No bedbugs, and thoughts on how Buffy/Angel talked about sex
6 Jan 2026 05:46 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
shadowkatWell, some good news? I misread the Bed Bugs notice on the entrance of my apartment building. Not surprising - considering it was in tiny print. ( I brought home my reading glasses from work to read it properly.) I read after I asked a neighbor if we should be worried about it - and he looked at me quizzically, and said, not really, although I'm always concerned.
Then I read it. It stated:
Units: 81
Inspected: All
Infested:0
Cleaned: 0
Number found: 0
And the date of the inspection.
No wonder I was confused. Without my reading glasses, 0's look like 8's and 9's.
I worried about this all day long, went on the internet (which of course made it worse) - and finally convinced myself to read the sign in the lobby again, but with my reading glasses this time around.
Whew. No bed bugs in the building.
***
Now, I just have to figure out the will - first things first complete it, have it reviewed by lawyer, then sent, notarized and witnessed. And try not to worry about the knees. I'm icing both now. And hobbling very slowly up and down steps. Plus side? I'm grateful I moved years ago to this apartment complex - it's highly accessible for folks with ailments. It has a ramp to the entrance, so you can avoid the two steps. Then once inside - two elevators. So I don't have to go up and down the steps. And, I can either do laundry in the basement or send it out to be down - still without having to go up and down steps. I can also order food to be delivered to me.
Not certain about pharmaceuticals (other places yes, just not sure about my pharmacy).
***
Thought about the Spike/Buffy ("Spuffy") and Angel/Cordy ("Cangel") relationships, and ( Read more... )
I liked how the writers delved in the nasty consequences of using another person to "get off" or using sex as a drug. While alcohol and other drugs - are problematic, using sex as a drug is kind of similar to vampirism - in that you are using someone, with little care to how they feel, to get yourself off. Our society tends to handwave that - or generalize and state all consensual and kinky sex is bad, ie demonize the people and the act of sex (particularly if the act varies from whatever is considered the norm). (Let's face it - our global society and culture has serious issues regarding sex and sexual behavior. Always has. They also like to generalize (no despite what people might think we all don't experience sex the same way, our bodies are very different from each other, and no two people experience or need the same thing in regards to it, everyone is different). Part of our problem is - we can't talk about it in a way that doesn't involve ribald humor or running for the hills. A lot of folks can't say the words vagina and penis. And come up with other words for these parts of their anatomy.) One of the things I loved about Buffy is how the writers satirized societal views regarding sex and the culture's relationship to sex. ( Read more... )
Then I read it. It stated:
Units: 81
Inspected: All
Infested:0
Cleaned: 0
Number found: 0
And the date of the inspection.
No wonder I was confused. Without my reading glasses, 0's look like 8's and 9's.
I worried about this all day long, went on the internet (which of course made it worse) - and finally convinced myself to read the sign in the lobby again, but with my reading glasses this time around.
Whew. No bed bugs in the building.
***
Now, I just have to figure out the will - first things first complete it, have it reviewed by lawyer, then sent, notarized and witnessed. And try not to worry about the knees. I'm icing both now. And hobbling very slowly up and down steps. Plus side? I'm grateful I moved years ago to this apartment complex - it's highly accessible for folks with ailments. It has a ramp to the entrance, so you can avoid the two steps. Then once inside - two elevators. So I don't have to go up and down the steps. And, I can either do laundry in the basement or send it out to be down - still without having to go up and down steps. I can also order food to be delivered to me.
Not certain about pharmaceuticals (other places yes, just not sure about my pharmacy).
***
Thought about the Spike/Buffy ("Spuffy") and Angel/Cordy ("Cangel") relationships, and ( Read more... )
I liked how the writers delved in the nasty consequences of using another person to "get off" or using sex as a drug. While alcohol and other drugs - are problematic, using sex as a drug is kind of similar to vampirism - in that you are using someone, with little care to how they feel, to get yourself off. Our society tends to handwave that - or generalize and state all consensual and kinky sex is bad, ie demonize the people and the act of sex (particularly if the act varies from whatever is considered the norm). (Let's face it - our global society and culture has serious issues regarding sex and sexual behavior. Always has. They also like to generalize (no despite what people might think we all don't experience sex the same way, our bodies are very different from each other, and no two people experience or need the same thing in regards to it, everyone is different). Part of our problem is - we can't talk about it in a way that doesn't involve ribald humor or running for the hills. A lot of folks can't say the words vagina and penis. And come up with other words for these parts of their anatomy.) One of the things I loved about Buffy is how the writers satirized societal views regarding sex and the culture's relationship to sex. ( Read more... )
Tuesday, 6th January 2026
6 Jan 2026 03:12 pmbeck_liz posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
doctor_who_sonicEditor's Note: If your item was not linked, it's because the header lacked the information that we like to give our readers. Please at least give the title, rating, and pairing or characters, and please include the header in the storypost itself, not just in the linking post. For an example of what a "good" fanfic header is, see the user info. Spoiler warnings are also greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Off-Dreamwidth Links
Blogtor Who: Video of the Day – Doctor Who Classic: Revenge of the Cybermen, 1975
Blogtor Who: Video of the Day – Doctor Who: Planet of Evil, 1975
Blogtor Who: Video of the Day – The Whoniverse Show, 2025
Blogtor Who: The War Between the Land and the Sea +7 Viewing Figures
(News from![[syndicated profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/feed.png)
doctorwhonews_feed and blogtorwho_feed, among others.)
