You Could At Least Pluck it First!

I'm not sure if Mr. DeMartino is celebrating Embrace Your Geekness Day the old-fashioned way or if he's just really, really hungry. Given his financial situation, either is possible. I think Quinn would rather bite the heads off chickens herself than act geeky, but we have more than our share of geeks in fandom so I say flaunt it, everyone!

If raw chicken isn't your thing, might I recommend National French Fries Day instead? Daria and Jane will take theirs with a healthy (or unhealthy, to be accurate) serving of cheese!

At least the turkey legs in "Fair Enough," which aired on this day in 1998, were fully cooked. While you had to eat them with your bare hands and they didn't come with fries, they did make excellent projectiles against poor acting skills.

Like, HELP!

I don't think Sandi has quite gotten the point of Ride the Wind Day, and I suspect the trip is about to become far less enjoyable. Someone go check and see if Quinn has an alibi, okay?

It's possible that Sandi is actually celebrating Cheap Flight Day, but any flight that costs you your life is anything but cheap. I hope Jake doesn't feel obligated to board any airplanes (or hot air balloons) because with his fear of heights it would be a pretty rough journey.

It would probably be best for everyone if they just observed Find Your Inner Nerd Day instead, although I'm sure Sandi would rather plummet to her death. Daria's got this one covered; she's always been in touch with both her inner and outer nerd.

Fandom News!

• R.I.P., Phil Donahue.

Party On, Hoopy Froods!

Mrs. Johanssen clearly knows where her towel is for Towel Day, and I hope you have a good idea where yours is, too! For those who aren't aware, this holiday is a reference to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, and if you haven't read it I highly recommend it.

The book is a must-have for all geeks, which is excellent because today is also Geek Pride Day. It goes without saying that the Daria fandom tends to lean towards the geekier side of things, so please enjoy whatever geeky pursuits you want today without any embarrassment!

You can even burst into song for National Sing Out Day, although I kind of hope that the Daria cast doesn't. Some of them couldn't carry a tune in a bucket, and the songs from "Daria!" are some of the worst earworms.

Fanfic Update!

• Spider Quinn 09 A Part of the Journey, by cfardellbrenorenz29 (part 1): "Quinn Morgendorffer wasn’t sure why Ted Dewit-Cinton wanted her to accompany her on his interview of Norman Osborn."

Like, SPLAT!

Looks like Sandi's about to observe an incredibly short Ride the Wind Day, courtesy of her sabotaged parachute. Trouble is, not only are there way too many suspects to narrow down--from her brothers to Quinn and Stacy to pretty much anyone she's ever talked to at Lawndale High--but I'm not sure any jury would convict the murderer after hearing what she was like. Good luck, Sandi! Try to land on a cow!

It may be some comfort to Sandi to know that her untimely demise means she won't have to live through Find Your Inner Nerd Day. I wonder if it's anything like discovering the Eunice inside? Luckily for fandom, most of us keep our inner nerd pretty close to the surface.

Fanfic Update!

• I Was Overwhelmed by Hunks, by ladyevil (COMPLETE!): "Mr. DeMartino’s History class was more boring than usual, so Stacy found herself nodding off."


• Quinn in Yellow, by welltemperedclavier (parts 5 and 6): "It was almost 5 pm by the time Sandi got home. She’d completely forgotten about mom being out-of-town and dad being... somewhere." (Part 6)

Who Wants to Hike With a Shark?

The Morgendorffers are not enjoying National Hike with a Geek Day as much as they thought they would, possibly because they're trying to figure out which one of them is the geek. I hope Mr. DeMartino is celebrating today, because hiking with geeks would be a huge improvement over hiking with his regular caliber of students.

Maybe any hikers can pay a visit to Jordana on the anniversary of the movie Jaws, which was released on this day in 1975. Sure, it's only a tooth, but it comes with a great story that is currently still under copyright.

Fanfic Update!

• Circle of Strife, by wilddogjj (part 7): "Jim, Kevin, Tony, Chris and Chuck have just entered the kitchen and made a horrifying discovery: GJ, Tony's newborn son as well as Jim and Chris's baby brother, was missing."


• Daria on the Trail, by meesterlee (part 53): "Captain Trout ordered a pause when we reached the banks of the Green River. No way were we going to casually cross it: the Green River had a sinister reputation stretching all the way back to Missouri."


• Her Last Words, by Sheila Wisz Ellayn (part 66): "It was quite a happy and peaceful day as Anna and Larry walked back home together."


