The Linking Ring is I.B.M.'s monthly magic magazine. Each issue contains nearly 150 total pages of fascinating performer profiles, historical features, and magic for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced performers. Learn to assemble reviews of newly released magic effects, tricks and videos. Find out which group is right for you and get involved and enjoy the magic!

16 OUR COVER: CHARLES ARKIN 
Simone Marron profiles the magical life of our new International President,Charles Arkin. 
24 COMBINED I.B.M. – S.A.M. BROKEN WAND SERVICE 
Past International President Joe M. Turner and S.A.M. Past National President ICE McDonald joined forces to perform a joint Broken Wand ceremony for a member of both organizations. 
26 THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF MILT LARSEN 
Milt Larsen was widely known as a founder of the Magic Castle, but his talents stretched far beyond this accomplishment. Dale Salwak recounts Larsen’s wide-ranging influence during his remarkable career. 
32 IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFFFFE 
The famed Fechter’s Finger-Flicking Frolic (4F) roars back from its pandemic hiatus. Robin Dawes creatively reports on the 2023 event. 
46 A PORTRAIT OF THE PROFESSIONAL 
Connecting to our past is an important part of maturing as individuals and performers, Dale Salwak maintains, as he reveals the powerful experience of unearthing a metal box containing a letter written to himself decades earlier. 

Columns 
 12 FROM THE EDITOR 
 13 THE PRESIDENT’S PAGE 
 49 FROM OUR UK 

CORRESPONDENT 
 60 MARKETING MAGIC 
 64 POLISHING THE RINGS 
 67 TEACHING MAGIC 
 
Departments 
52 YOUTH TRIVIA 
95 HOCUS IN FOCUS 
101 BROKEN WAND 
 
Trick Section 
69 DAN ALESSINI 
TOM CONLEY 
TWO-MAN PARADE 

87 THE CARD CORNER 
90 SIMPLE DIVERSIONS
92 AUTO-MAGIC 

Miscellaneous 
14 PICTURES FROM THE PAST 
41 RING EVENTS 
55 MAGIC AND MEMORIES 
66 DID YOU KNOW? 
68 SICK & CONVALESCENT 
144 APPLICATIONS/ 
REINSTATEMENTS