Leap? Leap?! Leap Leap!

Happy Leap Day! It only comes around once every four years, so try to make it a good one. Daria invites everyone to celebrate by going away and taking a giant leap.

It was also on this day in 1960 that the first Playboy Club opened in Chicago. This is probably Upchuck's most revered day in history, right up there next to the night of Jodie Landon's graduation party.

Fandom News!

• What are your best tips for fighting writer's block?


• If PPMBers were My Little Ponies, who would be which one?


• Share your book recommendations in a new thread.


• Roentgen started a plot outline project: Daria: Simpsons Did It First.


• Four new Iron Chefs were posted in Creative Writing: Vukodlak's The Talk, ThanatosRW's This years model, Wouter's bought on the net, and oni's The Wish endings.


• Wouter posted a new art Iron Chef: Bought on the net.

A Feisty Birthday!

Happy birthday to Geoffrey Arend, the voice actor who played Upchuck on Daria after the first season. The birthday boy turns 34 today, and let's hope his social skills are a lot better than that of his character.

Today is also Floral Design Day, so you can choose either to make a dainty garland for your head and sing or make a dainty garland for your neck and choke. Choose wisely!

Fanfic Update!

• After the Disaster :: Chapter 5.5, by Fhujeth_x (COMPLETE!): "The woman shook her head, hands to her face, sobbing, 'I almost lost her once, I can't have this happen again... no, please God.' She cried, thinking about the accident that had occurred just a few months before, 'Please, Tiffany. Hold on.'" (Part 3)


• After the Disaster :: Chapter 6, by Fhujeth_x (COMPLETE!): "She hadn't noticed the guest yet, but the sudden rush of her mom running through the door made her feel a bit of relief... and shame. She didn't want to put her mother through such a situation but... she felt like she was a burden. She hugged her mother back and rubbed her eyes, sleepily still trying to grasp where she was. Her eyes glanced at the doctor and then at the other girl who was in the room with her, recognizing who she was." (Part 2)


• And Then it Happened :: Chap 1, by Fhujeth_x (COMPLETE!): "'Inter-Dimensional Travel...' Tiffany replied back, her voice full of understanding despite she understood nothing. Glancing at Stacy she turned back to the beast, 'How do you find shoes that fit?'"


• At the Crossroads...(Chapter 6), by oni (COMPLETE!): "Suspecting that something was wrong, Helen asked in a calm tone, 'Sandi, do your parents know you’re here?' Hearing silence behind her, Stacy looked behind her where her girlfriend was and saw her looking nervously at the floor. 'Sandi,' Stacy said in a quiet tone. 'No they don’t Mrs. Morgendorffer,' replied Sandi as slowly looked up at Quinn’s mom. 'Please don’t call them.'"


• Big Trouble in Little Lawndale (IC Runaway Daria), by Grifter74 (part 1): "Daria woke to the sound of a man talking, 'There I was standing face to face with the Sorcerer Lo Pan. Then he throws my knife at me. You know what old Jack Burton did then?' 'What did you do?' Daria blurted out as she peeked out from under the blanket. Jack look behind him so quick he almost gave himself whiplash, 'Bloody hell, What are you doing here, kid?'"


• Chaos Theory: The Esteem of the Cynic and the Eccentric, by Walter Kovacs (part 7): "'That's like funny... I think' chirped Brittany as she twirled one of her pigtails with her finger. 'Anyways oh yeah, I like came over to invite you and Haruhi over to a party I'm having saturday.' Brittany twirled her left pigtail again and 'Oh yeah It's like to celebrate my parents being out of town overnight and my brother um getting another um 96 hour therapy session at quiet ivy and not being there that day.'"


• Clique Swap, by psychotol (parts 4 and 5): "The Sith warrior that had escorted them into the throne room bows at Darth Krayt saying 'Lord Krayt, I present to you, Quinn Morgendorffer, Stacy Rowe and Tiffany Blum Deckler.' As he points them out. Quinn, Stacy and Tiffany: Strike a pose. 'Hiiiiiiiii.'" (Part 5)


• Daria - Double Down, by neonhomer (part 30): "'Well, I will put it out on the table right here. I love you Daria.' Said Jane. 'I know Jane.' 'No. I don’t think you do. I love you more than a sister.' 'I know, Jane.' Daria sighed. 'You want to be with me.' 'So you *do* know.' 'Yeah. I do.'"


• Daria's New Clothing (Iron Chef: Happy Birthday Daria), by Smijey (COMPLETE!): "Jane turned from the TV as she heard three quick raps on her door, but before she could call out as to the identity of the knocker, Daria opened the door and let herself in. 'You gotta hide me, Jane,' she begged. 'Oh? Why?' 'Because today's...today's my birthday.'"


• Dylan, by J-D (part 1b): "Dylan looked out the window, thinking about how his father was probably feeling about having the chance to get out on the golf course, and about how he himself couldn’t jump out of the moving car. ‘So you think it could help me unlock my potential?’"


• God Save The Esteem ep40: This Is No Fun, by Charles RB (COMPLETE!): "After ten minutes, she left – the pizza was barely eaten – and headed out. There weren’t many people out. None of Quinn’s gang had been in the place. She walked on and she could hear people following. She was near an alleyway. She didn’t speed up even when they did."


• The Highland Peace Accords (I.C: To kill a Mockingbird), by BF110C4 (COMPLETE!): "It came to a head, when after crashing Daria’s tenth birthday party with Quinn’s friends and basically high jacking it, and the horrible retaliation done on Quinn’s last pajama’s party with the help of the two morons B & B (she would never mention their names, lest they appear) that a truce was agreed and a Treaty was written."


• Into the Black, Into the Blue Chapter 1, by Lord Yellowtail (parts 2 and 3): "She had treated Luna as a pony, not a crown or a commander or even a Nightmare. And Luna, because she had failed to find any other way to trace Dinky Doo, had repaid her by tearing down in five seconds the life Ditzy had spent the last six years building for herself and her child. But it had always been that way, Luna supposed. Celestia built great things. And Luna rent even the greatest edifices to smoldering ruble, if they got in the way of her goals." (Part 3)


• John Lane 52: From the Last Step to the First, by RLobinske (part 11): "'I stopped by the office and ran into Helen Morgendorffer. It looks like the Fahnstalk case has been kicking her ass while you and the rest of the partners have been off playing golf.' 'Honey...' 'Don't,' she warned. Eric stopped and sat on a stool next to the counter. 'What are your demands?' 'You know that I believe in repaying debts.'"


• Living up to your Potential, by BF110C4 (part 3a and interlude 1a): "'How the hell did this happened? I mean it may sound corny, but of all the students at LHS she was the one who got the best chance of a shiny sparky future as a future leader of America' By now Jane was already refilling the colors of her palette, this time with a selection of different browns and greys." (Interlude 1a)


• Memory Lane, by echopapa (interlude): "'B'Elanna and I have docked at another big chunk of wreckage. We've gone inside and B'Elanna's running scans on what seems to be some kind of fabrication chamber.' 'any intelligence so far?' Chakotay asked. 'A couple of promising leads,' A female voice replied. 'I can't wait to finish here so we can take that leave on Earth that you promised Tom and me while Voyager gets her refit,' B'Elanna said."


• An Open and Shut Case (I.C: To kill a Mockingbird), by BF110C4 (COMPLETE!): "The case itself was supposed to be a slam dunk, the defense lawyer, if she could be called even that, was wet behind her ears and had a known, well documented dislike of her client. On the other hand she was a seasoned prosecutor who had both ears of the judge; such an obvious Kangaroo Court than for a moment she had been able to feel the power only god knew before."


