"Following the Leader" is the title of Lance Pierce's insightful profile on Roger Klause, the magical artist from Texas that Michael Skinner proclaimed to be "The Leader of the Close-up Underground." Sid Fleischman, the year's recipient of the Academy of Magical Arts Literary Fellowship tells why he never would have become a successful writer if it hadn't been for his love of magic and bamboozling his fellow magicians. Shep Hyken shares a part of his collection of colorful Houdini movie posters as he examines "Houdini: The Movie at a Half-Century." "Christian Thee: Artist of Illusion" by John Tudor tells how this remarkable artist blends his knowledge of magic and theatrical techniques with his mastery of the trompe l'oeil style to create what might be called virtual illusions. TV reporter Jeff Crilley reveals a few tricks for getting the media to cover your magic. Over 16 items are reviewed in Michael Close's "Marketplace," including The Ninja Rings. David Kay's "Turn it Around" features a spelling trick for kid-show workers to add to their school-show repertoires. Jim Sisti's "Magic on the Menu" offers suggestions for picking a performing persona for restaurant work. Among the tricks in Joshua Jay's "Talk About Tricks" are: Bill Malone's take on Ed Marlo's Outjogged Oil & Water, Andrew Wimhurst's Through the Looking Glass, and the Aspiazu Fan Palm by none other than Mark Aspiazu. Jim Steinmeyer's "Conjuring" features a mental-magic routine with the Princess Caraboo Deck.