Fanfiction
Complete
1073: Shelter bydesecrets (G | Third Doctor, Delgado Master)
Knowledge bybadly_knitted (G | The Doctor)
Communities & Challenges
dw100 announces Challenge #1073: shelter
If you were not linked, and would like to be, contact us in the comments with further information and your link.
Off-Dreamwidth Links
Blogtor Who: Video of the Day – Doctor Who Classic: Revenge of the Cybermen, 1975
Blogtor Who: Video of the Day – Doctor Who: Planet of Evil, 1975
Blogtor Who: Video of the Day – The Whoniverse Show, 2025
Blogtor Who: The War Between the Land and the Sea +7 Viewing Figures
(News from
doctorwhonews_feed and blogtorwho_feed, among others.)Fanfiction
Complete
1073: Shelter by
desecrets (G | Third Doctor, Delgado Master)Knowledge by
badly_knitted (G | The Doctor)Communities & Challenges
dw100 announces Challenge #1073: shelterIf you were not linked, and would like to be, contact us in the comments with further information and your link.
Dept. of Music
6 Jan 2026 11:11 amkaffy_rMusic Meme, Day 17
A song that reminds you of somebody:
When I first came to Chicago in 1981, I stayed with one of the friends I'd made when I attended Suncon, the 1977 world science fiction convention, and my very first convention. His name was Ed Sunden and he was overwhelming. He was awful and generous, outrageous and brilliant, manipulative and kind, and definitely sui generis. He loved music, and he loved introducing me to New Wave music that was definitely new to me - the Police and Elvis Costello among the groups he loved.
His way of introduction? He would tell me to sit down in the tiny living room of the basement apartment he shared with Joan, the woman who became his wife. Or rather, he would order me to sit down, and then he'd put on an LP, or power up a tape he'd recorded on his music system (primitive by today's standards, but incredibly impressive back in 1981.) Sometimes he'd play the same song twice, to make sure I understood the words.
All these years later, and 25 years after he died, it's Elvis Costello's songs that immediately bring Ed and that dim little apartment singing and shouting back into my mind.
I thought of sharing "Oliver's Army" with you, because it's one of the Costello songs that really hit me when I first heard it. Unfortunately, and despite the fact that Costello wrote the song as an anti-fascist tune, it uses at least two racist slurs that I'm uncomfortable listening to these days. He wrote it after being in Northern Ireland during The Troubles, and the Oliver he sang of was Oliver Cromwell, who invaded and conquered Ireland. British fascists have taken Cromwell as one of their own, so Costello's brutal parodying of fascism and how it sucks working class kids into a losing game in this song is close to perfection in terms of the written word. Still, the racial slurs, parodies though they are, made me nix this tune.
In its place, and most definitely one that still makes me think of Ed, is "Pump It Up." Enjoy, and if you want to know my previous answers, go to Day 17, and it will give you access to all the previous songs.
A song that reminds you of somebody:
When I first came to Chicago in 1981, I stayed with one of the friends I'd made when I attended Suncon, the 1977 world science fiction convention, and my very first convention. His name was Ed Sunden and he was overwhelming. He was awful and generous, outrageous and brilliant, manipulative and kind, and definitely sui generis. He loved music, and he loved introducing me to New Wave music that was definitely new to me - the Police and Elvis Costello among the groups he loved.
His way of introduction? He would tell me to sit down in the tiny living room of the basement apartment he shared with Joan, the woman who became his wife. Or rather, he would order me to sit down, and then he'd put on an LP, or power up a tape he'd recorded on his music system (primitive by today's standards, but incredibly impressive back in 1981.) Sometimes he'd play the same song twice, to make sure I understood the words.
All these years later, and 25 years after he died, it's Elvis Costello's songs that immediately bring Ed and that dim little apartment singing and shouting back into my mind.