• The Prep, the Artist and the Loner (Iron Chef: Tom was there), by Walter Kovacs (part 1): "As expected, Daria was almost entirely ignored by the other students. The fact that they had all converged on Quinn removed many obstacles to her path. Unnoticed to her, a boy with brown hair and green eyes who was wearing a black sweater with khaki pants gave her a brief glance as she walked into Lawndale High to check in with the office."


• Psycho Therapy (Iron Chef: Psycho Therapy), by ThanatosRW (COMPLETE!): "'I'm not a mistake, am I? No, I'm cute! I'm popular! How could mom say that? How has she failed in raising me? I'm perfect. Daria is the disgrace....'"


• Quinn's Code Story 6: The Lab Mouse, The Geek and the Convention, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 2): "'Daria, we need to talk.' 'About what, Quinn?' 'Could you possibly find something for Kevin to do and still contribute to the project?' 'No.' 'What do you mean, "No"?' 'Exactly what I said, Quinn. There is no way in which Kevin can contribute in a meaningful way.'"


• Sandi :: Well... This Sucks :: Chapter 7, by Fhujeth_x (COMPLETE!): "Stopping her test grading for the males in the classroom, Janet Barch smiled, welcoming Sandi with some sense of relief, 'So, you actually decided to show up, huh?' Sandi blinked for a few moments and looked at the clock, then double checked on her cell phone, 'Actually, I have you for class this period.' She wasn't about to take any added time out of her day to deal with a teacher, 'So can we make this fast before like, school starts? Because I seriously don't want to be seen talking to a teacher about mythical creatures.'" (Part 2) (Part 3) (Part 4)


• Spoken Like a True Poet (IC: Blowing Up Pipebombs in Public Places), by Fhujeth_x (COMPLETE!): "This was it. He had to dish it out to Brittney. She finally pissed him off enough that he had to say something back to her."


• Unnamed story (1,001 Deaths of Tom Sloane - Part II), by LongSnakeMoan (COMPLETE!): "When Daria suggested a tour of Britain's castles and stately homes for their honeymoon, Tom Sloane was not exactly thrilled."


• Unnamed story (IC: Blowing Up Pipebombs in Public Places), by TheExcellentS (COMPLETE!): "'...just like my ex-husband and all other men, rats are vermin, and should be exterminated with extreme prejudice...' 'You know, you're not the only person to have a man walk out on them, and you won't be the last.' Did I just say that out loud?"


• Unnamed story (Iron Chef - Goddess of Sarcasm), by Waylander (COMPLETE!): "Daria fired back, 'I know he died! But don't pretend he was he was some great person when he wasn't. Everybody hated Tommy Sherman and wished something bad to happen to him. I felt it in my bones – their frustration, their anger, their misery,' She shrugged nonchalantly, 'And the wish came true.'"


• The Valedictorian Speech of Jodie Landon (IC: Blowing Up Pipebombs in Public Places), by DIsaac (COMPLETE!): "Ladies and gentlemen of the graduating class of Lawndale High..... I hate each and every one of you with every fiber of my being."


• We Only Hurt the Ones We Love (IC Runaway Daria), by deneich (part 7): "For several moments my Mother stood still as a statue, incapable of grasping – what was to her mind – the unbelievable. Then slowly, first her head, then her shoulders she turned and stared at me. In that stare was hope and terror in equal measure; terror was quickly displaced by recognition, hope became certainty. I was not a fraud."


• The Whispers of Ignorance, by ThanatosRW (part 1): "I am gambling what little time I have left to tell these to whatever damnable souls who finds these documents in the vastness of cyberspace. Be assured, this is not a flight of fiction. This is the truth, but I only wish it would set me free."

Munch the Nutty Nutty?

Happy Pistachio Day! This is probably Quinn's least favorite holiday, considering pistachio dye is what ruined her neck modeling career before it could even begin. Today is also Carnival Day, so enjoy your turkey leg and try not to get stuck with Stacy on the Ferris wheel.

It's also the 11th anniversary of the original airing of the episode "Sappy Anniversary," but I hope you'll understand if I don't run out and buy a big box of chocolates for it or anything. Maybe the episode and I can go out to the drugstore later and read the greeting card poems out loud.

Fandom News!

• What’s the stupidest thing you've ever heard? Share your most facepalm-worthy moments!


• mmmdraco muses about Daria and Peter Pan Syndrome.


• What do you think about Daria's change in lip color? What are your theories or comments?


• Doggieboy is looking for advice about Terry Pratchett books.


• Who'll be watching the Oscars? Talk about it in the new thread.


• A whopping six new Iron Chefs have been posted: Fhujeth_x's With this SCIENCE POTION..., Vukodlak's Happy Birthday Daria, Roentgen's Everyone Goes to Fielding, tafka's I Don't, DIsaac's Blowing Up Pipebombs in Public Places, and Reven384's Psycho Therapy.


• Fhujeth_x is looking for ideas for a Daria photoshoot.

Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun

Happy Pistol Patent Day! Today is the anniversary of the day that Samuel Colt received a patent for his Colt Revolver pistol. Daria is surely quite glad of that, although I think Quinn should be feeling a bit nervous right now.

This is also the anniversary of the original air date of the episode "Partner's Complaint," in which Daria finally made her peace (sort of) with Tom. The beginning of future horrors, right there.

Fanfic Update!

• After the Disaster :: Chapter Five, by Fhujeth_x (COMPLETE!): "Tiffany quietly stared at the bottle of medication in front of her, contemplating what life after death was really like. If people would miss her or even care. She knew Brooke wouldn't care... her parents might... but they'd be better off without having a mentally deficient daughter slowing them down. They both had bright careers ahead of them and knew what they were doing... and Tiffany couldn't stand to let them just bring them down." (Part 4) (Chapter 5.5)


• At the Crossroads... (Chapter 6), by oni (parts 2 and 3): "'Joking aside Sandi, I am afraid of your mom. When I called here last Friday, she picked up and really chewed me out over the phone,' Stacy said in a serious tone. The girl with pigtails adjusted her clothes while Sandi sat upright. The older brunette went for a kiss on her girlfriend’s lips and slowly pulled while she replied, 'I’d protect you if my mother tried to attack you in anyway, baby.'" (Part 3)


• Clique Swap, by psychotol (part 2): "Scene: Lawndale Airport, Stacy, Quinn and Tiffany are stood next to their suitcases, each holds a Legal sized folder, their parents vehicles wait nearby, each fashion clubber’s mother stood next to their respective vehicle. Voiceover: 'The day for the swap has arrived. Any minute now the spacecraft carrying the Sith will arrive.'" (Part 3)


• Daria - Double Down, by neonhomer (part 29): "'Tilly? This is Tristan....' 'HOW in the HELL did you get my phone number? I don’t even know this number yet!' 'I lifted it from your file in the guidance office.'"


• A Distant Lawndale, by Arena del Sur (part 4): "Why I am not my name... Why I am alone and I can't be... Because today I've been born. Just today sun burnt me, and the wind of living wake me up. It's almost Zen, don't you think?"


• God Save The Esteem ep40: This Is No Fun, by Charles RB (part 1): "He knocked on her door. 'Open up, it’s the Thought Police.' Nothing. Tom pushed the door open and Daria was sitting next to her computer. The screen showed a Wikipedia page but her eyes showed no sign of reading anything. Her clothes were crumpled and several days old, her hair uncombed."


