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So much has happened in the last few weeks that it is hard to know where to begin. In short, I was living in Denver, CO, spent a week wandering the desert, drove across the country, and now I'm back living on the east coast in Charlottesville, VA where my current surroundings resemble a rainforest. Things have been dramatically nomadic and I've been absent from this space for too long. Perhaps I am still not ready to explain everything, well, at least my emotions of coming back to the east coast, my mind is still deciding how I feel about it. I can however provide you with some delicious pizza recipes I have been sitting on for a few weeks (sitting on the recipe that is... sitting on pizza for that long would be, erm, um, gross). I figure you need to make these before all our beloved summer veggies disappear. The first pizza, the basil pesto one, was inspired by happyolks, she is a love and so are her recipes. I made my own version of it recalling the beautiful photos in her post. The second was concocted from a desire to use some garden eggplants and my love for baba ganoush (a spread related to hummus but with eggplant instead of chickpeas). The eggplant pizza is amazing, my definite favorite of the two, but... why do you have to pick when you can make both?
I do want to share with you the experience of camping in the desert for a week. The harshness and beauties of the desert are so extreme that I barely feel as if it happened. While you are there, the intensity of emotion and feeling is so strong, that when you look around and there is no one else in sight for miles, you kind of have to question if it is reality.
The first day was spent driving through western Colorado and pretty much, all of Utah. Utah is a drastically changing landscape. It is as if Utah decided to mimic a rubrics cube throwing on various faces of mountain, desert, farmland, and forests as easily as shifting squares of color. We ended our tour de Utah when we reached Zion National Park, but since we arrived so late in the day all the walk-in tent sites were full. In the state of Utah you can camp anywhere on public land for free and we cozied up on some BLM land near Zion. The skies were beautiful and streaked with meteors during the peak of Perseid meteor shower. Out there the skies are so huge, it appears as if the meteors last longer, their tails slowly fading out instead of quick flicks across the sky. The next day we hiked around Zion and up several miles into the canyon carved out by the Virgin River. Wading up the shaded canyon in the cool waters felt like paradise contrasting against the heat of the desert sun soaked into our skin. I couldn't help but think of pottery while rubbing my hand across the sandstone walls, layers of minerals deposited in a most unique glaze. The Virgin River: master sculptor.
WIld buffalo grazing, painted skies, and lush aspen forests were in our future at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Did you know the north rim is heavily forested? You could be lost in there for days never guessing you were in Arizona. The Grand Canyon is unbelievable... read it the way some people pronounce it with emphasis... un-be-liev-a-ble. It really is. Standing there the canyon does not only smack you with beauty but with questions of history and expanse of time. I couldn't help but envision the landscape as relatively flat with the snake of blue Colorado River flowing through it and then watch it carve and chip away the layers of earth into the vision I was seeing before me. The temperature was a pleasant 77 degrees and dipped down to 40 during the night as we slept huddled under the branches of aspen and pine, watching shadowy figures of deer grazing nearby through the window of the tent.
While driving to Glen Canyon we got sent on a very long, unexpected detour through Arizona. We will call it 'taking the scenic route.' When we reached Glen Canyon we grabbed a forest road map and picked a road the headed towards the water. The road was an unpaved dirt road that criss-crossed over several dry washes and through mini-canyons and opened up to a sandy bank. As the only ones out there; we spilled out of the car and headed straight for the water where we spent the rest of the afternoon. The sky faded into brilliant color over the lake, reflecting a perfect image of the horizon's beauty right back up to the sky as if she were admiring herself in the mirror. We decided to camp out there since we found campfire rings left behind from previous folk. We wished for no rain for the road getting back would be flooded and we'd be stuck until it dried out, and fortunately, luck was on our side. All night long I heard the excited yipping, yapping, and howling of coyotes hunting for rabbits and birds. They get especially loud after making a kill. I've camped and lived around coyotes, hearing them in the night is not a new thing for me, but I've never heard them that closely before or ever that many. I never get tired of listening to them, they are beautiful.
I had visions of popping a car tire on the treacherous roads we drove out on the next day, I worried we would be stuck in the desert waiting for someone to come along and rescue us. We would have to drink the melted ice water in our cooler to stay alive and when that ran out I'd be searching for yucca root and we would be half-dead when someone found us. Dramatic? Yes, but that is what my mind does. It took us 4.5 hours to go 40 miles on this dirt road until we finally reached the highway. In the beginning we drove up sandstone mountains to the top of the plateau, the view was phenomenal and terrifying. We realized it was too late to turn around and we were on this road for the long haul, avoiding loose boulders and sharp rocks. The arid landscape stretched on forever and I became very familiar with the twisted and gnarled trunks of juniper and the skeletons of creeks that resurrect during rain. We spent the day and night at Capitol Reef National Park. This place is so appropriately named, I felt like I was walking through a coral reef of red sandstone flecked with lush green plant life exploding from the river, just like tropical fish pop with colors against the unending blue of the sea. Early mormon settlers came to this place and planted acres of orchards, irrigating them with runnels from the river. It seemed surreal, a weird sort of oasis wandering under the dappled shade of apple, pear, apricot, cherry, and peach trees with the views of dry sandstone desert moving into view at the end of the rows. There is so much life and hidden history of the desert. Despite how harsh the desert is, it can be so life-bringing, so colorful. The bands and palette of reds, browns, and orange that streak through rock faces in layers. The brilliant papery blooms of flowers, the deep greens of foliage and cactus. The grays and whites of dried juniper trunks. Huge flows of green that kiss alongside the rivers, cutting the red landscape into two pieces. Pristine teals of river water paved in every imaginable color with stones sanded into smooth rounds. The skies at all times of the day; the morning with their soft glows of color, mid-day it is an idealistic sky with blues so bright and clouds billowing as if it was ripped from a storybook page, and the sunsets are vibrant bands of color growing more intense until the sun blinks out and the milky-way emerges with not a single artificial light to compete with it.
I'm continually amazed at the early Pueblo people and other Native American tribes in the four corners, how brilliant and intuitive these people were/are. At the end of our trip we got to spend time at Mesa Verde, I long to be able to live like that. I'm devastated that those civilizations ended and mystified as to why. I'm even more devastated at the ending of later Native American civilizations, and ashamed as to why that happened as someone who comes from both European and Native American descent (like many of us do). The four corners region, culture and landscape is perhaps, one of the oldest regions in the country, the most amazing, and it still feels like a secret.
Recipe (Makes two pizzas)
Pumpkin seed oil. Ok ya'll, you really should get some of this stuff. Not only does it have amazing benefits, especially good for vegetarians as an omega source, but it tastes awesome. It has a deeper, almost smokier flavor, obviously very reminiscent of pumpkin seeds. I get mine from here Mountain Rose Herbs and theirs is cold pressed, organic, and unrefined. In this pesto recipe you can of course substitute the pumpkin seed oil for olive oil, but if you get around too it, try the pumpkin seed!
