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This is not a tattoo, it is a lightning scar - also called a Lichtenberg figure (imgur.com)

submitted ago by dudelsac

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[–]Deto 192 points193 points ago

"Who did your tattoo? It looks awesome!"

"ZEUS ALMIGHTY!"

[–][deleted] 15 points16 points ago

Doctor Zeus, Doctor Zeus.

[–]straydog327 5 points6 points ago

I LOVE YOU, DR. ZEUS!

[–]Goofyface 3 points4 points ago

And i love you too, random citizen.

[–]collegeboy21 0 points1 point ago

Calling Doctor Zeus. Doctor Zeus, Doctor Zeus get up now~

[–]Jaxek 13 points14 points ago

Nah man, it was Thor.

[–]elkku 2 points3 points ago

He threw a hammer, not lightning. And what about Ukko???

[–]Heathray 0 points1 point ago

Ukko is no good. You can just make him stop by calling him "Ukkonen".

load more comments (1 reply)

    [–]YourLocalCrackDealer 195 points196 points ago

    As horrible as it would be to obtain it, it's fucking badass.

    [–]deltarob 25 points26 points ago

    if you REALLY want it, find something with huge voltage and shock yourself.

    I cant promise that it wont stop your heart and I cant promise that the current will be low enough not to burn / kill you, but that's how it'd happen

    dude I knew was in the army and got this from incorrectly isolating something he was working on

    [–]pachaug 10 points11 points ago

    Pretty sure it goes away or at least fades considerably with time though.

    [–]tremens 23 points24 points ago

    That seems to be the consensus; it's not very deep scarring so it fades out fairly quickly.

    Personally, if I ever attained one, the very first thing I'd be doing once it had healed up would be to head to the tattoo shop to get it made permanent.

    [–]pachaug 12 points13 points ago

    I wonder if the bodmod community will ever come up with a way to duplicate this using high voltage, low amperage equipment. I'd imagine a conductive lotion placed over the area and a lead attached at each end of the "work".

    [–]plaid_lad 3 points4 points ago

    I believe the amperage is what would cause the tissue damage, otherwise you'd see this all the time with tazers, cattle prods, electric fences, kids having good wholesome fun, etc.

    [–][deleted] 2 points3 points ago

    I think it would be a cool thing to just get tattooed regular style. Just bring some pictures to the artist and say, "I want that!"

    [–]Pineapple264 8 points9 points ago

    thats cheating though, something as awesome as this has to be earned

    [–]tremens 2 points3 points ago

    That's my feeling. Maybe if I had some other personal reason, like if I was an electrical engineer or something, but generally I'd say it's cheating to get a Lichtenberg without actually getting it zapped on ya.

    [–]CanttouchthisBANANA 1 point2 points ago

    Yea let me just risk frying my arteries, my brain, stopping my heart, permanently damaging nerves, and other bad shit for something I could just get tattooed or even professionally surgically carved.

    [–]Pineapple264 0 points1 point ago

    don't get it at all, its like wearing a band aid when your not hurt, or drawing on a scar. its just stupid.

    [–]NorthBus 1 point2 points ago

    Two issues...

    1.) If the lotion was conductive, how will you maintain a high voltage across it if your supply is not very current-capable?

    2.) Wouldn't the current just flow through the lotion and not do anything to the arm?

    [–]Nihilithik 0 points1 point ago

    My buddy worked/works with a mod group thats quite popular around the world. Ive never heard him talk about use of electricity in modding only scalpel and burn work. I believe the current goal amongst boddy modders is successfully coloring a tongue as the color doesnt stick well even after 3 sessions. I could be wrong, but ill ask about that

    [–]newloaf 0 points1 point ago

    I don't think you actually have to get the scar first to get the image tattooed on you...

    [–]mrpineapplehouse 5 points6 points ago

    persists for hours or days

    [–]TheSocialStigma 1 point2 points ago

    Ooh. Exposed.

    [–]deltarob 4 points5 points ago

    I dunno, he had it for a good few years, might still do but I haven't spoken to him in a while

    [–]imnotmarvin 6 points7 points ago

    It also matches the bed spread, that's crazy.

    [–]iamstephen 2 points3 points ago

    What's fucking badass is that everything, I mean EVERYTHING in life is fractal... even lightning strikes....

