The four of us were huddled around Shimmy on the sidewalk outside school before the first bell rang. Shimmy was holding a small ornate box that fit perfectly in the palm of his hand and was filled with what looked like a very white variety of sand. He had just offered me a sprinkle for $2. “That’s the way it works ” Shimmy explained. “I sprinkle sand on you — after receiving $2 bills preferred over change. Then you are able to do whatever you try to 50 percent better than you would otherwise be able to do it. Understand?” “Sure ” I answered. “Why would you ever try to pull a scam that’s meant for six-year-olds on 12-year-olds?” Shimmy smiled a little as he shook his head holding the box firmly so not a single grain would spill. “Just ask Motty.”