• J Johnson, by PenaltyPingo (part 2): "'Thanks Ms. Maria.' I said with slight exhaustion as I walked to the doorway, 'I'll see you on Monday.'"


• Song From An American Movie, by ladyevil (part 12): "Daria came to her house with Jane and Alfred. She expected Helen to be drinking while watching Quinn’s baby movies again while Jake was puttering around wherever. She didn’t expect Helen to approach her."


• Tiffany Loves Philosophy, by chaoslordsquidward (COMPLETE!): "Tiffany loves philosophy, her students do not. In fact, most, if not all of her students were just taking her introduction to philosophy course for an elective credit."

I'll Have an Order of "Things"

Jane and Daria are joining the crowd of people ready to celebrate National French Fries Day, and yes, I think they will have fries with that! They might even splurge on cheese fries, even though that's not the name of the holiday. Still counts.

Today is also Embrace Your Geekness Day and Fool's Paradise Day, which means pretty much everyone is covered. Most of the people I know fall into at least one of those categories!

Finally, the episode "Fair Enough" first aired on this day in 1998. There were plenty of both geeks and fools in that one, but sadly a shortage of fries to go along with the turkey legs.

Fanfic Update!

• Danny Morgendorffer, by ST91 (part 46): "Once P.E's time was over, Daniel went on to perform his role as secretary in the weekly student council meeting. It lasted less than the last time and was less animated but Richard was unpleasant as always."


• Daria's Great Adventure, by dmsfanman (part 36): "Tom came up behind Daria as she was looking in the mirror. He put his arm around her waist and gently kissed the back of her neck just above the strings of the polished tiny stone spheres known as 'Martian Pearls' she was wearing."


• Is It Show Time Yet?, by Lady Evil (part 12): "'I don't need anything,' Jesse sang as he twirled Clarissa around. 'Anything!' Clarissa did jazz hands and prepared to be picked up and spun about."

You Could At Least Pluck It First!

Mr. DeMartino is trying to get into the spirit of Geek Pride Day, but someone should explain to him that the holiday is about a different kind of geek. Then again, perhaps he's just trying to stretch his meager food budget in any way he can.

Speaking of geeks, today is also National Towel Day for the The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy geeks and The Glorious Twenty-Fifth of May for the Discworld geeks. I know we've got more than a few of each in our fandom!

Fanfic Update!

• Fates Entwined, by Deep Metal (part 16): "'Kevin, I'm sorry about what happened,' Daria told him. She knelt down before Kevin and put a hand on his shoulder. 'I know what it's like to lose someone you cared about deeply,' Daria said softly."


• Fear and Trembling, by Two-Eyed Charlie (part 2): "It was a brand new day to suffer through the same old shit, and Tim O'Neill was definitely suffering. It wasn't because of his little experience with Tara--that discovery that someone else in his world could barely tie their shoes without overstimulating their lizard brain--nor was it one of his own bouts of anxiety."


• Rise of Weirdness, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 2): "Hanna awoke and saw that her car was approaching the Moon. It was also upside down. That is the car was, relative to the crater which was her destination."


• Second Chance for Love, by David Falkayn (part 14): "Quinn looked at Elizaveta reclining on the couch in the living room and reading a book with puzzled amusement. 'What are you doing?' 'Reading a book and listening to music.' Elizaveta answered with a chuckle."

The Fashion Club Really Rocks!

The Fashion Club is getting delusions of grandeur--or at least more so than usual--for Old Rock Day. Quick, someone call Sandi old and watch the fireworks!

Today is also International Programmers' Day, so I'm sure the Fashion Club will be extra excited to learn that they have to share the spotlight with a bunch of (ugh!) computer geeks!

Fandom News!

• The nomination forms for the 2017 Daria Fanworks Awards are ready! Nominate your favorite Written and Visual works.


• Were Beavis and Butt-Head Daria's first friends? Discuss why or why not.


• Quote your favorite scenes from your own fanfics.


• Vote in the Deadliest Warrior poll between Belle Starr and Ma Barker.

Just Don't Ask Quinn to Read Her Poem

Daria and Jane are definitely going to participate in National French Fries Day, although they may change their minds at the last minute and order some "things" instead. Whatever that means.

Today is also one of Quinn's least favorite holidays, Embrace Your Geekness Day. As far as she's concerned, the only thing geeks are good for are setting up websites and giving her extra hotel perks.

Finally, today is the anniversary of the episode "Fair Enough," which aired on this day in 1998. I doubt the historical accuracy of the school's medieval fair, but it was still fun to watch Quinn get pummeled by turkey legs.

