Project Gazelle v1.0r27 and xbtt Bittorrent Tracker in a Virtual Machine

If you interested in p2p or file-sharing world you would by now know all about Project Gazelle, well if not this or this would be a good place to start.

Okay by now, am assuming you know Gazelle and the new improved xbtt tracker are awesome and want to play with it and see if  it could be the answer for your dream/itch/need to run your own indie music or file-sharing community tracker.

Unfortunately installation, configuration and maintenance is a little involved and many people may be put off by the level of complexity. So here is the solution. Download this virtual machine, run a test/dev tracker on your lan, break it, fix it, enhance it and when you are ready you will know, and we will have one more sysop to keep the hydra growing

Now about the VM itself:

Debian 5.0.3 32-bit
Installation Type: Minimal (no Desktop, no GUI, no nothing, Only SSH)
Networking: Bridged/DHCP
RAM: 512 MB (configurable by editing the Debian 5.vmx file)
Disk: 8.0 GB (should be enough for test/dev)
VMware Tools: TBD

Username/Password Details:

Default User Name/password – sysop/gazelle
Root Password: “gazelle”
sysop username/password sysop/gazelle
mysql root password “gazelle”
Gazelle DB Name: xbttdb
Gazelle DB User: xbttdbusr
Gazelle DB password: “xbttdbpwd”

Folders and conf files
Apache config for front-end is /etc/apache2/sites-enabled/000-default
Gazelle front end is installed on /site
xbtt conf file is at /etc/xbtt/xbt_tracker.conf
Gazelle Config file is at /site/clasess/config.php

Download Information
For now the download is only available via bittorrent at TPB.
File Size: 615.21 MiB
Compression: ZIP

This release is NOT intended for production. Even though it can easily be used as a starting point for a great production platform, the release as-is is not suitable for for production mostly because of lack of any security protections, like firewall, ddos and brute-force attacks. If you run any decent size tracker you should plan for those scenarios. This release in-itself is intended to only see if there is any interest for such an idea and to solicit feedback.

Base Install:
xbbt tracker compiled and configured to run.
gazelle v1.0r27 installed running fine

Mods:
globalfreeleeech
Anonym.to for external links,
client whitelist

To Be Done:
Donation, Invite, Collage, Themes, Security and lots more.

Please feel free to leave your comments on whether this is an useful exercise, if so, what should added/removed  from the next release.

Chrome OS would be available in mid-2010 for netbooks.

Following the launch of Chrome, the internet browser it was suspected that Google will try to push itself more into PC based applications. However, Google has taken direct challenge with Microsoft by publicizing its coming Operating System. Listing out important points from Google blog announcement:

• Emphasis mainly on three aspects: speed, simplicity and security.

• The Chrome OS will run both on x86 and ARM Architectures.

• Will use Linux kernel with a new windowing system.

• New OS is different from Android, as it was made for mobile phones and set-top boxes while Chrome OS is for netizens.

• It would be open-source and light-weight operating system.

• Google attention is on web application developers and they state that web-based applications is the future as they could run on Chrome OS, Windows and Mac giving them largest number of customers.

• Viruses won’t bother and Chrome OS would be highly customizable (since its open-source).

• Firefox could be expected as first application of Chrome OS as google accounts for 88% of Mozilla’s revenue.[source] Dont know what role chrome browser will play?

• Chrome OS will have a minimalist user interface, leaving most space on the screen to applications.

• Interestingly, Microsoft had also announced few months ago about MS Gazelle, a web browser as multi-principle operating System.
• For coming HTML5 technology, you can expect lot more applications running at browser giving a definite advantage to web based OS. It could be considered as Linux + new windowing system +  Chrome browser.

According to the video that talks about how Chrome OS will work and difference between Chrome browser and Chrome Operating system:

• Chrome OS will take only 5 to 15 seconds for booting.

• It will not have regular operating system files, which degrades with time. It will be a browser interlinked with hardware.

• All your daily computer tasks (mails, videos, docs, songs, images) will be done from the browser.

• No software installations, updates, BSOD, fix, hot patches with Chrome OS.

• Everything will be cloud operated. That means nothing (images, songs, docs etc) will be stored on your computer.

I understand the books in the shelf,

Untouched. Covers gathering dusts

Pages turn yellow, words unread,

Wisdom unhearkened.

Banquet prepared by writers

Wasted to termites

Leaving disinterested heads unfed,

Hearts failed, voices neglected.

I understand the bud in the wild

That awakens at dawn, 

But nobody drops a visit til midday,

Not a single butterfly, not a bee,

And wilts unnoticed at the end of day.

I understand the tree along the river

Bearing fruits all summer;

Realeases sweet odor filling the air

Inviting reapers, but nobody came.

Fruits dropping in the stream like tears,

Wasting her gifts again this year.

I understand the green patch of meadow

Hedged by dense forests, bordered by a cliff

Pruned by gazelles and deers

Year after year,

But nobody ever arrives with a mat to picnic;

Not a single soul carrying an easel reaches to paint.

Picturesque view wasted to the wilds.

I understand the sea-shells stranded

In a far-flung coast, unfrequented,

That the surf polish

And washed white by the brines

But no one comes to pick them for souvenir.

Encapsuled songs of the ocean

No one hears.

I understand the fate of weeds that grow

In the unwanted crevices

Of the concrete pavements of the city, 

Sprouting to embellish her flaws

Cruelly treated, uprooted, tossed.

Seemingly, life undeserved.

I understand the child begging for mercy

Strayed in the maze of life

Without the guidance of a father.

Growing without a map to follow

With promising tomorrow to give,

But dreams wasted in the streets.

I understand the logs decaying in the forests,

The treasures lost in the ocean,

The shipwreck forming rusts in the harbor.

A bench awaits in the park,

Pews empty on sundays.

Envelopes not opened,

Letters left unread, unanswered.

I understand the purity of intentions,

Unrequited.

I feel for every little things

With great things to give

But are never given the chance.

Unanswered beaconing of the church bells.

When are you going to pick up

My heart’s calls?

—

Jeques, 2009. From his “Traveler’s Soliloquies” poetry collection.

Today I’d like to mention a severely goofy animal.

I became acquainted with said animal and its goofiness a few days ago when I did this colored pencil drawing from a photo reference.

You thought meerkats looked pretty darn silly, right? Examine if you will the gerenuk.

According to its wikipedia entry, Litocranius walleri, or Waller’s Gazelle, is native to East Africa, and the name “gerenuk” is a Somali term meaning “deer made out of rubber bands.”

I was looking at and drawing gazelles, antelopes, and deer – once again trying to find essential shapes and perfect a sort of caricature of the things that make them look so sleek and fast. It turned out I didn’t have to; nature did the work for me. I mean: gerenuks are sort of pretty – so thin and streamlined that they look like pixies. Also, sort of ridiculous. Look at its stick-outy ears.

