It's Double Bro Seven!

Mack is shaken, not stirred, because James Bond creator Ian Fleming was born on this day in 1908. Upchuck should be the most interested, though, as a canon fan of the fictional spy. Daria might take the opportunity to write a new Melody Powers story, since the character clearly took quite a bit of inspiration from James Bond, as well.

After she's done writing, Daria might also enjoy a tasty snack to celebrate National Hamburger Day, although it's her call whether she chooses to eat it or "stick it in my boots 'cause I love the squishy, squishy feeling 'round my toes." Jane could join her if she feels up to taking on another two (or even five) jumbo burgers without feeling a thing.

Finally, it was on this day in 2001 that the episode "Life in the Past Lane" first aired. Although the episode has some high points, like Stacy scoring a win over Sandy and Barch melting down during Upchuck's magic act, it will most likely always be best known as the only appearance of the loathsome Nathan.

Fanfic Update!

• Daria's Party Addition, by DrT9999 (parts 9 and 10): "'Hey, Daria!' Daria looked up to look Jane in the eyes as she was hailed by her best friend as Jane opened her front door before Daria had fully reached it – certainly nearly unique." (Part 10)


• Spider Quinn 17 Tempestuous Origin of Mysterio, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 1): "The figure had light. SpiderGirl and Ninja Talon also had flashlights. The first pipe was easy, as it was mostly dry, but they noticed that there was more water as they continued towards the creek."


• Strange How We Know Each Other, by riotsquirrrl (part 5): "Jane was relieved when Caroline sat on Daria's other side instead of next to or across from her. She was less than relieved to hear Caroline grilling Daria as if she was Jane."

Double-Oh Mack Daddy

Upchuck is going to be pissed that Mack got the James Bond alter ego over him, especially because he's known to be a big fan of the character. In fact, he might even know that today is the anniversary of Bond creator Ian Fleming's birth in 1908!

If you're not into spy novels, then you could celebrate National Hamburger Day instead. The traditional way would be to eat one, but you might follow Daria's example by sticking it in your boots because you love the squishy, squishy feeling around your toes.

Finally, today is the anniversary of the episode Life in the Past Lane in 2001. We got to meet Nathan for the first (and, fortunately, last) time and also see Daria acting especially unpleasant, even for her. Good thing for her that Nathan turned out to be a jerk after all, I guess.

Fanfic Update!

• Am I A Grownup Yet?, by jones2000 (part 8): "Trent was on-air, but Daria hoped desperately that if she called his cell enough times he would get the idea that something was wrong and answer already."


• Daria Ravenclaw: The Highland Years, by Meester_Lee (part 66): "Helen's cell phone rang while she was discussing a case with Mr. Scales, the leading counsel on an important case that looked like it was headed for trial. Now wasn't a good time to respond."


• Earl's Life Lottery (Odds and Ends), by LSM (part 1): "Life is stacked against you before you're even born. On the plus side, you are born the United States in 1981. However, the economic boom in Texas passes your parents, a white father and an African American mother, by."


• Erin Chambers, by OzFerret (part 24): "Erin waited for a taxi and tried to make sense of Michelle's behaviour. Michelle has not placed a lot of importance on Girl's Night Out before. I have missed a few, but no one had said they were compulsory. Is it her birthday? I didn't think so."


• Kevin's Obsession (Life After Thirty), by WildDogJJ (COMPLETE!): "Kevin, Jim, Chuck and Mack are seated on the front porch enjoying the early summer day while drinking beer. Kevin is also smoking a cigarette. He looks at Jim's house next door. Taking a drag on his smoke he marvels at how wonderful Jim's lawn looks." (Part 2) (Part 3)


• Lab Idiots, by A Lad Called Brodster (COMPLETE!): "We start a a fancy university. The door opens, and two people are thrown out. UNI-GUY: AND STAY OUT!"


• Lane Splitting, by welltemperedclavier (COMPLETE!): "Jane felt like she was floating off the ground when Friday arrived. She met Quinn at the Morgendorffer home, getting to say hi to Helen before she left for work." (Part 6) (Part 7)


• Skin Deep, by Kristen Bealer (part 1): "Daria scratched at her belly button, willing the newly-added navel ring to stop itching. She briefly considered just taking it out, but then shook her head and left it alone."


