I gotta admit, I'm a fitness buff, enthusiast and a gym rat. However, I've never gotten much into dancing, salsa or the like. I will, however, try anything that will help keep me in shape, improve my form and coordination, and just give me a good workout period.
A year and a half ago, a classmate of mine kept speaking of this ZUMBA class she teaches at the Y in Rock Hill. I asked her if I could come to one of these classes one Saturday since my gym (Your Best Body Fitness Center and Day Spa in Gaffney) didn't have them at the time. She said yes. When I saw some ZUMBA videos on YouTube, I was intimidated and concerned that I wouldn't be able to keep up and may even get worn out. That was definitely not the case. One of the big slogans of ZUMBA is that it is "one big party". And that it is. It's a lot of fun, and arguably one of the more exciting ways to mix fitness, fun, and great music since Richard Simmons and "Sweatin to the Oldies".
I immediately went to David and Lisa Fink at YBB and asked them when would we be able to get ZUMBA at our gym. Lisa said they would work on it. Well, a year and a half later, it FINALLY happened. There are now 4 ZUMBA classes going on at YBB, and everyone is having a good time, even the few guys that decide to show up.
I attend 2 classes/week myself because it is good, fun fitness, plus the instructors, Carrie and Alleigh, each add their own style and personality to make it great. Carrie's a more traditional ZUMBA instructor, does a lot of the salsa, and is more step by step with her instructions. Alleigh mixes ZUMBA with some fast-paced, dancing moves and even some cheerleader dances, techniques and spins. It sounds intimidating and metrosexual, but trust me, it's a good workout.
I have REALLY improved my coordination, balance, and mobility in the past month. I'm still not a dancer persay, but again that's not the purpose of ZUMBA. The purpose is to get you moving to the music in a coordinated but fun and relaxed way.
The folks at YBB are really riding the ZUMBA wave currently. The classes average about 25-30, even on Wednesdays, and that's one of the slowest periods in the gym due to it being church night. It's a new craze not only for Gaffney, SC but for America. I don't see it slowing down anytime soon either.
Carrie and Alleigh are keeping the routines and music fresh though, as folks will catch on very quickly to most any fitness routine. I believe I will recommend "All Night Long" by Lionel Richie and "Caribbean Queen" by Billy Ocean. I could see some good ZUMBA routines coregraphed from those songs.
I encourage anyone to contact your local gym and/or YMCA to see about getting into a ZUMBA class. It really is fun, a good workout, and it's cool to be able to move your body well, especially for your overall health and wellness. Join the craze and don't judge or knock it till you've tried it!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Monday, October 4, 2010
The case for Chase Hames
Many sports pundits around the state of South Carolina and even the USA have heard about Blacksburg High School's star running back, Chase Hames. He's a 3 year starter, and also plays wide receiver, defensive back and a little linebacker. He has racked up phenomenal stats this season, and is currently one of South Carolina's leading rushers at over 1,400 yards currently with 4 games to go (and a possible playoff game). He even had an eye dropping 350 yards rushing and 7 touchdowns against Latta in week 3, following that up with 437 yards rushing against Liberty. He earned National Player of the Week honors for that performance. I haven't seen many RBs do that against many folks, in that capacity. And I've seen many, many great running backs. The question is now, will (or should) Chase be selected to play in this year's Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas?
My answer is a resounding YES! Take away the fact that I'm a Blacksburg High alum and former football player myself, I know himself, his family and his brothers, and that his head coach, Mickey Moss, is this year's head coach of the Shrine Bowl. Chase has earned this honor not only this year, but throughout his 3-year varsity career at Blacksburg. His sophomore year, his offensive numbers weren't stealing the show, it was his prowess as a cornerback. He was All-Region and had the difficult task of covering current University of South Carolina receiver Alston Jeffery when Blacksburg played Calhoun County in the 2008 Class A playoffs. While Jeffery posted huge numbers himself (200 yards, 2 touchdowns), Chase didn't back down, even intercepting a pass in the end zone. Junior year, Chase had another All-Region year on both offense and defense. His offensive numbers were slightly better, 618 rushing yards, but again it was his defense that sealed the deal. This year so far, it has been all offense. He has been doing it up, gaining yards, touchdowns, and leading Blacksburg to victory. Mickey Moss and the rest of the Shrine Bowl coaching staff, take note. Put this guy on your roster!!!
Now here's some other drawbacks for Hames. He is very smallish, 5'7'', 170, plus he doesn't have blazing speed. However, if you watch him in practice and games, not many players on any level leave it on the field like he does. Plus this year he's gained big time yards against a much softer-schedule (one school, St. Joe's High School, is in its 1st year of varsity football). Also, Coach Moss apparently REALLY wants him on the roster as well. As head coach, he can take one of his own players by default. By matching him up against teams that can't tackle as well as other teams or have proper depth/experience, it allows young Chase to gain big numbers easier. The old formula SKILL + OPPORTUNITY = SUCCESS also comes into effect. Mickey Moss's offense is basically built around Chase as he runs the ball 25-40 times a game. Now anybody that knows football knows that if you have a decent offensive line and unless the defensive isn't the 1985 Chicago Bears, a back with good skill should average 150 yards/game at least. And Chase is definitely doing that, and then some.
I can't say I completely blame Moss for what he's doing to justify possibly choosing Chase for the game, and for his collegiate resume'. He has huge tests coming up in the next couple of weeks: this Friday at undefeated Christ Church, homecoming against Landrum, and a potential first-round playoff game. I'm not sure he will gain 200, 300 yards rushing, but he will do well as long as the line blocks and the team passes some (to his younger brother Nick possibly) to allow him to be a factor.
Given all of this, the kid deserves to be in the game as much as anyone I've ever known, and everything's in place for his selection. National Player of the Week. 1,300 rushing through a 4 week stretch. On pace for a 2,000 rushing season. Defensive stalwart as well. Hard worker, tough player. Irregardless of the schedule and other players, he has EARNED it.
