"I want chocolate, dammit!"

Daria and Tom have the right idea today for National Chocolates Day, and I have little doubt Mrs. Johanssen is celebrating as well. Assuming she found a chocolate seller with fewer scruples than Daria, anyway.

Fanfic Update!

• Daria: College Pains The Sophomore Year, by James the Lesser (part 13): "Conner is stunned. 'Really? So you're not stopping the spy stories?' Daria closes her eyes as he start to massage her shoulders. 'I'm not. Just getting rid of the cold war stuff. New decade, new enemy. And Melody is killed off by some one even better than her.'"


• Extended Family: A Thanksgiving Story, by Zetor (COMPLETE!): "Stacy paced the length of Quinn's small dorm room for what felt like the hundredth time. 'I don't know Quinn. I mean do we really have to tell them? What if they freak out? What if they say they won't pay for college anymore and kick us out and we have to live on the streets and wear those icky rags and eat—'"


• Guertena's exhibit at Lawndale, by Rémi (part 3): "'Quinn? Somebody? Isn't there anybody left in this damn museum?' Nobody answered Daria's call. Her eyes were slowly adapting to the semi-darkness, but she didn't see anyone: all visitors seemed to have disappeared."


• I'm (Not) With the Band, by Kristen Bealer (part 2): "'Hey, we're Minimum Rage,' Trent said into his microphone. 'We're hardcore, we're serious about our music, and--' 'And we're desperate for gigs,' Claudia added."


• Invader Quinn, by Anguirus1955 (part 8): "Quinn grimaced as the camera flashed. 'Okay, next!' the photographer said as Quinn got up and walked away from the auditorium stage. 'Stupid human picture day,' she muttered as she walked past several students waiting in line to have their pictures taken."


• Night Witches, by Panzerfaust 150 (part 11): "The German countryside looked forlorn and barren in the cold dark night, punctuated by flashes of explosions and artillery fire and fast moving shooting stars that punctuated the passing of a missile, or a jet fighter."


• Unnamed story (IC Runaway Daria), by Waylander (part 3): "Ch'od stared down at the three-dimensional board with no expression on his green scaly face except for the flaring nostrils."


• Unnamed story (Iron Chef : MMORPG, Lawndale style), by Waylander (part 9): "Darlene's worries were completely unfounded. The Major of Drammarstadt wasn't going to offer her a world-changing quest. It was merely a business proposition."

I Bet You Stacy Won't Last Ten Seconds

The Fashion Club have their game faces on for Black Friday shopping, but I think they might lose their nerve when they start getting jostled by the crowds.

Instead, why not celebrate Buy Nothing Day? I suspect the girls would succumb to withdrawal, but I think it sounds pretty good.

Fandom News!

• The Weather Channel recently featured a very Daria-esque programming choice.


• Talk about the upcoming SyFy adaptation of Childhood's End.

Swing and a Miss!

Mr. O'Neill is even more bobble-headed than usual because today is the anniversary of Joe DiMaggio's birth in 1914.

Interesting connection for the two of them: in one of the Daria books: we see Mr. O'Neill using a writing exercise to try to help him remember students' names. It doesn't work, but his example for Jodie is Joe DiMaggio. Because it starts with "Joe Di," get it? Yeah, it's dumb. Welcome to Mr. O'Neill.

Fanfic Update!

• I'm (Not) With the Band, by Kristen Bealer (part 1): "'It's gonna happen, man,' Trent told his friend. 'Cool,' Jesse said, nodding. Then he looked up. 'Huh?' 'The band,' Trent reminded him. 'We're finally going to start up a band and get rich and famous. We're almost there, you know?'"


• Lawndale 2021, by Anguirus1955 (parts 23 and 24): "Quinn gasped. 'Aw, that poor kitty!' 'What about a kitty?' Daria asked as she entered the living room and headed for the kitchen. 'A kitten that had its brain transferred into a robot body died from a hairball messing with its circuits. It's just so sad!' Quinn explained." (Part 24)


• Too Nice (Scenes No Daria Fan-Fic Should Have: The Madness Sets In), by Zetor (COMPLETE!): "'Mommy doesn't like her misfit daughter I take it? If you want I can take off and we can just hang out later.' Daria shook her head. 'No, it's fine. She can just be a little... aggressive sometimes.'"

It's a Nutty, Nutty, Nutty Blog Anniversary!

