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Dispensation from the Sunday Mass Obligation Lifted – August 31, 2022
In March 2020, Bishops all across the country issued for their dioceses a dispensation from the Sunday Mass obligation. This was done with the intent of safeguarding the health and well-being of the faithful in the midst of the global pandemic. The dispensation gave the faithful the freedom to choose not to participate in person in large gatherings, to help to prevent transmission of the COVID-19 virus. At the same time, we were all encouraged to maintain bonds of spiritual communion by participating in Mass online. With the significant lessening in recent months of pandemic danger both provincially and globally, we are now at a stage where the necessity of maintaining the dispensation has receded. Accordingly, Archbishop Dunn will lift the dispensation as of Wednesday, August 31st.
Participation in Mass on Sundays and on Holy Days of Obligation is a duty that is at once sacred and joyful. It springs from the commandment to keep holy the Sabbath Day. In the Christian tradition, the Sabbath is Sunday, when we celebrate with joy the victory of the Risen Christ over death. Regular celebration of Sunday Mass gives to our lives right order, it builds and reinforces our communion with and in Christ, it places the worship of God before all else and orients us toward our ultimate destiny in Christ. We rejoice in the return to gathering in person to worship God at Sunday Mass, and to living the Sabbath fully with our parish community, family, and friends.
At the same time, acknowledging the continuing presence of Covid-19 in our midst, we encourage anyone showing signs of the illness, and vulnerable persons, to avail themselves of the means of spiritual communion that will continue to be available.
Real Estate Update – July 17, 2022
This week the parish received permission from the Archdiocese to put the St. Francis Church property on the market for sale. We recognize that the closure and sale of church properties remains painful for many in our community. We pray that we can continue to move forward together, doing our best to live out our vision to be explosively alive in the Holy Spirit, strengthened in community, transforming the world for Jesus and, inspired by our mission: to make and equip disciples who joyfully go and invite others to Jesus. For brief updates on all our parish properties check this page.
Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity – Parish Feast Day Celebration
The parish will celebrate our feast day on the weekend of June 11th/12th. We will have cake in the foyer following all the Masses that weekend. Please stop by on your way out of Mass and connect with others.
Feast of Pentecost (Sunday, June 5th)
On Pentecost Sunday the Archdiocese is jumpstarting the diocesan-wide priority of Evangelization. The Archbishop will be sending out an email with an invitation to sign up to be a part of their initiative to equip people in the art of invitation. The diocese has partnered with Revive Ministries to offer a video series that helps parishioners intercede, invoke, invest and invite! Our parish tool for evangelization (which is one of the steps on our Discipleship Pathway) is Alpha. Registration for our fall Alpha courses (one being offered online, one being offered in-person) is now open.
At the first Pentecost the Holy Spirit breathed on the Apostles and gave them the courage and ability to invite others to come and see Christ. May that same Spirit empower us to renew our Church today to bring about a new Pentecost. May our hearts and minds be open to learn how to invite others to come and see that same Christ and His ability to change us and our world! Come Holy Spirit!
We will hold a praise and worship night starting at 7pm on Pentecost Sunday as well. All are welcome!
Meeting on Parish Finances
At all the Masses on the weekend of May 21st/22nd, Christine Spears, the chair of the parish finance council made a brief presentation on the state of the parish finances. A handout was made available to all in attendance and can also be found here. Parish leadership will discuss this update and answer any questions at a meeting at 7pm on Thursday, May 26th (upstairs, in the church). All are encouraged to attend this important gathering.
Brief Update on Parish Finances
At all the Masses on the weekend of May 21st/22nd (the 6th Sunday of Easter), there will be a brief update on the parish financial situation.
Parish Updates, May 10, 2022
On the final weekend of May (the 28th/29th) we will celebrate the Feast of the Ascension and it will be Fr. Ben St. Croix's final weekend serving here. There will be a small reception in the church foyer following the Saturday 4:30pm Mass, as well as the two Sunday morning Masses (9 and 11:15am) that weekend when parishioners will have a chance to say thanks and goodbye before Fr. Ben returns to Ottawa. It's been wonderful to have Fr. Ben here with us and we will keep him in our prayers as he returns to his ministry with the Companions of the Cross in Ontario.
Fr. Bryan is returning to the parish on June 1st and will resume his role as pastor so we will thank Fr. Yves for stepping up to serve as pastor in the interim and look forward to welcoming Fr. Bryan back.
Please pray for all the priests of the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth as they are away on retreat this week (May 9-13).
Restrictions Removed March 21, 2022
On Monday, March 21st Nova Scotia moved into Phase 3 of its reopening plan. This means that all current public health restrictions regarding COVID -19 have been lifted. Many people still have concerns for their health and safety. Pastoral care, understanding, and respect for the choice by parishioners will be respected. Public Health continues to remind us to follow core measures. They include getting vaccinated, staying home if you are sick, self-isolating as per current Public Health advice, washing/sanitizing hands frequently and cleaning high-touch surfaces. Masking is also still encouraged.
Those who are involved in ministry during Mass (or any other Sacraments) should ensure that they do not have any symptoms of the virus, e.g., cough, fever, headache, etc. If individuals have any symptoms, they are asked not to enter the church. Parishioners are strongly encouraged to self-screen before attending church. Those who exhibit fever or any other indications of a viral infection are asked to stay home and seek medical attention.
Social distancing has been discontinued; however, we will continue to reserve Section E (near the music ministry) for those seeking to social distance. The chapel space will also be set aside as a backup option for social distancing if Section E has been filled.
Masks are no longer mandatory.
We know that the removal of restrictions, including mandatory masks, may feel unusual, especially in the beginning. Wearing a mask is an individual choice. We welcome parishioner's choice to wear a mask. Please respect individual choices and remember to treat one another with kindness and understanding as we all adjust. While masking is optional, Public Health recommends wearing a mask indoors. Whether staff or parishioners choose to wear a mask or not, they will be supported in their decision.
Update on Reopening – February 23rd, 2022
As per the announcement on February 23, Nova Scotia is poised to remove all COVID-19 restrictions as of March 21, 2022. As of March 7th regular faith services are open to 75% of the venue's capacity with social distancing and masks. At Holy Trinity every second pew will still be blocked off and we will be utilizing the six-foot blue ribbons to help maintain distance between bubbles. We will continue to come to you in your pew for distribution of Communion. We are excited to join you in song- congregational singing with masks is permitted!
Reopening Plan Starts February 14th, 2022
At the COVID-19 update on February 9, 2022, Dr. Strang and Premier Tim Houston introduced the "Three Phase" approach to lifting restrictions. Beginning Monday, February 14, 2022, Phase One will begin and take effect for about one month. Regular faith services are open to 50% of the venue's capacity with social distancing and masks. At Holy Trinity every second pew will still be blocked off and we will be utilizing the six-foot blue ribbons to help maintain distance between bubbles. Proof of vaccination is not required for weekday and weekend services. Congregational singing is permitted with masks so we can sing together once again! We're looking forward to worshiping with you in our church pews!
A Charitable Repurposing of Our Saint Elizabeth Seton Building
We are pleased to announce that Holy Trinity Parish will be partnering with the Sackville Area Warming Centre (SAWC) beginning in late January 2022. SAWC is a grassroots program powered by volunteers which offers a safe, warm space for friends & neighbors who are without shelter to drop-in during winter evenings. The team provides companionship, a warm meal (donated through local restaurants), clothing and blankets when needed. Due to COVID restrictions the current location at Gateway church is limited to just 3 guests at any given time. The move to our Saint Elizabeth Seton building will allow them to provide this service to many more people on these cold winter evenings. To learn more or to become a volunteer please see SAWC's Facebook page!
Emergency Shelters Project
December 23, 2021: Our two emergency shelters have now been installed on our property and the residents have moved in! A few members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul are working directly with the residents and the Archdiocese on behalf of the parish. People have been asking what they can do to support the residents. It is our plan to set up a system to enable people to help out in specific ways. In the meantime, we're invited to respect their privacy, give them some time to get settled and trust those working closely with them to act on our behalf. To make a financial donation towards the Emergency Shelters project, or to learn more, please click here. Also, check out this news piece, one of a few features on this project in the media.
December 1, 2021: Nova Scotia is currently experiencing a housing crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the challenge of finding safe, affordable housing. Many people across the province are facing the prospect of spending the winter living in a tent. The Archbishop is inviting all of us to help construct temporary emergency crisis shelters as a way to immediately provide support to some of our brothers and sisters who are without shelter. Plans are underway to have one of these shelters here at Holy Trinity, so there will be more information on this in the weeks ahead. Please give generously by making a donation through the diocesan website (here), calling (902) 429-9800 ext. 312, or putting an envelope labelled "Emergency Shelters Project" in the parish collection basket.
NS Latest Restrictions – December 17th, 2021
As most are likely aware, the province introduced new COVID-19 restrictions that went into effect this morning. What does that mean for our weekend Masses? The number of people allowed in the building has been reduced (so we will be doing head counts at Masses and it will be first come, first serve). A social distance of six feet must be maintained from all those not in your bubble. Masks must be worn at all times. We have marked every second pew as 'closed' to allow us to maintain distance and have placed blue, six-foot markers in the open pews that will be used to assist with what spots are available. Hospitality ministers will be on hand to assist with seating. Communion will be distributed differently, with people remaining in their pews and the ministers coming to them one by one. We will continue with our regular schedule (Saturday at 4:30pm, Sunday at 9 and 11:15am). The 9am Mass as usual, will be live-streamed on both our Facebook page and Youtube channel. Please don't come to Mass in-person if you are not feeling well or have been in contact with someone with COVID-19.
NS Delays Move to Phase 5 of Reopening – September 16th, 2021
Masks, social distancing, contact tracing and gathering limits remain in place for the time being. Phase 5 has been delayed until at least October 4th. If interested, keep reading.
On Wednesday, September 8th, the provincial government and health authorities very confidently announced that we would be moving into Phase 5 of our reopening plan on September 15th. Phase 5 introduces significant changes for the province (no more gathering limits, no more contact tracing). We were thrilled, as this came as a bit of a surprise considering things happening around the rest of the country. But then, at their press conference on September 14th (and after a few days of climbing numbers of COVID cases) they announced that Phase 5 would be delayed after all (until at least October 4th).
