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Monday, June 27, 2011
Understanding the Mass, A Five Part Series
Understanding the Mass, Part I
By Marcellino D'Ambrosio
Jun. 26, 2010 (www.crossroadsinitiative.com) - Even Catholics who don't know much about their faith have some vague awareness that they're supposed to go to Mass on Sunday. Ask them to describe the Mass, though, and they might tell you that it involves an introduction, a conclusion, and a collection! The Mass (also called the Eucharist or the Divine Liturgy) has two main parts, the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. But rather than analyze its parts, I'd like to examine the Mass as a whole in terms of its three principal aspects. Now and always, the Mass involves a sacrifice, the presence of Christ, and a meal.
It's important to know what the Church means by the "sacrifice" of the Mass. The term is easily misunderstood and has caused much strife among Christians.
First of all, Church teaching reiterates what Scripture states very clearly: there is no other sacrifice except the one offered by Jesus on Calvary. Hebrews 10:12 says that Christ "offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins." That sacrifice cannot be repeated. The Mass, therefore, is not a repetition; it is a re-presentation of that sacrifice.
Because Christ was a unique human being, the sacrifice He offered on the cross once and for all is a unique act. He was a human being, so it was an act that took place in history and is therefore past. He is God, who is outside of time: past and future are always present to Him. This means that His death and resurrection are eternal acts that can be made present by the power of the Spirit.
This is exactly what happens in the Eucharist. The power of Calvary — the sacrifice that takes away sins, heals, and transforms — becomes present and available to us. It can be applied to our need.
But that's not all. The cross is incomplete without the Resurrection. You can't understand what happened on Good Friday apart from what happened two days later on Easter Sunday. This means that the Resurrection, too, is made present every time the Eucharist is celebrated. When we go to Mass, we're present at the foot of the cross, watching the Savior give His life for us. And we're outside the open tomb with the risen Jesus and the women who greeted Him on that resurrection morning. "This is for you. I give My life to you," Jesus is saying. "Receive My power."
Jesus offered himself as a sacrifice in order to bring us salvation and give us His Spirit. Pentecost is the fruit of the sacrifice of the Cross and the victory of the Resurrection. Thus, the Church teaches that every Mass is a new Pentecost, a new opportunity to receive the Spirit afresh (see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, par. 739).
To sum up, the Mass is Christ's sacrifice made present again. It's not recalled, as if it had been absent or were merely a past event. It's re-presented.
Links to the Series
Understanding the Mass - Part I
Understanding the Mass - Part II
Understanding the Mass - Part III
Understanding the Mass - Part IV
Understanding the Mass - Part V
Thursday, May 5, 2011
A Biblical Walk Through the Mass
Interview With Author on Finding Scripture in the New Translation
By Kathleen Naab
LITTLETON, Colorado, MAY 5, 2011 (www.Zenit.org).- Many Catholics might not realize just how much an hour at church on Sunday mornings puts them in contact with the Bible.
In addition to the readings and psalm, "practically everything in the liturgy has some roots in Scripture," according to a scholar who has written a book to point out these connections.
Dr. Edward Sri goes into the biblical roots of liturgy in "A Biblical Walk Through the Mass." And he says the forthcoming new translation of the Mass makes these roots even more visible.
ZENIT: Will the new translation help us become more in tune with Scripture and see the links between liturgy and the Bible?
Sri: From the opening Sign of the Cross to the closing "Thanks be to God," the prayers and rituals of the Mass are permeated by the Bible. Indeed, practically everything in the liturgy has some roots in Scripture. Knowing more about that biblical background will help deepen our understanding of what we are really saying and doing in the Mass.
The new translation of the Mass will help make the biblical background shine more brilliantly. It will convey more fully the rich biblical metaphors, images and allusions found in the Latin text of the Mass.
ZENIT: Can you give some examples?
Sri: In the prayer shortly before Holy Communion is distributed, the priest has been saying, "Happy are those who are called to this supper." But in the new translation, the priest will say, "Blessed are those who are called to the supper of the lamb." These new words more clearly recall a climactic moment of the Book of Revelation when Jesus, the Lamb of God, is depicted as a bridegroom joining himself to his bride, the Church. An angel announces this intimate union, saying, "Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the lamb" (Revelation 19:19). The new translation more clearly echoes the angel's invitation to the heavenly wedding supper of the lamb and reminds us that Holy Communion is an intimate loving communion with Jesus -- one that is likened to the union shared between husband and wife.
Similarly, the people have been saying, "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you …" But in the new translation, we will say, "Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof." The new words reflect the humility and trust of the Roman centurion who asked Jesus to heal his paralyzed servant at home (cf. Matthew 8:5-13). As a Roman officer who was in charge of a hundred soldiers oppressing the Jewish people, the centurion humbly acknowledges, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof." Like the centurion, we, at this moment in the Mass, recognize our own unworthiness to have Jesus come sacramentally under the "roof" of our souls in Holy Communion.
ZENIT: How did the history of this intertwining between liturgy and Scripture unfold? Masses were celebrated for decades before Scripture (the New Testament) was even written, so when did liturgical texts and Scriptural texts become so closely linked?
Sri: One could say that the Bible and the liturgy always have gone hand-in-hand. The intertwining of the Bible and liturgical worship is older than the Mass itself, for ancient Jewish worship was filled with allusions to the Hebrew Scriptures. Jesus' words at the Last Supper also contained numerous allusions to Old Testament passages and images. It is not surprising, therefore, that when the Eucharist was celebrated in the early Church, the various expressions of Christian liturgical worship continued to be shaped by biblical themes. Over time, as the rituals and prayers of the Mass developed, the Scriptures remained a key source of inspiration for these liturgical rites and played an important role in helping shape the liturgy that has come down to us today.
ZENIT: From blogs to books, happily there is a lot of information available on the new translation -- for anyone interested to find it. What about those Catholics who are not, perhaps, as interested as they should be. Are there practical ways the Church can take advantage of this catechesis opportunity?
Sri: I think we have a unique opportunity to help the faithful reflect more on the meaning of the Mass and how it relates to their lives. People will need to learn new responses and new musical settings. As they are taken out of their routine in the liturgy and will need to learn the newly translated Mass parts, there is a wonderful opportunity to teach about the meaning of what we say and do in the liturgy and to catechize on the Eucharist and the Mass itself. Thus, I hope the preparation goes beyond mere mechanics -- simply training people to say new responses -- and leads to catechetical and spiritual renewal.
ZENIT: You mention the importance of preparing ourselves, our families and children, for the transition to the new translation. What methods or resources would you suggest?
Sri: First and foremost, we need to take time to educate ourselves about the upcoming changes so that we are able to understand them and enter into the newly translated prayers ourselves. I recommend that people take time to seek out articles and books on this topic. Attending a workshop offered by one's diocese or parish or by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops also could be very helpful.
Moreover, by learning about the Mass changes, we can help others through the transition. Many people have questions about the various changes and about why we even need a new translation. Once we come to grasp the meaning of the changes, we will be better equipped to help explain the meaning behind the changes to others.
We also want to prepare our children for the upcoming transition. In my home, we have just begun talking about the new translation -- albeit in very basic terms that a 10- or 8-year-old might understand. Yet, we should not be surprised at how much children can perceive.
We recently discussed how the new words, "And with your spirit," point to the unique action of the Holy Spirit working through the ordained priest to change the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ. Our children quickly saw, on their own, how the previous words, "And also with you," did not convey that important point as clearly. But the key to having conversations like this -- whether it be with our children or friends or family -- is to educate ourselves on the meaning of the changes. The person who does not take time to learn about the new translation will not be able to help others. As the saying goes, "You can't give what you don't have."
ZENIT: Would you say that "A Biblical Walk Through the Mass" is an ecumenical tool?
Sri: I have had a number of Protestant Christians express gratitude for this project. Some have noted how it has helped them appreciate the Mass more and how they never realized how biblical the Mass was. While the primary audience I had in mind was Catholic, I am hopeful that the book might be of service to our Protestant brothers and sisters, helping explain the Mass in Biblical terms that they may find more appealing.
ZENIT: You say your book could be viewed as a "Bible study" on the Mass. Do you see it as a good tool for group sessions?
Sri: The book is meant to be a biblical tour through the Mass parts, helping people understand the significance of all that we say and do in the liturgy. The book can be read on its own for one's own personal study or devotion. But Ascension Press also has developed excellent supplemental resources that can accompany the book and be used in small group settings for catechesis. There are study workbooks for participants, easy-to-use leaders' guides and DVD video presentations on the new translation and the Mass as a whole that go along with the "Biblical Walk Through the Mass" book. Parishes, schools and small groups around the country are using these additional components for adult education and to prepare people for the new translation.
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On the Net: "A Biblical Walk Through the Mass"
Monday, October 18, 2010
The perfect prayer is holy Mass
The perfect prayer is holy Mass
Sunday Readings for Oct. 17, 2010 (29C)
By Father Cusick
Podcast of Readings Video Reflections
Lecturas y Comentarios
Sunday Readings Bible Study
Prayer of the Hours
Burning Question: What does "pray without ceasing" mean to you?
For bodily weariness there is rest and upon arising from sleep one is able to rejoin the human race with renewed vigor. One may even go apart from work and home for an extended period. But in the task of prayer there can be no rest, for Christ commands us "Pray always". Prayer is the vigilance of one in battle, defending the stronghold of the soul against temptation and sin.
In the Book of Exodus Israel is under attack; Moses, his hands aloft, is the figure of intercession and prayer on behalf of the people in the life and death struggle against Amalek. Only as long as he is able to hold his hands thus will the chosen people gain the victory over their enemies. That he may continue to pray and not grow weary he is seated upon a stone and his hands are supported with the help of Aaron and Hur. Aided thus he is steadfast and the chosen people are victorious.
"The prayer of Moses responds to the living God's initiative for the salvation of his people. It foreshadows the prayer of intercession of the unique mediator, Christ Jesus." (CCC 2593)
Moses' prayer in the battle against Amalek is a sign only of the greatest warrior and the most awful struggle. Jesus Christ upon His cross holds his hands aloft with the help of the nails; His feet are supported not by a stone but by a piercing nail. His hands are held in place in the perfect prayer for the sake of victory over the most terrible enemy of death which entered the world through sin. Until the last drop of His blood is shed and until His last breath His hands are held thus. There is no rest; the battle is total. All must be given to defeat the enemy of all.
The holy Mass is the experience here and now of this most glorious battle of God over the most fearsome enemy of death. But in order that His victory may be in us and that we may find life unending in Him we must pray always this prayer of victory. We must not lose the heart of sacrifice so that our sins may not tear us from His grasp.
A superficial or trite celebration of the holy rites can mislead and deceive the faithful, lulling us into a lax and casual understanding. The liturgy can become a mere social gathering, an opportunity for friends to say hello or a venue for trotting forth the latest fashions. The crowding of the faithful into the sanctuary, making of it a mere stage, have undermined the truths of the Mass, displacing Christ as the actor who saves sinful man. The role of altar server is for many just another activity for the boys and girls to include on their list of social services in anticipation of applying for high school rather than an opportunity to encourage young men to associate with the work of the priest as an opening to a priestly vocation. These things most assuredly have nothing in common with the death of Christ on the cross, relived in each Mass, and undermine what is most necessary in the life of the praying Church.
We have not been serious as a Church about what we say we believe about the Eucharistic Sacrifice. And we have paid the price. Attendance has fallen as uncatechised Catholics on the margins replace the Mass with sleep, shopping or other more satisfying social events. Young men have dropped out of service on the altar as young women, at such an age much more poised and socially at ease, have taken over their roles. Vestments, sacred vessels, and sanctuaries lack noble beauty. Lectors who have not practiced the reading of the Scriptures prior to Mass leave the people without a proper hearing of the Word. Priests replace prayer with banter and prescribed liturgical gestures are ignored.
The family is the unique school of prayer where the most lasting lessons are learned.
"The Christian family is the first place of education in prayer. Based on the sacrament of
marriage, the family is the 'domestic church' where God's children learn to pray 'as the Church' and to persevere in prayer. For young children in particular, daily family prayer is the first witness of the Church's living memory as awakened patiently by the Holy Spirit." (CCC 2685)
Family prayer leads to and flows from the perfect prayer of the Church which is every holy Mass.
At every moment, all over the world, the Body of Christ is at prayer. In churches, chapels, convents and monasteries, with soldiers in the field of battle or with the persecuted in hidden places, the hands of the faithful are raised aloft in union with the heart of the suffering and triumphant Lord. Our liturgy of the Mass is the upraising of the Lord's hands on the Cross unto death, that He may then rise to give us life. We must never grow weary of a correct and dignified offering of the sacred rites. The Lord God has proved we are worth it with the payment of the most precious cost: His own Life Divine.
(See also Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraph number 695.)
Thursday, September 30, 2010
What to do at Mass?
By Jeff Guhin, Jennifer Nestojko, Mike Hayes
OCT. 3, 2010 (www.bustedhalo.com) - So once you get to mass, what do you do? Well, it's helpful to think of Mass as you would a dinner party. Here are five tips that will make it go well.
1. Get There
Try to arrive about 10 minutes or so before the start of the Mass.
This allows you plenty of time to greet others and it gives you some time to center yourself and meditate. There may be some churches where parishioners are urged to greet one another and talk. Mass is about celebrating relationships both with God and with your fellow Mass-goers, so it's nice to be able to catch up with people before you get started. Think of it like a birthday dinner for a good friend: you wouldn't want to walk right in when the dinner starts. You'd want to come by early, wish your friend a happy birthday, and then chat with your other friends at the party before dinner starts. If you don't come to Mass early, it's like missing cocktails: sure, you can do it, but it's a lot less fun.
If you are a regular, be mindful of new parishioners and visitors. Welcome them into our larger family just as God welcomes every one of us.
If you're running late, you have a lot of options. First off, there are later Masses at just about every church. Check out your local diocese's website or www.masstimes.org to find out what times Masses start. However, if you've really got to go to this Church for this Mass, just be sensitive to the flow of the service-try to hang in the doorway or in the back of the Church until a convenient time to quickly find a spot. Again, it's a lot like a dinner party: if the host is giving a speech, you don't want to walk up to your seat and distract everyone.
It's always better to go to Mass than to not go to Mass, but sometimes it's best just to reschedule. If you're running late because of totally unavoidable delays-and this is the only Mass you can attend-then you can still receive communion even if you come to Mass after the Gospel is read (which happens about halfway through the service). If you could have come to Mass earlier and just didn't though, Catholics consider it a sin, simply because you're treating Mass like a job to get done and ignoring the importance of your relationship to God and your community. After all, if your friend were having that birthday party and you barged in 45 minutes late, shook her hand, gave her a hot dog you bought at the 7-11, and then stormed out again because you had something else to do, your friend would probably wonder why you came at all. The same is true for Mass.
2. Getting in the Door
A) Walking into the church
As you enter the church, a member of the parish may greet you, and someone might hand you a song sheet, encouraging you to sing. Any Christian community should welcome newcomers, but it's just as important that you allow yourself to be welcomed. If you march into the rear pew, look really solemn, and then march right out again, you're not exactly making it easy for people to get to know you. If folks don't talk to you, check your breath, use a breath mint if necessary, and then shake someone's hand and say hello. Mass is a lot more meaningful if you know the people you're going to Mass with.
B) Holy Water
The Baptismal Font or some dispenser of "holy water" is located near the entrance in most churches. Catholics dip their fingers in the water and make a sign of the cross. The water reminds them of the sacrament of Baptism and unites them with Christ, who said "all you who are thirsty, come to the water." The water is called "holy" simply because it is blessed.
3. Get Thee to a Pew
Catholics are a respectful lot. So before entering your pew, be sure to bow or genuflect as a sign of respect for what's before you. It might be a little odd, but just think of it like having to kiss your grandmother on both cheeks instead of just one.
The rules are actually pretty simple:
1. When you pass the tabernacle, which is a box usually in the front of the Church that contains the Blessed Sacrament. This shows respect to the presence of Christ contained in the Tabernacle.
2. At the beginning of mass, as you sit down, directing your genuflect towards the tabernacle, if it contains the Blessed Sacrament. You will know if it contains the Blessed Sacrament because a candle will be lit right next to it, or because you asked someone, or because you are God. The candle thing is probably easiest.
3. At the end of Mass, as Mass-goers leave their seat, directing the genuflection towards the tabernacle if it contains the Blessed Sacrament. (There is no need to genuflect before or after receiving communion.)
1. When facing the altar, if there is no tabernacle behind it, or if the tabernacle does not contain the Blessed Sacrament.
2. If you have to cross in front of the altar as a lector or a speaker.
3. If you're Catholic and choose to receive Communion, you also need to bow before receiving communion in most places.
