Daniel Gwynn: The Cell and The Yard

Text by Daniel Gwynn, Copyright 2025

.

The Cell and The Yard

.

My cell was on the second tier on the very narrow part of the catwalk. The door was steel, with a sliver of a window and a horizontal slot in the middle of the door for passing meal trays through, and my hands for cuffing. The cell dimensions were 8-by-12 feet reinforced concrete steel walls. The metal furniture (bed frame, stool, desk cabinets & sink toilet combo) was bolted to the walls and floor. A flimsy plastic mattress and pillow were stuffed with some kind of synthetic fibers were provided to sleep on. On the back wall was a vertical sliver of a security window framed by steel bars. The colors were drab and depressing. The cell, dark and cold, was provided with central air circulated through ventilation systems crusted with dust & disease, where if one person got sick everyone was at risk of getting sick.

I was in solitary confinement, where I spent 22 hours a day (Mon-Fri) eating alone, reading, watching a television I had to purchase, and teaching myself how to paint. My time was plagued by neighbors who suffered from mental illnesses that caused them to relive their horrible crimes. Some professing their innocence and searching for someone to believe them. Others were so terrified of being executed that they cried themselves to sleep. Some were so miserable that they wanted others to be miserable too. So they would bang on the walls or metal furniture in the cell all times of the day and night. 

Screenshot

My cell was constantly assaulted by guards in search of contraband or those who just wanted to be an oppressor. Every time I exited the cell, I was strip-searched. There was no privacy to wash up in the sink or use the toilet. The guards wanted to be able to see me at all times. This is the excuse they used to justify keeping a security light on in the cell all day and night, disrupting my sleep.

I was very angry about what was happening to me. But instead of being negative, I turned it into a positive and armed myself with the education to fight back. I acquired my GED, Paralegal Degree and taught myself to paint. I exercised in that tiny cell to stay in shape and surrounded myself with positive influences that not only provided quality education but also lessons on how to survive. To alleviate the misery of my confinement, I would play Chess with a neighbor, hollering Chess moves across the tier or in the vents. Most of the time we were given respect by the other prisoners who would allow us to play. I chose not to let this experience break me. I survived.

The yard was a tiny space. There were 23 cages no bigger than a parking space lined up side-by-side in rows. We were enclosed with cyclone fencing for the walls and ceiling. Each gate was secured with a padlock. Two prisoners in a cage for two hours. Not very much room to walk, run, or even move around in. You had to be really cool to be in the cage with someone or out to settle a dispute.

 We weren’t really permitted to bring anything to the yard. It depended on the guards’ mood. Sometimes, we could bring a board game, a deck of cards and maybe a bottle of water. Sometimes nothing at all. There was a prisoner yard worker who was permitted to bring out a toy box full of board games (Scrabble, Chess, & Monopoly) and boxes of Dominoes. There wasn’t much to choose from. 

Under the watchful glare of the CO, the yard worker would walk from cage to cage passing out a board game, tissue or some contraband he was given permission by the CO to hand out, like a Ziplock bag to pee in. Once outside you had to stay out. You could go in to use the bathroom, but you couldn’t come back out.  Most times, it was difficult to get a CO’s attention to be escorted back to your cell to use the bathroom. The COs would be inside taking a nap or playing cards.

Many prisoners would have a workout regimen with a group of others in the neighboring cages. Everyone would have their own version of the best workout list and would consult or critique each other’s list. We didn’t have any equipment or mats. Just the hard concrete. We’d use our winter coats or padded gloves to get down on the ground. When we didn’t have a coat, we’d use our jumpsuits. There wasn’t any pullup bar, so we’d string our jumpsuit through the holes in the fence and tie it off.  We needed to stay in shape, maintain some form of good health because the food was bad, and we were locked down 22 hrs. Mon-Fri. No yard on Sat & Sun.

