Best And Cool Tattoos For You

Tattoos are known to be an artistic expression of an individual, revealing his or her artistic attack towards beauty and art as shown by colorful designs pierced and painted into the skin. During the earlier times, tattoos existed in many cultures all over the world. 

  

This means that cool tattoos are in fact a trend ever since the ancient times regardless of race. Due to its artistic and eye-catching appeal, younger generations at this time are so fascinated by tattoos.

Almost everybody, in spite of age, culture, or gender loves the idea of accessorizing themselves with characters and symbols that can give identity to them. Different artistic representations of a person's ideals and interests can be part of his body with a help of trained artists and professionals. Skilled tattoo artists do the job for you by injecting colors into your skin, creating the design you want.

You can find thousands of cool tattoo designs in many internet sites providing tattoo facts and info. You can choose from a variety of options, but because of their number it is sometimes difficult to decide which one suits you the best. When picking a tattoo design for you, consider your personality and beliefs. By landing the right tattoo site, you can easily assess which pattern would fit you most.

If deciding for a design is difficult for you, you can visit some good websites that can help you pick something that can represent you as a whole. Fashionable and trendy tattoo patterns are just a click and download away. All you have to do is log on to a reliable site and get a copy of a design you have picked. If not, you can also peruse the designs of known tattoo artists in their studios.

Once you have chosen from the internet the pattern you like, print out a copy and show it to your tattoo artist for comments and suggestions. And as soon as you both agreed where to put the designed you picked and the other details on how to do the tattooing, ready yourself for the process. First, your tattoo artist will make a stencil pattern onto your skin copying the design. After that, he will be piercing through your skin to introduce the different colors making up the figure.

Cool Tattoos: Of Shapes And Shades

Defined as the art of piercing and staining the skin to serve as an ornament on the human body, tattoos are known to be one of the most common visual representations of the ideals of mankind. In history, documentations about the existence of tattoos are present in a wide variety of cultures, and it cannot be denied that this trend has a somewhat universal effect. Considering its artistic nature, it is also one of the fads that appeal to the generation of today.

  

Young or old, people think of tattoos to be something that can accessorize their character: a visible symbol that anyone who sees it would be able to identify with. The creations of tattoo artists made it possible for tattoo enthusiasts to have their skins inked with the insignia that they deem to be most precious of all.

Cool tattoos can be found in many reference sites, but finding one that would best suit you and your beliefs is a rather tricky ordeal. You might know yourself well to choose one that best fits your personality, but since you are neither a tattoo artist nor are you adept in visual arts, you may find it difficult to get what you really want when you choose your tattoo if you do not have the proper sources.

Luckily for you, there are some specific sites that can help you in choosing the design you would get for a tattoo. Cool tattoos can be found in trusted and reliable sources on the Internet, and all you would have to do is to browse through the endless gallery of works of art by renowned artists.

 

When you finally decide on which tattoo design to use, all you need to do is to get a copy of the design by saving it on your computer or directly printing it. You would then just bring that copy to your local tattoo artist, ready for the session of inking. 

To get the whole design in its proper place, the symbols are transferred onto your skin with the use of a stencil that is prepared by your tattoo artist based on the design you have provided.

Cool tattoos can take many forms, shapes, sizes, and color combinations. All these factors contribute to the end product of the tattooing process, and the overall appearance of your tattoo. Sure enough, you would be glad and ultimately satisfied with the results of your tattoo.

Cool Zodiac Tattoos

 Zodiac tattoos have been a recent trend that has been observed in the tattooing world. People like to represent their zodiac signs which depicts their month. However, there are twelve zodiacs in all each having a distinct meaning and sign assigned to it.

Starting from the month of January is the Capricorn which symbolizes a goat with a tail. There are personality traits associated with the zodiac sign. For instance, traits like serious, determined, disciplined are some of the characteristics of this zodiac sign.

The following month from dates 21st January - 19th February is the Aquarius zodiac symbolizing a water bearer depicted though two horizontal zig zag lines. Their personality traits follows that they make friendship systems really well, assisted with freedom of expression.

From 19th February - 20th march is visualized in the symbol of a pair of fishes that is the Pisces which are linked with each other through their mouths, though their faces are apart. The meaning attached to it is humanity by joining the ocean of members are serving them.

