big thank you once again to everyone who contributed and left comments. Melinda Beasi of Manga Bookshelf will be hosting the next MMF, which will focus on works by CLAMP.
Filed Under: NEWS Tagged With: Takehiko Inoue
Vagabond, Vols. 1-3
By Takehiko Inoue | Published by VIZ Media (first VIZBIG edition)
One of my goals for this Manga Moveable Feast was to finally read some of Vagabond. I've been collecting the VIZBIG editions since they started coming out, which means there were ten of these on my shelf (with their spines forming a group portrait) unread. Now that I finally have read some of Vagabond, I've found it so different from the Inoue I'm familiar with—and yet containing some of the same themes—that I'm rather at a loss for words.
Shinmen Takezo is the son of a legendary swordsman, though we don't really find that out until volume three. Since the age of thirteen, when he killed a man who came to Miyamoto village looking to challenge its strongest occupant, he's been ostracized by all save a couple of childhood friends and he's recently been off to battle with one of them, Hon'iden Matahachi. They both survive a bloody battle, but Matahachi takes up with a thieving widow, leaving Takezo to return to Miyamoto with tidings of Matahachi's survival.
To make a long story very short: Takezo meets with an unfriendly welcome and is manipulated by a clever monk named Takuan into reevaluating his life. Four years later, now going by the name Miyamoto Musashi, he shows up in Kyoto looking to challenge the head of the Yoshioka sword school, and though he defeats many of their members, he learns there are still those stronger than him. A drunken Matahachi accidentally sets the blaze that allows Musashi to escape, and the VIZBIG ends with him realizing that the old friend he left for dead might actually have survived.
Even though I knew this was about swordsmen, I somehow didn't expect it to be as gory as it is. There are a lot of death blows being dealt here, as Musashi is obsessed with measuring/proving his strength against others and willing to sacrifice his life to this aim. That said, at times the art is absolutely gorgeous, and there are a few color pages that look like bona fide paintings. The scope, layout, and pacing of the story all lend it a cinematic feel that is genuinely impressive. There's one scene early on, when Musashi turns around to face the one opponent left standing and it's genuinely terrifying.
But yet, I mostly found it unaffecting. I expect there will be more insight into the main character as time progresses, but for now he's so closed off, so proud of his strength and being hailed a demon that I can't grow fond of him or endorse his goals. I have a feeling I'm not supposed to. I did identify with Matahachi a lot, though, especially his inferiority complex in regards to his friend and his inability to follow through with the heroic deeds he imagines himself performing. I like Otsu, the fiancée Matahachi left behind, and I'm intrigued by Takuan, the monk. I'll keep reading for them, if nothing else.
One thing about Musashi reminds me a lot of Hisanobu Takahashi in Real. As a child, Hisanobu was attempting to master a particular basketball move that his father showed him. He worked very hard on it, but was never able to show his father because the latter abandoned the family. Musashi has also been abandoned by his mother and shunned by his father, and part of his drive to test himself seems due to the desire to show them his strength, show them that he doesn't need to depend on anyone else. Musashi is a real historical figure, not a character Inoue created, but it seems like he's drawn to these confident yet wounded types.
Ultimately, I can see why Vagabond is hailed as a masterpiece, and I will certainly keep reading it, but my heart will always belong to Inoue's sports manga, Slam Dunk in particular. The heart wants what the heart wants!
Vagabond is published in English by VIZ Media. Single volumes up through 33 have been published, as well as ten "VIZBIG" editions comprised of three volumes each. An eleventh VIZBIG edition is scheduled to be released in December. Inoue has recently resumed the series in Japan, so the upcoming release of volume 34 (October) will be the first new Vagabond released in English in two years.
Filed Under: REVIEWS Tagged With: Takehiko Inoue, VIZ
Let's Get Visual: Takehiko Inoue
June 30, 2012 by Michelle Smith and Anna N
MICHELLE: It's been a while, but Let's Get Visual has awoken from its hibernation in time to celebrate the Takehiko Inoue Manga Moveable Feast. Joining me for this occasion is special guest host Anna Neatrour, who is also co-hosting the MMF with me! Welcome, Anna!
