Sunday, July 31, 2011

Talk About Sick !!!

This thing had me laughing so hard I cried ! Fuckin' sick as hell, but funny !
Hope you get a kick out of it.
Ciao !

Mr. Tran...

Friday, July 29, 2011

Movin' to a New Place !

I'm moving to a much nicer apartment next week - and about fuckin' time, let me tell ya' !
The place I'm in now has bed bugs i can't get rid of (YUCK !!!), the swamp cooler doesn't work worth a damn, and the neighbors are the meth addicts from hell - always borrowing everything - food, toilet paper, spare change, etc etc - I'm a happy camper knowing I'll be in a place twice the size of my current place next week.
Same price - $400 a month for a one-bedroom, but in the new place I pay utilities. BUT - it has central air-con (a blessing in Tucson), is MUCH cleaner and nicer, a real relief.
Thank the gods for the advance check from Skyhorse Publishing.
I'm gonna be busier than a one-legged man in an ass-kicking contest next week, so if I miss a few days posting, y'all know what's up. Between doing the work for Skyhorse, finishing off Nature of Religion, and doing all the stuff necessary to move, I'm gonna be a little short on spare time for a while (lol).
Talk to you soon.
Ciao.

Billy Joel - Movin' Out

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Masyanya's a Scammer ! :(

Take another little piece of my heart, now, baby !
Ah, I can't complain TOO much - i didn't send her any money. But still - that's too bad - i really was hoping to see her sexy bod comin' off that plane - damn !
Such is life, eh ?
And so - the search continues...

Janis Joplin - Piece of My Heart

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Gettin' Blasted...

Yeah, I'm stoned - and I like it !
Love this Floyd when I'm high.
I'm gonna get that big inflatable pig, and fly it over my apartment.
There's another good Floyd tune below, and under that is some crankin' Dokken (I think it's the best one they did).
Just getting blasted, and trippin on Floyd. Damn good way to spend an evenin'.
So, have fun.
g'night.

Pink Floyd - Pigs On The Wing, I & 2

Remember ?

Sittin' here, remembering the days when I first discovered Floyd.
It's such a fuckin' good tune.
So, light up a bowl, sip a little Zinfandel (or rum, or whatever suits ya'), and get high to the jam.
Excellent.
Enjoy.

Pink Floyd - Shine On You Crazy Diamond

My Russki Girl is Gonna Be here Soon...

Yeah - it's not love, like Dokken says, but hell - it'll do !
Come join the party - we'll all meet her at Tucson Int'l - and show her how Americans have a good time !
I'll let you know when her plane arrives. You know her - Masyanya has her ticket, her visa, and she's comin' soon.
Should be some SERIOUS fun.
She paid for all of it, too ! Maybe I was being skeptical by not sending her any money - but she managed to come up with it herself, and I'm damn glad she did.  Don't have long to wait...
Whaddaya think ?

Dokken - It's Not Love

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Hunger Strike News

It may not be over - the articles seem to conflict a little - we'll know for sure by Monday or so whether the prisoners have actually accepted the CDC's offer.
I'll keep you posted.

Hunger Strike Ends ?


Prisoners at Pelican Bay End Hunger Strike, Declare Victory
Lawyers and Mediators Share Messages from Hunger Strike Leaders

 
 
 
 
For Immediate Release – July 22, 2011
 
Press Contact: Molly Porzig
Prisoner Hunger Strike Solidarity
 
What: Press Conference
Where: California State Building, 1515 Clay St, Oakland
When: 11am, July 22, 2011
 
Oakland – Lawyers, mediators and prisoner’s family members will hold a press conference on July 22, 2011 at the California State Building in Oakland announcing that prisoners at Pelican Bay have ended a hunger strike that began on July 1st. The prisoners collectively decided to end their strike when presented with an offer by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) meeting at least one of their demands. “The prisoners have been offered cold weather caps, calendars and the possibility of some educational opportunities in the Secure Housing Unit (SHU),” says Carol Strickman, a lawyer with Legal Services for Prisoners with Children who spoke by phone with four of the hunger strike leaders today, “They understand this is a victory not just because of the concessions that were offered, but because the tremendous international outcry around the conditions at Pelican Bay has made it possible to move towards lasting changes for prisoners across California.”
 