• Teaching is a work of heart, by Rémi (part 10): "Morgendorffer house. Daria and Quinn are having breakfast together. Daria is eying Quinn suspiciously. Daria (doubtful) : So, Jane invited you to come to her place today to see her paintings ?"


• Touched by Mars, by welltemperedclavier (COMPLETE!): "The shadows of Nowruz flames danced on the curved metal wall. Or they appeared to, at least. They were the memories of holy fires, copied from the fire-capped temples of Ecbatana and replicated with holograms."


• Winter Blues (Atiya's Trash Thread), by atiyatortilla (part 1): "Daria peered into the depressing emptiness that was the Lane family fridge as her stomach grumbled in anger. Nothing edible would magically appear within the depths but she continued to stand there, allowing the cool chill to provide her some brief relief."

Vroom, Vroom!

Stacy's thrilled to race in the Indianapolis 500, which starts today! I shudder to think what Sandi would say about her clothes and dirty face, but take a look at Stacy and consider whether or not she cares right now.

Today is also the anniversary of the birth of Ian Fleming, whose James Bond character undoubtedly played a part in inspiring Daria's Melody Powers stories. If I remember right, Upchuck is also a fan, which makes me wonder what his reaction to Melody would be. On second thought, perhaps we're better off not knowing.

Finally, today is the anniversary of the episode "Life in the Past Lane," which aired on this day in 2001. We got to meet Nathan, who is among the least-liked characters in fandom. But hey, at least he's more popular than Ken Edwards!

Fanfic Update!

• Cops And Robbers And Magic, by psychotol (part 26): "The corridors around the dormitories had gotten a bit smoky with that acetylene cylinder had been burning away until Carrie telekinetically shut it off from the washroom."


• Daria's Life's Lottery, by Charles RB (COMPLETE!): "At least Jodie's at Grove Hill. There's one friendly face – also Upchuck's there, heyoooo – in amongst a sea of assholes." (Part 8) (Part 9)


• Fates Entwined, by Deep Metal (part 1): "And so it began. After four years of high school, Daria was finally where she wanted to be, in college."


• Fidelity, Integrity, Bravery And So On... (Hiding in Plain Sight), by Brother Grimace (COMPLETE!): "'Happy birthday, Carlyle.' Julia Carlyle didn't even look up as Tobias Fornell tossed a package onto the table next to the chaise lounge on which she reclined. 'Nice furniture, kid. Teak?'"


• Greater Love, by arandomshipper (part 2): "A typical family dinner that night saw Jake alternating between blissful inanities and sudden angry outbursts, while Helen's attempts to start meaningful conversations were constantly interrupted by phone calls."


• Slap, by elainefr (part 1): "Slap! The sound could be heard from across the room where Jane was standing and talking two new prospective dates at the party that she was attending."

The Name is Daddy...Mack Daddy!

Mack's taking a little trip in honor of the late author Ian Fleming, who was born on this day in 1908. Fleming created the James Bond character and series, which undoubtedly influenced Daria's Melody Powers stories.

Today is also National Hamburger Day, so why not take the opportunity to down a few Cluster Burgers? If you don't care for the taste of greasy hamburgers, then you could always stick one in your boots and enjoy the squishy, squishy feeling around your toes.

Last but not least (depending on your opinion of the episode), today is the anniversary of the episode "Life in the Past Lane" in 2001. We met Nathan, who is one of the least popular characters on the show, but we also got to witness Stacy's moment of triumph over Sandi, who is so naive.

Fandom News!

• Offer your advice to anyone visiting your hometown or country.


• Discuss the results of the recent elections for the European Parliament.


• Kara Wild found a Daria shout out in a web video.

Double Oh Mack Daddy!

Today is probably a major holiday to Upchuck: the anniversary of Ian Fleming's birth in 1908. Fleming was the author who created the character of James Bond, whom Upchuck frequently tries (and fails) to emulate. Mack seems like a more suitable candidate, although I wouldn't want to be Kevin if Mack ever gets that license to kill.

It was also on this day in 2001 that the episode "Life in the Past Lane" first aired. We got to meet Nathan, although he turned out to be a jerk (poor Jane doesn't have the best track record, does she?). On the bright side, we also got to witness Stacy's Epic Win against Sandi.

Fanfic Update!

• ARC Ch.6 Drowned in a cappuccino, by ST91 (parts 8 and 9): "Daria stood hesitantly in front of her aunt, and behind her Jane and Andrea waited to see what would happen." (Part 9)


• B (IC: Brittany at Great Prairie State), by PrecambrianStudios (COMPLETE!): "'Go team!' squeaked Brittany from the top of the cheerleader pyramid."


