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Facebook's IPO Debacle, Day 3: Un-Friended and Dis-Liked on Wall…This post is part of our Hottest Products of 2007 feature. Also check out our other Hottest Products of 2007 posts and let us know which product you think is the greatest thing since sliced bread.
On his Sirius Satellite Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) show one morning, Howard Stern hypothesized that a vague loss of direction or sense of hopelessness is often the backdrop for someone getting a tattoo who wouldn't ordinarily have done so. (The shock jock isn't judging; he has at least two of his own.)
His theory rang a bit familiar ... when I was 26 (old enough to know better), I got some "ink" of my own. Two of my best friends were about to move away, my parents had recently relocated from our mutual hometown, and my boyfriend had unceremoniously ended our relationship. At the time, I had my lower back branded with the orange-and-blue "V" and sabers that trademark the University of Virginia, my alma mater. I did so while repeating three mantras I considered to be quite wise at the time.
First, my tattoo of choice wasn't a capricious decision ... I will always be a UVa alum, and I will remain proud of that fact. Secondly, while larger than I wanted (the artist talked me into a bigger size, noting that it would be "framed by my entire body" -- famous last words), it is in a spot not normally visible in the workplace or in a cocktail dress. Finally, as I flippantly told my friends and my displeased elder relatives, "When I'm 60 and ready to be rid of this thing, they'll have technology where I can just wipe it off, no problem."
Well ... sort of. I'm frankly doubtful such technology will truly be around in 28 years when my 60th birthday rolls around, but those who opt for tattoos these days can select "Freedom-2" ink. This new tattoo technology is made of biodegradable dyes that can be dissolved in one semi-painful tattoo-removal treatment. The one-time laser application simply bursts apart the embedded ink capsules, which break open to be safely absorbed into the body. The ink is still permanent for those willing to make a lifelong commitment, but a changed mind doesn't carry quite the price tag.
As for me, and my freedomless tattoo, I'll keep waiting for that invention I predicted in 2001. And one of these days I'll stop being surprised when people make comments about my university when I'm at the beach.
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Reader Comments (Page 3 of 3)
1-21-2008 @ 1:00PM
mclea_598 said...
I always find these comments interesting regardless of the viewpoint. I am 64 yrs old. I said I would never have a tatoo. I was on vacation in Mexico at age 58 and, for fun, got a temporaryr 3-day henna from one of the beach vendors. I absoslutely enjoyed it. Since then I have desgined and have 10 permanent tatoos on my chest, biceps, back and there is no regret whatsoever. Each design signifies something meanaingful in my life or as a part of my core self and philosphy. I get LOTS of compliments as well. So, there are my 2 cents.