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I believe you are seeing things a bit out of context. In the first place, if we say as a fact that the Third Reich ended-up killing six million assorted peoples, then how is the swastika more of a "hate symbol" than the Hammer and Sickle, the insignia of the Stalinist regime that was responsible for the death of over sixty-million people? As for the "Black Power" movement, you should do a little research. There were a fairly large number-not in the millions, certainly, but a fairly large number, killed by those espousing it. Maybe read-up a bit on the Nation of Islam, see what their early teachings regarding the White race were...and to a large extent still are. Azatlan...now that's a real good one. The "Reconquista". Check that out and feel the love. Last but not least, I will reiterate two points. One is that many people used the swastika without ANY political or racial connnotations in the not-too-distant past. It was actually a very common thing for bikers, especially, to either wear it or have it tattooed on them. The second point is that if the work was done in a prison, it was quite likely to have been done in order to survive. Whites are a distinct minority in almost every prison in this country, and there are groups such as the BGF to name but one, who would dearly love to see that nminority erased. Once inside, many Whites band together for protection, and the swastika is a very common symbol of those groups. White Power, Black Power, Brown Power...I put them all on the same plane. A racist is a racist, no matter what color he is.

1st @gougetheeyes congrats my good man!!! 2nd Has everyone else realised the tid bits of GOLD scattered through out this thread? All i'll say is that when the LST flash sheets get painted/tattoos start a flowin', some of the previous quotes better be in banners around ban hammers. ;)

hey look @gougetheeyes - I found something for you...

"Obviously, you're not a golfer.."

Woulda just out this in the "Pet Peeves" thread, but since I'm not a tattooist... Reading through all of that, man, I felt bad! I've never gone to a shop in any but an immaculately clean condition, wouldn't think of trying to tell an artist how to do his thing, nothing like that, but you know, in the last three or four months, I've probably done some of every pet peeve on there. Mea Culpa, Mea Culpa, Mea Maxima Culpa. I get tattooed at CTC exclusively. No big news there. I've got six kids, and they are all fascinated by tattoos. My oldest, 25, disregarded my advice and went to a local "shop" on his 18th birthday. He has kept the thing as a reminder not to go there anymore. When he was 16, I brought him and one of his buds into CTC with me to watch part of a six-hour session I had booked with Miles Maniaci. I asked if it was kool for them to come back and watch a bit, and was told it was all good. They watched for maybe a half-hour, then split, then came back later for another maybe half-hour. That one has gotten two fairly decent-sized pieces from Nick Colella at CTC since then, and was talking to me the other night about how he'd like to have Mario do some Oriental-style work on him. My 18 y.o. son has gotten some good pieces from Nick as well, and both of them are planning on getting more. When my Lady and I went into CTC to get a matching piece, I had spoken to Nick and e-mailed back an forth with him about the piece we wanted, and he drew it up. We got there, and it just didn't light us up...the execution was great, the idea was just not that good. My Lady spotted some old Sailor Jerry stuff, and we both liked it immediately. I apologized to Nick, and asked if he would do that for us instead. He agreed, and didn't want to hear about being paid for the sketch he did. I went back last month and had Nick do an old piece of Cliff Raven flash, I had e-mailed him and told him I wanted that, but customized with my kid's names and some other things, asked him to run with it. No pics, just gave him an idea. Went in, took my 14 y.o. daughter and my Lady with me. Asked if they could watch, and again, was told no problem. Looked at the thermo, laid down on the table, and never looked back. Killer piece. So last week I went back, this time with my 16 y.o. daughter, my 17 y.o. son, and my Lady, got a fairly large chunk of my ribcage done-still hurts like a mofo-and again, asked if they could come back and watch. Again, no problem. I told the kids they had to split if it got crowded, and to stay away from the other artists work stations. I suppose I'm one of those guys who watches every line being done. Not because I can't wait to see my stylized dreamsickle, but because the craft, the art, the skill, blows my mind, even after all these years of being tattooed. I ask questions about equipment, I ask questions about technique. I wouldn't dream of trying to tattoo in a million years, I am just curious as hell, and am amazed at the development of the equipment-and techniques-that have taken place in the 38 years since I first walked into CTC and plunked down my $20 for my first pro tattoo. Even with all that ignorance, Nick and Mario have never blown me off, always answered any question I've asked, and never treated me like a mark. Last week, I was asking about power-supplies. I had seen a fairly high-end power-supply/regulator at American Science and Surplus in Milwaukee, and wondered if it would be worth buying and bringing in for them. Mario was gracious enough to explain the advancements in power-supplies, and why it was better to use purpose-built units than to adapt others, and he didn't even make me out to be stupid. I've always told my kids to be quiet, to be respectful, and to stay out of the way. When they do come back, I ask where they should sit or stand, and make sure they stay there. If I have a coat, a hat, glasses, whatever, I ask where I can put them so they won't be in someone's way. I turn my phone off, and make sure anyone with me has their phone off. I'll be going back to CTC as soon as my ribs heal to start sleeving-in my left arm. I have a bunch of work on it from Dale Grande, and a bit from Mark Miller. It's all connected, but Nick is going to put it all together for me. I guess I should rethink bringing my kids with, but to us, it's a big deal, something we do together. Guess I'll talk to Nick, and make sure it's okay with him, and with the other artists working there before I do. I know there are a lot of jag customers out there, I've seen 'em. Maybe there's a way to get 'em to go only to the jag scratchers that abound?! Went into a place local up here, I had met the owner's wife where she works. The owners apprentice was the only one there, and I heard about the shop he had that "went under because the assholes around here work too cheap", I hear fuck this, fuck that, fuck the next thing, I got cigarette smoke blown in my face, and ya know, the guy never even asked if I was interested in getting a tattoo. Guess I missed my chance with him.

