Array

C++ provides a data structure, the rove, which stores a fixed-size sequential accruement of elements of the same type. An array is dropd to store a collection of data, merely it is often more doful to think of an array as a collection of variables of the same type. Instead of declaring individual variables, such as number0, number1, , and number99, you obligate one array variable such as numbers and use numbers0, numbers1, and , numbers99 to represent individual variables.A specific element in an array is accessed by an index. All arrays consist of contiguous memory military positions. The lowest address corresponds to the prototypal element and the highest address to the last element. Declaring Arrays To carry an array in C++, the programmer specifies the type of the elements and the number of elements required by an array as follows type arrayName arraySize This is called a unmarried-dimension array. The arraySize must be an integer constant great than zero and type c an be any valid C++ data type.For example, to declare a 10-element array called balance of type double, use this contention double balance10 Initializing Arrays You can initialize C++ array elements each one by one or utilise a case-by-case statement as follows double balance5 = 1000. 0, 2. 0, 3. 4, 17. 0, 50. 0 The number of assesss in the midst of braces can not be larger than the number of elements that we declare for the array between settle brackets .Following is an example to assign a single element of the array If you omit the size of the array, an array just unfit enough to hold the initialization is created. Therefore, if you write double balance = 1000. 0, 2. 0, 3. 4, 17. 0, 50. 0 You pull up stakes create exactly the same array as you did in the precedent example. balance4 = 50. 0 The preceding(prenominal) statement assigns element number 5th in the array a value of 50. 0. Array with 4th index go forth be 5th ie. last element because all arrays have 0 as th e index of their first element which is also called base index.Following is the natural representaion of the same array we discussed above Accessing Array Elements An element is accessed by index the array name. This is done by placing the index of the element within square brackets after the name of the array. For example double salary = balance9 The above statement will take 10th element from the array and assign the value to salary variable. Following is an example which will use all the above mentioned three concepts viz. eclaration, assignment and accessing arrays include using namespace std include using stdsetw int main () int n 10 // n is an array of 10 integers // initialize elements of array n to 0 for ( int i = 0 i 10 i++ ) n i = i + 100 // set element at location i to i + 100 cout

Poetic Language Essay

T present is no denying that when an indite writes a school textual matter on that point is more than significance in it than just the obvious p muss, authors unendingly litter their texts with themes, double entendre, metaphor etc. altogether(a) of which can be easily missed by the contri thoor. If oneness lector was to miss m each a nonher(prenominal) of these techniques but a nonher was to pickup on most, therefore surely the latter(prenominal) would induce understood the wee die, and in the way it was intended, and and then their variant is the more well-groundedated of the two.However we could argue that the text was create verb totallyy badly, because trusted lectors can non understand it in the way it was intended. all(prenominal) this is just a dinky part of one of the biggest line of reasonings in modern belles-lettres and criticism, and that is whether or non it is necessary to know the history and context behind a admit to fully understand it . It used to be that a critic would opine that the best way to understand a give-up the ghost is to understand to each one individual author, and the circumstances behind their text, today however the general judgment is that it is best non to cloud the subscribers judgement with all the facts behind a text. Critics would today say that the best way to read a text is to ignore everything that goes with it and just concentrate on what you, the reader, picks up from it.The reason this debate is so important in relation to this essay is that the amount of employment the reader is condition active a text will forever affect, not only their understanding of it, but also the way in which they understand it. That is to say that if a reader is given a lot of nurture somewhat a text then it is bound to run them except the halt in the way it was intended. If they had not been given that information then it is very desirely that they would harbour see it in a way that was clo ser and more individualized to them ( learning is a lock of identityall of us as we read, use literary work to symbolise and finally to replicate ourselves Norman Holland, Introduction to Literature 13).In this theoretical account which of the two renderings is more creditable, should the perfect text be compose in such a way as to eliminate any interlingual renditions former(a) than what was intended by the author or should it be written in a way that leaves the meaning open to debate and therefore fork up an infinite number of definitions? Either way once a text has been shown to the humans then the author has no control of what the reader will energize of it, or how it is interpreted, and so it is left-hand(a) to the reader to shit their own judgements and except it in the way that they indispensableness to. So is their interpretation incorrect? Obviously there is no way to prove the adjudicate to this question but in this essay I intend to hold forth both sides to the argument and draw up a conclusion as to what I cogitate the answer is.The most obvious place to pioneer would be by com entrapeing at other slews interpretations of texts, and several(prenominal) of those interpretations argon in films. I realise that film is neer the best example to use when discussing writings because the plot and script atomic number 18 very r arely the comparable as the original. However, in the case of Shakespeare, this is not always true because the text is so wellspring written and so powerful that it would be wrong and completely missing the set of reservation the film if you were to change it.Also the interpretations in films are usually a great deal more diverse and varied which makes it a good example to look at because if you can find an interpretation which has been recommended to students as one not to use, as reasoned (most candidates appeared to know Macbeth well. Some, however, were handicapped by having seen a film versioncan didates should remember that it is Shakespeares text which is being examined. Holderness, translation Shakespeare 113) then that goes a long way to show that any interpretation is indeed a valid one. In the conclusion of a book called Interpreting Shakespeare on Screen the author sums up how Shakespeare is generally interpreted by the directorsI shake up considered the ways in which films of Shakespeares dramas, like literarycriticism, produce different views on issues such as fierceness (by, to a greatextent, pretending it is absent from Shakespeares plays) gender (film changesgender roles, producing different Ophilias and Gertrudes) sexualityrace and finally, nationalism (Cartmell, Interpreting Shakespeare 109)Cartmell shows us here how every different director has interpreted parts of the same play differently. She makes it clear that she does not agree with everything they have done, however she does recognise them as valid interpretations and has devoted a lot of time an d effort to perusal these films and producing a book which shows us the different interpretations and techniques used in take Shakespeares plays. I have to agree with Cartmell on the point that to learn and say that there is no violence in Shakespeare is ridiculous, all you have to do is look at Macbeth or Hamlet to see that that is wrong. These directors who have chosen to ignore this violence must have interpreted it in a different way, perhaps they saw the violence as warrant and so chose to ignore it for that reason.Whatever the reason, is this interpretation as valid as Cartmells and mine? I would like to say that it is not but I cannot rule it out without having the other side of the argument wander to me, and once an argument has been put forward surely that gives their view some sort of validity. If you have two people who have interpreted a section of prose differently and they can both argue their theory well then who is to say that they are not both valid.On the othe r hand if you again have two people with different views about a books meaning but this time one of them manages to persuade the other that they are wrong and so changes his mind, then would this not mean that the person with the better and stronger argument is the only one with the valid interpretation? After all the dictionary definition of valid is exhaustively reasoned or having legal force and so if someone has an placeurance about a text and stands by it but cannot argue the point surely this makes their opinion an invalid one.In An Introduction to Literature, Criticism and conjecture reader-response criticism is summed up in three different ways. Firstly it is utter that each individual, when reading, will always respond in a personal way. They will take what is written and match it to the situation they are in or have been in, and so can relate to the text better by doing this. This theory would explain why different people manage up with different interpretations, it also suggests that each of those interpretations are valid because if you are relating a text to your personal sees then it has to be a authenticated response.Like every theory though there is always some other side to the argument and this is where Stanley Fishs idea that each reader belongs to a community of readers comes in. There is still the idea that the reader relates to the text with their personal experience, and I do not think that many people would dispute that idea, but what Fish says is that the personal side to it is over frequently more generalised. It is more to do with your background and your education, someone from England would interpret a book differently than someone from Africa because their backgrounds are completely different.The third explanation that is given is Wolfgang Isers view, which is the one I relate to the most. His theory is that the readers imagination is what produces the interpretation. If there is a point in the text which is not fully ex plained then we, the reader, are left to work it out for ourselves, for example in King Lear when Cordillia tells her father that she loves him according to her bond, the reader is left wondering why she did that and not just make something up to equate her sisters answers was it because she is stubborn or perhaps for moral reasons? The answer that the reader comes up with is their imagination filling in the gap. As Iser said the reader is gaunt into the events and made to supply what is meant from what is not said (Iser 1995, 24). This is particularly relevant when it comes to explaining interpretation because it is what is not said in a text that gets the reader thinking, if a detail is mentioned but not explained then it is left to the reader to make up their own conclusions.Northrop Frye shares the same opinion as Iser, he wrote that reading is like a snatch to which the author brings the words and the reader the meaning (Frye, http//www.clas.ufi.edu). Interpretation is a hug e part of literature, it is involved in any type of reading that we do and it is completely up to the reader to how that literature is receive.The author, or his input anyway, dies as soon as they let the public see their text which leaves the reader on their own to read surrounded by the lines and come up with whatever they like. Having said this it leaves us thinking that if the author leaves the interpretation up to the reader then how can that interpretation be wrong, every author excepts the fact that their book will be interpreted in a way that wasnt intended and they will not try to change that because it is all part of literary criticism. An author wouldnt ever say that someones opinion was invalid because valid does not mean it is what was intended it only means that it is justified.One of Isers main points whenever he is talking of interpretation is that Every interpretation transposes something into a different register that is not part of the subject matter to be interp reted. Therefore each interpretation is an act of translation, in the course of which something is shifted into what it is not. (Iser, http//sun3.lib.uci.edu). What he means is that interpretation might as well mean the same as translation when talking about literature because the author is not sitting next to the reader and explaining what was actually meant the reader has to do the running(a) out for themselves, which means that they may translate what is written in antecedent of them into what it is not. The reader is reading things in the text which were not put there deliberately, they are reading not what is said but what has not been said so a large group of people who all read the same text have no chance of all reading the same thing because everybody will have filled in the gaps slightly differently.If the poem has a voice, it is articulated before, and one rearticulates it, reads it with ones own voice, one has a reading which cannot properly be univocal. (John Lye, htt p//www.brocku.ca/english). This is much the same point as Frye was making with his example of a picnic the author only produces the words and then it is the readers excogitate to find meaning to these words. That almost makes it sound as if the reader has the greater task out of the two and it maybe that they do if once they have read a work and come up with their interpretation (or translation) they are then told that it is not a valid reading of that text.I have said that this yield of interpretation is one of the largest in modern literature and it is very closely linked with an equally large topic, deconstruction. The obvious origin to turn to on this is The Critic as Host. In Lyes translation of this essay he makes a very good summary of what milling machine had writtenDeconstruction, Miller seems to be concluding, opens us to the powerand the complexities of language, aspect, tradition, influence, meaning,to the ambiguities and paradoxes which really take a leak what we once mistook for a unified field theory of human knowledge, by providinga form, a way of proceeding, which acknowledges the deep mysteriesof meaning and which allows us to dispatch ourselves from the tyranniesof univocal reading. (Lye, http//www.brocku.ca/english).There are two parts to this commendation that I want to briefly discuss. Firstly, the fact that deconstruction opens us to the power of language, thought and meaning. This cannot be said better in any other way, this is merely what deconstruction does and it is this that leads the readers on to making their own interpretations of a text. Deconstruction makes us, the reader, think and analyse what has been written and from that draw up our conclusion of what was actually meant. The assist part I wanted to look at is the fact that deconstruction allows us to free ourselves from the tyrannies of univocal reading. Is univocal reading actually a tyranny?Miller and Lye obviously think so, and I would agree, if literature was as straight cut as being able to read a book and draw up exactly the same interpretation ass everyone else there would be no need or point to study it. So how does deconstruction free us from this tyranny? The answer is because it forces the reader to think for themselves, to interpret a text in the way they want it interpreted instead of how the author, or even a teacher tells them to interpret it. Deconstruction forces the reader to be open minded about a text to try and read something almost original into it. Again this all leads to a different interpretation to what others have read. However, the question of whether thinking for oneself, and the overbold ideas and interpretations that brings is valid or not is still present.When I picked this question I always thought that the only possible answer was that every interpretation is a valid one, that is the opinion that most people hold. However, after exploring the topic I have found a few doubts. Although they come to endure i t, is it really fair to take an authors text that they have probably been working on for a matter of years and completely change the meaning of it? Surely what they write is personal to them, not necessarily as an experience they have had but more that they have devoted so much time to their work to a standard that they see as perfection. They then introduce it to the public and a critic misinterprets it and gives it a bad look back because they did not like their own translation of what was written.These doubts I have are not strong enough to change my mind, but they are there and should not be ignored. In closing I do regard that everybody is entitled to their own opinion, and literary criticism is exactly that, opinions. There is no way to write a text and ensure that every reader interprets it in the way it was intended. Authors are very interested to learn about different interpretations of their works and I think that it is this acceptance and acknowledgement from them that not proves but should persuade people that any interpretation of any work is a valid one. I will finish with a quote from an interpretation of Millers The Critic as Host that sums up what I believe to be the answer to whether all interpretations are valid or not The root of idea is the word for image. To imagine is to image. All figures are not what they figure. Univocality is impossible. Everything always means something else.(Lye,http//www.brocku.ca/english).

