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Newsletter 2013-3
Message from the Regional Chair | PTPI Experiences | Coming Events | PTPI Updates | Chapter Reports | Download as PDF
Message from the Regional Chair
Dear Friends,
A couple of months have passed since many of us met at the European Conference in Varna, Bulgaria. I think all of us, who were there, keep wonderful memories of that event in their hearts.. All participants received a warm welcome and after the conference followed the Post Conference Bulgarian Tour, which was very well, organized and really appreciated by all of us who took part in it. It gave us the possibility of knowing and seeing more of that beautiful country still unknown to most of us and at the same time it prolonged our staying together and gave us the possibility of enjoying the company of those who already were our friends and of getting to know each other better and making new and sincere friendships.
One of my longtime friends told me: "the more I know you, the more I like you" and it was the same for me. The more time I had the opportunity to spend with her and her husband, the more I got to understand her and the more I appreciate and like her. Isn't this wonderful and what gives us the measure of how successful the whole event was? How can we forget Antoaneta, our hostess, and the wonderful group of Dolphins? Thank you and a big warm hug from all of us! Can we forget our staff, Lars and Verena, who organized, took care of us, instructed us, were always present, helpful and alert any minute of our days and nights? Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!
During the conference our deeply loved CEO Mary Eisenhower, that we have seen at work for many years and has contributed to make our organization the International PTPI we have today, announced her retirement from this position for personal reasons but she also assured she will continue being at our side as President of PTPI. No words to express how sorry we all are but I am sure she will be with us and also attend our conferences for the future! So Mary, best wishes and hugs from all of us and remember we are waiting to see you next year in Tirana. For the moment sincere thanks from the PTPI people!
The last week of July, Lars and Verena were again very busy with the seventh edition of the European Youth Forum, which this year was a training course held in Berlin with participants from ten different countries: Film for Inclusion - Film as Universal Language. I feel extremely grateful to Verena for this as she managed to receive funds for 26.000 euros from the European Union for the realization of this project. It was a hard and long work!
The European Executive Committee has a new member: Katerina Romanova as PR officer and we all want to welcome her to work with us! We are sure she will give her very valuable contribution and we thank her - welcome on board!
The activities around Europe have not stopped even during this vacation period and both the office and the chapters are all engaged in programs and events. On our side, the EEC members will try to be present as much as possible. The EEC held a conference call in mid-August.
The last thing: Do not forget the next European Conference is already planned for June 5-8 in Tirana, Albania and it is going to be another incredible event!! So save the date since now and I want to see many, many of you. I am very proud to say that our European Conferences are always attended by many friends from far away countries, mainly USA, and of course to them we want to give our deeply heartfelt thanks!
I think it is all for the moment! Until we meet again, I remain
Your friend
Valeria Magistrelli
PTPI Experiences
Experience report –European Conference – Through the Eyes of a Beginner
Charlotte Scheller is a member of PTPI's Interlaken, Switzerland Chapter and attended PTPI's European Conference in Varna, Bulgaria from May 30 to June 2. In her report, Charlotte tells us about her impressions of the first ever conference that she attended.
Being a retired teacher, I'm well on in years, but since this was my first PTPI Conference ever, I think I'm entitled to call myself a beginner. I went to the conference with no expectations whatsoever and was pleasantly surprised. The warmth and friendliness of the people we met during these four days was almost overwhelming. "We" is Isabel Hänni and me. For her it was the 10th conference, so she was an old hat, and I was happy just to tag along.
Upon arriving at Bucharest Airport we were picked up by a charming young couple, Gina and Ovidiu Tataru, and with them we drove to Varna in about six hours. It took us a while to get out of Bucharest, and then there were a couple of "detours." The days in Varna were full of surprises and eye-openers: Friday morning the city walk hosted by the charming local members of PTPI, the Dolphins. We got a good impression of Varna thanks to a wide variety of sights and fun activities, which were well adapted to the actual place we were looking at. The motivation and enthusiasm, the pure joy that radiated from many of these young people was most refreshing.
The day of the conference was the best of the whole stay weather-wise. Unfortunately, we had to stay indoors almost all day. I found the conference interesting, but it needs to be structured and planned better, which would save half a day. More time for the very carefully planned and instigated Chapter Fair would be the result.
Sunday we were taken on a tour of the area between Varna and the sea-side resort Albena. In spite of the interesting places we saw, it seemed that most participants just wanted to socialize with people they had got to know over the years, and whom they see just once a year, This, most likely, accounted for the fact that we were constantly late for our designated sights of interest.
Looking back, the conference was packed with activities, day and night (or evening). The dinners Friday and Saturday night were fun and entertaining and exhausting (I'm just speaking for me). It was obvious from the start, that a close-knit family was having a reunion and it was a heart-warming experience to be welcomed into this family unconditionally.
Coming Events
|Weekly, every Wednesday
|Brussels, Belgium
|Networking event
|Weekly, every Thursday
|Brussels, Belgium
|PTPI coffee morning
|Biweekly, Mondays
|Interlaken, Switzerland
|Bilingual meeting
|Monthly; first Friday
|Berlin, Germany
|Iasi, Romania
|International Festival and Competition "George Enescu"
|September 4
|Women's trip to Estonia
|September 11
|Berlin, Germany
|Bulgarian evening
|September 11
|Bern, Switzerland
|English conversation evening
|September 13
|Zürich, Switzerland
|Thank you hosts event
|September 13
|Berlin, Germany
|Wine excursion to Werder
|September 15
|Sofia, Bulgaria
|Deadline for Dedoodle contributions
|September 25
|Chester, England
|Homestay from Croatia
|September 29
|Europe wide
|Now We Move Campaign Flash Mob
|October 15
|Joyce Hall Scholarship application deadline
|October 17
|Iasi, Romania
|HappILLY ever after (about coffee)
|October 26
|Travel Café
|November 1
|Student chapters
|Team Peace Challenge
|November 16
|Interlaken, Switzerland
|Altjahrshöckand and "The Singing Revolution"
|November 29
|Berlin, Germany
|Trip to Torun, Poland
|February 1
|PTPI Project Grant Deadline
|June 6-8
|Tirana, Albania
|European Conference
|July 18 – August 5
|Trip to Canada
|September 17-20
|Tainan, Taiwan
|PTPI Worldwide Conference
Find more under: www.ptpe.org/events
PTPI Updates
New Chapter - Skopje
We are pleased to announce that since mid-August, there is a new chapter in Europe and the second one in Macedonia: PTPI's Skopje, Macedonia Chapter! Angel Dimitrievski is the chapter president. He is the past president of Skopje Student Chapter. See also Skopje chapter report.
Welcome Skopje!
Joyce Hall Scholarship
The deadline for the Joyce Hall Scholarship is October 15. The scholarship aims to cover school and college costs, and there are five scholarships of each $2,000.00 USD. Applicants must have had previous experience with PTPI through participation in one of our various programs. www.ptpe.org/grants.
Art Knows No Boundaries – Dedoodle!
In June, PTPI's Sofia, Bulgaria (The Doves) Student Chapter started an international project named "Art Knows No Boundaries". After the amazing success of the first international edition of "Dedoodle" – a magazine for art and literature, the chapter is raving to see your limitless art once again! The chapter encourages chapters to take part in the second international edition of "Dedoodle"! The deadline has been extended to September 15. www.ptpe.org/dedoodle
Partner Chapter Search
The El Dorado County, California Chapter is looking for a partner chapter, and they would like to know if there is a European chapter, which would be interested in a partnership. If your chapter would like to partner up with the El Dorado County chapter, please contact the European Office in Berlin.
Switzerland Homestay
In June and July, the three Swiss community chapters, Bern, Interlaken and Zürich, hosted 40-50 student ambassadors each. Both member families and friends of the chapters offer homestay for the visitors, which is one of the highlights of their European tour. In Bern and Zürich, the events were covered in the media
Language Ambassador Program
Two teachers and two chapters have participated in PTPI's Language Ambassador Program; Lugoj in Romania and Varna in Bulgaria.
Membership Directory online
PTPI members can access the online membership directory. Log in via www.ptpi.org. You can also indicate if you want to be included in the directory or not.
European Conference in Varna May 30 – June 2
For the first time the European Conference was held in Bulgaria. PTPI's Varna, Bulgaria (the Dolphins) Student Chapter hosted the event. In total 114 people from 19 countries took part in the various events. Prior to the conference a Romanian Tour was offered by Andrei Corduneanu by PTPI's Roman, Romania Chapter. Four people participated. Also prior to the conference 25 chapter leaders from ten different countries took part in a two day Leadership Seminar on among other things various brainstorming techniques and used the method of peer group counseling to find solutions for recurring problems. Early arriving participants could take part in the humanitarian programs at either School for Visually Impaired or take part in a Christmas card making workshop.
Council Meeting
- The European Executive Committee presented the activities of the past year. The reports and finances were approved.
- As new PR Officer, Katarina Romanova of PTPI's Kharkiv, Ukraine was elected.
- Chapter reports were made by
- Chalks Coriette, Brussels, Belgium
- Dessislava Vassileva, Pravets, Bulgaria
- Elena Hristova, Nicole Pophlebarova and Tsvetiana Zaharieva, Varna, Bulgaria
- Mary Eisenhower made a presentation of PTPI staff and announced her resignation as active Chief Executive Officer within PTPI.
- Simeon Kostov, Varna Bulgaria, brought up issues, suggested changes and aimed results regarding financial, intercultural, political and structural matters. The matters were discussed among the meeting participants.
- The hosting chapter members, informed that they raised 265 Euros selling Christmas cards during the meeting and 255 Euros during the Thursday charity concert.
- The next European Conference will be held in Tirana, Albania June 6-8.
- The traditional Chapter Fair marked the end of the Council Meeting.
