Cold and Snow in Franklin
Michael seemed to have gotten used to living as Canadians do until he awoke one morning and thought it was 3am since it was still so dark out! As it turned out, it was the usual wake up time but the snow outside was so high, it covered the windows! He didn't mind, in fact he liked it as it reminded him of making snow igloos as a kid in Indiana.
My questions to him about winter snow fun there were disappointing, as making a snowman will get them in trouble! That includes igloos and snowballs as well. The temps outside there are sometimes 30 to 40 below zero, but luckily when they're that cold the heat inside has been adjusted and for the 1st time in prison life he's not freezing inside!
Michael's other new love there is cooking, as the guys there get creative using only the ingredients that are allowed in or available to purchase there. I can finally send him some different foods, including perishable items.
No friends have visited him yet, but that should change this weekend with an across the country visit! (Maybe she'll write about her visit) It's not easy to get a driving visit from his NYC friends since it's a 6 1/2 hr. drive one way!
I will definitely write about my visit! Only 5 more days, I am so excited!!
Reply to this
It makes me sad that he's had no visitors yet. I wish I lived anywhere near NY, so I could go see him. I hope he has a good visit this weekend.
I hope my letter with the cash made it to him. It's not cool if the prison threw out the letter too even if they couldn't give him the cash for whatever reason. I just mailed him a card today, so hopefully that one won't have problems getting to him.
That's disappointing that there's so much snow and they can't enjoy it! What harm can building a snowman be?
I haven't recorded onto a cassette since middle school. If I can find cassette tapes without metal screws, I'll make him a few tapes. The music I have access to where I am won't have as much variety as someone near a bigger city would have, but I can still find the popular stuff. First, I'd have to work on finding those cassette tapes.
Reply to this
Michael would have so much fun if he could play in the snow! I could actually picture it in my mind!
Please email me (comments@michaelaligblog.com) before you mail him any cassettes for the rules.
Reply to this
WHAT?
They can't make snowmen? They can't make snowballs? WHY?
I'm glad he's enjoying his cooking, especially if that involves interacting with others, because I know Michael is a very social person. That's so cool of you to send him food!
So... how do you find cassettes without screws?
Reply to this
Just a guess but they probably can't make snowballs because a snowball could be considered a weapon (especially if it has a rock, battery, or other hard object hidden in it.) Remember, prison rules have to made with an eye towards protecting everyone (inmates and staff) from the worst/most violent inmates in the facility which often has the effect of placing seemingly nonsensical restrictions on those inmate who just want to do their time and get out.
Fortress Audio (http://www.fortressaudio.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=24) sells DOC approved tapes. Unfortunately, they have a minimum order of 100 cassettes so I don't know how helpful that will be. Also, Pack Central (no webpage, mailing address: 10115 Canoga Avenue - Unit D
Chatsworth CA 91311) and Music by Mail (phone 1-800-989-8100) sell pre-recorded tapes and have experience shipping to prisons but I have no idea what their catalogs or prices are like.
Reply to this
In reality I know why they can't play in the snow, but Michael is like a little boy at heart, so I just see him playing in the snow!
There are limited places to buy tapes for prisoners, thank you for the updated info! I have not looked in the past year, but before that it was mostly hip hop. Plus, I ordered some for another inmate from a place in NYC and got ripped off!
Reply to this
Can a person send a picture in a letter to Michael? I'm writing Michael another letter and he better get it this time! I'll call that prison and give them hell. My friend told me that the prisons sometimes read the letters that are sent to inmates.Can I also send a few stamps in the letter. I bet not.
Reply to this
Yes, send pictures! Just no porn. No stamps allowed either.
