How to Cancel, Restart Amazon Prime Video Channels

Are you paying for Prime Video Channels that you haven't watched in months?

Aha! Read on to learn how to:

1. Check your subscribed Amazon Prime Video Channels
2. Cancel (or restart) a Prime Video Channel

First, sign into your Amazon account.

Next, under Amazon's "Hello, [your name]" greeting, hover over "Accounts & Lists" to access the main drop-down menu. It is here that you can find your "Memberships & Subscriptions" (circled, below).

Click on the "Memberships & Subscriptions" link (circled in orange) to arrive at the page entitled "Your Memberships & Subscriptions", pictured below. Here, you will immediately find two new drop-down menus entitled "View" and "Sort by", along with any listed memberships and subscriptions below them.

While this is in fact a reference page for "Your Memberships & Subscriptions" at Amazon, it is not the page with the link to manage cancellations and restarts of your favorite Prime Video Channels. *There is not an "advanced controls" link with the "Memberships and Subscriptions" listed here, as suggested in Amazon's Help & Customer Service regarding management of these features. Therefore, one cannot simply "cancel subscribe with Amazon subscriptions" via this page.

Rather, this method simply allows one to view a list of their memberships and subscriptions, as well as provides a text link to payment management (same method for all payments due).

So, don't drive yourself crazy looping around some of those Amazon help links found when searching how to cancel—if it looks like the link you need isn't where it's supposed to be, it's probably not! Keep reading to learn how to actually cancel or restart your Prime Video Channel Subscriptions:

How to Manage your Amazon Prime Video Channel Subscriptions

In order to cancel a Prime Video subscription, or restart one previously cancelled, it is necessary to navigate specifically to "Manage Your Prime Video Channels", which is found on the "Your Account" source page (not the banner drop-down menu).

To get there, click "Your Account" from the banner drop-down menu. This takes you to your account summary page, where you will find frames containing various links. Find the "Memberships & Subscriptions" frame, then find your "Prime Video Channels" (circled in orange, below). 

Your Account > Memberships & Subscriptions > Prime Video Channels

Click on the "Prime Video Channels" link, and voila! Here you will find your Prime Video Channel invoice links, along with listed current and past subscriptions and their options to either "cancel" or "restart".  Refer to the image below for an idea what this will look like:

Under "Prime Video Channels", users cancel channels or restart cancelled channels.

Note: A user could navigate to the channel management page from the hitherto ineffectual "Memberships & Subscriptions" page, when presented with this option in a scrolling menu at page bottom. This option is shown in our second image from top at bottom left. (It just so happens that the link image text doesn't indicate that management options are available, thus users often won't click it.)

As well, a user intent solely on Prime Channel management could skip the "Memberships & Subscriptions" page altogether and head directly to "Prime Video Channels" as outlined just above. Their channels will be listed for simple reference, and they'll be able to make adjustments.

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Hopefully, this blog post about Amazon Prime Channel management helps to eliminate confusion and save some time for you. After all, the Amazon experience can be a jungle at times!

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Do you have channels listed that you haven't watched in awhile, or do you think it's time to go shopping for a new Prime Video Channel? 

Please, let us know if this how-to helped you out. We'd appreciate it! 

Best Classic Children's Books: Literature for Kids, Book 1

Misty of Chincoteague (1947), by Marguerite Henry

An inspirational, historically-based story of wild horses, orphaned children, and intrigue, Misty of Chincoteague is an historical fiction written by a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Paul and Maureen, brother and sister, move in with their grandparents and adopt a new lifestyle centered in the training of ponies. As they settle in, the pair find adventure.

Children can identify with and will appreciate themes of:

• parental loss
• family
• being raised by grandparents
• families of different types (among humans and animals as well)
• love, including responsibility for animals
• self sufficiency 
• growth

Although it is a fictionalized dramatic work, Henry based the story on real life and entertains what can happen when kids are allowed space to lead with their fresh hearts, keen interests, and minds yet untainted by the politics of common adult struggles. Sibling protagonists offer a unique reading opportunity for kids.

This story about Misty and her family, and Paul and Maureen's, was so popular that it became first in a subsequent series of children's books (by Henry) about the horse named Misty. It also was the inspiration for the popular movie adaptation of the same name: Misty (1961).