Jake's contemplating his favorite nut for National Cashew Day, and if cashews have hijacked your brain then head on over to It's a Nutty, Nutty, Nutty World and pick up a bag. Remember: if they don't smile, the nuts are free!

Today is also the eighth anniversary of this very blog, as The Angst Guy began the Daria Fandom Blog II on this day in 2007. He may not be actively contributing to it anymore, but his creation is still going strong.

Fandom News!

• Can you help figure out why the PPMB keeps crashing lately? Also, there's now a thread to post PPMB errors you've seen.


• Kem wonders if she has a dental problem or a sinus problem.


• Join the discussion about the first interracial kiss on TV.

That Goth

Andrea looks less than thrilled to wish actress Marlo Thomas a happy 78th birthday. Thomas was known for her role in That Girl, which Andrea is portraying very unwillingly.

This is also False Confession Day, so if anyone else wants to admit to killing Kevin in "Murder, She Snored," then now would be the time.

Fanfic Update!

• Daria: College Pains The Sophomore Year, by James the Lesser (part 12): "Conner watches the snow hit harder and harder. He and Daria had finished dinner with his family and had been thinking of leaving."


• Guertena's exhibit at Lawndale, by Rémi (parts 1 and 2): "It was an ordinary saturday afternoon in Lawndale. Daria was trying to exit the Morgendorffer household without drawing unwanted attention, when her mother, having seen her put her boots, asked : – Where are you going, Daria ?" (Part 2)


• Invader Quinn, by Anguirus1955 (part 8): "'Okay, now as part of our economic studies, we're going to be taking a field trip to the Millennium Mall tomorrow so that we can observe the various components of the economy in action, with supply, demand, customers, and advertising, and so on and so forth,' Mrs. Bennett said."


• Lawndale 2021, by Anguirus1955 (part 22): "Amy Barksdale opened the cupboard to grab a pack of coffee grounds. She noticed that the cupboard was almost empty. There was one half-empty box and one unopened box left. She sighed as she retrieved a small brewing-cup and inserted it into her coffee machine."

Smoking Upside-Down Doesn't Make It Healthier!

Mr. DeMartino had better put out the cigarette, because today's the Great American Smokeout and he should probably think about quitting, anyway. I can't imagine those things are doing his already-shaky health any favors.

You can also celebrate Have a Bad Day Day if you want, but I don't recommend it. Daria would probably say that every day is a bad day for her, but I think any day with pizza in it can't be all bad.

Fandom News!

• RLobinske has a reminder about swearing in embedded media.


• Take a look at Buzzfeed's visual take on Daria, as well as other animated characters.


• Discuss the upcoming new season of The Bridge.

And Knead Bread...Whenever You Feel Like It!

Helen's hard at work for Homemade Bread Day, but if I were her I'd just break out that bread machine. I don't like to eat bread with souls, anyway.

Once you've got your bread in the oven, it's time to go out and enjoy nature for Take A Hike Day! I'm sure Mr. DeMartino will be happy to come along, but don't eat any glitterberries while you're out there.

Fanfic Update!

• Invader Quinn, by Anguirus1955 (part 7): "Daria looked across the table at Stacey, who was wearing her new X-Scope goggles. Stacey had ordered them a week earlier from Crop Circle Magazine, and they had arrived on Friday."


• National Cynic's Family Reunion (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by Anguirus1955 (COMPLETE!): "I hate Texas, Daria Morgendorffer thought to herself she drove the car past the state line. I was hoping I would never come back here. And yet, half of Dad's family had to live here."

You Could Even Recycle Your Fridge!

The Fashion Club is working hard for America Recycles Day, or rather Stacy is working and Sandi is supervising. Be sure to recycle today, and I don't just mean wearing the same outfit more than once!

While you're at it, you might want to take a look at your fridge for Clean Your Refrigerator Day, too. Try not to think too much about what that red stuff might be.

Fandom News!

• Discuss the recent tragedy in Paris, with a separate, related thread for political discussions about the attacks.


• Talk about the new movie The Martian in the Weapons of Mass Distraction forum.

Eep!

Today is a bad day to be superstitious, because it's Friday the 13th! Watch out for broken mirrors and indoor umbrellas, and especially watch out for Upchuck on the prowl. Then again, that's good advice every day of the year.

Fanfic Update!

