๑۩۞۩๑.｡..•❤ †ë®Ëñ©ëË©Ñë®Ë† ❤•. .｡.๑۩۞۩๑ [woRkS in moNosyLabik exPeriMent]

Reputation =

2008-09-15T01:48:00.004+08:00

Jonathan came on Friday night because he wanted to talk to me but we didn't get to chat because I was sort of busy with operations. So he finally came by on Sunday. Why would he come down and what's so important until he need to come down? Well, my Managing Director, Ms. Caren Poon came to my outlet on Thursday night together with Yi Wen. She had some feedbacks regarding my outlet and they are:

Teppanyaki area is too filthy
Glass panel is stained
Section C is a storage area when it is supposedly meant to be used to get sales
Conveyor belt is too dirty
Raiden's hair is too long and messy

And Jonathan came by just to inform to me about this because Caren came by the next day and found out that it is still the same. Such thoughtful of Jonathan to come by just to inform me. He said that it is very important when the boss gives negative feedbacks and we must follow up immediately but he also said that the time constraint might be one of the reasons why it isn't done. He did mention it to Kelvin but he came down personally to tell me. I felt that he really put an effort so that something is done.

Apart from that, he mentioned that if a trainer (me) hands over a dirty outlet, what will Anson think of the trainer if he undergoes training in the future. So this actually affects my reputation. Agreed with what he said and I arranged that the whole outlet be revamped in one night ASAP!

After the conversation, Dax and me quickly wiped all the tables and chairs in the outlet with chemical. After that, Kyaw and Amy cleaned the conveyor belt. After working at this outlet for almost 10 months, I finally noticed the conveyor belt is spotless clean and the tables and chairs look shiny. Kua kua kua kua~~~~~ Drool! LOL I hope all this will eventually maintain after I'm back from Pavillion!

Old Town vs Sakae Sushi

2008-09-15T01:00:00.004+08:00

William Kor Kor came to my outlet on Saturday just like he said just to have a small talk with me. He explained to me the pros and con of working at Old Town - based on what his friend (who's working at Toast Box) told him. So I'm going to state out the difference and so-called similarities between Sakae Sushi and Old Town Coffeeshop.

Old Town is currently franchised and they are planning to take over all the outlets after the contract ends because they are planning to be a listed company. After that, it shall be shitloads of mess in there. WHILE Apex-Pal (parent company of Sakae Sushi) is already a listed company in Singapore.
Old Town is basically a coffee shop and in basic layman Malaysian-English, it's "kopitiam'. What future can I (ahem, a degree holder) might possibly have in there? WHILE in Sakae Sushi, William informed me that I'm one of the person that Sakae Sushi sees into that possess potential to be fully groomed to be someone in the company. That's why I am selected as the pioneer batch to start the never-fail training program. I'm a little bit surprised and proud to hear that though.
There is basically no standardization in Old Town. Look at their uniform - maroon short sleeved shirt. Apart from that, their managers are all conversed mainly in Cantonese and Mandarin. WHILE in Sakae Sushi, we converse in ENGLISH! Hell yeah cause I can't converse that well in Cantonese and Mandarin compared to English.
Although Old Town has a training outlet BUT Sakae Sushi too is going to have one. And I'm one the person to chosen to start it.
Old Town is giving a service point which means that it depends on sales. If sales high (which basically adds on to higher service charge), the higher the service points will be. It's their so-called tactic to attract people but bloody hell, when they told me that I could actually get RM400 for service point, I thought it would be a minimum. But the actual fact (that they didn't bother to inform), is the maximum I could rake in from service point. HOWEVER in Sakae Sushi, the salary is much more fixed and not sales affected. But to get more, we have to do more to increase sales to achieve the target and get the sales incentive! Quite good huh. But one thing that mind fucked me the most is actually the screwed up full attendance allowance which I felt is a total bullshit.
I applied for Restaurant Manager but Old Town only offered me Assistant Manager. As what William said, what's the point of changing jobs when the position is the same level. If they offered me, Restaurant Manager, he said that I could give it a try.

And the few important things that William Kor Kor told me which I thought is quite true:

He asked me whether I'm working for money or for future (career). Well, this really troubled me and had some difficulties answering him. After giving it some thoughts, I answered future. Because I thought by working hard now, I could actually benefit from it in the future. But if I work for money now, I could end up being a nobody in the future.
The philosophy of work. If the salary offered is higher by 20%, it is good to give it a try. But Old Town didn't really offered me a 20% increment of my current salary, so what's the point? (:

Besides that, he gave me some 'tips' about my future here at Sakae Sushi. Well, it's not actually tips la. He basically told me what's my career path in this company in a much clearer view and also with a time frame. He said that Jonathan actually planned to promote me to Restaurant Manager after 6 months provided that the training outlet doesn't screw up. Apart from that, William gave me a rough figure of what the salary will be.

Being curious, I asked him what does he mean by screwing up the training outlet (which I asked without thinking). He said that the future trainees are able to perform the job exactly as how they are taught, following the Standard Operating Procedure. Besides that, as the training outlet is filled with the aces of the aces (that's what Jonathan said), so any kitchen jam or service difficulties must never happen. Lastly, sales must increase to RM300,000 from the current RM190,000, which is a target set by Jonathan. Whoa~ 57.89% increase?! Even William himself don't believe that the sales would actually fluctuate that much but at least reaching RM200,000 would be his personal target.

William Kor Kor told me the reason why he continued at Sakae Sushi although being offered the position of Operation Manager at Old Town Coffee shop. The reason why is because in the beginning, he didn't see any future in Sakae Sushi but after the training outlet is proposed, he eventually saw a tunnel (target) and although haven't see the light (result/future), at least saw a target. But there might be u-turns, corners in the tunnel (which means difficulties and problems), but in the end, we will get to see the light. I totally believe in what you said and I will try my very best to make sure we could see the light! Trust me because I'm not all words and I must prove it!

Thanks very much for taking all the effort to come down all the way just to have this pep talk with me. Totally appreciate it!

I am an official degree holder!

2008-09-12T01:48:00.003+08:00

Hngg~ I'm finally an official degree holder. Fresh graduate from Taylor's College School of Hospitality and Tourism. Well, not that fresh actually. I actually failed my examination last year cause I didn't manage to complete my dissertation. So I had to redo my dissertation and finally the result is out. I actually called up Taylor's College to enquire if the results are out and Ms. Denise said that I actually passed. I was like so freaking happy that I jumped around in my car (that's just my expression). So I asked another tricky question, "what mention did I get this time?" She replied "pass". My whole heart crumbled to bits and pieces. Fucking sad!

