Explore the presentation of authority and inferiority in The Tempest Essay Example

Explore the presentation of authority and inferiority in The Tempest Essay Example Explore the presentation of authority and inferiority in The Tempest Essay Explore the presentation of authority and inferiority in The Tempest Essay Essay Topic: The Tempest The presentation of authority and inferiority is displayed in many different ways throughout, The Tempest. Authority is presented as being based on a variety of features. For example, social status, knowledge and magic all figure prominently. The balance of powers shifts quickly as authority is displayed in a complex manner. It refers to being powerful and conveys the traits of the characters. The authority is unbalanced and doesnt have as much of an affect, as it should do. In the Tempest there is a discord between those in authority and those in inferiority. Take in context the Boatswain, he doesnt show any deference to the noblemen: Do you not hear him? You mar our labour. Keep your cabins! Here the punctuation indicates that the Boatswains tone is inappropriate. The use of the exclamation mark indicates that he is shouting abruptly at a person of higher social rank. It is inappropriate to talk to people with higher authority. Also, he asks Antonio a rhetorical question, which doesnt need an answer. This emphasizes further inappropriateness tone, which suggests that authority is easily lost and unstable. The boatswain shows signs of disrespect to characters with social authority by saying; You mar our labour the manner is quite abrupt and rude in the sense that he blatantly doesnt show any respect at all for the courtiers. Authority is achieved in The Tempest through the use of cunning and manipulation. Antonio uses various cunning methods to persuade and manipulate Sebastian into killing the King: Thou lets thy fortune sleep die, rather, winkst whiles thou art walking. The imagery used in the language personifies that the human status will raise level of impatience, fortune sleep also the grammar shows the relationship between die and sleep. The dash indicates a pause, engages the readers attention. It also shows Antonio changing his mind, to emphasize on the fact that the chance will be lost to kill the king. Furthermore the vocabulary shows a manipulative tone by suggesting that it is fortunes wish that they take this opportunity fortune to kill the king; in addition the association of eye movement sees the opportunity. The semi-colon links the two ideas together, which accentuates that, hes missing out on a golden opportunity. In contrast authority is also presented as something that is accepted. Caliban is an example of this, when he comes across Trinculo and Stephano he immediately asks them to be his masters, by saying that he has given away his authority and has immediately asked to be inferior: Ill show thee every fertile inch otheisland, and I will kiss thy foot. I prithee, be my god. The desperation of Caliban is immediately seen in the quote when he emphasizes that hell show the entire land and he will kiss their feet. The vocabulary illustrates the desperation and extreme anxiety of a needed master. In addition it also has a hyperbole, be my god he over exaggerates by saying he wants Trinculo and Stephano to be his Gods. This shows that Caliban has no desire to be an authorative figure; he has accepted his position in the social hierarchy. On the other hand, the reason for their acceptance is because they are going to be liberated, example Ariel. Ariel knows that he will once again be free by doing as his master says. We know this as Prosper once saved Ariels life and Ariel now has to correspond with the master to be liberated. Is there more toil? Since thou dost give me pains, Let me remember thee what thou promised, Which is not yet performed me As you can see, Ariel asks a rhetorical question which doesnt need answering, as he already knows the answer to it. In addition, the vocabulary advocates that he is tired of doing errands for Prospero. Also he reminds him of his promise, which shows how desperate he is for his liberation. The punctuation has use of commas that try to persuade him by saying, Let me remember thee.. this conveys us that he is trying to remind Prospero his promise and emphasizes his aspirations of being free, by reminding him what thou promised. Therefore Ariel knows in the long run his reward will come for doing various errands for the master. However, authority is based on knowledge it is the quintessential element of power. Prospero is the ideal character with knowledge and shows this throughout The Tempest. He is the antagonist with immense amount of power various amount of power from persuasion, magic and knowledge from books. An example of this is: If thou more murmurst, I will rend an oak, And peg thee in his knotty entrails, till Thou has howled away twelve winters. Prospero shows that he has the power to do anything. He threatens Ariel to do as he says or Ariel will pay the consequences by being put inside an oak tree. The vocabulary is strong, I will rend an oak a strong suggestion of eagerness to fulfil his words with actions also there is seriousness in his tone which might seem as though he is exaggerating Thou has howled away twelve winters, if there is a murmur from Ariel. Furthermore there is a break in speech with the use of a comma, which reinforces and links the idea of being exiled into an oak tree for twelve winters the authority over Ariel is just a part of Prosperos knowledge: Knowing I loved my books, he furnished me From mine own library with volumes that I prize above my dukedom From this we learn how educated Prospero is and we can blatantly see that he has a vast knowledge over many volumes where he gained his knowledge and power. There is an emphasis that he had his own library, with various volumes that he could prize upon. In contrast, we see how it is to be inferior take in Miranda for consideration she is the daughter of Prospero. Now Prospero has immense amounts of power so you would expect the same off Miranda, but in fact it is quite the opposite. Miranda doesnt have any of the quintessential prowesses to be an authoritive figure she is weak, flaccid and doesnt carry the wide amounts of knowledge like her father, she hardly has any knowledge of the outside world which makes her vulnerable this enables people to take advantage of her or to guide her through a black path since she is blinded with her lack of knowledge she will follow anyone easily, for example falling in love with Ferdinand: As well as it does you; and I should do it With much more ease; for my good will is to it, And yours it is against. Here we can see that there is a lot of punctuation used, the semi-colons link the ideas together she wants to help but is told not too. She tries to use persuasion but as she hasnt much knowledge she is told to follow rules, ever since she was born. In addition, the tone is passive and weak she is helpless and cannot do what she wishes. Miranda is portrayed as an enthusiastic character but with insufficient knowledge and this becomes her downfall and makes her inferior. In conclusion the presentation of authority shows that in order to have authority and stabilise it you need to have knowledge and power to do so. Prospero is a perfect example as he shows he has immense amounts of authority by having magic and knowledge from books. However, authority is also illustrated as being unequal the King, being on top of the social hierarchy doesnt show any authority and if he tries it is dismissed. On the other hand inferiority is subjective as some people have accepted that they are inferior for example Caliban. However Ariel accepts this as he is going to get something out of it, freedom. I dont think you need to be on top of a social hierarchy to have authority you can gain it.

Starting a Business Letter with Dear Mr.

Starting a Business Letter with Dear Mr. Starting a Business Letter with Dear Mr. Starting a Business Letter with Dear Mr. By Maeve Maddox Several years ago, when a reader said he refused to use â€Å"Dear So-and-So† to begin a business letter because dear is too intimate a word to use with a stranger, I assumed that he represented a minority of one. Who, I wondered, would interpret an established convention like â€Å"Dear Sir† literally? Little did I know! I’ve recently stumbled across numerous articles with titles like â€Å"Is ‘Dear’ Dead as a Salutation?† I was amazed to find comments like these: From an English professor Rarely would anyone use dear when writing a friend, but it might be appropriate when applying for a job or emailing a boss. From a teacher Several men admitted they couldn’t force themselves to use Dear to address a business acquaintance, especially one they didn’t like. From a business consultant Dear comes across as too formal–or simply plain creepy and overly intimate.  And between men, the use of it can appear a bit too effeminate. I was surprised to learn that â€Å"rarely would anyone use dear when writing a friend.† When I lived in England, I wrote a lot of letters: to my parents, my brother, grandmothers, my aunts, and friends. Every one of those letters began with â€Å"Dear So-and-So.† Mind you, they were also written by hand with a fountain pen. Even now, on the few occasions that I write a letter to a friend with the intention of putting it in an envelope and mailing it, I still begin with â€Å"Dear.† It’s a convention. It’s courteous. It’s respectful. Just as bizarre as saying that one rarely begins a letter to a friend with Dear is the idea that using Dear to address a business acquaintance is a source of stress in grown men. Certainly, email has changed the way people communicate in writing. Because of its memo format and ease of sending, email has developed relaxed conventions for informal exchanges between friends and colleagues. For this kind of writing, a formal salutation is out of place. But even with email, a distinction is to be drawn between informal and formal communication. â€Å"Hi, So-and-So† is not a suitable way to address an unknown recipient from whom you want something. â€Å"Hey, So-and-So† is worse. â€Å"Dear Mr. Jones† and â€Å"Dear Ms. Smith† are emotion-neutral writing conventions. What I find â€Å"simply plain creepy† is the notion that the salutation Dear can be construed as â€Å"intimate† or â€Å"effeminate† in the context of a business letter. As the professor says in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, â€Å"Bless me, what do they teach them at these schools!† Related posts: ‘Dear Sir’ and Other Business Conventions Dear Sir Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Business Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Compared "to" or Compared "with"?Homonyms, Homophones, Homographs and HeteronymsWriting Styles (with Examples)

Health Care IT Systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Health Care IT Systems - Essay Example 1. The healthcare organization should improve in their billing system by implementing IT. It will aid them to minimize the errors during a transaction between hospitals and patients. Even, the staffs of the healthcare organization can easily maintain the records of their patient. It will minimize the data redundancy. 2. The medical records should be in electronic form, so the patients and physicians can monitors the records over the internet and can consult with other physicians and medical staffs. It will aid them to track the medical records of their patient. Even, electronic medical records save the time of both parties. The patient can easily consult with their desire doctor with help of electronic medical records and the doctor can easily track down the past medical records of the patient.IT in healthcare center will save a lot of time for the physicians and staffs. This will reduce the miscommunication among the doctors and medical staffs. It will enhance the workflow of health care center and reduces the extra workforces, like a mediator between a doctor and a patient regarding billing process or medical records. Information Technology will create a better quality of work and reduce the wastages of money. It will save a lot of time to maintaining and creating medical records and billing system. The loss of medical records of any patient is very critical and unwanted situation in the health care center. A loss of medical records, the physicians, and medical staffs have to bear a lot of troubles.

