Saturday April 10th at 6h22 pm:
Before we even got off the train a rogue hustler attempted to swindle me and Amanda out of $20. It didn’t work out so well for him. Once I saw him reach for his pocket to take out money my instant reaction was to sternly say, “no way,” but his eyes was n the woman sitting next to me. Even so, my assertiveness was enough to dissuade any real advances. As we got off the train, he followed Amanda, who was trying to be nice enough to the guy, but still retain her air of lacking interest. I rushed around a small throng of people, with gliding suitcases lingering behind them, in an attempt to give us some distance, but Amanda lost me for a few seconds. After spotting me again, she rushed away from the swindler-in-training and attached herself to my arm. We chuckled shortly about the instance, fully aware of what his intentions had been.
Next, we find ourselves four minutes away—by car—to the MoMA, where we were to explore the fascinating world of Tim Burton’s amazing creations, sketches, videos, and character figurines (both play-sized and real-sized). Being a Saturday, it was inevitable that the crowds would play their roles in irritating the crap out of us from time to time, but it was worth every drop of sweat, every unapologetic nudge and push; every cry of the babes that should not have been there, just to bear witness to such a great, intriguing mind of dark mysterious, artistic genius.
“If I could have my absolute dream wedding…” I said at one point to my sexy partner in crime, “I swear I would have Dave Tuterra and Tim Burton design my masquerade wedding.”
Oh yeah, and did I mention that I had almost paid $84 for the 5 minute cab-ride there? Yeah, this is why one MUST pay attention to every detail that is the great, fabulous, and never-resting New York City. I thought the number key pad that thrust itself upon the taxi-cab screen was for my PIN number, because I paid with my debit card…but OH NO! it was for the tip, which I had intended to pay with the $3 in my hand. The excitement and thrill of being in the city had completely engorged my sense of commonness and flung it out the window, into the chilled air of New England’s spring-time. Luckily, I was caught before any damage was done and had plenty to spend on interesting, fun things; including the pomegranate mojito and margarita I had at Sinigual, a Contemporary Mexican Cuisine restaurant on THRID STREET NOT 42nd St. Amanda and I were slightly misguided by googlemaps.
We had not eaten all day, took too long for us women to get ready and our train schedule was out of synch with reality, but we made it safe and sound and strutted through the crowds that wouldn’t move, crossed streets where we shouldn’t have and dodged incoherent cat calls, even though we were slightly amused and took them for compliments.
Our gaydars were off like car horns on the busy streets of the rumbling city, and we wanted to take them all home for pets. Big gay pets, that would crack the best jokes until our abs burned so much we’d have a six-pack in a week. Pets that would shop with us, as they have a better sense of fashion than I. Pets what would party and make drama that served a purpose for entertainment rather than agitation. They were all so adorable, even the ones we didn’t talk to could still be pegged as gay. Like the one who may have had a bad day previously, until smiling like a child after having home-made cookies for lunch, instead of desert. He strut down the sidewalk carrying more than enough shopping bags for three. Who can’t be cured with retail therapy?
And now we sit on the train, facing the city we never really want to leave, can never visit enough, but only rarely visit due to financial difficulties. Stamford or New Haven? Which is the one we have to be on? Information told us three minutes we had to get to track 105 for New Haven. Damnit, I knew that was the one. Like the scene in Home Along “run run Rudolf” ran through both our minds as we partially sprinted across Grand Central station, down the stairs, through the good court and onto platforms…hm, something and 105. One more cat-call of the simplest courtesy: “beautiful…” and a quick attentive and appreciative reply of: “thank you!” escaped my lips, as I scuttled behind Amanda and onto the train home. There was no time for hesitation, only now can I think to imagine my reluctance to leave this excitingly busy landscape. Back to a home where my heart lives not, back to a reality where my mind is constricted by unhappy responsibilities and riddled with a select few persons who help maintain my sanity. I can only be thankful for the contentions I do find scarcely from day to day, and hope, tentatively, that my life will become far more interesting and fulfilling than now.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
A Paper for my ENG 112 Class...
Acceptable Skin Colors are Not Just Inherited.
