Friday, January 23, 2009

Great Water Landing - Photos of US Airways

There are plenty of photos on the news, but these are upclose. Taken from the tugboat that worked this crash.

















If I'm every in a "water landing" I want this pilot, wouldn't you?

Saturday, January 17, 2009

How to Get the Perfect Kanji Tattoo You Truly Deserve?

Kanji was originated from Chinese Characters.

Kanji is the term for Chinese characters that are used in the Japanese language. There are two different types of characters that are used in written Japanese: kana, which includes the types of writing known as hiragana and katakana, and kanji. All written Japanese evolved from written Chinese, and were modified to create the different sounds of the Japanese language. Kanji in Japanese are typically characters from the Chinese language that have been adapted to mean Japanese words. The meanings in Chinese and Japanese can be the same but pronounced differently, or they may have entirely different meanings. Some kanji were developed in Japan and are not seen in the Chinese language at all. Still other kanji are written in different forms but have the same meaning.

Japanese Kanji Tattoos VS Chinese Symbol Tattoos.

The Kanji Tattoos you have seen in the tattoo parlor or anywhere else are actually Chinese Symbol Tattoos, when you are planning to get a Kanji Tattoo, Choosing Chinese Symbol Tattoos instead of Japanese Kanji Tattoos, Why? Japanese Kanji only have hundreds of writing symbols which evolved from written Chinese Symbols, You can not get whatever you want to express by using Japanese Kanji. Whereas, Chinese Symbols have about 4000 year history and there are 47,035 Chinese symbols in Chinese Kangxi Dictionary. Put it simple, You can get whatever you want to express in Chinese symbols.

How to Get a perfect Kanji Tattoo you truly deserve?

My Name is Yingying, I am a Chinese tattoo artist, and have been helping the western people get their Kanji tattoos for three years. Kanji have a complex beauty as well as individual meanings. People who get Kanji tattoos are often drawn to this. Unfortunately, the flip-side is that there are a lot of Kanji tattoo Mistakes. I have personally seen such elementary mistakes as Kanji being tattooed backward and meant something else other than intended. My goal is to help people explore the beauty and complexity of Kanji safe in the knowledge that they are dealing with the professional. Why many western people make mistakes with their kanji tattoos, the main reason is because they made no preparation before inking and just walked into a tattoo parlor without knowing what they would get. And then their Chinese tattoos became the permanent source to embarrass them. Yes, they can get their tattoo removed, but removing unwanted tattoos is a very expensive, lengthy and painful ordeal! You are wise to research your best possible options before going through with it.

First: you need to find a pro to do the translation, instead of anyone who speaks Chinese. The Chinese symbol (Kanji) has a time span of 4000 years and a geography span across countries like China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. It simply takes knowledge and expertise to do the translation well.

Second: the Chinese Symbols need to be custom designed by writing them into Chinese calligraphy. Your body deserves Chinese calligraphy art, NOT kanji writing! Chinese calligraphy is not just Chinese kanji writing, neither just writing well. It is an art that can display spirits. People can feel the mood, feeling, thought from the calligraphy. Having a Chinese calligraphy tattoo is a love and a respect of yourself. Moreover, Custom designed kanji Tattoos also include stencil outline. Most people don't realize that every tattoo design has a matching stencil. To apply tattoos on the skin, the tattoo artist needs both a good clear reference of the actual design, and well drawn stencils (line drawings) as the "blueprint" for the actual tattoo. When inking, your tattoo artist will use stencil outlines to trace the artwork onto your body. Stencil outlines are vital for inking kanji as it can prevent tattooists from making mistakes while inking.

Something I thought interesting. Any comments?

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Lower Back Tattoos - Why Are They So Popular?


Lower back tattoos have been steadily growing in popularity since the early 1990's. But since the millenium the growth in the number of these tattoos has been explosive.

And part of the reason for this surge in popularity is the general growth in the number of women who are getting tattoos. Lower back tattoos are almost exclusively worn by women and the fact that women account for an estimated 65% of all new tattoos goes part of the way to explain this modern trend.

