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I don't care for either of them. I think it's a pretty half-assed way to express that you're a "science nerd" by going with a small tattoo of an outdated model of the atom. It's generic and pretty blah, like people who get a tattoo of a couple of musical notes to represent a supposed huge and overwhelming passion for music. If you're super passionate about science, take the above, very solid advice @Dan gave above about going big and get something big and bold that relates to something more specific that you're interested in. I've seen some great tattoos of Darwin's finches, for example. If you're interested in atomic physics, figure out a way to represent some wild quantum shit in a visually interesting way. Take your time, look around, and above all else, do your research on artists so you can get something that shouts loud and proud that you're a science nerd.

Since @PinkUnicorn found the Smithsonian link, I'll share the Soldier's Medal pictures with you. I don't think I've ever posted them on line before. The glare is the camera flash. It is awarded with two certificates - the award certificate as well as a narrative certificate. Most other medals only have the award certificate. I have them framed along with the eagle rank insignias that was able to recover from the locker in my office several weeks later and a picture of the Pentagon showing the destruction.

I was asked to donate my uniform and original award from that day - never thought it would be featured as a part of the exhibition. The award was the original one I received. I honestly didn't want one - I did then and still do feel that I was doing what I should have done. It was my responsibility to protect and help others. After time, people who were there submitted a request to have the award upgraded - without my knowledge - and I was ultimately awarded The Soldier's Medal at my retirement ceremony a little more than two years later. That truly humbled me. Thanks for the kind words. It was my honor to serve and I am grateful to have been able to help that day.

It's funny. The atomic whirl was my first tattoo on my upper shoulder. It is now covered by a kickass dragon 3/4 sleeve. So that's how I feel about that particular design: future cover up. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

@oboogie Thank you. It was a day that totally changed my outlook on life. I am working with my artist on a version of this. Probably will be very similar with some changes/additions to personalize it for me.

I like the first one, I like the simplicity of it. Not everyone wants a big tattoo, the main thing is you find something you like.

Wow. This is amazing, @Devious6. Proud to know a genuine hero. Well done, sir.

I just happened to come across this at the Smithsonian about @Devious6 http://amhistory.si.edu/september11/collection/record.asp?ID=20

I am truly stoked and anxious. This will be my personal memorial to 9/11 and my experiences in the Pentagon. I witnessed much that day - and carried the vivid nightmares for many months - much pain, fear, grief and heroism. Despite the fact that I tried to avoid it, I was humbled to receive the Army's highest award for non-combat heroism. It is the only of my many awards I received during my career that hangs in my den - and only because it was others who were there who petitioned the Army to present the award two years later when I retired. I accepted it on behalf of those who were killed, injured and the many heroes I saw that day. Although I did not experience any real long-lasting emotional or physical impacts, each year I still find myself slipping back into the nightmares as the anniversary approaches. I can literally smell the burning jet fuel and human flesh mixed in the acrid smoke, hear the screams and feel the heat of the flames. There is even a block of time that remains hidden to me - a point where my only memory includes seeing blue skies, green grass and hearing birds chirping...literally as I know I was looking out a window overlooking the post-impact destruction. I hope to never regain the memory of what I actually saw. So, on the 15th anniversary, this tattoo is my attempt/hope to finally close that chapter in my life. It is a way to recognize what happened, what I saw and did, and all those I knew who were killed, injured and impacted emotionally. I want it to express both what happened but also the awakening and hope of our Nation afterwards. It is a Nation that I hope we can find again - without having to witness the same degree of trauma, destruction and loss of life....unfortunately it seems a remote possibility now. If you are interested, this book is a collection of interviews done by The Army's Center for Military History that captured the day's events in the Pentagon in the words of those who lived it. My recollections begin on Page 105. As you look at the cover picture of the book, my office and where I was when the plane hit was just above the "R" in LOFGREN and where you see the lower yellow flames. You can download the book for free as a .pdf through this link. http://www.history.army.mil/html/books/070/70-119-1/CMH_Pub_70-119-1.pdf

Get a big cosmic outer space scene. Space is awesome, and nothing says "science is great" like stars and galaxies and shit.