Research on Article Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Research on Article - Essay Example This might have a devastating effect on the security status of the country. The bill will improve the security through counter-radicalization measures. This is through requiring that all schools and colleges work together with the government in ensuring that students do not get radicalized. This is through reporting any radicalized suspects to the authority. This will ensure that the young minds in the country are protected from destructive ideologies by the terrorist groups. The bill will make changes to the existing Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures. This is to make it possible for the authority to force a suspect to move to another country or town. The laws will also limit the movement of such suspects 1. However, in order to avoid any form of malicious deportation, the new TPIM has been changed to ensure that high standards of proof will be required before such orders are implemented. The bill intends to give the authority the power to seize a suspect’s passport at the airport. Currently, the Home secretary has to give authority to seize passport of a suspect. This has been slowing the fight against terrorism in the country. However, with this bill, the police and border officials will have the powers to confiscate the passport of a suspect temporarily for a period of thirty days as the investigations are being undertaken. This will contain the movement of the suspects. The bill intends to prevent jihadists from returning back to the country. Through Temporal Exclusion Orders, such suspects will be banned from entering the country for a period of two years. Nevertheless, they will only be allowed in the country under very strict measures. This aims at deterring the Britons from joining Terrorist groups. The passports of such suspects will be cancelled and put under â€Å"no fly lists† 1. This will hinder them from getting back to the country. Those who will be willing to come back to the

Cold War Essay Example for Free

Cold War Essay How was the Cold War fought? †¢ Directions: The following question is based on the accompanying documents in Part A. As you analyze the documents, take into account both the source of the document and the author’s point of view. Be sure to: 1. Carefully read the document-based question. Consider what you already know about this topic. How would you answer the question if you had no documents to examine? 2. Now, read each document carefully, underlining key phrases and words that address the document-based question. You may also wish to use the margin to make brief notes. Answer the questions which follow each document. 3. Based on your own knowledge and on the information found in the documents, formulate a thesis that directly answers the question. 4. Organize supportive and relevant information into a brief outline. 5. Write a well-organized essay proving your thesis. The essay should be logically presented and should include information both from the documents and from your own knowledge outside of the documents. Question: How did the Cold War begin and what â€Å"weapons† were used to fight this war? Part A:The following documents provide information about the Cold War. The offensive missiles could destroy most cities in the Western Hemisphere. Consequently, he demanded that the Soviet Union remove these missiles from Cuba and â€Å"end this dangerous arms race. † Document 9 Premier Khrushchev agreed to remove the missiles because he said they were only put there to defend and protect Cuba from an attack. Since the U. S. had promised that Cuba will not be attacked by any country in the Western Hemisphere, the missiles were no longer needed. The threat of nuclear was lifted and the world stepped back from the brink of war. 127 Additional Information Beyond the Documents

The Pros and Cons of Gene Alteration Essay -- Exploratory Essays Resea

The Pros and Cons of Gene Alteration Abstract A new epidemic in human reproduction is slowly sweeping the earth, and it is known as human gene alteration. It gives parents the ability to decide their babies' sex, hair color, or even eye color. Creating these so called "designer babies" seems like the perfect way to have the child you have always dreamed of. But is this a moral way to go about reproduction? Is it fair to these children to mess with their genes just for your own satisfaction of having the perfect baby? Gene alteration can also be used in other more beneficial ways. One being to prevent and weed out disease that effects an unborn child. Gene alteration can be very beneficial, but only if used in the right way such as preventing and controlling disease. Myths of Reproduction For centuries, people have been trying to choose their babies sex through home remedies. Some of these home remedies include: diet, temperature, and the phases of the moon. For diet, researchers believe if the mother eats veggies, sweets and an excess amount of calcium she will have a girl. It is also believed that if men avoid hot tubs and wear loose clothes they will have boys. The phases of the moon are also thought to be a factor. If a baby is conceived during a full moon, it is most likely going to be a girl. If a baby is conceived on a quarter moon, it will probably be a boy (Kantrowitz, 2001, p. 51). There are thousands of these home remedies that people actually swear by. The truth about these home remedies, is that they probably don't work. If they did then every one would have their desired baby. With the advancement in today's technology, however people will no longer have to engage in these silly myths. Definition .. ... Retrieved March 11, 2004, from https://web.lexisnexis.com/universe/document?_m=8f14991eb35bb87abff7d11a7daf2b98&_docunum=1&wchp=dGLbVtzzSkVb&_md5=17984652323d3c0d8bb44c1f7e551007 Lee, Ellie (2003 April). Debating designer babies. Retrieved on March 14, 2004, from http://www.spiked-online.com/Articles/00000006DD57.htm Marsh, Beezy (2003 December). Mother loses designer baby planned to save her son. Retrieved March 13, 2004, from https://web.lexisnexis.com/universe/document?_m=8f14991eb35bb87abff7d11a7daf2b98 &_docunum=3&wchp=dGLbVtz-zSkVb&_md5=623f346923e2f9b4d3d84c4afa17e5cd Robertson, John (1994). Children of choice. New Jersey: Princeton University Press. Sofer, William (1991). Genetic engineering. Massacusettes: Butterworth-Heinemann. What is germ line therapy? (n.d.). Retrieved on March 24, 2004, from http://www.dhgp.de/info/FAQ/faqtext3_3.html