There are several, DOZENS of former Blacksburg High School players that have make equal and greater accomplishments than Chase and were snubbed from the Shrine Bowl. These include: Shon Dawkins, Mike Smith, Mark Striewing, Joe Patterson, Stanley Watts, Randy Huskey, Fred Parker, Matthew Hale, Daniel Farris, and Nesbitt Black. The Shrine Bowl game is a game of politics, where mostly 3A/4A players make it merely off of competition, ability to perform in the big stage/games, and the ability to play many positions. This appears to be the year that Chase Hames and Blacksburg High School beats these politics and variables. There have been only 2 Shrine Bowlers in BHS history: Danny Fulton in 1972 (my former offensive line coach), and Doug Bolin in 1986 (arguably the BEST player ever to wear the Black and Gold of Blacksburg). Doug was also the last BHS back to rush for 2,000 yards. That has been 26 years since a Blacksburg player has accomplished the latter or the former (2,000 yards or the Shrine Bowl). Chase, all of Blacksburg is rooting for you, if nothing else for all the other players throughout the years that were omitted.
I like to watch these "once in a lifetime" athletes. Chase is not only one of these, but a once in a lifetime person. He will be successful at whatever he does in life. I just hope and pray that when the Shrine Bowl is played the 3rd weekend in December, he will be suiting up for that game. I've made my case. Does anyone else think he shouldn't play? If so, that's fine. However, he may be Blacksburg's best shot at a Shrine Bowler at least for two more years when Nick is eligible for the game. The time is now, Blacksburg, and anyone that knows high school football), let's stand behind this young man now, and not after he earns more hype.
My answer is a resounding YES! Take away the fact that I'm a Blacksburg High alum and former football player myself, I know himself, his family and his brothers, and that his head coach, Mickey Moss, is this year's head coach of the Shrine Bowl. Chase has earned this honor not only this year, but throughout his 3-year varsity career at Blacksburg. His sophomore year, his offensive numbers weren't stealing the show, it was his prowess as a cornerback. He was All-Region and had the difficult task of covering current University of South Carolina receiver Alston Jeffery when Blacksburg played Calhoun County in the 2008 Class A playoffs. While Jeffery posted huge numbers himself (200 yards, 2 touchdowns), Chase didn't back down, even intercepting a pass in the end zone. Junior year, Chase had another All-Region year on both offense and defense. His offensive numbers were slightly better, 618 rushing yards, but again it was his defense that sealed the deal. This year so far, it has been all offense. He has been doing it up, gaining yards, touchdowns, and leading Blacksburg to victory. Mickey Moss and the rest of the Shrine Bowl coaching staff, take note. Put this guy on your roster!!!
Now here's some other drawbacks for Hames. He is very smallish, 5'7'', 170, plus he doesn't have blazing speed. However, if you watch him in practice and games, not many players on any level leave it on the field like he does. Plus this year he's gained big time yards against a much softer-schedule (one school, St. Joe's High School, is in its 1st year of varsity football). Also, Coach Moss apparently REALLY wants him on the roster as well. As head coach, he can take one of his own players by default. By matching him up against teams that can't tackle as well as other teams or have proper depth/experience, it allows young Chase to gain big numbers easier. The old formula SKILL + OPPORTUNITY = SUCCESS also comes into effect. Mickey Moss's offense is basically built around Chase as he runs the ball 25-40 times a game. Now anybody that knows football knows that if you have a decent offensive line and unless the defensive isn't the 1985 Chicago Bears, a back with good skill should average 150 yards/game at least. And Chase is definitely doing that, and then some.
I can't say I completely blame Moss for what he's doing to justify possibly choosing Chase for the game, and for his collegiate resume'. He has huge tests coming up in the next couple of weeks: this Friday at undefeated Christ Church, homecoming against Landrum, and a potential first-round playoff game. I'm not sure he will gain 200, 300 yards rushing, but he will do well as long as the line blocks and the team passes some (to his younger brother Nick possibly) to allow him to be a factor.
Given all of this, the kid deserves to be in the game as much as anyone I've ever known, and everything's in place for his selection. National Player of the Week. 1,300 rushing through a 4 week stretch. On pace for a 2,000 rushing season. Defensive stalwart as well. Hard worker, tough player. Irregardless of the schedule and other players, he has EARNED it.
There are several, DOZENS of former Blacksburg High School players that have make equal and greater accomplishments than Chase and were snubbed from the Shrine Bowl. These include: Shon Dawkins, Mike Smith, Mark Striewing, Joe Patterson, Stanley Watts, Randy Huskey, Fred Parker, Matthew Hale, Daniel Farris, and Nesbitt Black. The Shrine Bowl game is a game of politics, where mostly 3A/4A players make it merely off of competition, ability to perform in the big stage/games, and the ability to play many positions. This appears to be the year that Chase Hames and Blacksburg High School beats these politics and variables. There have been only 2 Shrine Bowlers in BHS history: Danny Fulton in 1972 (my former offensive line coach), and Doug Bolin in 1986 (arguably the BEST player ever to wear the Black and Gold of Blacksburg). Doug was also the last BHS back to rush for 2,000 yards. That has been 26 years since a Blacksburg player has accomplished the latter or the former (2,000 yards or the Shrine Bowl). Chase, all of Blacksburg is rooting for you, if nothing else for all the other players throughout the years that were omitted.
I like to watch these "once in a lifetime" athletes. Chase is not only one of these, but a once in a lifetime person. He will be successful at whatever he does in life. I just hope and pray that when the Shrine Bowl is played the 3rd weekend in December, he will be suiting up for that game. I've made my case. Does anyone else think he shouldn't play? If so, that's fine. However, he may be Blacksburg's best shot at a Shrine Bowler at least for two more years when Nick is eligible for the game. The time is now, Blacksburg, and anyone that knows high school football), let's stand behind this young man now, and not after he earns more hype.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Checkout line etiquette: rudeness, hypersensitivity, or both?
