Nothing Much Else Happened: October 31, 1978

Today was empty hot dog day. Can you figure that one out? Anyway, it was an okay day, although I wouldn't mind having to take it over again. Tina and Penny got over on time, and we had a good dinner. Of course, we were interrupted all through mealtime because of ghosts and goblins at are door! We went trick-or-treating around 7:45 p.m. We had plenty of candy. But when we were on our way back these guys started hitting us with grapefruits, so we had to run inside one of my friend's house. We called, and Dad came and picked us up. Tell you more tomorrow.

***

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What's this all about? This is what it's all about.

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Nothing Much Else Happened: October 30, 1978

Today I thought I might tell you about how the magic business is coming. Lousy! I was figuring on telling you this because we were supposed to be doing a magic show for the people next door for their daughter's birthday. Unfortuneately, the party was cancelled, and with it the Magic Show. But, it's just as well, because Sean and I never got around to practicing. But, we do have 2 definite dates coming up on the 5th of November in Idyllwild, and on the 15th of December for Marquez Elementary School.

***

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What's this all about? This is what it's all about.

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Nothing Much Else Happened: October 29, 1978

Today, Dad and I decided I would also wear a false moustache, too! I think it is a great idea for a costume! By the way, guess who's coming to dinner and then going trick-or-treating with me later? My neice, Tina, and her sister (also my neice), whom I have never met, Penny. They are going as roller-derby queens! Can you imagine? What a trio! Mom says this will probably be my last year trick-or-treating — Sean's not going at all.

***

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What's this all about? This is what it's all about.

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Nothing Much Else Happened: October 28, 1978

Today, I finished my costume for Halloween. As I told you before, I have glued a deck of cards on each side of a board, and in bold lettering, the words "Card Shark" are on the front. I'm just afraid that while I'm walking for trick-or-treats, that I don't lose all my cards. After all, I don't want to be the one who is not playing with a full deck of cards! (Ha-Ha!) Anyway that night I will string the boards together so I can throw it over my shoulders. I will also wear a top-hat with some Jokers from the 2 decks printed all over it.

***

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What's this all about? This is what it's all about.

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Nothing Much Else Happened: October 27, 1978

Today I washed Lee's car after school. Oh, did I forget to tell you about the deal Lee and I made? I will wash her car once a week, and she will give me 5 dollars! That's the most I've ever gotten for one car-washing! So, along with my two-fifty allowance, I make about seven dollars and fifty cents a week! And with money like that, I should be able to buy magic real fast. By the way, today Chris called up and said he was definitely coming home for Christmas.

***

All punctuation and spelling has been retained precisely as I wrote it 32 years ago at age 13.

What's this all about? This is what it's all about.

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Nothing Much Else Happened: October 26, 1978

Today when I got home from school, I did absolutely nothing but work on my magic. I made arrangements for Sean to come over here on November 17 to spend the night and then spend all Saturday working on our magic. When I got off the phone, I went right back to my book, "Magic with Cards", which is the only book I have ever used, and I've been using it for 3 years. I learned a new trick. It's called aces follow aces. My mom and Dad think I'm really becoming a good magician and will have a good chance of becoming a professional. But, I still love baseball!

***

You can see the "Aces Follow Aces" sleight-of-hand performed here. I had no recollection of doing this trick, but as soon as I watched this kid (maybe he's 13 too?) perform it, I spotted how it was done.

All punctuation and spelling has been retained precisely as I wrote it 32 years ago at age 13.

What's this all about? This is what it's all about.

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Nothing Much Else Happened: October 25, 1978

Today, I was wondering if anybody realizes that exactly 2 months from now it will be December 25th — Christmas! So far, I know of only 2 things I want for Christmas — a carrying case for my magic tricks. Unfortuneately, if it sounds like I'm only thinking of myself, it is because I have no idea what I'm going to get other people. Our first Christmas magazines are coming in, and I'm frantically searching for gifts for Mom and Dad.

***

That carrying case must be pretty big to count as two items on my wish list.

All punctuation and spelling has been retained precisely as I wrote it 32 years ago at age 13.

What's this all about? This is what it's all about.