Negative stereotypes are beginning to fade as more people begin to ascertain tolerance for the fascination of tattoos. Recently, the media has been influencing dominance in the love for tattoos by portraying more protagonist characters with tattooed skin, as opposed to the well-known antagonists involving gangs, pirates, hard-core bikers, and inmates. There are sections of the military redefining their guidelines to maintain a higher number of possible recruits. Additionally, there are other professions that are becoming more tolerant towards employees with multi-coloured flesh. Tattoos are gaining more confidence to peek out from the hems of shirt sleeves, shorts, and necklines and exposing themselves on the covers of magazines. Celebrities, musicians, sports icons, and authors are dressing themselves in this permanent fashion; feeding their audiences and fans with sights of exemplary ink devices. There are alternative means of expressing ones individuality, and certain facets of society are changing their views to accept people with tattoos as a positive reinforcement to modern culture.
There are prejudices of all kinds, especially when it comes to outward appearances. Many people find it difficult to accept new and…well out of the ordinary, or alternative, things. Authors have, generally, been known to be crazy-eccentrics or drug-induced, creative types. Some scholars argue, or in the least bit assume, that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was a drug addict, since Mr. Holmes had such a prominent issue with cocaine and morphine; Edgar Allen Poe married his 14 year-old cousin and died drunk in a ditch; and Oscar Wilde, well-known for his extravagance, spent time in gaol for being homosexual. Tattoos are most certainly the lesser of these apparent “evils,” and a wide variety of authors now have tattoos and show them off, proudly. Some tattoo images portray the passions of a writer, others are written words from their works and inspirations or even a compilation of “four or five book covers and original text running in between them” as with Horror writer, Brian Keene’s back piece (abebooks.com). He proudly displays the covers of his published books forever on his skin. This kind of expression is seen as artistic motive for many audiences and fewer crowds are throwing verbal pitchforks at those who enjoy having permanent pictures fixed onto their skin.
Since one picture is worth a thousand words it cannot be difficult to comprehend a liking for tattoos as a representation of memories. Elaborating on that cliché, Kat Von D expresses in her book, High Voltage Tattoo, that her life’s “story is etched in the lines and shading” of the tattoos she dons over most of her body (15). Author, Shelley Jackson took this idea in a more literal sense. She decided to write a novella, but not on paper. Known as the ‘Skin Project,’ Jackson is having one word tattooed onto 2095 participants (abebooks.com). People are accepting tattoos in many regards, and are lining up to own souvenirs of their lives. Kat Von D decided that she wanted to make it in the Guinness World Book of Record; in a twenty-four hour period, she tattooed her shops logo onto 400 fanatics. People were lined up outside the doors of the High Voltage Tattoo shop for hours, just to be a part of a famous artist’s attempts at a world record.
Tattoos and piercings are known to be part of an alternative fashion. Things outside the “norm” have always gotten a bad rep from the general society, but now that tattoos are showing up all over the place it is hard to wean out the black sheep in the flock. Of course looks are always deceiving, many people from “federal judges to a retired corporate vice president [are] lining up for body are these days” (Roelf 52). Acceptance is persuaded by popularity and a lot of famous icons are flaunting their tattooed skin. They are on the red carpet, accompanying Versace gowns, showing up on the big screen and jamming on main stages. Today, ink stains the skin on sports professionals and is exposed on pin up spreads. Having these positive idols to look up to, instead of the stereotypical idea of tattoos as a sense of rebellion or criminal activity, is a heavy influence towards the acceptance of this particular art. Recently, one will find that it is a rare demonstration to define a person with tattoos as being in a gang or on their way to prison.
Protagonist characters displaying alternative fashions, including tattoos and piercings, are starting to dominate specific television shows. Derrick on Criminal Minds is a BAU (Behavioral Analysis Unit) Special Agent for the FBI, who has a lion on one bicep and a half-sleeve covering the other. Then there is Abby, from NCIS. She is a giddy, goth-girl, forensic specialist with a spider web tattoo on the left side of her neck. Of course the obvious shows on television involving tattoos are the well known Miami Ink and L.A. Ink. Reality shows portraying the life of tattoo artists and their clients. Diving into the stories behind the tattoos, the audience is able to see the emotional side of the art. Clients have been reduced to tears after glancing in the mirror at the final product. A few common themes of tattoos are that of memorial, remembrance and triumph. One of Kat’s good friends, Dan Smith had her do a family portrait of his friend (Bryce), Bryce’s fiancée, and their baby daughter. All of whom were killed in a horrible car accident, and this piece is what Dan wanted so as to “represent them just as he remembered” (84). Tragedies are remembered and lives honored after their passing. Tattoos present a certain outlet for some who have lost loved ones in untimely ways. Who can look down on that?