To genuflect, drop to your right knee to the floor in a solemn, slow way. Go as close as you can if you don't think you can do that-while God may appreciate your sacrifice, fellow Mass-goers probably won't enjoy the ambulance that will come to pick you up if you bust your knee out backwards.
4. Wake Up and Smell the Incense
The mass is not like the movies, where you passively sit and watch, and it isn't even like a melodrama, where you get to cheer and boo on cue. Even if some Masses, like Palm Sunday, may seem like a melodrama, Mass-goers are not an audience. They're active participants who make the liturgy happen. At most masses, it's important that a community of believers is present. A priest is necessary for a Mass, but so are the Mass-goers!
The words and actions of Catholics at Mass are an active form of prayer, and a real chance to build a relationship with those around them and with God. For Catholics, Mass is a lot of things at once: it's a re-enactment of Christ's suffering and death, a celebration of community, and the chance to connect with the real presence of Christ's body and blood. Not only is your participation vital to making all of that happen, but it also will make your experience of the Mass much more exciting.
5. Mass Manners
Mass is like any social event. It's considered good form to be attentive to those around you and bad form not to. So, unless you expect a call from God, it's a good idea to keep the cell phones and beepers turned off (or set to vibrate if you have an emergency situation). You might try leaving your cell phone at home, unless you've already become so addicted to it you'd shrivel up. If the room is available, you might take your crying baby to the "cry room" where you can see the Mass but not disturb others or simply take him or her outside. It's just like if your friend were giving a speech at a big dinner, save for his retirement. Sure, you want to hear the speech, but if your kid is crying really loud it hurts it for everyone.
Mass is actually not that hard. Just follow along with what other folks do, be respectful of traditions, and try to enjoy it. After all, the dinner party isn't only for Jesus. It's also for you.
Jeff Guhin, Jennifer Nestojko, Mike Hayes
Monday, September 13, 2010
Virtues of the Newer Vernacular Mass
Virtues of the Newer Vernacular MassBy: Msgr. Charles Pope
As a priest I have been privileged to walk in the "wide Church." That is to say, I have been able for all 21 years of my priesthood to say the Traditional Latin Mass while at the same time celebrating the newer, Ordinary Form of the Mass in some very dynamic parishes.
I have always loved both forms of the Roman liturgy and this sometimes gets me in trouble since there are dynamics within the Church where, at times, people on both sides want me to choose sides. I have no problem that people have their preferences, but as a priest I think I am required to serve a very diverse Church. I thank God too for the gift to be able to do this and to really love the current diversity. I realize too that diversity has its limits and, thus, I stick to the rubrics in both forms of the Mass: "Say the black, do the red!"
I have discussed in the past why I like the Traditional Mass and the video at the bottom of this post is a PBS interview where I speak of my love for it. I would like to take a moment however and also say what I like about the newer Ordinary Form of the Mass and also my acceptance of the fact that the old Mass did have need for some attention.
1. Rediscovering the value of subordinate roles and ministries in the Mass – There was a tendency in the Traditional Latin Mass for the action of subordinate ministers such as the deacon, subdeacon, choirs and cantors, to be non-effectual. In other words, what they did, didn't really count. The schola (or choir) might sing the introit, the Kyrie and Gloria, but what they did still had to be recited by the priest quietly as well. In effect, their singing didn't really count. It might sound pretty and all but it was really only what the priest recited that mattered. The last version of the Traditional Mass in 1962 had begun to remedy this. Thus the priest was no longer required to read the Scripture readings quietly if the Deacon and Subdeacon were chanting them. It was OK for him to listen to what they were chanting. But the schola's chant still had to be re-read by the priest to "count." The newer, Ordinary Form of the Mass has restored the subordinate ministries to their own proper function. Hence, if the readings are read by a lector or deacon the priest does not have to re-read them. If the choir sings the communion verse or song, this suffices and it is not required that the priest re-read it. I like this about the new Mass.
2. I love the cycle of readings in the newer Mass. It is rich in its sampling of Scripture. The three year rotating cycle means that most of the New Testament is read every three years along with a rich sampling of the Old Testament. The Traditional Latin mass usually offered only a brief reading from the New Testament epistles and a Gospel pericope. It is very limited compared to the richness of the current Lectionary which includes, on Sundays, an Old Testament passge, a psalm, a New Testament epistle and a Gospel passage. Further the sequential reading from one of the four Gospels along with a matching Old Testament reading is helpful. The readings from the Traditional Latin Mass tended to skip around and its logic was not always clear. As a preacher and lover of Scripture I have been richly fed by the new lectionary. I could wish for a slightly better translation than the current NAB we use here in the States but in the end I feel very well schooled by the newer liturgy when it comes to Scripture.
3. Restoration of the General Intercessions – There is a strange moment in the Old Mass when, after the homily and creed the priest turns and says to the people (Dominus vobiscum (The Lord be with you) and they reply et cum spiritu tuo (and with your spirit). He then says, Oremus (Let us pray). But there is no prayer. He simply turns back to the altar and the people are once again seated. Many centuries before there had been bidding prayers here similar to our current "Prayers of the Faithful" or "General Intercessions." They had been composed by Pope Gelasius but were later suppressed by Pope Gregory since they prolonged the Mass. But somehow the call to prayer (that odd little "oremus") stayed there all those centuries.
There was need to attend to this. Either restore the prayers or drop the call to prayer. The current, Ordinary Form of the Mass has restored these prayers or general intercessions. I think this is a valuable aspect of the Ordinary Form of the Mass if it is done correctly. We ought to to pray for others as is so beautifully done in the Eastern Rites of the Church. It seems suitable that, after hearing and reflecting on God's Word, we be drawn to pray for ourselves and the world.
However there is a tendency in some parishes to misunderstand the nature of these prayers. They are general intercessions, not particular ones. The prayers ought to be of a general nature not for every one's sick cousin, aunt, or brother, mentioned by name with a full medical report included in the prayer. Rather we pray for the sick in general, for the poor, for Church leaders, Government leaders, for abundance of the fruits of the earth, for peace and so forth. Specific political and idiosyncratic prayers are wholly to be avoided.
If these norms are observed, the general intercessions (or prayer of the faithful) is a beautiful and ancient practice restored in the ordinary and newer form of the mass and it also links us more to the practice of the Eastern Rites.
4. The general rediscovery of the existence and role of congregation is a good part of the newer Ordinary Form of the Mass. In the Traditional Latin Mass, especially in its recited form the congregation had little to do but watch the Mass. The priest interacted only with the servers who made the responses on behalf of the people. Even when the priest turned to say something to the congregation he was instructed to look down.
If members of the congregation did wish to interact and make Latin responses this was made more difficult by the fact that the Mass was largely whispered by the priest. In the 1950s attempts were made to remedy this by encouraging the people to learn their responses in the Mass and use missals to follow the Mass carefully. Permissions were given for the priests to say the Mass in a louder voice and microphones were even added to some altars. But the lengthier Latin responses were still difficult for many ordinary Catholics to make and keep up with.
Today, in the newer liturgy the role of the congregation is respected and they are expected to play an active role in the Mass and make responses proper to them. It is true that there has been some obsession with this by overzealous liturgists. At times some of them demand that the people do everything and that there is never a place for a choir to sing a more advanced setting of something. But in general, the integral involvement of the congregation in the newer and ordinary form of the Mass is something I value highly.
5. The Vernacular is also a positive development. I love the Latin Language but I also know that it is a great advantage to have many parts of the Mass in the local language. This has assisted in greater participationof the faithful in the Mass to an immense degree. It is difficult to expect the congregation to take a routinely active role if the Liturgy is almost wholly said in a language they do not know. Simple Latin responses are one thing, but try to get the whole congregation to say the confiteor (I Confess) well together. It can be done in some self-selected congregation where there is interest in Latin, but in more general settings it would be difficult.
That said, it is a true loss that most of the faithful have become completely separated from any experience of the Mass in Latin. This is something not envisaged by the Council which permitted a wider use of the vernacular but also commended the use of Latin and foresaw it's continued common use in the liturgy.
A further point here is to lament how poor our vernacular translations have been for years and how good it is that a more accurate translation is on the way. Praise God.
6. Flexibility and the wider possibility for inculturation is also something I appreciate about the newer Ordinary Form of the Mass. Careful balance is needed here and rubrics need to be followed but the greater allowance for wider forms of music and cultural expression has allowed the Liturgy to flourish in different settings. I have a vibrant African American Catholic Parish wherein gospel music and extended preaching along with a charismatic enthusiasm give real life to the Mass in an authentic manner.
It is true that not every experience of inculturation with the new Mass has been as successful. This is especially true in more suburban American settings where culture is more secular and ephemeral and too many worldly forms find their way into the Mass. But where is a sacred tradition to draw on, it is nice to have some flexibility to incorporate this.
There is no doubt that the newer Ordinary Form of the Mass has some serious issues. It emerged in a time of great cultural tumult and emerged as if out of a whirlwind. We are still waiting for the dust to settle in many respects. But there are good and wonderful things as well. Pope Benedict is helping a great deal to reconnect us to tradition and to see both forms of the Liturgy as beneficial to each other.
It is fine to have a preference but I am blest to love both forms and serve vibrant and passionate communities using both forms. Both communities love the Lord and are serious about the liturgy and deeply connected to it. What a blessing to look out each Sunday and see, not boredom, but engaged and passionate people, alive and aware that the Lord is ministering to them in the sacred liturgy. What a blessing, a double blessing!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
The Biblical and Heavenly Roots of the Sacred Liturgy
By Msgr. Charles Pope
Catholics are often unaware just how Biblical the Sacred Liturgy is. The design of our traditional churches, the use of candles, incense, golden vessels, the postures of standing and kneeling, the altar, the singing of hymns, priests wearing albs and so forth are all depicted in the Scriptures. Some of these details were features of the ancient Jewish Temple, but most all of these are reiterated in the Book of Revelation which describes the liturgy of heaven.
The liturgy here on earth is modeled after the liturgy in heaven and that is why it is so serious to tamper with it. The Book of Revelation describes the heavenly liturgy and focuses on a scroll or book which contains the meaning of life and the answers to all we seek. It also focuses the Lamb of God, standing but with the marks of slaughter upon it. Does this not sound familiar? It is the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
We do well to be aware of the Biblical roots of the Sacred Liturgy not only for our own edification but also as an answer to Protestant Christians who have largely set aside these rituals and, some of whom, criticize our use of them. Many people consider our rituals empty and vain, "smells and bells." Some consider austere liturgical environments devoid of much ritual to be "purer," and closer to the worship in "spirit and in truth" that Jesus spoke of in John 4.
To such criticisms we must insist that these rituals, properly understood, are mystical and deeply biblical. Further, they are elements of the heavenly liturgy since almost all of them are mentioned as aspects of the worship or liturgy that takes place in heaven. In this light it is a serious mistake to set them aside or have a dismissive attitude toward them.
With that in mind we ought to consider the Biblical references to the most common elements of Catholic and Orthodox liturgies. I place an ocassional note in Red where it seems appropriate.
Candles -
- Rev 1:12-13 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man. In traditional catholic parishes there are six candles on the high altar and a seventh candle is brought out when the bishop is present.
- Rev 4:6 Seven flaming torches burned in front of the throne.
Altar -
- Rev 9:13 The sixth angel sounded his trumpet, and I heard a voice coming from the horns of the golden altar that is before God.
- Rev 8:3 Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne.
Chair -
- Rev 4:1 and lo, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne! And he who sat there appeared like jasper and carnelian, and round the throne was a rainbow that looked like an emerald….
- Daniel 7:9 As I looked, thrones were placed and one that was ancient of days took his seat;… In the sacred liturgy the Chair of the priest is prominent. But, as he takes his seat we are invited not to see Father Jones, but rather the Lord himself presiding in our midst.
Priests (elders) in Albs:
- Rev 4:4 the elders sat, dressed in white garments…..
Bishop's Miter, priest biretta –
- Rev 4:4, 10 With golden crowns on their heads……they cast down their crowns before the throne…. In the Liturgy the Bishop may only wear his miter at prescribed times. But when he goes to the altar he must cast aside his miter. The priest who wears the biretta in the Old Mass is instructed to tip his biretta at the mention of the the Holy Name and to lay it aside entirely when he goes to the altar.
Focus on a scroll (Book) The Liturgy of the Word -
- Rev 5: 1 And I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals; and I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?" And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, and I wept much that no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. Then one of the elders said to me, "Weep not; lo, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals." In the ancient world books, as we know them now, had not been invented. Texts were written on long scrolls and rolled up.
Incense, Intercessory prayer -
- Rev 8:3 another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer; and he was given much incense to mingle with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar before the throne; and the smoke of the incense rose with the prayers of the saints from the hand of the angel before God…..
- Rev 5:7 and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and with golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints;
Hymns –
- Rev 5:8 – And they sang a new hymn: Worthy are you O Lord to receive the scroll and break open its seals. For you were slain and with your blood you purchase for God men of every race and tongue, and those of every nation.
- Rev 14:1 Then I looked, and lo, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads… and they sing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who had been redeemed from the earth.
- Rev 15:3 And they (the multitude no one could count) sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and wonderful are thy deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are thy ways, O King of the ages! Who shall not fear and glorify thy name, O Lord? For thou alone art holy. All nations shall come and worship thee, for thy judgments have been revealed."
Holy Holy Holy
- Rev 4:8 and day and night they never cease to sing, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty,
Prostration (Kneeling) -
- Rev 4:10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever; they cast their crowns before the throne. …
- Rev 5:14 and the elders fell down and worshiped - In today's setting there is seldom room for everyone to lie, prostrate and flat on the ground. Hence, kneeling developed as a practical solution to the lack of space but amounts to the same demenor of humble adoration.
Lamb of God -
- Rev 5:6 And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders, I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain,
Acclamations –
- Rev 5:11 Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!"
- Rev 5:14 And the four living creatures said, "Amen!".
- Rev 8:1 When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. (and you thought your priest paused too long after communion?)
Mary -
- Rev 12:1 And a great portent appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars; 2she was with child and she cried out in her pangs of birth, in anguish for delivery.
Happy are those called to his "supper"
- Revelation 19: 6Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty thunderpeals, crying, "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready;… And the angel said£ to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb."
Golden Vessels, vestments -
- Rev 1:12 – And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands,
- Rev 1:13 – and among the lampstands was someone "like a son of man," dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest
- Rev 5:8 – the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense
- Rev 8:3 – Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all the saints, at the golden altar before the throne.
- Rev 15:16 – The angels were dressed in clean, shining linen and wore golden sashes around their chests.
- Rev 15:17 seven golden bowls
Stained Glass -
- Rev 21:10 [The heavenly city] had a great, high wall, with twelve gates,… The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every jewel; the first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. (The image of stained glass in our Church walls is hinted at here).
Here is but a partial list, drawn only from the Book of Revelation. I invite you to add to it. You might also read The Lamb's Supper by Scott Hahn, and The Mass: A Biblical Prayer,by Fr. Peter Stravinskas.
Full Story
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
350,000 Catholic Masses a day!
Now This is Communion
AUG. 31, 2010 (www.fallibleblogma.com) - There is an estimated (at least) 350,000 Catholic Masses celebrated every day on planet Earth. It is celebrated in every nook and cranny on the planet, by every race and nationality, and using every language. And each of these Masses is celebrated (generally) using the same scripture readings and the same prayers.
Every single one of these 350,000 Masses is actually doing exactly what Jesus said to do in scripture (Luke 22:19, 1 Cor 11:23-29) when he said "Do this in memory of me." Catholics live that out as a Church over 350,000 times a day. That means there are 4 priests saying those precise words, "Do this in memory of me," every single second of every single day.
Every one of these Masses is literally and continually making present Christ's (once and for all) sacrifice on Calvary for all mankind. At any second you can join your own prayers to one.
When you participate in a Catholic Mass, you are participating in the same celebration as these other 350,000 daily Masses all over the world (you wanna talk about a "mega-church"?). We are all joined in the same readings and prayers and we partake of the same, specific Eucharist. And the rest of the time, when we are living out our faith outside of Mass, there are (literally) a billion other Catholics around the world continually offering it up on our behalf.
Now that's unity (John 17:11). That's communion.
Full Story