Fandom News!

• ognawk and Princess_Pasta have released a new Lawndale Lowdown podcast!


• Discuss Charlie Gard vs Great Ormond Street.


• What do you think about Joe Scarborough quitting the Republican Party?


• Meester_Lee suggests the idea of Stacy Rowe's older sister.

Geek on, My Friends!

Happy Towel Day, hoopy froods! The holiday is of course in honor of the late Douglas Adams and the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series. Mrs. Johanssen knows where her towel is; do you have yours?

This is also the anniversary of the first installment in the Star Wars movie series, A New Hope, which opened on this day in 1977. Overall, not a bad assortment of geeky events, considering it's Geek Pride Day on top of everything else!

Fanfic Update!

• Really? I'm a Star!, by DIsaac (part 1): "DARIA Maxwell (30, Former star of Daria. Since the show her career has been good enough to own a mansion but she is looking for her next big hit): What about the space ninja?"


• You'll Know When You Have Kids of Your Own, by metameric1 (part 6): "'Hey, Ani,' mumbled Rusty. Out slumming? 'Hey. Cool guitar,' smiled Ani. 'You never know what'll turn up in these stores. Looks like a good Les Paul Junior style axe.'"

Apparently Mr. D. Is Getting Really Desperate for Snacks

DeMartino is celebrating Embrace Your Geekness Day, although I don't think that's the kind of geek they meant. Since our fandom has more than its share of geeks, this holiday seems appropriate!

This is also National French Fries Day, and you have a choice. You can either order them at Chez Pierre and pay an exorbitant amount for them, or just head out for some cheese fries with Daria and Amy. I know which one I'm choosing.

Finally, today we celebrate the anniversary of the episode "Fair Enough," which aired on this day in 1998. In honor of that, Quinn is going to make a dainty garland for her head and sing.

Fanfic Update!

• Blade Robber (1,001 Deaths of Tom Sloane - Part III), by ognawk (COMPLETE!): "Tom had followed Elsie outside the house. She was hugely excited about something, but refused to tell Tom what, insisting that she show him instead."


• Mine, by Vukodlak (part 9): "'Oh god!' Jane gasped looking at the laptop screen in shock. 'Did you hear what this idiot candidate for Senator in Missouri said?'"


• My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, by LongSnakeMoan (COMPLETE!): "And so, following the usual Bromwell experience of networking, discreet 'partying' as the rest of society would call it, and lining up potential wives from a roll call of his feminine contemporaries, Tom had set out on his Grand Tour."


• Nobody's Home, by ognawk (part 1): "Trent reached into his pocket and fished out his house keys. As he went to put them in the lock, he noticed a note taped to the front door. He pulled it off and read it."


• Trip Down Memory Lane, by Evil Icing (part 2): "He sighed. Grandma Lane was the exact opposite of his parents: strict, disciplinary, always in a mood (did his parents even have moods?)... And she had never been too fond of him."


• Upper Echelon, by Princess_Pasta (part 6): "Tori Jericho was lounging in her room listening to Boys R Guys. Blissfully unaware that her social standing was about to go plummeting into the abyss."

Party On, Hoopy Froods!

It's Geek Pride Day! Celebrate by geeking out like Jesse, although don't let the Fashion Club catch you. Geeks everywhere get a double holiday, in fact, because today is also Towel Day, created in honor of the late science-fiction/humor writer Douglas Adams. All I can say is, forty-two!

Fanfic Update!

• Apathymorphs: The Invasion, by JoeMerl (part 4): "Suddenly I heard a tapping sound. It took us all a moment to locate its source—a large, white-and-gray bird was hovering outside my kitchen window, flapping its wings to stay aloft as it tapped on the glass with its beak. We all glanced at each other before I approached. [Good, they see me! Now...how do I make them figure out who I am?] 'Upchuck?' Jodie’s jaw nearly fell to the floor. [...Oh. That was easier than I thought.]"


• Beyond the Verdean Portal (Interstellar Portals - A worldbuilding scenario), by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 1): "They were now at a gateway, wondering what was inside. 'Should we go in captain?' one of the officer's asked. 'Absolutely! We have come this far. We cannot turn back now!'"


