Thursday, June 18, 2009

Biking in Paris


Sorry, I have to get up very early tomorrow and it's late already so you won't have a caption today, just a photo ;) Why don't you make your own, then I'll use the best!

10 PM update. OK, though choice of course. I loved - and laughed at - TF's words, but it's more a report than a real caption. I blushed - and also laughed - at Michael's one (New Paris Monument unveiled) but it would be a little vain for me to pick this one. So I'm happy to declare Drummond the winner of the day with:

"Latest Paris Velib is eco disaster, say critics!"

The Mairie de Paris (sounds familar) was roundly criticised by enviromental groups today after unveiling its new Velib prototype. Despite the cost of over 10,000 Euros per unit, their anger was targeted mainly at the environmental impact of 20,000 additional motorcycles on the streets of Paris.
Following on from proposals to turn the Tour de France into a motorcycle event, this latest bombshell did not go down well with both traditionalists and Green campaigners alike. Both President Sarkozy and his Wife are keen 'bikers',as is the Mayor of Paris. "In the name of equality why shouldn't everyone have a Harley just like us?" they declared in a joint statement issued earlier today.

51 comments:

  1. Interactive blogging. I like the idea and this bike, but I can't come up with any caption that would be good enough to use!

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  2. There is nothing wrong with your caption! I know someone will find one to do justice to this fine looking hunk of metal.

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  3. caption: "ticket waiting to happen!"

    I saw them putting tickets on little scooters near the Opera Garnier, and I'm being told they're really cracking down on sidewalk parking ;)

    What is the world coming to if you can't even park on the sidewalk anymore, uh?

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  4. I just enlarged the photo and that is some Harley! Do you know the owner of this bike? It is impressive.

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  5. That reminds me, Tomate, I once saw the police pulling over bike/scooter drivers only. I asked someone what they were looking for and he replied, "that's the problem, they don't know."

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  6. Wow!! Inspired LOOOL !!
    You're the cleverest, no doubt.
    ;)

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  7. Metal Flake Noir á Concorde.

    Sweet bike.

    Ahh, I can remember...but I rode Triumphs. I've seen quite a number of the new Triumphs in Paris: models patterned after the Bonneville, which I have not seen in the U.S. We have the triples.

    It does make me smile to see a Harley in Paris. It seemed incongruous--but now is it in Concorde!

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  8. "Il portait des culottes, des bottes de moto
    Un blouson de cuir noir avec un aigle sur le dos
    Sa moto qui partait comme un boulet de canon
    Semait la terreur dans toute la région."

    L'homme à la moto, Edith Piaf

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  9. Caption:

    "Police are investigating the sudden disparition of well known blogger and journalist Eric Tenin.

    Eric Tenin's last known words on FaceBook were 'I'll meet you Place de la Concorde at 21h30.'

    All we know so far is that Eric Tenin drove alone to the blind date. We have not yet identified Eric's date but we believe it may be someone from California.

    We intereviewed his neighbor Therese, who told us that she had not seen Eric in a couple of days.

    Ken Loach already announced his intention to make a movie entitled "Looking for Eric."

    Reporting Live from Place de la Concorde in Paris, this is TF.

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  10. "But, but...good things come in SMALL packages, Eric!" squeaked the unfortunate little scooter parked on the other side of the street, but Eric's head had already been turned. :(

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  11. Good reporting, Tomate. Correct me if I am mistaken, but aren't you from CA? ;)

    I think it's more likely his blind date was from the UK. I will say no more. :D

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  12. The UK...? I haven't seen Eric since...um, er, ah, erm...!


    Drummond. It is continued.

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  13. Another American in Paris. When you get that feeling for each other like Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron, you just have to park the bike you’ve been cruising around on. Wherever. And do this.

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  15. Intended or not your pic is most appropriate to the Lakes Region of NH. We're experiencing the
    86th annual motorcycle event this week. Lots of bikes, lots of people (good for tourism!!) and lots of noise.

    Today we had our first nice day so lots of bikes on the windy lake roads.

