I Guess They're Superstitious

Daria and Jane are horrified to learn that today is Friday the 13th, but I wouldn't be so upset. After all, Friday the 13th is still a Friday, and that's a win right there!

However, Jake might want to stay out of the kitchen on this unlucky day, because it's National Kitchen Klutzes of America Day and he's a menace when cooking at even the best times. All he needs is too much of a free hand with the pepper and his tongue will be black in no time.

At least Jane can take comfort in today being National Jane Day, so that should cancel out any bad luck she might have experienced. Just as long as she stays far away from any of Jake's cooking.

Fanfic Update!

• Daria's Party Addition, by DrT9999 (part 23): "Dolly Frasier knew the right people, and knew that money talked. She had the invitations for the ceremony in hand before noon that Saturday morning."


• Mysteries of Aurora, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 17): "Freya and Alexia came out of the lecture. 'So, what was that about an ancient manuscript, again?' Alexia asked."


• Spider Quinn 17 Tempestuous Origin of Mysterio, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 3): "SpiderGirl re-entered the theater area and saw that it was still full of the green mist, she saw Peterson nearby, as well as three young men, including Trent, talking to her."

The Pen Is Mightier Than the Sword, Except in a Sword Fight

Also on this day, 67 years ago, Hungarian inventor László József Bíró filed a patent for the ballpoint pen in Argentina. He had actually invented it a few years before, but this time he and his chemist brother founded a company to produce ballpoint pens, which proved to be wildly successful. In many counties today, the ballpoint pen is known as a biro or birome, after its inventor. The pen that Jane used in "Speedtrapped" to draw a flag on a fellow inmate's arm is depicted above. (It came from an old MTV website.) MTV used the drawing as a reference for artists who were creating the episode.

More fanfiction appeared today. A few stories posted on FF.net have already appeared on PPMB, so the links to those were placed with the most recent mention of the same stories in this blog. Lots to read, so enjoy and stay tooned!

FF.net

• Brittany Wants Daria, by a440 (Parts 3 and 4): Coming home, Daria checked her email and found one that took her by surprise. It read, "You have been cordially invited to eat with me at Joe T. Garcia's in Fort Worth, Texas, as my way of saying thanks for everything and as a gesture of goodwill, along with the fact I got bored, that is, and got two round-trip plane tickets to Fort Worth—if it's OK with your parents, that is. Love, Brittany Celine Taylor." That threw Daria for a loop. Her hypothesis on Brittany having a crush on her was right.
• Cross Over Madness, by Agirl2Nerdy (Part 1): "Drowning a cat?" Jesse asked. "Yeah. At first it's all nice and purring and nice, then when it gets wet it starts screeching." "Ohhh." Meanwhile... "Good news everyone!" the ancient professor cried as he emerged in the meeting room, just as Fry and Bender were in the midst of a whale impersonation contest. (Daria/Futurama)
• The InDark, by MedianCat (Parts 7 to 10): "Move some furniture," Daria said. "Why?" "To block the door. We're on the third floor: at least 25 feet off of the ground. The Bringers can't fly, but they and their boss out there are perfectly capable of battering down a door. Yes, that would mean other people, my aunt's neighbors, would hear what was going on, but it's not going to do us any good if the police arrive five minutes after the Bringers and Tommy Sherman have slaughtered us and fled the area." (Daria/Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
  
• Perfect, by age4age4 (Part 1): "So, what brings you here? Last I heard you were in Connecticut trying to become a doctor or something." "I was," Mack replied while ringing up Jane's purchases. "But then I found out after my first year at Vance that my heart wasn't really into it so I decided to focus my energy on something I really wanted to do: computer programming." Knowing that Raft was known for its computer programming program caused Jane to put two and two together. "That's cool, but it must suck for Jodie now the two of you are even farther away from each other." Mack shrugged a little. "Not really. We decided to take a break during Christmas vacation last year, but we still talk every other day. No big deal." Jane couldn't believe for one second that the two high-school sweethearts breaking up was no big deal to Mack. It was a huge deal.
  

