Alex Stone is an American magician and author known for his sleight of hand techniques and captivating performances. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Stone developed an early interest in magic and began learning tricks at a young age. As he honed his skills, he became fascinated with the history and psychology behind magic, leading him to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in physics at Harvard University. During his time at Harvard, Stone co-founded the Harvard Illusion Society, a group dedicated to the study and performance of magic. He also became deeply involved in the study of cognitive science, an interdisciplinary field that explores the mind and its processes. This blend of magic and science would later inform his unique approach to the art form.
Another bit of conjecture about Lizzie Borden has to do with her sexuality, a theory that becomes a central point in Lizzie. Whether Borden actually had an affair with Bridget Sullivan is unclear; some have supposed Abby Borden caught the two together, leading Lizzie Borden to kill her. Others have said Andrew Borden was the one who caught them.
On the other hand, Borden was an infamous figure and an unmarried woman something that could have subjected any woman of the time to extra judgment and no definite evidence one way or the other exists. Although no blood-stained clothing was found as evidence, it was reported that Lizzie tore apart and burned a blue dress in the kitchen stove a few days following the murder because it was covered in baseboard paint.
This blend of magic and science would later inform his unique approach to the art form. After completing his undergraduate studies, Stone went on to earn a Master's degree from the renowned University of California, Berkeley in psychology. His research focused on perception, attention, and the ways in which illusions can deceive our senses.
Lizzie Borden
Lizzie Borden, born July 19, 1860, was tried in court for the murder of her stepmother, Abby Borden, and father, Andrew Borden. Although she was acquitted, no other person was accused and she remains infamous for their murders. The murders occurred on August 4, 1892, in Fall River, Massachusetts. Her father’s body was discovered on the couch in the living room and her stepmother’s body was found in the upstairs bedroom. Lizzie claimed to have discovered the body of her father about 30 minutes after he came home from his morning errands. Shortly after, the maid, Bridget Sullivan, found the body of Lizzie’s stepmother. Both victims were killed by crushing blows to the head by a hatchet.
It was said that Lizzie did not get along well with her stepmother, and that they had a falling out years before the murder occurred. Lizzie and her sister, Emma Borden, were also known to have conflicts with their father. They disagreed with his decisions regarding the division of their family’s property. Her father was also responsible for killing her pigeons that were housed in the family barn. Just before the murders occurred, the entire family fell ill. Since Mr. Borden was not a well-liked man in town, Mrs. Borden believed foul play was involved. Although Mrs. Borden believed they had been poisoned, it was discovered that they ingested contaminated meat and contracted food poisoning. The contents of their stomach were investigated for toxins following death; however, no conclusions were achieved.
Lizzie was then arrested on August 11, 1892. She was indicted by a grand jury; however, the trial didn’t begin until June 1893. The hatchet was discovered by the Fall River police; however, it appeared to have been cleaned of any evidence. A downfall for the prosecution occurred when the Fall River police didn’t properly execute collection of the newly discovered forensic fingerprint evidence. Therefore, no potential prints were lifted from the murder weapon. Although no blood-stained clothing was found as evidence, it was reported that Lizzie tore apart and burned a blue dress in the kitchen stove a few days following the murder because it was covered in baseboard paint. Based on the lack of evidence and a few excluded testimonies, Lizzie Borden was acquitted for the murder of her father and stepmother.
Following the trial, Lizzie and her sister Emma resided together in a home for the next few years. However, Lizzie and her sister slowly grew apart and eventually went their separate ways. Once she and her sister separated, she was no longer referred to as Lizzie Borden, but as Lizbeth A. Borden. The last year of Lizzie’s life was spent ill. When she finally passed, the announcement was not made public and only a few attended her burial. There are many different suggestive theories to determine if Lizzie committed the murders or not. Stories range from the maid committing the murders to Lizzie suffering from fugue state seizures.
Much of Lizzie is based on unsubstantiated rumors about Lizzie Borden, which have only grown since she was acquitted. Here’s what’s real — and what’s fictional — in the movie.
This academic foundation allowed him to delve deeper into the intricacies of magic and understand the psychological principles that make illusions so captivating. In addition to his academic pursuits, Stone has performed at numerous venues and events around the world. His performances often combine storytelling, humor, and mind-boggling tricks that leave audiences in awe. His ability to seamlessly blend scientific concepts with magic has gained him a loyal following and recognition within the magic community. Stone's expertise is not limited to his performances alone. He is also an accomplished author, having published a critically acclaimed book titled "Fooling Houdini: Magicians, Mentalists, Math Geeks, and the Hidden Powers of the Mind." In this book, Stone takes readers on a captivating journey through the world of magic, revealing the history, psychology, and secrets behind some of the most astonishing tricks. Overall, Alex Stone's unique blend of science and magic has made him a prominent figure in the world of illusion. Through his performances, research, and writing, he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of magic, captivating audiences and inspiring fellow magicians along the way..
Reviews for "The Magic Circle: Alex Stone's Journey through the World of Magic"
1. Jane Doe - 1 star - I was really disappointed with "Alex Stone Magic". The tricks he performed were very basic and didn't live up to the hype. It felt like he was just going through the motions without any real passion or skill. I've seen much better magicians who can truly captivate an audience and leave them in awe. It's safe to say that I won't be attending any more of Alex Stone's shows in the future.
2. John Smith - 2 stars - I had high expectations for "Alex Stone Magic" after hearing so many good things about it, but unfortunately, I was let down. The tricks he performed were predictable and lacked creativity. It seemed like he was just going through a series of stock tricks without adding anything unique or memorable to them. The overall performance felt lackluster and uninspiring. I would advise others to seek out other magicians who can deliver a more engaging and mind-blowing experience.
3. Emily Johnson - 2 stars - I attended "Alex Stone Magic" with a group of friends, and we all left feeling underwhelmed. The tricks were not impressive and the show lacked a cohesive flow. It felt like a disjointed series of unrelated tricks rather than a well-crafted performance. Additionally, Stone's stage presence was lacking, making it difficult to become fully immersed in the magic. Overall, I wouldn't recommend wasting your time or money on this particular magic show. There are much better options out there.