Beyond that, tattoos placed on the lower back are widely regarded as a symbol of a highly sensual woman. Careful choice of design can help to highlight the curves of the female body, from the curve of the lower spine, to the hips and the top of the buttocks. And as such, placement of tattoos on this area of the body has become a way for women to celebrate their curves and express their sexuality.

But apart from the sensual aspect of these designs, there are many advantages of placing a tattoo on the lower back.

1) Long Lasting

The skin around the lower back is less likely to stretch in the event of weight gain, whether due to normal weight fluctuations or pregnancy. This is a major advantage as it reduces the risk of tattoo designs (especially symmetrical designs commonly used for lower back tattoos) becoming distorted and stretched.

2) Visually Flexible

Lower back tattoos are also extremely flexible in terms of visibility. A revealing top or low cut trousers will help to display the design to the world, while a quick change to more formal attire will easily conceal the wilder side of your personality. This flexibility is an important consideration for people who have to present a more sombre appearance in their professional lives.

3) Highly Personal

A lower back tattoo is a highly personal piece of body art. Not only does it sit on a semi-intimate part of your body, the design can be created to match the shape, size and flow of your curves. This helps to reflect your individuality and greatly increases the chances of ending up with a design that's completely unique.

4) Wide Choice Of Designs

There's a wide range of designs that can be incorporated into a lower back tattoo. For example, you could select a celtic design, or go for a floral motif, or how about a tribal design. In fact, almost any v-shaped, symmetrical design can be used, so the options are virtually endless. This allows you to search for a design that's full of personal meaning and expresses part of your personality.

For example, as the lower back is a recognized chakra point, it's closely connected with the flow of spiritual energy. So a tattoo that consists of energy radiating from the design represents someone who is full of energy and vitality. Alternatively, a floral lower back design is a sign of beauty and fertility.

However, this location for tattoo placement carries one major disadvantage. The lower back is generally recognized as one of the most painful areas of the body to have tattooed. Fortunately, women are better at tolerating pain and discomfort.

Yes, it's official, most women have a higher pain threshold. According to numerous tattoo artists, women are much better than men when it comes to dealing with the pain of getting tattooed. Nobody knows why.

It could be due to gender based expectations. Men like to think that they're macho and can withstand pain. This rather cavalier attitude causes them to underestimate the pain level and pass out as soon as the needle touches their skin.

On the other hand, women tend to anticipate the pain more accurately, helping them to avoid nasty surprises and maintain a higher level of tolerance.

And finally, while lower back tattoos are now widely accepted in many parts of the world, there are still some places and communities where they're regarded as a symbol of promiscuity and low morals.

Although this is a rather minor issue for most people, it's worth bearing in mind if you live in a particularly narrow minded part of the world or are overly concerned with what other people think of you.

Ultimately, your choice of tattoo design and placement is up to you. All that matters is that you find a combination which makes you feel good and has the ability to stand the test of time.

Hart And Huntington


CASINO ROYALE
The Palms Casino, made famous by MTV's Real World, is now home to the Hart & Harrington Tattoo Company. The shop opened with performances by Good Charlotte and Mix Master Mike of the Beastie Boys. The event was earmarked by a fashion show featuring designs from Jaime Pressly. This is the first time a Las Vegas casino has housed a tattoo parlor and is the first official location of Hart & Huntington.

WHO ARE THESE GUYS?
Who are Hart & Huntington anyway? Well the idea falls to a masterminding venture with Palms owner, George Maloof and a couple guys with the last names of Hart and Huntington. Carey Hart is an extreme sports freestyle motocross legend and John Huntington is one of the country's premier nightclub promoters. Huntington is responsible for creating big parties, including two of the largest in the country - Club Rubber and the Pimp ?n Ho Costume Ball.

MORE THAN SKIN DEEP
Behind the scenes, the tattoo company has three state-of-the-art tattoo stations. Guests are free to choose from the "flash" (pre-drawn artwork on the walls) or they can customize their own designs to fit their personalities. A private guest station for VIPs is also available. The entire place feels like a lounge complete with antique leather-covered walls, a custom surround sound stereo system and luxurious seating. Djs are regularly featured in the shop as are some of the countries premier tattoo artists.

