English PT 2013

Friday, 3 May 2013

Case Study on Tattoos

Adam Levine

Adam Levine is an American singer-songwriter, musician, entrepreneur and occasional actor, best known as the lead vocalist and front man of pop rock band Maroon 5. He has many tattoos, and they are considerably famous.

He does his tattoos mainly because there is a meaning behind almost all of his tattoos. Some of them, and their meanings:

222 – The 222 on his forearm represents the number on the door of the very first studio that Maroon 5 ever recorded in.

Paw Print – One of the favourite Adam Levine tattoos by animal lovers is the paw print on the back of his right shoulder that says Frankie Girl underneath it. Frankie just happens to be his beautiful Golden Retriever.

Script – There is a tattoo written in either Hindi or Sanskrit on the left side of his chest that has been hard to get a photo of but it is believed to say Maroon 5.

Los Angeles – Next on the list of Adam Levine tattoos are the words Los Angeles written in cursive on his upper right bicep, close to his shoulder. Levine was born in this city and is simply showing tribute to his hometown.

X – On the side of Levine’s left bicep is a large X, the Roman numeral representing the number 10. He got this tattoo as recognition of the 10 year anniversary that Maroon 5 had been together.

Guitar – Many fans will say that their favourite piece on the list of Adam Levine tattoos is the guitar on the under part of his left forearm. It is detailed and perfectly placed so when he holds the microphone, everyone can see it.

Dove and Cherry Blossoms – On Levine’s left shoulder is a really gorgeous piece full of doves and cherry blossoms that he had done after the tragic events of 9/11 as a remembrance of all the lives that were lost.

Shark – Next on the list of Adam Levine tattoos is a shark on his ribcage that has something to do with a nickname but interestingly, sharks are one of his biggest fears.

Others – There is another new piece in the collection of Adam Levine tattoos on the right side of his chest that is not yet revealed. There are photos that offer a little hint but as of yet, there is no confirmation as to what is actually there. There is also rumour of a new back piece that hasn’t been revealed yet either.

Of course, not all his tattoos are meaningful. For example, as stated in an interview: “I was in Japan and I got this necklace (black inked beads). I’m not sure why I got it—I think I was bored. But I like it.” So he also has tattoos that don’t mean anything to him. Also, as stated in another interview, he has a tattoo that “looks kind of like a cauliflower with a sun in the middle of it. It’s just despicable looking.” He has tried to surround it, but claimed it ended up looking worse. However, he also stated that he would not cover up any of his tattoos, and he doesn’t regret the rest of his tattoos.

Despite having admitted to doing drugs when he was younger, Adam Levine has not gotten into any huge trouble before, and is rather successful in his career. He even practices yoga, and it seems to be a very important part of his life. This is quite unlike the stereotypical thinking of people with tattoos, which is basically, “drugs, gangs, debt and corruption”. Although he has many tattoos, they merely symbolise what is important to him. It’s extremely hard to find someone who does not approve of his tattoos, almost everyone seems to admire his tattoos, and even encourage them.

Adam Levine’s tattoos have not brought anything bad to his life so far, and he doesn’t have many regrets about them. So, clear the stereotype that having permanent tattoos mean that one is rebellious.

References:

http://tattoosilove.com/adam-levine-tattoos/
http://ryanseacrest.com/2012/08/03/bad-boy-adam-levine-talks-about-his-tattoos-photos/

Interviews on Piercings

ETHAN

Me: What kind of piercings do you have?

Ethan: For my ears, I have a 12mm stretched lobe on my left ear, and a 10mm one on my right. I pierced my right earlobe thrice. I used to have a labret, and 2 helix on my left ear. I am planning to get my tongue pierced, or a septum piercing. Also, I want to expand both my ears up to 16mm…maybe 20 if possible.

Me: Why do you want to get piercings?

Ethan: Piercings give me something to do

Me: Can you elaborate?

Ethan: Well…I often get bored so I tend to go to any piercing shop and just buy some awesome looking jewelry and just put it on.

Me: Have you regretted getting any of your piercings?

Ethan: I regretted getting the two helix. Cuz they hurt like crazy. Worse than expanding my earlobes.

