June 27, 2015
Starting Over From Prison
I’ve now settled into a daily prison routine at Taft Federal Prison Camp. I’m able to focus on improving my life in multiple ways. I’m taking time out each day to work on my physical health which I will be discussing in other postings.
One of the harshest realizations is that at Age 51 I will be starting over. I’ve always had a passion for video games and 25 years ago I found the opportunity in moving to San Francisco to make video games. My career spanned from programming AI’s and designing levels in various sega genesis titles, to creating award winning arcade machines and components, to award winning video poker machines. I’ve had the privilege to work with several of the gaming industry’s brightest and creative minds.
Now because of my felony conviction I can no longer work with the company that I created. Gaming licenses are very hard to come by and having a convicted felon on staff would hinder any licenses. That’s just one of the many realities I must face for the mistakes that I made.
I’ve always loved technology and living in Silicon Valley has afforded me a ground zero view of the latest in software and hardware. Moore’s law holds that computer power doubles every 18 months. This is not continuing to happen, but hardware and software designs, techniques and methodology seems to run on a similar cycle.
With no access to the Internet or computers my technical skills and knowledge diminish as each day passes. Luckily I’m allowed to take 5 periodical subscriptions and have ample reading time. I’m doing my best to keep an ear to the ground and pay attention to trends that are being reported on in the technology sector .
With any luck if I am able to work hard and demonstrate my worthiness I will be granted some time near the end of my sentence allowing me to finish in a halfway house where I can once again gain access to the internet and re-educate myself to develop skills that would help me find an employer who is willing to overlook my felony status and give me a chance at starting over.
David Foley
Hey, seems you’re doing well. I’d not known I had this blog link until today. Glad to hear that everyone was nice to you and that Hollywood is fiction. I’ll come back later and read the rest of the blog, take care.
tu amigo
Great minds are always welcomed and I am sure you won’t have any problems catching up on the technology when you were already so far ahead. Best wishes and be seeing us in no time.
David I admire you for writing and opening yourself to others. I have often wondered how one would handle the reality of being incarcerated, realizing each day you awaken the freedoms that we all take for granted have been taken away from you. I can sense you will find ways to create new possibilities and positive outcomes in your life. I see you focusing on your physical and psychological well being…exercise every day, read whatever you can, meditate and create with your mind. You have a strength in creating….keep using that strength despite what has been taken away. Use your brilliant mind in a positive and productive way. Your creativity can expand even more with the freedom of solitude…your situation is going to be either an opportunity or a lost opportunity depending upon your thoughts and focus. Create new apps. Create new games. Create something no one has ever imagined with whatever resources you have. Keep your spirit and your energy positive. Be strong and make each day count as an opportunity. I look forward to your next blog.