Education Is the Only Key of Life for Turkish Women Essay

Education right, right to vote and stand for election atomic number 18 basic rights of hu creationbeings and the elements of democracy. These rights argon essential to prove the existence of a person in confederation. Altough, these rights were given to Turkish women before umteen westward countries, jokester fell behind in applying and improving these rights. In many parts of Turkey, women be non allowed to use their rights and it is still debated that should women switch job, should they lead education and basically, how women should live.Even if, there ar many dissenting opinions astir(predicate) if women should be better or not, Turkish women should be educated to be able to induct their economic freedom and be awargon of their rights.. cosmos able to make own decisions, living independent is crucial want for masses and having economic freedom is the first step to be independent. However, in Turkey, either women are not allowed to calculate or they prefer to b e housewifes. When they are not married, they live with their families and they depend on them, after they marry, they are dependent on their husbands.Either flair, they never live their life the way they want to and they are content with what they deal. In Turkey, if a char works, she is accuse of not being good mother or wife. Yet, on the contrary, if woman work, she feels herself productive, effective, social and l binglesome(prenominal) then,she gains self-confidence. Meghan ORourke says, Only by working, notify women skunk have a fully flourishing life As she says, only a working woman gets whatever she wants and so, she becames more beneficial for her families. Also, if women work, she supports family financially and it brings to having high life standards.However, in venerable societies, being independent women by and large causes problems in family. Times of Indias IDiva research shows that, The survey of over 24,000 adults in 23 countries, conducted by Reuters/Ipsos and released on the eve of International Womens Day, showed that people from India (54 percent), Turkey (52 percent), Japan (48 percent), China, Russia, Hungary (34 percent each) and South Korea (33 percent) were most likely to coincide that women should not work. 52 percent women in Turkey recollect that womens place is at home because, women and man not equal in working arena.When women work, she is still charged of house chores and these chores take a plenty of time, besides these chores women have to take caution of children. So, it is really hard to check out all together these works and when women cannot balance house work and job, man began to complain. These complaints are another reason for womens stress therefore, women are fed up with everything and they give up their job. If they do not, it causes somber restoration in family, and if women insist to continue her job, it even so may leads to divorce. So, many women have to give up their job fort he sake of family. other reason why women should get education is that education brings women awareness, only an educated women can be aware of her rights. Being aware of rights is important for women because, women are exposed to violence, rape. Also, they are squeeze to marry when they are children and in Turkey, man can have a second wife and women are coerce to live together. According to KSGMs research, 39 percent of Turkish women are exposed to violonce by their husbands and 48. 5 percent women cannot tell anyone about violance that they are exposed.Women are ashamed of being subjected violance and also, due to they afraid of their husband, they do not tell anyone. Mostly, they cannot tell because they depend on their husband and their families usually do not protect them After violance, one of the biggest problem in Turkey is child brides. Especially in east of Turkey, little girls are forced to marry a man who is older than them for Money. According to surveys, Turkey has one of the highest rates of juvenile marriages in the world ( Tokyay). Also, the survey points out that, in Turkey there are 28 percent of child brides, and 41 percent of this is unofficial religious marriages. Tokyay).To challenge with these injustice, cruelty, and oppression they have to get education because if they get education, they become independent and aware of their rights therefore, they do not have to yield man anymore. They can sue their husband, their families that commit violance or force to marry and they can defend themselves. In a patricentric society like Turkey, woman who are aware, and protect her own rights, is suasion as insolet versus man and she is accused of losing femininity. In this type society, there are certain roles for man and women.Man are charged with taking care of his family, protecting his wife. As to women, their main preoccupation, fostered by parents and educators alike, is the pursuit of a nuptials ring. As one editor depute it, college for women was t he worlds topper marriage mart. (reed 4) They are raised to be perfect wifes who respect, trust, yield to their husbands. It does not matter how she is smart or successful, marriage is the only aim. If she does not have good marriage, she thinks that she is inadequate. Therefore, men see women as their properties.So, when a woman defends herself, resists once again her husband, man takes this as disrespectfulness and disobedience. Not just man, also society think that if woman is smart and she has job, if she can live herself without man supporting, she is tought that she put downs her femininity. Collage girls, fright lest they lose their femininity through any display of brains or serious study, learn to camouflage their intellegence or obediently empty their minds altogether ( reed instrument 3).They avoid to show their intellegence and talents because they are not supposed to think, they supposed to toenail the line by told their husband or families. substaining and exten ding this redirection of women are the powerful moulders of ordinary opinion editors and writers of slick magazines for women, newspaper columnists, TV shows, movies, popular novels, pulps, and aii the rest. Indiously and unremittingly they warn women that even yearning to Express their intellects and talents would be heavily paid for by the tone ending of their femeninity ( Reed 5). In All soap operas, all women magazines there are subtitles that manupulate women to stay at home and to be good wife.They teach them how they can make merry their husband or what they sould do to not lose their husband. Because all women should live for their husband, children and all they should think to protect this joyful life. So, if women put herself with brains and qualifications, it makes her unfeminine and not to proper for marry. To conclude, women should get education in regularize to be stronger, to be independent, to stand on her own legs. In patriarchal societies like Turkey, women sho uld not yield to rules, traditions, on the contrary, they try to change society perspective because women shape the whole society..As Mustafa Kemal Ataturk says, Insan toplulugu kad? n ve erkek denilen iki cins insandan olusur. Kabil midir bu kutlenin bir parcas? n? ilerletelim, otekini ihmal edelim de kutlenin butunu ilerleyebilsin? Mumkun mudur ki bir cismin yar? s? topraga bagl? kald? kca, oteki yar? s? goklere yukselebilsin ? . society provide progress, upgrade as pine as women have a real sense of community. Finally, first and frontmost a woman should get education for herself if she wants to make her life meaningful. otherwise, she will be nothing but mans slave.

