In the News: Fraternity Brandings, Designer Jeans & A Dumb Tattoo

This week's news consists of items of little actual importance, but that doesn't make them any less interesting. One article delved into the secret life of fraternity brotherhood and pride. Being branded with the symbol of one's pledge has been a quiet tradition for many years. The article states that it is even rumored that George W. Bush himself may be branded with his own frat symbol from his Yale days. Some say it is a test of devotion and a symbol of pride, while others frown upon the practice as barbaric and primitive. All opinions aside, how safe is it to apply a heated wire hanger to someone's skin until it damages it beyond recognition? What do you think? Should this practice, tradition or not, be condoned or condemned?

Also this week, London Denim has come out with a new designer jean collection appropriately named Tattoo. The jeans are decorated with old tattoo flash designs from the 1940s as well as other embellishments. The jeans range in price from $600 to $1600 and are available at Harrod's (London).

Last but not least, Waterford (Michigan) police are searching for a man with a dumb tattoo. No, that's not an insult. The guy actually has the word "dumb" scrawled across his forearm. He robbed a bank and is said to be armed and dangerous so it's not really funny.........or is it?