Audited Report of Tyson Food

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D. C. 20549 FORM 10-K [X] [] Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the fiscal year ended September 29, 2012 Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the transition period from to 001-14704 (Commission File Number) ______________________________________________ (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) _____________________________________________ TYSON FOODS, INC. Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 71-0225165 (I. R. S. Employer Identification No. ) 2200 Don Tyson Parkway, Springdale, Arkansas (Address of principal executive offices) 72762-6999 (Zip Code) Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of Each Class Class A Common Stock, Par Value $0. 0 (479) 290-4000 Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered New York Stock Exchange Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Not Applicable Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes [X] No [ ] Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.Yes [ ] No [X] Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ] Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T ( §232. 05 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [X] No [ ] Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ] Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of â€Å"large accelerated filer,† â€Å"accelerated filer† and â€Å"smaller reporting company† in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer [X] Non-accelerated filer [ ] (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Accelerated filer [ ] Smaller reporting company [ ] Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).Yes [ ] No [X] On March 31, 2012, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s Class A Common Stock, $0. 10 par value (Class A stock), and Class B Common Stock, $0. 10 par value (Class B stock), held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $5,551,806,987 and $340,008, respectively. Class B stock is not publicly listed for trade on any exchange or market system. However, Class B stock is convertible into Class A stock on a share-for-share basis, so the market value was calculated based on the market price of Class A stock.On October 27, 2012, there were 288,751,385 shares of Class A stock and 70,015,755 shares of Class B stock outstanding. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the registrant’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held February 1, 2013, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE PART I Item 1. Item 1A. Item 1B. Item 2. Item 3. Item 4. PART II Item 5. Item 6. Item 7. Item 7A. Item 8. Item 9. Item 9A. Item 9B. PART III Item 10. Item 11. Item 12. Item 13. Item 14.PART IV Item 15. Business Risk Factors Unresolved Staff Comments Properties Legal Proceedings Mine Safety Disclosures 3 7 12 12 13 13 Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities Selected Financial Data Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk Financial Statements and Supplementary Data Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure Controls and Procedures Other Information 5 17 18 36 38 81 81 81 Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance Executive Compensation Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters Certain Relat ionships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence Principal Accounting Fees and Services 82 82 82 82 82 Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 83 2 PART I ITEM 1. BUSINESS GENERAL Founded in 1935, Tyson Foods, Inc. nd its subsidiaries (collectively, â€Å"Company,† â€Å"we,† â€Å"us† or â€Å"our†) are one of the world’s largest meat protein companies and the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 with one of the most recognized brand names in the food industry. We produce, distribute and market chicken, beef, pork, prepared foods and related allied products. Our operations are conducted in four segments: Chicken, Beef, Pork and Prepared Foods.Some of the key factors influencing our business are customer demand for our products; the ability to maintain and grow relationships with customers and introduce new and innovative products to the marketplace; accessibility of international markets; market prices for our prod ucts; the cost of live cattle and hogs, raw materials, grain and feed ingredients; and operating efficiencies of our facilities.We operate a fully vertically integrated poultry production process. Our integrated operations consist of breeding stock, contract growers, feed production, processing, further-processing, marketing and transportation of chicken and related allied products, including animal and pet food ingredients. Through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Cobb-Vantress, Inc. (Cobb), we are one of the leading poultry breeding stock suppliers in the world.Investing in breeding stock research and development allows us to breed into our flocks the characteristics found to be most desirable. We also process live fed cattle and hogs and fabricate dressed beef and pork carcasses into primal and sub-primal meat cuts, case ready beef and pork and fully-cooked meats. In addition, we derive value from allied products such as hides and variety meats sold to further processors and others. We produce a wide range of fresh, value-added, frozen and refrigerated food products.Our products are marketed and sold primarily by our sales staff to grocery retailers, grocery wholesalers, meat distributors, warehouse club stores, military commissaries, industrial food processing companies, chain restaurants or their distributors, international export companies and domestic distributors who serve restaurants, foodservice operations such as plant and school cafeterias, convenience stores, hospitals and other vendors. Additionally, sales to the military and a portion of sales to international markets are made through independent brokers and trading companies.We have a 50/50 joint venture with Syntroleum Corporation, called Dynamic Fuels LLC (Dynamic Fuels), which produces renewable synthetic fuels. Construction of production facilities was completed in late fiscal 2010, and initial production began in October 2010. FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF SEGMENTS We operate in four segments: Chic ken, Beef, Pork and Prepared Foods. The contribution of each segment to net sales and operating income (loss), and the identifiable assets attributable to each segment, are set forth in Note 16: Segment Reporting of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.DESCRIPTION OF SEGMENTS Chicken: Chicken operations include breeding and raising chickens, as well as processing live chickens into fresh, frozen and valueadded chicken products and logistics operations to move products through the supply chain. Products are marketed domestically to food retailers, foodservice distributors, restaurant operators, hotel chains and noncommercial foodservice establishments such as schools, healthcare facilities, the military and other food processors, as well as to international markets. It also includes sales from allied products and our chicken breeding stock subsidiary.Beef: Beef operations include processing live fed cattle and fabricating dressed beef carcasses into primal and sub-primal me at cuts and case-ready products. This segment also includes sales from allied products such as hides and variety meats, as well as logistics operations to move products through the supply chain. Products are marketed domestically to food retailers, foodservice distributors, restaurant operators, hotel chains and noncommercial foodservice establishments such as schools, healthcare facilities, the military and other food processors, as well as to international markets.Pork: Pork operations include processing live market hogs and fabricating pork carcasses into primal and sub-primal cuts and caseready products. This segment also includes our live swine group, related allied product processing activities and logistics operations to move products through the supply chain. Products are marketed domestically to food retailers, foodservice distributors, restaurant operators, hotel chains and noncommercial foodservice establishments such as schools, healthcare acilities, the military and oth er food processors, as well as to international markets. 3 Prepared Foods: Prepared Foods operations include manufacturing and marketing frozen and refrigerated food products and logistics operations to move products through the supply chain. Products include pepperoni, bacon, beef and pork pizza toppings, pizza crusts, flour and corn tortilla products, appetizers, prepared meals, ethnic foods, soups, sauces, side dishes, meat dishes and processed meats.Products are marketed domestically to food retailers, foodservice distributors, restaurant operators, hotel chains and noncommercial foodservice establishments such as schools, healthcare facilities, the military and other food processors, as well as to international markets. The results from Dynamic Fuels are included in Other. RAW MATERIALS AND SOURCES OF SUPPLY Chicken: The primary raw materials used in our chicken operations are corn and soybean meal used as feed and live chickens raised primarily by independent contract growers. Our vertically-integrated chicken process begins with the grandparent breeder flocks and ends with broilers for processing. Breeder flocks (i. e. , grandparents) are raised to maturity in grandparent growing and laying farms where fertile eggs are produced. Fertile eggs are incubated at the grandparent hatchery and produce pullets (i. e. , parents). Pullets are sent to breeder houses, and the resulting eggs are sent to our hatcheries. Once chicks have hatched, they are sent to broiler farms.There, contract growers care for and raise the chicks according to our standards, with advice from our technical service personnel, until the broilers reach the desired processing weight. Adult chickens are transported to processing plants where they are slaughtered and converted into finished products, which are then sent to distribution centers and delivered to customers. We operate our own feed mills to produce scientifically-formulated feeds. In fiscal 2012, corn, soybean meal and other feed ingredients were major production costs, representing roughly 69% of our cost of growing a live chicken.In addition to feed ingredients to grow the chickens, we use cooking ingredients, packaging materials and cryogenic agents. We believe our sources of supply for these materials are adequate for our present needs, and we do not anticipate any difficulty in acquiring these materials in the future. While we produce nearly all our inventory of breeder chickens and live broilers, we also purchase live, ice-packed or deboned chicken to meet production and sales requirements. Beef: The primary raw materials used in our beef operations are live cattle.We do not have facilities of our own to raise cattle but employ cattle buyers located throughout cattle producing areas who visit independent feed yards and public auctions and buy live cattle on the open spot market. These buyers are trained to select high quality animals, and we continually measure their performance. We also enter into var ious risk-sharing and procurement arrangements with producers to secure a supply of livestock for our facilities. We believe the sources of supply of live cattle are adequate for our present needs. Pork: The primary raw materials used in our pork operations are live hogs.The majority of our live hog supply is obtained through various procurement relationships with independent producers. We employ buyers who make purchase agreements of various time durations as well as purchase hogs on a daily basis, generally a few days before the animals are processed. These buyers are trained to select high quality animals, and we continually measure their performance. We believe the sources of supply of live hogs are adequate for our present needs. Additionally, we raise a number of weanling swine to sell to independent finishers and supply a minimal amount of live swine for our own processing needs.Prepared Foods: The primary raw materials used in our prepared foods operations are commodity base d raw materials, including chicken, beef, pork, corn, flour and vegetables. Some of these raw materials are provided by our other segments, while others may be purchased from numerous suppliers and manufacturers. We believe the sources of supply of raw materials are adequate for our present needs. SEASONAL DEMAND Demand for chicken and beef products generally increases during the spring and summer months and generally decreases during the winter months.Pork and prepared foods products generally experience increased demand during the winter months, primarily due to the holiday season, while demand decreases during the spring and summer months. CUSTOMERS Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. accounted for 13. 