The military certain cannot. Recruiters have noticed the growing number of prospective military participants adorned with tattoos. The pieces that typically matter are in visible areas of their bodies. Certain sects of the military are more relaxed about those who have tattoos on their forearms, hands, and the backs of their necks. The only thing they ask is that the visible tattoos be in good taste, nothing provocative or demeaning. The military is more comprehensive of their recruits’ needing to express themselves; it boosts morale and gives the soldiers something else to think of, other than the chaos that surrounds them. In the September 2009 issue of Inked, there is a lengthy cover story about a young man in the U.S. Army who, after completing his duties in Iraq, was set up in his tent on base tattooing many of his fellow soldiers. The artist, Marcos Sierra, was also astounded to realize how many of the higher-ranked individuals were amongst the crowd wanting to be tattooed.
Of course if a tattooed individual is not interested in a career in the military, there are other options for careers and big companies are starting to see the pattern here. Taking into consideration the growing number of newer generations obtaining tattoos, executive companies are being more lenient about their initial rules of outward appearances. Many companies are:
…leaving it up to individual managers to set the rules for the employees who report to them…some take advantage of the open-mindedness and innovation that younger employees bring into the workplace (Roleff 53).
This is important to consider when applying for a job or even before getting a tattoo. Just because some bosses may be apathetic, or accepting, of a tatted individual, does not mean that every boss holds the same perspective. Though it is nice to see that more companies are giving leeway for those who enjoy expressing their individuality. People with tattoos are being given the chance to exert themselves in professional careers without having to worry too much about being judged for their tattooed appearances.
There are certainly strength in numbers and it would seem that many people are making it a point to accept tattoos because they are…well, they are showing up everywhere. Even if you know someone who looks as if they would never be the type, do not be surprised at what can be hidden under the wrapping. But the good ol’ media is also keeping everyone up to date on the latest trends and happenings and inspiring others with visions of beautiful designs on canvases of epidermis. If the militaries are making room for tattooed individuals, it can be believed that a positive means of acceptance is in order due to the structure of what societies have built upon. And thanks to the many icons involved in the media, sharing their stories and art; being positive influences to the generations to come. Whether one has visible ink or not, the fact that there are those leading the way to have businesses refurbishing their ideology, and are more apt to accept the uniqueness of individuals in a grandiose scheme. Everyone is different, though we may have similar likes, dislikes, hobbies and fashion senses it is about time that we all just learn to get along. You cannot judge a book by its cover, but you can cover yourself with book covers!
Negative stereotypes are beginning to fade as more people begin to ascertain tolerance for the fascination of tattoos. Recently, the media has been influencing dominance in the love for tattoos by portraying more protagonist characters with tattooed skin, as opposed to the well-known antagonists involving gangs, pirates, hard-core bikers, and inmates. There are sections of the military redefining their guidelines to maintain a higher number of possible recruits. Additionally, there are other professions that are becoming more tolerant towards employees with multi-coloured flesh. Tattoos are gaining more confidence to peek out from the hems of shirt sleeves, shorts, and necklines and exposing themselves on the covers of magazines. Celebrities, musicians, sports icons, and authors are dressing themselves in this permanent fashion; feeding their audiences and fans with sights of exemplary ink devices. There are alternative means of expressing ones individuality, and certain facets of society are changing their views to accept people with tattoos as a positive reinforcement to modern culture.