ANNA: Thank you! I am excited to join in on a Let's Get Visual post for Takehiko Inoue, because I think he is one of the top contemporary manga artists. He has an incredibly detailed and realistic style that really sets his manga apart from other series.
MICHELLE: I just started reading Vagabond the other day, and there was one close-up picture of Takezo drawn with extreme care and obvious skill, and I thought, "Y'know, this should be the image that all manga fans carry around to immediately dispel the misconceived notion that all manga looks alike and/or involves big, sparkly eyes."
ANNA: I think that Inoue's style (particularly in Real and Vagabond) is probably more reader-friendly to Western comics fans who haven't read much manga before.
MICHELLE: Yeah, probably so. I've often thought that Western comic fans would probably like a bunch of seinen manga if they'd give it a chance.
Anyways, I suppose we should proceed to get visual! The images I've chosen are the very first pages in the very first volume of Real.
Real, Vol. 1 (VIZ Media)
I chose these images because they demonstrate how well Inoue is able to communicate Togawa's character here without needing any words at all. Okay, sure, this guy is in a wheelchair, but he's clearly driven. He's pushing himself, possibly to the point of pain (if that's what that one black panel represents). He has bulging muscles, so he's clearly been at this a while. He's moving fast. He may have a disability, but it doesn't mean that he can't take being an athlete seriously.
And then you turn the page and see that he is all alone. Inoue pulls back to show the entirety of the gym to emphasize Togawa's solitude, and if that wasn't enough, we get a glimpse of the empty school campus, as well. This sets the stage for what we later learn (which you mention in your review)—that Togawa's attitude toward his wheelchair basketball team does not mesh well with his hobbyist teammates. Here's a guy who is giving it his all, and he is the only one.
There's just so much we can tell from this elegant introduction that it kind of blows me away.
ANNA: I agree that one of the things I like best about Inoue's art is how much the images are able to contribute to the storytelling of his manga without overtly telling the audience anything. The themes touched on in the images you showed are addressed again later in the manga. Togawa's ego and isolation contribute to his central struggle in the manga, and at the same time his willingness to practice all by himself shows just how dedicated he is to his sport.
MICHELLE: I will always, always be a big fan of nonverbal storytelling, so Inoue really wins my heart here by going above and beyond impressive art.
Want to tell us about the images you picked?
ANNA: The panels I chose were from Volume 26 of Vagabond, collected in the ninth VIZBIG edition of the series.
Vagabond, Vol. 26 (VIZ Media)
One of the reasons why I love Vagabond so much is that the fight scenes are never merely about two people fighting. There's always a psychological or philosophical element involved. We see Miyamoto Musashi in a midst of battle against 70 members of the Yoshioka sword school, an ambush he willingly walked into. As he battles, he's focused on centering himself and living in the moment. The close-up panels of his face show the process of self-reflection even as he is mowing down his opponents.
MICHELLE: That's a really striking sequence. I like how he seems to be looking off into the horizon as he tells himself to have no aspirations for the future, as if to acknowledge the existence of other paths that he's not allowing himself to take. Granted, I've not read the series that far—I'm barely on volume two—but it almost seems to me like he could walk away from this fight if he wanted to, but he's not letting himself do it. Is that anywhere near the case?
ANNA: I don't think Musashi is capable mentally of walking away from a fight like this. There are a lot of things that lead up to this sequence of many chapters where Musashi takes on the entire sword school, but one thing that struck me about the battle as a whole is that while you see Musashi getting beaten down and injured, towards the end Inoue almost has the reader concluding that it was really unfair to the 70 men who were planning on ambushing and attacking Musashi from behind that they had to go up against this one particular single opponent. Vagabond's
fight scenes are always interesting, even when they stretch on for hundreds of pages, simply because the exquisitely rendered battles are contrasted with the internal struggles of the people who are fighting. Battle is as much of a mental exercise as it is a physical one.
MICHELLE: That's an interesting point! So far I've only seen a few fights, and there hasn't been much on Takezo's (as Musashi is known at that point in the story) mental state yet. But I definitely admired the pacing and structure of Inoue's artistic approach to battle—even watching Takezo just turn around and notice one opponent still standing becomes something frankly terrifying.