So, this morning, while soaking in our spa at 6:30 AM like we do most weekdays, I "mentioned" to Lynn that I had scheduled my session for September 10th. Houston, we are Go for launch.

Mark, wow... I really want to hug you right now. @Devious6

@Devious6 hey man funny you should mention those blue skies - i was working in a school in northern NJ at the time - and to this day - any day that demonstrates the most ideal of weather conditions - crystal blue skies, crisp, yet beautiful temps...reminds me of 9/11 - it was the most wonderful of weather days i can ever remember in my life - and so oddly it is that it reminds of the most surreal and horrible of days - i still get the chills thinking about it good luck with your tattoo - i look forward to seeing it btw - i laughed at your mentioning the appt to your wife - rmeinds me so much of how i drop the news of yet another tattoo appointment god bless

Ha! @Devious6 I very quickly mentioned my October trip to my hubby. I don't know if he caught it or not but I DID mention it! *covered* I can only imagine your emotions. Your adrenaline will be massive... Super stoked for you!

Dont know how and where exactly i found this instagram, maybe on this site. Theres an english man who finds scrolls and paintings and i dont know what for reference for tattoo artist. why am i still babbling? https://www.instagram.com/caliseowin/ .

my wrists were not necessarily worse than any other parts for me,IMO all tattoos hurt. don't let the pain level of a certain body part steer your desire to have a tattoo.

It's an atom, right? I would find a shop / artist you like and show them the basic accepted atom drawing and ask them to draw up a version of it that they like. That's what I would do anyway. If you just want votes on A or B, I say B as it has more depth and artistic movement- whatever the hell that means.

I saw yesterday that Scott Harrison just uploaded a movie he made in 2004-2005 to YouTube. I haven't had the chance to watch it yet, but with the following description, I can't wait to make the time for it:

Appointment for early Feb made with Paul Dobleman. *squee*

I kind of act like I already told him, and he must have forgotten. ;-)

You are welcome! Hahaha. Also, I'm not being sarcastic in this instance. My second tattoo was a tiny wrist doodle. It took less than five minutes. Pain was over before it fully registered.

forearms are easy spots to have tattooed imo - not painful and you have a front row seat to the action - enjoy

Hi All! I really like the look of well-executed munewari. I have only seen it on men and a few smaller breasted women. As a larger breasted woman I am interested to see how munewari reads on...big boobs. So. To that end, does anyone have pictures to share? (lol good thing i've been here before because that ALMOST sounds creepy). Anyway, pictures of women, preferably with larger breasts, with munewari to the nipple. (definitely sounds creepy. but i'm doing it for the tattoos guys!) Thaaaankkks! beez (ps SF peeps, think i'll be down in the last half of august for tattoo!)

Yeah. What @Graeme said. I don't like either of them. Too twee.

All stitches out but one today. Vet says he is healing well. One week and he gets the other stitch out.

thanks,it was Oliver Peck

@Dan, I'm sure you posted it somewhere, but who did that rose? I love it. @PrivateAle, Fest 10 was a blast. The last one I went to!

Same as a few other people mention, I'm showing as username "Kill Uncle" on the front page, but myself everywhere else. This is with Chrome on a Mac. Didn't notice any issues on my iPad.

I like the 2nd color one, and remember rule #2 , "go big or go home"

I have always liked both. i really like the "flash style" with some unique filler. but nothing that takes away from the individual pieces. this is a cool idea with like fishscale filler. (not my tattoo)

An update on Rocky. He is healing well, but still seeping badly from under his left armpit. He wears a tee shirt to keep him from scratching that area with his hind leg. He only has to wear the cone about 25% of the time, when it is pretty obvious the itching is really bad - so we rub for him. I don't think smacking is the right thing for this kind of itch!

I've been busy recently! First up I got this really cute cat and umbrella from Wendy Pham at Brighton Tattoo convention. I've been after this piece of flash for years so happy he's now mine! Next up (and also at Brighton), I got the side of my knee done by Jody Dawber. This was the most painful tattoo I have ever got. I was whimpering like a baby (and I usually never make a fuss). I had to dig deep to get through it! Thank god she's fast. And last but not least, my latest addition (again on the side of the knee) from my super talented co-worker Lucy O Connell. Had my eye on this babe for well over a year, so happy to finally give her a home.