• Blessings of the Moon -- Chapter 4, by Fhujeth_x (COMPLETE!): "Stacy immediately perked up, recognizing the guy who bumped into Sandi as her new, Jewish friend Tom and her sister Susie, 'Oh, guys!!' She was glad someone she could trust was here, 'This is my sister Susie, remember?' Pointing to her she then pointed to Tom, 'This is Tom! He's Jewish!'" (Part 3) (Part 4)


• Bros (Scenes no Daria Fanfic should ever have-Now Springtime Fresh), by Shiva (COMPLETE!): "Brian Taylor's grin flashed red stains upon his bright white teeth, laying before him on the bed was a ruined husk that had once been his sister, they had had a lot of fun in the last hours of her life."


• Clique Swap, by psychotol (part 36): "Syn: 'yeah. ... Cade, Deliah and me used to work for Rav, a Feeorin pirate. I grew up with me dad on Rav’s ship, going around looting worlds. That was just normal to me. Cade, we picked him up on our way to Ossus, a world that had a Jedi temple on it. Imps had just killed the Jedi there, we had no idea Cade was a Jedi or at that point I’d have killed him.'"


• A Deadly Reunion (IC: Daria and Jane:Enemies at first sight), by RX-87 (COMPLETE!): "As America continues to mourn the loss of its first female president, shocking revelations have come to light that the late President Daria Morgendorffer-Sloane and her killer were not only residents of the same Baltimore suburb during their youth, they were in fact high school classmates."



• Death of Memes (Scenes no Daria Fanfic should ever have-Now Springtime Fresh), by thatLONERchick (COMPLETE!): "'I will kill myself,' Daria decided, standing on the school roof and overlooking the campus. 'For I am an emo child, depressed that my self-inflicted isolation has led the world to misunderstand me. Also, I will disregard my intolerance for pain and thus slit my wrists, like so.'"


• Ethan Yeager in Lawndale: Ch 6 Loud Desperation, by Shiva (parts 1 - 3): "Ethan went back over to the couch and sat down, Josh glanced at him and noticed that his boyfriend seemed worried. 'What’s up man?' Josh asked, concerned by the sudden change in demeanor. 'Mack’s coming over to talk.' Ethan said in a monotone that he rarely used anymore, 'Something’s happened and it doesn’t sound good.'" (Part 2) (Part 3)


• Family New, by RLobinske (part 3): "Rita motioned for the stair step next to here. 'Have seat. Tell me a little about Daria.' Jane sat but said, 'You're her aunt.' Rita sighed. 'Daria's mother and I never got along very well and therefore, so we didn't see each other very often. Now...it's too late.'"


• Judith Cosplay (Scenes no Daria Fanfic should ever have-Now Springtime Fresh), by Shiva (COMPLETE!): "Daria Morgendorffer glared at the basket that was filled with her clothes, or rather what had been her clothes. What remained was in ruins since someone (cough-QUINN-cough) had thrown in a dye packet and now everything was tye-dyed."


• Lawndale School of Magic Part Three: Modeling, by Reven384 (COMPLETE!): "Ms. Li smiled as she approached the two members of the modeling agency. They looked at her and shook their heads at her lack of fashion. Ms. Li looked at them like a lioness ready to strike. She waved her hands and the two couldn’t move. 'You will leave my school,' she said."


• Lost and Found, by Reven384 (prologue): "Stacy eeped as the plane shook violently. Quinn’s head darted around nervously as well. She was sure it was nothing but the plan shaking violently made her nervous when she was high in the air. The plane shook again. 'All passengers are to return to their seats at once,' said a shaky voice over the intercom, 'We are going down.'"


• Only the Truth (Iron Chef: The Invention of Lying), by ST91 (parts 1 and 2): "'Hi. I'm Daria Morgendorffer. I'm a 16-years-old cynical, sarcastic teenager. In truth, my way of doing is just a deception. I'm too smart and sensitive to live happily in this world , so I use my way of being like an armor to keep everyone away and avoid being hurt. I believe that the cause of this attitude can be attributed to my family....'" (Part 2)


• A Resentful Cynic Ch. 3 The curse of Middleton, by ST91 (part 5): "She walked faster and faster as to beat the tears that were about to get off her face. Don't cry. Don't cry. You swore that you wouldn't have allowed them to reduce you in this state anymore. Unfortunately Daria failed and began to cry."



• TDJS CH. 2 Interlude, by ST91 (COMPLETE!): "Alright Jake, you have to behave like a good father and chat with your son. The argument doesn’t matter now, it’s important to form a real bond with your kid. You don’t have to be like that cold-hearted rat bastard. The thoughts of his father ran wild. You won’t be a nightmare for him! You won’t undermine his self-esteem by sending him to a lousy military school because he’s not man enough for you! You don’t have too..."


