"The Wall"

For a while now I wanted to do more with my photography and last week I started to do so. I used my voice and informed a lot of people about what’s going on in this world. This is a new week so here is new knowledge for all of you.  This is a piece I did to shed light on “The Wall”. Please read below to find out more!

Here are a few facts about “the wall”. 

First, Trump asked Congress for $1.6 billion to replace 14 miles of wall in San Diego and build 60 miles in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley, the busiest corridor for illegal crossings. This is $1.6 billion that could fix below average communities in this nation but no… this money will go to a “wall”.

The last two of eight prototypes for President Trump’s proposed border wall took shape Thursday Oct. 19th at a construction site in San Diego. The prototypes form a tightly packed row of imposing concrete and metal panels, including one with sharp metal edges on top. 

Second, the models, which cost the government up to $500,000 each, were spaced 30 feet apart. Slopes, thickness and curves vary. Bidding guidelines call for the prototypes to stand between 18 and 30 feet high and be able to withstand at least an hour of punishment from a sledgehammer, pickaxe, torch, chisel or battery-operated tools. Features also should prevent the use of climbing aids such as grappling hooks, and the segments must be “aesthetically pleasing” when viewed from the U.S. side. 

So, not only will there be “a wall” but Mexico will have a dangerous wall on their side while America have an appealing view on theirs? This is inhumane on so many different levels. 

Third, there are currently 654 miles of single-layer fence on the 1,954-mile border, plus 51 miles of double- and triple-layer fence. Listen, America’s immigrant population is at an all time high. America is home to at least 43.7 million immigrants. 

This is a country built by immigrants. This is a country built for immigrants. But, now this country wants to deport immigrants. Now this country wants to prevent immigrants from coming. Wow America! You really fucked up now! Because right now, the way this country is looking, Mexican’s shouldn’t be the one’s that are being prevented from entering this country or kicked out. So America, you truly need to check yourself. #WakeUpAmerica

Homage to the Northeastern Caribbean

For a while now I wanted to do more with my photography. I began to get bored of just photographing portraits or landscapes. I noticed that I needed something more from myself. I realized that I have a voice. I also realized that I have a small platform. So I thought to myself, why not speak up and inform those around me. 

Here is a piece I did to pay homage to the Northeastern Caribbean. Please read below to find out why!

Hurricane Maria caused catastrophic damage across the Northeastern Caribbean. 

The storm hurtled across the Caribbean and slapped the Turks and Caicos Islands. Maria would be their second major hurricane strike in just two weeks. Maria has added to the extensive damage in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The hurricane barreled across the Caribbean over the past few days, claiming the lives of at least 19 people, with many others missing.

Puerto Rico's death toll from Hurricane Maria could be substantially higher than the 45 fatalities reported by the government.

Nearly 90% of Puerto Rico remains without power, while many of the island's 3.4 million residents are lacking proper shelter or clean drinking water weeks after Hurricane Maria struck.

Donald Trump tweeted, “We cannot keep FEMA, the Military & the First Responders, who have been amazing (under the most difficult circumstances) in P.R. forever!” 

The Trump administration’s full budget proposal, released earlier this week, details its plans for cuts to the agency’s funding. The damaging cuts proposed make clear that the administration is willing to put Americans at risk by shortchanging investments in disaster preparedness. Ultimately, this approach could also cost taxpayers more in the aftermath of a disaster.

The Trump administration’s harmful cuts to the FEMA and HUD budgets would seriously undermine our nation’s ability to prepare for and recover from disasters, and put the safety of Americans at risk. What’s more, it’s a classic case of a “penny wise pound foolish” strategy that will actually end up costing taxpayers more in disaster assistance over the long haul. But all we hear about is how the NFL protesters are disrespecting America. Little does most people know, the 45th is stabbing America in the back as I type this post. #WakeUpAmerica

Poem: Who Do You See Me As?

When you look at me what do you see?
A young man from the South Bronx...
With a lot of potential probably,
Possibly,
You see me as a goof ball who plays ball,
Someone who wouldn't stay down when they do fall.