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More than a dozen people are missing and at least 17 are known to have died after mudslides in southern California destroyed homes and swept away cars.
Anxious family members awaited word on loved ones on Wednesday as rescue crews searched for those still unaccounted for.
"It's just waiting and not knowing, and the more I haven't heard from them - we have to find them," said Kelly Weimer, whose elderly parents' home was wrecked by the torrent of mud, trees and boulders that flowed down a fire-scarred mountain and slammed into a coastal town in Santa Barbara early on Tuesday.
The drenching storm that triggered the disaster had cleared out, giving way to sunny skies, as hundreds of searchers carefully combed a landscape strewn with hazards.
"We've got multiple reports of rescuers falling through manholes that were covered with mud, swimming pools that were covered up with mud," said Anthony Buzzerio, a Los Angeles County fire battalion chief. "The mud is acting like a candy shell on ice cream. It's crusty on top but soft underneath, so we're having to be very careful."
Buzzerio led a team of 14 firefighters and six dogs in thick debris. They used long-handled tools to search the muck in the painstaking task.
Teams rescued three people on Wednesday, but they also discovered two more bodies, raising the death count to 17, Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said. Thirteen people were missing.
The deluge destroyed 100 houses and damaged 300 others, Santa Barbara County authorities said. Eight commercial properties were destroyed and 20 damaged.
Some 500 firefighters and other rescue workers were searching debris spread across a wide area of Montecito, a wealthy area of about 9,000 people northwest of Los Angeles that is home to celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Rob Lowe and Ellen DeGeneres.
Helicopters were used to hoist more than 50 people to safety from roofs, where they scrambled to escape the mud or because debris had blocked roads and left them stranded.
At one point, a Coast Guard helicopter rescued a family of five and their two dogs. Video shot from the hovering chopper showed a house surrounded by muck and debris as a mother, muddy from the waist down, handed her infant to two rescuers on the roof and then got help onto it. She and her newborn were hoisted to safety, followed by the rest of the family.
People in Montecito had counted themselves lucky last month after the biggest wildfire in California history spared the town. But it was the fire that led to the mudslide, by burning away vegetation.
Only an estimated 10 to 15% of residents fled when ordered and much of the damage occurred where evacuations were voluntary.
The flow was so powerful it swept several homes off their foundations, crushed others and wrapped cars around trees.