Reply to this
If you put a money order in it, it WILL mak it more likely that he will get the letter because the prison 'screeners' know whoever sent the money order will be checking to make sure he got the money order and they COULD GET IN TROUBLE for NOT giving him his mail(my mom is a lawyer and shes told me this many times before)! If you didnt get a reply, he didnt get it! He likes pictures too, but like lovepurple said NOTHING OBSCENE!! He REALLY has his 'spark' back now that he's clean, and is VERY genuine and honest about his past and hopes for the future, SHOULD DEFINITELY WRITE HIM IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT IT(he says, and I concur from my rehab days, that mail call is like ur 'fix' when away from society)!!! And the more you tell him about yourself(if youre comfortable, of course), the more you will 'connect', its very rewarding. MAN, I feel like Ive met him just from his letter! Writing him another now! Also, Lovepurple, can you SEND him food, or like money orders for him to use for food now that he has access to 'cooking' implements? Thank you,
Steve
Reply to this
YOU HAVE CREATED A WRITING MONSTER!LOL
Reply to this
I just wanted to say that I got my response from Michael today to the letter I sent with cash and the cash got to him. Yay! He said sending anything to help with postage is really helpful since he gets so much mail and wants to respond to everyone.
Reply to this
He really is the great guy I knew he was, he seems like a truly great soul, and I for one cannot WAIT for him to re-gain his freedom. I believe as I told Michael, that his best years ARE AHEAD OF HIM! I walked around on a 'high' for an hour after receiving his letter, and it 'lulled' me into an endorphin infused sleep!!LOL!! I'm glad I was so open in my letter as it really seemed to have struck a chord with him! I just hope that when he is released he can be accepted back into the society he's been away from for so long, he has much to offer, and knows he messed up... But it can and has happened to the best of us, I mean I myself was 10 seconds away from swinging a B.Ball bat that I had in my hands while on dope a decade ago at my brother, I say this only to explain how close we can come to these situations, and not realize how lucky WE are, and that we ALL DESERVE A SECOND CHANCE!! Much Love,
Stephen
Reply to this
Is this REAL cash? Can you send actual money to him, or does it have to be in the form of a money order or something?
Reply to this
It's better to send a money order or personal check, but if you're just looking to send enough for a few stamps you can try cash. (under 5.00) You should always write in the letter that you send with the money what and how much you sent, just so he knows if it's missing.
Also, if you send a gift, no matter what it is, as small as a magazine, please tell him in a letter because he doesn't know who sends what. He gets called down to the package room and gets the item, but doesn't know who sent it!
Reply to this
I sent $2 with my letter to help with stamps. I sent that before I read that a money order was recommended. Luckily it made it to him.
Reply to this
I got my first letter back from Michael yesterday. Surprisingly we actually have some things in common. He was very sweet in his letter. I am writing him back and can't wait to hear from him again.
Reply to this
I found another blog about Michael. Was this a friend of Michael at one time?http://michaelalig-clubkid.blogspot.com/
Reply to this
This is not a friend!! If you look on my blog, there's a few comments from "Sean." He has written many more (and continues to almost everyday) which are not on here (which is probably why he started his blog) as he's basicly harrassing me. I have sent and read all of them to Michael and he has no idea who this is. He (Sean) won't tell me his real name in private, so I have no way to ask Michael if "Sean" is a past friend or not. I don't want drama in this Blog, so I won't let all his comments on here, so he's just doing as everyone in the USA can do, voice their opinion. He doesn't have all his facts correct about me but wants to insist that he does. I do this Blog to provide up to date info about Michael, because when I did it in the past on those "Internet Boards" people really liked it!
Reply to this
Backing up Lovepurple once again against this "Sean" person. First off, this is the only blog you should be folllowing regarding Michael, as Lovepurple communicates with him regularly. If you want to know the truth, please come here, only.
It really disturbs me that there is a person trying to bring him down...for what reason??
It is not fair to him; he cannot defend himself against it. I could say a ton of terrible things about this "sean" person, but I won't because this blog is intended for people who SUPPORT Micheal.
As we speak, I am flying over Montana, on my way to visit Michael. I can't even come up with the right words to describe how much I am thrilled to talk with him in person.
I encourage you all to write him (visit if you can) and send him positive messages. It helps him tremendously...more than you would think.
Reply to this
he's not wrong or anything because I did my own reading and I found alot of worse things posted about Michael.many nice things and alot of bad. i just hope he gets my newest letter i sent.
Reply to this
There is a lot out there! Some true, some false, some mixed up! Sometimes when facts get out, the facts get mixed up. All I can say is that I write what comes out of Michael's mouth, and other people he may do projects with.