Quick Dough (For 2 crusts)
Baba Ganoush, sweet pepper, and arugula salad pizza.
Eggplant - 1 small/medium eggplant.
Lemon juice - 2 lemons
Tahini - 3TB
Olive oil - about 1/4 cup plus extra for drizzling
Salt/pepper - to taste
Sweet peppers - 6-8 sweet peppers chopped into slivers
Fresh cilantro - small handfull
Fresh arugula - 3-4 handfuls
Feta - 4TB (optional)
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Place the whole eggplant in the oven on a baking sheet on the top rack and place another baking sheet filled with hot water on the bottom rack. Bake the eggplant for 30-40 minuets. Meanwhile chop up your sweet peppers into slivers. Remove the eggplant and let it cool until you can handle it. After you take the eggplant out, reset the oven temperature to 500 degrees. Once you can handle the eggplant, peel the skin off and discard the skin except for a few, small pieces. Add in the eggplant and few skin pieces into a food processor or blender along with juice of 1.5 lemons, tahini, and salt. Drizzle in olive oil while blending and stop when it has reached a consistency similar to hummus.
Roll out your pizza dough on a flourd surface and transfer to a baking sheet. Spread over the eggplant spread (baba ganoush), top with the slivers of sweet peppers, then sprinkle over feta (omit for vegan), and then sprinkle over cilantro. Rub the crust edges with olive oil and then bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until golden. Meanwhile massage the fresh arugula in a bowl with the rest of the lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt/pepper. Once the pizza comes out of the oven top it with the fresh arugula. All ready to be eaten!
Summer pesto and tomato pizza
Fresh basil - I packed a 5ounce salad green container with basil from my garden and used that much. So about 5oz weighed.
Arugula - I had a few, large, spicy arugula leaves in my garden so I threw those in. About 1 small handful. (optional)
Garlic - 4 cloves, chopped
Pine nuts - 1/3 cup
Pumpkin seed oil - 1/4 cup plus a little extra for drizzling
Salt/pepper to taste - go light on the salt since you are adding cheese to the pizza, which is salty
Cherry tomatoes - 2cups, generous, sliced in half. Feel free to use more or less.. I just purchased so many.
Fresh mozzarella - 8ounces or to preference.
Fresh pepper - cracked over top.
Preheat your oven to 500. Throw the basil, arugula, garlic, pine nuts, and pumpkin seed oil in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth. Drizzling in a little extra oil as needed. Taste and adjust for salt/pepper. Set the pesto aside and slice your tomatoes. Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface, I rolled mine out to fit a baking sheet since I did not have my pizza stones in Denver. Transfer your dough to the baking sheet. Spread over the pesto, I was generous with the amount but I had pesto left over. Spread the cherry tomatoes halves evenly and then tops with tears of mozzarella. Rub the crust edges with a little olive oil (optional). Bake in the oven 10-15 minutes until the pizza is golden brown. Crack over some black pepper and enjoy!


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Guns, Part II: Ethics and What It Might Mean
In the last post I addressed the thought process that ought to go into deciding own a firearm for self defense or home defense purposes from a practical point of view. I would now like to tackle the ethical/moral point of view. Because if we're talking about gun ownership for the purposes of defense, what we're talking about, at the least, is shooting another human being.
My uncle tells the story of how a business colleague of his, who ran a predominantly cash business, was robbed and murdered one night while making his cash collections. The perpetrator had figured out where and when the business man would be with the cash from his business and held him up, ultimately resulting in the business owner's death. My uncle, who also runs a business where he goes around and collects cash, often by himself and at night, grew concerned. He thought about purchasing a handgun that he would carry with him for protection. And, in a conversation which I have never forgot, spoke to me clearly about how long he hesitated and thought about that decision. As a Christian, he was concerned that having a gun for that purpose could result in his having to shoot another person. He didn't know if he was ready or capable of doing that. So he took a concealed/carry class, in which they taught that if you have to shoot another person in self defense you should aim to kill. Injuring a robber who is also armed does not prevent them from shooting and killing you. This only caused him to hesitate further. He had to decide if he could kill another human being. After what I suspect was a lot of thought and no small amount of prayer, he purchased a handgun to carry with him when he made his cash collections.
Would that every person who buys a gun for self defense went through the same agonizing thought process!
You can't just buy a gun for defense without knowing, and I mean really knowing without a doubt, that you could shoot to kill another human being. That is simply not something that every person is able to say confidently that they can do. Every year there are deaths associated with guns that were simply taken from their owners hands and then turned against them when they hesitated to fire. Owning a gun for self defense might mean that you have to kill someone. Could you do it? How does your Christian faith inform that decision?
Professional police officers and soldiers who have killed in the line of duty are affected for ever. Often times they never fully recover from their action. Soldiers especially, who may have killed dozens, are profoundly affected for the rest of their lives. And they were fully trained, fully prepared! The average citizen who owns a gun for self defense, I suspect, has neither the training nor the mental preparation of those professionals. How might the situation in which they are called upon to use their gun in self defense develop? It could be a scary proposition.
I am not one who suggests that the right to own and carry firearms should be taken away from citizens. For better or for worse, it is a part of this country. But what I can and will say is that just because you can, doesn't mean you should! Especially if you are a Christian; Jesus asked us to think about a different way of life, a way in which violence was given up for alternative methods, where swords were beaten into ploughshares, where daggers used to assault imperial troops were put aside in favor of healing the wounds they created. Jesus reminds us also of God the Father's commandment not to murder.
I am not suggesting that true self defense with lethal force is wrong. I am suggesting that before one finds themselves in that situation one needs to consider seriously, to pray, and to soul search, to really look within oneself and ask, "Can I kill?" You may discover than you can. You may discover than you can't. You may find out that because you can, you feel comfortable owning a gun for self defense. You may find out that because you can, you do not want to own a gun for self defense. You may find out that because you can't kill, you don't want to own a gun for self defense when you will in all likelihood not be able to shoot, or at the worst, be used against you or your loved ones.
The responsibilities of gun ownership include deep consideration of what owning a gun might mean. It might mean you have to kill. It is your responsibility, not only to yourself, but also your loved ones, to decide if that is something you can and/or will do. If you haven't spent serious, soul-searching time thinking about that, I don't believe you have any business with a gun the purpose of which is self defense.
Fr. Ryan+
Guns, Part I
I don't ever really post about politics here, but I feel that this is an important topic that I need to comment on. We, as a nation, are in a particular, energetic moment, and this energy should not be lost. However, most of the rhetoric I'm hearing, on both sides, is a lot of fear mongering. Hopefully, I can address this topic from a reasoned perspective and I invite your participation. I would like to go about this addressing three principal areas in three different posts: gun ownership for self defense; the ethics of gun ownership: what it might mean; and finally, armed police officers in public schools.