The strike, which lasted three weeks, received broad international support and prompted California lawmakers to initiate hearings on conditions in the SHU, including the practice of long-term solitary confinement. “While the strike might be over, conditions at Pelican Bay and around California remain deplorable,” says Emily Harris, coordinator of Californians United for a Responsible Budget. “The culmination of this hunger strike must be viewed in light of the fact that the CDCR is in federal receivership because it provides substandard medical care to prisoners. This will be an ongoing struggle.”
 
The Pelican Bay prisoner hunger strike has been one of the largest and longest strikes by prisoners in California history, with more than 6,600 prisoners participating at the height of the strike. A source at the Associated Press notified supporters that prisoners at Calipatria, Corcoran and Tehachapi state prisons remain on strike as of July 21st.Manuel LaFontaine, an organizer with All of Us or None, points out “This strike has been really significant in terms of the media attention it has received but more importantly because it marks a shift in terms of “business as usual” for the CDCR.”
 
Advocates and lawyers will continue to monitor conditions in the SHU at Pelican Bay State Prison and encourage ongoing review of conditions of confinement in all California prisons.
 
###
 
Recent Media Coverage
 
 
Wednesday's demo in Providence, RI
 

 
 

Needless to say, a link to an article does not imply endorsement.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 

 
 
 
Upcoming Events
(next 72 hours)
 
In the US:
 
 
California
 
Chino
July 23, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Day 23 Hunger Strike Support Rally:  @ CIM 14901 Central Ave Chino CA 91710 (we will probably arrive by 8:00 a.m.)
Please note the the rally at Chino has been canceled.
 
Los Angeles
July 22, 9:00AM-5:00PM - All Day Action - Downtown Los Angeles, Ronald Reagan State Building,300 South Spring St (between 3rd and 4th st),Los Angeles, CA 90013(@ 5pm march to LA County Jail)
 
July 22, 2011 from 7:00 p.m. till 8:30 p.m. @ Los Angeles Co Jail 441 Bauchet St LA 90012( be prepared to walk thru the streets of Los Angeles @ 8:30 p.m. to pass out info flyers and get petitions signed)
 
 
 
 
Ohio
Youngstown
Sat. July 23: From Supermax to Supermax – Rally 2:00-4:00 pm at Ohio’s supermax, Ohio State Penitentiary, 878 Coitsville-Hubbard Rd., Youngstown, OH 44505. Followed by a reception, discussion and DVD on physical & psychological torture USP at Marion. Come to St. Augustine’s Church, 614 Parmalee Ave., Youngstown, OH 44510.
 
 
 
If you are organizing an event in your area, let us know!
 
Also, if you'd like photos of your actions to appear inHungerstrike News, just send us an email...
 
Hungerstrike News can be reached at hstrikenews@yahoo.ca


Friday, July 22, 2011

Van Halen - Right Now

Right Now

Right Now - I signed the contract for publishing my book of Thai prison stories called Land of a Thousand Smiles - due out Spring 2012, with Skyhorse Publishing of New York.
Thanks for your support !
And hey - start clickin' on some fuckin' ads, will ya !?
lol.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Dry River - Tucson Support for Pelican Bay - 7/19

Just wanted to thank everyone who showed up Tuesday night to support the Pelican Bay Hunger Strikers.
About 30 people contributed, made support calls to officials, etc - and that was great !
I gave a little talk, and Doug showed two video clips on the Strike - went very well.
So thanks for all the help - and keep up the pressure !
Ciao.

Hunger Strike Update - 7/21/11


Hungerstrike News
July 21, 2011No. 5, Day Twenty One

Repression Breeds Resistance!

drawing by
Kevin "Rashid" Johnson, who has been held in segregation in the Virginia prison system since 1994. To see more of Rashid's artwork and writings, see www.rashidmod.com
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
July 20 - Reaching at least 6,600 prisoners across 13 prisons, this massive and inspiring act of solidarity and people power across prison-manufactured & exacerbated racial and geographic lines has dumb-founded the CDCR.
 
While the daily numbers of hunger strikers fluctuates, the CDCR is certainly under-estimating how many people inside prison are participating in and supporting this strike.
 
In the first days of the strike, the CDCR said “less than two dozen prisoners” were hunger striking, but then were forced to admit at least 6,600 prisoners were participating in the strike. Now the CDCR has publicly announced that four prisons continue to strike. Advocates are currently aware of hunger strikers at Pelican Bay, Corcoran, Tehachapi, Folsom and Calipatria. Supporters also know that prisoners at Valley State Prison for Women, Centinela, San Quentin, and RJ Donovan have also been participating in the strike, and may still be refusing food. It is safe to assume the CDCR is still dramatically under-counting participation.
According to the Federal Receiver’s office, only 38 prisoners at Calipatria are refusing food, 20 days into the hunger strike. However, according to family members and friends of prisoners, hunger strikers at Calipatria say there at more than 300 prisoners at Calipatria still on hunger strike.
 