ANNA: One the things I enjoy about Vagabond is seeing the way Musashi changes over time. The man fighting the sword school in these panels has a measured sense of self and an inner stillness as he fights opponent after opponent. This is totally different from the way Takezo is portrayed in the earlier volumes, where he is more arrogant and animalistic.
MICHELLE: I definitely look forward to seeing how he gets from point A to point B. I admit, I still prefer Inoue's sports-related series, but there's just no denying that Vagabond is a masterpiece.
Thanks to everyone for reading, and we hope we've inspired you to check out some Inoue!
Filed Under: Let's Get Visual Tagged With: Takehiko Inoue, VIZ, VIZ Signature
Takehiko Inoue MMF Roundup: Part Three
June 29, 2012 by Michelle Smith
What started as a trickle has become a steady stream as the Takehiko Inoue MMF begins drawing to a close!
At Experiments in Manga, Ash brown checks out the second Vagabond VIZBIG omnibus, particularly praising the way battles in the series have lasting repercussions for the characters.
At Manga Report, Anna digs into the past for highlights from the Inoue archive page.
Animemiz posts about Inoue's artwork at the New York City Kinokuniya location.
At Manga Village, the gang collects a bunch of quotes in praise of Inoue's Slam Dunk and Lori Henderson gives Vagabond a try but ultimately concludes it's just not her thing.
Lastly, be sure to check out this really interesting article at Manga Therapy that ponders the notion of strength, as depicted in Vagabond.
My thanks to all the contributors!
Takehiko Inoue MMF Roundup: Part Two
I've got a few more Inoue-riffic links to share with you today!
First up, Lori Henderson at Manga Village looks at volume 22 of Slam Dunk, the most recent volume to become available in English, and points out that this is one sports manga where the sport itself is perhaps more important than the typical shounen theme of striving for improvement.
Next, Melinda and I devoted last night's Off the Shelf column to a discussion of Inoue's seinen wheelchair basketball series, Real, which we pretty much rave about unreservedly.
Lastly, my lovely cohost Anna contributes another review (love the Peter Sellers reference in the title!), wherein she shares her thoughts on the first six volumes of Slam Dunk. You might recall from our introductory post that she had yet to try the series, but I am happy to report that she likes it! She also writes really good concluding paragraphs, like this one:
One of the reasons why I liked it so much is that there's a general feeling of warmth that you get when reading this manga. Sakuragi is often made fun of, but he's portrayed with affection. He even inspires a bit of grudging respect from his teammates as his basketball skills keep getting better. As a bonus, the reader also gets treated to a variety of '90s fashions and hairstyles. Inoue's enthusiasm and love for the game informs the manga, making it seem more personal and interesting than a shonen manga that is developed by committee with the aid of magazine polls. After reading Slam Dunk, I can understand why it was one of the top-selling manga in Japan. If you haven't tried reading Slam Dunk yet, don't be an idiot like me and wait for several years—just pick up a few volumes as soon as possible.
What she said!
Takehiko Inoue MMF Roundup: Part One
The Takehiko Inoue MMF is underway and submissions are beginning to come in! I've got three of them to share this morning.
First up is a post from Matt at Matt Talks About Manga , where he talks about the first VIZBIG collection of Vagabond, comprising the first three volumes of the series. I have to admit that my favorite quote is, "The art. Oh, God, the art. It's beyond fantastic."
Next up is Ash at Experiments in Manga, who looks at the first two volumes of Inoue's Slam Dunk for the My Week in Manga column.
Lastly, my cohost Anna checks out the first five volumes of Real at her site, Manga Report. She's written the post as a volume-by-volume synopsis, pointing out the particular highlights of each, but my favorite observations are right at the end:
While Real centers around the wheelchair basketball world, it uses that setting as a way of exploring the underlying psychological issues of the protagonists. Nomiya desperately searches for a form of redemption. Hisanobu's toxic habits of personality and thought patterns threaten to derail his rehabilitation. While there is no question that Togawa has the drive and personality to be an elite athlete, his lack of people skills while playing a team sport might threaten his bright future. Real is just an absolutely gripping manga, and I know I'm going to be seeking out the remaining translated volumes of the series as soon as possible.