This topic was inspired by one of my Facebook status updates a while back.
Basically, when one is at the checkout line, it tends to make better sense if you allow someone with one or two items to go ahead of you. It's polite, it's cool, and it will come back to bless you.
When I updated my status on Facebook, telling this story, I was met with a bevy of answers. All of them ranging from "that woman was rude", "Drew, you're just sensitive, people don't have time to let everyone with one item go in front of them", "You should plan better if you're in such a hurry", and "It's different with women. We have children, housework, etc., on our minds".
The latter response was especially interesting. However, a couple of other women (one that's actually a cashier at a retail chain store) and one that's a mother of four understood where I was coming from. If it's just one person behind you with ONE or TWO items and you have a buggy full of items, it won't hurt you or delay your schedule if you let them in front of you.
I even asked the cashier (and tested my theory when I went into her store a few days later) how long does it take the average item to be scanned, 30 seconds or less? She agreed. Therefore, what's half a minute out of your schedule, people?
Personally, if I see a person (notice I didn't say people) behind me with way less items than me, I let them go ahead of me. Whether I'm in a hurry or not is hardly the issue here. It's about caring about others and being considerate. That seems to have gone out of style along with cassette tapes, pay phones, and leather football helmets.
Of course you are not necessarily rude if you choose not to do this, nor are you hypersensitive if you think one should let them go ahead in line. It's just a matter of common courtesy and respect. I believe it's all in how you respond to it, though. If you say something in the nature of "sorry, I don't care if we're the only two in line, I don't have time to let them pass. They should have gotten there faster", I would say that sounds rude, and rather childish. Especially for those that have children of their own and they see this. Granted I'm not a parent, but I was raised with morals, consideration and manners. If you are too insensitive to consider letting someone in front of you at the checkout line, well you may want to take a second look at yourself and others.
Also, you should not also complain or expect others to let you in front of them when you only have one item and they have a buggy full. Granted it is the right thing for them to do. However I feel you should act the way in which you want to be treated.
My belief is it rarely (if ever) hurts to be nice to someone and do a good deed. You never know what the person on the other end is thinking, or undergoing. Your act of kindness could make their day, keep them from in turn being rude to someone else, and actually make you feel good. So why not do good folks?
Just take a look next time you're in the supermarket, Wal-Mart, Dollar General or even in a department store. See how many folks actually practice what I've been talking about. My guess is not very many will. However, you may want to take a special look at the few folks that actually do. It may actually make you feel good about yourself.
Monday, September 20, 2010
DEATH PENALTY: You kill someone, and you get killed back. Is that really our philosophy, America?
And I'm being dead serious with this title.
From the time I was a child and I read in an article from the early 1900s where my great-great grandmother's ex-husband, Tom Harris, was hanged in Gaffney, SC (I believe he was the last person to be hanged in Cherokee County, SC), I was always mortified by the death penalty that our country has for hardened criminals. I mean, we've had Jack The Ripper, Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dalmer, Timothy McVeigh, Malvo (the DC sniper), and Stanley "Tookie" Williams, just to name a few of the murderers that have either been executed or were set for execution.
Many folks love westerns such as Bonanza and Gunsmoke. Maybe that helped bring in the persona that folks who "kill" deserve to "be killed" themselves. I won't even get started on war movies and shows such as M*A*S*H. It just seems that especially in conservative red states such as Texas, if you kill a person in cold-blood, you have given yourself a death wish.
Personally, I do not think it should be the state's responsibility to end the life of a murderer. Granted, I understand that it's rough on the family, friends and other survivors. However, that type of self-defense is not going to bring the murdered persons back. Furthermore, it is inhumane, hypocritical, and non-Christian to simply put someone on death row for 5-30 years and then kill them. Doesn't it say in Exodus "Thou shalt not kill", one of the Ten Commandments? If Christian folks are making this law, what is the rationale and motive? This certainly seems like a poor example to be setting.
I've always been a proponent of rehabillition and second-chance. Granted, I don't think some folks can be rehabillitated and should remain in prison or a mental institution for life. However, that doesn't mean they should necessary be murdered themselves. That is NOT even trying to help that person, irregardless of the crime.
Certain laws may try to further justify the death penalty by saying how they have soften up the method of killing that person. After hanging was declared cruel and unusual, the electric chair became popular. However, that actually was much more ineffective, and folks have lived through this execution. Then lethal injection and the gas chamber came about, with the former being the preferred method for execution. Killing is still killing though!
Now don't get me wrong, even the death penalty has an exception. I'm not talking about if a prisoner is sooo dangerous that he/she manages to escape, and even hurt fellow inmates, guards, etc on a regular basis, and that is the ONLY recourse (think Gerard Butler's character in the movie "Law Abiding Citizen"). It should NOT be the main objective for someone who commits violent crimes though.
Generations are changing, folks are becoming more open and liberal to alternative punishment (the older folks would say they're getting softer). I say they're getting more compassionate. At the end of the day, these folks are human also. I do not condone violent, heinous crimes by ANY means. However, there are other solutions available. We just have to be creative, have an open heart and mind, and get to work on these alternatives.
Meanwhile, I wonder if children will continue to play Hangman? That is actually how Wheel of Fortune originated. I admittedly loved that game, but given my thoughts on the death penalty, find it hard to play every now and then. It is more fun than, say, a lethal injection game. Maybe that's another reason it's so hard for folks to let go of the death penalty, who knows?