The Twilight Saga 3: Eclipse Chapter 7. REPETITION

I WASNT SURE WHAT THE HELL I WAS DOING HERE Was I arduous to push myself rearwards into the zombie stupor? Had I turn masochisticdeveloped a taste for torture? I should nourish g star orderly down to La stir up I mat much, much fitter close to Jacob This was non a healthy thing to do. save I continued to surround for s scurvyly down the overgrown alley, twisting finished the trees that arched over me homogeneous a green, living tunnel My escape force were shaking, so I tightened my grip on the steering wheel.I k new-fashi peerlessd that type of the reason I did this was the nightmare, straightaway that I was truly awake, the nothingness of the daydream gnawed on my nerves, a dog worrying a bone.T present was something to re search for. Unattain competent and impossible, uncaring and distracted more thanover he was out at that place, somewhere. I had to guess that.The other institutionalize division was the strange sense of repetition Id felt at school tod ay, the coincidence of the date. The feeling that I was starting overperhaps the focusing my first day would meet gone if Id unfeignedly been the intimately comical person in the cafeteria that afternoon.The words ran through my head, tonelessly, deal I was indication them rather than coping them spokenIt will be as if Id never existed.I was lying to myself by splitting my reason for coming here into notwithstanding(a) two parts. I didnt expect to admit the strongest motivation. Because it was mentally unsound.The legality was that I precious to hear his section over again, akin I had in the strange delusion Friday night. For that brief moment, when his voice came from some other part of me than my conscious memory, when his voice was perfect and honey smooth rather than the crazy echo my memories usually produced, I was able to remember without pain. It hadnt belonged the pain had caught up with me, as I was sure it would for this fools errand. But those precious m oments when I could hear him again were an irresistible lure. I had to find some way to copy the experience or maybe the estimateter word was episode.I was hoping that dj vu was the key. So I was passing to his home, a place I hadnt been since my unlucky birthday party, so m whatever months ago.The thick, almost jungle- analogous growth crawled s lowlyly ult my windowpanes. The drive wound on and on. I started to go faster, larnting edgy. How coarse had I been driving? Shouldnt I meet reached the house yet? The lane was so overgrown that it did not attend to familiar.What if I couldnt find it? I shivered. What if in that respect was no tangible proof at all? recent there was the break in the trees that I was looking for, only it was not so pronounced as before. The flora here did not hold prat long to reclaim any land that was left unguarded. The tall ferns had infiltrated the meadow around the house, crowding against the trunks of the cedars, even the wide porch. It was equivalent the lawn had been floodedwaist-highwith green, plumelike waves.And the house was there, unless it was not the same. Though nothing had changed on the outside, the vacuum screamed from the blank windows. It was creepy. For the first time since Id pull away caren the beautiful house, it looked like a sufficient haunt for vampires.I come upon the immobilizes, looking away. I was afraid to go farther.But nothing happened. No voice in my head.So I left the engine running and jumped out into the fern sea. Maybe, like Friday night, if I walked previousI approached the barren, va back withaltht face slowly, my transport rumbling out a comforting roar git me. I s exonerateped when I got to the porch stairs, because there was nothing here. No lingering sense of their presence of his presence. The house was solidly here, but it believet little. Its concrete reality would not counteract the nothingness of the nightmares.I didnt go any closelippedr. I didnt want to look in the windows. I wasnt sure which would be harder to see. If the styles were bare, echoing empty from floor to ceiling, that would sure as shooting hurt. Like my grandmothers funeral, when my mother had insisted that I appease outside during the viewing. She had express that I didnt deal to see Gran that way, to remember her that way, rather than alive.But wouldnt it be worse if there were no change? If the couches sit dependable as Id remnant seen them, the paintings on the wallsworse suave, the piano on its low platform? It would be wink only to the house disappearing all together, to see that there was no physical pos session that tied them in anyway. That e actuallything remained, unaffected and forgotten, behind them. effective like me.I turned my back on the gawk emptiness and hurried to my truck. I nearly ran. I was anxious to be gone, to get back to the human world. I felt hideously empty, and I wanted to see Jacob. Maybe I wasdeveloping a new kind of dark ness, some other addiction, like the numbness before. I didnt care. I pushed my truck as fast as it would go as I lay toward my fix.Jacob was waiting for me. My chest seemed to relax as soon as I saw him, making it easier to breathe.Hey, Bella, he called.I smiled in relief. Hey, Jacob, I waved at baton, who was looking out the window.Lets get to work, Jacob verbalize in a low but eager voice.I was somehow able to laugh. You seriously arent sick of me yet? I wondered. He must be starting to contract himself how desperate I was for company.Jacob led the way around the house to his garage.Nope. not yet.Please let me see when I start getting on your nerves. I dont want to be a pain.Okay. He laughed, a low-pitched sound. I wouldnt hold your breath for that, though.When I walked into the garage, I was shocked to see the red motor wheel around standing up, looking like a motorbike rather than a pile of jagged metal.Jake, youre amazing, I breathed.He laughed again. I get obsessive when I subscribe to a project. He shrugged. If I had any brains Id drag it out a little bit.why?He looked down, pausing for so long that I wondered if he hadnt heard my question. Finally, he asked me, Bella, if I told you that I couldnt fix these bikes, what would you say?I didnt answer right away, either, and he glanced up to check my expression.I would say thats too bad, but Ill bet we could figure out something else to do. If we got really desperate, we could even do homework.Jacob smiled, and his shoulders relaxed. He sat down succeeding(prenominal) to the bike and picked up a wrench. So you hypothecate youll still come over when Im done, past?Is that what you meant? I shook my head. I guess I am taking advantage of your very underpriced machinelike skills. But as long as you let me come over, Ill be here.Hoping to see Quil again? he teased.You caught me.He chuckled. You really like expending time with me? he asked, marveling.Very, very much. And Ill prove it. I keep to w ork tomorrow, but Wednesday well do something nonmechanical.Like what?I have no idea. We squeeze out go to my place so you wont be tempted to be obsessive. You could bring your schoolworkyou have to be getting behind, because I know I am.Homework exponent be a good idea. He do a face, and I wondered how much he was leaving undone to be with me.Yes, I agreed. Well have to start existence responsible occasionally, or baton and Charlie arent red to be so easygoing most this. I arousede a intercommunicate indicating the two of us as a single entity. He care thathe beamed.Homework once a week? he proposed.Maybe wed bettor go with twice, I suggested, gestateing of the pile Id just been assigned today.He sighed a heavy sigh. Then he reached over his toolbox to a paper grocery sack. He pulled out two cans of soda, cracking one open and pass bying it to me. He opened the second, and held it up ceremoniously.Heres to responsibility, he toasted. Twice a week.And recklessness ever y day in between, I emphasized.He grinned and fey his can to mine.I got home later than Id planned and found Charlie had say a pizza rather than wait for me. He wouldnt let me apologize.I dont mind, he assured me. You deserve a break from all the cooking, anyway.I knew he was just relieved that I was still acting like a normal person, and he was not close to rock the boat.I checked my e-mail before I started on my homework, and there was a long one from Renee. She gushed over every detail Id provided her with, so I sent back another(prenominal) exhaustive description of my day. Everything but the motorcycles. raze happy-go-lucky Renee was likely to be alarmed by that.School Tuesday had its ups and downs. Angela and mike seemed ready to welcome me back with open blazonryto kindly overlook my some months of aberrant behavior. Jess was more resistant. I wondered if she needed a formal pen apology for the Port Angeles incident.Mike was animated and chatty at work. It was like he d rememberingd up the semesters worth of talk, and it was all spilling out now. I found that I was able to smile and laugh with him, though it wasnt as effortless as it was with Jacob. It seemed harmless enough, until quitting time.Mike put the closed sign in the window while I folded my vest and shoved it under the counter.This was fun tonight, Mike said happily.Yeah, I agreed, though Id much rather have spent the afternoon in the garage.Its too bad that you had to leave the movie early last week.I was a little confused by his train of thought. I shrugged. Im just a wimp, I guess.What I mean is, you should go to a better movie, something youd enjoy, he explained.Oh, I muttered, still confused.Like maybe this Friday. With me. We could go see something that isnt scary at all.I bit my lip.I didnt want to screw things up with Mike, not when he was one of the only mass ready to forgive me for being crazy. But this, again, felt far too familiar. Like the last year had never happened. I wished I had Jess as an excuse this time.Like a date? I asked. Honesty was probably the best policy at this point. Get it over with.He urbane the tone of my voice If you want. But it doesnt have to be like that.I dont date, I said slowly, realizing how true that was. That whole world seemed impossibly distant.Just as friends? he suggested. His clear blue eyes were not as eager now. I hoped he really meant that we could be friends anyway.That would be fun. But I rattling have plans already this Friday, so maybe following(a) week?What are you doing? he asked, less casually than I think he wanted to sound.Homework. I have a study session planned with a friend.Oh. Okay. Maybe next week.He walked me to my car, less liberal than before. It reminded me so clearly of my first months in Forks. Id come full circle, and now everything felt like an echoan empty echo, devoid of the interest it used to have.The next night, Charlie didnt seem the smallest bit surprised to find Jacob and me s prawled crossways the living room floor with our books scattered around us, so I guessed that he and Billy were talking behind our backs.Hey, kids, he said, his eyes straying to the kitchen. The smell of the lasagne Id spent the afternoon makingwhile Jacob watched and occasionally sampledwafted down the hall I was being good, trying to atone for all the pizza.Jacob stayed for dinner, and took a plate home for Billy. He grudgingly added another year to my negotiable age for being a good cook.Friday was the garage, and Saturday, after my shift at Newtons, was homework again. Charlie felt strong enough in my sanity to spend the day fishing with Harry. When he got back, we were all donefeeling very sensible and mature about it, tooand watching the Tempter Garage on the Discovery Channel.I probably ought to go. Jacob sighed. Its later than I thought.Okay, fine, I grumbled. Ill claim you home.He laughed at my unwilling expressionit seemed to please him.Tomorrow, back to work, I said as soon as we were safe in the truck. What time do you want me to come up?There was an unexplained excitement in his answering smile. Ill call you first, okay?Sure. I frowned to myself, wonder what was up. His smile widened.I cleaned the house the next morningwaiting for Jacob to call and trying to charge up off the Litest nightmare. The scenery had changed. Last night Id wandered in a wide sea of ferns interspersed with huge hemlock trees. There was nothing else there, and I was lost, move aimless and alone, searching for nothing. I wanted to kick myself for the stupid battleground trip last week. I shoved the dream out of my conscious mind, hoping it would stay locked up somewhere and not escape again.Charlie was outside washing the cruiser, so when the phone rang, I dropped the toilet brush and ran downstairs to answer it. hi? I asked breathlessly.Bella, Jacob said, a strange, formal tone to his voice.Hey, Jake.I believe that we have a date he said, his tone thick with implica tions.It took me a second before I got it. Theyre done? I cant believe it What perfect timing. I needed something to distract me from nightmares and nothingness.Yeah, they run and everything.Jacob, you are absolutely, without a doubt, the most sharp and wonderful person I know. You get ten years for this one. simmer down Im middle-aged now.I laughed. Im on my way upI threw the cleansing supplies under the bathroom counter and grabbed my jacket. Headed to see Jake, Charlie said when I ran past him. It wasnt really a question.Yep, I replied as I jumped in my truck.Ill be at the station later, Charlie called after me.Okay, I yelled back, turning the key.Charlie said something else, but I couldnt hear him clearly over the roar of the engine. It sounded shield of like, Wheres the fire?I parked my truck off to the side of the Blacks house, close to the trees, to venture it easier for us to sneak the bikes out. When I got out, a splash of ruse caught my eyetwo shiny motorcycles, one r ed, one black, were hidden under a spruce, covert from the house. Jacob was prepared.There was a piece of blue ribbon tied in a small bow around each of the handlebars. I was express mirth at that when Jacob ran out of the house.Ready? he asked in a low voice, his eyes sparkling.I glanced over his shoulder, and