Thanks to all contributors! And remember, if you want to participate… the MMF is running through June 30th and you can email me (swanjun at gmail dot com) with links to your submission!
Announcing the Takehiko Inoue Manga Moveable Feast!
What: A multi-blogger event focused on the works of Takehiko Inoue. (Those published in English include Slam Dunk, Vagabond, and Real.)
When: The week of June 24-30, 2012.
Who: Co-hosted by Michelle Smith and Anna Neatrour, participation open to all!
Why: Because we are both major Inoue fans and want to spread the love!
Where: Soliloquy in Blue (that's here!) and Manga Report (that's here!).
How: Anna will be maintaining the archive at Manga Report, so if you've written anything Inoue-related in the past that you'd like to be included, just send her an e-mail. Michelle will be posting daily MMF wrap-up reports at Soliloquy in Blue, so if you're contributing new stuff, drop her a line. You can also post your link on Twitter using the hashtag #inouemmf. If you don't have a blog of your own but would like to contribute, just let us know and we can make that happen!


Eighteen players played over three days with some familiar and new faces. Eight qualified for the knockout stages.
The semi finals were contested by Sue Lightbody who beat Rachel Rowe and by Samantha Thompson who triumphed over Kath Burt.


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We have HorseDream Country License Holders in 18 countries. Besides working for companies, leaders and teams, they are certified to provide HorseDraem Train the Trainer seminars and HorseDream License Workshops.
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Everyone wants to earn more money to run a luxurious life as the world runs only with the money nowadays. So, the people keep on searching for the best ways to yield a lot of money without putting in more investment.
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Come, we will have a full review of its procedures and advantages of working as a freelancer.
The process of joining as a freelancer is not at all tedious. What we do is we must search a well-reputed freelance company and join in it as a freelancer.
The great advantage over here is the time. Most of the women quit their careers only because of time management. They feel really hard to travel to the office, work for eight long hours, come back home and pursue their household chores. Here there is no shift timing and we can work at any time we would feel like. This is truly a boon for women and the best way to escape from the nine to five-eight hours shift.
There is no need of going to an office building or something else. We can work anywhere but the only problem is the internet connection. It is must to have a stable internet connection as it is fully online based. Traveling to the workplace itself make many of us feeling tired and this is the main reason why people avoid regular jobs dan switch over to online jobs.
The freelancers are the boss for themselves and it is not necessary to surrender under any person. So, those who want to avoid working under strict leaders can better choose this business and start earning more money.
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Establishments primarily engaged in the wholesale distribution of prescription drugs, proprietary drugs, druggists'sundries, and toiletries.
SIC Code 5122 - Drugs, Drug Proprietaries, and Druggists' Sundries is a final level code of the "Wholesale Trade" Division. There are 6,364 companies classified in this industry in the USA with an estimated employment of 75,212 people.
For some business types, there may be a similar industry to SIC Code 5122 - Drugs, Drug Proprietaries, and Druggists' Sundries that is a better classification match. Establishments primarily engaged in the wholesale distribution of surgical, dental, and hospital equipment are classified in Industry 5047.
SICCODE.com compiles comprehensive business data and executive contact leads for businesses within SIC Code 5122 - Drugs, Drug Proprietaries, and Druggists' Sundries. Some of the leading and most notable companies are listed below. To order a list of companies within SIC Code 5122 - Drugs, Drug Proprietaries, and Druggists' Sundries for marketing (postal mailing, telemarketing, emailing) or analytics-use, click on the link below to "Buy Business List". Our data analysts are standing by to assist in your list setup and target marketing.
For business marketing and targeting, SIC Codes have been extended to provide more specific classifications within SIC Code 5122 – Drugs, Drug Proprietaries, and Druggists' Sundries. Extended SIC Codes are being continuously updated to reflect the current business environment.


Love is a feeling, which really can't be put into words. It is an unconditional and passionate emotion that acts as a binding factor between two people for eternity. No matter how successful a person is, love is something they would need in every stage of their life. In India people are 'allowed' to experience this beautiful feeling only after marriage. But what if a person falls in love before and gets married later?