A Decision: Owning a Gun for Self Defense
When it comes to gun ownership, there are any number of reasons why an average, law abiding citizen might choose to do so. They could be a hunter, or a collector of antiques or modern firearms, a sport shooting enthusiast, or a competitive target shooter. But let's face it, those reasons are not what this national debate is about, despite how the different lobbies choose to frame it. This debate is about owning a gun for the purpose of shooting a human being. That's the part that's got everyone so riled up and so that's the part I want to talk about.
Before we go any further, for the purposes of full disclosure, you should know I am a gun owner. I own a single firearm: a Remington 870 Express pump-action 12 gauge shotgun. I bought it for the sole purpose of clay pigeon shooting. I have never hunted a day in my life, and the firearm is expressly not for self or home defense. To me, it is as any other piece of sporting equipment which I own, like my softball bats or my golf clubs.
I tell you that not just for full disclosure, but also as a part of my point. You'll note that I said the gun was expressly not for self or home defense. When you are a gun owner, you have to make a decision, and it is a very important one with all kinds of implications for safety. The decision is whether or not your gun will be used for home defense. If you decide it is for the purpose of home defense, you will need to abandon most safety protocols. The gun should be kept loaded, within easy reach of your bed, with the safety off. Why on earth would you do that? Because no self-respecting home intruder is going to wait for you to retrieve your gun from another room, load it, and then wait for you to remember to take the safety off. If the gun is for home defense, it needs to be ready to go. I make no judgments about whether a person chooses to do this or not, but it is a decision that needs to be thought about and clearly made before bringing a gun into the home. We decided against this purpose of gun ownership, and so my shotgun, as all non-home-defense guns should be, is kept in a safe place, with a trigger lock on it, chamber open, safety on, and the ammo in a completely separate part of the house. This is the safest I can make it and that was important to us.
While we're on the subject of shotguns, I want to share with you some information I learned back when I was making the decisions about purchasing a gun and whether or not it would also be used for home defense. A shotgun is the preferred firearm for home defense among most gun owners I know. Usually a short barreled (18.5 inches or less) pump-action one. The short barrel allows for easy movement and provides for a wider pattern, and the pump action ensures it won't get jammed. Also the psychological effect of the noise of chambering a round in a pump action shotgun is a profound one, especially if you feel you may soon be on the business end of it, and may be enough of a deterrent in and of itself.
But why not a semi- automatic pistol or a revolver (more ammo vs. doesn't jam), you might ask? Wouldn't they be far easier to move around, especially inside a home at night? They would indeed. But they are also much, much harder to aim, especially at a moving target that you probably can't see clearly, not to mention when your adrenaline is through the roof. And more to the point, the bullet from a revolver or a pistol will penetrate walls (wood and drywall, quite easily) with killing power. If you go shooting around your house at an intruder with this type of weapon, you stand a high chance of shooting someone in your household accidentally (or even a neighbor!), through a wall. A shotgun's pellet spread does not carry as much of this same risk. Sure, some pellets may penetrate the wall, but the killing power will mostly be neutralized. Now if you're military, this doesn't apply to you as much. You know better than to just go blasting around at what you can't see. I'm talking about the average, non-military, gun owner.
So, it should go without saying that a semi-automatic, military style rifle like the AR-15 is a perfectly horrible choice for home defense, unless you live in the Alamo. Even the most gun loving, NRA card carrying, makes-his-own-ammo gun nut I know (who owns multiple AR-15s and an AK-47) keeps those locked up and employs a short barreled shotgun for his home defense gun. He doesn't want to kill his family accidentally anymore than anyone does. So, I simply cannot buy anyone's argument that says an AR-15 is for home defense. Even among gun lovers, it's a dumb choice with potentially fatal repercussions for those you're seeking to protect.
For all of the reasons listed above, home defense is not a valid reason to own an AR-15, an AK-47, or a similar assault rifle. As they are silly hunting platforms (don't listen to those who tell you they hunt with one – go ask a real hunter), I can't think of any reason to own one, and so I would fully support an assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazine ban.
Next up – The Ethics of Gun Ownership for Self-Defense: What It Could Mean
Fr. Ryan+
All Souls' Day Service 2012
Please join us for an All Souls' Day service this Friday evening at 7:30. We will begin with a blessing of the Memorial Garden, followed by a Choral Eucharist. Come out and help us to remember, honor, and pray with all the Faithful Departed. Rest eternal grant unto them O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed rest this day in peace and rise in glory.
Reflections on the SCP 2012 Conference
This past week I had the opportunity to travel to Los Angeles for the 4th annual Society of Catholic Priests conference. One of the things that's great about this and other conferences is the variety of venues and locations; I've never been to LA before and what a great chance to go! We were graciously hosted by the good people of St. Mark's in Glendale. The conference began on Wednesday with Solemn Evensong and Benediction, which was glorious. As the conference has moved away from it's founding church, Christ Church in New Haven, CT, I think they've encountered some logistical problems and some of these showed through but really they were very minor.
The rest of the conference was centered on presentations and worship with plenty of fellowship time throughout. As you might expect, the worship was angelic and I even had the delightful (though slightly anxious) opportunity to serve at both Solemn High Masses as the subdeacon. One of things I truly value about this conference is all that I learn. This role, in that type of service, was not something I had done before and so I had to learn, but that was the beautiful thing about it.
Our presenters at this conference are always erudite, inspiring, and though-provoking, and this year was no different. Friend of the Society and liturgical scholar, Dr. Derek Olsen, returned this year, and was accompanied by Dr. Charlie Stang of Harvard Divinty, the Rev. Julie Morris of the Abundant Table Project, and our own Society Convener, The Rev. Dr. Bill Carroll. The topic they were all asked to address (with the exception of Dr. Stang, who "didn't get the memo") was "Catholic Social Witness."
Dr. Olsen led off with a wonderful presentation (the text of which is available at his blog here) on how praying the Daily Office is a key element in helping to form a catholic social conscience through the constant use of the psalms and canticles. His main points were: (1) the psalms and canticles "define a reality where all creation is oriented towards God and participates together in the mutual worship of God;" (2) that "they emphasize the rule of law—that is, they emphasize that justice is a key attribute of God and that justice, righteousness, and equity must be central values for us because they flow directly from the identity of God himself;" and (3) they "form us in the habit of empathy because they place in our mouths the words of the poor, the marginalized, the oppressed, and they invite us to see the world through those eyes, and to recognize the injustices seen through those eyes."
He concludes with this powerful admonition, "Praying the Office just every once in a while isn't enough. It has to become a discipline. That doesn't mean that if you miss it once you're lost or anything, but its power lies in the force of habits. Habits of mind, habits of devotion, habits of thought. That's what transforms us—patterns of life."
