text:
International Trade & Foreign Exchange
Posted on July 31, 2017 by Banker Makhluk
– By Anwarul Haque Qureshi
The importance of international trade in the economy of a country is too well known to need emphasis. A number of advantages flow from international trade. Many developing nations of the world owe their hopes of development on it. A common man, who is not keenly interested in these developments, is still reaping its fruits when he is using many items of common use. A large number of these items are either imported or some components of them are imported. Even if an item is indigenously produced, it may be found that it is made on a machine, which is Imported.
FOREIGN TRADE & FOREIGN EXCHANGE
International trade refers to trade between the residents of two different countries. Each country functions as a sovereign State with its own set of regulations and currency. The difference in the nationality of the exporter and the importer presents certain peculiar problems in the conduct of international trade and settlement of the transactions arising there from. Important among such problems are:
Different countries have different monetary units;
Restrictions imposed by countries on import and export of goods;
Restrictions imposed by nations on payments from and into their countries; and
Differences in legal practices in different countries.
The existence of national monetary units poses a problem in the settlement of international transactions. The exporter would like to get the payment in the currency of his own country. For instance, if Amerexport of New York exports machinery to X Co. Dhaka, the former would like to get the payment in US dollars. Payment in Bangladeshi
Taka will not serve their purpose because Bangaldeshi taka cannot be used as currency in the USA. On the other hand, the importers in Bangladesh have their savings and borrowings in Bangladesh in taka. Thus the exporter requires payment in the currency of the exporter's country whereas the importer can pay only in the currency of the importer's country. A need, therefore, arises for conversion of the currency of the importer's country into that of the exporter's country.
Foreign Exchange is the mechanism by which the currency of one country gets converted into the currency of another country. The conversion of currencies is done by banks who deal in foreign exchange. These banks maintain stocks of foreign currencies in the form of balances with banks abroad. For instance, Bangladesh Bank may maintain an account with Bank of America, New York, in which dollar balances are held. In the earlier example, if X Co. pay the equivalent Tk. To Bangladesh Bank, it would arrange to pay Amerexport at New York in dollars from the dollar balances held by it with Bank of America.
The rate at which one currency is converted into another currency is the rate of exchange between the currencies concerned. In our illustration, if Bangladesh Bank exchanged US dollars for Bangladeshi Taka at Tk. 80 a dollar, the exchange rate between taka and dollar can be expressed as USD1= Tk.80.20/-
The rate of exchange for a currency is known from the quotation in the foreign exchange market. The banks operating at a financial center, and dealing in foreign exchange, constitute the foreign exchange market. As in any commodity or stock market, the rates in the foreign exchange market are determined by the interaction of the forces of demand for and supply of the commodity dealt in, viz, foreign exchange. Since the demand and supply are affected by a number of factors, both fundamental and transitory, the rates keep on changing frequently, and violently too.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE STOCK:
In another sense, the term foreign exchange is used to refer to the very balance held abroad. Used in this sense, the term foreign exchange refers to stock of foreign currencies and other foreign assets. The Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, defines:
"Foreign Exchange means foreign currency and includes-
All deposits, credits and balances payable in any foreign currency and any drafts, travelers cheques, letters of credit and bills of exchange, expressed or drawn in Bangladeshi currency but payable in any foreign currency; and
Any instrument payable, at the option of the drawee or holder thereof or any other party thereto, either in Bangladeshi currency or in foreign currency or party in one and party in the other."
Thus, foreign exchange includes foreign currency balances kept abroad and instruments payable in foreign currency.
BALANCE OF PAYMENTS:
Balance of Payments is a record of the value of all transactions between residents of a country with outsiders. It constitutes the result of demand for and supply of foreign exchange for various purposes. Since the rate of exchange between currencies is determined factor in determining the exchange rates. A change in the balance of payments of a country will affect the exchange rate of its currency. It is useful to make a distinction between balance of trade and balance of payments.
BALANCE OF TRADE:
Balance of trade refers to the net difference between the value of export and import of commodities from/into a country. The movement of goods or commodities between countries is known as the 'visible trade'. Therefore, balance of trade refers to the net balance of the visible trade of the country. When a country exports commodities it gains foreign exchange. When it imports it has to pay in foreign exchange, or it loses foreign exchange. Therefore, it is traditional to indicate exports as plus(+) and imports as minus (-) in the balance of trade.
When the exports of goods exceed imports there is a net gain of foreign exchange to the country and the balance of trade is said to be 'favourable' or 'surplus' or 'positive'. If the imports of goods exceed exports, it results in net payment by the country of foreign exchange to other countries from its reserves. The balance of trade in such a case is said to be 'unfavourable' or 'deficit' or 'negative'. Since imports and exports of a country seldom equal, the balance of trade will not ordinarily balance. During any given period, the balance of trade will show either a favourable or an unfavourable balance.
Foreign trade, in its broad sense, includes not only visible trade involving import and export of commodities, but invisible items also. These 'invisible' items include shipping, banking, tourist traffic, insurance, gifts, interest on investments etc. The shipping, banking and insurance companies of the country render service to other countries for which they receive remuneration. Entrepreneurs setting up business enterprises abroad and supplying services earn profits and salaries. Tourism is another source of foreign exchange when tourists from abroad spend money in the country. Similarly, when all these facilities and services are enjoyed by the resident of the county, it entails outflow of foreign exchange from the country.
The balance arrives at taking into account both the visible and invisible items in foreign trade is known as the 'balance of payments'. In other words, balance of payments refers to all payments that take place into and from the country. Thus, balance of payments is more comprehensive than balance of trade. Balance of payments includes balance of trade and other invisible items of foreign trade.
As in the case of balance of trade, the total amounts payable and receivable do not equal and the balance of payments for a given period ends up in favourable (surplus) or unfavourable (deficit) balance.
It may be noted that a country with a deficit in balance of trade need not necessarily have deficit in balance of payments or vice versa. The deficit in balance of trade may be more than offset by surplus in the invisible trade, resulting in surplus of balance of payments.
Letter of credit operation chart
Letter of credit operation chart Explain of the the above image: Exporter ↔ Importer: Negotiation. Importer → Importer Bank: Import license, L/C Exporter: Commodity Importer Bank → Exporter Bank: …
INTERNATIONAL TRADE & FOREIGN EXCHANGE – By Anwarul Haque Qureshi The importance of international trade in the economy of a country is too well known to need emphasis. A number …
FUNCTIONS OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE
FUNCTIONS OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE – By Anwarul Haque Qureshi Commercials Banks have a vital role in the foreign trade of a country. They provide the finance needed to execute the …
How Many Parties are involved in Letter of Credit (L/C)
How Many Parties are involved in Letter of Credit (L/C) There are mainly 6(six) parties involved in a letter of credit which may be summed up as under: a) Opener: …
What is Letter of Credit (L / C)?
What is Letter of Credit (L / C)? L / C (LETTER OF CREDIT) : L /C is an undertaking given by a Bank on behalf of its customer to …
Risk in Foreign Exchange Business
Risk in Foreign Exchange Business Any person dealing in foreign exchange business must familiar with the risks involved.Some of the risks are peculiar to foreign exchange business, while some …
HOW TO TRACK SEA CARGO LOCATION
HOW TO TRACK SEA CARGO LOCATION Please click links below of major shipping lines to trace your sea shipments. Track your Sea shipment here First go to the links …
Export import tutorial
Export import tutorial IMPORT Step One: THE PLAN The first step when importing is to determine why you are importing. Ask yourself the following three questions: Is the product(s) you …
Objectives of Exchange Control
Objectives of Exchange Control (i) Protection of Balance of Payments. One of the important objectives of exchange control is protection of balance of payments. When the balance of payments deficit …
Foreign Exchange Regulation Act 1947
Foreign Exchange Regulation Act 1947 There is an elaborate machinery to effectively operate the exchange control and regulation in the country. The machinery comprises the authorities empowered to regulate foreign …
An Overview of International Trade and Foreign Exchange International Trade And The World Economy What is foreign Trade or International Trade? FUNCTIONS OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE
Balance of paymentsBalance of Tradecharacteristics of foreign exchange marketExchange Rateforeign exchange market definitionFOREIGN EXCHANGE STOCKforeign exchange systemshistory of foreign exchangeimportance of international tradeINTERNATIONAL TRADE & FOREIGN EXCHANGEstructure of foreign exchange markettypes of foreign exchange markettypes of international trade
« FUNCTIONS OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE
Difference Between Management and Administration »