I have a thing mostly ironed out with Dave for the convention, too! Pretty excited. He does great hannyas, really expressive.

Just emailed my favorite local shop to set an appointment for a tattoo for myself and another for my daughter to have her ears pierced. I'm excited and wanted to tell someone and who the hell else would even care besides maybe LS? Pics in October if all goes well.

Retailer wise, Gomineko is a book seller that focusses on tattoo references. She's an excellent resource for purchasing books but depending on where you are at, it can take several months for books to arrive and there are no notifications of shipping/tracking. Also she is more expensive than other resources. Some people love her due to her inventory, while others not so much due to the price, lag or non-delivery. If you are fortunate enough live near a Kinokuniya book store, their books in their tattoo/woodblock section can range from decent to pretty good. They're a Japanese book retailer and have a few shops across the US. They sell the same books as Gomineko but are cheaper. They can also order books for you if you know exactly what you are looking for. That said, actual material wise, for general symbolism,"Bushido" and "Tattoos of the Floating World" by Takahiro Kitamura are excellent resources. I don't know the name of it but it looks like Horibenny just came out with a new book that at glance appears to be decent for introductory info on motifs too. Check out Amazon for all. For myths, study the source material. Read books on Japanese mythology and books on Woodblock print artists. There will often be descriptions about the scenes in woodblock prints. That can often give you enough information to research further about a subject on your own. Regarding mythology, read the "Kojiki" and the "Taiheiki". Both are translated in english and chronicle stories of the origin of/early Japan and medieval Japan. Another book I've found is called "Japanese Mythology" by Michael Ashkenazi. These books tell stories about deities and ancient heroes that are often subjects in Japanese motifs. I wish I had read the "Kojiki" sooner. Not regretting what I have but I feel I may have chosen different subjects if I had. Things I had written off earlier, I gained new appreciation for after reading more about them. There are tons of information out there. I feel it's much easier to learn about now, than it was even a few years ago. Hope this helps.

Just got this hannya giesha from Jeremy Lamos on my thigh. So happy with it. The actual tattoo didnt take long but it was a long sit. Felt pretty sick by the end of it. Had allot of fun with the eyes.

Three new ones last night by Will Lollie! My wife and I got "matching" swallows and I also got the bison head. I've also added a quick picture of my healed foodog.

Totally love the Cash piece, @oboogie! I'm team tegaderm/saniderm as well. One week later, mild flaking and no itching for this girl. One of my pieces didn't even flake/peel/nothing. Score!

Look into it! My skin is difficult to heal, and it works a treat on me. My Amy Winehouse healed perfectly with it. My artist Josh is thrilled to have found something that works on me. Until recently, he couldn't use blue ink of any kind because my skin freaked the fuck out and even became infected once.

And here he is with Amy. Really happy with it.

Wow, looks like everyone's been getting awesome tattoos. Good stuff guys. Got this tiger yesterday from Kike Castillo. Excuse the picture.

The young rebel Johnny Cash.

Psyched!!! Talked with my artist today - he's going to book me for September 10th. This one will...hopefully... be my 9/11 catharsis. 15th anniversary and the memories crowd back in about now... Really looking forward to this one!!

Here is my latest done on my birthday by Yushi while guesting in Seattle and under the needle great guy and awesome experience lines by machine and colored by tebori. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Maybe it's just because the back is the back, or that you're tougher than me, but a lot of my backpiece from Dave didn't feel very gentle. Not that it really matters, because Dave is an incredible tattooer and a great guy, and whatever you get from him is going to turn out fantastic.

Gatorade, Sour Patch Kids, headphones, tissues to wipe away the tears.

ya,that swelling thing,when I had the top of my hand done,it puffed up pretty good.I have tattoos all over my body and this is the first one that has swelled up. you can clearly see the swelling in this pic of it.the day it was done. . . and today long after the swelling is gone,5 months later

actually both my knee caps were not that bad,my inner lower thighs were tough for me.