This one, by comparison, is Grant’s Gazelle, Nanger granti.

My search for reference photos also led to a quirky resource: ultimateungulate.com. Everything you could want to know about hoofed mammals is here.

With the holidays just around the corner, and shopping already underway, the Sears Blue Electronics Crew launched a new trade-in and recycling program that allows Sears.com shoppers to turn-in used electronics, such as cell phones, cameras and MP3 players and redeem them for Sears gift cards that are valid online and in-store.
(PRNewswire, 2009, November 11, par.1)

The new program is in partnership with Gazelle, which specializes in providing practical, responsible, rewarding ways for consumers to get value for used, working electronics, and gives customers the flexibility to trade-in unwanted gadgets from more than 20 product categories, including cell phones, laptops, MP3 players and digital cameras. Electronics items that no longer work will still be accepted at no cost for recycling, but consumers will not receive value for these items.
(PRNewswire, 2009, November 11, par.1)

Source: Viewpoints.com

The program is free, easy to use and helps customers avoid the worry and hassle of selling items themselves. Interested customers can follow these easy steps to participate in the program:
1. Visit www.sears.gazelle.com.
2. Get an offer on electronics by answering a few quick questions.
3. Ship items. Shipping is free and many customers will also qualify for a free shipping box.
4. The customer receives a Sears gift card in the mail for the total value of their items. As a special holiday promotion, through Dec. 31, 2009, participants will receive an additional 5 percent of the value of their trade-in, added to their Sears gift card.
(PRNewswire, 2009, November 11, par.2)

“Sears Blue Electronics Crew’s trade-in program is a great option for customers who want to turn their used electronics into potential buying power, while also helping conserve the environment,” said Karen Austin, president, Home Electronics, Sears Holdings. “We are proud that through this partnership with Gazelle, approximately 90 percent of the home electronics items that costumers send in are expected to be reused and the remainder will be responsibly recycled. This prevents products from ending up in landfills, making Sears a leader in eliminating e-Waste.”
(PRNewswire, 2009, November 11, par.3)

Every item that Gazelle receives during the trade-in transaction is hand inspected by a trained member of their gadget lab team. During this process, item value is confirmed, and all personal data is removed, providing Sears customers with the peace of mind that comes with a secure, online service. Payment to participants will be determined by the type of product, its age and condition. Payment will be sent within seven days of items being inspected.
(PRNewswire, 2009, November 11, par.4)

“With this program, Sears customers will now be able to turn last years cell phone into this years holiday gifts, said Israel Ganot, CEO of Gazelle. “That is what reCommerce is all about. Redefining consumption by rewarding consumers for responsible consumption behavior, extending the life of products and keeping electronics out of landfills. We applaud Sears for their commitment and look forward to bringing their customers this new service and Gazelle’s industry leading customer experience.”
(PRNewswire, 2009, November 11, par.5)

Details about Sears and Gazelle can be found at the link:
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/200911111000PR_NEWS_USPR_____CG09186.htm

Brand new track out from another member of the Boy Better Know crew. Not JME or Skepta this time, but by the man they call Frisco. After dropping ‘Back 2 Da Lab Vol.3’ this year, Frisco has been working a lot with BBK and shooting the odd video here and there. The latest being ‘Girls’. The newest track to come off the forthcoming album ‘Fully Grown’ which is going to be released sometime in 2010.

In the video, Frisco is seen wearing several pairs of trainers. A pair Nike Air Max 1s, Suede Adidas Gazelles and black Air Force Ones. I will do a quick write up about each trainer, and where to buy them from.

Nike Air Max 1 Maxim – OG Flywire

Everybody knows these trainers. Being one of the most famous trainers of all time, alongside the likes of the Nike Air Force One and Stan Smith trainers. The Maximum version being Nikes 2009 tribute to the original ‘OG’ version. When a shoe contains the same technology as NASA, you know a bit of thought must have gone into the making of. These trainers come in limited numbers, and luckily End Clothing has just restocked. Pick these up for £89.

Adidas Gazelle 2

Next up is the Adidas Gazelles. Typically seen on the football terraces with football casuals, but not only do those sorts of people rock these babies. Turns out Boy Better Know crew member Frisco does as well.  This edition of the trainer comes in an all suede version. Not really the best thing during this part of the year. I’ve made this mistake once myself. These Gazelles seen in the video are blue with the obvious white areas. Made in many colours, but if you want this version, click here at Schuh to pick them up for £49.99.

Nike Air Force One – Low

Alongside the white counter way, we have the all black version of the Nike Air Force One trainer. I’m pretty sure everyone knows about these ones, so there’s no need really for a huge write up on them, is there? These trainers have been around for 27 years now and still going strong. I swear the standard price for AF1s lows used to be £55, but pick them up from Footlocker for £59.99.

-  Graeme Day

I am not entirely sure where I came upon this image while aimlessly browsing, but I did find it so striking that I saved it. Almost a week later, I am still amused. For some reason, she really reminds me of a gazelle. Maybe it’s the slender yet somewhat awkward pose? Maybe its the pattern of the boots that seems to somehow match the antelopes?

Nonetheless, amongst all the lust around black leather thigh highs (thank you  prada, hussein chalayan, givenchy, stella mccartney), this bemusing pattern was definitely refreshing.



“Music is a powerful thing that can change and inspire, so I would be happy if I can give people something good through what I do-but more to use music as a tool to speak about things. I was greatly inspired by Fela Kuti’s Music is the weapon. Where he said, music is a spiritual thing and anyone that is given the gift of musicianship should use it for something great. To make a difference, to influence positively…”

His name is Gazelle. Gazelle is an “eclectic mix of mysticism from the dark continent, psychedelic visions of Afro-futurism, theatre and music.”

Xander explains “I’ve been always busy making music. Since I was a little kid playing on a drum that was made for me by my other mother Aysa” he continues “I think it is a natural thing when people start with some sort of expression…”

His influences range from “Boney M, Beegees and Goombaye Dance Band” to “the more traditional and pop side of South African music like Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Johnny Clegg and the Savuka, Brenda Fassi and Stimela.” He says “I found a lot of inspiration in the theatrical side of music and was astonished by the great stage performers of our time like Bootsie Collins, George Clinton, Prince and of course like millions I stood in front of the mirror studying the moves of Micheal Jackson.”

He picked the band name Gazelle although he had “previously performed as reggae artist in a soundsystem with Dubmaster China and Teba and was given the name White Lion-so I figured Gazelle is the opposite, the prey, the vulnerable, but with hidden strengths. Maybe its the place that I’m from, growing up in the bush hunting or a strange name that ringed in my ears from seeing too many National Geographic documentaries…”

He lived close the border of Mozambique and it influenced him musically as “I grew up in a rural place where I went to bed some nights with the sound of drums in the distance. So I guess the beat has always been in my blood. It was surely a strange mixture between the music I heard from lying on the carpet as a kid listening to my parents disco vinyls and hearing all the traditional music from the farm workers that played a big part in my life.”