text:
Following the recommendations of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers' (AACRAO) guide for the retention of records, the Registrar's Office retains the following documents in a student's permanent academic record: academic appeals, competency assessments, change of grades, degree plan, disclosure of information forms (until terminated), final academic transcript, grades, graduation audit, narrative evaluations, registration appeals, and transcript evaluations.
The following is a list of various records maintained on each student and where they are housed. Original documents submitted to the University become a permanent part of a file and will not be returned to the student or sent elsewhere. The University adheres to the privacy of student records as required by the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA).
Academic Records. The official transcript and grades are maintained in the Registrar's Office by the Registrar.
Admissions Records. Records are transferred from the Admissions Office to the Registrar's Office when the admission process is complete. Completed records are maintained in the Registrar's Office by the Registrar.
Advising Records. Advising records are maintained by the student's assigned advisor in the advisor's office.
Discipline Records. Discipline records are maintained in the Office of Student Affairs.
Financial Aid and Placement Records. Financial aid and placement records are maintained in the Financial Aid Office by the Director of Financial Aid.
Access to Student Records
Each year this institution gives notice of the various rights accorded to students pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). You are hereby notified of the following:
The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the University receives a request for access.
Students should submit written requests that specifically identify the record(s) they wish to inspect to the Office of the Registrar. The Registrar's Office will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading.
Students may ask the University to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should notify the Registrar's Office of this request, clearly identifying the part of the record which they are requesting to be changed and specifying why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the University determines that the record will not be amended as requested by the student, the University will notify the student of that decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
One such exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an auditor, attorney or collection agent); a member of the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official University committee or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities. Upon request, the University also discloses education records without consent to school officials of another institution in which a student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student is already enrolled so long as the disclosure is for purposes related to the student's enrollment or transfer. Another exception which permits disclosure without consent is for the disclosure of a student's directory information. "Directory information" is defined as a student's:
(a) name;
(b) address;
(c) telephone number;
(d) email address;
(e) date and place of birth;
(f) major field of study;
(g) enrollment status (full-time, part-time, undergraduate, graduate);
(h) participation in officially recognized activities and sports;
(i) weight and height (if an athletic team member);
(j) dates of attendance;
(k) degrees, honors, and awards received;
(l) most recent previous educational agency or institution attended;
(m) photographic, video or electronic images that are taken and/or maintained by the University;
(n) and other similar information.
A student may request that directory information, in part or in whole, be withheld from disclosure by providing a specific written request to the Office of the Registrar on or before the last day of late registration each term. Such a request is valid until revoked in writing by the student. If no request is filed with the Registrar's Office, the University may release directory information to the general public upon inquiry.
The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Dallas Baptist University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
Pursuant to FERPA, an institution of higher education may disclose to a parent or legal guardian of a student information regarding any violation of any federal, state, or local law, or any rule or policy of the institution, governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance regardless of whether that information is contained in the student's education records if, (a) the student is under the age of 21, and (b) the institution determines that the student has committed a disciplinary violation with respect to such use or possession.
Change of Name or Address
A student who, after registration, changes a local or home address, or a student who marries (documentation required) after enrollment at Dallas Baptist University, is expected to notify the Registrar of this change immediately. Any communication from the University which is mailed to the name and address on record in the Registrar's Office is considered to have been properly delivered, and the student is responsible for the information contained therein.
Current and former students of Dallas Baptist University may request a change of name on their student records, including but not limited to academic transcripts, with appropriate documentation. Current and former students who request a change of name on their records must provide to the Registrar's Office, in person, the original legal document which verifies the change of name requested. These original legal documents would include a valid marriage license issued by a county or city clerk, a divorce decree from a court of law, and/or a change of name decree from a court of law. A copy of this original document will be made by the Registrar's Office and retained in the student's file. A current or former student can also change their name by providing two government-issued forms of identification with the new name.
For those current and former students who are unable to produce an original legal document to the Registrar's Office in person, a legally certified copy of the original document verifying the change of name may be emailed or mailed to the Registrar's Office. The certified copy will be retained by the Registrar's Office in the student's file.
A request that a student report to an administrative office or faculty office may be made in person, by email, by mail, or by telephone. Failure to comply with such a request immediately may result in disciplinary action.
Communications to the entire student body are considered properly delivered when they are sent to the student's DBU email account, placed on official campus bulletin boards, in the campus newsletter, in the student's campus mailbox, or sent to the student's address on record in the Registrar's Office. Each student is responsible for checking their DBU email account, bulletin boards, mailboxes, and the newsletter regularly, and giving proper heed to such communications.
The transcript of college credits is an official copy of the student's permanent record, bearing the school seal and the signature of the Registrar. Copies of the student's official transcript may be ordered by visiting the DBU Online Marketplace. Transcripts are $5.00 each. Payments are made in advance to the Cashier's Office.
A student, who is clear of all university holds, should allow a minimum period of one business day for processing of the transcript after the request has been submitted and approved for release. A minimum period of three weeks should be allowed for the processing of the transcript at the close of the semester for which grades are being requested. Transcripts will not be released if the student has outstanding financial, academic, or administrative obligations to the University except as occasionally required by law. This policy includes, but is not limited to, the Cashier's Office, the bookstore, athletic department, or any other department or agency considered a part of the University. Transcripts will also not be released until the student is clear with the Financial Aid Office.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


While consumer IoT has got the press and the money in recent years, the Industrial segment of IOT is starting to make the biggest impact. Several industries are being transformed with IoT, business models are changing from capex to opex and Product-as-a-Service is the new business model today rather than just an equipment sale.
Come and hear from the practitioners on the state of affairs of Industrial IoT, the challenges they faced during the pilots, the challenges of IoT security in an industrial setting and the importance of edge analytics without sending all the data to the cloud. We will learn from the IoT experts on the larger deployments that are happening now across manufacturing, oil & gas, smart grid and other sub verticals of Industrial IoT globally. We also plan to have a debate and discussion on the standardization efforts on Industrial IoT.


The Responsible Gambling Fund (RGF) is the new body that will distribute the funds raised by the gambling industry to research, education and treatment programmes in support of a national responsible gambling strategy.
Baroness Neuberger, the Chair of the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board (RGSB), has now taken up the post of Interim Chair of RGF, along with three new Board members - John Stoker, Peter Dean and Eleanor Roaf. They will join existing Board members Alan Jamieson and Mark Harris. Professor David Miers, Deputy Chair of RGSB, will also attend RGF Board meetings as an observer. The new appointments strengthen the Board, providing a wide breadth of knowledge of the Third Sector, public health and the gambling industry. Stephen Dunmore has been appointed as Interim Chief Executive of RGF, and will lead a joint, interim team supporting both RGSB and RGF. Recruitment for a permanent Chief Executive is already underway.
"The RGF is the distribution body for research, education and treatment and, as such, key to the successful delivery of those elements of a national responsible gambling strategy. I am very pleased to be asked to chair this Board in the setting up phase and to bring together a strong team of individuals with the right insight and knowledge of the industry."


text:
/**
 *     This code was auto-generated by a tool.
 *
 *     Changes to this file may cause incorrect behavior and will be lost if
 *     the code is regenerated.
*/
package com.mozu.test.framework.datafactory;

import java.util.List;
import java.util.HashMap;
import java.util.ArrayList;
import org.apache.http.HttpStatus;
import org.joda.time.DateTime;
import com.mozu.api.ApiException;
import com.mozu.api.ApiContext;
import com.mozu.test.framework.core.TestFailException;
import com.mozu.api.resources.commerce.catalog.admin.products.ProductOptionResource;

/** <summary>
 * Use the Options resource to configure the option attributes and vocabulary values for an individual product associated with the product type that uses the option attribute. Options are used to generate variations of a product.
 * </summary>
 */
public class ProductOptionFactory
{

	public static List<com.mozu.api.contracts.productadmin.ProductOption> getOptions(ApiContext apiContext, com.mozu.api.DataViewMode dataViewMode, String productCode, int expectedCode) throws Exception
	{
		List<com.mozu.api.contracts.productadmin.ProductOption> returnObj = new ArrayList<com.mozu.api.contracts.productadmin.ProductOption>();
		ProductOptionResource resource = new ProductOptionResource(apiContext, dataViewMode);
		try
		{
			returnObj = resource.getOptions( productCode);
		}
		catch (ApiException e)
		{
			if(e.getHttpStatusCode() != expectedCode)
				throw new TestFailException("" + e.getHttpStatusCode(), Thread.currentThread().getStackTrace()[2].getMethodName(), "" + expectedCode, "");
			else
				return null;
		}
		if(expectedCode != 304 && !(expectedCode >= 200 && expectedCode <= 300) && !(expectedCode == HttpStatus.SC_NOT_FOUND && returnObj == null))
			throw new TestFailException("304 or between 200 and 300", Thread.currentThread().getStackTrace()[2].getMethodName(), "" + expectedCode, "");
		return returnObj;
	}

	public static com.mozu.api.contracts.productadmin.ProductOption getOption(ApiContext apiContext, com.mozu.api.DataViewMode dataViewMode, String productCode, String attributeFQN, int expectedCode) throws Exception
	{
		return getOption(apiContext, dataViewMode,  productCode,  attributeFQN,  null, expectedCode);
	}

	public static com.mozu.api.contracts.productadmin.ProductOption getOption(ApiContext apiContext, com.mozu.api.DataViewMode dataViewMode, String productCode, String attributeFQN, String responseFields, int expectedCode) throws Exception
	{
		com.mozu.api.contracts.productadmin.ProductOption returnObj = new com.mozu.api.contracts.productadmin.ProductOption();
		ProductOptionResource resource = new ProductOptionResource(apiContext, dataViewMode);
		try
		{
			returnObj = resource.getOption( productCode,  attributeFQN,  responseFields);
		}
		catch (ApiException e)
		{
			if(e.getHttpStatusCode() != expectedCode)
				throw new TestFailException("" + e.getHttpStatusCode(), Thread.currentThread().getStackTrace()[2].getMethodName(), "" + expectedCode, "");
			else
				return null;
		}
		if(expectedCode != 304 && !(expectedCode >= 200 && expectedCode <= 300) && !(expectedCode == HttpStatus.SC_NOT_FOUND && returnObj == null))
			throw new TestFailException("304 or between 200 and 300", Thread.currentThread().getStackTrace()[2].getMethodName(), "" + expectedCode, "");
		return returnObj;
	}