    [–]Tesla6009 2 points3 points ago

    Yup, The only thing that changes the pattern in the equation is the variables outside the equation. (i.e. plants grow towards the sun.)

    [–][deleted] ago

    [deleted]

    [–]canitasteyourjuice 36 points37 points ago

    Must be running low on karma.

    [–]cryospam 2 points3 points ago

    Well, he DID survive a lightening strike...

    [–]wtfitsmoot 23 points24 points ago

    this is the first thing I saw & really liked on Reddit. I think maybe I'm done with Reddit for a while now, like I've come full circle.

    ... nahhh

    [–]StinkinFinger 4 points5 points ago

    Can someone explain to me why it matters if something is reposted. If people didn't care they wouldn't up vote it and it wouldn't reach the front page. If enough people missed it the first time and it got enough enough upvotes on subsequent submissions then it would naturally go to the top where it belongs. I read reddit every day and I never saw this pic and I'm glad I did.

    [–]nathorn 9 points10 points ago

    Wow i can't believe i haven't seen this before! Quite glad it got reposted. I was part of the conducting path for a lightning strike while hiking about 6 years ago. The "bolt" i guess you'd call it, didn't actually hit any of us but i was with 5 people in the preyor mountains and we felt pretty heavy shocks coming from any metal we were wearing when the lightning hit. I was wearing a floppy hat with metal grommets sewn in for circulation and thats where I felt the shock, it was enough to make me lose muscle control for a few seconds and fall to the ground.

    [–]Quietlike 1 point2 points ago

    Yeah, you are lucky. "Ground shock" can kill sometimes.

    [–]nathorn 1 point2 points ago

    yeah, we thought we were playing it pretty smart too, just going on a day hike and making sure that we'd be done well before the (almost) daily 3 pm thunderstorms you get rolling through desert areas. but this storm took us by surprise at a little after noon. We all ended up going to the hospital afterwards to make sure there wasn't any damage. we were mainly worried about one of the older guys who had a pacemaker (he's fine though, miraculously).

    [–]rougegoat 1 point2 points ago

    I haven't seen it before, so I'm glad it was reposted.

    Also people, remember reddiquette about reposts. Complaining about them is against the rules.

    [–][deleted] ago

    [deleted]

    [–]rougegoat 0 points1 point ago

    This one? Not so much. However, since it is right at the top, I'm putting that as a statement for others who are complaining. It's more useful to put it right where people see evidence of reposting as opposed to pointing it out to each individual who does the complaining.

    [–]darkfaith93 4 points5 points ago

    But now you are complaining about complainers of reposts.

    Does this make me a complainer about complainers of repost complainers?

    [–]zipsgirl4life 1 point2 points ago

    Where do I file a complaint about this?

    load more comments (1 reply)

      [–][deleted] 0 points1 point ago

      So is trying to hijack the top comment thread.

      [–]rougegoat 0 points1 point ago

      Hijacking implies I went off topic. That isn't true in this case. Top comment was about how this was reposted, my comment was about how it isn't a bad thing that it was reposted.

      [–][deleted] 0 points1 point ago

      no one was saying it was a bad thing

      [–]rougegoat 0 points1 point ago

      Except for all those comments complaining about it being a repost that is.

      [–]Mcflyguy -1 points0 points ago

      I knew I had seen it before!

      [–]NotlimTheGreat 1 point2 points ago

      I wouldn't care so much if they hadn't made such a crappy title here. Because saying it isn't a tattoo would sway people to believe you more, or something. It looks more like a birthmark or scar way more than a tattoo.

      [–]smokeyrobot -3 points-2 points ago

      Came here for this. Surprisingly lower than I expected.

      load more comments (4 replies)

        [–]kilowhisky 38 points39 points ago

        That's awesome... I want one! goes out into a storm holding up a metal pole

        [–]gifforc 54 points55 points ago

        "...yes m'boy, and that's why the hipsters are no more. Now their fixed gear bicycles and ironic hats fill our fields and meadows. Some people say if you listen on a windy night you can hear the hipster's cry: 'yooooouuuuuveeeee proooooooobaaaaaaably neeeeeverrrrrr heeeeaaaaaardddddd oooooofffffff iiiiiiiittttt......' And they say if you catch a wild hipster, he'll give you a pair of vintage raybans."