He met band mate Nick Matthews “through a mutual friend Brevan who shared a studio with Ricardo Moretti. I tried to convince Ricardo to help me on the project that I started but then Nick saw the potential and we went from there…we also usually work with Grenville Wiliams on bass and Dubmaster China on percussion (whom are two musicians that I had met through various missions in music)…”Working with Nick has it’s ups and downs as “he’s my partner and my friend. A band is like a relationship with lots of passion…good times and bad times. But we make a great team and compliment each other very well…”

They are preparing for a “European tour Kalahari Safari in January in Europe and have  new project called Dicoco which is a gathering of some people. Dicoco is a monthly event that we are holding until march next year-a gathering place for movers and shakers to mingle socialize and come up with new things…communication..creating a space for the Rennaissance to manifest…The first we are having is this November…it’s gonna be a special event.”

In rather exciting news he will be moving to NY in March to take up some recording deals that have come up with “a really amazing producer”…whom will be mentioned in months to come when they are “done with it”. If that is not enough he is “also working on a television show that will be filmed in various countries.” This is all in preproduction so he “can’t let too much out…”

He has been featured in the Italian Rolling Stone Magazine and played Rome Fashion Week, of such illustrious events he said “I had such a great time in Rome, Marcelo Burlon the Editor of Rodeo Magazine organised this event where Gazelle and Jerry Bouthier, the creator of Boombox in London,  performed…it was crazy, a fancy car with a driver in the suit picking us up from the airport, we immediately said to him to take us to every major tourist spot…”

Bob of Bloody Beetroots, “is a good friend of mine and I did a few shows with them, the craziest one surely in Razzmatazz in Barcelona during Sonar. He phoned me up one day and said he wrote a song for me and I had to be the voice. It is on their first full length album called Ramborama and the song is called Theolonius the Voodoo King.”

Recording the album ‘Chic Afrique’ “was an amazing experience where we worked with so many amazing musicians and beautiful people. We locked ourselves up in the Red Bull studios for a week and brought in about 20 traditional musicians to create the album. He continues “the studio is a free space, it is a place of expression ….so crazy shit happened!” He proclaims “it’s gonna be the Graceland 3000, the Paul Simon on Acid.”

Recently ‘She did me In’ (their first single) was playlisted on 5FM (although the tune has been the feature song for one of the biggest fashion brands in Spain Berskha) he explains “it was quite a hit there and we are working on various releases with different people internationally. We are also working on a remix album called The Revolution will be Remixed which feature some of the most amazing people like Boody B from Palms out sound and Bjorn from Fettes Brot (the biggest hip hop group in Germany).”

He opened for the incredible Santogold and said of that “It was an amazing festival in an old fortress in Oslo. We made a collaboration show with our friends Sweat X and did a collaborative show called Azania 3000. It was quite a night. We ended up DJing at the after party and kept on going even when the cops tried to shut us down…” he laughingly adds “what happens on tour stays on tour…”

Performing “is a time of expression, a moment where you can let go..the perfect moment to use all the ego that you have within you. I like to save my ego rather for the right moment like performing than just in ordinary daily socializing.”

He has played extensively over the globe and his favourite place to perform is hard to choose as “we have had so many countless amazing experiences….I feel so fortunate that I can truly live my dream in that sense. Some of the favourite places was surely the strangest..like Warsaw for instance…where we lost our luggage but when we found out we would perform in the Palace of The culture, the most amazing building in Warsaw…we had to go forward and do it…and it was the craziest crowd we ever had….Other favourites is probably because we have such amazing friends in cities like Copenhagen and Barcelona…So each place is different…but we try and make the most of it…give it our all and take all we can from it…”

They are set for another European tour next year and will be performing in Hamburg, Paris, Stockholm and Zürich to name a few of the many tour destinations. Knowing Gazelle’s flair for live shows, they will undoubtedly be mind blowing.

Their wardrobe is quite intensive and “getting 18 people dressed before a show” is not uncommon. Within the band, Nick works on various projects like Iridium Project and Xander also does various collaborations (like that of 340ml which he is busy with and Fagget Fairies from Copenhagen in the near future)…The collaboration with Fagget Fairies could only be a very interesting one!

One of the craziest things that happened at a show was “the one time in Transkei where two girls swam across the river to come jump on stage during our New Years gig…..well that is a mild one….some others I prefer not to share…” to which he laughing concludes “I’ll let the columns deal with that…”

Gazelle is “colourful part of the African Renaissance promoting the growth and worldview of any African born art.” and will continue to do so, internationally promoting a positive outlook for Africa.

He explains of the band “We strongly believe in our goals and aims. We would like to remove African music from solely being described as world music, but to have it on the same stage and be respected as music of the world like any other.”

They are Gazelle. Preparing for world domination.

]]> http://briisunashamed.wordpress.com/2009/11/06/a-trip-to-africa/ Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:20:39 +0000 Bri G. http://briisunashamed.wordpress.com/2009/11/06/a-trip-to-africa/

suggested by Pachydom Elephant Decor

“Have you ever considered taking a trip to Africa? What would be your favorite thing to experience in such a country?”

Out of all the places I would like to travel to, Africa is probably number two on my list (Israel is number one). There are two things in Africa that I would love to do: go to Egypt and go on a safari.

Who honestly wouldn’t want to go to Egypt? The country sounds fascinating. I’d love to see the pyramids, the Great Sphinx, and the Valley of the Kings. Those are only the most-known attractions; I can only imagine what else there is to do and see in Egypt since I have not really looked into it before.

I’m not so sure that I really would want to go on an African safari. I mean, how fun does that really sound? Not very. Just kidding. My bedroom is African safari-themed for crying out loud! I would love to go on a safari. Seeing lions, cheetahs, leopards, rhinos, elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, gazelles, wildebeests, and so many other animals up close would be so cool. I really hope I get the chance to go on a safari one day. As cool as going to Egypt would be, going on a safari would be much cooler.

Quelle journée magnifique nous avons vécu! Journée à la fois ponctuée de tendresses infinies et d’échanges fougueux, journée qui marquera la signature de ce contrat, notre contrat, qui me liera désormais à toi, qui te donnera tous les pouvoirs sur moi…

Comme le prévoit ce contrat, voici donc l’article racontant notre première journée sous contrat, notre première séance.

