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The Sanctuary - Literary Art By Inmate Alex Brengle

There is a place I go to be alone. A sanctuary of sorts. Perhaps to you, it won't be. I walk down a hall with many doors, each locked with a key only I hold. The hall goes on seemingly forever, and doors appear with each new step. Lights shine through their thresholds and shadows cross the floor before me. Some are shadows that are decades old that hold memories of loves lost and and sorrows long hurried. I hold a lamp in my hand while I walk the hall, for it is dark. It is dark because of what I put here. I see a wraith before my step. It floods beneath the door and stretches out toward my feet. But the light from my lamp extinguishes the black ribbons that try to restrain me, and I walk on. Farther along, I hear a woman crying. Her sobs weigh on me like a mile stone around my neck as I'm tossed into the sea. I have the key. I could open this door and shout " Stop!" But this ghost is here behind the locked door because it's still part of me. Other rooms have laughter. I don't have to keep those locked like this one. Above me is a shingled roof that covers the mansion of my heart. Tonight the rains fall heavy on it and the the crush of thunder trembles my hands. Witches in the wind. The lamps fall and the wraiths reach out once more. So I run. Lightening stretches across the sky, and for an atom of time I see the end of the hall before me! I'm out of breath and the wraith closes in! My feet storm, step, and step again! And as I feel the anxious fingers tempt the back of my head, the door in front of me opens and... I'm once again here. Before me stands my sanctuary. In it there are good memories somewhere. So I'll look again. *PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE EMAIL LIST IN ORDER TO RECEIVE NOTIFICATIONS OF FREE BOOK GIVEAWAYS, AND NEW BLOG POST* Read the full article

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Treatment Of Prisoners/Inmates - Commissary

Since the outbreak of COVID 19 prisons all over the country had to developed a new normal. One of the biggest changes has been in the commissary department. Prior to COVID prisoners/inmates would pick up our commissary at a window located in the corridor, but once COVID hit commissary had to then get delivered to each housing unit. The reasoning for this was due to the fact that prisoners/inmates have been on a 23 hour lockdown, and that hour has to be divided up meaning, 15 minutes for a phone call, 15 minutes for a shower, and 30 in the dayroom which is when we can send and receive emails. I mentioned in a prior blog how the commissary lady can be extremely disrespectful in the way she speaks to prisoners/inmates. Well a few weeks ago she received a reality check regarding just how dependant she is when it comes to inmate labor. Since we are on lockdown only the commissary department (not inmates) could pass out the commissary, and they only consist of four individuals. They not only had to deliver over 180 bags of commissary, but they then had to pass it out. Within 20 minutes they were bent over and breathing heavily, and then they began to argue with the correctional officers in an attempt to get them to let out some prisoners to help them. One would think this would then lead to better treatment of the prisoners/inmates who were eventually allowed to help; right? Wrong. She immediately reverted to her ways and begin lashing the men, and demanding they don't touch anything, and that "her commissary" better not come up missing. Really? Had no one been allowed to help, then what? If commissary gets too backed up then she gets fired, so one would think she would appreciate us at least in that moment. Prison can be a vile and disgusting environment and after 15 years behind these walls the treatment gets worst and worst, and never fails to amaze me. Please subscribe to the email list in order to receive notifications of new blogs and free book giveaways. Read the full article

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COVID Numbers & "Treatment"

The Pennsylvania Department Of Corrections decided to finally test the entire prison population after several lawsuits were filed by family members of prisoners who've died from COVID-19. The results were overwhelming. Out of about 2000 prisoners housed at this prison (SCI DALLAS) 774 tested positive. This is not counting the post positive cases which numbered 168. Basically almost 50% of this prison population contracted COVID-19. Now the prison is separating positives from negatives, and have split the prison into two different sides. Needless to say these past few weeks have been much more stressful than the past 9 months in which we've been on complete lockdown and although I'm grateful that they've finally taken some real measures to protect us, I'm sadden by the men who've died due to their hesitancy to act sooner. For those of us living in these dungeons, everyday is nerve wrecking and you wake up praying that you don't have this virus, because you know that the treatment you'll receive will not be efficient, and there'll be a strong possibility that your worst fear of dying behind these walls alone will come true. The prisoners who've beat the virus and have returned to population have told us how they just pack them in the gymnasium, and they only treat you once you have respiratory complications, anything else you're given Tylenol, and just have to wait it out. There's only one toilet and one shower for the entire gym, and for those who are in dire need of care they're taken to a single cell where they then wait until they believe it's worth sending them to an outside hospital, and that's where the deaths have taken place. I mentioned in a previous blog how we watched one man die on the stretcher after being made to clean himself after he'd dedicated on himself, but could barely move. Please subscribe to the email list to receive blog notifications and free book giveaways... Be Safe Read the full article