Indians are yet to grasp the theory of love marriage. Any marriage done without the consent of the parents is demeaning and not acceptable under any circumstances. Many times things get so ugly that parents even disown their children. Things especially get ugly if the marriage is an inter caste marriage. Sadly enough, India, which is a country of many caste and religion, is divided when it comes to matrimony based on the grounds of caste and religion. No matter how educated the parents are they are still reluctant to get their children married in a family of a different caste. They fail to understand that love is not something, which is, bounded my caste.
The main reason families are against love marriage is because they thoroughly believe in matching the horoscope of the couple before tying the nuptial knot. In many cases it is seen that the 'kundali' of the prospective bride and groom doesn't match. Not matching of the 'kundalis' is one of the major issues with love marriages in India. It is believed that the matching of the horoscope is paramount as this is the sole factor, which ensures compatibility, love, longevity and a successful marriage. Yet, the young generation doesn't believe in this and go ahead marrying the partner of their choice. This in turn results in huge disappointment for the family members. Things get worse when the honeymoon period is over for the couple and they face the real marital problems. At times like these they do not have anyone to resort to, as the parents are actually happy being right. However, had this been an arranged marriage the parents of both the girl and the boy would be ready to move mountains to ensure that the couple is happy.
In India, couples usually live with the groom's parents even after marriage. When the parents do not approve the bride, the mother-in-law can be a real pain. When the husband goes to work, the wife has to stay for the entire day with the mother-in-law who usually does everything in her power to make life miserable for the wife. They stick their nose in everything possible to break the marriage. Things can get worse if you are marrying a 'momma's boy'. Call it insecurity of losing her son to another lady or just not liking the girl, whatever it is, the poor girl suffers. If the guy fails to fix the facet of their relationship such problems might lead to a divorce or separation. Basically, it is the guy who gets stuck between the mother and the wife.
Yes, a little venting is acceptable but bad-mouthing all time puts hell lot of negative energy around. Things get even worse when the situation goes out of family. The family then starts comparing the daughter-in-law to others and makes her a helpless victim. Well, the things can be the other way round too. In many cases it is seen that the wife plays a victim unnecessarily just to separate the husband from his family.
Too much distance between the couple after marriage posses another problem. When someone gets married to his/her long time lover, they obviously expect to spend most of their time together. However, due to the extremely big families they are unable to do this. The girl not only becomes a wife but a gets involved in many other relations as well. As a result, her time gets divided and she can barely be with her husband.
Failure to meet the expectations of the family members, especially when the marriage was against their wish may result to a severe backlash. Too much of staying too far for too long may result in the once madly in love couple questioning their marriage and what might have gone wrong. They then usually retort to detachment by putting walls around them and pulling themselves back. The relationship just goes downhill from there.
At times, before the two marry one another; all the things are discussed before marriage. This involves conversing if the girl will be allowed to work after marriage or not. Yes, in India, the concept of educated girls working after marriage doesn't go well with the elders. Even though this is changing for better now, still there are families that want their daughter-in-law to stay at home and do the homely chores.
When people get married on their own free will, these matters are usually not discussed before marriage. Most of the young educated girls refuse to compromise on their career after marriage. Matters get out of hand when the husband's family is against it and they play the 'because you had a love marriage' card.
What is the next step after marriage? According to the elders, it is popping babies. Yes, as soon as you get married, it becomes your sole duty to carry forward the family line and have babies. Any snobbish aunty you meet in parties will not stop talking on why you must have babies right now. Couples who had a love marriage face more problems as parents believe that since they didn't get married according to their wish they owe this to them. Yes, even if you have had an arranged marriage, you will have this problem. However, love marriages give them a golden opportunity to pressure the couple more.
In India, marriages are not only considered sacred and divine but also have a great impact of traditions, which is based on individual religion and caste. The one solid rule made by our ancestors is that the bride and groom must be of the same caste no matter what. If someone breaks this holy rule they are not only disrespecting the society but also God. An inter caste marriage in India creates a lot of problems and negative energy in an auspicious thing like marriage. Love marriages are still accepted by some but an inter caste matrimony has to go through the conviction of religion. Even if you go through different matrimony sites you will find that many people have specified the caste they want their child to get married into.