8% of our fiscal 2012 consolidated sales. Sales to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. were included in the Chicken, Beef, Pork and Prepared Foods segments. Any extended discontinuance of sales to this customer could, if not replaced, have a material impact on our operations. No other single customer or custo mer group represented more than 10% of fiscal 2012 consolidated sales. COMPETITION Our food products compete with those of other food producers and processors and certain prepared food manufacturers. Additionally, our food products compete in markets around the world. We seek to achieve a leading market position for our products via our principal marketing and competitive strategy, which includes: †¢ †¢ †¢ identifying target markets for value-added products; concentrating production, sales and marketing efforts to appeal to and enhance demand from those markets; and utilizing our national distribution systems and customer support services.Past efforts indicate customer demand can be increased and sustained through application of our marketing strategy, as supported by our distribution systems. The principal competitive elements are price, product safety and quality, brand identification, breadth and depth of product offerings, availability of products, customer servic e and credit terms. INTERNATIONAL We sold products to approximately 130 countries in fiscal 2012. Major sales markets include Brazil, Canada, Central America, China, the European Union, Japan, Mexico, the Middle East, Russia, South Korea, Taiwan, Ukraine and Vietnam.We have the following international operations: †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Tyson de Mexico, a Mexican subsidiary, is a vertically-integrated poultry production company; Cobb-Vantress, a chicken breeding stock subsidiary, has business interests in Argentina, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, India, Japan, the Netherlands, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Turkey, the United Kingdom and Venezuela; Tyson do Brazil, a Brazilian subsidiary, is a vertically-integrated poultry production company; Shandong Tyson, a Chinese subsidiary, is a vertically-integrated poultry production company; Tyson Dalong, a joint venture in China in which we have a majority interest, is a chicken further pr ocessing facility; Jiangsu-Tyson, a Chinese subsidiary, is a vertically-integrated poultry production company; and Godrej Tyson Foods, a joint venture in India in which we have a majority interest, is a poultry processing business. Our Tyson do Brazil, Shandong Tyson and Jiangsu-Tyson subsidiaries are currently in start-up phase. We continue to evaluate growth opportunities in foreign countries.Additional information regarding export sales, long-lived assets located in foreign countries and income (loss) from foreign operations is set forth in Note 16: Segment Reporting of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT We conduct continuous research and development activities to improve product development, to automate manual processes in our processing plants and growout operations, and to improve chicken breeding stock. Our Discovery Center includes 19 research kitchens and a USDA-inspected pilot plant. The Discovery Center enables us to bring new market- leading retail and foodservice products to the customer quickly and efficiently. Research and development costs totaled $43 million, $42 million, and $38 million in fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION AND FOOD SAFETY Our facilities for processing chicken, beef, pork and prepared foods, milling feed and housing live chickens and swine are subject to a variety of federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, which include provisions relating to the discharge of materials into the environment and generally provide for protection of the environment. We believe we are in substantial compliance with such applicable laws and regulations and are not aware of any violations of such laws and regulations likely to result in material penalties or material increases in compliance costs. The cost of compliance with such laws and regulations has not had a material adverse effect on our capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position, and except a s described below, is not anticipated to have a material adverse effect in the future. Congress and the United States Environmental Protection Agency are considering various options to control greenhouse gas emissions.It is unclear at this time when or if such options will be finalized, or what the final form may be. Due to the uncertainty surrounding this issue, it is premature to speculate on the specific nature of impacts that imposition of greenhouse gas emission controls would have on us, and whether such impacts would have a material adverse effect. 5 We work to ensure our products meet high standards of food safety and quality. In addition to our own internal Food Safety and Quality Assurance oversight and review, our chicken, beef, pork and prepared foods products are subject to inspection prior to distribution, primarily by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).We are also participants in the United State s Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) program and are subject to the Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures and the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002. EMPLOYEES AND LABOR RELATIONS As of September 29, 2012, we employed approximately 115,000 employees. Approximately 96,000 employees were employed in the United States and 19,000 employees were in foreign countries, primarily China, Mexico and Brazil. Approximately 29,000 employees in the United States were subject to collective bargaining agreements with various labor unions, with approximately 19% of those employees included under agreements expiring in fiscal 2013.The remaining agreements expire over the next several years. Approximately 8,000 employees in foreign countries were subject to collective bargaining agreements. We believe our overall relations with our workforce are good. MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION Our principal marketing objective is to be the primary provider of chicken, beef, pork and prepared foods products for our customers and consumers. As such, we utilize our national distribution system and customer support services to achieve the leading market position for our products. On an ongoing basis, we identify distinct markets and business opportunities through continuous consumer and market research.In addition to supporting strong regional brands across multiple protein lines, we build the Tyson brand and Tyson owned brands primarily through well-defined product-specific advertising and public relations efforts focused toward key consumer targets with specific needs. These efforts are designed to present key Tyson products as everyday solutions to relevant consumer problems thereby becoming part of regular eating routines. We have the ability to produce and ship fresh, frozen and refrigerated products worldwide. Domestically, our distribution system extends to a broad network of food distributors and is supported by our owned or leased c old storage warehouses, public cold storage facilities and our transportation system.Our distribution centers accumulate fresh and frozen products so we can fill and consolidate less-than-truckload orders into full truckloads, thereby decreasing shipping costs while increasing customer service. In addition, we provide our customers a wide selection of products that do not require large volume orders. Our distribution system enables us to supply large or small quantities of products to meet customer requirements anywhere in the continental United States. Internationally, we utilize both rail and truck refrigerated transportation to domestic ports, where consolidations take place to transport to foreign destinations. PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS We have filed a number of patents and trademarks relating to our processes and products that either have been approved or are in the process of application.Because we do a significant amount of brand name and product line advertising to promote our products, we consider the protection of our trademarks to be important to our marketing efforts. We also have developed non-public proprietary information regarding our production processes and other product-related matters. We utilize internal procedures and safeguards to protect the confidentiality of such information and, where appropriate, seek patent and/or trademark protection for the technology we utilize. INDUSTRY PRACTICES Our agreements with customers are generally short-term, primarily due to the nature of our products, industry practices and fluctuations in supply, demand and price for such products.In certain instances where we are selling further processed products to large customers, we may enter into written agreements whereby we will act as the exclusive or preferred supplier to the customer, with pricing terms that are either fixed or variable. AVAILABILITY OF SEC FILINGS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE DOCUMENTS ON INTERNET WEBSITE We maintain an internet website for inv estors at http://ir. tyson. com. On this website, we make available, free of charge, annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to any of those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such reports with, or furnish to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.Also available on the website for investors are the Corporate Governance Principles, Audit Committee charter, Compensation Committee charter, Governance Committee charter, Nominating Committee charter, Code of Conduct and Whistleblower Policy. Our corporate governance documents are available in print, free of charge to any shareholder who requests them. 6 CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS RELEVANT TO FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF â€Å"SAFE HARBOR† PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995 Certain information in this report constitutes forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements incl ude, but are not limited to, current views and estimates of our outlook for fiscal 2013, other future economic circumstances, industry conditions in domestic and international markets, our performance and financial results (e. g. debt levels, return on invested capital, value-added product growth, capital expenditures, tax rates, access to foreign markets and dividend policy). These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause our actual results and experiences to differ materially from anticipated results and expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements. We wish to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.Among the factors that may cause actual results and experiences to differ from anticipated results and exp ectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are the following: (i) the effect of, or changes in, general economic conditions; (ii) fluctuations in the cost and availability of inputs and raw materials, such as live cattle, live swine, feed grains (including corn and soybean meal) and energy; (iii) market conditions for finished products, including competition from other global and domestic food processors, supply and pricing of competing products and alternative proteins and demand for alternative proteins; (iv) successful rationalization of existing facilities and operating efficiencies of the facilities; (v) risks associated with our commodity purchasing activities; (vi) access to foreign markets together with foreign economic conditions, including currency fluctuations, import/export restrictions and foreign politics; (vii) outbreak of a livestock disease (such as avian influenza AI) or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)), which could have an adverse effect on live stock we own, the availability of livestock we purchase, consumer perception of certain protein products or our ability to access certain domestic and foreign markets; (viii) changes in availability and relative costs of labor and contract growers and our ability to maintain good relationships with employees, labor unions, contract growers and independent producers providing us livestock; (ix) issues related to food safety, including costs resulting from product recalls, regulatory compliance and any related claims or litigation; (x) changes in consumer preference and diets and our ability to identify and react to consumer trends; (xi) significant marketing plan changes by large customers or loss of one or more large customers; (xii) adverse results from litigation; (xiii) risks associated with leverage, including cost increases due to rising interest rates or changes in debt ratings or outlook; (xiv) compliance with and changes to regulations and laws (both domestic and foreign), i ncluding changes in accounting standards, tax laws, environmental laws, agricultural laws and occupational, health and safety laws; (xv) our ability to make effective acquisitions or joint ventures and successfully integrate newly acquired businesses into existing operations; (xvi) effectiveness of advertising and marketing programs; and (xvii) those factors listed under Item 1A. â€Å"Risk Factors. † ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS These risks, which should be considered carefully with the information provided elsewhere in this report, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. Fluctuations in commodity prices and in the availability of raw materials, especially feed grains, live cattle, live swine and other inputs could negatively impac t our earnings.Our results of operations and financial condition are dependent upon the cost and supply of raw materials such as feed grains, live cattle, live swine, energy and ingredients, as well as the selling prices for our products, many of which are determined by constantly changing market forces of supply and demand over which we have limited or no control. Corn, soybean meal and other feed ingredients are major production costs for vertically-integrated poultry processors such as us, representing roughly 69% of our cost of growing a live chicken in fiscal 2012. As a result, fluctuations in prices for these feed ingredients, which include competing demand for corn and soybean meal for use in the manufacture of renewable energy, can adversely affect our earnings.Production of feed ingredients is affected by, among other things, weather patterns throughout the world, the global level of supply inventories and demand for grains and other feed ingredients, as well as agricultura l and energy policies of domestic and foreign governments. We have cattle under contract at feed yards owned by third parties; however, most of the cattle we process are purchased from independent producers. We have cattle buyers located throughout cattle producing areas who visit feed yards and buy live cattle on the open spot market. We also enter into various risk-sharing and procurement arrangements with producers who help secure a supply of livestock for daily start-up operations at our facilities.The majority of our live swine supply is obtained through procurement arrangements with independent producers. We also employ buyers who purchase hogs on a daily basis, generally a few days before the animals are required for processing. In addition, we raise live swine and sell feeder pigs to independent producers for feeding to processing weight and have contract growers feed a minimal amount of company-owned live swine for our own processing needs. Any decrease in the supply of cat tle or swine on the spot market could increase the price of these raw materials and further increase per head cost of production due to lower capacity utilization, which could adversely affect our financial results. 