Me: That’s really painful haha…..ok, what do you think of people with piercings?

Ethan: Hmm…ok depends. Those kind of people who go pierce their face just to act big are the ones who I dislike. Other than that, people with piercings are awesome.

Me: But some people find it disgusting. What are your views?

Ethan: I have to agree…cuz if you don’t take care of them properly, they may get disgusting and infected.

Me: What about those who cannot accept piercings?

Ethan: Those are my favourite kind of people!!

Me: What

Ethan> Cuz they will be like ewwwww that’s disgusting and I will just push out my lip stud in front of them!!

Me: HAHAHAHA, smart….Have you gotten into any trouble or disputes because of your piercings?

Ethan: I get into trouble with piercings almost every day haha… I wear bubble tea straws when I’m in school, and apparently it’s always too obvious and I always get caught and detained. But I couldn’t care less cuz it’s my last year in my secondary school!

Me: HAHAHA ok, thanks for your time!

Ethan: You’re welcome

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHESCA

Me: What kind of piercings do you have?

Chesca: I have a naval piercing, two piercings on my right ear and one on my left. I am planning to get hip piercings and a micro dermal on my right cheek for the future.

Me: Why did you get those piercings?

Chesca: I honestly like the way they look on me and I like proving my point to my relatives that don’t like piercings/body modifications that anyone can still look good in them.

Me: Have you regretted getting any of your piercings?

Chesca: No, I didn’t regret getting the ones I have now, but sometimes, I think that it’s kinda irritating when I’m training.

Me: What do you think of people with piercings?

Chesca: I think people are attractive when they have piercings…it tends to attract attention..in a good way for me, at least!

Me: What do you think of people who can’t accept this?

Chesca: I think they should mind their own business cause even if they don’t like something they still can’t do anything about it.

Me: Well said. Ok…As a girl, have you gotten into any trouble or dispute over your piercings?

Chesca: Other than the healing part where I felt uncomfortable to move too much, I haven’t gotten into any trouble xD

Me: Ok, thanks for your time!!

--------------------------------------------------------

SHANNA

Me: Do you have any piercings?

Shanna: Nope, but I am planning on getting one on each ear.

Me: What do you think of people with unique piercings?

Shanna: Painful. Weird. Bad impression. It you put it at the both of the holes of your nose, you look like a bull. It’s not unique, it’s crazy. And do you see those people with piercings on their brows too, and tongue? How are they supposed to eat?!

Me: Hahaha…why do you think people want to get piercings?

Shanna: For unique piercings, because they think it is cool. For normal piercings, for beauty’s sake, and it’s also very nice. And maybe because of peer influence for both.

Me: What do you think of piercings in general?

Shanna: Unique: Disapprove. Normal: Approve.

Me: Ok, thanks! Anything to add on?

Shanna: I’ve always wanted to get a piercing but I’m scared. When I was younger my mum wanted to bring me go pierce my ear but then my ahma don’t allow and I scared pain leh…people always say like ant bite but I still scared.

Me: HAHAHA yeah actually…me too…sometimes…anyway, thanks for your time!!

Shanna: Haha no prob :)

-------------------------------------------------

NICOLE

Me: Do you have any piercings?

Nicole: No, but maybe next time I want one ear….

Me: What do you think of people with piercings?

Nicole: If I see someone with unique piercings and its nice, I’ll be like “oh that’s a nice and cool piercing’ but if is stupid and weird, I’ll just be like, “why they choose that piercing?”

Me: Alright, what do you think of piercings in general?

Nicole: /msgweevoice/ I have nothing against them I think it is a form of art.

Me: Should I put that in

Nicole: Yes you should!

Me: HAHAHAHAHA ok!! Anything to add on?

Nicole: Nope!

Me: Ok, thanks for your time!!

------------------------------------------

ALEX

Me: Do you have piercings?

Alex: -_-

Me: Just answer the question

Alex: Does it look like I have piercings….my bro and sis do though.

Me: Then, do you plan on getting any in future?

Alex: Nope, I’m not a piercings kind of guy.

Me: What do you think of people with piercings?

Alex: They’re still people, aren’t they? I just think of them as regular people, just with accessories.