My result eventually deteriorated since Diploma lorh! Here's how the mention goes in order:

Very Honorable Pass with Congrats from Jury

Very Honorable Pass

Honorable Pass

Pass

For Diploma, I never seem to study and I can easily achieve Very Honorable Pass. I was quite contented with my result then. But in Higher Diploma, I studied A LOT! And when I say A LOT, it is fucking a lot! Spent numerous nights without any sleep! Just supplemented myself with Coffee, McD and K! And the result that I achieved was poorly disappointing cause i only got Honorable Pass when I expect to get VHP. I totally weeped when the result was announced T.T Lastly in Degree, I only gave my 80% and I freaking got a PASS?! PASS?! Did the college actually did a mistake? Gahhh! I freaking expect a Honorable Pass lorh! Totally disappointed (again). But luckily, I don't have to suffer thru education again! LMAO

Went to college today cause I thought I could collect my transcript but they said that I can only get it after convocation. Went all the way to PJ but end up getting nothing. Fuck! But to my surprise, there are shit loads of hot chicks in college nowadays! Made me salivate till my shirt is wet, which I didn't cause I'm afraid my Dear will keel me (she followed me there). I mean 5 years ago (when I was in Diploma), there aren't any chicks in Taylor's but now? Tempted me to go college again (:

Now that I'm an official Degree graduate, will Sakae Sushi eventually evaluate me again? And perhaps, I mean perhaps, give me a better offer? LOL

Offer by Old Town

2008-09-12T01:13:00.003+08:00

Old Town coffee shop gave me a job offer last few days and I finally went for an interview with their Area Manager, Jacklyn at Ampang at 9pm! Gahhh! She was already late on our first meeting and it sure doesn't give good impression to me. Hello hello~ Wasn't punctuality equally important? LOL I asked for the position of Restaurant Manager but they only offered me the position of Assistant Restaurant Manager because I lack of experience. I was like "what the fuck?!" LMAO Their offer:

Basic: RM1,700

Service points: RM400

Total: RM2,100

Sounds a lot huh. Good things doesn't end fast. There's more to it. After confirmation period of 6 months, the offer increases:

Basic: RM1,900

Service points: 10% extracted from the outlet = around RM750

Total: RM2,650

Fcuking attractive right?! Which douchebag would resist this kind of attractive offer?! I'm already half tempted to join Old Town but there are somethings that sort of bother my mind.

It is a modernized and higher classed kopitiam.
I'm a degree holder. (more about this later)
Will I actually succeed there?
I'm currently chosen for Sakae Sushi's training outlet and I want to prove out my struts there.
I got used and so-called friendly with Sakae Sushi's management already. If I move to Old Town, will it suit me? Will it? Will it?

After giving long deep thoughts, I text messaged William Kor Kor asking for his opinion. Based on what he said, Old Town also offered him last time - with the salary being RM1k higher compared to Sakae Sushi. But he said he will explain to me this Saturday when he come down. Really need his guidance cause I'm in a freaking dilemma. T.T

i ❤ my new GUESS™ watch and belt

2008-09-11T02:06:00.006+08:00

Finally got myself a new watch and belt. Got both of it from GUESS AEON Bukit Tinggi last friday when I had my half day. Before shopping, dear and me went for lunch at Lavender (again) (:

Anyway, back to the topic. To be honest, I wanted a watch so damn badly since so long ago. Well, my previous SWATCH was bought my my mummy almost 4 years ago and it was time for me to get a new replacement. As in the Chinese saying "old one don't go, new one won't come". LOL Got to ❤ this new watch as dear helped me choose it. Actually I had been in ❤ with a GC (it's GUESS Collection for you douchebags) since beginning of this year. But didn't manage to buy it because of the fucking hefty price tag slapped on it. It was unreasonably priced at RM1k+. Gahhh! Super yeng lor the GC but have to end up with a normal GUESS. Haiy~ Financially tight T.T

๑۩۞۩๑.｡..·* GUESS *·. .｡.๑۩۞۩๑

๑۩۞۩๑.｡..·* The 'gaya' box *·. .｡.๑۩۞۩๑

๑۩۞۩๑.｡..·* Got to ❤ their monogram *·. .｡.๑۩۞۩๑

๑۩۞۩๑.｡..·* The Dial *·. .｡.๑۩۞۩๑

๑۩۞۩๑.｡..·* To proof it's legit *·. .｡.๑۩۞۩๑

๑۩۞۩๑.｡..·* How it look on me *·. .｡.๑۩۞۩๑

Oh and not to forget, I also got a new belt from GUESS. Sort of like formal style to me. But can be used for casual wear as well. Kool! Wanted to get a new belt cause the one that my daddy got me from Germany is badly scratched and the leather is sort of like in a bad condition. Apart from that, my casual belt (also from GUESS) needs a partner too (: Time for new one. Yippie! Main point of getting meself a new belt is also because most of my friends said that I purchased the belt from those black men who sells these kinda belts! And to add salt to wound, they said that I look like Sabah 'kia'! Dulan anot?! Simple description of my new GUESS belt - Brown leather with G marking the spot. Super yeng also!

๑۩۞۩๑.｡..·* G marks the spot*·. .｡.๑۩۞۩๑

๑۩۞۩๑.｡..·* GUESS *·. .｡.๑۩۞۩๑

๑۩۞۩๑.｡..·* To proof it's legit *·. .｡.๑۩۞۩๑

๑۩۞۩๑.｡..·* Skull with angels buckle *·. .｡.๑۩۞۩๑

๑۩۞۩๑.｡..·* Super duper uber yeng *·. .｡.๑۩۞۩๑

๑۩۞۩๑.｡..·* To proof it's legit *·. .｡.๑۩۞۩๑

Total used for the day = RM700+. Felt like a sucker punch landed heavily on me. But oh well, it hurts only on the end of the month. teehee (:

Sakae Sushi: Training outlet @ Pavillion

2008-09-11T01:31:00.008+08:00

I've been chosen for the training outlet at Pavillion. Gosh, deep down in me, I'm trembling (but the exact words are I AM SO SCARED THAT I SHIT ON MY PANTS!). LOL Yea. Based on my previous posts, I really do want to be based in Pavillion so damn much but don't know why and when, this feeling befall me. The feeling is fear / scared. Some of you might call me a douchebag for having this sort of feeling but mark my words! Imagine the uncountable pressures that I would face! The numerous difficulties that I must go through. So I hope somewhere somehow, I could manage to face this shitloads of problems. Pray hard! Pray hard!

I received this e-mail from William Kor Kor last Friday, 05.08.09. Here's how it went (it was addressed to Lee Wei and me):

Hi both,
Final decision had came out,both of you are selected to be the trainer for training outlet.Now,
please spend time to re study the service SOP throughly,i mean to understand every single detail
in SOP,imagine the process when train a new staff,list out possible training hazard that might 
be face. I will arrange time to speak to you guys seperately.
Again,congratulation!Both of you are the best manager in the system,so please dont let us down.
Thanks, William Lee
Proud sia~ Both of us (which includes ME) are the best managers in Sakae Sushi Malaysia! After fear, proudness follows ahead! LMAO Oh fuck me, I'm boasting right now. Gahhh! Currently I can say that I have finished going through the SOP. To be honest, I went through the SOP damn long ago, roughly in the beginning when I'm based in Bukit Tinggi. A minority of you might say "whoa, so free till can read SOP ar?". Sadly to say, sales in Bukit Tinggi outlet isn't that hell of a good so what else can I do? (:

Some pros and cons that I would be facing soon:

Pros:

Self-improvement - Sadly to say, I wanted to improve my self so badly and being stuck in a low sales outlet sure does make oneself feels damn miserable and useless. So if I'm able to learn while teaching others. Why not? (:
Promotion advantage - If I manage to ensure that this training outlet concept is a success, possibilities / chances / percentage of me getting promoted is much higher. That's compared to being in a low sales outlet where no one can actually see or know how am I performing. Right?
Resume - I can proudly put into my resume that I have assisted Sakae Sushi in their training program thus makes my CV / resume looks much much prettier. Future employers might feel impressed with me. That's what I think. Apart from that, I might be able to set up training program for future employers too!

