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ELRoman29
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ELRoman29
Revitalizing the City of Reading
Permacultivate Non-Profit Organization Developing Communities
PermaCultivate works to develop exciting sustainability projects related to the areas of food, energy, water, zero waste, and other important urban challenges. All of our projects integrate education and community development as we work to address these issues while building successful models for further implementation.Reading Roots Farm & Learning Center
Our first major project was the Reading Roots Farm and Learning Center, which began in the summer of 2011 in the City of Reading. We ran an intensive food production using sustainable methods on two sites: the greenhouse in City Park and 601 Canal Street. Our goal is to provide fresh and nutritious produce for the city and its surrounding boroughs while also educating the community on permaculture practices that can be used in homes and businesses.
Last June, our farm had a featured produce stand at the Penn Street Farmers Market, where eager “Readians” purchased just-harvested vegetation and voiced their support of our work in the city. We plan on offering fresh greens, herbs, flowers, and an assortment of specialty items as our farm grows. If there’s something you’re looking for, simply let us know!
For more information visit:
Permacultivate.org
Renue.org
Level1Kinetics.com
THE REVIVAL OF A POST-INDUSTRIAL TOWN
While driving through the city of Reading, PA, I can’t help but fall into a melancholy mood. To say that this city has seen better days is an understatement. The ruins of once thriving textile mills and factories of various industrial products now cast a shadow of gloom over the remaining cityscape. I try to avoid making that drive because lets face it, who likes to feel sad. On the rare occasion when I do find myself navigating through this desolate place, I notice trash on the street, dilapidated row homes due to years of neglect and empty lots overrun by weeds and discarded furniture. I can recall stopping at a traffic light and seeing an old woman sweeping trash out into the gutter and I remember thinking “why not just put it in a trash bag.” That bothered me for a few minutes, but I shrugged it off as city life. Like many struggling cities, Reading is suffering from high unemployment, poverty and crime. And this once beautiful town riddled with some of the finest and diverse architecture is left to decay and fade from our memories due in part from a generation or two of devaluation.
Through the past few decades there has been a steady stream of people from New York City and Philadelphia flowing into town in search of cheap housing. And there is no shortage of landlords who want to rent to anyone just as long as they are getting their monthly payments. There are two major problems that come from this, especially in a post-industrial town. The first problem is that “there is barely any homeowners pride in these areas.” It’s not the property of the inhabitant so why should they worry if the place is in disarray. Problem number two being “what do all these renters do in a town with no industry.” Sit on their front porches and stare at each other I suppose. If you ask me, there was a lack of strategy on the part of many of these families when making the choice to come here. Sure, there are cheap places to live in this area, but how are you going to pay for it. Where are you going to find employment? Are you planning on living off the tax payer’s dime? I’ll leave that topic for another time.
The city of Reading, as well as many like it, is teetering on the brink of failure and is poised for a new identity. But pointing out the problems is extremely easy. After you read this, ask the first person you know “what’s the solution for your failing town?” I’m sure you’ll get a wide range of answers from volunteer programs to employment opportunity, from crime to respect for the community, from social change to an unoriginal racial joke. Everyone usually has an answer to contribute but few think their conclusions thoroughly, let alone act on them. For the romantics out there, there is hope. And that hope is only materialized through action.Stereotypes often litter the general public opinion, which consequentially helps form a blanket impression about all city inhabitants. Fortunately, there are those, who are willing to act and not just posture in a discussion so the person next to him regards him as insightful. The forming of ideas and discussing them among colleagues, neighbors, and peers are valuable portions to resolving any challenge, but they are only portions. Action then becomes required to make these ideas existent. Through various forms of activism, communities can become revitalized and welcoming. There are recycling programs, charities and other nonprofit organizations that have progressed past the idea phase and now they are working to make a positive change in these neighborhoods. Many provide education and social awareness while others provide the means for achieving the revival process. Take an organization like RENUE for example. RENUE is collaboration of Reading residents working toward the beautification and rejuvenation of their neighborhoods. Their program focuses on educating communities about damaging and unproductive waste and harmful pollutants. Despite being a small group, RENUE is making a big impact in the inner city. Their actions are a testimony of positive values plus cooperation between city residents to achieve a common beneficial goal. With initiative, there is always success.