Marguerite Henry, with Misty

Author Marguerite Henry (1902-1997), an American writer, was the writer of 59 books based on true stories of horses and other animals.

Find a copy of Misty of Chincoteague via Goodreads and begin the "Misty" series, or check your local book sellers.

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REF:

Photo image of Marguerite Henry with her pony Misty via Wikipedia, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=36625166

Popular 80s American Hits Share Proud Austrian Roots via Falco

Remember Falco? The singer who performed Rock Me Amadeus in that memorable 80s video also presented the original Der Kommissar. 

 

Adolescents of the 80s from around the world can likely recall the familiar dance beat of Der Kommissar, but many of them won't realize that Austrian singer Falco—well known for Rock Me Amadeus—initiated the performance in 1981, popularizing the ode in German-speaking countries. After reaching No. 1 one on the German hit charts, the song was released across the globe, hitting No. 5 on U.S. Billboard charts.

British rock band After the Fire (ATF) popularized the dance-rock tune for English-speaking audiences, just in time to grab a greater fame. ATF reportedly had prior plans to call it quits.

 

After Falco had brought Rock Me Amadeus (1985) to popular enjoyment in Germany, that hit was engineered as a remix with an English overlay (effectively "reducing" but not replacing the German lyrical content) for release in the United States. It reached No. 1 on Billboard charts in 1986, to date a relatively rare phenomenon for a non-English hit. Likewise, more of the original content remained with Rock Me Amadeus for the MTV video version above. 

Young Falco had been a "classical music prodigy", credited as a "new Mozart", and eventually embarked on a musical career in rock. Perhaps this is why the titular Rock Me Amadeus was pressed on Falco when he made clear that he performed it only under utmost duress from his managers. Ultimately, the gamble paid off. Americans loved the German Falco and his performances:

"In the US, Falco's Sprechgesang was classified as rap, where he is still considered the forefather of white rap. With "Rock Me Amadeus" he made it as the first white on the Billboard R & B singles charts."  —Sailer

It's further postulated by Niklas Sailer that if Falco had taken up the offer to move to the States to pursue his musical career, that he may have fared even better than he did. 

Below, enjoy an original version of Der Kommissar, featuring Falco:

 

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REF:

Der Kommissar,https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Der_Kommissar_(song) (Retrieved Feb. 08, 2019).

Falco's World Hit, http://www.spiegel.de/einestages/rock-me-amadeus-von-falco-die-geschichte-des-deutschen-us-nr-1-hit-a-1084647.html (Retrieved Feb. 08, 2019).

Falco, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falco_(musician) (Retrieved Feb. 08, 2019).

Introducing Movie Theater Must-See Entertainment: Weekend 2018 August 10

Cinema Hall via Derks24 and Pixabay

Don't miss first dibs on some of the most sophisticated current-event scopes going today in entertainment.

Books, movies, etc. have long been a primary source of social education among people. Although some (Hollywood-haters in mind) may not like to admit it, our best efforts at social awareness take place in literature, art, and theater.

Who can forget such works as "War and Peace", "Brave New World", "Uncle Tom's Cabin" . . . a few historical examples of the written experiences and concerns of authors. These titles essentially translate into social awareness, made easily accessible to a wide array of peoples through writing and (ultimately) adaptation in various forms. The sum result: a kind of education that is nearly impossible to relay to the masses otherwise.

Remember your local theater for engaging, no-harm, no-foul social events!

Consider how convenient it is to involve an entire family or other group in a reading, or movie premiere, for example. We're hard-pressed to find reason for missing out on such amusements when we have the opportunity, and stress that there is no reasonable call to avoid or demean entertainment in the name of politics, as happens today (if we're to believe what we see in social media from frustrated would-be consumers who metaphorically spit on the efforts of those in the business).

Sure, we can wait . . . watch movies after their prime in the relative comfort of our homes. Lessons needn't be lost in time. Yet, may surrender a certain value if we always do it this way. Much of the thrill and social impact of these experiences in the public forum cannot be matched. Think of some of the most fun outings you've ever had:

• date movies
• Sunday matinees
• friends' fun outings
• family events
• solo cinema
• coworking meetups

All of us can recall wonderful times we've experienced at the theater. Movies aren't just for groups, either. One of the best ways to pass a dull, hot Saturday afternoon is at the movies, whether or not we can find a friendly mate to go with us.

