I Suppose You Could Celebrate With Headlocks

I see that Sandi's younger brothers are busy celebrating International Youth Day by trying to kill each other, but I suspect that's not really a special occasion kind of thing. Based on their mutual animosity, I'd be surprised if either of them lived past youth, honestly.

We should wish a happy Middle Child Day to Sam Griffin in particular, though, being the second-born of three kids. Today would also be a day for either Helen or Rita, depending on who you think is the middle kid.

Trent, meanwhile, despite being a middle child, will probably be more interested in observing National Vinyl Record Day, especially if he still has his Zappa albums. "It's a richer tone."

Fanfic Update!

• Dirty Little Secret, by wilddogjj (parts 1 and 2): "Brittany was having a dress fitting at a bridal shop. Quinn, Stacy and Nicole were there as well. Brittany marveled at her reflection in the mirror as the white dress was truly stunning." (Part 2)


• Her Last Words, by Sheila Wisz Ellayn (part 94): "Everything seemed like just a dream when Lockie Allyngard opened her eyes the following day."


• Spider Quinn 18 A Birthday and Stormy Sonnets, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 1): "The teenage girl approached the grave site at sunset while fog was settling in. The headstone read. Jacob Elias Morgendorffer June 23, 1952 – November 4, 2000"

A Pint-Sized "Nope."

Young Daria is absolutely not happy about celebrating National Youth Day, but that's okay because Young Quinn is happy enough for both of them. In fact, Young Quinn might be happy enough for the entire world. I'm a little worried that she might explode from joy.

If Daria were feeling affectionate (which is a very big "if" that isn't likely to happen), then she could observe Kiss a Ginger Day. Given the choice, I think she'd be better off kissing Quinn than the other infamous ginger on the show...Upchuck.

Helen, meanwhile, will probably be celebrating neither of those holidays because it's Work Harder Day and that's all the excuse she needs. Then again, I'm not sure if it's physically possible for her to work any harder than she usually does without the use of cloning technology.

Fanfic Update!

• A Real American, by wilddogjj (COMPLETE!): "Jim was with Tony, Eric, Wayne, Bud and Chuck at the shooting range. Jim squeezed off a few rounds from his Beretta handgun."


• Spider Quinn 13 Aftermath and Investigations, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 9): "After finishing her shift, Quinn went up to the roof. But before she changed to SpiderGirl, she looked around at the town."

They're So Cute When They're Filled With Loathing!

Daria and Quinn are celebrating National Youth Day, although only one of them is doing so enthusiastically. In her defense, Daria has always been clear that she doesn't like children, even when she was a child, so no one should be surprised by this.

However, Daria should know that it's also Kiss a Ginger Day and she's got an excellent opportunity sitting right next to her! Don't hold your breath, though; she's more likely to choose to kiss Upchuck.

Hey, maybe if no one tells Helen that it's Work Harder Day, she'll take the day off.

Ha. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Like that would ever happen.

Fandom News!

• Time is running out to nominate in the 2023 Daria Fanworks Awards for Written Works and Visual Works!


• darianefan05 shares a Goosebumps fanfic idea.

Brothers and Headlocks: the Perfect Combination

 Sam Griffin is clearly having a great time on Middle Child's Day, although Chris is...not so much. This day should also be celebrated by Trent, Wind, and Penny Lane, Rachel Landon, and either Rita or Helen depending on the theory you subscribe to.

In fact, all the kids of Lawndale should be celebrating because today is International Youth Day. I suppose Sam is already celebrating, but hopefully the others will choose a less violent way to enjoy their day.

Fandom News!

• The PPMB Refuge has a new name and page: The Daria Refuge.


• tafka posted a new Iron Chef: Nathan.


• Discuss Biden's choice of Kamala Harris as Vice President.

Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up...as long as you can't see my pores!

Quinn is ready for her close-up with Cecil B. DeMille, who was born on this day in 1881. I sure hope the late director was a fan of yoga and questions about her best side.