Aries is another zodiac sign which dates from March 20 - April 19th. The symbol depicts the horns of a goat or ram.

Taurus zodiac sign visualizes the head of a bull with its two horns at the top. The month range for this zodiac sign is April 20th - may 20th. It may also be perceived as the crescent moon resting on the sun.

Gemini, the symbol for twins is symbolized by two identical lines which actually is based on twin stars - Castor and Pollux.

Cancer spanning from the month of June to July reflects two curved lines depicting the mother child bond that is so intricate and close.

Leo symbol, symbolizes the head and the tail of the lion.

It is interesting to note that Virgo and Scorpio have almost similar signs and therefore their meanings are also similar. 

They reflect the early medical sign, possibly having some kind of healing property. The only difference they have is the termination of the ends which also has a meaning i.e. they reflect the two sexes.

Libra is depicted as a set of scales, ranges from September 23rd to October 22nd.

Lastly, Sagittarius reflects the symbol of an archer aiming at the sky.

Scorpion Tattoos

Scorpion tattoos are a recent emergence in the area of tattoo decorative art designs. Prior to this one must understand there are many designs out of which some must be shown to others and some must be retained in the mind. 

  

The design for tattoos provides a lot of scope for innovation. The tattoo has certain meanings and aspirations in ones life. They are the reflection of ones thoughts and ideologies. It is in the hand of the artists to make the dreams of the customers ideas and ideals come true.

A Scorpion tattoo is mostly used by men in the society. The symbol of a Scorpio has different understanding to it. Some may perceive the mark when they have had a heart break. It reflects the amount of pain that a human body undergoes just like the way he has been bitten by a scorpion.

The scorpion as a tattoo design is also being used because it is a zodiac sign. People rather than using the symbol of the zodiac make the insect design as the tattoo. To understand the analogy of scorpions one must understand that this insect can strive for life in any situation. 

That is it can adapt effectively in different living areas and climates without any hassles. Similarly, the depiction of a scorpion tattoo on a human body mean that whatever situation may lie in front of the person, he would do his best in order to survive.

The tattoo is usually made using bold designs and black inks. But technology has also evolved so newer methods and vivid colors are available. Hence, they can be used effectively and a colorful tattoo can also be made. 

Accepting the fact they reflect the dark side of a human mind but they also look attractive and appealing to the naked eyes at the same time.

The tattoo is not gender specific and the variations of it can be used by both the sexes. It can be positioned and placed in parts like hands, legs or arms.

Frog Art

 

The frog has spiritual and cultural significance in every society that has used it for symbols and signs. The symbolism related to the frog has been derived from its physical features and also from its name.

Symbolism Based on Physical Characteristic.

1. The frog is a highly versatile creature that is different from any other. Its physical features, survival adaptations and breeding capabilities make it an interesting organism to observe and draw inspiration from for your designs. 

The metamorphism of the frog from the tadpole to its adult stage is fascinating and the frog is able to spawn thousands of its own offsprings in one cycle. The frog is able to live both on land and water due to its amphibious nature. 

The creature is able to adapt itself to many harsh conditions. All of these traits serve as inspiration to many tattoo lovers as symbols of fertility, energy, perseverance, rebirth and healing.

Ancient Frog Symbolism

2. The frog is supposed to be sacred in ancient symbolism. Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love is said to have held the frog as being sacred, some of the ancient gods are supposed to have the heads of frogs. The Egyptians held the frog gods as being symbols of life.

The Ancient Tartars also considered the frog as sacred. The frog was supposed to have been the creator of fire while some also called it the creator of man. The creature was also considered as a protector and its tattoo on the neck was supposed to prevent the death of a warrior from decapitation.

In China, some of the temples were built to honour the frog as a deity. It is also considered as a symbol of prosperity in business.

Tribal Frog Symbolism

In North America, the frog is a symbol of wealth. It is also believed to be the bringer of rain in many parts of the region. They are also considered as a magical totem in Native American tradition. It is also a means to connect people to nature and to complete them. They are supposed to protect and guide men along the right path in life spiritually and mentally.

Lotus Flower Tattoos

With its flexibility and symbolism, the lotus flower is a popular tattoo choice. Lotus flower tattoos are a great option for nearly everyone. A lot of different range of these flower can be tattooed nearly anywhere on the body-the arms, the back, the ankle, or the back of your neck. This flexibility is because the flower can vary in size from a couple of inches to large enough to cover your back. In addition, this stunning flower is a highly symbolic design with a rich tradition.