So, back into planning and troubleshooting mode we went! One of the major changes we had announced with the coming of Phase 5 was the removal of the requirement to preregister to attend Mass on Sunday. Our space and our numbers make it challenging for us to safely accommodate all who would like to attend Mass in-person on the weekends. Preregistration and assigning seats allow us to closely achieve 50% capacity of our building (which is what is allowed in Phase 4). Assigned seating for Mass is a fairly laborious process (like hosting three wedding receptions per weekend!) and it takes several hours every week to do this.
With the quick turnaround time of the announcement that Phase 5 is delayed, we are going to do things a bit differently for Sunday Masses. We've reintroduced preregistration for our two closing Masses (as we want to ensure the maximum number of people who want to attend are able to) but are going to move to a 'first come, first serve' model for our other weekend Masses (Saturdays at 4:30, Sundays at 9:00 and 11:15). We will have signs on the pews to assist with seating arrangements as well as ushers helping to provide some guidance. We will ask people to provide a name and phone number upon arrival for contact tracing purposes, COVID screening questions will continue and masks remain mandatory.
We ask for your patience and understanding as we change course once again. Thanks to all who continue to serve in ministries that allow us to celebrate Mass in-person on the weekends. Thanks to all who serve to allow us the option to celebrate Mass online (Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9am). Let's continue to pray for one another during this season of transition.
Update on New Parishes, Stronger Together Proposal (June, 2021)
On Sunday, June 27th Fr. Bryan announced that we are moving forward with the proposal to permanently close St. Francis of Assisi and St. Elizabeth Seton churches. Please visit this page for more information on next steps. And please pray for our community during this time of transition.
Updates on NS Reopening Planning – June 18th
At their COVID-19 debrief on Tuesday, the provincial government announced that we would move into phase 2 (of 5) on Wednesday, June 16th. One unanticipated change that we're excited about is an increase in the number of people allowed to gather for in-person Mass. Originally phase 2 was limited to 10, but after the press briefing we received word that they had increased the allowance to 50.
The staff and volunteers who work both behind the scenes and more visibly, to make the celebration of Mass possible (both online and in-person) have been working hard in their various areas to help us all to be able to continue to celebrate Mass as a community.
In a particular way, the volunteers serving on in-person teams for both the weekend and weekday Masses are busy preparing to welcome us back as the phases allow. As it stands now, phase 2 (with the new, 50-person limit) is scheduled to last until June 29th.
Phase 3 is tentatively scheduled to begin on Wednesday, June 30th. Right now Phase 3 increases our in-person allowance for Mass from 50 to 100. The government has said that the proposed dates for the phases are subject to change as well as the restrictions in place for each phase, so we are doing our best to plan with these realities in mind. We remain grateful for all the people serving in a variety of ministries, on teams and councils who continue to serve our parish and our community during these very challenging times.
The safety measures we had in place before this latest lockdown remain in place for phases 2 and 3 of the reopening plan. They include:
a requirement to preregister for attendance for weekend Masses (for contact tracing and planning purposes);
COVID-19 screening questions;
temperature taking and hand sanitizing;
masks and social distancing when indoors remain as requirements.
What else is new during this period of reopening?
Check out our Mass times page for updates on Mass schedules and to preregister for Sunday Mass when it becomes available.
To inquire about baptisms, weddings, funerals or confession, please contact the parish office (not yet open for walk-ins, but scheduling appointments for weekday mornings from Tuesday through Friday). This page has updates on parish office hours.
The next issue of First 5 will go out on Tuesday, June 29th, in hopes of having much to communicate about a move to Phase 3 of reopening.
Finally, here is a brief visual timeline:
Pandemic Restrictions Extended into June (2021)
Premier Iain Rankin and Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health, announced on Wednesday, May 19th that our current public health restrictions will remain in place across the province until at least the second week of June. This means we will continue to celebrate Mass online, the parish office is closed to regular traffic and staff are working from home. We continue to pray for the health and wellbeing of all Nova Scotians and particularly those most impacted by this worldwide pandemic.
Restrictions Extended for Month of May (2021)
Dr. Strang and the Nova Scotia Government have extended the current COVID-19 restrictions for the month of May. This means we will continue to celebrate Mass online (Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9am) and the parish office will remain closed as we do our part to encourage people to limit their movements and contacts.
Pope Francis invites Catholics around the world to take part in a global prayer initiative. The faithful are invited to pray the rosary every day in May to seek Mary's intercession to end the global pandemic. Thirty Marian shrines from various parts of the world will host a livestreamed recitation of the rosary.
The prayer marathon takes on the theme: "The whole Church was fervently praying to God," which recalls a verse in the Book of Acts (12:5).
Also, the Vatican News will broadcast the recitation of the rosary at 6 PM Rome time (1:00pm Halifax time) from the various shrines taking part in the initiative. You can view this on the Vatican News YouTube channel by clicking here.
Updates to Restrictions – April 26th, 2021
As of this morning our whole province is under a lockdown order. In short, Premier Rankin and Dr. Strang are urging all Nova Scotia's to stay home, do only what is essential, and do all that is within our power to keep one another safe.
In light of our current circumstances all parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth must abide by the following:
NO faith gatherings and churches are closed to the public.
Wedding and funeral ceremonies can happen with 5 people plus the officiant.
Other sacraments including, baptisms, confirmation, and reconciliation are not permitted during this current strict lockdown period. However, individual confession can be heard under extenuating circumstances.
NO in-person meetings or training sessions are to take place with the exception of mental health support groups.
Virtual Masses can be held with a maximum of 5 people in one location. This includes liturgical and technical staff. Physical distancing and masking must be maintained.
New COVID-19 Restrictions – April 23rd, 2021
New pandemic restrictions were announced by Dr. Strang and the provincial government on April 22nd. As of 8am on Friday, April 23rd indoor gatherings are limited to five people and all Nova Scotians have been encouraged to stay home.
Due to these restrictions the following measures have been put in place:
The parish office will be closed (meetings will move online, staff will work from home with access to email and voicemail);
Mass will be celebrated via livestream only (YouTube Channel, Facebook Page);
Sundays at 9am
Wednesday at 9am
Fridays at 9am
Please note, we previously announced that there would be no weekday Masses April 26-30 due to the priests retreat, however, the retreat has been rescheduled for the first week of June so we will now have Mass online on Wednesday, April 28th and Friday, April 30th (both at 9am, followed by Adoration until 10:30am).
Here are a few more details from the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth on April 23rd:
To clarify how the lockdown and new limitations affect the parishes across the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth please see below.
For parishes within HRM the following take effect immediately:
There can be no faith gatherings. Therefore, all churches are to be closed to the public effective today, April 23, 2021.
Livestream Masses are permitted with the following limits:
No more than five persons including the presider, lector, server, cantor, or deacon in the sanctuary.
One to three persons to operate the technical equipment.
Weddings and funerals are permitted with no more than five persons plus the presider in attendance. Wedding receptions or funeral visitations and receptions are not permitted.
No baptisms are to be celebrated during the four- week lockdown period.
Confirmations originally schedule during the lockdown period will be rescheduled.
Social events, meetings, training sessions are not permitted.
Let's keep our community in prayer as we help to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
CCCB Release Note on Ethical Concerns Re COVID-19 Vaccines – March 9th, 2021
Please click here to read a recently released note from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops on ethical concerns related to currently approved COVID-19 vaccines.
Latest on COVID-19 Restrictions
New pandemic restrictions were announced for our area on February 26th. The health authority shared that the expectation is that these current provisions will be in place until March 21st. We are not impacted too significantly, as we continue to maintain a limit of 100 people for Mass on Sundays. We are making plans to be able to celebrate the Triduum in-person (following guidelines provided by the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth) and will communicate details on this in the weeks ahead.
COVID-19 Restrictions Eased Beginning December 21st, 2020
On Wednesday, December 16th, Dr. Strang announced eased restrictions around the province starting next week (click here for a summary). The increase up to 100 for faith gatherings is wonderful, but unfortunately is not enough of an increase to allow us to accommodate our faith family at the two Masses planned for Christmas (scroll below for the schedule of events for the remainder of December). We also simply do not have enough time to put plans in place to make this work.
We will use this time (in addition to getting ready for Christmas) to prepare to mobilize all those who serve at our in-person Masses, get our online registration ready and administrative details in place for the celebration of The Baptism of the Lord (the weekend of January 10th).
New COVID-19 Restrictions
On Tuesday, November 24, 2020 Premier McNeil and Dr. Strang announced new COVID-19 restrictions. Most notably, the decrease of the gathering limit to five people means suspending in-person Masses for the time being (these restrictions have been extended until December 16th). Please join us on YouTube or Facebook to celebrate Sunday Mass together at 9am.
The new restrictions in place mean we have closed the parish office to the public and reduced the number of people at Mass to those directly serving to make it available (technical team, lectors, musicians and presiders). Voice and email messages continue to be monitored by staff and volunteers and regular meetings have moved online. Praying for all to stay safe during this second wave of the virus.
Parish Pastoral Plan – Visit from Archbishop Dunn November 1st, 2020
On the weekend of October 31st/November 1st, Archbishop Brian Dunn will join us for the celebration of all our Masses. He will be preaching and making an important announcement. In preparation for his visit, we invite everyone to re-watch the three Communications Series videos (below) on our Pastoral Plan presented last fall. Archbishop Dunn will be responding to some of the issues raised in those sessions. Don't forget to that Wednesday is the deadline to sign up to attend Mass in person. Tune into our YouTube channel at 9am on Sunday for Mass online. Archbishop Dunn will also join us in the Digital Foyer on November 1st so we look forward to that.
Reopening Phases (updated July 31st, 2020)
With the lifting of certain pandemic restrictions in Nova Scotia, the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth is allowing parishes to reopen, provided all of the necessary health and safety protocols are in place. These directives are subject to change at any time, and without much advance warning.
We are taking a phased approach to reopening, in much the same way provinces and other organizations are proceeding. We will learn a lot in the first weeks and months, and we will work to eliminate any problems we may encounter.
Despite our best efforts, there will always be a risk of exposure to COVID-19 in attending Mass or another event at Holy Trinity Parish. We happily welcome back all who choose to come through our doors, and we will likewise treat with equal measure of respect those who, at this time, choose not to return to Mass in-person. Please also note that Archbishop Mancini continues to provide dispensation from the Sunday Mass for those who may not be able to attend for health reasons or due to capacity restrictions.
