it's a SMASH!

though i would NEVER admit how many tv shows i watch currently, i have to tell you about a new show that i LOVE!  it's called SMASH and it apparently airs on monday after the super bowl.  but for some reason i was able to download it this week upon the recommendation of a friend at school.  well i watched the pilot episode and i LOVE it!!  so if you have a chance, try to catch it when it airs in a week or two....or download it.  either way, it's worth a watch!  it's got a good story line, a good cast, and some great tunes!  check it out!

the adventures of flat stanely

living abroad, i have had the opportunity to show many flat stanley's around the areas that i have been living.  if you don't know, flat stanley is a kids book in which the main character, stanley, who is flat...lol....travels around the world in the mail.  classroom teachers often have students create their own stanleys and send them out for adventures all over the world.  then when stanley returns, there are many opportunities for learning about where he has been.

so, i got another stanley this week and wasn't sure exactly what i would do with him in kuwait.  shelly and i put our heads together and decided to send him home with one of my really cool, reliable students.  so flat stanley had a sleep over.  here are some pictures of his time in kuwait:

in a word cloud...

2011 in a word cloud...inspired by my good friend cindy @ cscribbles

what a week...

i have so much to look forward to this week!  here's what's up:

• sunday - field trip with my class.  and a reading party with one of my classes.  then tutoring.
• monday - english test in my class.  which isn't that exciting but it means a quiet day!  :)  then tutoring.
• tuesday - word games and fun stuff in class.  then the spa after school.
• wednesday - winter party in my classes!!  fun, fun, fun!  staff christmas lunch!
• thursday - last day of school!!  reading party with my other class.  early dismissal!  
• friday - in the middle of the night...FLY TO ITALY!!!! and meet naomi to begin our italian christmas vacation!!!  YAY!!!  

it's going to be a GREAT week!!

shop, shop, shopping!

on saturday i did some pretty exciting shopping!  i went to avenues with the parki's and the huffho's and decided to treat myself to a few eid gifts:

1. foot odor spray for my TOMS.  (the get pretty terrible...)
2. a DVD player with a USB port (so i can watch my downloaded shows and blog at the same time!)
3. a new point and shoot camera! (nikon, cute, lime green!)
4. a cute little camera case to go with the new camera.
5. A NEW FRIEND! and his name is ishta.  i made him at build a bear!!

post crossing

inspired by the mail that i received this week, i decided to sign up for POST CROSSING!  it's a really cool website where you sign up and then write postcards and send them to other post crossing members and in turn you will receive postcards from all around the world!  fun right?!
my friend cindy told me about it last year and i've finally done it!!!  and my first postcard is off to.....RUSSIA!  i wonder where i will get my first postcard from?!?!?!  fun, fun, fun!!

if you are interested in post crossing, check out their site for more info:  POST CROSSING

Top Tattoo Mistakes

The LA Ink posse is giving advice on the top tattoo mistakes people make. Since they have the most credentials in California, they are giving the most helpful advice to everyone outside of LA.

TV plug in: Don't forget to catch Kat Von D and the gang of LA Ink on TLC weekly!

credit: TLC Discovery


1) TOO SMALL!

Kim Says: "Be careful not to get something too small or where it doesn't fit that part of the body well."

This tat lover decided her tattoo was too small for her back, so she received a more colorful dolphin tattoo to cover-up the old one and the size is in better proportion for her back. 

2)CHEAP TATTOOS

Kat Says:"Good tattoos aren't cheap and cheap tattoos aren't good. Far too many times, people choose an artist based on price. That should be the last priority on your list when it comes to getting a tattoo."

Kim Says:"Don't look for a bargain!"

3)ODE TO A LOVER

Hannah Says:"Don't be overly romantic. Sorry, that tattoo is going to out last most relationships - much as I hate to say it."

Pixie Says:"I don't think lovers' names are a good thing."

A new, intricate tattoo covers up the past.

4)BEING IMPULSIVE

Hannah Says:"Try not to be arbitrary or impulsive - you might regret getting Taz flipping the bird and drinking a beer later."