The combination of beauty, symbolism and ability to be tattooed nearly anywhere has made lotus flower tattoos a popular choice. The symbolism of the lotus flower dates back to ancient Asia. There, the lotus represented sexual purity and divine beauty. 

  

The flower has a unique life cycle-it grows from the mud at the bottom of a lake and makes its way to the surface, where it blooms into a beautiful stunning flower. This growth pattern adds significance to the flower for people of Hindu faith in particular. In Hindu literature, the lotus is often depicted as a seat for gods and goddesses. Today, the lotus flower has meaning to individuals for many different reasons.

In particular, many people view the life cycle of the flower as very significant. The image of a beautiful flower emerging from the muddy depths of a pond or lake represents beauty amidst darkness-a theme that resonates with many people today. It can also symbolize hard work, perseverance and determination. A lotus flower tattoo can also be a great way for people of Asian descent to honor the culture of their past. Whether it is viewed as a religious symbol or simple a symbol of beauty and perseverance, lotus flower tattoos are very meaningful to many people.

  

Of course, you don't choose a tattoo simply because it is meaningful. Fortunately, the lotus is a beautiful flower and can make a stunning tattoo. The tattoo artist has a variety of options-the color of the petals can be pink, red, blue or many other colors and looks great tinged with black. It can be depicted as a traditional flower, or it can be drawn as a more symbolic icon as it is in Hindu tradition. And it can be by itself, or it can be part of a scene featuring Hindu gods and goddesses or other deities. 

The tattoo also makes a great choice for working professionals who cannot get a tattoo that shows up while in office attire, because it can easily be placed in a discreet location where it is easily hidden.

It can be a small, subtle tattoo or a much larger work of art. In short, these kind of flower tattoo is a great choice for many different people with a range of differing needs. When choosing a tattoo, many people look for something that is visually appealing, personally significant and appropriate for their situation.

The Meaning Behind Each Figure

The whole image of tattoos usually comprise of more than one element to be able to make it signify the desired meaning of its wearer. Cool tattoo designs that fit your personality and style are easy to find, but what you must take into consideration is how to choose the elements that would go along with your tattoo. To give you an idea of how this could be done, here are a few guidelines that you can follow.

You must pay attention to detail in such a way that no matter what concept you have in mind, you must take each component individually and then look at it as a whole. Picture an image of a typical Geisha tattoo that you wish to have. The design itself could contain the actual image of a Geisha: the make-up, the Japanese umbrella, the kimono (Japanese traditional clothing), among other things.

From this, you can also consider what kind of prints or color the kimono and the umbrella would have, as well as the shades of the colors of the make-up of the Geisha. You can also add some cherry blossoms on the background to make it more appealing: all to your taste and preference.

A simple research on the meanings of certain images could give you a better idea of what to get for a tattoo. Pixies, for instance, signify mysticism and femininity, while dragons portray being protective, powerful, and strong.

Some cool tattoo designs have been derived from simple images turned into better ones with the use of color and additional lines. From the popular movie "Avatar: The Last Air bender", you would notice that the main character had a tattoo on his forehead and at the back. On his forehead is an arrow while a large cross can be seen on his back, with smaller details that seem to be scriptures or other images incorporated in the tattoo itself.

You can use the above-mentioned example in your tattoo design, in such a way that you would combine elements properly to give a different effect. You can pick a favorite line from your favorite book and have it arranged on the Cool Tattoo Designs to give further emphasis on the details of your tattoo. There are various other methods that you can apply to make unique and utterly pleasing designs that you could bring to your tattoo artist to have them marked on your skin.

Tattoos Are More Than Just Images

In general, tattoos are deemed as wonderful creations with the artistic brilliance incorporated in each design. Even so, it cannot be denied that these tattoos have underlying messages other than how it is visually perceived by an observer. This is how cool tattoos have become popular over the years: because the meaning it signifies is far greater than what is seen by the naked eye.

  

In history, tattoos have played an important role in nurturing the richness of different cultures. For instance, some ancient tribes use tattoos to symbolize the status of a person in the society, or even the accomplishments that the person has gained. Stories about these tattoos date back to ancient civilizations such as that in Egypt, with researches showing that there have been mummified bodies found to have indelible scriptures and images on the skin.