	public static com.mozu.api.contracts.productadmin.ProductOption addOption(ApiContext apiContext, com.mozu.api.DataViewMode dataViewMode, com.mozu.api.contracts.productadmin.ProductOption productOption, String productCode, int expectedCode) throws Exception
	{
		return addOption(apiContext, dataViewMode,  productOption,  productCode,  null, expectedCode);
	}

	public static com.mozu.api.contracts.productadmin.ProductOption addOption(ApiContext apiContext, com.mozu.api.DataViewMode dataViewMode, com.mozu.api.contracts.productadmin.ProductOption productOption, String productCode, String responseFields, int expectedCode) throws Exception
	{
		com.mozu.api.contracts.productadmin.ProductOption returnObj = new com.mozu.api.contracts.productadmin.ProductOption();
		ProductOptionResource resource = new ProductOptionResource(apiContext, dataViewMode);
		try
		{
			returnObj = resource.addOption( productOption,  productCode,  responseFields);
		}
		catch (ApiException e)
		{
			if(e.getHttpStatusCode() != expectedCode)
				throw new TestFailException("" + e.getHttpStatusCode(), Thread.currentThread().getStackTrace()[2].getMethodName(), "" + expectedCode, "");
			else
				return null;
		}
		if(expectedCode != 304 && !(expectedCode >= 200 && expectedCode <= 300) && !(expectedCode == HttpStatus.SC_NOT_FOUND && returnObj == null))
			throw new TestFailException("304 or between 200 and 300", Thread.currentThread().getStackTrace()[2].getMethodName(), "" + expectedCode, "");
		return returnObj;
	}

	public static com.mozu.api.contracts.productadmin.ProductOption updateOption(ApiContext apiContext, com.mozu.api.DataViewMode dataViewMode, com.mozu.api.contracts.productadmin.ProductOption productOption, String productCode, String attributeFQN, int expectedCode) throws Exception
	{
		return updateOption(apiContext, dataViewMode,  productOption,  productCode,  attributeFQN,  null, expectedCode);
	}

	public static com.mozu.api.contracts.productadmin.ProductOption updateOption(ApiContext apiContext, com.mozu.api.DataViewMode dataViewMode, com.mozu.api.contracts.productadmin.ProductOption productOption, String productCode, String attributeFQN, String responseFields, int expectedCode) throws Exception
	{
		com.mozu.api.contracts.productadmin.ProductOption returnObj = new com.mozu.api.contracts.productadmin.ProductOption();
		ProductOptionResource resource = new ProductOptionResource(apiContext, dataViewMode);
		try
		{
			returnObj = resource.updateOption( productOption,  productCode,  attributeFQN,  responseFields);
		}
		catch (ApiException e)
		{
			if(e.getHttpStatusCode() != expectedCode)
				throw new TestFailException("" + e.getHttpStatusCode(), Thread.currentThread().getStackTrace()[2].getMethodName(), "" + expectedCode, "");
			else
				return null;
		}
		if(expectedCode != 304 && !(expectedCode >= 200 && expectedCode <= 300) && !(expectedCode == HttpStatus.SC_NOT_FOUND && returnObj == null))
			throw new TestFailException("304 or between 200 and 300", Thread.currentThread().getStackTrace()[2].getMethodName(), "" + expectedCode, "");
		return returnObj;
	}

	public static void deleteOption(ApiContext apiContext, com.mozu.api.DataViewMode dataViewMode, String productCode, String attributeFQN, int expectedCode) throws Exception
	{
		ProductOptionResource resource = new ProductOptionResource(apiContext, dataViewMode);
		try
		{
			resource.deleteOption( productCode,  attributeFQN);
		}
		catch (ApiException e)
		{
			if(e.getHttpStatusCode() != expectedCode)
				throw new TestFailException("" + e.getHttpStatusCode(), Thread.currentThread().getStackTrace()[2].getMethodName(), "" + expectedCode, "");
			else
				return;
		}
		if(expectedCode != 304 && !(expectedCode >= 200 && expectedCode <= 300))
			throw new TestFailException("304 or between 200 and 300", Thread.currentThread().getStackTrace()[2].getMethodName(), "" + expectedCode, "");
	}

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


The Leidos Defense Group currently has an opening for a Software Application Programmer to work at the Navy Nuclear Power Training Command (NNPTC), Goose Creek, SC. This is an opportunity to use your experience to help Fluor Marine Propulsion Corporation, LLC's (FMP LLC) Training Programs and Technologies - Computer-Based Training Development Personnel subcontract mission. In this mission we transform curricula designed by instructional experts, experienced Navy Nuclear Power technicians, and Navy Nuclear Propulsion subject matter experts into computer-based training (CBT) products used in the Navy's self-paced nuclear power plant training program.
Candidate will be performing software engineering related activities such as design, software development and testing. Requires the understanding and ability to apply principles, theories, and concepts of technical domain and has understanding of other related areas. Assists in developing solutions to technical problems and issues that are unclear and require technical knowledge. Assists in developing training software and corresponding programs using third-party software. Can interface with customer personnel to review status of work in progress, discuss new work and help define solutions. W ork with FMP LLC's subject matter experts to generate technical specifications to implement desired functionality/interactivity into software applications.
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Information Technology with five (5) years of professional experience or equivalent combined Education / experience. Four (4) years of directly related experience will offset the degree requirements.
Must be experienced in the development and maintenance of business software applications, systems and products involving interactive user interfaces.
Must be proficient in the development of interactive software applications using object-oriented software methodologies and practices.
Have active or current final US Secret security clearance to be considered for this position.
Familiarity with Navy Nuclear Power Training Program is a plus.
Successful candidate will be a self-starter who can work as a member of a virtual team.


text:
News Releases: 2021
Items per page 5102050- All -
DHS Urges Public Health Practices to Keep Kids Safe and in School
As students return to school in January, Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is asking all Wisconsin parents and guardians to take action to help slow the spread of Omicron and keep children safe in schools.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake's Statement on CDC Recommendations to Shorten Isolation and Quarantine Periods
"The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) supports Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations to shorten isolation and quarantine periods for the general public, given what we know right
DHS Deputy Secretary Deb Standridge Statement on New FDA Emergency Use Authorizations of the First Antiviral Pills to Treat COVID-19
"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued Emergency Use Authorizations for Pfizer's Paxlovid and Merck's Molnupiravir, the first oral antiviral medications authorized for use in mild to moderate cases of COVID-19.
DHS Reminds Wisconsinites of COVID-19 Testing Options
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) reminds Wisconsinites of the various ways to get tested for COVID-19. Trusted testing partners include local health departments, community testing sites, pharmacies, and health care providers.
Gov. Evers and DHS Announce FEMA Support for Wisconsin Hospitals
Governor Tony Evers and the Department of Health Services (DHS) today announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is sending a 20-person team from the U.S. Navy to support Bellin Health's COVID-19 response in the Green Bay area.
DHS Issues Public Health Advisory about the Omicron Variant
Today the Wisconsin Department of Health Services issued a public health advisory calling on all Wisconsinites to take urgent action to prevent additional hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19.
Families with Children Who Did Not Receive Free or Reduced Price Meals at School Due to COVID-19 to Receive Food Benefits
Wisconsin has received U.S. Department of Agriculture approval to offer the School Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Program for the 2021-2022 school year.
DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake Joins First Lady Dr. Jill Biden on Visit to Children's Wisconsin to Encourage Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccinations
DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake today released the following statement after a visit to Children's Wisconsin in Milwaukee with First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, and U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy:
Governor Evers, DHS Mark the One-Year Anniversary of COVID-19 Vaccine Arriving in Wisconsin
Governor Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) are marking the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 vaccine administered in the state. Wisconsin first began administering the COVID-19 vaccine on December 14, 2020.
La Crosse Lighthouse Peer-Run Respite Opens
Wisconsin's sixth peer-run respite funded by the Department of Health Services (DHS)—the La Crosse Lighthouse—is now open.
Last Revised: January 4, 2022
Ali Maresh, Director
Claire Yunker, Deputy Director
Elizabeth Goodsitt, Specialist
Jennifer Miller, Specialist
Members of the media can send questions to:
DHSMedia@dhs.wisconsin.gov
News Releases by Year
Sign up to receive email notices when DHS news releases are made public.
Understand the Statute