There are prejudices of all kinds, especially when it comes to outward appearances. Many people find it difficult to accept new and…well out of the ordinary, or alternative, things. Authors have, generally, been known to be crazy-eccentrics or drug-induced, creative types. Some scholars argue, or in the least bit assume, that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was a drug addict, since Mr. Holmes had such a prominent issue with cocaine and morphine; Edgar Allen Poe married his 14 year-old cousin and died drunk in a ditch; and Oscar Wilde, well-known for his extravagance, spent time in gaol for being homosexual. Tattoos are most certainly the lesser of these apparent “evils,” and a wide variety of authors now have tattoos and show them off, proudly. Some tattoo images portray the passions of a writer, others are written words from their works and inspirations or even a compilation of “four or five book covers and original text running in between them” as with Horror writer, Brian Keene’s back piece (abebooks.com). He proudly displays the covers of his published books forever on his skin. This kind of expression is seen as artistic motive for many audiences and fewer crowds are throwing verbal pitchforks at those who enjoy having permanent pictures fixed onto their skin.
Since one picture is worth a thousand words it cannot be difficult to comprehend a liking for tattoos as a representation of memories. Elaborating on that cliché, Kat Von D expresses in her book, High Voltage Tattoo, that her life’s “story is etched in the lines and shading” of the tattoos she dons over most of her body (15). Author, Shelley Jackson took this idea in a more literal sense. She decided to write a novella, but not on paper. Known as the ‘Skin Project,’ Jackson is having one word tattooed onto 2095 participants (abebooks.com). People are accepting tattoos in many regards, and are lining up to own souvenirs of their lives. Kat Von D decided that she wanted to make it in the Guinness World Book of Record; in a twenty-four hour period, she tattooed her shops logo onto 400 fanatics. People were lined up outside the doors of the High Voltage Tattoo shop for hours, just to be a part of a famous artist’s attempts at a world record.
Tattoos and piercings are known to be part of an alternative fashion. Things outside the “norm” have always gotten a bad rep from the general society, but now that tattoos are showing up all over the place it is hard to wean out the black sheep in the flock. Of course looks are always deceiving, many people from “federal judges to a retired corporate vice president [are] lining up for body are these days” (Roelf 52). Acceptance is persuaded by popularity and a lot of famous icons are flaunting their tattooed skin. They are on the red carpet, accompanying Versace gowns, showing up on the big screen and jamming on main stages. Today, ink stains the skin on sports professionals and is exposed on pin up spreads. Having these positive idols to look up to, instead of the stereotypical idea of tattoos as a sense of rebellion or criminal activity, is a heavy influence towards the acceptance of this particular art. Recently, one will find that it is a rare demonstration to define a person with tattoos as being in a gang or on their way to prison.
Protagonist characters displaying alternative fashions, including tattoos and piercings, are starting to dominate specific television shows. Derrick on Criminal Minds is a BAU (Behavioral Analysis Unit) Special Agent for the FBI, who has a lion on one bicep and a half-sleeve covering the other. Then there is Abby, from NCIS. She is a giddy, goth-girl, forensic specialist with a spider web tattoo on the left side of her neck. Of course the obvious shows on television involving tattoos are the well known Miami Ink and L.A. Ink. Reality shows portraying the life of tattoo artists and their clients. Diving into the stories behind the tattoos, the audience is able to see the emotional side of the art. Clients have been reduced to tears after glancing in the mirror at the final product. A few common themes of tattoos are that of memorial, remembrance and triumph. One of Kat’s good friends, Dan Smith had her do a family portrait of his friend (Bryce), Bryce’s fiancée, and their baby daughter. All of whom were killed in a horrible car accident, and this piece is what Dan wanted so as to “represent them just as he remembered” (84). Tragedies are remembered and lives honored after their passing. Tattoos present a certain outlet for some who have lost loved ones in untimely ways. Who can look down on that?
The military certain cannot. Recruiters have noticed the growing number of prospective military participants adorned with tattoos. The pieces that typically matter are in visible areas of their bodies. Certain sects of the military are more relaxed about those who have tattoos on their forearms, hands, and the backs of their necks. The only thing they ask is that the visible tattoos be in good taste, nothing provocative or demeaning. The military is more comprehensive of their recruits’ needing to express themselves; it boosts morale and gives the soldiers something else to think of, other than the chaos that surrounds them. In the September 2009 issue of Inked, there is a lengthy cover story about a young man in the U.S. Army who, after completing his duties in Iraq, was set up in his tent on base tattooing many of his fellow soldiers. The artist, Marcos Sierra, was also astounded to realize how many of the higher-ranked individuals were amongst the crowd wanting to be tattooed.