        [–]Spooky_Electric 0 points1 point ago

        I want you to write a book

        [–]gifforc 1 point2 points ago

        I get that a lot :D

        [–]mqduck 0 points1 point ago

        Wanting a cool tattoo makes you a hipster now?

        [–]Zephryse 2 points3 points ago

        Too bad what is depicted in this picture is the beginning of a line of blisters.

        [–]Thevents 3 points4 points ago

        Unlike this picture lightning never strikes the same place twice.

        [–]croagunk 4 points5 points ago

        This isn't posted enough.

        [–]DenoMcFly 11 points12 points ago

        I saw this pic my first day of reddit

        [–]FunMonkeyDisease 30 points31 points ago

        How is your first day so far?

        [–]Elliott70 7 points8 points ago

        How difficult is it to not click on a link? I've never seen it before. And to read anything interesting about it I have to wade through a bunch of bullshit posts from people bitching about reposts. Let's try this, if you see a repost, don't click it or click it and downvote it without comment. It happens all the time, is the only reason I am even complaining. There is a repost and it's something I found interesting and juding from the comments lots of others do too and then we have to read through all the people who apparently have way more time to spend on the internet than I do and read and file away every damn post on reddit. Just hang loose. Take it easy. Life's too short, right? ;)

        [–]herebezombies -1 points0 points ago

        repost.

        [–]whirlpoolnebula 1 point2 points ago

        better quality and far cooler than a tatoo

        [–]beve21 2 points3 points ago

        Also known as the "Bill Murray Scar" because NO ONE WILL EVER BELIEVE YOU.

        [–]angrytroll123 16 points17 points ago

        Repost

        [–]xauronx 30 points31 points ago

        I saw this two days ago as a top google image result for "lightning strike". I wasn't even looking for it. Sometimes I feel like reddit is that weird little niece that just picks up random things you don't want and gives them to you.

        [–]DrunkMc 5 points6 points ago

        Why is that weird? My niece handed me every remote in the house 100x and each time it was the cutest thing in the world!!

        But yeah, Reddit is just like that.

        [–]angrytroll123 -1 points0 points ago

        If this wasn't posted so frequently I wouldn't care but it is. It's always so freaking lame. People really should do a search first.

        [–]wurz81 1 point2 points ago

        I just don't like how this title is phrased. Felt like it had a superior, lecturing tone. Maybe just me.

        [–]angrytroll123 0 points1 point ago

        I do agree with that.

        [–]wurz81 0 points1 point ago

        I guess it is because we know what it is and never thought it was a tattoo. It assumes we are stupid.

        [–]emaw63 0 points1 point ago

        http://www.reddit.com/help/reddiquette

        [–]angrytroll123 0 points1 point ago

        Don't care

        [–]eSsEnCe_Of_EcLiPsE -1 points0 points ago

        Ya i can see it says search for duplicates.

        [–]dudelsac[S] 8 points9 points ago

        For those interested: I found more images and infos about Winston Kemp, the guy in the picture, here.

        Unfortunately, these scars seem to fade away after some time. So the Supernatural Badass-ness™ is only temporary.

        [–]NetworkGuyMN 6 points7 points ago

        Then it should get tattooed before it fades forever.

        [–]Choralone 2 points3 points ago

        tattoo on a scar? No...

        [–]wintremute 7 points8 points ago

        Why not? I know nothing about tattoos.

        [–]shyphen 4 points5 points ago

        You can get a tattoo to cover a scar, but almost all tattoo artists will require that it be fully healed. Since this scar fades as it heals, it's unlikely that they could actually get it done. It'd be best to go to a tattoo artist (or any other artist, for that matter) and get them to draw out the pattern for you and hold on to it and then get the tattoo once it's healed.

        [–]moongnawer 2 points3 points ago

        All the clever people - this is why I read reddit.

        [–]Pineapple264 0 points1 point ago

        this has been my plan if i ever get struck by lightning for years

        [–]fearsomehandof4 1 point2 points ago

        Not sure, but scar tissue is probably not very receptive to the ink in tattoos. The ink molecules have to be a very particular size to remain permanently in a certain layer of the skin.

        [–]Osiris32[!] 0 points1 point ago

        So outline the scar on healthy tissue.

