Tag You're It...

So it's time to commit to some ideas about tags and print materials to accompany the shirts. They come in plastic 'Forensic Evidence Bags', they're awesome and fit the shirts perfect and are transparent on the back to you can see the designs. In addition to that - you get a little 'Merder Case File Folder'. In there is the mission statement - "Congratulations on the purchase of your Merder T-Shirt. Be aware you have just sent a CHARITABLE donation to a very deserving organization that WE SUPPORT. Merder is dedicated to educating people about the POWER OF MURDER in our society. Change Your World, Wear More Merder...People will talk, but you won’t listen." You also get a cool sticker & big piece of street art chalk. In the shirt is instructions on how to trace your own crime scene and post it online to win any shirt we make. Not bad for a T-Shirt?

How to Piss Someone off...

Well I was quite relieved when this email made it's way into my in box recently. Our first true hater spoke his mind, and then some. You can click on the shot to read it in it's entirety, basically this guy has no idea what we're about and really doesn't care. He is offended and I don't think he'll be at the launch party, just a hunch. We knew there would be some friction with how people interpreted our designs. We are not trying to exploit anyone, just educate and entertain. This guy popped our cherry! I am glad we caught his attention and moreover, that he was so pissed that he took the time to write it down (from his girlfriends address btw) and speak his mind - sort of. As far as us considering designing 'genocide' themed shirts, I don't think so pal. My response - "Awesome feedback John, you made it to our fridge in the kitchen! Everyone is entitled to their opinions sir - we appreciate your views and DO RESPECT them."

Bloody regards,

Duran

X Factor

"History must repeat itself!" Malcolm X was born in Omaha, Nebraska. By the time he was 13, his father had died and his mother had been committed to a mental hospital. After living in a series of foster homes, Malcolm X became involved in the criminal underworld in Boston and New York. In 1945, Malcolm X was sentenced to eight to ten years in prison. After leaving the Nation of Islam, Malcolm X made the pilgrimage, the Hajj, to Mecca and became a Sunni Muslim. He traveled extensively throughout Africa and the Middle East. He founded Muslim Mosque, Inc., a religious organization, and the secular, black nationalist Organization of Afro-American Unity. Less than a year after he left the Nation of Islam, Malcolm X was assassinated while giving a speech in New York.

Respect...Jam Master Jay

Jason William Mizell , also known as Jam-Master Jay or Jay Gambulos, was a founder and the DJ of Run-D.M.C., a hip hop group based in the Queens borough of New York City. Mizell was born in Brooklyn, New York and moved to Queens at the age of 10 with his family. He played bass and drums in several garage bands prior to joining Run-D.M.C.; on all of their albums from Raising Hell on, he played keyboards, bass, and live drums in addition to his turntable work. Mizell remained in his childhood neighborhood his entire life. He founded the 'Scratch DJ Academy' in Manhattan for children interested in DJing. In the 1990s, Mizell survived a bad car accident and a gunshot wound. On October 30, 2002, he was shot and killed in a Merrick Boulevard recording studio in Queens, New York. The other person in the room, twenty-three-year-old Urieco Rincon, was shot in the ankle and survived. What can we say about such an iconic figure of Hip Hop and Rap music. No body rocked the decks like JMJ.

Salvation Army contracts Merder T's...

My good buddy John Evans from the Salvation Army, has contracted us to design a shirt. The Salvation Army is the second largest brand in the planet next to Coca Cola! Wow, just found that tidbit of info out myself. The theme of the shirt is 'Fire & Blood' and will include a Hastings Street scene with our signature blood splatters and illustrated style. "I want it to be edgy and a bit over the top..." says John Evans. The Sally Anne is moving a in a brand new marketing direction and the launch of this particular piece will be the start of their new campaign."We are looking forward to working alongside Merder T's and continuing the strength & integrity of the Salvation Army brand."

The Salvation Army operates in 111 countries and provides services in 175 different languages. The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and everyday in 400 communities across Canada. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, provides shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction. When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community. Sounds great to us - thanks John!

Recognize...Honest Abe in soft cotton

We love his story, the myths, the drama in the theater, all of it. Abe was dope. He represented a proud America in all it's glory. The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln, one of the last major events in the American Civil War, took place on Good Friday, April 14, 1865, when President Abraham Lincoln was shot while attending a performance of Our American Cousin at Ford's Theatre with his wife and two guests.

Lincoln's assassin, actor and Confederate sympathizer John Wilkes Booth, had also ordered a fellow conspirator, Lewis Powell, to kill William H. Seward (then Secretary of State). Booth hoped to create chaos and overthrow the Federal government by assassinating Lincoln, Seward, and Vice President Andrew Johnson. Although Booth succeeded in killing Lincoln, the larger plot failed. Seward was attacked, but recovered from his wounds, and Johnson's would-be assassin, George Atzerodt, fled Washington, D.C. upon losing his nerve.

Someone save the Pitbulls!

Our official mascot at Merder Headquarters is non other than Odin Buckaroo Banzai Bodasing. Or as we like to call him 'Odie-Bodie'. He's 5 years old and weighs in at 75lbs, shiny black coat & likes long walkies, raw steak and kissing babies. MY POINT - Ahem, remember when famed NFL star Micheal Vick got busted for holding illegal pit bull fights? That pissed off a ton of pit bull & animal activists world wide including us. What kind of fucked up millionaire overpaid shit head who has everything, needs to hold gambling dog fights where animals are treated in such an inhumane fashion?! Anyways, we at Merder Tee's decided that this was out right murder & fits perfect with our message. So naturally we decided to make a shirt to diss that asshole and send some charity to the SPCA in Odin's home Vancouver BC. By the way, you don't have to have a Pit Bull to get one for your special pup. Available in doggy sizes only!

Hard to Kill...

Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948, shot at point-blank range by Nathuram Godse, an activist of the Hindu Mahasabha. Since 1934, there had been five unsuccessful attempts to kill Gandhi. As a Hindu this shirt had to be done right. The Blue Blood represents his Royalty in Indian culture, the Hindu Deity is symbolic of our religion and the Vishnu God on the sleeve is perfect.

Make a Blog about my life?! Hmmmmm?

Welcome to my first ever blog. Never thought this kind of thing would appeal to me, a digital diary I guess. Better get with the times old boy! As we begin our new business venture together (Merder Tee's) with my team and partners, I wanted to create a way of 'blogging' my adventures online for all to see. I have a pretty fun life & I hope to be a source of entertainment for all who visit for years to come. Gentlemen - Start Your Blogging!