Of course if a tattooed individual is not interested in a career in the military, there are other options for careers and big companies are starting to see the pattern here. Taking into consideration the growing number of newer generations obtaining tattoos, executive companies are being more lenient about their initial rules of outward appearances. Many companies are:
…leaving it up to individual managers to set the rules for the employees who report to them…some take advantage of the open-mindedness and innovation that younger employees bring into the workplace (Roleff 53).
This is important to consider when applying for a job or even before getting a tattoo. Just because some bosses may be apathetic, or accepting, of a tatted individual, does not mean that every boss holds the same perspective. Though it is nice to see that more companies are giving leeway for those who enjoy expressing their individuality. People with tattoos are being given the chance to exert themselves in professional careers without having to worry too much about being judged for their tattooed appearances.
There are certainly strength in numbers and it would seem that many people are making it a point to accept tattoos because they are…well, they are showing up everywhere. Even if you know someone who looks as if they would never be the type, do not be surprised at what can be hidden under the wrapping. But the good ol’ media is also keeping everyone up to date on the latest trends and happenings and inspiring others with visions of beautiful designs on canvases of epidermis. If the militaries are making room for tattooed individuals, it can be believed that a positive means of acceptance is in order due to the structure of what societies have built upon. And thanks to the many icons involved in the media, sharing their stories and art; being positive influences to the generations to come. Whether one has visible ink or not, the fact that there are those leading the way to have businesses refurbishing their ideology, and are more apt to accept the uniqueness of individuals in a grandiose scheme. Everyone is different, though we may have similar likes, dislikes, hobbies and fashion senses it is about time that we all just learn to get along. You cannot judge a book by its cover, but you can cover yourself with book covers!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Janice Plays Fair (1st Draft)
One day, little Janice was going through a turbulent time, considering her monthly pains. She was fed up with that and the fact that boys constantly complain about the simplest things. With a fever and cold, it is as if their spleens were being ripped out. They have no idea what pain is really about. Until Janice decided they needed to comprehend. And this is the story of her new trend.
She went up to a boy, who liked her so
Yet due to his behavior she had never known
He would always tease her and call her names
So, this poor, stupid boy had himself, only, to blame
Janice walked up to this little pain in the ass
Thrusting her fist into his lower abdomen.
Surprised with the force, he landed in the grass
And, surely, was to never bother her again
“Maybe now, you will be more empathetic,”
she said strutting away, relieved with a grin,
Hearing his cries as they faded into the wind.
Janice smiled, with no intent to be apologetic.
This may be just one instance, but Janice continues punching boys in the stomach, whenever she’s pained. ‘If we should hurt one week out of the month, so should they,’ is what she thinks. It does make her feel better; like a transference to the meek. Boys look upon us as the weaker sex, yet if roles were reversed for a day, they wouldn’t stand an hour—it’d be too complex.
So they should really shut their mouths and be sweet for a change, give us back rubs (without us asking) and go out to the store without complaint. They lament about their problems, as if they’re the only ones. Just shut the hell up, and give us a kiss, or we’ll punch you in the stones.
She went up to a boy, who liked her so
Yet due to his behavior she had never known
He would always tease her and call her names
So, this poor, stupid boy had himself, only, to blame
Janice walked up to this little pain in the ass
Thrusting her fist into his lower abdomen.
Surprised with the force, he landed in the grass
And, surely, was to never bother her again
“Maybe now, you will be more empathetic,”
she said strutting away, relieved with a grin,
Hearing his cries as they faded into the wind.
Janice smiled, with no intent to be apologetic.
This may be just one instance, but Janice continues punching boys in the stomach, whenever she’s pained. ‘If we should hurt one week out of the month, so should they,’ is what she thinks. It does make her feel better; like a transference to the meek. Boys look upon us as the weaker sex, yet if roles were reversed for a day, they wouldn’t stand an hour—it’d be too complex.