• Lawndale and Sandi Griffin’s Genie (Chapter 6), by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 6): "Meanwhile, Dennis was plotting. 'More than an earthquake!’ he thought. ‘A volcano!’"


• Living up to your Potential, by BF110C4 (parts 1 and 2): "Her parents were going to be out all night, on one of the few parties from a friend of theirs that was actually fun, to end on a local hotel to continue the celebrations long after the party was over, of course since in this particular reunion they weren’t any politicians or powerful people to impress with her accomplishments she wasn’t invited, leaved behind to take care of her sister Rachel and her little brother Evan." (Part 2)


• My New Life, by ST91 (COMPLETE!): "'I swear it to you Quinn. You'll pay for this .' said Dario while they were returning home 'Oh come on Dario . It was only two outfits .' 'TWO OUTFITS ?! Quinn you and your little friends used me as a mannequin for over an hour.'" (Part 6)


• Return of the Runaway 01, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 2): "'Name?' 'Lillian Adams.' 'And why are you after the Morgendorffer's information?' 'I happen to know where their lost daughter, Daria, is.' 'Oh, but many people may come claiming to know where Daria is.' 'Of course, but I know the proof that the Morgendorffer's may have required.'"


• Rude Awakening Ep.10: Sandi vs The EPT, by DIsaac (part 3): "CHIPMUNK: Guys... Sandi is expecting. DARIA: A raise? CHIPMUNK: A baby. She's pregnant!"


• Sandi, Meet Sandi (Rude Awakening X-Tra: You meeting You), by DIsaac (COMPLETE!): "SANDI: Answer me this.....I'm a model? RA SANDI: No. SANDI: Well there is no more to say. (Sandi gets up from the table when RA Sandi grabs her arm.) RA SANDI: Oh no you don't......You aren't control this conversation! SANDI: What do you want? RA SANDI: To tell what's REALLY up. A reality check you might say."


• Sandi :: Well... This Sucks :: Chapter 6, by Fhujeth_x (COMPLETE!): "Marz's voice picked up with a sign of joy, relief even, but he tried to hide it, 'Oh? What's been going on?' He had an idea that Sandi was a werewolf but before making a drastic move he had to be sure... Then he could continue with his plans of... well... Revenge." (Part 2) (Part 3) (Part 4)


• Stacy is a Horrible....... Torturer (Iron Chef: How did we get here?), by Fhujeth_x (COMPLETE!): "Ah, a nice morning to start another imperfect day of... Where's Sandi? She knew she fell asleep next to Sandi but... Glancing at the handcuffs she was wearing, Stacy Rowe sighed, 'Aww... she got away....'"


• Unnamed story (PLOT BUNNIES: free to good home), by Roentgen (plot bunny): "'Now Daria,' Jake said, 'the entire family is counting on you.' 'I know that, Dad,' Daria said somberly. She didn't bother remarking to Jake the graffiti 'OTHER SIDE' that she saw marked on a wall near a telephone poll. Maryland, frankly, was not safe, too Southron to ever really relax. She felt the family should have kept going until they hit Vermont, but Helen's mother wanted them close to Virginia."


• We Only Hurt the Ones We Love (IC Runaway Daria), by deneich (part 6): "No one will ever accuse me of being a huggy, touchy-feely sort of person, but, hearing the tone of Jane's voice screaming need and apology far more strongly then her words ever could; I, spontaneously, without a thought, turned and wrapped Jane in a strong, reassuring embrace. Feeling Jane tense noticeably my reaction was to lessen the intensity of the embrace – stupid acting without thinking, then, just as I was about to release my hold, Jane relaxed, Gently placed her hands on the small of my back and melted into our now mutual embrace."


• X-men: Daria’s Evolution, by Reven384 (part 5): "Quinn’s eyes darted around looking at the grey walls that held her. There was nothing else. It was almost too dark to see. She had wires and tubes coming in and out of her body. It hurt so much that she cried sometimes. But the electric shocks were worse. She did as she was told simply to avoid the electric shocks, but even without the shocks she was in constant pain."

Tennis, Anyone?

Today is Play Tennis Day, so grab your rackets and get to the courts! Daria is participating with all of her usual enthusiasm, and I'm sure Jodie--as a proud member of the tennis team--is also getting into the spirit. Unless she's busy with one of her thousands of other activities.

This is also the 14th anniversary of the original air date of "The Daria Hunter," in which Daria also participated in a paintball war with all of her usual enthusiasm. We also got to witness Brittany's unexpected skill with combat, Quinn's inability to keep a secret from her mother, and Barch and O'Neill...well, let's just pretend we never saw that, okay?

Fandom News!

• Posters commiserate about the train crash in Buenos Aires.


• Derek shared an article: Eternal copyright: a modest proposal.


• What do you think Daria and Bones have in common? What other characters can you compare between the TV shows?


• Check out two threads on alternate history: The Sidhe's suggestion and The Angst Guy's Alternate World Flea Market.


• Four new Iron Chefs have been posted in Creative Writing: BrownEyedBagel's How did we get here?, neonhomer's Ms. Li, Fhujeth_x's Strange BedFellows of Romance, and Walter Kovacs's Tom was there.

Hail to the QB!

Today is the anniversary of the birth of George Washington, born in 1732. Washington was the first president of the United States, and his duties most likely involved very little football. Still, both George and Kevin were supposedly involved in the destruction of a tree in some form, so they've got that in common.

Today is also World Thinking Day for the Girl Scouts, which Jane was (at least briefly) a member of. So observe the day by trying to think while several preteen girls sing "John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt" over and over again.

Fanfic Update!

• After the Disaster :: Chapter 5, by Fhujeth_x (parts 1 - 2.5): "Tiffany began a callous walk towards her locker. She had to leave, she had to get out of the school. She had to find some place safe, someplace where she could be herself for once, where people would accept her for who she was before the accident and knew who she was behind this emotionless mask." (Part 2) (Part 2.5)


• At the Crossroads...(Chapter 5), by oni (COMPLETE!): "Looking at the two girls, Li could see smirks on their faces. Gaining back her confidence, Li continued, 'Since your coming out,' she used her fingers to quote 'coming out', 'has become public knowledge to the entire student body, it falls to the school's responsibility to take action if any 'bullying' occurs.' The only reason Li said this was to avoid a lawsuit of any kind and the girls knew it. Despite this, it was comforting for them to know that they could alert the faculty if anything were to happen."


• At the Crossroads...(Chapter 6), by oni (part 1): "'Come on Tiffany, a deal was deal. It has been an hour since you came here, so think we should study now.' The asian girl looked to her friend with a frown and slowly replied, 'But Quinn, studying is so geeky.' 'As geeky as it may be, it beats having to repeat a year like Kevin,' Quinn said trying to reason with Tiffany."


• Clique Swap, by psychotol (part 1): "Scene Tiffany's Room. Tiffany sat in front of her mirror adjusting her makeup. Tiffany: 'Howwwwww dooooooo Iiiiiii loooooook nowwwwwwwww?' Cameraman: 'Fit.'"


• Daria - Double Down, by neonhomer (part 28): "'Daria?' came Quinn's voice from the other side. Daria sighed. 'Come.' Quinn walked into Daria's room, closing the door behind her. 'Daria? You okay?' 'Yeah. I'm fine.' 'No. You're not.' Said Quinn, pulling the chair up and sitting in front of her sister. 'Jane kissed you.'"


