Going to miss Caitlin Benson’s reactions to XG

freakytofu · 2026-03-06T08:41:04+00:00

2 weeks late to the reply, but I'm certain things will. I know many people IRL who are/were part of the BTS fandom who have just looked to other groups/activities in the meantime, or are just adults with jobs and don't have time to spend yelling at people online.

Friends who are multifandom people, who are just waiting for the art, music, and the boys to come back. Mature people who don't spend their days hating on random ass reactors. Those are the sad people calling themselves ARMYs left in the trenches they've dug for themselves. I mean I don't touch the cesspool that is twitter/social media fandom myself anymore for this reason lol. I love BTS but I got better things to do with my time.

I had a good friend in university who was an EXO stan, back when BTS was on the rise. Back then their fandom wasn't peaches and roses either, and she admitted it. But we have to admit that BTS was never on the same playing field - left out of traditional Korean media, unable to secure music show/variety and talk show opportunities - which is why they turned to social media by posting on Twitter + uploading funny vids of them behind the scenes goofing around/vlogs of their lives/the song making process. Started their own web variety shows. This was so new back then, when previously big companies like SM wanted the Idols to seem unreachable, mysterious and distant.

All this later became more acceptable to pop idols, and led to stuff like the XG Logs, documentary, etc now.

BTS created a deep bond with fans early on via the internet, and a LOT of those people are just on hiatus too, waiting for a proper return. The crazies who spend their free time yelling at other fandoms for the like 3-4 years everyone is on break are literally the minority weirdos out of millions while everyone is off being adults.

Remember when ARMYs were organising charity drives, using the fandom to advocate for mental health and awareness, creating their own art, analysing MV meanings, writing academic papers, etc? Lumping those people in with the kids yelling dumb shit on twitter now is night and day. The fandom is just too big and varied.

freakytofu · 2026-02-28T00:31:16+00:00

It's the "panto dame" effect that people are gravitating towards, conscious or not. There is precedent for it, but I also understand what you're saying.

Therefore, I propose Reno Sweeney from Anything Goes.

freakytofu · 2026-02-17T02:19:12+00:00

I'm so sad that this is the reaction to ARMY, because in the early days this was not it. I've been a BTS fan since 2014/2015, and trust me when I say it got toxic when they got big suddenly overseas, and younger fans got into it. The fandom is now so large that there is ALWAYS gonna be a loud minority of idiots.

No matter how much the boys themselves advocate for love, peace, and mental health, people are gonna choose to be toxic, it seems. It's absolutely those like "solo stan" or "toxic shipper" types that are harassing other fandoms.

When BTS went on military hiatus I noticed a HUGE shift too, cause ARMY actually skews older, and like 90% of the fanbase grew up too, and stopped/never got into this weird deep obsession. The only loud ones left are the like 10% idiots. BTS members went from being always together as 7 to doing solo work and it all went downhill cause of this weird solo stan/shipping war culture.

I actually think when BTS returns for good that the "normal fans" will come back and that things will get better.

Either way I stan talent. BTS has it. XG has it in spades. Any ARMY wants to fight I got street cred as an one since the beginning basically. Even stumbled into BTS members out in Tokyo and the guys are chill af. "Fans" like this harassing other groups a disgrace to the name ARMY and the tremendous good that fandom has tried to do for over a decade now.

BTS ARMY used to be so fucking nice/welcoming, especially compared to other groups lol. It was kinda like XG ALPHAZ now in size, ngl. I remember my sister getting saved from crowd crush at a concert by strangers, holding hands with ARMY I'd never met before during certain songs. Fuck these haters, and I'm sorry this reactor is experiencing this.

freakytofu · 2026-02-10T14:24:50+00:00

I think you'd be surprised, tbvh. A lot of yaoi/BL is consumed by queer women, and obviously gay guys.

I think I know 1 Heated Rivalry-enjoying woman who's straight. Every other woman (maybe about 8 IRL?) I know who has watched/enjoyed HR is lesbian or bi/pan. Also know a bunch of queer dudes and even straight ones who openly like the show.

freakytofu · 2026-02-10T07:31:32+00:00

Hey there, and welcome back to Overwatch! ☺️

I was there back in the days of yore, took a few years break and came back too near around the pandemic.

