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Nope
2022 is not giving what the kids refer to as, “what it’s supposed to give.” A rapper that changed my whole taste in music has devolved into a stalker ex-husband, gas is climbing towards five dollars a gallon, Atlanta is ending later this year…And now Amazon has ruined my comic book reading experience. For the last few years, Comixology spared me a trudge across town to one of the only comic shops in said town worth visiting in search of my weekly haul. I never have to pre-order, the website never runs out of copies because it’s all digital and I saved physical space while still getting to collect comics. It was my slow ease into converting to digital comics.
Comixology has become an electronic ‘trudge across town’ in its own right. After fifteen years and over two hundred million downloads, Amazon did the only thing they could possibly do: they made a good thing bad. Last week, the platform released an update that essentially integrated it into a “Kindle Comics” Amazon page. See below:
Sure, there’s still all of the trademark signage of the original, but it’s still more or less an Amazon page. The Comixology reader has been replaced by a basic Kindle equivalent, far less specialized for reading comics than its predecessor.
Lemme Downgrade You
To say that this update was a catastrophic downgrade for the platform is a fighting words level insult to the phrase ‘catastrophe’. Even if you forget about how confounding the new site-slash-app is to navigate or how basic and uninviting. The reader can still compare it to what came before and that’s still not the worst part of this. The changes to publishing through Comixology have stirred up a completely valid controversy about the reduced royalties for independent content. Not to mention the massive backlash from readers concerning the thousands of dollars in purchased comics that have come up missing from their libraries in the update. The flagship platform for digital comics has become a corporate-controlled wasteland overnight. It’s more than a little wild that here, in the era of what’s being sold as “Web 3.0”, we still can’t trust companies to be competent stewards over digital content.
Today’s Price Is The Same As Yesterday’s Price
It’s already a seldom discussed issue that digital comics somehow have the same monetary value as their physical counterparts. After all, there was a time when physical comics became more expensive because they were being printed on higher quality paper. That way, they last longer so you don’t have your comics falling apart in twenty-five years unless you read them once and hermetically seal them forever. So, paying five bucks for digital content without that same tangible value is already hard to justify. Now, add the fact that your ability to retain your collection is hindered because of some conglomerate’s whims.
Granted, it’s true that music heads and cinephiles do have to re-buy their favorites in another form every so often. But that’s usually because some existing media format becomes outmoded by something that was already gaining popularity. Not because a company just up and lost their library. Also, it’s usually something that happens gradually over time, not all at once because an update was a failure. This is the sort of thing that makes collectors and comic fans give up on a format altogether.
In The End
Comixology has done the obligatory song and dance about, “hearing the overwhelming user response” on social media and done some patchwork to the comic reader so that it resembles the previous one. But the debacle has proven to be, at best, a sobering look at where we are in terms of ownership of digital content for those of us that don’t have the coin to spend on external or removable memory. Though, on the bright side, it’s still less expensive than any amount of gas it takes to get to your local comic shop. So, there’s that? Right?
The post Amazon Messing Up Reading Comics Is The Most 2022 Thing To Happen Yet. appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
Nope
2022 is not giving what the kids refer to as, “what it’s supposed to give.” A rapper that changed my whole taste in music has devolved into a stalker ex-husband, gas is climbing towards five dollars a gallon, Atlanta is ending later this year…And now Amazon has ruined my comic book reading experience. For the last few years, Comixology spared me a trudge across town to one of the only comic shops in said town worth visiting in search of my weekly haul. I never have to pre-order, the website never runs out of copies because it’s all digital and I saved physical space while still getting to collect comics. It was my slow ease into converting to digital comics.
Comixology has become an electronic ‘trudge across town’ in its own right. After fifteen years and over two hundred million downloads, Amazon did the only thing they could possibly do: they made a good thing bad. Last week, the platform released an update that essentially integrated it into a “Kindle Comics” Amazon page. See below:
Sure, there’s still all of the trademark signage of the original, but it’s still more or less an Amazon page. The Comixology reader has been replaced by a basic Kindle equivalent, far less specialized for reading comics than its predecessor.
