As a way of remembering his best friend, Chris Scullion has set up The Thumb Fund which involves people getting the word ‘Thumb’ tattooed on a big toe.So far, I admit it's not promising...
Mr Scullion said: “Jay lived with Danny Desmond, who was a tattoo artist. After a few too many beers, Jay decided to get a tattoo of the word “Thumb” on a toe.Oh dear! Though I suppose he's not the first - and certainly won't be the last...
As a tribute to Jay, his closest friends will be recorded getting the same “Thumb” tattoo on their toes.Yes, it's another memorial tattoo - that strange phenomenon which is covering Britain's youth in human graffiti and helping to make tattooing a major growth industry.
“The toe is notoriously painful to get tattooed, but it is nothing compared to the pain we have gone through since he died."And I suppose it beats cutting off a finger, like the Dani people of Papua New Guinea or the Sioux. While I understand wanting to make some kind of gesture after the murder of a friend, self-mutilation does seem an odd way to go about it.
But they do seem to be maintaining a resolutely upbeat attitude in spite of it all; what I liked about the story was this:
“The support has been unbelievable. I think Jamie would think we are all idiots, but that is why he was friends with us,” he added.You have to admit, there is a certain charm in such clear-eyed self-awareness, which is why, even though he does now sport a truly ridiculous tattoo, Chris Scullion is our toast of the week.
Things will be a little quiet around here for a week or so as I am taking a short holiday away from the lure of the internet - please feel free to pour yourselves a drink and browse the Tavern archives (this might be a good place to start) and do keep leaving comments, which I shall answer when the opportunity arises.
Scullion? What is the favoured colour of the tattoos? Porterhouse Blue?
ReplyDeleteGood lord, I can no longer tell real news stories from 'Daily Mash' articles!
ReplyDeleteThere are no circumstances in which I would vandalise my skin with a tattoo. Ever. Dreadful things.
ReplyDelete“The support has been unbelievable."
ReplyDeleteMuch more believable these days though.
Have a relaxing break.
While I understand wanting to make some kind of gesture after the murder of a friend, self-mutilation does seem an odd way to go about it.
ReplyDeleteSo many go in for it, Macheath.
Nice one,Demetrius; the name certainly has a good, old=fashioned ring to it.
ReplyDeleteJulia,that gets more and more true each day.
LR, I've never sen the appeal either; it would be like buying a t-shirt because you liked the picture on it and wearing it every day for the rest of your life.
Thanks, AKH - it was!
JH, I wonder how much in these cases is to do with peer pressure - 'everyone else is doing it' has surely led to many an error of judgement.