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Six Tips for Travel Virgins
Strangely enough, as I write this there are two young girls wearing huge backpacks, trying not to knock people down the stairs of the train during peak hour. They remind me of my friend Sophia and I, who had to struggle through this awkward but necessary process every time we moved from place to place while we were travelling. Are you about to go off on the same type of journey? Feeling a little nervous? Palms a bit sweaty? Here are a few tips to either scare the crap out of you, or (hopefully) guide you.
1. No matter how many people you pummel as you charge through crowds with a pained expression on your face and a sweat moustache while wearing something the size of an overweight 7 year old on your back – choose a backpack for your luggage. It’s even more embarrassing to have to heave a heavy, bulky suitcase upstairs, downstairs, and onto a busy train – especially if there’s a train strike in Paris and people are squishing in so fiercely they are literally cuddling strangers – you do not want to stand there fumbling around with a suitcase in this situation. No sir.
2. No matter how French, cool or dread-locked they are do not accept an invitation by a group of men to another bar on its weekly ‘ladies night’ where they offer champagne for 1 euro a glass. This means it is a dump, and they need to pretty much give alcohol away in order to attract customers. By the end of the night, on trying to escape your new buddies, you may even be lucky enough to get bitten by a complete stranger and have to walk around for the next three weeks with a nasty, teethy bruise that makes people stare. (Note: Not sure how common this situation is but look out nonetheless.)
3. Something to definitely ensure you do is accept that spontaneity is a part of travel. You have to role with the punches, or maybe the bites, depending on where your adventures lead you. When you’re at a restaurant in Portugal and a busker stops at your table, do begin singing Land Down Under and then every Bob Marley song you can manage at the top of your lungs while he plays guitar (even though you won’t get a laugh out of anyone around you. Europeans do not find us funny. Take that as another tip.)
4. If you find yourself in Egypt, expect to be ripped off by every smiling face you see. They are the best and cheekiest of all salespeople. Expect to be taken on a camel ride, and once far enough away from the Pyramids, expect your camel’s owner to trick you into paying extra. “What’s the problem? You no happy with my service?” Also expect that the funny man who randomly grabs you, wraps your head up in a scarf and poses with you while his mate grabs your camera and takes photos of you both before you can managed to spit out a confused “cheeeese?” is going to then want ‘baksheesh’. When all you can offer is the measly 5 Egyptian pounds that was in your wallet, be read to receive a very disappointed look, which then turns a little bit angry – and then just escape.
5. Give yourself plenty of time to get around. Make time for things like getting lost, or your cab driver taking you to the wrong train station. Because if you don’t, when you finally end up at the right train station, you will have only one minute left until the train leaves the country without you. And that hurts. Then what will happen, while you’re running for the train under your big, heavy turtle shell? The straps on the stupid bag you bought for 20 euro at a market stall in Venice when you had no more space in your pack will break, forcing you to have to drag it behind you – it flipping around like a leopard-printed child throwing a tantrum. On the plus side; when you miss the train, you can always have a beer and a laugh with your mate. That’s really all you can do.
6. Finally, expect to be loved for being Aussie… and work with it. It will get you free pizza, lots of cuddles (which can be nice when you’re so far away from mummy) and friends! But remember, being Australian won’t get you any laughs.
Happy travels!
Dani
21 Jan 2011, 10:50am Blog Street by admin
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Thread People’s Guide to Surviving Big Day Out
Now that January is well and truly here, the countdown to arguably the best summer festival, the Big Day Out, has begun. By now you would have done the hard yards; mustered up some mates, bought the tickets (and the new outfit), planned your timetable, but what happens once you pass security and your brilliant planning falls by the wayside?
Travel Lightly
Mobile, cash, ID and a sealed water bottle is all you need. As the name suggests, it’s going to be a big day, you don’t want to be lugging around an overnight bag worth of stuff after a slog in the Boiler Room. Plus, if you don’t need a bag search, you get past security so much faster.
