Long ago and far away (clear back in 1948) a very pretty young singer and her piano accompanist did a musical number on the (black & white) TV. In the background was a set consisting of building outlines against a background of twinkling stars.
When she was done, the host walked in to compliment her performance. He said she looked stunning against the background. She turned and looked at it. “But what makes the stars twinkle like that?” she asked. “Surely they aren’t real? But their light varies, just like real ones!”
The host smiled and gave in to the chance to reveal a bit of entertainment special effects magic. One of the TV cameras already was wheeled into the back stage, and he asked the program director to cut to that camera. Then he directed the singer’s attention to the studio monitor to see what that camera was showing. “It’s really complex!” he gushed.
There, in back of the ‘sky’ stood a man who was rotating a center-pivoted 6-foot board that had a string of Christmas lights attached, using varied speeds. The lights illuminated small holes drilled through the ‘sky’ backdrop. It was a simple trick, but a VERY effective illusion. Then at only 4 years of age, I never forgot how easy it is to fool the eye.
stairsteppublishing over 1 year ago
They don’t go where they are told to go. They go where they can find room, afterall it is really crowded out there.
littlejohn Premium Member over 1 year ago
It’s the stardust from all those stars that make people explore their farthest dreams.
jagedlo over 1 year ago
“Star Destinies” by Jimbo Gumbo!
1953Baby over 1 year ago
And isn’t it amazing that the sky in this cartoon is just like the new photos coming from out there!!!
EnlilEnkiEa over 1 year ago
I think he’s referring to Hollyweird.
Nubmaeme over 1 year ago
What if what we think are stars are really just holes punched in the lid so we can breathe?!
AStarofDestiny over 1 year ago
I thought they received assigned seating from God!
raybarb44 over 1 year ago
Just like humans…..
SrTechWriter over 1 year ago
Long ago and far away (clear back in 1948) a very pretty young singer and her piano accompanist did a musical number on the (black & white) TV. In the background was a set consisting of building outlines against a background of twinkling stars.
When she was done, the host walked in to compliment her performance. He said she looked stunning against the background. She turned and looked at it. “But what makes the stars twinkle like that?” she asked. “Surely they aren’t real? But their light varies, just like real ones!”
The host smiled and gave in to the chance to reveal a bit of entertainment special effects magic. One of the TV cameras already was wheeled into the back stage, and he asked the program director to cut to that camera. Then he directed the singer’s attention to the studio monitor to see what that camera was showing. “It’s really complex!” he gushed.
There, in back of the ‘sky’ stood a man who was rotating a center-pivoted 6-foot board that had a string of Christmas lights attached, using varied speeds. The lights illuminated small holes drilled through the ‘sky’ backdrop. It was a simple trick, but a VERY effective illusion. Then at only 4 years of age, I never forgot how easy it is to fool the eye.
Thorby over 1 year ago
Jimbo, Neil DeGrasse Tyson wants a word with you.
hagarthehorrible over 1 year ago
A welcome change from the theatrics of peekaboo.
eced52 over 1 year ago
According to science, they were just randomly scattered, but I believe they were all given their place by God.