text:
St. Kitts – Nevis – 5th Richest Nation In Caribbean
September 05, 2007 (CUOPM)
The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is ranked fifth among the 10 richest independent countries in the Caribbean.
Aneki.com, a well-known independent and popular Canadian Web site, which derives its information from numerous sources, including United Nations agencies and the United States' Central Intelligence Agency's World Factbook, ranked The Bahamas at number one with a US$21,300 per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Oil-rich Trinidad and Tobago was ranked as the second richest with a GDP of US$19,700, a position which would usually have been held by Barbados, which ranks at number three with a GDP of US$18,200.
Aneki.com ranks Antigua and Barbuda is fourth, with a GDP of US$10,900. St. Kitts and Nevis, fifth with a GDP of US$8,200; Dominican Republic, sixth with a GDP of US$8,000; St. Lucia, seventh, with a GDP of US$4,800; Jamaica, eight, with GDP of US$4,600; Cuba, ninth with GDP of US$3,900 and Grenada, 10th with a GDP of US$3,900.In April, the Washington-based International Monetary Fund says St. Kitts and Nevis will be among the best performers in 2007.
The IMF forecasts that the twin-island Federation is likely to grow six percent in 2007.
In the category of richest countries in the world, Luxembourg came in first with $68,800 per capita. Equatorial Guinea, United Arab Emirates, Norway, Ireland, United States, Andorra, Iceland, Denmark and Austria were in descending order on the list.
Aneki.com is an independent, privately operated website based in Montreal, Canada. It is dedicated to promoting wider knowledge of the world's countries and regions. The website serves as a comprehensive source of continental and world rankings in an increasing number of categories.
Nevis Student Is 2007 State Scholar
Minister Calls On Farmers To Take Advantage Of Training


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Q: How to plot a continuous line with repeating x-axis values I have a data set of Standardized Precipitation Index values from 1980 to 2005. There is one value for each month, so altogether there are 312 (26 years * 12 months) values. The SPI values range between -3 and +3. Here is an easy reproducible example, since the exact values are not important for my question:
vec1 <- rep(seq(1980, 2005), each= 12)
vec2 <- sample(x = -3:3, size = 312, replace = TRUE)
df <- data.frame(vec1, vec2)
colnames(df) <- c("Year", "SPI")

Now I would like to plot the SPI values with the years being the x-axis.
When I try to plot it using ggplot2:
ggplot() +
  geom_line(aes(x=df$Year, y=df$SPI))

Something like this comes out:

So the problem is, there is no continuous line.
I can plot it with a continuous line with Base R for example:
plot(vec2, type="l")

But then the problem is that the x-axis only shows the values 1:312 and I need the years as the x-values.
Anybody with a hint?
EDIT after the answer of marcguery:
It turned out that I cannot use a line plot for my purpose. Instead, I need to do a column plot with many single columns when using ggplot2 since I need to color the areas above/below zero.
marcguery's answer works for a geom_line() plot, but unfortunately not for a geom_col() plot. I have no idea why.
Here is the modified code:
vec1 <- seq(as.Date("1980-01-01"),
            by = "month",
            to = as.Date("2005-12-01"))
vec2 <- sample(x = -3:3, size = 312, replace = TRUE)
vec3 <- 1:312
df <- data.frame(vec1, vec2, vec3)
colnames(df) <- c("Date", "SPI", "ID")

library(data.table)
df <- as.data.table(df)

This is what unfortunately does not work with the dates as x-axis, there is a strange output:
library(ggplot2)
# with Date as x-axis
ggplot(data= df, aes(x= Date, y= SPI, width= 1)) +
  geom_col(data = df[SPI <= 0], fill = "red") +
  geom_col(data = df[SPI >= 0], fill = "blue") +
  theme_bw()

This is what works with the simple rownumber as x-axis:
# with ID as x-axis
ggplot(data= df, aes(x= ID, y= SPI, width= 1)) +
  geom_col(data = df[SPI <= 0], fill = "red") +
  geom_col(data = df[SPI >= 0], fill = "blue") +
  theme_bw()

I need something like the last example, just with the dates as the x-axis.

A: Your observations per month of each year have all the same value in your column Year, hence why ggplot cannot assign them different x values. Since you are working with dates, you could use Date format for your time points so that each month is assigned a different value.
#Seed for reproducibility
set.seed(123)
#Data
vec1 <- seq(as.Date("1980-01-01"),
            by = "month",
            to = as.Date("2005-12-01"))
vec2 <- sample(x = -3:3, size = 312, replace = TRUE)
df <- data.frame(vec1, vec2)
colnames(df) <- c("Date", "SPI")

#Plot
library(ggplot2)
ggplot(df) +
  geom_line(aes(x = Date, y = SPI))+
  scale_x_date(breaks = "5 years", date_labels = "%Y",
               limits = c(as.Date("1979-12-01"),
                          as.Date("2006-01-01")),
               expand = c(0,0))

Edit after you added your question about coloring the area between your values and 0 based on the sign of the values:
You can definitely use a geom_line plot for that purpose. Using a geom_col plot is a possibility but you would loose visual information about change between your x variables which are continuously related as they represent dates.
To plot a nice geom_line, I will base my approach on the answer here https://stackoverflow.com/a/18009173/14027775. You will have to adapt your data by transforming your dates to numerical values, for instance number of days since a given date (typically 1970/01/01).
#Colored plot
#Numerical format for dates (number of days after 1970-01-01)
df$numericDate <- difftime(df$Date,
                           as.Date("1970-01-01", "%Y-%m-%d"),
                           units="days")
df$numericDate <- as.numeric(df$Date)

rx <- do.call("rbind",
              sapply(1:(nrow(df)-1), function(i){
                f <- lm(numericDate~SPI, df[i:(i+1),])
                if (f$qr$rank < 2) return(NULL)
                r <- predict(f, newdata=data.frame(SPI=0))
                if(df[i,]$numericDate < r & r < df[i+1,]$numericDate)
                  return(data.frame(numericDate=r,SPI=0))
                else return(NULL)
              }))
#Get back to Date format
rx$Date <- as.Date(rx$numericDate, origin = "1970-01-01")

d2 <- rbind(df,rx)

ggplot(d2,aes(Date,SPI)) +
  geom_area(data=subset(d2, SPI<=0), fill="red") +
  geom_area(data=subset(d2, SPI>=0), fill="blue") +
  geom_line()+
  scale_x_date(breaks = "5 years", date_labels = "%Y",
               limits = c(as.Date("1979-12-01"),
                          as.Date("2006-01-01")),
               expand = c(0,0))

Now if you want to keep using geom_col, the reason why you don't see all the bars using dates for the x axis is that they are too thin to be filled as they represent one single day over a long period of time. By filling and coloring them, you should be able to see all of them.
ggplot(data= df, aes(x= Date, y= SPI)) +
  geom_col(data = df[df$SPI <= 0,],
           fill = "red", color="red", width= 1) +
  geom_col(data = df[df$SPI >= 0,],
           fill = "blue", color="blue", width= 1) +
  scale_x_date(breaks = "5 years", date_labels = "%Y",
               limits = c(as.Date("1979-12-01"),
                          as.Date("2006-01-01")),
               expand = c(0,0))

