I've been spending a lot of time enjoying Spanish culture.
I have noticed this is a recurring theme. Here is my rendition of some Spanish art.
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| Tattoo'd Hooligan Copyright 2013 |
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Prison 101
Prison rape. One of the top fears a new prisoner has to deal with.
People make jokes...."Don't drop the soap in the shower." But for many it is no laughing matter. Last week the administration showed a video on this very topic. There is a rape hotline where inmates can report an assault. The problem is many times if goes unnoticed. The violated is shamed and on top of that is many times threatened into not telling.
Doing time has changed over the years. Prison at one time had weight cages where guys could pump iron. Inmates got huge and put down on the smaller guys. That's why there are weapons in prison. So the small guy can go back and stab the big guy wen he falls asleep.
These muscled prisoners soon began to scare guards who tend to be over weight and out of shape. Instead of hiring in shape male guards, it was easier to remove the weights from the prison. On the other end of this spectrum is guys coming to prison that resemble Harry Potter. Guys who can't defend themselves so they have to pay for protection. This where things get complicated. Most people have heard of a con-man. Well, one of those cons is called a two-man con. Meaning two cons work together to pull the job off.
One example is that someone comes and robs you of all your canteen. Perhaps they come and take your canteen, then give you a list for another $100 that they say you owe them. If you Harry Potter then get scared. You wonder what to do. You can barely sleep.
They let you ponder this. Lose some sleep. You begin to get ate up with fear. Once they figure your ripe to pick, the second guy comes into your life. He tells you he hears you were robbed. Then you learn he's ironically from the same town your from. All of a sudden your chatting and find you have things in common. You think you have mad a new friend who cares for you. He's even going to look out for you. Nobody will rob you anymore. You're OK now.
What you did was meet the other side of the two-man con.
Prison is complicated like this. Before you know it your all wrapped up into someting you never saw coming. In the old days guys just took your shit. They robbed you and if you they wanted, raped you.
These days prison still has a few of them left, but for the most part it's full of hustlers and con-men. Before long, Harry Potter is paying some man $50 a week for protection. A month later he's giving him a blow job as well.
We call it extortion. Happens in prison every day. Before long Harry doesn't even realize he's being violated. He just accepts this as his life. Back here we say Harry has been "aired out". Harry will transfer one day to a different prison. Instead of get robbed, he just goes and immediately finds what we call a "war daddy"....a man who looks out for him in exchange for canteen and piece of ass.
The prison rape video was educational, but I think it's time they update it. People about to enter prison need to be educated on the con-man. Rule number one.....
Nothing is free in prison. What seems free, you will pay for later.
Did you just drop your soap?
People make jokes...."Don't drop the soap in the shower." But for many it is no laughing matter. Last week the administration showed a video on this very topic. There is a rape hotline where inmates can report an assault. The problem is many times if goes unnoticed. The violated is shamed and on top of that is many times threatened into not telling.
Doing time has changed over the years. Prison at one time had weight cages where guys could pump iron. Inmates got huge and put down on the smaller guys. That's why there are weapons in prison. So the small guy can go back and stab the big guy wen he falls asleep.
These muscled prisoners soon began to scare guards who tend to be over weight and out of shape. Instead of hiring in shape male guards, it was easier to remove the weights from the prison. On the other end of this spectrum is guys coming to prison that resemble Harry Potter. Guys who can't defend themselves so they have to pay for protection. This where things get complicated. Most people have heard of a con-man. Well, one of those cons is called a two-man con. Meaning two cons work together to pull the job off.
One example is that someone comes and robs you of all your canteen. Perhaps they come and take your canteen, then give you a list for another $100 that they say you owe them. If you Harry Potter then get scared. You wonder what to do. You can barely sleep.
They let you ponder this. Lose some sleep. You begin to get ate up with fear. Once they figure your ripe to pick, the second guy comes into your life. He tells you he hears you were robbed. Then you learn he's ironically from the same town your from. All of a sudden your chatting and find you have things in common. You think you have mad a new friend who cares for you. He's even going to look out for you. Nobody will rob you anymore. You're OK now.
