Turtle Women Rising » Arts And Entertainment

Hawaiian Flower Tattoos – Orchid, Plumeria and Hibiscus Tattoo

admin — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 01:40:25 +0000

Hawaiian flower tattoos are exotic and beautiful and not as cliché as rose or lilies. They can be an expression of one’s heritage if he or she is originally from the island. Or it can also be a representation of one’s unforgettable moments spent in Hawaii; the island being considered as a perfect getaway and vacation spot because of its beaches, fresh air and natural scenery. While some have significant meaning attached to the design, a lot of enthusiasts also choose this theme just for its sheer beauty and artistic appeal.

The most popular Hawaiian flowers are hibiscus, plumeria and orchid. Each flower has its own symbolism and individual characteristics. Hibiscus stands for delicate beauty as the bloom of the flowers are open for just a short period everyday. Hibiscus, in fact, has been called “Flower-on-an-hour”. Plumeria is a flower commonly used as tattoo designs along side hibiscus as if to complete the whole Hawaiian flower theme. In the island, it is the flower traditionally used as a lei, it will always say “Aloha”. Orchid is also prominent in Hawaiian and used as lei too, just like plumeria. It can stand for a lot of things like love, beauty, wisdom, and thoughtfulness.

Hawaiian flower tattoos can be seen incorporated with other imagery that the island is known for like sea turtles, mountains, surfboard and tiki. They are best executed on the body in full color to make them more visually appealing. They are also usually seen in a tribal style – with thick black lines and little accent of color or detail. They would look good as sleeve tattoos, or on the foot, shoulder blade, back, rib cage and lower back.

101 Love Positions and a Love Test- Ready Honey?

admin — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:44:04 +0000

~~*~~
101 ways to please
or is it all just a tease?
I guess you’ll have to read
to see!

Love tests
ready honey?
Got the map
made a study?
Will you pass
or are you a dud-ie?

Are there really
101 love positions?
Are you sure
about your addition?

Ready set love secure
know your mate
for at least one year?
Is your lover as you think
or will he one day
most assuredly
cause you to drink?

Can she do it upside down
off the walls
or on the ground?
Wear a smile
replace that frown?
Do a twirl
without a sound?

Are there really 101
ways to please a lover?

Under sheets
or without covers.
In the dark
or lighted room
is that your neighbor
or is that the groom?

Can you, will you
do all now
climb a mountain
milk a cow
are you really who I want
or are you just another jaunt?

Is there more?
Gads what a chore!
101 ways
to please a lover!

Deciding which
without a hitch
might be something
we might miss.
Counting down to 99
at 55
are we still alive?

Are there REALLY
101 love positions?

Taking in the plan at hand
striking up that marching band
with all that sweat we’ll need a fan.

All bets are on
so spot me honey!
After this gig
you’ll owe me money!
I’ve spent some time
in books and TV
and am quite ready for a
101 spree.

Lots of laughs
and lots of gasps
I knew deep down
ohhh…
I could not last.

Remember all about that test?
I think I’ll put it all to rest
on 25 oh man alive
my back snapped
as I tried to comply.
I’m not as young as I once was
I am in fact a turtle dove.
I’m perched on a wire…
OH NO!
Not position 45er!
No oh no…
a plan…
to retire!

Are there REALLY 101 love positions?
101 ways to please a lover?

~~*~~
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The Fable of: Big-Chest (Chapter #9) The Shaman

admin — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 01:33:26 +0000

Chapter Nine

The Shaman

Many things during these eighteen months were developing. Yes, I hate to say but I will, all the women accept Little Bird-turtle were with child again—even Half-bird—and Toma, for some odd reason got spiritual. Now with the nineteen-members of the Assemblage he started to preach, to share his insights. And in a short period of time he was, or probably could be considered and was measured for the most part in being the world’s first Shaman; yes, yes indeed, you might say, anyone in the group might say, he was becoming the spiritualist or better yet, a medium, medicine man— in the makings; any of those terms would do, although, Little Bird-turtle, was still considered the resolving personage of issues per se, within the group: Toma, was now the one that helped with physical ailments—save for the fact, most was in their heads anyway, and so he was inadvertently doing more talking, and taking, or seemingly trying to take, the place of Little-bird, when he could.

Yes, yes indeed, it just happened that way, like that—abruptly, suddenly, overnight. He even started dancing to liven up his inner spirits, conjure up his hot blood, so he said, so he could perform his art better, get into the head of the other person—and shoo away the evil spirits, the ill winds, and the evil-eye.