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FINALLY SOLIDARITY!!!

Today something happened that I haven't seen in general population in almost 10 years... SOLIDARITY! Being as though the unit I'm currently being housed on is under "enhanced lockdown", the rules are extremely strict. Once a prisoner tests positive for COVID-19 then that housing unit is placed on enhanced lockdown for 14 days. During those 14 days only one cell is allowed out at a time in order to use the phone and sync our tablets (to send and receive emails). There's 86 cells on this block, so if they actually run one cell at a time then they'll only be able to run half the block in a day and everyone won't receive a call daily. None of the regular block officers stick to one cell at a time, they all allow us out two cells at a time and everybody is able to call their loved ones once a day. Today guards came on to work the 2-10 shift who aren't regulars on this unit. One is a younger male, and the other was an extremely overweight middle aged female. They informed us that they would only be running one cell at a time for phone and kiosk. We tried to explain that will not work, and they didn't care. When chow came to the block they hit the workers doors to pass out trays, and everybody began to yell out of the cells for the workers to go back in and let the guards do their job. Because DOC policy states that when a unit is under an enhanced lockdown then officers have to pass out the trays. To everyone's surprise the workers went in and made the guards pass them out. Imagine this duo trying to lift three carts up flights of stairs and pass out over 170 trays. Needless to say they struggled but completed the task. They thought they won. But then we demanded our apples. Now they started thinking about passing out over 170 apples, and before they got started we let them know that if the empty trays weren't collected we would be throwing them on the tier. They capitulated and agreed to run two cells at a time in exchange for the the workers to come out. Be Safe Read the full article

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Female Counselor Assaulted

I mentioned in a previous blog that a female counselor was assaulted here @SCI Dallas about a month or two ago. Her name is Ms. White. When I first came to this prison on a disciplinary transfer in 2012 she was a correctional officer here, then she was promoted to Sergeant. She later decided to make a move to being a counselor I believe back in 2016 or 2017. My personal opinion of her is that she is a decent lady and she dealt with the majority of the prisoners with respect. However I don't believe she understood the dynamics of how her new position as a counselor would entail her having a more in depth understanding each prisoner's psyche than she would as a correctional officer. She basically viewed everybody in a nutshell. Pennsylvania's prison system schedules prisoners under codes. For example if someone has a Z code placed on them that means they have to be housed in a single cell. That person may have a history of assaulting cell mates, or he may be a sexual predator who preys on cell mates. A lot of prisoners serving sentences of life without parole (or Death By Means Of Incarceration) have Z Codes, and that is their only incentive to behave. A few years ago the administration here began to remove prisoner's Z codes and Ms. White had removed the inmate's Z Code who assaulted her. He is a lifer who people here call, "Count". He was just released from the RHU (Solitary confinement) for threatening an officer, and the next day he assaulted Ms. White. He saw her walking down the tier and attacked her viciously. Two male correctional officers working the unit restrained him, and needless to say they beat the dog shit out of him, and took him back to the RHU (solitary confinement) The local news reported the story, and she wasn't released from the hospital until three weeks after the attack. I believe that the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections need to do more regarding prisoners who suffer from mental illnesses. I was on the unit with this prisoner for about 8 years, and it was evident to anybody who paid the lease bit of attention that this prisoner is mentally ill. The man would stand at the corner of his cell gate for hours on end, and literally peep with one eye out the side of the cell gate as if no one could see him. He would come down the shower maybe once a week, and when he did he would be the loudest one in the communal showers. As soon as he would walk in he would yell "Yas Sirrrrrrrrr!". I mean he's serving his punishment for his actions, but who does the DOC (Department Of Corrections) have to answer to for failing to protect their staff? I'm sure she will be filing a law suit, and rightfully so, but the tax payers will be the ones responsible for covering that tab. So again who will answer for The Department of Correction's short comings? Due to COVID-19 @SCI Dallas has been on lockdown over 8 months. Not once has a psychologist or a psychiatrist stopped by my door and asked me am I okay. 8 months!!! Locked in a cell for 23½ hours a day. One 15 minute shower, and one 15 phone call, and on some days we don't even get a phone call. So yeah these people need to face some sort of accountability when their lack of responsibility comes at such a high price. I wish Ms. White and her family nothing but wellness, as well as Count and his family. Be safe... Read the full article