I thought of sharing "Oliver's Army" with you, because it's one of the Costello songs that really hit me when I first heard it. Unfortunately, and despite the fact that Costello wrote the song as an anti-fascist tune, it uses at least two racist slurs that I'm uncomfortable listening to these days. He wrote it after being in Northern Ireland during The Troubles, and the Oliver he sang of was Oliver Cromwell, who invaded and conquered Ireland. British fascists have taken Cromwell as one of their own, so Costello's brutal parodying of fascism and how it sucks working class kids into a losing game in this song is close to perfection in terms of the written word. Still, the racial slurs, parodies though they are, made me nix this tune.
In its place, and most definitely one that still makes me think of Ed, is "Pump It Up." Enjoy, and if you want to know my previous answers, go to Day 17, and it will give you access to all the previous songs.
Dear Purimgifts Author
6 Jan 2026 12:00 pmkassDear Purimgifts Author,
Thank you so much for writing me a story! I love all of these things and I know that whatever you write for me, I will love it too.
In general I am a big fan of: chosen family, happy endings, competence, characters being awesome, theology, snark and banter, kindness. I'm happy with anything that feels right to you given the characters at hand. If you want to cross a given fandom over with Megillat Esther, or with Tanakh in general, that is always my jam. (But you don't have to if you don't want to.)
Write something that makes you happy, and it will make me happy.
Please, no betrayal or unquenchable angst or people being awful to each other or grisly death or anything like that. There's enough of that in RL. Thank you kindly.
In closing: yay Purim! Yay you! Thank you so much!
Kass
( My requests: Lady Astronaut of Mars by Mary Robinette Kowal, Parks and Rec, The Naturalist Society by Carrie Vaughn, Murderbot, The Diplomat, Stardew Valley )
Thank you so much for writing me a story! I love all of these things and I know that whatever you write for me, I will love it too.
In general I am a big fan of: chosen family, happy endings, competence, characters being awesome, theology, snark and banter, kindness. I'm happy with anything that feels right to you given the characters at hand. If you want to cross a given fandom over with Megillat Esther, or with Tanakh in general, that is always my jam. (But you don't have to if you don't want to.)
Write something that makes you happy, and it will make me happy.
Please, no betrayal or unquenchable angst or people being awful to each other or grisly death or anything like that. There's enough of that in RL. Thank you kindly.
In closing: yay Purim! Yay you! Thank you so much!
Kass
( My requests: Lady Astronaut of Mars by Mary Robinette Kowal, Parks and Rec, The Naturalist Society by Carrie Vaughn, Murderbot, The Diplomat, Stardew Valley )
tng season 1 icons
5 Jan 2026 10:12 pmsixbeforelunch posting in fandom_iconsTNG season 1: "Conspiracy"
Onward for 36 icons featuring beardless Riker and Enterprise glamor shots.
Onward for 36 icons featuring beardless Riker and Enterprise glamor shots.
Memage - January Question a Day (and Buffy/Angel Rewatch)
5 Jan 2026 06:20 pmshadowkatQuestion a Day Meme:
4. Do you have any travel plans arranged for this year?
Well, kind of? But nothing really planned or definite at the moment - due to continuing health issues from 2025 - specifically my cranky knees (which aren't cooperating with me and deteriorating at the ripe old age of 58). My plan was to go to Chicago in the Spring with Mother, maybe a train trip in the fall, and possibly a short excursion to see her in Hilton Head. Now, not sure what I'm doing.
5. Are you looking forward to any TV shows this year?
* The Pitt S2 - HBO
* Diplomat S4 or is it 5 - Netflix
* Lanterns - HBO
* Slow Horses S5 (I think - the next season in any event) - Apple +
* Second Season of Dept Q - Netflix
* Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale (assuming of course Hulu shows the pilot and any new episodes post-pilot) - Hulu
***
Oh, Angel/Buffy rewatch?
The Angel/Cordelia and Buffy/Spike romances are ...frustrating? In many respects I prefer them to Buffy/Angel, but they are still frustrating to watch?
Neither Angel nor Buffy know how to communicate, while Spike and Cordelia are kind of no-nonsense, and say it like it is.
Also, the writers don't appear to know what to do with Xander and Gunn. They are in holding pattern with Xander/Anya. Poor Anya appears to be stuck in the Magic Shop either planning her wedding, working, or researching with Xander at night. Xander and Gunn are similar characters - "dudes" - and the writers have no idea what to do with them.