His whole text is really worth reading, if for nothing else than what he has to say about how the imprecatory psalms (the psalms that call for God to curse others) can also shape us.
Dr. Charles Stang, Professor of Early Christian Thought at Harvard Divinity School, presented perhaps the most provocative topic of the week, on something he referred to as "twinning." This is a concept wherein ones relationship with Christ becomes so close as to form almost a twin-like relationship. He presented the idea that in the Gospel of Thomas, some scholars believe that Thomas was actually Jesus twin brother. (We had to shelve a lot of preconceived notions for this presentation, but that was acknowledged up front.) It was a fascinating topic, a challenging presentation, but I described it in the end as "interesting in the way something in a store window is interesting. I'll look at it for a while, but I'm not going to buy it."
Mother Julie Morris presented what I thought was the overall most interesting topic, or at least the one from which I took the most ideas away with me. The Abundant Table project is an Episcopal Service Corps project that grows, harvests, and provides organic vegetables to local food pantries and farmers' markets. They are all about organic, sustainable (I don't like those terms: all food is by nature organic and sustainable describes most food with the exception of manatee steaks and dodo bird breasts, but when I use these words, you know what I am talking about!) and healthy food and cooking and connect all of those ideas to both the gospel imperative to feed the hungry and the Eucharist.
Finally, Society Convener Bill Carroll presented the historical writings of Vina Scudder, focusing on social transformation and the Christian Year. We spent a lot of time in discussion about the Christian year, mostly lamenting the loss of many of its traditions in the culture. What I was most interested in was how do we live into that Christian year in an embodied way in out churches so as to teach about its gifts to us without sounding old fashioned. We didn't get very far in that discussion, but I am still interested. This year I will be focusing on how do we make Easter a bigger season in this parish than Lent, as it ought to be. And I think I've got some fun ideas and great things in store.
As I've said before, I think the academic quality of the presentations at the SCP conferences is hard to rival in terms of Episcopal continuing education opportunities. It is always challening, thought-provoking, and serves to bring us back to our call as priests to worship God in the beauty of holiness and to go into the nations, baptizing in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Behind the Scenes on the Altar
by: Pleasants Tinkler
Church Needlewoman
Recently I returned from a very inspirational week in Virginia and would like to share this experience with my fellow St. Georgians. As some of you may already know, I have been working on improving my ecclesiastical embroidery skills for many years. My journey with the National Altar Guild began years ago when we were living in the Los Angeles area. The Diocese ran a very comprehensive center for this ministry at the Diocesan headquarters. I have continued this process at many locations, including Kanuga Conference Center in Hendersonville, North Carolina and Episcopal Convent St. John Baptist in New Jersey.
While learning new techniques, practicing stitches, studying church symbolism and books with beautiful examples; we all enjoyed many hours of eating, laughing, and sharing faith/church/stitching experiences. I learned so much more than just church needlework. My fellow stitchers were from very different parishes and shared some of their mission work and outreach ideas. We all shared a faith approach to our needlework and found inspiration in many different ways. We looked at photos of each others' work and admired one anothers' beautiful creations.
I have returned both encouraged and supported by the time spent with these talented and spiritually faithful friends. Now I am ready and excited about making the green altar frontal. Thank you, Father Ryan and Vestry members for being patient with me. I will keep you posted on my progress.
~~~Needling along, Pleasants Tinkler
3rd Annual Sulgrave Classic Wiffle Ball Game
In the annual battle on the Wiffle Ball field between the Parents and the Kids of St. George's, the Parents will convincingly 10-1, to bring the series to a 2-1 lead.
Blessing of Taize Chalice and Paten
Parishioners David, Robbie, and Sarah Farnsworth recently traveled to Taize, France where they visited the Taize community that has a whole new style of worship and music over the last few decades. The monastic community itself is unique, being comprised of both Roman Catholic and Protestant brothers, and has as one of its principle foci a powerful devotion to peace and justice.
Here at St. George's we have a monthly worship service in the style of the Taize community, hallmarked by periods of extended silence, intentional readings, candlelit worship, contemplative and meditative music, and simplified Eucharist. At 7pm on the third Sunday of the month, we offer this style of worship to all in our community.
As a gift to St. George's, the Farnsworth family brought back with them a paten and chalice set from Taize. They brought it forward during the Offertory yesterday to offer to God and the community, as well as to be consecrated for sacred use. This consecration, normally reserved to the Diocesan Bishop, was delegated by special permission to Fr. Ryan, who blessed the new holy vessels prior to the celebration of the Eucharist at 10am yesterday. The vessels were then used for the first time in worship during the first Taize service of the year, last night at 7pm.
Won't you join us next month, on the third Sunday at 7pm, for worship in the Taize tradition?
Fr. Ryan+

subset: commoncrawl


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Like humans, pets need yearly physical exams.
Annual exams are essential to maintain your pet's health and longevity, providing your veterinarian with patient history and the ability to notice changes in weight, appearance, behavior, dental health, and overall physical condition.
During a routine exam, your veterinarian will examine your pet thoroughly, from eyes and ears, heart and lungs to running their hands along the body, checking for signs of discomfort. They will ask about diet, exercise levels and behavior. Our veterinarians encourage discussion and questions during your visit, allowing them to really "get to know" the patient. Remember, the only silly question is the one you did not ask!
The veterinarian or technician will discuss the vaccinations your pet requires. As the number of disease strains increase, our team diligently follows changes and advances in vaccination protocols. During the annual exam, our veterinarians will offer the best options for your pet's lifestyle. A current rabies vaccination is required by law.
An annual fecal exam, to check for intestinal parasites, is strongly recommended and easy to obtain. Yearly blood tests alert your veterinarian to any underlying disease.
As your pet ages, yearly exams become very important. More extensive blood work can help your veterinarian diagnose and treat any underlying health threats that become more common with advanced age.


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Tagged: Darrin Hagen
Ep 119: The Anxious Witch Hunt
Guests: Murray Cullen & Theo Pitsiavas and Darrin Hagen & David Cheoros
With Chris W. Cook
Hosted by Taylor Chadwick
Creative Commons Music by Josh Woodward
Contains some coarse language
It's a double shot of Edmonton Theatre in this new ep from the What It Is crew. We meet new-friends-of-the-show Murray Cullen & Theo Pitsiavas of Theatre Yes' cross Canada experiment – Anxiety. Then, one of Edmonton Theatre's most celebrated artists Darrin Hagen is joined by director David Cheoros to discuss their project Witch Hunt at The Strand premiering at Workshop West Playwrights Theatre. Of course, we've got the Arts News and all of the usual information about how you can find the show online… but you probably don't need help with that so just get this ep in your ear holes!
