Re-post: Here's to You Joe DiMaggio...

In a re-posting sort of mood and, with pitchers and catchers reporting soon, here's <a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/2009/02/heres-to-you-joe-dimaggio.html">a piece</a> from February 2009:<br /><br /><i>Living in <a href="http://www.nyc.gov/portal/site/nycgov/?front_door=true">New York City</a>, a metropolis known for its die-hard sports fans, it is not unusual to see tattoos honoring and celebrating the rich athletic tradition that exists here.</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>On Friday, during my lunch hour, I spotted a <a href="http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/home2.shtml">New York City Fire Department</a> truck parked at the corner of 40th Street and 7th Avenue. Standing along side it was Johnny, one of New York's bravest, enjoying the warm weather, in shorts, and baring this incredible leg tattoo:</i><br /><i><br /></i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0USlyK7sTBTyS6fHhRMHJMeWgnG0umilADg42xKfauE5IDXKyJAhTa05n4sq8V6JiEGbkIpGUOJJQAByEw9zg2rHA9LrooxbeyFynd82YI6D8JTdwyAbFKolr96v53JWxbZJYQyh8eNVI/s1600-h/marilyn1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><i><img alt="" border="0" height="320" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308235882049230994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0USlyK7sTBTyS6fHhRMHJMeWgnG0umilADg42xKfauE5IDXKyJAhTa05n4sq8V6JiEGbkIpGUOJJQAByEw9zg2rHA9LrooxbeyFynd82YI6D8JTdwyAbFKolr96v53JWxbZJYQyh8eNVI/s320/marilyn1.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 268px;" width="214" /></i></a><br /><i>This is, of course, <a href="http://www.marilynmonroe.com/">Marilyn Monroe</a>, but with a twist. She is sporting the <a href="http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=nyy">New York Yankees </a>  jersey of one of the franchise's greatest players, <a href="http://www.joedimaggio.com/">Joe DiMaggio</a>, to whom she was <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_DiMaggio#Marilyn_Monroe">married</a> for less than a year.</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>Johnny is a huge Yankee fan, and also loves Marilyn Monroe, one of the iconic figures of the 20th century, and among the most popular celebrities tattooed. I have featured Marilyn tattoos previously <a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/search/label/Marilyn%20Monroe">here</a> and <a href="http://www.knuckletattoos.com/718/">here</a>.</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>The image is based on a lithograph that Johnny purchased at a FanFest in 1996. After having it tattooed on his right calf, he felt something was missing.</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>He contacted the <a href="http://web.baseballhalloffame.org/index.jsp">National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum</a> in <a href="http://www.cooperstownchamber.org/">Cooperstown</a>, New York, and purchased an archival photograph of the original <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yankee_Stadium">Yankee Stadium</a>, circa 1923. This was then used as the source material to create the recognizable backdrop for Marilyn.</i><br /><i><br /></i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJPmWpFp_ajE7ly4XAGkFXaIfCluEsHeS1_VBtC-Y3anMU6OXBkhe6xVwsg1GRkq2SMDXyCK0Q0hI4_Ezv90DW8eUEdB83-qJdpwaALZv2yYS1FhVwYNEIJ6o6h8kqVqoxCfi7ARhFf-u/s1600-h/marilyn3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><i><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308235553422190386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJPmWpFp_ajE7ly4XAGkFXaIfCluEsHeS1_VBtC-Y3anMU6OXBkhe6xVwsg1GRkq2SMDXyCK0Q0hI4_Ezv90DW8eUEdB83-qJdpwaALZv2yYS1FhVwYNEIJ6o6h8kqVqoxCfi7ARhFf-u/s400/marilyn3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 216px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></i></a><br /><i>Johnny has a ton of tattoos, approximately 15 pieces in all. This one, along with others he has, was created by <a href="http://www.cortsroyalink.com/artist_cort_profile.asp">Cort Bengston</a> at <a href="http://www.cortsroyalink.com/">Cort's Royal Ink Tattoo Studio</a> in Patchogue, New York.</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>Thanks to Johnny for sharing this amazing tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!</i><br /><i><br /></i><b id="internal-source-marker_0.346863703802228" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This entry is ©2009, 2013 Tattoosday.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you are seeing this on another website other than Tattoosday, without attribution, please note that it has been copied without the author's permission and is in violation of copyright laws. Please feel free to visit</span><a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://tattoosday.blogspot.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and read our original content. Please let me know if you saw this elsewhere so I contact the webmaster of the offending site and advise them of this violation in their Terms of Use Agreement.</span></span></b>

Re-post: Here's to You Joe DiMaggio...