It’s Going To Be Hot
I don’t care what the forecast says, always dress for 40 degrees. I nearly fumbled at last year’s Adelaide leg when an inaccurate report had me considering jeans. It ended up being high 30’s. Play it safe, go for shorts and a loose singlet. A hat wouldn’t go astray either as;
You Will Get Burnt
No matter how sun-safe you are, getting a good position at the front of the main stage becomes more important than lining up for sunscreen. I suggest stocking up on Aloe Vera for the aftermath.
You Will Lose People
Take this as an inevitability. No matter how similar you and your comrades tastes in music are, not everyone will stick to the timetable. Also, people get drunk. This leads to a bad case of the “wander-offs”. To combat this, make sure that everyone has a fully charged mobile and keep it within reach. Easy done!
Take Advantage
Festival price is different to Real World price, it’s not hard to find yourself skint so milk the freebies as much as you can. Generally, there’s free ice tea/water fountains/sunscreen at stations around the festival. Find them. Use them. Thank me later.
Be Ruthless
Unfortunately there’s not much room for niceties at festivals. If you want a barrier position, you are going into battle with 300 other people that want it as badly as you. Same applies for the taxi home. Be aware that everyone leaving is just as tired/drunk/emotional as you are, but also keep in mind you need to get home. Now I don’t condone using violence to steal a cab, but if someone’s messing around trying to organise people, their taxi is up for grabs. No questions asked.
Take this advice on board and consider yourself prepared to brave the crowds and hit the mosh. Good luck!
- Paige Richards
19 Jan 2011, 8:21am Blog Street by admin
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contribute… to our blog!
We’re always looking for new and exciting content on our blog pages. If you have something to share with our online community, we’d love to read it!
Here are a few basic content guidelines to get you going:
Thread People Fashion Blog
This page is dedicated to all things fashion. This could include fashion photography, styling tips, articles, reviews, fashion events, wish lists, interviews with designers or models… anything to do with fashion
Thread People Street Blog
This page contains anything to do with street culture. Content for this page is much more broad and can include anything to do with music, film, events, art, culture, travel, experiences… you name it!
Just remember if you are using someone else’s words or images they must be referenced.
If you are interested in contributing, email your post to sacha@threadpeople.com.au
Happy blogging!
Thread People
4 Jan 2011, 1:57pm Blog Blog Fashion Street by admin
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Thread People Tips on keeping yourself occupied this Lazy Summers Day
We are fast approaching Christmas and we feel you need help to start planning your holiday season by doing a combination of activities and sweet FA! If you are anything like the employees of Thread People, you work hard all year, have barely a day off and then when you do you find very little if anything is likely to get accomplished. In this guide to just a lazy day away from the office we will look at several possibilities for making the most or even the least of your day. Welcome to Lazy Summer Dayz!
THE MORNING
The morning is the most important part of the day. We all know that if you wake up on the wrong side of bed, or the start of the day is less than amazing, the rest of your day will end up being ordinary. You want to “ease” into the day. The first Leisurely activity to take up a nice slice of your morning is an indulgent trip to the spa. Wash your hair, clean between your toes, rest your head back and while away those thoughts of all the hard work you have just achieved. Appreciate what you have just achieved!
Exercise:
This is the “activity” part of the lazy day. Remember activity means placing your headspace at rest.
Spend 10-20 minutes stretching and doing yoga or pilates. If thats not enough put on some of your favourite tunes and start dancing around the loungeroom
The Beach:
For those near or close to the beach get your ass down there! Be sure to get down early to avoid the hoards of people that will follow you after realising what a great idea you had. Jump in the water and wash all that stress away.
THE AFTERNOON
Movies:
Its not just the air conditioning that will help you escape the heat outside, a new release of the latest movie will too. Try going to the movies on your own…its surprisingly fun! You get all the popcorn and coke to yourself. Just be sure to wear a long sleeved shirt to keep you a little warm under that air conditioning – we dont want you to stress because you are cold J
Cafe:
Find a cafe that is also a bookstore…its the ultimate in relaxation. Grab yourself a nice cup of tea or coffee, a book or magazine and absorb yourself into the words. People watching is also a good reason to go to a cafe.
Dabble in photography and art:
This activity can be accomplished almost anywhere you can simply sit and watch what’s happening around you or observe the scenery. Take your camera or a sketchbook and start sketching away. Very therapeutic.