Ep 95: Glabulous
Guests: Darrin Hagen & Trevor Schmidt
With: #theatremari
Hosted by Taylor Chadwick
Contains some coarse language
Guys in Disguise talk Gals in Disguise! In today's ep Taylor chats up Edmonton's legendary drag duo Darrin Hagen & Trevor Schmidt about their newest musical Klondykes, running at The Roxy on Gateway February 4 – 21. We discuss how the show differs from their past Guys in Disguise work, trips to the Yukon and LGBTQ culture in Canadian theatre. Get the scoop on the latest in Edmonton Arts News from #theatremari and witness Darrin & Trev giving Taylor a hard time. Don't be shy, toss this ep in your ear holes.


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PM outlines Pacific fund
The Prime Minister is announcing a $2 billion infrastructure financing facility for the Pacific.
The new measure is being seen as a way to strengthen one of Australia's central security and development partners against rising Chinese influence.
The program consists of loans and grants for infrastructure development in Pacific countries and Timor Leste, and is expected to be combined with an extra $1 billion for EFIC, Australia's export financing agency.
The money is aimed at essential infrastructure like telecommunications, energy, transport, water, that the government says will stretch its aid dollars further.
No details have emerged yet as to where the money will come from.


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I had several jobs in 1970 in Sunderland, but perhaps the most memorable was the 5-Minute Car Wash by the Barnes Hotel. It was a by-hand car wash at a time when new-fangled auto car-washes were just appearing (we were instructed to tell everyone who passed under our chamois and sponges of an entirely fictional case of someone who had had their car roof peeled back 'like a sardine can'). There were five of us; it was an eight-hour stint, with half-an-hour off for lunch. It was May, but 1970 was cold. It had snowed in April, and there were days when the ice on the water-troughs had to be broken. It was really badly paid.
Two of the others were skinheads, and talked endlessly of various away-games at which they'd had good fights (they were almost certainly fictional fights). My problem was that, being from the posh suburbs north of Sunderland, and despite the standard scruffy regulation teenager clothes, I not only didn't sound quite right (I was often asked if I was from Middlesbrough, which means that I was trying to get my Sunderland accent up to speed), but I also had a bigger secret. My father was the managing director of Doxford's, the biggest shipyard employer in town – it included the family shipyard Greenwell's as part of it – and he was at that time facing the longest strike since, if memory serves, the war. The fact that the drivers of some of the fancier cars through the wash said 'Hello Bill' in what suddenly seemed impossibly posh accents only complicated matters further.
There were three jobs – washing (two of us); drying (two of us); and (the plum job) writing down the numbers of the cars which we were cleaning for the nearby car-dealer. The jobs rotated amicably. One of the skinheads (softies compared to the London skinheads who had thrown sharpened pennies at me at the end of the previous year) was called Jim. On one memorable occasion, while on car-number-writing duty, Jim, usually very loquacious, suddenly grew very, very pensive as a car passed him. He chewed the pen; otherwise he was stock-still. Honestly, he was statuesque. The four of us watched him carefully.
After a small age, he looked up and across at us. 'Good job I was wearing my Doc Martens,' he said. 'That car's just run over my foot.'
Eventually the conversation turned to what our fathers did. Telling a good lie involves using part of the truth. I said he worked for Doxford's. Was he on strike? I said something about maintenance work. 'Ah, blackleg, is he?' said Jim.
I told my father this when he came back late that night after long talks with the boilermakers. 'Blackleg, is he?' he repeated, and started to laugh. And laugh. Until he became almost helpless. After which he phoned his friends, and shared 'Blackleg, is he?' with them for what seemed hours and hours. We were almost never on bad terms after that.


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Films We Like is pleased to announce the acquisition of THE IMMORTAL DIANA KENNEDY, about the world's most famous expert on Mexican cuisine.
The Immortal Diana Kennedy by documentary filmmaker Elizabeth Carroll is a candid look into the world of 92-year old British chef and author Diana Kennedy, widely regarded as the world's authority on Mexican cuisine. Ms. Kennedy is a formidable critic of anyone who doesn't share her objective views of Mexican culinary traditions or anyone who, God forbid, doesn't recycle.
Diana Kennedy is a force of nature, and lives entirely in harmony with it. Along with cooking, she maintains an ecologically sustainable ranch where she has been recycling rainwater, using solar power, and growing her own coffee and corn since the 1970's. A staunch environmentalist with a collection of plastic bags she's reused for a decade, she is famously prickly about being "green" at home and abroad.
The Immortal Diana Kennedy will be theatrically released across Canada by Films We Like and by Submarine Entertainment in the US in the latter part of 2016.
About Films We Like:
Founded by award-winning Canadian filmmaker Ron Mann, Films We Like is a boutique distribution company of international, documentary and independent films in Canada. Recent releases include the Oscar winning film Ida, Force Majeure, Phoenix among others.


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In late 2011, a new method of fetal genetic testing was introduced. Called cell-free fetal DNA testing or non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), this testing uses maternal blood to test for abnormalities in the fetal DNA. First introduced to detect Down syndrome (trisomy 21), the test is now also used to detect the less common trisomies 18 and 13 as well as other conditions. This type of test is offered by several different companies that each have their own brand name for the test.
We offer NIPT to all women at increased risks for the designated conditions. Those in the high-risk group include women over the age of 35, someone with a blood test result or ultrasound marker associated with a chromosome abnormality, and anyone with a family history or previous pregnancy with a history of one of these conditions.
The fetal DNA test
The cell-free fetal DNA test/NIPT can be performed after the tenth week of pregnancy. A small amount of blood is drawn from the mother's arm. In that blood sample are small amounts of DNA that have been released from placental cells into the woman's bloodstream.
If the test results come back positive, it does not mean the baby has that condition. A more definitive diagnostic procedure (such as an amniocentesis) is recommended. Studies on the cell-free fetal DNA tests have shown that they are ~99 percent sensitive in detecting Down syndrome with a less than 1 percent false positive rate. Previously available non-invasive tests had considerably higher false positive results, which led to more recommendations for further testing and more worry for the parents.
Other fetal testing
Before the introduction of cell-free fetal DNA testing, at-risk women only had the options of traditional serum screening or invasive diagnostic procedures such as amniocentesis. Amniocentesis is done to provide definitive information regarding chromosome abnormalities and can also be used to test for many other conditions. However, because the amniocentesis involves using a fine needle to remove a small amount of fluid surrounding the fetus, the procedure carries a small risk of miscarriage. Some women still choose to have an amniocentesis and we recommend it particularly for women who have a high-risk finding on the fetal DNA test, certain fetal abnormalities identified on ultrasound, or family history of particular genetic syndromes.