I don't do that stuff, not because I'm half Puerto Rican which is the case but because I choose not to makey money on stuff that's in direct opposition to my conscience. You don't have to pass judgment to tell someone straight up that they're entitled to get what they want but they won't get it from you. I understand that it can be difficult for the first time it walks in the door and you're unprepared so get prepared. Determine your boundaries on how you choose to make your living and stay true to them. Everyone I work with knows what I will or won't do and respects my decisions. What I believe I don't push on people but I believe firmly enough that I never feel conflicted. A lot of us got into all of this because we choose to live on our own terms. I've never felt the need to trade that in for a day's pay.

Along with moderator approved photo verification of being tattooed. YES. or at least a card verifying their deposit to get their first tattoo. shit or get off the pot yo!

What would you tell him if he came in with a Clenched Fist over "Black Power", or a portrait of Che Guevara? How about "Viva la Raza"? Would those be racist too? Maybe a nice solid black Hammer and Sickle, is that hateful? If the man got the work in the joint, it was a statement he chose to make, and it took stones, and he had to back it up. It may also have kept him alive. Another thing to think on, the Swastika was, at one time, say, early sixties to late seventies, a pretty common piece, especially for scooter-trash. Didn't have a damn thing to do with nazis or racism. If he had the stones to get it put on, and you hate it, you should have had the stones to tell him to take a hike. .02

@gougetheeyes !! He'll be joining the ban hammer glamour @hoog We'd like to thank Gouge for accepting the move from Community Leader to Moderator to help us try and better the forum all out of kindness and no pay. I know Team LST appreciates all you do for the site!! Plus we look forward to meeting you face to face on your visit out this way......

Instagram My new back....love it. Wanted it New England as fuck. I love Chad, Jason, Bill and Spencer at Congress st/ hobos. Sorry about the ASS shot....soooo much pain. We may add more on the ass later..uggghhh. Love it. Classic.

While getting tattooed, my go-to buddy at Sacred constantly gets requests for face/neck tattoos. He always calmly and perfectly states that it is just not his thing and always recommends someone either in the shop or another shop that would be happy to do it. People usually respond with some kind of hostility towards him which I dont understand at all. Then again, downtown Oakland usually attracts some assholish mother fuckers.

Nice stuff on here. I guess if it's open to bikes too, I'll throw mine in the mix. 66 Triumph Trophy with its newly painted tank, used to be black.

HAHA exactly! I'll do my best to stay positive when I'm not cranky. Thanks again everyone for trusting me, though I must admit, I still haven't figured out all the buttons. You know.. on the keyboard of this.. machine.

@gougetheeyes will have to start training for this prestigious position. pulls up, push ups, arm curls for a strong ban hammer.

We are a band of brothers, banning others.

Stopped into Cathedral Tattoo yesterday and got myself a spur of the moment birthday banger from the talented CJ Fishburn.

Django looks awesome... Watched a movie called 'Wake Wood' from then newish Hammer Horror reboot studio yesterday. It's got Aidan Gillien in it (you may remember him as the young mayor from 'The Wire' or Littlefinger from 'Game of Thrones'). Set and filmed in Donegal, where I'm originally from, which is a really rural part of Ireland. You're not so much talking hillbillies as neolithic hillforts. Anyway, the movie was pretty good. Not dissimilar to 'Pet Semetary' in concept.

My '62 Impala from 7 years ago. My pride and joy for 5 years. Started with something like this: ended up with this two years later ( went from a 235 3 speed to 350/350 combo) Under the hood: My current project is a '78 CB750 street tracker/ Jap bobber

I will be guesting at New York Adorned August 13th-18th. Email [email protected] if you are looking to get tattooed by me there. I will be at The London Tattoo Convention in September at Tobacco Dock. I will be at The San Fransisco Tattoo Convention in October. I will be at Elm Street Tattoo in Dallas before hand and Goldrush Tattoo in Orange County, California for the week after SF Convention. Also, I will be at Wooster Street Social Club in NYC at some stage during the summer. Dates to follow! For appointments please email [email protected] Thank you all, Ross

This will be heavily discussed upon your arrival.

