MORTEKAI is SUPER!

Do You Believe in Miracles and Ligers?

2008-11-25T08:45:00.018-05:00

Good morning dear friends! Today I have something momentous to share with you. I bore witness to history last night. Actually it was even better than history. History is a term you use to catalog regular events like birthdays or presidential elections. Friends what I witnessed was much more than mere history it was a miracle. An awesome, awesome, miracle...on ice.

Last night while watching the Islanders play the Montreal Canadiens I saw an "own goal." An "own goal" is when a player shoots the puck into his own net. Think about that one for a second, a player on the other team shot the puck into his own net. Now I do not mean he ended up accidentally deflecting it past his goalie no, he shot it into his own net. His goaltender was on the bench because the Islanders had been called for a delayed penalty and the Canadiens chose to get an extra skater on the ice.

The Islanders actually have a history with "own goals" dating back to Billy "Battlin" Smith. Billy was able to record the first goal scored by a goaltender on an "own goal." While playing the Colorado Rockies, who would go onto become the New Jersey Devils, Smith was credited with the goal after Rob Ramage tossed a blind pass from the corner boards which sailed all the way down the ice into the Rockies net. Here is a video of the play (video is a bit crappy).

So he was able to become the first goaltender to score a goal with the "own goal" rule. Maybe it was some type of fate or alignment of the stars that then enabled the Islanders to get the win last night. Smith's goal came in November almost twenty years ago on November 28th 1979.

The Islanders truly caught a hockey miracle last night. They were also able to do it under the mighty lips of Howie "Fish Face" Rose. That was a miracle in itself. Friends it was so unbelievable that I actually jumped from my seat and shouted, reeeaaaalll loud. Christine called from the next room to make sure I was alright.

Here is why the excitement was at such a high level. The Isles were trailing by a goal going into the last three minutes of the third period. They had chances throughout the game but were unable to tie it up. This was not always due to failure on the players part. At one point Richard Park had an open net but his stick broke as he tried to get the shot off (this one Howie gets credit for). But even snapping sticks and fish lipped jinxes could not stop this pre-chritsmas miracle.

The Islanders got were called for what seemed like a phantom penalty on Sean Bergenheim. This means they would be down a man going into the last minute of play. Howie got us again right Islander fans? Not this time. The Gods of Hockey decided to smack Howie in his Fishy lips and lay the impossible upon him. Just when it seemed the Islanders were out of it they were able to pull off a miracle and tie the game at the expense of Ryan O'Byrne. Please watch this and listen to Howie's disbelief at his failed jinxes (he masks it as shock at the "own goal").

O'Bryne said after the game that he was unaware of the delayed penalty. After the game I said to Christine I could not be happier. I wonder which one of us was telling the truth.

After the "own goal" the Isles and Canadiens played the rest of the third tight. The outcome could not be decided and the game went into overtime where both teams had chances at victory but each team was unable to finish off the other. It came down to Joey McDonald, who has been a savior, shutting the door and Richard Park and Bill Guerin scoring in shootout to get the Islanders the victory.

So I guess I now believe in minor miracles. I also now believe that jinxes can be broken or bent for a night or two. Heres hoping the Isles will be able to continue their good play into the future. Since my last post about the Islanders they have gone 2-1. If you are from Long Island support the only pro sports team that is yours. Let's Go ISLANDERS!

On more Ligery note Conrad pointed out that I, for some reason, seem to post about Ligers before Thanksgiving. I went back and checked and he is correct. Maybe posting about Ligers around Thanksgiving has something to do with the color of a Liger being close to that of pumpkin pie. I love Ligers and pumpkin pie and it is the only reason I can see for the connection. If you can come up with something else let me know.

Anyway since I will not be posting for a bit I have decided to repost the story of Patrick the Liger. I truly feel this is one of my better posts. I was going to just post a link but what the hell this will make it easier for you all to check it out. So here it is for all of your enjoyment, "Patrick's School Photos..."

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This studious looking fellows name is Patrick. Patrick happens to be a Liger (click the link for info). For those to lazy to click and read here is the quick version of Patrick's origin. His mother is a tiger that felt the need to have some hot lion loving from Patrick's dad. The best thing about Patrick is he gets the best of both lion and tiger powers. He can swim like a tiger and is good at making friends like a lion. And he is totally huge. Ligers can be the size of their mother and father combined. That is SICK.

Despite all of these facts Patrick is a down to earth person, as you can tell from this picture. He likes english class, going to the mall, watching Pete & Pete, and playing water polo with his pals. Patrick is also an important member of the model UN as well as the founder of his schools bee keeping society. In his spare time he also writes hit plays. Patrick is a pretty happening cat.

This picture is from photo day at school. Patrick's mother wanted him to get the library background. She said it made him look very handsome. While not really caring all that much about looking handsome Patrick did want to make his mother happy. He figured if he did that he would get the bike he had been asking for. Nice move Patrick, you are a super genius.

This is the photo background that Patrick really wanted to get. I think this makes him look like a super bad ass. Rock on my little viking.

Here is a video about some of Patrick's relatives. They ate that dude in the video, this is old footage. watch or die.

Here is a bonus photo. This is a pic of a Tigon being created. Tigon's are not that cool.

Have a happy and Liger filled Thanksgiving. Let's celebrate the Native Americans helping the Pilgrims out when they couldn't cut it. That may have been the biggest mistake ever in the history of people. Make sure to eat a lot so you can put on some major holiday weight.

love,
MORTEKAI

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I hope you enjoyed the post and repost. Please head over to Wonder Smitten for the latest Liger Thanksgiving fun. Have a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving. Please try and avoid drinking any beer that may contain floating chunks, eating so much your stomach bursts and Black Friday.

MORTEKAI

P.S. Here is a picture of Japanese Meatloaf enjoy!

Monday Greys?

2008-11-24T14:25:00.003-05:00

This image is untitled. I created it with sumi-e ink and a bamboo brush. The tones were added with a set of Prisma Color cool grey markers. The image was done on smooth bristol board. I cropped the image a bit after scanning it but it is otherwise unedited.

It is a grey wintery Monday here in Albany so I thought I would put this one up. I hope your day is a bit nicer. Grey wintery days are only fun when some snow or hot chocolate are involved. Right now I gots neither here in Albany.

On another note family and football are on the horizon for this week. I can't believe it is Thanksgiving already. One more post tomorrow before a little holiday break. Try to avoid going into withdrawl by reading some of the older posts. I think I used to be funnier so the oldies are worth a read. You can type words in the search bar up top to search the blog. I suggest trying Little Superstar, Martin Scorsese or maybe Miller Chill if you are missing the summer a bit. Those should get you started.

Have a Happy Monday,

MORTEKAI

Friendships and Blog Sharing Fun

2008-11-21T12:05:00.007-05:00

Hello and happy Friday! I hope you all enjoying your prelude to the coming weekend. I know I am. Right now I am writing this post, which is kinda fun, and hanging out with Shelby . Shelby is, I can assure you, a far better dog than any you may have ever met. Well thinking about it maybe Meatloaf is her equal but that is it.

Anyway on a more posty note my friends Ava and Griffin over at Wonder Smitten have invited me to do a guest blog post for them. They have created a theme for the month, "Animals are more Interesting than YOU!", which I found totally rad. The task set out before me was to find an interesting fact about an animal and then create an image of said animal. Can you guess what animal I chose?

Come on take a guess.

No it was not a Kraken it had to be a real animal. Guess again!

If you said Liger pat yourself on the back! Was there really any doubt? Ligers are literally the best. How can you doubt an animal that has the combined powers of a tiger and a lion? They can swim, make friends and are GIGANTIC. They can stand twelve feet high. Think about how huge that is.

So being extra fond of Ligers i decided to write and draw about them for my post. I chose to point out the hugeness of Ligers and how they are mo betta than Tigons (by like a million). Ligers due to there heritage are trend toward growing to incredible sizes while the unfortunte Tigons can end up being puny.

If you want to check out the post click here to head over the wonderful Blarg Blog. Ava and Griffin do a really great job. The site is truly amazing and has a ton of lovely goodness for your eyes to devour. i suggest checking it out daily.

So what am I going to post today other than a boast about my dog and an add for another blog? Well I thought I would post an image or two which did not make the final cut for the Blarg post. These are not leftovers or scraps just more like alternate takes. I actually happen to like them very much.

When I went about creating the image for my Liger I started by using micron pens. I drew the Liger on some brown recycled paper. The image looked good I thought but I wanted to add some color so I scanned it. I would use Photoshop to alter the art. After some tweaks here and there I added color. I then added some background creating some elements myself and adding in others using some photos obtained on the internet. I guess it is like sampling in music. So I cut everything together and this was the image I came up with.

After sitting with this one for a while I decided I wanted to add something to it. i thought a sexy Liger like this would like some sky so I delivered it for him. Here is what that looked like.

I then went further to add more depth to both the foreground and background. After all this is a Liger we are talking about. Only the best for Ligers. Here is the last one for today all dolled up.

From here I had to create the Tigon image. I did this in the same fashion as the Liger. Then it was a matter of adding in this lesser create. I was loath to do it at first but then I realized how dominate the Liger would look so I went for it. If you want to see that remember to head over to Wonder Smitten.

Here is a picture of Meatloaf. Look at him and know he is awesome. There is no stopping the loaf.

Have a great weekend,

MORTEKAI

On the Topics of Cheating and Telling the Truth

2008-11-20T11:59:00.008-05:00

Posting is something I usually try and do earlier in the day. I wake up do some stuff around the house, take a shower and then sit down at my computer. Most days I check my email before I write my post. Today while checking my email I saw an interesting blurb on the Yahoo home page. The headline was, "Integrity Costs Golfer Dearly", intriguing.

I followed the link to the full article by Yahoo Sports writer Jay Busbee. The article basically goes over how a golfer, J.P. Hayes, showed some guts and reported that he had committed a foul while playing in Qualifying School (it was abbreviated Q-School in the article). This will apparently cost him a spot on this years PGA Tour. If you want to read the full article click here.

Amazingly honest right? He made a slight error that now cost him a year on the biggest tour in golf. Would you be able to do something like that? I know for Hayes it was probably a bit easier to make the choice, he has apparently made over seven million golfing so far, but still it must have been hard.

When I read a story like this it renews my faith in America. Most people here in the good 'ol US of A would screw someone over in a heartbeat. Watching out for number one is the norm here. Think about how many times you have selfishly done something solely for your benefit. When you then factor in a person looking out for themselves and their family I would have to say the integrity rate would go down, big time.

While J.P. Hayes's choice to report his fault is not a great sacrifice on a grand scale like going to war for your country it is something to admire. Thinking about how people will climb over each other to get ahead is a bit sickening. To me it is good to read about someone who did the right thing. Again I am not trying to make this a huge deal, I just want to point out that integrity is important. Now I just hope Mr. Hayes has as much integrity in the rest of his life :^)

One last point on this integrity and then I promise no more posts about morality for a while. This article really made me think while reading it. It reminded me of all of the so called "smart kids" in school. When these kids had a chance they were the first ones to cheat nine out of ten times. I am not sure if you guys out there have had this experience with the "brainiacs" but I can state for a fact this is the truth. Through my primary education experience and beyond these students were the ones that bent or broke the rules.

Remembering this got me thinking even more. I wonder how these people behave today. Are they fine upstanding citizens? For the most part I am sure they are. Most people along the way make a bad choice or have fallen into bad habits. But can a tiger really change it's stripes? I mean can I honestly say to myself that when people see that a type of behavior gets them what they want, even if this behavior morally wrong, that they will stop doing it? I hope the answer is yes but in my heart I feel it is a definite no. I mean look at the heads of Ford, GM, and Chrysler who took private jets to Washington to beg for money. If you need money that bad cut back on some shit. That is the true American way. Think of yourself before anyone else and that really sucks.

What a downer huh? Well I will try to make it up to you a little bit with this Tiger I drew. This was drawn in a recycled paper pad with micron pens. I scanned it into Motherbox and did some editing.

Please enjoy and have an excellent Thursday. I promise to not complain so much. Well I promise not to complain so much for a little while.

I, I, Me, Me, Mine,

MORTEKAI

On The Subjects of Experts and Hockey

2008-11-19T11:33:00.006-05:00

The Islanders have won the past three games they have played. This team was predicted by all the hockey "experts" to be the worst this year. Now while I do not think they will win the Stanley Cup and have slim hopes that they will make the playoffs I have to say they are not the worst team in the league.

Right now the Islanders are better than four of the teams in the thirty team league. Not that great but if you continue to look at the standings you will see that they are tied in points with four additional teams. If you were to look even further you would see they are one point or two points behind four more teams two of which are in their division. So I would say they are not as bad as many "experts" would have you believe.

Pausing on the topics of experts for a minute, lets discuss. What makes an expert? Merriam-Webster's online dictionary defines being an expert as having, involving, or displaying special skill or knowledge derived from training or experience. If you look up the definition of experience you find that it has a few to offer. You can view all of the definitions here. The one that concerns being an expert would be best described in this case by using the following definition from those listed.

2 a: practical knowledge, skill, or practice derived from direct observation of or participation in events or in a particular activity
b: the length of such participation "has 10 years' experience in the job"

So an expert is someone who has directly observed, participated in or worked in a certain field for a time. This makes sense. That being said I think you could find fault with many "expert" opinions. Here is a large example that I wrote about recently.

Seeing that experts can be wrong should not be shocking. An expert is basically a weatherman who just guesstimates shit. I do not think you can fault them when they are wrong sometimes. No, I find the fault when an "expert" does not admit to being wrong. To me it is not very becoming when an "expert" is overly vehement with their opinions. After all that is what their "expert" analysis is, opinions.

That brings us back to the Islanders. They beat the Vancouver Canucks, a team six points ahead in the standings, on Monday night. This victory was all the sweeter because the Vancouver Sun called the Islanders a doormat. While watching the game the Islanders announcer's, Billy Jaffe and Howie "The Toatl Douche" Rose, discussed how papers and "experts" in Canada were saying the Islanders should be no problem for the Canucks. They actually quoted one paper, the name escapes me, who said it was a no-brainer that the Canucks would beat the Isles. Well in your face Canada, here is your slice of Humble Pie!

So I guess my main point with this post is do not believe everything you read or hear. So called "experts" can be wrong just like weathermen. Go out and find your own voice and get your own opinions. Also the Islanders rule.

LET'S GO ISLANDERS!

MORTEKAI

Barack Obama Collects Comics!

2008-11-18T11:11:00.000-05:00

Holy crap Barack Obama collects comics. I could not believe it when I read it. A nerd is in the White House! Here is the story for those who may want to check it out.

So Barack Obama truly is a president for everyone. He collects Spider-man and Conan the Barbarian comics. Spider-man was one of my favorites when I was younger. I still like some of the older weirder Steve Ditko issues. The character has an endearing human quality when written well. He also beats up some very well designed supervillans and that is always fun. He is a classic in the superhero genre.

For me hearing that the president elect was a Spider-man collector was pretty cool. Hearing that he read Conan though made me freak for a second. I literally thought, "Holy shit he likes two of my favorite comics! Wow I should have aimed for the presidency." and got a bit depressed before realizing that I would have been terrible at politics. I tell the truth and think people should obey the law. I would never have made it through any political doors at all. I would have been like political Krytonite.

Aside from my brief thoughts on the political aspect of the situation I was pumped about Obama reading Conan. It shows he knows his stuff. Conan the Barbarian had some great art and a some great stories during its heyday. From Barry Smith to John Buscema drawing and having the stories written by Roy Thomas there are many great issues in the early run of Conan. I have even posted about how it was the comic that made me want to collect comics here. How can you argue with two great selections like this? Spider-man and Conan the Barbarian, radical.

