24 Famous Celebrities Who Shamelessly Copy Other Celebrities’ Looks, Personas, and Art | Wealth of Geeks

Have you ever noticed that the world of fame and fortune can sometimes be a game of style copycat? With all their elegance and glamor, some celebrities shamelessly borrow their fellow stars’ looks, personas, and even art. Don’t get mad if your faves are on the list. We’re only stating the obvious and echoing the thoughts of pop culture geeks in an online community.

1 – Liam Gallagher And John Lennon

Image Credit: Wiki Commons.

Liam Gallagher, known for his iconic role in the band Oasis, has often been compared to the legendary John Lennon. With his son named Lennon, Liam seems to be obsessed with the late Beatles member. Many have pointed out that early Oasis music was reminiscent of the Beatles’ classics. Liam’s love for John was evident through lyric inspirations and open admiration for The Beatles.

2 – Travis Scott and ASAP Rocky

Travis Scott and ASAP Rocky
Image Credit: Wiki Commons.

You’ll notice some striking similarities if you’ve ever compared Travis Scott and ASAP Rocky. It’s almost like Travis took his persona straight from ASAP’s stylebook. From how he dresses and styles his hair to the accessories he rocks and even his photo poses, it’s hard to ignore the influence. ASAP has acknowledged this resemblance in interviews, sparking fan discussions. A fan comments, “Literally came here to say this, and this might be controversial, but I like ASAP Rocky’s music over Travis Scott’s music.”

3 – Anna Nicole Smith and Marilyn Monroe

Anna Nicole Smith And Marilyn Monroe
Image Credit: Wiki Commons.

Many other celebrities have done a few Marilyn Monroe-inspired photoshoots or red-carpet looks. But in every aspect, Anna Nicole Smith had a deep and consistent association with Marilyn. From her career choices to her manner of speaking, Anna Nicole embodied Marilyn’s comedic bimbo persona.

4 – Caitlyn Jenner and Cindy Crawford

Caitlyn Jenner and Cindy Crawford
Image Credit: Wiki Commons.

Now, we all know Cindy Crawford is a legendary supermodel. But at the December 2018 British Fashion Awards, multiple people mistook Caitlyn Jenner for Cindy Crawford. That’s right, Caitlyn had done such a remarkable job of emulating Cindy’s looks that it reached a point of confusion.

5 – Harry Styles and David Bowie

Harry Styles And David Bowie
Image Credit: Wiki Commons.

Harry Styles‘ unique sense of style has drawn comparisons to the legendary David Bowie. Some fans even claim that Harry ripped off Bowie’s style for his persona. One commenter opines, “Harry’s whole created persona is him ripping off David Bowie.” Another adds, “In the shallowest possible way, yeah. I’m not even mad at it; at least it’s a bit different from what most of his peers are doing.”

6 – Ariana Grande and Mariah Carey

Ariana Grande And Mariah Carey
Image Credit: Wiki Commons.

Ariana Grande faced heavy marketing as the “new Mariah” during the early stages of her career. However, this strategy and comparison received mixed reactions and huge criticism. Let’s not forget that Ariana’s impressive vocal range and ability to whistle parallels Mariah’s talent.

7 – Leonardo Dicaprio and Jack Nicholson

Leonardo DiCaprio And Jack Nicholson
Image Credit: Wiki Commons.

Leonardo DiCaprio has openly admired Jack Nicholson, citing him as his idol. These two actors share similarities in their acting styles and the level of stardom they have achieved. And they’re beginning to look a bit alike. A fan says, “The only actor biopic I want is Leo playing Jack.” It sounds like a good idea.

8 – Greta Van Fleet and Led Zeppelin

Greta Van Fleet And Led Zeppelin
Image Credit: Wiki Commons.

Greta Van Fleet has faced criticism for their striking similarities to the iconic rock band Led Zeppelin. Some fans humorously call them “AI Zeppelin,” suggesting their music resembles a modern interpretation of Led Zeppelin’s sound.

9 – Kendall Jenner and Emily

Kendall Jenner And Emily Ratajkowski
Image Credit: Wiki Commons.

As Kendall Jenner transitioned into a more adult image, she seemed to adopt subtle aspects of Emily Ratajkowski’s already popular features, such as her eyebrows and cheekbones. Some speculate that Kendall may have undergone lip injections or other cosmetic enhancements to achieve a similar look.

10 – Kaley Cuoco and Jennifer Aniston

Kaley Cuoco And Jennifer Anisto
Image Credit: Wiki Commons/Shutterstock.

Kaley Cuoco’s portrayal of Penny on The Big Bang Theory has drawn comparisons to Jennifer Aniston’s iconic character, Rachel, from Friends. From mannerisms to speech patterns, Cuoco’s performance has often been likened to Aniston’s, making the similarities enjoyable to observe.

11 – Amelia Gray and Gabbriette Bechtel

Amelia Gray And Gabbriette Bechtel
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Many think Amelia Gray virtually cloned herself into Gabriette, and the resemblance has astounded many people. The likeness is so uncanny that some fans have called for a side-by-side photo comparison to showcase how remarkable it is.

12 – Leann Rimes and Brandi Glanville

LeAnn Rimes And Brandi Glanville
Image Credit: Wiki Commons.

LeAnn Rimes’ attempts to emulate Brandi Glanville have become quite intense. Dedicated followers of the story can attest. The situation has become so intriguing that one person mentions going down a rabbit hole while exploring the details.

13 – Adam Devine and Jack Black

Adam Devine And Jack Black
Image Credit: Wiki Commons.

Adam Devine’s resemblance to Jack Black is quite uncanny, yet many people may have never made the connection. It’s easy to see why. Their similar comedic styles and energy would make for a hilarious on-screen duo. One fan shares our thoughts: “I’m legit wondering why they haven’t been cast as dad and son.”

14 – Machine Gun Kelly and Eminem

Machine Gun Kelly And Eminem
Image Credit: Wiki Commons.

Machine Gun Kelly’s attempt to challenge Eminem and copy his style caused quite a stir. The rivalry between the two rappers — with MGK thinking he could outdo Eminem — became a hot topic of discussion. Ultimately, it didn’t end well for Kelly, as Eminem’s stature and loyal fanbase proved too formidable to overcome.

15 – The Weeknd and Michael Jackson

The Weeknd And Michael Jackson
Image Credit: Wiki Commons.

The Weeknd’s rise to superstardom has led some fans of Michael Jackson to notice similarities between the two artists. While The Weeknd has undeniably carved out his unique style and sound, we can see the influence of the King of Pop in his performances and music.

16 – Poppy and Mars Argo

Poppy and Mars Argo
Image Credit: Wiki Commons/YouTube: shouldicleanmyroom.

Poppy and Titanic Sinclair ended up in a copying controversy that got so intense that a lawsuit was involved. Mars Argo accused the pop singer of imitating her style. One disgruntled fan sighs: “This whole situation will not make me mad. Poppy is such a failed copy.” Well, you be the judge.

17 – Cardi B and Nicki Minaj

Cardi B and Nicki Minaj
Image Credit: Wiki Commons.

This one might ruffle some feathers, but let’s face it. The similarities between Cardi B and Nicki Minaj are hard to ignore. While many other cases involve inspiration, fans think Cardi has copied Nicki. The influence is quite clear from music and flow to appearance.

18 – Kim Kardashian and Cher

Kim Kardashian and Cher
Image Credit: Wiki Commons.

We know Kim could never fully be Cher. But that hasn’t stopped her from channeling her inner Cher whenever she feels like it. It’s no secret that Kim looks up to the Grammy-winning singer as her style and beauty icon. She’s never shied away from expressing her love for Cher.

19 – Bob Odenkirk and Kevin Costner

Bob Odenkirk and Kevin Costner
Image Credit: Wiki Commons.

Bob Odenkirk and Kevin Costner already share a resemblance, so it’s not surprising that Odenkirk has chosen a similar acting style and flair. They even have similar personalities in many of their movies. They’re like long-lost acting twins.

20 – Bella Hadid and Carla Bruni

Bella Hadid and Carla Bruni
Image Credit: Sutterstock/Wiki Commons.

Hadid and Bruni are undeniably stunning, but it’s hard not to notice that Bella has gone to great lengths to resemble Bruni. A commenter also says, “Bella has an uncanny valley look; you can just tell her face is not real.” And they’re not alone in their observation.

21 – Rita Ora and Rihanna

Rita Ora and Rihanna
Image Credit: Wiki Commons.

Rihanna has always been a unique force in the industry. And she has also served as an inspiration for Rita Ora. Rita has borrowed some dressing and stylistic ideas from the “Umbrella” star. There were rumors of a feud between the two until Rita Ora cleared the air.

22 – Kylie Jenner and Kim Kardashian

Kylie Jenner and Kim Kardashian
Image Credit: Wiki Commons.

It’s no secret that Kylie Jenner followed in her sister Kim’s footsteps of cosmetic enhancements. Yet, somehow, she didn’t quite nail it like Kim did. It’s fascinating how two sisters can embark on the same path yet get different outcomes.

23 – Lady Gaga and Madonna

Lady Gaga and Madonna
Image Credit: Wiki Commons.

As they say, Madonna walked so Gaga could run. Madonna undoubtedly revolutionized the music industry with bold displays, and Lady Gaga followed a similar path. These stars changed the game, but Madonna did it first, blazing the trail for Gaga and others.

24 – Ciara and Janet Jackson

Ciara and Janet Jackson
Image Credit: Wiki Commons.

If you dig into Ciara’s earlier years, you’ll notice that at some point, she became obsessed with Janet Jackson. Not only did she start styling, dancing, and looking more like her, but she even adopted some of Janet’s mannerisms and voice. Now, some fans find it quite bizarre. One boldly comments, “It’s really bizarre, and I think the only reason it hasn’t been called out more is her general lack of relevance.” That has to sting a little.