• Invader Quinn, by Anguirus1955 (parts 5 and 6): "Quinn rolled her eyes as she listened to Mr. Deckard, one of the science teachers at Lawndale High, hand out the class's homework assignment. 'Remember, this is due by Monday. You have tomorrow and the rest of the weekend to work on it, so no excuses for not having it done,' Mr. Deckard said." (Part 6)


• Lawndale 2021, by Anguirus1955 (part 21): "'Say that again,' Sparks requested over the microphone. 'We're sending down some Navy Seals to investigate a missing submarine in the area. With tensions running high lately between China, Russia, and the members of the United Nations, we're just taking precautions,' said the man on the screen."

A Salute to Veterans

Mack is saluting not only George S. Patton, who was born on this day in 1885, but all veterans because today is also Veteran's Day. Thank you to all who served and still serve today.

Fandom News!

• Kara Wild has a question for PPMBers from the UK.


• Dervish wants to know if anyone is on IMVU or another "metaverse" site.


• Do you have recipes that use cherries, lemons, or both? Share in the thread!


• What do you think of the Kickstarter to fund a new season of MST3K?

So THAT'S Why They Call Him "Mad Mack"!

Mack's concocting something especially good for Inventors' Day, although it might just be a potion that will stop Kevin from calling him "Mack Daddy" once and for all. Or one that will force Jodie to scale back on the overachieving and actually spend more than five minutes with him. Either way, the kid seems to be having fun!

Fanfic Update!

• Daria Universe (I Dare You to Continue This), by neonhomer (part 1): "Jane sighed and pulled a spiral notebook out of her bag. 'Okay, Trent wants to exchange songs with "The Holidays".' 'So why are we going?'"


• Evicted, by breitasparrow (part 1): "Wal-Mart had reconstructed itself in South Park since its demise, and the civilians were once again left with no other places to shop. Stan went with his mom to buy some groceries, and when they got to the checkout, it took incredibly long for the clerk to ring up their purchases."


• Invader Quinn, by Anguirus1955 (parts 3 and 4): "Quinn reclined back in her seat as she watched a procession of data stream down her computer monitors. She looked over at GIR, who was busy eating some kind of Earth confection." (Part 4)

I Read, Therefore I Am

Daria is set for Book Lovers Day, and I hope you are, too! Knowing this fandom, I'm sure everyone's celebrating this one.

Still, if you need some ideas for reading material , may I suggest Albert Camus, who was born on this day in 1913? If you do, make sure you remember to coordinate your wardrobe first. I recommend "pseudo-intellectual poser with accessories from the street fair."

Fandom News!

• Guess who got an honorable mention on the list of Top 10 Social Awkward cartoon Characters.


• PrecambrianStudios posted a new challenge in Creative Writing: I Dare You to Continue This.


• Meester_Lee has a question about crossovers.

Remember, Remember....

Guy Fawkes Day has an important announcement to make, which is that today is Bonfire Night or Guy Fawkes Night or whatever you'd like to call it. Guy Fawkes Day just calls it "Bollocks," just like everything else.

Fanfic Update!

• Invader Quinn, by Anguirus1955 (parts 1 and 2): "Inside the cockpit of a small, purple ship, spherical in shape with four little engines or nasals attached to each corner, a set of fuscha eyes looked over a small screen with instructions. A green hand covered by black gloves moved forward and pressed a button on the control console." (Part 2)


• Lawndale 2021, by Anguirus1955 (part 20): "Daria and Jane slowly made their way to the bridge after school. 'So, I've just been thinking about it, and I was hoping to maybe join White Debbie and paint some of the dolphins or something,' Jane said."


• Perception, by Princess_Pasta (part 2): "'Have you seen Kevin? I mean, I know you've seen him but what is up with that? I'm thinking Invasion of the Bodysnatchers? Or, he's been replaced by a clone; a smarter more elite version of himself that's here to disrupt the delicate balance of our world.'"


• The Thompson Kids (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by Anguirus1955 (COMPLETE!): "Jodie Landon looked at the e-mail on her computer screen with a raised eyebrow."

"Today I'll be the perfect (non)working wife and mother!"

Helen has lost her mind and quit her job just in time for Housewife's Day, so maybe the Morgendorffers will be eating something other than frozen lasagna tonight. Let's just hope her cooking skills are better than Jake's.

Fandom News!

• You can have Daria give you directions on your TomTom.