• To Annoy a Mockingbird. Chapter 05, by BF110C4 (part 6.3): "Biting her tongue, Daria stopped the sarcastic remark that threatened to leave her lips and instead introduced properly. 'Hi, I’m Daria, and this is my partner in crime Jane, I believe that we were invited by Heather.' Upon realizing recognizing the names her whole demeanor changed, the scowl faded and was replaced with something that could pass for a warm smile... for a jackal."


• Undying Love, by BrownEyedBagel (part 4): "Jane lost herself in her thoughts. It wasn’t like it was the first time she had torn a live person apart with her hands. It wasn’t the first time she had devoured a human being. Hell, it wasn’t even the first time she had entered a carnal rage right in front of Daria; most of her meals came from her anyway. What bothered her was that this was the first time that she had lost control in her studio."


• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: The Invention of Lying), by Brother Grimace (COMPLETE!): "Mack took a drink of his soda, and looked right into Jodie's eyes. 'I'll tell you this - the first time I see Daria after I graduate, if she says anything that even remotely comes across as 'yes', I'm taking her off somewhere, and working that like it's my summer job to pay for my books and rent come college in the fall.' 'I can see that,' Jodie agreed. 'I'm going to make a point of running into her either next summer, or during the Christmas break of my Sophomore year. I bet she's like a honey badger in bed.'"


• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: The Invention of Lying), by Roentgen (COMPLETE!): "'So Quinn, will you go on a date with us?' the Three Js asked. 'What? Are you crazy?' Quinn asked."


• Unamed story (Stories with Helen taking what she deserves), by 11tee (COMPLETE!): "Helen mounted the stairs gingerly, trying not to see what lay before her. That's when she saw the note."


• Unnamed story (This can't be the start of a round robin... IS IT?!), by Fhujeth_x (part 1): "Tiffany headed towards the breakfast table. Her mind was set on attending school, but first she had to make sure she was well fed for the day. After all, her mother always said; 'Girl, you better eat yo' food or I'm gonna slap you 'cross the face, ya hear?'"


• Vive Le Boom (Scenes no Daria Fanfic should ever have-Now Springtime Fresh), by Roentgen (COMPLETE!): "Daria heard her cellphone ringing. Without her glasses, she felt blindly for it until she found it on the bedstand. She mumbled, 'Hello?' 'Daria?' It was Quinn. 'Where the hell are you?'"


• Vivian, by ST91 (part 3): "She's back, she's back. I'm not dreaming. She's back after all this years ... after she .... she... thought Brittany while tears ran down her cheeks. After she has left you... said another voice in his head. Immediately the whirlwind of emotions that had overwhelmed Brittany disappeared and left space for another emotion: anger."


• Welcome to the Green Room, by TheExcellentS (COMPLETE!): "Daria and Jane clinked their soda cups. To the rest of their lives. Then... there was light. Before either Daria or Jane could comprehend what was happening, the light consumed them and all around them. Until there was nothing."


• What Did You Do During The War, Daria?, by echopapa (part 4): "Heading for the danger zone, Daria thought quickly. She knew that there was no way she was going to dump Jane in the middle of a firefight, but she also knew that Jane was stubborn and would indeed follow her unless..."

"I almost went out with...a computer geek?!"

Today is Embrace Your Geekness Day, and Mr. DeMartino is getting into the spirit! Although I suspect the holiday is meant to celebrate the more mundane, non-circus type of geek--you know, Monty Python, sci-fi, role-playing games, and other stuff the Fashion Club wouldn't touch with a ten-foot pole. Although cfardell_Brenorenz29's AU version of Quinn probably would.

Also, here's some Weird Al just for fun!

Fandom News!

• In Dariacon news, Deref has posted pictures from Ghent, Boston Dariacon 2011 planning is still underway, and an Angst Lord and a Cheer Lord met without bloodshed!


• What's your battle cry? "Give a holler or a roar, make some stupid football noise and bust through!"


• thatLONERchick has a question about Skype etiquette.


• Kitties! Why? Because!


• HolyGrail2007 ponders about other students and self-esteem while Charles RB is curious about Jodie's race/social issues.


• An article about fan fiction was featured in Time Magazine. Check the thread for the link!


• HolyGrail2007 posted a new Iron Chef in Creative Writing: Trial of the Century.

ka-BOOOM!

