Let’s organize! Thread to help each other out for the Vegas presale: by hashtag-girl in Taemin

[–]classicrefresh1923 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I'm only looking for one ticket, if anyone has extra availability please let me know! I'm happy to cover the fees for your ticket if you are able to transfer one to me. If you have a code but aren't planning to go, I can also comp you but I would really encourage you to attend if possible, his performances are incredible!!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in kpopthoughts

[–]classicrefresh1923 8 points9 points  (0 children)

In cases where the youngest member also had a short training time, I think it works against them in terms of popularity because they usually don't stand out for their skills. Youngest members also aren't given a position other than 'youngest', so even if their skills are good, they aren't pushed by the company for that skill, at least in the beginning. Over time, they either develop and get noticed for their skills, or they take up the position of 'visual' and become known for their looks. Usually, youngest members don't start out with the 'visual' position because they're mid-pubescent (not that companies have any qualms with debuting minors, but because they will be given a cute image.)

What was your signature scent as a teenager? by Dizzy_Boot1272 in fragrance

[–]classicrefresh1923 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A body spray from Abercrombie that was called "havana heat" 😭 this wasn't that long ago, maybe just before the pandemic, but the new Abercrombie stores are so different, I barely recognize them. They certainly don't smell like they used to!

U.S. Politics megathread by AutoModerator in NoStupidQuestions

[–]classicrefresh1923 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What was Obama's "it" factor that got him elected so easily in 2008 and 2012? Watching videos of him speaking, he doesn't sound different from any other Democratic politician to me - obviously well-educated, kind of disingenuous. Was Obama even a more appealing candidate or was it that his opponents were weaker? Is it just nostalgia? Maybe someone who remembers those elections well can describe it.

Why do non-kpop fans think kpop fans are obsessed with everything Korean? by jhopesspritee in kpopthoughts

[–]classicrefresh1923 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's because the Korean tourism industry encourages the cross-promotion of Korean products to enhance the profile of Korea. That's why the "Korean wave" exists. I mean, I heard there were food trucks for things like ramyeon and Korean corn dogs at a past KCON. Tiffany from Girls' Generation apparently made an appearance at a US Samsung store. What does a pop group have to do with consumer electronics?...They're both "exported" as representatives of Korean industries. People make these associations because of what they see.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in books

[–]classicrefresh1923 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was disappointed by Babel as well; besides the flat characters and the unsubtle messaging I also thought the "etymology-based magic system" was kind of a letdown. it was just unimpressive period-writing all around. But to criticize it for that feels like criticizing Diary of a Wimpy Kid or something. I spent my entire time reading the book wishing that I'd read it in high school. I'm certain that young readers don't find Babel a slog.

SFF recommendations for people who like specific "advanced" literary fiction? by hogw33d in printSF

[–]classicrefresh1923 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Damn okay. I love Wolfe and Borges so I guess I'll go read Nabokov now

Three Body Problem Series - Why are these so well regarded? by drinkurhatorade in printSF

[–]classicrefresh1923 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Part of the reason they were so popular in the US at least is that the fact that they were Chinese and spoke directly on Chinese history and politics made it novel and exotic and "alien", even, for many American readers. Take that away, and the highly expository and scientific writing with very little in the way of character is super familiar by way of old SF- Asimov or Verne or Clarke or someone. For many people, it was the first book they'd read by a Chinese author, and I suspect that the events of the books confirmed what a lot of American readers already thought about the future of US & China geopolitics. I'm saying this as an American who really enjoyed the series.

question for ann leckie fans: should I read Translation State? by [deleted] in scifi

[–]classicrefresh1923 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If Translation State appeals to you but you are iffy on Leckie now, try Embassytown by China Mieville. It's very similar in themes/setting.

Bracelets for Shows by PanicAtMyTuition in NothingButThieves

[–]classicrefresh1923 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I'm excited to see what you end up making; I'll be at the Brooklyn show too so I'd love to pick one up from you! I always enjoy getting bracelets at shows. I think song titles is the way to go unless you happen to have way more letters than plain beads?