I guess the one thing you could say is he should not be reading kid stuff anymore. I mean who wants the leader of the free world to read something light hearted during his down time? Think about it do you want the president to read about guys running around in tights hitting each other? Who would want to see guys in tights hit each other? Not any football fans that I know that is for sure.

So I say go get 'em Barack! The best of luck with cleaning up the mess that good 'ol G.W. left for us all. Maybe you could be like a super president and actually get some really great things accomplished during your time in office. I hope so sir.

Excelsior!

MORTEKAI

Fighting the Resession One Ninja At a Time!

2008-11-17T13:24:00.007-05:00

Have no fears about your dwindling savings! Do not throw yourself out of a window! No need to panic! Samurai Dog is here to save the day!

Happy Monday,

MORTEKAI

New Button Sets Now on ETSY

2008-11-14T15:01:00.005-05:00

The new button sets are now available in my Mortekai is SUPER! Etsy Shop. You should go buy some if you like having cool buttons that will bring fantastic compliments your way. They are three bucks each. There are four different sets to choose from. Go buy now!

Get out there and have a great weekend everyone. I will try to do the same. It is supposed to be raining here in good old Albany but I am hoping it will not be that heavy. I kinda feel like going to play lazer tag but I don't think it will go down. It would be something fun to do if it rains though.

Anyway have a good one and buy some of my stuff if you can afford it :^)

kevin b.

p.s. Here is a picture of a dog who likes to drive. He is such a little gentleman. This was from our trip to Mohegan Sun. Sweet!

Watch Out World Here Comes Bertle!

2008-11-13T13:50:00.002-05:00

My little brother just passed his road test (Crap I am getting old). Well I guess he will be able to drive me around when my body inevitably breaks down. That will be good. Back to the point though, Mikey is now a driver.

Congratulations my boy I am proud of you. You now get to drive yourself to school and to all of your hockey practices. That will leave my mom with time on her hands and I think that will lead to a ton of decorating at home. That should be annoying. But Mikey you now can go wherever you want whenever you want. Sweet!

Here are a couple of tips to you the new driver:

1.) Watch out for old people on the road. They are deadly. Old people do not care since they are so close to the end. If they are going somewhere and you get in the way they will take you out. Watch out for old people.

2.) Do not give into road rage. Having someone ride your ass or cut you off is aggravating and you may be tempted to flip the offender the bird. I say do not. Learn a lesson from Cap, pulling out a bb gun and waving it at a person who cut you off is fun but the cops will be at your house very quickly and you will get in trouble. Road rage no good don't do it.

3.) I really don't have a third. I guess it can be do not try and multi task while driving. Trying to drive while eating a burger, changing the radio station and answering a text is not a good idea. Stick to driving and maybe throw one other task in there now and again if necessary. No multi tasking while driving.

There you go little bro, some brotherly advice. Good luck behind the wheel. Have fun while you are driving. Most importantly be safe!

Love you Mikey,

kevin b.

3 Reasons I Want to Move to Japan

2008-11-12T14:50:00.005-05:00

"Pontochō, Kyoto"

"Yoyogi Koen, Harajuku"

"DVD Masturbation Room of The Oncoming Generation, Osaka"

Japan Rules,

MORTEKAI

Superhero Art Experiment...

2008-11-11T09:15:00.001-05:00

This image of a superhero was drawn with pen and ink on white paper (I can't remember the stock). The image was colored with highlighters and afterward scanned into the computer for editing. I adjusted the colors on the image and decided I wanted to see if I could make it look a bit weathered. I added in an old newspaper clipping, stains and other damage using Photoshop.

I am pleased with the end result. It was not the exact image I had in mind when I set out but it is satisfactory. The overall experimental nature of this image was fun for me. I think I learned a thing or two while I worked on this piece. I hope you like it also.

A superhero from the past who gets sent to the future has been an idea I have long considered working on. Actually I have done work on this idea now and again over the years. Thinking about a man out of time and especially a superhero out of time is interesting to me. He would have no one and would belong to nothing. It would be freeing but a prison at the same time.

I have worked on different sketches and character names. The premise was always the same. This image reminded me a bit of this idea while working because of the old and new elements. It serves more as an exercise than a design for the character that would be in this story. Actually the superhero in this image reminds me of another story I have worked on abandoned at different intervals over the years.

The story is basically this, a low powered superhero inspired by other more powerful beings decides he wants to help out in his community. His powers are nothing special, maybe he can fly or create light, they are something harmless to others. Seeing super beings with vast arrays of powers he thinks he could use the power he has and bluff having others. The idea that he has a power could mean he has others. This would help him to stop criminals before a confrontation would take place. He creates his own costume and identity to protect his neighborhood from crime by helping where he can.

I have written a few pieces about how this affects his relationship with his family. I have also drawn a few images of what the characters for both of these ideas may look like. Developing these ideas will eventually happen. I feel like most of my superhero ideas coexist in the same world.

When thinking of superheroes now I am really interested in the effect being a superhero has on every day life. What would the people around you think? How would police or the government react? Things of this nature have been interesting to me. I am also interested in all out superhero brawls although not as much as I used to be :^)

More on these stories as I scan more art and write out additional work,

MORTEKAI

P.S. I posted about this idea, using just the superhero image seen here, on July 7th of 2006 so do not hold your breath for these stories to be completed very soon. Kinda soon maybe.

Buttons Available Individually or in Sets

2008-11-10T12:45:00.003-05:00

I have accumulated a large collection of single buttons. These were created at different times. Some with the Mortekai button sets and others with issues of SUPER! or during reorders of either. Having these buttons at shows is easy. People can see them and decide which they want to get and charging for them is not difficult. Selling them at shops has proved more troublesome.

Each button has a production cost. Listing the items in my Etsy Shop or sending them to stores also has a cost. If I sell them through shops they sell buttons on consignment or buy them at whole sale. This usually means I get fifty percent and the shop gets fifty percent. Etsy charges for listing an item. Selling the items usually means using paypal which has a fee also. Trying to list buttons individually or sell them through shops that way is tough to figure out money wise. Everybody wants a piece of the pie.

I have wanted to make these buttons more widely available. The economics of this has gotten in the way. The solution I came up with is to put these buttons into sets. This way the costs off set a bit and when I sell them it makes sense. This is what they the sets look like.

I decided that I would include four buttons a sticker in each set. I am also hand printing the top closures. This turned out to be a fun process as I made a small drawing on each of the tops. Also I can now sell the sets for the same price as my other button sets, which I feel is fair.

I have tired to keep the costs of my comics and zines reasonable. I have also tired to do this with my shirts, buttons and prints. I think my work should be affordable. I would love for more people to be able to read and view all of my work. But there has to be a trade off. I cannot spend money to produce these items and than give them away. If I did that there would be no more. Also as stated there are production costs all along the way not to mention the time involved with producing the products.

Whatever the case I hope to list these in my Etsy shop soon. If you happen to live near Star Clipper you can go and get a set for yourself! They are the first store to have them. The sets, and SUPER!, will also soon be available at Desert Island in Brooklyn. I think these sets are fun. Each one is a mix of styles that work well together. I hope people will enjoy them!

MORTEKAI

P.S. sorry about the bad photoshopping in the first image :^)

A Sketch for Today

2008-11-07T12:40:00.005-05:00

My mind is feeling a bit numb at the moment. Christine got into a car accident last night which was hectic. Luckily she was fine and it was not her fault. This morning I got to thinking about how the Willett wants to charge us $500 bucks for Shelby and decided that I should find our lease. I did and there is no mention of a fee on it anywhere, maybe we will win this round. After that I had to clean a few things around the house. Then it was time to read news and things on the interweb. The news that Elliot Spitzer would be getting off really was annoying. I could have written about that and how it seems anyone with any pull never gets screwed but what the hell not today.

No today I thought I would put up a sketch. I have not posted one in over a week so I guess it is about time. Ranting on about things that bother me sometimes ends up making those things bother me more. For instance I have decided to stop listening to Mike Francesa completely due to his refusal to apologize to his callers or at least admit he was incorrect about what moves would be made in the final game of the World Series. Today is Friday and my brain needs a break. No stress today please!

This is an alien who was caught and put in a observation tank. I used a black micron pen to sketch this. It was done on white paper. I guess his invasion is over, vivisection yuck!

Have a nice stress free weekend,

MORTEKAI

Somebody I Know Please Buy Mortal Kombat versus DC Universe!!!

2008-11-06T13:05:00.013-05:00

So Antwuan sent me a text at like 11:00 this morning. This seemed a bit early to me since we had no plans. Actually unless we had planned some specific early morning hijinx I would not expect to hear from Twuan until after lunch time.

The text read, "Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe..game looks insane." I thought to myself, "That sounds about right" and sent him a text back. A few more texts were exchanged before I decided I needed to see this for myself.

Here is a little information. For those who may not know Mortal Kombat was the radness when it came out. Looking back at the first game now it is kinda crappy but at the time man was it awesome. Due to MK's digitized sprites, realistic looking characters, getting destroyed and fatalitied all over the place the game was a target for criticism from watch dog groups and parents. This made the game all the more desirable to kids back then. You could have a virtual fight with your friend and then virtually rip his heart out. Attention parents your kids should know games are fake and if they don't you did a bad job parenting. Trying to keep them away from something only makes them want it more. Anyway the game went on to spawn sequels and the level of violence in the game reached ridiculous levels making the franchise's creators buckets of cash.

I had not played Mortal Kombat in a while. After MK3 the series went 3d. I do not find 3d fighting games particularly interesting. Recently though I ended up playing MK again. The local theater my friends all work at put in a little arcade area. They stocked this area with older games and one happened to be Mortal Kombat 4. Because this was a 3d MK I had never played it. The guys that work at the theater started to challenge each other and eventually I got drawn in. We ended up playing the game a bunch when it first arrived. It was fun but we kinda lost interest after a while and I stopped thinking about Mortal Kombat.

That was until today when I saw the gameplay for MK vs DC on the lovely internet. Oh thank you internet for being there to help me waste time watching pointless but fun things! Here are two videos that I watched earlier today which got me psyched on the game. The first video tells a bit of the storyline. The second has Sub-Zero fighting Batman and Superman fighting Raiden.

I don't know what you think but that game looks fun to me. You could even say it looks insane. Antwaun was hoping earlier today that someone would come through and buy this. After watching the videos I have to say I agree with him. Any friends out there with an Xbox or PS3 please go get this game when it comes out. Invite us over and we will bring a few beers, we promise.

What a lame post,

MORTEKAI

Sorry America aka The Vote Has Officially Been Rocked!

2008-11-05T12:00:00.007-05:00

So I guess I lost that Fifty bucks huh? It does not matter though this is a great day. Good Job out there American citizens! Everyone did the right thing, big time. Barack Obama is the new president of the good 'ol USA. I cannot wait to see if he is able to follow up on his campaign promises.

Now I owe America an apology. Hear it goes;

America I am sorry I said you were a closet racist. I have been proven wrong. America you stood up and proudly said, "Mortekai I am not a racist sir!." How right you are America. So I apologize. I could not have been more wrong about America being a closet racist. I hope you can forgive me America and that we can move forward in this brave new world.

So there you go apology given. I hope it will be accepted. When I hear back from America I will let you know. I truly hope this does not affect our friendship.

Okay with that out of the way I still think I should state how I feel. I still think all of the stuff I mentioned the other day is racist. Also people insisting on mentioning Barack Obama is the first black president is racist. Seriously who cares? I just hope he does a good job and fixes stuff around here.

Everyone be proud of being American. Help each other out when you can. Stop thinking just of yourself and your family. Think about your community and the people around you. Treat people like people and we will all live better.

Go Obama Mama!

MORTEKAI

HOWIE ROSE SHUT YOUR YAP!

2008-11-04T21:32:00.008-05:00

"Fish Face" Howie Rose did it again tonight. With the Islanders leading in the third period 2-0 over the much hated Rangers Howie managed to work his jinx magic. At 2:10 of the third the Rangers pulled goal tender Henrik Lundquist in favor of an extra skater. This seemed like a desperation move from the Rangers and coach Tom Renny. Not with Howie "Big Mouth" Rose in their to help out.

Seconds, literally seconds, after the Rangers goalie was off the ice guess what Howie did. He decided to launch into a story about how the Islanders had not had a shut out at the Garden since Billy Smith was goalie. That was almost thirty five years ago. Are you serious why the heck would you bring that up? But Can you guess what happened next? If you said the Rangers got a goal you get the prize.

How the heck is this possible? How can one man crush the hopes and dreams of two groups of fans this way? Why do you think the Mets have never had a no-hitter? The answer, Howie Rose is the anti-Christ.

This is the only logical explanation. Howie Rose was spanned by Satan. That is right Satan himself created the demonic jinxing force that is Howie Rose. I defy you to prove me wrong. Truly how can you explain him otherwise?

If I could ask the Islanders and Charles Wang for one thing it would be to eliminate Howie Rose from the broadcast booth. Please Mr. Wang do this one thing for all of the suffering Islander fans. You owe us for keeping Mike Milbury on for so many years. I think you also should pay up for making our back up goaltender our GM, that was embarrassing. Give us this one gift, please!

OH MY GOD! Wait a minute here. Maybe Wang is Satan?!?!? That is IT! Charles Wang is Satan and his evil child is Howie Rose.

I will say a prayer for us tonight Islander fans,

MORTEKAI

Election Day!

2008-11-04T11:48:00.003-05:00

Have fun today if you go vote!

MORTEKAI

Obama Mama

2008-11-03T13:33:00.006-05:00

So tomorrow is election day. I put up a post earlier but decided to take it down in favor of a short election day message. And that message is this, Barack Obama's name sounds cooler than John McCain's. Vote for Obama tomorrow if you like the sound of cool names. If not vote for John McCain.

Does McCain's family make these frozen dinners?

That looks like a tasty treat right there. Mm mm slow cookers. What could be more appetizing than a frozen block of meat and vegetables? I tell you nothing sir!

All kidding aside vote if you want to. If you think you can make a difference more power. If you feel strongly about one candidate go for it. Just make sure you do it for the right reasons.

I made a bet with my friend Colin that McCain will get elected. I would prefer Obama myself but I had to take McCain at the time. This bet was made during the late spring or early summer if I remember correctly. My reason for picking McCain? America is a bunch of closet racists. Sorry but that is a fact. Trying to be "politically correct" is fucking racist. Calling people "African Americans" is fucking racist. The "No Child Left Behind" legislation is fucking racist. We bet fifty bucks and I will be glad to lose that money if America can prove me wrong.

I would like nothing more than some change in the White House. I truly hope if he gets elected Obama can provide that change. Think about it, don't you wish our biggest problem was a "scandal" about whether the president was getting blow jobs from a hefty girl in the oval office? That would be great right? Any change will help now but I truly hope Obama can provide a great deal of it for our future.

Come on America do the right thing!

MORTEKAI

Halloween is for Halloweenies

2008-10-31T11:35:00.009-04:00

Pete and Pete ruled it big time. I feel sorry for the kids growing up with Nickelodeon today. These poor bastards have to watch crap like Drake & Josh or ICarly. Nickelodeon is fucking terrible these days. Those shows are going to be the reason these kids grow up without souls. So to thank Nickelodeon for turning the youth of today into soulless zombies I give you Pete and Pete's "Halloweenie". Thanks Nick for once being cool and for creating the monsters of tomorrow!

Parte Uno

Teil Zwei

Bun San

And for further enjoyment here is the Pete & Pete short "Halloween."

