Sept. 21, 2011
by Todd Givens (author's profile)

Transcription

Name: Todd Givens
Date of birth: 6-13-69
Birthplace: Upland, CA.
Eye color: blue/green
Weight: 210 pound
Height: 6 feet 4 inches

a little about me; Hey, what's up, my name is Todd, and I am now on death-row over in California, the picture on the right was taken in a place called Corcoran State Prison over in the security housing unit. It is a locked down part of the prison that is usually referred to as the "SHU" or "the hole". Obviously I am not there any longer, but the facility I live in now is the same set-up. It is called the "Adjustment Center". Anyways, I've been here on death-row now for about 8 yrs and I like to pass the long days by writing and drawing and working-out and just anything to pass the time, I have included one of my drawings also, so that you can all get a sense for the things that are going through my mind on a daily basis, if you have any requests for drawings that you'd like me to do for you please feel free to let me know and please keep in mind that drawing is my sole income and I have no outside support, so any contributions you'd like to make are gladly accepted and also highly appreciated. Also if any of you ladies out there are interested in writing to me, please feel free to do so, I'd love to hear what's on you're mind, let me get some feedback on the Artwork, or my picture. (I no longer have moustache), don't be afraid to voice your opinions. All of you're comments or messages or letters or whatever, all of that keeps this solitary life I am living more interesting. So with that said, feel free to write me directly to: Todd Givens V-42482 3-AC-53 S.Q.S.P Sanquentin, CA. 94974 and please, ladies only, if I want to talk to a man I can just call to the guy next door to me. OK then, keep those letters and comments coming, thank you.

Sincerely,
Todd Givers

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Replies (8) Replies feed

FSP101 Posted 12 years, 5 months ago. ✓ Mailed 12 years, 5 months ago   Favorite
Dear Todd Givens,

My class and I were wondering if you could draw us a picture of Cruella DeVil from the 101 Dalmatians. We really appreciate your artwork and it would be great if you could draw us a picture and tell us a little more about your experiences at the different prisons.

Thanks!

FSP101

cgallardo Posted 10 years, 5 months ago. ✓ Mailed 10 years, 4 months ago   Favorite
I miss you terribly and love you tons. I love your artwork. My favorite is the one you drew of you behind bars and me laying on a bench in front of it. Be looking for my letter.

xoxo Cindy

Ajj13 Posted 7 years, 2 months ago. ✓ Mailed 7 years, 2 months ago   Favorite
Hello Todd. I have read some of your blog posts and they are very interesting. I like seeing these different perspective you have on life. My name is Alyssa and I am asking a few people on the betweenthebars.org some questions for my own research and was wondering if you would answer them if you felt like it. What are ways that some men deal with missing women in prison? Do you think men change not being around women? If so in what ways? How do you think this affects them when they are released? Do you think men become more reserved or dont know how to deal with a womens "touch" when released? ;) I just want to hear your input on this out of curiosity. Speak your mind. I would love to maybe see a blog post about this too. Thank you. Hope to hear back :)

Todd Givens Posted 7 years, 1 month ago.   Favorite
(scanned reply – view as blog post)

dbrandt7161@gmail.com Posted 7 years, 1 month ago. ✓ Mailed 7 years, 1 month ago   Favorite
Todd,

It's lil deb How have you been I just got of jail sorry I have not written to you I will send you out a letter with my new address on it k. I hope your ok

Always lil deb

Ajj13 Posted 7 years, 1 month ago. ✓ Mailed 7 years, 1 month ago   Favorite
Hello Todd! Thank you so much for your response to my questions. I really loved your responses. Just to let you know I asked these questions for a psychology class that I am taking in college. I am doing research on human interactions and how a lack of intimate contact can change a persons personality and outlook on life. I am specifically looking at correction systems. I am glad I stumbled upon this blog website. This is going to give me a first hand perspective into the system through people like you. Your comment on missing the scent of a women and just their touch seems to be very consistent among men in prison. People seem to appreciate women much differently than before they were in prison. People also talked about being reserved when they get out of prison and also scared of women. Another thing men and women both talk about is they masturbate in prison to cope with the lack of intimacy. These are just a few things I wanted to share that I have found so far and I appreciate you helping add to this data. If you can think of anything else that might help with my research I would really appreciate it. I really like your blog posts and I hope you continue to write. I guess I have a few more questions to ask if you dont mind answering if not, no big deal. Does your state offer conjugal visits? if so do you see any difference in men who get them? if not do you think it would help or not? Do you have access to regular pornography magazines? Do prisons discourage masturbation or allow it openly? Do you think some men abstain from masturbation and show other forms of emotions to overcome these frustrations (like anger, depression)? Do men who have a significant others on the outside act any differently than men who dont have a significant other on the outside from your observations? That is all I can think of for now. If you dont feel like answering these questions dont feel obligated. I want you to be as comfortable as possible. I really appreciate anything you can answer. If you can think of anything else that might help let me know. Also let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Thank you again Alyssa :)

Ajj13 Posted 6 years, 10 months ago. ✓ Mailed 6 years, 10 months ago   Favorite
Hi Todd! Thank you so much for your response to my questions. I really loved your responses. Just to let you know I asked these questions for a psychology class that I am taking in college. I am doing research on human interactions and how a lack of intimate contact can change a persons personality and outlook on life. I am specifically looking at correction systems. I am glad I stumbled upon this blog website. This is going to give me a first hand perspective into the system through people like you. Your comment on missing the scent of a women and just their touch seems to be very consistent among men in prison. People seem to appreciate women much differently than before they were in prison. People also talked about being reserved when they get out of prison and also scared of women. Another thing men and women both talk about is they masturbate in prison to cope with the lack of intimacy. These are just a few things I wanted to share that I have found so far and I appreciate you helping add to this data. If you can think of anything else that might help with my research I would really appreciate it. I really like your blog posts and I hope you continue to write. I guess I have a few more questions to ask if you dont mind answering if not, no big deal. Does your state offer conjugal visits? if so do you see any difference in men who get them? if not do you think it would help or not? Do you have access to regular pornography magazines? Do prisons discourage masturbation or allow it openly? Do you think some men abstain from masturbation and show other forms of emotions to overcome these frustrations (like anger, depression)? Do men who have a significant others on the outside act any differently than men who dont have a significant other on the outside from your observations? That is all I can think of for now. If you dont feel like answering these questions dont feel obligated. I want you to be as comfortable as possible. I really appreciate anything you can answer. If you can think of anything else that might help let me know. Also let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Thank you again Alyssa :)

kat3005 Posted 6 years, 8 months ago. ✓ Mailed 6 years, 7 months ago   Favorite
Thanks for writing! I finished the transcription for your post.

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