"magic arm" - what's this and where do I find one? Sounds interesting.

Lots of magic arm variations at bhphotovideo.com. Just search there for "magic arm" and you will see the clamping arm with camera support.

Travis, I have a counterweighted crossbar clamped to the bottom of my monopod's first section. This keeps the camera horizontal and from moving too quickly. It smooths out all motion and I can take the weight off my feet by setting it down when I will be stationary for a while. A great feature that I don't think even I envisioned is the ability to go high-angle intantaneously. Shooting with the camera 7 or more feet in the air ensures that nobody gets in my way. Shooting 5 feet in the air when I am kneeling ensures that I don't get in anybody's way.

I'll check it out then. Thanks.

A mild electric charge to the tripod, but make sure you have the camera grounded seprately as to not mess it up.