After the conference, 34 participants took part in the trip from Varna going west to Sofia. The guides Antoaneta Pophlebarova, Tsvetiana Zaharieva and Anita Metodieva gave a very good insight in Bulgaria, the country, its culture and people. On the way stops were made stops in Veliko Tarnovo, Plovdiv, Rila Monastery and Sofia. In Plovdiv and Sofia local chapter members met up for sightseeing and joint dinner.
Thank you Bulgaria - Thank you Varna - Dolphins and all Participants!
For reports and galleries, please visit; www.ptpe.org/varna2013 | www.ptpe.org/seminar2013
EYF 2013: Training Course "Film for Inclusion – Film as Universal Language"
The training course "Film for Inclusion – Film as Universal Language" united 30 participants from ten partner organizations in ten different countries. It was organized with the support of the European Commission in the framework of the Youth in Action Programme and took place in Werftpfuhl, near Berlin, Germany from July 27 to August 4, 2013.
The first two days of the training were dedicated to team building and intercultural learning. Participants discussed the problems that young people in their different communities and countries are facing, and identified types of marginalized people. The third day had a special focus on participants' experiences with inclusion projects and the lessons they learned by implementing those projects. Inclusion projects involve participants from diverse backgrounds, especially groups of people with fewer opportunities or marginalized groups of people. Then participants acquired knowledge and skills in film making and created their own films. The films aim at promoting inclusive activities by and for young people. Mar Vista Media provided trainers, equipment, and post-production services for the creation of the films. Once the films are completed, they will be made available for all our members, and participants will present them in their local communities.
The film "Under the Mask" is very metaphorical and without dialogue. A young man decides to take off his mask, discover his real self, and work towards inclusion. Unmasked, the young man leaves his room, walks through a house, and opens a number of closed doors, where he encounters different scenes of exclusion. All the people he meets remain under the mask, while he is exposed and open. His unusual appearance attracts curiosity and momentarily, distracts people from their own problems. One by one they start going after the young man. What will they do? Can the young man really make a difference for inclusion?
"Soap Bubbles" features three young people who dream about their future in the first scene, but ten years later find themselves in boring jobs, every one of them facing some serious issues in his or her private life. How come they are not included, not leading the lives they always dreamt of? Is there a way to change this?
View pictures and more details about this training course at www.ptpe.org/film-training2013!
Kateryna Romanova – New PR Officer of the European Executive Committee
Dear Friends,
It was a great pleasure for me to meet you all again at the European Conference in a sunny Varna. As usual we had a great time enjoying each other's company, meeting old and making new friends, discovering a new country, sharing experiences, ideas, spreading peace and understanding.
Thank you Antoaneta Pophlebarova and all of the members of the Varna chapter, for the excellent organization, hospitality, and unforgettable spirit, which we all were able to enjoy.
It is an honor for me to work together with the other members of the European Executive Committee. Thanks a lot to all members for your trust. I am looking forward to working together with you; I am open for any advice, suggestion, request, or complaint from your side and will do my best to meet your expectations.
I said together with you because I am convinced that only in this way can we achieve better PR for the whole organization. I see a successful organization PR in promotion outside and inside the organization. Some of our chapters are already very active in their PR, and promote their activities in a very professional way. Some chapters need more support. That is why it is so important to communicate, share experience and ideas, learn from each other, and work together and by doing so improve PR activities. That will help to find new ways to promote our organization as a whole all over Europe.
A few words about myself: I have been part of the PTPI family since 2006. First, I was involved as an adult advisor of PTPI's Kharkiv Student Chapter. In 2011, I became a Trustee of PTPI. During that time I was leading many projects: Days of Europe in Kharkiv, All Ukrainian Meeting, International Seminar "Learning to be tolerant," a Polish-Ukrainian Project, to name a few. This year we also opened a community chapter in Kharkiv, Ukraine where I was a co-founder.
Last but not least, I wish the whole People to People family a great summer, with new and interesting projects. Let the positive energy, which we experienced in Varna, inspire us for new wonderful activities.
Keep in touch and hope to hear from you!
Your friend,
Kateryna Romanova, PR Officer
Now We Move – to Get New Members!
We have the pleasure to present an awesome idea for how you can recruit new members to your chapter, have fun, and take part in a unique international movement: Present a flash mob in your local community on Sunday, September 29!
How? It is very simple. Just check out the video at http://nowwemove.com/flash-mob/!
Why? Last year, PTPI's Plovdiv, Bulgaria (Smiles) Student Chapter took part in the International Sports and Culture Association's (ISCA) annual MOVE Week. The organization is a non-governmental organization placed in Copenhagen, Denmark, which wishes to further the recreational activities of people worldwide. With the MOVE campaign, ISCA envisions to get "100 million more Europeans active in sport and physical activity by 2020." The objectives of the MOVE Week are to:
- raise awareness of the benefits of sport and physical activity among Europeans
- encourage broader participation in sport and physical activity
- increase accessible opportunities to be active by developing new initiatives
The MOVE Week takes place October 7-13. Last year more than 140.000 people from 23 countries participated. One of the ways people can get involved is through a Flash Mob. The aim of it is to promote the MOVE Week, attract attention, create a common experience for the participants and, most importantly, to have fun whilst being active!
Let's get inspired by ISCA and PTPI's Plovdiv, Bulgaria Student Chapter. Let's inspire others to MOVE and take action!
The Flash Mob will take place Sunday September 29 at 15.00. Participants are encouraged to film the event, so that ISCA can produce a video out of the contributions. The choreography can be found at http://nowwemove.com/flash-mob.
If your chapter would like to participate in this event, contact Verena Denk. The first five chapters to sign up for the flash mob will receive 10 MOVE Week T-shirts and 100 bracelets and stickers. So start planning as soon as possible!
Chapter Reports
Berlin, Germany
This year nine members from our chapter took part in the European Conference in Varna. Hans-Dieter Robel went on the Romania Tour before the conference, together with five other PTPI members. They had fun with their good guide Andrei Corduneanu, the president of PTPI's Roman, Romania Chapter. Three other members started their trip in Bucharest, and met Gina Tataru and her husband for a nice sightseeing tour.
The days in Varna were full of action. All of the meetings, good discussions, a great chapter fair, a city walk and always tasty meals and drinks during the conference provided great variety. Many participants also went on the Bulgarian Tour guided by Antoaneta Pophlebarova and two young members of the Varna, Bulgaria (The Dolphins) Student Chapter.
June 15, we had our traditional barbeque. Karin and Christian Lehmann hosted the party in their summer house. It was a very nice meeting, which included good food and drinks in a wonderful atmosphere.
July 14, Wendy Haydon from PTPI in California visited Berlin. We met her at the Potsdamer Platz and went for a typical German meal.
July 18-20, we had three visitors from the Varna, Bulgaria (The Dolphins) Student Chapter. Tsvetiana Zaharieva had a homestay in Cathy Sulaiman's house and Elena Hristova and Vanya Gercheva stayed with us. Friday night we also met with some of our chapter members, and one of our sightseeing trips involved a visit to the Reichstag (German Parliament), which Ilona Schmidt and I had arranged. We had a short but good time together.
Sunday July 21, we went on a daytrip to Waren at Lake Müritz. Dagmar Schönbeck had arranged the trip. Eight members enjoyed the city walk and the boat ride under a hot German sun.
August 7, Natalia Medianaya from PTPI's Kharkiv, Ukraine Chapter visited PTPI's European Office. She wanted to know more about PTPI and our chapter, because she wants to come to Berlin with a group of young students in October. She made use of PTPI's Homestay Program, and spent the night at Dagmar Schönbeck's home.
Hannelore Büchler, President and Trustee
Berlin, Germany Student Chapter
June 31, our chapter took part in a 5x5 kilometers team relay in Berlin. Five of our members participated, and each of us had to run five kilometers. We reached rank 431 out of 1440 teams. However, our main goal was to raise money by finding sponsors for the race. This turned out to be quite difficult, but fortunately our community chapter sponsored us with five euros per kilometer. In the end we raised 125 euros. We donated the money to Kreuzberger Kinderstiftung, a German organization that helps street children.
June 23-26, we hosted a group of students from PTPI's Tallinn, Estonia Chapter. We showed them the most important monuments of Berlin, such as the TV Tower and the Berlin Wall, but we also did other things together like bowling and going to the cinema. PTPI's Berlin, Germany Community Chapter offered homestays for the youth. It was the first time we had visitors, and all of us had a very good time.
As a representative of our chapter, I attended this year's PTPI Training Course "Film for Inclusion" in Werftpfuhl, Berlin. There were participants from ten different European countries, which gave us the chance to learn more about different cultures. The project was called Film for Inclusion, and we therefore made two films about this topic with the help of two experts. We all had a lot of fun together, both whilst shooting the film, but also in general. We were therefore all pretty sad at the end of the project, because we became like a big family during the days we spent together, and to leave family members is not easy at all. It was a really good experience, and we all hope to see each other again as soon as possible.
Kieu Anh Dang, President
Bern, Switzerland
The long summer break is over, most schools have started in Switzerland, and PTP Bern is taking stock of the summer months and looking forward to the new season. Andrea Sommer and her team of host families can look back on intensive but happy days of student ambassador homestays in July.
All the host families have been invited to our annual Summer Party, which will take place as usual in Hinterkappelen.
Our English conversation group meets Wednesdays, August 14 and September 11, as always at Häberlis' restaurant in Münchenbuchsee. We begin promptly at 19.00, and try to be consistent in speaking English until 21.00. It would be nice to meet more fans of the English language! If you are interested in participating, just check with me to make sure that the date and time are still valid. Everyone is welcome!
Linda Rickli, Board member
Chester, England
June 27-28, the chapter offered concerts through its exchange with Lakewood, Colorado. This year Rebecca Moritsky, a young harpist, visited Chester. Young singers, pianists, and flautists from Chester performed, as well. Rebecca was also offered a homestay with Heather and Stuart Exell.
Heather Exell, President and Trustee
Gjirokastra, Albania
It was my first time I attended a PTPI conference and I am sure that we will have many more successful conferences like the one in Varna.
