By John Armato With his new magic book for the general public, Joshua Jay continues on his route to become a one-man industry. Books and columns, films and DVDs, tricks and live performances are all part of his creative output.
By David Britland Siegfried & Roy never played the Palladium, but they would have done well there. Last month, over 2,000 people showed up just to see them in the audience.
By David Charvet and Alan Howard As American voters focus on electing a new president, we take a look back at the men who previously held that job and at the magicians who entertained them.
By Jaq Greenspon Malin Nilsson is not just your average Swedish juggling magician in hat and boots. Her unique, inventive outlook leads her to glean inspiration from unusual sources, enough to create a new two-hour show every year.
By Stephen Minch When Juan Tamariz found himself performing regularly on radio, he began exploring new ways to bring magic to his listeners. This effect, The Human Condition, plays just as well in person as over the airwaves.
By Steven Sokulski While he no longer makes his living strictly as a close-up performer, Giovanni Livera still loves magic. So much so that he built plenty of tricks and effects into his home and office.
News stories on the World Magic Awards 2008, David Blaine's Dive of Death special, Lyn Dillies' production of an elephant and a donkey as part of a political rally in Boston, Criss Angel BeLIEve finally starts previews, Steve Wyrick on American Chopper, "A Moment with... Mark Kalin" on the closing of the Magic Underground in Reno, ABC's Brothers & Sisters offer magic in its November 9th episode, McDonald's "magical" billboard in Times Square, a Eugene Burger documentary screens, two theatrical plays offer up magic, The Lecture Network closes down, Mike Close is named M-U-M editor, and a remembrance of El Duco and Mike Ellis, plus "Who's Where" and more.
Twenty-two products are covered this month by Gabe Fajuri, Peter Duffie, John England, Brad Henderson, and John Lovick. Zarrow - A Lifetime of Magic by David Ben Verbal Magic by Juan Tamariz The Magic of Nefesch Surfaced by Chad Nelson Phork by JP Gimpy's Light Heavy Chest by Steve "Gimpy" Corbett This is Not a Book by Robert Neale The Art of Magic by T. Nelson Downs Squash Stars of Magic Colour Burn by David Forrest The Secret Art of Monkey Business by Matthew Johnson Weather or Not by Devin Knight & John Moyer The Invisible Hand Enigma? Split Happens by Craig Petty Mirage by Craig Petty Akross by Sean Fields Devil's Doorway by Bob Postelnik & Brent Geris The Space Between by Jason Palter Zero Gravity by Jay Sankey The Invisible Stranger by Docc Hilford
I was asked to assemble an issue of my own magic to coincide with the story that appears elsewhere in this issue, and so I have selected a few effects that have not yet appeared in print. And when I examine them together in search of a common thread, one word comes to mind: context. The first routine, 242 2.0, is a lengthy, gambling-based routine. And as sure as it will fascinate any poker-savvy spectators, it's sure to bore anyone uninterested in the subject. Does this make it a bad trick? I don't think it does. Knowing this routine means that when, say, a group of guys pulls me aside at a show and ask me if I can beat the dealers in Vegas, I have the perfect routine at the ready. (I've also included David Parr's excellent adaptation for the original 242 Deal, as this seems the most appropriate place for it.) Christmas Con is contextual, obviously. It feels so natural and impromptu on December 24. Not so effective in June. Finally, if you are searching for a Triumph routine that will serve in the scenario outlined above, please read Totally Triumph in this month's Expertalk, where I offer just such an effect.
DEAR SHOW DOCTOR: I've been into magic for about five years and want to perform a full-evening illusion show. I particularly enjoy watching online clips of Siegfried & Roy, The Pendragons, and Hans Klok. I am just starting to develop my act. My dream is to have my own showroom in Las Vegas one day. What do you think are the best illusions for my show? Freddy G.
Once you decide to hang out your shingle as a professional magician, either full- or part-time, it won't be long before you hear the following from a potential client: "We're having a little get-together at my home in a couple of weeks, and I was wondering if you're available and what you would charge to come by and do your stuff..." The acceptance of this offer will be your first foray into the venue known as the private house party. These types of shows can be very lucrative for magicians at any stage in their careers. They can also seem, at the outset, to be deceptively easy to do. You show up, you walk around and do magic tricks for guests, and then you collect your fee and go home. However, it can often turn out to be a little trickier than that. What's more, if you're not aware of the pitfalls ahead of time, you could quite conceivably show up and be woefully underprepared.
Since no one has gotten around to writing The Complete Encyclopedia of Balloon Magic just yet, those of us who pursue this particular subset have to get creative. Instead of starting from scratch, however, there are some classic effects and methods that can be modified. Many techniques used for silk magic can be applied to deflated balloons. And there is endless inspiration for inflated balloons to be found in the literature on rope magic. Take the Cut & Restored Rope, for example. For those who seek to entertain and create magic using balloons, the Holy Grail would be the perfect no-cover, no-switch cut-and-restored inflated balloon. Sadly, we have not found that one yet. But these two versions of Popped & restored Balloon come pretty darn close.

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