In a re-posting sort of mood and, with pitchers and catchers reporting soon, here's a piece from February 2009: Living in New York City...

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Tattoos I Know: Beth's Ink Ushers in the New Baseball Season

Well, folks, it's March 31, which means several things, First and foremost, after a long, cold winter, and a rough start to spring, baseball season starts today. And although, the last time I checked, there was a 70% chance of rain for the New York Yankees home opener against the Detroit Tigers today, baseball fans everywhere are just a tad excited that their team's 162 game-long drama is about to begin.<br /><br />So, it seemed fitting that we share this tattoo, belonging to our cousin Beth:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnubNEO5uAvfY-cEpd9ivG7sYUtUGpCPg9Sy0dN5TdQMRrIoDTDYaeSrn_KqcV3tY5cGoLztRsBccjCp3LuxK5y1SddMUNbLuRtd1cplczbG8BCwzt9_OuUOChTnOliiE5CR5qGQS7uvQ/s1600/Yankees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnubNEO5uAvfY-cEpd9ivG7sYUtUGpCPg9Sy0dN5TdQMRrIoDTDYaeSrn_KqcV3tY5cGoLztRsBccjCp3LuxK5y1SddMUNbLuRtd1cplczbG8BCwzt9_OuUOChTnOliiE5CR5qGQS7uvQ/s400/Yankees.jpg" width="381" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo by Melanie Cohen</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Beth is a diehard Yankees fan and she got this inked on September 16, 2005. For the record, the Yankees beat the Toronto Blue Jays north of the border that day 11-10 thanks, in part, to two Robinson Cano home runs and Mariano Rivera's 40th save of the year.<br /><br />This is one of Beth's three tattoos, a fact not lost on me, as I have been wanting to post her ink on the site ever since we started back in 2007. However, we just never got around to it and this photo was shot last June in New Jersey by my wife, Melanie, at another cousin's baby shower. I thought, at the time, that we would save this picture for the day the Yankees won the World Series, but last year that ambition fell short in the ALCS. So we saved it for Opening Day, instead.<br /><br />The tattoo was done by Thomi Hawk at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/K-B-Tattooing-Piercing-NJ/323721428640">K & B Tattooing & Piercing</a> in Hightstown, New Jersey. <br /><br />I should also add that, back in August 2007, I was sitting in my seat at PNC Bank Arts Center, between sets, when I noticed a very similar tattoo several rows ahead of me. I thought, "Man, that tattoo looks just like Beth's, and in the same spot [on her upper right back] too!" Of course, it was Beth, and we were both unaware that we were attending the show. And to think I spotted her in all that humanity by noticing her tattoo!<br /><br />I mentioned at the top of the post that it being March 31, meant several things. Aside from Opening Day, it's also opening day for the inkspotting season, as far as I'm concerned. Posts have been few and far between over the past few months and that's about to change. Tomorrow begins National Poetry Month, and we will be embarking on our third annual Tattooed Poets Project: 30 days of tattoos from poets across the country. And, I will assume, that I'll be having regular Tattoosday encounters, which will reappear in May, throughout the month.<br /><br />Play ball!<br /><br />Thanks again to Beth for sharing her cool patriotic Yankees tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!<br /><br />*<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This entry is ©2011 Tattoosday.</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you are reading this on another web site other than Tattoosday, without attribution, please note that it has been copied without the author's permission and is in violation of copyright laws. Please feel free to visit <a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://tattoosday.blogspot.com</a> and read our original content. Please let me know if you saw this elsewhere so I contact the webmaster of the offending site and advise them of this violation in their Terms of Use Agreement.</span></div>

Tattoos I Know: Beth's Ink Ushers in the New Baseball Season

Well, folks, it's March 31, which means several things, First and foremost, after a long, cold winter, and a rough start to spring, base...