Cool tattoos can be defined as anything that anyone deems fit for oneself, and exactly represents the values, ideals, and beliefs that the person holds. In spite of the many taboos and cultural differences incorporated in the tattoos, it cannot be denied that it is one of the best (and probably most obvious) ways for a person to express himself. Even with the pain associated with tattoos, people still patronize the art for it is something that shows courage and affirmation on the things that they hold dear.

If you are wondering how you would be able to get cool tattoos, you can refer to the many galleries that are made available for you so you would not have to look any further. Each gallery is categorized accordingly so that as you search the designs that you would want to be included in your tattoo, you would know how to start your search.

There would be times when you would not know what to get for your tattoo, and for this you have three main options. First, you can list down the things that interest you the most like music, animals, Chinese scriptures, and the like. Second, you can decide on a concept that you would like to be portrayed by your tattoo such as nature, cryptic scenes, and life-like images, among others.

Lastly, you can get ideas from reliable sources and check out the creations of renowned tattoo artists. Once you have decided to get a tattoo, make sure that you are very well aware of what it means and what it signifies in your life.

Having a Cover Up Tattoo

Some time back, tattoos were considered to be permanent markings. Once you had them on they became part of you and there was not much you could do to have them removed. Lately though, there are some new ways of getting them out.

There are enough credible reasons why someone would want to have his tattoo removed. Sometimes, the tattoos remind us of painful memories or people we want to forget. Some times the tattoo just does not look appealing anymore. In whichever way, the modern techniques will help you get them removed.

In the olden times, if a tattoo was to be removed, the person had to sit and undergo painful moments of burning them off, sanding or cutting. 

These were not so effective, they removed the tattoo but left an ugly scar in their wake. As the 90s ended, there came newer modes of removing tattoos. These were much more viable and although they took more time, they were effective.

Different people will have their own unique needs when it is time to remove the tattoos. There are people who may want to have the whole tattoo removed and there are times when it is a small option of it to get rid of. There are times when fading is needed to make it scream out less.

Lightening the ink should be the first step if you choose to have the tattoo removed. Once the tattoo has been removed, it will have better results if you started this way.

You can consider having a cover up tattoo if the one you remove did not come out completely. This is done by having ink that matches your skin color cover the previous tattoo.

There needs to be careful evaluation of the presented case so that all the available options are considered wisely. The things you must consider most are the tattoo ink saturation and the sort of body type of the person.

You need to have a session with a specialist to consult anything regarding the tattoo removal process. There are pros in that area who can give you authoritative information and answer any queries you may need to know before you make the right choices.

Megan Fox Tattoo

Celebrities with tattoos are becoming quite familiar. The phenomenon is making the body art of tattooing more acceptable to society. Ladies with tattoos, which used to be few and far between, are also becoming more acceptable. The Hollywood actress Megan Fox is one of those well known celebrities with tattoos. Her tattoos are said to be 9 in all. If you want to know about a Megan Fox tattoo, then read on. The 9 tattoos are spread out all over her body. Seven of them are discussed here:

o 1st tattoo: The most prominent one is a portrait of the icon and sex goddess Marilyn Monroe. It is located on her inner right forearm.
o 2nd tattoo: Then there are the three text tattoos. She has two different phrases or quotations in different parts of her body. One is an Old English text in her back. The poetic quote is said to be taken from a line in Shakespeare's King Lear.
 

o 3rd tattoo: The other Megan Fox tattoo quote is also rendered in old English font. It is located in her left rib cage and it looks like a personal quote about love.
o 4th tattoo: The third text tattoo is a script font with the name "Brian." It is located in the vicinity of her right hip.
o 5th tattoo: Then there are the various ones on her limbs, and a lone one on the nape of her neck. The one in her nape is Chinese calligraphy. It means strength.
o 6th tattoo: The other is above an ankle. It is a star tattoo overlapped with a crescent moon.
o 7th tattoo: Then she has one in her left wrist. This one is a tribal tattoo of a wave yin and yang symbol.

A Megan Fox tattoo can be seen in tattoo galleries online. Some sites discuss the meaning of each one; its origins, and why they are meaningful to the tattooed actress.