Source: Reddit.


Boloere Seibidor, fondly called B.S. is a Nigerian-based writer and poet. Her favorite topics to cover include music, especially Hip-Hop, film, lifestyle, and fashion. She’s been published by Feral Journal, Fantasy Magazine, The Temz Review, and most notably, Wealth of Geeks. She enjoys romantic dinners, movie nights, and touring new sites. When she’s not writing, she’s delving back in time to the underground world of Hip-Hop, watching TikTok, or visiting the cinema.


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17 Worldwide Festivals Not To Miss | Wealth of Geeks

Today we bring you a glorious collection of worldwide festivals to add to your bucket list.

Festivals have been part of life and culture dating back thousands of years. As such, they vary across different cultures and regions and have been an integral part of human civilization, serving as occasions for celebrations, religious or spiritual observances, and social gatherings.

In the 20th century, music festivals gained popularity as large-scale events where musicians and fans gathered to enjoy live performances. Historically, influential festivals include Woodstock in 1969, symbolizing the counterculture movement, and the Isle of Wight Festival in the UK in 1968.

The Growth of Worldwide Festivals

According to Statista, the global festival industry is worth an estimated $33.83 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $39 billion by 2027. Various elements, such as the surge in music tourism, the growing appeal of musicians and artists, and the escalating desire for live entertainment, fuel the expansion of the festival industry.

The word “festival” originates from the Latin word “Festivus,” meaning “joyous” or “festive.” The following festivals and events have brought much joy to millions of audiences worldwide.

Today, there are plenty of festivals to choose from. They cover different genres, from Food Festivals to Arts Festivals, and attract audiences worldwide.

Worldwide Festivals Not To Miss

1. Carnaval (Brazil)

Carnaval in Brazil is a world-renowned festival celebrated in major Brazilian cities such as Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Salvador, and Recife. Known for its vibrant and colorful festivities, the festival occurs before Lent, usually in February or early March.

The highlight of Carnaval is the samba parade, where samba schools compete with elaborate floats, costumes, and choreography. The competition takes place in the Sambadrome, a dedicated venue for the event.

In addition to the parade, Carnaval features street parties called “blocos,” where people gather to dance, sing, and enjoy live music. The festival is a time of joy, energy, and celebration, showcasing Brazil’s rich culture. It attracts millions of participants and tourists worldwide.

2. Holi (India)

Holi is a famous and joyful festival in India known as the “Festival of Colors” or the “Festival of Love.” Celebrated in March, it marks the arrival of spring. The festival involves throwing and applying colored powders and water over each other. It aims to break down barriers, and the festival symbolizes unity and forgiveness.

People of various backgrounds celebrate Holi, promoting togetherness and the spirit of joy. It includes rituals like the Holika bonfire and is a time for music, dancing, and enjoying traditional sweets. Holi has also gained recognition and celebration beyond India, with communities worldwide organizing colorful festivities.

3. Day of The Dead (Mexico)

Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a multi-day celebration in Mexico from October 31st to November 2nd. It’s a joyful and colorful holiday where families honor and remember their deceased loved ones.

Festivities include the creation of altars adorned with offerings, such as favorite foods and drinks of the departed. People decorate graves with flowers – particularly marigolds – paint their faces as skulls, and wear skeleton costumes. Public celebrations feature parades, music, and traditional dances. The Day of the Dead showcases Mexico’s rich cultural heritage, recognized as an essential local and international tradition.

4. Burning Man (Nevada, USA)

Burning Man is an annual cultural event in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada, USA. It takes place for a week, starting on the last Monday in August. It’s important to note that event dates and details may vary each year.

Participants create a temporary city called Black Rock City, following inclusion, self-reliance, and communal effort principles. The event showcases large-scale art installations, encourages unique fashion and self-expression, and fosters community and self-discovery. Burning Man has inspired similar regional events globally.

5. Oktoberfest (Germany)

Held annually in Munich, Germany, Oktoberfest beer festival spans 16 to 18 days, starting in late September and extending into early October. It attracts over 6 million visitors annually, who consume millions of liters of beer.

The festival features large beer tents where breweries serve Oktoberfest beer alongside traditional Bavarian food. It includes amusement rides, games, parades, and cultural displays. Visitors often dress in traditional Bavarian attire.

Oktoberfest is a significant cultural event in Germany and attracts international tourists. You will find similar beer festivals inspired by Oktoberfest worldwide.

6. Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival (China)

The Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in China celebrates winter wonderland and artistic ingenuity. Held annually in Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang Province, this festival has gained global recognition as one of the world’s largest and most impressive ice and snow events.

The festival, dating back to 1963, has evolved into a captivating showcase of colossal ice sculptures, intricate snow carvings, and dazzling ice architecture that transform Harbin into a breathtaking ice fantasyland.

The festival spans over 600,000 square meters and features an awe-inspiring collection of sculptures, ranging from enormous castles and palaces to towering monuments and intricate statues. Skilled artists worldwide converge to Harbin to create these frozen masterpieces. Every detail is meticulously crafted with precision and artistry.

As night falls, the sculptures illuminate, casting a mesmerizing glow that adds a touch of magic to the frozen landscape.

7. La Tomatina (Spain)

La Tomatina, a music and food festival in Buñol, Spain, combines music, bands, and a massive tomato fight. Set on the last Wednesday of August each year, the festival originated in 1945 when a spontaneous food fight broke out among people watching a parade; it has grown into a popular event.

Thousands gather to hurl tomatoes at each other for about an hour, creating a chaotic and colorful spectacle. The festival also includes parades, music, and traditional Spanish celebrations. La Tomatina attracts both locals and tourists seeking a unique and lively experience. Safety measures are in place to ensure participant well-being.

It has become an internationally recognized event celebrating spontaneity, camaraderie, and uninhibited fun.

8. Sani Festival (Greece)

Sani Festival, an annual music and cultural event in Sani Resort, Greece, is the perfect example of luxury festival tourism. It occurs during the summer and features diverse performances, including music, dance, theater, and visual arts. Famous acts include Tom Odell, Sarah Brightman, Dianne Reeves, and Bonnie Tyler.

Established in 1992, the festival showcases Greek and international artists in a picturesque setting. It aims to create a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, offering attendees high-quality productions and cultural experiences.

The Sani Festival attracts visitors who appreciate the arts and seek a memorable cultural event in a beautiful location.

9. Cherry Blossom Festival (Japan)

The Cherry Blossom Festival, or Hanami, is an annual celebration in Japan during cherry blossom blooming season. Known for its cultural significance, the Cherry Blossom Festival lasts from late March to early April.

People gather in parks and gardens to appreciate the blossoms, engage in picnics, and participate in traditional performances and ceremonies.

The festival symbolizes renewal and the transient nature of life. It is a cherished time when friends and loved ones come together to enjoy the fleeting beauty of the cherry blossoms and celebrate the arrival of spring.

10. Dragon Boat Festival (China)

The Dragon Boat Festival, or Duanwu Festival, has a history of over 2,000 years. This traditional Chinese holiday is celebrated in June on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month and is observed in various regions of China and Chinese communities worldwide.

It commemorates the poet and statesman Qu Yuan through dragon boat races, where teams paddle in long boats resembling dragons.

The festival also focuses on food; guests can enjoy sticky rice dumplings called zongzi. The Dragon Boat Festival is a time for family gatherings, cultural activities, and celebrating Chinese traditions.

11. Notting Hill Carnival (London, UK)

The Notting Hill Carnival is an annual event celebrating Caribbean culture and heritage in London’s Notting Hill. The Carnival typically occurs on the last weekend in August and features a colorful parade, vibrant costumes, live music, and Caribbean cuisine.

The Carnival originated in 1966 as a way for the Caribbean community in London to share their culture with others. It has since become one of Europe’s largest street festivals, attracting millions of visitors.

The festival promotes inclusivity and unity, showcasing London’s diverse and multicultural spirit. Safety measures are in place to ensure the well-being of participants and attendees.

12. Glastonbury Festival (England)

The Glastonbury Festival is a famous UK festival. Set on Worthy Farm, the privately owned estate of Michael Eavis, the festival’s founder, and his family. They have been instrumental in its organization and success since its inception in 1970.

The festival features diverse music genres and showcases various art forms, including theater, dance, and visual arts. Plus, it has family-friendly festival areas for parents who want to take their kids along.

This highly anticipated event attracts the best worldwide headlining artists and has hosted iconic performances by artists like David Bowie, Sir Paul McCartney, and Beyoncé. They sell over 140,000 attendees yearly, but tickets sell out almost immediately.

13. Mardi Gras (New Orleans)

Mardi Gras, with New Orleans and Louisiana being its most famous locations, features colorful parades, vibrant costumes, and lively street parties. The festival originated in Europe and was brought to the United States by French settlers.

Mardi Gras takes place in February, the day before Ash Wednesday, which varies yearly. It is celebrated before the Christian season of Lent.

While New Orleans is renowned for its Mardi Gras festivities, variations of the celebration exist in other regions and countries.

It’s associated with indulgence and revelry before fasting and reflection during Lent. Traditional activities include masked parades organized by social clubs known as “krewes,” the sharing of King Cake, and lively street celebrations with music and floats.

14. Venice Carnival (Italy)

The Venice Carnival, or Carnevale di Venezia, is an annual festival in Venice, Italy. It lasts approximately two weeks in February, culminating on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, and the beginning of the Lenten season in the Christian calendar. During this time, the streets and canals of Venice come alive with parades, music performances, and traditional masked balls.

The Venice Carnival is renowned for its elaborate masks and historical costumes, offering a captivating and immersive experience. Visitors worldwide are drawn to the Carnival to witness its magical atmosphere and participate in various events and activities.

15. The Yi Peng Lantern Festival (Thailand)

The Yi Peng Festival, or the Yee Peng Festival, is a traditional festival celebrated in Northern Thailand, particularly in Chiang Mai. It is known for its breathtaking display of floating sky lanterns released into the night sky.

