Lifestyles The TOWER10

By MICHAEL SHOWALTERTOWER contributor

James Barton, Jr., also known as “Rel,” is no stranger to tattoos. He has three. When asked about the pain while getting the tattoo, Bar-ton said, “The lion part hurt a little more than I had expected, but all I could really think about was how geeked I was to finally get it done.”

Barton’s newest tattoo is on his right arm which is inspired by his favorite rap artist. The tattoo in-cludes an “R,” which represents his nickname, along with a king’s crown serving as a hat. “I wanted kind of a kingly, strong feeling to-wards the tattoo,” said Barton. “In my eyes, I look at it as my strength and my determination.” Also, hold-ing onto the letter is a lion who is wearing a crown as well. He felt that the featured lion shows more of the strength aspect that he want-ed the “tat” to have. “I feel that the characteristics of a lion show all of the strength possible.”

When asked about his other tat-toos Barton responded, “The tats on my inner ribs hurt a lot worse, but it was well worth it.” Barton also suggested a few words for those who are thinking about get-ting a tattoo, “If you are hesitant

in getting one, then don’t get it, but if you have passion for one, keep getting them until you think it’s time to stop” Barton is not just set-tling with three tattoos. “I plan on getting a lot more”.

Senior Alex Evans has a deco-rated scorpion around his belly button. “To me, a scorpion means strength. Scorpions may seem very small, to the point where they are almost harmless, but they hold that sting of venom that is able to protect them while at the same time, be feared.”

Evans is not a stranger to tattoos as he has a total of five. He notes the scorpion tattoo as the most painful, “At certain points, it hurt. Below and above my belly button, it felt like the worst pain I have ever felt in my life.” The scorpion’s tail is wrapping up around his belly button showing it almost in a sting-ing position. This is symbolizing the scorpion striking its victim as it feels it’s in harm’s way.

Evans claims that he is planning on getting about five more tattoos in the future. He would like to get some more detail around his scor-pion tattoo on his stomach and a few more on his chest and back. Ev-ans explained, “If you have a good

Bethany Students Share Tattoo Storiesmind set on what you really want to be on you permanently then get it done. But, if you are planning on getting one on your stomach area, prepare for it to really hurt.”

Junior Colleen McNurlen ex-plains the background of her tat-too, “I am Irish and the Claddagh is a big part of the Irish culture, but I’m also Spanish and my fam-ily means a lot to me; so, together, it makes me!” The Irish Claddagh means love, loyalty and friendship. The “Familia” part of the tattoo is simply the Spanish meaning for family.

The tattoo is located on her upper left ribs. “I got the tattoo on my ribs so I would be able to keep it hidden for when I get a job.” She said that the tattoo on her ribs felt “relaxing” rather than very painful. “It was a slight burning feel, but for the most part, it was relaxing.”

After asking what advice she had for those who are considering a rib tattoo, she replied, “I think it’s a good idea; it stays hidden. Also, don’t rub it or scratch it so it doesn’t fade fast.” McNurlen, who has two tattoos right now, says that she plans on getting more in the future.

By ALEXANDER LUCASTOWER staff writer

Throughout history beards have symbolized masculinity. Even going back to the times of the New Testament we believe Je-sus to have rocked a pretty wick-ed beard. Facial hair has seen an array of different styles, designs and all-around cleanliness in to-day’s society, but the most rugged of all is the “playoff beard.” This beard is so masculine it must di-rectly be paired to the commit-ment a man has to his team and the ultimately aggressive form of activity known as athletics.

A visual representation to man’s natural will to compete, the playoff beard exhibits quali-ties every man holds dear in his core: commitment, freedom and valor. It is simple to grow such a beard. Simply leave your face un-touched until your team wins or is out, but watch them vigorously play until then. Keep your fa-cial foliage natural. Do not trim, tidy or shave any parts of it until your team wins or loses, at which point, you shave in celebration or disappointment of your team. De-pending on your genetics, the re-sults my not be what you desire, but since the age of puberty you have had the natural ability to grow, so man-up and do it.

Upon your journey you may discover some perks to your bud-ding hopeful playoff beard. For one, there is no razor burn every week when you finish shaving and that feels awesome. As your beard thickens, you will find your face to feel much warmer and be able to stand any windy weather Mother Nature throws your way. Above all, you look more mature and therefore more attractive to some women.

Whether it be for you or for your team, you have a duty to at least try it out. Maybe you will like what you see and try differ-ent styles to find what suits you, or maybe you just weren’t blessed to show off such manliness.

Fanatic Facial Fixtures

Various Bethany students show off their favorite tattoos. From left, top to bottom: Ben Donovan, Heather Hamm, Emily Stinner, Skylar Wil-liams, Melissa Davis, Williams, Demi Frankhouser and Jorge LaBoy. (Photos by Amie Warrick and Annie Wilson)