Today is also International Youth Day, so I'll be celebrating with my own favorite youths! Daria, however, will take a pass. "I don't like kids. I didn't even like kids when I was a kid."

Fanfic Update!

• Chuck And Stacy: An Unlikely Love Story, by WildDogJJ (parts 2 - 4): "Chuck is showing Stacy how he did his trick. Stacy is amazed by just how simple it was. 'So, you had two tens!?'" (Part 3) (Part 4)


• Danny Morgendorffer, by ST91 (part 8): "That same afternoon, in her office, Angela Li was reading the reports sent to her by Mrs. Manson about the six new students. All things considered, she was satisfied."


• Daria Ravenclaw: The Year of the Owl, by Meester_Lee (part 5): "At first, Ellen thought that just reporting Stearne's activities would be the end of her part of it, but when it was Marshal Dillon from the Marshal's office that called her back, she suspected that it wouldn't be."


• First One Out of the Pan, by EntrancedCat (part 4): "'So, Mom, Dad,' Daria paced the living room in front of the TV, her rage giving her roles as presiding judge, duly seated jury, and ever-so-angry prosecutor. 'Did you bring her back to finish the job?'"


• The Second Kiss, by Felix_Nicolea (COMPLETE!): "'Jane.' There was relative silence for several seconds. 'Oh, that's me,' Jane finally replied sarcastically, 'I thought if I just waited, you might keep talking.'"

Jake Conducts a Thought Experiment with the Neighbors' Cat

Jake and Mr. Whiskers are both wishing Erwin Schrödinger a happy birthday, as the late physicist was born on this day in 1887. Mr. Whiskers is especially glad to be getting out of that box alive.

This is also International Youth Day, but Daria's not going to be celebrating that one. "Forget it. I don't like kids. I didn't even like kids when I was a kid."

Fandom News!

• Tell everyone about your moments of serendipity.


• Which characters could the show have done more with? Give your picks and reasons in the thread.


• A Babylon 5 movie is in the works, and fans are excited! Talk about it in the Weapons of Mass Distraction forum.


• Ask LongSnakeMoan your questions in the new Ask The Author thread.


• Shiva posted a new Iron Chef in Creative Writing: Cassandra.

"I don't like kids. I didn't even like kids when I was a kid."

Happy International Youth Day! Daria looks less than impressed by the holiday, but d'awww all the same, right?

Today is also the anniversary of the birth of Erwin Schrödinger in 1887. Schrödinger is best known for the thought experiment known as Schrödinger's Cat, in which a cat in a box may be alive or dead--or both. I'm not great with quantum mechanics, but The Angst Guy's fanfic Schrödinger's Tiger should clear everything right up.

Fanfic Update!

• The Amazing Adventures of Captain Invincible!, by Erin M. (part 7): "After making sure the door was locked and the 'closed' sign was up in the window, Twilight retrieved Spike's journal and relocated back to her favorite reading cushion. She made herself comfortable and opened the journal."


• Black Cloaks of Lawndale, by Waylander (part 12): "Daria was scanning the bottom row of her bookshelf when Quinn entered the room without knocking and said, 'Can we talk?'"


• Consequences, by ST91 (part 4): "'You have something in mind, don't you? Otherwise you would not be dressed like that.' said Mack. 'Exactly Mack. In fact I'm going to ...' he began to say, explaining his plan to his friends."


• Credence, by Astrocar82 (part 1): "The careless elegance of her movements with that half-mocking smile on her face just amplified feelings given by her eyes. Daria Morgendorffer radiated a confidence that was intoxicating and frightening."


• A Cure For a Summer Cold (Scenes No Daria Fan-Fic Should Have: Why, oh God WHY?!), by Shiva (COMPLETE!): "'Daaarrreeeaaaa!' Quinn whined with all the force of an annoying eight year old. 'What?' Daria growled, not bothering to look up from her copy of Magic Kitten By Sue Bentley. 'Do you know a way to get rid of this horrible summer cold?'"