Cette journée, nous l’avons commencé tendrement à la sortie de la gare, par un baiser langoureux plein de promesses. Tu m’as regardé… J’avais l’air de te plaire. Nous étions tellement heureux de nous revoir… Nous sommes ensuites partis prendre un petit-déj. J’en avais eu l’idée. Tu m’avais demandé de parfois décider ce genre de choses… Et j’avais envie de faire une fois de plus quelque chose dont nous n’avions jamais pu profiter avant. Première fois que je te voyais boire ce fameux café dont tu me parlais tant. Premier petit déj face à toi mon amour. Conversations légères, pleines de bonne humeur, qui détendent l’atmosphère. J’étais si stressée avant d’arriver à la gare que ça m’a fait beaucoup de bien. Stressée, je ne sais trop pourquoi… Stressée peut-être par rapport à tout ce que nous avions prévu pour cette journée. Toujours cette peur de ne pas être parfaite pour toi, toujours cette peur de te décevoir. Et puis je me demandais aussi si j’allais te plaire. Si la tenue que nous avions choisi ensemble et que je voulais aguichante aurait l’effet escompté… Tout un tas de questions qui me passaient par la tête. Mais comme d’habitude, tu as su me détendre, me rassurer, me faire sourire et rire par ta douceur et ta prévenance.

Au bout d’un moment ce déjeuner m’a paru affreusement long… Tu as d’ailleurs dû t’en apercevoir… J’avais tellement envie de toi. Une envie qui est arrivée d’un seul coup… Cette façon que tu avais de boire ton café, tes lèvres qui s’agitaient pour me parler. Tu étais terriblement élégant et craquant. J’adore ta prestance. J’étais captivée. Et l’excitation montait montait… J’avais tellement hâte de me retrouver dans tes bras.

Nous sommes donc remontés en voiture et nous sommes dirigés vers ton hôtel. Celui qui nous avait déjà accueilli la fois précédente. Mon appréhension est réapparue là aussi mais ta tendresse et ta fougue nous ont enveloppé tous les deux faisant disparaitre totalement mes craintes. Nous sommes rentrés dans la chambre, avons enlevé nos manteaux et nous sommes mis à nous enlacer. Le lit nous tendait les bras, nous nous y sommes allongés. Ça y est, j’étais dans tes bras. Blottie, rassurée, heureuse.

J’ai trouvé cette journée exquise. Tellement tendre dans son ensemble. Même si des moments plus fougueux sont venus la rythmer, elle était merveilleuse de tendresse et d’amour. En fait, j’avais tellement envie de cette folie que nous prévoyions, de cette fougue qu’à la fin je me demandais si la tendresse aurait réellement sa place dans tout ça… Mais je me trompais, et tu as su faire de ce moment un délice de volupté. Chaque fois, je me sens toujours mieux dans tes bras. Chaque nouvelle fois dans tes bras est plus merveilleuse que la précédente.

Et pourtant, il y en a eu de la fougue dans cette chambre d’hôtel. On n’a pas arrêté de la journée, toujours dans les bras l’un de l’autre, complètement passionnés l’un pour l’autre. Des rapports sexuels hors du commun. Toujours plus dingues. J’ai pu te sucer à loisir. Savourer ton goût si exquis. Et j’ai pu recevoir tes multiples éjaculations un peu partout sur moi, et ce pour mon plus grand bonheur. Tu m’as maltraitée, meurtrie. Tu as pu faire de mon corps ce que tu voulais. Je t’avais dit que j’étais à toi. Tu en as profité.

Lors de la première fella, tu m’as plaqué la tête sur ton bas ventre, n’ayant d’autre choix pour moi que d’attendre la bouche ouverte que tu éjacules sur ma figure. J’avais encore envie de te sucer, j’avais envie de t’avoir au fond de la gorge… Mais toi tu voulais m’honorer le visage. J’ai donc offert ma bouche, mon menton et mes joues à ta jouissance pour ensuite tenter de récupérer ce que je pouvais du bout des doigts afin de te savourer un maximum… J’adore que tu me souilles ainsi… Cette impression d’être complètement à ta merci me rend dingue…

Dans la matinée, ce sont enchainés plusieurs cunnis phénoménaux encore… J’haletais d’envie… J’avais tellement hâte de jouir encore de tes coups de langues délicieux… Et ce fut chose faite… Tu me gates tellement…

Tu m’as aussi comblée en me faisant l’amour passionnément… J’adore te sentir en moi… J’avais tellement envie de te sentir me remplir, j’avais tellement envie de sentir tes coups de reins. J’ai adoré… Et qu’une hâte… celle de recommencer! Fais moi encore l’amour! Prend moi! Baise moi! Je ne demande plus que ça… Prend moi…  Possède moi encore… Je t’en prie…

Durant cette journée j’ai aussi pu te faire tester ce nouveau fantasme qui avait rythmé nos derniers échanges avant ce rendez-vous… Mes pieds… Mes pieds qui te caressent… Mes pieds qui glissent sur tes jambes, qui remontent, qui frôlent ta queue avant de l’encercler complètement, de la caresser… et de commencer les va et vients pour te branler en glissant sur la salive que j’avais pris soin d’y déposer… Je ne savais pas à l’époque si j’arriverais à te faire jouir ainsi… Mais contre toutes mes attentes, tu as été très réceptif et m’a honoré de ton sperme lors d’une jouissance qui a eu l’air aussi intense qu’à l’accoutumée. J’ai adoré être face à toi… Assise entre tes jambes, pouvant à loisir te contempler en train de prendre du plaisir. On refait ça quand tu veux!!!

Et cette douche ensemble… Mon dieu… cette douche… là où tu m’as fait comprendre que tu attendais que je me mette à genoux devant toi alors que nous étions entrain de nous embrasser. Là où un simple mouvement de ta main m’a ordonné de me mettre face à toi, à genoux, à hauteur de ta bite. Là où tu me l’as mise dans la bouche pour me l’enfoncer au fond de la gorge. Là où si je n’allais pas assez vite, ou assez profondément, tu me guidais en me maintenant doucement la tête. Là où j’ai pris un plaisir monstre à saliver sur ta queue. Là où elle glissait entre mes lèvres, trempée de bave et de l’eau qui dégoulinait sur nous. Là où tu m’as reculée la tête en me regardant dans les yeux. Là où j’ai soupiré fort, la bouche ouverte, sachant que tu voulais encore me cracher ton sperme à la figure. Là où tes jets se sont abattus sur tout mon visage tandis que nos yeux étaient plongés les uns dans les autres… Là où je me suis sentie plus salope que jamais… Espérant t’avoir satisfait telle la chienne que tu aimes que je sois.

