Doesn't Anyone in Lawndale Have a NICE Grandma?

I see Grandma Lane is telling Jane that it's Grandparents' Day, although I don't think she needed to tell her with quite that much volume. With any luck Grandma Ruth will just stay home today and not throw the Morgendorffer house into upheaval again.

If she does show up, Helen could always try to impress her with her famous oatmeal pumpkin seed loaf, or rather she could have if she hadn't given her bread machine away. Instead, perhaps she could celebrate Date Nut Bread Day by trying a new recipe. It can't be worse than Jake's kitchen experiments, can it? Hmm. Don't answer that.

It might be better for everyone if they just get out of the house and go to a fun event like the Starry Night Ball, which took place on this day in whatever year Is It Fall Yet? took place. Then again, at $1,000 a couple I think they might want to take their chances with the passive-aggressive grandmother.

I Guess She Really "Kneaded" the Dough! (groan)

Looks like Helen is already regretting her decision to celebrate Homemade Bread Day, perhaps because hand-kneaded bread having more "soul" means you have to sell yours in order to get through the process. Just get out the bread machine, Helen!

In fact, maybe she should just forget the bread and celebrate Take A Hike Day instead! I'm sure Mr. DeMartino would be happy to join her, but hopefully she'll remember not to eat any berries she finds along the journey.

When Mr. D comes back, who wants to tell him that it's also International Students Day? If we're lucky, he'll just turn back around and take another hike until the feelings of rage subside.

Fandom News!

• Check out Daria's appearance in "Seventeen" Magazine.

Helen's Taking "Breadwinner" Too Literally

Helen's hoping that Homemade Bread Day will be over soon, because she just can't take kneading any more bread. Someone should tell her that bread machine bread still technically counts as homemade, but maybe she just really wants that soul-flavored bread.

Once she's done with the breadmaking, she should take some time to get outdoors for Take A Hike Day. Mr. DeMartino is way ahead of her, and frankly I'm worried he might not come back. With Kevin as a student, I'm not sure I could blame him.

Fanfic Update!

• Career Daze (Life After Thirty), by WildDogJJ (part 1): "Mrs. Henderson is addressing her first grade class. The students include Quinn 'Q' Ruttheimer, Michelle Wang, Shane Sloane, Kevin Thompson Jr. and the Carbone Triplets."


• Erin Chambers, by OzFerret (part 13): "Erin trudged home from the T. She had been on her feet most of the day and was exhausted. There had been no seat on the train home and the weather had turned bitterly cold and wet."


• Fates Entwined, by Deep Metal (part 23): "Judging from the amount of trees in the area, Daria noted that they had finally reached either the South or the Midwest. A lot of the cities they drove through had been destroyed on the apocalyptic hellfire."


• Hands Down, by Princess_Pasta (parts 1 and 2): "It was a Thursday afternoon in early September not unlike hundreds before it. Only, today, Daria was driven from the comfortable fortress of her room and forced to walk the streets. It wasn't her family that had her rushing for the door but the clashing thoughts in her head." (Part 2)


• Mirror (Iron Chef: Glittering Lawndale), by Astrocar82 (part 2): "As Daria got onto the bus, after a bizarre kiss on the cheek from her far more subdued than usual father, her fears seemed validated immediately."


• Superiors, by ST91 (part 20): "Anthony braked abruptly when he found himself facing a SUV's carcass. What the hell!? He thought. From the corner of his eye he saw the façade of the house Morgendorffer destroyed and his heart skipped a beat."


• Unnamed story (LLH Short Entries #2), by Roentgen (part 155): "Greg Adams was busy reading e-mail from some of his fellow Academy graduates. His roommate was out for the day, visiting family, and Esra had decided to attend a movie with Jenni Mishta. It was some sort of chick flick and when Esra explained the plot, Greg lost interest."

Hiking and Bread...What Could be Better?

Mr. DeMartino is leading the charge for Take A Hike Day, although you can feel free to use the door when you leave on your own hike. I'm hoping DeMartino won't be bringing his cigarettes along with him, because today is also The Great American Smokeout, so he should think about quitting. If nothing else, I'm sure Mr. O'Neill would frown on smoking in front of the campers.

If you decide you'd rather stay indoors today, then you could bake a loaf of bread for Homemade Bread Day. Yes, Helen, using a bread machine counts!

Fanfic Update!

• Daria: Is this a reunion or a flashback?, by Clayton Overstreet (COMPLETE!): "They say you can't go home again; or do they just wish it? Daria and Jane stood outside the gym at their old high school. Daria wore a dark green blouse over a pair of jeans and sneakers. Jane was in a tight red dress that hugged her hips and a pair of stilettos. Inside music was blaring."