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Barack and Michelle Obama Silent on 'Creepy' Joe Biden Accusations
"The boundaries of protecting personal space have been reset and I get it."
Their bromance became a thing of internet legend.
Yet Barack Obama has yet to address the accusations hounding his close friend and former Vice President Joe Biden.
Both the former president and his wife Michelle have remained curiously silent almost a week after former Nevada assemblywoman, Lucy Flores, claimed she was touched inappropriately by Biden, prompting at least three more women to make similar claims.
Each incident happened in public, and involved the politician hugging, placing his hands on shoulders or legs, or kissing their heads; while none of the women went as far as accusing him of purposely making sexual advances, it was enough to make them feel uncomfortable, whether he was aware of it or not.
Many women have come out in his defense — including some of the women in the circulated photographs deemed 'creepy'.
After issuing statements through spokespeople all week, the 76-year-old finally addressed the issue himself on Wednesday in a Twitter video, in which he admitted making women — and some men — feel uncomfortable, and promised to respect people's physical boundaries in future.
"In my career, I've always tried to make a human connection — that's my responsibility, I think," he said. "I shake hands, I hug people, I grab men and women by the shoulders and say, 'You can do this'."
Biden claimed many have turned to him for support in times of tragedy, which is indeed something he knows a great deal about: his wife and one-year-old daughter were killed in a car accident in the Christmas of 1972, just one month after he was elected to the Senate. In 2015 his beloved son Beau died of brain cancer, aged 46.
Biden added: "Social norms have begun to change, they've shifted, and the boundaries of protecting personal space have been reset and I get it. I get it. I hear what they're saying. I understand it. And I'll be much more mindful."
Donald Trump Jr, whose father once boasted about grabbing women "by the pussy" without repercussion, retweeted a video meme by Carpe Donktum mocking Biden's apology (see below).
Biden has yet to announce his candidacy for the 2020 Presidency, but is still considered a front-runner for the Democratic party.
'Game of Thrones' Cast Rocks the Red Carpet for Final Season Premiere
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We here at Matterport recently rolled out an amazing new firmware update that lets you scan much faster than before. That means that we're giving time back to you, the camera operator — without any loss of quality in the imagery or 3D data.
But did you know that you can scan even faster if you have a good iPad?
1) What model iPad do I have?
First, find out what model and generation of iPad you have now — it's not always obvious to tell the difference.
On your iPad, open Settings > General > About > Model. Tap the number and you'll see a number in the format AXXXX.
Next, find that model number on the list of iPads. Tip: Use Control+F or Command+F to search inside the web page.
If you have a recommended iPad, then great! Stop reading this article and go out and scan!
If you have a supported iPad, you can continue to scan. However, we strongly recommend upgrading so you have a faster processor, more storage space, and overall better time scanning. Read on to see more reasons why.
If you have an unsupported iPad, you can continue to scan, but you are doing so at your own risk. These old iPads are listed as obsolete, even by Apple! Consider an iPad (6th generation model) as a cheap and easy upgrade.
It's up to you exactly how much you can or want to spend, and where to purchase the iPad. We recommend the iPad 6th generation as a new and relatively cheap option (only $429 for the 128 GB configuration!).
If you have a modern iPad, you can even shave up to 14 seconds by updating to a iPad Pro 2nd generation.
HOW MUCH FASTER CAN I SCAN WITH A BETTER iPAD?
Our quality assurance team here at Matterport has done extensive testing with the new fast capture firmware and the most common types of iPads.
Clearly, better iPad models do make scanning faster. If you upgrade from an iPad Air (early 2014) to an iPad Pro 2nd generation (mid 2017) that's an amazing reduction of 28 seconds per scan or 47% speed improvement!
For a property with 75 scans, that is 35 minutes saved per property. If you do a large property with 150 scans, that is 1 hour and 10 minutes saved.
Times in the chart include camera rotation, data transfer to iPad, and successful alignment on iPad. During data transfer and alignment you can move the tripod and start the next scan to be even more efficient.
Numbers for the Pro2 Lite are the same as for the Pro2.
It all comes down to how valuable is your time? Is an extra 14 seconds or 33% faster speed worth it? That's up to you.
A few seconds on one Matterport scan may not seem like a lot, but it adds up over time. With the extra time you can look for new clients, provide more value-added services to existing clients, or just enjoy the time off.
Find the model number. Open Settings > General > About > Model. Tap the value to see a model number in format AXXX.
Feel free to also reach out to our Customer Success team if you have additional questions.
Good luck, and happy scanning!
This is fantastic information. Thank you! Just bought two iPads (6th generation) because of this. TIME IS MONEY!
Any experience how fast is the scanning speed with the new Apple iPad Pro 11" or 12" (3rd generation)?


text:
Nando's, Byron, Miller & Carter and All Bar One to open in huge new Stratford shopping centre
The Portugese restaurant chain has signed-up for Stratford's Bell Court scheme
Enda Mullen
Warwickshire is getting another Nando's after the popular Portuguese restaurant chain announced it is opening a new outlet in Stratford.
Nando's has signed-up to be part of the new Bell Court leisure and retail scheme currently under construction in the heart of Stratford.
Due to open this summer the new Nando's outlet will occupy a 2,500 sq ft unit overlooking the central courtyard at the development, with additional outdoor seating.
Nando's will be joining a range of other restaurants, including Byron, Miller & Carter and All Bar One.
The anchor unit at the new complex is an Everyman cinema, which was handed over to the tenants last week and is set to open its doors in June.
A CGI of the Bell Court retail and leisure development in Stratford
Work set to start on £30m Stratford Town Square development
Bell Court comprises more than 70,000 sq ft of retail, restaurant and leisure space.
Bosses at Bell Court developer UK & European Investments described Nando's coming on board as a "fantastic addition" to the new complex's line-up.
Nando's sign
UK European Investments' asset management director John Stacey said: "Securing the right mix of tenants is key to ensuring the long term success of Bell Court.
"Popular brands such as Nando's are a fantastic addition to the scheme, perfectly complimenting the operator line-up that we have already secured.
Miller & Carter and All Bar One signed-up for Stratford development
"We are delighted to have them join us at Bell Court and I'm sure that a lot of local residents will be very excited by this announcement."
Pictures of the new refurbished Nando's in Trinity Street, Coventry
The region's newest Nando's will join two restaurants in Coventry (in the city centre and Walsgrave) and an existing Warwickshire restaurant in Leamington.
Nando's also has three outlets in Solihull - at Resorts World, Solihull town centre and Shirley.
Coventry Shopping
Walsgrave


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text:
Calyxt Names Debra Frimerman as General Counsel
Business Wire January 28, 2019
MINNEAPOLIS & ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Calyxt, Inc. (CLXT) a consumer-centric, food- and agriculture-focused Company, announced today the appointment of Debra Frimerman as General Counsel, effective February 11, 2019. Debra brings deep industry knowledge and legal expertise to the Calyxt executive team.
"We are pleased to welcome Debra to Calyxt at such a critical growth period for the company," said Jim Blome, CEO of Calyxt. "She has been recognized by the industry as a highly strategic thinker, and her counsel will be truly instrumental as we navigate the commercialization of our first product, high oleic soybean oil, which will deliver on our promise of addressing American health challenges such as obesity and diabetes by making healthier food ingredients for consumers."
Before joining Calyxt, Ms. Frimerman was Associate General Counsel for Syngenta North America, as well as acting General Counsel for Syngenta Seeds, LLC. Through her seven years at Syngenta, she provided counsel for executive leadership teams and contributed to the closing of numerous global transactions; launching new products into new markets; and developing regulatory, compliance and corporate policies. Prior to her role at Syngenta, Ms. Frimerman practiced law at Stoel Rives LLP and Lindquist & Vennum PLLP (now Ballard Spahr).
"Calyxt is pioneering the way for consumer-centric non-transgenic crops using its leading gene editing technology and technical expertise," noted Debra Frimerman. "I am excited to join the team and help Calyxt deliver healthier food ingredients that provide benefits across the value chain – from farmers to consumers."
About Calyxt
Calyxt, Inc. is a consumer-centric, food- and agriculture-focused company. Calyxt is pioneering a paradigm shift to deliver healthier food ingredients, such as healthier oils and high fiber wheat, for consumers and crop traits that benefit the environment and reduce pesticide applications, such as disease tolerance, for farmers. Calyxt develops non-transgenic crops leveraging processes that occur in nature by combining its leading gene-editing technology and technical expertise with its innovative commercial strategy. Calyxt is located in Roseville, Minnesota, and is listed on the Nasdaq market (CLXT).
For further information please visit our website: www.calyxt.com
Calyxt™ and the corporate logo are trademarks owned by Calyxt, Inc.
TALEN® is a registered trademark owned by the Cellectis S.A.
This communication contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential" or "continue," the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us, may include projections of our future financial performance, our anticipated growth strategies and anticipated trends in our business. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events. There are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including those factors discussed under the caption entitled "Risk Factors" in Calyxt's Annual Report on Form 10-K, and Cellectis' Annual Report on Form 20-F and the financial report (including the management report) for the year ended December 31, 2017 along with other Calyxt and Cellectis subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not assume any obligation to publicly provide revisions or updates to any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by applicable laws.
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text:
Double Edge Theatre Productions, Inc.
Ashfield, MA
Funding Period: 2 years and 1 month
https://doubleedgetheatre.org/
Dance, Theater, Visual Arts | Economic Development | Rural
https://www.facebook.com/doubleedgetheatre/
https://twitter.com/DoubleEdgeThtr
https://www.instagram.com/doubleedgetheatre/
The Ashfield Town Spectacle & Culture Fair
photo credit: Bill Hughes
Introduction to our project
photo credit: Double Edge Theatre
photo credit: Jonathan Barkan
Working at the Design Studio
photo credit: Travis Coe
Double Edge Theatre transformed vacant and underutilized farm buildings in Ashfield, MA into a vibrant arts campus aiming to make Ashfield a destination that aggregates creativity, artistic expression, imagination, and culture alongside a rural identity; demonstrating how art is key to economic sustainability.
Double Edge Theatre is located on a 100-acre former dairy farm.
NY Times: These Shows are Made for Walking
ight after night, actors dot the farmland behind a local theater here, using every arrow in their quiver of stage tricks to maintain a safe... Read More
Medium: Double Edge and the Town of Ashfield: 25 Years of Living Culture
Double Edge Theatre is celebrating 25 years in Ashfield this year, and as part of this profound milestone we asked several citizens of Ashfield to... Read More
Living Culture filled with Art Justice: Medium
In the late 1980's-early 1990's, after returning from another of many tours to central Europe, I envisioned and named the theatre a center of Living... Read More
Mass NonProfit: Double Edge Theatre, NEFA, Year Up Get $1M in Grants
Double Edge Theatre receives $275K to build an arts campus... New England Foundation for the Arts gets $750K to advance theater project...Year Up gets $30K... Read More
Broadway World: Double Edge Theatre Receives ArtPlace America Grant for Arts Campus Project
ArtPlace America announced that out of nearly 1,000 applicants, Double Edge Theatre, located on a 105-acre farm in Ashfield, Massachusetts, will receive $275,000 in funding... Read More
Mass Live: Double Edge Theatre in Ashfield receives $275K grant
Double Edge Theatre has been selected to receive $275,000 in funding through ArtPlace America's 2017 National Creative Placemaking Fund because of the theatre's steadfast commitment... Read More
Huffington Post: Double Edge Theatre Awarded National Grant
I have written several pieces about the spectacular shows at Double Edge Theatre, one of the oldest artist-owned ensemble theaters in the U.S. Read More
Leaning Into the Imagination of Place
One of the oldest artist-owned ensemble theaters in the U.S. Double Edge Theatre, are getting ready to transform vacant and underutilized farm buildings on a...Read more
ArtPlace America Invests $8.7 Million in 23 Projects Across the Country
Today, we are proud to announce the 23 creative placemaking projects that will receive funding in communities of all sizes across 18 states and one...Read more