Spawned with the touch of insanity or the healing abilities of God Himself, he walked as if he was now a selected servant of the gods, for poor old mortal men. What god’s he was talking about was not yet discovered, but Stern-toes had heard of the Eve God, as the one God from his brother Short-legs. But he didn’t think he was referring to Him, but maybe referring to Nature as god.

—Big-chest thought it was a bunch of crap, but he didn’t’ care one way or the other how he acted, as long as the work got down, and he didn’t’ hurt anyone, or get into his way—he also had heard about the One God that drove out two people from some invisible garden, and potential He drove in the Stone-people too, but that is as far as he knew, other than a few minor details he felt insignificant. He looked at him sometimes strangely, as if he was a little on the loony, or batty side of life [not in his right mind], with his deep set-in cheeks bones, and teeth missing, he could become quite gruesome and scary, like Jaguar-eye’s father was when he’d dance around the fire, trying to incite his people to do evil. As far as spirituality, or religion went, in attendance, there was none per se, yet, Stern-toes learned about the one God—as I have mentioned, his brother talked about [Short-legs], and so he was a bit confused when Toma started going a bit crazy, almost pretending he had an open door to the Heavenly God, and if he was His representative, then God was crazy, and Short-legs would have relayed that to him, and he didn’t so it was obvious he had the bad-spirit in him, and in a way, Stern-toes started to keep his distance from him. But Big-chest said very little as long as he would not force anyone—especially him—to dwell on his or her likings. If anything the attention Toma got, must have been comforting, and possibly that was what he was really after, episodes of attention, which were liken to: care giving, and helpfulness was what Toma was providing in a nutty way.

The Cosmic Spirit

As I said, many things were taking place during these eighteen-months, if not simply everyone testing the water to see if they had the freedom to do what they wanted to do—and wanting to be part of the big picture and if they were allowed to be; that is, a new and original civilization in a way was developing, or in the makings, and everyone was testing to see what rights they had, and responsibilities, and Big-chest had no trouble with giving them all the rights in the world, as long as they kept with their responsibilities. Not quite democratic, but not a totalitarianism either.

Having said that, Stern-toes, was not above this either, with his quick eyes, as his brother would say: taking pictures of everything around, so he created something within his mind as a new and unique experience, and drew pictures on rocks.

Stern-toes, remembered back when he was younger and he left the Garden of Eve, and he had had of course told his brother Short-legs all about his adventures while in the garden, and in turn, Short-legs told him a story about a great lizard that went into this garden, and when it came out it had no legs.

He also remembered the Stone-builders worshiping it for its wisdom. He never did believe it had wisdom, but it was a good symbol if anything. And some nights he’d look into the night and see strings of stars, they looked similar to those huge worms with no legs, lizards with no legs that is what they were. And so he was putting together in his minds-eye a symbol. Thus, he saw two things in life, and in the serpent: a blessing and a curse. Man was cursed to walked the earth, and dominate it or be dominated by it, and also, he saw that life in itself was a blessing, just to be given a chance to have lived, to have met his brother, his mother, and now these people. So if it was to be a symbol, then let it represent both sides of the egg, or should I say their or his innovative society, settlement, and the dugouts.

So he started carving on a stone, a huge rock a picture of what he called Ronin, his snake image for his people: for the King to have; when he brought it to the bonfire in the evening when all were to sit down and eat, and talk, he showed it to them, and thus, it became their first symbol.

“Awa, si,” he said with grunts and squeaks from his voice, with his hands doing more talking than him: and I shall translate:

“See, see I have created for us art, and possibly symbols for our children to remember us by.”

And each and every member hand Tattoo-woman put a tattoo on their upper part of their legs, to show one another they belonged to the Assemblage. It was of a double serpent, a twin stuck together; and as Stern-toes tried to explain [translated]:

He hummed somewhat: “Hmmm, this is for us.”

Life would continue to be a hardship, and there would be moments of merriment, but for the most part, when in the valley of bliss, it is usually short lived, and so he told himself to grab onto his life, and to share this moment of unity with his people, and they all loved it, even Big-chest. If anything it was a distraction for the group, a testimony they were all still united, all one, and one for all: the journey was taking a long time and where and when they’d stop was up to Big-chest, even though he felt he was not smart enough to lead at times, he was cleaver enough not to let anyone know this, and cleaver enough to take in information from others, and he had senses better than most for survival: and in his mind’s eye, he’d know when it was time to stop.