During the Yi Peng Festival, thousands of paper lanterns, known as khom loi, are lit and released simultaneously, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The release of these lanterns is believed to bring good luck and symbolize letting go of misfortunes or negative energy. The lanterns, illuminated by a small candle or fuel cell, rise into the air and create a beautiful scene as they float away.

16. Edinburgh International Festival Fringe (Scotland)

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, often called the Fringe, is a renowned and vibrant celebration of the arts held in the historic city of Edinburgh each year. Established in 1947, it has grown to become the world’s largest arts festival, attracting thousands of performers and visitors from around the globe.

Spanning August, the festival showcases a staggering array of theatrical productions, comedy shows, music performances, dance acts, and many other artistic endeavors across various venues throughout the city.

With its open-access policy, the Fringe embraces established artists and emerging talent, providing a platform for creative expression and experimentation. It is an electric and dynamic atmosphere where street performers entertain crowds on the Royal Mile, and theater enthusiasts immerse themselves in an unparalleled feast of artistic offerings.

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is a testament to the enduring power of the arts, fostering a spirit of cultural exchange and inspiring generations of artists and audiences, from festival-loving families to adults.

17. Diwali – Festival of Lights (India)

Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is one of India’s most significant and widely celebrated festivals. It holds a special place in the hearts of millions, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Diwali is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm across the country, uniting people of diverse backgrounds in a jubilant atmosphere.

The festival typically occurs in late October or early November, and preparations begin well in advance. Homes and streets are adorned with vibrant decorations, colorful rangoli patterns, and illuminated clay lamps called diyas. The entire ambiance becomes radiant, filling the air with anticipation and joy.

In addition to the traditional rituals, Diwali is a time for families to come together and celebrate. It is customary to exchange gifts, share sweets, and indulge in delectable feasts. People wear new clothes and visit their loved ones, seeking blessings and exchanging good wishes.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a festival in January or December, you’ll surely find one that suits you somewhere in the world.


Karen Beddow and her family have been running Mini Travellers since 2014 when the children were 4,4 and 5, now aged 12, 11, and 11. Mini Travellers aims to prove that anything is possible whilst trips now require a whole new checklist of essential items and not just a passport, hand luggage and a credit card! Alongside Karen, who loves festivals, trips to Africa and every Greek island she can find, Sarah Christie joined Mini Travellers in 2023, bringing a creative angle; her love of cities, cruising and Disney, she travels with her grown-up family, thus offering a different perspective.


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Barely Surviving in the Magnolia State: Financial Gap Exposes Mississippi Workers’ Struggle to Make Ends Meet | Wealth of Geeks

Mississippi workers, on average, have a mere $625 a month for saving, paying down debt and leisure activities after their essential expenses like housing and food are covered.

As the cost of living continues to rise and the job market evolves, many individuals need help to make ends meet with a single source of income. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the financial strain, leaving people across the United States seeking alternative means to supplement their earnings and achieve financial stability.

New research offers valuable insights into the living wage vs. minimum wage disparity across the United States and which states most need a second job or side hustle.

A Living Wage?

According to The Global Living Wage Coalition, the term living wage is “the remuneration received for a standard workweek by a worker in a particular place sufficient to afford a decent standard of living for the worker and her or his family.” Shockingly, no state currently offers a minimum wage that aligns with the living wage, let alone surpasses it.

Researchers from the web host provider Hostinger compared each state’s average salary to the current living wage, revealing many Americans’ financial challenges. The study’s findings revealed that Mississippi ranks at the top of the list of states with the greatest need for a second income.

Workers in the Magnolia state are left with a mere $7.5k per year after deducting the state’s $32.6k living wage. This financial gap highlights the challenges individuals face in Mississippi as they strive to cover essential expenses while making ends meet.

The study’s findings also shed light on other states that require a second income to achieve financial flexibility. For example, Arkansas and South Dakota are among the states where individuals would benefit from a second job to make ends meet.

In Arkansas, the typical person earns $10.3k above the $32k living wage, leaving little room for financial flexibility. Similarly, in South Dakota, the typical person has $12k left over after the $30.8k living wage, which is not enough to cover essential expenses and save for the future.

According to the Living Wage Calculator developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the living wage for a family of three in the United States is estimated to be $17.31 per hour, equivalent to an annual income of $36,061 as of 2021.

These findings underscore the need for policymakers and employers to address the living wage vs. minimum wage disparity and provide workers with fair compensation and opportunities for financial stability.

Despite recent improvements, the current minimum wage still needs to catch up to the living wage in all states, making it difficult for many people to make ends meet.

There is Good News

However, according to the True Rate of Unemployment report by the Ludwig Institute for Shared Economic Prosperity, the percentage of Americans with living-wage jobs has improved recently. The report also found that “functional unemployment” dropped to its lowest level in months for all major demographic groups.

With the financial challenges faced by many Americans, it’s essential to explore various avenues to supplement income, such as freelancing or picking up a side job for additional income.

The gig economy has become a popular way for individuals to supplement their income and make ends meet in the face of the living wage vs. minimum wage disparity. According to the 2020 U.S. Independent Workforce Report by Upwork, the number of freelancers in the US has grown to 59 million, or 36% of the total workforce.

While freelancing may not solve the living wage vs. minimum wage disparity, it can offer individuals the potential for substantial earnings and schedule flexibility.

Freelancing can offer flexibility and the potential for substantial earnings, but it also presents challenges, such as a lack of benefits and job security. As the gig economy continues to grow, policymakers and employers must address these challenges and provide more opportunities for financial stability for freelancers and other workers.

While the average full-time American worker works 42 hours per week, many hold multiple jobs to make ends meet. This trend highlights the urgent need for policymakers to address the living wage vs. minimum wage disparity and provide workers with fair compensation and opportunities for financial stability.

Should Minimum Wage Be Raised?

One potential solution to the living wage vs. minimum wage disparity is to increase the federal minimum wage. According to a report by the Economic Policy Institute, raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2025 would benefit 32 million workers or 21% of the workforce. This increase would reduce poverty and boost economic growth.

The living wage vs. minimum wage disparity continues to be a significant challenge for many Americans seeking financial stability. While recent improvements in the percentage of Americans with living-wage jobs offer some hope, it’s clear that more needs to be done to address this issue. Policymakers and employers must work together to provide workers with fair compensation and opportunities for financial stability.

However, with financial challenges persisting, it’s essential for individuals to explore various avenues to supplement their income, such as freelancing.

By taking advantage of the opportunities in the freelance market, individuals can work towards financial security and a brighter future. It’s time for policymakers and employers to address the living wage vs. minimum wage disparity and provide workers with the compensation and opportunities they need to thrive.

This article was produced by Media Decision and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.


Farah, a mother of five and a voice in the parenting sphere, draws on her economics background and personal experience as the head writer of BecauseMomSays. She offers support, guidance, and realistic advice to mothers everywhere, emphasizing families raising children with special needs. Farah is committed to building a community of robust, supportive mothers who can uplift and empower one another through the difficulties of motherhood and balancing work and family life.


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15 Movies That Leave You Asking Yourself, “What in The World Did I Just Watch?” | Wealth of Geeks

Sometimes you watch a movie, and it leaves you scratching your head, confused about what you saw, the message, and whether you even liked it. A group of film enthusiasts from a popular online forum sparked a conversation about some of the movies that left them in shock by the credits. Have you seen any of these films that made the list?

1. Sorry To Bother You (2018)

Image Credit: Annapurna Pictures, Focus Features, and Universal Pictures.

This movie is tricky because you either love or hate how far it’s willing to go to make points about controversial topics. It’s actually difficult to put it in a category, as there’s drama, satire, science fiction, horror, fantasy, comedy, and so much more wrapped up in one. 

The film revolves around conflicts related to money, jobs, racial divisions, police brutality, and the ideologies surrounding them. Including genetic mutation and animal-like transformations intensifies the confusion you experience at the end. It’s purposefully over-the-top with mind-boggling twists to provoke deep thought. 

2. Mulholland Drive (2001)

Mulholland Drive Laura Harring, Naomi Watts
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.

Lynch has gained notoriety for creating dream sequences that truly resemble our actual dream experiences. These scenes are perplexing, fragmented, and often convey a sense of communication but remain intentionally vague, reaching levels of absurdity. 

In essence, Mulholland Drive can be summarized as a dream depicted as reality, only to be recapped at the end as if it were a dream. Due to its dream-like nature, it becomes challenging to pinpoint all the elements of reality, just as it is difficult to explain the peculiar aspects of our own dreams. That’s what makes it great in many users’ opinions!

3. Annihilation (2018)

Annihilation
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.

Many forum members regarded Annihilation as a good film that leaves you speechless for a few reasons. While it isn’t excessively graphic, the bear scene, in particular, is highly unsettling. A woman falls victim to a monstrous creature that looks like a bear, and it brutally attacks her. 

You see a silhouette depicting her getting bitten, tossed into the air, and forcibly dragged away. Eventually, her lifeless body is discovered, with the neck torn apart, revealing a disturbing sight of multicolored organs and blood. It’s a head-scratcher for sure in terms of symbolism. However, Garland has described the movie as being about self-destruction on a metaphysical level. 

4. Inland Empire (2006)

Inland Empire
Image Credit: 518 and Media Absurda.

Another David Lynch original, Inland Empire, is enigmatic, complex, and mysterious. The actress who plays an actress in the film, Nikki Grace, starts becoming entangled as her own identity starts to blur with that of her character, who’s married in real life but having an affair on camera. 

There are distorted perceptions of time, reality versus the fictional narrative she’s engaging in, and the movie is highly abstract overall. Add in anthropomorphic rabbits, doppelgangers, and a choppy timeline, and it’s a recipe for confusion….and brilliance. You have to interpret much of what you see for yourself, leaving you with this feeling of bewilderment by the end.