So have a fun Halloween. Be careful and try not to get too crazy. Have fun dressing up in outrageous outfits and trick or treating. Remember to check the candy for razor blades. Oh and if someone gives you pennies or pencils or some other crap you gotta egg that house or at least throw up some TP.

If partying with costumes on is more your thing go for it! Make sure to do a shot of Tequila for me. After that do a Car Bomb. If the bartender asks you what kind of Car Bomb you want get the fuck out of that bar because you do not want to be there. There is only one Car Bomb sir and it is Irish and anyone who tells you otherwise is an uneducated liar who is trying to make some terrible drink sound cool.

Jager Bombs!

MORTEKAI

P.S. I hope someone eggs Mike Francesa's house. He refused to eat turds so screw him.

Come on Joe Madden!

2008-10-30T12:44:00.005-04:00

Grant Balfour?!?! You went with Grant "Good Day Mate" Balfour?!?! Why Joe Madden? Oh dear God, Why?

Watching the last three innings of game five of the World Series last night was like watching the aftermath of a car wreck. There was carnage everywhere. In addition to the carnage I had to watch that douche Geoff Jenkins dance all over second base after getting a hit. Apparently his wife also gave birth to a son earlier in the day. Congrats on the kid, shame on you for that gay celebration. Eat it Geoff.

Anyway Balfour was already in the game which had started two days prior. If you did not know already the game got called going into the bottom of the sixth tied at 2-2 and was resumed last night after major rainage. So here we are Jenkins gets a hit, some other crap happens bing bang boom the Phillies are up a run. Dammit.

After that Rocco Baldelli came through big time with a homer and tied the game. This was a great moment for the Rays and Baldelli who has been battling Mitochondrial disease all year long. He may have also been battling it last year but I am not sure and I will not be checking. So here comes Baldelli, who had 80 at bats all year, to the plate and he jacks one out of the park. This homer came off of Ryan Madsen who had been lights out since the end of August.

But the bullpen for the Rays would cough up a lead again and that was pretty much it. Thanks J.P. Howell you really did a great job. Pat Burrell got a hit. He was lifted for pinch runner Eric Bruntlett. Shane Victorino grounded out sending Bruntlet to third. Then Pedro Feliz got a one off of Chad Bradford with the infield pulled in. The Phillies were ahead for good.

Now onto the biggest question of the night. Why no David Price from the restart of the game? What could you possibly have been thinking Joe Madden? I ask you What? David Price throws harder than hard and had been great so far in the post season. He also had shown he was capable of going multiple innings. I cannot fathom why he was not in the game when it counted. Bringing him in when the Phillies were ahead was a horrible joke. The only answer that I can come up with is Madden had placed a huge bet on the Phillies to win in five. Maybe he bet his house or something.

I am not even going to talk about the play Chase Utley made. Screw Chase Utley. I really hate him. I hope he puked up champagne last night.

So it was a bitter night. When I woke up today I was a bit frustrated. Thinking the whole thing over though I was able to find two silver linings.

One being all of the Met fans that I know have to choke on the fact that the Phillies won the World Series. Actually it is a bit worse than that. They have to choke on the fact that they let the Phillies into the playoffs and the Phillies won the championship. That really must hurt. Eat it Met fans.

The other being that Mike Francesa would have to eat a ton of shit today. Yesterday he shouted down any caller that brought up not using David Price to restart the game last night. A few callers actually suggested what Madden ended up doing. Now while that decision back fired big time they were right in guessing what Madden would do. Francesa was wrong as a motha fucka. So he should belly up to the table and eat a ton o crap and apologize to the people he disrespected yesterday. I listen to him because I enjoy sports talk but I cannot stand his attitude or how he treats callers. Eat up Mike!

*UPDATE*

So far he has not eaten one speck of poop. I have little faith that Mike will admit how wrong he was. He is going to leave the whole steaming plate of crap sitting there uneaten.

He did however bring up another contradiction. One caller yesterday brought up the ratings that this suspended game would draw. Mike stated he thought they would do over a ten but would not get much higher. The caller thought the number could get as high as a fourteen. Mr. Francesa confidently asserted that the caller was getting a bit nuts. The numbers would not get to fourteen. He urged the caller to not get crazy. Can you guess what the number Mike reported was today? FOURTEEN! Mike rolled it off as impressive but again did not acknowledge how wrong he was yesterday. Mike come on eat the shit, eat the whole god damn plate.

MORTEKAI

P.S. The umpires screwed the Rays. Check that one out for yourself.

Quick Sketch...

2008-10-28T19:55:00.003-04:00

Pen and Ink of the blue and red variety along with highlighter highlights. This was a quick sketch done on a piece of loose leaf. Please enjoy!

MORTEKAI

Don't Break It...

2008-10-28T12:55:00.003-04:00

This piece is called "don't break it." This was done on canvas with paint markers. I think I made a light pencil sketch first before I put the paint done. This would also be part of the "series" of paintings that I have been posting over the past month. I hope you enjoy it.

I realized I had not posted any new art in a while so I thought I would change that. Tomorrow may be more art or more writing depending on what thoughts come to me before I sit done at my computer. I have been thinking lately about wealth lately and the way it is used and held. I have also been thinking about the way people treat each other and value the individual over society. Ugh, I won't ruin the art by ranting now. Let's all wait and see what happens tomorrow.

Maybe a beer review sometime this week to lighten things up?

MORTEKAI

p.s. I know this is the second "don't break it" that I have posted.

We Live in a Barbaric World

2008-10-27T02:25:00.007-04:00

We live in a Barbaric world. At least according to Albany Councilman Jimmy Scalzo we do. Crazy right? I thought we, humanity or at least maybe America, had moved past barbarism. Not the case I guess, mint. Here is Scalzo's exact quote taken from the Times Union.

"We live in a barbaric world, unfortunately," Scalzo said. "It's unexplainable, really, this type of violence."

Yeah that sucks. It really sucks that he is stating what he feels is fact. We live in a barbaric world and he cannot explain the violence. Wow that is completely terrible. Maybe can we look into prevention if we do not know how to explain it? That would be a good start, preventing violence may end the violence hence no need for explanation.

Here is another quote from the same Times Union story.

Albany Councilman Jimmy Scalzo, who lives on Yates, called the area a solid neighborhood.

So it is a solid neighborhood in a barbaric world where violence cannot be explained? Is it possible to have a multiple statement oxymoron? This shit blew my mind when I read it. I came across these statements while reading an article about a shooting that occurred last Monday.

This article form the Time's Union goes over it all. The long and short of the story is a kid was walking home after watching Monday night football when we got shot in the head. He was a senior at UAlbany and hailed from Long Island.

The police had no leads at the time the article was written. They recovered no weapon. They had no suspects. I did a light search and have not found any follow up articles. I feel really bad for this kids family because it does not feel like they will find the person or persons responsible for this.

Now I was not going to post anything about this. It is not something I really want to write about. I really do not know what to say other than to express how fucked up it is. There are a million other people who can write a million better articles to explain it all better than I can.

The thought of writing a post came to me following something that occurred this past Saturday morning. After spending the night at a friend's house I decided to walk home. A friend who lives in the same direction as I do also wanted to leave so we walked out together. On the way down Ontario Street we walked by a crime scene.

At the time I was unsure of what had happened. We came upon the scene fairly quickly after we left my friend's place. There was police tape blocking a large area off. A few streets were totally blocked and it looked like a sizable investigation was under way. We continued on our walk quickly. Stopping and checking things out would not have been a good idea. What we had just seen sparked a conversation about the shooting and violence in general. I did not check into what had taken place until today after I read a food critic was attacked. You can read about that here

After reading the article about Steve Barnes and friend I was curious to see what had happened on Saturday morning. This is the article I found. Apparently we missed walking by a stabbing by a few moments.

So now that is an attack, a stabbing and a shooting. All in one week. If you read the article on the shooting there was also an attempted mugging and a full on mugging last Monday night. The shooting and the stabbing happened blocks from each other and in the same neighborhood. The same neighborhood that is solid but also barbaric.

After coming across Councilman Scalzo's quote I had to write something. Saturday morning made me think about it but reading the articles today and those quotes really did it. Can people stop killing, stabbing and victimizing each other? Please?

This is really insane to me. If you add up all of the events and crimes from the past week and add in the over 100 car break ins over the past few months it is shocking. You could also add in my stolen gas cap as well as the others that were stolen from around Washington park as well as the car that was broken into on our block. Even the police were robbed.

It is a slight comfort to know that the cops can catch a crook. Well they can catch a crook if the crook gets caught on camera. Well they didn't get him after that really. They actually ended up getting him because people called in with his identity. They were able to arrest two suspects in the stabbing. They also caught a few people they feel are responsible for several of the car break ins.

These crimes should never have happened. I'm sorry this post is really all over the place. I just hope that people can realize that if we all stop fucking each other over we may actually get some where.

MORTEKAI

I Felt Like Writing Something Today But Then...

2008-10-24T11:28:00.004-04:00

I really could not think of anything. I woke up today feeling really happy. Like really happy. Like Christmas morning happy.

Christine stayed home today so we layed in bed with Francine and Shelby. I woke up and did some banking stuff, some computer stuff, and a few other things around the apartment. The wood floors chill your feet a bit while you walk around. There is a cold winter morning feeling in the apartment today.

So waking up and feeling like it was Christmas was awesome. Christine is making what I guess you would call brunch now as I type this. So I could not think of anything that I needed to write about. Right now there are no things I want to mock, no one who needs to be called an a-hole and I do not even feel like posting any art. I just feel happy.

So I wish you all a morning like this,

MORTEKAI

P.S. I also am psyched because I will e going to Brown's Brewing Company in Troy at seven tonight. This weekend is starting off awesome.

Howie Rose A Total Douche

2008-10-23T19:42:00.005-04:00

I have discovered the reason why the New York Mets and the New York Islanders always get screwed. The reason is the mega jinx that goes by the name Howie Rose. Howie does the Mets radio broadcasts and the Islanders TV broadcasts. I swear to you dear friends he is a jinx of the highest order and a total douche.

Howie Rose is a mega mush. He is more of a mush than Eddie Mush they character that gets thrown into a closet in A Bronx Tale. Watching an Islander game is completely nerve racking. Howie "Fish Face" Rose does not let a game go by without throwing out a hex or two. If you do not believe in jinxes or hexes I ask you to watch a game with me, you will become a believer.

I sat down and turned on the Islander's game tonight expecting a fifty-fifty chance of winning. The Isles are playing the Stars, the game is still on as I am typing, who have not really been shining too brightly so far this season. A win was not out of the question at the start of the game. The Isles even had a defenseman, Chris Campoli, coming back off of an injury that kept him out since last January.

Fat chance of things looking up for long though. About thirty seconds into the game he mentioned that Mike Ribeiro has been cold so far this year after coming off of an 83 point performance last season. Guess who got an assist at 3:30 of the first? You got it good old Mike Ribeiro.

Do you think that fed the jinx? No way dear reader not by a long shot! Mr. Ribeiro also got an assist at 14:13 and at 18:22. This is his first career three assist game. Are you picking up what I am putting down here? Howie Rose is jinx made human.

So at the top of the broadcast, as stated, Howie mentioned that Chris Campoli was coming back from an injury. About nine minutes or so into the game the not so unbelievable happened. Brendan Witt who is probably the most important defenseman on the Islanders was injured. Howie Rose strikes again! Good old HR was saying how important Witt was and guess what? Boom injury, that's what. Howie Rose you unholy bastard why?

I ask all of the Mets and Islander fans out there to join together with me and petition to have Howie taken off of the air. I cannot take much more of this. Year after year of watching games where you team is clinging to a lead only to see it crumble before the might of Rose is becoming too much to bear. Howie must be stopped. He is the anti-Christ of sports.

I really cannot take much more,

MORTEKAI

A List Of A Few Things Which Are Alright

2008-10-23T11:30:00.011-04:00

1.) Brewery Ommegang's Chocloate Indulgence. I had this on draft Tuesday at Mahar's. It had a nice chocolate smell and a pleasing taste that had a pleasing soft bitterness.

2.) Hammer Films Horror of Dracula. This movie is out of sight. I think it is the combination of Technicolor, British accents and excellent sets that make it good. Peter Cushing being the man adds to the films radness. Christopher Lee is also good in this film although I wish he got was given more dialouge. I would also recommend checking out the other Hammer Dracula films. While they get more kitschy the further removed from this film they are all still worth a viewing.

3.) Apple's Ipod Touch. My brother Mikey gave me his Ipod Touch to borrow. I was skeptical at first if this device was even worth bothering with. A few friends have the Ipod touch or Iphone and while cool I was not blown away by them. Let me tell you I have now been blown. You need to borrow one or really try one out to get the full experience. Ipod touch is the goodness.

4.) Sillysoft game's Lux Touch for the Ipod Touch. Another great thing for the touch is all of the free downloadable content. Actually I guess you could count this as a negative also. Downloading and trying out games and applications can waste a ton of time. Anyway Lux is kinda like a simple version of Risk. I have been addicted to it since I first tried it. World domination at your finger tips, awesome.

5.) Lexcyle's Stanza Ereader. This is an application that allows you to download and read books on your Ipod Touch. This balances out the mind numbing affect that Lux and other games can have on your melon. The application connects to several libraries from which you can download content. The best thing is you can download hundreds of classic books for free. The files are also small enabling you to store hundreds on you Ipod. They are also laid out nicely and are very easy to read.

Okay so this turned into a bit of an Ipod Touch commercial. I think it is a fun device but I would not buy one for myself unless they end up going down in price. If that happens though it means another mo betta Ipod has arrived. This new improved Ipod will probably be able to fly or teleport or make you dinner. Something much better will be available when the Touch is cheaps.

For what is left of the month when it comes to films I would recommend over dosing on horror movies. You know you want to. The bright red fake blood, the gore galore, the creepy music all make horror movies fun. October means two things horror movies and baseball. Well I guess you could also claim October means Pumpkin spice beer and Girls in slutty Halloween costumes. Go to a party, drink Pumpkin spice beer, find a girl wearing a slutty costume and get her to watch scary movies with you. That should cover most of what October represents. If you are a woman substitute a guy for the girl. If you are into girls and are a girl you do not have to make said substitution. I think this is a good plan for everyone.

Go try a new beer,

MORTEKAI

*BONUS*

Indian Ladder Farms Apple Cider Donuts. These are fucking awesome.

Something I Saw Today In Albany

2008-10-22T14:42:00.009-04:00

I had to return Horror of Dracula to the Albany Public Library Main Branch today. Doing so meant a short walk around town. Such a walk would also mean without a doubt I would see a thing or two that would either be odd or interesting. That is Albany.

Walking down Lark Street toward Central Avenue, where the library is located, I came upon an interesting sight. Outside of Bomber's Burrito Bar there was a large lady sitting, half slumped over, on the steps. This was peculiar because it was a cold outside and it was also raining lightly making sitting on these steps surely an unpleasant thing.

I continued on walking slowly and looking back a few times toward Bomber's. I thought about trying to see if the woman needed help. She may have been sick or hurt. However I did not know for sure and the people inside Bomber's probably had called for help already. There is also the fact that for some reason trying to get in touch with the police for any reason other than an emergency or if you have a boot on your car is nigh impossible in Albany.

I arrived at the library a few moments and a few blocks later. There are always men, who look a bit homeless, gathered around outside the entrance to the library. For the most part they seem harmless. On a past visit I saw one guy seemingly pulling up and refastening his pants but I could have been mistaken. Today one of the security guards for the branch was talking with them so they must be alright.