Me: Fair enough. Why do you think people want to get piercings?

Alex: I don’t know, they may feel as if something’s missing from them, like how I feel about my rings. Or they may be following a trend of some sort?

Me: Ok, what is your opinion on piercings in general?

Alex: I’m at neutral point. I don’t support it nor hate it, if people wanna get them, go ahead.

Me: Ok then…anything to add on?

Alex: Nothing that is related to this.

Me: Haha…ok thanks!!

----------------------------------------

RAYLIF

Me: Do you have any piercings?

Raylif: Haha of course. I have one on my right lower lip, a septum piercing, an eyebrow piercing, and one on each earlobe.

Me: Haha....ok, why did you get them?

Raylif: Well, piercings and tattoos are considered attractive to me. If an average looking girl or guy has unique piercings or tattoos, they wouldn't be average anymore. Since I'm not that hot, I guess I have piercings to be raised higher than all those average looking people.

Me: Pffft. Right. Not that hot. Riiiiiight. Anyways, do you regret any of your piercings?

Raylif: None of them at the moment, but I might regret some when I get to NS but no. Not yet.

Me: Good luck, then. What do you think of people with piercings?

Raylif: I think piercings are wonderful. Aren't they after all another form of jewellary? Like, if earlobe piercings are acceptable, why are lip piercing, helixs, etc. so looked down on?

Me: That's actually really meaningful, and thought provoking....

Raylif: Of course it is. I said it!

Me: Haha very funny. Ok, have you gotten into any trouble with your piercings?

Raylif: Yes, I have. Usually in school. I use transparent earsticks when I'm in school. But usually, once you get caught the first time, the teachers tend to look at you really closely cause they know about your piercings. I don't get detention though, I just have to surrender my earsticks. Which is quite retarded since I always have spare ones with me.

Me: Hahaha...ok, thanks for your time! Anything to add on?

Raylif: Nope, and you're welcome :)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Our Point of View: Body modifications come in many different forms, and can be done in many different places. There are the ordinary ear piercings, and then more daring ones, such as at the lips and nose, and then unique ones, such as corset and dermal piercings. There are tattoos that can be done literally anywhere. There are implants that create shapes on a person’s skin. There is plastic surgery. The possibilities are endless. Despite how modern and flexible society appears to have become, many people are still unable to accept the more non mainstream modifications.

Reasons for CosmeticSurgery

Reasons Why People Opt for Cosmetic Surgery

Here are the 5 top reasons why most people get cosmetic surgery.

1. Health Reasons.

Some people may have gone through rough times caused by sickness or massive weight loss, so it's only natural for people to correct the damage caused by their illness. People may want to fix a problem that maybe causing health issues and surgery is the only option available, some people need surgery to survive.

2. Accidents.

Another reason why people get cosmetic surgery is because they have been in a accident. Minor car crashes, sports, work accident anything you can think of. Because of accidents people can become severely deformed and cosmetic/plastic surgery is the only option to help fix peoples injuries.

3. Self Esteem.

Some people choose to get cosmetic surgery to boost their self esteem. They need a boost and they think cosmetic surgery will give them that. In my opinion it does, people are extremely grateful to see the new changes to there bodies that they have always wanted.

4. Re constructive Surgery.

Re constructive procedures correct deformities on the face or body. These include physical birth defects like cleft lips and palates and ear deformities, traumatic injuries like those from dog bites or burns, or the aftermath of disease treatments like rebuilding a females breast after they have undergone surgery for breast cancer.

5. Vanity

Some people say vanity is the reason why people get cosmetic surgery, in some cases it is the case. Botox, Face lifts, Breast Augmentation can all be considered vanity procedures. But it is a choice and people choose to have these procedures performed and if it contributes to there self esteem who are we to judge.

Our POV:

Cosmetic surgery won't change your life. It won't solve personal problems or make you look like someone else. But it may give you greater self-confidence and add to your sense of well-being.