Secondly, the key to bringing urban areas back to life is revitalizing commercial districts. There are several dilemmas with bringing in businesses. Many federal guidelines favor a suburban investment. Also local zoning and tax policies in the city make it less desirable then the suburbs. One idea would be uniting the public with those in the urban community willing to make a change and create effective partnership between themselves and the city government. Networks of communication need to be put in place in order to keep the issues on the surface. Some key issues are commercial district revitalization, adjacent neighborhoods re-beautification and ample security to assure the average suburbanite that all is well. There will be a need for outreach and education for the existing commercial district and adjacent neighborhoods in order emphasize the importance of improving the area’s image. This will be crucial in attracting new businesses and customers. When this is achieved only then can assistance be provided to help make it happen. Also, there will be an essential need for federal grants, low-interest loans or both to encourage businesses owners to make the improvements.
These are just ideas and there are many strategies to overcome demographic and economic stale-mates. Commercial revitalization initiatives should be combined with education and work force development programs, housing improvement and development, sustained crime reduction efforts and career opportunities as part of a wide range effort to create inner-city revitalization that significantly benefits low and moderate income residents. The Post-Industrial Town can become that haven for hipsters, the preferred lunch location for the business man, the evening attraction for families, the focal point of culture, music, art and ideas. Ideas so delicate, saying them too loud will cause them to vanish. I envision a place of celebrated diversity and mutual respect and prosperity. This is just an idea but I suppose actions have to start somewhere.
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ELRoman29
Portrait Drawing Techniques at Gold Light Studios Art School in Buck County
A large part of what I do each week involves talking about and demonstrating portrait drawing techniques. I’ve been a lover of the portrait drawing and the head study from about age 12. It’s been a consistent staple of what I do on a daily basis to learn, perfect and share the love and the technique of this at the same time. Sometimes they are very rudimentary, sometimes however, they go a step further. Here’s to more!
Video : Portrait Drawing Techniques Demo
Learn how to draw and paint in Bucks County, Pennsylvania by joining portrait painting, oil painting, or life drawing classes at the center of fine art and classical atelier artists.
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ELRoman29
Popcake® Pancake Machine
POPCAKE® is the world’s first automated pancake making machine designed for the commercial food service industry. By using the Popcake machine, restaurants, diners, coffee shops, food stands, and catering companies can make multiple mouth-watering, 97% fat-free, piping hot pancakes under 60 seconds at a single press of a button.
The Popcake pancake machine is fully enclosed and remains cool enough to touch while operating. The counter-top POPCAKE® machine uses proprietary software and electronics to control the automated cooking process and is fully adjustable for pancake diameter, and mix options. This patented machine is robust in design and requires minimal maintenance. Create fast, automatic and delicious pancakes that are perfect for any food service company.
The unique and patented POPCAKE® technology allows operators the flexibility to make a 1-inch (silver dollar), 4-inch (medium) or 6-inch (large) pancake with just the simple press of a button. Best of all, the POPCAKE® machine delivers freshly baked, 97% fat-free, delicious, piping hot pancakes in under a minute. Capable of creating a wide variety of menu options, POPCAKE comes in sweet and savory mix options accompanied by popular toppings from traditional maple syrup to various fruit combinations.Innovative Commercial Concepts has expanded upon recent successes in Australasia, Europe and Hong Kong – Macau with a NSF certified machine supported the North American launch back in Q3 2009.
