Coming up is the annual NYC Tattoo Convention which celebrates the the inked body art and that tattooing has been legal in NY for only 10 years. I have received a few requests from tatted friends on where to go. Of course I’m no authority being virgin in that area, but asking my local friends these are the top artist or shop recommendations I’ve gotten (make sure you reserve time WAY in advance for some and book now!):
NY Adorned – in the East Village and has been popularized by celebrity tattoos. Check out Chris O’Donnell, owner, Mike Rubendall or Stephanie Tamez. Four months to 1 year wait depending on artist ~ $200 – $400 an hour. 212-473-0007
Saved Tattoo – In Willamsburg, Brooklyn (look for the boutique Saved Gallery of Art and Craft). Scott Campbell is the owner is known for old-fashioned typography and antique ornamental designs. These days he’s busy with commercial work (ads for Camel cigarettes) and really only work on the weekends but apparently worth the $1,000 for the first hour, $200 each hour thereafter. 718-486-0850
Invisible NYC – Lower East Side show run by a couple Troy Denning and wife, Jesse Lee. Known for large-scale Japanese-influenced designs – $150 per hour 212-228-1358
Red Rocket Tattoo (formerly Triple X Tattoo) – Murry Hill/Mid-townish, this isn’t the spot you think would be located in a village or outer borough. Excellent responses from accommodating staff and great artists. $80 minimum charge for tats and up (212) 736-3001
Last Rites Tattoo – The deal here is you go to Paul Booth if you want some of the best gothic, realistic, horror, grayscale and all around Metal tat work – it’s whom Sepultura, Slayer, Pantera, and Slipknot band mates get there’s done. You want work don’t you better be prepared to wait for it… 2+ years I’m told. Their new shop is in Chelsea. Work starts at $300/hr (212) 529-0666
Flyrite Tattoo – Elio Espana started the deal in this Brooklyn/Williamsburg spot. It seems it’s a right of passage for the hipster kids to roll through here but it’s a low-key shop with great artists.
Tonight had the second opportunity to sit on the floor of the Garden and watch a Knicks game. My girl and I had seats about 4 rows from the Knicks bench, where we could see all the injured Knicks (Marbury) and minus a coach today – Larry Brown left the game yesterday premature with a stomach ailment in Cleveland. 
We did a pretty good job in the first half,” Williams said. “But then in the third quarter we came out and had no energy. We didn’t move the ball and we turned it over too much. We fell back into what we were doing before.”
Last Friday I went to