So I broke down this weekend and got my first tattoo. I was in the US Navy for almost 5 years when everyone was getting them and I never did. Now here I am in the real world with a respectable job and then I break down and do it (Sober, I might add)

I was very pleased, although you can not tell from the picture (cell phone camera is not great) the colors are bright, and he did a great job. I can see how this is addicting. I am already ready for another one, but alas I will have to wait for at least two weeks.

If you got tats, lets see them (only if in a spot that does not violate decency laws in your state, or on the Cove please) I am scared to death that Randy has one on his butt and will photo and send :lol:

If you got tats, lets see them (only if in a spot that does not violate decency laws in your state, or on the Cove please):

Not trying to be a prude (your pic really does not offend me in any way), but I really would have to question whether this pic doesn't violate the standards set here on the Cove.
:caution:

Pic has been removed.

Sorry I meant no offense to anyone, I thought it was a classy 40's pin up gal.

...as a woman, I am adamant that there really is no convenient place on my body to get a tattoo.

Stomach/chest - good luck with that if you want to have kids one day.

Arms/shoulders/legs/upper back - rules out a lot of formalwear. Strappy dresses and skirts don't do much to cover that up - and depending on your function, it may not always be appropriate to show off a tat.

Really, the only places that I can think of are butt (no thanks) and lower back - and still, with some of the dresses and cuts of clothing that are around right now, the lower back may not even be all that safe.

If I *did* find somewhere on my body to get one, it would have to be something meaningful - that I wouldn't regret when I'm 50. Little butterflies and hearts and stuff like that - nope. I mean, to each their own - just not my cup of tea.

:2cents:

USMC on my calf

...as a woman, I am adamant that there really is no convenient place on my body to get a tattoo.

Stomach/chest - good luck with that if you want to have kids one day.

Arms/shoulders/legs/upper back - rules out a lot of formalwear. Strappy dresses and skirts don't do much to cover that up - and depending on your function, it may not always be appropriate to show off a tat.

Really, the only places that I can think of are butt (no thanks) and lower back - and still, with some of the dresses and cuts of clothing that are around right now, the lower back may not even be all that safe.

If I *did* find somewhere on my body to get one, it would have to be something meaningful - that I wouldn't regret when I'm 50. Little butterflies and hearts and stuff like that - nope. I mean, to each their own - just not my cup of tea.

:2cents:


Funny, my better half said the same thing. I tried to avoid the skulls, daggers, "dark arts" stuff. Something I would be proud of in 25 years but not afraid to show my mother if she wanted to see it (think typical straight laced Midwest WASP)

You know it is very popular now for ladies to get tattoos on their lower back that look like a pseudo-thong. Out here we call those Santa Barbara License Plates. How are those going to look when she is 75 and using a walker, that thong will look more like graffitti on a billboard :lol:

Funny, my better half said the same thing. I tried to avoid the skulls, daggers, "dark arts" stuff. Something I would be proud of in 25 years but not afraid to show my mother if she wanted to see it (think typical straight laced Midwest WASP)

Note my piercings thread - I'd take a piercing over a tat any day. A piercing is removable with, at most, pliers. A tattoo is forever (or at least a good chunk of coin to remove!). But, as I say, there are a lot more options for guys than girls...

depending on your function, it may not always be appropriate to show off a tat.
I think that's changing, although I guess you still have to be careful. Yesterday I was at the Milwaukee County Zoo along with about 50,000,000 other people, and I was amazed at the number of tattoos, 95% of which were on women. While once considered strictly low-class, the old taboos seem on their way out, and why not? It certainly must be good for the economy, and if the current trend continues, I predict a marked increase in the number of tattoo artists applying for country club memberships.

... I predict a marked increase in the number of tattoo artists applying for country club memberships.


My "new" tattoo artist drives a pretty snazzy Porsche Carrerra. He is actually a pretty well know and well respected artist down here in my ghetto.

I really would have to question whether this pic doesn't violate the standards set here on the Cove.
:caution:

I didn't think there was any standards in this area of the cove. Mr. Geek you took that pic off before I had a chance to take a peek. :(

My Italian Flag tattoo is on my upper left thigh and can only be seen when in public when I'm wearing a bathing suit. No one at work knows I have one, although I don't think of it as a secret in any way - wouldn't be posting if I did! I like the location because I can cover it 99% of the time.

If I *did* find somewhere on my body to get one, it would have to be something meaningful - that I wouldn't regret when I'm 50.Not to mention the fact that the shape of the tattoo may have become a bit distorted by then. After 25 years most people have ... hm... stretched their skin a wee bit, so to speak. Nah, no tattoos for me.

/Claes

I've just got a simple "USMC" on my right forearm :D

5 of us went and got the same tatoo one day in Oceanside (we were kinda sober and all under 20...I was still 17). Mine is the only one left.

I always wanted something else but never could decide on what. Compared to what some of the girls now have I feel kind of puny with mine.

I have an eagle on my upper right bicep (outside). I got it in the Navy when I was 17 and posted to my first ship. It was a tradition back then. I have never got a new one and have never wanted another. I don't particularly like tattoos. Mine has faded, with time, and it developed an infection, the day after I got it. I spent every morning at sick bay, for three weeks, having the head of the Eagle swabbed and the scabs removed (yes it was as awful as it sounds). The result is...I suppose you would call it a Bald eagle.

I had a friend that used to feint every time we had our injections (in the Navy) yet he is basically covered in Tats now and after almost 30 years he now looks like he was washed in dark grey ink.
I was supposed to get my unit patch (Dennis the Menace and Explosives badge) but never got them. I bought the T-Shirt and Key ring instead.