5. Mother! (2017)

Mother!
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.

Criticized for possibly praising and somewhat romanticizing toxic behavior within a relationship, Mother! takes you from watching Jennifer Lawrence as a submissive, barely-speaking-in-an-audible-tone caretaker to a serial killer at her breaking point. 

In a nutshell, this psychological horror film revolves around a family in a secluded house that starts receiving unwanted guests that do bizarre and inappropriate things. The imagery is chaotic, and the tension is high as the dark side of human nature gets exposed, leaving viewers disturbed and contemplating its layered meanings.

6. Swiss Army Man (2016)

Swiss Army Man Paul Dano, Daniel Radcliffe
Image Credit: A24.

Swiss Army Man is an odd film that follows the journey of a man named Hank, who is stranded on a deserted island without hope. He was ready to take his life until he discovered a flatulent corpse that he befriended and decided to take on an epic journey with him to find his way home. 

The film blurs the line between fantasy and reality as the interactions between the characters become increasingly absurd and surreal. The movie’s dark humor, grotesque visuals, and unconventional storytelling techniques create a disturbing experience, exploring themes of loneliness, connection, and the fragility of sanity.

7. Splice (2009)

Splice Sarah Polley, Delphine Chanéac
Image Credit: Les Films Séville.

Few movies take you on such a strange journey as Splice does. This sci-fi thriller follows two scientists that are interested in genetic engineering. They decide to experiment (though forbidden) with combining human and animal DNA. 

However, they bit off more than they could chew, so they’re dealing with a somewhat human, amphibious, male and female scorpion creature that’s murderous and growing bored with her confinements. “While I understood some of the themes that the movie was broaching, I didn’t particularly care for the sexual assault, violence, and gross body horror in the film,” says one individual. 

8. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Image Credit: EMI Films.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a comedic take on King Arthur and his knights as they search for the Holy Grail. The movie isn’t excessively graphic, so you wonder what you were watching because the men’s journey was rooted in absurd obstacles and eccentric character interactions. 

They come in contact with a deadly rabbit, shouting Frenchmen, a bridge of death, and other ridiculous elements that are somehow still intriguing. One of the movie lovers from the forum says, “It’s not a bad movie; it’s just not a good movie. But it’s good enough to keep me watching.”

9. The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)

The Killing of a Sacred Deer Nicole Kidman, Sunny Suljic
Image Credit: Curzon Artificial Eye.

When you incorporate supernatural elements into a movie, there’s always the chance it can leave the audience a bit freaked out. The Killing of a Sacred Deer is about a teenage boy who becomes friends with a famous cardiovascular surgeon. 

The surgeon is unaware that he couldn’t save the boy’s dad during a surgery that went wrong years back. Now the boy is out for revenge, and he places a curse on the doctor and his family. This dark connection between the main characters and the sacrifice the surgeon has to make to free his family from the curse’s affliction makes for a disturbing viewing experience.

10. Brimstone (2016)

Brimstone (2016)
Image Credit: Paradiso Entertainment.

Brimstone leaves you wondering what you watched because it’s a Dangerous cocktail of many controversial themes. It talks about religious fanaticism and an evil preacher who uses religion as a weapon to justify his horrific treatment of women. 

So you get a bit of sadomasochism, violence, and gore, which is a trigger for many. How the gruesome story unfolds is not only unsettling, but some people feel that the portrayal of religion as a tool of control is offensive. 

11. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

2001: A Space Odyssey Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood
Image Credit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

Multiple film aficionados said they think 2001: A Space Odyssey is the best science fiction/horror film ever. At first, I thought it was a nonsense take, but then I sifted through some of their main points. Essentially, this movie focuses on existential terror, and it hinges on mankind’s fear of the unknown. 

There’s not a ton of violence or intense scenes featuring blood as one might expect from a typical horror film, but it’s like an endless nightmare that details the outer space vacuum. It’s beyond our understanding and delves into artificial intelligence’s power and unpredictable nature.  

12. Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

Everything Everywhere All At Once
Image Credit: A24.

Everything Everywhere All At Once is titled exactly how it should be. There are so many outlandish costumes, insane fighting scenes, and weird elements that it all kind of just works. The overall premise is about kindness, acceptance, reconciliation, and love, but the way that the movie gets you there is bizarre, to say the least. 

You might like this flick if you can get down with a movie about a seemingly ordinary Chinese immigrant traversing through the multiverse, sometimes with hot dogs for fingers or fighting a Pomeranian-armed woman with a huge nose. 

13. The Lobster (2015)

The Lobster
Image Credit: Feelgood Entertainment.

The Lobster is based on people who are single needing to find a partner or get transformed into animals. Inherently, it’s a dystopian premise that automatically grabs your attention. Another element that’s strange is the deadpan performances from the actors who deliver their lines in a monotone fashion, so you can’t truly observe any emotion from one person to the next. 

With all the crazy rituals and rules in place, you’re trying to understand the commentary that the film makes. “It’s a surreal universe that feels detached, and you never quite get used to it during the film,” mentioned one person. 

14. The Lighthouse (2019)

The Lighthouse
Image Credit: A24.

The Lighthouse really drags you all over the place with the surrealism and the psychological ups and downs of the main characters. You can’t tell who is delusional, which parts are fantasy, which parts are reality, and what message they’re sending. 

Some parts are straightforward, and you understand the nature of someone losing their mind. However, as the movie progresses, you wonder if they were ever really sane to begin with. It’s an interesting film that leaves you with more questions than answers, but it gives Shutter Island vibes in certain regards. I’ll take that. 

15. Eraserhead (1977)

Eraserhead Movie
Image Credit: Libra Films.

Eraserhead is an incredibly uncomfortable movie that shows us, in a strange and grotesque way, situations in life that people find themselves in but don’t want to confront. For a gross oversimplification, think about a man married to someone he doesn’t love and having a baby he didn’t want. 

When David Lynch decides to make the baby more of a deformed gremlin creature than a human, it makes you feel weird inside, and you’re not sure who you’re empathizing with. At the same time, the slow pacing of the film, eerie atmosphere, and bland delivery by the actors makes you wonder what you saw when it’s over. 

Source: (Reddit).


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The 25 Best Indie Games on Switch | Wealth of Geeks

The Nintendo Switch is one of the most popular video game systems ever made. Owing its success to the ingenuity of its portability amongst other features, kids and adults alike are still enjoying the boundless console over six years after release. Nintendo has a plethora of iconic brands that have appeared on the Switch through the last half-decade. Still, the variety of independently developed titles genuinely makes the console shine. Indie developers bring different ideas to the table that AAA companies overlook or don’t have the creative liberties to manifest into a tangible result. To honor the special ability of indie titles to mesmerize and captivate like no other, we present the 25 best indie games on the Switch!

1 – Cuphead

Image Credit: Studio MDHR.

There is nothing in gaming like Studio MDHR’s sidescrolling boss extravaganza. Combining gameplay elements of Mega Man with a rubber hose animation style, Cuphead instantly transports you back to when you were seven years old, watching cartoons on a Saturday morning. The difficulty curve is famously overbearing for some, but I highly encourage a healthy dose of patience. You don’t want to miss out on one of the only video games that truly deserves to be called a piece of art!

2 – Hades

Hades Video Game
Image Credit: Supergiant Games.

An award-winning dungeon-crawling roguelike with gorgeous visuals and allusions to mythology, Hades is Diablo for the new-age gamer. A perfect combination of weapon upgrades and randomized level design makes the journey to Mount Olympus in the bowels of hell an experience that even non-fans of hack-and-slash games will never want to put down. The sequel should come out sometime in 2023 or 2024.

3 – Celeste

Celeste Video Game
Image Credit: Maddy Makes Games.

There are a lot of sharp platformers in every gamer’s indie library, but no collection would be complete without Celeste. The controllable protagonist is a transgender woman (this is undoubtedly revolutionary in the current climate of representation in gaming) who platforms to the top of a mountain. The game serves as an allegory for mental health problems and the courage humans have to overcome them, and the game mechanics seamlessly serve this purpose. This game has the best controls and tight platforming of anything on the Switch.

4 – Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove

Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove Video Game
Image Credit; Yacht Club Games.

This collection of four campaigns of the legendary Shovel Knight saga is bursting at the seams with sharp NES-style adventuring. With a more focused move set and plenty of spoofing of medieval-era enemies, Shovel Knight is the type of retro experience that fans will never get sick of. The game is a true sign of what indie gaming could and would turn into after the first game was released in 2014.

5 – Dead Cells

Dead Cells Video Game
Image Credit: Motion Twin Playdigious.

Two of the most popular genres in indie gaming are the rogue-lite and Metroidvania. Dead Cells combines these categorizations into an addicting, sharp sidescrolling experience that will nearly force you to keep playing through an ingenious mix of level design and weapon power-ups that change each time you die. Several expansion packs and DLC have allowed fans to keep pushing through the game’s prison one more time, sometimes even with homages to classics like Castlevania.

6 – Wargroove

Wargroove Video Game
Image Credit: Chucklefish.

Before Advance Wars returned to the Switch, Chucklefish’s strategy title was the only thing fans of that franchise could get their hands on that resembled the classic strategy series. You control several different armies throughout Wargroove, each with units of different strengths and weaknesses. Each general has specific abilities that make missions more accessible, and the chess match that ensues on each board is a strategy fan’s nirvana. The colorful and cartoonish graphics add to the experience quite a bit.

7 – Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley Video Game
Image Credit: ConcernedApe.

In real life, farming is considered hard but vital work that not many people desire to do anymore. In video games, farming is considered fun, exciting, comforting, and addicting. Thank games like Stardew Valley for this, a Harvest Moon-inspired indie phenomenon that is as charming as it is comforting. Players have made their farms uniquely personal and into their own cathartic utopias since its release in 2016.