THE EVENING
Shower:
You have already had a spa but now its time to start fresh again after such an amazing day. Jump in the shower and be sure to have it Luke warm. Keep in mind that a shower can sometimes wake you up again but the evening is wind down time…so put on some soft music and ease into the night
Go for a drive:
Driving is pure pleasure, depending of course what car you drive. If its a 1960’s rusted Datsun then perhaps you should skip this part and go straight to bed. However, if its not then switch on the ignition, turn on the music not too loud) pull out of the drive and cruise the streets with the windows down. You have no direction…just drive
Cafe Del Mar – Lazy Summer Days
Memories of yesterday
Can’t think about anything
But you never gonna fade away
Even if you disapear from view
Sweet distraction
You’re always on my mind
Sweet distraction
Same feeling every time
Clear intentions
Just wanna make you mine
Sweet distraction
Same feeling every time
Lazy summer days wash away
Under the spell of soft summer rain
Lazy summer days wash away
Under the spell of soft summer rain
We are all the same
Memories of yesterday
Day dreaming of when i held you close
Doesn’t matter what you say
You were the one i wanted most
Sweet distraction
You’re always on my mind
Sweet distraction
Same feeling every time
Clear intentions
Just wanna make you mine
Sweet distraction
That feeling every time
Lazy summer days wash away
Under the spell of soft summer rain
Lazy summer days wash away
Under the spell of soft summer rain
We are all the same
Memories of yesterday
Can’t think about anything but You
Lazy summer days
Lazy summer days
Lazy summer days wash away
Under the spell of soft summer rain
Lazy summer days wash away
Under the spell of soft summer rain
We are all the same…
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12 Dec 2010, 7:48pm Blog Blog Fashion Street by admin
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the weekend that rocked
Last weekend, Mount Panorama was transformed in to a live music & action sports venue where thousands of kids partied for 3 days & 2 nights. Newton’s Nation was its name and radness was its game.. here are some epic on stage moments captured by Chris Samuel
Ian Kenny of Birds of Tokyo
Birds of Tokyo
Birds of Tokyo
Bliss N Eso
Bliss N Eso
Bliss N Eso
Bliss N Eso
Bloody Lovely Audrey
Children Collide
Children Collide
Children Collide
Children Collide
Children Collide
Children Collide
Children Collide
Children Collide
Funkoars
The Money Smokers
The Money Smokers
The Money Smokers
Operator Please
Operator Please
Operator Please
Philadelphia Grand Jury
Philadelphia Grand Jury
Philadelphia Grand Jury
Philadelphia Grand Jury
The Novocaines
The Novocaines
The Novocaines
You Am I
You Am I
You Am I
You Am I
Zeahorse
Zeahorse
Zeahorse
Zeahorse
-S
1 Dec 2010, 6:28pm Blog Street by admin
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Step Panther Interview
Hey these guys have been on rockets at the moment and have been quickly on the rise with recent national tours and local shows. Here we catch up with the band for a quick chat on touring and music/stuff
You guys have have just recently got off a national tour with the “Cabins”. Was this your first national tour and how did the band cope with a busy schedule?
Yes it was our first tour, a nice little run of shows up and down the coast, we had played once in melbourne before but it was cool to get more experience out of town, the schedule wasn’t too hectic but when things did begin to to overwhelm us we just held hands till our knuckles were white
Are there any stories that you can share with the people that sum up the tour?
Watch the Karate Kid or Crossroads both starring Ralph Macchio, it is the same basic story
You have put out a 5 track E.p. How is the response from the public been and how was the process of writing the album?
Some people like it i think, we get some nice comments and support from people on myspace and we have got a fair bit of play on FBI and 2ser which has been a good help for sure. We wrote these songs last year, we went through a period of just playing surf music all the time, some of the songs came from that and a couple of songs were older but we modified them to sound that way, but it was cool cause they work better this way
Where did you record it at?
we recorded at Hanging Tree Studio in Surry Hills, its a really great place with heaps of cool mics and amazing vintage gear, which helped with the sound of this particular EP.
