Actual story - included pictures but I did not enclose them here:

Woman With Tattoo From Homemade Gun Got Sick

POSTED: 9:15 pm CST January 25, 2006 UPDATED: 10:26 pm CST January 25, 2006

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Some women in Springfield are regretting their decision last week to get a tattoo from a door-to-door tattoo salesman. At least one person had to be hospitalized and the others face serious health risks.

Friday night, a man knocked on doors holding a tattoo gun and offering his services. Tamra Eason described the tool as homemade, but still agreed to pay for a tattoo. So did two other women in her apartment complex.

"It was wrapped with black tape, had a pin underneath it, had fishing wire going through it, you could tell it was a homemade gun," Eason said.

The next day, Linda Falls passed out and had to be hospitalized.

I passed out in the store and they said I should have it checked out," Falls said.

All the women have an infection in the tattoo area and have been told to get tested for HIV and hepatitis.

The health department said it's always worth the extra money to get a tattoo from a licensed professional with the right equipment and sterilization procedures.

"Getting a tattoo is like a wound. There's a risk of disease that may be long term or life threatening. It's a serious decision," said Jaci McReynalds, with the Greene County Health Department.

It is illegal in Missouri to give a tattoo without a license, so if several people file complaints with the state, the county prosecutor will pursue the case.

"Beware of deals in parachutes, brain surgery and tattoos," said Miller Cotton, a tattoo parlor owner.

"We just wanted tattoos, and now we're paying for it," Eason said.

Submitted on 01/27/2006

Submitted by: Rachel C.
Reference: http://www.thekansascitychanne

Copyright © 2006 DarwinAwards.com

James said:
Definitely Toss: No Self-Selection
Aside from the fact that the level of stupidity here is questionable, there is no self-selection involved. Unfortunately, this is ineligible for any award. Thanks for submitting, Rachel, we DO appreciate ALL submissions!

Jack said:
Neutral: Honorable Mention
I am going to disagree here: self-selection was involved, and I dare say that the degree of stupidity involved in getting a tattoo from an unlicensed door-to-door salesman with a home-made tattoo gun renders them eligible for an HM.

Jorge said:
Neutral: Honorable Mention
I believe there is some self selection as the women accepted to get the tattoo.

Greg said:
Neutral: Honorable Mention
I agree with Jack and Jorge. Most normal, sane individuals, even ones WANTING a tatoo, when faced with a guy waving a "hand made" tatoo gun would say "errrr, not thanks!" ;-)

Tracy said:
Neutral: Honorable Mention
I think there is self-selection - there are long-term health risks here! And these women are stooopid!

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