8 – Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight Video Game
Image Credit: Team Cherry.

A beautiful, foreboding Metriodvania that places you into a world titled Hallownest. Filled with good and evil insect characters, your job as the nameless protagonist is to explore and defeat the diseased monsters of the kingdom. Using the mechanics of iconic side scrollers from the past like Super Metroid and more modern games like Dark Souls, Hollow Knight is an immersive experience proving this genre is still alive and well.

9 – Inside

Inside Video Game
Image Credit: Playdead.

Warning: don’t play Inside if you’re easily frightened. This incredible horror experience puts you in the shoes of an unnamed child lost in a derelict atmosphere’s machinations. The weight of the protagonist’s steps as he’s strolling away from a vicious dog or the breadth of the character’s oxygen levels as he’s crossing a body of water make for a video game that will send shivers up your spine. This puzzle platformer title is what living vicariously through a fictional character is all about.

10 – Guacamelee!

Guacamelee! video Game
Image Credit: DrinkBox Studios,
Activision.

Video games should make you feel like you’re a kid again because gamers are childlike and imaginative at heart. Guacamelee! transports you to that time period in your life by allowing you to control a Mexican wrestler who has access to a growing library of abilities throughout the platforming game. The character growth resembles classics like Super Metroid or Banjo-Kazooie.

11 – Gris

Gris Video Game
Image Credit: Devolver Digital.

Sometimes artistic indie games can lend to the reputation that non-AAA titles are pretentious and trying too hard to be different. Still, Gris manages just to defeat that categorization by a hair. Control a girl who gains new abilities and, in turn, changes the environment around her. The game’s color palette is beautiful to look at, even in still shots or as a viewer watching another person playing the game.

12 – Nobody Saves the World

Nobody Saves the World Video Game
Image Credit: DrinkBox Studios.

Dungeon crawling has been elegantly updated for the modern gaming experience due to the ingenuity of games like Nobody Saves the World. As you traverse various dungeon environments in an innocent and inviting graphical style, you’ll discover there are more character forms and weapons than you’d ever imagined!

13 – Spelunky 2

Spelunky 2 Video Game
Image Credit: Mossmouth.

The original Spelunky is one of the O.G.s of game design. This sequel ups the stakes, the gameplay, and the creativity by incorporating even more enemies, collectibles, and weapons into the gameplay as you spelunk your way to the bottom of the caverns looking for infinite gold and treasures.

14 – Golf Story

Golf Story Video Game
Image Credit: Sidebar Games.

We don’t often think about sports being a platform for RPG gaming, but an athlete’s career is very much in the vein of a role-playing hero. Golf Story places you in the shoes of an aspiring golfer, and through various match play and mini-games, you gain abilities and power-ups to become the competitor you’ve always wished to be. Side quests and funny characters you can interact with truly make this one feel like a classic JRPG with a sports aesthetic.

15 – Spiritfarer

Spiritfarer Video Game
Image Credit: Thunder Lotus Games.

There probably isn’t a game that addresses the frightening prospect of death with more grace and solace than Spiritfarer. This simulation game sees you interact and live with beings between death and the afterlife. Gamers can learn a lot about their own thoughts and feelings toward mortality while looking at the subject through the eyes of the spirits on board the ship.

16 – Untitled Goose Game

Untitled Goose Game Video game
Image Credit: Panic Inc.

Only indie gaming allows you to put yourself in the position of the most random animals on the planet, navigating situations that would seem menial but become something extravagant due to incredible game design. Untitled Goose Game became a viral sensation on social media when fans found out they could run amok as a goose, irritating locals and generating general chaos. The stealth gameplay and cheeky graphics make the experience much more than just a quirky idea.

17 – Flipping Death

Flipping Death Video Game
Image Credit: Zoink.

The ideal game for fans of spooky titles with a humorous twinge, Flipping Death asks the player to switch back and forth between the realms of the dead and the living. Movies like Pixar’s Coco or Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas would give you a good idea of the vibes and aesthetics of the game. Puzzle-solving and platforming would be the main catalysts for exploration.

18 – Steamworld Dig 2

SteamWorld Dig 2 Video Game
Image Credit: Rising Star Games.

The sequel to the original digging platform game on the Nintendo 3DS takes everything that made the first title tremendous and then expands on it to perfection! Steamworld Dig 2 jams so many enemies, collectibles, and weapons underground that you would think it would be confusing, but it’s always contained enough to feel intimate.

19 – Gunman Clive HD Collection

Gunman Clive Video Game
Image Credit: Hörberg Productions,
JP: Flyhigh Works.

There are a lot of platform games on this list, but allow us to indulge in one more. Gunman Clive is indie game royalty, and this collection has both titles in one convenient location in HD. Made by the same developer as Super Punch Patrol, you go through a midwestern desert setting as an outlaw who has to traverse typical sidescrolling opposition. The simplicity of the game only makes it even more fun.

20 – The Messenger

The Messenger Video Game
Image Credit: Devolver Digital.

Action gaming is another genre that is well-worn in the world of indies. Still, The Messenger can spice up your usual gaming time by switching between two different graphical styles depending on what part of the timeline you’re in. The protagonist is similar to the characters you would play in Ninja Gaiden, as you traverse typical ninja quests with an enjoyable and fluid move set.

21 – Unpacking

Unpacking Video Game
Image Credit: Humble Bundle.

Sometimes video games have the power to turn events into playable situations that won’t ever appear in any other form of media. No TV show or movie would show you cleaning up your living space and moving objects from one room to the next. In Unpacking, the narrative power and structure of the gameplay allow you to experience this mundane chore in a new way. Moving the protagonist’s belongings around in completely different years of her life will enable you to understand her story better than you could have ever imagined.

22 – Super Punch Patrol

Super Punch Patrol Video Game
Image Credit: Hörberg Productions.

A sidescrolling beat-em-up, Super Punch Patrol is hand-drawn and ripped straight from your memories of scribbled drawings when you were bored in math class in the sixth grade. Control three different police characters as they fight their way through crime-ridden streets with exotic criminals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. The action is a mashup of creative elements from developer Bertil Hörberg, one of the best indie developers in the industry today!

23 – Eastward

Eastward Video Game
Image Credit: Chucklefish.

There are many Legend of Zelda copycats in the indie scene. Still, Eastward can walk that tightrope where you know it was inspired by the classic Nintendo series without trying to emulate it directly. Play as John and Sam, a duo that acts like a father/daughter team, as they learn about the dystopian future that has grounded humanity under the surface. Unique JRPG gameplay elements like controlling both characters in unison, reminiscent of the Mario and Luigi series, makes for a fun ride.

24 – Elechead

Elechead Video Game
Image Credit: NamaTakahashi.

Control a bulb of electricity named Elec, whose job is to ignite the light in the various factory environments he comes across in this short adventure. The puzzles that require ingenious uses of the player’s avatar will never cease to amaze, and the NES-era graphics will make it feel like a Mega Man-esque experience minus the shooting!

25 – Carrion

Carrion Video Game
Image Credit: Devolver Digital.

Video games are great at changing a player’s perspective on life. When we enter a horror game experience, it’s not easy to get into the mindset of the monsters attacking us. Carrion asks the gamer what it’s like to become evil, forcing you into the skin of a monster that eats everything in its path. Scientists, researchers, and doctors are just some of the innocents researching the beast, and your job is to escape the testing facility while devouring your captors. It’s not quite as violent as it sounds, but it’s definitely one of the premiere horror games on the Switch!


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24 Things People Say That Annoys The Living Daylights Out of Other People | Wealth of Geeks

Have you ever encountered phrases that make your eyes roll, and your blood boil? We all have those irritating statements that seem to crawl under our skin and annoy us to no end. Folks in an online community share statements that drive them out of their minds. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most annoying; let’s dive in!

1. “It Is What It Is”

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

People seem to find this phrase unsettling and annoying. As someone notes, the phrase signifies resignation and offers no solutions altogether. To this contributor, it’s like trying to raise a point and being told to shut up because, well, it is what it is.

2. “I’m Not A Racist, But…”

Displeased Old Lady
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Of course, you are. Saying “I’m not a racist, but…” already gives you away as one, and whoever is concerned already has their opinions about you. Every word that follows a phrase like this has never been less racist.

3. “Everything Happens For A Reason”

Woman Comforts Unhappy Teenage Daughter at Home. Sitting at Home on Couch. Girl with Problem. Conflict in Family. Parent and Child. Unhappy Girl. Communication Concept. Relationship Concept.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

True, but could you not say it? Often, it’s very insensitive. A contributor shares why it’s annoying: “I have cancer, bipolar disorder, etc. When someone says that to me, I just wanna smack them in the face. If you would get the same in the future, I’m gonna say to you too, ‘everything happens for a reason.’”

4. “It Could Be Worse”

angry woman reading
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

We know, but would it hurt to be optimistic? As one person says, “Why not say it could be better?” With this phrase comes complacency in the face of tragedy and a downplay of a person’s struggles. Saying “it could be worse” doesn’t make whatever the other person is going through hurt any less.

5. “No Offense, But…”

Worried, sad, anxious, teenage girl, adolescent girl, thinking
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

But what? This classic statement irritates many people because it suggests that the following words will surely be offensive. It doesn’t soften the blow of the cruel comments you are about to make; it only patronizes.

6. “As A Parent…”

The Fairly OddParents Susanne Blakeslee, Eric Bauza
Image Credit: Nickelodeon.

When people use this statement, they are mostly trying to prove a point that they are wiser as a parent. But they seem not to understand that being a parent doesn’t mean you are automatically wiser or know everything. Intelligence has little to do with how many buns you’ve had in the oven.

7. “Can’t You Take a Joke?”

The Joker
Image Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

“I just have enough mental capacity to recognize an insult that’s thinly veiled as a ‘joke,” says a commenter. You might sincerely mean it as a joke, but some people are extremely sensitive about certain topics. Just ask for their forgiveness instead of asking this question.