Along this vein, we bring you all the first installment of our "Movie Theater Must-See" titles. Every month, we'll highlight our top three movie picks showing in theaters.

Top 3 "Must-See" Movies for August:

1. BlackkKlansman
2. Sicario: Day of the Soldado
3. Mama Mia! Here We Go Again

BlackkKlansman is the story of an African-American law official's infiltration into the modern (1978) KKK organization. Read more about it, via NPR.

Sicario: Day of the Soldado highlights problems associable to the long-standing drug war, it's detrimental effects, and takes place along the U.S.–Mexico border. Learn about the Sicario franchise and how director Stefan Sollima managed direction of the latest installment.

Mama Mia! Here We Go Again is the follow-up musical that presents us with a history of Sophie's mom's relationships with three men who would become mystery-father candidates for the eventual daughter's wedding.

These titles essentially translate into social awareness, made easily accessible

Social awareness entertainment can be fictional or based on a true story. That a presentation is "fiction" doesn't necessarily make a story an imaginary concoction of falsehood.

Half the fun and enlightenment is in the aftereffect: patrons leave a theater affected, and want to enhance the takeaway with some more research into the background and circumstances of the story. On dates, they take leave and chat about the ramifications. Afterward, families often work to learn more about a film . . . whether metaphorical or true.

So, pick a date—and maybe make one—for the movies this weekend . . . or next . . . and make it a habit! Let us know if you have any other movie suggestions that fall under the umbrella of social awareness.


RELATED READING:

At The Movies (How about watching a movie with your animal pal?)
Using Movies to Raise Cultural Awareness (in Class)
Social Awareness (peer samples)

75th Annual Golden Globe Awards a Hit

The 75th annual Golden Globe® Awards opened in social media to an audience eager to evaluate the presentation from seats across the world. We tuned in two full hours prior to broadcast airtime as industry planners realized their efforts during opening events to the program.

Amid a bit of mic scuffling, the red carpet pre-show (aka Globes Red Carpet Live) offered us the opportunity to see our favorite nominated hopefuls, all dressed in black in a symbolic effort to put to rest the compounded negativity of gender profiling in business. Although their silence drew public criticism, the gentlemen who showed up Sunday evening were in good spirits by all appearances, dressed in black with the ladies and donning "Time's Up pins" in support.

I think tonight was deliberately for the women. A produced event, overtly avoiding image of needing the men to speak this night. They seemed there in good spirit. Overall, probably the best #GoldenGlobes yet for sparkle, class and focus

— Angela T. (@AngelaGT1) January 8, 2018

Hosted by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), the pre-show was just the beginning of offerings. During the awards show, Meher Tatna, president of the HFPA, announced two grants of $1 million each to the:

1. International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) and
2. Committee To Protect Journalists (CPJ)

In our view, through this significant monetary donation and publicized political support, the HFPA proudly worked to boost public perception regarding the power of media to rectify both community and industry issues across the board.

More, we interpret these donations much as we do those to the legal fund associated with Time's Up . . . as a formal and well-publicized recognition and advisory that trust need be reinstilled in our systems and our media-- ever a challenging prospect, and particularly when our traditional inferred-trust media sources have adapted to new, questionable styles in a business effort to compete for attention.

Golden Globe Messaging 2018

Messaging at the 75th-Annual Golden Globes opened on the red carpet absent of concern for women's outfit designer name-drops, and with concern for the industry itself. The politics of relationships were more present in discussion among arriving Hollywood stars, yet dressed to the nines in an array of designs that will nonetheless continue to receive accolade via social media and word of mouth.

Seth Meyers delivered a particularly strong professional roast. After walking onto the stage at the beginning of the show, his first address set the tone: "Good evening, ladies and remaining gentlemen". Then it was one nudge after another, the comic stealing the show. It was a good audience. Only one in prime comedic form could have continued to turn names on the spit the way that Seth did, each time ensuring us via heat of flame that this must be the last turn. Tensions slowly mounted, but along the vein of his adept performance, the open audience let Seth play. It was a fine time.

Throughout the show, gone were the typical acceptance-speech jabs, replaced by political orations attended by listening women and men. Those with plain power to speak did take opportunity to be heard. The feeling was that nearly everyone appreciated it.