Here are the planned phases for reopening:
Facility is prepared and volunteers are trained. Video of what to expect when returning to in-person Mass is made available. Process to signup to attend in-person Mass is communicated. Anointing of the sick and reconciliation are available by appointment only.
PHASE 2 (moved into this phase July 18th)
We will have three weekend Masses: Saturday at 4:30pm, Sunday at 9am (livestreamed) and Sunday at 11:15am. These are all at our SJV site. Anyone signing up to attend in-person Mass will receive confirmation of the Mass time and their assigned seat(s).
Update as of July 31st: On July 24th, the Province of Nova Scotia introduced new requirements to prevent the spread of COVID-19, to prevent a second wave and in an effort to set the groundwork to open the economy further. These requirements were clarified in a meeting with Dr. Strang on July 28th and a subsequent email on July 29. Up until now, we have been encouraged to wear a mask. Effective July 31st, non-medical masks are mandatory in indoor public spaces. This is in accordance with the most recent Public Health order. While in the church people must wear a mask. Masks should be worn to cover the mouth and nose. Face shields are not considered to be a substitute for masks. Hand sanitizing and physical distancing are still required. Exemptions for masks include those under the age of two and those who are medically exempt.
Baptisms, weddings and funerals are available by individual request only.
1-2 weekday Masses are open to parishioners.
Four weekday Masses are open to parishioners.
Please note that these phases aren't linear. If protocols or restrictions change, it may require a move to a previous phase, or require a change in what is included in a phase.
July 3rd, 2020 Letter from Fr. Bryan
Dear Parishioners of Holy Trinity,
Today we celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Thomas the Apostle who famously professed his faith in the divinity of Christ with the words "My Lord and my God!" These words have oft been repeated piously by Catholics at both the elevation of the Host and the Chalice at Mass, recognizing that Jesus is really, truly, and substantially present in the Eucharist. And so it's fitting that on this Feast Day I can announce to you some of the working plan for reopening our parish, and to tell you that I am very much looking forward to welcoming you back in person around the Lord's Table.
Since Archbishop Mancini announced that our parishes could re-open, our staff team has been working hard, thinking through all the logistical pieces as required by the Archdiocese for our health and safety, and developing and implementing action plans. Already we have had to make adjustments as gathering limits increased from 50 people to 50% capacity to a maximum of 200 in a short period of time. Thankfully, one of the principles that our team recommended was designing everything to allow for maximum flexibility so that whether we suddenly could add more people or we had restrictions re-imposed, we would be able to respond accordingly.
Based on the stipulations of the Archdiocese, we have adopted an approach of "conditions, not timelines," and organized the re-opening process around a series of phases, much like many of our Canadian provinces have. And we are excited to move into "Phase 1" on Sunday July 12 th , by celebrating the 10am Mass in person with those who have signed up to serve all of us as we re- open. If all goes well, we anticipate moving quickly into "Phase 2."
In Phase 2, we will have three Masses: 4:30pm on Saturday, 9am livestreamed on Sunday, and 11:15am on Sunday. All three Masses will be open to parishioners. All three Masses will be at our Saint John Vianney church site. Further details regarding the phases of our re-opening process will be available here on our website soon.
It's very important that we respect and value the decision each parishioner makes to either return at this time, or to continue to stay home. There are a variety of reasons a parishioner may choose not to return right now. And it should go without saying that should parishioners wish to return at a later date they would be welcomed back with open arms…at a safe physical distance! Just to reassure those who do not plan to return at this time, Archbishop Mancini wrote in his most recent letter: "I continue to provide dispensation from the Sunday Mass for those who may not be able to attend for health reasons or due to capacity restrictions."
The electronic means of sign-up for Mass can be found here. Once you sign up, you will remain signed up. You only need to do this once. You will then receive confirmation of your in-person participation at a Sunday Mass a day or two prior to it, each week. We will also be receiving sign-up's through phone call for those who cannot connect to us electronically. Depending on the number of parishioners that have signed up, you may be placed in a rotation. At this time, we cannot guarantee that you will be able to go to Sunday Mass every week.
You should also expect to see a "Welcome Back!" video, taking you through the various steps of coming back to Mass at Holy Trinity, beginning right at home, through entering the parking lot, into the church, and into a pew, and back again!
In the initial phases of reopening, the priority is going to be Sunday Mass, the sacraments, and funeral ministry. All of this while keeping our parish focus of "making and equipping disciples who joyfully go and invite others to Jesus." Some of you have already inquired about weekday Masses, private prayer, events, and meetings. We are not ready to incorporate these aspects of ordinary parish life into the initial phases of reopening. Please keep in mind that for every Mass, liturgy, meeting, or event, we must follow the same protocols. We have to re-open in a manner that is sustainable for our staff and those who will be serving.
I want to thank you for your ongoing prayer support, your encouraging words, your willingness to help, your love for our parish, and above all, your love for God. Please continue to keep the staff, those who will be stepping into serving roles to re-open, and indeed this whole process, in your prayers.
Fr. Bryan Sabourin, CC
June 19th, 2020 Update from Archbishop Mancini
For further information about the re-opening of the parishes please consult the re-opening guidelines by clicking the button below.
Re-opening guidelines
June 1st, 2020 Letter from Archbishop Mancini
Archbishop Mancini has released an important letter updating the faithful of our archdiocese with regards to the celebration of sacraments in these times of COVID-19.
Working in partnership with government health authorities, and out of "our deepest respect for human life and health" our churches will remain closed to the public. Please click on the button below to read the letter in its entirety.
Click here for letter
May 22nd, 2020 Letter from Fr Bryan
Dear Friends in Christ,
COVID-19 has brought with it many challenges to us as a community of faith, not the least of which is the inability to gather in person. In consultation with my Finance Council, my Leadership Team, and the Archdiocese, Sharon Hebert and Gina Bright are no longer under the employ of Holy Trinity parish. This was a very difficult and painful decision, necessitated by two main factors: (1) the reality of structures having become obsolete and; (2) financial constraints on the parish and our entire community. Given the long-term effect COVID-19 has had and will continue to have on our parish, especially with regard to our ability to gather, the positions of "housekeeper" and "office manager" became untenable. This difficult decision has indeed brought the parish some financial relief as we continue to adapt our structures and be good stewards of the gifts God continues to provide us. Sharon and Gina qualify for government assistance during this time. However, I do ask that you keep them both in your prayers.
In the midst of every season of difficulty it's important to ask, what is God doing, and what opportunities is He providing us?
At Holy Trinity we have been asking that question, and at Saint Benedict parish they have been asking that question also. And I do believe that when we seek the Lord together, He often provides out of His great abundance. One of our great needs at our parish has been someone to take charge of our communications, and during this pandemic, when everything went online, the need only increased. Father Simon Lobo, pastor of Saint Benedict, has offered the time and considerable talents of Kate Robinson, at no cost to us, to help us for a few months to bring our communications to the next level. You will have seen evidence of that already in the launch of our new e-bulletin "First 5."
Kate Robinson has worked at Saint Benedict parish for the past 10 years. Among the various roles she has had, she served as the Director of Communications. She brings considerable expertise in publishing, working with websites, graphic design, and more. And she shares our mission to make and equip disciples who joyfully go and invite others to Jesus. We are thrilled that she will be sharing time between us and Saint Benedict for the next few months.
Fr Bryan
May 8th Letter from Fr Bryan
Dear faithful parishioners,
Alleluia! Christ is Risen! This year we celebrated the Triduum in a way we never thought possible. Now that our only option for church is online, we are doing everything we can to reach our parishioners. But we also see a new mission field outside our walls. People are hungry for what the Church can offer in these times of crisis and we can't forget our mission to reach them. Our mission hasn't changed but our methods must. We can continue to make and equip disciples who joyfully go and invite others to Jesus.
Like all families our expenses continue. As a result of not being able to gather as a community our donations are down. We are cutting costs by reducing phone lines, keeping the heat at a bare minimum to avoid damage in all three buildings, and cancelling contracts for various services, while still continuing to serve our community through our Faith Formation programs online and caring for the poor through the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
We are blessed to be able to connect with you through our live stream mass each Sunday morning at 10am and to have shared our Easter Mission though live stream too. To participate in Mass and view the mission please visit www.holytrinityns.ca.
Your contributions are vital to help find safe and meaningful ways to continue to minister in these challenging days. How can you help?
Signup for Pre Authorized Remittance (PAR) (form enclosed)
E-transfer funds to finance@holytrinityns.ca
Donate online at www.holytrinityns.ca, using the GIVE button.
Mail your cheque to the parish office.
"He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God." – 2 Corinthians 9:10-12
Through Christ's Resurrection we, as his followers, are a Resurrection People; a people called to witness to others the new life that Christ brings to all. With your support we can share with one another the hope, faith, and care that is so needed during this challenging time. Thank you for your generosity.
Fr. Bryan Sabourin CC, Pastor
All weekend and weekday Masses at all three church locations are suspended until further notice (please see letter below from the Archdiocese for more details).
Sunday 10am Mass will be live-streamed. Please visit our Home page and scroll down under "Livestream" for the link.
All three Holy Trinity church buildings are closed until further notice.
The Parish Office is closed until further notice. However, voicemails and e-mails will be checked Monday-Friday morning.
Adoration will will be streamed live Wednesday and Friday from 9am-12pm. Please visit our Home page and scroll down under "Livestream" for the link.
Confessions will be heard by appointment only. Please contact the parish office office@holytrinityns.ca or (902)865-2112 ex. 0
Joy of the Gospel Teaching Series will be live-streamed on Thursday evenings.
All face to face meetings, gatherings, prayer groups, Stations of the Cross, etc. are suspended until further notice.
Friday night BINGO is cancelled.
For information about funerals please contact the parish office office@holytrinityns.ca or (902)865-2112 ex. 0
For ongoing updates on cancellations please continue to visit our website or call 902-865-2112 and dial extension 44.
To e-mail the church: office@holytrinityns.ca
You may be wondering about your Sunday obligation. If circumstances prevent you from coming to Mass, such as Mass not being offered, you cannot be held to account for something you are unable to do. So you do not have to worry.
How Do I Continue to Give to Holy Trinity?
We do encourage you, if possible, to continue giving financially to the parish during this time. Most of our financial obligations will continue, and your contributions will be vital for our continued viability once we are on the other side of contending with this virus. We are so grateful for your continued support.
How Do I connect to Livestream?