8. “I Have OCD”

Cleaning the Toilet
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

This phrase seems to have become the new trend. Using OCD to describe your cleanliness trivializes the true meaning of a mental health condition. Worse is when these people who claim to have OCD don’t even look clean.

9. “It’s Not You, It’s Me”

break up
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Here’s a spoiler: they’re about to dismiss or break up with you in the most annoying way ever. This is one of the most cliché lines ever. Once a person says this, best believe them. Like the Taylor Swift song, they are the problem if the best they can come up with is this line.

10. “When Are You Guys Gonna Have Kids?”

things to do after breakup
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

It’s the 21st century; stop caring about other people’s lives this way. Some people forget that it’s not everyone who’s interested in bearing or having children. Some wish to have kids also, but can’t due to biological factors — imagine how insensitive your comment would be to someone like this.

11. “Calm Down”

Two Angry Men
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Nothing fuels a person’s fury quite like being told to calm down. It’s like adding fire to a flame. It’s dismissive, condescending and rarely results in the desired effect. You should find a better phrase to console a person in anger.

12. “Now, That’s So Gay”

Facepalming
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Using someone’s sexual orientation as an insult can be very offensive and aggravating. Save those words the next time you are tempted to say them. Be more creative with words. Even if you find someone acting a certain way that might loudly pronounce their sexual orientation, it’s only human to show good manners.

13. “You’re Too Young To Be Tired”

confused frustrated woman
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

“I guess I just rode my body hard into the ground a bit more efficiently than they did back in the day,” someone says. Who birthed the notion that people must reach a particular age to be able to feel tired? And if so, what’s the required age? Do share!

14. “Sorry, Not Sorry”

If You're Getting Interviews but Not the Offer, You Need To Try These 6 Things
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

This drives most people crazy. Are you sorry or not? Pick a side, and stick to it! Most folks think life was way easier when phrases like this didn’t exist, and we agree.

15. “It’s Giving!”

shutterstock 1992628892 scaled e1689212653658
Image Credit: Shutterstock

The most annoying thing about the statement is that it’s almost always incomplete or incoherent. It simply “is giving.” Giving what exactly? A contributor thinks this must be the worst phrase TikTok has ever created.

16. “Are You On Your Period?”

Social Worker
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Most women find this statement very annoying — emphasis on very — especially when a man who has no idea what it’s like to be a woman says it. It also invalidates a woman’s emotions, as the statement suggests that each time she has a mood swing or bursts into a fit of rage, it must be because of her menstrual cycle. Women can have mood swings that aren’t caused by their period.

17.”Everybody Has To Die Of Something”

Funeral
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

This is insensitive and horrible to say, especially to someone who has just lost someone dear to them. Of all the comforting phrases in the world, why would anyone choose this? It speaks volumes about that person’s personality.

18. “It’s Just A Game”

Squid Game
Image Credit: Noh Juhan | Netflix/Netflix.

Have you ever met someone who’s obsessive about gaming or sports? Try telling a passionate gamer or sports lover who’s lost a game that it’s just a game and see the result. You better hope they are not a short-tempered person.

19. “Slay Queen”

Little girls shiny crown
Image Credit: MorganStudio/Shutterstock.

Find a more creative way to describe how you or your friend looks in makeup and breathtaking outfits, and please stop saying, “Slay Queen.” One person shares, “I have a stepson that says this so often that I want to duct tape his mouth shut.”

20. “Every Other Person Does It”

Angry Man Pointing
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

How people use this phrase to excuse ill behavior is unbelievable. People find it extremely offensive when they try to correct bad behavior, and the other person just says, “But every other person does it.”

21. “Literally”

The Secret Life of the American Teenager Megan Park
Image Credit: ABC Family.

What annoys many people with this word is its wrong usage by quite several people. Saying “literally” when you don’t mean it in the literal sense is bound to annoy someone. Someone explains: “Tiffany: ‘”I literally died laughing.’ No, Tiffany, you didn’t literally die laughing because then you wouldn’t be here telling me.”

22. “Don’t Talk To Me Before My Morning Coffee”

tea kettle
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Harsh truth? Nobody cares. Just stop announcing to the world that you have a caffeine addiction. We can all afford coffee, too, if your primary intention for always making this announcement every morning is to show off that you are a coffee person.

23. “Women Belong in the Kitchen”

Cooking With Paris Paris Hilton
Image Credit: Netflix.

Nobody finds this degrading statement funny, so why do people still say it? It is insulting, demeaning, misogynistic, and every bad word you can think of. For your own sake, try not to say this to women… or like, anyone at all.

24. “I Told You So”

sisters fighting
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

We know it’s hard to fight the itch to say, “I told you so,” but try. Nobody likes their mistakes to be rubbed in their face that way. It’s a surefire way to turn their aggression on you. Don’t say we never told you so.

Source: (Reddit).


Boloere Seibidor, fondly called B.S. is a Nigerian-based writer and poet. Her favorite topics to cover include music, especially Hip-Hop, film, lifestyle, and fashion. She’s been published by Feral Journal, Fantasy Magazine, The Temz Review, and most notably, Wealth of Geeks. She enjoys romantic dinners, movie nights, and touring new sites. When she’s not writing, she’s delving back in time to the underground world of Hip-Hop, watching TikTok, or visiting the cinema.


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Streamline Landlord Life: Optimizing Rent Collection | Wealth of Geeks

Tapping a regular stream of rental income can greatly improve one’s livelihood, yet getting into the market remains an uphill battle for most Americans.

House prices across the nation are in decline from their pandemic highs, yet the drop has not yet been steep enough to make housing much more affordable.

In October last year, the Goldman Sachs Housing Affordability Index — which measures the extent to which a typical household can afford a new mortgage — fell to its lowest ever point, at around 70.

When more than 100, the index shows the median US household can afford at least 100% of monthly payments, while scores less than 100 reflect that a household can only partially cover the payments.

Although affordability has risen somewhat, current levels are far from the 100 crossover point and still lower than in the years before the Great Recession in the 2000s, analysis by CNN shows. That means getting into the property market is nearly the hardest it’s been in over two decades.

Yet if you can get in, getting into this prized asset may be worth striving for.

It is a lucrative time to be a landlord. The median monthly rental rate in the US has climbed for three years straight since the pandemic first hit in March 2020, according to Realtor.com data. Only in May did the first modest year-over-year decline of 0.5%. Nationwide, average rents still remain nearly 25% higher than in 2019. What is a burden for tenants is an enviable bonus for owners.

Property ownership has long been considered a pillar of the American dream. Owning a quarter-acre block and a piece of land to call your own has become deeply entrenched in the national psyche. Property’s popularity endures, with many aspiring to not only become a homeowner but also to own multiple properties to rent out. This article will review the current obstacles to property investing and look at the best systems for optimizing rent collection and accounting practices.

Not So Easy Street?

Before enjoying the cash flow of property, new landlords must first overcome a number of hurdles. From the outside, it may look like a great game of Monopoly, but running a rental property is no child’s play.

Attracting reliable, financially-secure tenants who are punctual with paying the rent and careful with the property is no small feat. Optimizing tenant transitions so the place is not left vacant (and unprofitable) for too long can also be a challenge.

Landlords must also be aware of local laws and comply with building codes, safety measures, and property inspections. They’ll also need to know some reputable contractors to do repairs and renovations when needed.

Bookkeeping

Then there is the bookkeeping. “Some of the main administrative and accounting hurdles new landlords face include tracking investments on a property and portfolio level, analyzing income and expenses, and navigating regulatory compliance,” says Doug Greenberg, Founder and President at Pacific Northwest Advisory.

There are a number of built-for-purpose software solutions. Baselane, for instance, streamlines rent collection through a centralized dedicated tenant portal for lease and payment management that requests various tenants to make monthly payments via ACH or debit, or credit card. Avail also offers a platform for rent income management and comes with a mobile app for iOS and Android that enables tenants to pay their rent on the go.

“My recommendation to new landlords is to utilize a technology platform that allows tenants to pay rent online with options for bank withdrawals or credit card payments,” says Tim Melia, Principal and Financial Planner with Embolden Financial Planning.

“It should also allow tenants to set up automatic payments or a reminder that rent is due, which helps eliminate the challenge faced by many landlords: late rent payments. Furthermore, a tool that provides the landlord with an income statement, rent roll, and other helpful reports is valuable come tax time and also for analyzing the performance of the rental property.”

There can be hidden drawbacks.

“The downside is it can be hard to prevent partial rent payments,” says Dillon Kenniston, CFP and Founder of REWealth Financial Planning. “And if the landlord ever had to penalize or evict tenants, and it went to court, those partial payments could speak volumes in the tenant’s favor.”

Balancing The Books

There are also cloud-based rental accounting software programs, such as Stessa and TenantCloud, among others.

Regardless of whether you use a custom-built system or simply a spreadsheet of your own design, it is vital to give your real estate portfolio its own administrative space.

“Keeping personal and real estate finances separate will make accounting and tax prep a lot easier,” says Kenniston. “It’ll also be easier to track property performance. If everything’s comingled, it’s much harder to calculate returns, or even determine whether or not the investor is cashflow positive.”

There is plenty of nuance to rental property come tax time.

“In some cases, rental losses can offset ordinary income,” says Kenniston. “Normally, passive losses only offset passive gains. But for some real estate investors… you may be able to deduct up to $25,000 in passive losses (called a “loss allowance”) against your ordinary income (think W2 day job).”

“And watch out for depreciation recapture,” says Kenniston. “Most landlords have a category for capital gains, but forget about depreciation recapture…this is one area where failing to plan is planning to fail.”

Navigating the challenges of landlords may seem overwhelming, but, leveraged correctly, software tools can ease the burden. By embracing technology, landlords can lighten their workload and easily ensure compliance with realty regulations. Despite its complexities, rental property remains a great wealth-generating asset, providing individuals with a pathway for upward mobility over the long term.