People get cosmetic surgery for many reasons. Some want to look younger. Others seek to change a feature they've never liked. (wants) Others want to change a feature that needs reconstruction after being destroyed in an accident. (needs) This also shows the contrast, between needs and wants as reasons for the people to opt for cosmetic surgery.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1077693

Reasons for Plastic Surgery

1) Traumatic accidents, such as car crashes or severe burns, often require plastic surgery so the patient can return to a semblance of their pre-accident appearance. While these types of traumatic events are often disruptive to both the victim and their family, thanks to the option of plastic surgery Los Angeles patients can regain normal-looking features, which is a great source of comfort during a stressful time. Often, reconstructive surgeries of this nature are covered by health insurance companies. Children with birth defects such as cleft palate or ear deformities can benefit from plastic surgery procedure to correct their defect. Reconstructive plastic surgery is also accepted in cases where illness such as cancer has a women seeking reconstructive breast surgery or to return to your pre-pregnancy body.

2) In recent years it has been shown that plastic surgery can solve various health problems. For example, a deviated septum leads to breathing problems, and can sometimes even disrupt sleep patterns. This condition can be corrected with rhinoplasty. For migraine sufferers, Botox has shown promising results in preventing the painful episodes. In addition, many people have suffered from obesity and then lost enormous amounts of weight leaving them the need to repair their body. Often people undergo plastic surgery to correct a breathing condition by having rhinoplasty or a nose job.

3) Massive weight loss often leads to sagging skin, which can diminish the rewards of hard won weight loss. Surgeries that involve removing and tightening excess skin are common for people who have lost 100 lbs or more. In Los Angeles plastic surgery can also possible to diminish or completely remove stretch marks.

4) Self-esteem is cited as the number one most common reason for cosmetic surgery. While it would be nice if looks were not given so much importance, the truth is that almost all cultures place a high value on appearance. Sure, personality and intelligence are part of the overall package, but if you have these two qualities, it can be disheartening to have a perceived physical flaw detracting from these other great traits. In summary, plastic surgery can often change people's lives by giving them a boost in their image. If someone has been battling a negative image of themselves their entire life the new look that the procedure brings can change their outlook in every aspect of their life.

5) After the age of 40, many people turn to cosmetic surgery for a physical tune-up, so to speak. Tightening the skin on the face and neck, using fillers such as Botox to plump up wrinkles, or an eye lift to eliminate crow’s feet are common procedures for patients in their 40s or older who want to stall the appearance of aging.

6) Getting back into pre-baby shape is becoming an increasing concern for many mothers. When visiting a plastic surgeon Los Angeles mothers are commonly requesting what they refer to as “mommy makeovers.” Ideally only mothers who don’t intend to have more children undergo this makeover. A mommy makeover involves a tummy tuck, and often liposuction, as well as a breast lift. And if the patient desires breast augmentation Los Angeles surgeons recommend undergoing the procedure at the same time.

References: http://danielberry.articlealley.com/top-reasons-for-plastic-surgery-688768.html

http://beautifulfigure111.blogspot.sg/2011/06/top-reasons-patients-opt-for-plastic.html

Top 10 Cosmetic Surgery Loving Countries

1) South Korea

The plastic survey industry has stormed Asia in recent years to the point that today, one in five women from Seoul have undergone some sort of plastic surgery.
According to the report, more than 360,000 total procedures were performed in 2010, with the most common procedures being liposuction, nose jobs and blepharoplasty, or double eyelid surgery. More than 44,000 double eyelid surgeries were performed in 2010 with many customers are pursuing more Western-looking eyes.
"In Asia, it's very common for patients to want more Western-looking eyes," said Dr. Malcolm Roth, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. "So that's really no surprise there."

2) Greece

"Greece is a head scratcher," said Roth.
With a floundering economy, Roth said it is surprising that the country came in second in overall procedures performed.
"A country's economy and the access to disposable income usually plays a big part in the demand of plastic surgery unless the government pays for it," said Roth.
But few said it just goes to show that globalization is affecting the plastic surgery industry in unexpected places.
"There is little room to sit still when we consider innovation, domestic or international," said Few.
Breast augmentations took the top spot among invasive surgeries in Greece. Of note, a reported 592 penis enlargement procedures were performed in 2010, ten times more than the average of other countries that made the list.