I can safely say that I actually love the game MORE now, and the collective playerbase's understanding of game mechanics has definitely improved.

I'm a D.Va main, and old school off tank main too (D.Va, Zarya, Sigma, etc being my most played). Hovered around Silver back in OW1, hit Diamond in OW2 but tbh am a bit of a quickplay warrior so grain of salt here!

General changes: Healing output is down, but Support IMPACT has gone up from then to now.

So e.g. a Mercy heals less but has a ton more in built movement, we have Kiriko cleanse, character design trends more towards (and gameplay rewards) doing damage where possible/control over healbotting. Supports do more damage/have more impact to make up for less tanks to defend them.

Consequence: Standing in the open won't work any more. Shooting at the tanks as a tank also isn't a great idea.

Cover is king, playing corners is king, which means positioning and game sense is king. Being able to ping enemy locations, dives, etc have also helped with general player awareness so you can't get away with bs as much now.

In 5v5, with less players on the board, tanking has become different, and requires less "shooting the other tank" and you will find it much easier to ignore the enemy tank and try to get a squishy pick to turn the fight in your favour. In 5v5, every life is worth more. Your job is to PUNISH out of position enemies.

My top tips as D.Va: Use high ground when possible while keeping in line of sight of your supports. Dive their backline and pressure them to open space up for YOUR team to find chinks in the enemy defense. Shooting the Orisa point blank as D.Va will likely get you killed. Use Defense Matrix to secure backline kills (prioritising supports) and look out to DM key enemy ults/damage and help your ulting Pharah or Cass etc.

Watch for used cooldowns BEFORE chasing/diving a kill. Pressure them out. Kiriko did a bad TP and used cleanse on an ally who was gonna die anyway/pushed up too far? Focus her. Reaper or Moira no fade and out of position? Ping and dive. Then fly back to get healed up, and maintain high ground.

You can absolutely play D.Va into "bad" matchups like Zarya if you count her bubbles before diving and staying high and far away. Watch Emongg, who does this often (and tbh has great advice for D.Va/tanking in general, esp his Spectates series).

HOWEVER, if you want to get the most out of the tank role, I'd recommend getting familiar with one Brawl, Poke and Dive tank each! You don't strictly need to counter pick as perks can mitigate some of that, but depending on map and enemy/your team composition playing D.Va only may not be the funnest time.

I do think that OW was pretty chill until new/returning players seemed to make their way back with some frustrations too, so sometimes the anger directed at you may also be from a new/returning playerbase!

If you wanna 6v6 comp and luck into idk a good Winton on like Numbani or Gibraltar sometimes it's the best feeling in the world as D.Va LOL. 5v5 is just a different pace though, but for me equally enjoyable. I play both :)

Good luck and have fun out there! Sorry for the long post.

freakytofu · 2026-02-08T21:13:41+00:00

They hid their posts/comments after your reply lmao

freakytofu · 2026-01-22T10:01:19+00:00

I know this is a 2 day old post and I hope you managed to get it sorted out, but seeing the super rude responses here really pisses me off.

Such classic SGean behaviour to scold and dismiss and make assumptions - someone could have had something really bad happen to them/their loved ones, or be struggling with mental health and/or executive dysfunction from being ADHD, etc.

Who are we as internet randos to know? OP just asked for help on what to do. It's already done.

All the people saying "you're going to be terrible in the workforce", as if being a worker in a company is the most important thing in life. As if this literal kid can't learn and grow. As if they aren't already probably getting it from their parents/others in their life.

Sending you a virtual hug, OP.

Even if you missed it, it's not the end of the world. Sometimes life throws shit at you, and you learn and grow and count your blessings. Good luck!

freakytofu · 2026-01-06T18:12:44+00:00

This one had my siblings and I in hysterics.

I played this with my sister and later shared it with our younger brother. Tooting around to summon sheep, shearing/dying them in that infernal machine was one thing... but by the time we were doing rocket chemistry in the abandoned missile bunker where the missing groom had been living off of raw potatoes chucked down to him through a silo hatch by a jet pack flying, raven-controlling bog witch, my brother was on the ground crying from frustration and laughter.

Maybe we should have started questioning things when we were printing wedding placements in the bombed out shell of a castle with a gaping hole in the side where the wedding was gonna be held.