BANKER'S HOURS
Casino banker's hours that is. You can get a Hart & Huntington tat between the hours of noon and midnight Sunday through Wednesday. Noon and 3 AM, Thursday through Saturday.

OPEN PALMS
The Palms Casino is heralded as one of Las Vegas' hippest resorts. A 95,000 square foot casino, spa, salon and 14-theatre Cineplex are just part of the $265 million dollar resort. A lavish, "Mad Max - Beyond Thunderdome" styled night club dubbed, Rain in the Desert or just Rain for those in the know, boasts a dance floor with shooting fire. The Skin Pool Lounge gives you more than one reason to take a break from the gambling and the Ghostbar on the roof will give you the swankiest view Las Vegas has to offer.

QUIVERING HANDS WANT TO KNOW: THE TAT ARTISTS AS FOLLOWS:

THOMAS PENDELTON
At the ripe age of 20, Thomas Pendelton began an apprenticeship with the world famous, Bert Grimm?s tattoo parlor under the wing of well known artist, Rick Walters. From their he as worked in several of the most popular and respected shops in the industry, including - Kari Barba's Outer Limits and Erick Maaske's Classic Tattoo.

BEN CORN
Ben Corn has been doing this for more than seven years now, he got his start apprenticing with Roger Blankenship at Almost Brothers Tattoo shop. Since then he has been with Big Bear Tattoo and Body Graphics. He specializes in bold Japanese tattoos and has had the privilege of tattooing several celebrities and professional athletes with taste for his style.

CLARK NORTH
Clark has been through some tough times during his career, in the space of about three weeks his mother passed away and he lost his left eye. Emerging from the trauma with gray hair he is now continuing his life long art of decorating the body's largest organism with intricate style and design.

BIG E
Eric Pele is Big E. He's known for his bold tattoos, both in color and black and grey. His ready made designs, known as "flash" are extremely popular choices. His melting Superman logo is sure to gain you some attention. If you're looking for something cool, then Big E is your guy.

"Art is a very personal thing. It's ultimately up to each individual to express his or her personality on their body, I just help bring what's in someone's mind out for the world to see!" - Eric Pele

DEJAH NOT A DJ
Dejah studied with Jason Grant at Trust Tattoo in Arizona and has been at this for over half a decade. She's worked for O.C. Ink, Sick & Twisted and Skinworks. Certified to do permanent cosmetics under Susan Church, Dejah is also a master in color and realism with her work.

LACEY
Even though her mother and grandmother are both artists, 28 year old Lacey came into tattooing more from the lifestyle cultural angle. It was a kind of retaliation and liberation from her stodgy upbringing in a small Utah town. For her tattooing is a creative and holistic endeavor. As she says, "A blending of some physical pain with the desire of your soul to be permanently marked, along with some mental control, makes you feel very alive".

INK'D
AE now runs a hidden camera at the shop, called "Ink'd". A reality show that records conversations between the customers and artists as well as documenting the ongoing dramas with the staff operating Hart & Harrington Tattoo Company.

PS: Interviews with Cary Hart in Volume 36 of the Tattoo Video Magazine. Coming Soon!

Monday, January 12, 2009

Cirque du Soleil - Art in Motion


For a number of years now I had heard about Cirque du Soleil. And every time another person told me about their experience with this unique and bold performance art, my curiosity soared to new heights. Typically when this happens with a book, movie, or play, I tend to be let down by the actual experience because of course I have built up the actual product to epic proportions in my mind.

Not so in this case! While in Las Vegas recently, I was finally able to experience first hand the Mystère production of Cirque du Soleil, and was totally blown away by the brilliant creativity and execution of this fabulous show.

The most fabulous show on earth- I've read this description of the circus so many times in reference to the magical aura of this entertainment venue, but as a product of the culture of post WW II technology with its entertainment saturation I've never felt the awe described in literature that say someone growing up in the Great Depression might have felt peeking through the canvas of a tent that housed a fat lady or tattooed man.

I was aware during the performance that I had not experienced this type of childlike awe in quite some time. Starting with the Opening or Taiko, our senses were overloaded with performers crawling straight down walls like lizards. Leaping acrobats, beak faced birds, oversized babies and errant clowns who irreverently tossed the audience's popcorn and pulled people out of their seats.