So they should really shut their mouths and be sweet for a change, give us back rubs (without us asking) and go out to the store without complaint. They lament about their problems, as if they’re the only ones. Just shut the hell up, and give us a kiss, or we’ll punch you in the stones.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Sometimes I write about work...(teehee)
Happy Hour
It was not our typical, crappy, day at the office—anything, but theusual, really. Today was our last day. The company had been bought outmonths ago and last week we all got the final shift in the wind. Almost ayear was spent with employee morale flushing down the pipes, productionlevels decreasing with our sanity, and the five of our little cliqueconstantly being berated on our ‘lack’ of complying with company policies.
There were a couple times when we thought we would be canned, but—somewhatunfortunately—instead, we were reprimanded for our ‘bad behavior’ and‘misconduct’. By that, what I mean is that we were making the best of ourdays and positions in such a dark time. Staring at a computer screen, allday long, gets tiring and the all encompassing gloom of layoff doom aboutthe crowd, and throughout the building, creates such depression in onesminds that we could not bear to stand for it. And we didn’t. We could refused tolet it get us down, but in our frugal attempts to be optimistic, we were onlyshattered by the “Uppers.” Sounds ironic, huh?
Our little corner of the cubical universe was a bit louder, anddefinitely more obnoxious, than the rest. We would laugh, and bicker, andcackle at—and with—each other in order to maintain whatever sanity wecould grasp in our tedious routine. This, however, creates an improper workatmosphere. Apparently. It’d just be best if we sat, quietly, conductingour monkey routine in a unified and conforming manner. At least this iswhat the Notxies want. In reality, it was all personality politics.Expectations of a certain manner of conditional personalities, to be likedby the Notxies (yeah, Hitler had his favorites too). Those were the only ones whowould abstain from punishment and harassment from the ‘official’, non-cubiecrones.
We were also the ones to be out of our seats at right at 5h, butapparently, this is unethical in some form and fashion. Picking at strawswas the name of the layoff game at this point, but there was really noreason to be bullying the only people who actually knew, how to laugh andsmile in the darkest of economic times. Our company is not the only oneexperiencing changes and layoffs. The entire country is high demand forjobs, with none being supplied. It is way beyond my logic that peoplewould want to bring others down for having, in the least attempting, anoptimistic demeanor. So really? I mean REALLY?! What the fuck is ourinitiative anyways?
The answer? There really isn’t one. We were just the black sheep ofthe group, because we refused to let rules and regulations bring us downany further than we had to be. So that day, that final day, we went to grabdrinks at a bar down the road. Happy Hour at its best, to reminisce on thegood times we created for ourselves at H—. This was our timeto be at our highest volume of laughter, obnoxiousness and optimism. Withno one to stop us, no one to sneer, no one to look down on us for being whowe are.
“We’re free!” The throng of us chided as we strut out of thebuilding for the last time, ever.
“Where are these drinks, now?” Being too blind-sighted by the factthat this was it, we had not actually decided where to go for said HappyHour. To be honest? I was craving margaritas. However, I had no care in theworld where we went, so long as I had some hard liquor and decentfood.
“How about Chilis? It’s close enough for all of us and I’m cravingquesadillas,” H— chimed in response.
“I don’t give a shit! So long as I get the hell out of here and havesome cognac.”
“You and your hard alcohol, you’re poor husband will be picking youup by the time we’re done. I’ll stick to my beer and consciousness.” Ah,the constant hilarious bickering of T— and M—, always pricelessconversations.
“Well, I’m down for Chilis, I could use a margarita, and we’ll haveto all do at least one round of shots, that includes you N—.”
“Maybe one, JJ, but nothing too crazy.” “Chocolate Cake shot, it’ll be great. I promise.” With a smile, Iturned my back to them, and glaring at the building I spent a good portion oftime in this past year or so; I spit at it, then screamed as loud as Icould:
“GOOD FUCKING RIDDANCE!” (to be continued…)
Ice Man
This is one of my favourite articles that I wrote for one of the last classes I took at Westcon. Hope you enjoy mummies and tattoos! :)
There are many theoretical reasons towards the attraction of tattoos. People feel a need to express their individuality or remembrance of a person of chapter in their life. Also, there are theories of social acceptance, rebellion, and deviance in youths. However, we seldom hear about the studies with conclusive research debating whether or not tattoos are, or have been, used for medicinal purposes.