The Fable of Big-chest (Chapter Ten) ". his weight would almost suffocate her."

admin — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:20:52 +0000

Chapter Ten

Building of the Slay
[To Hudson Bay]

The Sleigh
[Rock-art, by Stern-toes]

It was coming to the end of the eighteenth month of their trip, at which time they had decided to stay within this area [forty-four months since they had left the Valley of the Caves]. They started thinking about creating a big sled to carry their things over the glaciers that remained ahead of them. Also Little Bird-turtle kept up the language classes she was teaching, had started to teach that is, and all were communicating quite well now, if not by gestures, by words and sounds, and expressions: for in all, it was quite natural for her to teach: she was cleaver enough to pick up things from Stern-toes and Big-chest, and even the Eskimos, putting them together here and there, and added one language to them (or one language within a lopsided language to start)) creating a language you could say)), with several more symbols so each one could retrieve them out of observation— empirical data you might say.

New Styles of Language

It was during the last few days before they got ready to take their adventure to another level, when Big-chest had a dream-vision, he saw a fortress half built in the middle of a wooded area, a great open area below the glaciers, an area that was somewhat tucked into, or tucked in-between two glaciers. The original inhabitants had moved out of this area except for one white man remaining, an old, very old white man at that, and he was waiting for him—waiting for Big-chest to arrive. He told Toma and Little Bird-turtle about this vision quest, and they marveled at how he was willing to share his information, in such a trusting manner. And both told the rest of the group, and all gave their word they would follow him until he found this particular spot; now they had a destination which enlightened them, and there would be finality to this ongoing migration. Big-chest never knew loyalty, but he felt for once in his life, like a leader, a king, and also obligated to give it to his people in return.

For several months, the group killed wild game to create a huge slay, using much of their skins, such as from the reindeer hunts, Toma and Tundra had. Yes, like brothers they’d chase the relative large game across the tundra, and parts of the glaciers until they crippled the beast, killed it, and then ate it, along with skinning it. But as close as the two brothers were, Tundra knew something was changing, this is, Toma was always feeling the pull of, Toornag (as he called the Evil Spirits) away as he’d kill the animals. He seemed sometimes to be more into their diabolical world more than the reality of the hunt—if anything, in a way he was being looked upon as animal-dumb by the others, and even his brother; Jaguar-eyes was disturbed of this also, for his father was much in the vein of that.

Bear hunting was kept to a minimum during the following weeks and months, but there was the love of bear meat among the Eskimos. Tundra had refined his spear to look more harpoon like now, and it seemed to kill the bears easier, if not quicker, that was with Jaguar-eyes assistance in the knowledge he learned by the Stone-builders of Mesopotamia—thus using knowledge from two minds, a better weapon was produced

◊

Forty-four months
Of Isolation

[Behavior within the group,
And what others thought about others]

1
Jaguar-eyes

Jaguar-eyes like all the rest, was becoming restless within the group; on one hand, liking the security of one place, yet knowing they’d have to leave, and Big-chest made everyone feel safe, so the world outside the group was becoming impossible to conceive to live without, kind of like National Socialism. He often questioned why Big-chest would cheat on his beautiful young wife for a less beautiful woman. Yet he was not taking anyones inventory, he did the same, yet his wife was not necessarily as beautiful as his, or as young.

2
Half-bird

Little Bird-turtle’s sister was Half-bird, at this juncture of the trip she had lost one child, and was now with child again. The routine of life in the camp seemed natural and she tried to make the best of it; she was optimistic for the most part. She was concerned about Toma, as were many others, yet she sensed she’d hurt her sister for they both had a seers quality, and she was his rival. Yet she seemed to have a second insight, feeling or sensing, in the back of Toma’s mind was a cloud of despair. For herself, she had her high points of despair also, over the loss of a child, but it was more sadness and wanting revenge, not a disorder type illness, not like Toma’s. She’d find herself daydreaming often, actually picturing herself in a tree with a big rock waiting for the three-headed beast-dog to come by, and she’d drop it. She never figured how she got that five-ton rock up that tree, but then in dreams you can do most anything.

3
Toma &
Tattoo-Woman

In their limited language, said Tattoo-woman to Toma [Tr. *for translated]:

“You’re very quiet tonight Toma dear,” she was a sexual deviant like Big-chest was, and to a certain degree still is [at this point of the story anyhow], but she was more cunning than he in this area.

“You’re not happy about something?” she questioned.