Cons:

Transportation problem - As I'm staying at Bukit Tinggi, traveling to Pavillion each and every day would be such a trouble for me. Ahhh~ Imagine the financial burden and the fatigues of being in a massive traffic congestion each and every day. Kinda unbearable right? But I will try a few months and see how I can cope up with it. Worst comes to worst, KTM everyday.
Accommodation - Accommodation follows after transportation because if accommodation is provided, being based at Pavillion would make life so much easier. But being shoved in a apartment with shitloads of people? Besides that, I would have to wash and iron my own clothes! OH NO! Best part of all, I don't think that washing machine is available T.T
Food - Meal prices at KL. Guess yourself, the cheapest price it would be? RM10? I'm not really sure cause never stayed or worked before in the golden triangle before. Again, worst comes to worst, eat Maggi Mee™ (™ is learnt from "The Love Guru" - more updates about it later) everyday.

Currently the pros and cons are somewhat even and equal so why not giving it a shot? "Why so serious? Let's put a smile on that face" (My recent favorite quote). I'm forcing myself to think positive to be positive. Oh yeah!

Lastly, I would like to convoy my appreciation to William Kor Kor and Jonathan for providing me such a chance to show what I'm actually capable of (apart from being in-charge of a low sales outlet). I'm darn sure that I will try my very best so I won't disappoint both of you! Arigatou gozaimase!

Can't people fall sick?

2008-09-08T13:20:00.004+08:00

Well currently I'm sort of pissed with the people in my company. I haven't blog in a few days cause I wasn't feeling that particularly good. After my birthday dinner on Saturday, I had food poisoning. Bloody hell! Some people might even think that I co-incidentally fell sick on purpose on Sunday. Try going work with high fever + vomiting + body ache + diarrhea. If you can work, all kudos sia. I even had my mum to fetch me to consult a doctor on Sunday morning. Satisfied? On top of that, the doctor gave me 4 types of medicines! Even had one for diarrhea - which I have to mix with water and it tasted like some mofo shit! Is this what I deserve for working hard? Frankly, I'm feeling un-appreciated though.

What I mean is like who the fuck in this world doesn't get sick? Fcuking check the records before thinking of framing me. I mean think straight la. In this freaking 10 months of employment with Sakae Sushi, I didn't had any MCs at all! Does this gives you all the bloody right to conclude that I'm Iron Man?! Fcuk! Damn I'm pissed. Got even more pissed (in this sick condition) just now when William Kor Kor called me to inform that my assistant is resigning. Gosh I'm not sure what's her problem. But it's just 2 days that I'm unable to work. God why must this happen to me. I want to die can. Feeling depressed currently as I have to go to my shop to 'psycho' my assistant right now.

+ I feel so sick right now and with this so-called incidents happening to me, it greatly deprives me. DEMOTIVATED! Gahhh!!!

*EDIT* Well, William made a terrible mistake. It was Ariff who actually wanted to resign and not Cat. Gahhh! Scared the wit out of me. Praise the lord! LOL

04.09.87: how was my birthday

2008-09-05T01:29:00.003+08:00

Had a quite simple and down to earth birthday this year. Although it's my one and only 21st birthday though. Woke up in the morning and mummy boiled 2 eggs for me. How thoughtful of her! Thanks mummy! After having a quite-heavy breakfast, bathed and got to work. Whole day was sort of quiet at AEON. Lunch was so quiet that I felt so freaking sleepy lorh. Heavy downpour some more - which is in fact the best environment to sleep! William Kor Kor told the other day that he was going to hand over the outlet today at about 12pm so he asked me to change my off day. But to my surprise, he 'fong-fei-kei-ed' me. Palia! Purposely work on my birthday because you asked me to.

I even made dinner for my dear. Which was supposed to look like this:

But it turned out like this:

Sorry sayang~ Promise you that next time it would look much much better!!

Well, I met someone today which is to me surprise. Guess who?

It's Jonathan Liew, my Operations Manager. He came down together with Chef Daniel (Area Chef who looks more like a 'taikor'). He had a brief chat with me regarding me being one of the shortlist for the training outlet. He asked shitloads of questions ranging from transport and expectations and incentives. He even had a effort to tell me a story - starfish story. But I want to hear the story about birds and bees (in a childish tone). LOL Of course I didn't mention that to him la. knn Later straight fire me lorh! But I'm assured that if I got selected, I'm pretty sure that I could handle it quite well either mentally or physically lorh. I have gone through hell here at AEON with less than 20% knowledge and 0% experience. What can make me suffer more?! LOL

Gosh~ It's 2.50 am jo. Have to oink oink already cause tomorrow have to fetch dear back from school (:

祝我生日快樂

2008-09-04T00:11:00.005+08:00

I'm currently listening to 祝我生日快樂 by Landy. Haiy~ How charm. Might as well sing birthday song to myself:

happy birthday to me

happy birthday

happy birthday to me

I'm wishing myself happy birthday since no one else wished me T.T Well, my lovely dear and my family members had wished me. In fact, my dear accompanied me the whole day. Supposedly have to fetch her from school at 12.50 but blimey, I'm a dead sleeper. Woke up at 12.40 and hurriedly got changed and off I go. Sent sayang back home for bath and I broke a bottle of Chivas. LOL Really knn lorh. 1 new bottle of Chivas gone just like that! Ended up have to wash the floor T.T 'cha cha lan' bath and took dear from her home and off we went to Pavillion. Dear got me a Zara tee when she went to Singapore! How thoughtful of her. i ❤ her forever can.

I really have nothing else to shop already. Perhaps because of the insufficient budget LMAO Sayang finally wore high heels (which she bought it last week from Nose) and I just loved how she looked. Totally graceful can. I bet no one looks better in pumps than my sayang! We had lunch at Madam Kwan where dear ordered mushroom chicken noodle which is in fact 'kon loh me / wan tan mee' and me being such a nice boyfriend volunteered to exchange with my 'char kuey tiao'.

๑۩۞۩๑.｡..·* i ❤ u *·. .｡.๑۩۞۩๑

๑۩۞۩๑.｡..·* my ❤ *·. .｡.๑۩۞۩๑

After finishing our meal, we 'lepak-ed' around Pavillion. Pavillion ground floor totally not for me to walk lor. The shops there totally outrageous! Ranging from Juicy Couture to Gucci. Wahsaii~ My payroll just 'ngam ngam' for me to live 1 month only lorh! Jeeez~ I really need to find a job which a better pay, which could eventually allow me to get something branded at least once a month (not to much right?). Sayang got herself a bag - rattan type one. Quite 'chio' lorh. But truthfully, she has shit loads of branded bags already some more get a rattan bag from Tang. Really kua kua kua kua.... Nevermind, seeing her happy makes me happy too (:

Just spent 3 hours at Pavillion though. Our last stop was Starbucks Coffee again. kua kua kua. I bet my sayang would be like "GAHHH!" (: We cam-whored at Starbucks and here are the samples:

๑۩۞۩๑.｡..·* nice picture! *·. .｡.๑۩۞۩๑

๑۩۞۩๑.｡..·* edited by dear =.= *·. .｡.๑۩۞۩๑

๑۩۞۩๑.｡..·* i was forced to camwhore T.T *·. .｡.๑۩۞۩๑

๑۩۞۩๑.｡..·* iM so totally in ❤ wit her *·. .｡.๑۩۞۩๑

We had dinner at Papa Kopitiam again (we had bread only) cause dear wasn't feeling quite well. So charm~ I heart ache tim \: bought for her Panadol Active Fast but she said it's fast fast die. I want to 'liu han' can. Sent her home and later went to AEON to collect my birthday cake. Seriously, who buys birthday cake for himself. Anyone that 'siao'? Totally 'bu shuang' lor when I have to write the message myself. Thanks to my super lazy mummy (: Nonetheless, I would like to thank her for all she had done in bringing me up in my 21 years of life. Although there are times where I eventually hurt her and made her sad. Thanks and sorry mummy! Heart you lots!