• Daria+Stacy fluff, by Astrocar82 (part 7): "'Please tell me you aren't wearing contacts to try to get into Stacy Rowe's pants.' '...' 'Just don't let her make you over, please.' 'I won't let it go that far, Jane...I hope.'"


• Daria and Trent in Foreverness, by DariaLane (COMPLETE!): "Daria: Trent? Trent. Trent: Yes 'My Love.' Daria: Will we ever do anything other than stare meaningfully at each cloud?"


• Daria, Civilization Leader (Scenes that should be: Pacific Rimmers), by Shiva (COMPLETE!): "It was strange knowing who she was in a strange group of people that were divided into two different sets, one she knew were settlers and the others were warriors."


• Darius Taylor, by Shiva (part 15): "At the dinner table, Tom took a sip of water from a glass and briefly considered sneaking off to the kitchen for a soda. 'Nah,' He thought to himself, 'Mom would have a fit.'"


• Death Comes to Another Lawndale, by PrecambrianStudios (part 5): "'This crap weighs more than a sumo wrestler,' Suzanne complained to her father as she helped him load Mystik Spiral's equipment into the Tank, which was shuddering from the weight load."


• Dominick Morgendorffer, by macross (part 6): "As he entered both girls took notice of him and each had enormous smiles on their faces. Quinn was the first to speak. 'So Dom, Ronnie here tells me you had a girl on your bike when you stopped by this afternoon,' she said as her grin increased."


• Evening, by JPAGC (part 1): "'I'm doing this now,' said Jane without looking at her. She got a clean sheet, copied the equation from the other and started to develop the formulas. 'I'm not doing remedial math again!'"


• The Great And The Good, by ognawk (part 2): "After being dropped off near the front gates, the Sloane siblings made their way inside. After a pretty silent car journey, the younger Sloane was the first to speak. 'So, Thomas, any idea of whom your date for this week is going to be?' Elsie asked with a smirk."


• The Great Daria Halloween: Beginning, by Ranger Thorne (part 1): "'Mack?' Jane smirked at him. 'How's it going?' 'Ugh,' came the reply. 'A tough day, I take it,' Daria surmised. 'You don't know the half of it,' he confirmed. 'Look, I know you're busy looking for your own stuff, but can you help me with a problem?'"


• Look Sharpie (IC: Tom Sloane, Lax Bro TAKEDOWN!), by SinisterExaggerator (COMPLETE!): "Thomas Sloane woke up, busting the crust from his eyes as his sinuses pounded like a funeral drum in his head."


• LSD, by PrecambrianStudios (part 10): "She placed her hand up against the wall. Taking it away, she asked, [What's that vibrating?] [Probably Quinn's band.]"


• My Dad the Director XXX, by macross (part 4): "For Daria the week of volunteering instigated by Ms. Li had not been going well. After taking one of the few assignments left, reading to the elderly, she was beginning to wish she had signed up for picking up road kill."


• A New Direction (Iron Chef: My Dad, the director), by peetz5050 (parts 4 - 6): "Some time later Daria found herself seated in front of Mrs. Margaret Manson (no relation), the school counselor. Having been given a head's up by Jodie she was sitting up attentively and had her notepad and pen out and ready. Nancy Drew couldn't have looked more eager." (Part 5) (Part 6)


• Quinn's Code 08: Alternapalooza, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (COMPLETE!): "'You would have to drive yourselves though,' Keith said. 'Yeah, College,' Kristen said with a distant look. As they turned around, Quinn thought that there was some deeper meaning to Kristen's remark than just the fact that Keith would be at College..."


• A Scene No Daria Fan-Fic Should Have: Why, oh God WHY?! The Musical!!! (Scenes No Daria Fan-Fic Should Have: Why, oh God WHY?!), by Shiva (COMPLETE!): "'Oh, me oh my!' Daria sang as she looked down into the toilet, 'There were centipedes in my crotch nostril!'"


