Asked On The Line

This is the last “Asked On The Line” that shall be written for the San Quentin News, so this is goodbye. The first “Asked On The Line” was published for the May 2011 issue of the San Quentin News, and it asked the men on the mainline if they knew the meaning behind Cinco de Mayo. Now, more than 70 articles later, this column shall be retired. But fear not, valued reader, this writer shall continue to write the MAC Corner column, focused on informing the men in blue of the ongoing and ever-changing policies of the institution. The brainchild … [Read more...] about Goodbye, valued reader.

Asked on the Line: Father’s Day is always on the third Sunday of June. Many of the men in blue learned about fatherhood from their dads or father figures. “Asked On The Line” asked men on the mainline to describe the qualities of a good father. “What would you say is your dad’s (or the man who raised you) most important or inspiring characteristic? Are you just like him or his opposite?” M. Ronald: A good father is a provider, a teacher and a good role model to his family. My dad was a great provider. I remember the times he took my sister … [Read more...] about What did you learn from your father?

By Angelo Falcone Journalism Guild Writer Father’s Day is always the third Sunday of June. It is a day set aside in honor of fathers. Webster’s New World College Dictionary states--among 12 noun definitions—that father is “a person regarded as a male parent; protector.” Among the five transitive verb definitions, to be a father is “to take responsibility for.” “Asked on the Line” approached men in blue and asked them to tell us of any admirable traits they learned or inherited from their fathers or father-figures. William Tolbert … [Read more...] about Heroic Traits Learned From Father or Father Figures

By Angelo Falcone Journalism Guild Writer “April showers bring May flowers,” but what type of flowers would the men in blue send to their loved ones? And in what color? No one flower or color stood out. Sam Johnson: “I would send my wife long-stem black roses. I know they are actually very dark blue or purple roses, but at first glance, they look black.” Stephen Pascascio: “I would send lilies to someone I love. I would choose pink lilies.” Wayne Villafranco: “I would send long-stem red roses to a woman.” William Tolbert: “I … [Read more...] about Type of Flowers Sent to Loved Ones

By Angelo Falcone Journalism Guild Writer March is the second of seven months with 31 days. This year, March has five Tuesdays, five Wednesdays and five Thursdays. Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 13, and spring begins on Sunday, March 20. For members of the Christian community, St. Patrick’s Day is on Thursday, March 17; St. Joseph’s Day is on Saturday, March 19; Palm Sunday is on Sunday, March 20; Holy Thursday is on Thursday, March 24; Good Friday and the Annunciation of the Lord is on Friday, March 25; Holy Saturday … [Read more...] about How Would You Like to Spend Your Time in Prison?

By Angelo Falcone Journalism Guild Writer Valentine’s Day is the special day in February when people send greeting cards called “Valentines” to their sweethearts, friends, and members of their families, all in the name of love, according to the World Book Encyclopedia,. But what is love? Who is Valentine? In the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, “love” is defined as “strong affection, warm attachment, or attraction based on sexual desire.” Love is also used to describe a beloved person, or someone who has “unselfish, loyal, and benevolent … [Read more...] about February Highlights Love, Presidents and Black History

By Angelo Falcone Journalism Guild Writer As “Asked on the Line” enters its fourth year at the San Quentin News, it renews its commitment to bringing readers the insights of the men at San Quentin. Asked on the Line shares with the world the memories and opinions of the residents of that infamous gated community by the Bay and hopes to quell the stereotypes of what it means to be an “inmate.” For those on the other side of the wall who have never felt cold steel on their skin, the slam of a cell door, or the condescending tone of … [Read more...] about Column Changes Perception of Inmates

By Angelo Falcone Journalism Guild Writer “If you could go back in time and repeat a winter holiday season, how old would you be? Where would you be? Who would you be with?” The men on the mainline had interesting responses: Sam Johnson: “I would be eightyears old again. I would be with my brother in Charleston, South Carolina. We were trying to see Santa Claus, but we had fallen asleep the previous year. We were determined that year and stayed up late. At about 12 midnight, we found out who Santa was. It was our mom and dad. All our … [Read more...] about Revisiting the Most Memorable Winter Holidays

By Angelo Falcone Journalism Guild Writer November is the last of four months in the year with just 30 days. This year, November has five Sundays and five Mondays. Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, Nov. 1; Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, Veteran’s Day is on Wednesday, Nov. 11, and Thanksgiving Day is on Thursday, Nov. 26. A full moon is expected on Wednesday, Nov. 25. For members of the Christian community, All Saints Day is Sunday, Nov. 1, All Souls Day is Monday, Nov. 2, Christ the King is Sunday, Nov. 22, and the First Day of … [Read more...] about What Can You Be Most Thankful for in Your Life?

By Angelo Falcone Journalism Guild Writer Asked on the Line conducted random interviews with the men in blue and asked, “If money or time was not an issue, what type of degree would you like to obtain and why?” Antwan Williams: Sound Engineering. I am so into the production of music; it’s fascinating. Everything that goes into it is out of this world. You have to literally have an ear for it. Michael Calvin Holmes: Behavioral Science, so I can better understand society as a whole and understand myself better and ultimately help … [Read more...] about What Would You Do With Education if Money Wasn’t an Issue?