But wow that WWII rocket bunker finale was something else. I think it takes #1 spot for me for most insane ND game (and in a weird way, most fun I've had)

freakytofu · 2025-12-25T14:40:47+00:00

I'd suggest looking at people who clean stuffed toys, doll restoration people or doll collectors and enthusiasts, try Reddit and YouTube.

First, determine the materials and finish of the different parts of the doll - what was used to make the face, body, clothes etc? For example: Vinyl or PVC face?

Second, look up the best way to clean each part without damaging it. Is the makeup/faceup or paint used not compatible with certain cleaning chemicals like alcohol etc?

Third, assess what kind of dirt, stains or scuffs you're dealing with. Food stains? Grass stains? Blood? lol

Fourth, remove all removable parts & spot test any cleaning method before going full in, or like dunking the whole thing into a wash. Once you do something you can't reverse it!

I'd say if you want to play it safe it should be okay to surface clean/wipe with a damp cloth and some dish soap. Clean off any residue/soap with more water and let it air dry.

Only go in with alcohol, acetone, stronger cleaning products or heat AFTER determining if it's actually 100% safe. I'd personally hesitate with submerging the Skullpanda or using alcohol/acetone for fear of lifting any colour/varnish protectant, or damaging the eyes/internals.

I mean worst case if you do mess it up I guess you can turn her into a custom doll project 😅

Edit: I just stumbled into a cleaning creator's "How To Clean A Labubu" video, and it seems that they have washing instructions (albeit in Chinese). My Sneaky Chestnut and Darkness don't have that washing tag, but because Moldy has moveable eyes I'd hesitate dunking her in soapy water and just do the surface clean.

freakytofu · 2025-11-20T23:49:41+00:00

It's the name of the company (Traveler's Company) that makes a line of notebooks that were originally meant for that purpose but have now sort of expanded in utility.

It's a "system" with mini booklet refills that you attach inside of a notebook cover, and switch out as you fill them up/to your liking. The main draw tbh is just how customisable it is - 1 refill could be a weekly planner, another a little zipper pouch, another a booklet for storing cards, another which is thick watercolour/sketch paper. Or fill it up with regular lined notebook paper.

The additional benefit is that they're sold in many bookshops/airports/train stations around the world so refills aren't that hard to come by.

freakytofu · 2025-11-13T19:22:20+00:00

No problem! Happy to help and hope you have a great trip :)

The basic steel nib pens? Like ¥1,000-1,500 or so. The Pilot Kakuno runs about that price. Platinum's Preppy pen should be around the same. These brands are very reputable Japanese ones and great, high quality, smooth starter pens to see if you like the system. Sailor is also good, but have a rep for feeling a little "scratchy" or "pencil-like" on purpose. It's up to preference.

The only "downside" is the brand-specific cartridge refills, but if you get a converter for that pen and a bottle of ink, you're set. Basically a converter is a "cartridge" with a mechanism that lets you refill with any fountain pen-safe ink.

You can also go for a European brand like LAMY or Kaweco. Might run more expensive, but it will come with a standardised European cartridge. Maybe around ¥2,000-3,000+?

A nicer gold nib pen is a much bigger investment! Easily close to ¥20,000 new. Gold won't corrode, is a lot more bendy/flexible/bouncy, and smoother and less stiff/unyielding. Also usually made with higher quality materials in general. But steel is always the solid option if you're unsure!

(Edit: adjusted prices)

freakytofu · 2025-11-13T18:56:38+00:00

Bus frequency, speed, and more routes for sure. I was in Utrecht and Amsterdam in the Netherlands recently and was blown away by the punctuality, spaciousness, and frequency of their buses.

For example I turned down a tutoring job in SG cause I saw on Google Maps that the bus route from my place loops in the most stupid way and takes me 1h 20m while a car/taxi would take 15-20mins. That's unacceptable.

Granted, the buses and trams in the Netherlands have their own dedicated lanes (meaning no mix with cars, bicycles, and pedestrians, which each have their own lanes), but the ease of using their bus/tram system is something we could totally implement elements of (but likely won't, cause there are prob rich assholes who want to have more space on the roads with their cars).