subset: commoncrawl


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Theology Matters Jan/Feb-Nov/Dec 1999
Churches Uniting in Christ (CUiC): Selling Our Birthright by Dr. Paul Leggett, pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church, Montclair, NJ and author of numerous articles. Leggett critiques the CUiC proposal being voted on by presbyteries in 1999-2000.
Questions and Answers on CUiC by the Theology Matters' Board.
The Old COCU and the New CUiC: How Similar Are They? by the Theology Matters' Board. A comparison of COCU that was voted down by the presbyteries with the new CUiC proposal.
Do Fences Make Good Neighbors? Getting to Know Who's Who in CUiC by Dr. Randall Otto, pastor of Deerfield Presbyterian Church, NJ. Otto looks at the churches that are a part of CUiC, their background and their beliefs.
Asian Perspectives on Theological Pluralism by Scott W. Sunquist, W. Don McClure Associate Professor of World Mission and Evangelism at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Singapore has significant Sikh, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu communities. How does the notion of pluralism and religious harmony function in Singapore? Sunquist looks at a definition of pluralism, the Asian context of Religious Pluralism, the Minority Community, the Suffering Community and Witness in Bold Humility.
Jesus Wasn't a Pluralist by James R. Edwards, reprinted with permission from Christianity Today, April 5, 19999, p. 64-66. Those who promote the ordination of practicing homosexuals argue that Jesus' message was one of inclusiveness. Edwards writes, "In many respects, Jesus was inclusive. he offered forgiveness and fellowship to outcasts within Judaism, and to Gentiles outside it, in a way that was unprecedented among Jewish rabbis. But in other respects, Jesus was more exclusive than his Jewish contemporaries: he refused political alliances with Herod Antipas, the "fox" who beheaded John the Baptist; he refused to replace God with Torah and he refused to identify the kingdom of God with any of the prevailing sects of Judaism." Edwards examines: the First Order of Business; American Church Captive; Liberating the Church.
Unity and Diversity: God's Idea or Ours? by Michael Boyland, Director of the Presbyterian Center for Mission Studies, Pasadena, CA. Boyland shows: Everything is Made to Worship God; God's Plan Involves Nations and Peoples, Jesus Brings Unity, Diversity Increases in the Early Church, Romans--a Practical Approach to Unity and Diversity; Heaven is a Mixed Neighborhood, Unity and Diversity.
I Don't Think We're in Kansas Anymore, Toto! Postmodernism in Our Everyday Lives by Dr. Dennis L. Okholm, Professor of Theology at Wheaton College. Okholm explains "postmodernism" and it's impact on the church. He examines: The 'Modern' in Postmodernism; the 'Post' in Postmodernism; Crucial Characteristics of Postmodernism in Everyday Life--the rejection of a 'master narrative', the authority of the self, the power of language, the construction of reality, the priority of images, the importance of management and therapy; What Should the Church's response Be When It's Blown out of Kansas? p.1
Doubtful Disciples by Dr. M. Craig Barnes, Senior Pastor of the National Presbyterian Church and author of numerous books and articles. This is a reprint of a sermon delivered on May 23, 1999. The text is Matthew 28:16-20. Barnes writes, "he point of having faith is not to pretend you are certain. The point of faith is that it allows you to keep worshiping in spite of your doubts." p. 7
Postmodernism: A Declaration of Bankruptcy by Kathryn R. Ludwigson. This is reprinted with permission from The Challenge of Postmodernism: An Evangleical Engagement, edited by David S. Dockery, (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1995), p. 281-292., Theology Matters p.9
Abortion and the Sacraments by Elizabeth Achtemeier, retired Adjunct Professor of Homiletics and Old Testament, Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA. Achtemeier looks at the church as A Different People; God's desire that we Live; Baptism into Life; Baptism as Redemption and Adoption; the Challenge of Baptism; The Lord's Supper; Communion with Neighbor and Saint; Thanksgiving and Future Kingdom, p. 1
Changing the Vision of Heaven: Abortion and Relative Truth by Terry Schlossberg, Executive Director of Presbyterians Pro-Life
Schlossberg looks at the Conflict of Truths; Truth and Faith; Truth and Ethics; Central Teachings of Scripture on Creation, Sin, and Redemption All Relate to Abortion, and Serve as a Fixed Standard for Decisions About Life; Truth and Caring, p.6
The Wedge in Evolutionary Ideology: Its History, Strategy, and Agenda by Phillip E. Johnson, PCUSA elder, law professor and author of numerous books and articles on intelligent design. Johnson discusses the background of the Wedge [now known as Intelligent Design] movement; The Two Models of "Science"; Two Examples form the National Academy of Sciences; The Right Question; The Wedge Strategy; The Future. p. 1
Admitting Design Into Science by William A. Dembski. Dembski has a Ph.D. in mathematics and philosophy in addition to an M.Div from Princeton Theological Seminary. He is author of numerous books and articles on Intelligent Design. After giving background to the Intelligent Design movement, Dembski looks at the Complexity-Specification Criterion that points to an Intelligent Designer. he asks Why the Criterion Works and its Application to Biology and then concludes by answering, "So What?" p.7.
A Theological Guide for Pastoral Nominating Committees by William Lewis, PCUSA pastor.
This is an important tool to help guide PNCs as they seek a new pastor. Lewis helps PNCs understand postmodernism, the definition of terms and what is necessary to find the right match theologically. Lewis examines Liberal theology and Evangelical theology. he examines the interview process and how to ask the right questions and then how to interpret the answers the PNC receives. He suggests some "red flag" answers. p. 1