Said he, as if in a lost tower of reality, who could in a blink of an eye take everyone with him, should he kill himself (for it is clear with some people, as with Toma, you do not know what disaster lies beyond that face):

“Of course not; I say look at these inspirited filled beasts.” Toma dreaded conversations now, unless they were one-sided, his side for the most part, and Tattoo-woman catered to that, even though it was fairly new for her.

Some kind of unholy spiritualism seemed to have had taken over his personality and everyone were lambs to him, thus, just waiting to be saved or slain. He even got to the point he didn’t like anything dead around him very long, like flowers, or even meat. He was eating more greenery now, when possible.

4
Little Bird-turtle

‘Red Roses tell you of Love,’ a song once played in the mist of disaster, and, as if it was the last thirst of life, eerie as it may sound, Little Bird-turtle was happiest of the lot. And each day she’d walk along the cliffs and look for eggs and rush back to the Assemblage and give them to Big-chest, whom would give them to one of the girls for dinner. In-between, she counseled the women, and listened to the couples as they found complaints amongst themselves, she would (unknowingly perhaps) point out their blind spots, things others may see within your behavior, but you don’t. She was for the most part, shielded from the megalomaniac pressures of the world outside the Assemblage; and she had a way with language. She could make out the zigzagging sounds people were trying to make words out of and translated them into a tongue-language, as she called it. She had heard about Big-chest’s wild days, of how human life or any life meant nothing to him, as monomaniac as anyone could be. And here he was, the leader of all: did not life touch him she asked herself. Yet he had the famous gaze, he’d look you right in the eyes; harmless he may be in meeting him, calm and quiet voiced, but thunder and lightening was behind that waxed-masked face of his, so she told herself.

5
Stern-toes

Stern-toes liked the bonfires at night. Warm they were to his body, and soothing. Plus he liked his free time, thinking time away from all, even his wife. He’d lay by the fire, his abode not faraway, watch the flickering of it, the fire flapping and furling about, as the night would go on; as folks approached him, he’d pretend he was half asleep so they’d not bother him and go to the other side of the fire; half curled up like a fetus. In fear of Tattoo-woman sweeping him up in the middle of the night, his wife would wake him, chase him back into their dugout, reluctantly.

His wife saying [Tr.]:

“Yes, Stern-toes, I dare say, I don’t understand you,” then often he’d fall to sleep as he continued on trying to get his attention. Oh, but the whims of the Tattoo-woman was most famous within the Assemblage.

6
Pekingg-girl

Pekingg-girl noticed most couples quarreled, and quarreled in a harsh way they could. She tried to imagine why, for she didn’t. Perhaps she had said to herself: ‘It’s simply too outrageous,’ she had remembered enough of her mother’s wisdom not to get Big-chest mad. He also knew she was in her mid-twenties, middle-life, if not a tinge later for most women of the day.

Pekingg-girl gazed outside her abode, child in hand, gazed at Big-chest a ways away talking to a few of the group members, his ugly face floated before her, his forehead being slopped back and having locking edges to its sides; dark-brown eyebrows, jaw heavy, a slant to it, hands like rocks. And his neck was as round as her waist.

For some reason at times she’d hopelessly cry, possibly to get out the strain of the trip; she would stand if need be, in the rain, she stood still, desolate, ungainly, Big-chest started to notice this in her, and would walk back to her, put his hands on her light shoulders, not too heavily. And he knew at that point, she wanted attention, often to make love, and she like that, but he sometimes was too forceful, and his weight would almost suffocate her, He made love, she told herself, like burning wood, like wood on top of wood burning through her. But it was his way, and she ha taught him some things, as to take it slower, enjoy the gift of sex. Big –chest did not lack the spark, only the harness.

prior to their leaving their previous long staying hamlet by the ocean front, they captured the wolf family (the very one that had killed Half-bird’s child) along with several other wolfs, thereabouts—the very ones that had three heads I must add, but they needed them all to be quite honest about it, all for pulling of the sled; the three-headed beast was the leading dog, for the other dogs; they even devised harnesses for them all, and their family.

The sled was made up of all natural animal items, such as: the skin of the bear and walrus and deer. And the hair of the reindeer used for tying things; nothing was made out of wood (only used for fire), for there were no nails, all fastened together with bones, and ivory, as was the: skis under the sled, that were used to slide across the surface of this Arctic land, slide along the snow and ice much better then walking and carrying their furnishings; and oil from the whale was used to wax it, and all sorts of uses came from the walrus, even his bones were used. Everything was tightly put together, and the wolves were used to pull—as mentioned— across the Arctic onto and into the Pole region, as the rest of the group pushed behind, or walked along side.