If people are interested in Michael now, they should care about his life, the way it is now! If you get to know him, you'll probably really like him! Michael will remember those who stuck by him, and everyone that has written. He keeps a list of names of all the people who write! Also, when I send him emails and blog info he saves email addy's as well so that when he's out he'll be able to contact everyone! (maybe not individually if they were from long ago) He'll have a massive email list to send info out!
Reply to this
I don't mean to sound like a broken record; repeating all of Lovepurple's truthful comments....but I was lucky enough to spend my day with Michael today (and tomorrow too!).
He and I have talked about all sorts of things over time, but the thing that always sticks out to me is that Michael is genuine person. He keeps up with ALL of his letters & makes it a point to make a personal (non-generic) reply to everybody who writes him. He does get a huge load of mail constantly, which makes it almost impossible to reply to everybody right away...but he will reply & he will write a very thoughtful letter.
As Michael does have a chance to be released later this year, I would strongly encourage you all to write him positive notes...and (I'm speaking for Michael for a second b/c he'd never request that people send him things), he really likes pop-culture magazines. Anything to get him through his final days is a tremendous help for him.
More on my visit later....
Reply to this
Thank you for writing! You are lucky to be able to see him, and I can't believe that you came from so far away to support him! That's what he needs though!
Reply to this
the person who has the other blog is in his 40's.he's older and i just noticed he's been updating his info section. it says he's in new york and worked at the clubs. maybe he knows michael. he didn't leave his name yet. why is he so private? maybe he's an ex of his. lol
Reply to this
Just looked at that guy's blog. He seems like a real jerk with an ax to grind
Reply to this
Wow. That "Sean" guy is bitter and a liar. He said that Michael asks people for money when he writes back. That's bull. I wonder what his deal really is. Maybe he was slighted in the past by Michael somehow. It's funny that he criticizes the people that spend time reading this blog and writing to Michael, but then he started his own blog about it all. A little hypocritical there, "Sean".
Reply to this
WOW! He's STILL GOING AT IT!? First, he hasnt asked for money, thru here, or his letters! It's like talking to an OLD FRIEND who is nothing but excited and happy to talk with you, and HONEST WHEN HE DOES! He doesnt ask for money in his return letters, he WILL THANK YOU IMMENSELY if you did, but it's not like he asks, wanted to get that off my chest. Why is he trying to cause embarassment or whatever by digging up the past, I, and I know Michael is, and you guys are focusing on HIS FUTURE, as thats where the "magic" is gonna happen! This just pisses me off, it seems like an ex-lover situation but, jeez, I dont know. At least WE ALL KNOW THE REAL SITUATION, anyone who has EVER received a letter from Michael should be able to make pretty quick dismissals of this 'Seans' statements. If he REALLY THINKS he's right, he should COMPLETELY, AND HONESTLY STATE HIS CASE AND HIS MOTIVATION/'BEEF'(because he OBVIOUSLY HAS ONE!!). I think he'll be treated as fairly as ANYONE ELSE making these comments(I mean 'Love' has control of this blog, yet he still allowed his posts to go as long as they DID!), but obviously he wants control of HIS OWN BLOG, to have 'spin control', instead of here, where WE get to say what we feel, and what we think!! I'd really like to see this thing 'exposed', who ARE YOU DUDE, why is he trying to stay in 'the shadows', COME INTO THE LIGHT BRO,LOL!! Ahh, C'est la vie!!!
Reply to this
I think he told me he wanted to warn me about Michael. He backtracks with me when I confront him on something he said, then he tells me Michael did it before 2005! I've only known Michael since 2004, and have never had him ask me for anything! I would have to beg him to tell me what he likes so I could get him an xmas and Bday present!
I know what it's like being used by an inmate, as a fellow inmate of Michael tried that! He did a favor for Michael by calling me, but of course favors in prison are never free! He just wanted a penpal, but started "hinting" about not having any family or friends, no clothes, no anything! Everytime I confronted this friend becuase he was asking me for things, he said how sorry he was and he'd never ask again, as he didn't want to lose my "friendship." Sometimes in the same letter he'd start asking for something! I finally had to cut off communication 100% since if I wrote to him he thought it was open season to ask for things. I felt bad not writing, but I gave him many chances!