It would be criminal to leave this day without mentioning that today marks the

102nd!

anniversary of the Tunguska Event, a titanic explosion whose origin is fiercely debated and whose existence has become a geek touchstone. (It was mentioned without explanation in Ghostbusters, and everyone who was a geek got it.) Some fascinating websites covering the Tunguska event include this one, this one, and this one. (Click on "tunguska event" under Labels to read previous blog posts about this burning issue.)

It was a good thing the event didn't occur over a major city—or, as Daria would put it...

Do you realize that only one Daria fanfic even mentions the Tunguska Event? ONLY ONE??? The shame of it. Okay, I lied: two others (here and here) also mentioned it. BUT ONLY THREE?

MoaR N00Z!

• ImYourOpheliac has created a new Iron Chef: Tom and Jeffy become friends? "I was watching 'One J at a Time' and wondered, how would it affect the show if Tom and Jeffy became friends?"
• Roxanne M created Iron Chef: Daria and Jane pregnant at the same time (and what a response!)
• Charles RB has unleashed Iron Chef: Barch VS DeMartino. "Professionally, in sport, in post-apocalypse car-on-car warfare... whatever the situation or genre, DeMartino and Barch must battle in an all-out struggle."
  

NOTE: I am still adding fanfics to the previous post. There are so many lately I can barely keep up, but I will continue to try.

Nerds and Towels Go Together Like Fish and Bicycles

Today is Nerd Pride Day, hooray! And in a closely related development it is also Towel Day. Let your inner nerd and its towel out for a stroll. Be proud of who you are. Then knock it off, it's embarrassing to see you like that. Jeez, what's wrong with you? Daria, below right, shows us the proper use of a towel on Towel Day. Artie at left is the nerd poster child for today.

A list is being prepared of all the fanfics released in the last few days. Check back for details and be patient. (Finally done with PPMB and FF.net!)

More additions have recently been made to Things Students Still Are Not Allowed To Do At Lawndale High. A great thread.

If you want to join the Judith Strikes! shared world proposed by the great Erin Mills (one of two Daria fans who appeared on "Camp Fear" as cartoon characters), he provides more background info on two items all writers need to know: the Locket and the Cloak. Erin has also provided the opening scene for the shared world stories. Go to it!

Recent Iron Chefs

• Iron Chef by CR85747: Daria meets Daria. Have Daria Morgendorffer meet a fictional or real-world person who also has the same first name of Daria.
• Iron Chef by OverlordMikey: Genderbent wha!? "I was thinking, there have been a lot of gender bending with Daria characters, but I don't remember ever seeing one where Daria (or another) wakes up as the other gender, much to the shock of those around her/him and themselves. (Normally it seems to be either a dream or a retelling.) How will people cope!? How will they themselves cope!? Will they return to their original gender? Write it and tell me!"
• Iron Chef by Wouter: Daria's children, your view. How would Daria be as a mother, what would her kids be like?

FF.net (COMPLETE!)

• The InDark, by Mediancat (Parts 1 and 2): Here I am and am no I. Not quite, thought Daria Faith Morgendorffer, but Delany put it better than she could. 'Course, when he wrote it, he had more experience than Daria did—actual and age-wise. In her case, it's: here I am and am two I's.

PPMB (COMPLETE!)

• Delivery Day Deferred, by NightGoblyn (COMPLETE!): "The gas station burst into flames!" Quinn said, waving her arms emphatically. "Gas stations are not supposed to burst into flames!" (Ringbearer/Daylight/Judith Dariaverse crossover)
• The Dream of the White Darkness, by jtranser (continued): In her office, seated at her desk, Daria read her lecture notes again. It was a moonless night, the wind was out of the North and the Chancellor's dog, tied up in the Quad, was rasping out its weird bark signifying the presence of strangers.
  
• Eye of the Beholder, by Yogi, Glittershrooms, OverlordMikey, et al. (Part 3): Angela Li sat over a model of Lawndale. No one knew of her evil plans. "I already have everything complete except for those few in my way. Well, there is one more—" She looked at a model of the Sloane’s. "I need to get control of the Sloane family if my plans are to come together." Of course, that shall be easy.
• Falling into College: The Clip Show, by Richard Lobinske (COMPLETE!): Holding a copy of Val between finger and thumb as if it were a dead rat, Daria tossed it in the garbage and said, "I guess we couldn't get away without a final set of annoyances. You know, I still wonder if we didn't get some unexpected help. As much as I appreciate it, the idea is still..."
• Finn Morgendorffer 47: Hell is Homecoming, by HolyGrail2007 (Parts 1 to 4): "If I’m Homecoming King, someone’s going to have to take the quarterback’s spot on the float. And I sure as hell am not going to let it be Kevin.”
• John Lane 46: Substitute Plans, by RLobinske (Part 2): Mack said, "What are we going to do about teaching? How do we handle the students?" "In your case," John said, "I'd recommend a cattle prod. Watching Boys P.E. is more a matter of making sure that they don't wreck the building than it is of actually trying to teach them anything."
  