• Brittany In A Sorority (IC: Brittany at Great Prairie State), by Shiva (COMPLETE!): "'Wow Jaslenne! You always find the cutest guys! How do you do it?' Brittany asked her fellow sorority sister while smoothing out her pajama top."


• Darius Taylor, by Shiva (part 9): "Elsie glanced around her brother's shoulder and commented, 'Wow, your Dad still looks like he has a bug up his ass about something...' Darius sighed, 'Yeah, I noticed.'"


• Death Comes to Lawndale, by PrecambrianStudios (COMPLETE!): "She laid there, screaming and crying. Everything was gone. Her entire family. Many of her friends."


• Depths of Shallowness, by SacredDust (COMPLETE!): "'Your college is SO not cute, Daria.' Those were the first words out of her mouth when she visited me at Raft. Not hi, not I missed you, not it's good to see you again. But that was Quinn."


• Dylan, by J-D (part 21a): "'So you and your parents decided to accept the invitation to Grove Hills?' Dylan raised an eyebrow at Rod. 'Yes, but how did you know?' 'Word's out about the keg party Kris Brocklethwaite's throwing while his parents are out of town.'"


• The Finer Things on Earth (Iron Chef: Random Love Triangle Challenge!), by SacredDust (COMPLETE!): "Love can strike anyone. No matter the time, the place, or the circumstances, its power is undeniable."


• His and Hers (Scenes No Daria Fan-Fic Should Have: MY EYES THEY BURN!!), by Smijey (COMPLETE!): "Mr. DeMartino eyed Ms. Barch as she ate her salad in the teacher's lounge. Alone. 'Your loss, Timothy,' he chuckled to himself as he walked over and slipped into the chair on the opposite side of the table."


• If Looks Could Kill, by SacredDust (part 2): "Quinn burst into tears. The doctor put a hand on her shoulder and she recoiled, squirming towards the end of the couch. 'It's okay, Quinn. Let it all out,' he said softly. And she thought guys her age were easy to fool."


• I Loathe a Pay-Per-View, by SacredDust (part 5): "Quinn: 'OKAY!! So I AM worried about it. She says she doesn't want to team with me and stuff. My own flesh and blood, Daria, my own flesh and blood...but you know what? Fine! Who needs you anyway? I'm sure there are lots of cuter, more popular people who would be happy to wrestle with me. I'll just find one of them instead!'"


• Left 4 Daria, by Charles RB (part 2): "'Thanks-' She stopped to fire two at another zombie. '-Jane.' 'Don't' BLAM 'mention' BLAM 'it.'"


• The Mageborn Cynic Chapter 4, by peetz5050 (part 3): "Another colonel leaned forward with a look of contempt on his face. 'Listen to me Lieutenant Morgendorffer, just because you put on a uniform with your Father's insignia doesn't make you... you... my... I... aaaiiiiiiieeeee!!!!!!!!'"


• Mine, by Vukodlak (part 3): "Daria was pacing back and forth in her room debating whether or not to tell him."


• Of All The People That Won't Be Missed, by LongSnakeMoan (part 4): "'What the hell happened in Texas and why are you going back? I thought we were going to Georgia.' 'Some shit's come up. I have to go and take care of it.'"


• Quinn's Code 08: Alternapalooza, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 2): "At Cindy's place. Kristen and her brother, Keith, arrived. 'You're ready for Alternapalooza?' Keith asked. 'Of course,' Quinn said. 'Let's go,' Cindy said."


• Rude Awakening Ep 13: The Hiring Game, by DIsaac (part 5): "KEVIN: Dude! What is up with with you? Since you punched me... MACK: By the way, sorry about that. I was totally in the wrong when I did that. KEVIN: Thanks, but ever since that dinner I have a feeling that there is something wrong with this relationship and we need to talk."


• Tom Sloane, Lax Bro, by Shiva (part 5): "Ok, so the school day sucked worse than usual, the profs seemed attuned to the fact that an awesome BRO-tastic weekend awaited me and my bros, so they saddled us with enough work and ugly glares/words/etc to make even Fugly Daria blanch."