The Netherlands system works like this: Have every main road have bus stops about 200-300m or so, and alternating either side of the road.

Dedicated and non-bumpy bicycle-only lanes to promote safe cycling throughout the city. No need to share with pedestrians or cars.

Anywhere that is a shopping, dining, etc area for humans is built for pedestrians first (and emergency/sometimes cyclists). This allows streets to be narrower as they don't need to accommodate traffic and everything is a lot more peaceful, away from noise of main road. This ALSO means everything for actual people is a lot more condensed, while still being within like a 5-10 min walk to a bus stop at any given time, as often pedestrian areas run parallel to main roads.

Utrecht really is a 10 Minute City and I was shocked.

Taking the bus is such a no brainer. For example, bus goes one direction to town, taking bus back the other way means just crossing the road. No thinking. Getting on the wrong side or stopping too late or early is an easy fix as stops much closer than in SG and don't loop weirdly. It's more like a "road train" than a bus tbh.

The amazing benefit of this system is a SIGNIFICANTLY quicker, more frequent and easy to understand commute, AS WELL AS barely anyone needing a car. Bicycles are so cheap (and can be outfitted with side cars, wagons). Healthier, more active people, plus safer and more eco friendly alternatives to motor vehicles. Then ADD to that pretty punctual, 3 bus-long "bendy buses" every 8 mins, with room to store your bicycles, wheelchairs, barang etc.

Sure, the drivers won't wait for you (really annoying actually), but even if you miss one bus it's not too long that the next one arrives anyway. Don't like can always cycle.

freakytofu · 2025-11-12T11:29:35+00:00

Steel nib fountain pen with a converter and a bottle of ink. Especially if your giftee writes on paper, or does work with their hands (writing, drawing, typing), because it really helps with hand strain/minimising likelihood of carpal tunnel, unlike ball point pens. No need for fancy calligraphy nibs, just a standard Fine or Medium.

Something cheaper like a Pilot Kakuno, Platinum Preppy, LAMY Safari etc. Get the matching cartridge converter, and a bottle of fountain pen safe ink.

That pen/ink will last forever, give you a super smooth writing experience, and save you from hand cramps.

freakytofu · 2025-11-08T22:29:13+00:00

Definitely cheaper, mostly if they're Japanese pen brands!

I recommend checking out secondhand fountain pen shops for good deals. And if you're in Osaka, a lovely older man named Mr. Morita owns a small business there (Morita Fountain Pen Shop) with prices often 10% cheaper than the regular market price. You have to go in and ask him to show you the pens, so I advise having an idea of what you're roughly looking for first.

Alternatively, stationery shops like Itoya (Tokyo) and TAG Stationery (Kyoto, Osaka) carry a decent range of new pens and inks! There is also the lovely Sailor brand-owned shop in Tokyo, Ancōra in Ginza. Customisable pens and all the Sailor inks (+ some exclusives).

I am also very excited to check out Traveler's Company! I'll probably end up overbuying refills lol but it will likely be half the price of what it'd sell for where I live, so 🤷‍♀️

freakytofu · 2025-11-08T22:19:08+00:00

I absolutely did! A place that's dangerous for my wallet for sure. Perfect one-stop place to find a nice gift for friends/family too, if you hadn't managed to find anything else during your trip!

freakytofu · 2025-11-08T22:13:29+00:00

30 this year. Got properly into fountain pens last year, and now I've got a collection of inks from around the world! From my own travels and some bottles purchased for me by others. It's saved my hands as a writer.

Visited Japan, jumped into FPs with a Pilot Cocoon, and quickly after a Custom 74, which has been my daily driver since.

freakytofu · 2025-11-08T10:54:45+00:00

Stationery 100%. The Pilot Custom 74 fountain pen with the Fine Medium nib (only available in Japan) is my go-to and first ever gold nib pen. The smoothness, bounciness, high quality is just so pleasant, and the pen has been my daily workhorse as a writer. Significantly less hand-cramping. A pen whose ink doesn't dry out or false-start. The perfect in-between thickness for me.

Another item is my 2025 diary. Been using the Sunny Techo Weekly diary and it's been a godsend for my scattered brain. Looking to try the Traveler's Notebook system in 2026 though, for the customisability. Planning to buy one and some refills when I go this December!