Et cette douche… cette accalmie que tu m’as accordé ensuite comme pour me montrer que tu étais satisfait… Ce doux massage si long quand tu m’as savonné. M’obligeant à me retourner à ton loisir, face à toi, où fesses pointantes contre toi, offrant tout mon corps à tes caresses sensuelles et apaisantes. Difficile à expliquer la volupté qui s’est dégagée en ce doux moment où tu baladais tes mains sur moi pour me laver et où j’ai pu ensuite faire de même… Tes mains glissantes sur moi étaient un vrai délice…

Juste après, nous avons recommencé… J’avais encore envie de toi, et toi de moi, encore un échange fougueux de plus… L’ultime… celui où tu as fini de te branler sur mes seins… Celui où tu les as souillé de ta semence si douce. Celui où j’ai étalé ton sperme sur ma poitrine en la caressant, le faisant s’imprégner dans ma peau… L’absorbant complètement… J’adore garder cette partie de toi en moi, l’emmener avec moi. Cet acte est hautement symbolique pour moi tu sais. C’est comme quand je t’avale… Je t’emmène un peu avec moi.

Ce doux lundi tu m’auras aussi ordonné de me caresser devant toi. Terrible aussi ça. Je l’avais déjà fait des dizaines de fois à la cam ou à tes cotés sans que tu ne regardes vraiment. Mais là, tu étais si près, ton visage si près de ma chatte. Tu me regardais… C’était troublant… Tu ne peux pas imaginer. Mais tu aimes me troubler, je le sais maintenant. Tu t’en fais un malin plaisir…

Et que dire de ce long câlin dans tes bras où nous nous sommes endormis l’un contre l’autre pendant une demi-heure? C’était tellement doux, tellement tendre, tellement exceptionnel… Et c’était une première… Nous n’avions jamais dormi ensemble… Et nous avons adoré ça… J’étais si bien… si apaisée dans tes bras… Envie d’y rester toute ma vie…

Journée de folie que celle là… Tu as meurtri mon corps, tu l’as possédé complètement… Une vraie éducation qui a commencé.
Mes fesses ont subi les assauts de tes mains qui s’y abattaient. Mes premières fessées… Tu m’as fessée chéri. La première qui s’est abattue sur ma peau nue m’a fait comme un choc… Elle m’a laissée stoïque et sans voix. Et cette envie que tu recommences… Ce dont tu ne t’es pas privé… Cette sensation qui part des fesses, pour se diffuser dans les cuisses, dans le bas du dos pour se terminer dans la zone intime… J’avais tellement envie que tu recommences… Et ces fessées qui s’abattaient… Encore et encore… Envie que tu recommences encore… encore plus fort… Envie que tu me les fasses réellement rougir. Envie que tu laisses ta marque sur moi. Envie que tu les fasses chauffer.
Mes seins ont encore l’impression de sentir tes doigts les pincer fort, plus fort encore que la dernière fois. J’avais osé te le demander. Plus fort. Pince les plus fort. Encore plus fort. Cette façon avec laquelle tu les empoignais, cette façon avec laquelle tu attrapais les mamelons entre tes doigts pour les faire se raidir afin de mieux les malmener, c’était terriblement excitant. Douloureux et terriblement excitant à la fois. Je crois que mes seins seraient capable d’accepter n’importe quoi… J’ai réellement adoré que tu t’en occupes de cette façon.
Ma chatte en a aussi eu pour son grade… Tu t’es bien gardé d’oublier de t’occuper de la maltraiter aussi… Quand j’avais encore mon string, tu as bien su réitérer cette façon que tu avais de le tirer. Et cette fois-ci était encore plus douloureuse et à la limite du supportable par rapport à la dernière fois. J’en avais les larmes qui montaient aux yeux. Cette façon que tu as de me lacérer le sexe ainsi me rend complètement dingue. Tu me remets à chaque fois à ma place comme ça… Et je n’ai qu’une envie… celle de t’obéir pour que tu comprennes à quel point tu as le dessus sur moi dans ces moments…

Cette journée, nous l’avons passée toujours ensemble, jamais éloigné l’un de l’autre, la gare, le petit déj, l’hotel, le resto le midi, où nous avons pu rire et discuter, le lit qui accueilli nos ébats, la douche… Tout a été parfait. Si seulement je pouvais recommencer cette journée à l’infini…

Le contrat a été signé à la fin de la journée, comme une promesse de sévices toujours plus savoureux pour la prochaine fois… ça y est, nous avons apposé notre signature en bas de ces feuilles. J’ai accepté d’être ta soumise. Et j’accepte maintenant tout de toi… Je suis tienne. Et toi, tu es mon Maitre…
Envie de continuer cette histoire torride avec toi mon Amour… Envie que tu continues de m’éduquer comme la petite chienne docile que tu veux que je sois.

[Click to embiggen!]

dat is het antwoord op het dilemma dat ons zo’n twee maanden heeft bezig gehouden. en we zijn niet alleen in onze queeste. we zijn al heel wat volk tegen gekomen dat twijfelt. lang twijfelt. wat heeft dan de doorslag gegeven?

• we hebben het gevoel dat zo’n bak vooraan veiliger is . je ziet de kinderen, je kan beter inschatten of je ergens tussen kan laveren en bent wendbaarder doordat je minder breed bent dan een fietskar;
• het plezier van de kinderen. priceless. onze jongste telg zit heerlijk in de maxi-cosi (bedankt voor de adapters ivan). onze kleuter zit relaxed en kijkt haar ogen uit;
• de meerkost van onze bakfiets is marginaal vergeleken met de betere fietskarren;
• de testrit heeft sunny overtuigd. alle vooroordelen (te zwaar, moeilijk bestuurbaar, …) werden binnen de minuut van tafel geveegd.
• zo’n bakfiets is werkelijk enorm stabiel.

waarom de gazelle cabby?

• relatief goedkoop. een bekend fietsenmaker in leuven probeerde me een exemplaar te slijten dat ‘ongeveer de helft van een tweede wagen kost’;
• relatief licht en compleet geluidloos vergeleken met de houten versies;
• de maxi-cosi adapters werken perfect, de regentent is erg gemakkelijk in gebruik;
• twee wielen, met zo’n driewielig ding zie ik mezelf echt niet rijden;
• zeven naafversnellingen (wij moeten serieus omhoog).

de nadelen:

• als u verlegen van aard bent: niet kopen. u wordt aangegaapt, nagewezen en aangesproken alsof het een buitenaards wezen betreft.
• onze ‘tank’ is nogal imposant. parkeren aan het station is kwestie van een beetje geluk want de parkeerplaatsen voor ‘buitenformaatfietsen’ zijn nogal in trek. maar dat geldt ook voor fietskarren natuurlijk.

de eerste ritten is het wennen, maar de leercurve is bijzonder steil. we zijn na minder dan twee weken al helemaal overtuigd en onze gezinsmobiliteit is er met rasse schreden op vooruit gegaan. twee eigenaars van een identiek exemplaar waren na meer dan een jaar nog altijd even enthousiast. ik zie geen reden waarom dat bij ons niet zo zou zijn.