When they left their site, it was when the warm winds seemed to break the ice to little square pieces and now Hudson Bay was just ahead of them.

The Celtic Sister Symbol

admin — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 11:42:26 +0000

The ancient Celts used knot work symbols as a unique and highly artistic way to express and pay homage to their interconnectedness with each other, to nature as well as with the Gods and Goddesses. One Celtic symbol that contains continuous looping knot work showing no beginning and not end was used to represent the eternal love that sisters shared.

The ancient symbol is the Celtic Triskele is also a symbol of sisterhood as it represents the trinity of three such as mother, daughter and grandmother, or the three stages of women. Otherwise known as the triple spiral symbol that is very closely related to the Triquestra, the Triskele is composed on three interlocking spirals. The three spirals in ancient Celtic symbols are related to the sun, the afterlife and to reincarnation and some believe to pregnancy as well.

Triskele’s are very common in this art work and can be found in a variety of different styles, both ancient and modern. These three conjoined spirals evoke the Celtic concept of three domains, namely earth, water and sky and how they relate to each other. These spirals signify the special connection between sisters, how their lives are forever intertwined, no matter where the twists and turns of life take them.

The Triskele emblem is commonly found today in such things as tattoos, stationary, clothing, glassware and pottery as a way to depict Celtic symbolism. It is a triple spiral Celtic symbol with no open ends, a continuous line in other words, each one fluidly spiraling in the same clockwise direction. The continuous line of the spirals signifies the never ending cycle of life, something that is easily synonymous with sisterhood.

In Celtic and pagan folklore, the Triskele is connected to the mother goddess.

The Sisterhood of Avalon

The official logo of the Sisterhood of Avalon has as it central image a Celtic Triskele, moving counter clockwise which is meant to depict the energies of the Divine Feminine. The arms of the Triskele are shown as stylized ‘9’s’ meant to honor the ancient nine fold Sisterhood of Avalon.

At the center of the Triskele is an apple cut in half, revealing the five seeds of wisdom which is the core of the Avalon tradition. These five seeds seen in the cut apple reveal the mystery of the five fold cycle which brings us to the wisdom of the Heart of Self.

The nine pointed star is the primary symbol of the sisterhood of Avalon and honours the Nine Morgens, the Honored Ancestress of Avalon and the Guardians of the Avalonian Tradition. The silver apple itself signifies the otherworldly island of Avalon and the mysteries kept by her priestesses, or sisters.

Celtic Knots

One Celtic knot in particular that is accepted as being a symbol of sisterhood is the Triquestra. It takes the form of a three sided triangle intricately crafted out of interconnected loop knot work. The Triquestra was often used in Celtic metal work and jewelry to symbolize the interconnection of special things or people such as mother, daughter and grandmother as well as other concepts that fit into the idea of a unity such as sisterhood and family. A common representation of the Triquestra can be seen with a circle in the center of the triangle which dissects the three interconnected loops. This circle is meant to emphasize the unity of the three elements.

Modern representation

Today the Triquestra can be seen as one of the quintessential design elements of Celtic artwork, and many use it to display their heritage or culture. The symbol has become so popular that it can even been seen in use by the rich and famous. For instance, in the popular TV program “Charmed” which features three witch sisters working together as one unit to defeat evil, the Triquestra is seen adorning the Book of Shadows.

The symbol of sisterhood when depicted by either the Triskele or the Triquestra is a popular work of art used by many, and while many Celtic knot work patterns and designs are hard to define, the spiritual and physical elements depicted in these two symbols are easy to understand. The interlacing strands are said to represent the never ending pathways of life itself as well as emotions of love, friendship and faith.

Polynesian Tattoos – Samoan, Hawaiian, Tiki and Maori Tattoo Designs

admin — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 06:30:24 +0000

Polynesia – a beautiful group of islands scattered over the mystical Pacific Ocean. Along with the adventurous people and a rich culture and tradition is the brilliant Polynesian tattoo art that’s worthy of admiration worldwide. Polynesian tattoos are an ancient art that has attracted art and tattoo lovers of the modern times. Below are some of the types of Polynesian tattoos for you to consider.

Hawaiian Tattoos
The Hawaiian tribal tattoo art is known as Kakau. Hawaiian tattoos have been used for personal identification, as talisman that offers protection, as a symbol of mourning, and for adornment. Designs are larger and bolder compared to other Polynesian designs. The most typical designs are tropical flowers, sea turtle, lizards, dolphins and arrows. Hawaiian armband tattoos are very popular as well. These capture the traditional style, but with a modern twist.