• Something (Slightly) Wicked Ch2, by macross (parts 8 and 9): "Daria had been heading for the snack when some someone bumped into her from behind sending falling straight into a red haired boy in a long black pea-coat and charcoal grey corduroys with black Italian boots." (Part 9)


• Tom Sloane, Lax Bro, by Shiva (part 16): "'Hey little bro!' Hank Cloves said to the twelve year old as he bounded towards him, and Hank pulled the little guy into a big bear hug, 'Glad you could make it.'"


• Unnamed story (Scenes No Daria Fan-Fic Should Have: Why, oh God WHY?!), by Charles RB (COMPLETE!): "(A heavy Doc Martin comes down in the camera; brief climpses of corporate malpractice and excess play over Daria striding forward, a clipboard in her hand)"


• Upchuck Pesters O'Neill, by DariaLane (part 1): "Mr O'Neill: I have come to speak to you both in confidential terms - another class mate needs some keen social integration as he appears to lack some skills."


• Upchuck Pesters Sandi, by DariaLane (part 1): "Sandi: Hello unsufferable knave-tyrant. I am sure you know whom I am talking to. Upchuck: Feisty....! Feistier... Quinn: Hey, geez Sandi.... Have you gone off your rocker??"

Awwwwww!

It's International Youth Day! Take some time to celebrate young people, although Daria probably won't be participating. "I don't like kids. I didn't even like kids when I was a kid."

Fandom News!

• RLobinske asks that everyone clean out their attachments to clear some space.


• Deref shares his photos from a trip to Central Australia.


• Learn how to look like Daria and Jane, courtesy of MTV.


• Doctor Who fans can check out a funny video clip and talk about the show.


• Another Bill and Ted movie? Talk about it in the thread!

A Day for People Who Like/Don't Like Cats

As reported/not reported last year at this time, cat fancier/hater Erwin Schrödinger might/might not have been born 123 years ago today. He might/might not be famous for devising a means of getting rid of cats using quantum physics, a feat for which he won/did not win the Nobel Prize. Despite Schrödinger's cat experiment (see at left), cats still exist (or not).

This is International Youth Day, which still does Daria and Jane no good, and is also the birthday anniversary of Madame Blavatsky, the Theosophist who was parodied on Beavis and Butt-head (see image at right).

More soon, just remembered to update this thing. Okay, time to go.


GnEwZ!!!

• Another popular thread on PPMB: Shocking News for Daria and Quinn!
• Mystik Goldmine, by Breitasparrow, is new art: a Trent/Jesse image inspired by the rock movie Velvet Goldmine. Be advised there is mature content present, but implied only.
• Ms. Buzzdome herself has been at the sketchpad again, with amusing results.
• Hazazel's thread called Who is she? has now become Iron Chef: Slutty Girl.
• NEWER! Ken T has made a gracious offer to draw fan art by request. Get your requests in early!
• NEWEST! Ken T has located a bunch of his old fanfics! Hooray!
• NEWEST! LSauchelli has a new Iron Chef: Twins ("What if Daria and Quinn were identical twins?") Get goin'!
  