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Stimulus Checks

On September 24, 2020, a federal court granted inmates the opportunity to receive CARES ACT ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENTS/ STIMULUS CHECKS (see Scholl v. Mnuchin). This was a surprise to both prisoners and correctional officers. Central office instructed all unit teams to provide every prisoner with a 1040 tax form upon request. Needless to say they (unit teams) did not make this an easy process. All we heard for weeks was, "what the fuck do 'yous' need money for, we feed ya", or "welfare checks on the way". Basically the typical slurs expected from rotten individuals such as most of the staff here. Now there was a lot of taunting from the prisoners also. My neighbor being one of them. Once the counselor gave him his 1040 form he (my neighbor) then proceeded to ask him if he had an extra envelope because he didn't want to use any of his postage paid envelopes being as how the state was being so generous. The counselor's face turned so red, and I will admit that I was bent over in here laughing hard. The counselor just blurted, "fucking idiot" and walked away lol. Prisoners are human beings also. I mean how can one be angry because we received a check? Most prisoners need their families in order to survive, but with this pandemic amongst us, most of our families can't keep a roof over their heads, let alone help put a soup their loved one's cabinet. Since the lockdown, all the food has been prepared by staff, and 90% of it is not edible. It was hard not going hungry behind these walls before there was COVID, now it's next to impossible without help from the outside. You have to hold your nose to eat this trash, and hope your stomach is strong enough to keep it down. These people know this, and they love seeing our faces when they get to our cells, and present the slop of the day. Usually with some clown ass theatrics like "come on man, my dog can eat this shit so I know you can" smh. Be Safe & Mask Up Read the full article

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Maury Povich

It seems as though the men in here have a tendency to subject themselves to mental woes that they don't necessarily have to. Being incarcerated causes enough mental anguish in and of itself, so why subject yourself to additional mental anguish. I have to be honest and admit that I (to a degree) fall victim to the same scenario that I'm about to present. Today's culprit is no other than Mr. Maury Povich. It seems as though the entire cell block watches Maury Povich every day. As soon as he drops the "you are NOT the father" the entire block erupts. I mean doors shake, cabinets are pounded on, the men scream "You Dirty Bitch, You Trifling Whore, Told Y'all These Hoes Ain't Shit" etc. Reality is that in essence we see our significant others on that screen, and in that other man's bed (Jody's Bed). Me personally, I don't have a significant other, but I've had a few in the past, and I can relate. But why do we constantly watch these shows, knowing that it serves no purpose other than planting a seed of paranoia? This also makes me wonder why do women sign up to be with men in prison, knowing that they will be deprived of some of their basic physical needs. Women who love men in prison or "prison wives", willingly sign up to sleep alone, not have their significant other's protection, or touch, or even hear his voice without a phone in between, not to mention lack of financial support. I can't fathom why one would sign up for this, but I can say that I respect those that do sign up for it when they stand on their commitment. It's no secret that men behind these walls need affection, we need to be loved, we need to feel something soft on the visits, we need a sweet voice on the receiving end of the phone every day. We need these things to offset our misery, but we need to also be man enough to accept what may or may not come with that. Or else we can keep sounding/acting like immature idiots every time Maury sounds off... "You are NOT The Father". Please Remember To Leave Your Email Address In The Space Allotted on Our Home Page In Order To Receive Alerts To Our Free Book Giveaways, New Blog Post, And Photo Updates For "Forgotten Faces". Read the full article