Why does "Sean" even care about me? He probably just wants attention, and he's getting it!
Reply to this
=] I sent a letter to Michael for the first time, and when I got a reply, I couldn't believe it! ^_^
Are we aloud to send drawings? I drew him something, but it wasn't until after I finished coloring it in, I wasn't sure if they'd let him have it. I'm assuming they would, but honestly the first letter I sent him was the first letter I had ever sent anyone XD
Thanks for making this blog. :] I found some tapes with no screws in them, do you know what type of music he likes?
Reply to this
i'm not defending sean but why would he make it all up? maybe michael did ask for money a long time ago before lovepurple started this blog. i like both blogs alot.this one is a blog in support of michael and sean's blog in more in your face. i feel both blogs offer something important.lovepurple's blog is more friendly.
Reply to this
Like Wow!!! I have read a ton of blogs of kinds of subject. Never was intrigued to respond or write to any of them. I'm happy he has turned out to be a better person and that he has conquered his own demons.
So I'm gonna do it. I'm gonna write to him. @purplelove What can I send him?? Like i know tapes(without the metal screws) ..What kind of food can i send him?? Can i send him magazines..does he smoke cigarettes?? do has any other stuff he needs ??
So many people in my past and present have helped me cause i too have gone through trials and tribulations. But have succeeded with great support group/family.. Which is what Michael needs right now. As his time comes closer to him getting out. Until then I will start and continue to write to Michael cause we all need a second chance
Reply to this
I'm glad you found this blog too! Writing to him helps him, encourage him, help him make it through till he gets out.
Please don't send food, as I send the maxium amount allowed every month. Books, magazines are easy enough to get in. If cigs are sent in, they must have a NY tax stamp on them, if so, send Newports. He's allowed 2 cartons a month.Michael doesn't want me asking anyone to send anything, but I will say the mininum to send is enough money (money order) so he can buy a stamp to write back to you! He gets a lot of mail and wants to answer it all.
I'm glad you found help through your life, and now wish to give back and support Michael!
If you do send him something, please tell him in a letter as he doesn't see the packages or know who it's from.
Reply to this
My real name isn't Sean. I was friends with Michael and "not a lover" ever up until he went to jail and did write him a long time ago. All I'm here to say is that he's not going to stay in touch with any of you once he gets out. Theirs a reason all his friends and family stopped talking to him. Ok. I'll never post in here again. Don't say I didn't warn you.He'll stop contacting all in here about a few weeks after he gets out.I'm planning on being friends with him once he gets out.I live in NYC and sure I'll see him around.Ask anyone that knew him and they'll tell you how selfish he is and is only nice once he's getting what he wants but once it stops he'll cut you off. No pun intended. Watch for yourself how he is. Like I said before. Prisoners are sweet as pie because they need things on the inside but once they get out they revert back to their selfish ways over time.If Michael knew who I was behind the name "Sean", he'd shit then laugh.If I gave my name. You wouldn't believe me anyway.So why bother? I went to the club for the first time with him and his first boyfriend A.J. He'll remember A.J . 1983 TO BE HONEST.
Reply to this
You can tell me in an email who you are, then I can ask Michael about you, that's all it takes! You tell so many lies! His family doesn't talk to him?????? Expalin that!
Reply to this
I lovee Michael!!! I wish ii could visit him and tlk to him in person but I'm not 18
Reply to this
Don't tell him you're not 18, as if you did he can't write back as he'll get in a lot of trouble!