text:
From the street to Selfridges by Jemal Peters
Home From the street to Selfridges by Jemal Peters
The Best You, June 6, 2016 August 29, 2016 , June 2016, Live Love Legacy, Big J's Kitchen, business, community, crime, entrepreneur, inspirational, Jemal Peters, mentor, street life, success, 0
Jemal Peters grew up in a tough London district where crime was the normal route to riches – but he didn't let his formative years define who he was destined to become
Entrepreneurs come from all walks of life, and if you don't believe it, meet Jemal Peters whose Big J's Kitchen range of condiments is the result of one man following a passion.
Life didn't deal Peters the easiest start – his father left when he was just seven, and at ten his mother became seriously ill meaning the family lived on benefits. Most days he went to school with no lunch or money to buy food, and he started to dabble in crime selling weed and committing robberies. Seeing the street as the place to create a living and provide for his mother, a defining moment came when, on his 16th birthday, he was arrested and spent the day in a cell. Despite attempting to get various jobs, for the following five years he dabbled in crime, but it was the birth of his daughter which was pivotal to his decision to move on from the street.
He started to build a career in the youth work industry, but in 2012 he decided to launch his own business and create his own food brand. "Food was always the centre of our household, and was something that brought us together," Peters explains. A speculative email to Dragons' Den star Sarah Willingham led to investment and a series of breaks enabling him to provide his condiments to London restaurants and Selfridges.
"People are surprised, but one thing that makes the product real is that it's organic and from the real world, it's not created by some big corporation," says Peters with justifiable pride. The other win from Peters' business model is that he contributes a portion of Big J's annual profits to his OR? Project, which helps young offenders or those at risk of offending to go into business.
"It helps to get us forwards," says Peter, "and doing something more. We're putting help back into the community which is where we can make a real difference to the lives of people who wouldn't ordinarily think about or get a chance to create a business for themselves."
In fact, Peters says that his entrepreneurial skills were learnt on the street, although he didn't realise it at the time. "The crazy thing is, the skills I learnt on the streets is what I carried through to the business world," he adds. "From the motivation, to marketing, dealing with customers, breaking down profit and losses and more."
The OR? Project aims to make radical and lasting change to the lives of those it touches. "We're not about looking good, but about real, direct action," says Peters. "Even if we only work with ten people in a year and move them from the street environment, it's enough of a success for me. Kids think they can only benefit from crime, and so if we can transform their mindset to believe they can do better, it's worth it."
Peters' latest venture is to take this experience once step further by working with a group of young people to start a new business with just £250. "It's the same amount of money they'd spend on trainers or jeans, but I want to show them how they can grow a future with that kind of investment. We're starting with wraps and showing them how to build a business from the ground up, with PR, social media, leafleting and digital activity. I want to show people it can be done."
For Big J's Kitchen too, Peters has plans to grow the brand with growth of the company's manufacturing and logistics. It's a long way from the streets, and Peters is an inspiration to anyone who's ever thought, 'What if…' "I always had a little niggle in me knowing that I was better a life of living off crime," he says. "I knew I had to get out, but it was my daughter's birth that forced me to act. She's now ten, and it's been hard work but I'm proud of what we've achieved with Big K's Kitchen and the work we're doing to make a difference to the community."
To find out more visit bigjskitchen.com
About The Best You
http://www.thebestyou.co/
Five Free Tips to Living a Life Without Limits - March 27, 2019
September – October 2018 - October 15, 2018
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A Gratitude Attitude - October 15, 2018
How Do We Break Out of The Doom-and-gloom Cocoon and See More of What's Right in Life? - October 15, 2018
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Book Club - October 15, 2018
Why too much choice isn't always a good thing by Brian Mayne
Brian Mayne, September 12, 2013 September 2, 2015 , Blog, Live Love Legacy, bernardo moya, Choice, freedom, fundamental choice, stress, 0
Brian Mayne reflects on the reasons why too much choice isn't always a good thing, and what you...
The awakening by Martin Etheridge
The Best You, November 2, 2015 August 29, 2016 , Live Love Legacy, November 2015, accident, author, awakening, bravery, gunner, Martin Etheridge, military, Recovery, Royal Artillery, soldier, wounded, 0
Author and former solider Martin Etheridge was in a near fatal accident when the brakes on the army truck...
Leave your divorce in 2013 by Sara Davison
The Best You, December 20, 2013 August 29, 2016 , January 2014, Live Love Legacy, Live Love Legacy, divorce, divorce coach, family, friends, get over it, live love legacy, love, sara davison, separation, support, 0
With any relationship break up there is heartache and pain. Some splits are more manageable than others and...
What does it take to be…a successful blogger? Catherine Balavage
The Best You, January 29, 2016 August 29, 2016 , February 2016, Interviews, Live Love Legacy, blogeer, Catherine Balavage, Frost, Glee, The Ultimate Guide To Becoming a Successful Blogger, vlogging, 0
Catherine Balavage is author of The Ultimate Guide To Becoming a Successful Blogger – here she shares her insights...
Proudly British
The Best You, October 25, 2013 August 29, 2016 , Live Love Legacy, Live Love Legacy, November 2013, British, daily mirror, david beckham, david walliams, Jamie Oliver, live love legacy, malala yousafazai, pride of britain, the best you, Usain Bolt, 0
The Daily Mirror's Pride of Britain Awards, sponsored by Lidl, is back and bigger than ever. Hosted by...
Who Are You? And Are You Being Authentic? – by Ali Campbell
Bernardo Moya, September 12, 2013 September 12, 2013 , Blog, Live Love Legacy, advice, ali campbell, be themselves, men, personal development, relationship, women, 1
Ali Campbell gives advice to men who don't know how to "be themselves" with women… Who are you?...
What does it take to be a transcriber? by Catherine Bennett
The Best You, April 2, 2014 August 29, 2016 , Blog, Live Love Legacy, Live Love Legacy, catherine bennett, fingertips, live love legacy, transcription, typing, typing service, what does it take, 0
The Art of Transcription Some years ago, I had a colleague who dictated all of his letters and...
That will teach you
The Best You, September 24, 2013 August 29, 2016 , Live Love Legacy, Live Love Legacy, October 2013, Children, education, epidemic, malala yousafzai, out-of-school, problem, third-world, united nations, 0
All over the world there are kids who should be in school and aren't. The struggle for an...
Vloggers making a difference: PewDiePieJune 2016


