Ramen them in prison

[Gob]

Ramen noodles have overtaken tobacco to become the most valuable commodity in US prisons, a new study says.

The research said the shift was a response to a decline in the quantity and quality of food on offer.

"Because it is cheap, tasty, and rich in calories, ramen has become so valuable that it is used to exchange for other goods," said study author Michael Gibson-Light.

US prison data shows spending has not kept pace with the number of inmates.

Mr Gibson-Light said staff and inmates at the prison he visited said the amount of food being provided had decreased steadily over decades and warned the shift could have serious implications.

"Prisoners are so unhappy with the quality and quantity of prison food that they receive that they have begun relying on ramen noodles - a cheap, durable food product - as a form of money in the underground economy," he said.

"The form of money is not something that changes often or easily, even in the prison underground economy; it takes a major issue or shock to initiate such a change," he added.

The noodles are exchanged for goods including other food items, clothing, hygiene products and even services such as laundry and bunk cleaning, Mr Gibson-Light said.

Others use them as bargaining chips in gambling when playing card games or participating in football pools.

They are also replacing other traditional forms of prison currency, such as stamps and envelopes, the study found.

The shift was taking place across different groups within prisons and was not a response to bans on tobacco products within the prison system, Mr Gibson-Light said.

He called for more research into what the reduction in food could mean for the care of prisoners.

US states spent about $48.5bn (£37bn) on prisoners in 2010, 5.6% less than in 2009, according to the US Bureau of Prisons.

[Bicycle Bill]

At least they don't have them out breaking rocks while shufflin' along in a chain gang ... more is the pity.

Let's remember one thing here — you are talking about people who committed crimes severe enough to get them remanded into custody (jail or prison).  They are where they are as a form of punishment and retribution for the wrongs they have done (all the high-falutin' mumbo-jumbo about 'rehabilitation' notwithstanding).  This is not supposed to be Club Med or the Holiday Inn with gourmet chefs, a choice of wine with your dinner, and housekeeping services including fresh sheets and a mint on the pillow.

If life is a little tougher, the food a little blander, and conditions a little crappier than on the outside, maybe that's a good thing.  If it's bad enough, you won't be so eager to do something that could send you back there.

-"BB"-

[MajGenl.Meade]

  If it's bad enough, you won't be so eager to do something that could send you back there.

.... or you'll be eager to kill anyone to stop from being sent back there.

[RayThom]

  If it's bad enough, you won't be so eager to do something that could send you back there.

You have the right to ramen silent...

[rubato]

"...  If it's bad enough, you won't be so eager to do something that could send you back there.

-"BB"-

Like being black and driving a car.


yrs,
rubato

[kmccune]

Have to disagree BB ,some are there on spurious and Bull Shit charges,especially in the make work 3 fence
'light security prisons ,most jails charge over a dollar for a pack of Ramen on the commissary,The black mold in the showers is apalling and the scabies outbreaks are no fun either.I have an idea make everyone who commits a small crime go to prison ,remember its the law,even if no one was harmed,the community has no say in this you know ,the half ass judges will can whoever they have a grudge against ,

[MajGenl.Meade]

See, is it "rah - men" or "Ram - en"?

[Crackpot]

The first one.

[Sue U]

And I thought this was going to be a thread about the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.

May you be touched by his noodly appendage. And let us say, ramen.

[Bicycle Bill]

See, is it "rah - men" or "Ram - en"?

The first one.

I've also heard it pronounced RAY-men.
So I say screw it and call 'em Chinese noodles.

-"BB"-

[Sue U]

So I say screw it and call 'em Chinese noodles.

They're Japanese.

[oldr_n_wsr]

Lets call them:
Nudeln in einer Tasse

[dales]

When I was a guest at Elmwood Correctional Facility in Milpitas, Ca.................Friday nites we had what is known as "the spread" which composed of food items purchased at the canteen. Ramen noodles were a staple along with various other items.

Illicit drugs had a high price point as I recall (10x street value).

They were often delivered via "keester delivery"

[Joe Guy]

They were often delivered via "keester delivery"

What can Brown do for you?