I don't know about you but I was ecstatic when they brought back the yule log on Channel 11. I learned all sorts of cool stuff on Wikipedia about the yule log. It was created in 1966 by the president of WPIX as a present to New Yorkers who lived in apartments with no fireplaces. The original yule log was filmed in the Gracie mansion fireplace. There was a slight mis-hap when a stray spark damaged and antique rug worth $4000. The yule log was yanked in 1990 due to the high cost of running it with no commercials but in 2001 it was brought back after the September 11th attacks as a kind of TV "comfort food". It was the most watched TV program in metropolitan NY for Christmas Day and has aired every year since. I know I should have posted about this earlier but it is available in some stores in case it's too late for mail order. "Put the "boob" back in boob tube!"

ps. Here'e a clip of Yule Log III complete with directors commentary

Time flies if you're having fun! Big Steve pointed out today that it is our five year anniversary for our grand re-opening of Fun City.  Five years ago at our opening party we had a traditional tattoo day at the shop. We tattooed pieces off the set in the front at their marked prices. Anywhere from 50 cents to a couple bucks, the prices were from the 1930's.  I thought it would be nice to have a little weekend special in honor of our anniversary. So we're inviting everyone to come in and pick something from the set of flash in the front and prices will be $50-$100 depending on the piece. There's some good stuff there and I know everyone's broke with the holidays coming up so here's a chance to treat yourself.

Speaking of the holidays our good friend Timmy Tatts is in town and he gave us a copy of one of his latest flash books. The Santa pictured right is from volume five. As Santa says, give a gift that lasts...a tattoo. We've got gift certificates available so come on by for that special someone. 

Timmy's flash books can be found online at tattooed kingpin. I would just like to say Tim is about the most prolific painter of traditional flash I know, he's up to volume SIX! And he's a great guy email us if you'd like to get tattooed from him since he's frequently in town. 

And now I'm going to go swap some ink with Tim. Yayyy!

We had a little excitement at the shop today.  Law and Order filmed a scene at Daredevil this morning. Aside from driving in before the sun came up we had a good time.  I'll let you know when our episode airs and you can look for Big Steve and me in the background. Steve plays a tattoo artist and I play his customer. I got a great picture of Steve with the two "detective" guys played by Jeremy Sisto and Anthony Anderson. The rest of my pictures turned out pretty much blurry or boring , I was too busy acting to get any really good shots. The actors and the film crew were all super nice and Detective Jeremy (aka Cyrus Lupo) promised to come back in as a customer. 

Some fun facts, our neon sign was on the show once and someone told me our name was almost metioned in a scene. The cop said, "We're down here on Ludlow Street by RAREdevil Tattoo"

Law and Order is the second longest running drama on TV and it is shot entirely on location in NYC, which is cool in my book.