Reply to this
Michael is only about 3 1/2 hrs from where ii live ^-^
Reply to this
I didnt know he could have smokes! How can we get a N.Y. tax stamped caron to him, and we should prob all coordinate through you so he doesnt end up with 10 cartons they wont let him have! Glad to see 'Sean' might be ready to 'spill the beans' on his motives, hard to believe the man that wrote such HEARTFELT words would do what Sean says he will, well Im gonna find out, wont stop writing him till he's out, then I'll just be writing to a different ADDRESS!!! I got a source on the tapes, waiting on his fav bands/genre, also the particular procedure for the accompanying 'paperwork', THANK YOU LOVE! You can E-mail me if thats easier
Thanks,
Stephen
P.S. Hope you enjoyed your visit Melissa!!! Im betting he did too, I'll be headed to upstate N.Y. this July, and am hoping to arrange a visit then, CANT WAIT!! Awaiting another letter as we speak!! Cant believe how quick his 'turnaround time is', as well as his genuineness(if thats a word!), I LOVE his HANDWRITTEN LETTERS, seems like you can tell even more about someone thru their handwriting!
Reply to this
There's a place called J&E he gets the cigs from. You could write to him, not sure if he'll let anyone buy them for him, but he probably has an order form. No internet ordering, hard for us folks out here!
That would be great if you could visit him in July!!!!
I think there will be many hand written letters, as the others in his Dorm don't seem to like the noise his typewriter makes!
Reply to this
ok.i found the big phone calls from a web site that was on the other michael alig blog http://michaelalig-clubkid.blogspot.com and the newest article has the 12 part phone call he did with this james guy. who ever has that blog is getting very accurate with the info. michael comes across as a real idiot in those calls. if that blog is seans then he's kinda correct asbout michael. i'm pissed now. the link is in the most recent article. and i dont want to hear michael's changed. i'm not writing him again.
Reply to this
Did you happen to look at the date of the final phone call? Oct 28th 2004. That's long ago and when he was not in recovery. I'm not sure what you know about maximum security prisons, especially being Gay in one. Besides the times Michael did drugs in prison, he never did anything else wrong, he was able to remain a person, not a violent, excuse my language "asshole" like many inmates end up in there. He has always helped people, even those weaker than him in prison. He even helped some that couldn't read and write because he wanted to, not because it was his prison job. You would never believe what he has had to endure in prison! Michael should be judged on how he is today, especially since you're just getting to know him today.
You don't know who "this James guy" is? It's James St. James who works for the company that made the movie "Party Monster"
Danny, you seem young, so I understand, as we all think we're so experienced at life but as each year passes we realize that we didn't know anything last year!
Be well.
Reply to this
Sorry, but I think it's funny that you know Michael, but you don't know who James is. You almost can't know about one without knowing about the other.
Reply to this
Exactly what I'm thinking!
Reply to this
Should I wait a while before sending him any tapes? It seems a few people are working on it and I figure there might be some repetition in the music he ends up getting sent to him. Plus I don't know if there's a limit on how many tapes/packages he can receive.
Reply to this
theres many procedures to do before a tape can get into a prison. please email me. comments@michaelaligblog.com
Reply to this
I'm waiting for Michael to let me know what his music tastes are as I dont want him to open up a 'wu-tang' tape, when he would NOT PROBABLY like that!!! I think everyone who is planning on sending a tape coordinate (as the procedure is a lil' complex) thru 'Love' that way we can spread them out, and not OVERLOAD one day, and nothing for months? Suggestion? But, I'll be sending some magazines, I know he likes fashion(DUH!!), any recommendations 'love'? Also, is there a limit, un-allowed magazines, etc(obviously no porn!!). You can comment or just shoot me an email on the magazine rules, etc. I REALLY HOPE I can make it there in July as my family reunion is then in Canastota/Syracuse, and since Im in Tx, thats A LOT CLOSER! Rent a car, drive up, looking forward to it!! I dont want to tell Michael quite yet in case something falls thru, but will 'ask' if he'd mind should the oppurtunity present itself, gives HIM the feeling of control instead of "Ill be there this date and you'll see me then" if that makes any sense to ya'll!! Know of Michael Alig but NOT James St. James???? How does that happen???? Take care guys.. And gals!!
Reply to this
It would be best for Michael to make a list! That adds more excitement for him if he gets to pick songs, knowing that someone is taking time out of their life for him to make a tape, then he has the excitement of waiting to be called to the package room when it arrives, then of course listening to it! In prison the smallest things give you pleasure! He explained the package antipation long ago, and it can take up a whole day, keeping his mind busy! That's important in there.