Another test that may be performed in conjunction with NIPT is the nuchal translucency screening, which is a measurement of the fluid collection at the back of the neck done as part of an ultrasound between 11 and 14 weeks gestation. This is a general screening tool that may reveal an increased risk for a fetal cardiac defect or higher risk for other type of defects in addition to raising suspicion for chromosome abnormalities. Findings from the nuchal translucency screening may lead to the recommendation for other diagnostic testing.
Fetal DNA testing costs
Costs for fetal DNA testing vary greatly based on each individual's insurance and levels of coverage are constantly evolving. The U-M Fetal Diagnostic Center team recommends patients inquire with the laboratory to clarify expected cost of the test.
The fetal consultation
As with all genetic testing, meeting with a qualified genetic counselor is important so you can understand the test and its results. The genetic counselor will explain any further testing that may be recommended and any treatment or follow-up options that are available.
Take the next steps:
- Learn about U-M Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment Center.
- Learn about prenatal testing for our birth center patients, as well as advanced fetal testing for our FDTC patients.
- Read about our high risk pregnancy clinic.
Audrey Norby, MS, CGC, is a 2009 graduate of the Indiana University Genetic Counseling Program. Following graduate training, she joined the team of genetic counselors at the U-M Fetal Diagnostic Center during the summer of 2009.
University of Michigan Von Voigtlander Women's Hospital opened in December 2011, offering women a state-of-the-art place to welcome their babies to the world in the most caring and comfortable way possible. From private rooms to birthing tubs, each feature was designed around mom and baby's every need. Learn more at www.UofMhealth.org/birthcenter.


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So excited for this show! That's all I have time to say today, but I highly recommend if you have tickets, getting there early (at 8) to see Depreciation Guild (if you never have, or even if you have before).
Drums - Best Friend
Surfer Blood - Fast Jambroni
Depreciation Guild - Dream About Me


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Remember a few years back, when Ruben Studdard was all over your tv screen? After his American Idol win, he was a big deal. They called him the Velvet Teddy Bear.
Well, now you can call me the Velvet Teddy Bear too. I might not have the 6'3″ frame or a Grammy nomination, but I do have this velvet tee. Close enough, right?
Velvet is EVERYWHERE this season (including the Wild Ruffle shop), and I plan on wearing it as much as possible. I love how this fabric elevates your look a notch or two, and how it catches the light.
I almost couldn't decide between this dusty rose shade, and the blue one that we also have in the shop. But since Tammy always goes for blue, and we often accidentally dress alike, I thought I'd leave the blue for her. At least then when we show up to something dressed like twinsies (and seriously, this happens all the time), we're differentiated by the color. 😉
Another item I'll be wearing all the time? My new Flying Monkey jeans. We have four different styles, and each is as great as the last. There's a reason why this denim line is a cult favorite. First of all, it's a premium denim without the premium price. Second – the fit is awesome. We brought in several mid-rise pairs, and they all come just a bit higher in back. No need to worry about covering your crack every time you bend over, cuz the flattering fit ensures it's never a problem. And yet, it's not anything like a 'mom jean' pant.
Yep, these are going to be on constant rotation this season. Especially my boyfriend fit ones, shown here.
jeans – online here; velvet tee – online here; shoes c/o shopbop.com
Don't forget to join the Wild Ruffle fun via: Facebook // Instagram // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+


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BMW X2: New and Exciting
THE 2018 BMW X2 fills a space in the brand's line of sport utility vehicles. Odd numbered Xs are traditional SUVs, while even numbers are deemed sports activity coupes. The latter boast coupe-like slopes to their rear quarters, a design language brought to the SUV segment by BMW with the original X6.
Sitting between the X3 and X5 is the X4. Until 2018, there was nothing between the X1 and X3, but that all changes with the 2018 X2.
The X2 features an all new design language for BMW. Rather than copying the sloping roofline of its bigger brothers, the X2 is blessed with an attractive chunky shape due to a more angular rear that looks spectacular.
We test drove a Misano Blue Metallic M Sport. At this trim level, it gets larger 20-inch M Sport wheels. Keeping things unique are the BMW logos on either side of the c-pillars.
Inside, the X2 is even better. In M Sport trim, one is met by high-quality materials across every surface. From soft-touch leather, blue stitching, gloss black and metal trims — it's all there. The M Sport power seats, with dual memory, are the first hint to what the X2 is about. With an adjustment range of suv high to sports car low, there's no way not to find the correct driving position to hold to the leather-wrapped steering wheel — another piece of the M Sport package. All the major functions are automated. The headlights and windshield wipers can be set and left to their own devices.
Need to park? The X2 has BMW's parking assist, which will search out a suitable parking spot and steer the vehicle into place for the driver. As expected, the iDrive falls easily within reach and packs plenty of options for vehicle information, connectivity and entertainment.
Space is no problem as the X2 can easily hold five, or better yet four when separated by the middle armrest. Rear vents and power outlets provide as much convenience as the front, and they even get in on the action with the full-length panoramic sunroof. Since this is an suv, practicality isn't forgotten with cubby spaces, cup holders all over. The rear seats fold down in 40/20/40 split for maximum cargo flexibility. Flip the rear BMW badge and the electronic trunk opens. Another button press sees it close. At night, soft blue cabin lights spread a sense of luxury to an already refined interior in which the loudest noises would be the passengers themselves, the excellent stereo and the soft rush of breeze from the air conditioner.
As an SUV, the X2 cossets — happy to drive around in ECO PRO mode, saving fuel with its auto start/stop function; or COMFORT mode, where it makes easy work of urban traffic. Out on the open highway, broken tarmac or for some light off-roading duty, the X2 is also fine. However, once in SPORT mode there are two questions that are asked of the 2018 BMW X2 that a trod of the accelerator pedal answers: where does an suv start and sports car begin? and can the ultimate driving machine be front-wheel drive?
For the former, the answer is simple, the X2 takes that line and erases it. For the latter question, another simple answer, yes. In SPORT mode, as its 192bhp two-litre twin power turbo motor moves from the epitome of smooth efficiency to the aggressive monster; offering up a fat torque of 207lb/ft between 1350 rpm to 4600 rpm rocketing the X2 forward to click off 0-100km/h in just over seven seconds on its way to its top speed of 227km/h. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is in on the action in SPORT mode as well, proving the perfect partner in acceleration. For the more hands-on, the steering- mounted paddle shifters add even more engagement.
The chassis shines as well. The suspension is firm, but rarely transmits anything other than the hardest impacts to the passengers, and even then it stays its driven line. The BMW X2 grips like no other vehicle in its class, despite its higher ride height necessary for its role as an suv. To push it into the dreaded front-wheel drive, understeer takes speeds no sane being would attempt around corners.