• Unnamed story (The 1001 Humiliations of Quinn Morgendorffer), by Shiva (COMPLETE!): "The last few weeks had been so wonderful, Quinn had gotten her Hogwarts letter from a beautiful snow white owl and had been introduced to the world of Magic by Professor Sprout. Even though she was a bit dirty, she was so nice and showed her all sorts of magic, plus it had been funny to learn that Daria didn't have any magic."


• Unnamed story (Scenes No Daria Fan-Fic Should Have: MY EYES THEY BURN!!), by BrownEyedBagel (COMPLETE!): "Daria: 'Quinn...what are you going to do with that potato gun?'"


• Unnamed story (Scenes No Daria Fan-Fic Should Have: MY EYES THEY BURN!!), by LongSnakeMoan (COMPLETE!): "Sandi watched with satisfaction as Quinn happily ate the non fat, non dairy, gluten free cupcakes with special topping that she'd made for her last night."


• Unnamed story (Scenes No Daria Fan-Fic Should Have: MY EYES THEY BURN!!), by Shiva (COMPLETE!): "'I hate my job.' Daria said into the mirror after her makeup team finished putting on her face."


• Unnamed story (Scenes No Daria Fan-Fic Should Have: MY EYES THEY BURN!!), by Shiva (COMPLETE!): "Daria brushed some of her iron grey hair away from her face and contemplated her next words, the sentences appearing on the screen in front of her."


• Unnamed story (Scenes No Daria Fan-Fic Should Have: MY EYES THEY BURN!!), by Silver (COMPLETE!): "It sounded like someone sliding keys across piano strings. Or guitar strings, perhaps."


• Unnamed story (Scenes No Daria Fan-Fic Should Have: MY EYES THEY BURN!!), by Silver (COMPLETE!): "Brittany was infuriated. So Daria wasn't really trying to steal Kevin from her. That was fine, but Kevin's refusal to pay attention to anything but the Pigskin Channel on the Morgendorffer family television."


• Unnamed story (Scenes No Daria Fan-Fic Should Have: MY EYES THEY BURN!!), by Silver (COMPLETE!): "'It's very nice of you all to get me a chair. It shows how understanding you're all being about these pay cuts to help increase the security budget.'"


• Unnamed story (Scenes No Daria Fan-Fic Should Have: MY EYES THEY BURN!!), by SinisterExaggerator (COMPLETE!): "Daria couldn't believe she heard Mystik Spiral's new sound."


• Untitled Quinn/Daria Bonding Moment (Scenes No Daria Fan-Fic Should Have: MY EYES THEY BURN!!), by Shiva (COMPLETE!): "'Hey, you were right Quinn,' Daria said gleefully as Tom gasped his last breaths, 'Killing people is fun!'"


• Victor Morgendorffer, by Shiva (part 15): "'So Sport, any big plans this week?' Victor shrugged while hiding his surprise at the sudden parental interest in his life, 'Nothing really, probably just go to school and hang with the Deviants. The usual.' 'The Deviants?' Jake asked while scratching his head. 'Aw hell,' Victor thought while mentally face palming. It was time for damage control."


• 'What Memorial Day Means To Me,' by Quinn Morgendorffer, by SacredDust (COMPLETE!): "Memorial Day is a day for memorializing. Because, can you have a holiday about memories if you DON'T remember them? I don't think so!"

The Name is Daddy...Mack Daddy!

Happy birthday to the late Ian Fleming, born on this day in 1908 and creator of the character James Bond. Although Mack is pictured as the British spy, Upchuck is the character on Daria known to be a fan. Also, Daria's Melody Powers character was most likely influenced at least in part by Fleming's novels.

Today is also the anniversary of the birth of the Dionne quintuplets, born in 1934 and the first set of quintuplets to survive past infancy. The Angst Guy wrote about a much scarier set of quintuplets in Quinnts Episode #101: Extremesters--five different Quinns!

Fandom News!

• Derek shares some space news, both good and bad.


• Do you mentally account for anachronistic elements in Daria episodes? If so, how?


• An interesting study about the possible relationship between lead and crime.


• Three new Iron Chefs in the Creative Writing forum: Silver's Daria the Test Subject, GlitterShrooms's Evil Jodie?, and Vukodlak's The Gift.

New Hope for the Wretched?

Punk rock singer and Mohawk-wearer Wendy O. Williams (of the Plasmatics) was born this day 61 years ago. One of the wildest rock stars of the punk scene, Ms. Williams was also a movie and stage actress, macrobiotic cook, gypsy dancer, animal rehabilitator, and health food activist. (The title for this entry comes from one of the Plasmatics' record albums.)