I popped in and out of the library quickly. All I had to do was drop off the DVD I had borrowed. I made my way back out onto Central avenue heading toward Lark street. Passing by the bus stop on the corner of Central and Lark I got to see some interesting characters who possessed an even more interesting fashion sense. I want to ride the bus but I feel like I would need to bring a cross, some silver bullets and a hazmat suit.

As I made my way down Lark I heard a fire engine coming. I paused to take a look at it speeding by. It was a blazing red blur. Putting my head down I continued on. The air was really cold and crisp. I could smell a wood burning fire. When I next picked up my head I was staring at the engine that had just passed me. It was pulled up right outside of Bomber's.

My first instinct was apparently on the money. A lady slumped over on a set of steps on a cold rainy day needs help. There were firemen checking her when I got to the Bomber's side of the street. I passed by as a few other emergency vehicles were pulling up. The men were using an electronic devices on the woman. It looked similar to the ones that they advertise on t.v. to check your blood sugar if you have diabetes. She looked tired, beat.

I didn't want to get in the way so I continued home. Walking on Willett street I saw an ambulance coming down Madison avenue toward Lark. An ambulance was the one emergency vehicle that was not parked outside of Bomber's when I passed. They seem to have a slower response time than fire trucks. I continued toward home. My door was another block down.

So that is something I saw today in Albany. I hope the lady is okay. I am sure the emergency medical technicians will be able the situation.

kevin b.

p.s. This is a calmer post because I am sure that my head will explode all over the Internet again soon enough. The people here at the shitty ass Willett Apartments want to charge us a yearly FIVE HUNDRED dollar pet fee. One of the reasons we moved in here was because we had pets and liked the maintenance they promised. So far these bitches have failed to deliver big time. More as the situation develops because I am getting pissed just writing this.

p.p.s. I have to write about the insanity that is the Albany public Library one time. Yikes.

Let's Go Rays!

2008-10-20T23:53:00.006-04:00

The Rays pulled it off on Sunday. They managed to stop the Red Sox, yuck, from going to the World Series. Praise Jeebus! Between Crapplebon's celebration antics and Kevin Pukekils's terrible batting stance I would not have been able to take it if the Sawox won another title. What the heck is up with that anyway? Did hell actually freeze over when the Eagles got back together?

Whatever the reason they won in the past they do not get a chance at a title this year. Have fun not playing baseball a-holes. Boo hoo bean town, maybe next year. This means the last to first Rays get a chance to bring a world championship to Tampa Bay.

I hope they are able to do it. I kinda don't like the Philles. That Chase Utley rubs me the wrong way. I wish he wouldn't rub me at all but he keeps sneaking up on me. He is shockingly quick and has a ninja like degree of stealth. I want somebody to give Chase some Tic Tacs so he sounds like a baby rattle when he walks. That way I can be ready for him.

Suck it Chase Utley,

MORTEKAI

Weekend Update

2008-10-19T12:09:00.002-04:00

I cannot wait to not have to hear, see or read the name Sarah Palin ever again. The election cannot come soon enough. She has a gigantic head. Seriously look at this cranium.

She has the jawline of a man. Samson could use that thing to fend off a thousand Philistines. Think about that one for a while.

Happy Sunday,

MORTEKAI

Have a Good Weekend

2008-10-17T15:20:00.005-04:00

Go look at some dinosaur fossils.

Run through a corn maze.

Go try cross country skiing without any snow.

Just hang out with your awesome dog.

:^)

MORTEKAI

Smiley smile...

2008-10-16T13:00:00.005-04:00

I got a text message that my friends want to get some Harp Lager and go drink it. I asked where did they get the idea for Harp? Not surprisingly the answer was out of thin air. Antwuan said that Harp just got into his head. He said he only had it once at Irish Fest 2000 but wants to get his Harp on today. I think I may go with them since they are going to Oliver's Beverage which is an awesome place to get beer.

Here is the image for today. I guess these smile paint marker pieces are part of a series. This was done with paint markers on canvas. Enjoy!

So far so good today just a little bit of rain. Things are going pretty good. I took Shelby for a rainy walk/run that was fun. Here is a picture of Shelby, I will get a better one soon.

Please universe let things keep going well,

MORTEKAI

A Spoonful of Sugar

2008-10-15T20:26:00.006-04:00

Canvas and paint markers. I think this was the first one of these I did.

A Better Tomorrow,

MORTEKAI

Congratulations Universe You Win

2008-10-15T18:55:00.004-04:00

I could not even get twenty four hours. In fact it was only about an hour, maybe a bit more, since I put up the last post. That is right I have taken another one in the ass.

I decided to get the mail today. I have the only key to our mail box here in the crappy Willett Apartments. I saw a Time Warner cable bill in there today. Now I have not seen a Time Warner bill, ever. Christine says she takes care of that bill as well as the electric. Would you call being almost three months in bills behind taking care of it?

I DIDN'T FUCKING THINK SO.

So I guess now I have to pay this bill or it will never be paid. God knows if our lights will remain on with the way the woman has been handling the bills. I really have to hand it to whoever makes my life a series of non-stop annoyance. I could not come up with half of the shit that comes at me out of left field. Congratulation universe, you win.

By the way did I mention that Christine also got the boot on my car? Guess how much? Removing the boot cost me three hundred and thirty five dollars. Now try and guess how much of that money I will ever get back.

FUCK YOU,

MORTEKAI

P.S. Christine is one ticket away from a boot herself.

Gas Cap

2008-10-15T17:25:00.007-04:00

I went on a little trip to the grocery store today. Actually I only went to the store because I tried to connect to the Internet earlier and I was unable to do so. Big surprise my Netgear Wireless Router shit the bed. This router is completely terrible. I guess the only good thing is the router is free and gets replaced by Time Warner Cable. So needing eats and a new router I headed out this afternoon.

Half way to the store I realized that I could use some gas. I pulled into a station on Madison Avenue and proceeded to go through the motions of pumping gas. To my mother FUCKING shock I did not have a gas cap. I had the pump in my hand and was ready to unscrew the cap when I noticed that my cap was gone.

MY GAS CAP WAS GONE.

Now while this did take away the need for me to unscrew the cap, which was a bit convenient, it also meant that I now DO NOT HAVE A GAS CAP. Thinking about it not having a gas cap is more of an inconvenience than just being able to jam the pump in my car without unscrewing anything. So much for looking at the bright side of things.

Do I need to mention that a lot of random dumb annoying shit happens to me all the time?

SO now having a broken router and no gas cap I headed to the store and got my grocery shopping on. This was the least aggravating portion of my day. Picking out the food was easy and I think I got a few deals. After the Supermarket Sweep I headed across the street to the Time Warner Cable building. Still no gas cap at this point.

Exchanging the router was thankfully painless. I spent a few minutes waiting in line before getting to the counter. When I got to the counter it took a minute or two to give my information before a new router was brought out. Like I said the routers suck big time but they do replace them for free. The only real hassle is I have to go out of the way to pick up a new router.

Replacing my gas cap was also not a hassle really. Again I had to drive a bit out of the way to find a Jeep dealership but it was not that far away. I decided to go with a lock and key gas cap this time. Did I forget to mention that the reason, I think, for my gas cap not being around is gas siphoning. Someone drove down my block, or more likely walked, and siphoned gas out of several cars.

Is shit really going that bad right now?

After talking to Christine I found out that there were gas caps laying around in the park by our apartment the other day. Christine apparently had seen them and thought nothing of it. I wish I could have thought nothing of it. Twenty two dollars later I now am the proud owner of locking gas cap. Hopefully this will deter the gas thieves. I think it will unless the people responsible bring along a lock picking kit with them.

Anyway here is a list. Every single name on this list gets a huge fuck you for today.

Netgear
Gas Siphoners
The Government
Gas Companies
Car Companies
The Bailout

Happier post tomorrow unless I wake up and some other annoying shit happens. Maybe I will wake up and my leg will fall off. l mean literally fall right off my body as if I were a Ken doll or something. Think about that.

Leave me alone,

MORTEKAI

p.s. Evan Roberts is a douche.

Plaster Smile

2008-10-14T01:15:00.003-04:00

Paint markers on canvas. Please enjoy.

2001,

MORTEKAI

I Recorded Like Four or Five Dracula Films This Weekend

2008-10-13T22:35:00.010-04:00

There was a vampire movie marathon on this past Friday night, which bled into saturday morning. I watched a few before I realized that I could DVR these fangtastic, sorry, films. The Hammer Dracula Films were the big attraction as I had not seen them before. I got the DVR started just as my brother Mikey joined me. We recorded and watched the movies while straining to stay awake. After about a flick and a half my brother and I passed out. Good thing the DVR does not need sleep. I love you DVR.

Anyway Cap's party was Saturday night so I had the first part of the day to spend with my brother and a vampire picture or two. After that I got the lord of awesome Gigam from the Deer Park train station and we went on a trip to pick up supplies and other items, beer, for the nights festivities. After this we had to wait like two hours for my sister to get ready. This was a bit frustrating. Anyway we made it to the party and partying took place.

Long story short Monday rolled around and I had not gotten to watch all of the Dracula films I had recorded. Did I mention that these films are on the DVR at my parents new house? So I guess this means I will have to wait until my next visit home to watch them. I think this will be around Thanksgiving. Son of bitch!

So in honor of the prince of darkness, the son of satan, I give you a print the the head vampire himself Dracula. This print was made a few years ago, print making materials are not easy to get or cheap so shut it. It was printed from a linoleum cut midway through the cutting process. The paper is a newsprint like stock which actually looks great in person. I scanned the print and cleaned it up a bit in photoshop.

Go and watch some vampire movies, now! Make sure to watch the Hammer films if possible they are really great. I honestly do not know if I can explain why I love them other than to say you would have to watch them to really get it. Peter Cushing is the man and Christopher Lee rules.

Taste the blood of Dracula,

MORTEKAI

You Are 25 Today, Welcome to Hell

2008-10-10T13:39:00.007-04:00

My brother Chris Capiral turns twenty five today. Congratulations little buddy I am proud of you for making it to the quarter century mark. This is a truly amazing accomplishment. I salute you sir!!

For your birthday I thought I would put up a few photos. These will be showing off some of your finer moments. Enjoy the trip down memory lane and the slow but steady race to old age. See you in Hell!

Priceless

Here is hoping your birthday is pretty good, preeeetttyyy good.

Kevin B.

Chris Carlin is Terrible

2008-10-08T17:47:00.005-04:00

Here is a crappy paint image of Chris Carlin. He truly is someone I do not enjoy listening to at all. his voice and opinions are terrible. Carlin also takes shots from Mike Francesa like a bitch and never has a come back.

Mike has also been boring since Chris "Mad Dog" Russo went over to satellite. I wish they were still doing Mike and the Mad Dog so I would'nt have to hear him solo or worse with Carlin.

Carlin you suck,

MORTEKAI

p.s. Don't get me started on Kim Jones

Happy Day!

2008-10-08T13:40:00.005-04:00

Bath Fitter came yesterday, the installers name was Mike, and put in the new tub. To my surprise it took about eleven hours to complete the job. This was because not only did Mike install a new and awesome tub but he also put in new fixtures and new tile! Our bathroom is now the best part of our apartment. From last to first like the Tampa Bay Rays.

I will take pictures of the new tub and post them for viewing tomorrow. I hope the pictures can capture the magnificence of it all. Truly a one hundred and eighty degree turn around. Amazing.

Being happy, so far, today I thought I would put up a happy picture. This image is titled "Dancing" it is from a project called "Shoki." I created this image with ink pens, wish I could remember which, and paint markers on vellum.

Shoki is something I worked on in college and after. The story is based on an old Japanese folk tale. The story will follow the original close diverging here and there. You can use the link Shoki the Demon Slayer. to find out more. This will be a children's book. I hope to have some more work done for it soon.

Happy Day!

MORTEKAI

George Lucas, A Total Dick?

2008-10-07T03:53:00.005-04:00

When you create something and want to share it with people they get to share in the story. George Lucas was the man. This is a fact sir. Indiana Jones and Star Wars were the mintest when I was young. THE MINTEST.

As I write this I am watching a "documentary" on the second disc of "Revenge of the Sith". The doc is called "The Chosen One" and goes about explaining how by adding Episodes I, II and III George Lucas is a genius. False I say.

Watching this I get the feeling that George Lucas is just spouting some bullshit while thoughts of swimming around in his huge money bin back on Skywalker ranch run through his mind. The basic idea of these movies is now supposed to be the story of Anakin becoming a jedi, being seduced by the dark side, becoming Vader and fucking shit up and finally being like "You know what evil is not so cool" ending up being redeemed.

FUCK THAT. You do not have to watch the whole to enjoy a part of something. The first "Lord of the Rings" film was good. I really did not like the last two so I will not be watching them again. The same goes for Star Wars. While I enjoyed some of the fight scenes in "Revenge of the Sith" and it is the most tolerable of the new films, I do not plan on watching it every Thanksgiving or Christmas. I like less douche and more Han Solo with my Tofurkey thanks.

I think it cheapens the other films by having the entire plot of the whole saga coming to rest on Anakin. If you have seen these films you will know how bad the acting and dialogue are. The fun of the original films were just not in Episodes I-III. The fun of the original films came from them being obvious throw backs to other material, same thing with Indiana Jones which may explain why the newest installment also was a huge turd.

Somewhere along the way enough people told George Lucas that his shit didn't stink and he started to believe it. Enter George Lucas the infalable genius and exit George Lucas the creative and exciting pastiche artist. He was the forerunner to Tarantino, the king of taking other people's ideas and slapping them together into something "new" (I will get to him another time). The artistic merit and the morality of this style aside it can result in entertaing cinema.

It was just a sad thing to watch the documentary and see the thoughts that went into making the film. This is the exact opposite of what i was hoping for when I decided to watch the doc. All I got out of it is that I feel these movies do not need to exist.

This story and overall tale is George Lucas's, not mine or anyone elses. He can do what he wants to his films and edit them however he wants. If he feels like going back in and editing Star Wars again so he can sell more copies go for it. Make that bank! This does not mean that he is improving them when he does this. It also means that eventhough he may feel he added to his story I feel he royally screwed it up.

I mean seriously Midi-chlorians, what the fuck?

MORTEKAI

Don't Break It...

2008-10-02T13:20:00.003-04:00

This picture, along with three others, is hanging in my living room. The title is "Don't Break It" for this piece. This is on a pre-stretched canvas and was done with paint markers.

Have a great Thursday,

MORTEKAI

Hump Day aka I Forgot to Post One Today...

2008-10-01T15:59:00.004-04:00

Christine has been sick the past few days. Actually it might even be a full week at this point but I am not sure. Anyway I was with her since she has been sick and a bit of that sickness may have found its way onto me. I woke up really tired today.

After I woke up I had to walk the dog but I needed a shower first. After that I came back inside and just felt wiped. I really should have finished getting orders together but I can mail them out tomorrow. Feeling tired I forgot to post today, sorry.

I decided to put up this piece today. There is no title. This image was done on canvas, from a pad, with paint markers. I adjusted the colors a bit in Photoshop.

I was originally going to use this piece for the cover to SUPER! issue three but changed my mind at the last moment. That being said this will probably end up being the cover for issue four or another project. I have the image edited for the cover already. Anyway hopefully no more strange tiredness tomorrow.

Have a good hump day,

MORTEKAI

MARVELOUS!

2008-09-30T13:27:00.004-04:00

Next Monday Bath Fitter has an appointment scheduled to come and put in our new tub, or tub cover whatever. Victory! I spoke with Russ Downey yesterday and he confirmed the appointment. He was also surprisingly not hard to deal with and had zero attitude. Maybe he took the week to think about his actions and felt a bit of remorse? One can hope.