This article was produced and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.


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Every Star Wars Reference in E.T. | Wealth of Geeks

It’s hard to think of more popular sci-fi films in the landscape of 1980s pop culture than Star Wars or E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.

In true George Lucas and Steven Spielberg fashion, both movies offered a fresh return to the childhood fantasies of our collective youths, feeding our imagination for what might lurk behind the stars. Could it be Jedi, the Sith, and a war being waged for control of the galaxy? Or might it be a species of peaceful, inquisitive aliens visiting Earth to broaden their knowledge of the universe?

Far from being simple contemporaries alone, Lucas and Spielberg have also nurtured a close friendship with one another over their mutual aesthetic and similar creative visions. Ultimately, their artistic sensibilities allowed them to work closely on Raiders of the Lost Ark and its later sequels in the Indiana Jones series. But following this initial collaboration, Spielberg still took the time to add small easter eggs paying homage to his friend’s hit sci-fi series in later movies like his 1982 classic, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.

From small visual references to humorous lines of dialogue, here is every reference Spielberg makes to Star Wars in E.T.

A Handful of Vintage Action Figures

Image Credit: Universal Pictures.

Among the more obvious references Spielberg makes to Star Wars is the appearance of several action figures based on beloved Star Wars characters. The scene in question finds the 10-year-old Elliott (Henry Thomas) showing his newfound friend, E.T., around his room for the first time. After E.T. expresses an interest in Elliott’s toy collection, Elliott promptly introduces him to some of his figures. As Elliott describes them, “These are toys. Little men. This is Greedo. And then this is Hammerhead. You see, this is Walrus Man. And then this is Snaggletooth. And this is Lando Calrissian. See? And this is Boba Fett. Look. They can even have wars.”

While this scene is dimly lit, it’s easy to make out the distinct figure of Greedo, Lando, and Boba Fett as Elliott toys around with them. (Interestingly, since Boba Fett was only ever referred to as “bounty hunter” in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi wouldn’t be released for another year, this is the first time larger audiences heard the name Boba Fett on screen.)

The “Hammerhead” figure Elliott refers to is Momaw Nadon, an Ithorian exile; “Snaggletooth” is Zutton, a Snivvian artist; and “Walrus Man” is Ponda Baba, the Aqualish thug who menaces Luke and gets his arm lopped off by Obi-Wan. All three of these characters are seen in the cantina scene in Mos Eisley.

Michael’s Reference to Yoda

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) Movie
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.

It takes some time before Elliott dares to introduce E.T. to his siblings. After his teenage brother Michael (Robert MacNaughton) returns from football practice, Elliott senses an opportunity to bring E.T. and Michael together for the first time. Forcing him to turn around and keep his eyes closed, Elliott asks Michael to swear that he has “absolute power,” to which Michael sarcastically replies (in a mock Yoda voice), “Absolute power, yes,” before letting out a throaty laugh.

The voice and laugh Michael uses here is an obvious impression of Grand Master Yoda, a figure who seems to have some close ties to E.T. himself (as we’ll see later on with this list).

Mary’s Allusion to the Death Star

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) Movie
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.

Wandering into Elliott’s room as he’s “reorganizing” it, Elliott’s mother, Mary (Dee Wallace), looks over the utter mess Elliott’s made, commenting in disbelief, “This is no room. This is an accident.” This small throwaway line serves as a direct reference to the original Star Wars, which sees Obi-Wan comment incredulously, “That’s no moon. That’s a space station,” as the Millennium Falcon falls victim to the Death Star’s tractor beam shortly after the destruction of Alderaan.

The Yoda Costume

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) Movie
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.

Roughly halfway through the film, Elliott and his siblings use Halloween as the perfect cover to sneak E.T. out of the house, dressing him in a classic ghost costume to blend in with the other trick-or-treaters in their neighborhood. Guiding him through the streets of the suburbs, the disguised E.T. wondrously witnesses the fantastic sights of Halloween in the area, marveling at the many costumed individuals he passes – taking special notice of one trick-or-treater in particular. As they pass by a young child dressed as Yoda, E.T. raises his arms and begins wandering towards the diminutive trick-or-treater, happily calling out, “Home, home,” before Elliott and Michael stop him.

This joke may have two punchlines to it. Initially, it can be construed as E.T. mistaking the costumed Yoda as a fellow alien traveler, someone who ventured to Earth and who he can now reconnect with. More likely, it hints at a deeper connection between E.T. and Yoda, with E.T. seeming to recognize the Jedi Grand Master as though he were a figure from his past (more on this later).

The John Williams Homage

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) Movie
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.

As E.T., Michael, and Elliott pass Yoda, the music in the background slowly changes, with musical notes from The Empire Strikes Back playing in the background as the masked Yoda walks away. This change in the soundtrack is a telling reference to Star Wars from the man who composed the music himself, John Williams. A frequent collaborator to both George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, Williams knowingly added a small musical homage to his previous work on The Empire Strikes Back during E.T.’s scene with Yoda. The official piece is titled “Yoda’s Theme.”

Masked Invaders and Heavy Breathing

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) Movie
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.

Shortly after the Halloween sequence, E.T. and Elliott simultaneously fall ill, their mutual connection seemingly influencing one another’s health adversely. Discovering her ailing son and his extraterrestrial friend, a horrified Mary prepares to leave the house with her children, only for government agents dressed in biohazards to invade their home.

Finding a mortally ill E.T. on the ground of the Taylors’ bathroom, an agent wearing a domed mask approaches the alien. Between his cumbersome uniform, large helmet, and distinct heavy breathing, it’s hard not to ignore the similarities between this menacing government agent and Darth Vader, the principal villain of the Star Wars movies. (The breathing, in particular, seems eerily reminiscent of Vader’s own labored breaths in Lucas’s films.)

E.T’s Cameo in Star Wars

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) Movie
Image Credit: 20th Century Fox.

With all the references Spielberg makes to Star Wars in E.T., Lucas returned the favor when it came to his own prequel film, 1999’s The Phantom Menace. The number of references Lucas pays to E.T. is minimal compared to Spielberg’s film, but one scene, in particular, continues to stand out among fans of Lucas and Spielberg’s work. During the Senate meeting on Coruscant halfway through the film, Lucas pans over to several alien species attending the meeting, all watching Queen Amidala deliver an impassioned speech to her peers before the Senate. One of these species is nothing other than the alien race E.T. himself belongs to, with these small green aliens clamoring in support of Naboo’s monarch as she voices concern for her planet.

This may seem like a simple cameo paying respect to his friend Steven Spielberg’s film, but coincidentally, this scene also neatly ties into the greater shared universe of the Star Wars/E.T. films. For example, it helps provide a more nuanced reason for why E.T. seemed to recognize the costumed Yoda on Halloween in E.T., excitedly calling out “home, home.” It also explains why E.T. so quickly gravitated toward the Star Wars action figures in Elliott’s room – he could recognize them from his adventures abroad through space. It could even partially explain E.T.’s uncanny psychic abilities – perhaps he has the Force!


Richard Chachowski is a freelance writer based in New Jersey. He loves reading, his dog Tootsie, and pretty much every movie to ever exist (especially Star Wars).


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15 Behind-the-Scenes Facts About the Obi-Wan Kenobi Series | Wealth of Geeks

Obi-Wan Kenobi was the long-awaited return of Ewan McGregor to Star Wars. The limited series had a roller coaster ride of pre-production.

The series saw not only McGregor’s return but also Hayden Christensen as Darth Vader. It blended the Prequels with the Original Trilogy, animated series, and video games. The emotional journey for the titular character was stunning, and despite the ups and downs, it was worth the wait. Here are 15 behind-the-scenes facts that you may not know about the Obi-Wan Kenobi series.

1 – Almost a Movie

Image Credit: Lucasfilm.

Obi-Wan Kenobi was initially developed to be a film, following in the footsteps of Solo: A Star Wars Story. Stephen Daldry was set up to direct with scripts written by Hossein Amini. Ewan McGregor oversaw the project from the beginning as a producer.

2 – Move to The Small Screen

10 Ewan McGregor Movies to Watch While Waiting for the Obi-Wan Kenobi Finale
Image Courtesy: Lucasfilm Ltd.

After Solo struggled at the box office, all plans for Star Wars spinoff films were scrapped. The Kenobi dream didn’t die, as there was still interest from fans, McGregor, and Lucasfilm.

In 2019, talks changed the Kenobi movie into a limited series with Joby Harold stepping in as head writer, though Amini still had his writing credits. Stuart Beattie developed some of the scripts with Hannah Friedman and Andrew Stanton finishing the show.

3 – The Showrunner

The Mandalorian Tv Series
Photo Credit: Lucasfilms, Disney+.

After impressing with her work on The Mandalorian, Deborah Chow was named the director for the Kenobi series. Her vision gave the show its shape to have a very defined beginning, middle, and end. That hasn’t stopped rumors of a second season in the future.

4 – The Child

The Mandalorian
Photo Credit: Lucasfilms, Disney+.

The original scripts for Kenobi had the titular character protecting Luke Skywalker on Tatooine. When Chow showed the ideas to her bosses on The Mandalorian, Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau, they expressed concern over the similarities with their show with Din Djarin protecting Grogu. The series hit a stumbling block.

5 – Little Leia

Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022) Tv Series
Image Credit; Lucasfilms, Disney+.

It would be writer Joby Harold who came up with the idea of Kenobi meeting Leia, which would get the Jedi master off of Tatooine and offer a new dynamic with the other Skywalker twin. He also wanted to add more context to why Leia would reach out to Obi-Wan in A New Hope.

6 – Vader or Maul?

Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022) Tv Series
Image Credit: Lucasfilms, Disney+.