• Last of the Summer Whine, by Kristen Bealer (part 1): "Tom watched as his father shut the trunk on their suitcases with a loud and final 'clunk.' But maybe it's not too late, he told himself. Out loud, he said, 'Spencer Prentiss's family is going to Disney World this summer.'"


• Misery Machine, by NightGoblyn (part 12): "Andrea pushed open the outside door to her apartment building, making a note to not bother calling the office to tell them the lock was broken again. There was a small chance they'd fix it, which would be pretty inconvenient for the few days it lasted before somebody took a sledgehammer to it again."


• Momentum, by Princess-Pasta (part 2): "Trent was wholly unprepared for his life to be completely uprooted in a matter of a few short days but he had no other choice but to pack up what little he owned and leave Maryland. He felt defeated...more so than usual that was."


• Moonstruck, by NightGoblyn (part 3): "As it turned out, her interview to join the Mrs. Manson cult was the highlight of her day. The school day itself was half spent by the time they were released to go to class, causing her to miss her algebra class, English lit, and U.S. history."


• Reclamation, by SacredDust (COMPLETE!): "Ashley Winters chipped away a little more stone from his latest sculpture. It was only half finished and he hadn't quite figured out what it was supposed to be. But as one of his more passionate teachers once told him, art was all in the process." (Part 10)

Date Nuts and Starry Nights

Helen's celebrating National Date Nut Bread Day the old-fashioned way, but I wouldn't blame her for breaking out the bread machine for this one. Honestly, I wouldn't blame her if she wanted to just go out and buy some bread instead. I'd suggest she let Jake do the cooking instead, but I shudder to think what the results would be. Aside from inedible.

Tonight's the night the Starry Night Ball was held at the Lawndale Art Museum, and if you'd like to go there might be a table still available for you. You've got a spare $5,000 lying around, don't you?

Fandom News!

• Share the songs you use for your ringtones.


• ChaoticVegan wonders who Daria was out with in "The Big House."


• Join the discussion about the 50th anniversary of Star Trek.

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."

"I can't take it anymore! I'm going on a hike!"

Today is Take A Hike Day! DeMartino is observing the holiday with his usual...enthusiasm, so why not join him? Unless you're too busy hand-kneading some delicious oatmeal pumpkin seed loaf in honor of Homemade Bread Day. I won't tell Willow or Coyote if you decide to use the bread machine instead.

Fanfic Update!

• The Author as a Lesbian, Season 3, by DeacBlue (parts 11 and 12): "When she came back down, she looked straight at her daughter. 'So what do you need, Daria?' Daria gave a Mona Lisa smile. 'Jane'll explain.' Jane smiled. 'Helen, we've loved living here with you, but we all have felt that we are squeezing your family a bit. We were wondering about any advice you'd have on maybe getting a place of our own?'" (Part 12)


• The Beginning of Our Story, by ST91 (part 8): "'Me too. Jane I know that we know only a few hours but I think that could work between us so ... want to be my girlfriend?' 'Your girlfriend? So let’s see a little bit: I just met a guy, cute, smart, sarcastic, and that kiss really well ...' 'Don’t forget martial arts expert.'"


• Daria - Double Down, by neonhomer (parts 2 - 4): "'What is it Daria? I’m really busy.' Helen said as she didn’t even look up from her notepad. 'It’s about my sister...' started Daria. 'What has Quinn done now?' 'No, my *other* sister.'" (Part 3) (Part 4)


• God Save The Esteem ep37: CSI Don't Care, by Charles RB (part 5): "'You think the Morgue’s been hijacked?' Tom had taken the call and made Daria very happy by understanding the situation without interrupting her, pointing out flaws, or being Quinn. 'It’s a cunning plan. Take it away from the public, then provide access to all the notes for a fee – and at this school, that’s a big fee in the same way the Grand Canyon is a big hole.'"


• In My World, by 45Ranger (part 9): "'So girls, how was your first day?' Quinn spoke up first. 'It was pretty good. I met some nice people to start off. They’ve made me Vice-President of the Fashion Club. I was also offered a spot on the Pep Squad without an audition, but I told them I had already made one commitment, let me balance that with my academics and see how that works out. By the way Daria, Sandi wanted me to extend an invitation to you, on her behalf, to join as well. She’d like to talk to you tomorrow if you have the time. If not I invited them over after school tomorrow.'"


• LLH Mini - Hacking, by Roentgen (COMPLETE!): "'I do...things.' Dynell smiled. 'What kind of things?' Kendra asked. 'Or better yet - what kind of things will we be doing?' 'I'll be asking for your assistance on a highly-individualized set of activities that fall under no specific category. Some mundane. Some fascinating. Some tedious. And some...very dangerous.' Kendra and Chadni exchanged looks. 'If you're interested,' Dynell said. All five girls looked at each other. 'Oh yeah,' Gwen said. 'I'm interested.'"