From the time I was a child and I read in an article from the early 1900s where my great-great grandmother's ex-husband, Tom Harris, was hanged in Gaffney, SC (I believe he was the last person to be hanged in Cherokee County, SC), I was always mortified by the death penalty that our country has for hardened criminals. I mean, we've had Jack The Ripper, Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dalmer, Timothy McVeigh, Malvo (the DC sniper), and Stanley "Tookie" Williams, just to name a few of the murderers that have either been executed or were set for execution.
Many folks love westerns such as Bonanza and Gunsmoke. Maybe that helped bring in the persona that folks who "kill" deserve to "be killed" themselves. I won't even get started on war movies and shows such as M*A*S*H. It just seems that especially in conservative red states such as Texas, if you kill a person in cold-blood, you have given yourself a death wish.
Personally, I do not think it should be the state's responsibility to end the life of a murderer. Granted, I understand that it's rough on the family, friends and other survivors. However, that type of self-defense is not going to bring the murdered persons back. Furthermore, it is inhumane, hypocritical, and non-Christian to simply put someone on death row for 5-30 years and then kill them. Doesn't it say in Exodus "Thou shalt not kill", one of the Ten Commandments? If Christian folks are making this law, what is the rationale and motive? This certainly seems like a poor example to be setting.
I've always been a proponent of rehabillition and second-chance. Granted, I don't think some folks can be rehabillitated and should remain in prison or a mental institution for life. However, that doesn't mean they should necessary be murdered themselves. That is NOT even trying to help that person, irregardless of the crime.
Certain laws may try to further justify the death penalty by saying how they have soften up the method of killing that person. After hanging was declared cruel and unusual, the electric chair became popular. However, that actually was much more ineffective, and folks have lived through this execution. Then lethal injection and the gas chamber came about, with the former being the preferred method for execution. Killing is still killing though!
Now don't get me wrong, even the death penalty has an exception. I'm not talking about if a prisoner is sooo dangerous that he/she manages to escape, and even hurt fellow inmates, guards, etc on a regular basis, and that is the ONLY recourse (think Gerard Butler's character in the movie "Law Abiding Citizen"). It should NOT be the main objective for someone who commits violent crimes though.
Generations are changing, folks are becoming more open and liberal to alternative punishment (the older folks would say they're getting softer). I say they're getting more compassionate. At the end of the day, these folks are human also. I do not condone violent, heinous crimes by ANY means. However, there are other solutions available. We just have to be creative, have an open heart and mind, and get to work on these alternatives.
Meanwhile, I wonder if children will continue to play Hangman? That is actually how Wheel of Fortune originated. I admittedly loved that game, but given my thoughts on the death penalty, find it hard to play every now and then. It is more fun than, say, a lethal injection game. Maybe that's another reason it's so hard for folks to let go of the death penalty, who knows?
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Tatted up: Tattoo studio, private artists, and even tattoo parties
OK first off, I will say I've never had a tattoo in my life, and never plan to. However, seeing folks getting them at a higher rate, posting the pics on Facebook, and even advertising about controversial (and possibly illegal) tattoo parties prompted me to blog about this subject.
I did, however, gather some views and feedback from folks that have been "tatted up",researched some tattoo studios, and even a couple of folks in the medical profession. The three most common ways to get a tattoo are: 1. Going to a tattoo studio (that is the actual term for a tattoo shop such as Ink Link, City of Link, etc) 2. A private, licensed artist that comes into your home, or you go to his/her private studio or home and get your tattoo. Finally, there's 3. Getting your tat at the suddenly popular "tattoo party". This is a huge extension on the private tattoo artist, as many folks at once are getting tatted up by sometimes just one person, in an environment that may or may not be as safe or clean as a studio.
Tattoo studios are required by law (sometimes stricter laws, depending upon the state) to be cleaner than many restrooms and restaurants. Needles must be sanitized constantly, and reputation is important. One should do their due diligence and research when choosing a tattoo studio. It should be about more than just price, or how nice the tattoo will come out. Obviously this is important. However, your health and safety should be #1 priority. Know the types of ink they use, see how their clients feel, even years after the tattoo, if they have any awards, bad reputations, etc. Also, you may even want to sit in on a session yourself to see how the whole process goes. If anything looks unprofessional or sketchy, think twice before choosing that studio. I mentioned City of Ink and Ink Link earlier because these are two reputable, award-winning, sanitary, and safe studios that I know about. Many of my friends and relatives have been to one or both of these studios. Ink Link has two studios that I know of near me, one in Shelby, NC, and the other in Gastonia, NC. The City of Ink is located in Atlanta, GA.
Having your own tattoo artist give you a private session can give you the best of both being in a studio and at a tattoo party. You can do it in the comfort of your own home if your artist sees fit, it can be often cheaper (and more flexible) than your average studio since they don't have tremendous overhead and such, and it's a more personal experience than in a shop getting marked up by a complete stranger. However, the same rules still apply. The artist should be reputable, professional, and clean. Tattoos are permanent, but you don't want minor side effects such as a rash or infection, or something major such as an STD due to a dirty needle. Exercise careful judgment, even if it's someone you've known your entire life. It may only be the two of you, but that does not exempt them from being hazardous to your skin.
Now the most cautious, controversial, and the method that I WOULD NOT recommend is the tattoo party. It's basically what it implies. One or more tattoo artists comes into a person's home, they throw a party, and have folks come over and receive tattoos. They pay the artist(s). It is often the most affordable method of the three, but also the riskiest. When you're doing many folks en masse, artists often do not take the time to properly clean their needles (or even make sure their surroundings are clean according to appropriate state laws). It can basically mirror drug addicts sharing drug needles. Sharing needles is the most popular way to spread blood-related diseases such as hepatitis, and even AIDS. It's quite a shock value, but it can be very, VERY dangerous. Again the rule of thumb applies, far as knowing the artist, making sure everything's clean, etc. But when it's an environment such as a tattoo party, the sanitation factor is often ruled out, adding to the risk. I've found that not many reputable tattoo artists will even do private sessions, let alone tattoo parties. I'm not being judgmental here as times do get tough, both for the person wanting the tat and the artist trying to generate business. However, I am being rational and cautious. There's honestly not a 100 percent guarantee that something will not go wrong in a studio or a private session. That risk is heightened when you go to a tattoo party for a tat.