3) Italy

The Mediterranean boot came in third with a total of 815,745 procedures performed in 2010. Botulinum Toxin Type A (Botox Dysport) was the most popular procedure performed overall and liposuction was the most common invasive procedure with more than 69,000 reported.

4) Brazil

Brazil took up fourth place in the list, and liposuction and breast implants were the most popular invasive surgeries among the population.

"Culturally speaking, Brazilians have no problem with plastic surgery," said Roth. "If anything, it's seen as a status symbol to have had it."
Few said he was surprised Brazil didn't make it higher on the list, especially because the country has "a number of government-based tax-deduction systems in place to support elective plastic surgery." The government believes cosmetic surgery is in such high demand that the additional income to those in the industry will outweigh the money lost to deductions.

5) Colombia

Liposuction was the most popular procedure, both among surgical and non-surgical procedures, with nearly 90,000 reportedly performed in 2010.
Colombia has become a hot spot for cosmetic tourism, where foreigners travel there to get a nip here and a tuck there.

6) United States

The report showed more than 3.3 million reported invasive and non-invasive surgical procedures performed in 2010, but the ASPS reported more than 13 million total procedures performed in the same year. Demand continues to rise as the country slowly makes its way out of economic hardship.
Liposuction showed to be the most in-demand procedure, with breast augmentations coming in a close second.
"Because people are beginning to talk openly about it, we've seen over the last couple decades the demand for plastic surgery grow," said Roth. "People are realizing that it's more common than most people think and there doesn't have to be a stigma around it."

7) Taiwan

Taiwan rounded out the Top 7 List with a total of 221,116 total procedures performed in 2010. Wrinkle reducers like Botox were the most popular among all surgeries performed.
Not only does economy likely play into the Taiwan's demand for surgery, but trends play a heavy role in the nip/tuck game as well, said Dr. Garry Brody, professor of plastic surgery at USC Medical Center.
Cosmetic surgery is now very fashionable in Taiwan. "It is more likely how in any given society the local fashion develops in different ways," said Brody.

8) Japan

"Japanese people also like to have smaller faces," a Japanese doctor explains. "So we often combine face-lifts with liposuction under the chin, to make the jaw line between the face and the neck more striking."

9) France

There is a strong desire to age gracefully in France in a similar fashion to Carla Bruni-Sarkozy. French women don’t want to look like young girls, they just want to look great for their age. Therefore, subtle anti-aging procedures are popular.

10) Mexico

Plastic surgery in Mexico is a whole lot cheaper than plastic surgery in the United States. For example, a face lift is known to cost between $5,000 and $6,000 in the United States. In Mexico, a face lift costs between $2,000 and $2,500.

References: http://news.liveandinvestoverseas.com/Lifestyle/top-10-cosmetic-surgery-loving-countries.html
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/niptuck-nations-countries-cosmetic-surgery/story?id=16205231#.UYRuL7VQHUU

Surveys on Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery

We decided to conduct surveys on plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery because we like to know more about others' opinions and views. These are the questions and the answers we have collacted. In total, we have 30 responses.

1. What is your age group?
100% says that they are 11-15 years old.

2. Have you ever done plastic surgery/cosmetic surgery?
3.33% answered yes while the rest answered no.

3. If not, would you get plastic or cosmetic surgery?
Out of 30 responses, 4 (13.33%) stated that they would want to get plastic and cosmetic surgery while the rest says no.

4. State your reasons for your answers you've provided in the previous question.
For those who said no, many thinks that it ruins one's natural beauty and by undergoing surgery, it only gains criticisms from others, for examples, mocking one being "fake". Furthermore, they feel that it's expensive and 1 of them feels that it can cause harm to health.

For the 4 that said yes, they feel that plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery makes one look pretty and feel good.

5. What's your opinions of those that have undergone plastic surgery?
40% feels that it is their own choice and freedom and they are free to do plastic or cosmetic surgery. 60% feels that they are out of their miind because these surgeries are quite expensive and furthermore, their beauty is just fake.

6. Should we allow/support alterations to our body
Yes - 33.3%
No - 66.7%

By looking through the responses from others, majority feels that we should not allow alterations to our body.