Introducing this theory is a 5,300 year old mummy found frozen in the Alps, discovered in 1991. Otzi, named after the valley in which he was recovered, has groups of markings on his back, legs and ankles. Scientists have proclaimed significant comparison of these markings to ancient versions of tattooing. These tattoos are bluish-black, some said to be lacerations filled with herbs and others produced from ashes injected into the skin with thing wood or bone.
Forensic experts examined the mummy’s body and were able to conclude that Otzi suffered from back pain, whipworm and arthritis of the ankles, knees, spine and hip joints. The markings on Otzi are in very close relation to specific acupuncture points used to heal such maladies in the body. Specialists have measured these tattoos on Otzi’s body and found that nine of the markings were directly on, or 6 millimeters from acupuncture points. Two others were located in the meridian, which is a key focal point of Qi energy flow.
Traditional Chinese acupuncture is a means of balancing and restoring energy in the body by inserting needles into certain points on the body. With the discoveries made in comparing the tattoos on Otzi’s body to acupuncture, scientists are negotiation the idea that acupuncture originated in Europe and not in China.
Otzi has a little over 50 tattoos on his body, some are crosses and the others form groups of 3 or 4 small lines. His tattoos may not have been beautiful, artistic figures or images, but they provided a purpose of the utmost importance. Have we finally found an insight providing positive aspects of tattoos? Tell Grandma to quit her nagging and negative similes portraying any tatted persons to that of an insidious pirate or Hell’s Angel. If scientists can be intrigued and hold a certain respect in their chronicles of human discoveries, then perhaps a little ink here and there, now, is not so bad. Who knows what the future will theorize about their history, looking back upon us now.
There are many theoretical reasons towards the attraction of tattoos. People feel a need to express their individuality or remembrance of a person of chapter in their life. Also, there are theories of social acceptance, rebellion, and deviance in youths. However, we seldom hear about the studies with conclusive research debating whether or not tattoos are, or have been, used for medicinal purposes.
Introducing this theory is a 5,300 year old mummy found frozen in the Alps, discovered in 1991. Otzi, named after the valley in which he was recovered, has groups of markings on his back, legs and ankles. Scientists have proclaimed significant comparison of these markings to ancient versions of tattooing. These tattoos are bluish-black, some said to be lacerations filled with herbs and others produced from ashes injected into the skin with thing wood or bone.
Forensic experts examined the mummy’s body and were able to conclude that Otzi suffered from back pain, whipworm and arthritis of the ankles, knees, spine and hip joints. The markings on Otzi are in very close relation to specific acupuncture points used to heal such maladies in the body. Specialists have measured these tattoos on Otzi’s body and found that nine of the markings were directly on, or 6 millimeters from acupuncture points. Two others were located in the meridian, which is a key focal point of Qi energy flow.
Traditional Chinese acupuncture is a means of balancing and restoring energy in the body by inserting needles into certain points on the body. With the discoveries made in comparing the tattoos on Otzi’s body to acupuncture, scientists are negotiation the idea that acupuncture originated in Europe and not in China.
Otzi has a little over 50 tattoos on his body, some are crosses and the others form groups of 3 or 4 small lines. His tattoos may not have been beautiful, artistic figures or images, but they provided a purpose of the utmost importance. Have we finally found an insight providing positive aspects of tattoos? Tell Grandma to quit her nagging and negative similes portraying any tatted persons to that of an insidious pirate or Hell’s Angel. If scientists can be intrigued and hold a certain respect in their chronicles of human discoveries, then perhaps a little ink here and there, now, is not so bad. Who knows what the future will theorize about their history, looking back upon us now.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Jalepenos and Jack Daniels
There is a lack of comprehending, on my part, what most people find fascinating about eating spicy foods. Not only the mastication aspect of it, but when a petit young woman likes to eat jalapenos like tortilla chips. What is the big deal? Why do people stare and comment?
“Oh my god! How can you eat those like that?”