there was no sign of Billy.Yeah, I said, but I didnt feel quite as excited as before I was trying to imagine myself actually on the motorcycle.Jacob taut the bikes into the bed of the truck with ease, laying them carefully on their sides so they didnt show.Lets go, he said, his voice higher than usual with excitement. I know the perfect spotno one will catch us there.We drove south out of town. The dirty word road wove in and out of the forestsometimes there was nothing but trees, and then(prenominal) there would suddenly be a breathtaking glimpse of the Pacific Ocean, reaching to the horizon, dark canescent under the clouds. We were above the shore, on top of the clif fs that bordered the beach here and the view seemed to stretch on forever.I was driving slowly, so that I could safely discern out across the ocean now and then, as the road wound closer to the sea cliffs. Jacob was talking about finishing the bikes, but his descriptions were getting technical, so I wasnt paying close attention.That was when I noticed four figures standing on a rocky ledge, much too close to the precipice. I couldnt articulate from the distance how old they were, but I assumed they were men. Despite the cool off in the air today, they seemed to be wearing only shorts.As I watched, the tallest person stepped closer to the brink. I slowed automatically, my foot hesitating over the brake pedal.And then he threw himself off the edge.No I shouted, stomping down on the brake.Whats wrong? Jacob shouted back, alarmed.That giving cathe just jumped off the cliff Why didnt they stop him? Weve got to call an ambulance I threw open my door and started to get out, which do no sense at all. The fastest way to a phone was to drive back to Billys. But I couldnt believe what Id just seen. Maybe, subconsciously, I hoped I would see something different without the glass of the windshield in the way.Jacob laughed, and I spun to stare at him wildly. How could he be so calloused, so cold-blooded?Theyre just cliff diving, Bella. Recreation. La Push doesnt have a mall, you know. He was teasing, but there was a strange note of irritation in his voice. bead diving? I repeated, dazed. I stared in disbelief as a second figure stepped to the edge, paused, and then very gracefully leaped into space. He deplorable for what seemed like an eternity to me, finally cutting smoothly into the dark gray waves below.Wow. Its so high. I slid back into my seat, still staring wide-eyed at the two remaining divers. It must be a hundred feet.Well, yeah, most of us jump from demean down, that rock that juts out from the cliff about halfway. He pointed out his window. The place he indicated did seem much more reasonable. Those guys are insane.Probably showing off how tough they are. I mean, really, its halt today. That water cant feel good. He made a disgruntled face, as if the stunt personally offended him. It surprised me a little. I would have thought Jacob was nearly impossible to upset.You jump off the cliff? I hadnt missed the us.Sure, sure. He shrugged and grinned. Its fun. A little scary, kind of a rush.I looked back at the cliffs, where the third figure was pacing the edge. Id never witnessed anything so reckless in all my life. My eyes widened, and I smiled. Jake, you have to take me cliff diving.He frowned back at me, his face disapproving. Bella, you just wanted to call an ambulance for surface-to-air missile, he reminded me. I was surprised that he could come apart who it was from this distance.I want to try, I insisted, start ing to get out of the car again.Jacob grabbed my wrist. not today, all right? Can we at least wait for a warmer day?Oka y, fine, I agreed. With the door open, the glacial breeze was raising goose bumps on my arm. But I want to go soon.Soon. He rolled his eyes. Sometimes youre a little strange, Bella. Do you know that?I sighed. Yes.And were not jumping off the top.I watched, fascinated, as the third son made a running start and flung himself farther into the empty air than the other two. He twisted and cartwheeled through space as he fell, like he was skydiving. He looked absolutely freeunthinking and utterly irresponsible.Fine, I agreed. non the first time, anyway.Now Jacob sighed.Are we going to try out the bikes or not? he demanded.Okay, okay, I said, tearing my eyes away from the last person waiting on the cliff. I put my seat crash back on and closed the door. The engine was still running, roaring as it idled. We started down the road again.So who were those guysthe crazy ones? I wondered.He made a disgusted sound in the back of his throat. The La Push gang.You have a gang? I asked. I realized that I sounded impressed.He laughed once at my reaction. Not like that. I swear, theyre like hall monitors gone bad. They dont start fights, they keep the peace. He snorted. There was this guy from up somewhere by the Makah rez, big guy too, scary-looking. Well, word got around that he was selling meth to kids, and surface-to-air missile Uley and his disciples ran him off our land. Theyre all about our land, and tribe pride its getting ridiculous. The worst part is that the council takes them seriously. Embry said that the council actually meets with Sam. He shook his head, face full of resentment. Embry also heard from Leah Clearwater that they call themselves protectors or something like that.Jacobs hands were clenched into fists, as if hed like to hit something. Id never seen this side of him.I was surprised to hear Sam Uleys name. I didnt want it to bring back the images from my nightmare, so I made a quick observation to distract myself. You dont like them very much.Does it sh ow? he asked sarcastically.Well It doesnt sound like theyre doing anything bad. I tried to soothe him, to befuddle him cheerful again. Just sort of annoyingly goody-two-shoes for a gang.Yeah. Annoying is a good word. Theyre always showing offlike the cliff thing. They act like like, I dont know. Like tough guys. I was hanging out at the store with Embry and Quil once, last semester, and Sam came by with his followers, Jared and Paul. Quil said something, you know how hes got a big mouth, and it pissed Paul off. His eyes got all dark, and he sort of smiledno, he showed his teeth but he didnt smileand it was like he was so mad he was shaking or something. But Sam put his hand against Pauls chest and shook his head. Paul looked at him for a minute and calmed down. Honestly, it was like Sam was holding him backlike Paul was going to tear us up if Sam didnt stop him. He groaned. Like a bad western. You know, Sams a pretty big guy, hes twenty. But Pauls just sixteen, too, shorter than me and not as hoarse as Quil. I think any one of us could take him.Tough guys, I agreed. I could see it in my head as he described it, and it reminded me of something a trio of tall, dark men standing very still and close together in my fathers living room. The sketch was sideways, because my head was lying against the couch while Dr. Gerandy and Charlie leaned over me Had that been Sams gang?I spoke quickly again to divert myself from the bleak memories. Isnt Sam a little too old for this kind of thing?Yeah. He was conjectural to go to college, but he stayed. And no one gave him any induce about it, either. The whole council pitched a fit when my sister turned down a partial scholarship and got married. But, oh no, Sam Uley can do no wrong.His face was set in unfamiliar lines of outrageoutrage and something else I didnt mark at first.It all sounds really annoying and strange. But I dont get why youre taking it so personally. I peeked over at his face, hoping I hadnt offended him. He was suddenly calm, staring out the side window.You just missed the turn, he said in an even voice.I put to death a very wide U-turn, nearly hitting a tree as my circle ran the truck halfway off the road.Thanks for the heads-up, I muttered as I started up the side road.Sorry, I wasnt paying attention.It was dim for a brief minute.You can stop anywhere along here, he said softly.I pulled over and cut the engine. My ears rang in the silence that followed. We both got out, and Jacob headed around to the back to get the bikes. I tried to read his expression. Something more was bothering him. Id hit a nerve.He smiled halfheartedly as he pushed the red bike to my side. Happy late birthday. Are you ready forthis?I think so. The bike suddenly looked intimidating, frightening, as I realized I would soon be astride it.Well take it slow, he promised. I gingerly leaned the motorcycle against the trucks archetype while he went to get his.JakeI hesitated as he came back around the truck.Yea h?Whats really bothering you? About the Sam thing, I mean? Is there something else? I watched his face. He grimaced, but he didnt seem angry. He looked at the dirt and kicked his shoe against the front tire of his bike again and again, like he was keeping time.He sighed. Its just the way they diplomacy me. It creeps me out. The words started to rush out now. You know, the council is supposed to be made up of equals, but if there was a leader, it would be my dad. Ive never been able to figure out why people treat him the way they do. Why his opinion counts the most. Its got something to do with his father and his fathers father. My great-grandpa, Ephraim Black, was sort of the last chief we had, and they still listen to Billy, maybe because of that.But Im just like everyone else. Nobody treats me limited until now.That caught me off guard. Sam treats you special?Yeah, he agreed, looking up at me with troubled eyes. He looks at me like hes waiting for something like Im going to join his stupid gang someday. He pays more attention to me than any of the other guys. I hate it.You dont have to join anything. My voice was angry. This was really upsetting Jacob, and that infuriated me. Who did these protectors think they were?Yeah. His foot kept up its speech rhythm against the tire.What? I could tell there was more.He frowned, his eyebrows pulling up in a way that looked sad and worried rather than angry. Its Embry. Hes been avoiding me lately.The thoughts didnt seem connected, but I wondered if I was to blame for the problems with his friend. Youve been hanging out with me a lot, I reminded him, feeling selfish. Id been monopolizing him.No, thats not it. Its not just meits Quil, too, and everyone. Embry missed a week of school, but he was never home when we tried to see him. And when he came back, he looked he looked freaked out. Terrified. Quil and I both tried to get him to tell us what was wrong, but he wouldnt talk to either one of us.I stared at Jacob, bitin g my lip anxiouslyhe was really frightened. But he didnt look at me. He watched his own foot kicking the rubber as if it belonged to someone else. The tempo increased.Then this week, out of nowhere, Embrys hanging out with Sam and the rest of them. He was out on the cliffs today. His voice was low and tense.He finally looked at me. Bella, they bugged him even more than they bother me. He didnt want anything to do with them. And now Embrys following Sam around like hes joined a cult.And thats the way it was with Paul. Just exactly the same. He wasnt friends with Sam at all. Then he stopped coming to school for a few weeks, and, when he came back, suddenly Sam owned him. I dont know what it means. I cant figure it out, and I feel like I have to, because Embrys my friend and Sams looking at me funny . . and He trailed off.Have you talked to Billy about this? I asked. His horror was spreading to me. I had chills running on the back of my neck.Now there was anger on his face. Yes, he sno rted. That was helpful.What did he say?Jacobs expression was sarcastic, and when he spoke, his voice mocked the deep tones of his fathers voice. Its nothing you need to worry about now, Jacob. In a few years, if you dont well, Ill explain later. And then his voice was his own. What am I supposed to get from that? Is he trying to say its some stupid puberty, coming-of-age thing? This is something else. Something wrong.He was biting his lower lip and clenching his hands. He looked like he was about to cry.I threw my arms around him instinctively, wrapping them around his waist and pressing my face against his chest. He was so big, I felt like I was a minor hugging a grown-up.Oh, Jake, itll be okay I promised. If it gets worse you can come live with me and Charlie. Dont be scared, well think of somethingHe was frozen for a second, and then his long arms wrapped hesitantly around me. Thanks, Bella. His voice was huskier than usual.We stood like that for a moment, and it didnt upset me in fact, I felt soothe by the contact. This didnt feel anything like the last time someone had embraced me this way. This was friendship. And Jacob was very warm.It was strange for me, being this closeemotionally rather than physically, though the physical was strange for me, tooto another human being. It wasnt my usual style. I didnt normally relate to people so easily, on such a basic level.Not human beings.If this is how youre going to react, Ill freak out more often. Jacobs voice was light, normal again, and his laughter rumbled against my ear. His fingers touched my hair, soft and tentative.Well, it was friendship for me.I pulled away quickly, laughing with him, but immovable to put things back in perspective at once.Its hard to believe Im two years older than you, I said, emphasizing the word older. You make me feel like a dwarf. Standing this close to him, I really had to crane my neck to see his face.Youre forgetting Im in my forties, of course.Oh, thats right.He patted my head. Youre like a little doll, he teased. A porcelain doll.I rolled my eyes, taking another step away. Lets not start with the albino cracks.Seriously, Bella, are you sure youre not? He stretched his russet arm out next to mine. The difference wasnt flattering. Ive never seen anyone paler than you well, shut for He broke off, and I looked away, trying to not understand what he had been about to say.So are we going to ride or what?Lets do it, I agreed, more enthusiastic than I would have been half a minute ago. His unfinished sentence reminded me of why I was here.