Not to mention the fact that the shape of the tattoo may have become a bit distorted by then. After 25 years most people have ... hm... stretched their skin a wee bit, so to speak. Nah, no tattoos for me.

/Claes

My fiancé has a maple leaf on his left bicep, with a Celtic lion inside it (he's Scottish). The whole thing is filled in with red. He got it in first year university - his mother just about keeled over and his aunt said to him, "When you're 60, that thing is going to look like a rotten cauliflower!".

But - damage done - and 6 years later it still looks alright - so let's hope for the best.

FYI .... Location for the ladies

My wife has a small flower on the top of her foot. If we have something formal to go or doesn't want to "explain why she has a tatoo" she wears shoes that cover it. This has worked out well for both of us.

FYI .... Location for the ladies

My wife has a small flower on the top of her foot. If we have something formal to go or doesn't want to "explain why she has a tatoo" she wears shoes that cover it. This has worked out well for both of us.

My friend has a tattoo of the sun on the top of her foot - said it hurt more than her other tattoos (in various locations) -- so how was the pain factor for your wife's small flower???

I can honestly say that having a tattoo the size of a credit card done on my fleshy upper thigh did not hurt at all. I was told tattooing over a bone (wrist, hip, ankle) adds more pain but do not know if this is true.

I can honestly say that having a tattoo the size of a credit card done on my fleshy upper thigh did not hurt at all. I was told tattooing over a bone (wrist, hip, ankle) adds more pain but do not know if this is true.

I've heard the same thing...part of why those locations are off-limits for me too. Plus, foot ones can be as much of a problem to cover in the summer, what with sandals and all. (I rarely wear shoes in the summer, except to work - it's always sandals.)

My friend has a tattoo of the sun on the top of her foot - said it hurt more than her other tattoos (in various locations) -- so how was the pain factor for your wife's small flower???

I can honestly say that having a tattoo the size of a credit card done on my fleshy upper thigh did not hurt at all. I was told tattooing over a bone (wrist, hip, ankle) adds more pain but do not know if this is true.


Trust me...after seeing many tattoos during my time in the Navy, tattoos over bone definatley hurt more than over muscle. I saw many, many men squirm with tats over hands and feet.

Well it looks like most of the fellas on here got there tats in the military years ago. I was always fascinated with my grandfather's tattoo. He had a naked lady on his chest that seemed to dance when he laughed.

Things have changed quite a bit since the golden days of Navy tattoos.

Nowadays, they use sterile autoclaved needles, very little is done by freehand, the needles are titanium, no more steel or aluminum. The colors come in pre-portioned packs, no more tubes of color and the after care instructions are 4 pages long. (it is kind of funny to see me moving towards the head with a tube of A+D Ointment in hand) The kicker was the medical questionnaire, I felt like I was getting a physical. Then here is the other kicker - a breathalyzer test.

In my ghetto, no one above a .06 BAC may get a tattoo. Kind of kills the ole' story, I was out drinking all night and woke up with a tattoo. The artist has to be certified by the Health Department, and if they do piercings, at least one person in the office must be at least a Nurse's Aide. The shops are inspected and graded with some degree of frequency, they are given a score much like the restaurants.

Oh, the Times They Are A Changin'

Well it looks like most of the fellas on here got there tats in the military years ago. I was always fascinated with my grandfather's tattoo. He had a naked lady on his chest that seemed to dance when he laughed.


I like the one on your arm. That is nice and I was not offended at all. Thanks for sending it to me. I would get one myself if I had the nerve.

Since the tatoo on her foot was her only one, she can't compare the pain. Also there is no red color in her tatoo.
Is it true that the red coloring can cause problems with MRI's because something in the coloring? Just wondering since this is the tatoo info spot!

Since the tatoo on her foot was her only one, she can't compare the pain. Also there is no red color in her tatoo.
Is it true that the red coloring can cause problems with MRI's because something in the coloring? Just wondering since this is the tatoo info spot!Some tattoo pigments contain metals that would be contraindicated for MRI. The result would be RF burns.

Both of my tattoos were applied after my military career...

Right Pec - Eagle (mid swoop)
Left Pec - Baby rose on top of a heart with ribbon encircling them both. My daughter's names are on the ribbon.

My thoughs for tattoos:

Nothing that will embarass you or anyone else if it is exposed
No names unless they are your mom, dad, children or in memorium
Nothing that would become a Salvador Dali masterpiece in the next 40 years


;)

Some tattoo pigments contain metals that would be contraindicated for MRI. The result would be RF burns.

I did not know that. Thanks for the info. I ahve a lot of red and green in my new one.

Some tattoo pigments contain metals that would be contraindicated for MRI. The result would be RF burns.

I guess you really DO learn something new every day. Mine has red (and green) and I never knew this. I never had an MRI either but hey this is good information to know!

so is it true that red ink hurts more? I got told it was something to do with it having to go deeper into the skin because it fades quicker than other colours. I have a dragonfly on my right shoulder blade and a chinese symbol for spirit above and to the right of my belly button, neither of them hurt as much as I thought they would.

Our local newspaper carries the "Hints from Heloise" column - not sure if this is nationwide or not but yesterday's column was all about tattoo removal!

Red ink did not hurt me more. Mine consists of a black ink outline, with red and green fill-in coloring and it just didn't hurt. Period.