7Market supply and demand and the prices we receive for our products may fluctuate due to competition from other food producers and processors. We face competition from other food producers and processors. Some of the factors on which we compete and which may drive demand for our products include: †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ price; product safety and quality; brand identification; breadth and depth of product offerings; availability of our products and competing products; customer service; and credit terms. Demand for our products also is affected by competitors’ promotional spending, the effectiveness of our advertising and marketing programs, and the availability or price of competing proteins.We attempt to obtain prices for our produ cts that reflect, in part, the price we must pay for the raw materials that go into our products. If we are not able to obtain higher prices for our products when the price we pay for raw materials increases, we may be unable to maintain positive margins. Outbreaks of livestock diseases can adversely impact our ability to conduct our operations and demand for our products. Demand for our products can be adversely impacted by outbreaks of livestock diseases, which can have a significant impact on our financial results. Efforts are taken to control disease risks by adherence to good production practices and extensive precautionary measures designed to ensure the health of livestock.However, outbreaks of disease and other events, which may be beyond our control, either in our own livestock or cattle and hogs owned by independent producers who sell livestock to us, could significantly affect demand for our products, consumer perceptions of certain protein products, the availability of l ivestock for purchase by us and our ability to conduct our operations. Moreover, the outbreak of livestock diseases, particularly in our Chicken segment, could have a significant effect on the livestock we own by requiring us to, among other things, destroy any affected livestock. Furthermore, an outbreak of disease could result in governmental restrictions on the import and export of our products to or from our suppliers, facilities or customers. This could also result in negative publicity that may have an adverse effect on our ability to market our products successfully and on our financial results.We are subject to risks associated with our international activities, which could negatively affect our sales to customers in foreign countries, as well as our operations and assets in such countries. In fiscal 2012, we sold products to approximately 130 countries. Major sales markets include Brazil, Canada, Central America, China, the European Union, Japan, Mexico, the Middle East, Ru ssia, South Korea, Taiwan, Ukraine and Vietnam. Our sales to customers in foreign countries for fiscal 2012 totaled $5. 5 billion, of which $4. 0 billion related to export sales from the United States. In addition, we had approximately $564 million of long-lived assets located in foreign ountries, primarily Brazil, China, Mexico and India, at the end of fiscal 2012. As a result, we are subject to various risks and uncertainties relating to international sales and operations, including: †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ imposition of tariffs, quotas, trade barriers and other trade protection measures imposed by foreign countries regarding the importation of poultry, beef and pork products, in addition to import or export licensing requirements imposed by various foreign countries; closing of borders by foreign countries to the import of poultry, beef and pork products due to animal disease or other perceived health or safety issues; impact of cur rency exchange rate fluctuations between the U. S. ollar and foreign currencies, particularly the Brazilian real, the British pound sterling, the Canadian dollar, the Chinese renminbi, the European euro, and the Mexican peso; political and economic conditions; difficulties and costs associated in complying with, and enforcement of remedies under, a wide variety of complex domestic and international laws, treaties and regulations, including, without limitation, the United States’ Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and economic and trade sanctions enforced by the United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control; different regulatory structures and unexpected changes in regulatory environments; tax rates that may exceed those in the United States and earnings that may be subject to withholding requirements and incremental taxes upon repatriation; potentially negative consequences from changes in tax laws; and distribution costs, disruptions in shippi ng or reduced availability of freight transportation. 8 Negative consequences relating to these risks and uncertainties could jeopardize or limit our ability to transact business in one or more of those markets where we operate or in other developing markets and could adversely affect our financial results. We depend on the availability of, and good relations with, our employees. We have approximately 115,000 employees, approximately 37,000 of whom are covered by collective bargaining agreements or are members of labor unions. Our operations depend on the availability and relative costs of labor and maintaining good relations with employees and the labor unions.If we fail to maintain good relations with our employees or with the labor unions, we may experience labor strikes or work stoppages, which could adversely affect our financial results. We depend on contract growers and independent producers to supply us with livestock. We contract primarily with independent contract growers to raise the live chickens processed in our poultry operations. A majority of our cattle and hogs are purchased from independent producers who sell livestock to us under marketing contracts or on the open market. If we do not attract and maintain contracts with growers or maintain marketing and purchasing relationships with independent producers, our production operations could be negatively affected. If our products become contaminated, we may be subject to product liability claims and product recalls.Our products may be subject to contamination by disease-producing organisms or pathogens, such as Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella and E. coli. These organisms and pathogens are found generally in the environment; therefore, there is a risk that one or more, as a result of food processing, could be present in our products. These organisms and pathogens also can be introduced to our products as a result of improper handling at the further processing, foodservice or consumer level. Th ese risks may be controlled, but may not be eliminated, by adherence to good manufacturing practices and finished product testing. We have little, if any, control over handling procedures once our products have been shipped for distribution.Even an inadvertent shipment of contaminated products may be a violation of law and may lead to increased risk of exposure to product liability claims, product recalls (which may not entirely mitigate the risk of product liability claims), increased scrutiny and penalties, including injunctive relief and plant closings, by federal and state regulatory agencies, and adverse publicity, which could exacerbate the associated negative consumer reaction. Any of these occurrences may have an adverse effect on our financial results. Our operations are subject to general risks of litigation. We are involved on an on-going basis in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business or otherwise. Trends in litigation may include class actions involving c onsumers, shareholders, employees or injured persons, and claims relating to commercial, labor, employment, antitrust, securities or environmental matters.Litigation trends and the outcome of litigation cannot be predicted with certainty and adverse litigation trends and outcomes could adversely affect our financial results. Our level of indebtedness and the terms of our indebtedness could negatively impact our business and liquidity position. Our indebtedness, including borrowings under our revolving credit facility, may increase from time to time for various reasons, including fluctuations in operating results, working capital needs, capital expenditures and possible acquisitions, joint ventures or other significant initiatives. Our consolidated indebtedness level could adversely affect our business because: †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ t may limit or impair our ability to obtain financing in the future; our credit ratings (or any decrease to our credit ratings) could r estrict or impede our ability to access capital markets at desired interest rates and increase our borrowing costs; it may reduce our flexibility to respond to changing business and economic conditions or to take advantage of business opportunities that may arise; a portion of our cash flow from operations must be dedicated to interest payments on our indebtedness and is not available for other purposes; and it may restrict our ability to pay dividends. Our revolving credit facility contains affirmative and negative covenants that, among other things, may limit or restrict our ability to: create liens and encumbrances; incur debt; merge, dissolve, liquidate or consolidate; dispose of or transfer assets; change the nature of our business; engage in certain transactions with affiliates; and enter into sale/leaseback or hedging transactions, in each case, subject to certain qualifications and exceptions.In addition, we are required to maintain minimum interest expense coverage and maxi mum debt to capitalization ratios. Our 4. 50% Senior notes due June 2022 also contain affirmative and negative covenants that, among other things, may limit or restrict our ability to: create liens; engage in certain sale/leaseback transactions; and engage in certain consolidations, mergers and sales of assets. 9 An impairment in the carrying value of goodwill could negatively impact our consolidated results of operations and net worth. Goodwill is initially recorded at fair value and is not amortized, but is reviewed for impairment at least annually or more frequently if impairment indicators are present.In assessing the carrying value of goodwill, we make estimates and assumptions about sales, operating margins, growth rates and discount rates based on budgets, business plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows and marketplace data. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and management’s judgment in applying these factors. Goodwill valuat ions have been calculated principally using an income approach based on the present value of future cash flows of each reporting unit and are believed to reflect market participant views which would exist in an exit transaction. Under the income approach, we are required to make various judgmental assumptions about appropriate discount rates.Disruptions in global credit and other financial markets and deterioration of economic conditions, could, among other things, cause us to increase the discount rate used in the goodwill valuations. We could be required to evaluate the recoverability of goodwill prior to the annual assessment if we experience disruptions to the business, unexpected significant declines in operating results, divestiture of a significant component of our business or sustained market capitalization declines. These types of events and the resulting analyses could result in goodwill impairment charges in the future, which could be substantial. As of September 29, 2012 , we had $1. 9 billion of goodwill, which represented approximately 16% of total assets. Domestic and international government regulations could impose material costs.Our operations are subject to extensive federal, state and foreign laws and regulations by authorities that oversee food safety standards and processing, packaging, storage, distribution, advertising, labeling and export of our products. Our facilities for processing chicken, beef, pork, prepared foods and milling feed and for housing live chickens and swine are subject to a variety of international, federal, state and local laws relating to the protection of the environment, including provisions relating to the discharge of materials into the environment, and to the health and safety of our employees. Our domestic chicken, beef and pork processing facilities are participants in the HACCP program and are subject to the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002.In addition, our produc ts are subject to inspection prior to distribution, primarily by the USDA and the FDA. Also, our livestock procurement and poultry growout activities are regulated by the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, which is part of USDA’s Marketing and Regulatory Programs. Loss of or failure to obtain necessary permits and registrations could delay or prevent us from meeting current product demand, introducing new products, building new facilities or acquiring new businesses and could adversely affect operating results. Additionally, we are routinely subject to new or modified laws, regulations and accounting standards.If we are found to be out of compliance with applicable laws and regulations in these or other areas, we could be subject to civil remedies, including fines, injunctions, recalls or asset seizures, as well as potential criminal sanctions, any of which could have an adverse effect on our financial results. A material acquisition, joint venture or ot her significant initiative could affect our operations and financial condition. We periodically evaluate potential acquisitions, joint ventures and other initiatives (collectively, â€Å"transactions†), and we may seek to expand our business through the acquisition of companies, processing plants, technologies, products and services, which could include material transactions.A material transaction may involve a number of risks, including: †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the transaction; difficulty integrating acquired businesses, technologies, operations and personnel with our existing business; diversion of management attention in connection with negotiating transactions and integrating the businesses acquired; exposure to unforeseen or undisclosed liabilities of acquired companies; and the need to obtain additional debt or equity financing for any transaction. We may not be able to address these risks and successfully d evelop these acquired companies or businesses into profitable units. If we are unable to do this, such expansion could adversely affect our financial results.Market fluctuations could negatively impact our operating results as we hedge certain transactions. Our business is exposed to fluctuating market conditions. We use derivative financial instruments to reduce our exposure to various market risks including changes in commodity prices, interest rates and foreign exchange rates. We hold certain positions, primarily in grain and livestock futures, that do not qualify as hedges for financial reporting purposes. These positions are marked to fair value, and the unrealized gains and losses are reported in earnings at each reporting date. Therefore, losses on these contracts will adversely affect our reported operating results.While these contracts reduce our exposure to changes in prices for commodity products, the use of such instruments may ultimately limit our ability to benefit fro m favorable commodity prices. Deterioration of economic conditions could negatively impact our business. Our business may be adversely affected by changes in economic conditions, including inflation, interest rates, access to capital markets, consumer spending rates, energy availability and costs (including fuel surcharges) and the effects of governmental initiatives to manage economic conditions. Any such changes could adversely affect the demand for our products, or the cost and availability of our needed raw materials, cooking ingredients and packaging materials, thereby negatively affecting our financial results. 