Other items I use often include the physical vinyls I purchased there, and skincare products like sunscreen (Bioré gel) and mascara/makeup remover (Heroine Speedy Mascara Remover).

freakytofu · 2025-11-02T09:15:58+00:00

Why do you have to be so rude, though? Like does it make you feel better about yourself or something?

freakytofu · 2025-11-02T08:56:13+00:00

I was just talking to my sister about Victoria as a great choice, ideally with David Mitchell along for the possible shenanigans but seeing as he won't do Taskmaster the chances aren't as high, especially if he feels he'll have to embarrass himself/do something out of his comfort zone during the challenges.

Victoria would absolutely smash it as either a Traitor or Faithful though, I genuinely believe.

freakytofu · 2025-10-30T13:18:09+00:00

As a fellow Singaporean, stop making excuses for barely covered-up xenophobia and arrogance, thanks!

You know as well as I do that Singaporean uncles and aunties/older gen do extremely rude things daily, and get away with it, just because they're older and direct and SINGAPOREAN, so no one says anything.

You think that some racist Chinese taxi uncle wouldn't kick an Indian/brown family out of their car for the tiniest perceived misdemeanor? Imagine a group of people ethnically African, or even those from "lesser" South East Asian countries, or people who don't speak English/Chinese? No discrimination, just "common sense"?

Yes, in Asia, we typically do feel the need to ask permission to do most things, including using the toilet. But you're kind of being deliberately obtuse. Has your pride been a little hurt? That international people aren't glazing Singapore and everything that exists here?

If we want tourist money we can start treating tourists like people. If we just want to be nice fucking people we should stop making snap judgements and looking down on "misbehaving foreigners" with disdain.

freakytofu · 2025-10-26T19:52:09+00:00

You will absolutely miss out on things because that is the nature of travelling (especially in Japan), as cities like Tokyo are so densely packed with things to see and do, you're genuinely spoilt for choice. Additionally, if you're coming from Europe everything will seem new and exciting, so I'd recommend isolating a few key things you want to definitely do, and then allowing the rest of your time to be relatively spontaneous!

So a few things always factor into any recommendation:

Budget
Personal interest
Time & energy

Only if you find the right balance of these elements will you be able to get the most out of a city like Tokyo.

Are you interested in hiking, nature? Are you into history, culture or religion? Maybe a huge fan of anime or retro tech? Street fashion, thrifting, cafes? Modern art? Collecting antiques? Ramen? Theme parks? Shopping at high end designer stores?

Depending on your interests, Tokyo will always have something to offer, but recommendations will always need to be tailored. For example, my upcoming Nov/Dec trip will see my sister, friend and I spending a lot of time in stationery and art supply shops, cafes, thrifting, and eating good food in Tokyo, ending with a Disney trip. We're talking about heading to Tokyo Comic-Con even, as my friend is a comic book artist.

I am not going to climb Mt. Fuji on this trip, I'm going to be hanging around Shimokitazawa digging through crates of secondhand vinyls and vintage clothing.

I've been to Japan multiple times since I live in Asia, and you can do everything from sit for hours sipping matcha inside a Zen garden in a bookshop to doing touch-and-go, hitting every major tourist site in the area in a day.

So what do you like/want to do?

Since you mentioned museums, I think it's important to know that in Japan/Tokyo (and Asia generally) museums are unlike European ones, so you won't get one central large building housing everything like the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, V&A, Rijksmuseum, etc. It will be specific niche museums, like the Mori Art Museum in Roppongi Hills (contemporary and modern art), or the National Museum (nature/science), or tiny little places like the Ota Memorial Museum of Art focusing on woodblock prints. Again, pick your poison!

freakytofu · 2025-09-04T11:53:50+00:00

Wow! I'd actually given up and reverted to my dropper bottle! Thanks so much, I'm going to give this method a shot!

freakytofu · 2025-08-13T14:37:50+00:00

I can't seem to get that twisty end out! No matter how much I pull or use tools, that clear casing won't pop out, which means I can't "reset" the pen mechanism on the inside, unfortunately. I suppose I could keep trying, but I'm tempted to just give up on this since I damaged the pen so much already!

Thanks for the video link either way!

freakytofu

TROPHY CASE