ROBERTO MORGANTI, Ball Juggling Champion

I learned to juggle about four years ago while studying mathematics at the University of Oregon. I had seen a

juggler or two at a weekly local crafts market and just knew I had to learn That! The desire smoldered within me for about six months until one evening I saw Bobby Sandler on TV. That did it -- I couldn't stand it any more -- and I went right out and found someone to teach me how it was done.

Well, juggling very quickly became an obsession. From that day on and for the next couple of years I juggled three to five and sometimes as many as twelve hours a day. The hours of juggling were great for relaxing after almost as many hours of mathematics. When it came time for me to choose an area of specialization in mathematics, I dropped out of school and began juggling full-time.

I have now been juggling full-time since February, although I've found I practice far less, and think about it a lot more (for those of you who don't already know, it's been found [scientifically, even] that mental practice is almost as

important as physical practice in juggling). I've been performing at various crafts fairs, street fairs, country fairs, and universities in the Pacific Northwest since that time. During this past summer, besides hitchhiking across Canada to the IJA convention, I worked in a vaudeville theatre on Puget Sound. I am currently workiAg with a new (non-juggling) partner, and together we'll probably be the Elyzian Aereal Zircus, out of Portland, Oregon, a show that besides

my fifteen minute juggling routine includes sword swallowing, fire breathing, and a sword box (although on account of fiscal crisis, we use sharpened bamboo punji stakes rather than swords).

I am interested in corresponding with other folks who have explored mathematics and juggling, and with those who are interested in reviving the vaudeville circuits. It's about time people turn off their TV sets and see entertainment in the flesh. My plans for the immediate future are to continue exploration of three, four, and five ball juggling, adding cigar boxes, top hat, and the ancient art of knife throwing.

RUSS TORELLO ON LANE BLUMENTHAL

After reading all those fine eulogies about Lane, there is not much to be said without echoing the sentiments that have been so adequately expressed, but I would like to add something. After serving my hitch with Uncle Sam in 1945, I took up residence in Los Angeles. I just can't recall how we met, but Lane lived on the first floor of the same apartment building. We found that we both shared an interest in juggling and had purchased our props from Harry Lind. Needless to say we became juggling buddies. I found Lane to be a good friend, quick with praise, and always helpful to all those he met. Along with Danny Rees, Bill Talent, Charlie Career and the Johnson Brothers, we were all members of the Hollywood Comedy Club. I cannot help but feel that all of us in the IJA have lost a sincere and dedicated member.

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