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Tattoorism: Tammy from Texas

Last summer, my wife Melanie met Tammy on the staff message board of their company's website, where she and other employees across the country can exchange ideas and feedback. As a leader for Weight Watchers, Melanie often comes across members and co-workers who have used tattoos for inspiration and to mark milestones.<br /><br />When talking to Tammy, a leader in Texas, she learned that she was inked, as well. She sent her the link to Tattoosday, and Tammy sent us photos of a few of her eleven tattoos.<br /><br />We'll let Tammy describe them for us:<br /><br /><blockquote>"I got my very first [tattoo] when I was 21 in Virginia while getting a tattoo for my younger brother but I didn't get another for several years at which time I had my uncle in Arkansas place a rose under the butterfly I had done first. It is old and faded but holds so much meaning to me as my uncle passed away in his 40s about 5 years ago so I have him with me at all times...I then waited a couple more years and had a dolphin put on my left ankle as a reminder of a trip we had made to Florida. About a year later an apprentice in Shreveport added an ankle wave under the dolphin.<br /><br />I then took a long break from tattoos and the rest have all been done in the last 5 years here in Wichita Falls, Texas, with the exception of the tribal butterfly [seen below]. I had it done in Lawton, Oklahoma, when my son was getting his rib piece finished up [a subject of a later post].<br /><br />On my right thigh I have the New York Yankees logo:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVGsrgcvLnn1sk0k7-IWAm44AkghFPO-JqV50Ddp6lnsIEx-MNGmDL7gqwtWXweCruu6aQi9yqJfoRROqi1I91Up-F7wVpkZrtvq4Yrc5dwdrya0qOncHIP4Pk-UetMyNQ7yQR-65/s1600-h/ny.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429919548129046306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVGsrgcvLnn1sk0k7-IWAm44AkghFPO-JqV50Ddp6lnsIEx-MNGmDL7gqwtWXweCruu6aQi9yqJfoRROqi1I91Up-F7wVpkZrtvq4Yrc5dwdrya0qOncHIP4Pk-UetMyNQ7yQR-65/s400/ny.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 127px;" /></a><br /><div>On my left shoulder blade my husband and I got kanji symbols for Eternity for our 19th wedding anniversary. I have a tribal butterfly (the only tattoo I have ever picked off a wall) put on the top of my left foot and I love it:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9b91T_BJ-cAULDhP1qzZ4cxGfQG-pfEzgyDubLuzann1nTkVJ8lbFMAK6NIRewvEomFx1TeSKqTNNt5BfNC5NO-m-YUHQ-ACFMZjNGiha3fvchX1xEhAcVmjy38jKigYCu8UeLLtr/s1600-h/butterfly.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429919243711998722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9b91T_BJ-cAULDhP1qzZ4cxGfQG-pfEzgyDubLuzann1nTkVJ8lbFMAK6NIRewvEomFx1TeSKqTNNt5BfNC5NO-m-YUHQ-ACFMZjNGiha3fvchX1xEhAcVmjy38jKigYCu8UeLLtr/s200/butterfly.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 129px; height: 200px;" /></a><br />When I hit 50 pounds gone, my oldest son paid for the star that everyone sees in pictures I post:<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1gu1W9jv_3EYATS8Byg8A_fHkXodDchJ09Iat6KXLH0bUamRM-3Uw5yTkeXOL2nRwdHlUfvh03M_fMTVe92Of6rQaKkDui85tZswKNPNRp7L_Udag3AJ5aQVmqqR_kDqaNvXDQH2/s1600-h/star.