The NOISE of the thing scared me before he started, only because it sounded like it should hurt - I can't explain that and know that it makes no sense but it had a scary noise when he started up the instrument.

I think the lower back for women is dead sexy. Who cares who sees it, as long as you are proud of it (and lets face it you are a pretty weak person if you get a tatoo for the sake of it).

My girlfriend has one there and it is tasteful and nice. Nothing to hide.

I want my beloved football (Soccer for you Americans) teams badge on my chest. Why not wear my pride on my chest. When I am 50 (in 25 years time) I will still be a proud supporter of Liverpool FC, therfore no regrets.

Thanks IE geek, you have prompted me to stop putting it off and go get it!

(Though PRIDE is limited to sports teams, I would never dream of having my two lovely daughters names scribbled all over me! That is TACKY!) Anyway I don't need reminding of there names or of the fact that I am a DAD!

May I also add that my last statement does not suggest I have no pride in my daughters. They are my world.

I just don't think it is particuarly tasteful to have names of people tatoo'ed on yourself. MY OPINION, no offence to those that have!

I'll agree with you on that one little_cee, where I went it sounded a bit like a dentists drill, the smell put me off as well, it was sickly sweet antiseptic type smell.

I want my beloved football (Soccer for you Americans) teams badge on my chest. Why not wear my pride on my chest. When I am 50 (in 25 years time) I will still be a proud supporter of Liverpool FC, therfore no regrets.

Thanks IE geek, you have prompted me to stop putting it off and go get it!


Well get on out there and live a little. Personally I would get Manchester United (I loved the movie Eurotrip) :lol:

Good luck, I can't wait to see pics.

Manchester United? Oh dear!

Well get on out there and live a little. Personally I would get Manchester United

Which goes to prove that 99% of (I can't bring myself to type their name) "fans" live outside the Greater Manchester area. I lived in Manchester ofr 4 years, it took me 2 of those to meet a Mancunian who owned up to supporting them

Manchester United ?????.....I thought the Patriots were the world champions

Staying :topic: most true Mancs support Man City don't they? Anyway there is a disgusting myth in Football, that you must be born breed and die in your chosen teams area.

As you can see, I am from Hampshire, 220 miles (approx) from Anfield (home of Liverpool FC). I try and get to as many games as I can. My family was orginally from Merseyside and so my there is my association. However, I don't think I need that association. I LOVE mY TEAM!

Does travelling a round trip of 440 miles, on a Wednesday evening, ususally arriving home at 2.30am, show more commitment than walking a few yards every Saturday? Die hard season ticket holders are obviously committed, but they are the exception.

Anyway...........we have moved way off topic. I would be happy to share my views and argue with somone about this in another post or forum!

Anyway...........we have moved way off topic. I would be happy to share my views and argue with somone about this in another post or forum!

Fair point - lets take our ball off and start a new thread on this.....

Manchester United ?????.....I thought the Patriots were the world champions

You know how those Brits are -- They drive on the WRONG side of the road, they call Soccer, Football, they eat Haggis (sp?) and they have a delicacy named "Spotted Dick", "Bollocks" is good, "Dog's Bollocks" is bad, they prefer "Are You Being Served" to Seinfeld, they have the Queen Mum, and to watch their Parliament in action is almost as violent as a Football match, they have Soccer Hooligans, we have The "Dog Pound", they drink pints, whereas we drink Michelob Lite from a can, they have very old money and family castles, we have dotcomers with 200' yachts that live in treehouses and wear shorts to work, they started the Mini revolution, we made it into a cult of young college girls with Daddy's money.

You know now that I think about it maybe I better read the Expatriate Thread, I need to move...

You know how those Brits are -- They drive on the WRONG side of the road, .... and they have a delicacy named "Spotted Dick",
They also live on a small island. What is "spotted dick"? You are quite worldly IE Geek.

:lol: Quote by IEGeek"Bollocks" is good, "Dog's Bollocks" is bad,

sorry to pull you up on this one but "dog's bollocks" is good and "bollocks" is bad (don't ask me why dog's is better ) and personally I'd rather have a spotted dick than a corn dog :yuk:

sorry to pull you up on this one but "dog's bollocks" is good and "bollocks" is bad (don't ask me why dog's is better ) and personally I'd rather have a spotted dick than a corn dog :yuk:

Can't comment on the spotted dick debate - I've never had it - but I can agree that the Brits have some of the finest expressions that I've ever heard. I watch Coronation Street daily in order to get my fix.

"You wha--?"
"What you on about?"
"Blimey!"
"Bollocks!"
"You're alright..."
"Tu-raaah!"
"She's a right slapper...the nasty cow!"

and my personal favourite...
"Cheers!"

they have the Queen Mum

Nah, haven't had her for about three years. She was a hundred and one y'know....

Nah, haven't had her for about three years. She was a hundred and one y'know....
"You wha--?"
"She's a right slapper...the nasty cow!"

Just backing up Ruis. He is correct. "Dogs Bollocks" can also be reffered to as "The Mutts Nuts"!

Spotted Dick is digusting, never had haggis, never want to. "Are you Being Served" is a bit out of date now. I think we watch more American stuff than ever before. The lastest Being "Desparate Housewives"! :mg:

We do the best breakfasts, none of this streaky bacon, syrup and pankcakes rubbish.

Oh and our bread is better. All American bread is either sweet :nope: or SOUR :nope: Whats that all about? Give me some normal bread!

We have everything the US has, SUBWAY is TAKING OVER THE UK! Though I see this as good. Mc Donalds is fading into some cross between Burger King and soemthing else!