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Voters Rights

So I was watching the DNC debate a few weeks ago, and I noticed that Bernie Sanders did not say whether or not he would allow violent convicted criminals to vote, even those of us currently still incarcerated. He considered the prevention of this as a "slippery slope". I try to stay away from politics for my own personal reasons, but what I don't understand is how prisoners throughout this country are not rallying to support Bernie Sanders even if only to secure their rights to vote, and better yet why isn't Bernie Sanders calling on us? There's an average of 1.5 million prisoners in America, if every prisoner has 5 family members and friends go out and vote this will secure 7.5 million votes for Bernie's Sanders, not including his already established base. Donald Trump won the Presidency with 63 million votes. These numbers show that prisoners alone could secure at least 15% of the vote if awakened to the possibility. I understand that gerrymandering, electoral votes and the likes will play a role in all of this, so view these calculations in a general sense. I believe Bernie Sanders should call on and family members and friends of the incarcerated to unite. Bernie isn't scared to take on the controversial issues, and this does scare most. What should be remembered by those who label Bernie Sanders an extremist, is that it was extremism that got us here and it'll take extremism to undo these centuries worth of injustices in which we're living with today. Please Remember To Leave Your Email Address In The Space Allotted on Our Home Page In Order To Receive Alerts To Our Free Book Giveaways, New Blog Post, And Photo Updates For "Forgotten Faces". Read the full article

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A Life Snatched...

A good friend of mine has passed away or "returned to mama" as he would say. Mr. Delbert Africa was a political prisoner, and he served over 40 years behind these walls for simply standing up for what he believe in, which where the teachings of John Africa. I was fortunate enough to receive a yes from Mr. Del when I asked him to record a couple interviews for me to post on YouTube. Please Listen to these interviews, because his story deserves to be heard. He was a part of a group called "MOVE", and everyday I saw him I would holla at him, " what's good Mr. Del?" and he would reply the same everyday "ONA Move Buck". But the days when we would just pull up, and he would spill his knowledge on me, were the days I will forever cherish. He taught me to stay true to self, even after the city of Philadelphia murdered their kids, dropped bombs on their residential house, killing more of their children and family, he and MOVE continued to stand tall, and push their agenda for over 50 years and they are still doing just that today. He should never have receive a 35 year sentence, and even after completing that sentence this vicious system still wanted more blood from him, and his brethren. They refused to release him until he was sick, and on his dying bed. They didn't even give him, a year of life in the free world with his family. If you haven't heard of MOVE, THE MOVE 9, or THE OSAGE BOMBING, then you need to listen to and watch these YouTube videos. I promise you they will blow you mind. This is black history that America does her best to keep hidden. This is a history that we need to show our kids, in order for them to see the complete disregard for black lives, where a city government will call in a helicopter, drop a bomb on a house, destroying an entire city block, killing men, women, and kids. You will be missed Mr. Del, and you will never be forgotten. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_CeW9amcgI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlmkjwZVy5w Please Subscribe to the email list. Read the full article

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Trump's Use of Nazi Rhetoric