• Dylan, by J-D (part 1a): "'I'm glad you boys are such good brothers to each other', their mother said. 'Now, how was the rest of your day, Dylan?' Dylan picked up his glass of milk. 'Nothing I couldn't survive', he said. He took a drink. 'That's good—isn't it?'"


• The Fifth Part of 4 (Iron Chef: Sandi is in Daria's Grade), by Walter Kovacs (COMPLETE!): "Just before Daria had made it to the double doors, she heard a deep monotone voice ask 'Hey. Nice outfit. You into grunge?'. Daria turned to face the source of the voice and saw the source: a smiling taller lean brunette girl with her hair back in a ponytail who was wearing a short black dress, fishnet pantyhose and long boots."


• The Heisted and the Hostage (Iron Chef: How did we get here?), by OverlordMikey (COMPLETE!): "As I walked out into the drive way of the old motel that they had stopped at a smile crossed my lips and hope filled me. A convertible stopped in front of the motel and I ran over to it hoping for my ride out of here. I jumped into the lap of a strong and handsome man who was waiting in the back seat and the car drove oo."


• Lady Luck (Iron Chef: How did we get here?), by LadieT (COMPLETE!): "Helen decided that to make Quinn's 21st birthday one that she would never forget. She would send Quinn, Daria and a group of their old friends to Vegas."


• Lawndale 2050 (IC: There can only be ONE.....), by LadieT (COMPLETE!): "Daria looked around at the bodies lying all around her. Hoisting a semi-conscious Jane onto her shoulders, she made her way to the 'council room'. I'm glad I was able to convince Quinn to go with dad to that seminar. Damnit Jane, why wouldn't you listen to me to?"


• My New Life, by ST91 (part 4): "And so Darius told them about Jane ( who both Quinn and Jake already knew), Mack, Jodie ,and Charles . When he finished both his father and his sister sat with their mouths open in surprise. 'Darius do you realize what you did ?' asked Quinn 'I've made some friends.' 'Yes, but Darius , Jodie and Mack are the most popular couple in Lawndale High. If you hang around them , you could become popular too, even if you hang around upchuck.'"


• Sandi :: Well... This Sucks :: Chapter 5, by Fhujeth_x (COMPLETE!): "Sadly she wasn't the smartest person to graze the world with her intelligence. She was far from it - almost too far from intelligent to be able to figure out where she was. 'Why am I outside.....?' Then it dawned on her, 'WHY AM I ALMOST NAKED?!'" (Part 2) (Part 3) (Part 4)


• Tears for Sandi (Angst-Off!), by 45Ranger (COMPLETE!): "'You can't be serious!' The red head said to her. Sandi could only nod her head in shame and guilt. 'First you sleep with my husband, now you tell me you're pregnant with his child? How can you be so sure it's his?'" (Angelinhel's continuation)


• Tickled Pink (Iron Chef: And Go!), by mmmdraco (COMPLETE!): "The two girls, for they were surely girls and not the young women they'd been when he last saw them, were huddled together on the floor, also covered in the pink goo. 'What the hell happened?' Daria looked up from where she'd been hugging Jane. 'That's a bad word. My mommy says so. It's in a lot of books, though.'"


• Twisted (IC: There can only be ONE.....), by BrownEyedBagel (COMPLETE!): "Jane slowly pulled herself out of the driver side window of the overturned Tank. Upon emerging from the totaled van, the scent of charred metal and flesh filled her nostrils. She took in the scenery; you would never imagine that Lawndale once stood where this blight now stood."


• Twisted Metal “The Lawndale Edition”, by OverlordMikey (COMPLETE!): "Jane turned and say Calypso beside her; his arms held high, taking in the madness' glory. 'Hey; you owe me a wish.' 'Yes I do.' 'You know what I want...'"


• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: And Go!), by JoeMerl (COMPLETE!): "'Okay. Let's go see the damage.' 'Oh, you're overreacting,' Jane said, ringing the doorbell of Quinn's apartment. 'Quinn's babysat before, right? I'm sure the girls haven't suffered too much brain damage in just a couple of hours.'"


• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: And Go!), by RX-87 (COMPLETE!): "As he opened the door he barely had time to register the impossibility of what he saw there before a pain like nothing he had ever felt exploded between his legs."


• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: And Go!), by Vukodlak (COMPLETE!): "When Tom arrived to pick up the girls he was shocked to see Alice in red and Amy in green both dresses looking like they came out of the fourties. He hoped to god Quinn hadn't started dating Nathan."


• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Mad Dog gets therapy), by Waylander (COMPLETE!): "When they were outside and Rustmoblie started with a cough, Tom turned to Jane, 'So what's the big deal? You looked like you saw a horde of hungry zombies.' 'Worse. Military Club.'"


• We Only Hurt the Ones We Love (IC Runaway Daria), by deneich (part 5): "So, this was the real issue. They're embarrassed that they can't afford food. Well I can, and if I handle this the right way then no feelings should be hurt. 'I have a suggestion, You've given me a place for the night, let me repay your hospitality by paying for some groceries and cooking us some dinner...Okay?' Jane looked at me curiously for a moment, then exhaled and pursed her lips slightly as she crossed her arms across her chest. 'Fine, sounds like a fair arrangement. Let's get the tour underway so I can change and start my run.'"


• X-men: Daria's Evolution, by Reven384 (part 4): "'You look good for someone whose been shot.' 'Yeah it seems that my powers allow me to heal from not fatal injuries rather quickly. How are you holding up?' Jane asked seeing the look on her friend's face. 'I feel lousy,' Daria, said, 'You know as much as I ragged on them I still loved them. And they are gone.' 'I wish there was something I could do,' Jane said, 'If you need anything I'm here.'"

"Of the people, by the people...for the presidents!"

Happy Presidents Day! Washington and Lincoln may be jerks on Holiday Island, but perhaps they're just grumpy because they have to share a holiday.

Today is also the 50th anniversary of Mercury-Atlas 6 mission, in which John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth. Not a bad trip, I'd say! You can talk about the mission at the PPMB, as well.

Fandom News!

• Fhujeth_x shares something sorta icky and something cute.


• smac discusses the possibility of Daria as an overt Romantic.


• Is this the worst comic book movie ever? Post your opinion in the thread.


• Three new Iron Chefs have been posted in Creative Writing: Grifter74's Quinn of Hearts, The Angst Guy's Sandi is in Daria's Grade, and Vukodlak's And Go!

A Very Fizzy Episode

It was eleven years ago today that the episode "Fizz Ed" first aired on MTV. Not only did Daria actually make an effort to accomplish something in this one, but we also got to witness Ms. Li's total mental breakdown firsthand. How that woman kept her job is something I'll never know.

It was also on this day in 2000 that Kara Wild posted her essay, "The Off-Canon Approach." It was not just an interesting perspective on fanfic, but also a neat glimpse into the state of fandom at the time. The contrast between then and now--when many fanfics have arguably gone much further from canon than ever before--is an intriguing one.

Fanfic Update!

• The Adventures of Lobo (Scenes That Could Be - The Non-Daria Edition), by Doggieboy (part 1): "'Ship ahoy, captain!' the gorilla yelled out from the crow’s nest. 'Off the port bow!' Captain Tiberius, a large, heavily built gorilla, lifted his telescope and sighted where the watch had told him. 'Steer 330,' he told the helmsman. 'Let’s see who we have out here.'"