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Occupant Thermal Comfort in Energy Trade-Offs
Posted on 16. Mar, 2010 by Rebecca Firestone in Thermal Comfort, Windows and Glass
Green living is sometimes viewed as a sacrificial process whereby one by one, all our pleasures and comforts must be set aside in the name of saving the planet: walking instead of driving, sweeping instead of vacuuming, home cooking instead of take-out, turning the thermostat down in the winter while our hands and feet turn into blocks of ice, low-flow showerheads designed by bald men that take forever to rinse the shampoo out of a long-haired-girl's mane, limiting one's diet to only locally available seasonal produce (which could be nothing but cabbages if you live in Chicago), calling three hardware stores to find one that carries low-VOC paint, giving up meat because it takes too much grain to feed a cow, trudging everywhere with a backpack filled with stuff that otherwise we could just keep in the car. In essence, the increased physical hardship comes from asking our own bodies to start doing more of the work. And what's our reward? A nice warm feeling of altruistic glow, and maybe a slimmer figure.
Efficiency is often seen as achievable only at the cost of comfort – some of us East Coasters remember shivering through the 1970s oil crisis as our dads re-defined 58 degrees during the day as "normal" and turned the thermostat down at night till the pipes froze, and our mothers finally complained. Well, so what? What's the big deal? We all have to give up something. Well, the problem is that this "fix" didn't really fix anything. Reducing consumption is not the same thing as having an efficient building, and neither approach presents qualitative factors like comfort or contentment as worthy of consideration.
It's time we started measuring the benefits, started quantifying the value of comfort in both human and performance terms. After all, a bottom line applies both to corporate and to individual operations, even if the qualitative benefits of "improved morale" and "comfort" aren't seen as "adding value". People with severe allergies and asthma can already tell you exactly how much more productive they are in a mold- and chemical- free environment when they're not gasping their life away, but what about the rest of us who can breathe diesel fumes all day with nothing worse than a little nausea?
Current Focus Is On Efficiency Alone
California's energy code requires efficient buildings in order to reduce fuel consumption, reduce peak demand, and – yes it's a stated goal – reduce fossil fuel consumption as well. Title 24 energy compliance trade-offs in residential designs are usually a matter of running the proposed design through a software model with different options, with an assumed average air temperature that is not configurable, to simulate the building's performance throughout the seasons for a specified climate zone.
If the proposed design does not meet compliance standards, one can weigh various building improvements against the costs and time needed to achieve each measure. Is it cheaper to replace all the windows or to upgrade the furnace and add some field verifications? Does it make sense to add a radiant barrier to the roof, or would it be better to spend that money on better wall insulation?
On paper, it's the same either way. In practice, however, which option you choose can have a big impact on the comfort of the occupants – who may be your own design clients. Every time they sit in their patio, or in their kitchen, or in a reading nook looking out the window, it's an opportunity for them to remember their architect with fondness. However, if every time they sit near their picture window they catch a chill, they'll remember that, too – especially if they're me. I've spent far too much of my life in buildings that were too cold for me, and most of it was bad design – needless discomfort. (In office buildings, the chill was exacerbated by inappropriate professional dress codes that required suits, pumps and nylons when a wool hat, a big bathrobe and slippers would've saved me countless weeks of colds and sinus trouble.)
The thing is, indoor air temperature is easier to measure, and that's what Title 24 takes into account. However, the indoor air temperature alone may not be enough to ensure comfort. Other factors, such as humidity, air movement, temperature of surfaces in direct physical contact with the user, the occupant's level of activity, and radiant heat transfer from windows can make a huge difference.
So how the heck do you measure something as individual and subjective as "comfort"? How are these "findings" actually validated in practice? And how can the proven findings from this type of research be useful for residential designs to go beyond energy compliance? For this article, I visited the offices of Loisos + Ubbelohde in Alameda, California.
Advanced Modeling and Thermal Controls – Is It Really Any Better?
When most people hear words like "daylighting" or "integrated facade systems" they think of the elaborate sensors and controls that are increasingly employed for commercial high-rise buildings to reduce heating and cooling loads and ensure optimal light levels, mostly without human intervention. Of course, the public then hears of supposedly cutting-edge "sustainable" buildings that are no more efficient or comfortable than the old, wasteful kind – at least from the point of view of the occupants themselves.
The usual complaints are the lack of manual overrides and the general inaccuracy or insensitivity of these control systems to what is actually happening at different points in the building. People can't open the windows for air or control for glare on their own, and they don't like it. I personally spent years in offices where we taped the vents closed when they blew frigid air down our necks in the summertime – and then the management would come around at night and open them up – then the next day the war would continue, along with incessant bouts of colds and flu.
(Apparently these systems are a lot smarter now, and they actually DO know when the sun is shining in each window of a 15,000-window high-rise. At every minute, for every single day of the year. Just like Stonehenge! But that's a topic for another article. Meantime, back to comfort.)
Who's Using Comfort Research Now?
The firm of Loisos + Ubbelohde takes these daylighting criticisms seriously enough to address user comfort – and user behavior – using fairly sophisticated measures developed in conjunction with ASHRAE and the Daylighting folks at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories. Apparently it *is* possible to measure something as variable and subjective as "comfort" with enough precision to make design decisions based on it.
My first questions to the folks at Loisos + Ubbelohde were:
- How do you know that these comfort predictions are valid?
- How do you explain your findings to your clients, who may not have the scientific background to understand all the reasoning behind it?
- How can you clearly and convincingly demonstrate to your client the VALUE of occupant thermal comfort?
San Francisco Office Building Example
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. So I'll start with three pictures from a recent analysis done by Loisos + Ubbelohde for an office building in San Francisco. These three color-coded images show how much usable floor space you lose by having clear glass windows in the wintertime that draw radiant heat out of the room, and also from anyone who's sitting too close to the glass. Basically, if you sit too close to a cold surface, you'll feel colder – even if you're not actually touching it, and even if the actual air temperature is the same. A consistently cold surface can, through radiant heat transfer alone, literally suck the heat out of your body.
Each image shows the same office space with a desk, with three different curtain-wall options. The color-coding indicates the Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT) which is a combination of air and radiant temperatures. The yellowish zones are comfort zones with an MRT of 71-72 degrees – neither too hot, nor too cold, for the majority of individuals. Each dot represents one square foot of vertical space as measured on the wall behind the desk, which moves closer to or farther from the window.
In the first image, you see the "baseline" – clear glass. Right next to the window (indicated in cross section on the right), are almost 6 linear feet of unusable wall space. The blue and green color indicates "too cold" and "much too cold". In this particular building, that's a total of 26,000 SF going to waste!
In the second image, the desk has moved three feet to the right; and by the last image, showing the best curtain-wall option, total space victory is achieved.
The most interesting thing about this graphic was that it wasn't self-evident to present the data in this manner – but, once created, these illustrations are immediately convincing, even for non-technical people, of the value of thermal comfort. The study examined a number of other factors, including the feasibility using a perimeter heating system in the winter – but the impact of radiant temperature on thermal comfort remains the same.
Why Not Just Freeze Your Workforce in the Winter?
I have to ask this question, because it's been the de facto answer for all the years that I was actually an office worker. What's wrong with treating office workers like the commodities that they are, and letting them suck it up and deal? Why coddle them with expensive thermally insulated windows when cheaper glass will do? Well, aside from the fact that it sounds really bad to say it this way, it's a poor idea to ignore conditions that promote ill-health. Even mild illnesses can cause absenteeism, or worse. People who can't afford to stay home will continue to come to work – and less efficiently, too – while sick, thus spreading illness, reducing their own productivity, and prolonging their own recovery time.
A 2003 report on sustainable building for one particular facility cites productivity increases of 5 percent and absentee decreases of 40 percent after moving into a renovated facility. [1] Other site-specific studies also cite increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, improved recruitment, and reduced turnover resulting from improved workplace environments. One might add that this would be particularly important for public agencies that don't always pay competitive salaries, and who can no longer offset lower salaries by guarantees of job security.
How Do you "Measure" Comfort, Anyway?
I'm going to shamelessly plagiarize a summary from an article titled "Window Comfort and Energy Codes" [2] because I can't say it any better than the writer himself – Jim Larsen of Cardinal Glass. He's citing ASHRAE Standard 55, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy:
"Comfort can be evaluated with a statistical index called predicted percent dissatisfied (PPD). The calculation of PPD requires a knowledge of room conditions (air temperature, air velocity, humidity, and mean radiant temperature), and the occupant conditions (clothing level and metabolic rate). When comparing two conditions, a lower PPD is desirable as this reduces the risk of occupant discomfort.
Some common examples where cold weather PPD will be improved (lower):
- Increase thermostat setting;
- Adding layers of clothing; and
- Increase level of physical activity.
During hot weather the converse of these will improve comfort as well as increasing air movement and/or reducing humidity."
(Note: ASHRAE Standard 55-2004, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy, is not a free download. Here's one place that you can purchase it.)
How Hot Is Really Too Hot?
So far we've discussed thermal comfort and warmth, but of course in some climates cooling is a much greater concern, and even modern urbanites are questioning whether we really need it to be 65 degrees inside in the summertime, when that means a 40-degree differential with the outdoors. After all, humans have survived for millions of years without air conditioning, and complaining about the weather at least gave people something safe to talk about.
It turns out that yes, humidity and air movement have a lot to do with how overheated we feel, and a study I can't locate at the moment was cited showing that subjects in a blind trial were able to perceive 92 degrees as comfortable – as long as there was sufficient air movement.
Maybe We're Just Spoiled Here In America
This is another topic unto itself, but yes, cultural expectations can affect perceptions of "comfort". However, those same cultural expectations that might induce one to tolerate greater extremes might also be more forgiving of seasonal and even diurnal fluctuations in productivity – AKA the afternoon siesta. Could siestas save the planet? Well… it's probably an easier sell than telling everyone to just tough it out.
[1] Kats, G., Alevantis, L, Berman, A. et al. "The Costs and Financial Benefits of Green Buildings. A Report to California's Sustainable Building Task Force", October 2003, cited in "Occupant Thermal Comfort and Curtain Wall Selection" by Susan Ubbelohde, in the Journal of Building Enclosure Design, Summer 2006, pp 32-34.
[2] "Window Comfort & Energy Codes", by Jim Larsen, in the Journal of Building Enclosure Design, Summer 2006, pp 37-38.
2 Responses to "Occupant Thermal Comfort in Energy Trade-Offs"
28. Aug, 2010
Interesting concept. Sometimes it is not necessary to have a trade-off to be environmental friendly. A simple way to look at it also is in a house design. Make sure every corner we have windows to save the electricity and increase brightness. Solar panels that warm up the water heater. These are the basic and common sense.
.-= Yee´s last blog ..Home Aquarium Guide =-.
22. Jul, 2011
Hi Rebecca
Have a look at my website – http://www.eco-wan.com. We are endevouring to measure comfort and advise people in their offices and homes how they can reduce their enenry costs and still remain comfortable. We do this by measuring the temperature and humidity of the workspace and asking what they are wearing and what the airflow is like. The computer program works out the ideal temperature for the situation and, taking the above factors into account, advises on what can be changed to reduce costs without being uncomfortable. The system can also act as a data logger so that you can see the effect of changes.