Buffy and Spike - need to talk more? I actually feel more for Spike than Buffy this season - mainly because he just wants to talk it out. And she refuses to. She likes to talk at him - basically complain about her life, or lack thereof, but not discuss their relationship, or his role in her life. It's hard not to identify with Spike in this situation. Which while insanely interesting and rather innovative from an overall narrative/ story-telling perspective, it's also a touch messy from a plot perspective? Because I know where this is headed? And I'm not sure it works - if I'm rooting for Spike? Worse - I'm rooting for Spike to be redeemed without a soul and get Buffy. And that's against the story-thread and the canon. We're supposed to rooting for Buffy to get away from Spike, to see he can't change, and be shocked that he goes and gets a soul - and think, but of course, and then realize no he still can't have her - but at least he gets it now, and finally can be redeemed? But it's not quite being written that way entirely - because I think the writers being rather existentialist were on the fence about it? (I mean let's face it - where's the fun in writing this sort of thing, if you can't break your own rules?) Also the story-thread is kind of predictable and boring, so the writers decided to be a bit more ambiguous about it, and let both Spike and Buffy think, well, maybe, he can be? That's great - but it can prove to be problematic.
I think S6 fascinates me - because it's so subversive, and indecisive, and filled with risks. Honestly, it and S4 - they writers had a lot of fun breaking a ton of television writing and trope rules. And I had a blast watching them do it. They did manage to change the medium in the process - because other writers, actors, creative types saw it - and got excited, and decided to do it too. I'm not sure we'd have BSG, RT Davies Doctor Who/Torchwood, Lost, Vampire Diaries, Interview with a Vampire, Veronica Mars, Grey's Anatomy, Bridgerton, etc without Buffy. Whedon had fun breaking rules, and god bless them, the network let him do it.
4. Do you have any travel plans arranged for this year?
Well, kind of? But nothing really planned or definite at the moment - due to continuing health issues from 2025 - specifically my cranky knees (which aren't cooperating with me and deteriorating at the ripe old age of 58). My plan was to go to Chicago in the Spring with Mother, maybe a train trip in the fall, and possibly a short excursion to see her in Hilton Head. Now, not sure what I'm doing.
5. Are you looking forward to any TV shows this year?
* The Pitt S2 - HBO
* Diplomat S4 or is it 5 - Netflix
* Lanterns - HBO
* Slow Horses S5 (I think - the next season in any event) - Apple +
* Second Season of Dept Q - Netflix
* Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale (assuming of course Hulu shows the pilot and any new episodes post-pilot) - Hulu
***
Oh, Angel/Buffy rewatch?
The Angel/Cordelia and Buffy/Spike romances are ...frustrating? In many respects I prefer them to Buffy/Angel, but they are still frustrating to watch?
Neither Angel nor Buffy know how to communicate, while Spike and Cordelia are kind of no-nonsense, and say it like it is.
Also, the writers don't appear to know what to do with Xander and Gunn. They are in holding pattern with Xander/Anya. Poor Anya appears to be stuck in the Magic Shop either planning her wedding, working, or researching with Xander at night. Xander and Gunn are similar characters - "dudes" - and the writers have no idea what to do with them.
Buffy and Spike - need to talk more? I actually feel more for Spike than Buffy this season - mainly because he just wants to talk it out. And she refuses to. She likes to talk at him - basically complain about her life, or lack thereof, but not discuss their relationship, or his role in her life. It's hard not to identify with Spike in this situation. Which while insanely interesting and rather innovative from an overall narrative/ story-telling perspective, it's also a touch messy from a plot perspective? Because I know where this is headed? And I'm not sure it works - if I'm rooting for Spike? Worse - I'm rooting for Spike to be redeemed without a soul and get Buffy. And that's against the story-thread and the canon. We're supposed to rooting for Buffy to get away from Spike, to see he can't change, and be shocked that he goes and gets a soul - and think, but of course, and then realize no he still can't have her - but at least he gets it now, and finally can be redeemed? But it's not quite being written that way entirely - because I think the writers being rather existentialist were on the fence about it? (I mean let's face it - where's the fun in writing this sort of thing, if you can't break your own rules?) Also the story-thread is kind of predictable and boring, so the writers decided to be a bit more ambiguous about it, and let both Spike and Buffy think, well, maybe, he can be? That's great - but it can prove to be problematic.
I think S6 fascinates me - because it's so subversive, and indecisive, and filled with risks. Honestly, it and S4 - they writers had a lot of fun breaking a ton of television writing and trope rules. And I had a blast watching them do it. They did manage to change the medium in the process - because other writers, actors, creative types saw it - and got excited, and decided to do it too. I'm not sure we'd have BSG, RT Davies Doctor Who/Torchwood, Lost, Vampire Diaries, Interview with a Vampire, Veronica Mars, Grey's Anatomy, Bridgerton, etc without Buffy. Whedon had fun breaking rules, and god bless them, the network let him do it.
Venezuela
5 Jan 2026 07:29 amelisiThe perspective of Venezuelans:
A Mastodon thread by a Venezuelan, talking about the events.
Caolan Robertson is one of the best reporters of the Ukraine war, so here is his perspective on what this means for Russia, as well as talking to a Venezuelan:
ETA: Just to bring in something a bit different and I found this interesting. Here's to hoping that things don't get worse... Or maybe it's that saying: It is an ill wind that blows nobody any good.