Here in Gjirokastra, we had a great training activity in April. We gathered approximately 25 students from different schools and grades, including Roma and Egyptian students. The aim of the training was to improve the negotiation and problem solving skills of the students. Therefore, the presentations and discussions evolved around life skills, including topics such as self-perception, self-esteem, effective and assertive communication, violence prevention, negotiation, conflict resolution, problem solving, and decision making.
According to the students, they rarely discuss these topics with their peers or teachers, at least not in such an open atmosphere, and with the aid of instruments such as drawing, quizzes, etcetera.
As the training gathered pupils from different grades of the school, the activity also served to create a special bond between them, through both the group work, but also the activities, which were used to encourage the pupils to share more about their lives.
During the summer, the chapter also had an idea that is very helpful for children in need, mainly the orphan children of Gjirokastra. As the English teacher Rudina Shajko also is the president of the Association of Orphans, we thought of having some free summer courses in English and other subjects. The children who had attended their first classes were very happy.
Besides the lessons, we also organized other activities, with the aim of ensuring that the children would have fun. We planned around 14 classes on different subjects. We started with English, and continued with classes in mathematics, arts, Albanian etcetera.
Evana Simo, President
Klina, Kosovo Student Chapter
June 1, we organized a Fashion Show for Children's Day. In May, we had dispersed event notices to all of the elementary schools in our city. We also went to all primary schools and selected 11 girls aged five to seven, who were going to take part in the Fashion Show. June 1, a lot of children came with their parents.
For the selection of the girls, we had made a jury consisting of some of our chapter members: Leonard Dushi, Isa Berisha, and a volunteer called Rozafa Raci. The girls made the first round one by one, then in pairs, and finally in the entire group. The jury first decided on five girls, and then three, who were rewarded with a prize. We were supported by the Youth Center "Ardhmeria" for this activity. They provided us with a room were we could carry out the Fashion Show.
Erestina Krasniqi, President
Milano, Italy
Wednesday May 22, we had a Happy Hour event in support of women's education in Mombasa. It was a great success, and more than 60 people turned up. The total amount, which was transferred to PTPI for the "Let's Fight Ignorance Project" was 2100 euros. We have done this kind of fundraising over the last three years, and provided very substantially to the education of the 23 girls that the project involves. Five of them will attend university now, and obtain degrees in medicine, economics, nursing, and so on.
Special thanks to Anna De Giacomi, Dolores Nodari, and Chiara Rosso who have always been a great help and, of course, to all friends who come and contribute generously for a project they the chapter members consider very important.
Valeria, President and Trustee
The PTPI European Office later received an e-mail from Franklin Okoth from the Mombasa, Kenya Chapter in August, who tells us about the donated money, and how it was spent:
The funds were channeled to the education of 13 poor girls, who cannot afford the school fees. The money was transferred to various schools, where our students are being taught.
The money was distributed equally among the 12 students, since one of the students was fully sponsored by Luciano Garavani, Valeria Magistrelli's brother. Every student received $208 USD. Nine students finished high school last year, and four joined various public universities in Kenya, in order to pursue their careers. They receive a loan from the Kenyan government for this.
We are very proud of PTPI for improving the lives of these girls, and especially the Milano Chapter, and all of the international friends, who contributed towards this noble project.
Franklin Okoth, President of PTPI's Mombasa, Kenya Community Chapter
Roman, Romania
At the end of the school year, June 22, the ceremony of the biology courses and knowledge of the human body took place for the children at the care center. Ioana Herghea, a chapter member and student in the 11th grade, taught this course during the school year 2012-13, inspiring the children to gain a passion for the science of life. Our volunteers offered handmade diplomas to the participants, and prizes sponsored by the chapter. The children were impressed, because they were recognized for their results, and for their work in the course.
This is not the only activity that our members perform at the center. One of our members, Bianca Manolache, always organizes parties for the children. This is financed by the funds raised during the fundraising last Christmas, when the members carolled through town.
Between June 22 and July 4, Teodor Bordei, Andrei Buhlea, Naiana Ciustea and Bianca Manolache participated in the "Recycle for Life!" project that took place in Costinesti, Romania. Sixteen teenagers from Macedonia and Romania, respectively, participated in the project. The theme was recycling, and the participants did some activities on this topic:
"We created a trash can structured in four sections: metal, plastic, textiles, and paper, and for three days we recycled different things. On the fifth day of the project we were asked to create art objects of recycled materials. The results were amazing because we made dresses, earrings, souvenirs, but also a small autorecycling "robot" (Teodor Bordei).
August 10, we organized an activity called "PTPI on Cycle" where people willing to move went on bicycles on a route in the woods, along which they found many surprises. This activity was received with open arms by the people in our town, and more than 40 people participated. Through this action, the members of PTPI wanted to encourage a healthy lifestyle among the young people, replacing the daily monotony with an adventure on bike.
Georgiana Birjovanu, Secretary and Madalina Spoiala, Member
Rome, Italy Student Chapter
Throughout the month of May, all members of the chapter promoted PTPI in the various schools of Rome, including high schools.
Cecilia Conte, Elena Borgato, and Francesca Massaro went to the middle school Domenico Purified, where they met with 13 year old students, who showed a great interest for PTPI. Benedetta Curci, Francesca Fioretti, and Fabiola Guacci met with students from the high school Montezemolo, where the boys asked a lot of questions about PTPI. Roberto Torrini, Marco Pappatà, and Alex Andrei visited the Baptists Middle School. The students were very curious, and said that they wished to work together with us in various activities in the future. Sara Nati, Alessandra Capecchi, and Valentina Ombres went to the Montanelli Comprehensive School, where the pupils were very open to intercultural exchanges.
May is almost the third month since our chapter began supporting a child to go to school through the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Italy, by a contribution of 30 euros per month. The child, who lives in Romania, has an uncomfortable family situation. Our advisor is in contact with the child, and through the Romanian Community of San Lorenzo, we are able to find out about the child's needs. We also received our tax money from the Romanian Diocese in order to have more transparency and clarity, but also to ensure that we are able to help those who really need it.
Alexandru Andrei, President
Skopje, Macedonia Chapter
My team and I are preparing for a very exciting adventure: starting up a PTPI Community Chapter in Skopje – the capital of Macedonia. We have prepared a program in the spirit of PTPI and Peace through Understanding. This includes humanitarian action for the SOS Children Village, movie nights, cultural events, healthy food workshops, and these are just parts of the projects that we have planned, and that will be our tools for building peace in our community.
Every single experience I have had with PTPI was an amazing journey and full of ever lasting memories. I have been part of the PTPI family almost two years, and since then I have gained international friends all over the globe. Every day, the first things that I see on my bookshelves are the presents from all across the globe. Every day, in the morning, I remember the good times with Tsveti Zaharieva from Bulgaria, Rawan Emad from Egypt, Barbara Capozzi from USA, or Bergi Xhango from Albania. PTPI has marked my life with many international friendships. Macedonia deserves to have a Community Chapter, and many people here in my city deserve to be part of the PTPI family. With our new community chapter in Skopje, we will bring the mission of PTPI much closer to the Macedonians. With this Community Chapter we will make dreams come true, connect cultures, and overcome problems of understanding and peace.
Angel Dimitrievski, President
Sofia, Bulgaria (The Doves) Student Chapter
In March our chapter started an international project named "Art Knows No Boundaries". Members from five PTPI chapters participated in creating the first international edition of our magazine for art and literature; "Dedoodle." They shared their most secret thoughts, dreams, and beliefs in the form of beautiful poems, stories, photographs, and drawings. Everyone has the opportunity to explore this enchanting world, which was created by them, a world full of fairy tales, magic, and creativity.
We invite all PTPI chapter members to take part in the second international edition of "Dedoodle!" The deadline is September 15. More information can be found on our official Facebook page: PTPI – The Doves Chapter.
May 7, The Doves volunteered at the newest library in Sofia, "HotSpot Books & Art," in order to support the reading of books in this ever more digital age.
May 7, our chapter also held elections for new chapter officers. After the elections, we celebrated the graduation of our seniors, and gave them their certificates for being PTPI members.
June 1-2, ten of our members participated in the Children's Day celebrations, volunteering at the annual Children's Festival "I Believe in You." It is organized by the non-governmental organization "Azbukari." There were a lot of amusing activities and surprises for the visitors, and the children received many presents. Famous singers, dancers, and actors also contributed to the success of the festival.
June 4, our chapter organized a charity bazaar to celebrate the beginning of the first summer month – June. Dreams were shared about hot summer nights, lazy days, the smell of the sea... and, of course, a lot of delicious food! Our members and other students from First English Language School prepared tasty muffins, wonderful cakes, and small appetizing sandwiches. The "June Charity Bazaar" was declared a huge success, we raised 150 euros, and thanks to the small, but important donations of students and teachers, another 240 euros were raised, and then donated to our French teacher, who is suffering from cancer.
June 6 will remain a special memory for everyone who participated in the meeting with our PTPI guests. None of us have ever met such wonderful and inspirational people, so full of energy and will to life. Sofia was the very last stop of the Bulgarian Post Conference Tour, and The Doves Mila Tzoneva, Zornitsa Bankova, Lidiya Daskalova, and Stoycho Velev showed the participants around in the city. They visited some of the most famous sights, such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Ivan Vazov NationalTheatre, the Monument to Saint Sofia, and many others.
Tired, but satisfied, the group had dinner at a restaurant we had chosen. Violeta Ruleva and our Chapter Officers Vassil Andreev, Radoslav Naydenov, Iliyana Dadarova, and Fannie Krispin joined them for the dinner. And our chapter received the Chapter Membership Award! All of us fully enjoyed the magnificent day and the amusing evening. We will never forget these incredible international friends who gave us the best experience of our lives!
In June, our chapter organized a Book Donation Campaign to support a 22-year-old man, Svetli, who suffers from a very rare form of lung cancer. To raise funds for his treatment and give him a chance to live his dream, Svetli's friends came up with the idea of organizing a Book Charity Bazaar. More than 50 great books were sent to Plovdiv, where the bazaar took place.