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429919611123486866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1gu1W9jv_3EYATS8Byg8A_fHkXodDchJ09Iat6KXLH0bUamRM-3Uw5yTkeXOL2nRwdHlUfvh03M_fMTVe92Of6rQaKkDui85tZswKNPNRp7L_Udag3AJ5aQVmqqR_kDqaNvXDQH2/s400/star.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 224px;" /></a><br />And a Pisspot with my husbands name <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHsyoLx8tS33T6eyH1tDlR6z9HdMqMUrQcSHE1YZZV8_Hv_HzKuG740K7H0KXtBUxbt9JryC6Vi-86Tp7FpYPbNtrwQtKpuzbKzf4cVkGZyyNVhcs9huL-MhLt8QtY5fgyWUwjLiM/s1600-h/chris.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429919338444007634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHsyoLx8tS33T6eyH1tDlR6z9HdMqMUrQcSHE1YZZV8_Hv_HzKuG740K7H0KXtBUxbt9JryC6Vi-86Tp7FpYPbNtrwQtKpuzbKzf4cVkGZyyNVhcs9huL-MhLt8QtY5fgyWUwjLiM/s200/chris.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 119px;" /></a>[pictured left]. My husband just retired with 26 years in the service and was AMMO-I always wanted this but was never brave enough nor skinny enough for that so called "tramp stamp"... it actually looks awesome although this picture is a little blurry.<br /><br /><br /><br />And of course when I hit Lifetime [when a Weight Watchers member reaches their goal and maintains it for six weeks], my rib piece came alive:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_va1eOohtE-ZBr5sr6LeOlT4a_ebS0kcypzQI5gNbdiSJK0nFwFhodTAxyniuMGhf-6b8mJw-IfpmkDfqYpZvcPmlHzG83UmtJh9tRu13cOTRTeZFnE3Hz5Wbn70uy4EdFjyTAW0/s1600-h/LIFETIME+tatt+3-16-08.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429919480395575730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_va1eOohtE-ZBr5sr6LeOlT4a_ebS0kcypzQI5gNbdiSJK0nFwFhodTAxyniuMGhf-6b8mJw-IfpmkDfqYpZvcPmlHzG83UmtJh9tRu13cOTRTeZFnE3Hz5Wbn70uy4EdFjyTAW0/s400/LIFETIME+tatt+3-16-08.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 362px;" /></a></blockquote><br />The photo above is the tattoo right after it was completed. Here is how it healed:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVXwrgq6-6HVD8FaqOEOH4bl2rFONirxgit9EsaX8zSG2djfYSLK37B_tHT677NFJOHQZjjKRlBMIg2ucNL4W884BWzHeLZQ4bWsM56CAuAS0CpIlk5IMaOKKB0QF4WrYX4BkUz2r/s1600-h/LIFETIME+tatt+3-16-08+crisper.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429991805606831170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVXwrgq6-6HVD8FaqOEOH4bl2rFONirxgit9EsaX8zSG2djfYSLK37B_tHT677NFJOHQZjjKRlBMIg2ucNL4W884BWzHeLZQ4bWsM56CAuAS0CpIlk5IMaOKKB0QF4WrYX4BkUz2r/s400/LIFETIME+tatt+3-16-08+crisper.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 127px; height: 294px;" /></a><br /><br />Most of Tammy's work was done at <a href="http://www.wichitafallstattoos.com/drummer/index.php">A Different Drummer Tattoo Studio</a> in Wichita Falls.<br /><br />Thanks to Tammy for sharing some of her photos with us here on Tattoosday!