• After the Disaster :: Chapter Four, by Fhujeth_x (COMPLETE!): "Maybe Brooke didn't have an impact on her and Sandi after all, maybe these were the kind of girls who judged on what was on the inside and not the outside - and waited until they themselves got to know somebody before they passed judgment. Concentrating hard on her words, Tiffany prepared herself to answer Stacy, 'Tiffany...'" (Interlude)


• Alice Shadow and the Curse of the Spider Queen (Non-Daria), by peapotmaster (part 1): "My name is Alice Shadow, and I’m a female detective. Well, an intern for my father at the police station. I’m fifteen years old, and live with my dad, Detective William Shadow, and my Aunt Violet."


• Artifact in Lawndale (Crossovers Still Crossing Over), by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 1): "In the main Warehouse office Claudia Donovan was using Agent Artie Nelson's computer to design one of her inventions. Then an alert popped up. 'Artie!' she called out. 'What are you doing there!' Artie called out as he entered the office and noticed Claudia at the computer. 'None of your business, but there is an artefact alert in a town to the north of Baltimore,' Claudia said as she stood up."


• Daria - Double Down, by neonhomer (part 27): "'What the hell is going on?' Asked Tilly. Jane didn’t answer, still trying to pull away. Tilly reached up with her other arm, grabbed Jane’s bag, and pulled back and down, taking the taller girl off balance. At this time, Tilly shifted her grip, spun Jane around, and pinned her against a nearby locker, putting her arm across Jane’s chest to hold her. 'Now.. We are going to have a talk, and you’re going to participate.'"


• DW: The Many Doctors (Non-Daria), by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 6): "'So, where are we?' Felicia asked, looking at the Scanner screen as the Doctor activated it. 'The Terran colony of Ilkona, in the year 2710. It is a rather peaceful year,' the Doctor said. 'If we are here, I doubt that will remain true for much longer,' Tamsin said, cheekily."


• Dylan, by J-D (part 1): "As the car pulled up, Dylan turned his attention back from his mother’s scatter-brained analysis to his brother’s announced plans to continue watching Dylan’s back and, with those thoughts filling his mind, he propelled himself headlong from the car the exact instant it came to a stop in order to get ahead of the effect of Kris’s inevitably stagier entrance."


• Fallout Lawndale: 2289, by Vukodlak (part 5): "Slumping down in the booth they let out a collective sigh. 'So what did we learned?' Daria muttered. 'That Jack’s set up some kind of military base in the old police station' Jane noted. 'And his friends have very advanced toys.' Tom added. "


• Find Another Way to Feel (IC: Without you...), by Vukodlak (COMPLETE!): "She remembering coming home from a date with Tom, both her parents were waiting for her which was never a good sign. Thats when she found out Amy was killed in car crash, now here she was four days later just home from the funeral."


• The Hole (IC: Without you...), by DeacBlue (COMPLETE!): "Without looking up, Daria could picture her mother's mouth pressed into a firm line and her arms crossed over her chest. 'And we're going to help him relieve his stress by going on a camping trip like we used to, well, long ago.' Daria continued reading her book. 'I wish you the best of luck. Tell me how it went when you get back.'"


• Homeless Daria Episode 4: Cafe Dispossessedo, by RX-87 (part 6): "'We have to do what?' Jane blurted out, incredulously. 'That's right, Jane!' O'Neill beamed, oblivious to her averse reaction to the news. 'The charges are being dropped and starting tomorrow you two will be working at alt.lawndale.com! I arranged it all with the owner, Mr. Salaam. It was easy, since we know each other from the Interfaith Council. He's the head of the local Muslim Businessmen's Association, you know.'"


• John Lane 52: From the Last Step to the First, by RLobinske (part 10): "'Rub your feet when we get home?' 'You're on, mister. Here's hoping we don't have any last minute visitors.' John sighed. 'I wish you hadn't said that.' 'Superstitious?' Daria said. The door opened and a woman entered. John looked up and said, 'Mom?'"


• The Last Lady Standing (IC: There can only be ONE.....), by OverlordMikey (COMPLETE!): "'Jane...' 'Daria...' 'I’ll let you leave alive if you just go now.' 'No can do Amiga; he was my boyfriend.' 'You know that means nothing during the mating season.'"


• Last Man Standing (IC: There can only be ONE.....), by JoeMerl (part 1): "Upchuck blew the whistle, and the three leapt forward to attack! Slap slap slap! 'Ow! Ooh!' 'Hey! You're hitting too hard!' 'Agh!' Each boy was using one hand to slap at each of the others, while at the same time trying to deflect their blows with a slap of their own. The result was...less than impressive."


• My New Life, by ST91 (parts 2 and 3): "'Who's the lucky guy ? Mack again ?' 'No it's not Mack. He is a new guy who moved here from Texas two days ago . His name is Darius .' 'And how did you meet him?' Ok, here comes the difficult part, thought Jane ; to tell her brother what had happened the day before." (Part 3)


• Never Judge a Book (IC: Without you...), by ThanatosRW (COMPLETE!): "Quinn Morgandorffer was something of an enigma to the Fashion Club. While the girl was pretty cute, she really put no real effort into her appearance. Usually the girl wore a old tan jacket with a small pendant, but looking at what her family drove and their house, it seemed ridiculous to think that she couldn't afford any nicer clothes."


• Sandi :: Well... This Sucks :: Chapter 4, by Fhujeth_x (COMPLETE!): "Tonight was the night for the big dance. It was all over the school that day and the Fashion Club, as well as the rest of the Senior Class was more than thrilled about it [except Joey, Jeffy, and Jamie, all of which didn't get to go of their girl of choice]." (Part 3) (Part 3.5) (Part 4)


• Scrunchie (IC: There can only be ONE.....), by Angelinhel (COMPLETE!): "The team bus was listing sharply to one side and I managed to turn my head to see the large pine tree that had prevented it from flipping all the way over. Several of the thick lower branches had pierced through the bus' windows."


• Swordfighting (IC: There can only be ONE.....), by Smijey (COMPLETE!): "Jamie watched intently as he waited for Quinn to give the thumbs up (sparing Joey and Jeffy's life), or the thumbs down (which would seal their fate)."


• Unnamed story (IC: There can only be ONE.....), by Brother Grimace (COMPLETE!): "Mack, looking hot and sinister in jet-black leather, held his pistol steady as he aimed at his final competitor. 'Sorry to stop you in your tracks, rich boy,' he said, 'but Daria's in the mood for a Big Mack attack.'"


• Unnamed story (IC: There can only be ONE.....), by Vukodlak (COMPLETE!): "'This the end Jeffry, I'm going to rip yout apart and then Quinn will be all mine!' Joey screamed pounding his sword on his shield. 'Not if I impale you first!' yelled Jamie holding up his spear."


• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Quinn of Hearts), by Grifter74 (COMPLETE!): ""You're serious about being a doctor?" Daria asked. 'I hate to burst your bubble, but that's a lot of school, before you even start at a hospital.' 'You're the smartest person I know, can't you help? Isn't there some trick to make understanding this easier?' Quinn begged as she waved the book at Daria."


• Unnamed story (Scenes no Daria fanfic should have: Last Friday Night!), by Greystar (COMPLETE!): "Quinn answeres the door. Two men are standing there, one about Quinn's age, the other obviously the father."


• The Unusual Suitor (IC: There can only be ONE.....), by neonhomer (COMPLETE!): "'Three... two... one... FIGHT!' came Matilda’s voice over the PA. The crowd went silent, waiting in anticipation of the first shot. They didn’t have to wait long. Upchuck popped his head above the rocks, and quickly ducked back down as a shot rang out."


• X-men: Daria’s Evolution, by Reven384 (part 3): "'Some of you don’t have anywhere else to go. Some of you do. I’d like to extend the offer to join the X-men. We can provide you a safe haven to learn how to use your powers,' Scott said."

