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Poverty has long been a pressing issue, but often, those outside of it—including the middle class—don’t fully grasp the depth of the challenges faced by the poor. While poverty is a multifaceted problem, it’s fueled by a toxic mix of addiction, gangs, crime, a lack of police protection, racism, immigration struggles, and mental health crises. The middle class may sympathize, but can they truly understand what it means to live in these conditions? Let’s explore how these factors intertwine, and whether the middle class is as out of touch as some might suggest. Addiction: The Invisible Chain Addiction is rampant...

I’ve always believed that art brings people together, but sometimes, in the world of creative expression, bridges burn. The blacklist saga between myself and Magoski has been a long, winding road, and yet, after all these years, here we are—back at square one. Magoski’s recent message has left me perplexed. It begins with my emails being sent straight to spam, as if that’s where my entire relationship with the Art Colony has ended up. "You don't seem to be hearing me," he says. The irony is thick, considering the years of dodged accountability. His recollections are hazy, and while he...

My Smoker’s Journal: Turning Ashes into Ambition So, if I end up in a group home, there’s going to be a lot of smoking around me. This is going to be really hard, but not impossible. Knowing you’ll help me with transportation to Comic-Con is a big motivator. I’m thinking about all the time and effort I waste smoking—and how I can flip that into making art and writing books. I’m not going to say “no promises” because that’s weak and, honestly, chicken shit. I’ll keep you posted on my struggles, but I’m determined to go from smoke-free to building...

You just don’t get it! You don’t understand the spirit of the artist. You might know what you like, what sells, and what works for you as a promoter—but you’re missing the essence, the heart of what makes art art. You’ve got your acid test: “Do I like it? Do I think it’s good? Does it send an important message?” Sure, those questions are part of the equation, but there’s so much more. When you promote art, it’s not just about whether it checks the boxes or fits into some mold. You can love a message or a style, but...

"Uh, I said none of this."Those were the words I got tonight, and they struck me deep. Michael, you're still trying to clarify things, saying you never saw me as dangerous, never thought I was a monster. That’s a relief to hear. You mentioned being hazy about past events, unsure about some of the things that happened, but you reaffirmed that there was never any ill will. You even reminded me that you supported me, even when I wasn’t allowed in the colony. Ultimately, I was invited back. So why does it still feel like there’s a rift? You ended...