        [–]moongnawer 0 points1 point ago

        I don't think it's an actual scar (no scar tissue) but they are, apparently, super sensitive.

        It would be an amazing tattoo, though. Not amazing enough to hold a lightening rod, but cool nonetheless.

        [–]DeLoreanMotorCars 3 points4 points ago

        Thanks, we got info the last coupe times it was posted, too.

        [–]brownbeard 29 points30 points ago

        I, and I bet about a million other people didn't see those. Everyone doesn't see everything the first (or even 3rd) time it gets posted.

        [–]cdlight62 11 points12 points ago

        Here as someone who is seeing this for the first time on reddit!

        Although, I have seen this before in other places of the internet, so you win some you lose some?

        [–]deltarob 0 points1 point ago

        I figure the people complaining about reposts actually care more about the karma than almost all people who post stuff that classifies as a repost

        i cant stand the karma system as it currently is.

        [–]IVEGOTA-D-H-D-WHOOO 0 points1 point ago

        I don't get why people constantly bitch about reposts. I haven't seen this before and I found it cool, so I upvoted it. If I've seen something before, I downvote it. If people would just do the same, this stuff would run itself out of circulation after a few reposts.

        [–]_Gingy 0 points1 point ago

        http://i.imgur.com/VjZxP.jpg

        load more comments (1 reply)

          [–]TheCowboyIsAnIndian 8 points9 points ago

          Judging by all the people commenting who aren't bitching I would say reposts can be effective. So there. If I haven't seen it its new to me.

          [–]tf5_bassist 3 points4 points ago

          http://i46.tinypic.com/nvqq2t.jpg

          [–]rougegoat 2 points3 points ago

          Please don't complain about reposts. Just because you have seen it before doesn't mean everyone has. Votes indicate the popularity of a post, so just vote. Keep in mind that linking to previous posts is not automatically a complaint; it is information. Votes indicate how the community values information, so just vote.

          -- Reddiquette

          [–]Phyics_Son -1 points0 points ago

          It seems he only gets temporary super powers :(

          [–]Blue_Falcon 1 point2 points ago

          Get a tattoo over it before it fades. It really does look awesome. Getting struck by lightning, not so awesome.

          [–]jadenray64 0 points1 point ago

          That guy was very lucky. Most people who get struck by lightning know it and they're much worse off for it.

          [–]mrP0P0 4 points5 points ago

          You get one if you don't die

          [–]BOILINGWATER7 1 point2 points ago

          This is not a lightning scar, it is a repost.

          [–]Christophurious 0 points1 point ago

          Lighting scars make for pretty fucking cool tatoos

          [–]Sepulchural 0 points1 point ago

          TBH if that happened to me I'd hope it stays that way.

          [–]DatBanana1 0 points1 point ago

          Bloody hell...

          [–][deleted] 0 points1 point ago

          Next storm, how many hipsters are going to be standing under lone trees?

          [–]ThePseudozombie 0 points1 point ago

          In India it would look like something we call Mehndi, what girls draw on their hands during festive seasons or getting married.

          [–]Redditaccount512 1 point2 points ago

          This pic is a perfect way to get hipsters to go out and try to get themselves struck by lightning.

          Thank you, internet. Thank you

          [–]Replevin4ACow 0 points1 point ago

          Some old buddies of mine make Lichtenberg art:

          http://www.capturedlightning.com/frames/home.html

          Not the fanciest website (it looks like it was made circa 1998), but there is some cool images.

          [–]griffith12 0 points1 point ago

          Yes, and its probably not even visible anymore since its been so long since the guy in the picture was struck.

          [–]imsweetinreality 0 points1 point ago

          This trumps shark bite scar...if you can't pick up girls you suck dude

          [–]xnerdyxrealistx 0 points1 point ago

          brb getting struck by lightning

          [–]Justwokeup 0 points1 point ago

          Did your bed spread get hit by lightning too?

          [–]rtkwe 0 points1 point ago

          I'd get inked over with a tattoo so it doesn't fade.

          [–]sprrd[!] 0 points1 point ago

          Cool tattoo.

          [–]Izawwlgood -1 points0 points ago

          I have to admit, I really like the fractal patterning and would absolutely consider this as a tattoo.

          That said, getting this tattoo'd on you is really, really pussy. I guess I better chase some storms.