Lemme Downgrade You
To say that this update was a catastrophic downgrade for the platform is a fighting words level insult to the phrase ‘catastrophe’. Even if you forget about how confounding the new site-slash-app is to navigate or how basic and uninviting. The reader can still compare it to what came before and that’s still not the worst part of this. The changes to publishing through Comixology have stirred up a completely valid controversy about the reduced royalties for independent content. Not to mention the massive backlash from readers concerning the thousands of dollars in purchased comics that have come up missing from their libraries in the update. The flagship platform for digital comics has become a corporate-controlled wasteland overnight. It’s more than a little wild that here, in the era of what’s being sold as “Web 3.0”, we still can’t trust companies to be competent stewards over digital content.
Today’s Price Is The Same As Yesterday’s Price
It’s already a seldom discussed issue that digital comics somehow have the same monetary value as their physical counterparts. After all, there was a time when physical comics became more expensive because they were being printed on higher quality paper. That way, they last longer so you don’t have your comics falling apart in twenty-five years unless you read them once and hermetically seal them forever. So, paying five bucks for digital content without that same tangible value is already hard to justify. Now, add the fact that your ability to retain your collection is hindered because of some conglomerate’s whims.
Granted, it’s true that music heads and cinephiles do have to re-buy their favorites in another form every so often. But that’s usually because some existing media format becomes outmoded by something that was already gaining popularity. Not because a company just up and lost their library. Also, it’s usually something that happens gradually over time, not all at once because an update was a failure. This is the sort of thing that makes collectors and comic fans give up on a format altogether.
In The End
Comixology has done the obligatory song and dance about, “hearing the overwhelming user response” on social media and done some patchwork to the comic reader so that it resembles the previous one. But the debacle has proven to be, at best, a sobering look at where we are in terms of ownership of digital content for those of us that don’t have the coin to spend on external or removable memory. Though, on the bright side, it’s still less expensive than any amount of gas it takes to get to your local comic shop. So, there’s that? Right?
The post Amazon Messing Up Reading Comics Is The Most 2022 Thing To Happen Yet. appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
Read on for everything you need to know before visiting Disney World with a baby!
Visiting Walt Disney World with a baby should be filled with magical memories, not moments of worry and strife. Well, we’re here to provide some guidance in order to ensure your vacation’s a lot more comfortable, especially when bringing your little Mousketeers along. In this article, we’ll discuss Disney’s Baby Care Centers, breastfeeding laws in Florida, and all the other important info you need. Our goal is to give you the confidence to be comfortable throughout your visit. So, sit back and think happy thoughts, as you start planning your dream vacation to the most magical place on earth!
Hey, real quick, traveling with a baby is challenging. Check out our Traveling with Baby Checklist, and make your journey a little easier.
Now then, it’s time to put on your mouse ears and start the show!
Disney’s Baby Care Centers
First, we’d like to point out that you don’t have to hike across the park to a Baby Care Center just to feed your little one. In 2018, the state of Florida made it legal to breastfeed in public. Anywhere that the nursing mother is allowed to be, publicly or privately, she is allowed to openly breastfeed her child(ren). The law also states that moms decide whether they want to cover as they breastfeed, providing nursing mothers the freedom to choose the option they’re most comfortable with. However, Baby Care Centers offer more than just an indoor place to breastfeed.
For parents looking to unwind, recharge, and cool down with their babies and toddlers, Baby Care Centers are located within all four of the main Walt Disney World parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios). Little ones can comfortably nurse, eat, and be changed in a relaxing atmosphere away from the crowds. Plus, a full staff of cast members are available to help, during regular park hours.
NOTE: Baby Care Centers are the only locations within the parks that provide microwaves to heat up food brought from outside of the park. In addition, there are on-site shops stocked with purchasable items. These items include wipes, over-the-counter medications, sunscreen, formula, and juice.
Further, each location has private nursing rooms with low or dimmable lighting. While expressed breast milk cannot be stored at the center, ice packs are available at the First Aid stations. Additionally, breast pumps can be held at the First Aid stations, meaning nursing mothers have one less thing to carry and/or worry about while visiting the parks.
However, it’s important to note that Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and Blizzard Beach Water Park and Disney Springs do not offer Baby Care Centers. Instead, there provide roomy baby changing stations inside most restrooms scattered across each of those parks.
Baby Care Center Locations
Below is a quick visual guide to each Baby Care Center located within the four Walt Disney World theme parks.
At Animal Kingdom, the Baby Care Center is located on Discovery Island between First Aid and Creature Comforts.