She Shoots, She Scores!

Happy birthday to Michael Jordan, retired (maybe) basketball player and name change inspiration for Mack's father. I'm a little surprised that, as far as I know, Mack never got a basketball-related alter ego. Then again, maybe he threatened pain and suffering on any artist who dared attempt it.

This is also the anniversary of the first airing of the musical episode "Daria!" in 1999. Love it or hate it, there's no denying that those songs can get stuck in your head for hours.

Fandom News!

• Deref and others commemorate the bombing of Darwin 70 years ago.


• Erin M. posted a new Fugitive from the Thought Police video: America, Shut the F**k Up.


• Discuss an essay posted in Deep Thoughts: "How to Tell if You're an American."


• Which Daria characters do you think have tattoos? And how many of them got their tattoos out of a magazine?


• Daria writes for Huffington Post! See the article and join the discussion in the thread.


• aqualeap wants to know, what the hell is the "land of the Muffys"?


• Dervish wonders if she should recommend Persepolis.


• Three new Iron Chefs posted in the Creative Writing forum: BF110C4's To kill a Mockingbird, JPAGC's Helen is made Partner, and Fhujeth_x's There can only be ONE......

Tut, Tut, You Lazy Overachiever!

On this day in 1923, King Tut's tomb was opened and explored. Jodie is dressed--and drawn--for the occasion, and I think that's as motionless as anyone is ever likely to see her.

Also on this day, the episode "Arts N' Crass" aired for the first time in 1998. There weren't really any tombs in it, although I could see Brittany coming up with a "Don't Get Buried in Tombs" poster theme for the art contest. If only she could find her lipstick.

Fanfic Update!

• After the Disaster :: Chapter Three, by Fhujeth_x (COMPLETE!): "Clenching her perfectly manicured hands she felt the rage boil up inside of her but when she tried to release it, she couldn't. Tiffany laid back on her bed trying to feel something more than the unfathomable anger and sorrow that leaked inside her but nothing more happened."


• After the Disaster :: Chapter Four, by Fhujeth_x (parts 1 - 3): "Night had come and gone just like Tiffany's hopes and dreams had come in and out. Like every breath she took she counted in the back of hr mind when her sanity would return and when her hopefulness would give her a reason to wake up. She had no one to turn to or talk to, except herself." (Part 2) (Part 3)


• And Then it Happened :: Chap 1, by Fhujeth_x (parts 4 and 5): "'Tiffany, please - this is serious.' Stacy glanced around some more trying get a better grasp of what was going on, 'If we aren't careful we might be...'" (Part 5)


• Being Red (Angst Off Round 2), by mmmdraco (COMPLETE!): "I wonder again if my father has always been this lecherous, or if it has been a gradual change that happened while my mom was pregnant. A whole 9 months of no sex, and then your kid is born a redhead. You get a DNA test to prove he's yours because you've got black hair and your wife's a brunette. But it's proven. I'm a Ruttheimer. And I'd give a hell of a lot to change that."


• Brittany’s Second Sight (IC: Without you...), by OverlordMikey (COMPLETE!): "Twilight was just beginning to fade when he asked again. 'Brit; I know it doesn’t take this long to get to school.' A dark smile crept across my face; I knew I should turn around, but jealousy had always been one of my vices - and a hypocritical one at that."


• C! True Lawndale Story, by TheExcellentS (COMPLETE!): "Josh: 'Ever since I started I "won" this Internet Championship, I've been receiving videos from all sorts of LFC fighters looking to challenge me for the belt. I mean, I'm a busy man. I don't have a lot of time for these. But I'll let you decide if they're worthy for a shot.'"


• Daria and Jane, meet Daria and Jane (Rude Awakening X-Tra: You meeting You), by DIsaac (COMPLETE!): "JANE: Hey Amiga? DARIA: Yeah. JANE: Is that your Aunt Amy? DARIA: Actually no. That's not Aunt Amy and remember she left to go back to DC earlier today. Wait a second that other one looks like you. JANE: Daria, I think you need to stay out of my brother's stash box."


• Daria - Double Down, by neonhomer (part 26): "The room was dimly lit, and cold. Jane looked around the room, trying to find out where she was. There was a faint sound of air moving, but nothing else. She walked a small circle, looking at the room. 'What I wouldn’t give for a flashlight.' She said half aloud."


• The Ecclesiazusae of the Fashion Club (Orphaned Plot Bunny), by Roentgen: "'Weeeeeeee're resssssenteddddd....' Tiffany moaned. 'Resentment by the Dateless Class is the right kind of resentment.' 'Hey,' Quinn said. 'I think I have an idea.' 'Go on.'"


• End Of Fear, by BrownEyedBagel (part 3): "Tiffany kept Crowe tight against her body as she made her way to the kill. He had been present at her other two victories and had earned the right to be here. A cold resolve took her as she drew closer to her enemy. Just like the other two, this roach deserved his fate."


• Fallout Lawndale: 2289, by Vukodlak (part 4): "'Jack can I talk to you for a minute I need to ask a favor?' Something had been on Tom’s mind sense last night. And he hoped Jack would be willing to help him out. 'What’s on your mind?' 'Can you teach me how to fight?'"


• The Final Showdown (Scenes no Daria fanfic should have: Last Friday Night!), by Charles RB (COMPLETE!): "'My dear Mrs. Bennett. As an INFORMED consumer, you should know that non-dairy creamer offers NO SUSTENANCE whatsoever... and NEITHER DOES THAT OFFER!' DeMartino turned to Trent and yelled: 'ENOUGH! I say it's time TO BLOW THAT FUCKER LI DOWN!'"


• Into The Night (IC: Without you...), by neonhomer (COMPLETE!): "As he was closing the door, he paused, saying 'I miss her too.' He closed the door and walked away. 'So do I.' said Jane. She sighed, and flopped down onto the bed, and began to cry. A familiar green jacket was beside her. She grabbed it, and held it tightly. After a few minutes, she sat up. 'I can't do this anymore.'"


• It Shouldn't Happen That Way...... (IC: Without you...), by DIsaac (COMPLETE!): "He had hopes. He had dreams. He was her love. He was a QB. they were ready to head to college. Follow her dream of Being a Cheerleader at a big time college and his to be a QB there as well. It can't be this way."


• Janet of Hearts (A genderswap never before done), by ThanatosRW (COMPLETE!): "Hal sighed, 'Janet, I'm begging you, please calm down. You just had a heart attack and if you keep this up, your going to have another. Don't you at least want to live long enough to see our daughters graduate? I'm worried.'"


• Jodie, meet Jodie (Rude Awakening X-Tra: You meeting You), by DIsaac (COMPLETE!): "RA JODIE: I think you better sit down with what I'm about to tell you. JODIE: What could that be? RA JODIE: That I'm you. JODIE: And I think your crazy."


• Justice For Jane (1,001 Deaths of Tom Sloane - Part II), by BrownEyedBagel (COMPLETE!): "He lay there trying to catch his breath. This had to be a bad dream. Any moment now he would wake up and all the pain would be gone. If this was a real life attempt on his life he would already be dead. Who uses the flat end of a hatchet? Who even would use one at less than full strength?"


• Kevin, meet Kevin (Rude Awakening X-Tra: You meeting You), by DIsaac (COMPLETE!): "KEVIN: Hey.....wait a second. Are you me? RA KEVIN: I was about to ask the same thing. Are you me from back in the day? KEVIN and RA KEVIN: AWESOME!!!!!!!!!"