text:
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Dr. David Stevens
Associate Professor of English
Chair, Department of English
Professor Stevens's primary interests involve creative writing, in particular the short story and the essay. He also teaches classes in American Literature, Genre Fiction, and shorter prose forms. His latest story collection, I and You (Arc Pair Press, 2019), focuses on immigrant and first generation Chinese American characters. Other books include the story collection, Mexico is Missing (Ohio State UP, 2006), and a critical study of the American Western, The Word Rides Again: Rereading the Frontier in American Fiction (Ohio UP, 2002). He has published fiction, nonfiction, and poetry in a variety of national magazines, including Harper's, The Paris Review, The Iowa Review, The Virginia Quarterly Review, Tin House, The Gettysburg Review, The Southern Review, and many others. His work has been variously nominated for the Pushcart Prize and short-listed for the Best American Essays series, included in The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2005, and anthologized in volumes from Pearson Longman and W. W. Norton.
I and You (Arc Pair Press, February 2019)
Mexico is Missing and Other Stories (Ohio State University Press, 2006)
The Word Rides Again: Rereading the Frontier in American Fiction (The Ohio University Press, 2002)
Poems published in Tin House, ARIEL: A Review of International English Literature, The Prose Poem, and others.
"S" (Sonora Review, 2019)
"Obituary" (Post Road, 2019)
"Four Memories—The South" (River Teeth 20:2, Spring 2019, 49-69)
"This Essay's Called" (Denver Quarterly 50:3, 2016, 52-58)
"Behind the Scene" (South Loop Review, 2014, 90-92)
"September" (100 Word Story, online)
"For Janet, at 40" (The Gettysburg Review 25:1, Spring 2012, 125-34)
"End of Days" (Greensboro Review 102, Fall 2017, 24-40)
"The Babies" (Moon City Review 17, 2017, 31-45)
"Old San" (The Gettysburg Review 28:3, Autumn 2015, 425-36)
"Murdertown" (Meridian 34, January 2015, 25-38)
"Remuneration" (Greensboro Review 96, Fall 2014, 35-47)
"Good Intentions" (Thin Air 20, 2014, 43-45)
"Turkeys" (River Styx 91/92, 2014, 125-38)
"Gateway" (West Branch 74, Winter 2014, 36-49)
"Pitfall" (Hawai'i Pacific Review 27, 2013, 143)
"Update" (Harpur Palate 13:1, Summer/Fall 2013, 102)
"At the Train Wreck" (NANO Fiction 6:2, Spring 2013, 38)
"Art Builds Bridges" (Gulf Coast 25:2, 2013, 20-23)
"Capsicum" (Moon City Review 2013, 160-61)
Ph.D., Emory University
M.F.A., The Pennsylvania State University
A.B., Duke University
dstevens@richmond.edu
303-D Ryland Hall
American Literature (19th Century to the present)
The Short Story
The Western
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U.S. Open 2020: This is guaranteed to be the worst shot you'll see at Winged Foot all week
By Alex Myers
Golf Digest Digital Editorial Director Sam Weinman recently was brave enough to play three holes from the tips at Winged Foot—site of this week's U.S. Open—with the cameras rolling. Not surprisingly, it was ugly. In particular a chunked pitch shot on the second hole that we would advise none of those competing in the tournament to watch. Ever. Just absolutely nightmarish stuff.
RELATED: A "super-scientific" ranking of Winged Foot's previous 11 majors
But incredibly, Sam might be off the hook when it comes to hitting the worst shot at Winged Foot this month. Even more incredible is that the new person holding this unofficial title is a PGA Tour pro.
Mark Hubbard is making his U.S. debut this week and he certainly looked like someone with rookie jitters as he played the iconic par-3 10th hole during a Wednesday practice round. Check out this total top that unfortunately for him—but fortunately, for us—was captured on camera:
Woof. The difficult Winged Foot is known as a "second-shot golf course," but we're pretty sure A.W. Tillinghast didn't envision golfers playing their second shot from right in front of the tee box.
To Hubbard's credit, he gave a couple fantastic responses, first when it happened while those around him giggled, and then when the video got back to him on Wednesday night.
LOL "Locked and loaded." And hey, maybe he is. After all, Billy Casper won the 1959 U.S. Open by famously laying up on the par-3 third all four rounds and making par. Perhaps, Hubbard wanted a more comfortable number for his approach.
And then, of course, there's the possibility this was just a big hoax. After all, this wasn't some Golf Digest hack (Sorry, Sam), but someone who plays the game for a living. As one commenter on the video said, Hubbard can hit tops on command. So if that's all this was, he looks to be in great form.
RELATED: PGA Tour caddie gives hilarious tour of crappy hotel room