Lastly, would like to thank those who wished me:

Dear

Mummy

Brian - my super 'la yeng' brother LOL

Michelle - my sis

Cat - sakai from Sakae Sushi (:

Alright, got to sign out for now cause I have to work in 8 more hours (on my birthday too)! GAHHH!!!

+ Pictures will be posted tomorrow as my sayang is sick right now. Heart pain arghh!

i ❤ tattoo

2008-09-01T00:59:00.006+08:00

To start of with, the definition of tattoo (from Wikipedia):

Tattoo

For other uses, see Tattoo (disambiguation).

A Maori Chief with tattoos (moko) seen by Cook and his crew.

A tattoo is a permanent marking made by inserting ink into the layers of skin to change the pigment for decorative or other reasons. Tattoos on humans are a type of decorative body modification, while tattoos on animals are most commonly used for identification or branding.

Tattooing has been practiced worldwide. The Ainu, the indigenous people of Japan, traditionally wore facial tattoos. Today one can find Berbers of Tamazghaand Maori of New Zealand with facial tattoos. Tattooing was widespread among Polynesian peoples and among certain tribal groups in the Philippines, Borneo,Mentawai Islands, Africa, North America, South America, Mesoamerica, Europe, Japan, Cambodia, New Zealand and Micronesia. Despite some taboos surrounding tattooing, the art continues to be popular in many parts of the world.

Etymology

The word "tattoo" is a borrowing of the Samoan word tatau, meaning to mark or strike twice (the latter referring to traditional methods of applying the designs). The first syllable "ta", meaning "hand", is repeated twice as an onomatopoeic reference to the repetitive nature of the action, and the final syllable "U" translates to "color".^{[citation needed]} The instrument used to pierce the skin in Polynesian tattooing is called a hahau, the syllable "ha" meaning to "strike or pierce".^{[citation needed]}

The OED gives the etymology of tattoo as "In 18th c. tattaow, tattow. From Polynesian (Tahitian, Samoan, Tongan, etc.) tatau. In Marquesan, tatu." The first closest known usage of the word in English was recorded in the diary of Captain James Cook in 1769 during his voyage to the Marquesas Islands. The text reads, “...they print signs on people’s body and call this tattaw”, referring to the Polynesian customs.^{[citation needed]} Sailors on the voyage later introduced both the word and reintroduced the concept of tattooing to Europe.^[1]]

In Japanese the most common word used for traditional designs is, "Horimono".

The traditional Japanese hand method is called, "Tebori".

The word, "Irezumi," simply means, "insertion of ink," and could mean tattoos using Tebori, or Western style machine, (Or for that matter, any method of tattoing using insertion of ink).

Japanese may use the word, "Tattoo," to mean non-Japanese styles.

Tattoo enthusiasts may refer to tattoos as, "Tats," "Ink," "Art," or, "Work," and to tattooists as, "Artists". The latter usage is gaining greater support, with mainstream art galleries holding exhibitions of both traditional and custom tattoo designs. Copyrighted tattoo designs that are mass-produced and sold to tattoo artists are known as flash, a notable instance of industrial design. Flash sheets are prominently displayed in many tattoo parlors for the purpose of providing both inspiration and ready-made tattoo images to customers.

[edit]History

Main article: History of tattooing

A tattoo on the right arm of a Scythian chieftain, whose mummy was discovered at Pazyryk,Russia

Tattooing has been a Eurasian practice at least since Neolithic times. Ötzi the Iceman, dating from the fourth to fifth millennium BC, was found in the Ötz valley in the Alps and had approximately 57 carbon tattoos consisting of simple dots and lines on his lower spine, behind his left knee, and on his right ankle. Other mummies bearing tattoos and dating from the end of the second millennium BC have been discovered at Pazyryk on the Ukok Plateau.^{[citation needed]}Tattooing in Japan is thought to go back to the Paleolithic era, some ten thousand years ago.^{[citation needed]} Various other cultures have had their own tattoo traditions, ranging from rubbing cuts and other wounds with ashes, to hand-pricking the skin to insert dyes.^{[citation needed]}

Tattoos are created by inserting colored materials inside the skin's surface. The first tattoos probably were created by an accident.^{[citation needed]} Someone had a small wound, and rubbed it with soot and ashes from a fire.^{[citation needed]} Once the wound had healed, they saw that a mark stayed permanently.^{[citation needed]}

[edit]Purposes

Tattooing is a tradition amongstindigenous peoples around the world.

[edit]Decorative and spiritual uses

Tattoos have served as rites of passage, marks of status and rank, symbols of religious and spiritual devotion, decorations for bravery, sexual lures and marks of fertility, pledges of love, punishment, amulets and talismans, protection, and as the marks of outcasts, slaves and convicts. The symbolism and impact of tattoos varies in different places and cultures, sometimes with unintended consequences. Also, tattoos show how a person feels about another person, or how they feel about a relative, preferably mother/father or daughter/son.

Today, people choose to be tattooed for cosmetic, sentimental/memorial, religious, and magical reasons, and to symbolize their belonging to or identification with particular groups, including criminal gangs (see criminal tattoos) but also a particular ethnic group or law-abiding subculture. Some Māori still choose to wear intricate moko on their faces. In Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand, the yantra tattoo is used for protection against evil and to increase luck.

A memorial tattoo of a deceased loved one's initials

[edit]Identification

People have also been forcibly tattooed for various reasons. The best known example is the identification system for Jews in concentration campsduring the Holocaust. However, tattoos can be linked with identification in more positive ways. For example, in the period of early contact between Māori and Europeans, Māori chiefs sometimes drew their moko (facial tattoo) on documents in place of a signature. Even today, tattoos are sometimes used by forensic pathologists to help them identify burned, putrefied, or mutilated bodies. Tattoo pigment is buried deep enough in the skin that even severe burns will often not destroy a tattoo. Because of this, many members of today's military will have their identification tags tattooed onto their ribs; these are known as "meat tags".

Tattoos are also placed on animals, though very rarely for decorative reasons. Pets, show animals, thoroughbred horses and livestock are sometimes tattooed with identification and other marks. Pet dogs and cats are often tattooed with a serial number (usually in the ear, or on the inner thigh) via which their owners can be identified. Also, animals are occasionally tattooed to prevent sunburn (on the nose, for example). Such tattoos are often performed by a veterinarian and in most cases the animals are anesthetized during the process. Branding is used for similar reasons and is often performed without anesthesia, but is different from tattooing as no ink or dye is inserted during the process.

[edit]Cosmetic

Permanent Makeup - Lip procedures

When used as a form of cosmetics, tattooing includes permanent makeup, and hiding or neutralizing skin discolorations. Permanent makeup are tattoos that enhance eyebrows, lips (liner and/or lipstick), eyes (liner), and even moles, usually with natural colors as the designs are intended to resemble makeup.

[edit]Medical

Medical tattoos are used to ensure instruments are properly located for repeated application of radiotherapy and for the areola in some forms of breast reconstruction. Tattooing has also been used to convey medical information about the wearer.

[edit]Prevalence

Tattoos have experienced a resurgence in popularity in many parts of the world, particularly in North America, Japan, and Europe. The growth in tattoo culture has seen an influx of new artists into the industry, many of whom have technical and fine art training. Coupled with advancements in tattoo pigments and the ongoing refinement of the equipment used for tattooing, this has led to an improvement in the quality of tattoos being produced.

