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May 2008
Tattoo this!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Throughout history tattoos have been the ultimate expression of personal spirituality and individuality.
And, if done correctly, one of the most beautiful forms of art there is.
I have a slight obsession for tattoos and they’re I am very passionate about. It goes back to my elementary school years as I admired my best friend’s dad whose arms were covered with ink. Ever since then, much to my mother’s horror, I have wanted tattoos. I got my first at age 25, and I don’t plan on stopping with just one.
Of course, there are those, including Daddy Boortz, that have a negative outlook on tattoos. Granted, as with most things in life, there are a few rotten apples that ruin it for everyone. Many associate tattoos solely with prisoners, gangs, prostitutes and, well, trash.
The fact is that many extremely reputable people, including corporate executives, lawyers, salesmen, firemen, policemen and members of the military have tattoos.
Unfortuantely, regret is also a big part of getting a tattoo as well.
Last week, AJC writer Phil Kloer wrote about people who may or may not regret getting tattoos. For all those that answered “yes” could have easily avoided buyers remorse if they had just followed a few simple rules…
And you know how I love to share my rules.
Woody’s Rules for Tattoos
Don’t ask the artist if it is going to hurt. Nothing annoys tattoo artists more.
Truth is, depending upon your tolerance for pain, its really not that bad. This coming from someone who isn’t a very big fan for needles in the first place.
No names!
Nothing in tattooing has a higher probability ratio for a regret than does getting someone’s name tattooed on you. No boyfriends, girlfriends, husband, or wife’s name. Not even “Mom” or “Dad”. However, I “may” be breaking this rule someday. Not sure yet.
Be original and be absolute!
Make sure it’s a design you are absolutely sure about and don’t something that everyone else has. A perfect example would be the ever popular Celtic arm bands, or the “stock designs” for example. Tattoos are all about deep personal and spiritual expression and should be original and timeless.
Find a good artist!
The thing to remember here is, you get what you pay for. Take it from me that finding the right artist (the first go around) makes all the difference. Ask friends and acquaintances for references. Check out the artist’s portfolio to see if their quality and style fit you. More importantly make sure safety is their highest priority.
How do you feel about tattoos? What other advice or rules would you give to someone looking to get a tattoo?
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Good schools start with good communities
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A few weeks ago, I wrote about the Supreme Court’s decision that Tax Allocation Districts (TADs) may not use school funds for redevelopment and revitalization.
That ridiculous decision led state legislators to two unnecessary pieces of legislation allowing TADs’ use of school funds, including Senate Resolution 996, which authorizes the use of school funds for community redevelopment and revitalization at the state level; and House Bill 1208, which is specific to Gwinnett County TADs.
The Gwinnett bill could be dead if voters don’t approve the statewide bill in November. Gwinnett voters will have to pass both bills.
First, let’s clear up one misconception about TADs’ use of such funds using the OFS site at Jimmy Carter Boulevard and I-85 as an example.
Only the property tax dollars that would normally be paid from the OFS site would be used for redevelopment and revitalization.
Not the property tax dollars from your home.
Not the property tax dollars from the shopping mall down at the corner.
ONLY the tax dollars from the site of the TAD district are funneled back into that site for redevelopment and are only good for a maximum of six years.
Is that clear? Feel better now? Good. I was kinda hoping so. There you go, take a deep breath. Relax. It will all be OK.
Now I am going to give you and the rest of Jawjuh an argument for why you should vote to approve the Senate Resolution and House bills.
A good friend of mine pointed out a Gwinnett county schools sign that reads: “Good Schools Build Better Communities.”
Incorrect. Yes, good schools draw good people who care about where they live, but point out one community in despair with good schools.
School performance is a direct reflection of the communities they serve. Schools will not improve unless an area improves FIRST.
If the community they serve does not get better can we really expect the schools to?
Both the senate resolution and the house bill up for our vote this November were unnecessary because using school funds for TAD use DOES help schools.
It would seem the better short term initial investment - for the schools - would be to boost the surrounding community first.
Revitalize a blighted community and schools will immediately show signs of improvement. It’s a win- win situation for all invested.
Which side are you on?
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