We do live on a small island, but we used to run most of the world. We leave that to the US now though!

I love the UK, I like the US, I hate France, I quite like Germany. Italy is cool. Oz is the next place to visit. Where else?

Got to Go,

CHEERS MATE!

I love the UK, I like the US, I hate France, I quite like Germany. Italy is cool.
"You're alright..."

thanks for the back up Manix but I'm a she(and a Boro supporter although I wish you well in UEFA!)

So apparently I was off on a few of my observations about the British.

Well Bollocks. There used to be this show on F/X about an American Detective that was transferred to Interpol in London. He had a dog and ended up living with this total hottie. I can not remember for the life of me the name of the program but it was great. He used to put match books on his map to show where all he had been. Great Show!!!! I want to say it was called Keen Eddie but maybe not.

You know why I love the Cove, we started off talking about tats and ended up talking about Merry ole England, there was some SOCCER thrown in and the Queen Mum was mentioned at least twice. What a world, love you guys!!!!

Well Bollocks. There used to be this show on F/X about an American Detective that was transferred to Interpol in London. He had a dog and ended up living with this total hottie. I can not remember for the life of me the name of the program but it was great. He used to put match books on his map to show where all he had been. Great Show!!!! I want to say it was called Keen Eddie but maybe not.

Not Dempsey & Makepeace?

Too young to know what you guys are talking about!

Ruis, sorry, didn't mean to assume! But anyway, maybe you should be wishing us luck in the European Cup Final first! Umm let me see, when have Boro won that comp? (just winding you up!)

Have fun!

You are right IE GEEK, a great forum. A good mix of culture and you have learned somthing about us Brits too.

Maybe you could dispell any common misconceptions about the 'Yanks'!?

Just one thing about the Brits, we don't all talk like someone out of Eastenders or an Oliver Twist Film!

Cheers Guvn'r.

(just winding you up!)

Yet another great one that I forgot!

Maybe you could dispell any common misconceptions about the 'Yanks'!?

Just one thing about the Brits, we don't all talk like someone out of Eastenders or an Oliver Twist Film!

Cheers Guvn'r.

Yanks---- Well we all do not wear cowboy hats and talk like John Wayne ("C'mon pilgrim") nor like the Sherriff at the OK Corral ("You gonna skin that smokewagon or just sit there and bleed?") We are not all fat and lazy (ok, some of us are, but not all) We do love our Starbucks, our huge SUVs and our churches. We are not all rude and verbose (well I am but most are not) we are not all oversexed (again, I am but most are not)We do have a sense of entitlement, courtesy of the US Government, we love reading about Harry and William, we were horrified about Lady Di, we appreciated your support after 9/11

A few things to remember, we were founded by displaced and ticked off Brits in the 1600s. We are infants in the evolution of the world governments. We are only 229 years old, whereas the Romans, the Brits, the Egyptians, the Chinese are thousands of years old.

Misconceptions, umm, thats a "tuffy", what are your misconceptions and I will see if I can address? I can assure you I am not representative of all Americans, but I like to think I have fulfilled the American Dream and have great pride in

Don't even get me started on the list of misconceptions about Canadians... :bonk:

Don't even get me started on the list of misconceptions about Canadians... :bonk:
One of my misconceptions about Canadians is that they are all ultra liberal.

Don't even get me started on the list of misconceptions about Canadians... :bonk:


You mean that they're all hockey players? :lol:

On the hockey line, my condolences on the IIHF World Championship. But at least the team that knocked USA out won it all.

I saw the most wonderful video clip emailed to me about Canadians - there was this Canadian guy in a bar and these Americans were being jerks picking on him - asked him "where's your pet beaver" and the Canadian hauls up this HUGE beaver and sets it on the bar and it starts attacking the American.

End of clip said it was a Molson ad - whatever it was cracked me up. The text version may not sound funny but trust me it was a great ad.

Misconceptions, umm, thats a "tuffy", what are your misconceptions and I will see if I can address? I can assure you I am not representative of all Americans, but I like to think I have fulfilled the American Dream and have great pride in

I personally don't have any about Americans. I know a lot of people who would think of the following:

Fat, OIL Guzzling (which I agree on and which is not a misconception), obnoxious, loud, money hungry....etc...

I personally have been to the states and would say that many people I have met were very polite and good to deal with. I do think that you guys have serious political issues that need to be addressed (Environmental, Iraq etc) but I don't want to start a political debate! Anyway what country doesn't, I just think that the US's position makes it the largest target of political critism, however, CHOOSE A BETTER LEADER!

One thing I will say, I have never watched a funnier movie than 'Team America, World Police'. How true was that film!?

Don't even get me started on the list of misconceptions about Canadians... :bonk:

I know very little about Canada. Enlighten me about common misconceptions!

This is my understanding:

Your just North of the US, you speak with a dummed down American (style) Accent unless you are speaking French and it can get quite cold!
Your police force wears red uniforms and ride around on horse back. You play a lot of ice hockey and .........umm thats where it all goes blurry.

Anyone wanna paint a picture of a typical Candian?

I know very little about Canada. Enlighten me about common misconceptions!

This is my understanding:

Your just North of the US, you speak with a dummed down American (style) Accent unless you are speaking French and it can get quite cold!
Your police force wears red uniforms and ride around on hourse back. You play a lot of ice hockey and .........umm thats where it all goes blurry.

Anyone wanna paint a picture of a typical Candian?
Here is one.

1) Will let anyone in their country as long as they are only passing through to the south.

