Don't Hold an Opera Singer Too Tightly in Your Hands

If Daria wants to try out for a role in Giacomo Puccini's famous opera "Madama Butterfly," then she might want to check the source material more carefully. However, it's a nice gesture in honor of the late composer's birth on this day in 1858.

She would be much better suited to observing National Short Person Day, because at five foot two she definitely qualifies. Being the same height myself, I know I'll be celebrating! From down here. Possibly getting a stepladder if I need something off a high shelf.

Helen, meanwhile, should get out the bread machine to celebrate National Date Nut Bread Day! I don't think the holiday cares if the bread was hand-kneaded or how much soul it has.

Fanfic Update!

• Spider Quinn 19 Making the News Amidst the Storms, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 11): "Quinn continued watching the broadcast, even as Donna kept changing the channels."


• The Times, They Are Deranging, by Kristen Bealer (part 2): "Helen snuggled against Jake, breathing in the scent of stale sweat and patchouli."

Fa La LA La La!

I see that Alternate Universe Daria and her Alternate Universe Boyfriend are enjoying Go Caroling Day, but I hope Alternate Universe Daria's singing voice is better then Regular Universe Daria's voice, or else the carolers might find their Christmas cheer somewhat diminished.

It's too bad she decided to go with a plain black coat, though, because it's National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day and she really missed an opportunity. The opportunity would be to horrify Quinn with terrible fashion choices.

When the singing is over and everyone goes inside to warm up, it might be time to celebrate Games Day. Daria could play a friendly family game of Hearts or utterly decimate her parents at Scrabble again.

Fandom News!

• R.I.P., Anthony Geary and Gil Gerard.

Stacy in a Bottle

Stacy is either experiencing a mild wardrobe malfunction or she's honoring Christina Aguilera on the singer's 45th birthday. It's very likely that the Fashion Club would be fans of the pop star, although I doubt anyone could ever take the place in their hearts that belongs to Boys 'R' Guys.

Today is also the anniversary of the birth of Joseph Stalin in 1878, which is quite a switch from modern musicians. Then again, I have never heard the Man of Steel's singing voice, so maybe it isn't such a stretch after all. I'm sure Daria and Tom would love to take the opportunity to share more fun facts about him and the rest of their favorite dictators, as long as Jane doesn't have to listen to it.

Personally, I think I'll just celebrate Bake Cookies Day instead. That way I don't have to worry about pop music or authoritarians; just tasty treats.

Fanfic Update!

• I'm Scheming of a White Christmas, by wilddogjj (COMPLETE!): "Quinn was giving her visibly hung over sons, Tommy and Timmy, a major scolding for what she'd caught them doing the previous night."


• Strange Days in Lawndale, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 2): "Elsewhere in Lawndale, someone else was having a similar reaction. Jane Lane was incredulous. It was impossible. But it was there. A flying saucer, in Lawndale."


• The Times, They Are Deranging, by Kristen Bealer (part 1): "Helen Barksdale shut the door of the dorm--her dorm!--behind her parents and let out a deep breath."


• When Worlds Collide, by SlytherinTeam (part 1): "'Nevermind, return to your world and I’ll return to mine,' Jane Lane had told Quinn Morgendorffer once in high school."

A Cynic in Possession of a Good Fortune

Daria and Quinn are engaging in a bit of cosplay in honor of Jane Austen's birth on this day in 1775. The sisterly bonding is probably good for them, but any moment now Quinn is going to realize that she's wearing fashions that are over 200 years out of date and panic.

As for me, I will happily celebrate National Chocolate Covered Anything Day, although I have to question what "anything" means. Rocks? Hubcaps? Gerbils? Just to be safe, I'll stick with things like peanut butter or, better yet, additional chocolate.

I hope Kevin knows that today is National Sports Day, although I can't imagine how today would differ from any other day for him. Not that he's likely to recognize any sport besides football, anyway.

Fandom News!

• tjdolf has found some Daria enamel pins for sale online.


• Erin M shares some trivia about Ted's voice actor.


• R.I.P., Rob Reiner.

Have a Wonderful Festival of Lights!

Rabbi Trent is wishing everyone a happy Hanukkah, as the Jewish festival begins tonight at sundown. Gotta say, Trent as a rabbi makes a certain kind of sense as a career choice when the holidays begin in the evening rather than first thing in the morning. "The night holds the key."

For those gentile fans who still want to be festive, you could celebrate Roast Chestnuts Day by cooking some chestnuts over an open fire. If you need to get some chestnuts first, just check out It's a Nutty, Nutty, Nutty World and munch a bunch of your nutty friend's lunch. If Daria doesn't smile, then the nuts are free!

If you don't care for nuts (or if you're allergic), then you could go to Chez Pierre and celebrate National Bouillabaisse Day instead. Warning: this holiday not recommended for people with shellfish or seafood allergies.