• Old Kid, New Man, by JPAGC (COMPLETE!): I meet Ted in a nice and quiet vegetarian cafe/restaurant located in San Jose, California, his current living place. He smiles and stands when I approach and I am momentarily taken aback by his changed appearance from the teenager who had appeared in the Daria show to the man before me: Ted is taller and rougher, has grown a disheveled beard and his hair is longer and seems slightly unkempt. He is also wearing a formal business suit. But his handshake is strong and frank, and his smile open and carefree, just like the teenager one can see in the episodes. We sit, me for a coffee and him to have lunch, the only time is has available for this interview.
• Siblings, by LOTR_Dan (COMPLETE!): "It's my fault they're dead, you know. It's my fault they went out into that storm." [What happened after things went wrong in "Antisocial Climbers."]
  
• Tales of the Ringbearers: Bad Apple—The Second Raid, by Doggieboy (Part 1): Electro-Shock looked away, his expression pensive. "If this is a Ringbearer's house," he muttered, "then God help you all when he comes back." He moved towards the front door. "God help me when he comes back." (preview here)
  
• Unnamed story (Falling into College: The Clip Show), by Brother Grimace (COMPLETE!): Reading the PPMB thread off his laptop computer in the office of the Psych Detective Agency, Gus Burton looked across the room at the sound of Shawn Spencer and the attractive Latina's argument getting louder and louder. "It blew up the Floating Continent in one shot the very first time they used it!" the woman almost shouted, the blueberry cake donut in her tightening fist falling to pieces. "The Argo was built from the remains of a World War II battleship, while that THING is the size of a small moon!"

Unchain Your Inner Techno-Nerd!

In Europe, this is Inventor's Day in honor of the techno-nerd lurking inside us all. The day was so proclaimed because it was the birth date of an extremely creative actress. In the U.S. this is World Freedom Day, commemorating the fall of the Berlin Wall (20 years ago today). Thanks to Pinhead, again, for the marvelous alter ego.

Richard Lobinske has once again updated the most excellent 2009 Daria Visual Fanworks Listing. Thank you! And Pinhead once again freaks out the fan base with a mind-blasting "small joke." AND a series of Daria/Watchmen sketches have been posted by thatLONERchick.

FF.net

• Sinspiration, by Vlora (Parts 25 and 26): "Can I ask you something?" Daria preemptively hummed under her breath, her eyes focused on the end of Trent’s bed. They had been sitting there for the better part of the day, staring idly at the television that Trent had received from Jesse a few days back. "No." He paused, sensing Daria had taken him seriously. "I was kidding, ask away," he laughed. The girl turned a bemused look toward him before he sighed out a small apology. "What’re we going to do when I head off to Raft?"
  

PPMB

• Anti-Trope 2, by Pinkminx (Part 1): “You know, I hear that Quinn’s brother has been in a mental hospital, and he escaped,” Joey said. “Well, I heard he’s been locked up in the attic since he was born and the only reason he’s allowed out is because the neighbors saw him when they were moving in,” Jamie added. “You’re both wrong. I heard he was in a military academy, and he got expelled for starting a riot. They say five kids died that day,” Jeffy said in a grave tone.
  
• NEW! Daria: Hunter—Suited for Crime, by Jim North (COMPLETE!): Tom fidgeted with his rumpled collar. "You two haven't... talked to anybody about yesterday's events yet, have you?" Jane's frown matched Daria's. "Only the police," she said. "For six hours. What the hell is going on here, Tom?" Tom sighed and rubbed his face. "Okay," he said. "Okay. I don't know everything, but I've been able to figure out some of it. It seems that shortly after you guys left the station last night, DENA showed up." "DENA?" Jane asked in mild consternation. "The Department of Extra-Normal Affairs? Those nuts who try to protect us from little green men that don't exist?" (FF.net)
  