I know some of you are behind me all the way on this, others of you (just like in many of my blogs) are shaking your heads in disgust. To the latter I say this: I'm not a gambling person. I may not have any tattoos to speak of, but if I were to get one, I want it to be from the safest source possible. And that would be in a studio with licensed, bonded, experienced, reputable professionals. I'm not trying to eat at a restaurant than has a filthy kitchen. Therefore, I would want to get my tattoo from an artist in a studio that is sparkling clean, guaranteed.
I only hope that whichever avenue you choose in which to get a tattoo, you exercise careful reasoning and judgment.
I did, however, gather some views and feedback from folks that have been "tatted up",researched some tattoo studios, and even a couple of folks in the medical profession. The three most common ways to get a tattoo are: 1. Going to a tattoo studio (that is the actual term for a tattoo shop such as Ink Link, City of Link, etc) 2. A private, licensed artist that comes into your home, or you go to his/her private studio or home and get your tattoo. Finally, there's 3. Getting your tat at the suddenly popular "tattoo party". This is a huge extension on the private tattoo artist, as many folks at once are getting tatted up by sometimes just one person, in an environment that may or may not be as safe or clean as a studio.
Tattoo studios are required by law (sometimes stricter laws, depending upon the state) to be cleaner than many restrooms and restaurants. Needles must be sanitized constantly, and reputation is important. One should do their due diligence and research when choosing a tattoo studio. It should be about more than just price, or how nice the tattoo will come out. Obviously this is important. However, your health and safety should be #1 priority. Know the types of ink they use, see how their clients feel, even years after the tattoo, if they have any awards, bad reputations, etc. Also, you may even want to sit in on a session yourself to see how the whole process goes. If anything looks unprofessional or sketchy, think twice before choosing that studio. I mentioned City of Ink and Ink Link earlier because these are two reputable, award-winning, sanitary, and safe studios that I know about. Many of my friends and relatives have been to one or both of these studios. Ink Link has two studios that I know of near me, one in Shelby, NC, and the other in Gastonia, NC. The City of Ink is located in Atlanta, GA.
Having your own tattoo artist give you a private session can give you the best of both being in a studio and at a tattoo party. You can do it in the comfort of your own home if your artist sees fit, it can be often cheaper (and more flexible) than your average studio since they don't have tremendous overhead and such, and it's a more personal experience than in a shop getting marked up by a complete stranger. However, the same rules still apply. The artist should be reputable, professional, and clean. Tattoos are permanent, but you don't want minor side effects such as a rash or infection, or something major such as an STD due to a dirty needle. Exercise careful judgment, even if it's someone you've known your entire life. It may only be the two of you, but that does not exempt them from being hazardous to your skin.
Now the most cautious, controversial, and the method that I WOULD NOT recommend is the tattoo party. It's basically what it implies. One or more tattoo artists comes into a person's home, they throw a party, and have folks come over and receive tattoos. They pay the artist(s). It is often the most affordable method of the three, but also the riskiest. When you're doing many folks en masse, artists often do not take the time to properly clean their needles (or even make sure their surroundings are clean according to appropriate state laws). It can basically mirror drug addicts sharing drug needles. Sharing needles is the most popular way to spread blood-related diseases such as hepatitis, and even AIDS. It's quite a shock value, but it can be very, VERY dangerous. Again the rule of thumb applies, far as knowing the artist, making sure everything's clean, etc. But when it's an environment such as a tattoo party, the sanitation factor is often ruled out, adding to the risk. I've found that not many reputable tattoo artists will even do private sessions, let alone tattoo parties. I'm not being judgmental here as times do get tough, both for the person wanting the tat and the artist trying to generate business. However, I am being rational and cautious. There's honestly not a 100 percent guarantee that something will not go wrong in a studio or a private session. That risk is heightened when you go to a tattoo party for a tat.
I know some of you are behind me all the way on this, others of you (just like in many of my blogs) are shaking your heads in disgust. To the latter I say this: I'm not a gambling person. I may not have any tattoos to speak of, but if I were to get one, I want it to be from the safest source possible. And that would be in a studio with licensed, bonded, experienced, reputable professionals. I'm not trying to eat at a restaurant than has a filthy kitchen. Therefore, I would want to get my tattoo from an artist in a studio that is sparkling clean, guaranteed.
I only hope that whichever avenue you choose in which to get a tattoo, you exercise careful reasoning and judgment.
Monday, September 13, 2010
BONUS BLOG: 2010 VMA Comments
- Bring on Eminem!!!
- That looks like the shelter from 8 Mile, and it's Rabbit!
- Eminem's age is really showing now
- That's a lot of drummers on stage
- WTH Rihanna? She looks like a red-headed She-Ra from the 80s
- Rihanna needs to quit trying to perform live #epicfail
- Is tonight's theme "fire?"
- OK yet another awards show in LA *side eye*
- Why is everyone backstage trying to smack Chelsea on her flat butt?
- Lindsay Lohan? Oooookaaay
- Chelsea really needs to drop Barbie's dreamhouse.
- Hey is that only one dove? And that was a pitiful ONE at that
- Chelsea sounds hoarse but she can't be worse than Russell Brand, can she? Someone please give her a cough drop
- There's Jane Lynch in the audience. She's blowing up lately
- "Turn this mother out" died out 10 years ago
- Everyone will be saying "leotarded" tomorrow
- Where's Beyonce'?
- Did she just call Kanye a "big black elephant?"
- Waddup with the red Power Ranger?