In July we bought ten donation boxes, which will be lent to people in need. The first one to whom we will give the boxes is Svetli.
Iliyana Dadarova, Secretary
Tallinn, Estonia
In April, the chapter started a two-year EuropeAid project "Makutano Junction: a multi-media approach to effective development education." Partners from Poland, Bulgaria, Estonia, and UK will raise awareness in schools of the major development issues facing people living in sub-Saharan Africa, and the resulting implications and opportunities for action for people within EU partner countries. This will be done by using the Kenyan soap opera "Makutano Junction" within partner countries, as a catalyst to encourage learning, critical thinking and the challenging of attitudes. It will particularly focus on poverty, health, and environmental sustainability. We will develop resources based around the "Makutano Junction" series, including an innovative and engaging project website, and organize training of teacher trainers and teachers in the use of materials. We will also build a connection between schools in Estonia and six primary schools in Kenya.
April 16-23, the chapter organized the Youth in Action Programme training course "Young people as important actors in social media" in Nelijärve, Estonia. September 22-28, it will organize the training course "3C in youth work: Creative thinking - efficient Communication - active Citizenship" in Yerevan, Armenia, which aims to develop creative thinking and communication skills of young people and youth workers. They shall be multipliers and increase the awareness on active citizenship and intercultural dialogue, while working in multicultural contexts in youth organizations and in local communities. This seven-days training course will bring together 24 young people and youth workers from 12 EU and EU neighboring countries, plus three trainers and one facilitator from Estonia and Armenia.
Our chapter also participated with youth groups and individuals in a few other projects: the "Human Library: Fostering dialogue to combat discrimination and promote diversity" training course, the "Re-Cycle" youth exchange in Italy, "Greenhouses of the Future" study visits to Luxembourg, Belgium and Germany, the "Music and Singing as media for youth work" training in Croatia, "DARE" in Macedonia, the "Hello, Black sea" youth exchange in Bulgaria, ''Discussing Youth Employment in EU'' in Turkey, "Food and Sports to Connect European Youngsters" in Portugal, and also in PTPE's "Film for Inclusion – Film as Universal Language" youth training in Germany. We will send groups for youth exchanges and trainings in the two next months to Armenia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Georgia, Greece, Romania, Italy, and a few other countries.
Ruta Pels, President and Trustee
June 23-27, nine of our members visited Berlin. The visit not only entailed one of the most beautiful cities of Europe, but we also got to meet the nicest people, and got a lot of wonderful memories. We saw a lot of new and interesting things on the trips around the city; the beautiful streets and squares, the amazing views from the Victory Column (Siegessäule) and the TV Tower (Fernsehturm), the world famous Pergamon Museum, and the enchanting Nefertiti.
A rainy day did not stop us from visiting the famous Berlin Zoo, and the animals greeted us in a very friendly manner. We also visited the German Museum of Technology, where we learned about the development and progress of human reasoning. The first ever computers looked terrific, and the old airplanes looked as if they were part of a fairy tale or an adventure novel. One of the best parts of our trip was the bike ride around Berlin. It made us feel like true "Berliners."
However, the best experience was getting to know such welcoming and nice people! We truly cherished our walks together with our German hosts, the food, the shopping, bowling and entertainment, entertainment, entertainment... It was great! We were looking for new friends!
Thus, we are all very grateful to PTPI, our new German friends and our lovely and great host families, who took such good care of us, making this a pleasant, unforgettable and remarkable trip.
Anton Palmov, Konstantin Vlad, Alexander Butuzov, Pavel Sorokin, Ksenia Barkova, Elina Januskevitsute, Stefanie Blüm, Ilya Ryzhakov and Julia Samogina, Members
Varna, Bulgaria (The Dolphins) Student Chapter
Right after the PTPI European Conference, The Dolphins started their next campaign - an informational one about healthy eating. Here we showed which ingredients and products are dangerous for us, and what their harmless alternative could be. We had a stand at a local youth festival (FUNCITY) where we stood each day for a whole week (July 1-7), letting people know what they eat. We also offered them bio-bread and cookies, for them to be able to taste the difference.
July 13, The Dolphins had a Movie Night. We watched "Slumdog Millionaire" together with a few new members, in order to welcome them to the team.
August 1-3 and 8-10, The Dolphins joined the Greenpeace campaign "Save the Arctic" in Varna. The main aim for this campaign is to declare the Arctic a global sanctuary by making a petition. The Dolphins helped by volunteering at the Greenpeace stand, by informing citizens about the campaign, and walking around in an ice bear costume to attract attention.
After a short break, we will begin to prepare for our membership recruitment campaign, which is going to be held at the end of September.
Elena Hristova, President
Vaslui, Romania (Mihail Kogalniceanu) Student Chapter
Monday 3 June, the chapter celebrated Children's Day, as the children had not been in school June 1. Fourteen members went by bus to the village Munteni de Sus near Vaslui, where they walked to Satu Vechi (the Old Village). We bought sweets, colored paper, and balloons earlier, and some members gathered some toys and clothes for the disadvantaged kids. They spent three hours with the kids, where they taught them a modern dance; how to make a pointed hat; and played with the balloons. The kids had prepared a small show for our members, and they had a lot of fun together.
I am proud of the members as it was a very successful activity. The kindergarten teacher thanked the group, and was impressed that they went there, and dedicated some of their time to the kids.
Lilian Harhas-Ciobanu, Adult Advisor
Vilkaviskis, Lithuania Student Chapter
In May, we had an event where we organized a cleaning action, during which we gathered rubbish around our little town of Graziskiai. Afterwards, we said goodbye to one of our members, Kestutis Bulvicius, and the president gave him a diploma as, unfortunately, he is leaving our school soon. We also had a little picnic in order to celebrate the end of the school year, and we had a really good time.
Daiva Sitkauskaite, Adult Advisor
Yerevan, Armenia University Chapter
In May, Nelli Torosyan visited the PTPI's Warsaw, Poland Chapter. We highly appreciate such relationships with other chapters.
"This program was a really good opportunity for me to learn about a new culture, to compare and find common aspects in my native and foreign cultures." (Nelli Torosyan)
We would like to thank Danusia Kesick, Andrzej Rejman, and the president of the chapter, Zbigniew Piskorzin, for the great chance for Nelli to see Warsaw, and learn more about the Polish culture.
Tamara Torosyan, President


text:
647 Route 18 (Unit: I)
East Brunswick, NJ, 08816
Located next to Stop and Shop
Call 732-390-8100 for a convenient appointment.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8am to 5pm
Tuesday & Thursday: 1pm to 8pm
Weekends: By Appointment
Mana Physical Therapy provides physical therapy services to residents of East Brunswick, New Brunswick, North Brunswick, Old Bridge, Spotswood, Milltown, Dayton, Jamesburg, Helmetta, Monroe Township, South River, Sayreville and surrounding areas. Please contact us and we can provide more information about our services and treatment plans.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
My child is not a reflection of me
I know what you're thinking as you read that statement, of course your child is a reflection of you. Well I'm here to tell you its not always the case. Have you noticed when your child does something good, gets good grades, says or does something that makes you proud, it's sooo easy to accept the compliments like way to go mom, wow, you sure are raising them right. But think of it this way, why would you take credit for your child's accomplishments? It's all them, they did the work. So in the same way I don't take credit for the misbehavior of my children, especially Drama Queen.
When you have an extremely defiant child, it's easy to feel like you're doing something wrong, you're not a good parent etc. This is where you have to be really careful. It can make you depressed and it can take the joy out of being a mother. I finally realized I needed to stop taking on Drama Queens personality as my responsibility. I just needed to accept her for who she is. This doesn't mean that I agree with her behavior all the time, or how she treats friends, or even her siblings. It means I realize she is a person outside of me and she will find her own path.
As you can imagine this has been the hardest journey for me. My older two daughters were not like this. Drama Queen is the after miscarriage baby who was supposed to have Downs Syndrome miracle baby! It's not supposed to be like this! She will be 16 in January, and every year I hope things get better. As always some things do and other things never change. So, I changed the one thing I have control over, MYSELF. I no longer am embarrassed, or feel like a bad mom because my daughter acts a certain way, gets in trouble, or makes a bad decision. It's like, ok where do we go from here? What lesson am I trying to teach her? I want her to know I'm always here for her, she can trust me, and that HOME is a safe place. We all love and accept her in this house. On the days she's pushed me to the brink, I remember my own advice and walk away, I don't get sucked in. I tell her to go to her room.
I have hope in the fact that she's still young and you really can't predict where people are going to end up in life when they're only 15! All I know is I do the best I can every day. People may judge, but I know inside of me that I'm a good mom.
Sent from my iPhone
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text:
I love to decorate with photos. I am also a huge collector of frames. I may have a small gallery wall problem, (I have three!) but that is another story. With all my photos, I am in need of some cute frames. So I decided to whip up some one of kind picture frames! I used smashed up tiled mirrors to create these unique DIY mosaic frames. I love the way it also reflects a little light in my house.
Would you like to make your own DIY mosaic mirror frame? It really isn't that hard!!
Supplies needed to make your own DIY mosaic mirror frame:
- Unfinished Wide Wooden Frame
- White Paint
- 2 inch Mini Square Mirrors – 3 packs
- 1 inch Mini Square Mirrors – 3 packs
- Gorilla Glue
- Towel & Hammer
- Grout & Spreader
Start by painting the inside and outside edges of your wooden frame white.
Place the tiled mirror in a cloth and then smash them with a hammer. Please be careful!
Using a small amount of Gorilla Glue, carefully glue the mirror pieces on to the frame. I like to work with the bigger pieces then fill in using the smaller mirror pieces. This part looks like it would take forever but it actually is quite fast! This frame took me about 15 minutes to glue. Once the pieces are on, let the frame sit overnight to dry.