During the 2000s, the presence of tattoos became evident within pop culture, inspiring television shows such as A&E's Inked and TLC's Miami Ink and LA Ink. The decoration of blues singer Janis Joplin with a wristlet and a small heart on her left breast, by the San Francisco tattoo artist Lyle Tuttle, is taken as a seminal moment in the popular acceptance of tattoos as art.^[2] As seen in the 2007 movie Eastern Promises, body art again features heavily, showcasing the ink-embroidered torso of a Russian mobster. Tattoos are generally considered an important part of the culture of the Russian mafia.^[3]

Lower back tattoos are more common among young women.

In many traditional cultures tattooing has also enjoyed a resurgence, partially in deference to cultural heritage. Historically, a decline in traditional tribal tattooing in Europe occurred with the spread of Christianity. However, some Christian groups, such as the Knights of St. John of Malta, sported tattoos to show their allegiance. A decline often occurred in other cultures following European efforts to convert aboriginal and indigenous people to Western religious and cultural practices that held tattooing to be a "pagan" or "heathen" activity. Within some traditional indigenous cultures, tattooing takes place within the context of a rite of passage between adolescence and adulthood.

The examples and perspective in this article or section may not represent a worldwide view of the subject.
Please improve this article or discuss the issue on the talk page.

A poll conducted online in January 2008 by Harris Interactive estimated that 14% of all adults in the United States have at least one tattoo, just slightly down from 2003, when 16% had a tattoo. The highest incidence of tattoos was found among the gay, lesbian and bisexual population (25%) and among Americans ages 25 to 29 years (32%) and 30 to 39 years (25%). The youngest age group (18-24) is one of the groups least likely to have a tattoo (9%), the same as the oldest age group (65 and older). Men (15%) are just slightly more likely to have a tattoo than women (13%). Regionally, people living in the West (20%) were more likely to have tattoos. ^[4]

In 2006, a survey which took place in 2004 was published by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.^[5] It found that 24% of Americans who were between the ages of 18 and 50 had a tattoo.

[edit]Negative associations

Conspicuous tattoos and other body modification can make gainful employment difficult in many fields

In Japan, tattoos are strongly associated with the Yakuza, particularly full body tattoos done the traditional Japanese way ("Tebori"). Certain public Japanese bathhouses (sentō) and gymnasiums often openly ban those bearing large or graphic tattoos in an attempt to prevent Yakuza from entering.

In the United States many prisoners and criminal gangs use distinctive tattoos to indicate facts about their criminal behavior, prison sentences, and organizational affiliation.^[6] "Tear tattoos", for example, can be symbolic of murder, with each tear representing a death of a friend. Insofar as this cultural orsubcultural use of tattoos predates the widespread popularity of tattoos in the general population, tattoos are still associated with criminality. At the same time, members of the U.S. military have an equally well established and longstanding history of tattooing to indicate military units, battles, kills, etc., an association which remains widespread among older Americans. Tattooing is also common in the British Armed Forces.

Tattoos can have additional negative associations for women. Although derogatory slang phrases such as "tramp stamp" are sometimes used to describe atattoo on a woman's lower back, it remains one of the most popular spots for a tattoo for females. The prevalence of women in the tattoo industry itself, along with larger numbers of women wearing tattoos, has changed negative perceptions.

A study of "at-risk" (as defined by school absenteeism and truancy) adolescent girls showed a positive correlation between body-modification and negative feelings towards the body and self-esteem; however, it also illustrated a strong motive of body-modification as the search for "self and attempts to attain mastery and control over the body in an age of increasing alienation."^[7]

In some Central American countries such as Honduras and El Salvador, people with tattoos can be arrested for gang affiliation.

[edit]Mechanism

Tattooing involves the placement of pigment into the skin's dermis, the layer of connective tissue underlying the epidermis. After initial injection, pigment is dispersed throughout ahomogenized damaged layer down through the epidermis and upper dermis, in both of which the presence of foreign material activates the immune system's phagocytes to engulf the pigment particles. As healing proceeds, the damaged epidermis flakes away (eliminating surface pigment) while deeper in the skin granulation tissue forms, which is later converted to connective tissue by collagen growth. This mends the upper dermis, where pigment remains trapped within fibroblasts, ultimately concentrating in a layer just below the dermis/epidermis boundary. Its presence there is very stable, but in the long term (decades) the pigment tends to migrate deeper into the dermis, accounting for the degraded detail of old tattoos.^[8]

[edit]Procedure

Modern tattoo machine in use: here outfitted with a 5-needle setup, but number of needles depends on size and shading desired

Some tribal cultures traditionally created tattoos by cutting designs into the skin and rubbing the resulting wound with ink, ashes or other agents; some cultures continue this practice, which may be an adjunct to scarification. Some cultures create tattooed marks by hand-tapping the ink into the skin using sharpened sticks or animal bones or, in modern times, needles. Traditional Japanese tattoos (Horimono) are still "hand-poked," that is, the ink is inserted beneath the skin using non-electrical, hand-made and hand held tools with needles of sharpened bamboo or steel. This method is known as "Tebori".

The most common method of tattooing in modern times is the electric tattoo machine, which inserts ink into the skin via a group of needles that aresoldered onto a bar, which is attached to an oscillating unit. The unit rapidly and repeatedly drives the needles in and out of the skin, usually 80 to 150 times a second. This modern procedure is ordinarily sanitary. The needles are single-use needles that come packaged individually. The tattoo artist must wash not only his or her hands, but they must also wash the area that will be tattooed. Gloves must be worn at all times and the wound must be wiped frequently with a wet disposable towel of some kind.

Traditional two coil tattoo machine

Prices for this service vary widely globally and locally, depending on the complexity of the tattoo, the skill and expertise of the artist, the attitude of the customer, the costs of running a business, the economics of supply and demand, etc. The time it takes to get a tattoo is in proportion with its size and complexity. A small one of simple design might take fifteen minutes, whereas an elaborate sleeve tattoo or back piece requires multiple sessions of several hours each.

The modern electric tattoo machine is far removed from the machine invented by Samuel O'Reilly in 1891. O'Reilly's machine was based on the rotary technology of the electric engraving device invented by Thomas Edison. Modern tattoo machines use electromagnetic coils. The first coil machine was patented by Thomas Riley in London, 1891 using a single coil. The first twin coil machine, the predecessor of the modern configuration, was invented by another Englishman, Alfred Charles South of London, in 1899.

[edit]"Stick and poke"

A technique often used for home-made tattoos is "stick and poke". The tip of a sewing needle is wrapped in ink-soaked thread, leaving only the point protruding. Keeping this simple instrument saturated with ink, the skin is pricked over and over, creating a design. The purpose of the thread is to keep the point of the needle coated in ink, increasing the quantity of ink that penetrates the skin. Inks can be improvised from a number of sources such as coal, ashes or shoe polish, but Higgins "Black Magic" waterproof ink is the brand most commonly cited by collectors of so-called "India ink" or "stick and poke" tattoos in the United States^{[citation needed]}. Sometimes called "prison tattoos", these tattoos are popular with gutter punks and others associated with the modern hobo subculture, who frequently tattoo visible parts of their bodies, including their hands and faces^{[citation needed]}.

[edit]"Natural" tattoos

According to George Orwell, coal miners could develop characteristic tattoos owing to coal dust getting into wounds. This can also occur with substances like gunpowder. Similarly, a traumatic tattoo occurs when a substance such as asphalt is rubbed into a wound as the result of some kind of accident or trauma. These are particularly difficult to remove as they tend to be spread across several different layers of skin, and scarring or permanent discoloration is almost unavoidable depending on the location. In addition, tattooing of the gingiva from implantation of amalgam particles during dental filling placement and removal is possible and not uncommon. A common example of such accidental tattoos is the result of a deliberate or accidental stabbing with a pencil or pen, leaving graphite or ink beneath the skin.