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Louie's Grill & Bar
Louie's Grill & Bar
1601 S I-35 Service Rd
Phone: 405-895-7419
Louie's Grill & Bar in Moore is a casual American grill and pub where nothing on the menu is over $10. Check out a sporting event on one of the restaurant's flat screen televisions while you dine on everything from soups, salads, pizzas and sandwiches to burgers. Louie's also features a popular wine list, an extensive selection of beer and several specialty drinks. Don't forget to try the Big Lou Cheeseburger, Louie's specialty. Local favorites include the barbecue chicken pizza, the fried green beans with chipotle ranch dipping sauce and the Macho Chicken Nachos.
Find Nearby
Dining Type: Casual Dining
Facility Amenities: Credit Cards Accepted, Full Bar, Full Service
Highway Corridors (within 5 mi.): I-35
Meals Served: Dinner, Lunch
Sunday: 11:00 am - 2:00 am
Monday: 11:00 am - 2:00 am
Tuesday: 11:00 am - 2:00 am
Wednesday: 11:00 am - 2:00 am
Thursday: 11:00 am - 2:00 am
Friday: 11:00 am - 2:00 am
Saturday: 11:00 am - 2:00 am
Maps & Resources
Related Topics


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I am a political scientist by training, with a long-standing combination of teaching and research interests in comparative politics, environmental policy, environmental health, public health (and the social determinants of health specifically) and natural resource management. Following 8 years at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia (where I was Canada Research Chair in Public Policy and Governance, as well as the first Director of the National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health) I came to the University of Alberta in 2009 to serve as the first Director of the ACSRC. Since that time, we have conducted over 40 projects related to rural sustainability in Alberta and Canada (based largely in 3 priority areas: environmental sustainability (water), social sustainability (aging and youth), and institutional sustainability (rural/municipal planning, policy and governance). We have also partnered with researchers, research networks and rural development organizations (such as the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation) around the world, and contribute to projects funded by SSHRC, CIHR and other funding agencies.
In addition to rurally-focused work, I continue to work with different teams of researchers in Canada, the USA and the EU on environmental policy and planning issues such as water and watershed management, municipal planning and governance, regionalization, innovation and most recently the possibility of a new/alternative pedagogy for sustainability. I have been a long-standing member of the University of Alberta's academic committee for sustainability, and am now one of 4 faculty members that constitute the University Provost's Academic Team for Sustainability Initiatives.
Biography: Although I was born in Alberta, by 3 years of age I was already living in another country, and spent much of the next 30 years moving, living and working in different parts of the world (the USA, the UK, Norway) and this probably led (in part) to my interest in comparative politics. Living in the UK introduced me to the sports of rugby, cricket, football and golf, and while cricket and football fell by the wayside, I went on to play university and club rugby from 1990 to 2005 in Alberta, the UK, the USA (briefly) and in Nova Scotia (where I also coached until 2009). Having been raised in a very musical household, I have played guitar since I was 15 years old (following/overlapping 10 years of piano) and most recently have started playing bass in a local cover band in Camrose.
By appointment only.


