We're back

Sorry for the lack of action on this blog while we were in Japan.
I hope you've checked mine and Allan's personal blogs from time to time, at least they've been sort of active.

Today is the 30th and for some that means time to send your in submissions for some sweet, future Uncle A tattoos.
I just wanted to let you know that it's gonna be a little while before you'll get a reply to those mails.
I'm just gonna collect them all this week, and then get out the calendar and try to fit everybody in.
After that, i'll get back to you, so please don't mail me more than once.

Unfortunately, i can already tell that there won't be time for everyone this time around.
This is not because i don't want to give you all appointments (there's nothing i'd rather do) or because Allan doesn't want to tattoo you (if i didn't occasionally stop him, he'd tattoo all the friggin time).
It's simply because there's not enough time.
We're already booked for a really long time and we don't want to be booked so far into the future that it won't be possible for us to take a trip somewhere, or a day off once in a while, so we're gonna try to fit in as many as possible, and the rest will have to get back to us when we take new clients again.
The selection process is not gonna be first come, first served, so you still have all week to write me.
Ok, i think that's it!
If you don't get an appointment this time around, don't be discouraged, we'll open up for new clients again in a couple of months.

Oh, also, i'm starting to get a few Milan mails already too.
If we do Milan in February, it'll be the same deal as last year: walk ins only, and you'll be able to chose from a bunch of line drawings that'll only be tattooed once.
Kind of a custom flash type deal!
We don't take request for the flash, Allan is gonna do whatever he feels like, and if you like it, come by the booth and get it tattooed.
All be designs will be made to take around three hours and as usual he's not tattooing any weird or awkward spots.

Ok, now that's really it!
I'm actually super sick and the only known cure to this type of food poisoning* is Star Trek and Lucifer snuggles.

Just because no one likes a post with no pictures, here's one of us at Inkrat with our American buddies, Hata and Allans Singapore clients

*Damn you sushi, i have your image tattooed on my arm and this is how you repay me?
Shame!

Remember Kinoki, the detox footpad, turned out to be a ripoff?

Alan and I present you, Osuke nutritional supplement:



For those who are interested, the product's laughable claims are detailed at its website.

However, we would like to point the readers to the five characters below OSUKE:

行迎友先天

The phrase has virtually no meaning in either Chinese or Japanese. But, using our handy-dandy Decoder Card for Gibberish English-Chinese Tattoo font, guess what 行迎友先天 corresponds?

OSUKE

After reading the product's name is complete gibberish, would anyone pay US$37.95 for a bottle of this supplement?

THE RULE BOOK

TISS THE SEASON....

Black Friday Sale 30 to 50% off on Estevan Oriol Gear

Happy Birthday Scott Adsit

Happy Birthday to out and proud baldie 30 Rock actor Scott Adsit!

NPH!

Thanks to reader Tony D. for this suggestion. I love Neil Patrick Harris. Loved him as Doogie Howser, loved him in Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle and love him as Barney on How I Met Your Mother. This guy can do anything - except stop his hair line from receding. His seems to be in the early stages, either that or he is able to hide it well. He uses the comb the hair forward approach. See for yourself:





You can see he has more forehead here than he used to. Here's a better look at his actual hair line:





You can see the sides are receding a bit. We will be watching him in years to come to see if he embraces his balding or pulls a John Travolta.

Juliette Lewis Concert in Paris

A fellow blogger just posted a review and some pics of the Juliette Lewis concert in Paris: Juliette Lewis concert in Paris. Sounds like everyone had a good time.

One thing I (and the blog writer) found funny was the comment on the venue's website: "A punk attitude that does not prevent her from being an active member of the Church of Scientology."

The blog writer said: "... some people have an odd idea of what a Scientologist is."