          [–]Hax0r101 0 points1 point ago

          Why have i not seen this yet? This should have been the first thing posted on Reddit.

          [–]samuraimonster -1 points0 points ago

          Oh yeah. I've seen these all over Reddit.com

          [–][deleted] 0 points1 point ago

          That's fuckin awesome.

          [–]ledgenskill 0 points1 point ago

          This happens to get reposted while i was talking to my mum about it earlier today O.o

          [–]Coolofv 0 points1 point ago

          This guy must be getting laid like mad.

          -"Cool scar"

          -"I know, wanna see it?"

          -"Yeah"

          om nom nom

          [–]sweetspott 0 points1 point ago

          Incorrect. This is a pussy magnet.

          [–]thetribute 0 points1 point ago

          This guy must get laid on a regular basis.

          [–]KiisuTheMagnificent 0 points1 point ago

          I want this e.e

          [–]DJPAUZE 0 points1 point ago

          You should get it touched up, the lines are fading.

          [–]Hefeweize 0 points1 point ago

          U are the chosen one

          [–]TAC0001 0 points1 point ago

          Is the design of the scar based on where your veins are?

          [–]paco_is_paco 0 points1 point ago

          Someone is gonna want a tattoo like that.

          [–]qluder 0 points1 point ago

          I'm writing a series where one of the main characters has a lichtenberg scar from a scuffle with a demon.

          [–]g3n3p4rm3s4n -1 points0 points ago

          Yeah we know, this is reddit.

          [–]zmoore55 0 points1 point ago

          Who's your lightning artist? He looks good

          [–]Potgut 0 points1 point ago

          Also called a fractal

          [–]Digitalizing 0 points1 point ago

          Brb standing in a field with a huge metal rod in my hand during a storm.

          [–]CandyAltruism 0 points1 point ago

          They're not scars, they're burns and they blister and then scab over and than fade like any other burn.

          [–]Leetanidus 0 points1 point ago

          I wanna be struck by lightning D:

          [–]Narlolz 0 points1 point ago

          I would pay good money for something like this.

          [–][deleted] 0 points1 point ago

          Hey baby, wanna see my fractals?

          [–]Caveman788 -1 points0 points ago

          It's actually called repost.

          [–]solomongrundee11 0 points1 point ago

          this phenomena is also known as Kernauography

          [–]ThanklessAmputation -1 points0 points ago

          Repost

          [–]kakemot 0 points1 point ago

          We know.

          [–]TimTimNL 0 points1 point ago

          So worth it. *Grabs brollie and stands on roof *

          [–]christgoldman 0 points1 point ago

          We have the same bedsheets.

          [–]thecockblocker2 0 points1 point ago

          HOW CAN I GET ONE?

          [–]herebezombies 0 points1 point ago

          get struck by lightning.

          [–]kolm 0 points1 point ago

          Damn, I gonna get me a tatoo exactly like that.

          [–]CleanNDopeHeroinSoap -1 points0 points ago

          Lol cool tattoo

          [–]lordsushi 1 point2 points ago

          lightning scars are the most awesome scars of all time

          [–]mrwoolery 0 points1 point ago

          Worth it.

          [–]cfmusicman 0 points1 point ago

          Psh he just wanted to get the babes with his hot bod

          [–]WinabegoWarrior 0 points1 point ago

          I WANT ONE

          [–]cajetin 0 points1 point ago

          the coolest most badass not tattoo ever

          [–]Typhon1 0 points1 point ago

          Fractals are sweet. Even when burnt into your flesh :p

          [–]peterlafleur 0 points1 point ago

          apparently reddit wasn't enough. http://www.geardiary.com/2011/06/17/meet-winston-kemp-lightning-strike-survivor-and-lichtenberg-figure-owner/

          [–]treydestepheno 0 points1 point ago

          quick, go ink it in!

          [–]myjerkoffaccount -1 points0 points ago

          Go ahead. Tell me it's a repost again. I dare ya.

          [–]Kelsadar 0 points1 point ago

          How do I get one? (Without killing myself)

          [–]Wabbstarful 0 points1 point ago

          The bragging rights must be tremendous, were there any downsides to being struck by lightning? (Besides the obvious)

          [–]Grand_Unified_Theory 0 points1 point ago

          We create these artificially in acrylic. The branching pattern is thought to continue down to molecular scales.

