Time Out Chicago gives us another reason to swoon for Carol Marin. Turns out she's inked. more ›

The video of a woman tattooing 152 Facebook profile pictures on her arm has spread across the internet (on Facebook, no less!) in the last 48 hours. The notion that someone might get an icon from a social network tattooed on a part of their body has sparked a combination of fascination and outrage, as evidenced by the comments on the video's YouTube post. more ›

Last month, we posted a gallery of chefs' tattoos, in connection with this month's National Restaurant Association expo in Chicago. The work was gorgeous, and all of it showed off the participants' deep commitment to their craft. Apparently, people really like to show off their tattoos - after that post, we got a ton of submissions from readers and chefs. Here are our favorites, including shots from Naha, Park Grill, Feast and Mana Food Bar, as well as from a couple of our readers. These belong to chefs, pastry chefs, sommeliers and home cooks - and we want to see yours. Chefs and civilians alike, keep the submissions coming and we'll pick our favorites. Email a picture of your food-or-drink-themed tattoo to Anthony@chicagoist.com. more ›

We've always been amazed at the number of chefs with food-themed tattoos, and the sheer amount of awesomeness contained in those tattoos. Apparently, others have noticed too. The National Restaurant Association, as part of the run-up to its upcoming show at McCormick Place in May, is collecting "Kitchen Ink" - the best chef's tattoos. We present a selection of them for your viewing pleasure. Many of these are from Chicago chefs. NRA is still looking for contributions, so if any chefs are reading this, send in your tats now! Or, if you have an interesting food tattoo, send a picture to us and we might feature it in an upcoming gallery! more ›

At first glance the title of a new exhibit at Columbia College, Fear into Fire, for all its alliterative bounce, doesn’t quite seem to mesh with its subtitle: Reclaiming Black Male Identity Through the Art of Tattooing. In fact, it does—especially when you listen to Nicole Harrison, the exhibit’s 25-year-old curator, describe “fear” as representing the challenges black youth face and “fire” representing the strength it takes to overcome those challenges. The photographs in this collection explore the connection between the black male body and skin art as they work in tandem to shape culture, influence personal identity, and create lasting bonds within the community. Columbia College alumnus Harrison chats with Chicagoist about the exhibit and what it was like to curate her first show. more ›

No "Morning Box Score" today, readers, but take a look at this gem. From the city that gave us the "Chi-Tonw" tattoos comes news of a Northwest Side White Sox fan who had the White Sox logo accidentally tattooed backward on her thigh. more ›

The Lake County Health Department will begin a new inspection program on May 18, investigating tattoo and body piercing shops. According to a release from the department, the program is being funded by the Illinois Department of Public Health with an initial grant of $5,675. Out of all the tattoo and piercing establishments in Lake County, only 11 have currently applied for permits, the release also revealed. more ›

In a new bill sponsored by state Sen. Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale), anyone that falsely claims to be the parent or guardian of a minor in order for the minor to get tattooed could potentially face jail time or a fine. The bill makes it a criminal offense to pretend to be a minors parent or guardian whether they have the intention of getting tattooed or pierced. more ›

Luther North stays open, kidneys get swapped and more in a special good news edition. more ›

And if I were Steve Dahl, I'd take a break from telling women what I think they should do with their bodies and what clothing they're "allowed" to wear. Anyway, isn't the term "tramp stamp" sort of passé? I've been hearing "ass antlers" and "Jersey plates" recently. more ›

A 39-year-old Springfield man was charged yesterday with three counts of tattooing minors without a parent's consent. more ›

Oof, we just had a second where we thought it was Friday. But it's not! It's only Thursday. Time for some things that are awesome. more ›

You can get a tattoo to show you love Wrigley and the Cubs, or you can run a stupid limerick contest to show you don't like the Tribune that much. [More pix of the tattoo here and here]
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Is that a drug deal caught on Google Maps? [Gawker] more ›