I found my grout at a local hardware store and it was premixed. Using a spreader, work the grout around the frame. It helps to apply pressure then scrape off the excess grout. Take a damp sponge and lightly rub off any excess grout on the mirrors. Then scrape off any extra grout from the sides and inside of the frame. Let the grout dry for about 4 hours before completely cleaning off the mirrors. Don't worry about there being a slight glaze over the mirrors. This will come off with a little water.
Clean up your DIY mosaic frame and add your favorite picture!


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« from a wander off list | Main | yolk »
Hopkins! The second best kitty in the world!! (that sounds insulting, but it says a lot. It's like winning silver at the olympics
Ahhh we're dealing with a mouse-happy cat in my little slice of the world as well...
Just discovered your music via your brother's Flickr pages, and I'm quite enjoying it! Lovely, tender quality to your voice and music I am quite fond of.
Carry on... :)
The comments to this entry are closed.


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Bioshock 2 is the sequel to the popular first-person shooter Bioshock. Set in the ruins of Rapture City, the game puts you into the shoes of Big Daddy called Subject Delta, a prototype modeled after the original Big Daddies who were first seen as an antagonist in the original game. This first-person shooter game reinstates most of the gameplay elements and weapons of the original game. However, in this sequel players can wield weapons in the same hand, as aspect which was missing in the original Bioshock.
In Bioshock 2, gamers will have the opportunity to explore the dystopian city, collect weapons, ammunition and blast off bad guys. There are a couple of mini-games as well, including a hacking mini-game that lets players unlock the coded security systems. Like the first game, the sequel allows players to get access to a security camera. The game's fun and has impressive visuals, but may not be as good as the original Bioshock.


text:
List of items:
enable coredump
fedora install SATA
ip hostname
gnome service cfg
telnet tftp etc.
graphical/cmd line login
KDE CD/DVD burner
record CD command line
debian module manip
KDE control/system
debian pkg list
PCI info
KDE service config
network up/down
debian KDE pkg
WLAN settings
drop unused cache 2.6
label partition
allow user set date
ubuntu SATA install
path with space
gdb assembly
gdb symbols
validate xml
DNS server
network interfaces (ifconfig)
find except given path
rootkit detection
nfs access file
nfs mount
expresscard in ubuntu
emacs fonts
disable compiz in ubuntu
gnome startup applications GUI
ps just pid
max file descriptors macro
"check remote X session on faults
(Can't open display:)"
ssh X forwarding
sec since epoch convert to time
get num sec since epoch
monitor something
start wifi interface ubuntu
uuencode/uudecode ubuntu
truecrypt mount
sar perform monitor (apt-get inmstall sysstat)
list of installed deb packages
Ubuntu 11.04 bash completion
who occupies port socket file descriptor
synchronize time
select timezone
force password change on next login
7zip multi volume archive
crontab file location
grub: boot in console mode
enable hibernate in Ubuntu 12.04
debian package info
"Failed to get connection to session: Error connecting:
Connection refused"
GNOME low level configuration
Unix to/from dos format
python library path
traffic test
network protocol test
WEB site performance test
monitor network speed
measure load
configure wifi interface
convert to upper/lower case
floating point shell calculator
route through virtual alias
show route table
graphics driver on Dell (like E6520)
grep on either of strings
"network interface renamed by udev
move image/virtual machine to
a new HW"
Stop/restart X session in Mint
debian/ubuntu change keyboard
clean/zero free space in ext fs
change process scheduling
bash for loop
bridge br0 is still up
uninstall Ubuntu desktop
terminal kernel messages control
"rearrange columns,
add line number"
set default gateway
change iptables rules
rename files
"cp preserving file's:
quagga terminal
guagga enable command history
vtysh command list
vtysh show configuration
vtysh change configuration
ssh tunnel
ssh passwordless login
shadow record structure
change numerical env variable
convert between encodings
upgrade linux mint 13 to 15
debian repository list control
repository list
define domain
renew dhcp lease
centos/redhat install nslookup
centos/redhat install scp
add static route
get architectire (32 or 64bit)
edit sudoers
change owner by reference file
graphical (gui) diff tools
"ssh configure per host
map keys to users/hosts"
"replace regexp in files with sed
save unchanged files as *.bak"
show progress of dd command
time system runs w/o restart
capture network traffic with TOS/DSCP
"network load monitoring
(like 'top' for processes)"
list block devices
list USB devices
tcpdump filters
tcpdump show
printer log
change grub boot settings
mount bitlocked partition
ubuntu old releases repository
compile truecrypt in Ubuntu
install rpm on debian/ubuntu
run command with given priority
save time/date settings
mosesdecoder compilation dependencies
disable ssh root logon
find and sort by time modified
diff: provide patch format
create dvd image from vob
generate openssl certificate
generate random alphanumeric string
install newer g++ version ubuntu
gcc 4.7 on Centos
install openconnect on Centos
iptables list as append commands
rotate stdout
change FAT disk label
nginx failed (13: Permission denied) while connecting to upstream
sniff network packets binary content
add a group to a user
unknown filesystem extfat
lock file command line (ala mutex)
pretty print xml from command line
sniff on http traffic
fix Problem with MergeList
empty password for user
use proxy for ccommand line
monitor processor temperature
"ssh error: ""received disconnect from ...
too many authentication failures"""
display locale settings
all locales
date and time local
english locales
change time locale
re-generate locales
scp alternative port
find program in ubuntu/debian packages
install dnslookup in ubuntu
noninteractive password to ssh/scp
reconfgure repos
grep through binary file
"ssh error:
""Agent admitted failure to sign using the key"""
find folders in given depth range
remove duplicates without sorting
run command as non-root at startup
no matching key exchange method found. Their offer: diffie-hellman-group1-sha1
socks5 proxy with ssh
iptables delete chain
use proxy
grep binary file
remove emty lines
two consecutive lines to one


text:
Yogic meditations on solitude
by Nancy B. Loughlin
Published in News Press on May 20, 2014. Posted with permission.
The basic cause of unhappiness is loneliness. This feeling of isolation cannot be cured by the external world, nor does it lie in relationships with other people.
The solution is to know thyself. When you connect with your essence and live your individual truth, you will find happiness. That connection demands you move within and embrace aloneness.
Life is a solitary path.
The painful feeling of loneliness is a sign that you have become a stranger to yourself and to your life's purpose. Lessons and teachers will dot your journey, but ultimately every relationship is just a mirror of the one you have with yourself.


text:
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Mangement and Leadership
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Organizational Theory & Design
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Important Business Terms
Custom Search
An Annual Report is a financial statement issued to the shareholders of a company, which includes the financial result of the fiscal year and reports on the operations of the year. Many annual reports also include management's view of the company's future and possibilities for growth.
Annual reports may have an effect on stock prices in positive or negative direction, if the report either exceeds or disappoints the expectations of shareholder's or prospective investors.
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Copyright © BusinessMate 2009-2014


text:
Twelve exceptional students from Granville Junior/Senior High School went to Albany on Saturday, March 22 to compete in the Capital District National History Day Contest.
National History Day (NHD) is a yearlong educational program sponsored by the New York State Historical Association. It encourages students to explore local, state, national and world history. Students have to select a historical topic that relates to an annual theme, this year the theme is "Rights and Responsibilities." The students can write a research paper, produce a documentary film, create an exhibit, conduct a performance or create a website.
After extensive research and two-and-a-half months of preparation, the Granville students were ready to go to Albany to compete against other schools in the region.
Granville was the only school in Warren/Washington Counties to have students compete. Out of the twelve students who went, eight placed in their specific categories.
Eighth graders, Kyra Gee, Tim Tennant, Jeremy Amaral, Josh Fiske, Jacob Ladyka, Alex Birchmore and Libby Hicks, were all able to work on their project in Ann O'Brien's English class and Allison VanGuilder's History class. While ninth grader, Sophia Scott, did her performance on Civil War soldiers as an extra-circular activity working after school and at home.
"I had a lot of help from my family and teachers," Sophia said, "I dressed up as my great grandfather and acted out a scene using machinery that they might have used during that time."
Mara McCarthy, the library media specialist, felt that the competition helps students see that there are other young scholars out there. "This is such a positive experience where students can see other young people choosing to learn, choosing to create, and write and read."
The hardest part about the competition was that the students had to remember what their final piece was. Kyra Gee, who did her performance on Alice Paul and the Women's Rights Movement, said "I had to remember which lines I added or took out. Going through so many drafts and trying to remember your lines was really difficult."
All of the student's projects were sent in ahead of time and evaluated by professional historians and educators. During the competition, the students had to stand in front of individual judges and answer specific questions about their projects.
First place winners for the junior contest were; Kyra Gee with her performance on Alice Paul and the Women's Rights Movement, and Alex Birchmore with her research paper on The Children's Bureau and the Outlawing of Child Labor in the U.S.
Second place winners for the junior contest were; Tim Tennant with his documentary on the Japanese Soldiers. Second place for the senior contest went to Sophia Scott with her performance on the Civil War Soldiers.
Third place winners for the junior contest were; Jeremy Amaral, Josh Fiske and Jacob Vladyka with their website on Pearl Harbor and the US Right to Drop the Atomic Bomb, and Libby Hicks with her paper on 19th Century Women's Marriage Rights in the US.
Students who place first and second in their categories will be going to the NYS Competition on April 28 in Cooperstown, N.Y.
Ann O'Brien thinks that this will not only help them when they get into the high school, but will also help them on the college level, "not only does this contest encourage note taking, but using sites, like Easy Bib, to create their bibliographies helps them become more organized in their note taking as well. "
"We had an exceptional group of student and the project they created qualified on the national scoring rubric," O'Brien stated, "I think the block schedule helped contribute to the quality of work we saw these students produce. It was very beneficial for them to be able to work on their projects in class."
The eighth grade students even want to go again next year and compete in the senior division. Most of them wish they had known about it sooner, "I would encourage younger students to do this competition," Libby Hicks said, "I wish I had known about it sooner."