PPMB

• The Camera II, by Brian Taylor (COMPLETE!): The tape begins with footage of a tony neighborhood in Halloween dress. Carved pumpkins decorate porches. Spiderwebs dangle from overhangs and twine between columns. Bales of hay in yards. Haunts hanging from streetlights and bare tree branches. A teenage girl in a dark, professional-looking jacket stands by a tree. She still wears round glasses, still has wavy brown hair to her shoulders. It’s held back from her face with a black headband. She holds a dented microphone in her hand. "Chevy Chase, Maryland." Amy's voice is a little lower now, that of a teenager rather than a little girl.
• NEWEST! Finn Morgendorffer 55: Dreamer Without a Cause, by HolyGrail2007 (COMPLETE!): “What about you, Finn? Bromwell or Crestmoore, not bad choices either way.” “I know.” Finn chuckled. “But still, I gotta choose. I don’t wanna transfer, I hated being the new kid when I first came to Lawndale.” “You had the entire freshman class eating out of your hand in two weeks.” “Still, long move, haul all that crap. I’m only doing that as much as necessary. So, I think one college will be enough for me.” “Which one are you thinking about?” “Reasons for both. Jane’s here, Tom’s at Bromwell.” Finn answered. The three of them were certainly close. Finn and Jane were a cute couple, and the girl he was with now, Sierra Riordan, who was older, wasn’t the same as Jane. And Tom Sloane? The two were best friends, and, according to the gossip, their dads did as well. He wouldn’t be far apart from his friends. Jodie noticed Finn didn’t mention Daria, but she decided against it. Plenty of history between brother and sister.
  
• Grove Hell 2: All the Lawndale People, by Charles RB (Part 8): Outside, the night was calm and cool and you couldn’t hear the screaming. It had taken Daria a few minutes to stop crying, and then to shift slightly away from Amelia so she wouldn’t be involved in physical contact, and now she just sat in silence. They could have sat like that for a while, Daria not wanting to talk and Amelia unable to break the silence, if not for the police cars arriving, sirens whining into the night. The Resort staff must not have taken kindly to the near-riot breaking out. “Um... unless you want to talk to the cops, we should probably—” “Okay.” (NEW! FF.net)
  
• Helen Wheels, by Smileyfax (Part 2): Daria and her new friend Jane were walking home, discussing their after-school self-esteem 'class'. Daria still marveled at the discovery of a person with both an intact brain and intact sanity, and was even more awed that Jane wanted to be friends with her. "So then, after the role-playing, next class they put the girls and the guys in separate rooms and a female counselor talks to us about body image," Jane said. "What do they talk to the boys about?" Daria asked. "A classroom full of guys and a male teacher?" Jane asked, as if it were self-evident. And, to Daria, it was a moment later. "Daria!" "Eep!"
• NEWER! Homecoming, by Chris Tucker (COMPLETE!): The telephone was ringing as she walked in the door. "Hello... Yes, speaking. What? No! Oh, my God...What about the children? Do they know? Poor dears! Of course, certainly we'll take them in! Thank you for calling. Yes, I appreciate that. Thank you, goodbye." She dialed a number. "Jake, I just got a call. Liz and Bobby are dead. Apparently a car crash almost a month ago. Of course Mom didn't call. She probably hasn't told anyone."
  
• It's Her Party, by Chris Tucker (COMPLETE!): "Hey, Daria." (I've just seen a face, I can't forget the time or place) "Oh. Hi, Tom." (That we'd just met, he's just the boy for me And I want all the world to see we've met...)
  
• Jane Lane: Ace Attorney—Turnabout Teacher's Pet, by LSauchelli (Part 13): Jane glared at O’Neill, who had just been incarcerated under suspicion of being an accomplice to the murder of Cartwright. For a second she felt sorry for the man, but that feeling was quickly replaced by contempt when she remembered that he used to be her very worst teacher back at High School. “Well?” she simply said, when she decided he was calm enough to actually speak a few comprehensible words.
• NEWEST! John Lane 47: Another Look in the Mirror, by RLobinske (Part 3): "Why didn't you mention a pre-nup before now?" Helen suddenly yelled, causing everyone to jump. Daria stood and grabbed John and Quinn's hands. "Time to go." "Where?" Quinn asked. "Anywhere," John said as Daria pulled them toward the front door. "What about Dad?" "I'm sorry, Quinn. But he's on his own."
  