See Scarification

[edit]Dyes and pigments

Early tattoo inks were obtained directly from nature and were extremely limited in pigment variety. Today, an almost unlimited number of colors and shades of tattoo ink are mass-produced and sold to parlors worldwide. Tattoo artists commonly mix these inks to create their own, unique pigments.

A wide range of dyes and pigments can be used in tattoos, from inorganic materials like titanium dioxide and iron oxides to carbon black, azo dyes, and acridine, quinoline, phthalocyanineand naphthol derivates, dyes made from ash, and other mixtures. The current trend for tattoo pigment favors Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS plastic) as seen by the widespread popularity of Intenze, Millennium and other ABS pigmented brands.

Iron oxide pigments are used in greater extent in cosmetic tattooing. Many pigments were found to be used in a survey^[1] of professional tattooists. Recently, a blacklight-reactive tattooink using PMMA microcapsules has surfaced. The technical name is BIOMETRIX System-1000, and is marketed under the name "Chameleon Tattoo Ink". This same ink can also be found as "The Original Blacklight Inks by NEWWEST Technologies".

[edit]Studio hygiene

The properly equipped tattoo studio will use biohazard containers for objects that have come into contact with blood or bodily fluids, sharps containers for old needles, and an autoclave for sterilizing tools. Certain jurisdictions also require studios by law to have a sink in the work area supplied with both hot and cold water.

Proper hygiene requires a body modification artist to wash his or her hands before starting to prepare a client for the stencil, between clients, and at any other time where cross contamination can occur. The use of single use disposable gloves is also mandatory. In some states and countries it is illegal to tattoo a minor even with parental consent, and it is usually not allowed to tattoo impaired persons, people with contraindicated skin conditions, those who are pregnant or nursing, those incapable of consent due to mental incapacity or those under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Before the tattooing begins the client is asked to approve the final position of the applied stencil. After approval is given the artist will open new, sterile needle packages in front of the client, and always use new, sterile or sterile disposable instruments and supplies, and fresh ink for each session (loaded into disposable ink caps which are discarded after each client). Also, all areas which may be touched with contaminated gloves will be wrapped in clear plastic to prevent cross-contamination. Equipment that cannot be autoclaved (such as counter tops, machines, and furniture) will be wiped with an approved disinfectant.^[9]

Membership in professional organizations, or certificates of appreciation/achievement, generally helps artists to be aware of the latest trends. However, many of the most notable tattooists do not belong to any association. While specific requirements to become a tattooist vary between jurisdictions, many mandate only formal training in bloodborne pathogens, and cross contamination. The local department of health regulates tattoo studios in many jurisdictions.

For example, according to the health department in Oregon and Hawaii, tattoo artists in these states are required to take and pass a test ascertaining their knowledge of health and safety precautions, as well as the current state regulations. Performing a tattoo in Oregon state without a proper and current license or in an unlicensed facility is considered a felony offense.^[10]Tattooing was legalized in New York City, Massachusetts, and Oklahoma between 2002 and 2006.

[edit]Aftercare

Tattoo specific salves have become prevalent in recent years.

Tattoo artists, and people with tattoos, vary widely in their preferred methods of caring for new tattoos. Some artists recommend keeping a new tattoo wrapped for the first twenty-four hours, while others suggest removing temporary bandaging after two hours or less. Many tattooists advise against allowing too much contact with hot tub or pool water, or soaking in a tub for the first two weeks. This is to prevent the tattoo ink from washing out or fading due to over-hydration and avoid infection from exposure to bacteria and chlorine. In contrast, other artists suggest that a new tattoo be bathed in very hot water early and often.

General consensus for care advises against removing the scab that forms on a new tattoo, and avoiding exposing one's tattoo to the sun for extended periods; both of these can contribute to fading of the image. Furthermore, it is agreed that a new tattoo needs to be kept clean. Various products may be recommended for application to the skin, ranging from those intended for the treatment of cuts, burns and scrapes, to cocoa butter, salves, lanolin, A&D or Aquaphor. Oil based ointments are almost always recommended to be used in very thin layers due to their inability to evaporate and therefore over-hydrate the already perforated skin. In recent years, specific commercial products have been developed for tattoo aftercare. Although opinions about these products vary, there is near total agreement that either alone or in addition to some other product, soap and warm water work well to keep a tattoo clean and free from infection.^[1] Ultimately, the amount of ink that remains in the skin throughout the healing process determines, in large part, how robust the final tattoo will look. If a tattoo becomes infected (uncommon but possible if one neglects to properly clean their tattoo) or if the scab falls off too soon (e.g., if it absorbs too much water and sloughs off early or is picked or scraped off), then the ink will not be properly fixed in the skin and the final image will be negatively affected.

[edit]Tattoo removal

While tattoos are considered permanent, it is possible to remove them. Complete removal, however, may not be possible (although many doctors and laser practitioners make the claim that upwards of 95% removal is possible with the newest lasers, especially with black and darker colored inks), and the expense and pain of removing them typically will be greater than the expense and pain of applying them. Some jurisdictions will pay for the voluntary removal of gang tattoos. Pre-laser tattoo removal methods include dermabrasion, salabrasion (scrubbing the skin with salt), cryosurgery, and excision which is sometimes still used along with skin grafts for larger tattoos.

Tattoo removal is most commonly performed using lasers that react with the ink in the tattoo, and break it down. The broken-down ink is then absorbed by the body, mimicking the natural fading that time or sun exposure would create. This technique often requires many repeated visits to remove even a small tattoo, and may result in permanent scarring. The newer Q-switched lasers are said by the National Institute of Health to result in scarring only rarely, however, and are usually used only after a topical anesthetic has been applied. The NIHrecognizes five types of tattoo; amateur, professional, cosmetic, medical, and traumatic (or natural). Areas with thin skin will be more likely to scar than thicker-skinned areas. There are several types of Q-switched lasers, and each is effective at removing a different range of the color spectrum. This laser effectively removes black, blue, purple and red tattoo pigment. New lasers like the Versapulse & Medlite laser treat these colors & yellow and green ink pigment, typically the hardest colors to remove. Black is the easiest color to remove.

Also worth considering is the fact that some of the pigments used (especially Yellow #7) are known to break down into toxic chemicals in the body when attacked by light. This is especially a concern if these tattoos are exposed to UV light or laser removal; the resulting degradation products end up migrating to the kidneys and liver. Laser removal of traumatic tattoos may similarly be complicated depending on the substance of the pigmenting material. In one reported instance, the use of a laser resulted in the ignition of embedded particles of firework debris.^[11]

Some wearers opt to cover an unwanted tattoo with a new tattoo. This is commonly known as a cover-up. An artfully done cover-up may render the old tattoo completely invisible, though this will depend largely on the size, style, colors and techniques used on the old tattoo. Some shops and artists use laser removal machines to break down and lighten undesired tattoos to make coverage with a new tattoo easier. Since tattoo ink is translucent, covering up a previous tattoo necessitates darker tones in the new tattoo to effectively hide the older, unwanted piece.