10Disruptions in global credit and other financial markets and deterioration of economic conditions, could, among other things: †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ make it more difficult or costly for us to obtain financing for our operations or investments or to refinance our debt in the future; cause our lenders to depart from prior credit industry practice and make more difficult or expensive the granting of any amendment of, or waivers under, our credit agreement to the extent we may seek them in the future; impair the financial condition of some of our customers and suppliers thereby increasing customer bad debts or nonperformance by suppliers; negatively impact global demand for protein products, which could result in a reduction of sales, operating ncome and cash flows; decrease the value of our investments in equity and debt securities, including our marketable debt securities, company-owned life insurance and pension and other postretirement plan assets; negatively impact our commodity purchasing activities if we are required to record losses related to derivative financial instruments; or impair the financial viability of our insurers. Changes in consumer preference could negatively impact our business. The food industry in general is subject to changing consumer trends, demands and preferences. Trends within the food industry change often, and failure to identify and react to changes in these trends could lead to, among other things, reduced demand and price reductions for our products, and could have an adverse effect on our financial results. The loss of one or more of our largest customers could negatively impact our business.Our business could suffer significant setbacks in sales and operating income if our customers’ plans and/or markets change significantly or if we lost one or more of our largest customers, including, for example, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. , which accounted for 13. 8% of our sales in fiscal 2012. Many of our agreements with our customers are short-term, primarily due to the nature of our products, industry practice and the fluctuation in demand and price for our products. The consolidation of customers could negatively impact our business. Our customers, such as supermarkets, warehouse clubs and food distributors, have consolidated in recent years, and consolidation i s expected to continue throughout the United States and in other major markets.These consolidations have produced large, sophisticated customers with increased buying power who are more capable of operating with reduced inventories, opposing price increases, and demanding lower pricing, increased promotional programs and specifically tailored products. These customers also may use shelf space currently used for our products for their own private label products. Because of these trends, our volume growth could slow or we may need to lower prices or increase promotional spending for our products, any of which would adversely affect our financial results. Extreme factors or forces beyond our control could negatively impact our business.Natural disasters, fire, bioterrorism, pandemic or extreme weather, including droughts, floods, excessive cold or heat, hurricanes or other storms, could impair the health or growth of livestock or interfere with our operations due to power outages, fuel shortages, damage to our production and processing facilities or disruption of transportation channels, among other things. Any of these factors, as well as disruptions in our information systems, could have an adverse effect on our financial results. Media campaigns related to food production present risks. Media outlets, including new social media platforms, provide the opportunity for individuals or organizations to publicize inappropriate or inaccurate stories or perceptions about our Company or the food production industry.Such practices have the ability to cause damage to our brands, the industry generally, or consumers' perceptions of our Company or the food production industry and may result in negative publicity and adversely affect our financial results. Our renewable energy ventures and other initiatives might not be successful. We have been exploring ways to convert animal fats and other by-products from our operations into value-added products. For example, our joint v enture Dynamic Fuels produces renewable synthetic fuels. We will continue to explore other ways to commercialize opportunities outside our core business, such as renewable energy and other technologically-advanced platforms.These initiatives might not be as financially successful as we initially announced or might expect due to factors that include, but are not limited to, availability of tax credits, competing energy prices, failure to operate at the volumes anticipated, abilities of our joint venture partners and our limited experience in some of these new areas. 11 Tyson Limited Partnership can exercise significant control. As of September 29, 2012, Tyson Limited Partnership (the TLP) owns 99. 977% of the outstanding shares of the Company's Class B Common Stock, $0. 10 par value (Class B stock) and the TLP and members of the Tyson family own, in the aggregate, 2. 53% of the outstanding shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock, $0. 10 par value (Class A stock), giving them, co llectively, control of approximately 71. 2% of the total voting power of the Company's outstanding voting stock. At this time, the TLP does not have a managing general partner, as such, the management rights of the managing general partner may be exercised by a majority of the percentage interests of the general partners. As of September 29, 2012, Mr. John Tyson, Chairman of the Board of Directors, has 33. 33% of the general partner percentage interests, and Ms. Barbara Tyson, a director of the Company, has 11. 115% general partner percentage interests (the remaining general partnership interests are held by the Tyson Partnership Interest Trust (44. 44%) and Harry C. Erwin, III (11. 15%)). As a result of these holdings, positions and directorships, the partners in the TLP have the ability to exert substantial influence or actual control over our management and affairs and over substantially all matters requiring action by our stockholders, including amendments to our restated certif icate of incorporation and by-laws, the election and removal of directors, any proposed merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets and other corporate transactions. This concentration of ownership may also delay or prevent a change in control otherwise favored by our other stockholders and could depress our stock price.Additionally, as a result of the Tyson family’s significant ownership of our outstanding voting stock, we are eligible for â€Å"controlled company† exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements of the New York Stock Exchange. ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS None ITEM 2. PROPERTIES We have production and distribution operations in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. We also have sales offices throughout the United States.Additionally, we, either directly or through our subsidiaries, have sales offices, facilities or participate in joint venture operations in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, the Dominican Republic, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and Venezuela. Owned Chicken Segment: Processing plants Rendering plants Blending mills Feed mills Broiler hatcheries Breeder houses Broiler farm houses Beef Segment Production Facilities Pork Segment Production Facilities Prepared Foods Segment Processing Plants Distribution Centers Cold Storage Facilities 59 15 39 63 593 758 12 9 22 10 67 Number of Facilities Leased 1 — — 2 9 760 1,089 — — 1 7 14 Capacity(1) per week at September 29, 2012 47 million head 174,000 head 448,000 head 46 million pounds Total 60 15 2 41 72 1,353 1,847 12 9 23 17 81 Fiscal 2012 Aver age Capacity Utilization 88% 76% 90% 85% Chicken Processing Plants Beef Production Facilities Pork Production Facilities Prepared Foods Processing Plants (1) Capacity based on a five day week for Chicken and Prepared Foods, while Beef and Pork are based on a six day week. 12 Chicken: Chicken processing plants include various phases of slaughtering, dressing, cutting, packaging, deboning and furtherprocessing.We also have 16 pet food operations, which are part of the Chicken processing plants. The blending mills, feed mills and broiler hatcheries have sufficient capacity to meet the needs of the chicken growout operations. Beef: Beef plants include various phases of slaughtering live cattle and fabricating beef products. Some also treat and tan hides. The Beef segment includes three case-ready operations that share facilities with the Pork segment. One of the beef facilities contains a tallow refinery. Carcass facilities reduce live cattle to dressed carcass form. Processing faciliti es conduct fabricating operations to produce boxed beef and allied products.Pork: Pork plants include various phases of slaughtering live hogs and fabricating pork products and allied products. The Pork segment includes three case-ready operations that share facilities with the Beef segment. Prepared Foods: Prepared Foods plants process fresh and frozen chicken, beef, pork and other raw materials into pizza toppings, branded and processed meats, appetizers, prepared meals, ethnic foods, soups, sauces, side dishes, pizza crusts, flour and corn tortilla products and meat dishes. Our Dynamic Fuels joint venture produces renewable synthetic fuels. Construction of production facilities was completed in late fiscal 2010, and initial production began in October 2010.Dynamic Fuels operates one plant with designed annual capacity of 75 million gallons. We believe our present facilities are generally adequate and suitable for our current purposes; however, seasonal fluctuations in inventories and production may occur as a reaction to market demands for certain products. We regularly engage in construction and other capital improvement projects intended to expand capacity and improve the efficiency of our processing and support facilities. We also consider the efficiencies of our operations and may from time to time consider changing the number or type of plants we operate to align with our capacity needs. ITEM 3.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS Refer to the description of certain legal proceedings pending against us under Part II, Item 8, Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 19: Commitments and Contingencies, which discussion is incorporated herein by reference. Listed below are certain additional legal proceedings involving the Company and/or its subsidiaries. On October 23, 2001, a putative class action lawsuit styled R. Lynn Thompson, et al. vs. Tyson Foods, Inc. was filed in the District Court for Mayes County, Oklahoma by three property owners on behalf of all owners of lakefront property on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees. Simmons Foods, Inc. and Peterson Farms, Inc. also are defendants. The plaintiffs allege the defendants’ operations diminished the water quality in the lake thereby interfering with the plaintiffs’ use and enjoyment of their properties.The plaintiffs sought injunctive relief and an unspecified amount of compensatory damages, punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and costs. While the District Court certified a class, on October 4, 2005, the Court of Civil Appeals of the State of Oklahoma reversed, holding the plaintiffs’ claims were not suitable for disposition as a class action. This decision was upheld by the Oklahoma Supreme Court and the case was remanded to the District Court with instructions that the matter proceed only on behalf of the three named plaintiffs. Plaintiffs seek injunctive relief, restitution and compensatory and punitive damages in an unspecified amount in excess of $10,000.We an d the other defendants have denied liability and asserted various defenses. The defendants have requested a trial date, but the court has not yet scheduled the matter for trial. Since 2003, nine lawsuits have been brought against us and several other poultry companies by approximately 150 plaintiffs in Washington County, Arkansas Circuit Court (Green v. Tyson Foods, Inc. , et al. , Bible v. Tyson Foods, Inc. , Beal v. Tyson Foods, Inc. , et al. , McWhorter v. Tyson Foods, Inc. , et al. , McConnell v. Tyson Foods, Inc. , et al. , Carroll v. Tyson Foods, Inc. , et al. , Belew v. Tyson Foods, Inc. , et al. , Gonzalez v. Tyson Foods, Inc. , et al. , and Rasco v. Tyson Foods, Inc. , et al. alleging that the land application of poultry litter caused arsenic and pathogenic mold and fungi contamination of the air, soil and water in and around Prairie Grove, Arkansas and seeking recovery for several types of personal injuries, including several forms of cancer. On August 2, 2006, the Court g ranted summary judgment in favor of Tyson and the other poultry company defendants in the first case to go to trial, which the plaintiffs appealed, and the trial court stayed the remaining eight lawsuits pending the appeal. On May 8, 2008, the Arkansas Supreme Court reversed the summary judgment and remanded for a new trial. The remanded trial was held and the jury returned a verdict in our favor.The plaintiffs appealed this verdict to the Arkansas Supreme Court, which affirmed the verdict and denied the plaintiffs’ petition for rehearing. The second trial, originally scheduled for October 22, 2012, was canceled and no new trial date has been set. Other Matters: We currently have approximately 115,000 employees and, at any time, have various employment practices matters outstanding. In the aggregate, these matters are significant to the Company, and we devote significant resources to managing employment issues. Additionally, we are subject to other lawsuits, investigations an d claims (some of which involve substantial amounts) arising out of the conduct of our business.While the ultimate results of these matters cannot be determined, they are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations or financial position. ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES Not applicable. 13 EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY Our officers serve one year terms from the date of their election, or until their successors are appointed and qualified. No family relationships exist among these officers. The name, title, age and year of initial election to executive office of our executive officers are listed below: Name Curt T. Calaway Kenneth J. Kimbro Donnie King Dennis Leatherby James V. Lochner Donnie Smith John Tyson David L.Van Bebber Noel White Title Senior Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer Senior Group Vice President, Poultry and Prepared Foods Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Chief Operating Officer President and Chief Executive Officer Chairman of the Board of Directors Executive Vice President and General Counsel Senior Group Vice President, Fresh Meats Age 39 59 50 52 60 53 59 56 54 Year Elected Executive Officer 2012 2009 2009 1994 2005 2008 2011 2008 2009 Curt T. Calaway was appointed Senior Vice President, Con