A small bear is later covered-up with a more vivid, detailed tattoo that has more meaning to its owner.

5)BEING DRUNK

Corey Says:"Biggest mistake ... being drunk." 

Hannah Says:"Being drunk leads to the other mistakes on the list." 

man tattoos his own eyes

Not with a design or anything, just color of course but it's just as dangerous, or is it?


WAFB.com, Louisiana's news channel did a story on a man in Oregon who had his 98% of his body covered in tattoos.

Matt Gone is a tattoo extremist whose birth defects prevented some of the muscles in his body from developing properly and inspired him to get his first tattoo nearly 22 years ago.

"The tattoos make me not hate my body, even though my body seems to be hating me," he said.

Gone had his eyes inked two different colors. His doctors have expressed concern with the ink in his eyes causing infection, but Gone is assured that the procedure is safe.

"I patch tested it and was successful," he recalled. "I had to take the risk. I've done that a lot of times before. I'm not crazy. I'm trained. I have a lot of experience."

Doctors still disagree and think he has gone too far.

"The risk of putting a needle near your eye is grave," said Dr. Douglas Meier, an ophthalmologist with the Portland Clinic.

With 98% of his body inked including his eyes, Gone thinks that just about enough.

"I never really knew how far I would ever go," he said. "And this is about as far as you can go."

temporary tattoos, for your pets!

Tattoos are now for more than just people! Pet-Ink has come out with totally safe temporary tattoos for animals!

"The Pet-Ink semi-permanent tattoo kit consists of a stencil (we used the bone), dye (we chose blue), gloves, cotton swabs for application, gloves, and a paper towel to blot the design once applied. It recommends spot testing your animal first to make sure it's skin doesn't become agitated or if it's allergic to the ink." (source: the teddy hilton site, co site of perez hilton)


Pretty amazing! But of course the tattoos do have their limitations. They can't really work on animals with long hair or scales and whatnot.

halloween tattoos! (for kids!)

That's right, the frightful day is coming up! As Halloween gets closer, its time to finish preparing the costumes and decorations!

Speaking of decorations, kids love anything fun and exciting right? Tattoo Manufactoring, an online site is selling fun temporary tattoos that are perfect for Halloween.

Parents can find cheap tattoos that can accompany any costume or be used just for fun. (Like passing them out instead of candy, awesome!)

The site ships free with purchases over $10, so pick a few favorites and have a happy and not so scary halloween! (Unless you like a scary and not so happy halloween!)

tattoo magazine awareness

Magazines are printed or found online and can be on many topics like electronics, shoes, fashion, hair and much more. There's even a magazine on tattoos! Here's some of the best known publications on tattoos.

1) Inked Magazine

This magazine talks about tattoo celebrities, fashion, local events, shows, expos, and much more. The online site is full of photos, inked girls and so much more. 'culture.style.art' is what they stand for.




2) Tattoo Magazine

This publication had no online site available, but this magazine is still distributed. This magazine holds all the questions and answers about tattoos, has lot's of images, interviews with tattoo artists and much more.

3) Skin Art Magazine

This online publication is all about featuring new and popular tattoos. The magazine also features crazy tattoos, religious tattoos and much more.

There's many more magazines out there, but these are the first to come up either in stores or online. What's your favorite? If we failed to mention any publications, let us know!

south florida tattoo internship open!

To be a tattoo artist, you need to have experience. Having an internship at a tattoo parlor is usually the best place to start.


So if you live in south florida, Hollywood to be exact then theres a great job/internship opportunity for you!


The following ad was posted at Craigslist.org for the Silver on the Mount Tattoo parlor:

Hiring immediately for Full and Part Time Tattoo and Body Piercing. This is an apprenticeship. You will not need to pay for your training. 

You can earn your way with Hard Work, Trustworthyness and Dedication. I have taught many successful Body Art Professionals in my 35 years of experience in this industry. 

If you have a sincere desire to learn the trade, and are ready to make a commitment to becoming an expert in the feild, working in this Shop may be the begining you seek. 