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New Video Tutorials…..
I'm starting to create video tutorials. I learn best by teaching. Something about having to understand it thoroughly enough to explain it – I guess.
But I am starting off from the beginning with a video on installing Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2.
I'm working with an online community who is writing tutorials for people new to a particular technology. Right now those technologies are: Amazon Web Services, Web Development, Software Development, Linux and Windows. Check it out here-let me know what you think:
Using Comics to Grab Attention
The Short Version
For a little while now I've been working on new methods for our customers (church staff) to be able to reach us when they need assistance with their computers. The various steps are listed below. We (IT) made an announcement at our All Staff Lunch. To try and make it memorable I created a comic strip and a business card. Click the link if you want to see the finished comic strip. You can click this link if you want to see the comic strip in a jpeg format. Let me know what you think.
The Longer Version
I started by looking for clipart or images online that I could use to create a comic that would be funny and emphasize our new methods of contacting us. I found some great artwork at Sun's Design Comics website. I printed off the different images they had and then taped them up to my whiteboard and started adding captions underneath. Here's a picture of my storyboard.
After I had the storyboard laid out the way I wanted it with the proper captions, laid out my comic strip and then came up with the contact methods.
We added a google voice number that rings a hunt group which rings all of the helpdesk phones. If no one is available, google records the message and sends it to an email address that happens to be a distribution list. This in turn emails all the helpdesk guys, including myself and also our ticketing system. So call, no answer, leave a message, we get an email and a workorder is created.
I also listed this distribution email address so if people are on their email they can just use that instead of having to call us. It all depends on the priority they place on their issue.
In addition to all of this they have the standard, "use the shortcut on the desktop" to open a new workorder.
Finally I made the business card after I had everything else finalized. I don't have a link to the business card – pretty standard stuff really. How's our contact methods on a black and blue artsy background.
And that's it. I wanted something that was funny, colorful, and had a story behind it to hopefully engage people's imagination a bit. The comic after all, is based on a true story, it might just be yours 🙂
I hate banks and the government!
I'm a little upset – I guess the title might clue you in to that. I just received in the mail a letter from my bank – US Bank. In the letter is says that the Bank does not limit the number of withdrawals I make from my savings account…….Federal Regulation "D" does not allow more than 6 withdrawals. It goes on; your account has been charged a fee for each withdrawal in excess of the limit.
I recently had received a call from one of their sales people who asked if I wanted to upgrade my basic savings to a money market for free. I pressed the sale person a couple times to figure out if their was any hidden fees. To which he said their wasn't.
Today after receiving the letter I called their customer service number. I was informed that if I got in my car and drove to the bank and withdrew money through the ATM or the teller window and immediately deposited that money into my checking account I would not be charged any fees. But, to do the transfers from my home via online banking I would be charged after 6 times. So I'm getting charged for the convenience and it's for my own safety I'm sure – way to go Government.
We use our savings account as "line of credit" for our checking account – it's short term account. We have a long term savings account elsewhere. So now I get to decide whether I keep our savings account or convert it to a checking account.
It would have been nice if US Bank had notified me of this regulation. It would've been nice if instead of claiming that they don't charge anything, with the caveat of it being a withdrawal from an ATM or teller, or just said we charge fees after 6 withdrawals according to a federal regulation. It just seems like lousy customer service – on top of it all the customer service rep told me that it wasn't the banks fault they were just upholding the regulation. Way to tow the line – great customer service.
Anyway – there's my rant. I'm unhappy with the fees and the customer service rep – I'm sure the rest of the service department is very nice. Thanks Government for trying to save me from the convenience the internet can bring and myself. Thanks US Bank for accepting responsibility for following the regulation and offering the best customer service experience you could offer.
Time to start putting my money under the mattress I guess.
Our Newest Edition
Click the picture to view the SlideShow
My Pregnant Wife
thought I would post some progressive pictures of Anna's pregnancy.
|This is at 16 weeks.
Not too much to see here!
|You can see a little bit more at 18 weeks – although she may be purposely sticking her stomach out for dramatic effect.
23 weeks along now and Jack just hasn't grown very much yet.
|Only 3 weeks later and it's visible – we're having a baby 🙂 (26 weeks)
These two are at 32 weeks. Thought I would throw a fun one in.
Baby Sonos soon to come!!!
Technology as a Shield?!?!
I was catching up on my blog readings when I ran across this post by Seth Godin. In it he mentions that Technology is easy to hide behind instead of using it as a clever tool to get closer to my customers.
I work in the Technology Department/Ministry of a large denominational church in the Midwest, and have found this to be very true. I've worked in the tech industry for 10 years in both Secular and Religious markets and have seen it there too. I've been guilty of using my techshield many times. In the name of bringing order to chaos or reacting to something rather than being proactive I put up a shield to save the user from themselves. In reality I am saving myself from becoming emotionally involved – or even involved at all.
Jim Wallis spoke at our church on Sunday and said that "Cynicism is a barrier to commitment. As a technologist I feel as though I am committed to so much – why would I want to commit to more. Even if it means better customer service, I'm already stretched beyond what I feel is my capacity for compassion and concern. What I have found though from experience actually negates this human response to overwhelming need. When I actually place the needs of my users (friends and customers), and let go of my cynicism, I find that I am enlarged to better contain and deal with the need around me. I have a choice; to hide behind the logical sterile environment of technology or engage with my customers emotionally, and maybe have to get a little messy and uncomfortable to better serve them.
Technology by it's nature doesn't lend itself to social development. It is simply a tool, sterile and lifeless. But, as a tool, if I use it properly and control the technology in a healthy way – like using a trowel in a garden – I can actually see life develop. Friendships are formed and aid is given when the tool is used by human hands. Technology has traditionally gravitated towards a top-down dictatorship. The adage is true – he who controls knowledge controls the people. IT starts with Information. That is what it really is about – do I want to control and maintain my hold on the information and dole it out as I see fit; or offer it up as a smorgasbord for my community to grow with and shape, and drive the information and the technology. Maybe there's a new trend towards a healthier structure where grassroots movement comprised of normal people are driving the change within technology. I can see it in the secular world. Hopefully I can see it happen more in the Church.
I'm with Seth's friend on this one – it is really a large scale struggle not just within myself but with trends, management, with co-workers, etc. I'm a big fan of the premise that by recognizing a problem within myself that I am better able to deal with it. Hopefully this is true of technology and the people who steward it.
How do you deal with technology and your user community? Are they a threat to the world you've created? Or, are they the drivers of technology where you're at?
What's My Brand?
|I was eating at Burger King when I realized that despite the use of a creepy mascot – the King, they have a brand as well as brand loyalty.
It got me thinking about my brand. It's kind of a buzz phrase that's been talked a lot about online by marketing gurus, church leaders and everyone in between. So what's my brand?
I want to be a great leader who develops other leaders. I want to be a successful business owner with businesses that are international in flavor and have a bent towards developing communities in third world countries. But, do I want all that as my brand?
On the surface that would be great, gain recognition and credibility, help people more through my elevated status. Sounds great to me!
But, is that really a brand worth pursuing?
As a follower of Jesus should this even be a goal?
My brand really should be Jesus. I know this sounds cliche and really it is a bit trite. If in chasing after becoming more like Him, then shouldn't my brand convey this; shouldn't my brand make people want to be more like Jesus too?
At the same time having a brand is important. Brand equates to credibility and that is the foundational principle of leadership. No credibility and I'm not leading anymore. I guess it boils down to how I want to be perceived. I care enough to wrestle through the dichotomy. No easy answers – huh???


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The Estu-Scary Festival and Haunted Forest is here!
Tonight marks the first night of the first ever Halloween celebration at GTM Research Reserve. The Friends of the GTM Reserve is hosting the fundraiser event on October 27-29. Join us for fun games, candy and more, all for free! Then, the bravest among you can venture into to the Haunted Forest to get your fill of spooky thrills. Tickets for the Haunted Forest trail are $6 and all proceeds help fund GTM's research and conservation programs. So come celebrate with us tonight, tomorrow and Saturday as we raise awareness (and funds!) for our local estuary.
To reserve your Trail Ticket, click here. For more information, please call 904-823-4500.


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Our passion at Gravity is to help everyone who walks through our doors find who Jesus is. Gravity is made up of middle school, high school & college-age that gather on Thursday nights at 7pm/8:30pm at New Vintage Church. We would love for you to join us and we hope to see you there!
Middle/High School | 7PM
Young Adults | 8:30PM


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How Will China's One-Child Policy Change Impact the Economy?
China's family planning policy, which became widely known as the one-child policy, was implemented in the 1980s to alleviate social, economic, and environmental problems. While the program included a number of exceptions, the birth rate fell from 2.8 births per woman in 1979 to 1.5 births per woman by 2010, suggesting that it was successful in achieving its goals. The ratio of males to females also reached 1.17:1 compared to global averages of between 1.03:1 to 1.07:1.
The falling birth rate could take a big toll on the country's economy by decreasing the working age population. Between 2010 and 2030, the United Nations projected that the country's working age population could shrink by around seven percent, which translates to fewer workers generating tax revenue to cover the rising number of retirees requiring social benefits. These long-term demographic problems mirror those that are already facing countries like Japan.
On October 29, 2015, a communique from the Communist Party revealed plans to abolish the one-child policy in favor of a two-child policy. The policy change has been widely seen as an attempt to remedy these long-term economic problems by generating a so-called demographic dividend—that is, boost the number of younger workers in order to offset the growing number of retirees and ultimately avoid any future demographic problems—but its success remains uncertain.
Will It Matter?
The dramatic decline in the Chinese birth rate following 1979 may seem to suggest that the policy had a big impact, but similar declines occurred at the same time in other Asian countries without the same policy in place. The birth rate in many developed countries has similarly fallen over time for a variety of reasons, including the availability of birth control. As a result, it's unclear whether the policy had a meaningful cause-effect relationship or was simply a meaningless correlation.
When certain exemptions were introduced in 2013, just 6.7% of eligible families applied to have a second child. These data points suggest that the policy may not have been responsible, at least solely, for the dramatic impact on the country's declining birth rate. Many couples seem to be choosing to spend their wealth on a better standard of living rather than having children, especially given the rapidly escalating cost of living in urban areas that are becoming densely populated.
There's also the question of whether or not the country is equipped to handle a higher birth rate in the short-term. After all, Beijing's maternity wards have been overbooked into the first half of 2016 following the relaxation of certain policies in early 2014, according to IHS Global Insight, which means that some families may wait to make the decision. Any economic decline in the country could also lead many couples to put off the decision.
Short-term Pain
The Chinese economy may have to wait two decades or so for the impact of the two-child policy to be felt in any meaningful way. After all, the most significant problems arise when the retirement age population grows faster than the working age population. With the new policy in place, the economy will realize the benefits when the children born following 2010 begin to join the workforce to help offset the growing number of individuals retiring.
The benefit of a high birth rate is the creation of a demographic dividend, but these children become dependents before they become workers. While dependents can help stimulate economic spending in some ways, many parents feel compelled to spend money on basic needs rather than luxury goods. Many companies that produce baby goods have already seen their prices rise following the announcement, but the rest of the economy may see less income.
The real benefit comes into play down the road when these children become working age and are able to contribute to the economy on their own. In a 2011 paper, the International Monetary Fund found that a substantial portion of growth experienced by India since the 1980s is attributable to its age structure and changing demographics, with the country expected to surpass China as the world's largest by 2025. China is likely aiming for much of the same over the long run.
Impact on Investors
The United Nations believes that the two-child policy will add an extra 23.4 million people to the Chinese population by 2050, but it's uncertain whether that will be enough to change the working age population to non-working age population ratio, which has been an economic drag.
International investors may want to adjust their expectations for China's economic growth to account for these potential declines. Since the same problems are already affecting many developed economies, including Japan, investors may get a better glimpse of how these trends will impact their portfolio before they materialize in China.
The best solution for investors, as always, is to ensure that their portfolio is properly diversified, which helps mitigate the negative impact that any single country could have on an overall portfolio.


