Tops Magazine Article

As this is being written the sun is shining and the weather is warm. By the time it appears in print, (Nov. 1st.) it will no doubt be cold, windy, with a touch of snow in the air. This year certainly did go quickly.

During the year this writer goes to many, many conventions, in all parts of the country, and meets many, many wonderful people. This factor makes my job a very rewarding one. It is hoped that mention is given to all the places visited.

One of the most pleasant spots this writer worked this year was Scott's Lake Oquaga Inn, in Deposit, New York. Joe Lamonica arranged the first annual convention and about six magic dealers displayed their wares in the Casino of this beautiful mountain resort.

If you do get a chance, be sure to visit Scott's Lake Oquaga Inn. The grounds, all 4,000 acres, are situated in a lovely mountain area. They have their own golf course and tennis courts, riding trails, swimming and boating area, and the Scott family will make you feel like "part of the family." One of the real surprises was seeing Inez Blackstone Kitchen at the Inn. She runs a "Gift Shoppe" located in a boat house, anchored at the shore of the lake.

In prechristian Egypt, the Pharaohs, or rulers of the day, were given extra names, like Absolute, Perfect, All Powerful, etc, If one of them designed a dance—could it be called "The Perfect Pharaoh Shuffle"? (Wow!)

The Abbott display and Jerry Conklin and yours truly were active at the 30th annual Houdini Club Convention at Lake

Geneva, Wisconsin. This convention and show was as good as any other convention this year, and was better than a lot of them. Frank Will did a very good job of lining up a splendid headline show. A lot of variety in types and styles and closing with "The Amazing Conklins" illusion show. The Houdini Club is a very hard working, well established organization, and , is a great credit to magic as an art.

This writer has been playing around with this "One Down, One Under" process in discovering a card. This type effect is very good at close-up or small group programs. It also has an unusual personal effect, in that the spectator discovers his card by magic.

To determine where to place a card so it will be the last card left in a "One Down-One Under" routine, the formula is as follows:


	If using	The special card
		should be
	9 cards	2nd from the top
	10 cards	4th from the top
	11 cards	6th from the top
	12 cards	8th from the top
	13 cards	10th from the top
	14 cards	12th from the top
	15 cards	14th from the top

If you are using 8 or 16 cards the bottom card (the &th or 16th) will be the one left after doing' 'One Down-One Under.'' Thought you fellows might like this easy formula—to add to your amazing knowledge of our amazing art. jjk

T.T.F.N.