To view the next day click: October 26, 1978

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Nothing Much Else Happened: October 24, 1978

Today, I thought I might tell you about "Arsenic and Old Lace". The play is running quite smoothly, and rehearsals are doing fine. Dad says this is definitely one of the smoothest shows he's ever directed. In case whoever is reading this diary doesn't know what it's about, I am about to tell you. There are 2 old ladies, Aunt Martha and Aunt Abby, who do charitable things for people. In fact, they're so nice, they put old poor sad men out of their misery by giving the men some elderberry wine with some arsenic and cyanide in it.

***

All punctuation and spelling has been retained precisely as I wrote it 32 years ago at age 13.

What's this all about? This is what it's all about.

To view the next day click: October 25, 1978

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Nothing Much Else Happened: October 23, 1978

Today, the bet that my teacher and I have still stands. The bet is — every day I see him, I must name a sport — not necessarily professional. If I miss, I lose the bet. However, if he's not here, I don't have to name one. This is only a gentlemen's bet — no money involved. By the way, there's over a hundred school days left, so, I have to name one almost every one of those days! Today, the sport was "Modern Pentathalon". If he doesn't understand the sport, I have to try to explain it to him.

***

Most. Embarrassing. Post. Ever.

This was possibly the most nerdy idea I ever came up with — and foisted on an unsuspecting physical education teacher (I think his name was Mr. Kahn), who barely tolerated me bugging him every day. (He really had much more important things on his mind.) This was all inspired by the fact that I had received a book 'round my birthday called Rules of the Game, which described the rules of every organized sport known to man. I actually calculated that there were enough sports to school days and that I could do this bet. At some point, I forgot about this, much to Mr. Kahn's relief, I'm sure.

All punctuation and spelling has been retained precisely as I wrote it 32 years ago at age 13.

What's this all about? This is what it's all about.

To view the next day click: October 24, 1978

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Nothing Much Else Happened: October 22, 1978

Today was a lot of fun. Dad, Sean and I went to an annual magic show at the variety arts theatre called "It's Magic". It features some of the greatest magicians and illusionists in the world. Sean particularly liked these people who did an act with ladies who turn into animals and all that junk. But, my favorite was not even magic. These expert crossbowists were doing all sorts of amazing stunts with crossbows — including cutting a string in half, and knocking an apple off a lady's head.

***

All punctuation and spelling has been retained precisely as I wrote it 32 years ago at age 13.

What's this all about? This is what it's all about.

To view the next day click: October 23, 1978

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Nothing Much Else Happened: October 21, 1978

Today marks only ten days until halloween. I think I'm going to be a card shark: I will have a sandwich board, and on each side paste a deck of cards in different patterns. I know 2 decks will be wasted, but I can't think of anything else to do. I plan to start work on it day after tomorrow. By the way, we won't be getting our pumpkin until about the 29th — we always buy our pumpkins late.

***

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What's this all about? This is what it's all about.

To view the next day click: October 22, 1978

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Nothing Much Else Happened: October 20, 1978

Today, the horror that started 3 days ago is finally over. I got back on the roof and washed all the ashes off the roof. Everything was covered with ashes, and even our house still smells a bit like smoke. The Malibu-Agoura fire was the worst of all. It destroyed about 200 homes in all, including my old english teacher, Mr. Pereira's house. In all, the 9 fires that happened over the past 3 days, took over 25o buildings.

***

I remember being devastated for Mr. Pereira. If our class had worked particularly hard and done well, he would reward us by brining in his old LPs and 78s and entertain us with songs from the 1930s and 1940s (i.e., "Mairzy Doats") and old radio comedy sketches (i.e., "The Bickersons"). His entire collection went with his house in the fire. He never seemed as happy again after this. At the end of the school year, he retired.

All punctuation and spelling has been retained precisely as I wrote it 32 years ago at age 13.

What's this all about? This is what it's all about.

To view the next day click: October 21, 1978

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Nothing Much Else Happened: October 19, 1978

Today the rest of our fire was extinguished. There is still another fire up around Malibu that is still out of control. The fire was responsible for 30 homes and one church being ruined. (I watched the church burn down from the tree) When we got to P.E. today, the field was covered with horse-you-know-what. (One news report said: "Paul Revere should have the greenest grass in all of California with the fertilizer they're getting.") There were still 3 or 4 horses left on the field when we got there.