• Little Runaway (IC Runaway Daria), by DeacBlue (COMPLETE!): "She sniffled a bit, then her eyes narrowed. The shorter blonde had disappeared! Just as she was about to back away and go back to her cave, she heard a feminine voice behind her. 'Mind telling me why you were spying on us?'"


• My New Life, by ST91 (part 1): "'Quinn , can I ask you a question?' 'Sure. What is it ?' 'Why do you want to spend so much time with me ?'"


• The Problem is... (IC: Without you...), by OverlordMikey (COMPLETE!): "I have no excuse for it, but I do. It’s why she left me - ever since that incident I’ve been a shell. I’ve always been useless, but even useless people had a place. Now I waste space in a damn office wishing for a way to go back..."


• The Promise (IC: Without you...), by LadieT (COMPLETE!): "'I know this has been hard on you Jane - but maybe talking to someone would help. I mean I know that Daria knew how good of a relationship the two of you had, but I don't. Jane - what was it like to have a sibling you got along with?'"


• A Quiet Night (IC: Without you...), by InvisibleDan (COMPLETE!): "'Daria, I'm going to have to go back to the office. Eric says that the witnesses in the microwavable ketchup lawsuit are about to change their stories. I'm going to leave you some money so you can order a pizza. Is that okay?' That damned word again. 'Yeah, it's okay.'"


• Return of the Runaway 01 (IC Runaway Daria), by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 1): "'Girls, , I just want you to know your mother and I realize it's not easy moving to a whole new town -- especially for you, Quinn, right?' Jake asked. 'Did we move?' his 14 1/2 year old daughter, Quinn, asked, sarcastically, from the back seat."


• Ring-a-Ling, by Doggieboy (COMPLETE!): "Before rereading some of his 'victories', he checked his inbox to see if the school or school board had contacted him, then noticed a letter listed as coming from 'Hot Lawndale Teen' with the subject of 'Ring-a-Ling'. A smirk appeared on his face and he opened the letter."


• Runaway Daria: Fallout Lawndale Edition (IC Runaway Daria), by Vukodlak (parts 1 and 2): "'I don't have a home.' She sniffed back a tear and watched as her feet dug into the ground. 'You were headed to Little Lamplight?' He asked picking the map she dropped. 'Yes Sir.' she answered hesitantly. She'd thought the Lone Wanderer was just a story her father made up it was a little intimidating standing before him. 'Well I suppose I'll just have to take you there.' He said tussling her hair." (Part 2)


• Sandi :: Well... This Sucks :: Chapter 3, by Fhujeth_x (COMPLETE!): "'I swear I waxed last night...' She thought to herself as she wrapped a towel around her hair and body, 'I know I did...' Bending down she checked in her mother's garbage can for her waxing strips she had used the previous night and sure enough, they were there. Which meant she waxed and her legs were hairy, again... and she needed to wax again." (Part 3) (Part 4)


• Sandi :: Well... This Sucks :: Chapter 4, by Fhujeth_x (part 1): "Sandi scowled. She was planning to wear blue too. 'Stacy. I'm planning to wear blue to this dance. Remember?' Stepping closer to Stacy she put up a more intimidating look, feeling a rush of power surge through her veins, 'Unless you think you could wear it better than me.'"


• Save the Last Trance for Me, by jtranser: "'No, Daria, I didn't lie to you. The way back to being Dr. Daria Morgendorffer, Dream Shrink and respected authority in the field, does exist. And so, You are here. Let's run the list, O.K.? First, Your Avatar...'"


• She is Us, and We are Her (IC: Without you...), by Angelinhel (COMPLETE!): "I didn't know her. Staring down into the casket, it broke the last piece my heart that none of us did. Even now, after a week of sleepless nights spent silently sobbing into a pillow, after countless days wearing a hollow smile as I went through the motions at school, I couldn't remember her name."


• ST: ANC: A Time of Terror (Non-Daria), by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 2): "'You would be scared too, Yolanda, when someone disappears right next to you without a transporter signal, and I also can't raise Dacet or Salz,' Hallia said. 'Is the tricorder still reading our lifesigns, and the route to engineering? Try to meet us there,' Yolanda said. 'I will try,' Hallia said, she then began to run in the direction of the freighter's engineering section."


• The Timothy Hunter (Mr. O'Neill, Asshole), by Smijey (COMPLETE!): "'Oh, shut up!' Ms. Barch chided, tired of him picking on a female student. 'Feisty!' Mr. O'Neill growled, in an eerie imitation of Upchuck. All the female students stepped back from him several paces."


• Upchuck (Angst Off Round 2), by OverlordMikey (COMPLETE!): "I thought about it as I laid down next to Andrea; my sweet mistress of the night, enjoying the afterglow and emotions of my first and possibly last time. I opened my mouth to speak, but the only words that left my lips where: 'Why?'"


• We Only Hurt the Ones We Love (IC Runaway Daria), by deneich (parts 3 and 4): "Having proceeded only a few steps a flash of orange exiting the restaurant stopped Daria dead in her tracks. Just like from the TV show four months prior, the same orange hair, it was her Sister...Quinn." (Part 4)


• With An "Uh", And An "Um", by mmmdraco (part 21): "Jane sat down on the couch and shrugged. 'We were... talking. I met him at a bowling alley, we were both miserable at it, but we had fun. He asked if I wanted to go to an all-night pancake place with him, and next thing I know? We were actually there all night. You could have punched me in the face as I noticed the sunrise and I'm not sure which one would have shocked me more.'"


• X-men: Daria’s Evolution, by Reven384 (parts 1 and 2): "A young African American woman walked through the door and he recognized her as both a student at Daria’s school and his contact with the Hellfire Club. 'Hello Jodie,' he said. 'Hell Jacob,' she said smiling pleasantly, 'Everything is good on my end. We want Daria. You can have Quinn.' 'You can have your plans. As long as I get Quinn,' he said smiling." (Part 2)

"Everything is cool. Everything is love, baby."

Happy Valentine's Day! And what could be more romantic than a horrifying, way-too-revealing image of Upchuck as Cupid?

Today is also Half-Price-Candy-Day Eve, and for those who like a little less eye-gouging horror on their holidays, here's a bunch of Valentine's Day-themed fanfic for you to enjoy.

• Acts of Cupidity by Disco 3:16


• The Bear and the Unicorn by Brother Grimace


• A Bitter Aftertaste by Dennis


• Daria/Dorian: Love Rescue Me by Di


• Pause in the Air: Family Affairs by The Angst Guy


• The Secret Life by The Angst Guy


• The Valentine Crush by LILJELLYB AND T1TANIC111


• Valentine's Day by Deref


• A Valentine’s Day to Remember by Galen Hardesty

Also, here's a bonus Valentine's Day picture created by S.C. Don't worry; it's way easier on the eyes than that alter ego of Upchuck.

"Spin, damn you, spin!"

Today is Clean out Your Computer Day, so start clearing out those virtual dust bunnies! Jake tried using soap and water to clean his, so stay out of his way for a while if you don't want to get ranted at.

Fandom News!

• Don't forget that the next Virtual Dariacon is less than three weeks away!


• Fans of A Clockwork Orange, talk about the book and/or the movie in a new thread!


• Staticblast needs help finding the name of a game.


• Erin M. posted his first online video: An Open Letter to Walmart.


• WTF is up with Grammy fashions this year? Post opinions and pictures in the thread.


• Check out what the Nostalgia Chick has to say about Trent!


