WAY COOL--NOSE RINGS AND OTHER THINGS.

At last count, 30 states now prohibit underage youngsters from getting tattoos. Nineteen states have followed up with laws against body piercing, according to the Scripps Howard News Service. New laws against piercing and tattooing are going beyond misdemeanors to the felony level. In Louisiana, a person found guilty of either without proper consent by a parent (if the tattooee is a minor) can be imprisoned for up to a year. In Texas and Florida not only is parental consent required, but for piercing parents have to be present while it's done. And visualize this: The president of the Association of Professional Piercers says, "Tongues have to be cleaned for three months...and navel piercings have to be kept clean up to nine months." Parents need to keep an eye on that, too.