For Julia, who is sitting at a nearby table, the magic often happens when life itself seems un-magical.

VOA: standard.2010.02.13

In National Basketball Association play, the Los Angeles Lakers captured their 15th title in 2009, beating the Orlando Magic in the best-of-seven finals in five games.

VOA: standard.2009.12.24

and,in a bit of 'movie magic,' the film re-creates 1937 New York in and around a vintage theater on the Isle Of Man in the Irish Sea.

VOA: standard.2009.12.17

Lyricist Johnny Mercer was one of the world's most prolific composers, turning out more than 1,500 songs, including a classic he co-wrote with Harold Arlen, "That Old Black Magic."

VOA: standard.2010.04.12