C.C. Chicago

The history of special effects begins even before the invention of the camera itself. During the 1700s, magicians utilized many techniques to perform optical illusions and astound their audiences. These techniques formed the foundations of special effects. One of the most used special effects in magic shows during this period was the summoning of the dead-spiritism. A small box with a light source to project images of historical figures onto columns of smoke or billowing cloth. This gave a ghostly motion to the image, frightening audiences to the point that several magicians were jailed for their work.

In 1895, the first paid motion picture show was staged. Thirty-two years later, sound entered the picture, and as we headed through the mid-point of the 20th century, color and added special effects found their way onto movie screens.

Tne invention of limelight around 1820 provided a way to project much brighter images from greater distances. This led to the use of magic lanterns for presentations and educational purposes. This changed the magic lantern from a secret tool of specialists to a well-known instrument.

Another technique of early illusionists was the use of glass sheets as two-way mirrors. In an illusion that came to be known as Pepper’s Ghost, after John Henry Pepper, a member of the audience was turned into a skeleton and back. This was done by placing a large glass sheet at a 45-degree angle between the audience and the stage, and adjusting the lighting so that audience would either see through the glass to the person, or the reflection in the glass of a skeleton off stage. The ligthing was faded in and out to make transformation. This technique was adopted later in  early films, and a horde of “ghost” movies were created using two-way mirror techniques.

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Bullying is a matter of concern thatshould be taken seriously by all of us because it touches practically everyone in every family, school and community. Realistically, it can make each child’s experience of school miserable and frightening. You should be aware that bullying is frequently planned and repeated behavior purposely done to intimidate and harm others. It takes many forms and many different behaviors, and its effects can possibly last a lifetime. Still, despite its harmfulness, bullying wasn’t taken seriously, and considered as ‘a natural part of growing up’ until recently. Some youth actually accept that they should suffer in silence. But if bullying is not confronted right away and properly, its consequences can be very destructive.

You should keep in mind that nobody has the right to threaten and hurt you, and bullying should be stopped and prevented. You can do this through education and awareness, with each of us playing an important role.

This issue will help you understand the intimidating words and hurtful actions that are part of bullying. you will learn how to identify and prevent bullying. And it will also create a profound awareness in you, enough to move you to promise to yourself never to bully and never bullied.

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