A close friend of a Calipatria hunger-striker told Prisoner Hunger Strike Solidarity: “Based on communicating with my best friend who is a hunger striker, I’m 100% sure at least 300 prisoners are still supporting each other and going strong, refusing food and demanding the CDCR change conditions of solitary confinement and policies around gang validation.” She continues to explain: “Calipatria is very south in CA, near the US Mexico-border, and like all prisons, has a long-history of corruption, guard-instigated violence, and a severe lack of constructive programming for prisoners. It is incredibly hot down there. It is 110 degrees outside prison. Imagine how much hotter it is in a concrete cell, and imagine not eating anything for weeks in that heat.”
 
In order to break the strike and dwindle support for it, the CDCR has:
  • enticed prisoners into not fasting before the strike began by releasing a “4th of July Menu,” including food that prisoners have never seen before in prison
  • continuously down-played participation and support in regards to numbers
  • has been withholding information in regards to prisoners’ medical status and other details on the strike from press, media, advocates, family members and prisoners
  • guards marched down prison halls announcing the strike was over and the demands were met
  • not followed medical protocol, including distributing prescribed medication
  • told the Federal Receiver’s office all prisoners were refusing medical care, therefore the Federal Receiver’s office does not need to follow protocol and weigh prisoners or do medical examinations until later
  • denounced family members, friends, prisoners, and lawyers speaking out about the urgent medical crisis as prisoners experience symptoms of severe dehydration due to no food for weeks and torturous conditions
  • said the strike is led by vicious gang members to justify torture and discourage wide-range support
  • hanging up and/or disconnecting when supporters call-in urging the CDCR to negotiate
  • claiming they cannot implement the changes asked for in the demands, when they are basic standards even in other Supermax prisons Pelican Bay was modeled after
  • thrown hunger striking prisoners not yet in the SHU and Ad-Seg units into solitary confinement as punishment for supporting the strike
  • transferred hunger strikers to other prisons–we’ve heard from the Receiver’s Office of hunger strikers being transferred from Pelican Bay to Corcoran, and Corcoran to Pelican Bay
  • continuing to deny mail, the primary source of much needed human contact
  • and many more tactics we have yet to hear due to extreme isolation and surveillance
Despite these attempts, the hunger strike led by prisoners to change prison conditions and outside support for this courageous action has only grown.Thousands of people worldwide are supporting the strike by calling the CDCR and legislators to negotiate with the prisoners immediately, in good faith, before people die and medical conditions get even worse.
 
Supporters have also been holding demonstrations and rallies, often outside of prisons and jails, to draw attention to the prevalence of policing and imprisonment in their communities, particularly working-class and communities of color, as well as the prioritization of policing and imprisonment at the expense of the much-needed social services and resources for the same communities people are taken away from when locked up in prison.
 
Whitney Walton, a member of the Stop The Injunctions Coalition in Oakland, which is fighting the legalization of racial profiling through “gang injunctions” says: “I’m supporting the hunger strike because policing and labeling individuals as ‘gang’ members, or neighborhoods as ‘gang zones’ is directly connected to ‘gang validation’ that occurs in prisons. Both are tactics used to criminalize, dehumanize, and isolate members of our communities.”
This hunger strike certainly is “rolling” and strike participation in the way of refusing food will continue to fluctuate in regards to numbers. Without a doubt, this struggle will continue until the prisoner’s demands are met, and prisoners are recognized as human beings.
 
 
 
 

Understanding Torture:
A Reading List

 
 
 
 

Pelican Bay & SHUs

 
“A Cage within a Cage: A Report on Indeterminate Security Housing Unit (SHU) Confinement & Conditions” by Lauren Liu with Robin Rederford, Legal Services for Prisoners with Children (July 2011). Click here to download a pdf of the report (about 20 pages)
 
Pelican Bay History
  A Brief History of Pelican Bay by Keramet Reiter, a Ph.D. candidate in Jurisprudence and Social Policy at Berkeley School of Law
 
Solitary Confinement
What Is Solitary Confinement? Provided by American Friends Service Committee
 
 
Torture & Imprisonment
Confronting Torture in US Prisons, an interview with activists/journalists and co-founders of the new Solitary Watch website, James Ridgeway and Jean Casella. Here they talk about some of the history and purpose of solitary confinement & Pelican Bay, as well as some media strategies for organizing against torture and imprisonment.
 