          [(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWOst4VwwEU)]

          [–]Hawkonthehill 0 points1 point ago

          and then god said, "instant poon for you. forever."

          [–]WillTrivium 0 points1 point ago

          This explains Aang's scar.

          [–]OferZak 0 points1 point ago

          Fractal

          [–]Doberman11 0 points1 point ago

          No, that is a tattoo for men.

          [–]jiiiveturkay 0 points1 point ago

          Bragging rights for life.

          [–]vet4freedom 0 points1 point ago

          dude that almost seems worth it!

          [–]zues1219 0 points1 point ago

          Is it bad that I want one?

          [–]THE_ARTYST 0 points1 point ago

          no tattoo, no matter what size can ever be as badass as that

          [–]Stevoh 0 points1 point ago

          I kind of want to get struck my lightning now. THEN I'd get all the chicks.

          [–]13thmurder 0 points1 point ago

          when a scar can pass for being a tattoo, that's not such a bad thing.

          [–]MoronToTheKore 1 point2 points ago

          You might as well incorporate the scar tissue into a tattoo. Trace the outline. I mean, shit, you've already got most of a sleeve done. If you're uncomfortable with the aesthetics of a massive scar, hide the fact that it's a scar. I did the same thing with a thyroidectomy scar on my neck; now I don't get questions about it.

          [–]revcb 0 points1 point ago

          Awesomeness. Do I want one? Hell, yes. Done via nature? Hell, no. Maybe. Shits given that it's a repost, since I have never seen one of these incredible scars before? None, evil repost nazis!

          [–]Cage_Dreams24 0 points1 point ago

          abovetopsecret

          [–]Grey_Snake 0 points1 point ago

          You can tell people that you fought against Raiden from Mortal Kombat and lost :)

          [–]zimadorizinger -1 points0 points ago

          cool, love seeing this every other month.

          [–]SkylerAnderson2032 0 points1 point ago

          This is really awesome, but out of curiosity, that pattern just occurs naturally sometimes when struck...? Seems very intricate and intentional.

          [–]Doxin 2 points3 points ago

          it's how electricity flows. go to youtube and find slow-mo videos of lighting or "frozen" lighting in acrylic blocks.

          [–]deepwank 0 points1 point ago

          Is there a way to get this kind of scar in a controlled environment?

          [–]dwg387 1 point2 points ago

          I WANT TO GET STRUCK BY LIGHTENING!

          [–]abridged64 0 points1 point ago

          That's pretty damn cool. Electricity traveled along the blood vessels, scarring the walls along the way. If I could recreate that I would take all the pain that would cause for a design like that

          [–]wiggers010 1 point2 points ago

          also called a REPOST

          [–]weagle11 1 point2 points ago

          this is not a tattoo, it is a repost.

          [–]D-Evolve 0 points1 point ago

          So we've moved beyond the rapid insertion of ink in the subdermal layers with needles, to standing in thunderstorms....

          Bound to happen.

          [–]ruinedme -1 points0 points ago

          This is not a new post, it is a repost- also called I already saw this shit

          [–]Liquidkp -4 points-3 points ago

          This is not the first time it's been in reddit.. It's called a Repost.

          [–]Nomedboy -2 points-1 points ago

          Meh...looks like birth mark...kinda ugly, like something's wrong with your skin....

          [–]pumpkindog 0 points1 point ago

          This is not a post

          this is a re-post

          karma pls kthxbye

          [–]newfag2012 -3 points-2 points ago

          This is a repost faggot.

          [–]CONTROLLOL -4 points-3 points ago

          REPOOOSSSTTTTTTTT

          [–]modex20 -3 points-2 points ago

          A repost is what it is.

          [–]liberated_u -4 points-3 points ago

          Upvote all the Reposts!

          [–]TheSemiTallest -2 points-1 points ago

          If there was a way to guarantee that it wouldn't kill me, and that the scars wouldn't fade away, I would voluntarily do this in a heart beat.

          [–]CitizenShips -2 points-1 points ago

          That is legitimately the coolest scar I have ever seen

          [–]NEEEEEN -1 points0 points ago

          Yes we all saw this the last 100 times it was posted. ಠ_ಠ

          load more comments (30 replies)