• Talk about the newly-announced Star Trek TV series.


• Watch the list of Top 10 Sexual Innuendos in Kids Animated Series and add a few of your own.


• ST91 posted a new Iron Chef in Creative Writing: Amy with husband and children.

It Does Take Courage to Write a Novel

It's the beginning of National Novel Writing Month, so warm up your pen, pencil, or computer keyboard and start working on that masterpiece! It looks like Daria has hit a few snags, but don't let that stop you.

If you need some inspiration, you could read The Red Badge of Courage, written by Stephen Crane, who was born on this day in 1871. Contrary to Mr. O'Neill's teachings, however, I doubt you'll find it has much in common with the Wizard of Oz.

Fanfic Update!

• Black Cloaks of Lawndale, by Waylander (part 25): "Doctor Margaret Manson was sifting through Morgendorffer files, looking for the small details that can serve as a clue to understanding the young Necromancer."


• Casa Lane, by ST91 (COMPLETE!): "'Again?' Trent said one night while returning from Zon at the sight of a row of cars parked in front of his house."


• Christmas Morning (IC: Amy with husband and children), by Zetor (COMPLETE!): "Amy nibbled on a cookie and took a sip of milk as she watched her husband struggle to carry in the pile of Christmas gifts for their children. 'Greg, are you sure you don't need any help?' she whispered, careful not to wake their boys."


• Chuck (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by Princess_Pasta (COMPLETE!): "A thick covering of gray clouds had blanketed the evening sky, bringing with it chilling winds and rain. The entire week had been gloomy and dark, the awful weather affecting nearly everyone's mood."


• Lawndale & Sandi Griffin's Genie: Future Excerpt 2, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 3): "At Lawndale High, Sandi, Chris, Sam, Sabrina, Nicki and Jennifer had finished their search of the Math area, when they saw another person enter. 'Hi, can I help you search for the Emerald?'"


• Lawndale 2021, by Anguirus1955 (parts 18 and 19): "Daria Morgendorffer was sitting down at her communications console at her station on the bridge. She looked over at Sparks. 'Hey, Sparks?' Daria asked. 'Yeah?' 'You ever wonder why we're here?' Daria asked him." (Part 19)


• Lawndale Z, by Kuriamo22 (part 5): "Jane yawned as both her and Daria sat on her bed at her house watching TV. It was the weekend, and they had fallen into the routine of not training on weekends."


• Let's Dance, by 11tee (part ): "Elsinore Sloane hung up her gown and then zipped up the garment bag. She enjoyed the dancing, but her date to the Fielding Formal turned out to be a bigger prick than she first assumed."


• Metal Rowe (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by EntrancedCat (COMPLETE!): "'Oh, my God! The goal post fell! Tommy Sherman's dead! He's dead!' Stacy's head jerked up as that cry interrupted Sandi Griffin's criticism of the skort Stacy had chosen that day."


• Not Alone (IC: Amy with husband and children), by ST91 (COMPLETE!): "The twins Alexander and Jessica Esposito-Barksdale realized something was wrong when they came home. They saw Amy Barksdale, their mother, talking frantically on the phone."


• Peacekeeper, by Zetor (part 1): "Lawndale is your average American suburb, just far enough from the city for it to be a pain to go there for anything but a special night out. Never mind which city, that's complicated."


• Perception, by Princess_Pasta (part 1): "Even through the tears in her eyes, Brittany Taylor kept her eyes focused on her long-time boyfriend, Kevin Thompson. It would be hard leaving him behind even if their relationship was rocky at best."


• Sisters of the Soybean (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by Anguirus1955 (COMPLETE!): "Quinn walked over to Daria's room and looked at her sister as she slept. She looked at the clock on the stand next to her. Sighing, Quinn took a few steps forward and leaned over her sister's bed to look at Daria's sleeping form."


• Unnamed story (World's Shortest Crossover, Part XIV: The Crossover Awakens!), by Wraith (COMPLETE!): "The elevator opened, and the nurse started to pull Mrs. Sullivan's gurney into the hall. 'Someone was crying. From the children's ward.' Mrs. Sullivan said."


• The Unveiling, by Anonymous (COMPLETE!): "The park was very quiet and very empty when Jane and Daria finished pulling the drop cloth off of Jane's installation. The result of four months of constant work, it towered fearsomely over their heads."