This brings us to a discussion on tattoos themselves. This kind of body art is permanent. It is unlike a piercing wherein the ear, nose, or belly ring could be taken off anytime. It is also unlike non-permanent tattoos where henna or other inks are used. Therefore, the desire to get one must be strong. The choice of design must be sure. And the location of the tattoo must be well thought out as well. If you are sure of all of these factors, then by all means emulate an actress and get yourself a Megan Fox tattoo.

Hibiscus Tattoo - Hibiscus Flower Tattoos

Tattoos are a means of portraying one's inner self as well as his or her ideas or emotions. The hibiscus is a flower whose portrayal as a tattoo can bring out these features in an effective manner. It also serves as a popular substitute for the more common ideas of using roses or other standard flora. The flower can reflect various ideas with the idea of it as a delicate piece of art being one of the most popular ones. Other than this, another meaning behind using the imagery of this flower is to be opportunistic. The tattoos' colours range from bright purple to red to pink hues that properly represent the Hawaiian flower.

Hibiscus Flowers

1. The placement of the tattoo is crucial to its beauty and aura of perfection. As important as the design maybe, where you decide to place the design on your body makes as much a difference as the design itself. Trailing hibiscus flowers or falling flowers are very effective as well as widely used in order to bring out the flower in accordance to the curves of your body. Try using hibiscus flowers that vary either in their sizes i.e. it decreases in size or remains consistent. The various flowers used can be of the same color or can be done in an array of different paints or shades of the same colour to add some spice or life into your design. One can also add leaves or light water designs to add some more life into your creation.

Sleeve Tattoo

2. One can place his tattoo anywhere on his body but the arm region is a popular choice for many tattoo enthusiasts. The Hibiscus flowers can serve as a catchy centerpiece for sleeve designs also. The design can be made from the shoulder right down to the arm with the arm being covered by a large tattoo. Sleeve tattoos can be classified as:

a. Quarter sleeve design: It extends from the shoulder to halfway down the upper arm

b. Half sleeve design: The design is made from the shoulder to the elbow

c. Full sleeve design: It extends from the shoulder to the wrist

Although one can use various numbers of hibiscus designs yet it gives the entire image more depth if other related images are also used. Being a tropical plant, one can consider images of sands, waters or mountains to give your tattoos more balance and depth.

Various Design of Tattoos

Do you believe that compared to earlier years, there is a great enthrallment with design tattoos. Design Tattoos are quickly becoming more popular each and every day. A design tattoo lets you express your inner creativity; this also provides a deeper look at your personality and depicts who you really are, or basically your likes and dislikes.

A few years back, an ordinary rose, snake or skull tattoo were adhered to be cool. But not anymore, today a hip and trendy tattoo is called the design tattoo. Earlier tattoos are usually placed on one's upper arms, waist, wrist, back or on the chest. But now, you can't even fathom the different areas of the body that is being tattooed on. Of the most later areas added are the eyelids, nose, lips and the brows.

True, until this very moment still there are tons of people who are not yet tattooed. Most of them at the later part of their lives suddenly decide to get a tattoo. Commonly, this type of people chooses a design tattoo that has a deeper meaning to them.

But it is still most rampant that a lot of people (most especially the young ones) who jumps in with two feet and have a tattoo without thinking clearly. There are two basic groups; the first group is comprised of people who get tattoos simply because it is them. Tattoo symbolizes something that has a very special and profound meaning to their inner personality and maybe beyond their personal appearance. The other group on the other hand, are the ones who gets tattooed simply because they think it's something like a fashion statement, a trendy stuff of the generation or that having tattoo makes you cool.

There are a variety of meaning and usage of getting a tattoo. For one, this is considered to be a very known art that is often a part of one's tradition or one's religion. Like in Japan, they are mostly known to draw tattoo that is often inspired by any art or paintings. Those design tattoos has been getting popularity. We have to admit that although Tattoo is considered to be a beautiful work of art, you should be very careful in choosing the design that you want to be inked with. Tattoos are permanent (even though, there are ways of getting a tattoo removed nowadays) just always bear in mind, that it's going to stay with you forever.

You should not decide to get a tattoo in haste. It is something that you have to take a lot of time with regards to the design, the right placement and if you are that ready to take on the pain that the actual tattooing process will give you. Even full grown men, cries sometimes over the hardship and enduring the actual process of hard designed tattoos.