Global and Indian Fashion Houses

Global Fashion Giants Gucci and Louis Vuitton In order to beneathstand the key victor factors required for any panache fireb every last(predicate) to succeed in the spherical scenario, we decided to look at two of the worlds largest movement conglomerates Gucci and Louis Vuitton. We looked at the evolution of these companies and in addition at the different strategies these companies choose employed oer time to earn the commit in the world stylus trade they have today. This abridgment helped us in figuring out(a) the feasibility of a a equivalent expression fireb altogether emerging from a country same(p) India.The sail through tendencying of our findings from these 2 companies from the cases we analyzed is given in point 1. in calm shot the Chinese lifestyle mug After looking at the cases of the 2 global giants, we figured that the context and market in which these companies have operated ar completely different from what the same would be for a p prowes snership emerging from India. In order to understand the aspects of establishing a sketch powerho delectation in an Indian context, we took a look at Shanghai Tang, the lead Chinese lifestyle stigmatize.Similar to India, the Chinese market as well as has a niche segment in the global form market, and hence the learning from this lodge helped us better understand the issues, challenges, key supremacy factors, etc. , for a form powerhouse emerging from India. Our findings from analysis of the Shanghai Tang company argon given in Exhibit 2. Names in Indian Fashion Although the Indian way of life labor is projected to rick at a in high spirits rate of close to 10%, the exertion is still largely fragmented with no major behavior powerhouse that provides ho tiltic manner solutions to its customers.There is still no single invent house to compete with companies equal Gucci or Louis Vuitton. Though there are a plug of individual contriveers with ren owned inter nationa l icons in their key of clientele, n angiotensin converting enzyme of them seem to have the potential to emerge as a global modality powerhouse in the near future. An important obtrusive trend in Indian elbow room houses so far is that closely of them are limited to clothes, whereas in order to emerge as a global fashion powerhouse, single needs to have a great invest of fashion goods and home runs in their portfolio. In this sense, just JJ Valayas syndicate of Valaya omes close to creation cal guide an Indian fashion powerhouse, with quartette brands in their portfolio go haute couture, foot behave, cuisine, furniture, tapestries, stunning fabrics and home furnishings. Some of the spark advance chase after in fashion in India today are JJ Valaya, Ritu Kumar, Ritu Beri, Rohit Bal, Manish Malhotra, Manish Arora, Rina capital of Bangladesh, Tarun Tahiliani, Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla and Wendell Rodricks. A brief account of these put forwards and list of noteworthy c lientele is given in Exhibit 3. ? Exhibit 1 Global Fashion Giants Gucci and Louis Vuitton Case Study Rise of GucciGucci or House of Gucci has a rich history. Founded manner back in 1923 as a family run flog saddler shop, this companys reputation soared high right from the whizt because of its high quality harvest-tides. After 15 years, they naturalised their eldest retail outlet in Rome outside Florence. From the pocket-size root systems of a small family owned shop, Gucci has get hold a foresighted way to become a leading cry in fashion today, with oer 400 stores around the world in different countries. There are in any case several(prenominal) high-end department stores that house Gucci in their shelves today. PortfolioPremium leather products such as wallets, bags, car upholstery, clothing and also other fashion items like jewelry, watches, eyewear, ties, perfume, etc. good-natured dodging In the early 1990s, tom hybridisation, the CEO of Gucci then put a strategy in note that completely turned the company around and propelled it to the global market, making it the notable fashion label it is today. Elements of the employed strategy are briefly mentioned on a lower floor price Positioning themselves in the right segment ?Lowered prices of all items at an average rate of 30%, sireing their products closer to Prada and Louis Vuitton ? big(p) prices modificationd Guccis picture scan as a more customer orient company defect make over Coming up with the right product shamble ?Shifted tension of products from classic to fashion, thereby changing customers light towards a more glamorous edge ? Completely got rid of low-end products and hold standard portfolio across the globe Marketing Changing the theme of advertise ?Greatly increased expenditure on advertising and also changed focus from product to brand ? Associated product with several worldwide personalities, thereby gaining care from the pressDistri neverthelession full-fledged i ntegration ?Forward Integration greater control of the distribution process oRemoved distribution channel and setup forthwith Operating Stores (DOS) in prime areas oTook over all franchisees in uniting America ?Backward Integration Greater control over sourcing oTook over Di Modolo design studio and production facilities ? Acquisitions More products/brands oBranching out to a multi brand group oAcquired Yves Saint Laurent, Sergio Rossi, YSL Beaute and Boucheron Star antecedent Strategy ?Tom Ford do an iconic symbol for Gucci Case Study Louis VuittonLouis Vuitton is one of the oldest french fashion houses. Established in 1854 by Louis Vuitton as a company making flat-bottom trunks with trianon canvas, LV has come a long way to build the iconic brand of Louis Vuitton that holds a huge mete out in the world fashion market today. Portfolio Luggage bags, purses, wallets, jewelry, watches, footwear Winning Strategy The Louis Vuitton strategy has more or less rebrinyed the same over the ages, with even their portfolio remaining quite similar since the days of its inception. Let us now look at the different elements of LVs strategy that ave helped it become the global fashion powerhouse and world-wide influencer of fashion that it is today. determine Communicating high value through high price ?Pricing products very high ?Never cristaling any price cuts or discount sales give away makeover 29th most valuable brand in the world ?Showcasing at famous exhibitions ?Marketing campaigns with celebrities Product whole tone, Quality and Quality ?Remarkable focus on even the smallest of details ? amply focus on IPR ?No attempts at production of cheap goods ? social occasion of latest, state-of-the-art technologyService ?Lets customers customize their orders ?Delivers to the doorstep Marketing ? forwarding through word-of-mouth and PR through mass media, never uses telly ? Associates brand with famous personalities ?Throws flamboyant parties to take out media atte nding Distribution particular Distribution ?Distribution channels entirely company owned, with products interchange exclusively in company owned boutiques or reputed department stores ? of importtains brand image and value through company owned channel ? Company places boutiques in prime locations, also helping in publicityStar formulateer Strategy Marc Jacobs Face of Louis Vuitton ? Updated and refreshed the companys image as a luggage maker to one of the most fashionable off-the-peg and accessories. ?Recreated a brand targeted to younger customers with trendy and fashion-forward look. Exhibit 2 acquire from Shanghai Tang Background Shanghai Tang is a leading Chinese lifestyle brand. The company was established by David Tang whose main objective was to revive the Chinese traditional fashion and introduce it to the national market, and subsequent go on to become global.Shanghai Tang had a great advantage in the form of backing by a leading Swiss luxury fashion conglomerate Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA. Since this conglomerate had several famous luxury fashion brands in its portfolio, it helped Shanghai Tang a lot in terms of lift out practices sharing. Problems faced ?Went straight into the American/European market without gaining a foothold in the Chinese market, which motto their brand facing huge failure abroad ? Did not exile well in foreign community as brand was loosely traditional Chinese merc spateize ? No proper standing in European and American markets High price not justified in the Chinese market due to lack of standing in foreign markets new(a) Strategy Conquer your home before going out ? important strategy Capture local market before going global ? Main goal be the ambassador of the modern Chinese styles ? Main motive Reintroduce traditional Chinese aesthetics to the new consumer hearing Relevance to Indian fashion scenario ?Presence of a niche market for Indian fashion in global markets, similar to Chinese fashion ? Simi lar, much localized flavor which must be paid attention to while blueprint an international fashion brandExhibit 3 An account of the Indian fashion houses JJ Valaya Often referred to as the Monarch of Indian Fashion, Valayas house of fashion is possible the only Indian fashion house that comes close to being called a fashion powerhouse. His collection of hand embroideries and exquisite spousal trousseau are a rage in the fashion world globally. His label that was established almost cardinal decades earlier still has strong grip of the market and excels in wedding attires and evening wears, for some(prenominal) men and women. Career and supremacy JJ Valaya was the graduation exercise former to host a solo fashion show in India.He was also the set-back Indian reason to showcase his collection along with prominent world(prenominal) Designer Todd Oldham. Hand in hand with brother, TJ Singhs entrepreneurial abilities, he launched his brand JJ Valaya in 1991. His brand consisted of Couture line of attire, which gained great accolades from the fashion fraternity. This was followed by Valaya category in 1996 and a pret label Studio Valaya in 1999. In kinsfolk 2006, House of Valaya entered into a licensing agreement with Genesis Color Private Ltd to design and manufacture its diffusion label Valaya Quantum.Valayas novelty and his brothers entrepreneurial capabilities have made the House of Valaya a pioneer in the Indian fashion Industry. He is a founder member on the plug-in of Governors of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) and the Official Brand Ambassador for Swarovski, India. Brand and Clientele House of Valaya is one of Indias most respected fashion houses. It not only caters to fashion lovers, but also provides a whole lot of luxury products, such as furniture, tapestries, stunning fabrics and home furnishings, haute couture and footwear, apart from cuisine.JJ Valaya has several successful solo fashion shows in his kitty, including the ones i n unseasoned York, London, capital of France, Dubai, capital of Singapore, Hong Kong and Johannesburg as well as in most major Indian cities. He also made an entryway into Bollywood, with the acquire Yaadein. Ritu Kumar An icon of the Indian Fashion industry and a frontrunner in establishing a position for India in the global forum, Ritu Kumars contribution has been impeccable to the fashion fraternity, both nationally and internationally. With almost five decades of work for display, the ornamentalist excels in both traditional and western outfits, though pagan attires are her specialty.She was the low gear women to roleplay the boutique culture to India, under the name Ritu. Career and success Starting at a smaller scale, Ritu Kumar has diversified her works of art globally. Though she excels in contemporary and classic style, she has also evolved indo-western fusion to attract the gamut of European buyers. Some of her global achievements include the wardrobes for look ac ross India, for participation in the International dishful pageants like girlfriend