Tattoorism: Tammy from Texas

Last summer, my wife Melanie met Tammy on the staff message board of their company's website, where she and other employees across the c...

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A Roundabout Tale of a Swedish Tribal Tattoo

Yesterday, I joined my friend Janet for lunch at <a href="http://www.chipotle.com/">Chipotle</a> on 45th Street.<br /><br />There was a fundraiser at which a $5 contribution bought you a burrito, chips, a drink, and an opportunity to meet <a href="http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=nyy">Yankees</a> manager <a href="http://joegirardi.com/">Joe Girardi</a>. His charity, <a href="http://www.prolebrity.com/catch-25-foundation/">The Catch 25 Foundation</a>, was the beneficiary of all proceeds from lunch. <a href="http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091207&content_id=7771350&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy">Here's proof</a> I'm not making this up.<br /><br />Janet and I were dopey enough to go without any Yankees memorabilia to get autographed. So he signed a flier for me and (yes, there is a tattooish point to all of this) declined to sign Janet's skin, above her "I <span style="color:red;">♥</span> NY" tattoo (featured on the blog <a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/2007/09/tattoos-i-know-janets-tat-trick.html">here</a>). It was worth a try.<br /><br />And no, Joe Girardi didn't offer up a tattoo.<br /><br />However, Janet and I grabbed the downtown V train after lunch. I got off at 34th Street and figured I'd cut through <a href="http://www.manhattanmallny.com/">Manhattan Mall</a>.<br /><br />Waiting at the bottom of the <a href="http://www.jcpnewstore.com/manhattan/calendar.html">J.C. Penney</a> basement escalator was Julio, visiting New York from Sweden.<br /><br />Now, I'm not a big fan of tribal designs, but Julio had this pretty cool one on his upper right arm:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_cby_d3XjYGAe9hqoIIRC4r784WFZA63to8e0Y_y_RyZEwp8g26mRuo6ZK2jDLDFf12iYclRvX_9Go-gXYBuff9CG30q6WJpiP1TyZXE5M03yaCFdmReaCwtyQR0vug6LjJhI7UO/s1600-h/Swedish+tribal.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412818879796802530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_cby_d3XjYGAe9hqoIIRC4r784WFZA63to8e0Y_y_RyZEwp8g26mRuo6ZK2jDLDFf12iYclRvX_9Go-gXYBuff9CG30q6WJpiP1TyZXE5M03yaCFdmReaCwtyQR0vug6LjJhI7UO/s400/Swedish+tribal.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />See! There is a tattoo in this post!!<br /><br />Julio's tattoo was inked for him by an artist at <a href="http://www.reco.se/magic-man-tattoo-and-art">Magic Man Tattoo and Art</a> in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sk%C3%B6vde">Skövde</a>, Sweden.<br /><br />Thanks to Janet for lunch, Joe Girardi for the autograph, and Julio for the tattoo. Tattoosday appreciates all you did to make this post happen!

A Roundabout Tale of a Swedish Tribal Tattoo

Yesterday, I joined my friend Janet for lunch at Chipotle on 45th Street. There was a fundraiser at which a $5 contribution bought you a bu...

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Tattoorism: Joltin' Joe Swings for the Fences

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHo_K-kG60kN5KQiF8DksaTE0Q36uBJioIps4yIwIRqDNc5g2tuSvyLvXOKKG-LB6J6WVCv4T6KVxnThypslN563i2ORf_GdDhdxQBIIT9nGfujh2v2dX5VdOGdo5TtwqnoTTsJDMs2uTQ/s1600-h/joe.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313718163408434194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHo_K-kG60kN5KQiF8DksaTE0Q36uBJioIps4yIwIRqDNc5g2tuSvyLvXOKKG-LB6J6WVCv4T6KVxnThypslN563i2ORf_GdDhdxQBIIT9nGfujh2v2dX5VdOGdo5TtwqnoTTsJDMs2uTQ/s400/joe.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />A couple weeks back, I posted a really cool <a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/2009/02/heres-to-you-joe-dimaggio.html">Marilyn Monroe tattoo</a> with a <a href="http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=nyy">New York Yankees</a> spin.<br /><br />To give <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_DiMaggio">Joe DiMaggio</a> his proper due, we have this leg piece above, sent to us by Craig, who explains:<br /><blockquote><br />"[Had] this tattoo done last February. I am a big Yankee fan .... [I] like watching all the old timers on TV anytime I can. Wanted something different.....something that stood for what baseball was, back in the day. Had it done by a local shop, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/hardcoreinktattoo">Hard Core Ink</a> in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catasauqua,_Pennsylvania">Catasauqua, PA</a>. Jon was the artist. The guy does not know how good he really is! I have the next one lined up .... going to have <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mickey_Mantle">[Mickey] Mantle</a> kneeling in the on deck circle at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yankee_stadium">The Stadium</a> put on my right leg."</blockquote><br />Craig's piece is a great replica of this famous photo:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibW3enEHjPsV3BbVKvVyNy2QPBuG0iIRKASBccF0uJIHDOHEBB_pTkgKukP5H_lOsFkAD4fi_z0hpEifeqipVkk45R7v6oIrtJy3WSU9bc-SuwpQzPsVhyphenhyphenWmFEfx5jjHz4HFO2ZIrjDoEj/s1600-h/1531.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314463991340232274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibW3enEHjPsV3BbVKvVyNy2QPBuG0iIRKASBccF0uJIHDOHEBB_pTkgKukP5H_lOsFkAD4fi_z0hpEifeqipVkk45R7v6oIrtJy3WSU9bc-SuwpQzPsVhyphenhyphenWmFEfx5jjHz4HFO2ZIrjDoEj/s400/1531.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 303px;" /></a><br />As baseball season approaches, we here at Tattoosday thank Craig for sending us his awesome tattoo of "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_DiMaggio#.22The_Yankee_Clipper.22">The Yankee Clipper</a>," and look forward to seeing what Jon at Hard Core Ink can do with Mickey Mantle.<br /><br />Thanks Craig!