You guys look like that you have just been on fire at the moment how are you guys been travelling with the rise and rise off the band?
we are very lucky boys
You guys have a very unique and distinctive sound. Where do you guys draw a lot off your inspiration from?
Guitar wolf, jonathon richman, boys called jimmy, captain america, weezer, pavement, lightning, rocks, bikes + other music/stuff
What are the future plans for the band? World Domination?
we shall fight to protect humanity even though society fears and hates us
What are some other independent local bands that you guys are loving at the moment?
hmmm, well, Cabins, Bridezilla, Baby X, Yae Tiger, to name a few
Where are readers able to gain access to your music from?
you can download our song jimmy from itunes or order our Ep from Red Eye records, you can check our myspace for the correct details
Thank you for your time….any last words?
i guess not, thanks very much:)
Cheers
Cheers
25 Sep 2010, 2:47pm Blog Street by admin
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Rapids
Here is a new release from the boys from “Rapids” called “The Phillip, The Hawk”. These guys have been on a roll in the last 12 months and they have produced this ripper of a track. This is the first for the gang in awhile and they have delivered, be sure to keep track off them in the coming weeks for a little tour that will be coming up. Make sure to check there myspace for more info. For now relax and enjoy!
21 Sep 2010, 8:53pm Blog Street by admin
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Places, people interview
So for all the people out there who are unaware of yourself where are you from and when did you start to write your music?
-I guess to be honest, I’m not really all that sure where I’m from, I’m still trying to figure myself out. I was born and raised in the US, I moved around a lot before making the big move here. I moved with my family to Western Sydney when I was 13. I can’t really remember when I started writing music, I’ve always fiddled with different instruments, and wrote simple poems and lyrics and stuff all growing up. I think most of my little diddies probably started to make a little more sense when I was in highschool though.
How would you best describe your style of music?
-I’m not sure, I’m a big fan of letting people form their own interpretations of the things they hear, that’s how I like to perceive music. It’s pretty mellow I guess, and mostly acoustic.
Sounds like there have been a few ups and downs recently for yourself. These are very dominant features in your music. How are you able to harness these feelings and incorporate them into your music?
-Yea I’ve had a pretty rough year, alot of things didn’t really pan out the way I always thought they would I guess. I lost alot of people and things that were close to me and I haven’t had any family here to support me or whatever so it’s been a bit of a journey. When I was younger I didn’t see myself making music in this way. I always saw myself in a band, I saw myself as a drummer, and that’s what I was. I went through some things last year, dealt with loss and loneliness for a long time. I stayed away from music for a while, it would get me down a lot when I’d think about it, but I had a lot to say and wrote a lot of little poems and stuff. I guess at some point I just decided I was sick of staying away from music and tired of hiding. I put a lot of myself into, and found out alot about myself through writing these songs. I’m not sure how they translate to other people and their lives but for me they’ve become something I’m really proud of. They’re really introspective and honest for me. I’ve got some things I want to do with this project, but I needed to write these songs first, for myself.
Where do you get your inspiration from? Everyday situations, personal experiences, people around you?
-There are so many things in life that inspire me. I’m inspired by my family alot at the moment.
“Brothers” is your first debut single out, this is a great song. When did you come up with this song and what is the song about?
-I wrote it a while ago actually, maybe October or so last year, just decided to recorded it and put it on the record recently though. Most of it comes from a poem I wrote that I posted on my wall with some others in my study. It’s just about being alone alot, and wanting what you can’t have I guess.
You are from Wollongong. There is a great deal of good music that is going on down there as off recent. Have you got any favourite bands not just at home but in general that you are finding very appealing?
-Wollongong’s been a real sanctuary for me. I came out here a few years ago for Uni and when my family left and moved overseas I decided to stay. I’ve been living alone in my little smelly apartment ever since haha. Over this last year its given me a real place to escape and I’ve loved that. I’ve only really just started playing and putting this music out there fairly recently but I’ve made some friends and had some support. There is a lot of talent down here.
When recording “Brother’s” did you play all in the instruments that are featured on the track?