We're not sure who noticed, but the 75th-annual Golden Globes Awards extravaganza was a traditional hit-- a glittering affair of formal dress and attitude. Taking everything into account, it seems that the producers, directors and other industry pros who designed the evening went with the progressive bent needed to carry a public forward, into the next century in proper order, according to the tenets of a free and open society with an interest in the kinds of equality it promises.

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Thanksgiving 2017

There are challenges in any year, but now's our time to recognize the positives of the last. We should celebrate ourselves and the places we've been and hold dear in this world. Recognize the exciting times we're in, and the possibilities of a future that's yet to arrive. Anything can happen. Have a happy Thanksgiving weekend.

Today in Books and Entertainment History - June 06

On This Day In History in 1998, Sex and the City premiered on HBO.

"Darren Star, was best known at the time for producing the long-running Fox TV series Beverly Hills, 90210, and its spin-off, Melrose Place. For Sex and the City, Star switched coasts, loosely adapting a book by the same name by Candace Bushnell."

Read More: Sex and the City premieres on HBO

Who Knew - Bigelow Gave Us Dafoe in the Movie "The Loveless"

Meet 26-year-old Willem Dafoe, in a role that seems to have been designed for his future of ruffian character portrayals. A countenance that has stood the test of time, the face of Dafoe has long been assurance of film-making to see.

A test of Amazon Prime was the key that opened the door to this introduction of Dafoe-- actor, producer, writer-- as a much younger man than previously known, in a movie that surely helped to set his brand as key to his success.

The Loveless (1981-82) follows Vance (Willem Dafoe) around town as he and gang cut up and make scenes as outlaw leathers.

Before The Loveless, Dafoe had snagged a role in the 1979-80 production Heaven's Gate. According to a short bio on Dafoe at IMDB, he was released without credit for that one. His role was cut, and Heaven's Gate became a figment of the then-wiser man's past.

Ultimately, Dafoe continued his chosen career in film undeterred . . . beginning with The Loveless and its now-famous director Kathryn Bigelow!

You may recognize her as a fairly recent contender for-- and winner of-- an Academy Award for her role as director of The Hurt Locker. Bigelow impressed everyone when she became the first woman to win that award as Best Director (2008). But, Bigelow's been around since well before Dafoe's portrayal of biker Vance (his first credited film).

Having started with a local art institute in California, Bigelow produced and sold works of art before winning her first scholarship to an independent art program and continuing on the arts track until winning a film scholarship. Her way thus paved, Bigelow then directed a student film entitled The Set-Up in 1978, a nod to the affects of violence in film. This way, she effectively established her interest in and capacity to make film.¹ As far as film credits go, it appears that 1980 was Bigelow's first credited foray into the field, as a script supervisor for the movie Union City.

It's unclear when Bigelow and Dafoe met, but not long after each of their initial successes, they were working together on the set of The Loveless. 

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1 Skully, Home. IMDB. Kathryn Bigelow Bio. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000941. Retreived Jan 2017. <sup>↩

Affiliate - ref. "About"</sup> 

Watch: How Stranger Things Got its Intro

Have you had a chance to catch the latest binge-watch entertainment on Netflix? Stranger Things is one of the latest series additions to the Netflix library, and we're recommending our readers to give it a try. If you're not already watching this entertaining throwback, then tonight is prime time to tune in for the first time. It's Friday, and you've got all night to satisfy the hook that gets you.

It's fathomable that some of you, if you begin watching it without realizing the setting, might become somewhat discombobulated by wardrobe and other kitschy elements of production design. Understand that Stranger Things is a serious, modernized tribute to the lifestyle and stories many of us enjoyed in the 80s. Readers who had chance to discover such greats in mainstream fiction as Dean Koontz, Stephen King or Peter Straub (to name a few) will recognize the energy and atmosphere of Stranger Things.

By watching the following Vox YouTube video, you can get a feel of the vibe of this show:


The intro showcased here is almost as gratifying as every chapter of the series, each of which will leave you wanting the next. So, gen-X, make plans to get your popcorn ready and settle in for some serious horror-genre nostalgia. As for the rest of you, be warned . . . it'll get you too.

*Maturity ratings TV-14+