This means for us that a new, non dirty tub is in our immediate future. Baths sir! We can take baths if we wish! This will also lead to zero frustration with our apartment, I hope. At the least it will mean a more pleasurable washing experience.

So happy day friends, happy day. On this fine Tuesday I decided to post a favorite of mine. This piece is titled "Marvelous!" which would be a truly fitting title if I did not happen to stick Batman in the drawing. Sorry about that.

This piece was done using pencil, a continuous line drawing, some acrylic paint and black ink. I used to be a fan of Marvel comics. My first comic was a copy of Conan the Barbarian. I loved them at the time and still do for the most part. This love was due mostly to the art of John Buscema. John Buscema rules. This is getting a bit off topic and I hope to do a full post about Mr. Buscema in the future. He is the reason I love art and comics.

I have been working on a new comic series/idea called "Comics I Wanted to Make When..." which would be set in and around periods of time in my life. The comics would deal with reality and the fantasy of the comics I read at that time. They would also focus on and be told in a style of the comics I wanted to make at the time. I feel what you read and enjoy tells a bit about where you are. This idea is still being developed right now. I know there will be a Marvel inspired issue, at least one, when I get this project under way.

Anyway here is the image and have a marvelous Tuesday!!

Excelsior!

MORTEKAI

I May be Late on This but KEN LOOKS LIKE BIGFOOT

2008-09-29T12:54:00.005-04:00

So I signed up for Yelp the other day. After reading a few reviews I thought, "What the heck?", and and went for it. The couple of reviews I have posted are not that mind bending and truthfully probably not so helpful. They are honest though and short so that is good.

Anyway while I was on yelp the other day and stumbled across something that almost blew my mind out. This really almost blew my mind out of my head. On one particular post I noticed an odd profile photo. Which post this was on and the person who had it are escaping me but they deserve credit big time. Here is the photo.

There are no words.

After searching on the interweb I came across this blog post about Ken and his lovely LP cover. The post is called Ken - By Request Only - The Complete Story..

Having read that post I realized I have come to the whole Ken thing late. This apparently was a hot topic of discussion at one point. I cannot imagine paying one hundred and fifty dollars for his album but I guess with the "internet buzz" the cover generated you get paid for having something like this laying around in your house. I wish peeps on the net would start talking about some stuff I have. I would love to make bank on ebay.

Here is a list, from the same site, of the ten worst album covers. There are some other hidden gems in here. This list could also raise discussion about which is truly "worst" as compared to which is "bad good". Take a look at the link here, Ten Worst Album Covers.

The Man O War cover may be the best. Here is a link to an old post Look At This. After checking that out you may be able to see why I think the Man O War cover should get some more attention.

Have a lovely Monday,

MORTEKAI

P.S. Keep, keepin on James!

One for Gigam!

2008-09-26T17:41:00.004-04:00

Sir I will take the challenge. I pick up the gauntlet that you have thrown down raise it up and give you a little tap on the cheek with it. Take that!

More blog updates more of the time.

That being said here is a picture for yo weekend. Let us hope it stops raining here in Albany. It has rained three out of the past four weekends. dammit.

This was done on canvas paper with paint markers. I do not have a title but I did use nervous as the file name. I am hoping to be able to do a bunch of these paintings soon for a place up here called the Albany Art Room. I think they are having some kind of holiday art sale or something and they may accept some small paintings. Cross your fingers or whatever else you got.

So more posts soon. Maybe I will do another beer review or two as well as some more writing. I have written a few things here and there so who know what will be posted as this blog comes back to life.

Mortekai is SUPER!

Lies and deception!!

2008-09-24T10:52:00.003-04:00

Well friends it is time to name names. After writing that post and being a bit angry, sorry for the cuss words, I decided to go down to give it the peaceful approach. I tried once again to have Tammy Wyant, the office manager here at the Willett Apartments, to give me a date for when I could expect our problem to be fixed. Once again she was unable to do so. I may be getting ahead of myself here though.

The problem that I am having with our apartment involves our bathtub. Yes for the second time in two apartments we am having a problem with our bathtub, insane. This time around the problem is not so severe, we do not have a black garbage bag holding things together. The problem is that the genius who ran things here at the Willett thought he could spray paint the bathtubs white. HE THOUGHT HE COULD SPRAY PAINT THE BATHTUBS. For anyone out there who thinks you can do this you can't. The paint sticks for a day and then the peeling begins.

When you are taking a shower pieces of tub peel off. This may not happen every time you take a shower and sometimes the pieces are small so you do not notice them while washing. All of this adds up though to have a constantly clogged drain. No big deal right? False, while it would not be a big deal if the tub retained a little water this is not what is going on. What happens is you start the shower and the next thing you know you are about mid shin deep in water.

I have had to have one of the maintenance people come by a few times to clear the drain. I could not get everything out myself and to tell the truth it is not my fault so it is on them. The drain gets emptied, clogs, gets emptied and then clogs again. This is a frustrating thing believe me I tried to let it slide a few times. Oh wait I forgot what makes it not only frustrating but really disgusting as well, the spray paint tub totally sucks up every bit of dirt that touches it. THE SPRAY PAINT SUCKS UP EVERY PIECE OF DIRT THAT TOUCHES IT.

So here you are not only taking a shower standing in a tub full of water, it is a tub full of filthy water. All the dirt that may wash off of your feet, or out of your hair, or off of wherever, gets a shot at sticking around in the tub. Gross is not even the right word for this.

So now you have a peeling tub that is about three colors, a tub that fills while you take a shower standing in remnants of your own filth. These problems are also leading to major mold growth.

This is what we are dealing with.

Now let me explain to you something here. The first time this problem came up I went down to the office and Tammy Wyant filled out a repair slip. A few days later maintenance showed up and the tub was scraped clean. Then they re-spray painted it. This process left us without a shower for two days, not a big deal but an inconvenience. This "solution" lasted for about two maybe three days before the peeling started up again. I went back to the office Tammy Wyant filled out another repair slip and the maintenance guys came back. They wanted to peel the tub and spray it again but thought that this problem would keep happening. Why can we do instead?

To this I was told the apartment above us had Bath Fitter installed. AWESOME that would solve the problem and we would be good to go. This lead to asking for this to be done in our apartment. Tammy Wyant would have to check with her boss, or her bosses boss, or someone who would have to check with someone else who would need to contact someone else. Long story short we asked them to do this about three months back. It could be a bit more or less but that feels like it is about right. This all leads up to our lease coming up for renewal. Actually it was not just a renewal, they had the never to ask us for an extra one hundred dollars a month. Our apartment is not in any better condition in fact it is worse and they want more money.

That is when I decided it would be okay to pay the extra money and avoid the hassle of moving if we would be able to have our bathroom done with Bath Fitter. After some back and forth they agreed and even put it in writing, well technically typing. Here is what the letter says.

"Dear Resident 92-2C:

When the lease amendment is signed, and returned to the office with the $50.00 security deposit adjustment, we will setup an appointment with Bath Fitter to come and redo you bathtub. You will be notified of the appointment so you can remove your personal items from the shower. If you have any questions please feel free to call.

Sincerely,

Tammy Wyant

Office Manager"

That is what it says exactly with the typos and everything included. Great right? Sounds like a plan that will fall into place perfectly. Having been told that a call would be place September 3, the day we signed the amendment, it would seem all would be well.

Not so fast cheif. After a few days of waiting, following the months of waiting, we had not heard anything about when Bath Fitter would be coming. This lead to me going to the office to ask Tammy Wyant if she had heard anything. Her response was that Bath Fitter had been contacted but they were backed up and it would take some time for them to come out. After hearing this and other excuses for a few days I decided to see how backed up Bath Fitter was for myself. I was able to contact Bath Fitter myself on Friday the 12th. Two helpful ladies there were able to find out what was going on for me. It seems that Tammy Wyant had told a little white lie or maybe was told a little white lie and repeated it to me. See Bath Fitter had not been contacted for an appointment. So I asked if I could set one up but I could not since I am renting and do not own the apartment.

I could ask them to contact the Sterling Management Corp. The woman did so and Bath Fitter showed up to measure the tub on the 15th. Unfortunately I was working as an extra on the film Taking Woodstock, which itself is tale of woe for another time, at the time so I could not be here to meet with the Bath Fitter people or Russ Downey who is the Maintenance manager or building manager or general douche bag for the Willett Apartments. Sorry about that but he is a very rude and untruthful individual.

During the week after the first appointment there was a feeling that things would move forward. I stopped in the office another two times asking again if they had a date for an appointment. I was told by Tammy Wyant that it would take a few weeks again because Bath Fitter was backed up. Sounds familiar right? I gave this a day or two before I went down and asked again. This time I was told that Bath Fitter was making a mold and it would take sometime for it to be finished. What really is bothering me about all of this is I cannot get a date from these people of when things will take place. After what had gone on the week before I decided to call Bath Fitter again. Now I realize I cannot make an appointment but I can call the company to find out what is going on.

When I called this time I was put in touch with Ron, who had been working with this account. See that is the other frustrating thing dealing with an apartment building like this, there are so many different names and people to deal with nothing is easy to get done. There are also three names, that I know of, these companies use. ARJA Realty, The Cole Group and Sterling Management Corp. Those are the company names after that I have to deal with Tammy Wyant and Russ Downey and who knows who else is above them or in between that has to be dealt with. After speaking with Ron and expressing to him what a pleasure it was to deal with Bath Fitter's customer service after the headaches I have had over here I moved on to ask what the situation was with our Apartment. I was told that they were waiting for approval before starting. They had not begun to make a mold and had NOT gotten approval to do so. This means once again there was a little white lie told all around. I explained to Ron the frustration of hearing different things from several different people and he understood promising to give Russ Downey a call.

It is now September 24 and they have yet to give Bath Fitter the go ahead to begin work on the tub. I gave my number to Bath Fitter and I hope to hear back from them because I cannot believe a word from the people here at the Willett. I am sure there are other things here and there I may have forgot but if you want to here more or discuss this please email me or post a comment.

Kevin

Apartments are the WORST!

2008-09-22T12:31:00.004-04:00

So from living in Albany I have found out one thing for sure. I FUCKING HATE RENTING APARTMENTS! Every single one ends up having something wrong with it and you might as well deal with it because trying to get someone to fix it is a joke.

I have a suggestion for any people that happen to live in Albany and are thinking about renting an apartment and it happens to be owned by the Cole Realty Group do yourself a favor and shoot yourself in the FUCKING HEAD INSTEAD. We have had a simple problem with our apartment and these people cannot handle communicating the situation let alone get down to fixing the problem. You have to go to Z before B will talk to A who says they called about the problem but than Z says they never heard from B. Come ON!

I had to end up calling the company we needed to speak with to even get them out here to look at the apartment. Oh and this was after being told we could not get an appointment because they were backed up. I called the company and they showed up the next day. Frustration!!!

Here is a link to APARTMENTS YOU NEVER WANT TO RENT EVER.

This is where we live now and if you live here I pray for you.

Willett Apartments
84 - 92 Willett St, Albany, 12210
Phone: (518) 463-8080
Fax: (518) 463-8063

And here is a picture for all of you that may want a little art with your afternoon rant. This is a color version of an image I already posted called "Video Games". This was colored using photoshop. I have a few video game themed works and I was thinking about making a zine about games and gaming.

Fight the POWER!

Mortekai

Time Capsule or Cookies...

2008-09-03T15:37:00.004-04:00

I am thinking of making some more sculptures. This one is Time Capsule. I made this with Crayola Model Magic and painted it with Crayola Watercolor paints. I then modified the bag by cutting out a window in the front which I had sewn for me. The background inside is made from different types of paper. This image was scanned from a copy so sorry about the poor quality. This sculpture may be lost.

I have made a few other sculptures along the way. The latest was for the Fun Pack of SUPER! issue Three. I hope to be able to find the rest of these and when I do I will get a picture up soon.

MODEL MAGIC!

MORTEKAI

Mark it is your birthday, get ready to die...

2008-08-28T21:22:00.008-04:00

Well at least get ready to have fun and maybe drink a few beers. You could even go to Mahar's! I am sure most of these fine gentleman will spend some time with you on the day of your birth. This is probably not news or maybe even that exciting because you see these guys all the time. These are some awesome dudes though so you are probably in for at least an 8 maybe 9 out of 10 time.

The partying will most not likely be taking place on a bus. This picture is on a bus. It is from the trip we took to Yankee stadium last year. I bet you wish some Yankees were coming to the party but they can't because they have a game tomorrow. I think Carl Pavano is pitching. Anyway everyone may have more fun on a party bus but I do not see that in your future. Here is hoping your birthday rocks with or without a party bus.

And lastly, for your entertainment, here is how Antwuan's night is going to go down.

Starting off the night blending into furniture...

Chugging some beer...

Chugging a ton of beer...

Puking that beer up big time...

Rallying from the puke to chug some more...

Pushing his ability to chug a ton of beer to the limit...

Puking one more time although not as much as the first time still it will suck hard...

Ending the night with cigarettes and playing the fake drums...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK!!!!!

KEVIN

(so many birthday cakes)

Meatbrau by Conrad...

2008-08-28T14:29:00.004-04:00

Beer Olympics! Yes my friends are having the second annual Beer Olympics this Saturday. I cannot make it because my friend Mark is having a birthday tomorrow night back in Albany (I think they may try and have a mini Beer Olympics). So I shall be missing this years event. Dammit.

Conrad, my sister Katie, and her boyfriend Super Steve will be forming an unholy alliance of dominance at Beer Olympics 2. I Can Haz Beer is the name to remember. There will be other great teams but I do not know if any will have such a great name or logo.

I have no idea how the Olympics will be run this year. I don't know what events will be involved. All I know is that everyone better be watching out for IHB. Meatloaf on a can of beer is the best.

Good luck!

Kevin

Happy Birthday Ronrad...

2008-08-28T00:13:00.006-04:00

Cages and a ton of dudes stuffed inside them.

Fake making out with Shoemaker.

Dressing up like a little kitty who loves Miller Lite.

Passing out during a toilet paper party.

Hope you had a Happy Birthday.

Love,

Kevin

Sick in bed when I should be packing for a move...

2008-08-26T20:35:00.009-04:00

My parents for some reason had the awesome idea to move literally feet from the beach this year. I am out of the house, my sister will be on her way and my brother is off to college. Good idea right? Maybe a few years ago, but it does not make sense for them to do it now. Oh and it will be a bigger house. Awesome.

So that means I have to go through a ton of junk in a few days and label it stay or go. I truly hate moving and wish I had more time to do a proper cleansing or purging of extra "stuff" from my life. I came home this past Friday but Conrad ended up coming to Long Island and it was Gary's birthday so we had a party. Actually it was an 11HHH. That was mint but I was a bit sick already or at least felt a cold coming on and the party made it worse. Going into Astoria and then NYC the next day kinda sealed the deal and I have been sick since Sunday (except when I had to suck it up to go out to a family dinner).

Anyway I am trying to sort some things out here at home and with the SUPER! and Mortekai things that are flying around. Emails and art and what not piling up while trying to learn how to sell items on Ebay and lastly trying to decide what relics from my life I can do without. Because you know even though it is a bigger house I have a feeling this is going to be a large museum like the Frye's house from Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

On the train home I made the image below. This is from a picture we took at the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka near the home we stayed at while in Japan. I edited the photo with Adobe Ps magic.

More soon when I feel better and have packed. I HATE MOVING!!

MORTEKAI

Happy B Day Gary!!