-Yea, I’ll be playing all the instruments on my record apart from some extra female vocals, which is kinda fun. I was always a drummer up until this project, I always wrote lyrics and guitar and stuff but this is the first time I’ve actually sung or played them. There’s a definite learning curve but I’m just approaching it in an honest state of mind and just letting it be whatever it’s gonna be, its actually really freeing this way.
I know that Major Label only sign singles but how much off a help has this been and will be on your musical career? Getting that extra help.
-Right, yea it’s been great. The people I’ve been working with have inspired me. I’ve had a lot of encouragement from them that I‘m onto something good and that other people ‘get’ what I’m on about which is great. I think major label’s a unique project especially in Australia and they’ve got some great people behind it, working with artists so they can be who and what they want to be, and more importantly letting them be who/what they want to be so I’m stoked to be a part of it.
When playing live, how do you go about when playing with the full band then just yourself with and acoustic guitar? And if so who are the extra members in the band if there is such a case?
-I really miss being in a band. I miss the camaraderie and sharing. I sort of wrote and recorded a lot of these songs with no real idea of what i would do with them or if I’d ever end up playing them live so I didn’t shy from recording different instruments and multiple vocal layers etc.I just did what I felt would work, with out thinking of how they’d sound live or whatever. I had a lot of encouragement and support for this project from people around me and it made me decide to take this all seriously and Im totally enthused about it now. I got asked to play a show with Matt Corby in July, which was my first show and gave me some confidence. I’ve had to figure out my live situation since, I sometimes just dull-down the songs a bit and play on my own or I have a buddy of mine jump up with me and fill in the gaps sort of speak. I’m really keen to get a few guys together and do some touring with it.
What are the future plans for yourself?
-I’m mainly just focusing on finishing my EP. I’m calling it an extended EP as it’ll be about 10 songs. It’s going to be called ‘hid & hunted’. I’ve done about half with a good friend of mine, and the other half is going to be made up of recordings I’ve done on my own over this last year. Im also about to do a small release tour, Ill be in Brisbane, Armidale, Sydney, Wollongong and Melbourne over Sept/Oct. And I’m looking at a few shows and a festival back in the US next year.
How are the readers able to gain access to your music?
- For now you can get the single ‘brothers’ on iTunes. And ‘hid & hunted’ should be on there in the next couple of months as well. I update fairly regularly on Facebook and Myspace as well so ‘like’ me on facebook and you can see more of the haps.
Next Show?
- Ill be doing two in-store performances at General Pants Co.’s mid city store on Pitt. St. in Sydney this Thursday Sept 9th from 6pm. You can also check out myspace for the dates of the little release tour.
Last words?
-Goodbye J
Check out this blog for more interviews and independent music news
9 Sep 2010, 9:40am Blog Street by admin
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Places, people
Hey all, if you are into your Indie/Folk/Experimental then this is right up your alley. Places, People is one man who goes buy the name Brian Joseph Hugelmeyer and over the course off the past year with some very tragic events, his overwhelming sense of loss and isolation over the last year, he produced an honest and expressive tell all recordings that can be heard on his myspace and also has had the lucky chance to be recently picked up buy Major Label , General Pants Single’s label and have just released his song “Brother’s” which can be downloaded from Itunes Via his Myspace or the General Pants website. Places, People will be performing on Thursday night at the General Pants store on Pitt St be sure to get along if you are in the area. Just imaging a rocker version off Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes combined then this for you. Give is a listen.
http://www.myspace.com/placespeople
http://www.generalpants.com.au/Major-Label/Music.html?Page=1
check out A Story Never Told For independent music news
9 Sep 2010, 9:37am Blog Street by admin
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creepers
Here is a local 5 piece girl band that are smoking up the stages. They are rock/afro/blues infused band that deliver a very well oiled sound. Here we catch up with the band to get to know them a bit better…………..
Hey guys for all the people out there who are you guys? And where did you guys meet?
Creepers is Holly Isemonger(drums, backing vox), Laura Noir(lead vox, guitar), Alexandra Berriman(drums, backing vox, synth), Georgia-Rae Cobon(bass) and Emmie Rae (guitar). We came together by chance when Holly and Laura met, got drunk under a tree in summer and started jamming in Holly’s bedroom.