I have a hard time understanding how there's any doubt regarding the depth of racism in this country. Donald Trump won the Presidency using blatant, racist rhetoric, and for anyone to argue to the contrary is simply in denial. What does the making of America great "again" insinuate? To make America great once more insinuates that the America of old represented greatness. The America who kidnapped, raped, maimed, dehumanized, sold human beings as chattel, ripped babies from their mother's arms, used religion to manipulate, hung black boys from trees simply for whistling at a white woman, bombed churches killing black kids, assassinated activists who refused their oppression, denied blacks the right to vote, to share a bathroom, a classroom, a bus or even a damn water fountain. The America whose hate ran so deep she would assassinate her own president, not once but twice, before she would allow "us" to be treated equally. This was America for 400+ years, it hasn't even been sixty years since the assassination of MLK, so any America of old that Donald Trump is referring to has to include these atrocities. To support someone who bolsters such a vile rhetoric, is supporting the clear repercussions that his rhetoric incites. These cops killing blacks, these hate crimes against the Jewish communities, Black churches, and communities that are made up of mostly migrants, are all acts committed by individuals feeding off of this president's rhetoric. I spoke to a white associate of mine, and he explained that Trump's base isn't necessarily racists, rather they may have their own agenda, be it a tax break, better jobs etc, that caused them to vote for him. My reply to him is that they are racist if they support a racist. If their greed, and self perseverance, outweigh their moral compass, and they choose to save money on taxes, rather than saving the lives of those who do not have the same privilege that comes with being born white, then they are racist, and they have just as much blood on their hands as the bigot they voted into office. As I side note. Yesterday former defense secretary Mattis made a statement speaking out against the division that Trump is creating within this country, and the rhetoric he chooses to use. He mentioned that the war moniker that Nazi Germany once used was divided and conquer, and that division, is the same division that the Trump is trying to create in America. These statements coming from one of the most renowned generals in the history of this country is a perfect example of what we need to heal in solidarity. If you have privilege then use it. No matter how big your voice is or how small, the combined effect will produce the desired outcome. The issues we are facing today are not blue and red issues, the issues we are facing today are life and death issues. This man is trying to divide this country and literally set it back 100 years. So thank you General Matti's, and everybody else you has been using their voice, their protest, their dialogs etc. to help save our lives. Please subscribe to the email list in order to receive alerts when a new blog is posted, and be safe. Read the full article

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Prisoner's Revulsion over George Floyd's Death

As the world knows yet another black man (George Floyd) has had his soul snatched by another white police officer. As we all know white men killing blacks is nothing new, and as a black man in America it just makes me question why do we even remain in a country where we aren't wanted, and we will never be treated equally. We have no place in a country that literally knows nothing else regarding blacks than to treat us as less than. I understand that every white American isn't a racist, but just not being racist isn't enough. Maya Angelou said, "it's not enough to not be racist, rather white people have to be anti racist." I awoke this morning to this disgusting, bigoted, guard yelling at the top of his lungs, "Don't fucking get me started, because you will get maced like those damn rioters". Really? George Floyd was just lynched on national TV and you chose to use your voice to defend a Target, or a damn Wine & Spirit? How are we expected to live amongst this blatant racism, and not become angry, and how can we be expected to not reciprocate the hate we endure everyday? It's hard not to and now more than ever I find myself struggling with that very same question. When the president of this country, has no issue taking to Twitter, and threatening to have looters shot... so now we have the face of America creating a narrative saying it's perfectly fine to kill Americans for stealing a pair of Nike sneakers. What do we do with that? We will NEVER be completely accepted here, by ANY of white America. I don't believe that one white person can honestly say that if they find themselves on a dark street with a black man that they wouldn't be more afraid than they would be if they found themselves on that same dark street with a white man. That's because this nation has been primed to fear our blackness from the second our ancestors' imported feet touched this soil. Until next time. Please subscribe to the email list Read the full article

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Prisoners Decline Physically Due To Quarantine

There really hasn't been much to blog about over these past two months. The quarantine lockdown is still in full effect. 15 - 20 minutes of dayroom time for ten prisoners at a time. 10 minute shower with a five minute grace period to get there and back. And one morning call, one afternoon call, and one night call for those fortunate enough to have loved ones to call. Also we get 20 minute yard periods once a week, ten prisoner at a time. Our day is Monday. I've tried my best to make it my priority to iterate the need for this quarantine, and I'm not mad at it at all. My only argument is when the preventative measures are turned into punitive, which I'll admittedly acknowledge has dwindled tremendously. Nonetheless this lock down is very draining. I mean sitting in this 8 × 9 cell day in and day out can really drain one mentally and physically. I tried to exercise about a week ago and I did a few sets of body squats. I didn't do many (200 in total) and my legs were in pain for almost 5 days. This is due to the fact that I'm literally sitting or laying on a metal framed bed for over 23 hours a day, and I didn't even notice how feeble my body has become. My goals are to get off my behind and start working out, and to stop making excuses not to. I'll keep everybody updated on my progress. A memo was passed out today stating that the number of prisoners allow in the dayroom, and yard will increase from 10 to 16, and in turn the time allotted will be extended. I'm hoping that it at least increases to 40 minutes, that way we'll have sufficient time to get in some meaningful exercise. I appreciate everybody taking the time out to read this blog and please do not forget to subscribe to the email list, and if you haven't purchased my book "Judged By 12" it's currently on sale for $4.99 in paperback, and $2.99 in Ebook, so please get your copy. The link is in the sidebar. Thanks again Read the full article

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Will We Ever Wake Up?!