Top Ten Reasons Not to Miss Long Island This Summer!

2008-08-18T22:05:00.031-04:00

1.) The blonde, or at least dyed blonde, bombshell that is Herpes.

2.) Meeting up with the three harpies of VD all at once. Chlamydia, Syphilis and their friend Gonorrhea. The burning will last a lifetime.

3.) Having these two winning bartenders serve up a delightful STD cocktail to coat your throat YUM! (Is it just me or do you think maybe she bought those boobs?)

4.) The possibility of running into this pack of Morons. Tony and his broad Gina here manage to harness the unholy powers of the devils triple threat, hair gel, ridiculously huge sunglasses and the worst of the bunch fake tanning to new levels of terrible.

5.) The tragic fact that this big, sweaty gathering of total Douche Bags could be out there waiting for you. I guess two of the three should get credit for having the balds to wear pink and baby blue flowery shirts.

6.) The annoyance of trying to hold onto any type of booty and or treasure with this Twat walking around taking necklaces and touching his own nipples. Although he is most likely trying to give these out to girls who will show him some boob. If that is the case then why the goggles? Is he afraid of a run away nipple?

7.) Having this guy flash "The Dragon" at you all night. "A YO, Check out da Dragon!" or "Don't mess wit da fuckin Dragon BRO!" or "ROOAARRR its da Dragon!" are just some of the possible Dragon tattoo related nonsense you may hear. If you happen to be a girl and are around this guy well than you may have it worse. No doubt he will work "The Dragon" into his lame pick up lines. Rinse this guy out of your mouth with this somewhat related clip. Watch Afro Ninja try to Enter the Dragon.

8.) There are so many things running through my mind when I look at this ass that I can't even focus. I imagine when he was going to pose for this picture he wanted to have a "What the fuck you lookin at asshole?" type of thing going on. He probably also threw some "Look at dis bitch I got!" in there also. Wow what a dick.

9.) This is why I sometimes truly hate being from Long Island. These are the kind of assholes that Long Island gets associated with. Sleazy, Touchy, and Molesty the three dwarves of the apocalypse. Also that kissy lip shit is outrageously obnoxious.

10.) The only thing keeping this picture from melting your world is the guy on the left with the visor. Visor guy may also be a dick but at least he has the sense to wear short shorts with his shirt tucked in so his gut will hang over his belt. Those two other assholes though, what the fuck? Two words Date Rape, watch out ladies.

So if you did not get a chance to spend time on Long Island this summer good for you. The whole of your life will be better for not having experienced any of the above assholes in person. If you somehow went to L.I. an avoided the cluster fuck of horrible and had a good time I salute you!

MORTEKAI

P.S. Here is a drawing about talking shit. A fitting topic for this post. This was done on tracing paper with blue pen, red pen, paint marker, confidential stickers and white out. I do not have a title for this one.

P.P.S I went to Japan for three weeks and traveled all around the country. Well not really all around but we did visit several cities and got to experience a lot about Japanese life. Having said that a post is forthcoming as are other promised posts from the past. Also there will be comics/zines on the two trips to Japan. I wish I was still there right now. My friend Takanari said to me one night while we were out he thought I must have been Japanese in another life. Another friend Kuma, which means bear, told Christine that I was like Peter Pan. I hope he meant that in a good way and not a Michael Jackson creepy way. I mean I don't have a monkey nor do I have toddler sleep overs so I think he meant it positively.

Anyway I hope new comics thunder will be arriving soon.

An Indian burial ground? Really that is what you are going with?

2008-03-12T22:29:00.004-04:00

How many times has Stephen King used the old Indian burial ground gag? I ask because I just watched Pet Sematary an guess what is the cause of shit going bad? An indian burial ground. Awesome simply fucking awesome. Maybe this is why I have only been able to finish a few of King's novels.

So yeah you can expect the next issue of SUPER! or whatever I do to involve cliches. It should be really sweet and if King's success is my measuring stick I should be balling and drinkin Dom P in no time. I can't wait there will be free Green Spaghetti Sandwiches for everybody!!

So more postings soon. I think I am going to actually get back to real work so yeah look out.

Mortekai

SUPER ISSUE NUMBER THREE (3)

2007-10-23T21:38:00.000-04:00

The third issue of SUPER! is complete and is available for purchase. This issue took a while to complete but until you start signing my checks I don't want to hear any complaints. Making these comics takes a lot of time. This issue also cost me a part of my finger. Yes that is right I cut a piece of my finger off while putting copies of this issue together. It happened on the train ride down to SPX. X-acto met finger and finger lost. Fun for all on the regional Amtrak to Washington Union Station.

Speaking of SPX, the show went well. Good people and good times. Mediocre sales were kind of a bitch. I think it may have been due to the fact that our table was surrounded by a black hole of bad comics and annoying people. Our table had a force field of shit around it that kept some people away. I did have several people who bought stuff last year come over to the table. That made the sliced piece of finger worth it. I also got to met some very nice new people. Plus I got some great comics, which I need to read. The table was also split with Christine, Mike and Chris Cornwell hence the our table thing.

Enough about SPX for now though. Maybe a full post in the future? I don't know. What I do know is SUPER! Three is the awesome. From start to finish there is a nice flow throughout. I think this is the best issue yet. I feel that all three issues have a nice easy cohesion. They work together very well. This issue makes me look forward to working on the fourth.

Issue (3) is put together similar to issue number two. A sixteen page mini, this time bound with a rubber band, that comes packed in an envelope with two buttons and to stickers. I really treated the envelope as more of a cover this time. That had always been my intention but I think with this issue it is more evident. The comic starts with the envelopes cover and as you get to the first page of the mini you are already going into the comic. The buttons are both also taken this time from the comic. Here are some pictures. The first is the envelope cover image followed by pages one, two and three. The next two are eight and nine, I think. Sorry if the images are a bit blurry. If a bunch of you out there on the internets buy my comics I may be able to get a new camera in the future. That would be fun. The next two images are the buttons that come with the issue. I hope you likes. The cost is the same as usual $3.00 with $1.00 for shipping.

There is also a limited "Fun Pack" edition of this issue. While working on this comic ideas began to float in my head about making a print to go with the issue. That turned into a printed cover which lead to a separate print which was followed by a cigarette "place holder" sculpture and an additional button. Yeah this comes with a lot of beautiful stuff. The pack also comes with four stickers and the whole thing is packed in a poly bag with is sealed with a stapled card. Each of the cards are hand drawn. Here are some pictures so you can see everything that comes in the "Fun Pack" edition.

The first images are of two copies I have assembled. The next two are of the front and back of each of the copies. Here you can also see the cards that I hand made for each of these copies. Again sorry for the blurry images (buy my comics to get me a new camera). Next are images of the print that comes in the pack titled Dirty. This was printed on a few different kinds of card stock with red ink. Next is the Gocco printed cover. This was printed on Kraft paper with black, red and white ink. The "Place Holder" Cigarette was made with Crayola Model Magic, colored with enamel paint markers and wrapped in plastic wrap. I know it looks tasty but do not eat it. Trust me it won't taste good. Lastly we have the button that comes with only this edition. This is probably my favorite button ever. The SUPER! issue three "Fun Pack" costs $8.00 plus $1.00 shipping.

While working on the issue and specifically the buttons for the issue I ended up creating some extra designs. I decided to turn these into buttons that are availably individually. The images that follow are of these buttons. You probably figured that out from the layout of the rest of this post. Up first is Dance Love followed by Chunk, RBW, Werewolf Grey and Werewolf Brown. These are all one inch buttons. These are two buttons for $1.00. I have to figure out the shipping but it would probably be whatever one stamp is or nothing if you are buying anything else from MKIS.

If all that wasn't enough for one post, I also have a print of the cover that I am working on cutting. This is not going to be cut on a train so I am hoping not to cut another piece of myself off. This was printed on cardstock with white hot pink and grey inks. The final size is around 3 x 5 I think. Yeah so here are some pictures of the image. It is taken from the covers.

So there it all is. Third issue out now, I need a new camera, missing part of finger blah, blah, blah. Both the first and second issues are still available. Buy like ten copies of each in hopes that someday people will realize my true genius and each copy will be worth like a bunch of cash. Yeah that sounds pretty good. The Wolfboy shirt and buttons and sets are also still available. Sorry to be pushing stuff this time. Next post will be fun and full of either stupid jokes or maybe a review. Who knows maybe even some new comics greatness.

Next Time,
MORTEKAI

P.S. fuck the police!

Internet connection is a go...for now...

2007-10-04T12:10:00.000-04:00

Ok so we have the internet back for now so I hope it lasts. Sorry about not putting up posts for a while. There has been a ton of things happening here in Smallbany. Life gets in the way sometimes you know. Beside that I have been working on getting things ready for the upcoming show SPX. This is one of the best shows of the year and I cannot wait to go.

I will be splitting a table with Chris Cornwell, whom I met at S.P.A.C.E. this year. His comics are great and you should check them out. Plus he is a really nice guy. Our table is W10 and we will be right next to the Picture Box table. This is both cool and intimidating because they have such great artists and work to exhibit. I am hoping to have the third issue of SUPER!, a limited version of that issue, some shirts, new buttons, possibly a print or two and some cool stuff from Christine.

I guess that is it for now. I will get a post up when we have stuff done so you can see the work we have been doing. It is all coming out great so far. Oh and I tried a few more beers so I have a few reviews to post and maybe some other stuff.

Thanks,
MORTEKAI

I S S U E - T H R E E - S P X

2007-10-04T10:31:00.002-04:00

Sorry for not posting in a while, we have been very busy here in Albany. The internet is back for the moment so I thought I would put up a post about what we have been working on.

The third issue of SUPER! is done. It will be debuting at SPX next weekend. This issue is great. Like previous issues it will come with two buttons and stickers. This one is formatted as a single sixteen page mini comic, similar to the second issue.

This time there will also be a limited "Fun Pack" available. The pack with be in a numbered poly bag with a printed top closure with a small comic on the back. Inside you get the third issue with a gocco print cover, a hand colored "cookie" cigarette sculpture, both regular buttons and a limited button, four stickers and a gocco print.

No more free internet...

2007-08-06T16:29:00.000-04:00

The other day I noticed that whoever we were ripping off our internet from put a password on that shit. Which means I now have to figure out another way to get free or cheap internet. The previous promise of more frequent posts will be on hold until this situation gets sorted out.

So I hope you like today's post because there may not be another one this week. The image that follows was done using pencil, pen and ink on paper. I think I may have used the Motherbox to make the reds a bit brighter but that is it. The image is not so much a portrait but kind of an homage to "Beat" Takeshi Kitano.

Takeshi Kitano is probably one of the best things ever to come from Japan. His films are compelling and tell engrossing stories. The films also contain great emotion and scenes that are like visual poetry.

I happened upon my favorite Kitano movie, Sonatine, by accident. I got the film by purchasing another one of Kitano's films called Zatoichi the Blind Swordsmen. I had bought this film because the character of Zatoichi has a long and rich history in both Japanese film and television. This was promised as a re-imagining of a character on par with James Bond for popularity in his home country so I became curious to see what the fuss was all about.

I happened to really like the Zatoichi film and I had no reservations buying the dvd as it came with another film for free. The film plays on a trope used by both Akira Kurosawa, one of Kitano's inspirations, and Sergio Leone a lone swordsman/gunman caught between two rival gangs. Kitano weaves this basic plot thread with multiple other story lines. The film has many brutal moments and scenes of wonderful almost painterly flashing violence. So if any of that sounds good to you check this film out. Now if you have the chance to see Sonatine I would say you are almost mentally challenged if you pass up the opportunity.

Sonatine is a gangster film, a love story, and it is also about redemption. All those things could add up to an average Bruce Willis film but instead in the hands of a great director like Kitano we get an explosion of wonder. Kitano lingers on images and faces giving gravity to the emotions his characters feel. The story and pace of the film feel real but also dream like at the same time. I do not want to give too much away and I feel that anything I write will not do the film justice. Go watch it if you like good films.

For more info about Takeshi Kitano you can click here and here.

Damn you Ill Suite!
MORTEKAI

Ear Muffs...

2007-07-31T14:54:00.000-04:00

I GOT MOTHA FUCKIN MONSTER SQUAD ON DVD!!! I think most people know that the Monster Squad is awesome. I have written a few posts about it in the past, click here for them, where I do not really talk much about the film so much a direct you to a much better site that has a ton of info. That all being said having this movie on dvd is awesome. I have not seen the whole film for a long time and I think it is still a really fun movie to watch. Awesome!

So today the image I have is more of an experiment than a new image. I took a few sketches, that were done on white paper with pencil, and worked a bit with them in photoshop putting them together on a notepad background. Sorry you get nothing totally new but I don't get paid for this so tough noogies. Here is the image.

Ok so more later in the week. Also I have decided that I liked doing the review of Miller Chill so I will be putting up more reviews in the future. I am hoping you will like them.

Wolfman's got nards,
MORTEKAI

work on the lord's day?

2007-07-29T14:52:00.000-04:00

Yeah I decided two put A post up today, crazy write? This image does not really have a title. In my brain while I was drawing it I happened to be thinking that he was a detective. Maybe it can be called "detective". Then again we could call it "Pigs in space number THREE" for fun. Makes sense to me so it should be good enough for you.

Anyway I used a pen and ink on a piece of paper to create this image. Fairly simple but effective I think.

Thanks for looking,
MORTEKAI

p.s. I am not really religious so it was not that big of a deal for me to post today. <3

I wish this post was about Air Pirates or my trip to Wyoming but it isn't...

2007-07-25T13:46:00.000-04:00

Yes that is a bag of dope on the back of Mickey Mouse's plane. The Air Pirates were a group of cartoonists who created two issues of an underground comic called Air Pirates Funnies in 1971, leading to a famous lawsuit by The Walt Disney Company. Founded by Dan O'Neill, the group also included Shary Flenniken, Bobby London, Gary Hallgren, and Ted Richards. In this comic several well known Disney characters do a variety of lewd and unlawful things. I will write a post soon (when I say soon I mean by Christmas).

When I was in Wyoming I met Sam Elliot. He is really tall and intimidating. I think he was more intimidating in person than he was in the movie Roadhouse but not quite as intimidating as in the movie Tombstone. Anyway I am going to write a post about this trip soon also.

So today I have an image along with these promises of posts to come. I did the original drawing with pencil, pen, and highlighters on paper. I than used Motherbox to change the colors a bit. Not sure if this is done yet but I kinda like the point where it is at. I hope you do also.

See ya,
MORTEKAI

Miller Chill a Huge Mistake

2007-07-19T14:35:00.000-04:00

Today I am posting a review of Miller Chill. If you do not drink beer you probably won't care so I am sorry. Now you could be thinking to yourself something like, "What is he thinking posting a beer review?" to which I would respond "Trying to save your taste buds". That's right I am trying to keep you from making a HUGE mistake.

I guess I should start out by saying that I like Miller products. If we are going to or having a party I would choose Miller over Bud every time. That being said I am more a fan of smaller breweries and larger varieties of beer than what is offered from the big guys. One of my favorites is Blue Point Brewery's Toasted Lager. That bit of background should give you an idea of where I am coming from I hope.

Over the past week or so every time we would go to a bar in our area there would inevitably be an ad for Miller Chill. I guess the advertising worked because I became curious enough to try Miller's new product. After talking with a bartender at Lark Tavern I found out that this beer was made in the Chelada style with lime and salt. Immediately I thought that Miller was trying to cock block Corona this summer.

Miller Chill Cock blockin Corona all summer long...