A Mastodon thread by a Venezuelan, talking about the events.
Caolan Robertson is one of the best reporters of the Ukraine war, so here is his perspective on what this means for Russia, as well as talking to a Venezuelan:
ETA: Just to bring in something a bit different and I found this interesting. Here's to hoping that things don't get worse... Or maybe it's that saying: It is an ill wind that blows nobody any good.
Misc stuff.
4 Jan 2026 04:16 pmelisiIf you're overwhelmed by the news this morning, please watch this:
This one's silly, but we need a bit of silliness:
And a couple of articles that I want to be able to find again:
BBC: John Simpson: 'I've reported on 40 wars but I've never seen a year like 2025'
The Guardian: 'Of course he abused pupils’: ex-Dulwich teacher speaks out about Farage racism claims
This one's silly, but we need a bit of silliness:
And a couple of articles that I want to be able to find again:
BBC: John Simpson: 'I've reported on 40 wars but I've never seen a year like 2025'
The Guardian: 'Of course he abused pupils’: ex-Dulwich teacher speaks out about Farage racism claims
Dept. of Fluffy Bunnies
3 Jan 2026 09:45 pmkaffy_rIn an Effort to Palate Cleanse After Today ...
... it's the return of the Music Meme ...
... and it's Day 17.
A song about being 17:
Oh, was there ever going to be any other song?
Even though I first heard the song well after I left 17 behind, Janis Ian's song spoke to me in a general sense. I understood it, even though I hadn't suffered what she undoubtedly suffered during her own school days. I'd suffered smaller heartbreaks in high school, for the crime of being weird. Besides, her writing was beautiful. So of course, I loved it. Teenagers have it tough, y'all.
Years later, I learned she was a science fiction fan, and she wrote a song about that, and put it to the music for "At Seventeen." Here it is. (I don't know if it was written for SFWA, or for the Nebula Awards; Geri, if you're out there, can you tell me? It was the title of her rewritten song, "Welcome Home," which she repeats more than once in the lyrics, that hit me harder than "At Seventeen" ever did. That's what I felt when I discovered SFF fandom; I'd found a home.
Even later, I had the chance to listen to her live when she played a gig in Evanston. Afterwards, I spoke briefly to her about how much I loved that, especially the mention of Cordwainer Smith, one of my favorite weirdly beautiful writers. It turns out that she was also a Smith fan. That was as much a gift to me as "Welcome Home" was
If you want to see any of my earlier answers, visit Day 16 The links are at the bottom.
... it's the return of the Music Meme ...
... and it's Day 17.
A song about being 17:
Oh, was there ever going to be any other song?
Even though I first heard the song well after I left 17 behind, Janis Ian's song spoke to me in a general sense. I understood it, even though I hadn't suffered what she undoubtedly suffered during her own school days. I'd suffered smaller heartbreaks in high school, for the crime of being weird. Besides, her writing was beautiful. So of course, I loved it. Teenagers have it tough, y'all.
Years later, I learned she was a science fiction fan, and she wrote a song about that, and put it to the music for "At Seventeen." Here it is. (I don't know if it was written for SFWA, or for the Nebula Awards; Geri, if you're out there, can you tell me? It was the title of her rewritten song, "Welcome Home," which she repeats more than once in the lyrics, that hit me harder than "At Seventeen" ever did. That's what I felt when I discovered SFF fandom; I'd found a home.
Even later, I had the chance to listen to her live when she played a gig in Evanston. Afterwards, I spoke briefly to her about how much I loved that, especially the mention of Cordwainer Smith, one of my favorite weirdly beautiful writers. It turns out that she was also a Smith fan. That was as much a gift to me as "Welcome Home" was
If you want to see any of my earlier answers, visit Day 16 The links are at the bottom.
January 3, 2026...
3 Jan 2026 08:10 pmshadowkatQuestion a Day Meme for January
(kazzy_cee was nice enough to come up with another one.)
1 What’s the first thing you think of when you consider the year ahead?
Getting my knee better and becoming more mobile and in better shape?
Also surviving another year at Crazy Org (I'm now under 5 years until retirement.)
2. What’s the weather like today (warmer or cooler than average)?
Cooler. It's been in the 20s lately, and low 30s. Normal is the 30s and low 40s. Overcast. And gray.
3. There is a Wolf Moon tonight - it will be the fourth supermoon in a row. Have you seen a supermoon before?
Yes. It's too cold and overcast to bother with it tonight.
***
Tomorrow - off to get an MRI. With any luck it won't be anything serious.