What you did was meet the other side of the two-man con.
Prison is complicated like this. Before you know it your all wrapped up into someting you never saw coming. In the old days guys just took your shit. They robbed you and if you they wanted, raped you.
These days prison still has a few of them left, but for the most part it's full of hustlers and con-men. Before long, Harry Potter is paying some man $50 a week for protection. A month later he's giving him a blow job as well.
We call it extortion. Happens in prison every day. Before long Harry doesn't even realize he's being violated. He just accepts this as his life. Back here we say Harry has been "aired out". Harry will transfer one day to a different prison. Instead of get robbed, he just goes and immediately finds what we call a "war daddy"....a man who looks out for him in exchange for canteen and piece of ass.
The prison rape video was educational, but I think it's time they update it. People about to enter prison need to be educated on the con-man. Rule number one.....
Nothing is free in prison. What seems free, you will pay for later.
Did you just drop your soap?
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Evil Inside
I am surrounded by evil. I live in a place with bad men. I believe, to some extent, that evil lives in each of us. It's our burden to learn how to understand and deal with it accordingly. The picture portrays the evil that lies within one's self. I was asked to draw this piece for someone's tattoo, and this was the outcome of many hours work.
Friday, August 16, 2013
Skin Deep
Prison is a world full of pimps, gangsters, thugs and nearly any other occupation you can think of. Somewhere behind this fence you will find it. There are a lot of heartless bastards who show no emotion. People who do time by harassing others. There are some who work out every day. There are others who live indoors and don't go outside unless they have a call-out. There are men here who are 30 and look like they are 70. There are 70-year old men here who are in the shape of a 20-year old. It's all here in one big melting pot, and I know men in each categories I just mentioned.
The other day a man asked me if I could have my people relay a message to his. Let them know his phone was restricted and he needed some money put on the account so he could call. So I did. His people sent a text back to my people stating...."we will put money on the phone as soon as possible. Right now we are in the hospital with his Uncle who is passing."
That was the message. My lady said to me that she didn't know if I should pass the whole message. Instead, perhaps, I should just tell the guy his people will fix the phone when they get home. I saw it different. This man rarely shows emotion unless it's anger. I opt to just tell him the message. So, I tell him...."your mom is at the hospital with your uncle who is passing. She said she will put money on the phone once she's home." The guy sits down and tears begin to stream down his face. Of all the possible reaction, I did not expect this one. Just goes to show you can not judge a books by its cover.
I sat down and he went on to explain to me that his uncle was on life support. The family decided to pull the plug and let him go in peace. As tears flowed down his face, he told me the uncle was his mom's brother. His main concern was his mother and that she could handle his passing.
I sat there and listened. What do you way? Sometimes people just need to talk. I felt good to know this man saw me as a man he could show emotion in front of. This is prison. You come here and become whatever you have to so you can survive. I was reminded it's important to never judge someone by their looks. Or even by the air you see around them. I'm just blessed to be a man someone feels comfortable showing emotion in front of. Reminds me of how far I have come as a person. Makes me proud to be the man I am.
Years back when the Jailbird began, I felt compelled to bring society a real life story. Not some reality show you view on your TV. Some days I write funny and witty. Other days it's serious and heartfelt like this. The blog represents my emotions.
People are quick to say once a criminal, always a criminal. That doesn't sit well with me and I wanted to show people a changed man. I'm not the man I was five years ago when I came here.
One man's pain taught me something about myself. Reminded me of who I'm trying to be. Always better.
Another man came before my time to teach the world a lesson about change, forgiveness and love. But that's another story for another time. What's your compassion like? You just took time to sit here and listen to me, perhaps there's hope for us all. I believe there is.
See you next time!
The other day a man asked me if I could have my people relay a message to his. Let them know his phone was restricted and he needed some money put on the account so he could call. So I did. His people sent a text back to my people stating...."we will put money on the phone as soon as possible. Right now we are in the hospital with his Uncle who is passing."
