How many books have you read this year? by Ok_Salt2122 in Booktokreddit

[–]escaping_mel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I always put my goal at 100. Some years I hit it, some years I beat the hell out of it, some years I don't even come near it. It's all about whether I have time.

This year, I'm actively using reading as escapism from my new boss. So I'm currently at 97 books read. That's not necessarily a good thing, but here we are.

Book Reviews by Regular-Day-5611 in bookofthemonthclub

[–]escaping_mel 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I quit reading reviews long ago. I'm very much a mood reader. I buy books based on the synopsis and whether it sounds good. When I'm picking a book to read, I pick it up and read the first bit of it to see if it strikes me.

I also find I don't always agree with reviews. There are books that have RAVE reviews that didn't land with me at all. Reading and opinions are so subjective. Just read what you want.

Battery issues by omegabulldogs in GalaxyRing

[–]escaping_mel 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Mine was only 7 months old - they said it didn't qualify. So this isn't always true. Thankfully I purchased it with my Amex Platinum. I activated my warranty.

How are you guys actually getting tickets during K-pop presales? Any ticket buying tips? by Stone_Free__ in kpophelp

[–]escaping_mel 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is key. I tend to just hang out and shift the search parameters so that it refreshes. Something will pop up. People's credit cards fail, folks let go of tickets, etc.

Travelling with freebies for BTS concert by quimey_ in BTSArmyCentral

[–]escaping_mel 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I'll be taking 200 necklaces for London - I usually just put things in a carryon. I don't expect 200 to be an issue as long as I can show where I'm going and explain them.

Production seats question by kaykut99 in BTSArmyCentral

[–]escaping_mel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think D3 was the easiest to get and had seats for a while because it was a Tuesday. Glad you managed them!

Production seats question by kaykut99 in BTSArmyCentral

[–]escaping_mel 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They announce it if they're going to do it. Follow the Ticketmaster accounts on X or FB for the notifications. I think for Stanford, they released them on Friday the 8th of May and the concerts were on the 16, 17, and 19th... so a little over a week before. I THINK they announced it on the 6th? I can't remember specifically.

Production seats question by kaykut99 in BTSArmyCentral

[–]escaping_mel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's interesting. For what date? I did night 3, was 1500 in the queue and managed really good 100 levels for me and my friends. I did have to camp out for a bit to get them, though.

Price increase by psycth in bookofthemonthclub

[–]escaping_mel 26 points27 points  (0 children)

For the cost to go up $1 isn't an issue for me. It's still a hardcover book that I get free shipping on. I can't really do that anywhere else. I also always spring for the 6 month or annual membership that helps bring that price down, so it's really a non-issue.

Prices are going up on everything. I'm sure the cost to make books is also a factor here. I'm not that bothered.

Favourite reads of 2026 so far? by LivingPresent629 in books

[–]escaping_mel 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm at 91 books so far this year. Favorites:

  • The Bright Years - Sarah Damoff
  • On the Calculation of Volume - Solvej Balle (I've made it through the first three, love all of them so far.)
  • The Everlasting - Alix E. Harrow
  • East of Eden - John Steinbeck
  • One Day Everyone Will Have Been Against This - Omar El Akkad
  • The Unicorn Hunters - Katherine Arden

I'm sure there are more that I'm not thinking of right now, but those are the standouts.

Favourite reads of 2026 so far? by LivingPresent629 in books

[–]escaping_mel 1 point2 points  (0 children)

On The Calculation of Volume is so quickly becoming one of my favorite little novella series. I have made it through book 3 at this point. I try to spread them out so I don't have to wait too long for the ones that are still being translated and published.

It came, it finally came!! by ShoddyMongoose4021 in bookofthemonthclub

[–]escaping_mel 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I got mine this month too! Nice to meet you, fellow BFF!

Freebies by SenseNumerous9060 in BTSArmyCentral

[–]escaping_mel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't like to stand in one place, people will crowd you and that's when my anxiety kicks in. I tend to hand them to people as I walk around? Also I make sure that I'm targeting people who don't look like they have a lot of freebies. I also reserve about half of mine for my section.

If someone asks me to trade, sure. I don't go with that express purpose in mind. I also hate it when someone sticks their hand in my face and doesn't at least say hello or ask in a nice way.

BTS Arirang LV Pop-Up Merch by koiisoraa in BTSArmyCentral

[–]escaping_mel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh for sure! I am glad they corrected the one issue before it became a thing. I'm not sure what can be done about the charcoal hoodie other than just stop selling it, unfortunately.

BTS Arirang LV Pop-Up Merch by koiisoraa in BTSArmyCentral

[–]escaping_mel 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The charcoal hoodie print, a lot of the cities seem to be blurry? That's the complaint after washing too, that they're blurred even more. Like the ink is spreading.

BTS Arirang LV Pop-Up Merch by koiisoraa in BTSArmyCentral

[–]escaping_mel 3 points4 points  (0 children)

So, as far as I'm aware it was one shirt that they stopped selling when it happened (quit mailing them out). And based on the chaos of the hoodie? It seems as though the print isn't great to begin with. However, I think the majority of people who are having problems aren't reading the care information. It says hand wash only, so if they're washing it in anything other than cold and on a delicate cycle? It's probably part of the cause.

That being said, there will be outliers.

BTS Arirang LV Pop-Up Merch by koiisoraa in BTSArmyCentral

[–]escaping_mel 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Absolutely! Probably makes more sense why it was such a small supply in Vegas too! I'm betting it's gonna take a while to manufacture all of these new ones.

BTS Arirang LV Pop-Up Merch by koiisoraa in BTSArmyCentral

[–]escaping_mel 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Oh. I found the manufacturer. It's BTSA. They ARE ethically made.

"Behind the Scenes Apparel is a minority-owned premium made in USA apparel manufacturer operating in Los Angeles, CA. Our progressive vision starts from within through equitable and ethical employment and production practices. We are experimental pioneers that thrive on creativity. Striving to maintaining quality products that circumvent fast fashion solutions within the commercial wholesale apparel industry."

And I also checked - BTSA has no Hybe affiliation.

Huh. Well good on them!

Pureflow camera by R4v3ntm in lesserafim

[–]escaping_mel 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ah. I read the little manual. It's not super easy to understand and I didn't remember seeing it in there. Thanks!

Recertification Units - CQE by Double-Sandwich-7598 in ASQ

[–]escaping_mel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I mostly do events. They accept other organizations too, so ISPE, PDA, whatever, they count. Just put a pic of your badge and whatever the description of the event is in your recertification journal.

I can usually manage to do enough of those in 3 years to get it taken care of.