First of all, tattoos are painful. For most people who really think they want a tattoo, the idea of a needle piercing their body thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands of times is not much of a deterrent. They also fail to consider the risk of allergic reaction, and sometimes life threatening infections and diseases. Now that is painful. If a tattoo artist fails to sterilize his equipment adequately, an even mildly dirty needle can transmit all types of blood-borne diseases such as tetanus, tuberculosis, hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and even HIV. Many people believe that if they go to a reputable artist that always sterilizes their tools that they have nothing to worry about. Wrong. Even sterilized equipment can be easily contaminated by airborne or localized germs. In fact, it is not considered abnormal for a tattoo to develop a small infection.

So, what? The tattoo could get infected. Just rub some cream on it, or swallow a pill every morning and within a few weeks it’ll be like it never happened. Well, sure… if that person is lucky. Some allergic reactions can be permanent. A person can rub all the cream on it that they want, but they’ll still be left itching their tattoo possibly even years after they get it. Signs that a person’s tattoo may have developed an infection include increased pain, swelling, the tattoo is hot to the touch, large bumps or blisters, excessive itching, red streaks extending from the area, oozing pus, and a fever.

Even if the thought of an itch that never goes away and occasionally oozes, is not enough to make a person think twice about getting a tattoo, the possibility of permanent debilitation or death might. A tattoo’s infection can very easily extend beyond the surface of the skin. The infection may migrate to the joints, embed itself into the bones, or even attack the entire body, causing excruciating and perhaps lifelong effects.

If an infection of the bones doesn’t kill someone, a blood clot sure could. As documented by the British news network Telegraph, in March of this year John Chillingworth of Suffolk, England was pronounced dead after his girlfriend returned home to find him “slumped on the couch” ten days after receiving a tattoo on his calf. The autopsy determined that John died from a blood clot in his left lung that had originated in his calf at the sight of the tattoo.

After many people make it through the first few weeks of having their tattoo without infection, they falsely assume that they are home free. When debating getting a tattoo, it must be considered an eternal choice. As that person and their tattoo age, the ink will fade, their skin will wrinkle and they’ll outgrow the pink unicorn that they tattooed on their hip. Many insurance companies will not pay to allow someone to get their tattoo removed. So, they might want to start saving now for when they have to hand $10,000 over to the laser surgeon to remove their cute little unicorn, and brace themselves for what has been compared to splattering your skin with hot grease for up to 40 hours.

Even if someone thinks they can handle it, there is no guarantee that the tattoo will even be gone! A person can be left with only a faded smear of ink where their tattoo used to be coupled with excessive scarring and an embarrassing reminder of an unwise decision made in their youth. Not to mention the fact that many employers look down on tattoos as distracting and unprofessional, in fact, it is perfectly legal to use tattoos as an excuse not to hire someone. And even that faded inky smear can warrant disdainful glances and a struggle for some respect in the real world.

            Tattoos are a way to remember, grieve, and celebrate something important in someone’s life. Mike Segura, 12, received his tattoo as a sixteenth birthday present for celebration, “it’s an anagram that says “live” and upside down it says “life”. It was my birthday present, I believe if you’re boring all the time you’re not living your life”.  Although some may argue that a tattoo is regrettable Mike and Alex has no regrets for getting theirs, “I don’t see any reason for why I should,” says Alex.

            Even teachers like Mr. Porter have tattoos. Need the Interview to finishL

            If someone feels that they want a tattoo go for it. Live your life like Mike says. As long as you think long and hard about your decision and what you’re getting you should have no regrets. Even if you’re an 80-year-old man whose dolphin turned into a whale, at least you know that what you did signifies or means something to you. A tattoo with meaning can be worth it, if that is what you truly want.

More and more people are opting for this alternative method of camping to get a unique and memorable experience that just can’t be achieved in the wilderness.

“I think everyone should experience urban camping,” said senior Mike Courtney,” because it’s a great way to experience city living…in a box.”

 Urban camping might seem like something some kids made up at lunch but it really exists with tons of websites devoted to urban campers’ stories and advice for fellow campers.

The main thought to keep in mind when urban camping is the same as regular camping: be as safe as you can and be prepare for anything. While you won’t have the danger of snakes and other animals in the city, there are plenty of other things that can happen to you like getting mugged.

Nights can be exceptionally dangerous. That is why most websites suggest camping with a couple of people so someone can stay guard and watch. If that seems a little too extreme, there is a plus side to urban camping that the wilderness just can’t offer.

All the supplies and resources necessary for urban camping can be found in the city at surrounding stores. It will probably be hard to find a place that sells tents in the store so it’s a good idea to get one before you go out. Some even construct their tents out of PVC pipe in the shape of a car. That way they can just put a car-cover over it and camp peacefully.

Several seniors are even considering doing this. “I would like to go urban camping because I’d meet new friends and get exercise wandering the streets with the homeless,” said senior Danny Valdez. “I’d throw a fat party in an alley,” said Kevin Stubbs.

To find more information on Urban Camping try looking at http://www.wikihow.com/Urban-Camp

 or www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=urban+camping. Urban Camping is possible and if done right, cheap and safe, why not try and camp in the concrete jungle.