This typical Canadian lives south of the nearest US Border (it's true check a map!)in Southern Ontario. My typical winters are mild, I do not see snow until late Dec, early Jan, if at all. Summers are hot and humid! I speak English as it developed in Canada from the original settlers and is not a 'dumbed' down version of American English. In fact we have our very own Canadian Oxford English Dictionary. I do not play hockey but it is a part of growing up in a small town, but so is football, soccer, baseball and lacrosse. Not all Canadians are liberal as evidenced by our current minority government. Most of my friends and family are definitely liberal though, as well as environmentally inclined. Canadian humour is very close to British humour as far as I can tell, smart, dry and witty.

As for tattoos, I was very proud that my tattoo (a japanese crane on my shoulder blade) was visible above the back of my wedding dress.

Cheers,

Jen

I know very little about Canada. Enlighten me about common misconceptions!

This is my understanding:

Your just North of the US, you speak with a dummed down American (style) Accent unless you are speaking French and it can get quite cold!
Your police force wears red uniforms and ride around on hourse back. You play a lot of ice hockey and .........umm thats where it all goes blurry.

Anyone wanna paint a picture of a typical Candian?

1) We are just north of the US - however, our southernmost point is further south than quite a few US cities. For this reason, it kills me that some people seriously think we live in igloos and snowshoe to work.

2) The accent is closer to American than British; however, just like Americans and Brits, the accent varies and is dependent on where you are in the country. It's easy to spot a Newfie or a Quebecker. Our dictionary, though, is closer to the Brits than to the Americans...we use "glamour" instead of "glamor", "doughnut" instead of "donut"...the list goes on.

3) It can get quite cold, but it can also get quite hot. In most of the major cities, temperatures can range from -40ºC in the winter (or lower with the windchill) to 35ºC (or higher with the humidity) in the summer.

4) The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) do wear red uniforms, but are not restricted to horseback activities - they have been known to operate motor vehicles. Horseback activities, to my understanding, are more ceremonial...though they do use horses on, say, Canada Day patrols in downtown Ottawa. (NOTE: it is worth mentioning that Ottawa is the Nation's capital, NOT Toronto...)

5) We are known for hockey. That, I can't deny.

I suppose we are more Liberal that our southern counterparts. I don't see a problem with that - in a country with so much immigration, the separation of church and state is critical, IMO...which isn't something that I see too much of in American politics. (No offense intended there...just an observation.)

Here is one.

1) Will let anyone in their country as long as they are only passing through to the south.

I would like to say that this comment is uncalled for.

Thanks Jen,

I stand corrected on a few points!

One point I will make, is that you still called Football - Soccer. You will never here an English Person refer to it as Soccer, so maybe the American language influence is not so far away!

Nice to hear a Candian point of view!

I would like to say that this comment is uncalled for.
Sorry, it is only a misconception.

I personally don't have any about Americans. I know a lot of people who would think of the following:

Fat, OIL Guzzling (which I agree on and which is not a misconception), obnoxious, loud, money hungry....etc...

Fat (OK I'm there). Oil Guzzling (Aw come on now, I haven't had a had a drink of oil in a long time, although I do like to take a snort of Mobil 1 synthetic occasionally). Obnoxious (No way. But, hey I can tell you how to fix all of the worlds problems, and my way IS the only way). Loud (HAA! YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING!!!). Money hungry (OK, so my favorite song is the theme song to The Apprentice - For the Love of Money by the O'Jays).

I hope that I have managed to dispell any misconceptions that you may have had about us Yanks. :D

Really, are any of us all that different. I mean don't we all have the desire: to succeed in what ever venture we find ourselves drawn towards; live in peace and harmony; live long and prosper (thank you Mr. Spock); raise children (if desired) and be loved by all. When you get right down to the heart of people, we aren't all that different no matter the local, race, color of skin, religion, etc.

In the US you'll find many people that are against the war in Iraq, against the President, against the current government policies, etc.; but you'll also find many that are pro each of these - but isn't that what freedom is all about?

Really, are any of us all that different. I mean don't we all have the desire: to succeed in what ever venture we find ourselves drawn towards; live in peace and harmony; live long and prosper (thank you Mr. Spock); raise children (if desired) and be loved by all. When you get right down to the heart of people, we aren't all that different no matter the local, race, color of skin, religion, etc.

In the US you'll find many people that are against the war in Iraq, against the President, against the current government policies, etc.; but you'll also find many that are pro each of these - but isn't that what freedom is all about?

:applause: Thanks for your pure honesty. You are right in that the "American Way" does promote a life of freedom and prosperity (but is it at the cost of other peoples freedom and prosperity?). You are also correct that deep within all of us we do want the same basic things. However, the old song should be quoted here and I think this applies to Mr Bush in particular although there are others:

"It ain't what you do, it's the way that you do it"

Wow, talk about hitting everything under the sun...

So Canadians all play hockey eh? They all wear beaver hats and drink Molson eh?

And Brits are all soccer holligans, cheery-o?

And all Yanks are fat, oil guzzlin, greedy b*st*rds? I am ok with that.

So anyone got any neat tattoos they want to show off (did we come full circle yet?)

So anyone got any neat tattoos they want to show off (did we come full circle yet?)Yes. I haven't been following this thread all that closely and I do realize that this is just friendly banter, but let's stick to the tattoos, ok? It's so easy to rub someone the wrong way...

/Claes

It's so easy to rub someone the wrong way...

/Claes

Oh, ya! Claes, what do you mean by that? :lmao: Just kidding. I agree with you. Its hard to be tongue in cheek in email.