Today the jail passed out order forms in order for prisoners to order wraps. I never had a wrap, but I guess this is a thing. It's a wrap made out of flour, and they put turkey, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions on there also. They cost $6.50. The same company seeking these wraps was on the local news explaining how they were going out of business due to the Convid-19 lockdown. These businesses are in this county, which is a red district, and they support mandatory minimums, and life without parole sentences. So why are the prisoners supporting them, when they don't support us? They don't even believe we deserve second chances, yet we band together and secure their livelihood. Really? I can't understand for the life of me how we take these ironclad stances against each other, and hold each other accountable to highest degree when one wrongs the other, but not only don't we harbor any I'll will against those who openly despise us, and could care less if we ever return to our families, or die behind these walls, but we spend our already poor families hard earned money supporting these people. They wave a hoagie, or a wrap in front of these dudes and they are all over it, and never do they even suggest that the prison allow us to support small businesses from our city (Philadelphia), which has been hit just as hard as these counties if not harder. Let us put our money back into our community. These people do any and everything to keep us sleep. I wrote a book, "Judged By 12", and these people went above and beyond to ensure that I understood that no "inmate" is to author any publication, and that my book would never enter their prisons. Even had the nerve to question any I won't just do my time like everyone else. It's just sad. All in all if you haven't purchased a copy of my book, please do so. I appreciate any support that I can get. Just use the link in the side bar and please rate the book on Amazon. Thanks. Read the full article

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Grim Reality

With movement behind these walls being extremely limited as of late, my experiences that I share with you all will be pretty much limited as well. I finally had the opportunity to step off of the unit today in order to go pick up my legal mail. I hadn't even realized that's it's been over a month since I had a chance to breath fresh air. Walking through the prison felt like an out of body experience. Instead of seeing prisoners everywhere, all you see on the compound are wash stations, and bright red signs, informing everyone to wear masks. As I passed the gymnasium, I saw they were building cubicle like structures, and come to find out this will be used as housing for prisoners who are infected with Covid-19. I'm not sure the numbers but rumors are that the virus has entered a few jails, some by the hundreds, and the DOC (Department Of Corrections) has been in the process of transferring all infected prisons to one or two prisons. This was the reality that we all feared, and all we can do is play it as safe as possible and just hope that we don't become infected with the virus. As I watch the news and I fathom over the disproportionate numbers regarding the lives that this virus has claimed one can only wonder, why exactly are blacks making up 70% of these deaths. My guess is that the impoverished aren't being provided with the same level of treatment as those who are better off, so where does that leave prisoners once we're infected? Seems like we are as good as dead. Me personally, I'm gonna be taking every precaution to ensure I don't get infected. Just last year I was fated to die behind these walls, and being fortunate enough to have overturned that life sentence, the last thing I need is to let this virus take me out. I come to far for that. I advise everybody else to do the same, and secure themselves to their best ability. We know times are rough, but better days are to come. Please subscribe to the email list. Read the full article

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Prison Recipes (Chee Chee)