When two prisoners didn’t get along, they would sign up to get into a cage with each other. Once the CO went inside of the building, the two combatants would mix it up. The yard would grow eerily quiet while spectators watched silently, cheering on whomever was their favorite. The combatants were oddly respectful as they went at each other, not wanting to do too much damage to avoid drawing the attention of the Cos or medical. Once they’ve made their point, they’d pick up the loser, dust them off and go to their respective corners to boast about how they held their own or lick their wounds.

In other cases where they wanted to do some damage, they would smuggle their makeshift weapons to the yard (a piece of sharpened steel they found or toothbrush) and go at each other before the COs noticed. No care or respect for each other’s life. They wanted to do some damage. All of this violence sickened me, and I refused to watch. Some loved the violence and instigated the animosity or goaded the protagonists.

On a normal day, we’re in the yard holding intelligent conversations about legal cases, improving our quality of life, fighting the system, or playing board games/cards through the fences. My favorite games were Scrabble, Chess and Pinochle. Some COs would let us pair up in the yard with adjoining cages, so we could get a game in. 

.

About The Author: Daniel Gwynn is an artist and  former death row prison inmate in the state of Pennsylvania who served nearly 30 years for a murder he did not commit.  Since his release on February 28, 2024, Daniel received his CPS (certified peer support specialist) in the PA department of corrections. To access Daniel Gwynns amazing artwork, link here: https://www.danielgwynn197.com/

Politics: The Chaos of DOGE

photo of the US capital aerial view
US Capital Building

The Chaos of DOGE

.

How Elon Musks Obsession is Disrupting Americas Federal Workforce

.

In recent years, Elon Musk’s fascination with Dogecoin (DOGE), the meme-inspired cryptocurrency, has transcended mere personal interest and begun to ripple into unexpected areas—including America’s federal workforce. What started as a series of playful tweets has evolved into a disruptive force, creating chaos for federal employees and raising questions about the intersection of cryptocurrency, corporate influence, and government operations. This chaos reached a boiling point recently when 21 employees at SpaceX, one of Musk’s companies, quit their jobs, citing concerns over his erratic behavior and the growing influence of DOGE on their work environment.

The trouble began when Musk, a self-proclaimed “Dogefather,” started using his massive social media platform to promote DOGE. His tweets, often cryptic and humorous, have caused wild fluctuations in the cryptocurrency’s value. While this has been a boon for some investors, it has created a volatile environment for businesses and employees tied to Musk’s ventures. Federal employees, particularly those working on contracts with SpaceX, have found themselves caught in the crossfire. SpaceX is a major contractor for NASA and the Department of Defense, and its operations are critical to national security and space exploration. However, Musk’s preoccupation with DOGE has reportedly led to distractions, shifting priorities, and a lack of focus on mission-critical projects.

The recent exodus of 21 SpaceX employees highlights the growing frustration among workers. According to reports, these employees left due to Musk’s increasing focus on DOGE and his unpredictable management style. Many felt that his obsession with the cryptocurrency was diverting attention and resources away from SpaceX’s core objectives. One former employee, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the work environment as “chaotic and unsustainable,” with Musk frequently pushing for DOGE-related initiatives that seemed disconnected from the company’s mission. This sentiment was echoed by others, who expressed concerns about the long-term impact on SpaceX’s reputation and its ability to fulfill its obligations to federal agencies.

The fallout from this situation extends beyond SpaceX. Federal employees working on joint projects with the company have reported delays and disruptions, as Musk’s focus on DOGE has led to missed deadlines and shifting priorities. This has created tension between SpaceX and its government partners, with some officials questioning whether the company can maintain its commitment to critical national projects.

The chaos caused by DOGE also raises broader questions about the influence of cryptocurrency on traditional industries and government operations. While cryptocurrencies like DOGE offer exciting possibilities, their volatile nature and the cult-like following they inspire can lead to instability, particularly when influential figures like Musk champion them. For federal employees, whose work often depends on stability and predictability, this unpredictability is deeply unsettling.