[edit]Health risks

Modern tattoo artist'slatex gloves and sterilizedequipment

Because it requires breaking the skin barrier, tattooing may carry health risks, including infection and allergic reactions. In the United States, for example, theRed Cross prohibits a person who has received a tattoo from donating blood for 12 months (FDA 2000), unless the procedure was done in a state-regulated and licensed studio, using sterile technique.^[12]. Not all states have a licensing program, meaning that people who receive tattoos in those states are subject to the 12-month deferral regardless of the hygienic standards of the studio. Similarly, the UK does not provide certification for tattooists, and so there is a six month waiting period without exception.^[13]

Modern western tattooers reduce such risks by following universal precautions, working with single-use items, and sterilizing their equipment after each use. Many jurisdictions require that tattooists have bloodborne pathogen training, such as is provided through the Red Cross and OSHA.

[edit]Infection

Since tattoo instruments come in contact with blood and bodily fluids, diseases may be transmitted if the instruments are used on more than one person without being sterilized. However, infection from tattooing in clean and modern tattoo studios employing single-use needles is rare. In amateur tattoos, such as those applied in prisons, however, there is an elevated risk of infection. To address this problem, a program was introduced in Canada as of the summer of 2005 that provides legal tattooing in prisons, both to reduce health risks and to provide inmates with a marketable skill. Inmates were to be trained to staff and operate the tattoo parlors once six of them opened successfully.^[2]

Infections that could be transmitted via the use of unsterilized tattoo equipment or contaminated ink include surface infections of the skin, herpes simplex virus, tetanus, staph, fungal infections, some forms of hepatitis, tuberculosis^[14] and HIV. Even if the needles are sterilized or never have been used, it is important to understand that in some cases the equipment that holds the needles cannot be sterilized reliably due to its design. People with tattoos are nine times more likely to be infected with hepatitis C, according to a study by Robert Haley, MD, chief of epidemiology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Hepatitis C is spread by infected blood and infected needles, which is the virus' connection with tattooing.

No person in the United States is reported to have contracted HIV via a commercially-applied tattooing process.^{[citation needed]} Washington state's OSHA studies have suggested that since the needles used in tattooing are not hollow, in the case of a needle stick injury the amount of fluids transmitted may be small enough that HIV would be difficult to transmit. Tetanus risk is reduced by having an up-to-date tetanus booster prior to being tattooed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that no data exist in the United States indicating that persons with exposures to tattooing alone are at increased risk for HCV infection. In 2006, the CDC reported 3 clusters with 44 cases of methicillin-resistant staph infection traced to unlicensed tattooists^[15] According to the Centers for Disease Control, some studies have found an association between tattooing and HCV infection. The CDC is currently conducting a large study to evaluate tattooing as a potential risk.^[16]

[edit]Allergic reactions

Perhaps due to the mechanism whereby the skin's immune system encapsulates pigment particles in fibrous tissue, tattoo inks have been described as "remarkably nonreactive histologically".^[8]

Allergic reactions to tattoo pigments are uncommon except for certain brands of red and green. People who are sensitive or allergic to certain metals may react to pigments in the skin with swelling and/or itching, and/or oozing of clear fluid called serum. Such reactions are quite rare, however, and some artists will recommend performing a test patch.

For those who are allergic to latex, many artists are using non-latex or will use non-latex gloves if asked.

There is also a small risk of anaphylactic shock (hypersensitive reaction) in those who are susceptible, but the chance of a health risk is small.

Due to the fact that laser removal of tattoo ink causes a release of ink into the bloodstream the risk of anaphylactic shock is also present during removal.^[17]

[edit]Tattoo inks

Modern tattooing inks are carbon based pigments that have uses outside of commercial tattoo applications. Although the United States Food and Drug Administration technically requires premarket approval of pigments it has not actually approved the use of any ink or pigments for tattooing (because of a lack of resources for such relatively minor responsibilities).^{[citation needed]} As of 2004 the FDA does perform studies to determine if the contents are possibly dangerous, and follow up with legal action if they find them to have disallowed contents, including traces of heavy metals (such as iron oxide) or other carcinogenic materials (see CA lawsuit). The first known study to characterize the composition of these pigments was started in 2005 at Northern Arizona University (Finley-Jones and Wagner). The FDA expects local authorities to legislate and test tattoo pigments and inks made for the use of permanent cosmetics. In California, the state prohibits certain ingredients and pursues companies who fail to notify the consumer of the contents of tattoo pigments. Recently, the state of California sued nine pigment and ink manufacturers, requiring them to more adequately label their products.

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS plastic) ground down to an average diameter of slightly less than 1 micrometer is used as the colorant in the brighter tattoo pigments. The tattoo pigments that use ABS result in very vivid tattoos. Many popular brands of tattoo pigment contain ABS as a colorant. ABS colorants produce extremely vivid tattoos that are less likely to fade or blur than the traditional pigments, but ABS tattoo pigment is also harder to remove because it is so much less reactive to lasers.

There has been concern expressed about the interaction between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures and tattoo pigments, some of which contain trace metals. Allegedly, themagnetic fields produced by MRI machines could interact with these metal particles, potentially causing burns or distortions in the image. The television show MythBusters tested the theory, and found no interaction between tattoo inks and MRI.

Professional tattoists rely primarily on the same pigment base found in cosmetics. Amateurs will often use drawing inks such as Higgins, Pelikan or India ink, but these inks often contain impurities and toxins which can lead to illness or infection. A "green haze" is a telltale sign of a tattoo done with drawing ink.

Attention for tattoos

First, we should pay attention to the equipment is health of tattoos shop. tattoos can be regarded as a minor operation, the instrument of health or not, is crucial. tattoos operators should use disposable gloves, the needle, tattoos machine is suitable for stainless steel.

Second, we must understand the quality of the tattoos pigment. Now the tattoos is generally not used by the use of tattoos inks and dyes, but use the alcohol soaking liquid plant pigment.Because Plant pigment is from extracted Natural plants, infiltrated into the skin, the relatively vulnerable to the infection.

Third, we should pay attention to our own protection. In the tattoos, it is necessary to use epinephrine, such as cleansing, to stop bleeding. After the tattoos,must use temperature water scrub tattoos, needed to keep the tattoos dry (General for the duration of one week), Otherwise it will cause infections, and lead to skin rot.

Fourth,can not be used an animal blood or cinnabar for tattoos, this method extremely dangerous of pigeons blood cinnabar tattoos.

Fifth, can not use alcohol or Ziyao Shui treat the stab wounds (alcohol will stimulate the wound, Ziyao Shui will destroy the color of tattoos).

Sixth, after the tattoos, it is necessary smudges the professional tattoos ointment or medical Vaseline, after 2-three hours, will be clean the ointment with warm water and blood water, and use degreasing cotton or the professional tissue suck dry the water, Afterward, do not smudge any medicine again.

Seventh, completion of tattoos after a few days, itching, scab, peeling is normal, not scratching wounds, to prevent infection or decolorization, underwear must be soft, not too tight.

Eighth, after the tattoos, can not swim or wash sauna temporary.

Ninth, if it is fester, suppuration, running water, the wound has not healed slowly or fever such as those phenomena, advice to consults the tattoos master or go to the hospital for an examination on time.

[edit]Temporary tattoos

Temporary tattoo

Temporary tattoos are popular with models and children as they involve no permanent alteration of the skin but produce a similar appearance that can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The most common style is a type of body sticker similar to a decal, which is typically transferred to the skin using water. Although the design is waterproof, it can be removed easily with oil-based creams. Originally inserted as a prize in bubble gum packages, they consisted of a poor quality ink transfer that would easily come off with water or rubbing. Today's vegetable dye temporaries can look extremely realistic and adhere up to 3 weeks due to a layer of glue similar to that found on an adhesive bandage.

Henna tattoos, also known as Mehndi, and silver nitrate stains that appear when exposed to ultraviolet light, can take up to two weeks to fade from the skin. Temporary airbrush tattoos (TATs) are applied by covering the skin with a stencil and spraying the skin with ink. In the past, this form of tattoo only lasted about a week. With the newest inks, tattoos can reasonably last for up to two weeks.