Yeah, rib tattoo, fun design...uh-huh! I will say it wasn't as bad as the knee-caps, just a hella longer. Pretty much buried in scab now, but I'll post a pic when it's all healed up. CTC is a strange place...I don't think I'd say "family-friendly", but yeah, you can bring your family in there without worrying about them. It's still a bit sketchy around the edges of that 'hood, but not so bad you can't send a kid out for coffee. Most of all, the people working there are top-flight. They make sure everythign is buttoned-up tight no matter what, and will treat you right. You know, they got those $90 flights out of La Gwah-dia to O'Hare, you ever get the urge, hit me up, we can always find couch space!

Intent is everything: ManWoman

Steven Hawking would be so confused by all this shit.

No, man, you wouldn't be an asshole, you'd be standing up for what your beliefs are, and that's NEVER wrong. The racist thing did strike a nerve, as I mentioned, a lot of people used the swastika with absolutely no connection to "White Power", or nazi-ism, or any other political belief. Bottom line-you gotta look at youself when you shave every morning, so if you don't feel right about doiing it, just tell the man "I don't do any work on swastikas". It's honest, it's non-judgmental, it's just your thing. I would bet he'd just walk it off.

I suppose when dealing with people that think money=respect then you will start to get some kind of personality clash. I work in the public service sector dealing with water delivery and waste water management, Daily I work on the road dealing with disgruntled people that tend to blame me for their sewer service not working as it should, its like they think I designed the system or something, often people treat me like crap because there taxes pay my wages. The facts are when people do not understand what you actually have to do they are very quick to judge. I would love to see my customers stick their arm into their own piss and shit or get shit in their mouth or in their eyes to get the system working again. Everyone has good and bad days.

Sounds plausible. especially because Valerie's interview was up then and Stewart's was getting ready to drop shortly thereafter

@stormface, I always get just a little bit jealous when I hear someone's a total pinky.. If I knew then what I know now, etc. But you're a great spot to learn and see what's out there. You're in a great city for it!

Oh yeah-don't misspell "Racist" if you tattoo it on someone.

Its the one with the place on the side for to-go right?

@hogg ban that fool, he hasnt even checked in for 5 hrs I kid @gougetheeyes congrats

Reason #1,845 why I think you are the fucking reincarnation of @Bubbleberry.

"Most users ever online was 520, 3 Weeks Ago at 07:32 PM." - So it does seem to be timezone specific. That's Aussie time, so I'm guessing it was when a bunch of Euros were on here during the day instead of working ;)

I'm pretty far into it. One more session and everything above the belt is finished, leaving just the color on my butt/legs.

shipping as fast as we can! up all night packing books and prints.

Can't be enough skulls, that's for sure. Seriously considering the rooster from the sriracha hot sauce bottle. God I love that stuff, lol.

Sorry, but I will never be attending that show again. I will however be visiting the bay area and tattooing, so I will be more than happy to stay in touch and figure a time to tattoo you. Hope you are enjoying the summer. Talk to you soon

first hit on my back piece. snakes tail and skull will finish down my right thigh as my left thigh is already covered.

Cool, I've been known to geek it out also, however I have no idea how those images would have translated to a tattoo if he'd liked them? It is a tattoo forum after all, and he was looking for japanese tattoo ideas ;) And I'm sorry, but those where the worst Kirins' I've ever seen.

this is one i did the other day its about the size of the average girls hand

THIS.

My first tattoo at a shop, I was 21. I walked near closing time, for a large stomach tattoo. I didn't know any better at the time. So I was quickly informed of my stupidity and quoted a high price. Which I said I would pay. The point I am trying to make, is no body was trying to be my friend, or give me great customer service and they should not have to. All anyone should expect walking in to a tattoo shop is a good clean tattoo. After that tattoo I went back for more, and more. Years later I started tattooing, and I still get tattooed at that shop. I actually may be leaving the shop I am at now because I have a job interview there on Monday. I just feel like a shop should look appealing(good work, clean) but be some what intimidating at the same time. That way people don't ask you if they can do dumb shit while they are getting tattooed. I hate those situations, I always feel awkward being the voice of reason. And I always feel like they can read on my face, me cursing them in my head.

Drive to Chicago. The skin you save may be your own.

Protector Nagas. Chiang Mai, Thailand. Soltaniyeh, Persia (Map by Matrakçı Nasuh):

The phones are an every day occurrence. It's always "I wanna get this...." I say, "A blackberry? The iphone is cooler looking, you should get that tattooed on you,"...chirp chirp fucking retards. Nothing against retards. My other one is "Yeah, I have my reference, can I use your computer?" What the fuck? Use your own, spoiled fucks try to put a little effort into it, just a little. If twenty years ago you told me that 90% of everyone I tattooed was gonna bring me a picture of a tattoo they downloaded off the internet as reference I would have laughed my ass off. But I have to say, it save a lot of the "thats not at all what I wanted" crap. Fuck! Where have we come too?