• LadieT posted a new Iron Chef in the Creative Writing forum: A Different Quinn?

Kevin Will Never Call Him "Mack Daddy" Again! Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!

Today is National Inventors' Day, in honor of the anniversary of Thomas Edison's birth in 1847. So go ahead and invent something! Not a folding coffee cup, though--that's already been done.

Fanfic Update!

• After the Disaster :: Chapter Three, by Fhujeth_x (parts 2 and 3): "Sandi leaned over the sink and applied a new coat of lipstick, 'I think she is just shy or something.' The Fashion Club President shrugged, "Whatever." Pausing Sandi looked at Stacy, 'We should finish interviewing her, unless you think her lack of personality would be better left to the birds.' Opening a bag, Stacy pulled out a notebook and began to write down some things, 'I think we should finish interviewing her...'" (Part 3)


• At the Crossroads...(Chapter 5), by oni (part 3): "The classroom intercom came on with the voice of Ms. Li that filled the room. 'Would Miss Rowe and Miss Griffin please come to the front office, now?' As soon as the message ended, Sandi knew that Brooke was somehow behind it. Stacy turned around in her chair and looked Sandi with fear in eyes. In a whisper, Sandi said, 'Everything will be ok, so don’t worry.'"


• The Author as a Lesbian, Season 5, by DeacBlue (COMPLETE!): "'What's wrong?' Jen asked, having just entered the room. 'Oh, the usual. Jane's crying over milk that isn't only spilt, but has dried and gone way past its expiration date.' 'Ah.' Jen kissed her wife softly. 'Jen, you have to get over it. We decided that if the situation changed, it was worth it. Unfortunately, the situation changed.'" (IICY?)


• A Cardboard Box (IC: Without you...), by InvisibleDan (COMPLETE!): "When Daria did come back to school, she acted the same as before, but there was something different about her. All of the sarcastic comments she used to make about other kids at school dried up. She didn't hang out at my place too much, and I had to drag her to get pizza. I knew what had happened, but I didn't want to ask her about it. If I did, I was sure she would retreat to her padded bedroom and I wouldn't see her for a long time, if I ever saw her again."


• Cold Comfort (IC: Without you...), by thatLONERchick (COMPLETE!): "She stared herself in the eye, the mirror throwing dingy light back on her tired face, and the deep blue of her irises were muddy with lack of sleep. There were dirty smudges under her eyes and her skin was pale, hair mussed from lack of attention. She was wrong. But it did not matter now."


• A Different Fashion (IC Runaway Daria), by ThanatosRW (part 1): "'I'm sorry Qu-winn, I cannot accept you into the Fashion Club.'"


• Fall (Scenes That Should Be: Breakfast of Zombie Champions), by thatLONERchick and Jim North (COMPLETE!): "The wind blew harder, and Henrietta swayed. A deep breath was drawn and expelled as she looked back on her life, and found herself dissatisfied. She had been pretty, once. Pretty and young and happy. She had fallen in love and married a handsome young man, and given him a daughter. Life was perfect, then. But that life had been taken away."


• John Lane 52: From the Last Step to the First, by RLobinske (parts 8 and 9): "Hearing voices near the entrance, Daria said, 'We have company.' A woman's voice reached them just before the guests were visible, 'Eric!' 'That's not good,' John said as he saw Helen's boss Eric and his wife Harriet enter the gallery." (Part 9)


• My Little Mercenaries - Nightmare (Non-Daria), by Jim North (part 1): "'There is a threat to the queendom that I wish you to investigate and, if possible and necessary, eliminate.' Celestia finished a line, then moved the parchment to a growing stack next to her even as she pulled a fresh sheet over to begin anew. 'I have received reports that a being calling itself Nightmare has been attempting to sow dissent amongst my people.'"


• Quinn Spirit Detective, by Reven384 (part 9): "Quinn was in the hallway and got lost in the crowd of people. She started to look for Stacy. It wouldn’t do for her friend to be woo’d by his non-existent charms. Her cell phone started ringing and she answered it. 'Hello this is Quinn,' she said. 'Hello Quinn,' Charles said, 'I have Stacy.'"


• Rise of the Green Goblin, by Jim North (part 4): "Eventually they would all know her and know that Lawndale was protected from the depredations of evil. For the moment, however, she had to content herself with the knowledge that at least she and Aunt Amy would be protected from the horrifying specter of not having enough milk in the fridge."


• Sandi :: Well... This Sucks :: Chapter 2, by Fhujeth_x (COMPLETE!): "The smell had returned. Except this time it was even more putrid, more gross, more epically disgusting than Sandi could even imagine. How? It was right next to her. 'Hey! So, how'd you do that?' It was Kevin, the QB. He sat down next to the Fashionistas and pulled out his bagged lunch with a grin, 'Are you really like Rat Boy?'" (Part 4)


• Sandi :: Well... This Sucks :: Chapter 3, by Fhujeth_x (part 1): "Sandi made her way over to the light and flipped it on, illuminating the room in all it's brightness again. Reaching for her silver bracelets [of which she hoped to put back on] she took them in her hands, only to once again feel the malicious sting upon her skin, 'Like what the HELL?' She shouted, nearly growling in rage, tossing the jewelry to the floor, 'I got those from Spain!'"


• Stacy, meet Stacy (Rude Awakening X-Tra: Dreams), by DIsaac (COMPLETE!): "RA STACY: Damn, what am I doing here? I tried to avoid going reunions at all cost you know! I mean don't I have one every DAY when I go to work! I MUST be here for SOME reason! (at that moment some girl with pigtails comes running in crying) RA STACY: It better not be who I think it is? Is that ME?"


• Student Bodies (Scenes no Daria fanfic should have: Last Friday Night!), by thatLONERchick (COMPLETE!): "Daria stood in her tank top, a pair opf black spandex booty shorts and knee pads. The music stopped abruptly and she pulled a pair of large, round black shades from behind her back. They snapped onto the front of her glasses and she nodded. 'Check it.'"


• This Fic Sucks (IC: A Different Quinn?), by Reven384 (COMPLETE!): "'Remember girls,' her father said, 'You should give these people a chance.' 'People suck,' Quinn said giggling obscenely."


• We Only Hurt the Ones We Love (IC Runaway Daria), by deneich (part 2): "The Realtor replied, her pleasant smile quickly transforming into a full blown ear-to-ear grin. 'The Morgandorffers not only gave me permission, they left a stack of printed sheets with all their new information: address, phone numbers, new employers...the whole nine yards. Just give me a minute to remember where I put them. Okay Miss...I'm sorry, I didn't ask your name.'"

Remembering a Good Friend

It's Umbrella Day! Andrea is...well, going by the look on her face, "celebrating" isn't the right word. Andrea is tolerating the holiday, anyway.

On a sadder note, it was on this day in 2008 that longtime Daria fan and beloved member of fandom ahmygoddess passed away. You are still remembered and missed, friend.

Fandom News:

• Post your favorites in the big stupid quotes thread. Sorry, "anything uttered by Kevin Thompson" doesn't count.


• What are your preferred alternatives to Microsoft Office?


• Spin the wheel to play Pascal's Roulette!


• Share your favorite Jake Morgendorffer scenes in the thread.


• House is being cancelled--what are your thoughts?


• Share your videos or thoughts on cartoons you don't remember much about.


• Vote in the poll and post in the discussion: Hallowed Halls of Fielding: Tom vs. Clayton!


• Wassersauefer posted a new Iron Chef in the Creative Writing forum: Without you....


• greedxed is looking for fics by Naomi.