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  16. Je t'aime tant, Tomate!

    T'es un mélange de romantique timide et maladroit, provocateur et insolent. Chapeau!

    Keats

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  17. Parking in the correct place? Hardley, Davidson.

    Cali ~ congrats again, GF! Yayyyyy! Vroooom vroooom! {I'm sure that's the sound this Harley would make when pulling away from the footpath...} So what's on the crown today?

    Tomate, LOL!!!

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  18. TG, I love your caption and link, by the way!

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  19. All I can say is nice bike.

    And fun caption, tomate!

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  20. Shell: don't know what's on the crown cause I think Tomate deserves it. So it's up to her!!!

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  21. I just realized why the biker parked. It’s way too windy. Look at that lamppost!

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  22. So you sold the scooter and got this monster instead - I think thats it...!

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  23. NEW PARIS MONUMENT UNVEILED

    Not since the Eiffel Tower was constructed in 1889 has a new monument received as much fanfare as the new ERICMOTO unveiled yesterday in the centre of Paris. Dedicated to the pandemic photographer Eric Tenin, this statue evokes the past method of circulation used by the author of ParisDailyPhoto before its demise. When asked his reaction, Mr. Tenin said, "I miss her dearly, but this piece of art will live on forever for others to enjoy." ERICMOTO will be on display near the Place de la Concorde until 2020 when the sculpture anticipates that, "It will be time for an oil change by then."

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  24. Michael ~ Hahahahaha ~ Superbe!

    TG, it looks like the lamp post is leaning over to check out the bike's rear tail lights... {is that a wolf whistle I hear?}

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  26. A beautiful machine in a beautiful city.

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  27. Invisible man tours Paris.
    Now that is a bike. From the spiritual home of the motorbike this is a beautiful image.

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  28. Michael you win in my eyes, hands down! Brilliant. ERICMOTO lol.......pandemic photographer ....... love it LOVE it!

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  29. LOL Michael ;-D
    I agree with Lynn; you are the winner...

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  30. A 2010 re-make of "Top Gun" set in Paris - ace pilot must win the heart of an ex-pat to gain access to an old file cabinet rumored to be full of aviation secrets.

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  31. Lynn, Finished at last!
    So what if no one else was reading, it was fun.

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  32. He he Drummond, brilliant ending! How wonderful. Yes indeed, what fun! I love it. I am sorry for Eric et al if they don't read our little story, which of course as always, involves PDP. It's in the comments box of 16 Juin if anyone is intrigued....she advertised shamelessly. LOL. Drummond we're a good team! :D Can't wait for l'occasion prochaine.

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  33. Hahahaha!!! Pretty good Michael! I'll take all the compliments I can get (thank you everybody!), lol, but I gotta agree with the others, I think Michael wins.

    Or does he? ;)

    Who can top that? Lynn? Anyone? come on ...

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  34. And besides, Michael, can you link to actual posts?

    Watch this:


    Eric's neighbor said she hasn't seen him in a couple of days.

    and Ken Loach already announced his decision to make a movie entitled Looking for Eric

    ha! So there!

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  35. Shell Sheree! You took the words right out my mouth!
    I also couldn't help noticing the way the lamp post seems to be cocking its head and giving the bike the old once over.
    - So what does that say about us then?

    Unfortunately, I think Eric might be too modest to use your caption Michael!

    Lynn, so glad (relieved?) you liked the ending, despite all the typos.

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  36. Drummond, Lynn, you're really a good team! your 16/6 novel is real fun.
    I'm waiting for next chapter...

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  37. So how about:

    LATEST PARIS VELIB IS ECO DISASTER SAY CRITICS.

    The Mairie de Paris (sounds familar) was roundly criticised by enviromental groups today after unveiling its new Velib prototype.

    Despite the cost of over 10,000 Euros per unit, their anger was targeted mainly at the environmental impact of 20,000 additional motorcycles on the streets of Paris.

    Following on from proposals to turn the Tour de France into a motorcycle event, this latest bombshell did not go down well with both traditionalists and Green campaigners alike.