Hiring immediately. I prefer folks with no prior training. We run a World Class Shop at the Highest in Industry Standards. 

.::No Booze::.::No Drugs::.::No Drama::. 

(954) 926-0645 


The parlor is located at 2422 Hollywood Blvd, good luck!

artist spotlight

Hey locals of Florida! Ink Link's Melissa is a tattoo artist whose been chosen as 'artist of the day.' She works over at Ink Link at 4738 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33417. Check out the Ink Link Tattoo main site.

hobbies: drawing and painting
art background: Massachusetts College of Art
machines/inks used: next generation orions






Some of her work:

on to canada!

Want to take a nice trip far away from ordinary? Well, get some plane tickets and head over to Canada to experience a very non-local tattoo convention. Tattoos are universal, and represent many things to and on many people. So escape from reality for a few days and dive into the 2010 Alberta Bound Tattoo and Arts festival.

The 2010 Alberta Bound Tattoo and Arts Festival runs from October 9-11 at the Shaw Conference Center located on 9797 Jasper Ave NW.

Many artists will be there, including the following. Check out the rest of the artists.

Don't forget to check out the contests too while your there checking out all the art and artists at work.

"Artists can go up against today’s best artists in the contest categories at both The Calgary and Edmonton editions of The Alberta Bound Tattoo & Arts Festival.  Contests are open to all finished tattoos regardless of whether your artist is at the show or not. All tattoo contest will be held throughout the day on Sunday with awards given out after each category. All categories have a $10 entry fee. Please remember... trophies won are customarily given to the tattoo artist for display at their studio."


Saturday
9:00 pm - Tattoo of the Day


Sunday
9:00 pm - Tattoo of the Day


Monday
12:30 pm - Small Color & Small Black & Grey
1:30 pm - Medium Color & Medium Black & Grey
3:00 pm - Large Color & Large Black & Grey
4:30 pm - Portrait/Realistic
6:00 pm - Back Piece & Sleeve
7:00 pm - Tattoo of The Day

So go have some fun and try to land yourself a tattoo of your own! And enjoy the experience!

Local tattoo shop alert!

I came across a very interesting place one day, out in Fort Myers that offers tattoos and serves as a gallery. I found it interesting that tattoos are considered a 'work of art' and the same place is also an art gallery. It's such an interesting concept to come up with, so kudos to the owners Andy Howl and Alainna Zwiernik.

Tattoos are done by artists Andy Howl and Steve Bananas (yes thats his last name, no just kidding). They both have served with the company for years and have plenty of experience, so no worries on them messing up on you! Photos of their work are provided at the link which are their names, just click on their names up there ^^

As if that wasn't enough, they also do cosmetic tattooing by artist Lisa. She also has had plenty of experience and is only available by appointments, so book them early here or at (239) 332-0161.

Example of her work, permanent lip color

Howl Gallery/Tattoo is located in the Fort Myers Historic Downtown River District. The exact address is:


1514 Broadway #101

Fort Myers, FL 33901

For parking, they the parking garage on First Street across from Quiznos & Starbucks or using the on-street parallel parking (2 hour limit) on Broadway or First Street is highly recommended. Additional parking is also available under the bridge at 41 and near the City Pier building.

For events, photos, to request an appointment or for anything you need from Howl Gallery/Tattoo just click HERE for the web site.

ink on tv

Tattoos has become something everybody enjoys, whether it's on them or someone else. Shows about tattoos have become quite popular and people who star in them are now famous (like Kat Von D). Such shows have given an inside look of people whose lives consist around the world of tattoos. So if you like them, love them, want them, have them or just want to see that not all tattoo people are evil then below is a complete tv guide of the top shows on tv. showtimes may vary so always check ahead of time, or just tivo it!

LA Ink

Follow the ups and downs of life with Kat Von D and the talented artists at High Voltage Tattoo. Catch it Wednesdays @ 10/9 central on the TLC channel.