"This was a fantastic group of kids," Allison VanGuilder said, "they were all willing and able, and had such great support from home."
Read more in this week's Sentinel in newsstands now or click here to read right now with our e-edition.


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WELCOME to SPECULATION STREET! – Is it false or is it true? Is the sky really pink or is it blue? A trip down this street and you will see all the things that can possibly "be!"
"The Zodiac is Full of Moles!"
Some things are just up in your face …
From the ZOHAR: "On the firmament which envelopes the universe, we see many figure formed by the stars and planets. They reveal hidden and profound mysteries. Similarly, upon our skin which encircles the human being there exist forms and traits that are the stars of our bodies."
Astrology teaches that every part of the human body is influenced by the stars and planets. An augury is a type of divination involving the interpretation of the signs in nature including everything imaginable from natural phenomena to the features of the human body. The study of moles is known today as Moleoscopy and it is still used as a tool of divination.
Enter Melampus …
Melampus of Ancient Greece was the patron of the Ancient Magi and scholars. According to the treatise of Melampus who was considered a specialist, the Magi would examine the skin of the human body looking for prophetic signs. The specialty of Melampus was body moles and he divined according the various positions of moles on the anatomy in association with the signs and planets of the zodiac. The side of the body upon which moles appeared was a very important factor in interpretation since the right side of the body was considered a sign of moral integrity and good luck as opposed to the left side which was considered sinister and corrupt.
From the treatise of Melampus:
"A mole on a man's forehead signifies wealth and happiness; on a woman's forehead, it denotes that she will be powerful, perhaps a ruler. Close to the eyebrow of a man, the mole predicts a happy marriage with a pretty and virtuous woman, and it foretells similar fortune to girls. Moles on the bride of the nose mean lust and extravagance for both sexes. When appearing on the nostrils, the mole signifies constant travel. Moles on the lips of men and woman betray gluttony, and on the chin that they will possess gold and silver. Moles in the ear and neck are lucky omens; they predict wealth and fame. When upon the nape of the neck, however, the beauty spot carries an ill omen, that of being beheaded! Moles upon the loins are unfortunate…, (ya' think?) … signifying mendacity, and ill luck for the descendants. When appearing on the shoulders, they predict captivity and unhappiness; on the chest, poverty. Moles on the hands announce many children, and under the armpits, they bring luck as they promise a wealthy handsome husband or wife. Ominous are moles when found upon the heart and bosom and belly, as they signify voracity. They are a good omen when seen on the upper leg, announcing wealth; when upon the lower part of the stomach, they presage intemperance for men but the contrary for women."
Time marches on …
The Gypsies are very superstitious when it comes to moles on the anatomy and they believe moles are good indicators of human character and future events. Size, color and shape are the first consideration. For example, the larger the mole the greater the prosperity or adversity according to body correspondence. A round mole is considered very good, an oblong mole moderately fortuitous and if angular in shape it denotes a mix of good and bad. Moles come under the planetary rulership of Jupiter and Saturn. Gypsy Moleoscopy views moles as follows:
FOREHEAD: (Aries) Center of forehead – active, industrious, successful in business and a happy marriage. Left side of forehead – not favorable; can achieve but will work harder for success. Right side of forehead or near the temple – industrious, plenty of lovemaking, a good marriage.
EYEBROWS: (Aries) Near or on right eyebrow – active, courageous, persevering. Wealth and success in love, business and war. Near or on left eyebrow – cowardice, indolence, possible leaning towards alcohol. Many disappointments in life and no children.
EYES: (Aries; left eye of male and right eye of female the Moon; right eye of male and left of female the Sun) On the outside or corner of either eye shows an honest and steady disposition and an inclination to the pleasures of love. A violent death after a tumultuous life.
NOSE: (Scorpio) Moles on any part of the nose show a passionate but hasty disposition with plenty of amorous pursuits. Faithful, honest and sincere friendships. There should be success in life although marriage may not be happy.
CHEEK: (Taurus) On either cheek shows an industrious nature and a benevolent personality. Some inclination towards sports. Will probably be neither rich or poor but better off than the parents.
EAR: (Taurus) Either ear denotes riches. If near the lower tip of the ear there is a chance of drowning.
LIPS: (upper Aries, lower Taurus) Either upper or lower indicates a delicate person who must watch their health especially the diet.
CHIN: (Taurus) Very agreeable, amiable and quiet. A love of travel and successful business ventures.
NECK: (Taurus) A quarrelsome person who will grow more devious with age. The front of the neck is better than the back of the neck.
SHOULDER: (Gemini) Left, a quarrelsome person who disputes everything. Life is devoid of variety and monotonous. There will be many children and success in business. Right, a prudent and discreet person with much wisdom, diplomacy and tact. Industrious and a good business partner.
ARMPIT: (Gemini) Either – Good looking and destined to be rich.
ARMS: (Gemini) Either - Good disposition, great fortitude, resolute and loyal. In males - many battles will be fought with successful results.
ELBOW: (Cancer) Either – A restless disposition with a love of travel. No interest in amassing possessions and discontentment in marriage.
WRIST: (Leo; Gemini) Either – An idea person who is inventive and ingenious.
HAND: (Virgo; Gemini) Either – Good energy, wealth.
FINGERS: ( Virgo; Gemini) Any – You are a thief who will never amount to anything!
BACK: Below the shoulder blades (Libra) – A hard life with many disappointments. Above the shoulder blades ( Leo) – There will be many life challenges but the individual will rise above them.
BUTTOCKS: (Libra) Shiftlessness, laziness and probable poverty.
CHEST: (Cancer) Quarrelsome and unhappy with uncontrolled amorousness.
BREASTS: (Cancer) Right – Overly amorous and given to alcohol. Sudden reversals in fortune and false friends. Left – Industrious but sober disposition. Success in life and many children.
NIPPLE: (Cancer) Female – A child who will become famous. Male – Too fond of pursuing women.
SIDES or FLANKS: (Leo) Either – If near the ribs a cowardly disposition. Excessive with an easy but not necessarily luxurious life.
HIP: (Sagittarius) Either: Content disposition with moderate success. Gets nothing without earning it. Faithful, industrious and amorous.
NAVEL: (Virgo)Female – Good marriage and many children. Male – Very lucky and wealthy. Will probably sire a distinguished son.
STOMACH: (Cancer) Foppish with little common sense yet able to acquire riches. Lower stomach – promises more than can be accomplished yet will be held in high esteem.
GENITALS: (Scorpio) Generous, honest and open. A happy marriage. Female – will be the mother of a great genius.
GROIN: (Scorpio) Right – Riches, honors accompanied by disease. Left – Sickness without wealth.
THIGH: (Sagittarius) Right – Agreeable, courageous and amorous. Left - Benevolent, hard working but little interest in sex.
KNEE: (Capricorn) Left – Hasty, extravagant, no desire to work and lack of honesty. Right – Amiable, honest, ha success in love and many friends.
LEG: (Capricorn; Aquarius) Either: Thoughtless and extravagant. Difficulties in life through own actions. Will not lack fortune but will have a tendency to dwell on the negative rather than the good.
ANKLE: (Aquarius) Male – Cowardice and effeminacy. Female – Courage.
HEEL: (Pisces) Energetic but spiteful and malicious.
INSTEP: (Pisces) Quarrelsome with few friends. A strong walker.
TOES: (Pisces) A wealthy but unhappy marriage.
" Blavatsky's Masters … Is it all a bunch of hooey?"
We have all sorts of things to play with these days complete with all the bells and whistles– the alleged truth and non-truth, the inner voice and the outer voice, guides, spirits, inter-dimensional energies, ascended masters, bogey men and anything else we can conjure up when we want to. Don't get me wrong, I am not knocking anyone's personal fav and I enjoy the 'variety' myself, it's just that sometimes something comes up that shakes a foundation or two and is worth a look. Allow me to share some information that came to my attention a while ago during some research.
Russian esotericist Helena Petrova Blavatsky (1831-1891) is a widely recognized figure of nineteenth century occult revival and she is best known as the founder of the modern Theosophical Movement. That movement is based upon "teachings" and "techniques" she claimed to have received from real acquaintances who she called "Masters" or Mahatmas." As many are well aware, various types of organizations have incorporated these Masters into their beliefs and foundational credos and the media stream has been inundated with books, cards and all sorts of paraphernalia and "channeling" concerning them. Pretenders are everywhere claiming to be agents of the High Ones. Blavatsky's "Masters" were incorporated directly into the teachings of her 'spiritual descendants' including such notaries as Gottfried de Purucker, Charles W. Leadbeater, Alice Bailey and Elizabeth Claire Prophet not to mention a further indirect effect on the Anthropological Society ( Rudolf Seiner), the Ancient and Mystical Order of Rosae Crucis (H. Spencer Lewis) and the Rosicrucian Fellowship (Max Heindel), the Secret Chiefs of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, the Ordo Templi Orientis and the teachings of G.I. Gurdjieff. Impressive aye?
The truth is these "hidden masters" of Blavatsky have never been thoroughly investigated. Were they real people as she claimed or simply a manifestation of her often theatrical nature? Where do you stand? Accept? Deny? Or are you on the fence in the gray area thinking they are put to best use via spiritual archetype?
Running with this supposition – The Masters were real people who were "fictionalized" and "glamorized" in all of Blavatsky's accounts. The "Masters" did undergo rapid changes in a few short years … "John King of Spiritualist fame to Tuitit and Serapis Bey of the Egyptian Brotherhood of Luxor and finally Indian Mahatmas or 'great souls'." It was under the alleged influence of the Masters that Blavatsky and her associate Henry Steel Olcott traveled to India and it was there that the debate began over their existence.