Most people wonder what we eat in our cells being as though the food that the prison serves is barely edible. One of the most popular meals prisoners make is called a "Chee Chee". Before I explain how to make a Chee Chee, I want to clear the air because people who've been to jail, and the penitentiary will have something to say about my opinion of this being the most "popular meal". For clarity this is the most popular meal in county jails, not state penitentiaries. Ingredients: 2 Packs Of Ramen Noodles. 1 Small Bag Of Cheese Puffs.1 Slim Jim. Onion & Sugar. Recipe: 1) Take 2 packs of Ramen Noodles, and throw them against the floor (repeatedly) until they are broken up into crumbs (I prefer chili flavor ramen noodles) 2) Put the Noddles into a Tupperware bowl with a sealable lid. 3) Put one pack of seasoning on the noodles. 4) Take the empty Ramen Noodle pack and fill it up with cheese puffs. 5) Crush the Cheese Puffs up, and spread them on top of the Noodles and seasoning. 6) Take a slim Jim, chop it into slices, and add to Tupperware bowl. 7) Add a little bit of a minced onion, and one table spoon of sugar. 8) This is the most important part. Take some boiled water, and pour it on top. Be sure not to add too much water. The water should barely exceed the top of your Noodles. 9) Mix it up until it's thick and everything is mixed together evenly. 10) Smooth it out like a pie, and let sit for 30 minutes. When done it should be thick, and you should almost have to cut into it with your spoon. It won't look pretty but it will taste better than what they serve here, and it will definitely fill you up. AND it only costs about one dollar. Let me know what you think. Please subscribe to the email list in order to receive alerts for new posts. Read the full article

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Prison Life

I want to share this in hopes of obtaining different perspectives from individuals on the outside of these prisons looking in. The prison in which I’m incarcerated is pretty old. I believe it opened it’s gates in the 1950s, so the structure isn’t as up to date as the newer prisons. I say this because some people are surprised when I explain the showering procedures here. For starters, we don’t have individual showers. Each block has a shower room, and we’re only allowed showers from 8:15 – 8:45 PM. There’s about 200 prisoners on each block, and about 25 shower heads in each shower room, so one can only imagine the chaos which ensues during shower time. What I’ve always noticed was that the showers are segregated. The Whites are in one part, the Hispanics are in one, and the Blacks are in one part. This has always been understandable to me because contrary to what many may think there’s not much unity amongst prisoners, at least not in PA. What I’ve been struggling with is in regards to sexuality. The Blacks, and Hispanics always wear shower shorts, but the Whites shower completely naked. Their reasoning for doing so is they have nothing to hide, but anybody even minutely educated in sex ed knows that the majority of us don’t have anything to hide, because for the most part penis sizes do not vastly differ. On the flip side our (Blacks) reasoning is it seems gay. 200 men, some to be known predators, and barely any room to move. Prime example there was an incident not long ago in the showers. One guy was at the shower head located furthest to the end of the row. He was turned towards the wall, looking back over his shoulder at this younger white guy and masterbating, but the white inmates could have cared less. It was the Blacks who decided to put hands on him, and ban him from the showers. Why is this?¿?¿?¿ Please Remember To Leave Your Email Address In The Space Allotted on Our Home Page In Order To Receive Alerts To Our Free Book Giveaways, New Blog Post, And Photo Updates For "Forgotten Faces". Read the full article

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Penitentiary Playas

One of the many flaws of being on lock down in prison is there's usually no escape. Since this pandemic has begun I've had no choice but to bear the brunt of hearing my fellow prisoners express themselves to each other on the gates. One prisoner in particular, named Yusef, never fails to surprise me. When this pandemic first hit, he sent a SOS out to his mom and dad, informing them that we were going on lockdown and he needed as much money as possible in order to have food to eat. He immediately got on the gates bragging about how his parents sent "their boy" $600, and how much commissary he is gonna order. It didn't cross him that he should ration his funds, and stretch his ends in order to make them last, instead he didn't hesitate to borrow from this ones and that one, until he was able to get his commissary. Tonight I'm listening to him, cuss his "friend" out from the top tier, because in his words he's "fake as shit" for not sharing the bowls he made with his celly, knowing he's on empty. We have $100 spending limits weekly, so in order for him to be on empty he had to have been maxing out the limit every week. It's just a sad sight, and it's indicative as to why the recidivism rate is so high in this country. If we don't take the time to learn the value of a dollar on our own, then most likely it will never be taught to us. Some are fortunate enough to have a natural inclination towards consciousness, and with time we learn via our own experiences how brainwashed and misguided we really are. I remember the first time I questioned myself as to the value of a dollar. I was watching Divorce Court, and the Judge (Lynn Toler), advised a couple to stop being a pipeline. She explained how we work for this millionaire, get paid pennies, and then act as a pipeline to the next millionaire who we spend those pennies with. Its the poor remaining poor while insuring that the rich stay rich. Please subscribe to the email list. Read the full article