• Finn Morgendorffer 12: Carnivore (COMPLETE!): “We’re just looking at raw footage right now.” Daria informed. Jane had the remote, so she rewound it and played a little of it for Helen. In particular, the part where Stacy was crying at Mack’s party, and Finn’s subsequent freak out. “Oh my.” Helen seemed astounded by her son’s behavior, though Daria knew it wasn’t because of shock. She knew just how callous Finn could be.
• NEW! Finn Morgendorffer 13: Desperate Teenage Boys, by HolyGrail2007 (Part 1): “What about Grove Hills?” Finn asked as he took his seat at the table. Finn knew the name of the school: It was some prep school where they sent a bunch of geeks to be caged like the beasts they were. “Daria’s been invited to tour the campus,” his mother explained. “Oh.” Finn played it cool. If Daria went to school there, she’d be living in the dorms there. She’d no longer be at Lawndale High, or in the house. He’d be free of her influence once and for all—but he couldn’t say that out loud. Helen would just yell at him, and Daria would refuse to go, simply to torture Finn.
• NEW! In Silence Sarcastic, by Trscroggs (continued): Standing out by herself in the back yard was Daria Morgendorffer, but not the one Jodie had grown used to seeing in class the last few days. This Daria was not wearing the bulky jacket and green skirt that marked the mute girl at school. Instead this Daria was wearing a snug t-shirt and shorts that Jodie knew would get even a cheerleader sent to the office to change. This Daria’s shirt was soaked through with sweat. She spun a wooden stick through complicated patterns occasionally interrupted by a vicious elbowing or kick.
  
• Othello, by Dennis (COMPLETE!): Stacy Rowe was finally happy. It was the first week of her junior year, and she was finally blossoming. One of the hottest guys in the school was interested in her. And not as a consolation date after going out with Quinn or Sandi. Her reflection smiled back at her in her bedroom mirror. No, Mack Mackenzie had finally broken up with Jodie and asked her, Stacy Rowe, on a date.
• Rainbow Disconnection, by Disco316 (Part 6): “Would you be dears and bring my books to Ms. Barch’s classroom?” asked Quinn. “There’s a book for each of you.” The three boys thanked Quinn and started to fight over who would end up with Quinn’s binder over her two textbooks. Quinn knew that they wouldn’t think twice about it, since Ms. Barch had said that having the three of them subservient to a woman was sufficient enough reason to cut them some slack… for now.
• Scarlett the Fairy and the Halloween Party, by Aloysius (COMPLETE!): Yes, it was that time of year when children and adults alike celebrate by putting on costumes more outlandish than anything a cosplayer could even think of. Or would want to. No, it wasn’t Let’s Make a Deal. It was Halloween, and in Lawndale, everyone was in the spirit.
• NEW! Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Innocent Bystanders Screw It Up Again!), by Project Pegasus (COMPLETE!): "Ummm . . . Did Ms. Li finally decide to burn the school down for the insurance money?"
  
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Tooth and Nail), by Kristen Bealer (COMPLETE!): As Sandi tackled Quinn, knocking them both into the Brittany-Andrea catfight nearby, Mack finally had enough. Stepping on top of a table, he held his hands up and shouted, "Excuse me!"
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Tooth and Nail), by Richard Lobinske (COMPLETE!): "You snooze, you lose."
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Tooth and Nail), by Roentgen (COMPLETE!): "Ye-e-e-sss? How can I help you, young man?" Helen asked. "Mrs. Morgendorffer, I'm Mack Mackenzie. I'm here to see your daughter."
  

Hey, You Kids! Get Off My Lawn!

Quinn, with the help of a good makeup team, serves as today's mascot for International Day for Older Persons, also known as International Day for the Elderly, better known as October 1st. What is this kid like at Holiday Island High? An older person who is trying to get a diploma but keeps failing, per Kevin Thompson?

This is also the 68th anniversary of the opening of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, considered to be the very first American superhighway. I had thought the Autobahn was built before then, though, so I am not sure which was the world's first superhighway. Eisenhower was so impressed with the Autobahn after World War II that he put the Interstate plan in motion, but at least the P.T. was here first.

And a little something in Daria's arena: today is the 62nd anniversary of the founding of Mensa International. I am not a member (duh), but I put the date in here as I am a nerd and proud of it.

Yo, Computer Monkeys! This Is Your Day!

Today is OneWebDay, the day when we celebrate having, um, One Web! So, like, you know, celebr8!

Today is also the birthday of Joan Jett, who is so cool she gets mentioned here even if she has nothing to do with Daria.

And, according to Wikipedia, it is the 57th anniversary of the "first live sporting event seen coast-to-coast in the United States, a college football game between Duke and the University of Pittsburgh," seen on NBC. Pigskin Channel, wahoo! Kevin would definitely celebrate that.