Clues via back-up history: It is well known that Blavatsky had a fascination with Tibet since her early childhood rooted in her experiences with the Kalmuck tribe (based in Astrakhan near southern Russia) which practiced Tibetan Buddhism. Her great grandfather practiced Rosicrucian Masonry and he had a vast occult library where she spent a lot of time. Her great grandfather also belonged to the Rite of Strict Observance (founded Germany 1754) which, "claimed to emanate from a worldwide network of Unknown Superiors. Great Grandpa was further rumored to have met, "… celebrated eighteenth century mages known as the counts Cagliostro (the last victim of the Inquisition he became a Masonic Martyr) and Saint Germain. She later became familiar with Sufism, Kabbalah, Coptic Christianity and the Druze and in truth had many teachers of varied experience.
Stars of the show:
The top ranking Masters most involved with the Theosophical Society (established New York, 1875) were Koot Hoomi or Kuthumi and El Morya. Blavatsky claimed to have spent many years studying with them in Tibet and claimed that therefore they were able to perform amazing psychic feats through her. Converts soon followed among them, A.P. Sinnett who wrote The Occult World and Esoteric Buddhism based on "letters from the Mahatmas (Masters)." The letters would appear in mysterious and peculiar ways particularly when Blavatsky visited Sinnett and his wife. For example, one note was found high up in the branches of a tree. Other odd ( or not so odd) things would happen when the Mahatmas worked through Blavatsky such as a cup and saucer materializing under a bush and a missing broach materializing in Mrs. Sinnett's pillow. So far I'm not buying it.
The Show begins:
In 1882, the Theosophical Society moved its headquarters to Adyar and by 1884, the society began to attract many Europeans along with Indian disciples. This two year time period is when the Mahatma letters really made their debut. They would frequently appear in cabinet known as the "Shrine" which was located in the "Occult Room" conveniently located adjacent to Blavatsky's bedroom. It is reported that they, "also fell from the ceiling in various places and appeared in the margins of sealed correspondence." Despite this wondrous affair there was trouble. Two disgruntled employees of the society claimed they had participated in 'faking' psychic phenomena connected to verifying the existence of the Mahatmas (big surprise there). Alexis and Emma Coulomb claimed the, "Shrine was designed to allow letters to be inserted through a sliding panel in the back, making them appear to have materialized paranormally (P.T. Barnum anyone?). The accusations received plenty of attention.
The Plot thickens:
Enter Richard Hodgson of the British Society for Psychical Research who was sent to India to investigate. Upon conclusion, Hodgson claimed the whole affair to be fraudulent and the Theosophists refuted stating that his report was based on "lies" and could not be taken seriously. There is fraudulence here if you consider that in June 1883, Olcott received letters giving instructions to forge letters intended for Sinnett allegedly from Master Koot Hoomi stating, "… put your whole soul in answer to A.P.S. (Sinnett) from K.H. (Koot Hoomi). Upon this letter are hinged the fruits of the future. Let it be one that can be shown with honour to everyone… Be careful about letter to Sinnett. Must be a really adeptic letter." We got em now or do we? After Hodgson's investigation, Blavatsky stopped performing paranormal feats associated with the "Masters." Did she let followers go on believing because she was trying to protect the identities of real men?
More Soup:
In the midst of all the brouhaha of Hodgson's investigation, Olcott began blaming Blavatsky for the "disgrace caused by phenomena she had performed in the Masters' names." By 1885, Blavtsky complained to Sinnett that Olcott had been "cautiously admitting that I have substituted bogus for real phenomena; that I am suffering at times from mental aberration." She believed Olcott was professing himself to be "the first chief confederate in the alleged bogus phenomena."
How had the whole 'idolatry' of real men gotten out of hand? Was the denial of the Masters by investigator Hodgson was actually preferred by Blavatsky in lieu of the truth behind the disguises being revealed?
Blavatsky… Olcott … who's to blame?
Blavatsky states: "Is it Olcott's fault? Perhaps to a degree. Is it mine? I absolutely deny it, and protest against the accusation. It is no one's fault. Human nature alone, and the failure of modern society and religions to furnish people with something higher and nobler than craving after money and honors – is at the bottom of it. Place this failure on one side, and the mischief and havoc produced in people's brains by modern spiritualism, and you have the enigma solved."
She later recanted and said: "If anyone is to blamed, it is I. I have desecrated the holy Truth by remaining too passive in the face of all this desecration, brought on by too much zeal and false ideas."
It is important to note that in 1986, the Society for Psychical Research published a critique by handwriting expert Vernon Harrison that discredited "crucial elements" of Hodgson's report. Accordingly, the Theosophists took it as complete vindication.
Hindsight aperitif:
- It is believed that her mentor of twenty years, Copt Magician Paolos Metamon was probably the inspiration for Master Serapis Bey.
- Thakar Singh Sandhanwalia, the founding president of the Amritsar Singh Sabha relates to the Master Koot Hoomi via the writings of Olcott and Blavatsky.
- Maharajah Ranbir Singh of Kasmir resembles El Morya because he was committed to promoting brotherhood. His subjects were Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, and Sikhs
"No man can teach another truth if the truth does not manifest itself in and through him. Do not follow those that in a loud voice claim to be able to show you the truth, but seek for the truth itself…"
The Talking image or Urur by Franz Hartmann
"Will The Star Of Bethlehem Return In 2020?
Astrologers are keeping a close eye on December 22, 2020.
Why? An Astrological event of great magnitude that will not occur for many millennia will take place. There is a very good possibility that the famous "star" mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew will reappear.
There has been plenty of debate over the years and much controversy concerning the Star of Bethlehem - what it might have been or if there was actually such a star at all. Considerations have included a meteor, a comet, a nova, a triple planetary conjunction, an alignment between the planet Jupiter and the Fixed Star Regulus, and a conjunction of Venus and Saturn in the Constellation Regulus. The Bible recounts unusual and even impossible astronomical events at the time of the birth of Christ. Was it a onetime rare occurrence? Was the New Testament falsified and the 'Star' added to the story of the Nativity? The 'Star' has been accepted on faith and equally dismissed as myth. I've read and followed many scholarly endeavors over the years about the subject of the 'Star.' All follow methods using scholarly history, astronomy and some include Sacred Astrology which was akin to the arcane system of Astrology used by Nostradamus. One thing became very clear to me rather quickly and that was whatever phenomena took place it would have had to have been visible to the naked eye and that anyone doing serious research would have to literally "think" and "apply" theory like an ancient astrologer. My absolute favorite explanation comes from astrologer Alex O'Toole, an Esoteric Astrologer with over 50 years of experience. Here's a rehash of O'Toole's work. All quotes are his...
O'Toole reasoned that Johannes Kepler provided the most esoterically plausible explanation within a reasonable working timeframe. He had calculated a conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn that occurred three times in 6 B.C., the date when most Biblical scholars believed Christ was born (Imprimis December 1996 vol, 25, number 12 pp.3 Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, Michigan). Are conjunctions between Jupiter and Saturn unusual? Of course not but during this conjunction, Mars "overtook" Jupiter and Saturn causing a brightness in the sky and constituting an Astrological phenomena that occurs only about every nine hundred years or so. This conjunction took place in the Constellation Pisces. Mars provides esoteric symbolism here because it was the planet that governed Palestine/the Holy Land. Mars ruled Scorpio in earlier times (and is still co-ruler with Pluto) and Scorpio was the sign that governed Judea. According to O'Toole, "... both Mars and Scorpio had dominion over the eighth house which is the location for the mystical Christos, the Solar Logos. At that time Jupiter was the ruler of Pisces, thus doubly emphasizing its esoteric symbolism in this rare conjunction." Further esoteric symbolism is found via Chaldean astrologers who considered Jupiter the "Shepherd Planet" symbolizing Christ as the Shepherd of men and also considered Jupiter the "King" planet. Jupiter was always considered heavily in the birth of kings. Also, the Babylonian astrologers associated Saturn with the Hebrew God Yahweh. Saturn also rules the natural tenth house which in past times was associated with nations, governments, politics and KINGS and RULERS. Could the Three Wise Men destined to visit the new born Jesus taken all of the symbolism connected to Mars, Jupiter and Saturn to mean a great king would be born? There's a darn good chance. Scholarly astrologers agree that the Magi were Zoroastrian priest-astrologers. Zoroastrian astrologers were a distinct and elite group often hired to forecast future events for royalty and political leaders. The Magi would have been undoubtedly aware of the conjunction of Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.
So what about the conjunction occurring in 2020? What is so special about it? According to O'Toole, "First all the elements that comprised the Star of Bethlehem will be involved, plus the Sun, Moon, Mercury and Pluto. Second, the tools that Nostradamus used to predict major world events are occurring on that date. In making many of his predictions, Nostradamus used conjunctions, then called revolutions, between Jupiter and Saturn, which at the time were considered superior planets. This astrological duo represents pairs of opposites, Jupiter being symbolic of expansion, while Saturn is synonymous with restrictions - or the antithesis of Jupiter. According to esoteric astrologer Alan Leo, Jupiter and Saturn are the most important planets in the solar system for they represent a critical stage between the real and unreal, the objective and subjective, the beginning or ending of a cycle. Thus they were in a stage of 'evolution,' and other planetary patterns to these two would help define the world event they are possibly attempting to predict."
The 2020 conjunction is a perfect conjunction at 0 degrees in the constellation of Aquarius making it even more rare. If we consider that we are on the verge of entering the Age of Aquarius this is pretty potent since a 0 degree cusp also indicates the ending or beginning of a cycle or phase. Further, because of the precession of the equinoxes this event will not reoccur for many thousands of years. Also remember that the original Star occurred during the Age of Pisces.
Another favored tool of Nostradamus and perhaps the one he is most known for was the use of ingresses. Ingress is the movement of the Sun into one of the four Cardinal Points of the Zodiac namely - Spring Equinox, Summer Solstice, Autumnal Equinox and Winter Solstice. On December 22, 2020, the Sun will ingress into Capricorn marking the Winter Solstice. Saturn is the planetary ruler of Capricorn and the natural 10th House all of which hold jurisdiction over governments and world politics. Mercury will also be in tight conjunction to the Sun in Capricorn. The Moon will be at 0 degrees Aries for a short period on that day making a perfect square to the Sun AND both a perfect pattern to Jupiter and Saturn. In the meantime, Mars will perfectly aspect Pluto. All in all there will be four perfect aspects occurring at 0 degrees. " ... in many systems of mysticism, the Christos, the Solar Logos, is referred to as the perfect work."