That was the message. My lady said to me that she didn't know if I should pass the whole message. Instead, perhaps, I should just tell the guy his people will fix the phone when they get home. I saw it different. This man rarely shows emotion unless it's anger. I opt to just tell him the message. So, I tell him...."your mom is at the hospital with your uncle who is passing. She said she will put money on the phone once she's home." The guy sits down and tears begin to stream down his face. Of all the possible reaction, I did not expect this one. Just goes to show you can not judge a books by its cover.
I sat down and he went on to explain to me that his uncle was on life support. The family decided to pull the plug and let him go in peace. As tears flowed down his face, he told me the uncle was his mom's brother. His main concern was his mother and that she could handle his passing.
I sat there and listened. What do you way? Sometimes people just need to talk. I felt good to know this man saw me as a man he could show emotion in front of. This is prison. You come here and become whatever you have to so you can survive. I was reminded it's important to never judge someone by their looks. Or even by the air you see around them. I'm just blessed to be a man someone feels comfortable showing emotion in front of. Reminds me of how far I have come as a person. Makes me proud to be the man I am.
Years back when the Jailbird began, I felt compelled to bring society a real life story. Not some reality show you view on your TV. Some days I write funny and witty. Other days it's serious and heartfelt like this. The blog represents my emotions.
People are quick to say once a criminal, always a criminal. That doesn't sit well with me and I wanted to show people a changed man. I'm not the man I was five years ago when I came here.
One man's pain taught me something about myself. Reminded me of who I'm trying to be. Always better.
Another man came before my time to teach the world a lesson about change, forgiveness and love. But that's another story for another time. What's your compassion like? You just took time to sit here and listen to me, perhaps there's hope for us all. I believe there is.
See you next time!
Friday, August 9, 2013
Bumper Sticker History
My girl and I recently had a discussion about the changes in society. Long gone are the days of tossing your keys on the floorboard of your unlocked care while you run into the store for a soda. Nobody even picks up hitchhikers anymore. Danger lurks at every corner. Well, this is how I see life.
This topic is heavily debated between my lady and I since she sees the world through her bubble. I say that with all due respect. It's things like this that make us such an awesome couple. She is sweet, nice and would give you the shirt off her back. I believe the nice guy finishes last and that only the strong will survive. If you can't hang with the big dogs, then stay on the porch. You can't have my shirt either, go buy your own.
Somewhere in the middle my lady and I laugh, and agree to disagree. Then I tell her "hell no, you can't pick up that hitchhiker!! Are you crazy?!" You can follow the downfall and dangers in society through any history book. Here's a new one...
Try reading bumber stickers. Bumper stickers used to have smiley faces and say "Have A Nice Day".
Stuff like "Save the Earth".
There was an entire era of people claiming "dazed and confused". Times change and it's "NO FEAR"
and "If you don't like my driving, call 1-800-EATSHIT".
No more Mr. Nice guy. History plays itself out on the rear bumper of the car in front of you. It's a fact. Just like parents can decide not to have that talk with little Johnny about the facts of life. Instead, Johnny's friends and the television can educate him. That's the problem I'm addressing here. Everybody putting responsibility off on someone else. That's why you can't leave your keys in your car anymore. Little Johnny will jack your ride to go....who knows what with who knows who.
And you thought he didn't have a clue. I personally know a little dude who can use a string of four-letter-words in their correct grammar and put pirates to shame. I also know his mother isn't teaching him those words. He's probably friend little Johnny. Really, he's probably just reading the stickers on the ass-end of the car in front of the school bus.
I remember being young. The car in front of ours had a little hand that waved back and forth when they hit the bump in the road. Now, the waving hand has been replaced with a middle finger. Everybody runs around pissed off.
Truly, I admire the happy place my lady has painted around herself. You had to be just a tad gullable to end up with me.....right? I kid....
My lady still thinks there is hope for me. She's one of the sadly mistaken women who thinks she can change her man. And she's totally smiling as she reads this. she knows full well she already has. That's why I talk all my shit to you.....she tells me to shut up.