I'm trying to be more health conscious - ( Read more... )
At least I don't have to take work off for it. No, just for the doctor's appointment on Friday. I thought about taking two hours - but I don't want to unnecessarily tax my knee - hurrying to a doctor's appointment. Sick time is a pain in the ass - I have to fill out a form informing Crazy Org that no, it's not work related injury or a claim for disability, it's just a doctor's appointment. And I honestly don't want to do it - or try to convince the doctor to sign it, or get the receipt or doctor's note. Crazy Org has become increasingly inefficient and bureaucratic since I joined it in 2007. I'm amazed it doesn't have more problems.
***
I've made it up through Wrecked, in Buffy S6, and Birthday, in Angel S3.
Noticed a few things I hadn't previously.
( Spuffy )
( Willow )
Then there's Angel S3 - Dad through Birthday, which I liked better than I remembered. Birthday is where they manage to hoodwink Cordelia into becoming part demon, honestly she had no other choice. So maybe not hoodwink. I think the problem is - the gang trust those visions a bit too much? And I also think that Cordy's got increasingly worse - after WRH killed the oracles and hacked into them. (Not once but twice). Angel, Cordelia and Wes's weakness are the prophecies. And their hubris or pride.
And I think that's how WRH found a way of distracting Angel.
But it's not clear - and could be read either way. So I have a feeling the writers were split on this? I think half were going for redemption more than noir and the other half were going for noir more than classical hero redemption, and at the end noir won. I could be wrong about that - though - and they were just going for noir all along.
(Mainly because David Greenwalt left and Whedon took over.)
(kazzy_cee was nice enough to come up with another one.)
1 What’s the first thing you think of when you consider the year ahead?
Getting my knee better and becoming more mobile and in better shape?
Also surviving another year at Crazy Org (I'm now under 5 years until retirement.)
2. What’s the weather like today (warmer or cooler than average)?
Cooler. It's been in the 20s lately, and low 30s. Normal is the 30s and low 40s. Overcast. And gray.
3. There is a Wolf Moon tonight - it will be the fourth supermoon in a row. Have you seen a supermoon before?
Yes. It's too cold and overcast to bother with it tonight.
***
Tomorrow - off to get an MRI. With any luck it won't be anything serious.
I'm trying to be more health conscious - ( Read more... )
At least I don't have to take work off for it. No, just for the doctor's appointment on Friday. I thought about taking two hours - but I don't want to unnecessarily tax my knee - hurrying to a doctor's appointment. Sick time is a pain in the ass - I have to fill out a form informing Crazy Org that no, it's not work related injury or a claim for disability, it's just a doctor's appointment. And I honestly don't want to do it - or try to convince the doctor to sign it, or get the receipt or doctor's note. Crazy Org has become increasingly inefficient and bureaucratic since I joined it in 2007. I'm amazed it doesn't have more problems.
***
I've made it up through Wrecked, in Buffy S6, and Birthday, in Angel S3.
Noticed a few things I hadn't previously.
( Spuffy )
( Willow )
Then there's Angel S3 - Dad through Birthday, which I liked better than I remembered. Birthday is where they manage to hoodwink Cordelia into becoming part demon, honestly she had no other choice. So maybe not hoodwink. I think the problem is - the gang trust those visions a bit too much? And I also think that Cordy's got increasingly worse - after WRH killed the oracles and hacked into them. (Not once but twice). Angel, Cordelia and Wes's weakness are the prophecies. And their hubris or pride.
And I think that's how WRH found a way of distracting Angel.
But it's not clear - and could be read either way. So I have a feeling the writers were split on this? I think half were going for redemption more than noir and the other half were going for noir more than classical hero redemption, and at the end noir won. I could be wrong about that - though - and they were just going for noir all along.
(Mainly because David Greenwalt left and Whedon took over.)
Saturday 3 January 2025
3 Jan 2026 05:52 pmmerryghoul posting in doctor_who_sonicDo you have a Doctor Who community or a journal that we are not currently linking to? Leave a note in the comments and we'll add you to the watchlist (doctor_watch).
Editor's note: Because of the high posting volume and the quantity of information linked in each newsletter,doctor_who_sonic will no longer link fanfiction that does not have a header. For an example of what a "good" fanfic header is, see the user info. Spoiler warnings are also greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Off-DW News
Blogtor Who's Friday Video of the Day is a clip from The War Machines
Doctor Who News: Toby Hadoke's Doctor Who In Memoriam 2025
nwhyte reviews the novel The Infinity Race (Eighth Doctor)
Blogtor Who: David Tennant and Catherine Tate announced as guests at Comic Con Holland
Blogtor Who's Saturday Video of the Day is WhatCulture's WhoCulture's video "10 Important Doctor Who Details That Are Almost Never Mentioned"
(News fromblogtorwho_feed and doctorwhonews_feed, among others.)