Fanfic Update!

• I'm Scheming of a White Christmas, by wilddogjj (parts 1 and 2): "Outside there was snow on the ground and Christmas decorations on the house. Inside, Quinn, Jim and the triplets were decorating the Christmas tree while Jim's brother, Chris, sat on the couch nursing a beer while watching TV." (Part 2)


• Spider Quinn 19 Making the News Amidst the Storms, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 10): "'Why wouldn’t I?' Anders asked as she allowed Fields in. 'Your boss has ruined my career! Interviewing SpiderGirl was going to be a stepping stone, but now it’s a stumbling block.'"

Is the Price Right?

Jesse's wishing a happy birthday to the late Bob Barker, born on this day in 1923. He'd also like to remind everyone to spay and neuter their pets, and wonders if "Come on down" would be a good replacement name for Mystik Spiral.

Kevin, meanwhile, will hopefully know better than to pester Mack about his summer job, even though it's National Ding-a-Ling Day. However, I suspect Mack was less bothered by the ringing bell than he was about the feral children flinging ice cream at him.

It's not quite Christmas yet, but X is insistent that we all celebrate Gingerbread House Day today. He really needs someone to make him one of those little cottages all made out of gingerbread.

Fandom News!

• The 2025 Daria Fanfiction list has been posted.


• Discuss this year's Daria fanfics and artwork that you think should be nominated for awards!

Have a Squeaky Holiday!

Let's all wish Roger the Mouse a very happy International Animal Rights Day, or at least a day without post-traumatic stress disorder. Are mouse therapists a thing? Because I think I know of someone who needs one.

We shouldn't forget about people when we talk about rights, because today is also Human Rights Day! Human rights have become even more important than ever before, so let's observe today with hope and determination.

Quinn's would-be admirer Corey will be happy to know that he gets his own day today, National Corey Day. He'll be less pleased to know that he's barely on Quinn's radar, especially when Joey, Jeffy, and Jamie are around.

Fanfic Update!

• Dungeons and Ditzes, by AngryKnife, Another Knife (AngryKnife) (part 2): "The TV hummed, and the announcer spoke over a dramatic guitar riff: 'Suburban Book Club Accidentally Summons Literary-Criticism-Demon During Discussion of Beach Read. A Sick Sad World Exclusive!'"


• First Crushes, by starbutterflyz (COMPLETE!): "'What are you working on?' Jane peeked over her canvas to see Daria lying on her bed upside down, channel surfing with the remote."


• Together, by Iron Trilobite (COMPLETE!): "Daria awoke in the early morning dawn and realized this morning was very unusual."

One...Two...Tree!

Daria would be celebrating National Christmas Tree Day, but she's got more important things to worry about. She can enjoy the holiday once she's dealt with the unexpected hostage situation going on in the closet.

If you want a Christmas tree but don't have one yet, better get shopping and see if you can find someone to help you pick one out, since it's also National Salesperson Day. If you meet Theresa, be extra nice, because no one should have to deal with the Fashion Club as often as she does.

Meanwhile, perhaps the Yaegers will observe Pretend To Be A Time Traveler Day by driving around in a classic Volkswagen Beetle and wearing clothing from the 1960s. If they did, then Daria's theory about the VW being a time machine could be proven correct!

They Are Also Minors Who Are Mining!

Joey, Jeffy, and Jamie are prepared to search the deepest depths of the Earth for a suitable gift for Quinn, thanks to today being National Miners Day. They'll want to clean up before they offer it to her, though, because the "Ewww!" that she'd emit upon seeing them in their current state could probably be heard halfway across the country.

Today is a sad music anniversary, as the tragic Altamont Free Concert took place on this day in 1969. Despite the concert being free, Jake managed to not only pay for tickets but also get a refund. God only knows how.

Happy birthday to deadpan comedian Steven Wright, born on this day in 1955. Although Daria's deadpan humor is brilliant, Steven Wright's influence can more clearly be seen in Luhrmann, seen only once (in "I Don't") and never again.

Fanfic Update!

• An argument of friendship, by redpink (part 1): "DARIA and JANE lie on opposite ends of Jane's bed, backs against the wall, legs stretched out."


• Artifact in Lawndale (Crossovers Still Crossing Over), by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 2): "'So what is in common between the Lawndale Artefacts?' Myka asked. 'Good Question,' Artie replied. 'Actually, there is little in common, other than the details I told Claudia earlier.'"


• Bathroom breaks, by redpink (part 1): "The room is dimly lit, quiet except for the soft hum of the streetlight outside."


• Best BFF ever, by redpink (part 1): "The room is dimly lit, a soft amber glow from a desk lamp casting long shadows across the walls."


• The closeness, by redpink (part 1): "The rain outside softens to a whisper. The room is still, wrapped in quiet intimacy."