Just one last thing honey...do not pick up that hitchhiker!!
This topic is heavily debated between my lady and I since she sees the world through her bubble. I say that with all due respect. It's things like this that make us such an awesome couple. She is sweet, nice and would give you the shirt off her back. I believe the nice guy finishes last and that only the strong will survive. If you can't hang with the big dogs, then stay on the porch. You can't have my shirt either, go buy your own.
Somewhere in the middle my lady and I laugh, and agree to disagree. Then I tell her "hell no, you can't pick up that hitchhiker!! Are you crazy?!" You can follow the downfall and dangers in society through any history book. Here's a new one...
Try reading bumber stickers. Bumper stickers used to have smiley faces and say "Have A Nice Day".
Stuff like "Save the Earth".
There was an entire era of people claiming "dazed and confused". Times change and it's "NO FEAR"
No more Mr. Nice guy. History plays itself out on the rear bumper of the car in front of you. It's a fact. Just like parents can decide not to have that talk with little Johnny about the facts of life. Instead, Johnny's friends and the television can educate him. That's the problem I'm addressing here. Everybody putting responsibility off on someone else. That's why you can't leave your keys in your car anymore. Little Johnny will jack your ride to go....who knows what with who knows who.
And you thought he didn't have a clue. I personally know a little dude who can use a string of four-letter-words in their correct grammar and put pirates to shame. I also know his mother isn't teaching him those words. He's probably friend little Johnny. Really, he's probably just reading the stickers on the ass-end of the car in front of the school bus.
I remember being young. The car in front of ours had a little hand that waved back and forth when they hit the bump in the road. Now, the waving hand has been replaced with a middle finger. Everybody runs around pissed off.
Truly, I admire the happy place my lady has painted around herself. You had to be just a tad gullable to end up with me.....right? I kid....
My lady still thinks there is hope for me. She's one of the sadly mistaken women who thinks she can change her man. And she's totally smiling as she reads this. she knows full well she already has. That's why I talk all my shit to you.....she tells me to shut up.
Just one last thing honey...do not pick up that hitchhiker!!
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Feeling Excited, Encouraged & Supported!
Yesterday I had the pleasure to speak to the American Civil Liberty Union (ACLU) and the Florida Justice Institute. It was refreshing to hear passion to fight for J.J. and all the other men and women on the inside! Together, the organizations already a response to the Florida DOC in regards to the proposed revisions of Chapter 33 Rule #33-602.208 titled Inmate Internet Presence.
WE CAN HELP!
The best way that we can help is to send a letter to the Florida DOC outlining your concern of how inmates and their families will be affected by the proposed revisions. To take away a safe outlet of communication is a concern about the rehabilitation of the men and women on the other side of the fence, which affects the prevention of institutionalization.
Below is a sample letter that you can use to send in! If you enjoy this blog, if you care about the rehabilitation of inmates, if you care about the importance of keeping families connected, PLEASE take a minute to send a letter in. (Letters sent asap that will reach Ms. Fleckenstein by Monday will be VERY HELPFUL to encourage that the proposed revisions be revised. BUT, a letter sent will be helpful if she receives it after Monday too!)
THANK YOU FOR TAKING A STAND!
SAMPLE LETTER
LaDawna Fleckenstein
501 South Calhoun Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
August 6, 2013
Dear Ms. Fleckenstein,
This is a letter of concern regarding the proposed revisions to Chapter 33: Rule #33-602.208, titled Inmate Internet Presence.
I read a blog that tells the story of prison life through a friend's eyes. It is eye-opening to see how the men and women change over the years of their sentences. Furthermore, I have witnessed how my friend has stayed connected to the outside through his writing and art.
I firmly believe that the blog, where his stories and art are shared by the choice of a loved one, is an outlet to help keep friend connected to family and friends, and the outside world, which has played a critical role in helping him on his journey of rehabilitation while doing his sentence, and preventing institutionalization.