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Congrats to our winner AMY!
I am a member of the tribe– aka a Jew which means that while December is afloat in all things jingle bell and merry ho hos, my kids and I are not able to revel in all its glory without feeling guilty that we're forfeiting our religion for another – if only for a month.
Years ago at first I tried rationalize it to my daughter, as my son begged us for a small bush to call his own– which he wanted to string with popcorn and adorn with an angel. I said it was akin to a decoration, that it is art, beauty and the same as admiring and collecting paintings and statues- which we do anyhow and so perhaps we could view these Christmas decorations in a similar light.
But, there was a big but, somehow our conversations always trickled back down to the manger, Mother Mary and the baby Jesus and ultimately I've always found myself bombarded with the questions like; "Wait, wasn't Jesus a Jew? Did he convert to Christianity? Did he start a new religion" and smack in the middle of a theological mess I just was not prepared to muddle through.
Being a member of the J tribe during the month of December, when the glare of multi-colored lights, sparkly reindeer and the possibility of a jolly old man climbing down your chimney, leaving you with more brightly wrapped presents than your heart can handle– well it can send the littlest members of the tribe over the brink. And no amount of menorahs and frying up potato pancakes can compete with the lure of jingles and a culture which is so utterly absorbed in the impending Christmas holiday.
So what's a Jewish mama to do?! My top four tips and a ModernTribe.com $50 giveaway because funky Jewish Bling is always the answer!
#1 Don't try to compete- you'll never win! Forget the Hanukkah bush, stringing blue lights in the shape of a star of David across your windows. Bottom line — it won't be nearly as eye popping as your next door neighbor's robotic Santa and his reindeer resplendent in Swarovski crystals. Instead do your own thing; create your own family tradition of decorating your house. We do a lot of drawings, and yes I even allow my kids to bring out the glitter and playdoh — and just let them go gaga creating dioramas, figures, just about anything that has to do with the story of Hanukkah and anything that will take their minds off mistletoe and a manger scene.
#2 Remind your kids that the beauty of this world is that we live in a time and place where each and every one of us can take pride in our religion and customs. In other words they should not feel jealous of their Christian friends, rather they should feel grateful that we live in a society where a Star of David and a baby Jesus can co-exist and both can bring joy and beauty to a neighborhood in their own individual ways.
#3 Take comfort in the fact that the Holiday season is only a month long and soon you can channel all of your parental guilt and anxiety into not sticking to your New Year's Resolutions. See if you look for it there's a silver lining in every situation!
#4 And of course there are always PRESENTS!!! That's right I am NOT above using the fact that there are eight days of Chanukah -which means EIGHT days of presents and in case you need a few ideas here are some of my favorites which will help you remind your kiddo that being a jew can also be pretty darn sparkling and magical too!
Shop the Modern Tribe for Jewish Bling
This past week I had eight days to tour Israel with some of the coolest Jewish women on this planet- as a MEDIA MAGNET and one of those extraordinary women just HAPPENED to be the co-owner of Modern Tribe and a renowned author as well – Amy Kritzer who pens the blog What Jew Wanna Eat. I have so much to share with you about this transformative journey I was blessed to be a part of thanks to the Jewish Women's Renaissance Project but FIRST – we need to gear up for Hanukkah – and there is NO BETTER PLACE to shop till you drop and feel like being Jewish is the greatest thing next to sliced bread than while browsing Modern Tribe!
See what happens when time-honored tradition lands at the forefront of design. they believe that "traditional" shouldn't translate to "typical," ModernTribe.com, a new kind of Jewish gifts shop and Judaica store for people with innovative minds, spirits, & style. They love bringing modern design to Jewish lives, inventing new Jewish products, being active in the Jewish community, and eating as many bagels as humanly possible.
And the best part- I'm giving away a $50 giftcard to ModernTribe.com For a Chance to win here is what you need to do: Follow The Staten Island Family on Facebook and leave a comment that you did so. Follow Modern Tribe on Facebook and leave a comment here that you did so! For another chance to win you must FOLLOW @melissaSChapman on Twitter, TWEET this giveaway and leave a comment here that you did so. For another entry you can subscribe to our YOU TUBE CHANNEL and leave a comment here that you did so. For another entry you can Follow MelissaSChapman on Instagram and leave a comment here that you did so! For Another entry you can follow Modern Tribe on Instagram and leave a comment here that you did so. For another entry you can follow Modern Tribe on Pinterest and leave a comment here that you did so. For another entry you can follow MelissaSChapman on Pinterest and leave a comment here that you did so! And for another Entry you can subscribe to our The Staten Island Family Newsletter and leave a comment here that you did so! GOOD LUCK giveaway ends December 30th!


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Hi everyone this is my first layout for the Twiddleybitz design team that I am on for the next three months.
This layout of my beautiful daughter Alysha getting a sneak kiss from
her boyfriend Jason. I love this photo and I wanted it to be very
special. I loved the Twiddleybitz surfboard chipboard piece. I just
knew what I wanted to do. .
Firstly as this is a hollow surfboard, I
filled it with modelling paste, and when it was dry I covered it with
some cream paint and then crackle medium. Once it was dry I added a
small layer of gel, and sprinkled with sand. I then coloured the rest
of the chipboard with distress markers. I added flowers, starfish, and
some film strip.
I used pieces from the grab bag to make the squares
under and above the photo. The little birds are chipboard pieces as
well, and I covered with a little ink. I found the bead when I was on
the floor looking for the bird that I dropped,so it seemed appropriate
to add it to the page. You will soon find out I love clocks, and I put
them on every project I do these days. The photo actually has a piece
of acetate over it, which had these awesome swirls on it


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Whether you're a property owner or manager, you want to make sure your resources are used wisely. Investing in the following smart renovations can maximize your property's profitability:
Curb Appeal: First impressions are very important. Many prospective tenants will drive by a property and make a decision about whether or not to look further based on how things look from the outside. Make sure the house or apartment is clean and well maintained, including windows, landscaping, and doors, and, as always, a fresh coat of paint can do wonders.
Fresh Paint and Flooring: People want to live in a clean environment. A fresh coat of paint is an inexpensive way to make a home or rental unit feel clean and new. While slightly more expensive, new flooring can have the same effect.
Kitchens: The kitchen is the most lived-in area of a home, and renters see value in a nice kitchen. Countertops can be replaced relatively inexpensively, and a fresh coat of paint and new hardware can freshen up dated cabinetry. Older faucets are easy and inexpensive to upgrade. And, of course, make sure the appliances are working well.
Bathrooms: Always deep clean and repaint the bathrooms every time you rent a property. Upgrading fixtures such as faucets and towel bars are inexpensive ways to improve the bathroom. Make sure the shower/bath and toilet are in good working order. As with the kitchen, replace counters and flooring if they're showing wear.
Basic Maintenance: The simplest "renovation" is keeping up with basic repairs and maintenance. Deferring maintenance will lead to bigger problems with more expensive fixes down the road. Staying on top of maintenance requests will lead to greater tenant satisfaction, leading to higher retention rates and fewer complaints when rent increases.[paraphrased from a Feb. 17, 2016 article in Rental Housing Journal]


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Dairy Visitor Center & Gift Shop
Find information on Park events and programs at the Dairy, one of the Conservancy's five visitor centers. Maps, guides, and gifts are also available, all of which support the Conservancy's mission. Park architect and designer Calvert Vaux originally created this charming Victorian cottage as a quiet retreat for children and their caregivers. In the 19th century, the Dairy became a source of fresh milk and snacks. Families came to drink milk and enjoy pastries and ices under the loggia and enjoy the cooling breezes coming from the nearby pond.
By the 1950s, the building had become dilapidated. The Parks Department tore down the decrepit loggia and turned the building into a maintenance shed. Then in 1979, the new Central Park administration cleaned up the building and turned it into the Park's first visitor center. A year later, Central Park Conservancy was founded and the loggia, recreated from historic photographs, was completed.
Open Hours:
Summer (June 7 - August 9): 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Fall, Winter, Spring: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day)
Phone: 212.794.6563
Things to do:
- Get a free, kid-friendly Discovery Journal with activities to enhance your visit
- Take an Official Central Park Tour
- Buy a souvenir in the Gift Shop
Additional Information
Mid-Park between 64th and 65th Street


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I'm thrilled to be sharing with you the cover reveal of Carol Wyer's The Missing Girls, published by Bookouture on the 14th September.
An absolutely nail-biting serial killer thriller with a heart-stopping twist (Detective Robyn Carter crime thriller series Book 3)
One girl found dead. Another girl gone…
Long shadows danced on the tin walls. Inside the trunk lay Carrie Miller, wrapped in plastic, arms folded across her ribcage, lips sealed tight forever…
When, a girl's body is found at a Midlands storage unit, it is too decomposed for Detective Robyn Carter to read the signs left by the killer.
No one knows the woman in blue who rented the unit; her hire van can't be traced. But as the leads run dry another body is uncovered. This time the killer's distinctive mark is plain to see, and matching scratches on the first victim's skeleton make Robyn suspect she's searching for a serial killer.
As Robyn closes in on the killer's shocking hunting ground, another girl goes missing, and this time it's someone close to her own heart.
Robyn can't lose another loved one. Can she find the sickest individual she has ever faced, before it's too late?
An utterly gripping and darkly compelling detective thriller that will have fans of Robert Dugoni, Angela Marsons and James Patterson hooked from the very start. You will not guess the ending!
Doesn't look and sound fabulous – you can pre-order via Amazon UK or Amazon US
Books 1 & 2 in the series: