So, I could write reaction to the Merlin finale and maybe I would have one or two things no one else has said already, but I decided to be contrary instead and write 1) Stuff I want from Merlin season four and 2) fics I want to write as a result of the finale.

( Stuff I'd like to see in season four of Merlin. Spoilers for previous seasons )

( Fanfics I want to write as a result of the Merlin finale )

Meanwhile, it is still freezing like whoa and tomorrow I am going to the midnight launch for Cataclysm. That waiting outside will be fun, oh yes.

Cat is much better! After a visit to the vet, he's now eating again and acting far more energetic. It looks like he will be all right for now. Thanks for all the well wishes; they were much appreciated. Meanwhile, I've had an exhausting week and have another coming, which is reported might get as cold as -25C here. Oh fun.

I will also be sending out Christmas cards in the coming week, so last chance if you want one.

Here's a charmer: Cheerleader kicked off the squad for refusing to cheer for her rapist. Not in some demonstrably non-cheer way either - she just didn't want to say his name. I don't even know what to say here that wouldn't be filled with a good deal of rage, so yeah.

Here's a penis and Berlusconi: Italian PM under fire for restoring a penis to a ancient Roman statue. But for next year he's suggesting cutting 40% of the fine arts funding in an austerity package - I guess no penis is too austere even for Berlu.

Here's something cool: A planet from another galaxy has been found in the Milky Way. The Milky Way has swallowed several minor galazies in its liferun, and one day it might merge with the Andromeda Galaxy. (Merging galaxies can look something like this and later this. Awesome, no?)

Here's a charmer II: An alleged rape victim in South Africa is charged with having underage sex. What is this I don't even.

Here's naked Norwegian men: Say, is that a fire hoze between your legs? More shirtless men here. They and many more are apparently available in a calender now on sale.

Fics I want time to write, damnit:
- The Ghost of King Past (Uther after death, haunting Camelot and observing the changes that happen).
- Season 3 AU with Morgana not evil, but struggling with her darker nature.
- Five Times Merlin Interrupted Gwen and Arthur (and One Time It Didn't Matter).
- A fic where Gwen saves Uther's arrogant ass and the two are forced to work together.
- Five Good Female Magic Users That Saved Camelot (and Told Off Uther)
- Merlin runs into the Doctor in a tavern; hijinks involving Daleks and dragons ensue.

Now I just gotta figure out which to do first. Right after I figure out where I stored my extra, extra warm clothes last spring. I think I might need them.

I have finished more Merlin fic, which seems to seal it - yes, this is going to be my main fanfic fandom for a while. Also, with episodes like this coming (BBC episode description, so some spoilers), I am so very curious where the show is going. Nothing like shiny new fandoms to get inspiration going. (And somehow, I always find more to write about when the original material has some issues to address.)

Most of you probably heard about the furore over a Marie Claire blog and the massive outcry that has followed. I was quite revolted by the post too, but something else struck me as well - this is the power of the Internet. Online, it is not word-of-mouth, but word-and-links, and it can happen extremely fast. Even in fandom, posts can garner a huge reaction by links being passed on, and the poster can wake to an inbox filled with outrage.

Sometimes, it's a power for good. Sometimes, probably not.

A new prosperity index ranks Norway as most prosperous in the world. It was apparently launched to show that propserity is more than just money, as reported here. Apparently, 74% of Norwegians believe people can be trusted, the highest precentage in the world. (You can check out the details about Norway's score here.) Is that a sort of prosperity too? Perhaps. I am also impressed we scored highest of all on social capital, despite second lowest in the world on religious attendance. Which goes to show empathy, charity and social support isn't built on religion as some fanatics would have it; it's built on humanity.

Meanwhile, it is Thurday evening and rainy, and I'm half wishing winter would just come already and be done with it. I hate October. Surely I cannot be the only one who finds October the worst month of the year?

Anyone want to look after a Merlin fic for me? It's for the girlsavesboy ficathon and has bits of Gwen/Arthur in it. I'm mainly looking for someone to see if my dialogue and characterisation is all right (and spot typos and odd grammar), it being my first ever Merlin fic and all. I'm afraid it is close to 6000 words, but it's not due until October 1st. (I am also considering doing a second story, but I'm not sure which fandom.)

Anyone on my awesome flist in Merlin fandom and could give me a lay of the land? New fandoms are scary.

Ever wonder what 100 cats loose in IKEA would look like? If not, IKEA decided to find out anyway and the result is this ad. (And here is the making of.) Cats are all the rage, it seems.

Sometimes, the openess and freedom of the Internet is a good thing, and something that wouldn't otherwise come to people's attention can be spread on the Internet. Sometimes, it's a shit thing, like pictures of a sexual assault being spread and people refusing to take them down. Ugh.

Meanwhile, my brother is coming to visit next weekend, which is cool. Haven't seen him in over half a year. He has also joined the guild I recently applied and was accepted into (after my old one ended after I'd been in it for years, sniff) because he missed me. Kinda sweet, I think. His girlfriend joined too and we're all very excited for Cataclysm.

And work is busy and interesting and I'm making new friendships and it's good, I think?

I am mellow and it's weekend. How are you, awesome peoople?