The costumes and colors in themselves were provocative. The high-tech scenery surpassed any special effects that might be used in a video production, and the physical skills of the performers stunned me. I literally could not take my eyes off the Hand to Hand musclemen, brothers Marco and Paul Lorador from Portugal, who performed a hand and body balancing act that I wouldn't have believed possible without the trick of the camera, if they hadn't almost been close enough to reach out and touch. Their grace and strength seemed superhuman as they balanced each other, every muscle in the human body working in total harmony with the other.

Then there was the Chinese Poles, The Aerial Cube, the Bungee, the Korean Plank, Trampoline and Fast Track, and the Aerial High Bar. And this is only one of half a dozen themed productions that are equally distinct and imaginative. In Las Vegas alone you can see "O," "Love," "K?," "Zumanity," and "Mystère." And there are eight other productions that travel around the world as well.

It all started in 1982, in Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec, a charming, rural area popular with artists, art collectors and tourists. A group of young street performers, the Club des Talons Hauts (the High Heels Club) began to hatch the idea of organizing an entertainer's festival, the Fête Foraine de Baie-Saint-Paul, which was the precursor of what was to become Cirque du Soleil. Guy Laliberté, an accordion player, stilt walker and fire-eater, dove into business to organize and plan the growth of the young company, creating one of the most amazing entertainment venues for a global stage.

Yes, I encourage you to see this show, this fabulous show. Put it on your A list of things you want to do in upcoming months. You will not be disappointed.

Arm Twisting Time!


Scott McCool, Executive Producer

OK time to check out the Tattoo Video Magazine and see all the great DVDs available. Great interviews, conventions, funny stuff, great pictures of tattoos from some of the greatest tattoo artists... and more.

These make great gifts for artists! Many shop owners play these in their shops, both for the other artists and their customers. Take a chance, you might just learn something...

Thanks for all your support -- Scott

Bowery Stan tells you like it was...


Philadelphia Eddie & Bowery Stan

Learn your tattoo history from the "one and only" 'Bowery' Stan Moskowitz!

He tells it like it was... Stan talks about his mentor William Jonsey Jones... the rough life of a 13 year old boy growing up in the bowery... Battles with the board of health and lots more...

Special guest - Lyle Tuttle, joins in and tells us about his start and tattooing Janis Joplin, plus his run in with John Lennon. Amazing stories, told by the amazing artists who lived them.

Full 90 minutes on DVD of tattoo history... like it really was -- colorful and insightful. Check out Volume 11 of the Tattoo Video Magazine. Thanks for your support.


Bowery Stan


Stan and Scott

John Mills - Inkaholics Tattooing



John says his main goal with this studio is for it to be a super clean and friendly environment. He feel that his business is very personal and requires a lot of attention toward making his clients feel comfortable, with the artist and the choice they have made with their tattoo or piercing.

You will always see new design sheets for tattoos and he is continually adding to his large selection of top quality replacement jewelry. He take great pride in his efforts to continually perfect his shop, his people and his own personal skills.

So, if by chance you find yourself in Monroe, North Carolina sometime, come by and see them.


John Mills at work

Some of Johns Tattoo Work




















TC Mills, Artist, Piercer and Shop Manager












Edward Lee and some of his work











I want to give a special thank you to,'Bowery' Stan Moskowitz. We have got to know each other over the last few months, and I really look up to the man. I can sit and listen to him tell stories for hours, and I have and I love it. He has been very supportive of the Art Intensity Network's Tattoo Video Magazine, and understands the importance in documenting the history of tattooing on video for the future generations to learn. I feel it is an honor to know Stan and get the opportunity to sit and listen to him and his friends tell it like it was.

Stan set us up with interviews with Philladelphia Eddie and Coney Island Fred while we were in Florida this time, and you can see that on the Volume 11, of the Tattoo Video Magazine.

Before we left to come home, Stan gave me a "Jonsey Brass Mentor Machine" that he built and wanted me to have. It means the world to me. I hope you other tattoo artists out there get the chance to spend some time with Stan, Eddie or Fred. They have so much to teach us about the history, if you are willing to listen. -- John Mills



Bowery Stan Moskowitz