Prisoners are persons whom most of us would rather not think about. Banished from everyday sight, they exist in a shadow world that only dimly enters our awareness. They are members of a "total institution" that controls their daily existence in a way that few of us can imagine. "[P]rison is a complex of physical arrangements and of measures, all wholly governmental, all wholly performed by agents of government, which determine the total existence of certain human beings (except perhaps in the realm of the spirit, and inevitably there as well) from sundown to sundown, sleeping, walking, speaking, silent, working, playing, viewing, eating, voiding, reading, alone, with others. . . ." It is thus easy to think of prisoners as members of a separate netherworld, driven by its own demands, ordered by its own customs, ruled by those whose claim to power rests on raw necessity. -- Justice William Brennan, dissenting in O’Lone v. Estate of Shabazz, 482 U.S. 342, 354-55 (1987).

Thursday, March 29, 2007

A Day of Goodbyes (plus an American Idol PS)

Yesterday was a day of goodbyes.

First, I had my last workout in a while with my trainer Regi. We did final measurements to see how much I progress/regress while in prison. See my upcoming post for comments on health and diet concerns while in prison.

Second, I had my going away party at Wizeguys. I was a little late due to a house visit by my PO.

Third, I took my daughter Angela out for an early birthday dinner at Capital Grille, one of the more upscale restaurants located right in the center of downtown Charlotte. She graduated high school early in December and currently works in the accounting department at a large hotel uptown. I wanted to spend one last evening with her before I left, just to let her know how much I love her and how very proud I am of her. We split a 10-oz filet with a large side of asparagus and a monster chocolate hazelnut cake for dessert. The server asked what the occasion was. I explained I was going "away" for a while and was going to miss her 18th birthday in June. They gave us the cake for free. Nice touch. (Click to enlarge picture)

Finally, Amanda and I stopped by her sister Heidi's house for a glass of wine and to watch the results of American Idol. The funniest part of the evening however was when it was time to leave. I made a quick pitstop and forgot I had lots of asparagus for dinner. Uh oh. Click here if you are confused.

Now, I can't end without a few parting remarks about American Idol.

Sanjaya made it through another cut. Unbelievable, although I couldn't argue with the bottom three and Chris Sligh deserved to go. I'm glad Haley didn't go... I wouldn't mind seeing her legs for at least a few more weeks. Think she doesn't know where her votes are coming from?

Back to Sanjaya. After a while, you just have to give the kid some credit... he is not going down meekly. That 7-cornstalk mohawk was a piece of art. I agree completely with the closing comments of Jim Cantiello on MTV.com, whose review of last night's show can be found here:

Sanjaya's performance-art kept the show interesting. You have to give him credit for that, at the very least. Who would have guessed that the shy guy with the shaggy hair who auditioned with his sister would turn into a full-fledged freak-with-no-leash? I think Sanjaya himself is a little confused as he embraces his role on the show. A line from "Bathwater" seems especially relevant: "I know I don't fit in, so why do you want me?" I'll tell you, dude: Because you're unique. Not "Gina Glocksen I'm Gonna Dye My Hair And Wear Ugly Clothes" unique. But truly unique. At this point, what else can Sanjaya do to surprise us? We've created a monster, folks.

My rankings:

1. Melinda Doolittle
2. Lakisha Jones
3. Blake Lewis, Jordin Sparks, Gina Glocksen (tie)
6. Who Cares
7. Who Cares
8. Who Cares
9. Who Cares


I won't be surprised if Sanjaya makes it into the final 6 but it has to end there.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

This past week Melinda finish the vocals on her CD!. All of that happens quickly then you will see her CD on shelves this Fall! Also, keep your eye out for her first official single that should be hitting airwaves in the coming weeks. Melinda is going to be throwing a lot of music at us in the coming months so get ready!
We have new website to support Melinda Career. I'm one of her backups who support Melinda from the beginning. Melinda have her own topic in the forum. She keep us update with all what happen with her album and everything with us. She is a amazing person. Come join us.

Anonymous said...

Please contact Teresa at 512-372-8855 or Terry or Bobby at 979-299-0086 or BBB74ac@yahoo.com if anyone has any or all of these books I could purchase at a used book discounted price for a very dear friend who has to go away in less than two weeks for maybe 4 years.
1) FEDERAL PRISON: Where Inmates Stay & Convicts Run --A survival Guide and Reference (Author: Tracy W. Humble) ISBN 1-882799-003===
2) JAIL TIME--What You Need to Know Before You Go to Federal Prison (Author Michael Frantz
ISBN: 978-159858-935-1 ===
3) The Definitive Guide to Federal Incarceration: FEDERAL PRISON - A Comprehensive Survival Guide (Author Jonathan Richards == and any other books on Preparing and Surviving Federal Prison. I sincerely appreciate your response ASAP. THANK YOU!!