Universe, Miss world & Miss Asia Pacific, respectively. Brand and Clientele The brand Ritu has acquired great accolades internationally.The designer has not only restrained her work to the fashion industry, but has also dived into the other sectors that offer luxury to the people. The brand also launched a fragrance by the name the tree of life. In April 2002, Ritu Kumar launched her new sub brand, LABEL. She has twelve outlets in India, which offer a range of products from the naturalized to the contemporary. Ritu Beri Ritu Beri is one of the top Indian fashion designers who have been endlessly serving Indian fashion industry with her feminine and funky designer vestures.Career and success Fashion designer Ritu Beri has made a consistent progress in her life. She ledeted off by figure clothes for friends and relatives. Later on in 1990 she made her first move towards establishing her own fa shion studio Lavanya from where she knowing her maiden collection, a couple of which were instantly sold. Influenced by Indias rich cultural heritage she has come up with the most thin designs. She has also been given the challenge of designing for Indian counterpart in the curtain Raiser ceremony of Olympics at Atlanta. apart(predicate) from being a fabulous and top fashion designer she is a very good human being. She has got the heart of gold. She is highly tender-hearted for animals for which she has also started a project called Caring means sharing. The funds elevated through this collection would go for animal care. This collection would exhibit a wide array of products. This charming woman has the fire to make a difference in the fashion world. Brand and Clientele She started participating in International Fashion shows under the brand name of Ritu Beri since 1998.Her notable international clients are former US President Bill Clinton, Prince Charles, Moulin Rouge, Nicole Kidman, Hollywood actress Andy McDowell, Supermodel Laetitia Casta, famous Parisian Socialite Mrs. Lagerdere, Langes Swarovski & The Swarovski family, Elizabeth Jagger and Jerry Hall. Her notable Indian clients are Madhuri Dixit, ranee Mukherji, Preity Zinta, Parmeshwar Godrej & Shobha De. Manish Malhotra Fashion designer Manish Malhotra, a passionate fashion savvy has made his special position in the Indian film Industry. He has beautified the Indian film star celebrities with his impeccable designer outfits.Indian designer Manish Malhotra entered into the Bollywood parlance by designing wardrobe for Juhi Chawla. In the list of top young celebrity fashion designers, he is the most shining star who has been successful in earning both name and fame. Career and success Manish Malhotra is truly a master of fashion and has achieved a tremendous appreciation. His work has been honored with various submits like Filmfare Award, runner Opinion Poll Award, Siemens Viewers Choice Award, Bo llywood Award and the Lux-Zee Cine Award. He is continuously delivering quality work for fashion boutique castle in the air with which he is associated since 1998.This budding star of yesterday has truly become the pride of Bollywood. Brand and Clientele Manish has knowing costumes for almost all top actresses from sensuous Sridevi, Urmila Matondkar, Shilpa Shetty, and Manisha Koirala to bewitching and graceful Aishwarya Rai, Rani Mukherjee and Preity Zinta. Manish has made an incredible contribution to various Blockbuster light comedy films like Rangeela to romantic plastic films like Dil To Pagal Hai, Kaho Na Pyar Hai and Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge. The highlights of Manishs career also include designs for Michael Jackson and British super model Naomi Campbell.The high-profile couture store Reverie Manish Malhotra launched by him in 1998 was set up in association with industrialists Yash and Avati Birla which gain ground received a tremendous response and the cream of Mum bai high order and rich non-resident Indians become his clients. Tarun Tahiliani Tarun Tahiliani is a Bollywood celebrity costume designer who is exceedingly inspired by ethnic styles. Tarun Tahiliani started off as a fashion retailer by establishing his own fashion boutique in Mumbai and later went on to start his own brand label called Ahilian.Career and success Tarun Tahiliani is a Bollywood celebrity costume designer who has always been in the limelight. passing inspired by ethnic styles, fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani is of the opinion that sari is the most elegant dress that has a great dazzling effect. He thinks it is the most apt apparel for sensuous look and brings out the beauty of India women in the most attractive manner. He experiments with colors and fabrics and comes up with his own unique classy designs. According to him Sari has the capability of arousing sensation.He is apparently fascinated by Chikan embroidery of Lucknow and is often incorporated in his de signs. He also makes use of beads and semi precious stones to embellish the ensemble. He strongly believes that fashion is all about your comfort level with a particular attire. Brand and Clientele He has designed apparels for the Indian celebrities like Simi Garewal, Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone, Minisha Lamba, and Shilpa Shetty. The highlights of his designs are block printing, bandhini styles, beautiful color combination and rich silhouettes.His bridal collection for both men and women is highly sought after by the rich Indian and the NRI clients. He also designs bags and also does event and inside(prenominal) designing for marriages Rohit Bal Style is the mantra for Rohit Bal, the fashion designer from the enduring valley of Kashmir. The gloomy Boy of the fashion world, as Rohit Bal is popularly called, is cognise for his sophisticated cuts and cellular respiration fabrics. He weaves in the best for both men and women. His creations are a reflection of his own personality- not restrained by any norms. Rohit Bals originative mind gives a true bent of spirit in his work as well.Being christened by the Times magazine as the ascertain of Fabric and Fantasy, he purely live up to the expectations of being among the bandwagon of the Indian fashion industry leaders. Subtle in his choice of colors, Rohit prefers to use pastels and earthy tones to dress up his men and women. However, there is no one-signature style that the designer sticks to. Career and success It was Rohit Bals first collection which brought success to this intellectual designer and since then, there has been no looking back. He has made a name globally. Rohit Bal has designed outfits using almost all fabrics.Even khadi (Indian handloom framework) has been used by the immensely talented designer, to create exclusivity for the raw product and a demand in the market. Rohit has held shows in New York, London, Dubai, Singapore and Paris, including Paris Fashion workweek. Rohit Bal was also c hosen by the Khadi Gram Udyog, the largest handloom textile operation in India, to work with them. Rohit bagged the Designer of the Year award at the Indian Fashion Awards in 2006. He was also made Designer of the Year at the Kingfisher Fashion Achievement Awards in 2001. His line of designer clothes has been sold at even 15000 USD.His style is innovative and inventive and he does not shy away from having popular legends, history, fantasy or folklore on the outfits. Brand and Clientele The brand Rohit Bal created by the designer has been doing wonders in the fashion scenario. He has undefendable up a flagship store in Delhi and positioning stores at other places like Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Chennai as well. He also plans to open up stores in Middle East and Europe. After making a name for himself in the fashion fraternity, Rohit has also ventured into the designing jewellery for Kirtilals.He also plans to design and launch mens fashion accessories like cufflinks. The clientele list of this ace designer is a long one, some being celebrities like Uma Thurman, Cindy Crawford, Pamela Anderson, Naomi Campbell and Anna Kournikova. Most of his fashion shows in India, New York, Paris and Singapore are sponsored by The Swatch Group and he is also the brand ambassador for their Omega Watches, since 2001. Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla Contemporary styles and the revival of bygone works of art molded neatly into modern fashion brocade This is what Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla are all about.The suspender has made it to the fashion roach with their sheer talent and inventive potentials of a designer. The boys, as the gallus are famously known, have made ethnic apparels with a fresh flavor of trends that comes on year after year. To bring in a resurgence of traditional works of art, the duo has traveled to the remotest area, grasped the art and beautifully executed it in their finest of collections. Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla are among the few people who have made it big globally. The duo was the first to bring out its collection at Harrods. Career and successAbu Jani and Sandeep Khosla started with a humble beginning and launched their germinal line Mata Hari. Soon, the magic of traditional and modern art charmed the interest of all and they launched themselves into the international forum. Their launch into the global forum was with a range of shawls, under the brand name of Shakira Caine mark at Harvey Nichols, Neiman Marcus and Harrods in London, along with Bergdof Goodman in New York and Knightsbridge in UK. Abu Jani and Sandeep Khoslas designer label Jashan, launched in 1989, was previewed at the Save the Children Charity fundraising ball in London.In celestial latitude 2003, they won the national award for designing some of the fabulous attires for the movie Devdas, which they had designed for Madhuri Dixit, Shahrukh Khan and Jackie Shroff. Brand and Clientele Their clientele list includes the whos who of the film fraternity , of both Bollywood and Hollywood. Besides British Prime Minister Gordon Browns wife, the designer duo also has dressed celebrities like Dame Judi Dench, Dame Maggie Smith, Darcey Bussell, and Sophie Marceau, as its international clients.Apart from creating apparels, Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla have also ventured into the platform of interior designing, making a mark in this aspect as well. They have designed homes of celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan, Dimple Kapadia and Nikhil and Shewta Nanda. The duo has its retail flagship stores at Mumbai, Bangalore and Delhi. The beautiful and stunning designs of Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla bring in a feel of traditionalism, within the realms of modernity. Wendell RoderickWendell Roderick is among the few designers who are haunt with Indian fashion with his art designs drawing inspiration from ancient India. cardinal can be sure that his clothes would have no sound embroideries and no stiff clothes. They would be easy to ca rry, yet give that elegant look that one aspires to have. Wendell Rodericks clothes could be worn at high society at large. His aim, to create a place for Goa in the world typify of fashion, has been triumphant only because of his sheer hard work and successful fashion shows.Career and success It was in 1990 that the designer launched his own label Wendell Roderick. triad years later after launching his own label, Wendell Roderick shifted base to Goa, creating splendid collections every time, mostly inspired by Tibetan Monasteries, Tribal symbols of shibah and Vishnu, the Harem at Istanbul, Tattoos of the Lambadi tribe and Clothing the Soul. Wendell Roderick was the first Indian who had got an opportunity to display his collection at the worlds largest garment fair at IGEDO, Dusseldorf.Apart from designing, he is also concerned with other sectors of the industry, like addressing on World Costume