Will we see a sign in the sky on December 22, 2020? We'll have to wait and find out!
"Faster Than The Speed Of Light"
By Craig Hawthorne (UK)
(All Rights Reserved – Published With Permission)
299 792 458 meters per second, 186000 miles a second or 700 million miles an hour, the fastest thing possible, the speed of light is held as being a "definite" of reality, a constant that helps shape our reality. Science postulates that tachyons http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tachyon move faster than light but most people, upon being asked what is the fastest thing in the universe will reply the speed of light. This answer is a perception and mass perception shapes reality (this could be defined as our consensual reality). An effect of this agreed perception could manifest as reality through an agent labeled as morphic fields.
Morphic Field links:
Other examples of perceived consensual reality would be "the sky is blue" (it isn't) and, up is up and down is down (you are on a spinning tilted sphere, direction therefore is relative) you give your consent to reality consciously (yes the sky is blue) and sub-consciously (through beliefs) denial of agreed consensual reality leaves one being labeled as mad! So, what has the speed of light got to do with it? Well, it's held up in part as a definition of what is possible. Skeptics use the speed of light to dismiss space travel is one example but the real "biggie" is its inclusion in the equation E=MC2. Everything is energy and to calculate energy the constant of the speed of light is included making E=MC2 the relative measure of reality. Take away the speed of light and the equation is broke. Now whether you understand the ramification of the equation or not, (there by giving conscious or sub-conscious consent) authorities will tell you that E=MC2 and the speed of light are correct and in part shaping the reality that the masses perceive. So is there anything faster than the speed of light?
Speed of thought how fast is it? Instantaneous … perhaps. How do you prove that? Science measures brain functions as synaptic firings in the brain (recorded as waves but are these the effect of thoughts?), but a wee problem with this is observation is governed by the speed of light. Can science with its "matter first" doctrine ever prove the speed of thought? Maybe proof is to be found outside science…"Let there be light" whatever meta-physical system you run this through the will of God/All (as purest spiritual thought) creates light. If we take thought as creating light, how can light be faster than the thing that created it? What happens to E=MC2 if light is replaced by thought? Would energy then equal zero, zero being defined as potential shaped by thought? ( And thereby through the mechanism of a morphic field unfolding that reality back to the observer). How would consensual reality be defined if the masses took a) thought as being the fastest "thing" in the universe and b) Energy being relative to thought or one step further thoughts' creator you. Could a blend of science and meta-physical/spiritual understanding lead to the statement "Reality is shaped" as an article of being?


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Piecora's Shirts!
After cleaning out Piecora's, we realized we still had a few of these red, retro shirts left… So you can still show your love for both Piecora's and Seattle's youth! $10, free shipping!
Unfortunately, Piecora's shirts are temporarily unavailable. They'll be for sale again here in early spring, 2016! So sorry for any mixups in the last couple months.
If you have any questions, feel free to email us at debpiecora (at) hotmail.com.
Thank you!
Piecora's Auction
That's right. The stuff you loved on our walls? We're auctioning it off (to you) tomorrow. See you at 9am!!
We're located on beautiful Capitol Hill in Seattle, WA
at the five corner intersection of 14th Ave, East Madison and East Pike Streets. If you can't read a map, just drive around Seattle until you find the pizza tossing, beer pouring liberty lady.


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Bodie Light Reflection
R. J. Laudenbacher 6/6/2013 4:50:32 AMWonderful comp and beautiful colors and reflection, Leslie! #1531289
Carol Flisak 6/6/2013 6:04:36 AMLovely image, Leslie... terrific composition, leading lines, reflections and colors! #10723660
Tammy M. Anderson 6/6/2013 7:15:15 AMBeautiful comp. and colors. #10723761
Nikki McDonald 6/6/2013 7:18:33 AMPretty scene and light, Leslie. #10723766
Colette M. Metcalf 6/6/2013 11:30:57 AMBeautiful colors!! This is so pretty, Leslie! #10724023
Ann Lyssenko 6/6/2013 11:43:20 AMThe Vertical grasses with the vertical lighthouse, and the connection with the sky-water reflection, and the diagonal coming up from the lower right make this image hold my attention and enjoy. Ann #10724057
Joannie Bertucci 6/6/2013 4:14:20 PMOne of the most beautiful lighthouse images I've seen to date Leslie! Into my favs! #10724246
Lindley Johnson 6/6/2013 7:53:41 PMTerrific vertical composition, with wonderful color and reflections - love this image, Leslie! #10724440
Carol L. Fowler 6/6/2013 8:38:44 PMBeautiful lighthouse- great reflections! #10724478
Karen Celella 6/9/2013 7:36:51 AMBeautiful, Leslie. #10727136
John Rivera 6/10/2013 4:59:56 AMOutstanding image!!! #10728090
Amalia Sylvia Arriaga Salinas 6/20/2013 8:54:30 AMBeautiful colors and reflections Leslie!,
Craig W. Myers 6/20/2013 7:34:44 PMBeautiful scenic composition. #10740154
Exif: F Number: 22, ExposureTime: 3/10 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 100, White balance: Manual white balance, FocalLength: 28.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 7D
Uploaded on 6/6/2013 4:32:49 AM
Copyright for this gallery photo belongs solely to Leslie McLain. Images may not be copied, downloaded, or used in any way without the expressed, written permission of the photographer.
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Separate names with a comma.
Discussion in 'Video' started by doug, Nov 22, 2013.
Tesla Model S - Cold Weather Performance - YouTube
Nice. Looking forward to trying it with the new Hakka R2's!
Interesting! I already knew that a RWD car with ESC and winter tires could perform very well on the snow, even better than an AWD car not having winter tires and ESC. Of course IMO an AWD Model S with winter tires would do even better.
I think Tesla has done some tweaks to the TC system since last winter. I'll be very curious to see how they work in extreme weather conditions.
Indeed. My Hakka R2's finally came in and go on the car tomorrow. Nick of time too, because I think there's some snow in the forecast.
I love the handles popping out even though they are covered in ice!
I found that the most impressive part as well. I think that one has been a nagging topic in various circles about the winter performance, that how are you going to get the handles if the car is frozen over and they are inside the car. Now I can point them to the last part of this video
Been able to survive a couple of hearty dumps of snow with the all seasons. The R2s are getting installed today so I'm looking forward to the added traction but even without the TC's been fantastic.
Couple of questions for those who've been through a winter in the Model S.
1. Is is typically to charge for 2+ hours and still have limited regen? Weather's been -20C overnight but the car's in an unheated garage so no wind.
2. Did you set regen braking to low? I already had a moment where regen kicked in on slippery conditions and I briefly lost control
Yes. At those temperatures, neither preheating nor charging will eliminate regen limits. In fact neither will driving on a highway for two hours. You'll certainly have some regen, but not full power.
No. I just drive it like a manual transmission car, and control both the acceleration and the braking through the pedal.
On this... I'm assuming there is no way to tell the car to preheat the battery pack using shore power yet, am I right?
There most certainly is. Plug the car in and use the Remote App to turn on the cabin heater.
At -20C and below this makes a huge difference to (a) cabin temperature, (b) initial driveability because you at least have 1/2 regen power, and (c) initial power consumption because it doesn't have to keep running the pack heater at full power (if at all). It just won't completely eliminate the regen limits.
Hmmm... I guess I just hadn't noticed. I use VisibleTesla or the app all the time, and I still have a regen limit (and sometimes an output power limit) when I get into the car after ten minutes of heating from shore power. Maybe I need to do 15 minutes...
I think I discovered that if you have the system in Range Mode, battery pre-heating is either disabled or severely scaled back. I would have heavy re-gen limits in the morning in spite of pre-heating and further, the re-gen limits would take almost 45 minutes / 60 km to clear. Once I turned off Range Mode, the battery pack behavior became much more "user friendly". No more morning limits and in the evening when cold soaked, they would clear much faster. I don't even notice any difference in energy efficiency with Range Mode off either. Cabin heating was perfectly fine in either Range or Normal mode.
I have yet to use Range mode, so I guess I'll leave the setting where it is unless I go long distance... thanks for the tip!
I turned Range Mode on in the summer to help reduce the embarrassingly loud a/c compressor noise and guess I had just left it there. It didn't seem to impact the ability for the car to heat the cabin up nicely, so I originally figured I was saving a bit of energy by leaving it there.
Are you sure about that? It would be counterproductive to limit pack heating while you are plugged in, especially on an actual road trip! I will have to verify when it gets colder.
Also 10 minutes is nowhere near enough to preheat the pack in severe cold. I would recommend 30 minutes.
Will definitely try longer pre-heats. But I'm talking temps only between 0 and 5 deg.C. I don't know what it will be like in -20 to -15 deg.C.
Suppose I was plugged in only at 115V @ 12A, would that be enough for the pack heater, or would I actually be partially draining battery power if I did a preheat?
Thanks Doug_G for confirming what I expected regarding the regen limitation. I guess I'll just have to get used to the dashed yellow for the next 6 months since I rarely drive more than 30 minutes at a time. Looking forward to a drive this weekend with the R2s on though.
Of note, I had a similar experience with the handles popping through the ice yesterday. Sounded horrible but no apparent ill effects. Happy winter driving all.
charge port is a different story though ;>
mine was kinda frozen open this morning and when I closed it there was ice that kept it from shutting off the light
+ the frameless windows don't like a car that was wet before it froze and Coastal Humboldt never gets 'that' cold
The pack heater at full power draws about 6 kW. The cabin heater at full power can also draw 6 kW. The combination is about 10X what you can pull from 110V AC.