By Richard Abowitz

Teller’s journey to perform David Abbott’s Floating Ball exemplifies the magic of conjuring; even if you are told there is a thread, it is still amazing. Richard Abowitz’s tale of the magician is as captivating as Teller’s illusion.

By Hank Moorehouse

With their new production now playing in Germany, Topas and Roxanne bring to the stage classic wonders, brand new magic, plenty of comedy, and a four-legged companion who threatens to steal the show.

By Jonathan Levit

The 41st Annual Academy of Magical Arts Awards Show marked a departure from tradition. Giving the evening a new look and a streamlined feel, the producers brought forth an event dedicated to “celebrating magic and its art.”

By Alan Howard

You can find Tony Brent’s Outta Control Comedy Magic Dinner Show in an upside-down building in Orlando. The setting is oddly appropriate, as the magician and the wacky characters he plays bring new twists to an evening of prestidigitation and pizza.

By Gabe Fajuri

When it comes to corporate events, Bill Herz has been performing — and booking other magicians — for more than a quarter century. He’s seen the business rise and fall, and he speaks candidly about the current economics for performers and what to expect in these times.

Five pages of news stories covering: Masters of Illusion vs. Masked Magician in back-to-back timeslots; Monk magic steals ratings; Mysteries in Portugal with Luis de Matos; Wade Whitcomb’s publicity stunt a hoax; Kalin, Jinger, and Hobson recreate Carnival of Wonders; the Magic Circle honors Harbin; Hungary and Korea take top honors at the World Magic Seminar; a close-up tour of China, a fond remembrance of Ali Bongo, and more.

Eighteen products are covered this month by Michael Claxton, Peter Duffie, Jason England, Gabe Fajuri, Brad Henderson, and John Lovick:

True Astonishments featuring Justin “Bro” Gilbert and Paul Harris
Blank! by Craig Petty
Spinner by Nicolas Lepage
It Was You by Bruno Copin
Confessions of a Needle Swallower with Steve Spill
Newsflash by Axel Hecklau
Clutch with Oz Pearlman
The Card Magic of LePaul by Paul LePaul
Card Control by Arthur Buckley
Instant Card Shark
Hypnotrick by Ben Williams
The Pocket Shrimp by Peter Studebaker
Performing Magic on the Western Stage
Leave Your Ego At The Door by Bill Herz
ES Perfect: the Project with Peter Nardi
Hee-Haw-Dini and the Great Zambini by Kim and Doug Kennedy
Edd Patterson: A Lifetime of Magic and Art by William V. Rauscher
Out of Order by Cameron Francis

Joshua begins his column with his annual list of Best Tricks of 2008, and then it’s off to an exciting issue of card and coin magic. We begin with Put on a Happy Face, wherein a drawing on the back of a playing card jumps onto a selection. Then it’s Spectacle for the Eyes, a beautiful coin routine with several surprises. Andy Amyx and Chris Mayhew present fine new sleights, while Alex Rivetti offers his subtle changes to the mercury card fold.

DEAR SHOW DOCTOR: I’ve been watching all the television shows on magic, like the World Magic Awards and Masters of Illusion. When I look at these shows, I say to myself, Hey, I’m as good as some of these guys, and really, much better than a few of them. How do I go about getting a spot on one of these shows? What are the necessary steps to getting on TV? — Robert R.

Performing magic outdoors has its challenges, but preparing yourself to be able to meet those challenges means that when someone asks, “Is it a problem if the event is outdoors?” you will be able to say, “No, there isn’t.”

The flip tip gimmick allows you to vanish and/or produce a Sharpie marker from your bare hands, without the use of sleeves.