Discussion and Miscellany
selenak with a Doctor Who/Star Trek crossover meme
purplecat with a photo of Tony Harding and a Malus
Fanfiction
Completed
The Right Place bybadly_knitted [Doctor, TARDIS | G]
If you were not linked, and would like to be, contact us in the comments with further information and your link.
doctor_watch).Editor's note: Because of the high posting volume and the quantity of information linked in each newsletter,
doctor_who_sonic will no longer link fanfiction that does not have a header. For an example of what a "good" fanfic header is, see the user info. Spoiler warnings are also greatly appreciated. Thank you!Off-DW News
Blogtor Who's Friday Video of the Day is a clip from The War Machines
Doctor Who News: Toby Hadoke's Doctor Who In Memoriam 2025
nwhyte reviews the novel The Infinity Race (Eighth Doctor)
Blogtor Who: David Tennant and Catherine Tate announced as guests at Comic Con Holland
Blogtor Who's Saturday Video of the Day is WhatCulture's WhoCulture's video "10 Important Doctor Who Details That Are Almost Never Mentioned"
(News from
blogtorwho_feed and doctorwhonews_feed, among others.)Discussion and Miscellany
selenak with a Doctor Who/Star Trek crossover memepurplecat with a photo of Tony Harding and a MalusFanfiction
Completed
The Right Place by
badly_knitted [Doctor, TARDIS | G]If you were not linked, and would like to be, contact us in the comments with further information and your link.
Heated Rivalry Icons
3 Jan 2026 04:21 pmflareonfury posting in fandom_iconsMost of these were created for lgbtrainbow challenge.
[03] Ilya Rozanov
[08] Ilya/Shane
[02] Kip/Scott
[02] Scott Hunter
Preview:
see them here
lgbtrainbow challenge.[03] Ilya Rozanov
[08] Ilya/Shane
[02] Kip/Scott
[02] Scott Hunter
Preview:
see them here
Dept. of Evil Shit
3 Jan 2026 11:54 amkaffy_rJesus Christ, Venezuela?
He's saying that the U.S. is going to run Venezuela.
Christ on a cracker.
I'd suspended our effort to request permanent residency for Bob. It was easy to live in limbo because neither of us wants to move. But now? It's back to work on the application.
He's saying that the U.S. is going to run Venezuela.
Christ on a cracker.
I'd suspended our effort to request permanent residency for Bob. It was easy to live in limbo because neither of us wants to move. But now? It's back to work on the application.
#121
3 Jan 2026 01:40 pmgoodbyebird posting in spankulert01-12 the x-files
Made for The Icon Quest round atretro_icontest, orange mystery box. 4 rogue, 3 hero, 3 bard, 2 wizard.
( You’re down here too. )
Made for The Icon Quest round at
retro_icontest, orange mystery box. 4 rogue, 3 hero, 3 bard, 2 wizard. ( You’re down here too. )
January 2, 2026 - Stranger Things, Buffy and Angel
2 Jan 2026 08:57 pmshadowkatHaven't done much the last few days, outside of knee exercises and binge watch television shows.
Finished Stranger Things S5 - which provided an apt and satisfying finale to the series. I don't really see it continuing after it. The finale did a good job of completing all the character arcs. And allowed for some nice character moments - specifically Will Byers coming out that he's gay (so is the actor apparently). That was actually moving.
It's definitely not for everyone? But nothing is? I enjoyed it - it was off beat, and nostalgic. I liked it a lot better than Alien: Earth - which I gave up on rather quickly. What it excels at - that a lot of others don't - is the blend of inter-generational arcs. We've the adults, the teens, and kids - and the series follows all of them without focusing too much on just one, or undermining any. This is rare in the genre, often one or the other is short-sighted, and neither was here. Is it flawed in places? Yes. I mean it does rely heavily on the classic "evil mad scientist government conspiracy trope", which admittedly was popular in the 1980s. The US Military and the US Government being portrayed as sociopathic bad guys throughout, probably was a bit over the top, but other than that? I enjoyed it. It does drag at times and gets a little too into nerdy 1980s references, but that's also part of the fun.
To say much more would spoil everybody, and we can't have that. While I enjoyed the series? I don't foresee myself rewatching it, analyzing it, writing meta on it, joining the fandom, or reading fanfic. It was fun, but there's not a lot there to analyze. The general theme - if there is one - is that differences should be celebrated, and people who are different, even have conflicts, can come together and become the best of friends given the right circumstances and motivation.
