While there may be wrong—or, rather, less than ideal—reasons to commit to body modification sometimes, there isn’t really a “right” reason. For some people, it can be an intensely personal, serious and spiritual act, while for others it’s more a means for generating some lightheartedness—both are valid and important aspects of what we try to cover here. We’ve always loved publishing Babasom’s submissions because, as we’ve said in the past, they genuinely brighten our day (and, likewise, he genuinely seems to enjoy brightening the days of others), but they also feature a man who is pushing his body in a very real way—even if huge septum piercings aren’t as “cutting-edge” as maybe they once were. “I have helped it bloom,” he says of his “metal flower” above. Don’t ever change, Babasom.

So, uh, wow. Look, we don’t really know what’s going on here, but this isn’t the sort of thing that we can’t post, OK? So let’s just try to anticipate some of your questions here and provide you with the answers you deserve. Yes, there are piercings (six-gauge septum, fourteen-gauge lip). Yes, we realize they are not in any way the focus of this picture. Yes, we would have been tempted to Photoshop piercings into the picture if there had been none, just to have an excuse to post it (sorry). No, we do not have any contact information for this brave soldier. Yes, we will be glad to publish anything they submit in future (as long as it involves leopard print). Yes, we considered the Nightmare Fuel tag. Yes, we may add it retroactively depending on how tonight’s attempt at sleep goes.

See more in “Septum piercing“ (Nose Piercing)

International man of mystery Craig Coupal checks in with these fancy new inner lip tattoos by Marty Lacombe, one of the fine artists at North Bay’s Live Once Tattoo. It really is interesting what hangs around in the ether and becomes something resembling a cultural institution, isn’t it? No offense intended to Messrs. Kutcher or Scott, nor to the gentlemen pictured above—it’s just funny, is all. And really, more than anything else, we’re just glad that these men of such varying backgrounds hair colors could put aside their many, many differences and come together for this joyous occasion.

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Look, we know Babasom gets featured frequently around here (lots more), but really, few contributors so consistently conjure up the mix of awe and belly laughter that his photos so often elicit. What I mean is—and I say this with nary a hint of hyperbole—if you don’t like his photos, then you are a hater of freedom. There, I said it. And it’s on the Internet, so it has to be true. Plus, he’s modest. Of the above photo, he says, “It was really tough to do this and take the picture at the same time.” That seems like a gross understatement. We love this man.

See more in “Big Septums“ (Nose Piercing)

For his birthday present this year, Ralph’s parents gave him a choice: he could either get new jewelry for his two-inch lobe piercings, or he could get the expensive, experimental surgery to have the gigantic penis head removed from the top of his skull. After less deliberation than one might expect, Ralph chose the ear jewelry. He stands by his decision. So do we.

See more in “Ear Stretching (past 1/2″)“ (Ear Piercing)

BME Shop is having a huge sale — everything in the store (except anesthetics) is 25% off! Go stock up at shop.BMEzine.com before this deal ends!

See more in “Big Septums“ (Nose Piercing)

Tattoo Hollywood, BME’s first tattoo convention, is coming to Los Angeles from August 21-23, featuring contests, prizes and some of the best artists from around the world! Click here for more information.

See more in “Miscellaneous Tattoos“ (Tattoos)

Tattoo Hollywood, BME’s first tattoo convention, is coming to Los Angeles from August 21-23, featuring contests, prizes and some of the best artists from around the world! Click here for more information.

See more in “Saline, Sounds, and Pumps“ (members only)

Tattoo Hollywood, BME’s first tattoo convention, is coming to Los Angeles from August 21-23, featuring contests, prizes and some of the best artists from around the world! Click here for more information.

See more in “Cartoon Tattoos“ (Tattoos)