Tattoorism: Joltin' Joe Swings for the Fences

A couple weeks back, I posted a really cool Marilyn Monroe tattoo with a New York Yankees spin. To give Joe DiMaggio his proper due, we h...

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Here's to You, Joe DiMaggio...

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgka0IZSu2XFKU_04x9rZtZsyM_SGLYI7V2pq1mLJqsigEIz-HER15V4Ys4XtaiiW9gQSTGBK5W2_z1tUpVs1ppycox2ubSl_0pydREkqVn88y9Lt3MB3tzPokdRYwsmu7il23IbGHTkZev/s1600-h/yankee+detail.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308235972446500162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgka0IZSu2XFKU_04x9rZtZsyM_SGLYI7V2pq1mLJqsigEIz-HER15V4Ys4XtaiiW9gQSTGBK5W2_z1tUpVs1ppycox2ubSl_0pydREkqVn88y9Lt3MB3tzPokdRYwsmu7il23IbGHTkZev/s400/yankee+detail.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 271px;" /></a><br />Living in <a href="http://www.nyc.gov/portal/site/nycgov/?front_door=true">New York City</a>, a metropolis known for its die-hard sports fans, it is not unusual to see tattoos honoring and celebrating the rich athletic tradition that exists here.<br /><br />On Friday, during my lunch hour, I spotted a <a href="http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/home2.shtml">New York City Fire Department</a> truck parked at the corner of 40th Street and 7th Avenue. Standing along side it was Johnny, one of New York's bravest, enjoying the warm weather, in shorts, and baring this incredible leg tattoo:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0USlyK7sTBTyS6fHhRMHJMeWgnG0umilADg42xKfauE5IDXKyJAhTa05n4sq8V6JiEGbkIpGUOJJQAByEw9zg2rHA9LrooxbeyFynd82YI6D8JTdwyAbFKolr96v53JWxbZJYQyh8eNVI/s1600-h/marilyn1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308235882049230994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0USlyK7sTBTyS6fHhRMHJMeWgnG0umilADg42xKfauE5IDXKyJAhTa05n4sq8V6JiEGbkIpGUOJJQAByEw9zg2rHA9LrooxbeyFynd82YI6D8JTdwyAbFKolr96v53JWxbZJYQyh8eNVI/s400/marilyn1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 268px;" /></a><br />This is, of course, <a href="http://www.marilynmonroe.com/">Marilyn Monroe</a>, but with a twist. She is sporting the <a href="http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=nyy">New York Yankees </a>jersey of one of the franchise's greatest players, <a href="http://www.joedimaggio.com/">Joe DiMaggio</a>, to whom she was <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_DiMaggio#Marilyn_Monroe">married</a> for less than a year.<br /><br />Johnny is a huge Yankee fan, and also loves Marilyn Monroe, one of the iconic figures of the 20th century, and among the most popular celebrities tattooed. I have featured Marilyn tattoos previously <a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/search/label/Marilyn%20Monroe">here</a> and <a href="http://www.knuckletattoos.com/718/">here</a>.<br /><br />The image is based on a lithograph that Johnny purchased at a FanFest in 1996. After having it tattooed on his right calf, he felt something was missing.<br /><br />He contacted the <a href="http://web.baseballhalloffame.org/index.jsp">National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum</a> in <a href="http://www.cooperstownchamber.org/">Cooperstown</a>, New York, and purchased an archival photograph of the original <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yankee_Stadium">Yankee Stadium</a>, circa 1923. This was then used as the source material to create the recognizable backdrop for Marilyn.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJPmWpFp_ajE7ly4XAGkFXaIfCluEsHeS1_VBtC-Y3anMU6OXBkhe6xVwsg1GRkq2SMDXyCK0Q0hI4_Ezv90DW8eUEdB83-qJdpwaALZv2yYS1FhVwYNEIJ6o6h8kqVqoxCfi7ARhFf-u/s1600-h/marilyn3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308235553422190386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJPmWpFp_ajE7ly4XAGkFXaIfCluEsHeS1_VBtC-Y3anMU6OXBkhe6xVwsg1GRkq2SMDXyCK0Q0hI4_Ezv90DW8eUEdB83-qJdpwaALZv2yYS1FhVwYNEIJ6o6h8kqVqoxCfi7ARhFf-u/s400/marilyn3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 216px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />Johnny has a ton of tattoos, approximately 15 pieces in all. This one, along with others he has, was created by <a href="http://www.cortsroyalink.com/artist_cort_profile.asp">Cort Bengston</a> at <a href="http://www.cortsroyalink.com/">Cort's Royal Ink Tattoo Studio</a> in Patchogue, New York.<br /><br />Thanks to Johnny for sharing this amazing tattoo with us here on Tattoosday!