- OK now Chelsea gets a ride off stage by Rick Ross on his, uhh, wheelchair?
- Thus far this awards show favors the Gay Pride parade
- Lady Gaga or Katy Perry has this award in the bag. And it's Lady Gaga! I actually like "Bad Romance"
- OK the first curse-word of the night just got bleeped out
- Katy Perry looks kinda upset
- What is that on Lady Gaga's head? She looks like a peacock
- And now Chelsea is thanking the gays
- That lineup of new artists is disgraceful, except for Jason Derulo. Is this our musical future?
- Justin Bieber looks like Richie Cunningham with that get up. Was the Fonz unavailable?
- There's gonna be a Jackass 3D?
- They just pimp-slapped Bam Margera in that preview
- I'm glad 30 Seconds to Mars won, they're very talented
- Wait a minute that dude looks like Charles Manson
- Dang Kim Kardashian even has booty from the front!
- Justin Bieber, the 1950s want their clothes and car back, please and thank you!
- His voice is hurting my eardrums. I'm muting the TV and checking the score of the Cowboys/Redskins game
- Now I thought this was supposed to be a show from the future. It seems the other way around
- OK I see on stage what appears to be the Apollo kids and the backstage dancers from High School Musical
- This ain't New Year's Day, so why the red streamers?
- Ke$ha and Trey Songz, two of the young icons/heartthrobs
- Ke$ha's dress is made from trashbags #fact #OMGfacts
- And here's Usher. MJ, you ain't, so stop trying!
- This must be the futuristic performance they promised
- Hope no one that's epileptic is watching this performance. There is more flickering during Usher's performance than an 80s video game
- However, Usher always does have the sexiest stage dancers
- This song sounds like a remix of "Kernkraft 400"
- B.O.B. looks like Mick Lowry, I just now noticed this
- Now Chelsea is cracking on Farnsworth Bentley. I need to google this cat and see what happened to him
- Hearing Nicki Minaj's voice is making my IQ drop a few points
- YEAH!!! Eminem won a VMA!
- I believe Disney is gonna sue MTV for the fake Mickey Mouse (i.e., freaky Mickeys)
- Didn't know Jason Derulo was a black guy. And autotune is getting really played out.
- Florence and Machine? She really looks drunk
- These ladies sound too familar, like a 90s Lillith fair group
- Dang Travis McCoy, that cat in the background looks like it's trying to get you
- Is that Danny Devito up on the platform?
- OK now I know I REALLY must watch Glee
- Looks like Lady Gaga's gonna dominate these awards
- I believe Gaga borrowed Ke$ha's trashbag dress and added some extensions
- Lady Gaga is totally biting Chucky V's hairstyle right now
- Was that really Rosario Dawson?
- Taylor Swift appears to have gone back to the 1940s
- This song is dragging out too long
- We all know that's a hairpiece Justin Bieber!
- Can't wait for that FB movie "The Social Network" to come out. But Justin Timberlake? Interesting
- Mary J performing? This should be good
- Did they take those outfits from the cast of "Takers"?
- I like Drake, this song is ok, but I REFUSE to go around saying "You fancy huh?"
- Wait a minute, professional VMAs?
- Does Jason Derulo have a Glo-stick on his hand?
- Did Chelsea just call the cast of Jersey Shore "America's Greasy Sweethearts"?
- Heck yeah it's Sofia Vergara from Modern Family! Can never get enough of Al Bundy's new TV wifey
- Eminem wins again!
- Did Selena Gomez and Ne-Yo intentionally coordinate their wardrobes?
- Gotta love Bruno Mars's hair
- B.O.B. is hollering like Fat Joe or PUN
- OK we now know what happened to Eurthymtics. Remember "Sweet Dreams" from the 80s?
- Victoria Justice is quite the cub #thatisall
- NOOOO!! Bieber won Best New Artist!
- Now's there some good music: Linkin Park!
- But what's the deal with the green fog? Looks like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' lair
- CHER???? Does she always come out half-naked?
- Lady Gaga, just as I predicted earlier, dominated tonight's VMAs, and nabbed Video of the Year
- Lady Gaga's new album is entitled "Born This Way". Really, you were born that odd and weird?
- But she is dang talented
- Here comes Kanye FINALLY!
- Kanye looks like Satan with all of that red on
- So Kanye, according to your song lyrics, you're toasting yourself? Still got quite the ego
- These ballerinas are creeping me out
- Why is Kanye doing autotune now?
- Chelsea was silly and dingy, but still a better host than Russell Brand
- Awards shows, especially musical awards show, are just not the same anymore
- That looks like the shelter from 8 Mile, and it's Rabbit!
- Eminem's age is really showing now
- That's a lot of drummers on stage
- WTH Rihanna? She looks like a red-headed She-Ra from the 80s
- Rihanna needs to quit trying to perform live #epicfail
- Is tonight's theme "fire?"
- OK yet another awards show in LA *side eye*
- Why is everyone backstage trying to smack Chelsea on her flat butt?
- Lindsay Lohan? Oooookaaay
- Chelsea really needs to drop Barbie's dreamhouse.
- Hey is that only one dove? And that was a pitiful ONE at that
- Chelsea sounds hoarse but she can't be worse than Russell Brand, can she? Someone please give her a cough drop
- There's Jane Lynch in the audience. She's blowing up lately
- "Turn this mother out" died out 10 years ago
- Everyone will be saying "leotarded" tomorrow
- Where's Beyonce'?
- Did she just call Kanye a "big black elephant?"
- Waddup with the red Power Ranger?
- OK now Chelsea gets a ride off stage by Rick Ross on his, uhh, wheelchair?
- Thus far this awards show favors the Gay Pride parade
- Lady Gaga or Katy Perry has this award in the bag. And it's Lady Gaga! I actually like "Bad Romance"
- OK the first curse-word of the night just got bleeped out
- Katy Perry looks kinda upset
- What is that on Lady Gaga's head? She looks like a peacock
- And now Chelsea is thanking the gays
- That lineup of new artists is disgraceful, except for Jason Derulo. Is this our musical future?