text:
Ibada (عِبادۃ)
March 16, 2014 Dr. Tanveer Hussain Comments 0 Comment
Download URDU Article "Concept of 'Ibaada' in the light of the Quran'
Dictionary meanings of the word 'Abada عبد and its variants
I 'abada: to serve, worship or adore; to render religious service, worship or adoration; to obey; to obey with humility or submissiveness; to be or become a slave or in a state of slavery [LL, LA]; to do what is approved (by God) [LL]; to serve or worship (ه a god); to adore, venerate (ه someone, a god or a human being); to idolize or deify (ه someone) [HW]; to accept the impression of a thing; to submit, devote, serve, worship, adore, venerate; to imbibe and reflect the Divine attributes or morals on one's own person [AM]
Abida (y'abadu): to be or become angry [LL, LA, K]; to disdain or scorn [LL, LA, LQ]; to deny, disacknowledge or disallow [LL, K]; to repent or blame oneself [LL, K] for having been remiss or falling short of what one ought to have done [LL]; to mourn, grieve or be sorrowful [LL, LA]; to be covetous or inordinately or culpably desirous [LL, K]
II & X to take someone as a slave; to enslave; to bring someone under; to subdue; to render (someone) submissive so that he did the work of slaves; to render (a camel) submissive or tractable; to beat or tread a path or road to make it even or easy to walk or ride upon [LL]; to harness, control or direct a camel (or horse) so that its power is utilized for useful purpose. From this, it is said that 'Ibada results in the harnessing, direction and control of man's power, energy or abilities to useful purpose, and also keeps him from exceeding the just limits or from being immoderate, inordinate, exorbitant or straying away from the Right Path [Al-Quran (16:36) Al-Quran (19:44)][LQ]; to enslave, enthrall, subjugate, subject (ه someone); to make passable for traffic (ه a road) [HW]. Making the road passable needs a lot of effort or work but the result is well worth it [LQ]
V to devote oneself to the service of God; to show divine veneration (ل for someone); to deify or worship (ل someone) [HW]
Abd(un): a male slave; contr. of Hurr(un) [LL, LA]; a servant; a worshipper; a man or human being (male or female) whether free or a slave; ignoble or base-born (as Hurr(un) may also signify generous, noble or well-born)[LL]; a certain plant, of sweet odour [LL, K] , of which camels are fond because it makes the milk to become plentiful, and fattens. It is sharp or hot in temperament and when they eat it, they become thirsty and seek the water [LL, LQ]- from this, it is said that'ibada is such a work that is done fondly, and it may involve a temporary unease but the end result is very beneficial for him who does it [LQ].
Abeed(un): slaves [LL]
Ibaad(un): servants [LL]
Al-ibaad(un): mankind [LL]
Aabideen: (from abida/y'abadu) disdainers, scorners, deniers, the angry [43:81] [LL, LQ]; (from 'abada) worshipers, obeyers, servants
Ibadat(un) عبادة: religious service, worship, adoration, devotion [LL, LA]; obedience [LL, K]; obedience with humility and submissiveness [LL, LA]; doing what God approves [LL]
Uboodiyyat(un) عبودية: the state or condition of a slave; slavery; servitude [LL, LA]
Aabid(un) عابد: a server, worshipper; an adorer of God; an obeyer of God with humility and submissiveness; a devotee [LL, LA]; a servant [LL]
Muta'abad(n) متعبد and Ma'abad(un) معبد: a place appropriated for the purpose of 'ibada
Mu'abbad(un): (applied to a camel) rendered submissive or tractable [LL, LA]; syn. Mudhallal [M]
How the word 'Ibada and its variants are used in the Qur'an?
The word 'abd has been used in the Qur'an in different meanings, at different places. Some of the meanings in which this word is used in the Qur'an, are given below:
– a slave or servant (as opposite to a free person)
– male slave or servant (as opposite to a female slave or maid)
– a human being (male or female)
– one who renders 'Ibada to Allah (by complying with His Laws and Commands)
-In 2:178, the word 'abd has been used to mean slave or servant as an opposite of free person
-According to 26:22, Pharaoh had enslaved ('abbadta) the Children of Israel [see also 23:47]
-In 2:221 and 24:32, the word 'abd has been used to mean 'male' slave or servant as an opposite of a 'female' slave or servant
-In 16:75, the word 'abd has been used to mean 'a slave' {owned by someone, who has no power over anything}
-In 39:7, the word 'abd has been used to mean a man or human being (male or female)
-In 2:23, 8:41, 17:1, 18:1, 25:1 53:10, 57:9, 72:19 Allah has called the Prophet Muhammad (a.s.), His 'abd
-In 4:172, the word 'abd-Allah has been used for Al-Maseeh (a.s.)
-In 12:24 , the Prophet Yusaf (a.s.) has been called 'abd
-In 17:3, 37:81 and 66:10 , the Prophet Nuh (a.s.) has been called 'abd
-In 18:65-82, an account of one of Allah's 'abd and the Prophet Musa (a.s.) is given
-In 19:2, the Prophet Zakariya (a.s.) has been called 'abd
-In 19:30 and 43:59, the Prophet Isa (a.s.) has been called 'abd
-In 38:17, the Prophet Dawood (a.s.) has been called 'abd
-In 38:30, the Prophet Sulaiman (a.s.) has been called 'abd
-In 38:41, 38:44, the Prophet Ayyub (a.s.) has been called 'abd
-In 38:45, the Prophets Ibrahim, Ishaq and Yaqoub (a.s.) have been called 'ibaad
-In 37:111 , the Prophet Ibrahim (a.s.) has been called 'abd
-In 37:122 , the Prophet Musa and Haroon (a.s.) have been called 'ibaad
-In 37:132 , the Prophet Elias (a.s.) has been called 'abd
-In 66:10 , the Prophet Lut (a.s.) has been called 'abd
-In 37:171 , the Messengers (a.s.) have been called 'ibaad
'Ibada as elaborated in the Quran
'Ibada, (in the Proper sense, when the object of the word is Allah) has been elaborated in the Qur'an. Some points are given below:
-'Ibada is likened with Sirat-e-Mustaqeem [3:51, 19:36, 36:61, 43:64], which is related to: Allah's Guidance [5:15-16]; Holding fast to the Revelation of Allah [43:43]; Deen-e-qayyam and Millat-e-Ibrahim [6:161]; and Ittiba-e-Rasool [43:61]
-'Ibada is the absence to Istikbaar (i.e. haughtiness or insolence) [4:172-173, 7:206, 21:19, 40:60]. So it implies humility and submissiveness (to Allah)
–'Ibada is related to Allah's Command (Al-Hukm) and has been termed as Deen-ul-Qayyam [12:40]. Also compare la yushriku fi hukmihi ahada in 18:26 with la yushriku bi ibaditi rabbihi ahada in 18:110
-'Ibada is related to Deen (i.e. the obedience to Allah) [39:2, 39:11, 39:14, 98:5]. The phrase lahu ad-deen in these verses means 'the obedience is due only to Him', as when the preposition 'la' is used with the word deen, the word deen means 'obedience'. Hence 'ibada also means obedience to Allah.
-terms 'ruku', sajda' and 'Ibada have been used distinctly in 22:77 (also see 53:62, 66:5)
-terms 'ibada, iqamat-e-salat and I'ta-e-zakat have been used distinctly in 98:5 (however, 'wao' between these terms may be wa-e-tafseeri). Also compare 98:5 with 12:40]
Characteristics of 'Ibad-Allah
Some of the characteristics of 'Ibad-Allah (in Proper sense), as given in the Qur'an, are as follows:
-Those who do not deviate from the Right Path [15:39-42]
-Those on whom Shaitan has no authority or influence [17:65]
-Those who listen to the Word (of Allah) and follow it the best, are on the Guidance from Allah and are men of understanding [39:17-18]
-Those who believe and do righteous deeds [42:23]
-Those who believe in Allah's Ayaat and submit [43:68-69]
-Those who keep their vows and give food to the poor, the orphans and the captives, without wishing any return from them, not even any thanks [76:6-9]
-Those who are proactively steadfast, truthful in word and action, ever submitting to the Commandments, keeping their wealth open for the society, and seeking protection early against any forthcoming challenge from the bottom of their hearts [3:15-17]
-Those who turn away from evil and indecency [12:24]
-Those who establish salat and spend of the provisions, on others, secretly and openly [14:31]
-Those who act according to Allah's Commands [21:26-27]
-Those who walk on earth in humbleness, pass their nights preparing themselves to make a rightful submission and take a rightful stand, spend their wealth, on others, and are neither extravagant not stingy [25:63-68]
Some verses in which the object of the verb 'abada is Allah: 1:5, 2:21, 2:83, 2:133, 2:138, 2:172, 3:64, 4:36, 5:72, 5:117, 6:107
Some verses in which the object of the verb 'abada is idol: 14:35, 26:71, 37:95
Some verses in which the object of the verb 'abada is Shaitan:19:44, 36:60
A verse in which the object of the verb 'abada is a human (Pharaoh): 26:22
A verse in which the object of the verb 'abada is At-taghoot: 39:17
A verse in which the object of the verb 'abada is Jinn: 34:41
When the object of the verb 'abada is an idols or anything that cannot give commands or instruction or guidance, or cannot devise laws, it can mean nothing more than the ritual worship or adoration. The obedience or the compliance with the commands of the idols is out of the question.
When the object of the verb 'abada is Shaitan it may signify the worship or obedience of Shaitan which might be anything that takes man away from the Path prescribed by Allah
When the object of the verb 'abada is At-Taghoot it may signify the worship or obedience of At-taghoot which may be anything that makes man to exceed the Limits prescribed by Allah
When the object of the verb 'abada is a human being, it might mean the obedience, adoration or servitude of human master or compliance with his commands. It might also include some rituals of adoration or worship of human lords, by their followers. By obeying, adoring or serving human beings rather than Allah is elevating their status and making them equal or comparable to Allah.
When the object of the verb 'abada is Allah, it would mean the obedience of Allah with humility and submissiveness and to do what Allah has approved, instructed or commanded, in all walks of life and conform to His Laws and comply with His Guidance. To do only the worship and adoration of Allah but not follow His commands is reducing the status of Allah to a mere idol.
As far as the word 'worship' is concerned, there is no single agreed-upon definition. Some of the definitions (given in English Dictionaries) are as follows:
-A feeling of profound love and admiration
-Love unquestioningly and uncritically or to excess; venerate as an idol
-Show devotion to (a deity)
-Attend religious services
-The obligation of God's creation to give to Him all honour, praise, adoration, and glory due Him because He is the holy and divine creator
-The activity of praying in a church, temple, mosque, etc. in order to show respect and love for a divine being
-Homage rendered to God which it is sinful (idolatry) to render to any created being
-The ascribing ultimate worth, worth-ship
-The act of prayer or actions dedicated to praising God
The phrase I'bubu Allah is better NOT rendered as 'worship Allah' because the purpose of 'Ibada, according to the Qur'an, is taqwa (or preservation) of man [2:21] and ultimately, falah (or the success and prosperity) of man [2:189, 3:130, 3:200, 5:35, 22:70]. 'Ibada of a man does not, and cannot, do any good to Allah but it is for his own benefit, i.e. his preservation, success and prosperity which can be judged and seen objectively and is not just an abstract idea.
The phrase I'bubu Allah is better also NOT rendered as 'serve Allah' as some English dictionaries define the word "service" as "Work done by one person or group that benefits another" or "Employment in duties or work for another". Since Allah is Al-Ghani (i.e. beyond any needs) [3:97] and none can benefit Him (He does not need to be benefited), hence the phrase I'bubu Allah is better rendered (in the light of 3:97) as "Comply with Allah's commands, orders, or instructions" or "Act in accordance with Allah's laws, rules, commands, or guidance" . This rendition is not only in accordance with the Arabic dictionaries but also conforms to the Quranic explanation of the term I'bada, and the characteristics of 'Ibad-Allahas given in the Quran.
The phrase "abd-Allah" (when used in Proper sense) is better NOT rendered as 'the slave of Allah' or 'the servant of Allah' because slave and servant may have a derogatory connotation while Allah says about man that He has honoured the Children of Adam [17:70] and man is not supposed to do any service or benefit to Allah but only to himself and that benefit is his own preservation (taqwa) and success (falah). Not only Allah has honoured man but unlike human masters of slaves or servants, He gives them full choice of their actions [Fa'abudoo ma shi'tum (Render ibada to whomever you like) {39:15},I'maloo ma shi'tum (Do whatever you like) {41:40}]. He gives man choice of actions and also gives them guidance about actions which would result in their preservation and prosperity, and actions which would result in their ruin and misery. He also minds them that the result of their actions is built-in in their actions [7:147, 7:180, 28:84, 34:33, 83:14, 83:36], just like the health benefits of a morning walk are built-in in the walk. There is no external agency at your home that gives you health benefit as a reward when you come back home after a morning walk. The beneficial effect of the walk is in the walk itself, which occurs according to the Laws defined by Allah. The phrase "abd-Allah" (when used in Proper sense) is better rendered as 'the one who complies with the Laws and Commands of Allah' or 'the one who acts in accordance to the Guidance of Allah'
The phrase "abd-Allah", when used in general sense, may be rendered as 'the men of Allah, the humankind'
Since the characteristics of Ibad-Allah include much more than prayer, fasting, Zakat and Hajj, the term 'ibada (when the object of the word is Allah) is better not restricted to prayer, fasting, Zakat and Hajj only but it should be defined as 'compliance with the Laws and Commands of Allah, with humility and submissiveness' or 'acting in accordance with Allah's Guidance (in humility and submissiveness)'. This definition encompasses all the characteristics of Ibad-Allah as given in the Qur'an and also conforms to the elaboration of the term 'ibada as given therein.
Ibadat in the light of the Quran
LL: Lane's Lexicon by E. W. Lane
LA: Lisan-ul-Arab by Ibn-e-Manzoor
M: Mufradat fi Gharib-ul-Quran by Raghib
K: Kamoos-ul-Muheet by Muhammad bin Yaqoob Al-Feroz Abadi
LQ: Lughat-ul-Quran by G.A. Parvez
AM: Dictionary of the Quran by Abdul Mannan
HW: Hans-Wehrs dictionary of modern Arabic
Sabr (صبر)
Falah (فلاح)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain Slick Precipice of Darkness was all but cancelled at PAX East 2010. Flagging sales and a long, painful "he said, she said" rift between Penny Arcade and the developer, Hothead had sealed the series from any future instalments. But now, a 3rd episode is finally on the horizon by way of Cthulhu Saves the World developer Zeboyd games. The dynamic Duo of Bill Stiernberg and Robert Boyd have teamed up with Penny Arcade's Jeff Kalles to create a retro RPG adventure using a combination of Final Fantasy V's graphics and Grandia's combat system. The new game will be available over Steam, iOS, Google Play and (sigh) Xbox live Indie Channel for $2.99 this summer.
When she's not being an Engineer or awesome all around, Angela Melick draws and writes the Vancouver-centric webcomic Wasted Talent. Her second volume, "Welcome to the Real World" collects Angela's engineering adventures from her first colour update to the end of her job in Mission, BC. The volume is in full colour, with 20 pages of bonus material including new, never before seen comics, drawings and commentary! The book sells for $20 and can be bought here.