Have gotten more or less to the game changer episodes in Angel S3 ("Lullaby") and Buffy S6 ("Tabula Rasa"). After those two episodes the dynamic of both series changes dramatically, as does the character relationships and plot lines. So it's a good place to pause. I liked "Lullaby" more than I remembered - and it does a rather good job of completing Darla's arc, and defining how Darla and Angelus view love and why they don't think vampires can love. ( Read more... )
I honestly think the writers on both Angel and Buffy were playing with what it meant to be a demon, and what is really good or evil, and the idea of love. Also the concept of redemption. Could they redeem someone like Angel - who they'd written as the absolute worst vampire that ever lived? And what about Spike who is more ambiguous evil - who can love, if unwisely, and unwell? Can you redeem him without a soul - without screwing up Angel's arc or Darla's or upending the verse? Part of the reason these series still resonates, and is still studied in various sphere of academia long after it ended is that the writers actually wrestled with these questions and didn't just go the standard formulaic route or rigid rules of the verse route that you see in most television series and science fiction and fantasy. Sometimes questioning the rules of your own verse - pays off. It did here.
Think about it? People are still debating various aspects of these series years later, I'm not sure this is true of all television series. And I certainly feel no inclination to do it with Stranger Things, Slow Horses, Andor, or various others that I've watched and enjoyed over the years. YMMV of course. I'm willing to admit - we all perceive and enjoy things differently - and that makes life cool and at times challenging.
Finished Stranger Things S5 - which provided an apt and satisfying finale to the series. I don't really see it continuing after it. The finale did a good job of completing all the character arcs. And allowed for some nice character moments - specifically Will Byers coming out that he's gay (so is the actor apparently). That was actually moving.
It's definitely not for everyone? But nothing is? I enjoyed it - it was off beat, and nostalgic. I liked it a lot better than Alien: Earth - which I gave up on rather quickly. What it excels at - that a lot of others don't - is the blend of inter-generational arcs. We've the adults, the teens, and kids - and the series follows all of them without focusing too much on just one, or undermining any. This is rare in the genre, often one or the other is short-sighted, and neither was here. Is it flawed in places? Yes. I mean it does rely heavily on the classic "evil mad scientist government conspiracy trope", which admittedly was popular in the 1980s. The US Military and the US Government being portrayed as sociopathic bad guys throughout, probably was a bit over the top, but other than that? I enjoyed it. It does drag at times and gets a little too into nerdy 1980s references, but that's also part of the fun.
To say much more would spoil everybody, and we can't have that. While I enjoyed the series? I don't foresee myself rewatching it, analyzing it, writing meta on it, joining the fandom, or reading fanfic. It was fun, but there's not a lot there to analyze. The general theme - if there is one - is that differences should be celebrated, and people who are different, even have conflicts, can come together and become the best of friends given the right circumstances and motivation.
Have gotten more or less to the game changer episodes in Angel S3 ("Lullaby") and Buffy S6 ("Tabula Rasa"). After those two episodes the dynamic of both series changes dramatically, as does the character relationships and plot lines. So it's a good place to pause. I liked "Lullaby" more than I remembered - and it does a rather good job of completing Darla's arc, and defining how Darla and Angelus view love and why they don't think vampires can love. ( Read more... )
I honestly think the writers on both Angel and Buffy were playing with what it meant to be a demon, and what is really good or evil, and the idea of love. Also the concept of redemption. Could they redeem someone like Angel - who they'd written as the absolute worst vampire that ever lived? And what about Spike who is more ambiguous evil - who can love, if unwisely, and unwell? Can you redeem him without a soul - without screwing up Angel's arc or Darla's or upending the verse? Part of the reason these series still resonates, and is still studied in various sphere of academia long after it ended is that the writers actually wrestled with these questions and didn't just go the standard formulaic route or rigid rules of the verse route that you see in most television series and science fiction and fantasy. Sometimes questioning the rules of your own verse - pays off. It did here.
Think about it? People are still debating various aspects of these series years later, I'm not sure this is true of all television series. And I certainly feel no inclination to do it with Stranger Things, Slow Horses, Andor, or various others that I've watched and enjoyed over the years. YMMV of course. I'm willing to admit - we all perceive and enjoy things differently - and that makes life cool and at times challenging.
Backdating entries in communities
3 Jan 2026 03:15 amautumninpluto posting in getting_startedI noticed some people make their own closed communities to post/archive their fanfiction, and decided to try it out myself here: ficsimmy
I am trying to backdate the fics to when I posted them, and it generally works, however, the home page still shows the posts in the order in which I posted them. E.g. the most recent post is dated November 12, then the next one November 13.
Is this intended behavior? If so, does anyone have a workaround for similar use-cases? 😟 I have some fanfiction from 2013 that I want to back up here, but I do not want it at the top of my page in fear of people thinking that's still representative of how I write today 😅
I did find this FAQ article related to backdating + the "don't show on reading pages" button which says "This option is not available for community accounts", but I thought this just referred to the hide from reading page button.
It's a bit weird that I can backdate it, but it will show up in the wrong order on the home page, and in tags. Checking from the archive looks fine, they're all in the correct date I set them as.
