Tintin Ink

I was watching London Ink last night—one of the those shows that makes John and I wonder what people are thinking. Not that we have anything against tattoos. (I have a regretted tattoo from many years ago.) It’s more the question of how much meaning people put into the portraits, symbols, and visuals they choose to adorn their bodies. But, it’s good brain candy after another day of the Christmas retail life. I started to wonder how many people have chosen Tintin characters for tattoos and found a website where people shared the, um, less than stellar work they’ve had done. If you want to honor Tintin, buy the books — or at least find a decent tattoo artist. Sheesh!

This one isn't bad, but the background is all wrong and it really should be in colour. The red is critical in making the rocket so unique.


What the...


OK, now the biggest problem with this one is that s/he used a sock (a sock!) as the reference and the image on the sock (a sock!!) is better. Why couldn't they use an image from one of the TWO BOOKS??!!! And this person totally punked out by making it so small. With an image as iconic as the rocket, it should have been at least 6 inches and placed somewhere more conspicuous.


Another terrible tattoo in a terrible location.


- Syd

Holiday Bowling

Dancing bowling pins, neon balls, and formal dress—Team Essentials knows how to throw a party. Sporting handmade corsages, and our best bowling finery, Essentials hit the lanes on Sunday night for our first bowling party and DIY Secret Santa event. No threat of dangerous ice storm and hazardous road conditions was going to stop us from rocking out to a little Eddie Murphy singing “Party all the Time” (and when was the last time you heard that song??) while showing off our mad skills. The best part was our Secret Santa exchange. This year, we insisted that all gifts be handmade, and wow, did people deliver! Bound journals, knit scarves, individual works of art, a poem, one website, and cool record album bowls were all among the amazing things our staff surprised each other with.

This is definitely going to become an annual tradition! And of course, what bowling night would be complete without an Essentials variation on the bowling shirt.