The proposed revisions creates a concern that the healthy, productive and rehabilitating benefits that my friend currently experiences will be greatly limited.
Again, this letter is my statement to oppose the proposed revisions to Chapter 33: Rule #33-602.208. I appreciate your time and your consideration to review these concerns!
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Inmate Internet Presence: proposed revisions that could affect this blog!
So, I have recently learned about proposed revision to Chapter 33 (the guide/rules for inmates). There are several revisions proposed. A few that I am concerned about. This one, however....Rule NO. 33-602-208 very much concerns me!
There need to be rules for security. That is certainly understood and respected. However, this seems to be a violation to freedom of speech (it appears per the way it is written that family and friends are not allowed to CHOOSE to write about their loved ones!).
Please take a moment to read this proposal. If you care about inmates staying connected to their loved ones, if you care about preventing institutionalization which helps prevent recidivism (repeat offenses) PLEASE take a minute to read this and voice your concern!
July 29, 2013
NOTICE OF RULE DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
RULE NO.: 33-602.208
RULE TITLE: Inmate Internet Presence
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of the proposed rule is to expressly disallow inmates from establishing or maintaining an internet presence on any wesbite.
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Inmate Internet Presence
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 944.09 FS
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 944.09 FS
IF REQUESTED IN WRITING AND NOT DEEMED UNNECESSARY BY THE AGENCY HEAD, A RULE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP WILL BE NOTICED IN THE NEXT AVAILABLE FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE REGISTER. THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT, IF AVAILABLE, IS: LaDawna Fleckenstein, 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399.
THE PRELIMINARY TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT IS:
33-602.208 Inmate Internet Presence.
(1) Establishment of accounts or presence on internet websites by inmates.
(a) Inmates are prohibited from establishing or maintaining an account, or any other presence, on any internet website.
(b) Internet website means an internet-based website that has any of the following capabilities:
1. Allows users to create web pages or profiles about themselves, including dedicated websites, blogs, or other online communities, that are available to the general public or to any other users.
2. Offers a mechanism for communication among users, including but not limited to directory, forum, chat room, electronic mail, or instant messaging.
2
(c) Account or presence means the inmate has an actual account in their name which is created and maintained either by the inmate or by a proxy whereby information is posted about the inmate.
(d) Inmates who create an internet account or have a presence created with the assistance of another person shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with Rules 33-601.301-.314, F.A.C. If an inmate alleges that an account or presence was created without his assistance or permission or that the account or presence was created before this restriction became effective, it is the responsibility of the inmate to request that the account or presence be removed by submitting a written request, within 10 days, to the owner, operator, or administrator of the site if it is reasonably possible for the Department to identify the physical address of such entity. No inmate shall be subject to discipline if the account or presence is not removed subsequent to submission of the written request. If it is not reasonably possible for the Department to identify the physical address of the owner, operator, or administrator of the site in which the account or presence is located, the inmate must submit Form DC6-236, Inmate Request, to the warden indicating that the account or presence was created without the inmate’s knowledge or consent or that it was placed prior to this restriction. The inmate shall be subject to disciplinary action only if it is discovered that the inmate solicited the creation of the account or presence and that it was created subsequent to this restriction. Form DC6-236,
Inmate Request, is incorporated by reference in Rule 33-103.005, F.A.C.
(e) Inmates who post information to the internet or have information posted with the assistance of another person shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with Rules 33-601.301-.314, F.A.C. If an inmate alleges that information was posted without his assistance or permission or that the information was posted before this restriction became effective, it is the responsibility of the inmate to request that the information be removed by submitting a written request, within 10 days, to the owner, operator, or administrator of the site in which the information is located if it is reasonably possible for the Department to identify the physical address of such entity. No inmate shall be subject to discipline if the information is not removed subsequent to submission of the written request. If it is not reasonably possible for the Department to identify the physical address of the owner, operator, or administrator of the site in which the information is located, the inmate must submit Form DC6-236, Inmate Request, to the warden indicating that the information was posted without the inmate’s knowledge or consent or that it was posted prior to this restriction. The inmate shall be subject to disciplinary action only if it is discovered that the inmate solicited the posting of the information and that it was posted subsequent to this restriction.