Hm, the action itself, pretty much answers those questions, doesn’t it? It’s food, it tastes good to me and I enjoy it. What’s more to know? Except that spicy foods are good for your health, so what’s the problem? No problem? Okay then, what's the fascination? Honestly, I have not yet composed these questions into an experimental environment, but I plan to…someday.
What I do know about jalapeños is that they contain a chemical called capsaicin. This substance is an intense irritant with plenty of healthy benefits to boot. Capsaicin has been known to aid in the prevention of strokes, heart attacks, and cancer; it lowers cholesterol, speeds up metabolism and is, also, good for fevers.
Considering social conduct, eating jalapenos—like chips—is not a proven "norm". I have known a lot of unruly, conservative types in my life. I have always been that person to do something different, not just because it was 'unusual', but because I enjoy things that most people neglect to enjoy, because it is not socially accepted. Or people are just worried about who is looking and who is judging; blah, blah! However, there are many people who enjoy the same things as I. So what is with the shock majority? The looks and laughs? Not that I would mind if there is an attractive guy handing over compliments due to my unusual love of jalapenos. I am just befuddled over the oohs and aahs. It is food, like, turkey and ham, and yet people are not so amused by those. Are those foods boring? Are they not good enough for the same attention?
It is kind of the same sense, for me, as Jack Daniels and scotch. Not that I am going to sit here and rant about the health benefits of alcohol, mostly because those seem to be only illusions. Though in what I have come to witness thus far in my ordering Jack Daniels at any bar, is that guys, boys and the few men alike turn their heads in awe. Girls and women, and bitches the same either cringe or will do a shot with me. Again, it's not an attention ordeal I just really enjoy the woody potency; that bitter strength of whiskey. I also love how well it goes with cola, though it’s also great on the rocks. Admittedly, if to choose for something on the rocks it would be scotch; love my Johnny Black.
When I finally get out to do some active field research, my answers will undoubtedly be revealed. Where would this field be? The bar? Questioning the bartenders, the customers, the regulars about their preferences. Pool halls even, or my friends from college. Horay research!
“Oh my god! How can you eat those like that?”
Hm, the action itself, pretty much answers those questions, doesn’t it? It’s food, it tastes good to me and I enjoy it. What’s more to know? Except that spicy foods are good for your health, so what’s the problem? No problem? Okay then, what's the fascination? Honestly, I have not yet composed these questions into an experimental environment, but I plan to…someday.
What I do know about jalapeños is that they contain a chemical called capsaicin. This substance is an intense irritant with plenty of healthy benefits to boot. Capsaicin has been known to aid in the prevention of strokes, heart attacks, and cancer; it lowers cholesterol, speeds up metabolism and is, also, good for fevers.
Considering social conduct, eating jalapenos—like chips—is not a proven "norm". I have known a lot of unruly, conservative types in my life. I have always been that person to do something different, not just because it was 'unusual', but because I enjoy things that most people neglect to enjoy, because it is not socially accepted. Or people are just worried about who is looking and who is judging; blah, blah! However, there are many people who enjoy the same things as I. So what is with the shock majority? The looks and laughs? Not that I would mind if there is an attractive guy handing over compliments due to my unusual love of jalapenos. I am just befuddled over the oohs and aahs. It is food, like, turkey and ham, and yet people are not so amused by those. Are those foods boring? Are they not good enough for the same attention?
It is kind of the same sense, for me, as Jack Daniels and scotch. Not that I am going to sit here and rant about the health benefits of alcohol, mostly because those seem to be only illusions. Though in what I have come to witness thus far in my ordering Jack Daniels at any bar, is that guys, boys and the few men alike turn their heads in awe. Girls and women, and bitches the same either cringe or will do a shot with me. Again, it's not an attention ordeal I just really enjoy the woody potency; that bitter strength of whiskey. I also love how well it goes with cola, though it’s also great on the rocks. Admittedly, if to choose for something on the rocks it would be scotch; love my Johnny Black.
When I finally get out to do some active field research, my answers will undoubtedly be revealed. Where would this field be? The bar? Questioning the bartenders, the customers, the regulars about their preferences. Pool halls even, or my friends from college. Horay research!
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