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text: The introduction of mining machinery powered by electricity or compressed air changed the way coal miners worked.These pages show mining machines, and offer some information about the introduction of machinery into mining.The point of the pages is to appreciate the dynamic quality of the industrial revolution. Other pages reviewed the work of a coal miner and coal mining in the 1870s. These pages will be about the coal industry at the turn of the twentieth century. These pages will show the introduction of laborsaving machinery into coal mining. For the course "History 563" the machinery has no intrinsic interest as artifact. However, the human story of the introduction of machinery is important, as is, of course, the business and technological dynamics behind its introduction.Look at the pictures and read the short texts that accompany them. After you are done, you should briefly answer questions about what you have seen.After you have looked at the pictures and read the short texts, you should think about three questions.Did you see any differences in the pictures of coal miners working with mining machines versus the pictures you saw of the coal mines in the 1870s?Why were mining machines introduced into coal mines?How did the introduction of mining machines change the organization of work in the mines? What impact did it have on miners with traditional skills?How does mechanized mining seem to be different from the mining described by Andrew Roy? How does this change help you to understand the industrial revolution and its impact on workers' lives? The first decades studied in this course were a time when Americans lived without using electricity. Coal mines operated without electricity. Electricity began to be adopted in mining and manufacturing in the late 1880s and the 1890s. (Electricity was first introduced into Ohio's bituminous coal mines in 1889.) The introduction of electricity in coal mines greatly facilitated the introduction of laborsaving machinery.1891550 Coal Cutting Machines in use19003,000 Coal Cutting Machines installed in bituminous coal mines What did coal mining machines look like?How extensive was mechanized coal mining over time?What was the impact of increased mine mechanization?contents | credits


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Amazon just announced it will spend $270 million on at least four new distribution centers in 2012. It will then hire more than 2,600 people to work in them.
Two of the new distribution centers will be in Virginia and two will be Tennessee, and all are slated to be open in the fall right on time for the holiday season. That breaks down to $135 million spent in each state and about 1,300 jobs in each state as well.
Amazon, which is based on Seattle, has also targeted another East Coast city for new jobs. It is hiring engineers and researchers for its first-ever Boston area office, too, reports the Boston Globe. It plans to open that office in Cambridge in February.
The company added more than 8,000 employees just during the third quarter.


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The future of a West Yorkshire golf club is secure after being bought by a local businessman off an asking price of £600,000.
Silsden Golf Club in the village of High Brunthwaite near Keighley had looked to be on the brink of closure due to mounting debts. Now with the new golfing season about to start the club's 130 members can take to the fairways with renewed optimism.
The terms of the deal mean the club will lease the 18 hole par 67 course, members' bar, locker room and greenkeeper's store from the new owner who in turn plans to redevelop the clubhouse and function suite into a family home.
The sale of the 58 acre site was completed by the Leeds office of Chartered Surveyors Eddisons, acting on behalf of Fixed Charge Receivers of the Silsden Golf Club.
John Padgett Head of Agency at Eddisons said: 'We are delighted to have completed this deal and achieved the best possible outcome for the club and its members.'
Club Chairman Martyn Twigg said the sale brings to an end many months of anxiety as the committee struggled to keep the club afloat.
'It has been an extremely difficult time and has led to many sleepless nights. At long last we can put the problems behind us, the debts have been cleared and we can now concentrate on playing golf,' he said.
Read Next News Article
John joined Eddisons in 1980 and as Head of Function for Agency, he manages business activities throughout the North of England. He is actively involved in the regional markets with owner-occupiers and property companies and developers. His development of close links to local communities over a sustained period has provided and maintained a constant source of instructions from professionals and business alike.
Significant project experience over three decades of service includes sales of 400,000 sq ft of industrial units on the Euroway Estate in Bradford to a number of logistics and manufacturing firms in a £13.5m deal. Further sales highlights include a 250,000 sq ft mill complex on behalf of receivers, and co-ordination for a recent project involving £10m of student block investment disposals.
John's approachable and willing nature also ensures highly efficient client liaison and he acts on behalf of some of Eddisons' major clients, including PPG Ltd, ISG plc, major banks and IPs to name just a few.
A passionate life-long supporter of his beloved Bradford City Football Club, John is happy to provide the benefit of his extensive knowledge, experience and contacts when discussing all things Valley Parade.


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Research protocol
Download PDF version of this page, better for printing: jsn-research-protocol-draft3-2017
At the bottom of this page, however, are various discussion threads.
Protocol on research collaboration between community/activist groups and university staff and students on housing and planning issues (JustSpace.org.uk) Jan 2017
This draft document grows out of experiences of interactions between researchers and local action groups in London, and out of the strongly-felt need that these collaborations should be more extensive, but also that they should be more productive for both parties than they often are. While such collaborations can be very positive, there are pitfalls to be avoided. We offer some hints here for ensuring that there are good outcomes.
This document aims to encourage and assist in the formulation of research and fieldwork projects which answer to the needs of the whole society and in particular of economically weaker groups, whose experiences often have little impact on research agendas. In addition, as research and teaching are under increasing pressure to align with business interests, we felt it important to set out some alternative criteria for good research partnerships.
Relevant projects can range from major university research programmes through dissertations by individual students to field visits as well as class exercises which form part of the education and training of students in social sciences, engineering and built environment professions.
These suggestions are work in progress, initiated by some academics working with the Just Space Network on London Plans and with comments by some activist groups. It is aimed at researchers, students and community groups and tries to use language which will mean the same to all these users. Further comments can be read online and more contributions are welcome at http://wp.me/PL68t-g7
The need for change
Urban policy is increasingly driven by market forces, by the power of real estate and financial interests to influence governments and local authorities. This trend extends market forces into fields previously sheltered from them— social housing, recreational provision, elder care etc— and increases inequalities of income and wealth, undermines rights of local communities and underplays the importance of environmental protection and sustainability.
These same forces which have so influenced urban policy increasingly also influence the content of research and of education. However universities and their students can often be (and should be) essential sources of critical and challenging analysis and creative thinking and thus help widen public debate and develop alternatives.
Community and action groups are normally under-resourced in their engagements with local authority planning departments and developers and, while much expertise is to be found amongst activists and community members, there is often scope and need for input and support from researchers. This is especially the case with large scale and metropolitan-wide planning issues, where local knowledge is not always what is valued, but where a community perspective is still essential. The experience of the Just Space network with the London Plan Examination in Public process exemplifies this, where the need to develop wider-ranging and often technical responses to planning issues and to present more synthetic evidence offers an opening for supportive research interventions.
How to get the most from collaboration
Citizen groups, campaign groups etc are almost always under-resourced. They normally depend on the unpaid labour of committed enthusiasts. Only in exceptional cases are they large enough and well enough resourced to have paid staff, and even then the staff tend to be over-stretched. Researchers should approach them bearing this very much in mind.
Researchers – staff or students: you need to prepare carefully before making approaches to community groups: read their web sites and publications to avoid wasting their time when you meet.