text:
Meyer Sound MAPP 3D Software Tool Adds New Dimensions to Audio System Design
Pearson Theatre ISO Step View All Cinema
Sample Bowl Venue Prediction
Stadium — Full Prediction at 4kHz
3-Dimensional Prediction Plane — Side View
3-Dimensional Prediction Plane — Top View
Insert Loudspeaker System — Flown Array
Exported Measurement View (LEO Array)
GALAXY Output Processing U-Shaping Tab with Inventory Tab
The release of MAPP 3D marks a milestone in the development of sound system design software, not only for Meyer Sound, but for the industry as a whole. The detail in the renderings is spectacular and the flexibility of the user interface is unprecedented, but what really sets MAPP 3D apart is the extreme accuracy of the predictions. What you measure with MAPP 3D's virtual microphones is precisely what you will see in measurements from real microphones."
Perrin MeyerDirector of Emerging Technologies, Meyer Sound
Compass, Galileo GALAXY, MAPP 3D, VLFC
Meyer Sound has announced the release of MAPP 3D, the most extensive upgrade to its industry-standard system design tool since the original MAPP Online software program was introduced in 2001. MAPP 3D works on both the Mac and Windows platforms, employs local processing (no Internet connection required) and is now available as a free download from the Meyer Sound website.
As the name implies, MAPP 3D provides highly accurate, three-dimensional renderings of predicted sound system performance within detailed, wire-frame venue drawings. Equally important, MAPP 3D now offers complete integration with the Galileo GALAXY Network Platform and Compass control software for a seamless workflow from initial design through on-site tuning. Comprehensive processing parameters for complex systems can be optimized using MAPP 3D predictions, with the resulting processor settings pushed directly into multiple GALAXY processors with the click of a mouse.
In addition to traditional calibration test signal sources, MAPP 3D supports M‑Noise, an emerging industry standard to determine the maximum linear SPL for music. This combination provides the industry's most accurate prediction of a sound system's maximum capability when reproducing music.
"The release of MAPP 3D marks a milestone in the development of sound system design software, not only for Meyer Sound, but for the industry as a whole," says Perrin Meyer, Meyer Sound director of emerging technologies. "The detail in the renderings is spectacular and the flexibility of the user interface is unprecedented, but what really sets MAPP 3D apart is the extreme accuracy of the predictions. What you measure with MAPP 3D's virtual microphones is precisely what you will see in measurements from real microphones."
The combination of a streamlined, user-friendly interface and seamless integration with GALAXY processors — and easy import of SketchUp (SKP) and AutoCAD (DXF) files — will afford significant time and cost savings in both system design and on-site optimization. With multiple views and fingertip control of a free-rotation tool, audience areas can be quickly defined, even within complex architecture. Line arrays can be quickly configured and automatically splayed for uniform coverage, and multiple system options can be evaluated simultaneously.
In addition, MAPP 3D enables system designers to perform virtual system optimization in the design phase. MAPP 3D includes virtual GALAXY signal processors, allowing the designer to add and configure processors, view prediction results, and later synchronize these settings directly to the hardware processors on site. Complete output processing functions of all GALAXY processor models are available, and a copy and paste feature can be used to replicate settings in one or more other processing channels.
Because MAPP 3D includes precise sensitivity data for all Meyer Sound loudspeakers, it can display predictions as real-world SPL as well as attenuation. The inclusion of sensitivity coupled with M-Noise compatibility also provides highly accurate predictions of system headroom. Accurate headroom predictions alleviate any tendency to over design systems, leading to greater cost efficiencies in the final specification.
MAPP 3D loudspeaker performance is based on more than 65,000 three-dimensional measurement points, taken in 1/48th-octave resolution in the Meyer Sound anechoic chamber. Also, MAPP 3D predictions are accurate across the full bandwidth of all loudspeakers, including as low as 12.5 Hz for the VLFC very low-frequency control element.
MAPP 3D also leverages the inherent advantages of working with loudspeakers that are self-powered and manufactured to extremely tight tolerances for uniformity of performance.
"When working with predictions in MAPP 3D, you can be confident that your virtual loudspeakers will behave exactly as the physical models tested in the anechoic chamber," says Todd Meier, Meyer Sound director of product management, "as will the loudspeakers in the final installed system. In addition, self-powering eliminates variables associated with external powering, such as amplifier type, amplifier output configuration and loudspeaker cable length — all of which add complexity and introduce a potential for error in other proprietary prediction tools."
The upgraded, high-resolution graphics and flexible user interface in MAPP 3D provide an array of options for design and performance analysis. System designers can insert simple 3D geometry to reveal array behavior outside the audience area. Layers can be turned on and off to speed workflow. Prediction planes are quickly created from imported drawings with a "Snapping" tool. In addition, multiple prediction planes in large venues with symmetrical sections can be created quickly using linear and angular extrusion in combination with the "Mirror" and "Align" tools.
MAPP 3D is compatible with most recent computers running either Windows 10 or Mac OS versions 10.5.6 Catalina or later. A quad-core processor and at least 8 GB of RAM are recommended as well. MAPP 3D is available as a free download as of August 19, 2020.