***

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Nothing Much Else Happened: October 18, 1978

Today, I woke up, threw on some clothes, and ran outside to see how the fire was doing — and it was all gone! I got my first look at the hill in daylight, and it was not a pretty sight. The frames of the few houses and the church were all that was left. We had no school today because Paul Revere is an evacuation center. I spent most of last night either up on our roof watering it down or in the tree next door watching the fire. The fire's not out yet, but the danger for us is gone.

***

That night watering the roof and watching the progress of the fire in the neighbor's tree (greatest climbing tree *ever*) is one of those indelible memories. Strange to be on your roof with your garden hose and look down the block and see someone on every roof doing the same. I was truly scared.

All punctuation and spelling has been retained precisely as I wrote it 32 years ago at age 13.

What's this all about? This is what it's all about.

To view the next day click: October 19, 1978

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Nothing Much Else Happened: October 17, 1978

Today is probably one of the most scary days of my life. At 4:19 P.M. this afternoon the first flames of a fire that had been burning since this morning appeared over the hills close to the Palisades (city). In about 45 minutes, the whole hillside for 4 miles around had been charred by the fire. Right now, we are praying and hoping that it doesn't get too close to us. It's already in the Pacific Palisades area right now, and it has burned about 19 homes. I hope to God this is not the last entry in my diary — it's moving toward us.

***

I refuse to spoil whether or not I survive.

All punctuation and spelling has been retained precisely as I wrote it 32 years ago at age 13.

What's this all about? This is what it's all about.

To view the next day click: October 18, 1978

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Nothing Much Else Happened: October 16, 1978

Today, ladies and gentlemen, should be declared memorial day, in memory of those Dodgers, who fought hard in the ending of the season and pulled out at the National League's best team. They swept easily through the first 2 games, but then became the first team to win the first 2 games and then lose 4 straight. It seemed our school was very quiet. But, I cheered some of my freinds up by saying, "Hey, at least they got there, and that's better than 24 other teams I know."

***

You can now see how easily it was for me to transition to being a Chicago Cubs fan.

All punctuation and spelling has been retained precisely as I wrote it 32 years ago at age 13.

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To view the next day click: October 17, 1978

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Nothing Much Else Happened: October 15, 1978

Today I remembered I was so excited about what I was telling you, I forgot to tell you where I was — Magic Mountain! It was my first trip there. As I was saying about the Dodgers, what they want to do is win the final 2 games at home. You see, Yesterday the Dodgers lost a hard-fought battle, 4-3, and today reminded me more of our little league team trying to play them. The ending massacre was 12-2. They come back to L.A. now with the Yankees leading the series, 3-2. They better shape up — and fast!

***

All punctuation and spelling has been retained precisely as I wrote it 32 years ago at age 13.

What's this all about? This is what it's all about.

To view the next day click: October 16, 1978

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Nothing Much Else Happened: October 14, 1978

★ Highlight Day

Today I finally figured out what the Dodgers are doing. But that's not important — the important news today is: I RODE COLLOSSUS! Yes — the highest (125 ft), fastest (63.2 on downhill), scariest rollercoaster in the world. It has 2 main drops (115 and 105 ft.), and is the rollercoaster with the most weightlessness (11 times). That's not all. I also rode the "Great American Revolution", the "Jet Stream", the "Gold Rusher", the "Electric rainbow", the "crazy barrels", the "Eagle Flight", and the "Enterprise" (not to mention the scrambler). Tell about Dodgers tomorrow. Bye!

***

All punctuation and spelling has been retained precisely as I wrote it 32 years ago at age 13.

What's this all about? This is what it's all about.

To view the next day click: October 15, 1978

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Nothing Much Else Happened: October 13, 1978

Today the Dodgers but up a good strong fight, but came out on the short end of a 5-1 game. Oh, well, the Dodgers will just have to win the next 2. They get to make the Yankees look like competition, don't they? They'll just go out there and wipe them out tomorrow. At school in Drama, Mrs. Mullin gave me the script for "The Land of the Dragon". I will understudy the part of Road Wanderer because the guy that's playing it is actually a professional, and might get a movie at any time.