Corona is one of the bigger beach/pool party beers. I have enjoyed a Corona or two in the past with a slice of lime. Actually I should tell the truth I more enjoyed the lime than the Corona but whatever. So hearing that Miller Chill had lime in it sold me on the idea of trying one. The four dollars the bottle would cost me at the bar however made my decision to hold off on trying it easy especially since you can get so many good beers for the same price at the tavern.

We happened to be going to Oliver's Beverage Center the next day and what do you know they also were sporting the ads for and carrying Miller Chill. I bought a six pack along with a six pack of Sly Fox Pils and a six of Hoptical Illusion from Blue Point. After arriving home I put the beers in the fridge and waited a bit for them to reach a good temperature.

Upon retrieving the beer from the fridge I had to use a bottle opener, again Corona came to mind, to open it. I poured the beer into a glass it looked like your average lite beer. The smell was the first clue thought that I was about to make the biggest little mistake of my day. Miller Chill smells something like you would expect it to if you were not expecting that much. The aroma is limeish I guess with a faint lite beer smell. The taste though is where you really find out you fucked up wasting money on this beer. Miller Chill tastes like a mix of watery margarita, Michelob Ultra, and horrible "salt" and "lime" flavoring. That description does not even do justice to the face of horror that you will make if you have the bad fortune to taste this beer. Someone I know who also was dumb enough to try the Chill said it tasted like a bad mix of beer and Zima. So if you are into that you may just be into Miller Chill.

So I guess there you have it. If you want beer and lime this summer stick with using a knife to cut one up before you place it in a Miller High Life or some other cheap lite beer. That would be a better choice. Also I think cock blocking Corona is fun so try not to drink one of those all summer if possible.

Back to drawings tomorrow,

MORTEKAI

p.s. I do not know if Miller made up Chelada style so the link above will take you to a wiki entry about Michelada style. Oh and here are a few links if you really want more info.

News story on Beer Advocates site Click Here

Reviews on Rate Beer's site Click Here

Miller Chill's official site Click Here

Here is an informative story from Kansas City Star but the article may be by a dude from the Wall Street Journal Click Here

Posting more often would be good right?

2007-07-14T16:22:00.000-04:00

Sorry for not posting as often as I should. Things have been a bit hectic. We moved to a new apartment and it has taken some time to get everything settled in. Our shower still needs the use of a bottle opener to change it from hot to cold, which sucks major ass, so the showers have been an adventure. Also I moved in after everything was put into the house and that lead to moving a bunch of stuff here and there. Don't get me wrong the new place is really nice and has, I would say, everything we need plus a nice backyard.

So for today I thought I would post a new drawering. Here it be.

This image is called Video Games. I did this one with pencil and pen on white paper. It is pretty simple a guy frustrated while playing a video game. I think it is because he can't get the high score or it could be because his girlfriend wants him to stop playing. Whatever story you like better is fine with me.

So I am going to try and return to a more regular posting schedule. The third issue is being worked on and so is another mini so I should have more stuff to post about. Also I am going to try and come up with some prints, sculptures and possibly some shirt stuff using transfers and markers and such. The idea of sometimes putting up a review of films, comics and other stuff has also crossed my mind but I do not think I would be a great reviewer so we'll see.

Ok until next time,
MORTEKAI

Oh, Mocca...

2007-07-05T20:49:00.000-04:00

So Mocca came and went and it was a lot of fun to be there. I got to see my good friends from Icecreamlandia which was great. Head over to their site for comics that are light years better than mine. Also I got to see some other friends, Sakura Maku, our new best friend Jamie, and the Lovely Ava and Griffen from Love Bound Train among others. I was up on the seventh floor, as mentioned last post, and I thank anyone for making the trip. It was really nice up there but I think we could have had done with a bit more traffic. It also may have helped if I could have been there on Sunday but whateva I had some horses to ride in Wyoming (post about that coming soon).

Ok I have a few pictures from the show. Here they are. Please enjoy them very much!

MORTEKAI

Mocca this weekend...

2007-06-19T16:04:00.000-04:00

I will have a table at Mocca this coming weekend. If you are in the city come to the show. Mocca is one of the best shows that one can attend to see the best in mini comics and independent comics. My table is S24 and will be on the 7th floor in the Skylight Ballroom. Click here for all the info about the show.

At my table I will have SUPER! issues one and two, Mortekai buttons sets one and two, all previously released single buttons from Mortekai is SUPER!, the Mortekai Wolfboy t-shirt and some newly created Mortekai is SUPER! buttons. Here are images of the new buttons.

Gamma Power (White)

Gamma Power (Green)

Optic Blast

Morte Kai

NES

If you want to view or purchase any of my other stuff please go to my Etsy shop. Click the link here. I will have all of the individual buttons in the store shortly after Mocca.

I also hope to have a few extra things available at the show if I can get them done in time.

Hope to see you there,
MORTEKAI

p.s. the third issue of SUPER! is coming soon...

S.P.A.C.E Exploration and beyond with some Mocca on the horizon...

2007-06-16T19:37:00.001-04:00

More new fun coming soon. For now here are pictures from the show in Ohio called S.P.A.C.E. it was fun but did not get to much attention this year because of APE going on at the same time. Here are the pictures.

Two shots of Christine at the Mortekai is SUPER! table. Those are our neighbors in the background. They had a bunch of weird comics. One was about penguins.

Here is a picture of another one of our neighbors Robert James Algeo. RJA had his sister and cousin present with him at the show and they were all nice peoples. Here is a link to his website:

inabsentiapress

There was an opening night party at this crazy place called Momo 2. When we looked at the places website we thought it would be fun but when we actually got there we arrived right in the middle of a Street Fighter Tournament. Here are pictures of said tournament.

Here is a link to Momo 2's website:

Momo 2

So the show went well. We met a bunch of nice people and sold some comics and shirts and buttons and stuff. We also ended up going to this really crazy shopping Mecca about ten minutes from the show. Apparently people in Ohio are ballin because I have never seen such a collection of stores and other material goods in one area. It felt like Beaver and you will get what we experienced. Here are a few pictures from Creepsville.

It was even more horrible in person. Anyway I am going to be at Mocca next weekend so please come on by my table. I may not have any new mini's but I will have some new buttons that I really like. I will post pictures of them tomorrow maybe.

More to come,
MORTEKAI

I'm working on working on it...

2007-04-11T15:07:00.000-04:00

Ok so there is going to be some time in between posts and such for a tad. I moved and am pretty much settled in but stuff is still a bit up in the air. I likes it here and will try to post some pics of the place/city sooner rather than later.

The next issue of SUPER! is under way. Actually it may turn into something other than the next issue but I am working on it none the less. I am hoping to have this "third issue" done in the near future and possibly another mini or two. Also there are some prints in the works that I hope turn out better than the images I have in my head.

Here is an image from the upcoming comic joyness. The image was done with pencil, pen, ink, and highlighter on white out textured board.

More soon,
MORTEKAI

P.S. having a Nintendo Wii around does not make for a efficient work environment.

Explosions behind my eyes...

2007-03-22T15:04:00.000-04:00

i am in the process of getting stuff together to move to albany. so much stuff making my headache. here is a drawing for your brain and mine. sorry none for so long.

oh my stuff is now available at valiant death. checks it out. new stuff coming soon. there will be prints, shirts, original art, new comics, and the third issue of super! see you soon.

back to it,
MORTEKAI

LOOK AT THIS!

2007-03-01T14:50:00.000-05:00

Go to this website to see the most insane person ever to exist. This guy may be the funniest thing I have seen since Little Superstar. I want someone to get this guy to come to a party and drink an entire keg. I wonder if he goes around like this 24/7. Ok I have to continue training...it sucks.

MORTEKAI

Does Martin Scorsese have a bromance with Leonardo DiCaprio?

2007-03-01T12:41:00.000-05:00

I say the answer is yes! After watching the Departed this is the feeling I kept getting and the image I kept seeing in my mind. Martin Scorsese must have a mega bromance with Leonardo DiCaprio. For those of you out there not familiar with the term, a bromance is like a big boy crush. I guess it could also be described as the male version of BFF (Best Friends Forever). Some guys take it a bit father than others though. MS has put LC in his last three movies. Three in a row! If he were playing tic-tac-toe with another director, lets say like Spielberg for example, Scorsese would be doing the happy/in your face dance around the room to celebrate his victory.

I guess besides pointing out the number of times these to bromancers have worked together I am aslo trying to point out they have worked well together. They both bring out good qualities in the other. Scorsese seems revitalized and has won his first Oscar, like I said yesterday that may not have been the best thing, and DiCaprio does always remind me of that tool from Titanic anymore (I really hate that movie). See it was like when they got together a twinkle came to their eyes. Maybe they both shed a little tear. A small teeny weenie tear from the left eye on Leo and the right eye of Marty. I wish I could have been there for that moment. The only bromance in my mind that must have had a more tear filled meeting was that of Matt Damon and Ben Affelck. Do you think Affleck still has to come over and wax Matt's cars for the Good Will Hunting Oscar? Here is a pic of Matt trying to get a threesome bromance going on.

In conclusion it is easy to see that Martin Scorsese is in a serious bromance with Leonardo DiCaprio. I for one am happy for both parties. Each has benefited greatly from the relationship artistically. I pray that they continue to work together. I never want to see Titanic Leo or Bringing out the Dead Marty again. I shudder at the thought.

Here are a few cute pictures of the boys at work. Look how intense they are together. It warms my heart to see true love like that. The order is Gangs of New York, and the Aviator. Magic I say, pure magic enjoy.

So that's it for today. I am at a Quark training class right now which is boring as hell. I promise a new drawering tomorrow. Maybe I will even post two but let's not get crazy. Have a good one.

MORTEKAI

p.s. Here is what Marty's Oscar looks like.

Self Obsession

2007-02-27T12:40:00.000-05:00

I am trying to do work and watch the Departed today. I think so far I like it. At least it seems like one of those movies you will like after the first time you see it but will seem not as good after several viewings. The cast is good so far and the score is great at most parts. The cinematography and pacing is also enjoyable. Mark Wahlberg's hair is totally nuts though take a look.

Sucks hard rite? Anyway I think it will finish off well. It could be a good thing that Scorsese finally got his Oscar for this. I think it would have made for a better story though if he never won an Oscar. Hitchcock and Kubrick and a bunch of others never got an Oscar and are still considered great directors. Awards truly mean nothing except maybe some more money. Not getting the Oscar would have added to his status as a director in my mind. Build the legend you know? But I guess the recognition is nice also.

Back to the point, the Departed = so far so good. And now here is todays illustration called "Self Obsession".

It was originally done with pencil, pen and ink, and highlighter on cardstock with a white out base. The original is more craggy when you look at it. At the time that I drew this I found myself sometimes complaining about some really unimportant shit. I also was feeling a neglect from the people in my life. I was contributing more than them and I wanted the equation to be balanced out. The text reads "Sick with self obsession" on top followed by, "Me first" on the bottom. I think it came out okay. I may try a larger version.

Ok back to work/movie time,
MORTEKAI

YMMFBTIEH

Home from the cruise and still a little sea sick if that is possible

2007-02-26T13:10:00.000-05:00

There are pictures of the seven day awesome fest but rite now I do not have them. I am going to try and get them soon. For now here are a few pictures from my trip to japan. Kinda the same but really not at all.

This picture is of an onigiri shop rite outside of the Tsukiji market. Onigiri are rice balls with a filing of some type I had umeboshi which was good but a little wierd. Click here for more information about Onigiri.

These pictures are from the Tsukiji fish market. Here is a wikipedia link for the market. The first picture is of some tuna that is being auctioned off. The second picture is of one of the fish sellers. There were rows and rows of shops like this. Next is a picture of a shop that sold little brite red shrimps. After purchasing the tuna the fish would be taken and cut up using a huge chainsaw. The third picture shows a worker in the middle of sawing. Finally rite outside of Tsukiji there are a ton of fresh sushi places. I went to one at 5:30 am and had a breakfast of sushi, miso soup, tamago and green tea. This was the best sushi I have ever had in my life. This place was also highly recommend by the local people.

So that is it for now. More exciting and crazy stories to come plus I am working on the new issue of SUPER! as well as some other new Mortekai stuff. Hopefully no more sea sick tomorrow.

See you then,
MORTEKAI

YMMSL

<3

Valentines Day + Cruise Time!

2007-02-14T09:30:00.000-05:00

So I think Valentine's Day is a made up dumb holiday. Why should some greeting card companies and florists and chocolate makers and ladies undergarment sellers get to decide that February 14th is the day that I should show someone I care about that I care about them in a caring money spending fashion? I have come to the conclusion that I may show the person that I care about that I love them today or on any other February 14th in the future but it will be because I want to.

What I guess I am saying is that I declare Valentines Day the female Christmas. What I mean is that if my gf happens to piss me off a lot during the year or if she burns dinner or something she will be opening a box containing a lump of coal for V-day. That may seem harsh but hear me out. Who says Santa is the only one who can make naughty and nice lists? I do not think it was the Catholic church so it also must be some other assholes. In fact it was invented by the biggest assholes in the world. Parents that do not know how to parent. Back in the olden days when people used to say hello to each other when walking down the street some genius go the idea that they could rule their children's lives with a series of threats and rewards. Also I think a little fear was thrown in. This is what I have been told it went down like.

"Timmy if you are good this year and continue making daddy so angry he has to get drunk and beat mommy, an imaginary fat lush named Santa Claus will not bring you a new bike!" said some random mother one year to her young and impressionable child.

That is how it got started. That is how the fear of Santa was built into children. That and they fact that parents tell you he can see you when your sleeping and he knows when you are awake. So basically he is a straight creeper and you don't want your parents to hit each other after hitting the bottle so you conform to being good, problems solved.

This is my vision for Valentines Day. I will rule with an iron fist promising cards or flowers or edible underwear if my lova behaves for the rest of the year, except on her birthday because everyone can act stupid on their birthday. I think this is the best plan ever and I would like to see you come up with a better one. This shall be the icon of this new Valentines Day a cherub dressed like santa.

Here is a link to the wikipedia Valentines Day entry. You can read that if you want to know about the origins of this holiday and stuff like that. But if you are not a weenie than you would probably rather read the St. Valentine Day Massacre entry. That is much more better fo readin.

Aside from todays "holiday" I also would like to mention that this will be the last day of posting for about a week. I will be going on vaykay with the Shoemakers again and it is going to be so awesome. Last years trip was an experience and I can only imagine this years will be similarly insane. Here is a link to the post about the previous trip, soo good. The only thing I am going to be doing for the next week is livin the dream. I hope we dress like pirates this time.

I did not have a pic of shoe being a pirate. I put up what I feel is the next best thing a picture of Shoe slaying it. Anytime he goes on vacation Shoe is a real ladies man putting everyone else to shame. In this picture he is charming the pants off of Conrad but I did not have a photo of Shoe charming a lady so I went with what I had. You get the point Shoe = charming.

Pray for our safe return!
MORTEKAI

p.s. I am really liverwursty today. ILYAAF

Bromance...

2007-02-12T15:41:00.000-05:00

Here is a picture that I took while on a loverly walk with my man Gigam. After walk time we went out to dinner with the sis and Super Steve.

And here is a picture of Shoe and myself. Shoe has not had a drink in about a month. Thursday I shall be making his first drink for him. Then the next day we are taking off on a cruise. Same idea as last year except it will be two days longer and we are going to Belize City, Belize. I cannot wait.

Belize that!,
MORTEKAI

Fire in my gut and you on my mind. I am ready...

2007-02-09T16:18:00.000-05:00

standing alone
it shines to you like a beacon
through the syrup
leading you back home
that is where two becomes
one

MORTEKAI

One for Radical...