- Justin Bieber looks like Richie Cunningham with that get up. Was the Fonz unavailable?
- There's gonna be a Jackass 3D?
- They just pimp-slapped Bam Margera in that preview
- I'm glad 30 Seconds to Mars won, they're very talented
- Wait a minute that dude looks like Charles Manson
- Dang Kim Kardashian even has booty from the front!
- Justin Bieber, the 1950s want their clothes and car back, please and thank you!
- His voice is hurting my eardrums. I'm muting the TV and checking the score of the Cowboys/Redskins game
- Now I thought this was supposed to be a show from the future. It seems the other way around
- OK I see on stage what appears to be the Apollo kids and the backstage dancers from High School Musical
- This ain't New Year's Day, so why the red streamers?
- Ke$ha and Trey Songz, two of the young icons/heartthrobs
- Ke$ha's dress is made from trashbags #fact #OMGfacts
- And here's Usher. MJ, you ain't, so stop trying!
- This must be the futuristic performance they promised
- Hope no one that's epileptic is watching this performance. There is more flickering during Usher's performance than an 80s video game
- However, Usher always does have the sexiest stage dancers
- This song sounds like a remix of "Kernkraft 400"
- B.O.B. looks like Mick Lowry, I just now noticed this
- Now Chelsea is cracking on Farnsworth Bentley. I need to google this cat and see what happened to him
- Hearing Nicki Minaj's voice is making my IQ drop a few points
- YEAH!!! Eminem won a VMA!
- I believe Disney is gonna sue MTV for the fake Mickey Mouse (i.e., freaky Mickeys)
- Didn't know Jason Derulo was a black guy. And autotune is getting really played out.
- Florence and Machine? She really looks drunk
- These ladies sound too familar, like a 90s Lillith fair group
- Dang Travis McCoy, that cat in the background looks like it's trying to get you
- Is that Danny Devito up on the platform?
- OK now I know I REALLY must watch Glee
- Looks like Lady Gaga's gonna dominate these awards
- I believe Gaga borrowed Ke$ha's trashbag dress and added some extensions
- Lady Gaga is totally biting Chucky V's hairstyle right now
- Was that really Rosario Dawson?
- Taylor Swift appears to have gone back to the 1940s
- This song is dragging out too long
- We all know that's a hairpiece Justin Bieber!
- Can't wait for that FB movie "The Social Network" to come out. But Justin Timberlake? Interesting
- Mary J performing? This should be good
- Did they take those outfits from the cast of "Takers"?
- I like Drake, this song is ok, but I REFUSE to go around saying "You fancy huh?"
- Wait a minute, professional VMAs?
- Does Jason Derulo have a Glo-stick on his hand?
- Did Chelsea just call the cast of Jersey Shore "America's Greasy Sweethearts"?
- Heck yeah it's Sofia Vergara from Modern Family! Can never get enough of Al Bundy's new TV wifey
- Eminem wins again!
- Did Selena Gomez and Ne-Yo intentionally coordinate their wardrobes?
- Gotta love Bruno Mars's hair
- B.O.B. is hollering like Fat Joe or PUN
- OK we now know what happened to Eurthymtics. Remember "Sweet Dreams" from the 80s?
- Victoria Justice is quite the cub #thatisall
- NOOOO!! Bieber won Best New Artist!
- Now's there some good music: Linkin Park!
- But what's the deal with the green fog? Looks like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' lair
- CHER???? Does she always come out half-naked?
- Lady Gaga, just as I predicted earlier, dominated tonight's VMAs, and nabbed Video of the Year
- Lady Gaga's new album is entitled "Born This Way". Really, you were born that odd and weird?
- But she is dang talented
- Here comes Kanye FINALLY!
- Kanye looks like Satan with all of that red on
- So Kanye, according to your song lyrics, you're toasting yourself? Still got quite the ego
- These ballerinas are creeping me out
- Why is Kanye doing autotune now?
- Chelsea was silly and dingy, but still a better host than Russell Brand
- Awards shows, especially musical awards show, are just not the same anymore
Monday, September 6, 2010
Hateration defined
Hateration, I'm definitely not a fan of it. It falls right there with jealously, and just being evil. One should not hate when someone is excelling and doing their best. Unfortunately, that's when we usually know when we're doing things right, when we have haters.
Let me describe the difference between hating and just disliking something (or expressing dislike). Hateration is basically when you don't like something or someone for no good reason or when you're simply jealous. Dislike is just what it states, showing your true feelings in a sincere matter and your matter of preference.
This blog comes about from various places, one with the impending start of the NFL season. I cannot, and I mean I CANNOT STAND the frikkin Dallas Cowboys. Half of my family are Cowboys fans, and many of my friends. I HATE them (but I don't hate on what they've accomplished in the professional football realm). I also dislike the Duke Blue Devils in college basketball, the LA Lakers in the NBA, and the NY Yankees in the MLB (please don't win #28).
For fans of any or ALL four teams, here's why I don't like these teams. The Dallas Cowboys are simply annoying, arrogant, and a bunch of troublemakers (historically) with a false sense of entitlement. They believe that since they won 3 Super Bowls in the 90s, 5 in all, and because they were dubbed "America's Team" by a film producer at NFL Films, that everyone should like them too. OK granted I love my Packers for many reasons. I don't feel I'm better or worse than you if you don't like them, it's a matter of preference. I feel similarly about the LA Lakers. They have won 16 NBA championships, have dominated two decades (and our on their way to dominating a 3rd). And arrogance they have in Kobe Bryant. Read my blog about Kobe + Lebron doesn't equal Jordan for more about him. Granted, I did like Magic, Kareem and Worthy (not just because he was a Tarheel). The Lakers style of play just isn't my own, too finesse, and not enough rough and tumble play. Black folk believe just because they're one of the first NBA teams with a predominately black roster to win so many championships that you should automatically be a fan. That burns me right there because I root for who I want to root for, NOT who someone tells me to root for. You have to choose your OWN team, that's what being a fan is about.