***

All punctuation and spelling has been retained precisely as I wrote it 32 years ago at age 13.

What's this all about? This is what it's all about.

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Nothing Much Else Happened: October 12, 1978

Today the Dodgers travelled to New York today for (hopefully) the last 2 games of the World Series. They are leading the series 2-0. Lately, at lunch on Thursdays like today, I've been going to debate club, at school. All my friends are in it, so I thought I might take a look at it. I like it, but I don't want to do any debates. I'm happy just watching. Today, the 2 debating teams debated about proposition 6: The firing of homosexual teachers.

***

All punctuation and spelling has been retained precisely as I wrote it 32 years ago at age 13.

What's this all about? This is what it's all about.

To view the next day click: October 13, 1978

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Nothing Much Else Happened: October 11, 1978

Today the Dodgers were rippin' again, as they won the battle against the Yankees again 4-3. They will now go to New York so they can make a disgrace of the Yankees in front of their home fans for the next two games, and win the title of World Champions. Unfortuneately, my history teacher couldn't give us no homework 2 nights in a row, so I did have some history homework. Since it was not a homework night in math, anyway, that was the only homework I had.

***

All punctuation and spelling has been retained precisely as I wrote it 32 years ago at age 13.

What's this all about? This is what it's all about.

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Nothing Much Else Happened: October 10, 1978

Today was the opening day of the World Series, but before I tell you about the game, let me tell you about what the main talk at school is about — or have I already told you? Yes, I have — the World Series! Teachers have declared (or at least most teachers) that this is not a homework night. This is for 2 reasons:

1) the teachers wanted to stay home and watch without having to worry about school.

2) same with us.

By the way, the Dodgers got off to a great start by capsizing the Yankees, 11-5.

***

All punctuation and spelling has been retained precisely as I wrote it 32 years ago at age 13.

What's this all about? This is what it's all about.

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Nothing Much Else Happened: October 9, 1978

Today should be ruled cruel and unfair by the K.I.A.W.G.T.S. (Kids In America Who go to School). After all, it is Columbus holiday, isn't it? And it is a holiday for all the banks and post offices, isn't it? Well then, why don't we get one, too! K.I.A.W.G.T.S., stand up for your rights! Ditsch school! Let me tell you, I sure didn't. I have a perfect record at Revere and I'm not about to lose it. I'm one of the few who can say I've never had detention or clean-up.

***

How was I not constantly beat up at Revere?

All punctuation and spelling has been retained precisely as I wrote it 32 years ago at age 13.

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To view the next day click: October 10, 1978

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Nothing Much Else Happened: October 8, 1978

Today, our Sunday School teacher, Mrs. Anderson, had a tough time trying to keep our class in order. I must admit, I laughed at some of the jokes, but I was not in much of the actual joke-making. I feel sorry for Mrs. Anderson having to keep such a disruptive class. Next week I'm going to try not to even laugh and really work in Christian Science. By the way, the Dodgers will start the World Series on the 10th.

***

All punctuation and spelling has been retained precisely as I wrote it 32 years ago at age 13.

What's this all about? This is what it's all about.

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Nothing Much Else Happened: October 7, 1978

Today I bowled the worse I have ever bowled in my entire career of bowling! I bowled a 98, a 90 and during the third frame of the third game, I pulled a muscle in my right arm. So, I didn't bowl, and got an automatic 103. (10 pins off your average if you do not bowl) After, I walked over to the Magic Palace, Sean met me and we started looking over some tricks. I bought a trick called "penetration frame" and Sean got a card trick called "Out of Orbit". When we got to his place, I found out that the Dodgers beat the Phillies in 10 innings, 4-3, to put them in W.S. with N.Y.

***

All punctuation and spelling has been retained precisely as I wrote it 32 years ago at age 13.

What's this all about? This is what it's all about.