Rulemaking Authority 944.09 FS. Law Implemented 944.09 FS. History–New, .
There need to be rules for security. That is certainly understood and respected. However, this seems to be a violation to freedom of speech (it appears per the way it is written that family and friends are not allowed to CHOOSE to write about their loved ones!).
Please take a moment to read this proposal. If you care about inmates staying connected to their loved ones, if you care about preventing institutionalization which helps prevent recidivism (repeat offenses) PLEASE take a minute to read this and voice your concern!
July 29, 2013
NOTICE OF RULE DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
RULE NO.: 33-602.208
RULE TITLE: Inmate Internet Presence
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of the proposed rule is to expressly disallow inmates from establishing or maintaining an internet presence on any wesbite.
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Inmate Internet Presence
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 944.09 FS
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 944.09 FS
IF REQUESTED IN WRITING AND NOT DEEMED UNNECESSARY BY THE AGENCY HEAD, A RULE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP WILL BE NOTICED IN THE NEXT AVAILABLE FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE REGISTER. THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT, IF AVAILABLE, IS: LaDawna Fleckenstein, 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399.
THE PRELIMINARY TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT IS:
33-602.208 Inmate Internet Presence.
(1) Establishment of accounts or presence on internet websites by inmates.
(a) Inmates are prohibited from establishing or maintaining an account, or any other presence, on any internet website.
(b) Internet website means an internet-based website that has any of the following capabilities:
1. Allows users to create web pages or profiles about themselves, including dedicated websites, blogs, or other online communities, that are available to the general public or to any other users.
2. Offers a mechanism for communication among users, including but not limited to directory, forum, chat room, electronic mail, or instant messaging.
2
(c) Account or presence means the inmate has an actual account in their name which is created and maintained either by the inmate or by a proxy whereby information is posted about the inmate.
(d) Inmates who create an internet account or have a presence created with the assistance of another person shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with Rules 33-601.301-.314, F.A.C. If an inmate alleges that an account or presence was created without his assistance or permission or that the account or presence was created before this restriction became effective, it is the responsibility of the inmate to request that the account or presence be removed by submitting a written request, within 10 days, to the owner, operator, or administrator of the site if it is reasonably possible for the Department to identify the physical address of such entity. No inmate shall be subject to discipline if the account or presence is not removed subsequent to submission of the written request. If it is not reasonably possible for the Department to identify the physical address of the owner, operator, or administrator of the site in which the account or presence is located, the inmate must submit Form DC6-236, Inmate Request, to the warden indicating that the account or presence was created without the inmate’s knowledge or consent or that it was placed prior to this restriction. The inmate shall be subject to disciplinary action only if it is discovered that the inmate solicited the creation of the account or presence and that it was created subsequent to this restriction. Form DC6-236,
Inmate Request, is incorporated by reference in Rule 33-103.005, F.A.C.
(e) Inmates who post information to the internet or have information posted with the assistance of another person shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with Rules 33-601.301-.314, F.A.C. If an inmate alleges that information was posted without his assistance or permission or that the information was posted before this restriction became effective, it is the responsibility of the inmate to request that the information be removed by submitting a written request, within 10 days, to the owner, operator, or administrator of the site in which the information is located if it is reasonably possible for the Department to identify the physical address of such entity. No inmate shall be subject to discipline if the information is not removed subsequent to submission of the written request. If it is not reasonably possible for the Department to identify the physical address of the owner, operator, or administrator of the site in which the information is located, the inmate must submit Form DC6-236, Inmate Request, to the warden indicating that the information was posted without the inmate’s knowledge or consent or that it was posted prior to this restriction. The inmate shall be subject to disciplinary action only if it is discovered that the inmate solicited the posting of the information and that it was posted subsequent to this restriction.
Rulemaking Authority 944.09 FS. Law Implemented 944.09 FS. History–New, .
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