News

This week, I received the heartbreaking news that my former housemate, Brian, died on the streets from an overdose. His death is a stark reminder of the failures in our mental health and housing systems—failures that are too often masked by policies marketed as “tough love.” Telecare, the organization responsible for Brian’s care, deemed him unworthy of further housing. They claimed that he had exhausted his chances, that their tough love approach was the only way to push him toward recovery. But what they called tough love was really just abandonment. Brian struggled with substance abuse and schizophrenia, a combination...

When we hear the phrase "right to counsel," it evokes a sense of justice, a cornerstone of our legal system. We imagine a defender by our side, someone who will fight tooth and nail for our rights, ensuring a fair trial. But in reality, for those who can’t afford a private attorney, this “right” often feels like a distant dream. Public defenders are supposed to be the shield between the accused and a complex, often unforgiving legal system. But are they? Or has this critical role been undermined by inefficiency, overburdening, and a quiet allegiance that leans more toward the...

In a society that prides itself on freedom, one would expect that the rights enshrined in the Constitution, such as freedom of speech, would be universally protected. However, as we navigate the complexities of modern life, it becomes clear that these rights can sometimes be selectively upheld—particularly when corporate interests and property ownership come into play. The First Amendment guarantees freedom of speech, yet this right is often subject to the whims of those who control the platforms or spaces where speech occurs. For instance, large corporations that own social media platforms can ban users, censor content, or manipulate algorithms...

    The question on many minds is: why wasn’t she convicted of prostitution when it’s clear that Trump paid her? This situation raises complex legal, ethical, and political questions that go beyond the obvious. First, let’s break down the nature of the transaction. While it’s evident that money was exchanged, the context matters. In many cases involving public figures, the exchange is framed as a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) or a settlement rather than a straightforward "pay for play" scenario. NDAs are legal and widely used, even if the circumstances around them are questionable. The payment can be characterized as...

Life drawing has always been a cornerstone of artistic expression—a direct and unfiltered way of capturing the human experience. On DanJoyceArt.com, the life drawing collection is no exception. The collection stands out for its bold, unapologetic portrayal of the human form, reflecting not just technical skill but also a deep, often raw, understanding of what it means to be human. The Power of Gesture One of the first things that strikes you about this collection is the emphasis on gesture. The drawings capture movement, emotion, and the essence of the figure with a fluidity that feels almost alive. There’s a...