Postpartum depression: The mother, child and partner involvement Essay

Traditionally, postpartum psychiatric disorders have been divided into three categories depending on increasing degrees of severity: postpartum blues, postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. Postpartum Depression (PPD) is thought to affect between 4 and 28% of all mothers. Despite its prevalence, it is not well understood.   It is the duration, severity and complexity of the symptoms that distinguishes PPD from the baby blues and postpartum psychosis (Romm, 2002). PPD can affect any woman, no matter what her age, economic status, or cultural background. Symptoms include madness, irritability, apathy, and intense anxiety, crying spells, worthlessness, and inability to make decisions or to concentrate. It can begin anytime during the first few days, weeks, or months after delivery. The specific cause is unknown but fluctuating hormone levels, exhaustion and stress may trigger. PPD, if left untreated could lead to postpartum psychosis characterized by delusions and hallucinations; they may become suicidal or have thoughts of hurting their baby. There are a lot of possible causes of PPD which include: doubt about the pregnancy, lack of support system, breast-feeding problems, sharp drop in estrogen and progesterone levels after childbirth, unresolved issues and any other stressful events. Signs and symptoms that may indicate that postpartum blues are actually PPD include: worsening insomnia, changes in appetite (poor intake), poor interaction with the neonate; views the neonate as a burden or problem, suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming the neonate, feelings of isolation from social contacts and support systems, inability to care for self or neonate due to lack of energy or desire (Springhouse, 2007). A range of risk factors have been identified with the development of PPD, including a history of depression, difficult infant temperament, marital or partner relationship problems, child care stress, low self-esteem and poor social support. Postpartum depression is very treatable with counseling and/or antidepressant medications that are safe for nursing mothers (Riley, 2006). The child of a PPD mother Researchers have extended examination of PPD to include samples from various cultures and countries around the world. PPD disrupts maternal-infant interactions and children’s cognitive and emotional development. Withdrawn, disengaged, and intrusive maternal behavior patterns may result in fussy, aggressive, less affectionate and less responsive infants. Reduced vocalization and slower neurological growth and motor skills development have been documented among infants of depressed mothers. In response to growing incidence of PPD’s negative effect on infant development, investigators have begun to focus evaluating interventions to promote improved mother-infant relationships. Nurse investigators are also involved in testing better tools for early detection of PPD. The Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS) is a promising, 35-item self-report instrument to identify women who are at risk for PPD. Given the importance of PPD as a clinical problem, mental health evaluation of all postpartum women should be standard care (Fitzpatrick & Wallace, 2006). This depression often interferes with a woman’s ability to function. One of the major challenges in dealing with PPD has been early recognition. Undiagnosed PPD can result in tragedy, sometimes in a form of maternal suicide or infanticide that makes headlines. Early intervention is essential. In screening, it is important to recognize that women who have experienced a high-risk pregnancy, previous infertility, previous post-partum depression, and stressful labor and birth are at risks of PPD. A non-supportive partner or stress related to family, marriage, occupation, housing, or other events during pregnancy can also contribute to the risk of PPD. Also, women with past history of depression not related to pregnancy are at risk. Screening for PPD begins with prenatally with identification of potential risks. it is important that the woman at risk and/or diagnosed with PPD receive appropriate counseling, treatment, and support (Phillips, 2003). One clinical trial designed to test the efficacy of an interactive coaching approach delivered by trained home visiting nurse produced promising findings. The intervention had a positive effect on maternal-infant responsiveness among mothers. Subsequent research is needed with diverse samples to test additional interventions to reduce negative effects of maternal depression on child development. Inclusion of partners to examine family processes related to maternal depression was also recommended (Fitzpatrick & Wallace, 2006). The treatment   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Treatment is available for people suffering from depression, the most effective for moderate-to-severe cases generally being combination of biological and non-biological therapies. This usually means making use of both medication and psychotherapy. One key factor in the success if antidepressant medication is the willingness of patients to take it as prescribed. Compliance with prescribed medications is also important. Psychotherapy is educational in nature and involves helping patients develop an understanding of various problems, as well as new beliefs and behaviors, which can ultimately lead to more successful adjustments. Psychotherapy may be supportive in nature or crisis-oriented (Ainsworth, 2000). The high rate of depression and anxiety disorders in women of childbearing age should alert the primary care physician to consider PPD in the routine care of young and middle-aged women (Robinson & Yates, 1999). The partner of a PPD mother   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Research suggests that women’s relationships with their male partners are crucial to understanding PPD. According to studies, male partners are the primary sources of support in mother’s lives, and one of the main causes of PPD is seen as a poor relationship in which a woman’s partner fails to be sympathetic, understanding, or supportive in practical or emotional terms (Mauthner, 2002). The partner’s positive response to this problem could result to faster recovery of the mother and the safety of the child as well. References Ainsworth, P. (2000). Understanding Depression: Univ. Press of Mississippi. Fitzpatrick, J. J., & Wallace, M. (2006). Encyclopedia of Nursing Research: Springer Publishing Company. Mauthner, N. S. (2002). The Darkest Days of My Life: Stories of Postpartum Depression: Harvard University Press. Phillips, C. R. (2003). Family-Centered Maternity Care: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Riley, L. (2006). Pregnancy: The Ultimate Week-By-Week Pregnancy Guide: Meredith Books. Robinson, R. G., & Yates, W. R. (1999). Psychiatric Treatment of the Medically Ill: Informa Health Care. Romm, A. J. (2002). Natural Health After Birth: The Complete Guide to Postpartum Wellness: Inner Traditions / Bear & Company. Springhouse. (2007). Maternal-Neonatal Nursing Made Incredibly Easy! : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.   