One of the reasons for strange ideas about Scientologists is this: "Where there is no data available people will invent it." L. Ron Hubbard (From the article: "Public Relations Series #18"). We do our best to provide true data about Scientology and Scientologists, but people are not always willing to spend the little bit of extra time needed to get to the truth, so they either make stuff up or grab onto the first piece of nonsense they come across (and the media is always very willing to provide a quick sound-bite of nonsense).

So Juliette is a punk rocker. What has that got to do with her being a Scientologist?

I like Gothic Metal, Death Metal and Operatic Metal does that prevent me from being a Scientologist?

Next time you hear some piece of nonsense about Scientology (like Scientologists Don't Believe in ...) please take the time to find the truth or just ask me: I will answer your questions about Scientology.


A culture is only as great as its dreams, and its dreams are dreamed by artists. — Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard

New Posters for NINE

Have you seen any commercials for the movie Nine? It looks incredible. Kate Hudson! Penelope Cruz! Fergie! Nicole Kidman! A MUSICAL!!! I can't wait! Check out the three new posters just released ... Nine opens nationwide on Dec. 25.

5 Thanksgiving Films We're Thankful For

Thanksgiving is about family, food, fun parades, and fabulous heartwarming films! This holiday, celebrate the season with our five favorite Thanksgiving flicks.

Miracle on 34th Street, 1947
Miracle on 34th Street is a true holiday classic. Beginning with NYC’s famous Thanksgiving Day Parade, the film takes us through an old man’s struggle to make six-year-old Susan Walker believe in the spirit of Christmas. As he plays the role of Macy’s very own Santa Claus, Kris Kringle tries to convince everyone that he is the real deal. Whether you choose the original film or the contemporary version, there’s no doubt that you'll be thankful for this holiday film.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, 1987
In this hysterical comedy, Neal Page (Steve Martin) is desperately trying to get home for Thanksgiving. His only travel companion for the holidays ends up being a blabbermouth slob of a man, Del Griffith (John Candy), who tells bad jokes and is never short of advice. Wishing he could be with his family, we relish watching Page spend the holidays with his new friend. This film just goes to show you should be grateful for all your friends -- new and old!

Home for the Holidays, 1995
Claudia (Holly Hunter) is already having a rough holiday season. She has lost her job, found herself in a compromising situation with her soon-to-be ex-boss, and discovered that her daughter won’t be home for Thanksgiving. Now, on top of everything else, she has to deal with the lunatic antics of her crazy extended family. How will she survive? We love watching this group of misfits come together to celebrate the happiest time of the year. Home for the Holidays also stars Robert Downey Jr., Anne Bancroft, and Claire Danes.

The House of Yes, 1997
Parker Posey stars as Jackie, a mentally unbalanced young woman who wants to be Jackie-O. When her brother comes home from college for Thanksgiving with a new fiancé, Jackie goes into a rage. After disastrous events and unusual comedic antics, we realize that this whole family is off its rocker. Have a laugh with this very indie holiday film, and give thanks that this family does not belong to you!

Pieces of April, 2003
April Burns (Katie Holmes) is hosting Thanksgiving dinner at her New York apartment for her estranged family, which includes her dying mother. She struggles to fit in and give her family a delicious, flawless holiday meal. As they travel from Pennsylvania to April's Lower East Side neighborhood, we learn more about the unique, strained dynamic between black-sheep April shares with her whole family. Desite a broken oven and many comedic errors, this imperfect family bonds during a special holiday evening spent together.

Solange Knowles

Looks like she is following in big sister Beyonce's footsteps in more than one way...





At least Solange is trying to save her hairline. She has shaved her head and is wearing it proud - no wigs or weaves.

10 DAYS TO YOKOHAMA JAPAN

NOT ONLY LOOKING FORWARD TO TATTOOING SOULS IN THE EAST...BUT CHECKING OUT THE BIGGEST CAR SHOW IN JAPAN....MOONEYES. JUST STARTED A NEW BACK PIECE THO...