This is the full text I was supposed to read at the 350 Day of Action.  The Cincinnati weather was freezing and windy, and the Fountain was spraying all over us.  So I cut it short for the sake of my audience, leaving out all the political nuances.  I said I would post it online for those who were interested–so here it is:

Hello. My name is Elizabeth Trombley, and I am a recent graduate from the University of Cincinnati. I studied International Affairs; I don’t have much of a background in environmentalism or climate change. Although I have long maintained an observer’s interest in environmental issues, I became actively involved after I attended PowerShift, a movement of concerned youth in Washington DC this past February. It instilled in me a sense of urgency when I realized that whatever humanity does today, will be my generation’s responsibility to deal with tomorrow. I want to make sure I will be dealing with a better world.

Perhaps it is this determination, combined with my background in global issues, that I was chosen by SustainUS to be one of 30 youth delegates to the watershed UN talks in Copenhagen this December.

SustainUS is an organization dedicated to sustainability and empowering youth worldwide. It is the only organization of its kind in the country. For the last eight years, SustainUS has been increasing youth stakeholder involvement at the UN. We are an accredited NGO that engages our policymakers at the international level.

This year at Copenhagen, we will join over 500 international youth form around the world to seek to ensure a bold, binding and just international climate treaty as our leaders discuss emission reduction targets, adaptation methods, mitigation opportunities, and ways to reduce global deforestation.

The conference is taking place from 7-18th of December in Copenhagen, Denmark. Officials from 192 countries, plus non-governmental organizations (like SustainUS!), and a large media contingent will be in attendance.

The treaty that will result from this is intended to take over for the Kyoto Protocol when it expires in 2012. All year, there have been ongoing negotiations to hammer out the details, but with only six weeks to go, there are still some serious issues that need to be worked out.　

For instance, science says that greenhouse gas emissions MUST reach their peak by 2020 to avoid catastrophic climate change. Emissions must be reduced by about 80-90% by 2050. Industrialized nations will need to reduce their output by about 25-40% within the next ten years to achieve  this. The problem is that these same nations’s commitments almost universally fall well short of the science.

Poor and developing nations of the world, like China, India, Brazil, Mexico and others, have all called for science-based pledges, and they resent richer nations’ lack of initiative when these nations are the ones most able to effect change.

Also note that India and China, along with the US, are the three key players at Copenhagen. Both India and China have huge national carbon emissions—China’s are now greater than the US’ even though their per capita emissions are very low—and both have indicated that they will not commit to reduce their emissions on the grounds that they have to alleviate poverty. The US is leery of making commitments when other major carbon emitters hesitate to commit—and the rest of the world sees no reason to be more ambitious when the US, historically the largest emitter, will not commit. Thus, the main hurdle to be cleared right now is not technical, it is political.

It is critical that we come to some type of international agreement this December. We have an ever-diminishing window of time to reverse carbon emissions and see that we do not create runaway climate change. But politics are not only global—the US faces similar issues domestically, as I am sure you are aware. Since the US is seen as a world leader on this issue, and other nations are not likely to feel obligated to solve the problem if our country—contributing 25% of global carbon emissions—sits idle. And US negotiators are liable to be forced to sit idle if Congress has not passed some type of legislation prior to the talks—our negotiators will simply be unable to negotiate without the legal go-ahead. Therefore, it is critical to the international agreement process that Congress pass climate legislation before December.

As a youth delegate to these talks, I am going to feel pretty embarrassed if I have to walk in without the US passing some type of legislation. But, there is something you can do to help. The House of Representatives has already passed ACES bill. Up now in the Senate is the Kerry-Boxer bill in the Senate.

Both need to be passed to be signed into law. This bill will need 60 Senatorial votes to pass—and we need to obtain those votes quickly. The healthcare debate has raged on for many months; we need to push the climate bill through much more quickly. And this is where you can help. Your Congressmen depend on citizens to guide their course of action—if they move slowly, it’s because they are getting mixed signals from their constituents. Likewise, massive support for bold climate legislation will ensure that bold climate legislation gets passed—quickly! I am asking you to contact your Senators—George Voinovich and Sherrod Brown—and let them know they need to pass strong climate legislation before the UN meets in Copenhagen. Senator Brown is fence-sitting on this issue—concerted citizen involvement can make all the difference! He needs to hear from you! Senator Voinovich has traditionally tried to build bipartisan compromises—he too is on the fence! That’s right, BOTH of our state’s senators can make a difference, if you tell them too!

Their local offices are right here in town, and I have been to both of them—you can walk in and speak with a representative. It is even more effective to contact their Washington DC offices—either by phone or by letter. There is contact information over there complete with talking points. I hope you can support me in this way.

While I am on the subject of support, I would like to add that I am required to fundraise for my trip to Copenhagen. I am doing this in a variety of ways—you can make a direct contribution to my organization, SustainUS, either online or by check. You can also donate directly to me, and I guarantee I will get the money where it needs to go.

I am also maintaining an online electronics-drive, so if you are not comfortable donating money, you can instead trade in any unwanted electronics on my behalf. All of this information is available on the table over there. I would also encourage you to take a look at my blog, which is where I update my progress on the road to Copenhagen. You can find it at www.LizToCopenhagen.wordpress.com. Again, this information is on the table over there.

Thank you for your attention and support.

Adidas Gazelle 2 White/Gold Leather Trainers

Colourway; White, Metallic Gold

White leather uppers with trademark adidas 3 stripes in gold leather. Gold heel tab bearing the adidas originals trefoil logo. Gorgeous thick white midsole in the gazelle tradition, with yellow outsole. Large smooth gold adidas and trefoil logos on the white tongue.

This is a superb version of the classic Gazelle, from the Adidas Originals range.

Just bought a pair 1 week ago with less than 50 euro.

Je ne cesse de penser à ce Lundi… Journée réservée pour toi… pour nous… Je ne cesse de m’imaginer ce qu’elle pourra être, ce que nous allons vivre, ce que tu me réserves…

Et avec toutes ces envies qui se bousculent dans nos têtes, ça risque d’être complètement dingue. Maintenant qu’il est rédigé, j’ai envie de le signer ce contrat. Envie qu’on le mette en action. Envie de rapports de force avec toi. Envie que l’on réalise tout ce qui nous fait fantasmer. J’ai besoin de me retrouver dans la même pièce, dans la même chambre, dans le même lit que toi… Seuls… Et que tu prennes tous les droits sur moi… Tous…

Vraiment, maintenant, je veux que tu me considères comme ta soumise, que tu saches que je ne suis dans ces moments là, qu’une putain prête à te servir. Et j’ai envie que tu me le dises, j’ai besoin de l’entendre… Que je ne suis qu’une pute, TA pute, TA chienne. Tu n’imagines pas à quel point ça a pu m’exciter de t’entendre m’appeler “salope” la première fois au téléphone…  “Plus vite salope” Encore l’impression de l’entendre… ça m’a complètement transpercé… Une réelle décharge… Oui, je le suis, je suis ta salope maintenant, celle prête à accepter tous tes sévices.