• Legacy, by Getrealordie187 (Interlude 4): "Why on Earth would I want to step into that thing just so I can get the crap beat out of me? I'm already afraid of getting shot in this place; the last thing I need is to get brain damage before it happens." "Boxing is a sport of strategy Cadet. You're not even allowed to step in my ring before you get the technique down. And that's not going to happen if you just stand there and bitch. I'll start with teaching you how to wrap your hands and get you started on the speed bag. I'm not asking."
• Morning Ritual, by NightGoblyn (COMPLETE!): "See ya after school, Mom, Dad!" Quinn waved at her parents as she headed across the living room, grabbed her backpack, and headed out the front door. Her dopey sister was still half-dressed and eating a bowl of cold cereal, but Quinn liked having an early start on her day. She walked to school with a bounce in her step and a lilting whistle on her lips, stopping in at the little coffee shop that was about halfway between home and school. "Hi, Barry!" she said, waving at the guy behind the counter as she made a bee-line for the bathroom. "The usual?" "No, make it a triple shot today," Quinn replied. "I've got a Fashion Club meeting before school and I need to be extra perky."
• NEWER! Raft College: The First Year, by rglovejoy (Part 22): It was dark when Daria woke up. She rested on her side, very warm and comfortable. Something wrapped around her torso, strong and immovable. Her back was also warm: it felt as though she were leaning into a firm, cloth-covered cushion. She sensed something else, large and strong, cupped over her right breast. Though there was very little light, Daria knew where she was: she was in bed with her Sam.
  
• NEW! She Can, by Charles RB (COMPLETE!): Julia reclined on her seat, letting the school assembly wash in one ear and out the other. (Something about modeling, or was it about being a model student? Something something "model"-something, anyway.) "Blah blah blah I am the Principal who is boring ignore me ignore me." Did I remember to record Scooby-Doo? Damn, that's gonna bug me all day now...
• NEWER! Summer, by Chris Tucker (COMPLETE!): The girls were settled in the new home. It was near the end of June, so their new "Mom and Dad" would get them into school in September. They had the whole summer to get to know each other. The nice family next door looked after the girls while Mom and Dad worked. Sometimes they stayed next door, sometimes the oldest girl would stay with them in their house. The girls were never alone. Unlike back in the old house.
  
• NEW! Unnamed story (Who is she?/Iron Chef: Slutty Girl), by Charles RB (COMPLETE!): The blonde girl with little clothes briefly gazed over the room and then jumped when she saw Daria. "Where did you come from?!" God, this again, Daria thought. "I'm Daria."
  

Strange News You Can Abuse

Here are a few anniversaries that could, if a fanfic writer was so inclined, inspire some truly weird tales. Maybe Daria and Jane could investigate these for Sick, Sad World.

Renown cat lover/hater and Austrian physicist Dr. Erwin Schrödinger was born 121 years ago today. He had some kind of thought experiment in which you had a cat in a box and the cat was alive/dead when you opened the box because . . . I don't know why. Who cares.

Sixty-five years ago today is the date that conspiracy theorists believe the Philadelphia Experiment took place, in which a U.S. Navy ship is alleged to have . . . I don't know what it is alleged to have done. This sounds like the scriptwriters for Buckaroo Bonzai were involved. Truly bizarre. Could Daria duplicate this in the high school's science lab?

Eighteen years ago, someone in South Dakota discovered the most complete skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex ever known. Such a huge ruckus developed over the ownership of the skeleton that an auction took place and MacDonald's actually bought it. Yes, all true. I've seen the immortal Sue myself, and that is one damn fine dino.

And, back at Holiday Island High, today is the UN-mandated International Youth Day. Just an average teen, nothing more. How dull. Frank Zappa Day was much more interesting.

I noticed on the TV Tropes Wiki that there is a page on which you can recommend great fanfiction. I might try this myself, sending in a list of what I think is good fanfic, only the Daria section would be larger than all other sections combined. Hmmm.

Anyway, somebody write a fanfic that combines Schrödinger's cat, the Philadelphia Experiment, and a T. rex. I dare you. G'wan, do it. I double-dog dare you.