In the end, the DOGE saga serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of allowing personal passions to overshadow professional responsibilities. As Musk continues to navigate his dual roles as a tech visionary and a cryptocurrency evangelist, the challenge will be to balance his ambitions with the needs of his employees and the federal agencies that rely on his companies. Until then, the chaos caused by DOGE is likely to persist, leaving federal employees and the public to wonder what the future holds.

Gina Iannece: On Grief and Hope

Glamorous Woman at a beautiful castle looking sad and sorrowful
Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2025

Text by Gina Ianneci, Copyright 2025

.

On Grief and Hope

.

Model: Gina Ianneci

Photo: Tony Ward

Stylist: KVaughn

Hair & Makeup: Michael Connor

Lighting Grip: Anthony Colagreco

.

Throughout my life, I’ve faced traumatic experiences that I can easily recall, along with the memories and associated emotions. 

For better or worse, these experiences are a part of me. The biggest one for me will always be the loss of my
brother, who was just 21 years old when he fell asleep and crashed his car on the NJ Turnpike. At this moment
Tony captured me, I was thinking about my brother and this ten-year-old video I found last year on YouTube.

In the video clip the actor Billy Bob Thornton shares his experience of losing his brother. He explains how this
loss has profoundly affected his outlook on life, leaving him with a persistent feeling of melancholy. Thornton
mentions that he never fully trusts happiness and often feels 50% happy and 50% sad. He advises people who
have lost a loved one to accept their feelings and honor them through their work or art. He emphasizes that
one never truly gets over such a loss but can learn to live with the pain and use it as a source of inspiration. I
relate deeply to his perspective and how he articulates his feelings.

 https://youtu.be/4Pn3y7S5FAw

Woman wearing ancient battle armor with messy hair in front of an old castle
The Warrior. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2025

To access additional articles by Gina Iannece, link herehttps://tonyward.com/feature-gina-iannece-meeting-the-moment/

Brian Hunt: Testimonial

photo of nude dancer shot at Tony Ward Studio by Brian Hunt
Photo: Ethimo Foto, Copyright 2025

Text by Brian Hunt, Copyright 2025

.

Testimonial

.

I’ve shot In lots of studios. Most of them are commercial spaces repurposed to be a studio space. They have the normal advantages of commercials spaces.  Large doors to load equipment, lots of wall sockets for power, high ceilings etc. With that stated those facilities have disadvantages. They are sterile and lack any hint of inspiration. Can one create in a space of this nature? Yes,  but you will be fighting uphill. 

 Sometimes the space is shared with other projects that are going on at the same time. You could be right next to a group that is playing loud music and running equally loud equipment. All while you are trying to create a connection with the client, model or subject and share a flow of conscientiousness to generate the images that you want. You could negate the possibility of distractions by renting the entire facility, but that doesn’t remove the environmental aspect and would cost much more money. You will still be in a facility that is probably better suited to making widgets, than it is to making Art.

Tony Ward has curated the environmental aspect of his property to be as inspiring as it is functional and accommodating. As soon as you arrive  at the enclave you will know that you are in a space that is dedicated to the creation, and appreciation of Art.  You are surrounded by Art in various forms including artwork produced by members of his family, namely his father Milton Ward.  The exterior walls of the studio are painted in a multi colored patterns, a direct homage to the paintings of his father. The walls of the Ward residence are covered in framed Art in several different mediums by a variety of artists. The furniture is mostly vintage mid century modern and arranged to promote gathering of minds to share ideas. Collections of sculpture, tools, books, and artifacts gathered over a lifetime of artistic endeavors are all on display.  The entire property is an Art gallery, with space reserved for you to create your Art.  

.

To learn more about renting studio time at the Tony Ward Studio in Elkins Park, link herehttps://tonywardstudio.com/rental/

photo of nude dancer shot at Tony Ward Studio by Brian Hunt
Photo: Ethimo Foto, Copyright 2025

 

Bob Shell: Nova Nonsense

Illustration_Roswell_lab-Nova
A.I. simulation of Roswell Lab.

