Associate Member News
You Cannot Escape His Trance! Just a year ago the Florida Federation of Fairs featured one of our
most intriguing associate members, Michael Blaine aka Master Hyp- notist Michael Blaine. You may have seen his name or ads in the IAFE publications. Due to recent developments in the news, we felt it appropriate to do an Associate Member follow up.
After over 26 years, Michael retired at the rank of Lieutenant from
the now famous Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, N.Y. During the recent escape from Clinton, Michael appeared on CNN, FOX, and CBS News. He has also been utilized as a source for story accuracy by ABC.
While his average day is now comprised of marketing, mailing,
phone calls and performing, Michael’s former career duties included: searching for contraband, escorting inmates, cell extrac- tions, and in 1996, firing a warning shot to prevent loss of life during a major incident in the yard. The last six years he functioned as a Watch Commander - the Lieutenant responsible for overseeing the shift: overseeing and documenting emergencies as well ensuring the safety and security of the facility, staff and inmates.
Despite the incredible view of Lake Champlain and the sunrises
over Vermont’s Green Mountains, the cold, foreboding wall of Clinton are where many infamous inmates have been confined: Lucky Luciano, David Berkowitz aka “Son of Sam,” Rappers Tupac Shakur and O.D.B., child killer Joel Steinberg, as well as countless mobsters and hitmen. Serial killer, Joel Rifkin still resides there.
Clinton Correctional is probably one of the most unique facilities
in the world. It is an entire city within it’s walls. Mess halls, educa- tional and vocational classes, commissary, medical and mental health treatment, even a gym and outdoor recreation. Until the early 1990’s it boasted an actual ski jump and ice skating rink for the inmates’ use in the facility’s North Yard. It is in this same yard that inmates can request a plot of land called, a “Court.” The courts are numbered, assigned rustic chairs and tables and a wood stove for cooking. Some courts have well manicured gardens which provide fresh vegetables. This same yard is where a vast majority of the violent acts within the facility take place.
Clinton, just like many of NY State’s prison have an industry pro-
gram that employs inmates. Inmates are not allowed to be employed within the industry program until they have a GED. Some facilities make soap, shoes, metal products, license plates. Clinton makes clothing in it’s Tailor Shops. As an Officer, Michael was assigned, at times, to these shops. The Industry and School building is massive in size.
The recent escape has been partially attributed to the failure to
lock down the facility for a facility frisk following a major incident in the yard. The investigation is ongoing and Michael - based on his vast knowledge of the facility and operating policies and procedures - is confident that, in time, all answers will be revealed.
Being a security minded individual, Michael has always encour-
aged prospective clients to look into the background of their performers. Many try to escape their criminal pasts by using aliases. What have you been exposing your event and attendees to? You cannot put a price on peace of mind.
Michael welcomes your questions or comments. You can learn more about Michael at
www.michaelblaine.com or email him at
hpntst@aol.com.
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FAIRCRACKER –FALL 2015
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