Or,

You see me as a immature monogamous
Irrationality dating just to make relationship progress
Playing the field, but never playing too dirty.
Somebody that'll get married and have kids,
But differently not before he's 30.

Depending on when we met,

You probably see me as somebody who can drink you under the table
Somebody who would finish your drink if you weren't able
Somebody who would rather party than stay in
Somebody who wouldn't mind calling it an early night just to get it in.

But if we met recently you probably won't believe that last part could be me,

Now, I rather have a beer and then go home just to wake up early
You probably see me as somebody who works hard. 
A person who takes less risks because of all his battle scars.
A smile on my face because the alternative is not an option.
You see me as somebody you can turn to for advice because I'm always plotting.

When you look at me what do you see?

Past, present or future? 
Because believe me,
Sometimes I don't even recognize me,
I know its me
But what I see is a better me
A me nobody knows but me,
Thats the me I want you to see
When you look at me
The better me.

Let The Good Times Roll!

Hello readers,

I know it's been awhile since I wrote.  Last year, I wrote once a week until around May, and then my writing kind of transitioned into videography.  So, that's what I've been up to since I graduated from college last spring.  However, that's not why I'm writing today. 

Have you ever had an exceptionally good day?  Like, when everything went according to plan, or just played out in your favor?  But, on the flip side, you've also had bad days.  Like, when absolutely nothing was going your way, and you felt like the world was out to get you? 

What if I told you that these situations weren't coincidental. 

Yes, I said it, you yourself have control of what mood you're in.  I always knew this, however did not realize how until recently.  I've been extremely independent for about 9 months until I started dating again 2 months ago.  Believe me when I said I was absolutely happy and I was one with myself.  So, I thought why not allow myself to experience this happiness with somebody else.  Right?

Right!  That is an ideal situation that any person would like to be in.  However, that wasn't the case for me.

When I first started dating I still felt happy and still one with myself.  I felt as if I was still having days go my way and the stars were all aligned for me.  But, after a few more weeks of dating, I started to have a few bad days here and there.  Now how could this be?  Here I am, an honest young man with a loving family, great friends, and a fantastic job doing what I love.  Why was I having a bad day? 

This thought never crossed my mind until right now as I'm writing this blog post.  Why was I having a few bad days here and there while dating?  

And then it hit me!

While dating somebody you're beginning to develop feelings for, your emotions are more raw.  Opening the door to your inner self in order to let somebody in leaves the door open for other things to enter.  If you aren't fully aware of your partner and what vibes are vibrating off of them, you'll never notice the negativity that may entire your life. 

In my case it was the unspoken truths I was unaware of.  I wasn't completely honesty with my partner and myself. So, as a result, I began to lose myself. This resulted in me not being one with myself anymore.  I started to feel lost and unhappy.  So unhappy that I started to dwell on the little things and not focus on the bigger picture of my life.  I lost my purpose. 

I know what you're thinking... " But I'm not dating anybody!" OR "I'm happy in my relationship!"

Now, this doesn't have to happen just with dating.  This scenario can even occur with family, friends, work, or even total strangers.  I'm not saying don't open your door to somebody.  You can leave your door wide open 24/7 honestly.  You just have to constantly be aware of what enters because what's outside your inner self is easy to come in, and what's inside of your inner self is hard to let out.

Crazy right?

Thats why right now, I'm focusing on finding myself again. I'm letting out all the negativity that was inside of me. And once I realized this good things began to happen to me again. Yesterday I had an amazing interview for my documentary, the sun came out, I was able to obtain bigger opportunities are work than I normally do, I began to hear from people that were really close to me in the past that I haven't heard from in a while and I even found $20. 

This happened because I started focusing on the bigger picture of my life instead of all the unnecessary details. You, too, can have good days consistently.  Just be cautious of what's in you, and of what you let in. I know you can have constant good days!

Thanks for reading, 

Peace readers

-Stylish Ev