Text by Bob Shell, Copyright 2025

.

Nova Nonsense

.

I was excited when I saw the announcement that the PBS science series NOVA was going to devote a program to UFOs. There have been several very good recent programs on NEWSNATION, so I had high hopes for PBS taking the subject seriously for a change. 

Unfortunately, the NOVA program was a bunch of poorly researched nonsense. They ignored most of the good research done since at least the 1950s. 

As just one example, Major Jesse Marcel, the man who first collected some of the debris from the Famous Roswell event, said on numerous occasions late in his life that the debris he was holding in the famous press conference photo was not the material he recovered from the Foster Ranch near Roswell, New Mexico in the summer of 1947. There was a coverup by the government, which was later admitted. But NOVA repeated the long debunked nonsense that what crashed was a Mogul Balloon Array. 

I knew Jesse Marcel, Jr. He wrote the foreword for the 1997 book ‘Beyond Roswell,’ of which I was the coauthor. 

Jesse Jr. was twelve years old when his father excitedly came home one night to show his wife and son some of the debris he’d collected on the Foster Ranch. It was not debris from a weather balloon, with which Marcel was quite familiar, nor was it debris from a Mogul Balloon train, which Marcel would easily have recognized. 

Marcel Senior had been involved in balloon recoveries, and would never have confused balloon debris with exotic material. There was material that looked like tinfoil, but when crushed and released, returned to it’s original shape. (We are just learning to make such ‘memory materials.’) There were I-beams with ‘hieroglyphics’ on them that were as light as balsa wood but could not be bent or burned. 

In that photo, taken by James Bond Johnson, General Ramey is holding a telegram. Image analysis has shown that it refers to ‘victims’ of the crash. Weather/Mogul balloon victims? 

It was a disservice to PBS viewers to present long disproved material as factual and irrelevant pseudoscience about the videos taken by fighter pilots, the famous ‘TikTak’ and ‘Gimbel’ videos and others. 

The program was essentially another tired old attempt to debunk the whole UFO phenomenon, attempts to explain the extraordinary as misinterpreted ordinary. We’re long past that. 

Toward the end of the program, they repeated the old ‘They can’t get here from there’ mantra, because the universe is just so big. This reminds me of Lord Kelvin saying that heavier than air flying machines were impossible. Yes, they were — within the technological framework that Kelvin understood. Just because we can’t build faster than light (FTL) craft with our current technology does not mean that it is impossible. NASA is, in fact, exploring the possibilities of warp drive technology in Houston. A civilization even a hundred years in advance of ours probably has solved the problems of FTL travel, or might be using quantum teleportation to instantaneously jump from place to place in the universe. Physicists have already done quantum teleportation on a molecular level. 

The argument that ‘they’ can’t get here is specious. 

I have been researching the UFO phenomenon since the 1960s. In the early 1970s I wrote a regular column on the subject for Gnostica magazine. I have watched numerous feeble attempts to debunk the phenomenon over all of those years, but the UFOs ignored the nonsense and just kept doing their thing, and people worldwide kept seeing and encountering them. 

It’s long past time to stop the silliness and admit that they are here, we don’t know what they are or where they’re from, and they’ve been here a very long time.

.

About The Author: Bob Shell is a professional photographer, author, former editor in chief of Shutterbug Magazine and veteran contributor to this blog. He is currently serving a 35 year sentence for involuntary manslaughter for the death of Marion Franklin, one of his former models.  He is serving the 17th year of his sentence at Pocahontas State Correctional Facility, Virginia.

On September 16, 2024  Shell’s release date got moved up six years due to new “mixed charges” law to February 2, 2030. It was 2036.

To read additional articles by Bob Shell link here: https://tonywardstudio.com/blog/bob-shell-ancient-aliens/