Most of the inter caste marriages are because of love marriage. When wedlock is an arranged marriage very few parents look for eligible match outside their caste and community. In India, inter caste marriages are still considered as a crime. It is particularly tough to marry someone who doesn't belong to your own caste. So much it is that maybe your love doesn't even see the daylight.
The society as well as the parents rarely gives blessings to the couple. Parents who strictly adhere to the norms and customs of the society can leave their children to suffer but not break the traditional rules. They believe that in order to live in a society you need to follow certain regulations failure of which, you don't deserve to stay with them. If their child gets involved with someone of some other caste, then they not only outcast them but consider it to be a black spot on their name as well as reputation. At times like these, even the society plays Satan and looks down upon the family. The caste bounded society thinks that an inter caste marriage is equivalent to committing a great sin and the person who commits it, deservers to suffer.
Does All The Problems Mean Love Marriages Are Wrong?
This actually depends on individual mentality. If you ask the young adults about their views on love marriage, only a handful of them will be totally against the idea. However, if you ask the elderly people, you will find that many of them are still reluctant and consider love marriages to be a great sin. Whichever way, one thing is for sure; the society is changing and is slowly accepting love marriages for the love and sake of their children.


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Kentucky's Fugitive Bonnie And Clyde Arrested While Sleeping
United States Marshal's Service and local police found Kentucky's modern-day Bonnie and Clyde, 18-year-old Dalton Hayes and 13-year-old Cheyenne Phillips, asleep in a stolen truck and arrested the two teenage fugitives without incident, authorities indicated in a statement.
Phillips portrayed herself to be 19-years-old, not 13, and Hayes believed her.
Law enforcement surrounded the stolen 2011 Toyota Tundra, which was stolen back in Henry County, Georgia, and apprehended the two on Sunday morning in Panama City Beach, Florida, authorities said in a statement which Fox News reported and The Associated Press contributed to.
The couple vanished from their small hometown in western Kentucky on January 3, 2015. After disappearing, the pair left a trail of stolen vehicles and pilfered checks in their wake as they cruised the country's south in a Bonnie and Clyde-esque crime spree which ended in Florida.
Police indicated that the process of returning the two teenagers to Kentucky has begun.
The pair, who had been dating for roughly three months prior to their alleged crime spree, will answer to multiply felony charges back in Kentucky.
Grayson County court records indicate that Hayes was on the run from burglary and theft charges in the state of Kentucky which are derived from an arrest which took place late last year.
Law enforcement believes the teens stole a truck which they crashed and ditched in the woods and then stole another nearby truck with two weapons in it. An ABC News report indicates that the pair was later spotted at a South Carolina Wal-Mart where they're believed to have passed a couple of stolen checks, according to the local chief of police in Manning, South Carolina, Blair Shaffer. The pair is believed to have then continued into Georgia where they stole a truck from a man's house in Henry County before traveling to Florida where the teenage fugitives were apprehended by authorities without further incident.
Authorities in Grayson County indicated that they were grateful nobody was injured.
What do you think of the couple's relationship, multi-state crime spree, and recent arrest?
Related Items:Bonnie And Clyde, Cheyenne Phillips, Dalton Hayes, Florida, Kentucky Fugitives, Kentucky Fugitives Caught, Teenage Fugitives
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"Glaciers are growing in the Himalayan Mountains, confounding global warming alarmists who have recently claimed the glaciers were shrinking and that global warming was to blame.
A new study of the Karakoram, Hindu Kush, and Western Himalaya mountain ranges by researchers at England's Newcastle University shows consistent recent growth among the region's glaciers.
Researchers found cooler summers are failing to melt winter snows, which are themselves becoming more frequent, resulting in advancing ice sheets.
The study was published in the September 2006 issue of the American Meteorological Society's Journal of Climate.
Despite the objective evidence to the contrary, Himalayan glacier-melting stories continued through the spring of 2006.
With the Newcastle University study now validating the Insurance Digest report, National Geographic and others are doing an about-face, reporting the glaciers are growing rather than shrinking … and blaming global warming for the growth of the glaciers.
"Some glaciers in Pakistan's Upper Indus River Basin appear to be growing, and a new study suggests that global warming is the cause," reported National Geographic News on September 11.