Best Sexy Girl Tattoo

The right kind of tattoo on a girl can be incredibly sexy. Here are some important points when going for a sexy girl tattoo:

1. What kind of design? A sexy girl tattoo should be something erotic, exotic, and even a little dangerous looking. What you should not get is something "cute", like a rose or some common type of girl tattoo. The design that stands out is going to be strong and sexy. You can still bring femininity into your tattoo by adding other elements around it. For instance a dragon tattoo on a female can be very sexy, while you can then add in surrounding stars or small flowers to accentuate feminine qualities, while remaining sexy and dangerous.

2. Where to get your female sexy tattoo? Areas that accentuate a sexy tattoo are upper arms, upper back, and upper thigh areas. Other areas may work well also, but one area to avoid is the lower back. While this area has been viewed as a sexy place to get your female tattoo, it's been played out and become too much of a trend. Now slang terminology has emerged referring to female low back tattoo's as "tramp stamps". So instead of "sexy", low back tattoo's have turned into trendy and unoriginal.

3. How large? Generally sexy female tattoo's tend to be bigger, which contributes to their strong, stand out look. Again, a small tattoo tends to be more "cute" than sexy. Whereas a larger tattoo stands out and can be much more elaborate, sexy and "dangerous looking". It need not be a large mural filling up your whole back, but an above average sized tattoo tends to be the sexiest.

Tattoo Art

Celtic Tattoo Art Style and Substance:

Among the various popular genres of art used in tattooing, Celtic art is likely among the most distinctive. There are many different types of Celtic and Celtic-inspired art from which one might choose. The intricate detail work for which this style of art is known has made its impact very apparent in other types of artwork, such as tribal and various styles of abstraction. Celtic art itself, however, is not particularly abstract though it tends to be very stylized. Whether it's representing one's heritage or just representing one's taste in art, these designs remain very popular.

Among the most well-known types of Celtic tattoo art is the Celtic knot. These designs consist of undulating lines and very detailed decoration, usually in the middle portion of the larger lines. The scrollwork effects that characterize this type of art make it excellent for those who want a tattoo that's meant to be viewed close up and, when tattoo artists are looking for a piece of work that represents their skilled hand, it's hard to beat the visual impact of the fine detail involved in creating Celtic and Celtic-inspired designs.

Celtic culture is from whence come the stories and beliefs of the Druids and many of the traditions and beliefs that characterize neo-Paganism and Wicca. Many of the symbols in this artwork trace their roots back to these ancient beliefs. For example, stylized trees are very popular in this genre. The Druids revered trees, particularly oaks, and this symbol of the natural world is oftentimes represented in very unique and memorable ways in Celtic art. Animals are also popular and they benefit from being rendered in the same distinctive style as are all the other elements found in this genre.

Choosing a Celtic design takes some consideration. Many of these tattoos look the best if they're situated on a fairly flat area of the body where they can be shown all at once rather than being wrapped around the arm or another limb. Some of them have color and some are only black and white. Where color is concerned, dark greens tend to offset the black work quite nicely and add a touch of this ancient culture's connection to the natural world. Some individuals choose bold colors for these tattoos. Generally, the more colors used the less traditional the art will look though the overall effect will still be quite appealing.

Celtic designs are particularly favored by those who wish to show some spiritual connection to the Earth. Designs which feature a circle wherein all of the four seasons are artistically represented are particularly popular. Other examples of this include designs which feature both the characteristic scrollwork and other detail which is infused with abstractions of various symbols of the natural world. These designs are particularly popular in circular configurations which makes them ideal for the upper arms of males and the back shoulders on females. Armbands which incorporate such designs are also very popular choices.

Dragon Tattoo Art Sexy Girl

Dragon tattoo art has been one of the most sought after designs especially among male tat enthusiasts. The creature, although mythical and non-existent has strong symbolism attached to it, not to mention the artistic appeal it has when inked on one's body.