History, lettering for the countrys leading womens magazine, Chairman of the course s committee at the mount up of Technical Education, appointed by the Government of Goa, and member Advisory Board of Fashion Institutes and Lakme Fashion Week. He is also a Patron of the Kasturba Gandhi memorialisation Trust, Goa that promotes handspun Khadi. Wendell retails at countrys best stores, including the celebrated Wendell Rodricks Design Space in Panjim. Brand and ClienteleWendell Roderick has done a lot of work state of Goa. He has designed uniforms for the Goa State Traffic Police, the Four Seasons, the Goa Marriott Resort, the Vasco Sports Club football group and the staff of the Goa Tourism Development Corporation. Internationally, he was involved with designing advertisements for Wellspun, Delsey, SWATCH Bijoux, Breguet and Raymond Weil. He has earned a lot of recognition in the fashion circuit and has amused people with the simplicity projected in his designs. ELLEs Nirja Shah, models like Achla Sachdev and Nina Manuel take place raving at his designs.The designer has also worked with renowned Kathak dancer Daksha Sheth. even out now, he plans to launch a book on Goas clothing tradition. Rina Dhaka he Goddess of Oomph of Indian fashion, designer Rina Dhaka styles clothes with a lot of fun. Being in the industry for quite some time, Rina feels that globalization has exposed up avenues for young and dynamic women and with it, the options of women designers as well. To be in contemporize with demand for comfortable, yet stylish outfits for offices, designers are trying out all possibilities of being creative. Rina Dhaka emphasizes silhouette and is willing to take risks.In one collection, she mixed fur and boots with her Indian outfits, to create a unique look. every time, Dhaka tries to give four to five looks to in her collection. Career and success It was very early in her career when Rina got accolades for one of her design for the Miss India event from Rohit Khosla, the only ingenious designer of that time. The encouragement acted as a b ooster for Rina, who was all the more excited to bring out the best in her. Her first show in Singapore The Best of Indian Haute Couture met with a thumping success. Rina has also won a Yuva Rattan award in career, which is spread over almost three decades now.She is best known for her theme collections sheer trousers, crochet, stretch jersey, woolens and spider web motifs. Western wear still remains an area of dominance, though she also designs ethnic and conventional attires. She prides on the fact that her pieces can be worn as separates. Attaining a lot of success nationally, Dhaka has also achieved accredits internationally. Her works were featured in magazines, such as Vogue and Elle. Brand and Clientele Rina Dhaka has her collections, under the label Rina Dhaka, in stores like Carma-Delhi, Design Studio-Mumbai, Kimaya-Mumbai, Selfridges-London, Coin-Italy and Lord and Taylor-New York.She has also opened a studio in Hauz Khaz village for Lycra in Delhi. The clientele list of this bold designer includes eminent personalities such as Naomi Campbell, Uma Thruman, Susan Fales Hill, molly Simns, Tara Palmen Tomkison, Lara Dutta, and Diana Hayden. Her work has been featured in publications such as Marie Claire Paris, Madame Figaro Paris, Vogue London, New York Post, Vanity Fair, etc. Manish Arora Manish Arora is an Indian fashion designer based in New Delhi. In early 2011, he was appointed as creative director of the womenswear collection of the French fashion house Paco Rabanne.Born and brought up in Bombay (now Mumbai), Manish was studying to graduate in Commerce, when he decided to change his career path and applied for the National Institute of Fashion engine room in New Delhi. He graduated in 1994 after benignant the Best Student Award. Career and success In 1997 Manish Arora launched his own label Manish Arora and started retailing in India. Three years later, Manish participated in the first-ever India Fashion Week held in New Delhi and represented India at the Hong Kong Fashion Week. Arora launched his second label, fish electric razor, in 2001.This colorful, sportswear-styled line was created in association with the athletic apparel manufacturer Reebok. During 2002 Manish opened his first flagship store, Manish Arora tip Fry, in New Delhi and in the following year opened a second store in Mumbai. Another successful showing at India Fashion Week (2003) led to a stocking deal with the fashion house Maria Luisa (Paris) and the beginning of a successful export business. He had a successful debut at the London Fashion Week in September 2005 and received an arouse response from the press as well as the buyers.Manish opened his first Manish Arora franchise store in Villa Moda, Kuwait and another Manish Arora Fish Fry store at Crescent, New Delhi in 2006. In 2007 the first Fish Fry for Reebok concept store opened at the Garden of tail fin Senses, New Delhi, and Arora teamed up with make-up and cosmetics giant MAC for designing a signature collection. He has also collaborated with Swatch for a limited edition of watches. In 2008, once again, Reebok launched the RBK Fish Fry Collection 2008, an exclusive lifestyle range designed by Manish Arora. Indian by Manish Arora, a brand designed for the growing Indian market for womens wear, is licensed to another fashion company. Manish was invited to show his collection at the Fashion in Motion exhibition held at Victoria and Albert Museum, London in September 2007. By 2009 Manish owned four stores in India and sold his collections to more than 80 retailers worldwide. Brand and Clientele The three famous brands of Manish Arora are Manish Arora, Fish Fry and Paco Rabanne. In terms of clientele, Manish Arora is mostly associated with pop divas like Katy Perry, Rihanna and Lady Gaga and other international A list celeb clients

A Family Supper by Kazuo Ishiguro Essay

Theme is the negate between generations in changing Japan. Meaning the ways of ancient generations atomic number 18 giving way to new values that find non been in full developed in the younger generations. One exanple of this creation that suicide, carried forbidden in the grimace of defeat obtain in a flash lost of its implying and observe in younger generations. His mom is the ghostThe fugu fish and the story of Mr. Watanabe and his family be subtle hints slightly the end of the story, foreshadowing. Are you moving to California al-QaedaSymbols Fish, mom, ghostFugu is a fish caught off the Pacific shores of Japan. The fish has held a special significance for me ever since my mother died after eating cardinal. The poison resides in the sex glands of the fish, inside two fragile bags. These bags must(prenominal) be removed with caution when preparing the fish, for any clumsiness will result in the poison leaking into the veins. Regrettably, it is not easy to tell w hether or not this surgical procedure has been carried out successfully. The proof is, as it were, in the eating.Fugu poisoning is hideously severe and close of all time fatal. If the fish has been ea cristal during the evening, the victim is usu wholey overtaken by ache during his sleep. He rolls about in agony for a few hours and is absolutely by morning. The fish became extremely popular in Japan after the struggle. Until stricter regulations were imposed, it was all the rage to perform the hazardous gutting operation in ones own kitchen, and so to invite neighbors and friends round for the feast.At the m of my mothers death, I was living in California. My relation strain with my parents had let nearwhat strained almost that period and consequently I did not learn of the circumstances of her death until I returned to Tokyo two long time later. Apparently, my mother had always refused to eat fugu, however on this particular map she had made an exception, having been invited by an old school friend whom she was anxious not to offend. It was my stick who supplied me with the details as we drove from the airport to his house in the Kamakura district. When we finally arrived, it was nearing the end of a sunny autumn day. Did you eat on the plane? my pay off asked. We were sitting on the tatami floor of his tearoom. They gave me a vindicated snack.You must be hungry. Well eat as soon as Kikuko arrives.My give was a formidable- estimateing worldly concern with a prodigious stony jaw and raging black gistbrows. I bet forthwith, in retrospect, that he much resembled loot En-lai, although he would not have cherished such a comparison, being particularly proud of the pure samurai blood that ran in the family. His general aim was not one that encouraged relaxed conver sit downion neither were things helped much by his odd way of stating each remark as if it were the concluding one. In fact, as I sat opposite him that afternoon, a boyhood memo ry came bottom to me of the time he had struck me several times much or less the take for chattering like an old woman. Inevitably, our conversation since my arrival at the airport had been punctuated by long pauses. Im sorry to hear about the firm, I verbalize when neither of us had spoken for almost time. He nodded gravely. vI dupe.We were partners for seventeen years. A man of principle and honor. I respected him very much. pass on you go into business once again? I asked.I am. . .in retirement. Im too old to involve myself in new ventures now. Business these days has bewilder so different. Dealing with foreigners. Doing things their way. I fall apartt actualize how weve enumerate to this. Neither did Watanabe. He sighed. A fine man. A man of principle.The tearoom looked out over the tend. From w present I sat I could direct out the ancient well that as a child I had believed to be haunted. It was just visible now through the thick foliage. The sun had sunk low and much of the garden had fallen into shadow. Im glad in any scale that youve decided to come fanny, my start express. much(prenominal) than a short visit, I hope.Im not confident(predicate) what my plans will be.I, for one, am disposed(p) to forget the past. Your mother, too, was always ready to welcome you jeopardize upset as she was by your behavior. I appreciate your sympathy. As I read, Im not sure what my plans are. Ive come to believe now that there were no evil intentions in your mind, my incur continued. You were swayed by certaininfluences. identical so many others. possibly we should forget it, as you suggest.As you will. More tea?Just then a girls join came echoing through the house.At last. My father rose to his feet. Kikuko has arrived.Despite our discrepancy in years, my sister and I had always been close. Seeing me again seemed to make her excessively excited, and for a while she did nothing but giggle nervously. however she calmed down whatever(pren ominal)what when my father started to question her about Osaka and her university. She answered him with short, formal replies. She in turn asked me a few questions, but she seemed inhibited by the care that the questions susceptibility lead to awkward topics. After a while, the conversation had become even sparser than prior to Kikukos arrival. because my father stood up, saying I must attend to the supper. Please excuse me for being burdened by such matters. Kikuko will look after you.My sister relaxed quite visibly at once he had leftover the room. Within a few minutes, she was chatting freely about her friends in Osaka and about her classes at university. wherefore quite shortly she decided we should walk in the garden and went striding out onto the veranda. We put on slightly straw sandals that had been left along the veranda rail and stepped out into the garden. The light in the garden had grown very dim. Ive been demise for a smoke for the last half hour, she utter , lighting a cigarette. Then why didnt you smoke?She made a furtive apparent motion back toward the house, then grinned mischievously.Oh, I see, I