At last, I'm a proud owner of my very own tattoo (: To tell you the truth, I have always wanted a tattoo ever since I'm in secondary school but too many restrictions. Main restriction will be my parents, continued with Algiophobia, Ponophobia, Odynophobia or Odynephobia (well these are some terms for phobia of pain), and lastly financial restrictions. But heed all these cause I'm soon-to-be 21 (3 more days to go)! So back to the main topic, last Friday (29/08/08), sayang and me went to The Curve cause once again, I had to collect my cheque for those personal claims, which amounts to a tiny RM157 only. *boo hoo* Nonetheless, my personal claim for August will total up to a wholesome RM400+! Thanks to all the petrol, toll and parking money that I've spent for those meetings.

Aisehman~ What the fuck is wrong with me ler? Topic for today is tattoo! Back to the main point. Both of us went to One Utama because I'm finally getting a tattoo! And I've chosen Dragonfly to ink it on me! LOL Before having myself inked, sayang and me had a superb lunch at Pasta Zanmai. I so-know that my dear loves desserts ALOT! After walloping a whole bowl of pasta, we had maccha azuki parfait! Yummy! Full full dei, we straight went to tattoo parlour. Initially sayang wanted to get one for herself too but her mama didn't let. Sou heng~ LOL So the tattooist (I sort of forgotten his name so we shall address him as Mr. Tattooist - so bad of me) there asked me what would I like but I've got nothing in my empty head! So i browsed through their samples and some tribe design really caught my attention. I told him that I wanted that but not as tiny as that. He simply asked me a simple question "What's your budget?" and I just said about RM400. He used just 15-20 minutes to design my tattoo. I'm getting a not so tiny tattoo cause I'm planning to continue till it reaches the whole back of mine (not exactly WHOLE la, but from shoulder to shoulder).

Whoever said tattoo is addictive is a pure mother fucking liar cause it so so fucking painful lorh! Mr. Tattooist used almost 2 hours to finish it although he said it would only take 1 hour+ =.= (on some occasions where I almost passed out LOL joking~). Seriously, tattoo hurts and it hurts your loved ones more when they have to see you endure this pain. Dear, sorry for making you feel pain too. I mean do they use pain killers during tattooing? Not sure le. But the sound of the electric tattoo machine is deafening to my poor 'lil ears. They were screaming to me "Oh no! When is the pain going to end?!"

After tattooing, my back freaking bleeds like hell. Luckily Mr. Tattooist taped a cling wrap to it. Still no use. My new Topshop v-neck was badly stained with blood! Gahhh! On the first night sleeping, I totally had a shock the next day cause my freaking bed sheet, pillow sheet and comforter was stained with the ink! Double gahhh!! I think so it's cause of the blood (I think). Last but not least, my formal cloths are all stained too! Triple gahhh!!!

Don't want to talk cock already. Have to finish my weekly homework. By the way, here are some random pictures of my tattoo. Enjoy:

๑۩۞۩๑.｡..·* i ❤ tattoo ❤ *·. .｡.๑۩۞۩๑

๑۩۞۩๑.｡..·* cling wrap tattoo? LOL *·. .｡.๑۩۞۩๑

๑۩۞۩๑.｡..·* a bloody mess *·. .｡.๑۩۞۩๑

๑۩۞۩๑.｡..·* yeng sia *·. .｡.๑۩۞۩๑

๑۩۞۩๑.｡..·* Still not long enough. Might consider tattooing again *·. .｡.๑۩۞۩๑

i hate my new hairstyle!

2008-08-28T23:47:00.004+08:00

Got a haircut today at Snips by my friend. Wanted something real good (which I saw from a magazine) but ended up getting a fucked up hair. Gahhh! Dulan sia~ Totally way to short! In conclusion, it's fugly and it tooks forever for this haircut. Finished it at about 1pm =.= My dear almost died from famine while waiting for me. So charm~

Dear and me had lunch at Italiannies - where the food portion is humungous lorh! Sayang had the shrimp pomodoro while I had seafood risotto. It's been quite a while since I had risottos. Totally unbelievable. Had a super duper full lunch which made our tummy bulged! ALOT! Ended the meal with cream brulee and NY cheese cake. In overall, cosy place with great food. Some random pictures there (:

๑۩۞۩๑.｡..·* sohai looking hairstlye *·. .｡.๑۩۞۩๑

๑۩۞۩๑.｡..·* sayang and me in Italiannies *·. .｡.๑۩۞۩๑

Just randomly jalan jalan. Dear got for herself a pair of pumps and 2 shorts, while I only had 2 shirts from Topshop. Month end jor~ recession ROFL

Camwhored on the way back home:

๑۩۞۩๑.｡..·* i ❤ sayang ALOT *·. .｡.๑۩۞۩๑

+ I'm going to have a tattoo tomorrow. Maybe only. Haven't confirm T.T

Word of the day: Miss

2008-08-28T00:58:00.004+08:00

William Kor Kor came to do the cash auditing today. After that, I received some shocking news from him. He will not be in-charge of his current area = Bukit Tinggi, Sunway Pyramid, Subang Parade, The Curve and One Utama. Instead, Kelvin will be in charge here. Gosh~ I'm so totally confused right now. Well, I can't deny that I feel good for having William as my superior cause he is so totally understanding towards us operation guys. (Fuck you guys! Don't misunderstand lorh! I'm not GAY!) He was kind enough to share his experience and knowledge with me, which I felt during my time here, no one was that sincere to share that much with me. Really appreciated it. Because of not wanting him to get screwed by Jonathan, I really tried my best since my first date with Jonathan.

I started to nag and bark my staffs so they could upsell beverages, explain HSBC promotion, teach IM and upsell desserts using the original product upselling method. I noticed that my outlet's dessert sales really shot sky high since applying this technique which I seriously thinks that it really works! You can see the amount of desserts that Dax managed to sell. Seriously shocked me wehh~ For example today, sales was only RM2766.47 but he managed to sell 9 desserts! Really made me have the WTF look lorh! Salute to Dax Nah Khai Jian sia~ By the way, he really has the potential to be a salesperson, I think he must pursue in Marketing.

Anyway back to the topic, I would really miss William. I felt damn demotivated after getting this news from him. Because of his non-stop motivation and praise (although sometimes I myself got some screwing), I lasted till now. Cause he made me believe that Sakae Sushi will be successful! And I believed in what he said! So apart from that, I asked him whether Jonathan had picked the chosen ones for the training outlet but William told me that it wasn't confirmed yet. So does this means that I still stand a chance in this dogfight? LOL I do hope I'm one of them!

๑۩۞۩๑.｡..•*❤ †ë®Ëñ©ëË©Ñë®Ë† ❤*•. .｡.๑۩۞۩๑ [woRkS in moNosyLabik exPeriMent]

Reputation =

Old Town vs Sakae Sushi

I am an official degree holder!

Offer by Old Town

i ❤ my new GUESS™ watch and belt

Sakae Sushi: Training outlet @ Pavillion

Can't people fall sick?

04.09.87: how was my birthday

祝我生日快樂

i ❤ tattoo

Tattoo

Etymology

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[edit]"Stick and poke"

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i hate my new hairstyle!

Word of the day: Miss

๑۩۞۩๑.｡..•❤ †ë®Ëñ©ëË©Ñë®Ë† ❤•. .｡.๑۩۞۩๑ [woRkS in moNosyLabik exPeriMent]