text:
package com.github.terma.javaniotcpproxy;

import junit.framework.Assert;
import org.junit.Before;
import org.junit.Rule;
import org.junit.Test;
import org.junit.rules.ExpectedException;

import java.net.URISyntaxException;
import java.util.Collections;
import java.util.Comparator;
import java.util.List;
import java.util.Properties;

public class StaticTcpProxyConfigParserTest {

    @Rule
    public ExpectedException expectedException = ExpectedException.none();

    private Properties properties = new Properties();

    @Before
    public void before() {
        properties.setProperty("test1.localPort", "1");
        properties.setProperty("test1.remotePort", "2");
        properties.setProperty("test1.remoteHost", "www");

        properties.setProperty("test2.localPort", "90");
        properties.setProperty("test2.remotePort", "91");
        properties.setProperty("test2.remoteHost", "bbb");
    }

    @Test
    public void shouldGetListOnInstancesFromFile() throws URISyntaxException {
        List<TcpProxyConfig> instances = TcpProxyConfigParser.parse(properties);
        Collections.sort(instances, new Comparator<TcpProxyConfig>() {
            @Override
            public int compare(TcpProxyConfig o1, TcpProxyConfig o2) {
                return o2.getRemoteHost().compareTo(o1.getRemoteHost());
            }
        });

        Assert.assertEquals(2, instances.size());

        TcpProxyConfig test1 = instances.get(0);
        Assert.assertEquals(1, test1.getLocalPort());
        Assert.assertEquals(2, test1.getRemotePort());
        Assert.assertEquals("www", test1.getRemoteHost());

        TcpProxyConfig test2 = instances.get(1);
        Assert.assertEquals(90, test2.getLocalPort());
        Assert.assertEquals(91, test2.getRemotePort());
        Assert.assertEquals("bbb", test2.getRemoteHost());
    }

    @Test
    public void shouldFailWhenCantFindLocalPort() {
        expectedException.expect(IllegalArgumentException.class);
        expectedException.expectMessage("Please specify test1.localPort");
        properties.remove("test1.localPort");

        TcpProxyConfigParser.parse(properties);
    }

    @Test
    public void shouldFailWhenCantFindRemotePort() {
        expectedException.expect(IllegalArgumentException.class);
        expectedException.expectMessage("Please specify test1.remotePort");
        properties.remove("test1.remotePort");

        TcpProxyConfigParser.parse(properties);
    }

    @Test
    public void shouldFailWhenCantFindRemoteHost() {
        expectedException.expect(IllegalArgumentException.class);
        expectedException.expectMessage("Please specify test1.remoteHost");
        properties.remove("test1.remoteHost");

        TcpProxyConfigParser.parse(properties);
    }

    @Test
    public void shouldFailWhenCantParseToIntLocalPort() {
        expectedException.expect(IllegalArgumentException.class);
        expectedException.expectMessage("Invalid integer test1.localPort = X");
        properties.setProperty("test1.localPort", "X");

        TcpProxyConfigParser.parse(properties);
    }

    @Test
    public void shouldFailWhenCantParseToIntRemotePort() {
        expectedException.expect(IllegalArgumentException.class);
        expectedException.expectMessage("Invalid integer test1.remotePort = X");
        properties.setProperty("test1.remotePort", "X");

        TcpProxyConfigParser.parse(properties);
    }

    @Test
    public void shouldFailWhenContainsPropertyInInvalidFormat() {
        expectedException.expect(IllegalArgumentException.class);
        expectedException.expectMessage(
                "Invalid property remotePort should be <proxy name>.localPort|remotePort|remoteHost");
        properties.setProperty("remotePort", "X");

        TcpProxyConfigParser.parse(properties);
    }

    @Test
    public void shouldFailWhenParseEmpty() {
        expectedException.expect(IllegalArgumentException.class);
        expectedException.expectMessage("Please specify at least one proxy.");
        properties.clear();

        TcpProxyConfigParser.parse(properties);
    }

    @Test
    public void shouldSuccessParseProxyNameWithDot() {
        properties.clear();
        properties.setProperty("test1.com.localPort", "1");
        properties.setProperty("test1.com.remotePort", "1");
        properties.setProperty("test1.com.remoteHost", "1");

        TcpProxyConfigParser.parse(properties);
    }

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Q: How to share folder between virtual box ubuntu and host windows? I have been using ubuntu in virtual box. Now i need to copy a folder from windows to the VM ubuntu.
In virtual box i have selected the folder in share folder option but cant figure out how to access in virtual box ubuntu.

A: Boot the guest OS.
Once booted, click Devices | Insert Guest Additions CD
When prompted, click Run.
Type your user password and click Authenticate.
Allow the installation to complete.
When prompted, hit the Enter key on your keyboard.
One last step is to add your user to the vboxsf group using this command:
sudo usermod -aG vboxsf $(whoami)
With the guest still booted, click Devices | Shared Folders | Shared Folder Settings. In this new window, you'll create a new Transient Folder that can be seen by the hist OS.
Mount the shared folder in the guest od with the command sudo mount -t vboxsf Public ~/Public. Change the name of the folder accordingly. This should be visible in the host OS.
Source: https://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-to-share-folders-between-guest-and-host-in-virtualbox/