Je ne cesse de te revoir avec ce regard de fou tandis que tu me lacérais la chatte avec mon string… le tirant, le tirant… ne faisant que m’arracher des soupirs de plaisirs, de douleurs, d’envies de toujours plus fort… J’y pense sans cesse, et encore plus tout à l’heure suite à ces mails que tu m’as envoyé. ça me le rappelle encore d’avantage quand tu me demandes au téléphone ou à la cam d’appuyer plus fort, toujours plus fort sur mon clito. Je n’avais jamais vécu ça avant… Et je m’aperçois que j’adore ça… Ce mélange de plaisir et de douleur… La sensation qui en découle est juste indescriptible…

Avant, je ne voulais pas m’exécuter quand tu me demandais de me pincer les seins à la cam… Comme je n’avais jamais vécu ça… Même jamais essayé moi-même… J’avais juste envie que ce soit toi qui me fasse découvrir ça… Et nous l’avons vécu dans cette voiture… Tu n’hésites plus à t’en occuper de ma poitrine… Tu vas pouvoir te l’accaparer complètement. Et c’est juste dingue. Je découvre des choses, des sensations totalement inédites. Tellement envie d’encore. Envie de toujours plus. Maintenant, j’ai envie que tu me les prennes, les pelotes, les malaxes, les meurtrisses, toujours plus fort. J’y pense tout le temps.

Envie que tu fasses de moi ce que tu veux. Envie que tu fasses de moi cette esclave uniquement destinée à te permettre de te vider les couilles. Ma mouille ne cesse de dégouliner dès que je lis tes mails, et j’ai toujours du mal à récupérer mon calme ensuite. On rêve tous les deux de rapports torrides, complètement dingues depuis des semaines… Déjà la dernière fois, cette journée à l’hôtel avait été complètement dingue, cette après midi dans la voiture aussi… Mais alors là, je n’arrive même pas à imaginer la vague de sensations qui va nous emporter…

Ca y est, je suis ta soumise à présent. J’ai accepté ce contrat. Plus qu’à le signer, et mon corps, ma raison, ma volonté, tout sera à toi. Tu pourras vraiment faire ce que tu veux de moi, me demander ce dont tu auras envie. Dresses moi, éduques moi par ta domination.

Déjà, je ne peux relire ce contrat sans que ma mouille coule entre mes jambes, elle inonde mes dessous. Encore tout à l’heure, je la sentais dégouliner le long de mes cuisses quand tu m’écoutais me caresser.

Et là, rien que de t’écrire ce mail, rien que de me replonger dans tous ces mails, je suis de nouveau dans un état d’excitation dingue. Je ne pense plus qu’à te sucer, à sentir ta bite taper contre ma gorge. Encore envie de la prendre ta queue, comme dans la voiture, comme à l’hotel, comme dans cette douche. Envie que tu me la baises ma bouche.  J’adore ça quand tu me la maintiens au fond de ma gorge. Rester là, prête à suffoquer, savourant son goût tellement exquis. La sentant me remplir complètement.

Je ne cesse de penser à tout ça… Loin d’être évident dans la voiture. Mais j’ai énormément penser à ce que tu puisses me jouir sur le visage. J’avais envie que tu m’agrippes par les cheveux, sans avoir peur de me faire mal… Que tu m’écartes la tête de ta queue, que tu m’obliges à te regarder te branler devant moi. Sachant très bien ce qui m’attend. Je n’ai fait qu’y penser. Surtout quand je sentais ta queue me caresser le bas du visage. J’ai envie que tu me craches tout à la figure. Envie que tes giclées de sperme viennent s’écraser sur moi.

Et je ne pense pas qu’au visage. J’essaye d’imaginer ce que tu me réserves… Où vas-tu te vider sur ta pute? Sur son visage? Sur ses seins? Ses fesses? Son ventre? Sa chatte?

Envie de me sentir complètement dominée dans 10 jours, envie que tu me rabaisses, me frustres, me souilles de ton foutre, envie de me sentir violée et je sais que ce sera terrible. Nous avons les mêmes envies. Elles sont complémentaires. Je veux te satisfaire. Faire les pires choses que tu me demanderas, juste pour te rendre dingue et fier de ta petite soumise dévouée.

Et moi je t’obéirai. Je t’obéirai pour te rendre comblé et parceque je sais que toi aussi tu veux me combler. Ces cunnilingus dans la voiture étaient dingues. Et j’en veux encore. Tu as une langue en or. Mon dieu… tes baisers intimes sont tous simplement divins. J’en suis toujours sur une autre planète rien que d’y penser. Te sentir me doigter, me lécher, me sucer. Jamais vécu tellement de sensations en même temps. A la moitié de chaque cunni, je pars sur une autre planète, je m’envole et déjà avant l’orgasme, tu me fais planer…

Et maintenant, viens encore se rajouter un autre fantasme pour toi… Mes pieds… Ah la la… Ils ont l’air de t’exciter mes pieds… Tu aimais déjà les pieds me dis-tu. Mais le déclic fut au Resto que nous affectionnons tant pour y avoir passé deux repas ensemble. Et lors du dernier repas, j’ai eu envie d’enlever ma tong pour te caresser l’entrejambe à travers ton pantalon, promesse de tout ce que nous allions vivre l’après midi… Et toi, ça t’a fait de l’effet. Je t’ai promis de recommencer… Et on en a reparlé tout à l’heure. J’ai ce projet. Te faire monter au septième ciel autrement. M’assoir face à toi, toi bien installé contre la tête de lit, moi appuyée sur mes bras en arrière, te regardant, les jambes allongées vers toi, mes pieds recouverts de bas te caressant à travers ton Jean, pour que tu retrouves ces débuts de sensations du Seven. Puis, je viendrait descendre ta braguette, baisser ton pantalon, ou l’ôter selon ton envie, je me déshabillerai pour toi et je reprendrai ma position. Comme tu me l’as fait remarquer, tu aurais une vue imprenable sur mes seins, ma chatte et mes jambes pendant que mes pieds s’aventureraient à caresser tes cuisses, à remonter sur ton torse, puis à redescendre sur ton entrejambe. J’ai envie de m’y aventurer, j’y pense sans cesse depuis tout à l’heure. Effleurer ton sexe avec mes pieds, le caresser longuement… Puis accentuer mon appui pour en venir à te branler, te décalottant de mes pieds, pour pouvoir découvrir ton gland. Accentuant toujours plus mes vas et viens.

J’ai tellement envie de toi chéri. Tellement envie de tout ça. Tellement envie de te satisfaire.