Does anyone have any quality related ones? :lmao:

Does anyone have any quality related ones? :lmao:

Please save us all if you do......

I got my first Tatt when I was 15, a friend was having his finished off and suggested I get one too. I kinda got hooked for a while. My dad blew his top "No daughter of mine is having tattoos" and he was going to take me to have it removed but I managed to talk him out of it. They are all located where they can be hidden from view if necessary.

Yes tattoos over boney areas definately hurt more.

I have a bluebird (right breast), a heart with wings (left butt cheek), a rose (right shoulder blade) and an Egyptian design (left shoulder blade) I drew up myself about 10 months before I went there for a holiday.

I am considering a 5th either before or after my next overseas holiday to South & Central America (Inca's Aztec's & Maya's Tour), something to suit the Mesoamerican theme perhaps a glyph. Any suggestions?

Hi Archie,
try symbols.com - they have thousands of designs. Look in the word index under Aztec or Maya.I've just had a quick look and quite like the one for fire god in the Mayan section (30.47), where are you thinking of having this one?

Manix
I work in a factory full of Newcastle/Hartlepool supporters so I'm used to getting stick over my choice of football team! We've even got one poor soul who supports Sunderland and is adamant they're going to finish fourth next season (bless him).

Manix
I work in a factory full of Newcastle/Hartlepool supporters so I'm used to getting stick over my choice of football team! We've even got one poor soul who supports Sunderland and is adamant they're going to finish fourth next season (bless him).

Fourth? Maybe! Liverpools target for next season, should not be fourth. In fact it should have never been our target, EVER! Maybe if we had aimed for 1st we would have got second!!!! Anyway, there is one small matter to be taken care of before next season. Can we win it? Milan are beatable! Liverpool in Europe this year have been pretty good, though we have rode our luck at times. Anyway heres hoping!

C'mon you REDS! ;)

[QUOTE=Ruis72]Hi Archie,
try symbols.com - they have thousands of designs. Look in the word index under Aztec or Maya.I've just had a quick look and quite like the one for fire god in the Mayan section (30.47), where are you thinking of having this one?



Hi Ruis 72,
Thanks for the website suggestion I will check it out!!! :agree1:
I'm not sure where I will put it, I'm not into tatt's on my arms or legs I think it looks a bit rough, I suppose I've got a butt cheek :ca: spare but not sure yet.
Thanks again,
Archie

So I ended up with two more this weekend. This is starting to get addicting. This time I designed one on my own and the other I let the artist design. I think for a truly enlightening experience, let the artist design his own and use you as a canvas. The detail, the color, and the final "product" are awesome. I am so pleased with his work. Pics would be posted, however I do not want to offend anyone. I ended up with a bright Jolly Roger on my upper bicep and then a tahitian babe in a grass skirt leaning against a tiki pole on my lower leg.

I am the last person to get involved with this sort of activity, however I am really enjoying this.

Have fun, you only live once.......

I am so pleased with his work. Pics would be posted, however I do not want to offend anyone.
I don't think anyone would be offended IEGEEK. But do tell. Did your wife get some too? If so what kind and where are they? Could you share some pics with us? Also if there are any piercings, it would be interesting to see pics of them too.

No piercings, no wife ink to show.

Just me and given the nature of my tattoos and the comments from the last posting, I think I will hold off on reserve for now.

Congrats on more tattoos! Very cool.

Wanted to mention that my brother-in-law has one of the neatest tattoos I've seen - he has the Grateful Dead dancin bears around his ankle - very colorful and really nice looking work.

We went to an amusement park recently and I noticed many females have a tattoo just above the waistline of their jeans, where it appears to "peek" from the belt -- yes my husband pointed this out to me but once he did I couldn't stop noticing how many women have tattoos there. So now I'm thinking - what could I get tattooed there? The symbols link is a good idea. I will check that out.

On one hand I'm a 31 year old mother of two and feel much too old for this. On the other hand, well, it is fun to imagine what I'd get there even if I don't go through with it.

Congrats on more tattoos! Very cool.

Wanted to mention that my brother-in-law has one of the neatest tattoos I've seen - he has the Grateful Dead dancin bears around his ankle - very colorful and really nice looking work.

We went to an amusement park recently and I noticed many females have a tattoo just above the waistline of their jeans, where it appears to "peek" from the belt -- yes my husband pointed this out to me but once he did I couldn't stop noticing how many women have tattoos there. So now I'm thinking - what could I get tattooed there? The symbols link is a good idea. I will check that out.

On one hand I'm a 31 year old mother of two and feel much too old for this. On the other hand, well, it is fun to imagine what I'd get there even if I don't go through with it.Just imagine what it will look like when your 61.

Just imagine what it will look like when your 61.
I'm not sure that argument is much of a deterrent anymore, Al, because I think that in another 35 years there's going to be a h*ll of a lot of women with faded, sagging tattoos:mg: .

We went to an amusement park recently and I noticed many females have a tattoo just above the waistline of their jeans, where it appears to "peek" from the belt -- yes my husband pointed this out to me but once he did I couldn't stop noticing how many women have tattoos there. So now I'm thinking - what could I get tattooed there? The symbols link is a good idea. I will check that out.

On one hand I'm a 31 year old mother of two and feel much too old for this. On the other hand, well, it is fun to imagine what I'd get there even if I don't go through with it.