If you could best describe your music how would you go about that in less than 7 words?
Creepers; ‘Dirty-Sweaty-Ken-Lee-Tight-Polyrhythms.’
Ken Lee is a 45 year old Hong Kong born international businessman/part-time accountant and collector of pot plants that we actually work on a lot of production and writing with. You could call him a muse, or a delicate flower.
How long have you guys been playing music together?
Together, officially since around February/March. Seperately, since we were jailbait.
When listening to you guys its like running into a wall off sound. What are the roles off all members, how many instruments are involved in making this, and can i dare to say that you guys have 2 drum kits playing at different stages off your live show?
We pair rough quick garage rock guitar parts with vocals from zombie hell, fat walking bass-lines and multi-layered drums to create a thick, rich poly-rhythmgasmic sound like bellowing lungs. Holly and Alex play a mix of both kit, synth and african drums as well as play synth occasionally, Laura vocalises and plays guitar, Emmie plays fiddly guitar bits and Georgia-Rae creeps around scales on bass. It’s an interesting mix and we always try to add more to our sound by shifting parts, swapping instruments and harmonising.
You guys are playing a Melt bar on friday night can we expect something special from you ladies? And how excited are you guys to be playing with bands such and Chicks Who Love Guns (who are coming back from a little break) Myth and Tropics ( who are just getting bigger) and the Reptiles (Travelled from Melbourne)?
We’re really pumped to play with all three bands, especially our hombres Chicks Who Love Guns, they’ve got a very wicked sound. You can always be expecting a showcase of delicious fury and polyrhythm breakdowns when you see Creepers, with heaps of skin. I think we’re all wearing something relatively ungodly/transparent on Friday too. Get ready to hear some new stuff, including a cover guaranteed to make you shake your ass and slap your thighs.
You guys are fresh to the Sydney music scene as a band. How are you finding it at the moment in regards to local support, with people showing up to shows, getting gigs around the areas and also the strength off the music community?
We have huge local support from our friends and fellow muso’s who help hustle us new shows, come to enjoy, get down and be part of the community. We’re fresh and have been incredibly lucky.
What are some off the local independent bands that you are liking at the moment?
Chicks Who Love Guns, Ghoul, Bearhug, Rapids, Corpus, Whipped Cream Charges, Sticky Fingers, Money For Rope, Mrs Bishop, The Laurels.
What are some of your influences on your music?
Fela Kuti, Zooper Dupers, Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez, The Troggs, Sangria, Patti Smith, Parramatta Road, Canada, Golden Gaytimes, Pepsi Max, Beyonce’s ass, Fruity Gordo, Sweden, Talking Heads, Bill Murray, Japan, Born Ruffians, Stanmore, The Rapture, Local Natives, Gypsy Kings, King Khan and the BBQ Show, Mark Sultan, Salad rolls, Thailand.
Have you guys had any embarrassing/high moments as off yet?
We’ve had our fair share of tragic moments; smashing backscreen windows whilst moving drum gear in the dark, getting noise complaints and being shut down by the po-po, losing drummers days after gigs. Probably have to say the proudest sort of moment was when someone approached us after our Vanguard show and told us we were reminiscent of ‘Deathproof on the hood on a car speeding down a highway on fire with machine guns’.
Any talks off there being a EP out soon?
We hope so! We’ve been cookin’ up a homemade demo. We’ll keep everyone posted.
What are you guys looking for out off this band?
To write the soundtrack to your late late night and early mornings, share stages with all walks of musicians and continue to build our sound and base. And have a killer time.
How are people able to find you music?
Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/creepersbandsydney
Youtube
http://www.youtube.com/user/boycrushproject
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Creepers/113711552006687?ref=ts
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=143738298972730&ref=ts
Or head to cafe Pausa/The Annandale and you will most likely find our loser drummers and singer.
Last words?
Come catch Creepers friday night at Melt bar at Kings Cross, we’ll take you down to where the creepers are creeping, grind your gears and shake your titties.
7 Sep 2010, 11:47am Blog Street by admin
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