PPMB

• Bringing Up Baby Lane, by GlitterShrooms (Part 1): “Hello,” said Penny’s recording. “To whichever one of my family members currently resides in Casa Lane, I have exciting news. As the loner in a family of loners and failed relationships, I have in the last few months finally united with what you could call my soul mate.” “Whoa!” interrupted both Jane and Trent. "And if you’re listening Mom, or Dad, you don’t have to worry about our money situation. Fernando’s father is a multi-billionaire involved with some of Mexico and the world’s most powerful corporations. We were even hoping to buy Casa Lane. Fernando always wanted a large family.” “What the Hell!?!” screamed Jane.
• Judith Strikes! Opening Gambit, by Erin M. (COMPLETE!): "We know you're hiding there!" A presumed squad leader called out. "If you surrender now, we'll simply wipe your memory and you can go home. No harm, no foul!" Judith smirked under the hood of her cloak, and reached into it's folds. She withdrew a futuristic looking grenade, and thumbed a button on its surface. "But I LIKE harm!" she called out, "Especially when it's sanctimonious reality cops like you getting it!"
  
• Legion of Lawndale Heroes Mini: Benefactor and Inventor, by Roentgen (COMPLETE!): If there was one thing that Andrew Landon hated, it was being at someone’s beck and call. He had hoped to be the boss of Lawndale, but was now realizing that there was a “servant” in “public servant.” Dynell and Landon walked to the green. “So how is life,” asked Dynell, “in the mayoral business?” “Rotten,” said Landon. “There’s no way I can get anything done. Everywhere I turn my hands have been tied by someone.”
• Unnamed story (Flinging Fourth the New Ideas Thread), by Ranger Thorne (Part 1): “Don’t worry about it,” Jane said with a wave of her hand. “I won’t tell anyone Daria has an ugly sister.” “Hey!” Quinn scowled at her, put her hands on her hips, then stated, “Daria and I look exactly alike, so how could I be the ugly one?” (Daria/Sky High)
• Unnamed story, by Teeki (Part 3): Quinn dipped a tortilla chip in guacamole. "We'll find the right coat! I just want something that is soft, the right color pink, and has that fur around the hood." Daria, who had been concentrating on her burrito, looked up. "We saw at least three coats just like that." She glared at her sister. Quinn took a bite of rice and spoke with her mouth full. "But Daria! Those coats had fake fur. I'm looking for real fur, so I'll look just like a bunny!"
  

Hello, Dali!

Jane rubs her aching arm during a moment to herself in "Art Burn." She's painting a copy of a famous painting by Salvador Dali, the Spanish surrealist painter who celebrates his 106th birthday anniversary today. Can you guess which painting it is that she's copying? Dali is mentioned in passing in a few fanfics. On the Sick Sad Life Planner CD, Jane Lane has a thought about what made Dali so great.

More in a bit.

It's Kind of Complicated

Welcome to May Day, the spring festival day that celebrates pretty much everything. In the U.S. this is also Law Day (with a nod to Helen Morgendorffer), Loyalty Day (with a nod to Ms. Angela Li), Join Hands Day (fraternal groups helping society), Lei Day (Hawaii only, not in Bermuda as Sandi Griffin thinks), and In the Heart of the Beast (Minneapolis giant puppet show).

Worldwide it is also Beltane (or Samhain across the uninhabited southern zones of the planet), International Workers' Day (what it sounds like), EuroMayDay (like May Day, except not), the founding day of the Illuminati, the optional feast day of St. Joseph (patron saint of workers and fathers), the 203rd anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade in the British Empire, the 170th anniversary of the first adhesive postal stamp (YES!), and the 158th birthday anniversary of Calamity Jane (who is mentioned here only because her name was Jane, like Jane Lane, who was far more interesting).