Consult carefully at the early stages in the formulation of research or dissertation topics – to minimise the risk that you are duplicating work that has already been done and to avoid projects which could inadvertently be damaging or unproductive for the groups you are working with.
When academics apply for research funding, there should be efforts to integrate community/action groups as research partners rather than merely viewing them as subjects of study. Non-academic research partners are something research councils and the EU are increasingly encouraging (eg. ESRC-DFID schemes) and this is a direction that needs to be explored and developed.
Many universities have funds set aside for 'community engagement', not just for external outreach but also for challenging new directions in policy and action-oriented research. Applying for this funding is still seen by many as one that you (university researchers) could indulge in only if you have time to spare in addition to your 'main research agenda' or if you want to make your research proposal more 'community friendly'. This shouldn't be the case. Instead, public engagement should be more integral to our research, and the Universities Funding Council for England monitors this as part of assessing staff research.
Community groups are usually extremely well informed on the issues they are engaging with, but not often familiar with the latest academic jargon. It is important to strike a good balance in the language and tone you adopt. In addition, it could be that research aims formulated in theoretical terms might need to be adjusted to the practical aims and concerns of collaborating groups. It is very good to be open to this: it will mean that your results are likely to challenge and extend knowledge, rather than just reproduce well-known academic debates. And it is certainly more likely that they will be more immediately useful to the groups you are working with. From the community perspective, it is also possible that new ideas and fresh perspectives will be most welcome. Working collaboratively, then, can be a space for innovative thinking and creative tension as well as practical support and impact.
Be sure to consult with groups before passing on information to other organisations you might be engaging with in the research project i.e. do be mindful of the politics of the situation and respect what you hear in confidence.
Also, be prepared to contribute time and effort to the group which might not directly feed into your own research process, but which reciprocates the contribution which the group are making to your personal research.
Always make sure that the group(s) you cooperate with get copies of your findings / results. They should get them promptly and without having to pester you. They should at least have an electronic copy of what you produce and ideally paper copies as well because not everyone can cope with printing costs.
If you are a university teacher seeking community group assistance or collaboration as part of student field trips or study projects, do budget for some money to support their input. You are diverting their resources and should compensate them in cash or in kind or both. (You may at least be able to make payments as room hire or lecturer fees.) And of course if there is a research or design product from the student work you should agree in advance with the students and the community group that the results will be made available to the group.
…and of course try and ensure that any project has valuable outcomes for the community group as well as for the students.
Community groups can make invaluable contributions to the education and training of the next generation by cooperating in these various ways. Some points to bear in mind when doing so are
- Try and formulate what your group might be able to get from the relationship, for example useful survey or research results, technical support with software or mapping, knowledge of parallel campaigns or policy initiatives elsewhere in the world, help in preparing plans, strategies and evidence, indirect access to research literature. [Note that most research publications are now available online but under the control of commercial publishers who charge high access fees, while university staff and students typically have free access.]
- If you are asked to cooperate in student study projects or dissertations, do find out, and bear in mind, the timescale to which the student(s) are working: they may have to complete their work in just a few months. Alternatively, researchers working on a long term project over a few years might need to be alerted to forthcoming events or any urgent activities that you might need their assistance with, as other commitments might mean they are not always present.
- Don't be shy about asking for something back —in money or in practical help— in exchange for your time and effort.
- Do make sure that there is agreement in advance that you will receive at least electronic copies of the dissertation or reports or designs which the student(s) produce and will be free to make reasonable use of them in your own work.
Other considerations
Most universities operate 'Ethics Policies' designed to protect the human subjects of research from breaches of confidentiality, hurt or embarrassment or other risks. Formal approvals may have to be obtained by university staff and students for their projects, especially if they involve any work with young people, vulnerable adults or very sensitive topics. An example can be seen at
[New para needed to deal with fact that surveys of residents or businesses done on behalf of community groups are often designed partly to make contacts which can be further developed. The normal survey convention of promising confidentiality may thus have to be replaced by seeking explicit consent for names and contact details to be passed on, and to whom.]
In some cases it might be desirable for a relationship to be formalised as "volunteering". Most universities have procedures and protocols to regulate volunteering arrangements, though they tend to presuppose that the volunteer student will be working in an organisation which is formalised with staff, policies, etc and where the 'task' can be precisely formulated and supervised. While these arrangements are not likely to be very relevant in the cases envisaged here, it may be helpful to bear them in mind. An example is www.uclu.org/volunteer [Addition: visa issues may arise for students Volunteering to work in/for other organisations.]
Sometimes universities arrange for a student to spend some time (typically weeks or months) working in a voluntary organisation as part of their education in a particular course….. These "internships" (a.k.a. placements —and the French terms stage / stagaire are widely used in Europe) can be very valuable for both parties. Some internships are paid, others unpaid.
The web site of the Just Space Network is http://justspace.org.uk
This protocol is a working draft: please help improve it. Comment and debate below if you are reading online, or at http://wp.me/PL68t-g7
It comes out of a project funded by UCL Public Engagement Unit supporting university cooperation with the Just Space Network of community/activist groups on London Planning, 2009-11 and subsequent revisions.
The web site of the Just Space Network is http://justspace.org.uk
8 Responses to "Research protocol"
I very much welcome this protocol, and will flag it up both to my own dissertation students and, more particularly, to the 80 or so masters students who take the Environmental Internship module at King's, which I coordinate. I think we are pretty much in compliance, but it will be good for students to see the logic embedded in this protocol to deepen their understanding of WHY we operate the way we do in working with the voluntary and not-for-profit sector. One point I would like to make about the protocol though. It is essential that academics maintain a critical stance, so the role of "critical friend" is most appropriate when dealing with this sector (which includes keeping confidences when the criticism would have harmful effects if broadcast more widely in a way that identifies the organisation concerned). I do think researches need to be aware, however, that the power vested in organisations to grant access to researchers can be abused, particularly when there is competition for access, with preference going to those who will be more friendly and less critical, in exchange for the kudos and legitimacy that goes with a collaboration with the academy. I have seen one research protocol issued by an environmental NGO which is essentially an attempt to guarantee enthusiastic, supportive and uncritical outcomes. Students in particular need to be aware of the possibility of exploitation of this sort.
This is a really excellent protocol, good to cover the roles of student, academic researchers, and community groups.
1) 'Be sure to consult with groups before passing on information..' might be strengthened 'Be sure to consult with groups and ensure their consent before passing on…'
2) For research students it will be important to balance their learning goals (i.e. having the opportunity to try out a new method) with using existing skills to help a group. And University Teachers should be aware of that.
3) The use of university campus as a neutral venue or university staff as neutral facilitators is a type of 'in-kind' contribution.
4) Is there a duty to inform (though not necessary consult) others who are involved especially those with formal responsibilities such as statutory bodies at NP / LA level?
Just thoughts. Thanks for sharing.
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