10 Facts About the Geography of the Pacific Northwest

10 Facts About the Geography of the Pacific Northwest The Pacific Northwest is the region of the western United States located adjacent to the Pacific Ocean. It runs north to south from British Columbia, Canada, to Oregon. Idaho, parts of Montana, northern California, and southeastern Alaska are also listed as parts of the Pacific Northwest in some accounts. Much of the Pacific Northwest consists of rural forested land; however, there are several large population centers which include Seattle and Tacoma, Washington, Vancouver, British Columbia, and Portland, Oregon. The region of the Pacific Northwest has a long history that was mainly occupied by various Native American groups. Most of these groups are believed to have been engaged in hunting and gathering as well as fishing. Today, there are still visible artifacts from the Pacific Northwests early inhabitants as well as thousands of descendants that still practice historic Native American culture. What to Know About the Pacific Northwest One of the first United States claims to the lands of the Pacific Northwest region came after Lewis and Clark explored the area in the early 1800s.The Pacific Northwest is highly active geologically. The region is dotted with several large active volcanoes in the Cascade Mountain Range. Such volcanoes include such Mount Shasta in northern California, Mount Hood in Oregon, Mount Saint Helens and Rainier in Washington and Mount Garibaldi in British Columbia.There are four mountain ranges dominating the Pacific Northwest. They are the Cascade Range, the Olympic Range, the Coast Range and parts of the Rocky Mountains.Mount Rainier is the highest mountain in the Pacific Northwest at 14,410 feet (4,392 m).The Columbia River, which begins in the Columbia Plateau in western Idaho and flows through the Cascades to the Pacific Ocean, has the second-largest flow of water (behind the Mississippi River) than any other river in the lower 48 states.In general, the Pacific Northwest has a wet and co ol climate which has led to the growth of extensive forests featuring some of the largest trees in the world. The regions coastal forests are considered temperate rainforests. More inland, however, the climate can be drier with more harsh winters and warmer summers. The economy of the Pacific Northwest is varied, but some of the worlds largest and most successful technology companies such as Microsoft, Intel, Expedia, and Amazon.com are located in the region.Aerospace is also an important industry in the Pacific Northwest as Boeing was founded in Seattle and currently  some of its operations  in the Seattle area. Air Canada has a large hub at the Vancouver International Airport.The Pacific Northwest is considered an educational center for both the United States and Canada as large universities such as the University of Washington, the University of Oregon and the University of British Columbia are located there.The dominant ethnic groups of the Pacific Northwest are Caucasian, Mexican and Chinese.

Honey Bees (Apis Mellifera)

Honey Bees (Apis Mellifera) The honey bee, Apis mellifera, is one of the several species of bees that produce honey. Honey bees live in colonies, or hives, of 50,000 bees on average. A honey bee colony consists of a queen, drones, and workers. All play roles in the survival of the community. Description As many as 29 subspecies of Apis mellifera exist. The Italian honey bee, Apis mellifera ligustica, is most often kept by beekeepers in the western hemisphere. Italian honey bees are described as light or golden in color. Their abdomens are striped yellow and brown. Hairy heads make their large compound eyes appear ringed with hair. Classification Kingdom: AnimalPhylum: ArthropodaClass: InsectaOrder: HymenopteraFamily: ApidaeGenus: ApisSpecies: mellifera Diet Honey bees feed on nectar and pollen from flowers. Worker bees feed the larvae royal jelly first, and later offer them pollen. Life Cycle Honey bees undergo complete metamorphosis. Egg: The queen bee lays the eggs. She is the mother to all or nearly all members of the colony.Larva: The worker bees care for the larvae, feeding and cleaning them.Pupa: After molting several times, the larvae will cocoon inside the cells of the hive.Adult: Male adults are always drones; females may be workers or queens. For the first 3 to 10 days of their adult lives, all females are nurses that care for the young. Special Behaviors and Defenses Worker bees sting with a modified ovipositor on the end of the abdomen. The barbed stinger and attached venom sac pull free from the bee’s body when the bee stings a human or another target. The venom sac has muscles that continue to contract and deliver venom after it is detached from the bee. If the hive is threatened, the bees will swarm and attack to protect it. Male drones do not have a stinger. Honey bee workers forage for nectar and pollen to feed the colony. They collect pollen in special baskets on their hind legs, called corbicula. The hair on their bodies is charged with static electricity, which attracts pollen grains. The nectar is refined into honey, which is stored for times when nectar may be in short supply. Honey bees have a sophisticated method of communication. Pheromones signal when the hive is under attack, help the queen find mates and orient the foraging bees so they can return to their hive. The waggle dance, an elaborate series of movements by a worker bee, informs other bees where the best sources of food are located. Habitat Honey bees require an ample supply of flowers in their habitat since this is their food source. They also need suitable places to build hives. In cooler temperate climates, the hive site must be large enough for the bees and for storage of honey to feed on during the winter. Range Though native to Europe and Africa, Apis mellifea is now distributed worldwide, largely due to the practice of beekeeping. Other Common Names European honey bee, Western honey bee Sources Beekeeping Basics, published by Penn State College of Agricultural Services Cooperative ExtensionTexas AM University, Honey Bee Lab

The extended analysis about Aren't You Happy for Me Essay

The extended analysis about Aren't You Happy for Me - Essay Example Another writer that considers the twists and turns of existence is Nuruddin Farah. Like ‘Aren’t You Happy for Me?’, Farah’s ‘My Father, the Englishman, and I’ considers the complexities of life and familial relations. Specifically this story traces a child’s remembrance of interacting with an Englishman at a treating signing occasion. This essay examines the specific narrative, symbolic, and metaphorical techniques Bausch implements in creating meaning in ‘Aren’t You Happy for Me?’ and the literary techniques Farah implements in ‘My Father, the Englishman, and I’. While Bausch explicates the story in a clear way, the narrative is structured as to heighten the meaning. One of the overarching recognitions, in these regards, is the way Bausch constructs the story in a suspenseful way. Perhaps the most prominent means that Bausch constructs the story to gain suspense is by having the daughter gradually reveal more information about her situation. In this way, the story begins with the daughter teaching her father to pronounce someone’s name. This way the reader immediately begins to question what is occurring in the story. This method is implemented as a major plot device throughout much of the text. Another means of expanding suspense throughout the story is through the daughter, Melanie, gradually informing her father of the full extent of her sensational situation. In this way, she begins by informing her father that she is getting engaged. Following this revelation she indicates that she is also pregnant. The final revelation, however, is that the man she is marrying and having a child with is actually sixty-three years old. Melanie states, â€Å"She took a breath. "Dad, William's sixty - he's - he's sixty - sixty-three years old" (Bausch). In this way Bausch situates the information that is revealed in a progressive way as a means of heightening the tension and suspense thr oughout the story. While the development of suspense is a major narrative technique, Bausch also particularly cognizant of the way that information is revealed to different characters, as well as the reader. Indeed, the story remains strongly linked to the means that the information is revealed to particular characters. One of the most prominent concerns in terms of the way information is revealed is the way that the mother is away from the events on the phone. During the early portions of the story she is only referenced in the garden outside. Bausch writes, â€Å"Outside the window, his wife, with no notion of what she was about to be hit with, looked through the patterns of shade in the blinds and, seeing him, waved† (Bausch). In this instance, Bausch not only indicates the wife is unaware of the events, but uses her ignorance as a means of creating an ironic statement; this may also function as criticism of the patriarchal household, where women actively assume a subordin ate role. An additional concern is the recognition that the reader remains ignorant of the daughter’s new in the same way that the father remains ignorant. Namely, at the same time Melanie reveals information to the father the reader discovers this information. Ultimately then Bausch’s use of suspense thoroughly allows the reader to experience the father’s state of surprise. While the narrative elements of suspense and information are highly important in the text, Bausch also pays particular attention to other means of