It is also the day when, 18 years ago, Rodney King made his famous appeal for calm during the 1992 riots in Los Angeles. Whatever other faults he may have, Mr. King did a great thing at that moment, and it is worth reflecting on that. Thank you, Mr. King.

AND... because it is the first Saturday in May, it is Derby Day (what is likely to be a very muddy Run for the Roses) and more importantly Free Comic Book Day! Get yer butt down to your local comic book store and get one while supplies last!

Whew. Go thou and party.

FF.net

• NEW! The Fate of the Duels, by A440 (Part 2): Once safe in room 403 on the fourth level of the motel, Brittany looked over the interior, which was white and pink plaster with a clean white deep carpet, a decent bed with red sheets, a high-def TV on the wall, and a equally clean red-tiled bathroom with a pull-up window shade over the toilet. From there, the blonde turned on the TV and tuned to ABC Nightline, then unwrapped her bundle, revealing two five-foot-long katana-type samurai swords in their sheaths, gold armor on the swords, and a black pearl finish on the scabbards; those she carefully placed in the closet.
• NEW! Flight, by Bear-Bell (Parts 1 and 2): Trent wondered what had happened. He wasn't exactly content with his lot in life, and he'd always had a generally negative outlook of the world, but this feeling of dissatisfaction had never been so acutely understood before. Janie's gone, he immediately thought. What was he supposed to do without her?
• NEW! Kid Sister, by Cacophonysundae (COMPLETE!): "Sorry, Janie," he tells her. "Monique and I broke up again." "I heard." Janie doesn't bother to hide the scorn in her voice. She's pretty cool for a kid sister, but sometimes she gets into these moods where she thinks she has to be the mom and he hates it because she's good at it, and she always makes him feel like he's some unruly kid that needs to be scolded.
• NEW! One Night, by Charliefox2012 (COMPLETE!): I sigh inwardly, still drinking my soda. Really, it's just to be doing something. I know I should let it go, just move on. I mean, she has. It's like nothing ever happened, and that bothers the hell out of me. Nevertheless, I can't complain if I want to keep her by my side. I was stupid. I am stupid. I should have refused her. So she kissed me; I should have stopped her there. I didn't want to though. I wanted it. [Revised from original version on PPMB from 2009.]
  

PPMB

• Finn Morgendorffer 44: My Three Young Women, by HolyGrail2007 (Part 4): “Dammit, Jane, sometimes I think you want me to cheat on you.” “Excuse me?” “All this talk about being around other girls, who, by the way, I haven’t even kissed them. I’m just around them. How would you feel if I came to all those gigs you take Trent to and point a shotgun in the face of every guy who flirts with you?” “They don’t flirt with me. Which is more than I can say for you.” [NOW COMPLETE! Last part here: “Finn, I’m a perfect lady. Nothing happened. Besides, I know you have a girlfriend.” “Well, that does make me feel a little better. At least I didn’t cheat on Jane.” “Well, not a perfect lady. I did manage to sneak a few peeks.” “Eep!” “You don’t need to get so mad. For what it’s worth, I was impressed.” “You’re not helping.”]
  
• NEW! The Hallowed Halls of Fielding, by Roentgen (Part 26): "I cannot believe this!" said Helen. It was six o'clock in the morning. Helen, Jake and Quinn were holding an impromptu discipline session. Quinn thought that she would be able to sneak in unnoticed, but when her room was checked at 5:30 am, she was immediately woken up and called down stairs to face her punishment. The smell of Quinn's breath would guarantee a contentious session. "So I'm going to ask you again, Quinn: where did you get the alcohol?" (FF.net)
• NEWESTER! A Health Unto Our Heroine! by Gwrtheyrn (COMPLETE!): [A songfic you simply have to sing!]
  
• NEW! It Ends Tonight, by GlitterShrooms (COMPLETE!): It was on one of the western cliffs that the crowd decided to have its final parties. In particular, Miss Jennifer Burns sat on the cliff’s edge and watched the sun burn. “Yo! Burnout!” yelled her friend Angel, “You know what they say about staring at the sun. Don’t wanna go blind, do you?” “Like it matters,” yelled Jennifer back, “It’ll all be over soon enough. Besides, I’m wearing sunglasses. Hey Scarlett! Any word from Andrea?”
  