Maori Tattoos
The Maori people of New Zealand call their tattoo art “ta moko,” which refers to their traditional process of tattooing (to strike or to tap) and the tattoo design itself. They use their tattoo patterns and symbols as a way of personal identification. Maori tattoo art is one of the most distinctive tattoos in the world. It consists of intricate spirals and beautiful curved shapes.

Samoan Tattoos
Samoan tattoo or “Tatau” has various significant, complex, and abstract patterns and motifs that generally covers a large area of the body. Samoans get tattoos to identify their family lineage, denote their rank and status, and show their sense of cultural pride.

Tiki Tattoos
Tiki tattoo design or Tiki art pertains to Polynesian statues and carvings that depict a human figure. There are thousands of Tiki gods and goddesses, all with different symbolisms. These can be great tattoo designs, either by themselves or with bold floral designs or colorful outdoor images.
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A Story of Superstardom – Gossip Girl Cast’s Shot to Fame

admin — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 09:06:05 +0000

After the controversial and risque GG ad campaign, the Gossip Girl cast find themselves in the midst of squealing fans, million dollar contracts and multimedia endorsements. They did not only rule primetime television, but also graced the covers of famous magazines all over the world. With their faces all over any medium of entertainment, it’s hard not to conclude that Gossip Girl is breeding the next paramount set of Hollywood stars.

The Faces behind the Massive Number of Gossip Girl Fan Sites

Blake Lively

Blake comes from a showbiz family. Inevitably, she gave in to the heed of theater at a very young of 11 when she took the role of Trixie the Tooth Fairy in the movie, Sandman. She finally got her first big break in the hit movie, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants I and II. In the movie, she played the role of the blonde athletic babe, Bridget. It was said that her similarity with the character was so strong that handing in her photo alone already got her the part. Blake’s success really hit when she landed the part of Serena van der Woodsen in the hit teen sensation, Gossip Girl. She also starred in the college comedy, Accepted opposite Justin Long. We will soon see her in the film Elvis and Anabelle, a movie which is already receiving a lot of support and great reviews from fans and critiques.

Leighton Meester

Leighton’s statuesque look and come-hither glamour were first seen in several TV series such as CSI, Seventh Heaven, Law and Order, Simple Rules and House. But before all the fame, her life already seemed like the stories you see in movies. Before she was born, her parents were incarcerated for drug charges. For a time, she lived with her relatives until her mom was given pardon. Despite these, Leighton has maintained a very positive outlook about her parents’ past saying that she has no hatred towards what her parents did. Staying true to the saying, “let bygones be bygones”, Leighton never allowed this stumble to stop her from reaching her dreams.

Aside from being glammed up for her role as the manipulative Blair Waldorf in Gossip Girl, Leighton Meester is also an aspiring singer/songwriter. In fact, she’s already working on her album in between her GG responsibilities. The album is said to be an eclectic mix of RnB, soul and pop according to the star.

Taylor Momsen

At a tender age of 15, model/actress Taylor Momsen has already cast her name as one of the most famous upcoming teen stars thanks to her role as Jenny Humphrey in Gossip Girl. She started out starring in kiddie movies like How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Spy Kids 2, and Underdog. These days, the 5′8″ actress has been the muse of many fashion designers for her model-like appearance and doll face. Momsen was signed as a model under IMG.

Recently, Momsen is facing a lot of issues and controversies touching on her rail-thin body, outrageous fashion sense, and her hospitalization scare. There is also a rumor about her dating 23 year-old co-star, Chace Crawford. On the hand, the two young stars haven’t commented regarding their alleged relationship.

Ed Westwick

He rose to fame because of his role as the womanizing Chuck Bass in Gossip Girl. Far from the character he portrays, Ed Westwick said that he’s a one-woman type of man and that he doesn’t see himself as morally bankrupt as the persona he exudes on-screen. The only similarity he probably has with his character would be their undeniable appeal with the girls.

Unknown to some, Ed Westwick is actually British, but his amazing American accent and suave look landed him the part of the most famous womanizer on TV. He is also a member of an up and coming rock act which first shot to fame in London. When he’s not busy shooting for GG, he’s creating music with his band, Filthy Youth, back in his hometown.