Fast Facts
Registered Name:
Innovative Commercial Concepts
Authorized North American Distributor of POPCAKE®Registered Address:
911 Cranbrook Glen Lane
Snellville, GA 30078Year Established: December 2008
Website: http://www.Popcake.com | http://www.Popcake-NA.com
Patents: First patent granted early 2008
Product Range:
• Automated POPCAKE® machine
• Proprietary POPCAKE® mix: sweet, savoury, gluten-free and buckwheat
• Real fruit content toppingsNotable International
Customers:• Marriott Hotels
• Langham Hotels
• Novotel Hotels
• Qantas Airline Lounges
• Air New Zealand Lounges
• Hong Kong Disneyland
• Compass Group Hong Kong
• Sodexho Hong Kong
• Hong Kong Club
• Hong Kong Cricket ClubGlobal Market Presence: Australia, Hong Kong & Macau, Russia, United Kingdom, United States of America
Logo:
Social Media:
Twitter: @PopcakeNA
Facebook: Facebook.com/Popcake.NA
Pancake RecipesStir up a hearty, satisfying breakfast with a quick batch of homemade pancakes. Here are a few popular recipes that are sure to please.
Banana and Peanut Butter Pancakes
Here’s a protein packed recipe to power your day. Try adding cinnamon to the batter for extra flavor or chocolate chips for sweetness. Try health substitutes like whole wheat flour or whole wheat graham flour. These pancakes are sweet enough to enjoy without toppings or try with whipped cream or dunk in syrup.
Ingredients:
1 cup all purpose flour
1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon brown sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup creamy peanut butter
1 ½ cups of milk
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 small banana, peeled and choppedDirections:
1. Combine, flour, baking powder, brown sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Mix in the peanut butter until the texture resembles cornmeal. Add milk and vanilla; stir just until blended. Stir in the banana pieces.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and coat with cooking spray. Spoon batter onto the skillet, using approximately two tablespoons to form each pancake about the size of a silver dollar. Cook until pancakes are golden brown on each side. Serve hot.Nutritional Information
Servings per recipe: 4
Amount per serving: 1
Calories: 283
Cholesterol: 7mg
Total Fat: 10.3gBrown Sugar Oatmeal Pancakes
The ingredient amounts listed for this recipe yields about 5 pancakes. There are many additions that can be added to the batter to create some delicious variations on a heart healthy, whole grain pancake recipe. Try adding vanilla, yogurt, blueberries, chocolate chips, or cinnamon. Serve with molasses and syrup.
Ingredients:
10 tablespoons quick cooking oats
½ cup whole wheat flour
½ cup all purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilkDirections:
1. In a small bowl, combine the oats, flours, baking soda salt, and sugar. In another small bowl, beat the egg, oil, and buttermilk. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.
2. Pour batter by 1/3 cupful onto a greased hot griddle. Turn when bubbles form on top; cook until the second side is golden brown.Country Crunch Pancakes
This recipe is guaranteed to be a hit at the breakfast table. Try making it heart healthy and use only whole wheat flour. Any fruit can be added to this recipe so try with mangos, strawberries, raspberries or your favorite. The ingredient amounts listed yield about 7 pancakes. They can be served with butter and syrup or enjoyed just so.
Ingredients:
2 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup quick cooking oats
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 ¼ cups of buttermilk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
CRUNCHY TOPPING
½ cup quick cooking oats
¼ cup chopped slivered almonds
¼ cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamonDirections:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine flours, oats, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Combine buttermilk, eggs, and oil; stir into dry ingredients just until blended. Fold in blueberries if desired. Combine topping ingredients, sprinkle about 1 teaspoon for each pancake onto a lightly greased hot griddle; pour ¼ cup of batter over the topping. Immediately sprinkle with another teaspoon of topping; turn when bubbles form on top of the pancake. Cook until second side is golden brown.
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ELRoman29
Circular Perfection | Gold Light Art Studios
The sphere is perfect as a classroom exercise because there is no way of faking it! If you make one of the transition tones in the light even a little bit too dark it will look like a spot or blemish. Make the value too light in the dark range and the form doesn’t turn. The more one works on it and the more real looking it becomes, the more delicate your handling must become or it will stand out compared to the previously painted passages.
Jessica Du painted this during the Sunday drawing and painting class. She is in high school and works very consistently here, even though she has the usual full high school schedule. This is all going into her college portfolio I am completely impressed at her level of focus and the care she puts into her studies. At that age, I had nowhere near her level of maturity or quality of finished work.
Art Scholarship Available!