Why the MTV artists decided to use Sandi Griffin as the model for W.O.W.'s alter ego (at right) is beyond me, but Sandi carries it off rather well, except for wearing her light blue blouse instead of the two strips of electrical tape that Ms. Williams wore on stage. Sandi has her limits, I suppose. Sandi's pose appears to be a modification of Ms. Williams' appearance in a 1982 press photo.

Writer, journalist, and former WW2 commando Ian Fleming was born 102 years ago today. He is best known for creating the action hero James Bond, whom Mack Mackenzie honors in his From Russia with Love jet pack outfit (at left). Lt. Cmdr. Fleming planned and took part in Operation Goldeneye during the war, and the name was later used for one of the more recent Bond films.

The Dionne Quintuplets, the only batch of five identical twin sisters to ever survive to adulthood, appeared on this world 76 years ago today. They had a rather unhappy life, I am sorry to report. They later formed part of the background inspiration for this Daria fanfic.

Finally, we also remember math genius Alan Turing, who submitted a paper for publication 74 years ago that changed the world, as it eventually led to the invention of modern computers. The paper was called "On Computable Numbers, with an Application to the Entscheidungsproblem," and I have no idea what it was about. I don't think even Daria would know. Click the link to read it, and good luck. (Turing and Ian Fleming, by the way, knew each other well. Small planet we have, isn't it?)

BRAKING N0OoZ!

• The Daria Shrine has updated! Hooray!
  

PPMB

• Finn Morgendorffer 47: Hell is Homecoming, by HolyGrail2007 (Part 6): The day before the Homecoming Parade was the day they announced the Homecoming King and Queen. They did it in homeroom, so, unfortunately, Finn had to stomach it with Timothy O’Neill. The man had always been a bit splotchy-eyed from crying ever since Barch was arrested.
  
• General Semantics, Private Angst, by Gwrtheyrn (Part 26): On a squishy carpet in Re'lax, dead Daria sleeps, dreaming....
• Into the Fray, by Minx (Part 11): “Whoa, easy there, Rambo,” Sam chuckled as he lurched forward from the pressure. “We both know you’re not going to shoot me.” “What makes you so sure?” Trent said through gritted teeth.
• Legion of Lawndale Heroes Special: Tokusatsu Team Up! by LSauchelli (continued): Daria and Green carefully eyed the older Daria as they walked to the wish-granting Artifact. Green was doing everything in his power not to try to pummel the Planeswalker. Daria had to keep a constant mental reminder that if he even tried, Urza would probably kill him without breaking a sweat.
  
• Robert, by OverlordMikey (preview): "I swear, Robert, mother and father would turn over in their graves if they knew how you let yourself be used by those shameless little hussies from that Fashion Club."
  
• Sister, by OverlordMikey (COMPLETE!): Jane arrived home and noticed Penny getting ready to leave. "Hey, Penny." "In a hurry—got a plane to catch." "Yeah, I just wanted to say..." Jane mumbled the last part. "What?" Penny asked.
• Tales of the Ringbearers: Bad Apple, by Doggieboy (preview 2): "We've got a problem."
• Unnamed story (Scenes That Should Be: Breakfast of Zombie Champions), by Doggieboy (COMPLETE!): "Your money," one of the men said. "We're broke," Daria said, her voice seemingly small. Both pistols aimed at her and one of the gunmen said, "Too bad."
• Unnamed story (Write-Off Challenge 3, Round 3), by LSauchelli (COMPLETE!): Jane knocked on the door to the red-brick house and was surprised when almost immediately it appeared to open itself. She almost jumped back when a green-faced Quinn Morgendorffer motioned her to come inside.
  

"The name's Bond. Mack Bond."

Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond, 007, was born this day 100 years ago. Mack leads the celebration with a drink (shaken, not stirred) and a jet pack rather unlike the one Bond used in From Russia with Love. Mr. Fleming also created Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which no one cares about.

Ranger Thorne offers three different outfits for a superhero Quinn. See which one you prefer.

Brother Grimace wants to know: Is Jake Morgendorffer really that bad? Post your opinion ASAP.

Szcz put forth some possibilities about the enigma wrapped in a mystery that is Grandma Barksdale. Were the Barksdale girls adopted? See what you think.

More later. Will try to write more on that Doc Holliday story.