• NEW! True Art Is Angsty, by Yogi (COMPLETE!): Daria scowled at the words on the page: “Once upon a time.” ALL Fairy Tales began with that. It was so obvious, so overused, it was almost like the words lost meaning and were just what people began fairy tales with. Sure SOME people would be satisfied with that, but Daria was EIGHT. Her first story could begin with something more highbrow than THAT. (Daria/Princess Tutu)
  

SFMB

• Daria Race War, by Bliss Ticks (continued): Kevin took his dad’s truck to what he thought was the seediest section of Lawndale. Although it was closely monitored by the police, there was a liquor store here and several of the homes were for sale or had weeds growing semi-unchecked on their lawns. He had it all figured out: he would go down to the slums, buy some drugs, plant them on Mag, then report him to Ms. Li. It was foolproof. All he had to do was find a dealer.

The Artist as Art

Hey. Not much happening today. Some good fanfic just came out, though. Here 'tis. Plus, Jane Lane as abstract art, from the Daria's Inferno computer game. Enjoy.

BRAKING GNUZ! C.E. Forman (yes! that one!) wants to PARTY!!! Go to this link and check it out!

FF.net

• NEW! The Fate of the Duels, by a440 (prologue and Part 1): Translated from the Spanish as "the meadows," that name was somewhat of a misnomer as there was almost hardly any green, save for the gardens, house yards in the burbs, and golf courses here and there. But here in Sin City, as it was called, that hardly mattered because the only green to found there was money. And money was what most people came here to gamble for.
• NEW! The Pole, by Quinnley1 (COMPLETE!): [story contains adult themes] One day, I found myself in desperate need for a large amount of money or else I would have to choose between paying for my textbooks and eating. It was the first and only time I had really mishandled my money, and for a Trent-related incident no less. I decided that the side waitressing job wasn't enough, so I asked the manager to let me dance for one night. With my need to justify everything, I even managed to convince myself that stripping would be a great thesis study for my Study of Modern Society class.

PPMB

• Finn Morgendorffer 43: A Tale of Three Schrecters, by HolyGrail2007 (COMPLETE!): “Do you mind telling me what your hand was doing on that part of my son’s body?” Helen asked. Her voice was level and very calm.
• The Hallowed Halls of Fielding, by Roentgen (Part 25): Sometimes I wish I could be like Quinn, Daria thought. When it comes to academics, she just doesn't give a damn.
• NEW! Exercise Time for Scarlett the Fairy, by Aloysius (COMPLETE!): Scarlett the Fairy looked at the pistol aimed at her face, her expression calm and collected. Yes, she was facing the business end of a .44-Magnum Ruger Super Blackhawk, and yes, one bullet would be enough to blow her to bits and ruin her day. But she wasn't worried.
• NEW! A Visit to the Church, by Aloysius (COMPLETE!): It was the depression of a Sarah Palin landslide victory that caused Daria to go on a three-day bender. She was finally lucid on Saturday, November 10, and sat up in the bed. O.K., she thought. Where am I and how did I get here? “I see that you’re awake,” the man said.
  

Call Me a Tramp, Will They?

Sir Charles Spencer "Charlie" Chaplin, famed English movie actor, director, musician, and political activist, was born today 121 years ago. Mr. O'Neill does a passable impersonation of "The Tramp" at right, especially in black and white like most of Chaplin's early movies. A depiction of Jane Lane as The Tramp (ouch!) appears in the Daria's Inferno computer game (left).

This is also Emancipation Day for everyone living in Washington, D.C. Party hearty!

In The Daria Diaries, the review of Mystic Spiral in "Muck and Rage" appeared on this day, but we're not sure which year.

In my list of unfinished stories a few posts ago, I forgot one extra-good one from long ago...