And just as the media had previously reported shrinking glaciers would threaten the water supplies of hundreds of millions of people, they now claim the water supplies of millions of people are threatened by growing glaciers.
[S]aid Competitive Enterprise Institute Senior Fellow Marlo Lewis, … "[I]t seems that no matter what happens in the world, it is always claimed that global warming is to blame and that the change will be for the worse." … "That is not how science operates, it is how propaganda operates," Lewis added." "Himalayan Glaciers Are Growing … and Confounding Global Warming Alarmists" Prior post here.
"The melting of the glaciers in the Himalayan belt may be a hot topic linked to the ongoing debate on climate change.
But experts claimed that the existing data is inadequate to conclusively predict that glaciers would cease to exist in the near future.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) report stated that the total area of the glaciers would shrink from 500,000 to 100,000 sq km by 2035.
Richard Armstrong Professor, Colorado University, USA, however, has debunked this forecast.
"The data is baseless since the total area of Himalayan glaciers is less than 100,000 sq km," said Armstrong.
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), too, has supported Armstrong.
"I've no idea about the source of the WWF's data. As per our study, the total area of the Himalayan glaciers is around 100,000 sq km," said Pradeep Mool, glacier expert, ICIMOD.
"After an extensive study of glaciers throughout the Himalayas, India's Ministry of Environment and Forests reports most did not retreat during 2009. The ministry further concluded there is no strong evidence the modest retreat of some Himalayan glaciers in recent years was caused by global warming.
In an August 2009 white paper, the ministry reports that even in the case of many glaciers that are retreating, ice in the remaining portion of the glacier is thickening.
Geologists at India's Jammu University report annual variations in precipitation and other weather factors, not global climate change, are the primary cause of growth and retreat of Himalayan glaciers.
"Inter and intra-annual variations in weather parameters have more impact on the glaciers of northwest Himalayas, rather than any impact due to global warming," the Jammu University geologists reported in Current Science.
In another study, accepted for publication in an upcoming issue of Annals of Glaciology, a team of scientists led by John Shroder of the University of Nebraska-Omaha reports 230 glaciers in the Western Himalayas are growing. Glaciers at such famous sites as Mt. Everest and neighboring K2 and Nanga Parbat are among those growing.
"Global warming alarmists have suggested that the ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica may collapse, causing disastrous sea level rise. This idea is based on the concept of an ice sheet sliding down an inclined plane on a base lubricated by meltwater, which is itself increasing because of global warming.
In reality the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets occupy deep basins, and cannot slide down a plane. Furthermore glacial flow depends on stress (including the important yield stress) as well as temperature, and much of the ice sheets are well below melting point.
The accumulation of kilometres of undisturbed ice in cores in Greenland and Antarctica (the same ones that are sometimes used to fuel ideas of global warming) show hundreds of thousands of years of accumulation with no melting or flow. Except around the edges, ice sheets flow at the base, and depend on geothermal heat, not the climate at the surface. It is impossible for the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets to 'collapse'.
In these days of alarmist warnings about climate warming, the ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica have an important role. Many papers have described their melting at the present times, and dire predictions of many metres of sea level rise are common. Christoffersen and Hambrey published a typical paper on the Greenland ice sheet in Geology Today in May, 2006.
Their model, unfortunately, includes neither the main form of the Greenland Ice Sheet, nor an understanding of how glaciers flow. They predict the behaviour of the Ice Sheet based on melting and accumulation rates at the present day, and the concept of an ice sheet sliding down an inclined plane on a base lubricated by meltwater, which is itself increasing because of global warming. The same misconception is present in textbooks such as The Great Ice Age (2000) by R.C.L. Wilson and others, popular magazines such as the June 2007 issue of National Geographic, and other scientific articles such as Bamber et al. (2007), which can be regarded as a typical modelling contribution. The idea of a glacier sliding downhill on a base lubricated by meltwater seemed a good idea when first presented by de Saussure in 1779, but a lot has been learned since then.
"One of the world's largest glaciers, on the west coast of Greenland, is shrinking at an alarming rate as a result of global warming – with potentially dire consequences.