Dragon tattoos can represent two different meanings depending on how they are portrayed. In the West, they are regarded as an evil and mean winged creature who breathes fire and guards caves with golds and jewels. Those who want to get these treasures have to slay the dragon first. In this case, dragon tattoos can mean fearless, power, courage and strong will.

The other symbolism of dragon tattoo art is good luck, fortune and wisdom as how they are look upon in the East. In China, they are the main symbol during the celebration of Chinese New Year as they are believed to bring prosperity, benevolence and good will. As a tattoo design, they can mean intelligence, protection, balance and harmony.

Dragon tattoo designs are very adaptable and flexible body art and looks great on large areas of the body such as the arm, rib cage, chest, back and shoulder blade. They can be seen inked in colors such as red and green while others opt for the plain black ink with some tribal touch. They can be portrayed as terrifying or monster-like, charming and kind and even small and innocent. It all depends on what kind of message the person sporting the tattoo wants to portray.

When it comes to resources for design of dragon tattoo art, its always best to do your research first before purchasing one. Read reviews online of the tattoo gallery membership being promoted and see which one best suit your need.

Juliette Lewis In Her Own Words

Juliette Lewis is on-tour in the UK promoting her new album, Terra Incognita. While there she gave a brief but very interesting interview to the Guardian newspaper:

This much I know: Juliette Lewis. The actress and singer, 36, in her own words


A culture is only as great as its dreams, and its dreams are dreamed by artists. — Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard

British Baldie Joe Swash!

Thanks to reader Alex for this submission! Joe Swash was Mickey Miller on EastEnders and then went on to win the British "I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!"

Alex writes:
As you can see, something miraculous has happened to his hair. What i cant work out though is what he has done to it. Is it a hairpiece, is it plugs, is it spray-on hair or what? If you, or any readers, can help shed light on the truth i'd be grateful. it's driving me crackers trying to work it out.


Here's Joe on I'm a Celeb... as Alex comments "you can see great thinning and receding here - so much so that its makin him sick":






Here Joe is after winning I'm a Celeb donning what Alex describes as a "comb up and over":





And here's Joe in September of this year. You can clearly see his hairline cannot control itself and won't stop receding:





Here's Joe just this past week. It's a miracle! Something miraculous has happened! Joe has a full head of hair! Haha oh yeah and pigs now fly. What I meant to say is Joe now has a hairpiece.

YOKOHAMA JAPAN TATTOO TRIP

GOING TO JAPAN TO HOOK UP WITH THE HOMIE YONE FROM BULL ORIGINAL FOR 10 DAYS OF TATTING THEM UP WITH NOTHING BUT LA SKID ROW STORIES....THIS IS GONNA BLOW THEIR MINDS

Another set of Gibberish English-Chinese Font

Alan and I have discovered another set of gibberish English-Chinese font that many people are getting tattooed with. We have compiled this handy-dandy decoder card for those who want to be entertained deciphering gibberish tattoos:


DecoderCard.pdf

Using decoder card, this tattoo below is "SABINA", in gibberish of course:


http://www.bme.com/tattoo/A91117/high/jph9-untitled-image.jpg


Update: Nov. 22, 2009 - Alan has created an updated version of Decoder Card:


DecoderCard_v2.pdf

911 MEMORIAL

MY PARTNER DEDICATED HIS BACK TO THE MEMORY OF OUR BROTHERS IN NY THAT WITHOUT HESITATION WHATSOEVER....GAVE THERE LIVES AND SACRIFICED IT ALL...MAY THEY REST IN PEACE AND SHALL WE NEVER FORGET THEM.....ALL 343 OF THEM

Calum Best!

Thanks to reader Dave H. for this discovery! Calum Best is a model/actor better known to the older generation as being the son of soccer legend George Best (Manchester United) and to the younger generation as ex-beau of Lindsay Lohan, Sarah Harding and Kate Moss.

He may want to consider focusing his career on modeling hats. Check out his Jude Law look.





Here he is more recently:

FINE LINE......