The tattoo on a woman's lower back is called a "Santa Barbara License Plate" :agree1:


As for being a mother of two and 31 - Who cares? Do what makes you happy. My only advice is to get something you cherish and will not be ashamed of in 30 years. Me for instance I am thinking I will always like - No love - naked women, so it is right for me. Here are some websites where you can "test drive" your tattoo;

http://www.blueeyestattoos.com
http://www.tattoojohnny.com
http://www.tattoosbyhoss.com

I can not vouch for the content onthose sites other than the tattoos. You go to them at your own risk, in fact I would not go if I was at work, some pics are pretty - ummmm how shall I say -- racey.

Good luck, have fun

Don't worry I won't be the 61 year old woman walking around DISPLAYING any pitiful artwork - it would most certainly be covered up!

I'm leaning towards the Pisces symbol. Now which one? Like I said, it is fun to think about - no action required.

On one hand I'm a 31 year old mother of two and feel much too old for this. On the other hand, well, it is fun to imagine what I'd get there even if I don't go through with it.Speaking for myself I don't want one, and I'd better avoid it if I want to continue donating blood. (I've done that since 1978). Anyone shying away from the thought of a real tattoo has the option to get a temporary one of course.

/Claes

I took the plunge last week, and got my first tattoo.

I had been wanting one for ages, and my fiancee finally pushed me to produce the design and make the appointment! I love it, though as it heals, it itches like mad!!

It is of the the liver-bird you can see as my profile picture, with 5 overlapping stars going around the shape of my shoulder, of course representing the 5 European cups Liverpool have won so far. It is on the top right of my back/shoulder. Took about an hour and 45mins and it did hurt, but it was not too bad. Felt ill after 10 mins, but it soon passed!

I have definitely got that bug and I am now looking to design my second!

Since Manix brought this thread back to life, I guess I could add my :2cents:

I have 5 tatts, yes, you read that correct! I have a tiger with its front paws up on a stone and grass surrounding them on my right thigh, a rose bud floating on water on my left hip, a rose stem wrapped with ribbon on my left calf, a Celtic knotwork shamrock on my lower back (more to be added to this one), and I have Pepe La Pew & Penelope La Cat on my upper/left back.

The shamrock is to represent my Irish heritage and I will eventually add two dragons (that will face the shamrock) to represent my German heritage and I’m still thinking of something to add for my French heritage.

I’m still thinking of something to add for my French heritage.


White flag or German flag maybe?

I know I'll hear about this one:lol:

I've always shyed away from having any distinguishable marks as a preventative measure from potential criminal activity identification. It was really tough not getting an EGA (eagle globe and anchor) while in the USMC. :notme:

I've always shyed away from having any distinguishable marks as a preventative measure from potential criminal activity identification. It was really tough not getting an EGA (eagle globe and anchor) while in the USMC. :notme:

I can think of more effective preventative actions! :cool:

In my Opinion

Rant On <Tattoos should only be available to active service members and true motorcycle gang members. Other than that tattoos are a silly, narcissistic way of trying to hold on to one's youth, or attempting to rebel while looking at all 10,000,000 other rebels also with tattoos. As for girls/women - they're not sexy, they are trampy, particularly the tramp stamps or the breast tattoos or the whole wrist thing. You want to be young and unique? - become a great gardener or doctor or violinist or skate boarder. You want to stand out from the crowd? - get a 3 piece suit.> Rant Off

Once again, this is only my opinion.

No ranting here, just pure unadulterated pickling (that's right the vinegar soaking and jarring variety) of your opinion:

Obviously entitled to you opinion but I see no logic in your flimsy acceptance of those traditionally adorned with ink in a stereotypical typecast sort of way, plus a little poke for those there women who dare to adorn a so called "tramp stamp". I feel your "rant" could have just said you don't like them, and personally would not choose one, but your labelling and inaccurate assumptions about those who do have them shows a shallow nature.

Tattoos have a history beyond bikers and service personnel and choosing to have one can (I know it is not always the case) be a very personal experience as well as a chance to create passion and artistic flare. A tattoo does say something about a person, but it is shallow to draw negative assumptions in the way that you have.

About this matter, now in Portugal there’s a new law.
People under 18 years old are totally forbidden to make tattoos and piercing!

Just to step in and keep this from deteriorating further... Yes, it takes all kinds to make the world go 'round, and each of us has opinions. Certainly there should be no one here that will not listen to a well thought out and justifiable argument (discussion) against tatooing (or any other subject we choose to discuss in the coffee break area) but I also have to agree that name calling and character malignment does not fit into professional behaviour.

Many cultures throughout time and geography look upon body art as the highest art forms, some look upon it as amongst the lowest. Your opinion is your opinion, we respect it. But please, no more name calling.

I've watched a few episodes of the TV show "How I Met Your Mother" and one storyline involved a male character who got drunk and woke up with a butterfly tattoo on his back/backside area. The latest episode I saw dealt with the tattoo removal process and getting rid of the butterfly - pretty funny stuff.

No ranting here, just pure unadulterated pickling (that's right the vinegar soaking and jarring variety) of your opinion:

Obviously entitled to you opinion but I see no logic in your flimsy acceptance of those traditionally adorned with ink in a stereotypical typecast sort of way, plus a little poke for those there women who dare to adorn a so called "tramp stamp". I feel your "rant" could have just said you don't like them, and personally would not choose one, but your labelling and inaccurate assumptions about those who do have them shows a shallow nature.

Tattoos have a history beyond bikers and service personnel and choosing to have one can (I know it is not always the case) be a very personal experience as well as a chance to create passion and artistic flare. A tattoo does say something about a person, but it is shallow to draw negative assumptions in the way that you have.

