COVER: Hans Klok, The Beauty of Magic
No, Hans Klok is not known as "The Beauty of Magic." That is the name of his new, big-budget spectacular opening in May at the recently christened Planet Hollywood (formerly Aladdin) Resort & Casino's Theatre for the Performing Arts on the Las Vegas Strip. At the time of this story, the actual beauty referred to was his guest star, Carmen Electra. But prior to opening, she was replaced with Pamela Anderson. Even still, the women in the audience might argue just who the real beauty is. Looking very much like the hero on a cover of a Harlequin Romance paperback, Hans Klok will hit the stage, bigger and handsomer than life.
By Rory Johnston

Digging Up the Past
In 1926, world-renowned escape artist and magician Harry Houdini died in a Detroit hospital from a ruptured appendix. Or was that really the cause? That's the question that is being raised and which could lead to the raising of the conjuror's body more than eighty years after his death. Papers were filed in March to begin the legal process necessary to exhume Houdini's body from its resting place in Machpelah Cemetery in Queens, New York, and his only known living direct relative, grandnephew George Hardeen, is on board. "His death shocked the entire nation, if not the world," Hardeen was quoted as saying. "Maybe it's time to take a second look."
By Shawn McMaster

Loomis Laws of Legerdemain
Having been President of the "Association of International Magical Spectators" (AIMS) for the past decade and a half, Bob Loomis feels the time has come to alert magicians to what can happen when they place their reputations in the hands of spectators. After watching spectators watching magi for more years than he cares to remember, Bob has evolved 28 guiding principles.
By Bob Loomis

Justin Kredible
Justin Willman learned magic because he wanted to impress girls. "Before I had magic tricks, I had to do physical stuff," he recalls. One of the ways twelve-year-old Justin came up with to get attention was to ride his bicycle while wearing his rollerblades. Bad idea. He fell and broke both his arms, which then had to be re-broken to set correctly. During his recuperation, a magician arrived to do a show at the hospital. "I went and saw it," says Justin, "and it was great!" Today, Justin traverses the country as one of the most successful magicians on the college circuit. He's far more successful at impressing audiences than riding a bike on rollerblades. "And the medical bills are way less!"
By Alan Howard

Remembering Harry Jr, Ten Years Later
May 14th marks the tenth anniversary of the death of Harry Blackstone, Jr. at age 62. His passing was a shock to the magic community, who considered him to be not only the direct link to his famous father, but also to the grand style of magic's golden age. A reunion of Blackstone assistants and friends was held last January at the Magic Castle. It was an afternoon of laughter and memories, all brought about from everyone's association with Harry. On this tenth anniversary of his passing, those who knew him best share their own favorite memories of the man.
By David Charvet with Nick Ruggerio, Mark Wilson, Bill Smith, Alan Bracken, Rich Bloch, Charles Reynolds, Merrillyn Merrill, Gay Blackstone, Harry's daughters (Cynthia, Adrienne, Tracey, and Bellamie), and more

Glitches, Glamour, & A Good Time: The 39th Annual Academy of Magic Arts Awards
What do you get when you cross a problematic teleprompter with an Internet magician and a long-overdue award going to a long-overdue recipient? You get the Academy of Magical Arts' 39th Annual Awards Show & Banquet, which took place on April 7th at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Beverly Hills, California. There were many more memorable moments that unfolded during the almost three-and-a-half-hour show, which was a truly star-studded affair.
By Shawn McMaster

Update
In the news this month are Criss Angel promoting his upcoming Cirque show and new book, the return of The Masked Magician, coverage on the surprising announcement that the Magic Castle is up for sale, and a report on a school for magicians' assistants. Also, you'll spend "A Moment With" Roy Raphaeli, better known as Magic Roy, who earned $14,000 performing magic online.
By Shawn McMaster

And Much More!