• My Little Phantom Daria with Princess Peach! (Crossovers Still Crossing Over), by OverlordMikey (COMPLETE!): "Daria looks at Jane [Daria] beside her 'This has to be a dream.' 'I don’t know Amiga- try punching me! If it’s a dream I’ll know - if not it’s drug.' The scene flashes to Jane being punched by Daria who stands over her with a malicious grin. Before flashing back to the two standing before Princess Peach [Mario]. 'That’d explain the mushroom men.'"


• A QB Grows in Lawndale, by Kristen Bealer (part 5): "Kevin fidgeted in his chair as he looked around the nearly empty room. It was the day before Thanksgiving, and almost all of the kids had gone home right after school for the holiday weekend. Except for one. Ten minutes earlier, the boy had dragged himself into the gym and dropped into a seat on the other side of the room, dropping his bookbag on the floor at his feet as he slumped forward and stared at the floor. He hadn't moved or said anything since."


• Quinn Spirit Detective, by Reven384 (part 3): "Botan grabbed her hand and started dragging her through town. Quinn started to feel nauseous when she saw where they were. They ended up at Sandi Griffin’s house. Botan couldn’t be serious. 'You want me to help her after all the vicious things she’s said about me. The girl has practically wished for me to die. After the way she treated Stacy you want me to help her!' Quinn yelled."


• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Daria and Jane in your Home Town), by Roentgen (COMPLETE!): "'Well Jane,' Daria said, 'what do you think about Atlanta?' 'Don't do it,' Jane said. 'Sure they've got the Braves, but it's a third-rate symphony.' 'Oh, so you saw the same Futurama episode? What do you really know?'"


• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Daria and Jane in your Home Town), by RX-87 (COMPLETE!): "'I dunno. I mean, that art gallery was pretty crazy. Even the lobby. I kept expecting a sandworm to come up out of it and devour me. Hey, before we go in, I wanna make sure I know which street Bloor is. I know we gotta go further west on it from here to get to the club where Trent's playing tonight.' Jane said as they approached the museum steps. 'I think it's the one up here...' Daria said as they walked north, 'Yeah, see, there's the street sign and-oh my god.'"


• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Daria and Jane in your Home Town), by Staren (COMPLETE!): "Quinn looked at her parents incredulously. 'What do you mean there's no beach!? This supposed to be Key West Florida!' she whined."


• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Daria and Jane in your Home Town), by tafka (COMPLETE!): "Daria looked at Jane incredulously. 'It’s not even a paddlesteamer. You know, the thing this town is known for. The entire point of us coming here in the first place.' Jane just shrugged. 'Look, how was I to know that they’d actually be popular, or that you had to book them weeks in advance? This was the only one with any tickets left, let alone enough for your family. Although, now that it has left the docks, I’m beginning to see why.'"

Whenever you feel like it!!!

November 17th is Take a Hike Day, so why not join Uncle Anthony for a nice, relaxing stroll in the woods? Just remember to be careful as you run higgledy-piggledy through the poison ivy and ticks.

I wonder if Mr. DeMartino kept up the hikes after that summer. If he did, the exercise doesn't seem to have done anything for his stress levels, but at the very least he could have saved money on gas. The increased stamina might have been an advantage for the next faculty vs. DJ roller hockey game, too.

Today is also Homemade Bread Day, and Helen invites you to try some of her famous oatmeal pumpkin seed loaf. Entirely hand-kneaded, of course. Really.


Come to think of it, if machine-kneaded dough has no soul, wouldn't that be a good thing? I mean, why would you specifically want to eat something that does have a soul? Maybe there's more going on with Willow than any of us quite realized.

So what's new in fandom?

Liz Ruiz has some thoughts about online social networks. What do you think?

tafka performed at a bellydance festival last weekend and has shared pictures as well as anecdotes about her dancing in this thread.

LSauchelli wants to know what year you think was the best year for TV?

The Write-Off Challenge is still looking for judges and contestants for the current challenges as well as future ones. Sign up here!

Two interested Iron Chef/Shared Story threads have started up in the Creative Writing forum: No Bromwell for Tom and Whatever happened to Tommy Sherman.

Bread Machine

It's Tuesday night, I haven't had time to write up a half-decent post, so here is Helen Morgendorffer's bread machine from "That Was Then, This Is Dumb" by way of an old MTV Daria site. Ponder it if you will.




More later. Really, I mean it this time.