Here's to You, Joe DiMaggio...

Living in New York City , a metropolis known for its die-hard sports fans, it is not unusual to see tattoos honoring and celebrating the ric...

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Casey's Name Transcends Generations

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX487jnBRxxNP8cnUSQYLqgJu1V3tA5ZU6gdK56n4zmcYiXgacEwv3Q8FZVYowejwO0jRq_ORK1p4WEtV4C7vmcpDzzubMx2Qx1XuUmguyZtx8M0kUTv9ZLKU4FJ7GGnewuhA4PDFGb1xZ/s1600-h/casey-detail.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288412645836869842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX487jnBRxxNP8cnUSQYLqgJu1V3tA5ZU6gdK56n4zmcYiXgacEwv3Q8FZVYowejwO0jRq_ORK1p4WEtV4C7vmcpDzzubMx2Qx1XuUmguyZtx8M0kUTv9ZLKU4FJ7GGnewuhA4PDFGb1xZ/s400/casey-detail.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 334px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />I met Casey while passing through Penn Station. He was waiting for the Amtrak to his home in Rhode Island. I spotted his neck tattoo and asked him about it because it was not your typical neck piece. He was very enthusiastic about sharing it with Tattoosday,<br /><br />Simply, the ink, which begins on the left side of his neck and curves in a semi-circle to the right side of his neck, is his name (first, middle, and last) in Armenian.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6w7yHXIkRNFyVtVdTAo8VZP8wqAJAExF9iWzUonRtypFIevnrLXvdUWfp_ZHCrPKjHBrtEKr6jAzbbdzFPTExzURX09T5X63r_oXfcdRZQzGFwpCDPGgKFl-7I3zC-6vMWKV1hJmlJ57J/s1600-h/casey-left.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288411821004577426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6w7yHXIkRNFyVtVdTAo8VZP8wqAJAExF9iWzUonRtypFIevnrLXvdUWfp_ZHCrPKjHBrtEKr6jAzbbdzFPTExzURX09T5X63r_oXfcdRZQzGFwpCDPGgKFl-7I3zC-6vMWKV1hJmlJ57J/s400/casey-left.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChbyHA36063b5GfszAEinkFY6_YooXi9ArLCDdT9uJV755L0WnGdWr1OjsAGYmVQakU-O1yX60ihjNFitwMJoVyCxL5kZiSBA6KP-vrku8RdCCGoO5hYaIrGRfWl6mRS7zHbvnsHKEOXD/s1600-h/casey-center.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288411595419450098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChbyHA36063b5GfszAEinkFY6_YooXi9ArLCDdT9uJV755L0WnGdWr1OjsAGYmVQakU-O1yX60ihjNFitwMJoVyCxL5kZiSBA6KP-vrku8RdCCGoO5hYaIrGRfWl6mRS7zHbvnsHKEOXD/s400/casey-center.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdv9tf4ZlE4AlQAKkCGfm7IWkymHpG3GfXqjeUhlwF9zErZWFV_1kmJIIv4zzf83GoElm566XQo00KVSBeWvs1TOdWKr0YWh16OUiccEOKf3bQmwkbnY8jXbqmpNC2132jfHKstNK69jN/s1600-h/casey-right.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288411445111694514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdv9tf4ZlE4AlQAKkCGfm7IWkymHpG3GfXqjeUhlwF9zErZWFV_1kmJIIv4zzf83GoElm566XQo00KVSBeWvs1TOdWKr0YWh16OUiccEOKf3bQmwkbnY8jXbqmpNC2132jfHKstNK69jN/s400/casey-right.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />I normally don't spout opinions about people's choice of ink, but I have never understood why people tattoo their own names on their bodies. I work with many people who possess cursive renditions of their names in ink, and these tattoos don't appeal to my artistic sensibility.<br /><br />However, after speaking with Casey about his tattoo, I fully appreciate the design and meaning of the piece.