1) Several Bethany students share the stories behind their tattoos, including the meanings, designs, and pain levels. James Barton has three tattoos including a lion and king crown on his arm representing his strength and determination as a "king." 2) Alex Evans has a scorpion tattoo on his stomach representing strength, which he said was very painful to get near his belly button. 3) Colleen McNurlen has an Irish Claddagh tattoo on her ribs representing her Irish and Spanish heritage and family. She said the rib tattoo was more relaxing than painful to get.

1. 10 Lifestyles The TOWER
Bethany Students Share Tattoo Stories Fanatic Facial Fixtures
By MICHAEL SHOWALTER in getting one, then don’t get it, but mind set on what you really want By ALEXANDER LUCAS
TOWER contributor if you have passion for one, keep to be on you permanently then get TOWER staff writer
James Barton, Jr., also known as getting them until you think it’s it done. But, if you are planning on Throughout history beards
“Rel,” is no stranger to tattoos. He time to stop” Barton is not just set- getting one on your stomach area, have symbolized masculinity.
has three. When asked about the tling with three tattoos. “I plan on prepare for it to really hurt.” Even going back to the times of
pain while getting the tattoo, Bar- getting a lot more”. Junior Colleen McNurlen ex- the New Testament we believe Je-
ton said, “The lion part hurt a little Senior Alex Evans has a deco- plains the background of her tat- sus to have rocked a pretty wick-
more than I had expected, but all rated scorpion around his belly too, “I am Irish and the Claddagh ed beard. Facial hair has seen an
I could really think about was how button. “To me, a scorpion means is a big part of the Irish culture, array of different styles, designs
geeked I was to finally get it done.” strength. Scorpions may seem very but I’m also Spanish and my fam- and all-around cleanliness in to-
Barton’s newest tattoo is on his small, to the point where they are ily means a lot to me; so, together, day’s society, but the most rugged
right arm which is inspired by his almost harmless, but they hold it makes me!” The Irish Claddagh of all is the “playoff beard.” This
favorite rap artist. The tattoo in- that sting of venom that is able means love, loyalty and friendship. beard is so masculine it must di-
cludes an “R,” which represents to protect them while at the same The “Familia” part of the tattoo is rectly be paired to the commit-
his nickname, along with a king’s time, be feared.” simply the Spanish meaning for ment a man has to his team and
crown serving as a hat. “I wanted Evans is not a stranger to tattoos family. the ultimately aggressive form of
kind of a kingly, strong feeling to- as he has a total of five. He notes The tattoo is located on her upper activity known as athletics.
wards the tattoo,” said Barton. “In the scorpion tattoo as the most left ribs. “I got the tattoo on my ribs A visual representation to
my eyes, I look at it as my strength painful, “At certain points, it hurt. so I would be able to keep it hidden man’s natural will to compete,
and my determination.” Also, hold- Below and above my belly button, for when I get a job.” She said that the playoff beard exhibits quali-
ing onto the letter is a lion who is it felt like the worst pain I have the tattoo on her ribs felt “relaxing” ties every man holds dear in his
wearing a crown as well. He felt ever felt in my life.” The scorpion’s rather than very painful. “It was a core: commitment, freedom and
that the featured lion shows more tail is wrapping up around his belly slight burning feel, but for the most valor. It is simple to grow such a
of the strength aspect that he want- button showing it almost in a sting- part, it was relaxing.” beard. Simply leave your face un-
ed the “tat” to have. “I feel that the ing position. This is symbolizing After asking what advice she touched until your team wins or
characteristics of a lion show all of the scorpion striking its victim as had for those who are considering is out, but watch them vigorously
the strength possible.” it feels it’s in harm’s way. a rib tattoo, she replied, “I think play until then. Keep your fa-
When asked about his other tat- Evans claims that he is planning it’s a good idea; it stays hidden. cial foliage natural. Do not trim,
toos Barton responded, “The tats on getting about five more tattoos Also, don’t rub it or scratch it so it tidy or shave any parts of it until
on my inner ribs hurt a lot worse, in the future. He would like to get doesn’t fade fast.” McNurlen, who your team wins or loses, at which
but it was well worth it.” Barton some more detail around his scor- has two tattoos right now, says point, you shave in celebration or
also suggested a few words for pion tattoo on his stomach and a that she plans on getting more in disappointment of your team. De-
those who are thinking about get- few more on his chest and back. Ev- the future. pending on your genetics, the re-
ting a tattoo, “If you are hesitant ans explained, “If you have a good 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
Various Bethany students show off their favorite tattoos. From left, top to bottom: Ben Donovan, Heather Hamm, Emily Stinner, Skylar Wil- to show off such manliness.
liams, Melissa Davis, Williams, Demi Frankhouser and Jorge LaBoy. (Photos by Amie Warrick and Annie Wilson)