The Baby Care Center at Hollywood Studios is near the main entrance, to the left of Crossroads of the World.
Epcot’s Baby Care Center is near the Epcot Experience (the blue roofed building), right next to First Aid, close to Mexico.
Finally, the Magic Kingdom Baby Care Center is between Casey’s Corner and The Crystal Palace, near the end of Main Street and to the left.
Disney World Stroller Rentals
All Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs offer single and double stroller rentals. Single strollers accommodate children up to 50 pounds (23 kg), while double strollers can hold 100 pounds (45 kg) or less. There’s also options to rent strollers for the day or for the entire length of your stay.
Length of stay rentals must pre-pay for the number of days they plan on using the strollers. Doing this saves money as opposed to renting on a day-to-day basis, so it may be worth looking into.
Importantly, when hopping from park to park, you must return strollers to the rental location prior to departure. Later, while visiting a different park, simply show the rental receipt at the stroller rental location and get a fresh stroller for your visit.
As for locations, stroller rentals are at the main entrance of all four of the Walt Disney World theme parks. Additionally, Epcot has a second stroller rental location at the entrance of International Gateway. While, Disney Springs rents strollers at Sundries (near the bus stop at Town Center).
While you’re thinking about strollers, check out our list of the best double strollers and more!
Disney World with a Baby Recommendations
Here’s a few suggestions for must-have items, if you’re looking to save money before visiting the parks.
At each Walt Disney World park, Disney installed hygienic water stations as part of their initiative to become more eco-friendly. These hydration stations are located all around the parks. Best of all, they’re completely free and much easier to use than using a standard drinking fountain.
If you’re wanting something more personal, check out these customizable water bottles that come in a variety of colors and Disney characters.
Disney Universal Stroller Rain Cover
Depending on the season, rain showers happen daily in Florida. So, whether you rent or bring your own stroller, your little one can enjoy the enchanting scenery while not being affected by the elements with this rain cover. Importantly, this fits over most strollers, including the rentable ones at the parks.
Your little Mousketeer can roll in style with this Mickey (or Minnie!) themed compact stroller. First, it’s lightweight and easy to fold and store when not in use. Next, the stroller’s ultra smooth ride and five-point safety harness lets you to enjoy your walks worry-free as you take in the sights.
Bring a personalized stroller tag and eliminate the stress of searching for your stroller amongst all the others in the designated Stroller Parking areas (typically located near the entrance and exit of the attractions). Many guests have similar-looking strollers, especially the rented ones, so a customized stroller tag makes it much easier to spot your own.
Mickey Mouse Carrier & Breastfeeding Cover
Comfortably shield your child, whether in their carrier or while breastfeeding, with this cover. The knit-rayon material stretches easily over carriers, or you can wrap it around yourself to use as a privacy barrier when breastfeeding. It’s even strong enough to support your baby in swings or shopping carts.
This set of sunscreen necessities meets the required guidelines for traveling with containers. Ensure that your baby is ready for the Florida sun with proper SPF protection, without paying the high cost for sunscreen at the parks. Bonus, this set includes an adorable stuffed monkey as a traveling companion.
Baby Wrap Carrier for Newborns & Infants
So, what if your baby wants to be carried, versus sitting in a stroller? Then get this Disney-themed wrap. You can walk around hands free, and your little one can feel safe and secure. Plus, you can use it as a cozy blanket, on the ride back to the resort.
This stroller organizer has two expandable cup holders, two zippered compartments, and can strap onto all strollers. Further, a large mesh bag is ideal for holding onto the many souvenirs that you collect during your vacation. When not in use, fold the organizer up and place it inside the diaper bag. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.
Don’t let soggy clothes dampen your day. Instead, place them inside of this Mickey-themed waterproof wet bag. Perfect for when a change of clothes may be called for during a trip to the parks. In addition, the bag is hand or machine washable and has quick-drying material, so you can use it again and again.
Your infant will look adorable in their matching Minnie hat and bootie set (which come in pink or red). These accessories are great for blocking the sun from your Mouseketeer’s face and feet. The lightweight, cotton, material is ideal for a day at the park, then a dip in the pool. A Mickey set is available here.
The sun can get quite bright in Florida. So, to keep harmful light away from your baby’s eyes, baby sunglasses are ideal. These come in an array of colors. Perfect to mix and match with some adorable Disney-inspired outfits. Your tyke will be ready (and protected) for a magical day out to the parks!