2007-02-08T16:28:00.000-05:00

I drew this for my homey Conrad after watching Coffee and Cigarettes with him. The movie is very interesting and I would recommend checking it out to anyone. Jim Jarmusch directed it and I happened to see a picture of him for the first time after watching the film. The guy looks like a crazy mutant. This is still a sketch but I am going to make it into a painting or possibly something else. Hopefully it will show the full mutantyness when it is done.

For his royal radness,
MORTEKAI

Wolfboy shirt available in the Mortekai is SUPER! Etsy Shop...

2007-02-08T09:21:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures of what the shirt looks like in what some people like to call "Real Life"

And here is a link to the shop Mortekai is SUPER!. Go there for other fun stuff also.

Maybe new image posted later. Mindless zombie work must be accomplished at the moment.

Inigo Montoya: I admit it, you are better than I am.
Man in Black: Then why are you smiling?
Inigo Montoya: Because I know something you don't know.
Man in Black: And what is that?
Inigo Montoya: I... am not left-handed.,
MORTEKAI

ICWTBWY

Quick one for today...

2007-02-06T08:18:00.000-05:00

A few sketchy ones I did a while back. I think pen, ink and highliters on sticker paper.

MORTEKAI

Thursday conquers (but they did play crap from that new album which sounded like hell)

2007-02-02T10:32:00.000-05:00

Thursday rocked hard last nite. The new songs sucked ass but the band tired to rock them as hard as they could. At least the effort was there rite? Anyway a show nite with Thursday being that awesome has not been experienced since 2004. I am sick or I would write more about said awesomeness. It is lazy time.

Which leads me to today's images. Sick + still working on yesterday's image = these three here. I hope you like them and I am sorry that they are not totally new. Monday some newness?

I am coming to rule you,
MORTEKAI

TWNBATTICLWOY

Thursday on Thursday mint...mint...

2007-02-01T08:17:00.000-05:00

5

4

3

2
If your band does one counting song you are forbidden to do another. Thursday must have missed that memo. Lets hope they cross "5,4,3,2,1" from their minds eye forever. Thursday tonight with hopes of hearing the old shit. Image constructed on Motherbox. From first to last, maybe.

Jet Black,
MORTEKAI

IWPC!

p.s. Better green?

Would you look at that

2007-01-31T11:20:00.000-05:00

Pencil + Pen and Ink on Paper = This Image. Not much to say today except that the office smells like rancid tuna fish rite now.

Tomorrow better posty?
MORTEKAI

i am feeling liverwursty

Its like a mind puzzle. An awesome mind puzzle.

2007-01-30T08:33:00.000-05:00

George Michael: Good afternoon, Bluth company. Talk you off? Talk you off of what, Pop-pop?

George Sr.: George Michael. Oh. Hey, I thought you were .. When's that voice going to drop?

Everybody loves him he's George Michael,
MORTEKAI

Sounds like someone has a case of the Mondays

2007-01-29T08:27:00.000-05:00

Peter Gibbons: Let me ask you something. When you come in on Monday, and you're not feelin' real well, does anyone ever say to you, 'Sounds like someone has a case of the Mondays'?
Lawrence: No. No, man. Shit, no, man. I believe you'd get your ass kicked sayin' something like that, man.

Peter Gibbons: So I was sitting in my cubicle today, and I realized, ever since I started working, every single day of my life has been worse than the day before it. So that means that every single day that you see me, that's on the worst day of my life.
Dr. Swanson: What about today? Is today the worst day of your life?
Peter Gibbons: Yeah.
Dr. Swanson: Wow, that's messed up.

I HATE it here,
MORTEKAI

love is in the air (almost)

2007-01-26T11:57:00.000-05:00

created on the motherbox with hopes that you like it. based on a photo from my best day ever.

lysmihtba,
Kevin

Tobias, you blowhard!

2007-01-25T14:02:00.000-05:00

If you have never seen Arrested Development than you probably think Jason Bateman's career pinnacle was starring in Teen Wolf Too. For those of you that have seen AD you know that Tobias is Queen Mary and perhaps the funniest character on the show. So I decided to highlight one of my favorite Tobias moments in today's second post.

I was going to post some clips from Google video but I got screwed because they bought Youtube and switched their video over. I say FUCK THAT. Oh the reason I cannot use Youtube is that my employer happened to block the site because they are a bunch of jerks. Anyway you get the drawing and a few links that lead you to Tobias fun. If you really need video that badly I am sure you are all competent enough to seek out some clips on your own. If not than go buy the all three seasons on dvd. Actually you should go buy the dvds anyway because this show only gets better with each viewing.

So I did this drawing directly using Motherbox's advanced technology. Basically in this scene Tobias says I am afraid I just Blue myself and your insides hurt because you laugh so hard. Click that link to hear what I would like you to see. This link goes to a transcript of the episode. Reading the line in context makes it even funnier. I am also pretty sure that the site has video also. And finally here is some info about Tobias. He is the world's first analrapist. What?

There has got to be a better way to say that,
MORTEKAI

-waiting for pita chips with a side of liverwurstyness-

Unposty this week?

2007-01-25T09:50:00.000-05:00

Ok I am going to put up two posts today and two posts tomorrow to make up for this weeks unpostyness. I hope that does it for you if not I guess I could take you out to dinner and a movie. Hopefully you can forgive me after that. I would even consider going to couples counseling if you think it can make us work better together. I love you baby don't leave me because I was being unposty.

For the first post here is a drawing I did of a former coworker. She seemed to always be so distant and amazed when you would ask her anything. Pencil, pen and ink on paper with colors by Motherbox. I am glad I do not work with this woman anymore.

One more to go,
MORTEKAI

LIVERWURSTY MORE THAN EVER...

2007-01-19T15:31:00.000-05:00

Visits to new places are more fun when I know you are there waiting for me.

- Kevin

Syrupy...

2007-01-18T08:03:00.000-05:00

The Monster Squad aka the one where Wolfman's got nards...

2007-01-17T08:15:00.000-05:00

That title really has nothing to do with the image that I am posting today I would just really like to watch The Monster Squad. I was going to do a whole post about The Monster Squad until I stumbled across one that would put anything I could do to shame. Here is the link for The Ultimate Monster Squad Tribute. Damn it is so good. Here is a link to get straight to the part we all want to see Wolfman's got NARDS.

Ok so enough TMS. Here is the image I am posting for your enjoyment today.

This drawing is from the series "all of those astronaut drawings" some of which have been posted previously. To check out the old ones click here and right here. So how about the title clever rite? Yeah I will think of an actual title when I have the series done.

This particular image was done with pen and ink on paper than scanned into Motherbox and mutated, for the better I think. I may call this one "Home is better than space because all of the moon men are gone" not sure though.

I will lend you a dollar anytime,
MORTEKAI

SUPER! blogarama!

2007-01-16T09:15:00.000-05:00

So today I got this email from Rick Bradford of Poopsheet Shop and Foundation fame. He dropped me a line to let me know he gave SUPER! a plug on his site which also links to his live journal, myspace and a few other places. First off I should say that the Poopsheet Foundation and shop are great. Rick has some fantastic old zines and minis available go check it out at Poopsheet. As for the link to the SUPER! plug you can click right about HERE. it is short but sweet. Kinda like Keith Terra.

Here is a picture for today, I hope you like it.

Im feelin kinda pita chippy,
MORTEKAI

Sorry, I was sick...

2007-01-12T09:24:00.000-05:00

Sickness kept me away yesterday I am sorry. Here is a new image for today. Pen and ink on white out covered board. I me mine.

Bye,
MORTEKAI

P.S. I just wanted to thank everyone who has bought a copy of SUPER! I really appreciate it very much. :^)

Blood Red...

2007-01-10T13:07:00.000-05:00

This times forever,
MORTEKAI

Conrad...

2007-01-08T14:25:00.000-05:00

Ok so Conrad is one of the best friends you could have in your life, ever. He is also an all around fantastic specimen of radness. Conrad has a great mind and produces amazing work both at his job at Spike tv and on his own creating both films and photos that will blow your mind (he also created Eleven Hour Happy Hour which for any other man would be a life's achievement). Another thing about Rad is that the man might be a baseball encyclopedia that came to life and started walking. There are so many reasons why he is called Conradical it would melt your face if I mentioned them all. I think you can only handle a glimpse. So in todays post I am going to let you sneak a peek at living greatness.

Conrad has two blogs that he currently works on. Conradio is the first. This is his blog for dishing out creativity and energy in Gigam sized proportions. Through this blog you can find links to his photo and collage work as well as his films. I suggest checking them all out immediately. "The War is Over" in particular is amazing. It is Conrad's war documentary about his father and Vietnam. After I viewed the film I was intrigued with how Conrad could show love and hate in the same piece with such a high caliber of execution. His love for his father is countered by his distaste for war and the way he bounces one of the other will leave you staggered. Click this link HERE to visit the blog.

Conrads other offering in his attempt to make the internet safer for all of humanity is called Lies About Baseball. Yeah it has a sick name and even sicker content. Even if you do not like baseball you will get a laugh and maybe even a little tear of joy from the hilarity that is spread across this blog. Click this link HERE to go and read one of the best things on the internet.

What follows is a small selection of some of my favorite works created by Conrad. I think you will agree the talent is massive, the attack is determined and sharp as a razor. Check out that kissing emoticon, it's crazy right? The last image is my favorite. Ok enjoy.

Katie's cage with caged heat inside. Sick.

A master of disguises and breathing life into the dead. CJG as HST belize that.

There is no way it can get any better. Well maybe if you decided to get a tattoo of this but that may be the only way.

Skills kid! Before...

...and after, simple and to the point.

"Ok so whatever Conrad is really smart and witty and apparently talented but what else is there?" you may ask like a fool. To that I reply "The sexy". Conrad brings the sexy like no other. Here is a fine example of Conrad being super seductive. Try and resist this...just try.

Impossible, right? I bet you had to have some alone time with yourself after looking at that pose. Don't feel bad it happens, Conrad has an animal magnetism that cannot be stopped. Check out these poor saps. They could not resist the Conrad charm. Keith chased Conrad into the bathroom and got an eyeful. And I do mean an eyeful. Van stepped it up to the next level and attacked Conrads caulk head, or maybe mouth is more accurate, on. Get some kid!

I guess no post like this could be complete without a list of things that Conrad enjoys. He has a varied set of interests and such. You should try and enjoy these things too, expand those horizons.

Here is the cherry on top of the sundae. To cap off today's post we have some images of Connie doing what he does best, Livin, the dream.

Keep living it buddy,
Kevin

Return of the Jedi...

2007-01-03T14:36:00.000-05:00

Here is a good one to start the year off. This is a picture I drew of the Werewolf of London. I found out about this movie when I was a little Kai in elementary school. The school library had a whole line of really cool books on different movie monsters. I remember checking these books out all of the time. The pictures inside the books were all in black and white. The stark and often grainy black and white really helped to capture the images of these horrific creatures in my mind. The monsters seemed more foreign and scary than they would ever have been in color. These monochrome images also added a sense of reality and life into the characters. I imagined some of the photos could have been taken from newspapers documenting these beasts destroying cities or ravaging country sides. These books really held my imagination. None so much so as the book about my favorite monster, the Wolfman.

The Wolfman was, and still is, completely fascinating to me. In most of his incarnations the Wolfman would transform from a sheepish or not physically imposing man into a feral and incredibly strong hybrid between man and wolf. The ability to transform himself was very intriguing. I was not very concerned at the time with the curse aspect of the whole tale. It was just fun to watch the Wolfman go crazy. The Wolfman was the shit (Until he got kicked in the nards in The Monster Squad after that he was not as cool).

Despite the werewolf in the Monster Squad going down like a sack of potatoes after taking a shot to the balls I still have a fond place for the Wolfman particularly the Werewolf of London. The make up in this movie always seemed to capture the wolf + man = Wolfman aspect for me almost perfectly. Below are a few pictures from the film. Click this link HERE to read more abouts it.

To create the original image I used pencil along with pen and ink on paper. After a quick scan into the Motherbox I edited some of the colors. I hope you like this because I think it came out well.

2007,
MORTEKAI

Holiday vacation time...yes...

2006-12-21T11:55:00.000-05:00

SOOOOOoooo it is time for fun and freedom. The chains are off and I am going to be set loose upon Long Island for the next week. God life sucks. Seriously I count most of my life away waiting for the weekend or vacations. I need to have one of my friends become famous so we can all live together like the dudes on Entourage. Yeah that would be cool. Also I think I may start trying to win the lottery. If I win the prize better not be a stoning.

Ok back to reality, I thought I would put up a few pictures before this most wonderful time of the year begins. Reason being I do not think I will be able to post for about a week. I am praying that I will be having too much fun to want to come inside and play with the internets (I hate the internets). So I am trying to go out with a little bang here. These be the images.

The title is "I Quit" which I have not done up to this point. Maybe for New Years. This was done on paper and a piece of a cigarette box with pencil, pen, ink, and highlighter. Smoking is bad kids.

I do not really have a title for this but I thought it was a fun image for the holidays. There better be a lot of dancing over the holiday. I demand DANCING! Done with paper, ink, pencil, highlighters and a bit of help from Motherbox. Oh, Motherbox how I lover youse.

This final image is "Small Beauty" a small three panel strip. The beginning is winter and the end is summer. This is more along the line of the work I usually do. Yeah I like the simple. Done with pencil, pen and ink upon a piece of paper.

So there you have it. A big explosion of fun and color for the holidays with a little desert at the end. I hope everyone has the most fun ever this next week. Oh and you should trade in any gifts you happen to get and buy some Mortekai or SUPER! things for friends and family (Click HERE to go to the shop you cheapos). They are way better than a PS3 or tube socks. I definitely know they are better than tube socks. Unless you get like really awesome socks with rad colors blazing all over them that may be better than my stuff.

Happy Merry,
MORTEKAI

Zombies love hump day...

2006-12-20T10:38:00.000-05:00

Pencil on paper with pen, ink, and highlighters. I tinted the drawing a bit with Motherbox. Uhm zombies and evolution...yeah...happy hump day.

MORTEKAI

for tuesday here is a quickie...

2006-12-19T12:32:00.000-05:00

Pencil and ink on paper. You like it now!

MORTEKAI

the twenty-seventh, symbols and such...

2006-12-18T08:49:00.000-05:00

Here is another new design that I am working on. These are the colors I started out with when I began. I do think both the logo and the background could work in a large variety of colors.

The main idea here is simplicity. I combined the Mortekai circle logo with another logo I had come up with. I think they look nice and balanced together. I just toyed around with different placements, and positions until I arrived at this. The image below looks about right to me.

This design will be on shirts, buttons, and probably bags and other apparel. The first image is the design itself while the second image gives an idea of possible placement on a shirt. Let me know what you think about it.

MORTEKAI

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES...

2006-12-15T09:16:00.000-05:00

James rules and everyone should celebrate that he exists. There is no better bro out there to have backing you up.

Have a great Birthday,
MORTEKAI

I never eat a pig because a pig is a cop...

2006-12-14T08:48:00.000-05:00

Ugh. Is it so hard to not be a total ass face to another human male? Story may be coming soon long and short of it is this, FUCK THA POLICE! I really should not make a blanket statement like that. I know a few good people who, unfortunately for them, happen to be cops. So somewhere there must be at least like two others cops that are not total blow holes. But they probably are clones or aliens or escapees from Earth-Two and not humans from this earth.

Anyway this pic was done with pencil, pen with red and black ink as well as Motherbox help. Quick one cause I was away.

FUCK EM,
MORTEKAI