Brian Tranmer
02683-017
P.O. Box 905
Genesee Unit
Ray Brook, NY 12977-0300

August 11, 1998

Hello Carl,

I've been biding my time recently by (time is one thing I have a lot of, this August 19th will make it exactly seven years that I've been in prison and I still have six years left to go) lifting weights and other exercise.  I figured I should take advantage of the weights while they're here.  I do the recycling and throw away a few weights each week (Dumb Bells etc.) but the stupid inmates continue to treat them without care, not realizing that they stopped spending money to buy new ones.  Also the workouts help me take my mind off my financial problems.  I haven't really heard from anyone lately (although I did hear that two Jamaicans that you might remember, Sheriff & J.U., are dead), it seems that the longer I do in prison the less people remember me on the street.  Also because I speak my opinion (of course, I never say anything that could incriminate anyone, I know how to pick the right time and say things that only me and that particular person would understand) which some people may not agree with (like they say, "Opinions are like assholes, everyone has one.").  The biggest factor may be due to me asking for Commissary money which will usually run people off in a hurry.  Of course, I don't feel that people owe me anything, although, I know that a few of them could afford it if they so desired.  I can't make collect calls here (the phone system is set up here where I can only make direct calls as long as I put money on a phone account that each of us have) so if I don't have money the mail service is my only source of communication.  I have asking anyone for money but the reality of the matter is we need it to make life a little more comfortable.  Stress is known to be a number one cause of all forms of illness and the lack of money is the leading cause of stress.  It might be "The root of all evil" but it's also the root of a lot of other things.
        They just came up with a new rule here that gives people incident reports (meaning a little bullshit charge that could put you in segregation, "The Hole") for throwing away excess food.  Mind you, a lot of the food here is extremely unpalatable (it's not like you remember it, due to the drastic population increase there is less money to spend per inmate on food) and the conditions in which it is prepared are very unsanitary (I know first hand, I've worked in food service before), you are liable to find bugs or hairs in it on any given day, but now they want to put you in the hole for attempting to throw it away.  I guess just another thing to try to break the spirit, which is the nature of the beast.
        One Louv & much respect,
        Brian

PS    I enclosed an article about two young girls that I found in Rolling Stone magazine.  They intrigued me so much that I would like you to try and find their address so I can (through the Internet) write them a letter.  Also send back the article, I think I fell in love.

    Brian Tranmer
    02683-017
    Genesee Unit
    Post Office Box 905
    Ray Brook, NY 12977-0300