Which game do your prefer, SCRABBLE or SUDOKU? One works like the world you know. One operates like the digital cloud. The digital cloud is just another way of describing content that is stored in databases and accessible on the internet. The cloud changes how we use digital content and interact with each other. More than a third of millennial say that if a man compliments a woman’s looks it is harassment, according to a recent survey by The Economist/YouGov reports The New York Times 1-17-18. These two games function quite differently and … [Read more...] about Digital Divide Explained
Opinion
Game theory and the digital cloud
The internet is everyone’s addiction. From kids to grandparents, they use it to do just about anything. The internet allows you to access the digital world. With a smartphone, you can send a video to China and receive a tweet from the President of the United States. This digital world can seem overwhelming to the incarcerated. We have to wait for CDs to come out or TV shows to air at a specific time. Here is a way to prepare for both reentry to normal life and introduction to this new digital world of the internet-based cloud: Play games. … [Read more...] about Game theory and the digital cloud
Women’s History Month prompts answers to ‘Who’s the greatest?’
Among other celebrations and observations, March is Women’s History Month. In honor of women, “Asked On The Line” approached mainliners and inquired, “Who do you think is the greatest woman in history? Name a woman you know whom you admire and respect.” M. Jones: “I think the greatest woman in history is Harriet Tubman because she helped blacks get to freedom. A woman I admire is Ethel Waters. She was a great singer in jazz and blues.” M. Benito: “My mother, Socorro, is the greatest woman in my life, and I admire her because she is wonderful, … [Read more...] about Women’s History Month prompts answers to ‘Who’s the greatest?’
Exciting experiences for the palate
A popular social activity on Valentine’s Day is the romantic dinner. Introducing our palates to new and exotic foods can be fun and make a lasting impression. For many, fast food or being cheap is not an option — especially if it’s a first date. Many individuals brush up on a foreign language to impress their dates as they order at a fancy, exotic restaurant. Others may opt to cook an exotic dish for their dates at home and serve it by candlelight. “Asked On The Line” asked some of the men on the mainline, “If you could try, or learn to cook, … [Read more...] about Exciting experiences for the palate
SQ inmates surveyed about Trump’s election
In a sample survey taken from San Quentin inmates, more than half think a Donald Trump presidency has the potential to make America worse, while about 20 percent think things would be better under a Trump presidency. About a third of the respondents said that a Trump presidency poses a direct threat to their future. Almost 40 percent of respondents said their job opportunities outside of prisons were in jeopardy. Close to 43 percent think policies toward immigrants and immigrant communities are under threat. Slightly more than 41 percent … [Read more...] about SQ inmates surveyed about Trump’s election
‘My mother’ and ‘the Pope’ top list of best persons to visit
A visit from family or friend is the most valued and anticipated occurrence in San Quentin. According to prison regulations, it is recognized as “a means of increasing safety in prisons, maintaining family and community connections, and preparing inmates for successful release and rehabilitation.” “Asked on the Line” asked the men in blue, “If the warden would give you a pass to go anywhere to visit anyone for one day, where would you go? Who would you visit?” M. Stewart: “I would visit my mother in Pomona. She has been living in that city … [Read more...] about ‘My mother’ and ‘the Pope’ top list of best persons to visit
Finding Solutions for Community Tragedies
Young Black women touring San Quentin questioned a group of prisoners with tears in her eyes. “Aren’t you guys mad at what’s going on out there between the police and communities?” I dropped my head in humiliation because I had no answer. I was speechless. I stood staring at the ground; I could feel the hurt and pain I’ve experienced at the hands of police officers. Race in America is a difficult subject to write about because it is personal, painful and emotionally challenging, but recently I realized my need to grapple with the ways … [Read more...] about Finding Solutions for Community Tragedies
‘VPASS’: Convenient or Complicated?
‘The ritual of setting up visits so far has been a nightmare’ My friend just got into San Quentin, and the ritual of setting up visits so far has been a nightmare. I got the VPASS immediately, but then to make appointments could be deemed nearly impossible. He is in non-contact status, which appears to be a separate system from the online system in VPASS but there is no info given there either as to what to do. Finally after being cleared for two months by VPASS, I came across the number to call, (415) 455-5022, and made my first … [Read more...] about ‘VPASS’: Convenient or Complicated?
Remembering Dr. King, Ferguson and Moving Forward
Thanks to a positive decision in Sacramento, this is my final article while incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison. Subsequent articles will be from me on parole. Because of the length of this article and the limited space available, the second part will appear in the February edition (Black History Month). My son, Larry Jr., will contribute an article for the March column. “[Racism] is something that is deeply rooted in our society; it’s deeply rooted in our history.” –Barack Obama In light of the righteous outrage surrounding … [Read more...] about Remembering Dr. King, Ferguson and Moving Forward
A Story I Knew All Too Well
Recently, I ran into a childhood friend and asked what he’d been up to. “Just came back from another funeral,” he answered. I shook my head, wondering what violent act had cursed our community this time. You see, for many in South Los Angeles, it is more common to hear about death by the gun than by natural causes. “I’m tired of seeing these young brothers buried,” he added before I could ask the details about another inner-city life cut way too short. Actually, I didn’t need to ask. I was sure it was just a different version of a story I … [Read more...] about A Story I Knew All Too Well