said.Guess what, Ive got a boyfriend now.Oh, yes?Except Im wondering what to do. I havent made up my mind yet. Quiteunderstandable.You see, hes making plans to go to the States. He wants me to go with him as soon as I finish studying. I see. And you want to go to America?If we go, were going to hitchhike. Kikuko waved a thumb in front of my face. People say its dangerous, but Ive beare it in Osaka and its fine. I see. So what is it youre unsure about?We were following a sign path that wond through the shrubs and perfect by the old well. As we walked, Kikuko persisted in taking unnecessarily theatrical puffs on her cigarette. Well, Ive got a administrate of friends in Osaka. I like it there. Im not sure I want to leave them all behind just yet. And SuichiI like him, but Im not sure I want to spend so much time with him. Do you under stand? Oh, perfectly.She grinned again, then skipped on ahead of me until she had reached the well. Do you remember, she said as I came walking up to her, how you used to say this well was haunted? Yes, I remember.We both peered over the side. aim always told me it was the old woman from the veggie store youd seen that night, she said. tho I never believe her and never came out here alone. Mother used to tell me that too. She even told me once the old woman had confessed to being the ghost. Apparently, shed been taking a cutoff through our garden. I imagine she had some trouble clambering over these walls. Kikuko gave a giggle. She then turned her back to the well, casting her gaze about the garden. Mother never really blamed you, you know, she said, in a new interpretive program. I remained silent. She always used to say to me how it was their fault, hers and Fathers, for not speech you up correctly. She used to tell me how much more careful theyd been with me, and thats why I w as so genuine. She looked up and the mischievous grin had returned to her face. Poor Mother, she said. Yes. Poor Mother.Are you going back to California?I dont know. Ill have to see.What happened toto her? To Vicki?Thats all finished with, I said. theres nothing much left for me now in California. Do you think I ought to go there? wherefore not? I dont know. Youll probably like it. I glanced toward the house. Perhaps wed better go in soon. Father might need a hand with the supper. But my sister was once more peering down into the well. I cant see any ghosts, she said. Her voice echoed a brusk. Is Father very upset about his firm collapsing? founding fathert know. You never can tell with Father. Then suddenly she straightened up and turned to me. Did he tell you about old Watanabe? What he did? I heard he committed suicide.Well, that wasnt all. He took his whole family with him. His wife and his two little girls. Oh, yes?Those beautiful little girls. He turned on the gas while th ey were all asleep. Then he cut his contribute with a meat knife. Yes, Father was just telling me how Watanabe was a man of principle. Sick. My sister turned back to the well.I cant see any ghost, she said. You were lying to me all that time.But I never said it lived down the well.Where is it then?We both looked around at the trees and shrubs. The daylight had almost gone. Eventually I pointed to a small clearing some ten yards away. Just there I saw it. Just there.We stared at the s ken.What did it look like?I couldnt see very well. It was dark.But you must have seen something.It was an old woman. She was just standing there, watching me. We kept consummate(a) at the spot as if mesmerized.She was wearing a white kimono, I said. Some of her hair had come undone. It was blowing around a little. Kikuko pushed her elbow against my arm. Oh, be quiet. Youre trying to frighten me all over again. She trod on the ashes of her cigarette, then for a brief spot stood regarding it with a pe rplexed expression. She kicked some pine needles over it, then once more displayed her grin. Lets see if suppers ready, she said.We found my father in the kitchen. He gave us a quick glance, then carried on with what he was doing. Fathers become quite a chef since hes had to manage on his own, Kikuko said with a laugh. He turned and looked at my sister coldly. but a skill Im proud of, he said. Kikuko, come here and help. For some moments my sister did not move then she stepped out front and took an apron hanging from a drawer. Just these vege disconcerts need cooking now, he said to her. The rest just needs watching. Then he looked up and regarded me strangely for some seconds. I expect you want to look around the house, he said eventually. He put down the chopsticks he had been guardianship. Its a long time since youve seen it. As we left the kitchen I glanced toward Kikuko, but her back was turned. Shes a good girl, my father said.I followed my father from room to room. I had f orgotten how wide the house was. A dining table would slide open and another room would appear. But the rooms were all startlingly empty. In one of the rooms the lights did not come on, and we stared at the stark walls and tatami in the pale light that came from the windows. This house is too large for a man to live in alone, my father said. I dont have much use for most of these rooms now. But eventually my father opened the door to a room jammed full of books and papers. on that point were flowers in vases and pictures on the walls. Then I find something on a low table in the corner of the room. I came nearer and saw it was a charge card model of a battleship, the mental constructed by children. It had been placed on some newspaper scattered around it were assorted pieces of gray plastic. My father gave a laugh. He came up to the table and picked up the model. Since the firm folded, he said, I have a little more time on my hands. He laughed again, rather strangely. For a mome nt his face looked almost gentle. A little more time. That seems odd, I said. You were always so busy.Too busy, perhaps. He looked at me with a smile. Perhaps I should have been a more attentive father. I laughed. He went on contemplating his battleship. Then he looked up. I hadnt meant to tell you this, but perhaps its best that I do. Its my belief that your mothers death was no accident. She had many worries. And some disappointments. We both gazed at the plastic battleship.Surely, I said eventually, my mother didnt expect me to live here forever. Obviously you dont see. You dont see how it is for some parents. not only must they lose their children, they must lose them to things they dont understand. He spun the battleship in his fingers. These little gunboats here could have been better glued, dont you think? Perhaps. I think it looks fine.During the war I spent some time on a ship rather like this if your ship was struck by the enemy, all you could do was struggle in the water hoping for a lifeline. But in an woodworking plane well, there was always the final weapon. He put the model back onto the table. I dont suppose you believe in war. not particularly.He cast an eye around the room. Supper should be ready by now, he said. You must be hungry.Supper was waiting in a palely lit room next to the kitchen. The only source of light was a big lantern that hung over the table, casting the rest of the room in shadow. We gesticulate to each other before starting the meal.There was little conversation. When I made some polite comment about the food, Kikuko giggled a little. Her anterior nervousness seemed to have returned to her. My father did not speak for several minutes. ultimately he said It must feel strange for you, being back in Japan.Yes, it is a little strange.Already, perhaps, you regret leaving America.A little. Not so much. I didnt leave behind much. Just some empty rooms. I see.I glanced across the table. My fathers face looked stony and forbidd ing in the half-light. We ate in silence.Then my eye caught something at the back of the room. At first I continued eating, then my hands became still. The others noticed and looked at me. I went on gazing into the darkness past my fathers shoulder. Who is that? In the photograph there?Which photograph? My father turned slightly, trying to follow my gaze. The lowest one. The old woman in the white kimono. My father put down his chopsticks. He looked first at the photograph, then at me. Your mother. His voice had become very hard. Cant you recognize your own mother? My mother. You see, its dark. I cant see it very well.No one spoke for a few seconds, then Kikuko rose to her feet. She took the photograph down from the wall, came back to the table, and gave it to me. She looks a hand out older, I said.It was taken shortly before her death, said my father.It was the dark. I couldnt see very well.I looked up and noticed my father holding out a hand. I gave him the photograph. He looked at it intently, then held it toward Kikuko. Obediently, my sister rose to her feet once more and returned the picture to the wall.There was a large pot left unopened at the center of the table. When Kikuko had seated herself again, my father reached forward and lifted the lid. A cloud of steam rose up and curled toward the lantern. He pushed the pot a little toward me. You must be hungry, he said. One side of his face had fallen into shadow. Thank you. I reached forward my chopsticks. The steam was almost scalding. What is it? Fish.It smells very good.In the soup were strips of fish that had curled almost into balls. I picked one out and brought it to my bowl. Help yourself. Theres plenty.Thank you. I took a little more, then pushed the pot toward my father. I watched him take several pieces to his bowl. Then we both watched as Kikuko served herself. My father bowed slightly. You must be hungry, he said again. He took some fish to his mouth and started to eat. Then I, too, chose a p iece and put it in my mouth. It felt soft, quite fleshy against my tongue.The three of us ate in silence. Several minutes went by. My father lifted the lid and once more steam rose up. We all reached forward and helped ourselves. Here, I said to my father, you have the last piece.Thank you.When we had finished the meal, my father stretched out his arms and yawned with an air of satisfaction. Kikuko, he said, prepare a pot of tea, please. My sister looked at him, and left the room without comment. My father stood up. Lets retire to the other room. Its rather warm in here.I got to my feet and followed him into the tearoom. The large sliding windows had been left open, bringing in a breeze from the garden. For a while we sat in silence. Father, I said, finally.Yes?Kikuko tells me Watanabe-san took his whole family with him. My father lowered his eyes and nodded. For some moments he seemed deep in thought. Watanabe was very devoted to his work, he said at last. The collapse of the firm was a great blow to him. I fear it must have weakened his judgment. You think what he didit was a mistake?Why, of course. Do you see it otherwise?No, no. Of course not.There are other things besides work, my father said.Yes.We drop down silent again the sound of locusts came in from the garden. I looked out into the darkness. The well was no womb-to-tomb visible. What do you think you will do now? my father asked. Will you stay in Japan for a while? To be honest, I hadnt thought that far ahead.If you wish to stay here, I mean here in this house, you would be very welcome that is, if you dont mind living with an old man. Thank you. Ill have to think about it.I gazed out once more into the darkness.But of course, said my father, this house is so dreary now. Youll no discredit return to America before long.Perhaps. I dont know yet.No doubt you will.For some time my father seemed to be studying the back of his hands. Then he looked up and sighed. Kikuko is due to complete her studies next spring, he said. Perhaps she will want to come home then. Shes a good girl. Perhaps she will.Things will improve then.Yes, Im sure they will.We fell silent once more, waiting for Kikuko to bring the tea.