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Scholarship for a Sustainable Future: Mariam
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Nor Luyce works with young girls, from two local orphanages and/or from poverty stricken families from Gyurmi, Armenia. Under the direction of their Executive Director, Shoghik Mikayelyan, the program provides their mentees with positive role models and emotional support. In addition, Nor Luyce's program emphasizes the development of educational and career plans. They are now at the stage of either beginning or continuing to help implement each older child's plan for higher education. Each child has also either completed or is in the process of completing a career plan, which includes the most appropriate type and place of higher education. Nor Luyce is trying to provide Mariam, a young girl from Gyumri, with a scholarship that would reduce her out of pocket costs towards continuing her education. Mariam, her two sisters, and her brother, live at home with their unemployed mother. Her father currently resides in Russia, where he is trying to work and make money for food, rent and to support his family. Mariam is currently attending the Gyumri branch of the European Academy and studying Accounting and Auditing in her second year. Mariam is described as an intelligent and responsible individual. Her dreams are to become a very good specialist in her field and to be able to buy a house for her family. She also dreams about travelling around the world. Although Mariam has received a 50% discount in the university for studying well, she is still in need of financial assistance in order to complete her studies and reach her goals. The requested scholarship funds will help Mariam cover the remaining costs of her tuition, books, stationary, and her transportation fee for one year.
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Thank you to all our donors, we have met our fundraising goal.
Children living in orphanages and/or within poverty stricken families are often isolated and may lack the knowledge, adult support and financial ability necessary to make appropriate life choices. As a consequence, many of these children are deprived from the opportunity to pursue their education. The frustration of these deficits in addition to the expectation that they will not be able to afford additional education may even lead to a lack of motivation to seek the knowledge and support needed. By being given the opportunity to pursue educational goals, they will be able to secure job opportunities, a good future and a successful life.
Short Term Impact
Mariam, who currently lives in Gyumri, will receive the financial support she needs, in a form of a scholarship, covering the costs of her college tuition, books, stationaries, and transportation for one year.
Long Term Impact
The long-term goal is that Mariam, being given the opportunity to continue pursuing her educational goals at the university level will have a reasonable chance to become self-sufficient member of Armenian society and have a successful life.
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Sponsor will be recognized on both the Nor Luyce and Paros Foundation websites. Donors will be given regular progress reports on the girl's progress during their university studies.
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HIGHLIGHTS OF DAWN June 2010
Man's Changing Food Culture
"God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat."
THE WORLD'S FIRST PARENTS, Adam and Eve, were created perfect and placed in the garden of Eden which our all-wise and loving Heavenly Father had prepared for them. They were also provided with food to keep their bodies alive, and were thus sustained by the products of the soil, such as vegetables and fruit-bearing trees.
God's design in creating man was that they would enjoy an endless life span, but that wonderful gift was forfeited because of Adam's disobedience to the divine law. Generations of his offspring—closer to the original perfection—enjoyed greater longevity than those who became farther removed from it. The scriptural account records Methuselah living 969 years. (Gen. 5:27) After the flood of Noah's day, the average life span was greatly reduced and a more rapid decline was experienced, ending in the seventy years of which Moses wrote. "The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away."—Ps. 90:10
ANIMAL FLESH SANCTIONED
It was not until after the flood that God sanctioned the eating of animal flesh for food. From the scriptural account, we read, "God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered. Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat."—Gen. 9:1-4
THE WORDS OF DAVID
David puts this whole matter in perspective. He first speaks of man's fall into sin and death. "The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes. For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful. The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good. He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil."—Ps. 36:1-4
The psalmist then continued by speaking of God's continuing care and providence over his human creation. "Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O Lord, thou preservest man and beast. How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart. Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me. There are the workers of iniquity fallen: they are cast down, and shall not be able to rise."—Ps. 36:5-12
Throughout many ages, the animal creation has been a source of food for the human family. However, even in our enlightened day with its improved economic, medical, and sanitary conditions in many parts of the world, mankind remains short-lived. In the writings of Job, we read, "Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. And dost thou open thine eyes upon such an one, and bringest me into judgment with thee? Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one. Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass."—Job 14:1-5
FOOD TRANSITIONS
The eating of food is a basic necessity of life, and without it no one could live. What is eaten, however, and how it is prepared may change from one place to another, or from one time period to another. Traditional food cultures may be replaced with new ones. Changes may occur because of innovations in agriculture or industry, or from publicity. A new food habit will not only introduce new varieties to a particular population's diet, but also may introduce changes in lifestyle. During the twentieth century, transitions have taken place in many parts of the world. What we eat and drink today and how we consume these foods is a reflection of the food transition in a changing modern world.
What we do in our daily lives also helps mold, or shape, our culture. Soft drinks and fast foods are both reflections of our modern lifestyle. These food habits have also contributed to a growing 'pop culture' which defines the popularly accepted trends of belief, pattern, and behavior within our society.
OUR CHANGING CULTURE
Before the nineteenth century, carbonated drinks were usually sold commercially as a tonic or medicine. It was not until fruit syrups, and then later artificial flavorings and other preparations, were added to the soda water that made soft drinks more popular. Soft drinks, as opposed to hard or alcoholic beverages, were sold in soda fountains which became more prevalent during the latter part of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This resulted in the rapid rise of neighborhood soda fountains which were located in drugstores all over the country, and became accepted as places for social gatherings.
The popularity of soda fountains coincided with the growing temperance movement which encouraged the use of soft drinks instead of hard drinks. Prohibition laws against alcohol were passed, particularly in the southern states, and women's groups such as the Women's Christian Temperance Union supported the growth of soda fountains. Soon after World War I ended the 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution was passed that prohibited the manufacture and sale of hard liquors throughout the country. The 1920s was known as the prohibition era and, by the time the law was repealed in 1933, soda fountains and the drinking of soft drinks had become a well-established institution in the American way of life.
The relationship between soft drinks, soda fountains, and fast foods began with the rise of the first fast-food stands that began to appear during the 1920s. Its popularity grew until after World War II when the industry experienced explosive growth. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, the tremendous growth in the American economy made the ownership of the family car possible for most middle class families. A major factor during this time was America's love affair with the automobile, and with the construction of an entire new highway system these factors encouraged the development of new and ever more distant suburban communities. Middle class families began to move away from congested cities in search of a freer lifestyle in the country. This also encouraged the fast-food industry to help feed those who lived there, and drive-in, fast-food restaurants were able to meet the new demand.
Initially, fast-food chains catered to automobile owners in suburbia. The concept of a readily available food outlet reflected the American culture which was now centered in speed and efficiency. More and more people prized the quality of the food and its unique preparation. Fast food and soft drinks not only reflected America's values, but also helped shape a new lifestyle.
However, quenching one's thirst by drinking a Coke or Pepsi was not the only matter of consideration. Advertisements associated soft drinks with new tastes and status symbols. Drinking a certain beverage would make you feel young, athletic, and fun-loving, and manufacturers of these products spent large sums of money on advertising to help fashion these images.
The fast-food industry also targeted consumers who came to appreciate the whole new experience that included drive-thru facilities along with toys and movies that were available at the checkout counter. Advertisements often portrayed popular sports figures to encourage potential customers to take advantage of their services. The experience of eating at one of these facilities was a whole new way of life which was based on an intrusive and subtle ideology of consumerism.
NUTRITION AND HEALTH ISSUES
From fried onion rings to double-sized and loaded cheeseburgers, fast food is becoming one of the world's fastest growing food types. It is estimated that about half of all restaurant profits in the United States are now derived from the consumption of fast foods, and the industry continues to expand. Both here, and in many other countries of the world, it is radically changing the way people eat.
The eating of fast foods has become a significant part of the younger generation's diet in the United States, and increasingly throughout the world. However, the nutritional value of these products is being questioned. Studies indicate that consumption of some of these foods may be related to an increasing health risk, especially in children. A particular hazard is the E-coli bacteria that meat products are susceptible to. Because of the long supply chain through which the fast-food industry operates, the handling and sourcing of meat is very hard to monitor.
The consumer buys fast food because it is cheap, quick, and heavily promoted, but its benefits are often deceptive. Foods that are eaten in the car, or at a desk, are replacing home-cooked meals that were once enjoyed with other family members or friends. Around the world, the more traditional meals and recipes are yielding to soft drinks, sodas, burgers, and other highly processed and standardized items. Many fast foods are fried which facilitates quick preparation. They are high in fat content and salt, and low in fiber, vitamins, and some minerals. This high level of consumption is fueling a global epidemic that may lead to obesity, and other more serious and chronic illnesses.
ADDED VALUE OPTIONS
Customers may be enticed to eat more than their daily requirements with the 'added value option' that some fast-food restaurants offer their patrons. For a small additional charge, people can order a larger size of certain products. This adds considerably to the calorie intake along with the other factors. A typical meal from a fast-food restaurant containing a serving of fries and a cheeseburger amounts to approximately 1,000 calories. This is about half of the recommended daily allowance for the average person. However, a 'supersized combo meal' may provide a person's entire daily recommended intake of calories, but it will probably include very few of the essential nutrients.
The consuming of fast foods may be equated with bad eating habits. An extra large portion of a certain item may seem like a real bargain, but such features add excessive amounts of empty calories to the daily diet. This is due mainly to the large portions that fast-food restaurants are accustomed to serving. The tendency is for people to enlarge their appetites by eating far beyond their required limit.
PORTION RELATED PROBLEMS
A new type of health problem has arisen in recent years known as the 'portion distortion syndrome.' Along with the ever-increasing size of fast-food portions, the average waistline of the American consumer has also grown. According to recent studies, more than half the people are now in a weight range that increases the risk of developing health problems. These include heart disease, stroke, cancer, type-2 diabetes, and osteoporosis. Further, it is also reported that about one third of this number were considered to be overweight.
Part of the weight issue is linked to an increase in the size of the portion. With the gradual increase in the amount of food consumed, people have lost touch with reality and what should be considered a healthy amount of food to eat. During the last fifty years, North American portion sizes have increased dramatically without consumers even being aware of it. The Journal of the American Dietetic Association reports some interesting statistics. In 1955, an average order of French fries weighed 2.4 ounces, while today it has risen to 7.1 oz. In 1961, Americans consumed 2,883 calories per person per day. By the year 2000, it had risen to 3,817 calories. A muffin had 200 calories and weighed 1.5 oz. Now it is 5.0 oz. with 500 calories. A bagel used to be 3 inches in diameter with 140 calories. Today it is 6 inches with 350 calories. Many convenience stores now sell soft drinks in 64 oz. containers.
One well-known restaurant now offers a sandwich that is bun-free. It features two chicken filets in place of the buns, with two pieces of bacon and two slices of melted cheese inside, and a mayonnaise laden sauce spread over it. It contains 540 calories and has 32 grams of fat. People have become gradually accustomed to the larger size portions and eat more whether they need it or not.
THE FIRST LADY'S CAMPAIGN
In February, 2010, United States First Lady Michelle Obama announced a new program "Let's Move" that she has directed at one of the most serious threats to the future of America's younger generation. Her intention is to help solve the staggering epidemic of childhood obesity that now affects one-third of all children. In her campaign, she will consult athletes, farmers, doctors, the fast-food industry, and the media.
Her initiative aims to rally families, communities, schools, urban planners, politicians, and the media to help confront the growing problem. She pointed to the urgency of taking action today, at a time when there are already three times more obese children in the United States than there were even 30 years ago. Because of obesity and the many illnesses and chronic conditions related to it, health experts now proclaim that this generation of American children will be the first to have shorter life spans than did their parents.
Judith Palfrey, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, stated that the alarming rise was due to lack of exercise and a diet that is too heavy in fat and sugar, and too light on fresh fruits and vegetables. She said that the United States has the highest number of obese children in the developed world. One out of every five children aged 6 to 19 are obese, and are at greater risk for a whole host of maladies, ranging from high blood pressure to diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Palfrey also points to the fact that military leaders confirm that obesity is now one of the most common disqualifiers for military service. Economic experts report that large amounts of money are needed to treat obesity-related conditions, and that medical costs associated with excessive weight have soared in recent years.
One man who attended the inauguration of the First Lady's campaign pointed to America's inner cities that are home to many of the nation's poorest people. He said eating healthful food is rare, and many families live on cheaper processed meals that would not be recognized as being food by our grandmothers. Among steps to control obesity are an initiative to bring grocery stores that sell healthy food to inner cities, a rewards system for schools that offer healthy meals, and regular physical education classes.
Mrs. Obama has set a healthy example herself by planting a vegetable garden on the White House grounds, which local schoolchildren helped to cultivate. Private industry has backed the First Lady's campaign which helps serve meals daily to school children in the United States, pledging to include more fruit, juice, vegetables, whole grain, and milk options in lunches. Grassroots environmental organization The Sierra Club, praised the First Lady for her commitment to create community gardens and parks, and safer outdoor spaces for children. President Obama has signed an executive memorandum to set up a task force that includes members of his cabinet and other officials to draw up a master plan to combat childhood obesity.
THE KINGDOM PROSPECT
The human family will become acquainted with a healthful and wholesome way of life under the administration of Christ's future kingdom. They will eat natural foods and return to conditions much like they were before sin and death were introduced to the earthly creation. Mankind will receive the proper nutrition from the fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other wholesome foods that will be abundantly provided by a perfected earth that is no longer under the curse. (Gen. 3:17-19; Rev. 22:3) Even those who are in their graves will come forth and be given opportunity to walk on the highway of holiness. (Isa. 35:8) All who willingly obey the laws of the kingdom will attain everlasting life. "They shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the Lord of hosts hath spoken it."—Mic. 4:4
THE BREAD OF LIFE
On one occasion during Jesus' earthly ministry, he was asked to give proof concerning whether he had been sent by God. "They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat."—John 6:30,31
John recorded the Master Teacher's answer wherein he made clear to the people that he was greater than Moses. "Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."—vss. 32-35
Jesus explained that the Heavenly Father had indeed given manna to his typical people Israel when they were in the wilderness, but had now sent a Savior into the world. He was the 'true bread from heaven,' and could offer them the bread of eternal life. He stood before them as that true gift from heaven.
MANNA FROM HEAVEN
Looking back to that time when the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years, their diet consisted mainly of manna that had been miraculously supplied to them by God. It is recorded, "They took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came unto the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt. And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness: And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger. Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no."—Exod. 16:1-4
Manna cannot be easily identified with any known foods today, but it was evidently a white substance, something like coriander seed. It was either ground, or pounded into cakes, and then baked. It tasted like a honeyed cake and was made available to Israel every day except on the Sabbath. They were required to gather enough the day before to facilitate their observance of the Sabbath.
SPIRITUAL FOOD
Throughout this present Gospel Age, the faithful followers of our Lord have been feeding upon him and receiving the spiritual food of Truth. Even as fleshly Israel needed the manna which God provided for them, so also do we require spiritual food as our daily sustenance. It gives us strength to continue the journey of our consecrated walk toward the heavenly kingdom. The Truth must be sought daily if we would receive its special benefits. It requires searching the Scriptures and putting forth painstaking effort to gather our daily portion.
During their wilderness journey, the Israelites became thirsty for water, and cried unto Moses who, in turn, cried unto God for the life-sustaining water. It was granted to them through the smiting of the rock, which typified Jesus. "Moses took the rod from before the Lord, as he commanded him. And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock? And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also." (Num. 20:9-11) The grace which flows to the Lord's people during this present Gospel Age comes through Christ as a result of his being smitten for us.
Under the administration of his glorious future kingdom, Jesus will be manifest to the poor groaning and sin-sick human creation as the real bread of life. All the obedient who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be given opportunity to feed upon the true bread from heaven. "He shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."—Rev. 22:1,2


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