I apologize for my ill chosen words and assumptions. I meant no personal offense.

Since the topic has been brought up...

Let me say first that tatoos are definately NOT for me. I have this thing about needles, and spending money for a tatoo just does not compute with me.

That said, when I was growing up, tatoos were those green outlines some folks had on their arms. Frankly, they were kind of ugly. But, several years ago I was at an outdoor concert/party, and a guy I work with (fantastic mechanic and biker who built his own bike) was there and said something about having a tatoo. The panther on his back, in full color, was like nothing I had ever seen. It was a real work of art, costing hundreds, I am sure, and taking many hours. It was stunning to see the type of art that can be done with needles and ink.

So, although still not for me, some of the tatoos now are truly spectacular.

Just to step in and keep this from deteriorating further... Yes, it takes all kinds to make the world go 'round, and each of us has opinions. Certainly there should be no one here that will not listen to a well thought out and justifiable argument (discussion) against tatooing (or any other subject we choose to discuss in the coffee break area) but I also have to agree that name calling and character malignment does not fit into professional behaviour.

Many cultures throughout time and geography look upon body art as the highest art forms, some look upon it as amongst the lowest. Your opinion is your opinion, we respect it. But please, no more name calling.

I have deleted my posts in this thread.

I apologize for my ill chosen words and assumptions. I meant no personal offense.

No worries, I perhaps did feel a little personally offended, as I would like to think that people don't judge me based on my Tattoo! I was young and unique, before my tattoo!!! As Craig has said, there are some truely spectacular pieces of artwork on some people! When people do adorn these detailed and large Tattoos they have spents hundreds maybe even thousands on them, they are no different to buying a watch, item of clothing or even a car. Except they are likely to last forever! Perhaps you could even see it as buying a painting and just being able to take it with you wherever you go!

I have the bug, but I design my own and will not be going crazy and covering my whole body!!! Plus it hurts, so it will have to be done in stages!!!!

No worries, I perhaps did feel a little personally offended, as I would like to think that people don't judge me based on my Tattoo!

I'd have to say that I had not read that persons original post, but it was pretty rude of them. But they apologized so we can leave it at that.

I have the bug, but I design my own and will not be going crazy and covering my whole body!!! Plus it hurts, so it will have to be done in stages!!!!

Tattoo's are very addicting. I do have to disagree, though, about them hurting. The one that is on my hip, actually tickled while getting it :lmao: I think it all depends on the person and gender. The tattoo I have on my upper back, is in a spot that most men will cry when getting it done, not sure why, but I've heard that from many tattoo artists. I actually got the one on my hip and my calf the same day one after the other.

I grew up with a father that said if I ever came home with a tattoo, he'd use his wire wheel grinder and take it off. :lmao: His opinion changed after he met my sailor boyfriend (now my husband) who had quite a few - good ones I might add. He had worked at a tattoo shop in Carson City for a year or so and was a guinea pig for a few of the artists. One of the artists was his best friend from HS and now owns a shop in Fullerton. My husband finally got me an appointment with him and I got my first tattoo (a large back piece that stretches from shoulder to shoulder and takes up quite a bit of space) 2 years ago. I did it all in one sitting... 5 hours in the chair. And it wasn't painful until it was time to put in the color. Not many people know I have it and I like it that way. It's more for my own gratification. It's 2 swallows with banners that have my children's names and b-dates and the rose in the middle matches my husbands that he has on his forearm. I wanted it for me, just something to commemorate the miracles that my children are. Eventually I would like another, but just can't think of a great place to do it or what I would even want.

My dad was a navy man (WWII) and had a pig tattooed on one foot and a rooster tattooed on the other (some type of navy tradition). I was in the military myself and had the opportunity many times to get a tattoo, I just never had a desire to get one.

My father passed away 5 years ago and to honor him, his grandson (my nephew) got the same tattoos on his feet. He then went a step further and had dads navy picture tattooed on his arm. (see attachment)

I don't think this picture would offend anyone here at the cove. Personally, I think it is a real piece of art.

LRE67,

That is a beautiful piece that your nephew has. His artist is very good!!

I grew up with a father that said if I ever came home with a tattoo, he'd use his wire wheel grinder and take it off. :lmao: His opinion changed after he met my sailor boyfriend (now my husband) who had quite a few - good ones I might add. He had worked at a tattoo shop in Carson City for a year or so and was a guinea pig for a few of the artists. One of the artists was his best friend from HS and now owns a shop in Fullerton. My husband finally got me an appointment with him and I got my first tattoo (a large back piece that stretches from shoulder to shoulder and takes up quite a bit of space) 2 years ago. I did it all in one sitting... 5 hours in the chair. And it wasn't painful until it was time to put in the color. Not many people know I have it and I like it that way. It's more for my own gratification. It's 2 swallows with banners that have my children's names and b-dates and the rose in the middle matches my husbands that he has on his forearm. I wanted it for me, just something to commemorate the miracles that my children are. Eventually I would like another, but just can't think of a great place to do it or what I would even want.

My mum had the same opposition to Tattoos, but my she was tamed when my brother had his done, so thanks to him, she did not react at all to mine.

My Tattoo artist said the colouring in should be less painful, the needle they use apprantly is not as sharp as for the outline, but like you, I found the colouring in the worst bit.

5 Hours!!!! Well done that's impressive :applause:

LRE67, very nice!

Does anyone have "QUALITY" tattooed across their chest, rather than "Rosie"?