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Leisure Time

Interview with Rick

JM: What types of facilities were available to help pass the time?
Rick: Vocations were exceptional. I learned how to be a machinist there. Learned everything from scratch. There were no weights. When Governor Arnold first came in he did a tour of the place and saw how big and rough we were getting like he used to be and so he got rid of the weights. He thought we were getting too intimidating. You could buy a TV or have your family send you one for the cell. No common TV.

JM: Did you have regular access to the entertainment or was competition fierce? Give details.
Rick: Sometimes there was a waiting list for vocations classes but you could find a way in.

JM: Did you have a hard time staying in shape while in jail?
Rick: No. I did watch my diet. I didn't glom a lot of candy. Last six months I started doing push ups and got into good shape.

JM: How often did you get to go outside? What did you do outside if you were allowed to? If you were not allowed to go outside what could you do for exercise?
Rick: Every day. My job took up most of my time but I could get out every day for a couple of hours.

JM: Did the jail offer church services? If so, what were they like and when were they held?
Rick: Absolutely and I endugled. They were really warming. You could find any path to Jesus. They had Catholic, Protestant and even a sweat lodge for the Native Americans.

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