Missed any episodes? Don't sweat it, catch them all at http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/la-ink/

Miami Ink

Follow the reality show based in a tattoo shop in Miami Beach, Florida that's all about the art and drama of tattooing. Since it finished it's final season, catch episodes online or check for showtime at TLC's website  http://tlc.discovery.com/fansites/miami-ink/miami-ink.html

Inked

The first season of INKED^TM captured Hart as he launched his new venture and dealt with an impetuous staff.  In this season, the shop inside the glamorous Palms Casino Resort is now a Vegas fixture, known for its celebrated artists and innovative designs.  And while Carey is psyched about the shop's success he wants more for H&H. Watch as Hart tries to take it to the next level while also managing an unpredictable mix of skin artists and shop helpers. There's no specific showtimes stated on their site, but episode recaps are found at http://www.aetv.com/inked/inked_episode_guide.jsp?episode=276344 or on the A&E channel.

Tattoo Highway

Tattoo Highway follows artist Thomas Pendelton as he travels the country in a mobile tattoo parlor of his own design, a converted 1970s Silver Eagle Tour Bus. On the outside, it's a moving metal canvas of Thomas' art; on the inside, it's a fully functional tattoo parlor.

Whether he's tattooing a Crown Dancer for an Apache Elder in New Mexico or a bat-winged heart on a mortician's chest in Sacramento, Thomas is on the road searching for the people and the stories that never made it to a tattoo shop.

With his wife and a slew of artists in tow, Thomas hit the road to find the stories that need to be told and tattooed.

No specific time is found, but a full episode guide is found at http://www.aetv.com/tattoo-highway/episode-guide/ or catch it on the A&E channel.

If there's any show you watch and didn't make the list, let us know! Leave a comment about the show and when its on and what channel! Thanks! xoxo

How to Minimize the Pain of Getting a Tattoo

Ever wanted to get a tattoo but not so sure of the pain? Well, we got a 2 minute 'how to' on minimizing pain. Be aware though that everyone is different, so not two people will feel the same way when getting a tattoo.

Just be cautious of your body, and know where your most painful at (fyi: on the bone is something for everybody).

credit for the video: http://www.howcast.com

Enjoy guys!

biggest tattoo show on earth

Tattoo Expo is the world's premier tattoo convention showcasing the latest trends, fashions and techniques in the tattoo industry. Seminars and training as well as demonstrations will be scheduled, plus lots of music, food and fun for the entire family."

Last year they had over 40,000 visitors and 1,200 participating tattoo artists and vendors. (according to the site)

The web site provides all the information for vendors with booth interest, those who plan to go can check out the travel, community and ticket links.

Event Schedule: 2010

Wednesday, September 29
Seminars schedule to be announced
Thursday, September 30
Seminars and Exhibitor Move InSeminars schedule to be announced
Friday, October 1
02:00PM - 10:00PM
Saturday, October 2
12:00PM - 10:00PM
Sunday, October 3
12:00PM - 08:00PM

Where: 

Mandalay Bay Convention Center

3950 Las Vegas Boulevard South

Las Vegas, NV 89119

Phone: 702.632.7777 

lizard man and cat man!

I'm sure most people have come across them, but I found 2 interesting people who took tattoos to a whole new level.

Meet, the Lizard Man. Seen on TV shows like Ripley's Believe it or Not and on the History Channel in a tattoo segment, he has turned himself literally into a lizard.

Kim Acrylic from punkglobe.com was able to chat with him.

Kim:"Where was your first tattoo?"
Lizard Man: "A design on the back right shoulder."


Kim: "Let me guess you spend millions?"
Lizard Man: "Nope cause I haven't made millions."




Don't forget the Cat Man.

He's been on the same TV shows as Lizard Man and has also used tattoos to give him 'the cat look.'


Tattoos are something that people get to change or better their appearance. With these two people, they used tattoos to transform into something else. Should tattoos be used to add color or flair to a body, or should they be used to completely change your body? Tattoos already have a history of their own, mostly negative so these people raise the questions; "how much is too much?" and "are tattoos for adding or change to the human body?"

REMEMBER: we don't judge we just say what we see. And these two people are unique in their own way, just like everyone else in the world.