A design tattoo is more than just something to get because everybody seems to have it and because it is quite popular now.

Inner Wrist Tattoo Designs Are Sexy and Hot

One who is considering a variety of tattoos and the design placement should look at inner wrist tattoo designs, particularly when they desire a design that is generally considered sexy. Inner wrist tattoo designs are usually dainty and elegant so when inked on a female's inner wrist they are seen as really hot and desirable by males.

There are numerous popular female inner wrist designs to consider so it can be somewhat difficult to decide on the exact design that represents you and your purpose of wearing inner wrist tattoo designs on your body. Let's explore some of the various designs that are popular;

1) One of the most common of inner wrist designs is flower tattoos. Flowers are considered feminine in nature and are highly symbolic. A lady will usually settle on a species of flower that has an important meaning to them. For the meaning of different floral tattoo designs, just research the term "floral tattoo designs" and several of the results will explain the meaning of each flower.

2) Stars are also extremely popular inner wrist tattoo designs. Many women will get a cluster of stars inked on their inner wrist but the most popular is something like a nautical star. Stars are highly symbolic and more so as inner wrist tattoo designs. Nautical stars are more popular with males as it is an old sailor tattoo and represents the North Star which is used by sailors to find their way home. In more general terms, nautical stars as inner wrist tattoo designs would be a symbol of finding and following your own life's path.

3) More recently I've noticed inner designs that support a cause close to the wearers heart, usually an idea developed form a tragedy such as the loss of a love one to cancer. These special designs are of ribbons which represent cancer and they are in different colors. This is a fantastic avenue which to keep the cause in front of you so you will always be aware of how difficult such a disease is for everyone, and how important it is to continue to develop a cure for any of these life changing diseases.

There are many more possibilities to consider with inner wrist tattoo designs such as personal sayings or quotes, your initials or maybe even a tribal symbol. It's totally your decision but remember all inner wrist tattoo designs are highly visible and an exceptional opportunity to advance your heart felt ideas. Invest the thought, time and research to be sure your inking is one you will always wear with great pride. Consider your reasoning for looking at these designs, such as fashion, sexy attractiveness or advancing a cause, or whatever else, then act upon your dream by visiting your local tattoo artists. One last important piece of advice is to completely research your artists to be sure you end up with a quality inking job since it will be very difficult to undo.

Getting Rid Of Your Tattoo

Technology has done a lot to this world of ours; it is now even possible to deal with issues that have been very challenging in the past. One of such is tattoo markings, is has always been a difficult task getting rid of tattoo marks in the past. It was even seen as a lifetime mark but now there are ways to get your tattoo marks off your body.

Your tattoo can remind you of a hurting past or a difficult beginning, and that is the reason why some people do not want to keep them anymore. For some other people it simple out of his values now and it must go away from his or her skin. The reasons are very different from person to person but the bottom line is that you can all have your tattoos off your skin if you want to.

And if you are think of how difficult and painful it can be, then you are surely living in the past. It was not easy taking off the tattoo in the past and you had to go through all sort of difficulty. People were cutting the skin and sanding and burning but that even was not a surety. But today there are very good means of dealing with the tattoos you will want to take off your body. This is due to increase to knowledge and technology.

There are people who do not want their tattoo to show that much, so they can take to lightening it to reduce it. Some will not need it at all and want it completely removed. Other just want a less important part cleared from his or her skin. The reasons for taking off tattoo is so varied and that show how different individuals can be, For some it`s a former lover`s name and it must be forgotten.

If yours is so crucial and must completely go away, this is a guide to help you out. It will help to first consider lightening the mark before you finally rid it. It a tried guide and it can help you do it.

Surely some tattoo will come off but not so easy and soon, there are some which will even not go entirely. That is not a dead end situation and can be dealt with. All you have to do is to clean and clear the portion that will leave the skin and cover up the remains. This can be done with a colour that blends with your skin to prevent it from showing

Special attention might be required in a lot of tattoo removal exercise. This is because the tattoos are very different and the skin is also very different, so it is what you have that will determine what must be done,

To be very sure about your condition, visit the expert to run an examination on you. Your skin might be very different and your tattoo as well. And only a professional can truly identify this and help you with a perfect solution. Your skin must last you a life`s time so it is better to get this move right and perfect.