10 jours à peine et je vois mon Maitre, mon Amour.

The Gazelle is not my friend. I don’t like him.

Yes, I really think he must be a guy. Who else would get such pleasure from making you sweat, pant, and groan?

Tony Little likes the Gazelle. Tony Little says it’s “fun, fun, fun, fun”. I beg to differ.

Tony Little promises “results, results, results, results”. I am waiting on that, too.

Oh…you actually have to use it to get results!

I do NOT have the firm butt that the infomercials sport, but again, I guess I’d actually have to use it!

So why did I buy the Gazelle you ask. Well, I didn’t. My friend gave it to me because she was using it as a coat rack. Great minds think alike!

I’m thinking maybe I should give the Gazelle another try. Maybe we should get better acquainted.

Maybe I should give him a name. Problem is I can only come up with one. Jerkwad. Any suggestions?

Meanwhile the Gazelle does make a fabulous coat rack..

A new Dutch bicycle brand has arrived in Chicago, and you know I was all over them faster than you can say “Dottie is freakishly obsessed with pretty and utilitarian city bikes.”  The Gazelle Toer Popular and Gazelle Chamonix Pure are now at Dutch Bike Chicago. The names are unweildy and hard to pronounce, but everything else about them is lovely.

The Gazelle Toer Popular is a super traditional Dutch bike with gorgeous looks, a sturdy steel frame and all of the expected features.

Gazelle Toer Populair

The stand-out feature that distinguishes this bike from other big English and Dutch models is the rod brakes.  See the curved metal under the handlebars?  That’s the brake lever and one pull on either side engages both front and back brake simultaneously.  This feature is great for one-handed riding.  As Lovely Bicycle notes in the comments below, the rod part is just for looks and the rod simply controls the drum brakes.

Gazelle Toer Populair Front

The skirt guard keeps skirts and coats out of the wheel, as well as anything that may dangle off the rear rack.  Fenders and a front mud flap keep the gross road gunk off your cute boots.  The O-lock provides low level security by immobilizing the rear wheel.

Gazelle Toer Populair Skirt Guard and O-Lock

The chain guard fully covers the chain, protecting it from the weather and your clothes from it.  There is a 3-speed internal Sturmey Archer hub.  Platform pedals accommodate any shoe.  The kickstand provides pretty good balance, although the bike is still susceptible to tipping over and it requires a tiny bit more effort to move the kickstand entirely out of the way.

Gazelle Toer Populair Chain Guard

A bottle generator powers the classy front headlamp, while the back light is battery-powered. A dual internal dynamo hub on both the front and rear would be a better set-up. The big honking bell is my absolute favorite “DING DONG!” bell, very similar to the Pashley’s. The rear rack is heavy duty with strong elastic straps to hold your cargo down. The sprung leather Brooks saddle speaks for itself, and your bottom will say, “Thank you.”

Gazelle Toer Populair Front with Rider

Enough with the bells and whistles, how does she ride?  Very well!  There’s a reason this design has been around since the beginning of the safety bicycle and is still going strong.  This bike sails smoothly and easily.  The three speeds limits the usefulness to cities that are not super hilly, but in most places you won’t have any problems.

Surprisingly, the ride feels quite a bit different from the ride of my Azor Oma.  Although they look similar, there are subtle differences in the geometry – we measured!  On the Gazelle compared to the Azor, the handlebars sweep back two inches less, the seat tube is closer to the stem by one inch, and the stem is one inch shorter.  As a result, I felt perched on top of the bike, rather than enveloped by it as I do with my Azor.  This feeling was more comparable to how I felt riding the Pashley Princess and Sonnett.

For someone trying to decide between a Gazelle and a bike like the Azor, I have two thoughts.  First, which feeling would you prefer: more nimble or more enveloped?  Second, how tall are you?  I think part of the difference in feeling is due to my height, 5′7.  Someone like Trisha riding Gazelle may feel as enveloped as I do on my Azor.  Along that line, someone who wants a Dutch bike but feels that the Batavus Old Dutch or Azor Oma is too overwhelming may feel right at home on the Gazelle Toer Populair.

Interesting conversations about the Gazelle Toer Populair can be found at LA Cycle Chic and Lovely Bicycle.

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The Gazelle Chamonix Pure is a modern and sporty version of the Toer Populair. The accessories and general design are the same, but the Chamonix Pure has an aluminum frame, making it much lighter. If you want a Dutch bike but need to carry it up stairs and on public transportation or live in a hilly city, this is the type of Dutch bike you need. The bike reminded me a lot of Trisha’s Batavus Entrada Spirit.

Gazelle Chamonix Pure

A distinguishing feature compared to the Toer Populair is the handlebars.  While they do not sweep back quite as far, they are fully adjustable back and forth, up and down, round and round with a quick release latch.  This ensures that you’ll find the exact right fit.

Gazelle Chamonix Pure Front

The gearing here is a 3-speed Shimano internal hub. The brakes are internal roller brakes.  Neither the gears or brakes are affected by weather conditions.

Gazelle Chamonix Pure Chain and Skirt Guards

Both the rear and front lights are hub generated.  Pedaling powers them, not batteries.

Gazelle Chamonix Pure Front Light

It’s also equipped with a rear rack with straps, O-lock, skirt guard, chain guard and platform pedals.

Gazelle Chamonix Pure Rack and Saddle

The ride on the Gazelle Chamonix Pure felt very similar to the Toer Populair. The positioning felt almost identical, despite the difference in handlebars. The biggest difference is that the Chamonix Pure is lighter and therefore a bit faster. Also, the ride is not as smooth due to the aluminum frame. Generally, I’m not a fan of aluminum frames because I can feel every little bump but the Gazelle, like Trisha’s Batavus, is incredibly smooth for an aluminum frame. Just not quite as smooth as steel.

If you have any questions, I’ll try to answer them.  Yay beautiful bikes!

You can check out our entire “Beautiful Bicycles” series here.

Ca y est, le contrat est achevé. Tu l’as édité. Il est prêt et publié.

Le contrat de soumission/domination dont nous parlons depuis si longtemps. Celui par lequel mon appartenance à mon Maitre devient officielle.

Nous allons nous voir dans 10 jours et nous le signerons, ensemble. Mais je t’ai déjà donné mon accord. Il est parfait pour moi. J’accepte toutes les clauses. Je suis à toi. C’est officiel.

Tu peux désormais disposer de mon corps et de ma tête comme bon te semble. Je te servirai telle une soumise digne de ce nom, telle une soumise digne d’être aimée par mon Maitre. Tu vas pouvoir faire de moi une vraie pute. Celle qui sera prête à tout pour ton unique plaisir. Je te rend les clefs de mon libre-arbitre. Décide pour moi. Décide ce qui est bon que tu me fasses faire.

Je suis à toi…

Prête...