Magazines; Fashion, entertainment, pop culture. No limit on magazines.
When you know for sure that you're coming to visit, let Michael know as he'll have something to look forwad to! Also, let me know when even if you're not 100% so no one else will visit him that weekend. He welcomes all visitors (well, maybe not Sean!) so no need to worry! You sound like a very nice person, and you'll be amazed how easy it is to talk the whole day with him even though you just met!
Melissa just spent 3 days with him, and this is her 2nd trip visiting. She'll be writing about her visit, but she had a great time!
Reply to this
How long due you get to spend with michael when you see him in person? is it a few hours? i live in syracuse and really have always wanted to meet him. i can't wait to write him.i've just read about him for all these years and was so excited to know he's getting out.
Reply to this
If you arrive a bit before 9am, you'll spend around 6 hours with him, as visiting is 9-3. (Melissa can verify the time at this new prison) You can leave at any time if you need to, but usually it's hard at 3pm to leave!
Reply to this
If Michael was ever allowed a vcr he'd want the 1970's episodes of "Mary Hartman-Mary Hartman". He'd die for those old episodes.
Reply to this
Just got my first letter from Michael! My face just lit up when I saw the envelope. I hadn't smiled in a long time and that letter just put a permanent smile on my face. He is such a genuine and wonderful person! I can't wait until he gets out because I know he will do wonderful things!
I will continue to write him letters with words of encouragement. I would also like to visit him in May or June. Lovepurple, I will email you when I have a specific date so that I can reserve a spot.
I can't wait to hear from him again!
Reply to this
I'm so happy for you! That would be great to be able to visit, he needs all the support he can get. He'll be so happy to hear about it.
Reply to this
When go to visit Michael, make sure that you get to Franklin at 8:00am sharp! If you get there any later, you'll be waiting forever to get in.
When you arrive, they give you a number & let people in, four at a time, every 20 or so minutes. I arrived at 9:00am the first day and waited 2 hours to get to the visiting room because my number was 39. So, the earlier that you can get there the better!
I definitely recommend renting a car, as there are no taxis or buses in Malone. The prison is only about 1.5 miles from all of the main hotels in Malone. It's very easy to get to.
If you have any questions about visiting Michael, please feel free to reach out to me. I'd be glad to help.
Reply to this
Also, if you get there at 8:00am, you'll probably get about a 6 hour visit with him.
However, I really cannot stand the prison staff there...one day, they didn't tell him that I was there until after I'd been in the visiting room for an hour. He was afraid that I wasn't coming. I swear, they do this on purpose just to mess with him. It really angers me and makes me sad.
Reply to this
Yea, it really is f#*#*d up, they typically DO DO THIS ON PURPOSE, seen it in juvenile facilities, guards apparently find it rather funny seeing an already 'beat down' person thinking their visit with the outside world they once knew, may or may not be there... It's their way of 'getting back', on top of...well, most of their 'vengeance' cant be written about. These guys think theyre in HBO's 'Oz', its their power trip, VERY COMMON on visiting day, it is MESSED UP!
Stephen
Reply to this
The Guards have power trips all over the prison, especially with Gays. Michael has been called many horrible names, by the people that should be setting a good example for him!
I have been "delayed" many times when visiting. The visiting room guards even make fun of Michael in front of me! You can't say anything, as they'll just do something to end your visit. I've waited 2 hrs once in the visiting room because they "forgot" to call him before Count, then forgot after Count!
Reply to this
Geez, I already wrote him a letter and a card. I figured I wouldn't bombard him and wait til he's had a chance to reply to those two before I wrote him again, but reading this makes me want to pick up a pen and write him another long letter of nothing but encouragement. This strikes home in more ways than one.
Reply to this
This is sad, but so true! Yes, they definitely do this on purpose. They love to mess with people; Michael in particular because he's Gay. The guards made a few snide comments at him while was I there. Makes me sick! These people have no souls!! They are lonely lonely people and they feel like they have to make up for this by tormenting people who do not deserve to be treated unfairly.
Reply to this