• Comforting a little girl, by redpink (part 1): "The sky is soft with fading light. DARIA walks alone, hands in her jacket pockets, her boots tapping rhythmically against the pavement."


• Harry Potter Morgendorffer, by Meester_Lee (part 46): "The buildings of Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry just beyond the end of a short bus ride from the railroad station at North Adams and the narrow, winding driveway up Mount Greylock."


• Heart-shaped pizza lovers, by redpink (part 1): "The room is dimly lit, quiet except for the soft hum of the night. DARIA and JANE lie side by side on Jane's bed."


• A horrible moment between friendship, by redpink (part 1): "The room is dimly lit, soft shadows dancing across the walls. DARIA lies curled against JANE on the bed, her cheek gently pressed into Jane's chest like a pillow."


• Like pillow and blanket, by redpink (part 1): "Soft lamplight spills across the room. Posters line the walls, paintbrushes rest in jars, and a sketchbook lies open on the floor."


• A lullaby threat, by redpink (part 1): "The room is dimly lit by a soft lamp on the nightstand. Posters line the walls, and scattered sketchbooks rest on the floor."


• A moment in Alabama, by redpink (part 1): "The room is dimly lit by a soft lamp on the nightstand. DARIA and JANE lie together on Jane's bed, wrapped in a quiet cocoon of comfort."


• The New Girl, by wilddogjj (COMPLETE!): "Teddy Carbone was in the most awkward situation of his young life. His science partner, Amy, whom he has a crush on has been using him as a patsy for a drug operation. Needless to say, Teddy was most displeased."


• Slices, by redpink (part 1): "Soft lamplight spills across the room, casting a golden hue over the bed where DARIA and JANE lie side by side."


• Spider Quinn 19 Making the News Amidst the Storms, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 9): "Daria then made her play. 'I have compiled newspaper reports of SpiderGirl’s activities from November, through to just before Groundhog Day. There are also excerpts from interviews I have conducted with some of Lawndale High’s seniors over the past few weeks. They paint a picture of a rather confident young lady who isn’t afraid to talk to people. What I saw when I watched last night’s interview was not that.'"


• Tickling bodies, by redpink (part 1): "The room is dimly lit by a single lamp on the dresser. Posters and sketches line the walls."


• What a wonderful world, by redpink (part 1): "The room is dimly lit, soft shadows dancing across the walls."

You Know What, Helen? I DO Like My Cookies Undercooked!

It looks like Helen and Rita are prepared to bury the hatchet under a pile of cookie dough in honor of National Cookie Day! However, I'd recommend skipping the oven and just splitting the cookie dough. Not only does it taste better raw, but then they don't have to get into arguments about cookie size and baking time.

Happy birthday to the late Chester Greenwood, who was born on this day in 1858. Greenwood's most famous accomplishment was the invention of earmuffs, which would one day lead to Quinn's near-death at the hands of her classmates. I don't think he had pink ostrich feathers in mind when he created them, but who can say for sure?

While you keep your ears warm, don't forget about your feet because it's also National Sock Day! If you find yourself missing one, be sure to check Brittany Taylor's laundry room and, if it isn't there, try Jane Lane's shirt. That static cling is really something.

Let's Not Even Talk About Those Socks

Jesse looks extra preppy for International Sweater Vestival, but you wouldn't think someone so anti-shirt would really wear such a thing. Then again, when he told Trent he owed him a shirt he didn't specify what kind of shirt Trent had to give him.

Quinn should probably see if one of the cuter technical types from school could give her some pointers on computer use because it's World Computer Literacy Day! These days, with technology being pretty much everywhere, failing to be tech-savvy is a real fashion don't.

Be sure to tip your server well because it's Bartender Appreciation Day and the last thing you want to do is piss off the person giving you your drink. Bartenders were an occasional sight on Daria, from the less-than-helpful man at Mad Dawg's bar in "Speedtrapped" to the Mai Tai-making fellow who witnessed Mr. O'Neill and Mr. DeMartino bonding in Is It College Yet?

Fanfic Update!

• Add Max Diem, by Ranchoth (COMPLETE!): "Nothing in the rear view—she couldn’t see anything in the rearview past the rooster tails of dust."


• But You Always Knew the Truth, by riotsquirrrl (COMPLETE!): "'You have to want something for Christmas, Morgendorffer.' Daria shrugged. 'More pencils maybe?'"


• Jane's Tedition (The Ted Zone), by Kristen Bealer (COMPLETE!): "'Who shot the hippies? Who locked them in a zoo? Who gagged the beatniks? Who filled their mouths with glue? Who crushed the bohos? Who turned their work to poo? Hey, Mr. Normal, it was you!'"


• Scarlett Investigates, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 1): "Scarlett O’Connell hadn’t expected to be investigating a sabotaged play. She just wanted to learn to improve her art while investigating minor campus mysteries."