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Nothing Much Else Happened: October 6, 1978

Today, in the playoffs, the Dodgers came to Los Angeles to play their first game at home, and did the same thing they did in the first game of the playoffs — only it went the other way. The Phillies won it, 9-5. I haven't been to the dentist in over 2 months because last time I went I got all my wires off to let my teeth grow in. So, my teeth won't have to suffer for another 16 days, when I go back to Mr. Ricketts' (Dr.) on the 22nd.

***

All punctuation and spelling has been retained precisely as I wrote it 32 years ago at age 13.

What's this all about? This is what it's all about.

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Nothing Much Else Happened: October 5, 1978

Today the Dodgers did a nice job of shutting out the Phils in the second game of the playoffs, 4-0. That gives them a lead of 2-0 in games, which means if they win next time they play , they will go against the Yankees or the Royals in the World Series. This game I got to watch and score the game in my score-pad. Also, on Saturday, Lee Kelley, our next door neighbor, says I can wash their big truck for a big $5! But it won't be an easy job — that thing's humongous.

***

All punctuation and spelling has been retained precisely as I wrote it 32 years ago at age 13.

What's this all about? This is what it's all about.

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Nothing Much Else Happened: October 4, 1978

Today was opening day of the Playoffs between Philadelphia and the one and only Los Angeles Dodgers. And, of course, the Dodgers wiped the Phillies out, 9-5. Unfortuneately, I couldn't watch the whole game because Sean and I had to go to the magic club at the magic palace, where we buy our tricks, and perform some magic. Sean did an amazing chain escape, which he made himself, and I did "color-changing silks".

***

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Nothing Much Else Happened: October 3, 1978

Today Mrs. Mullin asked me another one of her "little favors". Now she wants me to understudy for the lead part in the school play coming up, "The Land of the Dragon". And, of course, "Good old Mark" said yes. It's not that big of a part, but I am the "handsome" hero. I don't know anything about the part, but she doesn't have a script, yet. Well, it may be tough, but I'm going to try to pull it off. They've been working on this for 2 weeks, and I haven't even joined the cast yet!

***

I have virtually no memory of this. I had to Google "land of the dragon" to find out what this play was. Here was the description:

In this stylized Chinese play, a scheming aunt and her chancellor keep the lovely Princess Jade Pure prisoner in her own castle in order to steal the throne. Road Wanderer, a minstrel, passing through the country with his pet dragon, learns of her plight and rescues her, only to be rewarded with contempt. He soon comes to see Jade Pure as thoughtless and unkind and leaves her behind. Realizing her mistake and knowing she must soon marry soon in order to become Empress, Jade Pure tries to find him. She decrees that only someone with a pet dragon may court her. Jade Pure's Aunt has Road Wanderer imprisoned so she can steal his dragon. Still others create false dragons, all so they can win the throne. Will Jade Pure see through all this deception?

None of this helped me remember anything more about the play.

All punctuation and spelling has been retained precisely as I wrote it 32 years ago at age 13.

What's this all about? This is what it's all about.

To view the next day click: October 4, 1978

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Nothing Much Else Happened: October 2, 1978

Today I thought I might keep you updated on something I haven't talked about in a long time — the Dodgers! Yesterday was the final day of the regular season and somehow, the Dodgers, after being 2 or more games out for most of the season, pulled out by a slim 8 games! San Francisco was hot for a while, but somehow they cooled off rather quickly and dropped to third place. Cincinatti took second. They will begin the playoffs against Philadelphia on the 4th.

***

I still can't spell "Cincinnati" without looking it up. Every time.

All punctuation and spelling has been retained precisely as I wrote it 32 years ago at age 13.

What's this all about? This is what it's all about.

To view the next day click: October 3, 1978

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Nothing Much Else Happened: October 1, 1978

Today is already the first of October! If you're reading this diary, I'm sure you are thinking that it's been a long year. Well, this is one of the fastest years I've ever had, with all the action, amusement parks, trips and highlight days it's taken a while to take it all in. I probably will not be making a diary again next year because I'm afraid that next year's happenings will increase and I will have no time for one.

***

All punctuation and spelling has been retained precisely as I wrote it 32 years ago at age 13.

What's this all about? This is what it's all about.

To view the next day click: October 2, 1978

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