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Leisure Time

Interview with Nick and Phillip

JM: What types of facilities were available to help pass the time?
Nick: there is a gym and a library which are available to different blocks at different times. also tvs and card tables on the block. the library selection is pretty weak but if you go often there are good books to find. people work out on the block when not at the gym too.
Phillip: nothing , work , church and pathetic library, a broken down gym where people got MRSA . church services. they had programs for people like ED , batterers class anger management , AA and NA , financial management , English classes they also had help for people in getting placed in half way houses and things like that

JM: Did you have regular access to the entertainment or was competition fierce? Give details.
Nick: i always play a lot of cards in jail and often with the same group of guys so we usually had no problem getting a table. there are three tvs one for spanish speakers, one for english speakers and one dedicated to sports. i never had much trouble entertaining myself.
Phillip: there were limits on how many could go ( 10 people at a time to the library and each block got to go twice a week) Everything is available in small amounts and parceled out . The guards control the sign up process so they m many times let their favorites sign up in advance

JM: Did you have a hard time staying in shape while in jail?
Nick: no i have a hard time maintaining the shape i get into in jail once i get out. all you have is time in jail to work out and rest as much as you want.
Phillip: very hard, food was horrible a;; carbohydrates and no ability to burn it off . LIke everything else the pretends to hve the serve but relly do not

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?
Nick: at best in the summer months you can get outside for an hour a day. otherwise only when moving between buildings are you allowed outside.
Phillip: once or twice a week weather depending but again the numbers were limited and if you worked and the workout period was during you work hours then you loose. There are limits placed on how many and the guards always make sure their favorites get on the list first

JM: Did the jail offer church services? If so, what were they like and when were they held?
Nick: yes the jail offers several church services held in the chapel. usually they are just used for people from different blocks to meet up since church is one of the only times multiple blocks can come together.
Phillip: once a week but like everything else limited to a certain number if you didn't get to the signup early you didn't get to go

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