Penn Badgley

Just like girlfriend Blake Lively, Penn also heed the call of acting at a very young. When he moved to Washington, he juggled schooling with his passion for the theater and became part of the Seattle Children’s Theater. Starting out as a child star, Badgley appeared in TV series including Will and Grace, What I Like About You and Daddios. He also did some voice work for video game, Mario Golf 64.

In 2002, he starred in Do Over and played Joel Larsen, a 34-year old man who gets a second shot to straighten his life through a weird accident that brings him back to 1980 as a 14-year-old. He also appeared in another show, Drive Through, with his future Gossip castmate, Leighton Meester.

Badgley also appeared in movies like John Tucker Must Die and is soon to star in the remake of The Stepfather.

Chace Crawford

Chace Crawford began acting as a hobby while he was attending Pepperdine University in Los Angeles. Shortly after, he landed a role in the hit film, The Covenant before bagging the role of Nate Archibald in Gossip Girl.

Chace Crawford has been pretty popular with the ladies on and off screen with his much publicized relationship with country singer, Carrie Underwood, and rumored fling with co-star Taylor Momsen.

Gossip Girl has been a springboard for many of these young actors to access an instant ticket to Hollywood portal. With the extreme popularity that the Gossip Girl cast is gaining not only in the US but the world over, we are certain that this bunch of gorgeous stars have already begun their long journey in the realm of glamour and lights.

Polynesian Tattoo Designs – What You Need to Know

admin — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 20:07:43 +0000

There are thousands of tattoo designs to choose from on websites and in catalogs. Tattoos in general are becoming more popular these days and it is tribal Polynesian designs that are becoming increasingly more common.

You need to understand that there are two distinct styles when is comes to Polynesian tattoo designs. The first of these is called Etua. Etua have a strong spiritual and religious meaning to them. They are also magical symbols offering protection from the gods . While the other style Enata can be described as natural designs which describe the person, there identity and status. This includes their social level, island of origin, occupation and history.

Symbols within Polynesian tattoo designs and their meaning are as follows -

Shark teeth – Sharks’ teeth tattoos are for protection. Turtles – A turtle symbol represents long life and fertility. Shells – Shells are a symbol of prosperity to the Polynesian people and it is possible that they were used as the earliest form of currency. Sharks – The shark itself is seen as sacred. Polynesian shark tattoos are used as a symbol of protection from threats. Gecko – It is believed that the gecko has powers of a supernatural nature and are feared but also held in awe by the Polynesians. It is also believed that if a green gecko laughs then it is an awful omen of bad fortune and illness. Tiki – The god Tiki is often shown with eyes closed. This is because Tiki is able to smell trouble before it is seen.

The people of the Polynesian islands are spread far and wide. They include The Cook Islands, Samoa , Tonga, Easter Island, Tahiti, French Polynesia and even Hawaii. The people across these islands developed into there own distinct cultures over thousands of years. However what is fascinating is the cultural similarities that developed especially in the practice of tattoo artistry. However Polynesian tattoo designs of today do not mean as much in this day and age as people love them for the design rather than magical protection or a statement of status.

Hawaiian Arm Tattoo and Arm Band Tattoos – The New Tribal Tattoo

admin — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 10:32:46 +0000

One of the biggest and hottest growing trends in the art of tattoo design is Hawaiian arm or leg band tattoos. As this trend goes a lot of people think to themselves, well of course. At least that is what I said to myself at first. You can hardly drive more then 10 minutes on the freeway in southern California where I am from and not see a big SUV like a Lincoln Navigator or a Cadillac Escalade and not see a Hawaiian sticker. Things with flowers designs, or turtles, dolphins. Ya see it started off with the sticker and then the car seat covers with hibiscus flowers everywhere and it just grew from there.

This trend of Hawaiian design has then met it’s match with the whole tribal tattoo movement. Tribal tattoos have been the hottest thing in the tattoo world since sliced bread or the old school WWII era Hula dancer. You see these influences have been all around us for a long time my grandpa even has one of those Hula Girls tattoos still. Granted it is a little saggy and faded now but he still has one on his forearm nonetheless.
So the whole tribal tattoo and the growth in interest for Hawaiian designs have combined to make a hot and growing market for Hawaiian tattoos. This is really an up and coming thing and it not huge yet. However many tattoo artists are spotting the trend and jumping on it already.