There was a heavy debate over the villain of the show. From the beginning, Chow wanted to have Darth Vader to be the main antagonist, but the higher-ups at Lucasfilm were unsure. Early scripts had Darth Maul with Ray Park cast to reprise his role from The Phantom Menace. Chow ended up scrapping Maul as she felt Filoni had already covered that story on Star Wars Rebels, and she shifted to focus on Vader.

7 – The Farm

Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022) Tv Series
Image Credit: Lucasfilms, Disney+.

Once it was decided to use Darth Vader, the crew took on a momentous task: Getting Hayden Christensen on the project with Ewan McGregor. It was a priority to have an emotional reunion between the two Prequel actors. Though, the scrutiny Christensen faced from fans and critics during the Prequels has been well documented.

Deborah Chow personally went to Christensen’s farm in Canada to pitch him the idea in person. In an interview with EW, Christensen said, “Deborah came up, and we spent the day chatting. She told me a little bit about the project and her vision for it, and I just thought that it sounded wonderful. I was very excited to come back.”

8 – The Inquisitorius

Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022) Tv Series - Grand Inquisitor
Image Credit: Lucasfilms, Disney+

Vader wouldn’t be the only villain of the series. The Jedi-hunting Inquisitors were added, with Rupert Friend cast to play the Grand Inquisitor. The idea to include them was a suggestion from Dave Filoni.

Friend wanted to be loyal to Jason Isaacs’ portrayal of the Grand Inquisitor, but Filoni and Chow advised him not to watch Star Wars Rebels so he could make the character his own.

9 – Reva

Obi-Wan Kenobi Part V Moses Ingram as Reva
Image Credit: Disney+, Lucasfilm, Ltd.

Bringing the Inquisitors into live-action was an exciting step with an opportunity to make a new character. The Third Sister, also known as Reva Sevander, was crafted to join the ranks of the few female villains in the franchise. Shakespearean trained from the Yale School of Drama, actor Moses Ingram was chosen to portray the role.

10 – Representation Matters

Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022) Tv Series
Image Credit: Lucasfilms, Disney+.

As Reva’s character went through the design phase, Chow and Ingram long discussed her hair. As there hadn’t been many characters of color in the franchise, Ingram wanted to keep her natural hair.

Ingram told EW, “I wanted kids to have their own hair at Halloween. And that’s huge if you look at all the Black kids with kinky hair. When they want to be Elsa, they must put on a blond wig. [Now] there are so many kids that’ll be able to wear their hair at Halloween. That’s going to be really exciting.”

11 – Familiar Faces

Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022) Tv Series
Image Credit; Lucasfilms, Disney+.

With so many callbacks to the Original Trilogy and the Prequels, Obi-Wan Kenobi excited fans by bringing back some familiar faces to the franchise. Along with McGregor and Christensen, reprising their roles were Joel Edgerton as Owen Lars, Bonnie Piesse as Beru Lars, Jimmy Smits as Bail Organa, Ian McDiarmid as Emperor Palpatine, Anthony Daniels as C-3PO, Temuera Morrison as a veteran clone, and Liam Neeson as Qui-Gon Jinn.

12 – Newcomers

Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022) Tv Series
Image Credit: Lucasfilms, Disney+.

Along with many fan-favorite characters returning, the series would introduce many new characters to Star Wars. These included Kumail Nanjiani as Haja Estree, Indira Varma as Tala Durith, and O’Shea Jackson Jr. as Kawlan Roken. Sung Kang took up the mantle of the Fifth Brother from Philip Anthony-Rodriguez in Star Wars Rebels.

13 – The Little Princess

Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022) Tv Series
Image Credit: Lucasfilms, Disney+.

By far, the most challenging task was casting Leia. The creators wanted someone who could portray the spirit of Carrie Fisher while still making the role their own. Vivien Lyra Blair impressed everyone, capturing the part of the young princess. It was a serendipitous moment, as Blair was a massive fan of the franchise, and she had learned to read from Star Wars books.

14 – The Theme

John Williams and Steven Spielberg standing on a red carpet
Image Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency/Shutterstock.

While he wouldn’t score the entire series, legendary composer John Williams did contribute to the series in a big way. He never got to write a theme for Obi-Wan Kenobi during the Original or Prequel Trilogy. Williams seized the opportunity to craft the character’s theme music finally.

15 – History Maker

Natalie Holt
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

After her work on the Disney+ series Loki, it was announced that Natalie Holt would be the composer for Obi-Wan Kenobi. It was a milestone moment making her the first woman to compose for live-action Star Wars.


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The Barbie Movie is Stunning and Sinister | Wealth of Geeks

This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn’t exist.

There’s a moment in Barbie where Ken (Ryan Gosling), having recently learned about patriarchy, says to a businessman who’s informed him that they mostly hire women now, that they aren’t doing patriarchy very well. The man chuckles and assures him that they are, in fact, doing it very well; they’ve just become better at hiding it. It’s a good joke because it’s so true; the only problem is that it’s also exactly what Barbie is.

The film takes explicit aim at patriarchy, advertising as entertainment, and IP-mining, but is also set to be the first in a series of toy-based movies from Mattel. At one point, a character comments on the cognitive dissonance required to be a woman in the real world (well, the United States). But there’s no awareness from the film that this scene speaks to the film’s own cognitive dissonance. It’s a story about the evils of a greedy corporation owned and operated by men that simultaneously functions as a real-world (meaning our world) celebration of that corporation and the first step in its plan to conquer another lucrative medium.

What makes that cognitive dissonance all the more sinister and possible is that the film is one of the most glorious motion pictures Hollywood has produced in years.

A Shocking Edge Dulled Over Two Hours

Barbie begins in Barbieland, where the Barbies, Kens, and one Allan (Michael Cera) believe that the many capable, accomplished, and successful Barbie toys fixed all of the real world’s problems of sexism. They go about their perfect days led by a black woman President Barbie (Issa Rae), cared for by a trans woman doctor Barbie (Hari Nef), and generally living perfect lives where all people are accepted and loved.

It’s a joke that works because it’s poking fun at the rampant hollow representation in current media, albeit without ever actually addressing blackness or transness. It’s also a perfect example of a film having its cake and eating it.

The plot is set in motion when Stereotypical Barbie (Margot Robbie) begins to have thoughts of death and learns that she must go on a quest to the real world to help the girl playing with her. That girl’s sad thoughts and feelings are bleeding into Barbie’s life, giving Barbie an existential crisis and, even worse, flat feet. When Barbie and Ken make it to the real world, there are surprisingly explicit jokes about the violence of men’s gazes, the toys’ lack of genitals, and Barbie’s legacy as a sexist ideal of womanhood.

But all of that edginess about sexism, representation, and consumerism begins to fade as the film continues. Its multiple targets are narrowed to sexism and the difficulties of being a woman without considering race, class, sexuality, or any other aspects of identity that might impact how women exist in the real world. The jokes about the surreptitiousness of patriarchy’s function give way to undeniably hilarious but far less cutting jokes about men’s egos and stereotypical interests. And by the end, the film feels like a prime example of consumer feminism.

It makes sense that a movie based on an iconic toy will lean hard on universalism for women and ultimately function as a celebration of the toy (and the company that makes it) as a celebration of femininity. But Barbie’s surprising commitment to subversion and incisiveness early in the film makes the transformation into what the Barbie movie would always be almost devastatingly disappointing.

The fulcrum point of that transformation comes about halfway through the movie during a car chase sequence featuring only Chevrolet vehicles that looks more like a car commercial than a thrilling movie car chase, because that’s what it is. It’s telling of just how sinister the ostensible anti-corporate jokes in the film are that the literal commercial in the middle of the movie isn’t even for a Mattel product.

Real Hollywood Movie Magic

Besides that uncomfortably glossy TV ad sequence, though, Barbie is a stunning piece of filmmaking. The production design of Barbieland is impeccable, with gorgeous bright pastels in every shade of pink, life-sized plastic toy accessories that look fresh from the factory line, and costumes that will make anyone self-conscious about dressing up to see the film think they didn’t go big enough.

The film has several musical numbers, several lovingly inspired by Busby Berkeley, and one featuring a truly breathtaking soundstage set. The lead-up to the car chase is a foot chase that’s joyously in line with Benny Hill and Scooby-Doo. The scenes of travel between Barbieland and the real world are portrayed with massive paper cut-out animation-style panels that paint beautiful pictures of land, sea, and space travel. At one point, we even see the panels rolled into the frame from off-screen.

At another point, Helen Mirren’s narrator comments on the casting of Margot Robbie. But these moments don’t register as Brechtian, rather as a success over the claim that camp cannot be intentional. It’s blatant artifice in a way that we haven’t seen in mainstream film since the Classical Hollywood period, and it is amazing.

Also amazing are the performances from leads Robbie, Gosling, and America Ferrera as the real-world woman who becomes involved in Barbie and Ken’s adventure. Gosling, in particular, is astounding as he plays the film’s broad comedy fantastically while simultaneously delivering one of the finest dramatic performances of coming to consciousness of the new century.

It’s Complicated

Barbie is a truly remarkable film that lives up to the aesthetic promises of its aggressive marketing campaign and may well transform people’s understanding of what movies can be. But it’s also a disquieting film that talks the talk of valuable and intelligent criticism of existing structures before giving way to a celebration of corporate products. And perhaps most unnervingly, it seeks to pave the way for its corporate parent, currently headed by a man, to make more money without any consideration for making real women’s lives materially better.

Rating: 6/10 SPECS.

Barbie opens in theaters nationwide on July 21.

We’ve got the latest on all the movies in theaters now.


Kyle Logan is a film and television critic and general pop culture writer who has written for Alternative Press, Cultured Vultures, Film Stories, Screen Anarchy, and more. Kyle is particularly interested in horror and animation, as well as genre films written and directed by queer people and women. Kyle is a member of the Chicago Indie Critics and along with writing, organizes a Queer Film Challenge on Letterboxd.


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