Now far as the Duke Blue Devils, the root of my dislike is more natural. Being a UNC Tarheel fan, that is our biggest rivals (and one of the biggest sports rivalries in the country). But beyond that, it's because Duke basketball just can't compare to UNC basketball overall. We've been doing it big for over 60 years, and have 5 national championships, numerous ACC titles, and several big-name NBA players (Jordan and Worthy to name a couple) to boast of. Duke is getting there, but still has a ways to go. They have 4 championships, only about 3 decades worth of consistent, dominating success, and their players are typically perennial busts or journeymen in the NBA. Carlos Boozer, Grant Hill, and a couple of others are relevant, but are NOT in the same company with Jordan and those. Coach K is a great coach also, but he does not employ the system that allows many of his players to excel at the next level. If you're truly a well-rounded college basketball coach, you should be able to do both.
The New York Yankees are a different kind of hate. Teams seem often intimidated by the Yankees for no good reason. They have been dominant, but the whole pinstripe persona and the fact that their players are often clean-shaven prima donnas annoys me. Also, their players are extremely over-paid. The late George Steinbrunner thought he could buy a dynasty. He bought a few championships, but no dynasty yet. His acquistion of A-Rod has only gotten the Yanks one World Series title to date. That's another sign of arrogance, that just because you have money that you can buy anything, including wins and championships. These things must be earned the old-fashioned way. At times many teams, including the Yanks, have forgotten about this.
If you notice, many of this is off of personal preference. If we don't like the same things, that's fine. I don't want to be persecuted for my thoughts and feelings, though. This is America, we have free speech rights, and that's all I'm doing is expressing these rights. This is NOT hateraton. At times I may pick around and say "BOOOOO!!" when folks mentions these teams or things I cannot stand. That is NOT hateration, though so please do not confuse.
With that said, let's get on with the NFL season. Gooo Packers and booo Cowboys!
Let me describe the difference between hating and just disliking something (or expressing dislike). Hateration is basically when you don't like something or someone for no good reason or when you're simply jealous. Dislike is just what it states, showing your true feelings in a sincere matter and your matter of preference.
This blog comes about from various places, one with the impending start of the NFL season. I cannot, and I mean I CANNOT STAND the frikkin Dallas Cowboys. Half of my family are Cowboys fans, and many of my friends. I HATE them (but I don't hate on what they've accomplished in the professional football realm). I also dislike the Duke Blue Devils in college basketball, the LA Lakers in the NBA, and the NY Yankees in the MLB (please don't win #28).
For fans of any or ALL four teams, here's why I don't like these teams. The Dallas Cowboys are simply annoying, arrogant, and a bunch of troublemakers (historically) with a false sense of entitlement. They believe that since they won 3 Super Bowls in the 90s, 5 in all, and because they were dubbed "America's Team" by a film producer at NFL Films, that everyone should like them too. OK granted I love my Packers for many reasons. I don't feel I'm better or worse than you if you don't like them, it's a matter of preference. I feel similarly about the LA Lakers. They have won 16 NBA championships, have dominated two decades (and our on their way to dominating a 3rd). And arrogance they have in Kobe Bryant. Read my blog about Kobe + Lebron doesn't equal Jordan for more about him. Granted, I did like Magic, Kareem and Worthy (not just because he was a Tarheel). The Lakers style of play just isn't my own, too finesse, and not enough rough and tumble play. Black folk believe just because they're one of the first NBA teams with a predominately black roster to win so many championships that you should automatically be a fan. That burns me right there because I root for who I want to root for, NOT who someone tells me to root for. You have to choose your OWN team, that's what being a fan is about.
Now far as the Duke Blue Devils, the root of my dislike is more natural. Being a UNC Tarheel fan, that is our biggest rivals (and one of the biggest sports rivalries in the country). But beyond that, it's because Duke basketball just can't compare to UNC basketball overall. We've been doing it big for over 60 years, and have 5 national championships, numerous ACC titles, and several big-name NBA players (Jordan and Worthy to name a couple) to boast of. Duke is getting there, but still has a ways to go. They have 4 championships, only about 3 decades worth of consistent, dominating success, and their players are typically perennial busts or journeymen in the NBA. Carlos Boozer, Grant Hill, and a couple of others are relevant, but are NOT in the same company with Jordan and those. Coach K is a great coach also, but he does not employ the system that allows many of his players to excel at the next level. If you're truly a well-rounded college basketball coach, you should be able to do both.
The New York Yankees are a different kind of hate. Teams seem often intimidated by the Yankees for no good reason. They have been dominant, but the whole pinstripe persona and the fact that their players are often clean-shaven prima donnas annoys me. Also, their players are extremely over-paid. The late George Steinbrunner thought he could buy a dynasty. He bought a few championships, but no dynasty yet. His acquistion of A-Rod has only gotten the Yanks one World Series title to date. That's another sign of arrogance, that just because you have money that you can buy anything, including wins and championships. These things must be earned the old-fashioned way. At times many teams, including the Yanks, have forgotten about this.
If you notice, many of this is off of personal preference. If we don't like the same things, that's fine. I don't want to be persecuted for my thoughts and feelings, though. This is America, we have free speech rights, and that's all I'm doing is expressing these rights. This is NOT hateraton. At times I may pick around and say "BOOOOO!!" when folks mentions these teams or things I cannot stand. That is NOT hateration, though so please do not confuse.
With that said, let's get on with the NFL season. Gooo Packers and booo Cowboys!
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