The post Disney World with a Baby Checklist appeared first on Geek Baby Clothes.
Drawing from present to past Egyptian mythology, Disney+’s newest Marvel show, Moon Knight, was led by director Mohamed Diab (Episodes 1, 3, 5, and 6) and Justin and Aaron Moorhead (directors of Episodes 2 and 4) along with executive producers Grant Curtis and Kevin Feige. The press conference on March 21, 2022, included Ethan Hawke, May Calamawy, Mohamed Diab, Justine Benson, Aaron Moorhead, Grant Curtis, and Kevin Feige.
The series follows Oscar Isaac as Steven Grant/Marc Spector/Moon Knight, a mercenary with dissociative identity disorder, alongside Hawke (Arthur Harrow) and Calamawy (Layla Miller). The cast and creators were able to provide insight into what makes Moon Knight unlike any other Marvel project, including the moments that made this experience special.
Diab was very passionate about ensuring that his Egyptian identity was a key component of the show and that the authenticity of his culture was honored. He explained that, too often, Egyptian culture is “exoticized and dehumanized.” However, he saw Moon Knight as an opportunity to change the narrative. This MCU phase has been inspired through cultural lenses more than previous projects, and Diab seemed happy to have his culture represented in this series while also capturing the Marvel style of storytelling.
“Egyptians are funny in the most dire situations,” Diab explained. He wanted to make sure that his Egyptian humor carried over to wider audiences. Luckily, Issac was there to tell him the truth. When a joke landed, Diab was amused that he’d succeeded in being funny in two cultures at the same time. Along with the rest of the cast and creators, he balanced the blend of genres that run through this series, including humor and drama. Despite the show having a very serious tone, the creators made sure that there was room for some whimsy in the mix. With such a complex show to construct, it was a unique experience to craft the world of Moon Knight.
For Issac, it was also an interesting challenge to go between the different Moon Knight personalities. Fortunately, his cast members believe he knocked it out of the park, and he had an exceptional time pulling it off. In fact, it was actually Issac’s idea to give Steven an English accent. He explained, “I love English humor. I find it funny.” He saw an opportunity after asking himself, “What if we make him English?” Having a few inspirations, he sought to draw from Northeast London accents and accents from the Jewish communities in London, giving a nod to his character’s Jewish background.
Calamawy applauded Issac’s ability to bounce between Marc and Steven, noting that they felt like two different people. She felt Steven’s timidness and desire to connect, as she explained that he’s a character that needs “nurturing.” On the flip side, Marc is someone that Layla has her guard up around — except for at the dance-off. Issac poked fun at Calamawy dancing with other cast members, including him, while he was dressed in the Marc persona. It would seem that Marc isn’t quite as standoffish offscreen when Issac is showing his warmer side.
Speaking of warmer sides, Hawke certainly has a soft spot when it comes to fellow cast members and creators. He shared that he not only enjoyed using green screens and traveling to the desert for filming, but also loved the overall culture of the team. He explained that some larger budget projects add pressure that can make creators controlling, but not this one. There weren’t strict rules, but what he defined as a “playfulness” and “willingness to fail” made him feel like everything came together stronger. Everyone allowed themselves to make mistakes, to discuss different approaches, and to listen to one another. If an idea wasn’t written into the script originally or strategically planned, it was still encouraged to be explored.
He also appreciated Issac’s passion to contribute and mentioned he was happy to have “signed on [to the show] without reading the script” first. The cast members joked that not reading the script should be a requirement for every show if it means creating something as special as Moon Knight. It would be an understatement to say that this is a group of cast and creators adore one another. This is often a promising sign for how things will come together onscreen for the show.
The series will explore the complexity of the Moon Knight personas and navigate an intersection of themes. The mythical show combines themes of horror, humor, fantasy, mythology, drama, romance, and more. It will also set the MCU up to introduce Egyptian mythology to fans after its prior exploration of Norse mythology and other cultural stories. This will create some interesting occurrences in the next phase of films that may just change Marvel viewers forever.
The wait will be over on March 30, 2022, when Moon Knight premieres on Disney+.