Exporting Prisons and Torture Tactics Internationally
Read A Visit Inside Colombia’s Most Notorious Prison, La Tramacúa by James Jordan from Alliance for Global Justice for a break down of why 54 prisoners have also begun a strike this June  at La Tramacúa penitentiary in Valledupar, Colombia. Eight prisoners have sewn their own mouths shut-extreme measures due to extremely bad conditions. La Tramacúa was built with US funds and is part of an effort to transform the prisons on a US model.
 
Recent Media Coverage
 
 
banner drop
yesterday in Seattle
 

 
 

Needless to say, a link to an article does not imply endorsement.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 

 
 
 
Upcoming Events
(next 72 hours)
 
In the US:
 
 
California
 
Chino
July 23, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Day 23 Hunger Strike Support Rally:  @ CIM 14901 Central Ave Chino CA 91710 (we will probably arrive by 8:00 a.m.)
 
Los Angeles
July 21, 12:30PM: Youth and Community Stand by Pelican Bay Hunger Strikers & Call for Humane Treatment for Everyone Inside and Coming Home From Prison @ Chuco's Justice Center, 1137 East Redondo Blvd., Inglewood, 90302 on the border of South Central LA, one block west of Florence and Crenshaw
 
July 22, 9:00AM-5:00PM - All Day Action - Downtown Los Angeles, Ronald Reagan State Building,300 South Spring St (between 3rd and 4th st),Los Angeles, CA 90013(@ 5pm march to LA County Jail)
 
July 22, 2011 from 7:00 p.m. till 8:30 p.m. @ Los Angeles Co Jail 441 Bauchet St LA 90012( be prepared to walk thru the streets of Los Angeles @ 8:30 p.m. to pass out info flyers and get petitions signed)
 
 
Sacramento
Thurs, July 21st, 3:45pm: March & Demo at CDCR Headquarters (1515 S. St.). Meet at Freemont Park (15th & Q). Please bring signs urging the Department of Corrections to stop torture. Contact sacprisonersupport@riseup.net
 
San Diego
July 21, 2011 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in San Diego accross the street from Court House on Front St and Broadway.
 
San Francisco
EVERY WEEKDAY from noon til 1pm. California State Building, Van Ness and McAllister, San Francisco. Call d’andre/Revolution Newspaper for more info 510-926-5207
 
Thursday July 21st: Weekly vigil from 5-7pm in front of the Alameda County Courthouse – 1225 Fallon St., near Lake Merritt bart station and downtown Oakland.
 
Santa Barbara
Thurs, July 21, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.: Informational Event @ University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) @ Multicultural Center
 
Illinois
Chicago
Friday July 22: Support Rally and March at the State of Illinois Building, located at 100 West Randolph Street in downtown Chicago at 4:30 pm.
 
Ohio
Youngstown
Sat. July 23: From Supermax to Supermax – Rally 2:00-4:00 pm at Ohio’s supermax, Ohio State Penitentiary, 878 Coitsville-Hubbard Rd., Youngstown, OH 44505. Followed by a reception, discussion and DVD on physical & psychological torture USP at Marion. Come to St. Augustine’s Church, 614 Parmalee Ave., Youngstown, OH 44510.
 
In Canada
Montreal
July 22 and subsequent Fridays 12 – 1.30 pm: Picket at the American Consulate. 1155, rue Saint-Alexandre, corner Rene Levesque, metro Place des Arts. For more info, contact:montrealcontreprisons@gmail.com
 
If you are organizing an event in your area, let us know!
 
Also, if you'd like photos of your actions to appear inHungerstrike News, just send us an email...
 
Hungerstrike News can be reached at hstrikenews@yahoo.ca


Since July 1, thousands of prisoners across California have participated in a hunger strike against torturous conditions at Pelican Bay State Prison's Security Housing Unit. Roughly one hundred prisoners have stated that they will refuse food until death if their demands for basic human rights are not met.
 
Hungerstrike News documents their struggle and the actions of those who stand in solidarity with them.
MAKE CALLS AND
WRITE LETTERS OF PROTEST TO:

Secretary Matthew Cate
CDCR
1515 S Street
Sacramento
95814
TEL: (916) 323-6001
 
Governor Jerry Brown
State Capitol, Suite 1173
Sacramento, CA 95814
 
CDCR Public Affairs Office:(916)445-4950
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