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Articles from April 2017
Women's Names among the Scots and Irish
Genealogists tend to make a hash of women's names because they don't know, or don't acknowledge, the cultural rules that would have applied at a particular time and place. The names of pre-Modern women in Scotland and Ireland is a particularly difficult area.
So often people tell me they just want a rule of thumb. My response is that it would be much better to use the names they're found in primary sources.
Admittedly, that begs the question of how to understand and interpret the names we find. I'm watching for a good, introductory level discussion. In the meantime, I've come across this short piece by Barry McCain.
"A married woman would take her husband's surname, but the prefix form was different than the male form. Ó became Uí and Mac became Mhic. This name change did not always hide the surname of the woman's father however. In traditional Gaelic society some women retained their father's surname due to the strong sense of family and clan affiliation. This was done when the woman was the daughter of a land holding family and had high status within society.
"Two examples from the mid to late 1500s that I located in my own research are: Fionnuala Nic Eáin married Dónaill Mac Ailín. Her "married name" becomes Fionnuala Mhic Ailín. In actuality, she retained her maiden name in the community and is listed by that name in the records. Her name appears crudely anglicised as Finvall Nikean."
If that sounds like the kind of thing you need to know, I encourage you to read the entire article.
Barry McCain, "Irish and Scots Female Ancestor Names in Primary Sources", McCain's Corner (Apr. 12, 2017).
Religious and Military Order of the Knights of Malta
The Royal Black Association of the Ancient, Exalted, Illustrious Religious and Military Order of the Knights of Malta was a Scottish chivalric association. It was closely associated in the beginning with Orange Order, although frequently at odds with it. It seems originally to have been synonymous with various "Black" organizations that evolved into the Royal Black Institution by 1846, but was perhaps only one of a number of them.
In the color symbolism popular at the time, the color black symbolized Protestantism, orange symbolized adherence to the House of Orange, and blue symbolized Freemasonry. The color symbolism can become confusing. The name Royal Black Association is intended to convey they are a Protestant association. Originally, membership was restricted to those who were also members of the Orange Order.
Members of the Black Association of the Knights of Malta believed they were authentic knights of the medieval Hospitaller Order of St. John in a continuous and unbroken tradition but the evidence is sketchy.
During and after the Reformation the Order lost Protestant members through both expulsion and disaffection. The Order's property was confiscated in England (1540) and Scotland (1564). Yet, even after the dissolution in Scotland there are references to preceptors of the Hospital of Scotland (William Schaw in 1589; William Schaw and John Boswell of Auchinleck in 1600; and a member of the Hay family called George or Gilbert in 1642). The Order is said to have been introduced to Ireland in 1643 for the protection of Protestants who had escaped a Catholic massacre in 1641 (Cyclopædia of Fraternities, 274).
The implication here is the Scottish knights in the 18th century were heirs of the Hospitallers though the Priory of Torpichen, which had been dissolved in 1564 but apparently lingered on until 1642 or 1643. This was the theory circulated in the late 1800s, but it is now generally rejected. There is no mention of this group between 1643 and perhaps 1797 or 1820. The gap is too long to be credible.
The earliest evidence asserted for the modern Order is a Royal Black Warrant said to have been signed on 16th September 1797. However, the earliest record of this 1797 warrant is an entry dated 1820. These "Black Knights" were allied to the Orange order. To become a member, a man had to be first an Orangeman. One reason often given for the absence of early records is these records were perhaps maintained and carelessly kept by the Orange Order.
These knights came to be called the Royal Black Association of the Religious and Military Order, Knights of Malta. In 1807 HRH Prince Ernest Augustus, Duke of Cumberland was elected Grand Master in separate elections by both the Orange and Black organizations, but then resigned in 1820 following a parliamentary inquiry. He became King of Hanover in 1837.
The patronage of a royal prince gave an aura of legitimacy, but it seems likely they were originally a quasi-Masonic organization who accepted Chevalier Ramsay's assertion the Scottish Hospitallers survived the dissolution of the Order in 1564 by entering Freemasonry (Andrew Michael Ramsay, Discourse (1737).
Another theory is that the Scottish Hospitallers originated through what has been called the Temple-Malta Order. The evidences are scattered. From 1705 to 1723, Philippe, duc d'Orléans was Grand Master of revived Templar order (Ordre du Temple). They are said to have been joined by Hospitaller Knights exiled to France from Malta for engaging in Masonic activities. In 1743 a formal organization was formed that became known as the Temple-Malta order. This organization might have been exported to Scotland as part of the French policy of de-stabilizing Britain by promoting the Jacobite cause leading up to the Jacobite Uprising of 1745, when Charles Edward Stuart (the Young Pretender) is said to have himself been made Grand Master of another revived Templar order. It is, however, difficult, although perhaps not impossible, to understand how a Catholic order in 1745 turned into a anti-Catholic order by 1797.
The Scottish order established branches in Canada (1829), England (1842), Australia (1868), and the United States (1874). These branches gave rise to dozens of splinter groups of varying character, some as nobiliary associations, some as confraternities, and some as simple fraternal orders.
Earliest Evidence
"The Magnanimous and Invincible Order of Royal Blackmens Association" of Lodge No. _ , held in _________, having commenced on 16th September, in the year 1797, for the preservation of our Glorious King and Constitution.
We, the Right Worshipful the Grand Master, Deputy Master, Deputy Grand Master, and Grand Pursuivant, and the rest of the Grand Officers of this Noble Order meet for the sole and only purpose of relieving our distressed and oppressed loyal Protestant Brethren around the Globe, this being our Warrant. Given under our hand and seal.
Long live our Glorious King and the Memory of our Glorious Deliverer, William III.
Signed –
Joseph Tineman, Grand Master – 16th September 1797
Benjamin Goodman, Deputy Grand Master – 17-09-1797
Thos. Tinley, Grand Pursuivant – 17-09-1797
Daniel Maulang, H.P. – 17-09-1797
George Dobson, D.H.P. – 17-09-1797
John Ladd, G.S. – 17-09-1797
Alfred La Grues, D.G.S. – 17-09-1797
Locus Sigili.
Grand Masters
1797 Joseph Tineman (Ireland)
1807 Prince Ernest Augustus, Duke of Cumberland
1820 William Leedom (Provincial Grand Master, Ireland)
1827 William Freeman (Provincial Grand Master, Ireland)
1831 George Donaldson (Provincial Grand Master, Scotland)
1840 Robert Blair (Provincial Grand Master, Scotland)
1850 William Dixon (Provincial Grand Master, Scotland)
1853 William Dixon (Grand Master)
1855 Samuel Robertson
1860 Henry Marshall
1866 Hans Newell
1869 George McLeod
1890 Thomas Macklin
1897 William G. Ingram
1915 Louis G. Pierson
The early history of the Order is considerably confused, with different writers interpreting the history in different ways, often to make a favorable case for their branch of the Order.
The Cyclopædia of Fraternities, edited by Albert Clark Stevens (1907). 266-77,
Robert W. Y. Formhals (Prince Grand Master of the Hospitaller Order of St.John of Jerusalem), White Cross: Story of the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem (1979).
Robert Willard Yates Sanguszko Formhals, The Story of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller (June 1975).
Portadown Royal Black District Chapter No 5, History of the Royal Black Institution.
The Ancient and Illustrious Order Knights of Malta.
History of the Royal Black Institution at EvangelicalTruth.com
Scotland at Tripod.com.
Note: This text originally prepared as the Overview for a Geni project. Revised May 3, 2020 to repair links.
Knights of St. John & Malta
The Knights of St. John and Malta was a Canadian and U.S. chivalric association. Originally a branch of Religious and Military Order of the Knights of Malta in Scotland, it was chartered as an independent organization in 1875 it was chartered as an independent organization under the name Supreme Grand Black Encampment of North America. The name of the organization was changed to Knights of St. John and Malta in 1880.
Members of the Black Association of the Knights of Malta believed they were authentic knights of the medieval Hospitaller Order of St. John in a continuous and unbroken tradition. The implication was that they were heirs though the Priory of Torpichen, although this theory is now generally rejected. Another theory is that they originated through a mixing of Scottish men with French Hospitaller knights in the 18th century.
In 1928 the Order merged with one of its Canadian break-away groups as well as a California group that claimed to have been part of the historic Spanish Order to become the Sovereign Order of St. John and Malta. In 1965 King Peter II of Yugoslavia became patron of the order.
1874 Robert E. A. Land
1906 Joseph G. Burrows
1910 Edmund B. Collett
1911 William Buckett
1925 John J. Sheridan
1928 Arthur T. Lamson
Geni project: Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, for the history and context of the Hospitaller Order.
James J. Algrant, C.St.J, The Proliferation of Russian and Other "Orders" of St. John.
The Ancient and Illustrious Order Knights of Malta and The Royal Black Institution, for a fuller although biased history of this order.
[The Order in] Scotland at Tripod.com.
Heraldic Lore
"Swan, (lat. cygnus, fr. cygne): this graceful bird has for various reasons been a favourite charge in armorial bearings. Swans are generally blazoned as proper, i.e. white, else they are described as argent, but they are frequently beaked and legged of other tinctures. The bird is generally borne with expanded wings, and it seems desirable that the position should be noticed, though as a fact it is only seldom so. Sometimes they are drawn swimming towards each other, and for this the word 'respectant' or 'incontrant' seems to have been used by some heraldic writers."
"The Cygnet sometimes occur; and a cygnet royal implies a swan gorged with a ducal coronet, having a chain affixed thereunto and reflexed over its back. It should rather be blazoned a swan proper, ducally gorged and chained or, a cygnet being properly a young swan. It was one of the badges of Henry V. The term, however, may properly be used when there are two or more swans in one coat, like lioncel."
Source: Swan in Parker's Heraldry (1894)
Company of Saint John
The Company of Saint John is a chivalric confraternity founded in 1914 as Rock Island Commandery (Illinois) as a local chapter of the Knights of St. John and Malta, an order that claimed to be a branch of the historic Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem. The original patron was St. George, the patron saint of Rock Island.
The organizer and first Commander was George W. Place (1914-1958), whose father is said to have been a member of the St. John order in Bay City (Michigan). He was succeeded as Commander by his son C. A. Place (1958-2000), who was succeeded by his son Justin Swanström (2000- ).
After the death of Chevalier Place in 2000, the commandery was re-named and re-organized as the Company of St. John. Other changes included:
The patron was changed to St. John the Baptist, the traditional patron of the Hospitaller Order.
The office of Commander was changed to Master.
The ranks of Knight of Saint John (KSJ) and Lady of Saint John (LSJ) were changed to Companion of St. John (CSJ).
As a further part of the reforms the company was amalgamated with two of its affiliated organizations:
Company of Saint Bede, an academic confraternity of historians and those charged with historical preservation, education, and scholarship. The company was founded in 1976 under the patronage of St. Bede, patron saint of historians and Father of English History.
Noble Company of the Swan, a chivalric confraternity founded in 1971 under the patronage of St. Michael, patron saint of knights.
The arms of the Company of Saint John are the arms of the Place family with the addition of a Maltese cross: Azure a Maltese cross Argent and on a chief Argent three chaplets of roses Gules.


In the context of preparing for the Great Waves of change, the benefits that you will hold onto are so insignificant compared to the requirements placed upon you that to cling to these benefits represents a kind of self-betrayal.
It is as if you have given over your life to some kind of dark force for some small pleasure or advantage.
Here there is no escape from self-conflict. Here you cannot really relieve yourself of the problem, for once you have seen and known the truth, you cannot shake this off with all kinds of excuses and justifications.
To move, you govern the mind instead of being governed by it. You direct your emotions instead of being directed by them. You overcome your inertia, overcome your resistance, while you gain self-determination.
Here you see, you know and you take action.
The Great Waves of Change, Chapter 14, Seeing, Knowing and Taking Action.
One Response to "Self-betrayal versus self-determination"
What the Allies in this and other writings seem to miss is that what you write of has been under way by those on Earth who have made their alliances years ago on behalf of their ET (Greater Community Sponsors) patriarchs.
The UN's agenda 21 and past writings of Tri Laterals and New World Order types who have been piloting and planning this in the early 1700's in their Masonic Orders.
So a question arises why do the Allies write as though something is coming down the Pike when in fact it is here? I suggest you read the material and posting by Ian Wishart from New Zeland. He has a much better description of the process and is more in tune of the process than the Allies.
Your material which I have read over the years is incite full but some how misses the Mark. It is phrased future-tense rather than historic and present- tense. Makes me wonder if you are a back door prop for the enemy. Like a unknowing 5th column to mask form the left hand what the right hand is really doing.


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Fighting Academic Censorship on Gardasil Vaccine Research, Dr. Sin Hang Lee Challenges Medical and Scientific Community to Debate in Open Forum
In an unprecedented move, pathologist/clinical microbiologist, Dr. Sin Hang Lee has decided to invite the international community of scientists and medical professionals to peer-review and/or discuss his latest research "Toll-like receptor 9 agonist in HPV vaccine Gardasil 9" in an open public forum. According to Dr. Lee, during 2011/12, when he tried to publish papers describing HPV DNA fragments he had discovered in Gardasil 4, his first paper was rejected by three medical journal editors despite the fact that the manufacturer had assured health authorities worldwide no such fragments were in the final product. The first of his papers regarding this subject was favorably peer-reviewed by three scientists who recommended publication. However, upon subsequent review by a journal editor publication was inexplicably denied. Both papers were subsequently published in non-medical journals which deal with 'pure science' thereby limiting access to most medical professionals. Dr. Lee also states that after submission of his latest research to "Vaccines" the editor-in-chief sent his paper out requesting a peer review. However, the editor's subordinates refused to process the manuscript even though the journal claims to be "an international, peer-reviewed open access journal focused on laboratory and clinical vaccine research, utilization and immunization." Dr. Lee believes this unusual response illustrates a top-level concerted effort by vaccine stakeholders to suppress any information which could potentially impact the published safety profile of HPV vaccines.