    Both President Sarkozy and his Wife are keen 'bikers',as is the Mayor of Paris.
    "In the name of equality why shouldn't everyone have a Harley just like us?" they declared in a joint statement issued earlier today.

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  38. The owner of this sharp-looking bike mistakenly thought le diner en blanc was happening today. However, upon arrival, he was not completely disappointed: The Place de la Concorde was awash in white with nine wedding couples posing for pictures on their big day!

    ('Great angle and location, Eric!)

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  39. Tomate "I saw them putting tickets on little scooters near the Opera Garnier, and I'm being told they're really cracking down on sidewalk parking ;)" I concur ;(

    From Cali: "That reminds me, Tomate, I once saw the police pulling over bike/scooter drivers only. I asked someone what they were looking for and he replied, "that's the problem, they don't know." LOOOOOOOOL

    Jeff "It does make me smile to see a Harley in Paris. It seemed incongruous--but now is it in Concorde!" I did not even notice it was a Harley.? It does not really look like one, does it?!

    Tomate again "Ken Loach already announced his intention to make a movie entitled "Looking for Eric." So, now we know!

    Lynn ""But, but...good things come in SMALL packages, Eric!" I'm surprised you say that Lynn ;)))

    Tall Gary "you just have to park the bike you’ve been cruising around on. Wherever. And do this." Tell me about it. It happens ALL the time here!

    scooter5203249 "and lots of noise." I know...

    Messages to Tomate : "Keats loves you a lot!" and Nathalie thinks you're the best

    Michael LOL. Does the the new ERICMOTO have anytning to do with Animoto by any chance?

    Drummond "Unfortunately, I think Eric might be too modest to use your caption Michael! " No, no! ;)

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  41. LOOOOL Eric, it was your scooter saying that. I, on the other hand, couldn't possibly comment... ;)

    Thanks Thib! Glad you liked it. Drummond? Hurrah - we have a reader! He likes us too! He wants another chapter. What do we say? Shall we leave this one as it is and await eagerly another little plot? Oh I can't wait.

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  42. Eric, your endorsement on the English translation was most valuable!

    I'm carried away, well slightly...

    Keats

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  43. Tomate,

    I don't know who I am or what I am. To me, this is a perennial philosophical puzzle (Latin: philosophia perennis) yet to be solved. Nonetheless, I can tell you what I am NOT.

    - Not quite the diplomat

    - Not a contemporary creature at heart

    - Not someone fair & square

    I call myself Keats, a poet in the making.

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  44. There is only one “Keats”.

    John Keats (31 October 1795 – 23 February 1821) was an English poet who became one of the key poets of the English Romanticism movement during the early nineteenth century.

    During his very short life, his work received constant critical attacks from periodicals of the day, but his posthumous influence on poets such as Alfred Tennyson and Wilfred Owen has been immense. Elaborate word choice and sensual imagery characterize Keats' poetry, including a series of Ode that were his masterpieces and which remain among the most popular poems in English literature.

    Keats's letters, which expound on his aesthetic theory of “negative capability"are among the most celebrated by any writer.

    Of course, Keats is one the most recognized of English poets, but he will always haunt, linger, and sleep in the more silkenly sorrowful oubliettes of my heart.

    The melancholy, somber tone of his voice confined and steadied by formal elegance never fails to produce a pensive, maudlin gaze bent toward a consideration or disquisition of rest, of a time when one can breathe fully, with winnowing ease, as each suspiration unloads a weight or an onus regardless of how many times vapor slips past the lips. The more one respires in this rest, the less one is burdened. This is the peace.

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  45. Curiosity just killed the cat!

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  46. Provenance:

    The earliest printed reference to the origin of this proverb is attributed to British playwright Ben Jonson in his 1598 play, Every Man in His Humour (performed first by British playwright William Shakespeare).

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  47. Curiosity killed the cat!

    It's best to mind one's own business. Point taken.

    The road calls.

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  48. Tomate Farcie is wondering what they're all smoking.

    ???

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