Of course there is a lot of controversy on this subject also like anything. If you look on the internet there is a controversy about getting Kanji and Japanese Tattoos also. Anytime you try and take the designs of a culture and do not depict them accurately it creates a sense of bastardization or what I call the “Disney Effect” towards the culture. I mean how would you feel if you were in China and someone said, oh you should try this hot new restaurant out it serves this great food that is really American. They have fried chicken and apple pie that is the best.” Well, at first you would be excited right? Sure it would be nice for a good home cooked meal if you have been out of the US for a long time. However once you get there you see the place has really tacky and awful reproductions of 50’s art and the all the food tastes kind of strange. It would probably bee kind of close or resemble what you were thinking of but it would be missing something or a few key ingredients. I bet this would leave you feeling a little sad and like your culture was not totally understood.

Well, I can not speak for you and maybe you will feel different but I was pretty sad when after staying in Japan for 3 months I was invited to a 1950’s classic hamburger joint. When we got there it was Elvis with a funny accent playing on the jukebox and when my hamburger came it had a fried egg on top of it with teriyaki sauce. WOW what a surprise that was for me. I kind of felt weird about being in the place that had tried to recreate something from my own culture.

So, the same controversy rolls on in the world of tattoos. Anytime you get a tattoo design from another culture just make sure you go with a professional. Do not have your friend trace out some Kanji in a book for a tattoo and don’t go and rip some design of the internet because it states that it is Hawaiian. Go to a real custom tattoo designer and have them do the research and come up with some designs. After all this is going to be on your body for the rest of your life and since Hawaiian arm band tattoos and leg tattoos are typically big it will be a significant investment in pain, time and money to get the thing done. So you should consult with a professional and get top notch work done.
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Native Tattoo Meanings and Customs

admin — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 16:49:38 +0000

Today many parents panic if their child gets a tattoo at some point in their life. Many think of it as a degrading practice that symbolizes rebellion. But it should be remembered that tattooing was and is an art that came naturally to various native peoples for hundreds of years. Tattooing has been a native custom in many tribes or races across the world, although the origin of it varied within each tribe or race. The Tattoo, over the years, has signified caste, citizenship, servility, pride or marital status for many races.

In the Hawaiian Islands tattooing was common prior to 1800 and would indicate what tribe or district you came from. The material used for coloring in native tattooing was vermillion, carbon, gunpowder and indigo. These were embedded in the skin with sharp knives or hand-made needles. Members of the Tucanoe tribe were known for three vertical blue lines tattooed on the body. This was an indication they belonged to that tribe.

In the South China Sea area where Borneo, the Philippines, Sumatra and Java are, tattooing was also common among the natives. In Borneo, members of the Kyan, Pakatan and Kermowit tribes were the only tribes where everyone was tattooed. Oddly, they were considered the least brave tribes in the area. Still their tattoos indicated they were part of a particular group. Another Borneo tribe, the Dyaks, tattooed all of the married women, usually on the hands and feet and possibly the thighs. It was considered a privilege for the married woman and a sign of dignity.

In the Polynesian Islands such as Tahiti, a tribe known as the Otaheites appeared to tattoo themselves for religious significance. Common tattoos among them were squares, circles and crescents, along with men and dog tattoos. In this tribe every person was tattooed without exception as they reached adulthood. In Fiji only women were tattooed in a tradition dating back hundreds of years. It was believed that they were tattooed more for adornment than any other reason. A tattoo was seen as a decoration that beautified the women in preparation to find or keep a husband.

Among native Australian tribes it was common, and is today, to tattoo yourself with the group’s totem, Otherwise known as a Wingong. A totem was a creature, plant or animal that the tribe believed they descended from. It could be a turtle, elk, owl, Cray-fish or snake, for instance. It might be considered the tribe’s logo.

In Burma tattooing has always been a sign of manhood. Early explorers of the islands saw almost no man without a tattoo. The leg was a popular spot to have one. It was witnessed that tattoo artists would go around with books of designs which contained every symbol for warding off any kind of evil or for bringing good luck.

Native American tribes were advocates of tattooing. The married women of the Apaches and Yumas in Arizona traditionally were distinguished by a tattoo consisting of several blue lines from the lower lip to the chin. It was also known that when a young female was wishing to become a mother, she would tattoo the figure of a child on her forehead. As well, Mojave women, after marriage would tattoo vertical blue lines on their chin.

Within native tribes and in specific geographic locations, the art of tattooing has been a long tradition. In the modern world the tattoo is used more for personal decoration of the body, and personal meaning than it is for customary ‘tribal type’ purposes such as designating a group, although violent gangs many times have a common tattoo. For most it is popular to merely acquire a tattoo that has a personal meaning, and for others it is simply a fancy adornment.