<br /><br />One remarkable thing about the tattoo, in my opinion, is that it is inked in a language that is not commonly seen on skin, in this country at least. I have featured <a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/search/label/kanji" style="font-style: italic;">kanji</a>, <a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/2008/08/what-doesnt-kill-you-makes-you-stronger.html">Hebrew</a>, and <a href="http://tattoosday.blogspot.com/2008/08/thea-illuminates-music.html">Arabic</a>, but never Armenian. The name inscribed in another language, especially when it honors one's family<br />heritage, elevates the art and carves deeper meaning into the flesh.<br /><br />What makes this piece even more phenomenal is that the handwriting of Casey's name belongs to his grandfather. He went to him and asked for him to write the name out in the language of the Old Country, with the express desire to have it tattooed. And his grandfather not only gave his blessing, but loves the finished product.<br /><br />In this way, Casey has created a tribute to his heritage, as well to as his grandfather, and is able to convey that respect for the past. It will also be a constant reminder for him to remember his grandfather and the roots from whence he came.<br /><br />The piece was inked by his friend <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=9817253">Jesus</a>, who was not affiliated with a shop at the time he got the tattoo 2 1/2 years ago, but is now working at <a href="http://www.myspace.com/getwickedink">Wicked Ink Tattoo</a> in Riverside, Rhode Island.<br /><br />As a bonus, on two-for-Tattoosday, Casey showed me his other tattoo that is inked on his right bicep:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaYdgx_42bl2zgZ5MCOw3o-8yMaZZfbD4faAgdWUKExVHs4VQCIWrpxraG2eBqfNTxU7PSfvXALF26QjuqM7X8qfHXQvZbhg08m5wtk3La6VRn6qd3iRw532efkQ5r4znWkcmugkblSBO/s1600-h/yankees.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288411276680117378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaYdgx_42bl2zgZ5MCOw3o-8yMaZZfbD4faAgdWUKExVHs4VQCIWrpxraG2eBqfNTxU7PSfvXALF26QjuqM7X8qfHXQvZbhg08m5wtk3La6VRn6qd3iRw532efkQ5r4znWkcmugkblSBO/s400/yankees.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />"So you're a Yankees fan?" I asked, smiling.<br /><br />Casey corrected me, "It's a memorial piece for my cousin J.J. who was a devoted fan".<br /><br />J.J. died at the too-young age of 26 and the tattoo was supposed to include the text "J.J. - Rest in Peace," but he didn't have time to finish it. There are plans to complete the memorial in the next month, and I hope to post the final version here in the future.<br /><br />I must say that I have seen tattoos of the "NY" logo for the Yankees, but this piece is one of the best I've seen, just based on its size and sheer brightness of color. The deeper meaning as a memorial for a close relative makes the tattoo even better, in my opinion.<br /><br />Thanks again to Casey for sharing both tattoos with us here at Tattoosday!

Casey's Name Transcends Generations

I met Casey while passing through Penn Station. He was waiting for the Amtrak to his home in Rhode Island. I spotted his neck tattoo and ask...

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