One of my absolute favourite conjoinulations from long, long ago, has to be one that I picked up off American tv – I’m sure no such thing as a ‘Mathlete’ exists where I come from.

Well, no, actually I’m sure they do (in fact, I’ve even known one or two – intimately, in the biblical sense haha – alright – they’re not all weedy, spotty, weaklings – stop generalising - s'pose my chosen pic doesn't help, does it?), they are just not recognised as such, in an organised, competitive sense like they are in the US.

As far as I understand, Mathletes (Mathematics Athletes) are the elite Mathmeticians (ie geeks), chosen by their High School to represent in a Math(s) competition.

I just think it’s great that these people get to use that sought after ‘lete’ at the end of their speciality subject when you picture your stereotypical Mathmetician.
Although infact (I have to jump to their defence again here) – most people I know that are good at Math(s) are actually incredibly well-rounded and excel in most things they try their hands at.

Besides all that, I just really love the way it sounds – “Mathlete”.
It’s great – very funny and clever word.
Bet whoever came up with that was well thrilled with themselves.

I couldn't resist talking about Buffy conjoinulations - there are several that relate, mostly still more proof that geeks have too much time on their hands. Sure, I could spend hours waxing lyrical on the exciting aspects of the 'Buffyverse', the 'Xenaverse', even the 'Whedonverse' (I'm sure Joss and his fans ideas of what makes up his Universe differ somewhat), but hell, as it is, I'm supposed to be doing something else, for which this is a convenient form of prevarication, so let me put it in a nutshell.
These 'whateververse' conjoinulations are everywhere - Dr Who has it's own 'Whoverse', of course, they are just geeks way of describing (and fantasising about belonging to) the fictional setting in which the particular character goes about their (usually arse-kicking) business.

I did however, stumble upon a fascinating world of conjoinulations relating to this: Both Buffy and Xena (the shows) have 'Saffic' aspects to them - I knew this obviously (how could I miss it) but I didn't know it was called this, and was delighted to find it's a conjoinulation - This is how it works: Saffic is what you get when you conjoinulate 'Sapphic' and 'Fan Fiction'. Sapphic refers to Sappho - she was an ancient poet living on the fantastical Island of 'Lesbos' where an all female population frolicked blissfully without want or need of men and their penises. Therefore, Saffic refers to fiction with a more Lesbian sensibility - hence the famous Xena/Gabrielle* lesbian iconography and in Buffy, the Willow/Tara* relationship is refered to as saffic. (These two examples are just that, examples - there is a shitload of Saffic/femslash [see below] stuff around).

Anyway, thinking about this post reminded me of 'Fray' (pictured) which is Joss Whedon's comic book about future slayer. Trouble is, every time I am passing a comic book store, I go in and ask for it, and EVERY TIME, without fail, they say "uh...we're out of stock right now - can you come back in a week or 2". Of course I never get back within the specified time, and so far I still haven't gotten my hands on it.
I'm starting to get very suspicious - my theory is that the dudes who work in these shops get so excited that there is a girl in the shop they immediately make up an excuse to get me to come back, despite the fact that they have stacks of old Fray issues out the back.**

Oh, there is also some dreadful conjoinulations that I am loath to mention lest they sully my blog, but as it is my duty, I will mention in passing -
During the run of Buffy, Buffy and one of her many nemesis, Spike (vampire) started to have a thing (Buffy was going through a particularly bad period of self loathing - god, listen to me!). Anyway, they had this wild affair going on (lots of beating each other up til they were worked up enough to have some rough sex) so.... as you can imagine, all the fanboys and girls got very excited and started to call the pairing 'Spuffy'! I mean... Spuffy?! I wince (and kind of smirk as I write this). Dreadful.
Oh, and there's 'Bangel' too, for the Buffy/Angel pairing. Someone mentioned this disdainfully on a site called 'Fanfic Haters Anonymous'.

*On a side note these female pairing seperated by a slash (/) also have a semi conjoinulated name - they are called 'Femslash' and form a subgenre of fan fiction centering on girl on girl love! (I know! I just goes on and on!)

**I finally got the comics (on ebay), lent them to a friend months ago and haven't seen them since.