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Memorial Day in Emily of Deep Valley
Emily of Deep Valley by Maud Hart Lovelace is a completely charming book that I highly recommend reading if you've never read it before even if you think you are beyond reading children's books. What's more, it's one of the few books I know of in which Memorial Day, called Decoration Day in the book, plays a part! I thought I'd share a passage from the Decoration Day chapter this year.
"Gosh, what a lot of bunk!"
"Bunk? Decoration Day?"
"Don't you think it's bunk?"
"Certainly not!" Her surprised indignation swept into her speech. "If I had gone out and gotten killed for my country I'd like to be thanked for it once a year."
"These fellows weren't killed"
"Well, we're all thinking about the ones who were!"
"Oh are we? How many people are thinking about anything except the impression they are making, or the picnic they are headed for, or how their feet hurt?"
"I imagine that everyone gives a little thought to what the day means," she answered slowly. It meant more to her than to most people, she realized. Those young men of the First Minnesota who had charged so bravely to their death were almost as real to her as last year's football team.
She was saturated with pride in the day, and Don's scornfulness hurt her.
"It's so nice," she said in abrupt appeal. "It comes in May when everything's so pretty. And the children are so clean and excited and the old men so happy. And it's always the same. It's--part of growing up in America.
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OpinionColumnistsMark Chiusano
By Mark Chiusano
Express or local?
The F train may resume express service in Brooklyn in the fall of 2017. Photo Credit: Charles Eckert
For Gene Russianoff long subway trips are very personal.
The longtime transit advocate at the Straphanger's Campaign grew up in Sheepshead Bay, and remembers the benefit of an express train: "It made you feel you weren't living in Siberia."
He says his mother would take large books — "The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich," Jane Austen's works — rip them into travel-sized sections and work her way through over the course of a month. The trip was long enough "for you to get your reading done."
Russianoff brings this memory up as context for the Brooklyn train debate currently brewing — a recommendation to provide express service on the F train during rush hours in a swathe of Brooklyn.
The catch? The plan would halve local service at a number of northern stations.
"It's a hard case," Russianoff says. With major change in the subways, "there are always winners and losers."
Take the local or wait for the express?
Express trains are the happy surprises of the subway system. Catch an express and you can leapfrog the misguided crowds who hopped too quickly on a local. For those without access to express trains, there's no other choice.
The Culver line (the F route in Brooklyn) once included express service, but it was suspended in 1987 due to structural work and never restored.
Sign up for amExpress, the conversation starter for New Yorkers.
The MTA NYC Transit released a long-awaited feasibility study of renewed express service this spring. The study found that running two-way express service during rush hours between Church Ave. and Jay St.-MetroTech would save express riders an average of 3.4 minutes every morning with a maximum savings of 7.3 minutes northbound (the savings is slightly less for southbound trains). Local riders would lose an average 1.3 minutes and at most 5 minutes, according to the study.
In total, this works out to a savings of 27,000 minutes: "1.0 minutes per affected passenger during an average weekday AM peak hour." Which leads the study authors to conclude that the plan would be worth implementing.
The math is simple — the effects seem small, but are significant when you add them up for the estimated 48 percent of riders who would benefit from the express.
The problem is that the remaining, local-only riders — who would be slightly inconvenienced — are clustered in some of Brooklyn's most popular and crowded neighborhoods, which are only getting more crowded.
That's the concern of Erin Lippincott, an F train rider who circulated a petition last week on dontcutlocalf.com, which quickly caught the attention of local elected officials.
"Nobody I know in any way shape or form is against more subway service in Brooklyn," Lippincott says, but she rails against cutting service where Brooklyn is busiest.
Lippincott says she was concerned when developers announced plans for construction in Gowanus that she feared weren't being supported by increases in infrastructure — the beleaguered sewer system, for example. Cutting transit could make things even worse.
The study notes that 1,900 and 1,800 riders get on during the northbound peak hour at Carroll St. and Bergen St. respectively, two stops where service would be cut, vs., say, 700 at Ditmas Avenue, one of the busier of the more southern stations.
Picking the right train
An MTA spokeswoman says that no final decisions have been made — a final determination by the MTA board is pending conversations with "impacted stakeholders." If approved, the study's recommended changes wouldn't start before mid-2017.
Lippincott laments the way the recommendation pits "neighborhood vs. neighborhood," recognizing the limited resources of MTA beneficence that are lapped after like the hungry dogs/subway riders that we all are.
Cutting service in busy, burgeoning neighborhoods where Fs sometimes open and close with no room for new passengers, doesn't seem great. Yet if the numbers pan out, these are small delays for residents close to the city and with other transit options. Residents farther out could use a slice off their commute — riders like Russianoff's mother can leave a slice of their novels at home — and maybe those neighborhoods would become rapidly burgeoning ones too if the transit options were there.
If only there were a third way, beyond this piddling over a few minutes. The report identifies and denies alternatives to this borough-wide Faustian bargain — for example, renovating a ghost portion of the Bergen Street station to allow the express to stop there is too expensive: in excess of $75 million, according to the report. And adding trains so service doesn't need to be cut, the obvious solution? The tracks in current state can't accommodate, and new trains are unavailable.
In the end Brooklynites will ho and hum and the board will make some decision that won't make everyone happy, when the road to a less-zero-sum game in the subway system would be greater investment in mass transit.
"The problem is not the choice between express and local. It's financial constraints on the system forcing us to make that choice," says John Raskin, executive director of the Riders Alliance.
"The reality is, we need to provide both."
This is amExpress, the conversation starter for New Yorkers. Subscribe at amny.com/amexpress.
Mark Chiusano is a member of the Newsday and amNew York editorial board.
'No justice, no peace': Protests mark 5 years since Garner's death
After the blackout, de Blasio says he's 'jaded' over Con Ed
Local green spaces are sowing immigration protests
Sen. Rand Paul stymies Senate vote on 9/11 victim fund


Closing arguments were delivered Monday. in the federal corruption trial of former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. The case is expected to go to the jury Tuesday. Zack Fink filed the following report.
On Monday morning, prosecutors spent nearly three hours summing up the government's case against Sheldon Silver.
At one point, Prosecutor Andrew Goldstein said, "This case is about corruption, crimes committed by this man, Sheldon Silver," as he pointed to the defendant for the jury.
Prosecutors say Silver engaged in two corrupt schemes to monetize his public office and enrich himself to the tune of more than $4 million.
"They can find that he shouldn't have taken the money, it smells. I don't like the fact that an elected official has done this. But he didn't break the law, and that is going to be the issue for them," said Attorney Michael Bachner.
In the afternoon, it was the defense's turn. Silver Attorney Steven Molo said, "It is not enough to say Silver did these things. He needed to do these acts with corrupt intent."
Silver's attorneys opted not to call any witnesses, including the speaker himself.
"I'm always of the belief if you are a lawyer, and you are the Speaker of the house, people expect you to speak. But the jury is going to be told that they cannot confer anything negative from that, and they take that very seriously," Bachner said.
On Tuesday, the jury will be given instructions by the judge. Deliberations will begin immediately thereafter.
Regardless of what verdict they may deliver, observers say this trial has managed to expose a sleazy way business can be conducted in Albany.
"Everybody in Albany could have a no-show job and be servicing someone else, allegedly working for us," said Tom Stebbins of the Lawsuit Reform Alliance. "But I think if you are getting paid millions of dollars, you are not working for the people of New York, you are working for the people paying you millions of dollars."
Silver reiterated outside court Monday night that he has believed all along that he will be vindicated.
"I look forward to a verdict of not guilty," he said. I think my attorneys did a very good job."
One other development Monday that is worth noting is that juror 1, who was injured last week, has been replaced with an alternate. There are now four men and eight women deciding Sheldon Silver's fate.


South Dakota's second-largest city, Rapid City has for many years served as a gateway to the West. Today, the city's museums and cultural attractions highlight the area's rich Native American and pioneer heritage, and cover topics including science, contemporary arts, and European history. The majority of attractions can be found in the walkable downtown area, home to a bustling main square, shopping destinations, and a host of restaurants. Outdoor enthusiasts come to the region to explore the Black Hills via hiking, biking, fishing, and more. The city of more than 70,000 serves as a jumping-off point for two popular national monuments in the area. Rapid City is in South Dakota (SD). To arrange what you want to do in Rapid City, use our United States visit planner.


Hardware systems for generating MIDI output from guitars are often expensive, impractical and unreliable. Jam Origin's revolutionary software alternative is none of these things.
I just can't think of any reason, save prejudice or poverty, why a computer‑owning electric guitarist who wants to experiment or simply needs to transcribe his or her playing wouldn't buy this program. If you're a guitarist who owns a computer or iOS device and an audio interface, Jam Origin's MIDI Guitar is an essential trial download and an inevitable purchase. Go for it!
There's not many products that make Toby Pitman swear out loud in sheer amazement when he first uses them, but Jam Origin's MIDI Guitar software is definitely one of them!
The concept behind MIDI Guitar is so simple and brilliant that I thought it was a hoax at first. Just plug your guitar in your audio interface with a 1/4" jack, launch MIDI Guitar and that's it! You now have a MIDI guitar! No special pickups. No 13 pin sockets. No pitch to MIDI converter hardware! Just a lead!!
So I downloaded a demo. I plugged in the guitar to my Apollo and launched the software and then loaded a synth in Logic. I then started to play. Did it work? Hell yes it worked!!
Now I've owned a few MIDI guitar setups and never been all that satisfied with them. They're a pain! This however was a total breeze and some of the best tracking I've ever come across.
One dream of many guitarists have always been to be able to play the sounds of synthesizers with a guitar. In the past some (such as Pat Metheny and Scott Henderson) did so thanks to a special hexaphonic pickups from Roland to capture notes from each string and the transform the impulses to discrete MIDI … finally a brand new system that allows decoding polyphony from guitars with a standard jack and have a polyphonic MIDI signal without the use of special pickups or external synthesis modules . This technological wonder is called MIDI Guitar, produced by Jam Origin. With this system you can play any instrument plugin inside your DAW or standalone without experiencing lag.
The app is a virtual gem that will unlock new ways of sonic expression for guitar players.. for the price it's a no-brainer!
The JamOrigin website says: "Accuracy and latency results comparable to hardware solutions." So I checked on my system and the measured offset between the pluck and the MIDI-note at 128 samples to 25 ms, no matter what sound on which string is played.
For comparison: the Axon AX-50 manufacturer claims latency of 13 ms [for their hardware solution], however these values are not achievable in practice. The first rash of the waveform of the audio signal until the MIDI-note are 38 ms for the low E-string and 11 ms for the high E-string [for the Axon hardware].
Getting Guitarists to adopt guitar synthesizers has been an uphill battle for decades, but Jam Origin has come up with a new and much easier way for guitarists to access this world. Merely plug your guitar into a computer or iOS device through any audio interface and MIDI Guitar lets you control almost any soft synth.
I spent hours creating ambient, rhythmic, and melodic landscapes with a minimum of false triggering. I could also send velocity information by varying my pick attack, creating some cool virtual string slides within Reason's upright bass sample.
I've been obsessed with modelling and MIDI systems for guitar, used, sold, extensively tried and refrained from buying. The modelling stuff never sounded as good as real guitars on tube amps, and the MIDI stuff was inconvenient to use and required hardware guitar modifications. In addition, of course I could only use a guitar that I had fitted in accordance with such special MIDI pickup. With 'MIDI Guitar' I take any of my guitars, they connect using a normal phone cable with my audio interface and can play VST instruments, I already know and I do not have to incorporate laboriously.The price of such hardware solutions is many times higher than the price of 'MIDI Guitar'.
I'm thrilled! Jam Origin made a fantastic entry on the music software market… The software works perfectly and is great fun. And the price is very low. As to my knowledge there is no comparable product, a very strong buy recommendation.
Also the customer service is outstanding: Our inquiry was answered within 14 minutes – on a Sunday evening!
Yes, now I'm a keyboard player. And how am I playing my keyboard? With a guitar of course.
So, I had never heard of this company and this plug in before, but now I know them. And now you also know them. Share the knowledge, my dear fellow guitarists!
This is a real revolution in the world of synthesised guitar / MIDI. … this can be the gateway to guitarists and guitar students – and also bass and violin – into a new universe of music on your computer.