Painful predictability, secret horse rides, scandal and gossip—welcome, dearest readers, to Season 2 of Bridgerton. Once again, it’s a chance for the Regency-era English society to discover that love, indeed, does conquer all in the popular Shondaland Netflix series created by Chris Van Dusen and produced by Shonda Rhimes.
This time around, the story focuses on the eldest sibling, the stubborn Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey). The viscount is looking for the perfect match to marry. However, to little surprise to anyone, things don’t go as smoothly as he hopes. This season escorts the Sharma family in with newcomers Kate (Simone Ashley), Edwina ( Charithra Chandran), and their mother Mary (Shelley Conn).
The show continues its great track record for including diverse characters in a period-era show by featuring Indian women as the season’s leads and romantic interests. While all of the pieces are in place for a simply delicious second installment, something falls slightly short. With that said, it’s an engaging watch for anyone who enjoys a diverse period-era romantic comedy with a lot of scandals.
The Good
Bridgerton Season 2 weaves in the historical backdrop of England’s colonization of India between 1811 and 1820, thus creating a complex and painful relationship between the true cultures. After being brought up in India, the Sharma sisters aren’t accustomed to traditional English society. In fact, in many ways, there’s shame connected to their foreignness. Luckily, that doesn’t slow them down. This season scores major points for presenting women of color that are beautiful, smart, talented, and bold.
In fact, there’s a certain tenacity present in each character this season, as many social rules are passionately broken. The show does a satisfactory job when it comes to moving supporting character arcs forward. The younger Bridgertons and fan favorites, like Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh), Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel), Featheringtons, and, of course, Lady Whistledown (voiced by Julie Andrews) embark on their own schemes and missions. If the main storyline bores someone, there’ll likely be another character plot that resonates more. There’s a variety of personalities to choose from.
More answers are provided for many burning questions lingering from the first season. The societal fabric comes unwound, as choices are made that can’t be unmade. There’s some suspense, humor and, of course, raunchiness to look forward to as well.
Hearing the orchestra play pop music covers once more is also a welcome return. The unique style of the show isn’t lost, as outfits and gossip remain the center-pieces for every occasion.
Finally, the overall themes of this season address grief, forgiveness, trauma, and deception. For anyone who loves another, there is a price to pay. It reminds each character that love can’t exist without emotional pain but, argues that a love match is ultimately a stronger force than duty and expectation.
Even the most stubborn people can eventually admit they’re wrong, especially when it means finding the happiness they’ve always longed for. These messages are important and connect well with Anthony Bridgerton’s initial approach to love and relationships.
The Bad
Season 2 is exhaustingly repetitive without actually making much progress in the main story arc. There’s so much promise. Beyond the first episode though, things become very predictable and somewhat irritating.
With Daphne Bridgerton (Pheobe Dynevor) and the Duke of Hastings, Simon Bassett (Regé-Jean Page), things were just sexy and mysterious. There was no telling what would come of their relationship, as they went from strangers to crushes to it’s complicated, almost getting separated—then together again. There was the build-up, natural progression, and obstacles that they handled in messy and realistic ways.
However, Season 2’s romantic progression seems stunted as small pieces try to form a big picture that never quite comes together. It feels fast and forced, which ultimately takes away from the moments that are meant to be special.
While the first season was playfully unrealistic at times, this second installment goes above and beyond with scenes that are difficult to believe. There are actions, motives, and decisions that don’t make sense but drive the story forward in awkward ways. Relationships are tarnished when the conflict could have easily been avoided. Even the scandals are oddly placed. They operate under the assumption that virtually no one in a crowded building is paying attention to anything around them, even if it’s right in front of them.
Certain moments meant to be serious, feel as if they could give more. There are strides to create more multidimensional characters, but they don’t form enough intimacy, empathy, and connection.
There were a lot of characters to juggle this season while also following the Bridgerton book series. It’s tricky to cover everything in detail with such limited time and episodes, perhaps with more time to unpack things, Season 2 could have been a diamond. It’s got some shine but could have sparkled.
Final Verdict
Bridgerton Season 2 isn’t terrible, but it isn’t wonderful. There are some engaging moments, themes, and scenes. However, there are annoying and repetitive components that can take someone completely out of it. It’s worth a watch but shouldn’t be on the top of the watch list. It’s easily bingeable, will hold attention, and may even open up some lively debates.
The second season of Bridgerton will drop on March 25th.