AT TIMES WE HAVE TO STRAY FROM DOING FINE LINES.......BUT ITS WORTH IT

Kimono pattern awesomeness

Allan had two sessions on his back this weekend, both around six hours.
Phew.
More pictures here.

By Shige at Yellow Blaze in Yokohama

Drew Lachey!

Yet another former boy band star has made his way to our site. We first heard the name Drew Lachey when the boy band 98 Degrees burst onto the scene in the late 90's. After the boy band era faded, we only heard from Drew occasionally, as a guest on his brother Nick's reality show, Newlyweds. Then out of nowhere Drew showed up on Dancing with the Stars and won.

A few nights ago, I was flipping through the channels and caught the tail end of Drew's appearance on Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? I didn't watch it long enough to find out if he was indeed smarter than a 5th grader. But I did watch it long enough to notice his hairline isn't what it used to be.



Here's Drew in his boy band days:





And here he is more recently. I don't need to point out the obvious:

Adam Duritz of Counting Crows!

Adam makes this one easy for us, because he freely admits to wearing a wig. According to a 2008 Rolling Stone article:


His dreadlocks — which he has always freely admitted are hair extensions — are fascinating up close. They're so incongruous with the rest of his appearance ("I'm a Russian Jew American, impersonating African," he sings on the Crows' new album) that you half expect them to begin moving, like a giant tarantula. Not long ago, Duritz's publicist urged him to shave his head, but he wouldn't do it. "Whatever they hide or cover about myself, you know, they feel good," he says. "And I did not want to be skinhead guy."


Here he is a few years ago, you can see his hairline is receding in the front and he has piled on fake dreads on the top.





Here he is more recently. You can see the front hairline has improved.





I can't even picture Adam without all that hair. Then again, he is 45 years old now, and he will have to grow up someday. While he is man enough to admit he wears fakies, he is not man enough to face the world without them.

Snoop & Travis Talk About FMS Decade Party and Estevan Oriol Colabo!

Estevan Oriol & MisterCartoon The Big Payback

FIREMANS TRIBUTE

HERES ONE IM WORKING ON FOR A PARTNER OF MINE WHO WANTED TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THE CITY HE HAS SOO PROUDLY SERVED FOR MANY SLEEPLESS YEARS....INCORPORATED A LONG POSTPONED COVER UP AS WELL. THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR TIRELESS COMMITMENT

Light as a feather

Allan did two of these little foot feathers (slightly different from each other, but i figured one photo was enough) AND that giant cover up on Wednesday.
He sure is busy here.
Tomorrow; Yokohama!

Ellie's first tattoo (or is this the second feather?)

Peaches Geldof - Scientologist

The British know who Peaches is, but as she may not be as well known on this side of the pond, I thought I'd better give a brief intro: She is the daughter of singer Bob Geldof and the late Paula Yates (TV presenter). She is a model, writer and TV personality. (You can read more in this bio: Peaches Geldof.)

In a recent interview on British TV she revealed that she has been a Scientologist for a couple of years.

Here is a video of the interview:




A culture is only as great as its dreams, and its dreams are dreamed by artists. — Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard

L.A Woman book signing tomorrow night at Downtown L.A Artwalk

ITALIAN STALLION REPPIN OUR CITY OF ANGELS

Back in Koenji

So, now we're in Tokyo, Japan.
Me and Allan, that is, we left Nick, Eckel and Lucifer at home.
We arrived on saturday and today is... i don't even know, wednesday maybe?
Whatever day it is, it's damn good to be home!

Allan has been working a lot, there are pictures up on his blog already.
Besides that we're just hanging out with our Japanese/American posse.
This weekend Allan is gonna get some work done on his backpiece and the weekend after that we'll go to a mini convention in Osaka.
Oh, and we're going to a j-pop concert too, so awesome!

Today at Inkrat

Gui is getting some flames covered

Later tonight, Okonomiyaki at one of our favorite restaurants, yum!