• A Sarcastic Beginning, by Thea Zara: OMG, what I wouldn't give to know happened next!

And now for the fanfiction...

PPMB

• The Dream of the White Darkness, by jtranser (continued): "Damn! Jane, what did you do to yourself? Your mouth, your eyes, your whole face....hell, your whole body! You - you look glossy! You look like you've been photoshopped!"
• NEW! Falling into College: The Clip Show, by RLobinske (Part 3): Karen walked across the main Quad and said, "From time to time, we managed to have a little bit drama around here, like the first time Michael asked Daria to marry him. Nice thought, lousy timing."
  
• NEW! A Few Years Difference, by Vlora (Part 5): "Well, class, we have a special guest today," O'Neill chuckled in a way that would strip paint off walls. He looked expectantly at Daria, who was sitting in the front right corner of the room. She was busy playing with a pencil when she looked up, smiling very vaguely at the class.
  
• Finn Morgendorffer 42: The Suburban Symphony, by HolyGrail2007 (Part 7): ”I’m not done. Finn, She might be bad at times, but she’s not always. And you, of all people know this. You and Daria may have had your moments, and I’m sure it was intense. But you know, she’s helped you, too. A lot. More than you’ll admit to me.”
• MOST NEWEREST!!! Jacob Morgendorffer, Esq., by CAP (Part 8): How Vincent and Amanda could leave their children for weeks on end seemingly on a whim at times was beyond him, especially leaving them in the care of Summer, whom Jake would not have entrusted with a goldfish.
  
• NEWEREST! A New Set of Rules, by Dennis (continued): Daria hurried to the library. She was bundled up against the cold Indiana January, with heavy coat, scarf, hat, and gloves, but still the cold wind cut right through her. Classes had begun only a few days ago, but between her work and helping Kevin, she felt like she'd already fallen behind. On this chilly Friday, the library offered a needed haven, both from the cold and the chaos. Kevin was on his last round of revisions, thanks to a heroic effort on both their parts, which meant she had a day or two to herself to catch up. She yanked the door open, struggling against the wind, and all but leaped inside.
  
• Some unnamed concept that I will name later, by SigDiff (continued): “We want to make the world like it was before,” Daria continued, “only better. It has to be better, or else we'll all end up right back here, in a destroyed civilization where people barely survive off the land and children grow up without even learning to speak.”

Jane's Secret Magical Powers REVEALED!

While watching "Jane's Addition" a while ago, I noticed an unusual event that proves Jane Lane has magical powers! The image at left shows Jane in a disheveled state, talking with Daria the morning after Jane and Tom Sloane first meet and Jane goes off with her new bf. Jane's eyes are big because (image on right) Tom has just appeared behind Daria. When we next see Jane, PRESTO! She has nicely combed hair again! (See image at bottom left.)

Jane's secret power is obvious. She can make herself look good for any guy in mere seconds without a comb, brush, or anything else. Can the Fashion Club do this? NOT! Jane Lane is her own Fashion Club!

What secrets are left to learn about this amazing town of Lawndale and its inhabitants? Stay tuned and we will see! (P.S. Click on any image here to get a larger view.)

And here are more stories, as long as we're here. Over 153,000 hits! And a warm cheery welcome to all the new Followers of this blog!

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• Legion of Lawndale Heroes Special: No One Is to Blame, by Brother Grimace (teaser): “Yeah, we’ve had the chance to travel all over the world,” Jeffrey Brace said, holding Stacy Rowe’s attention with every word. “Ever been to Easter Island? It’s really cool.” Stacy moved closer to Jeffrey, totally lost in his story as Tiffany Blum-Deckler simply rolled her eyes.
• Unnamed story (Scenes That Should Be: Breakfast of Zombie Champions), by LSauchelli (scene): "Well, is there anyone alive? Tell me my dad is—" "Your parents are dead." Jane said without mellowing it up. "Quinn too." (Daria/Captain Planet)
  

But what if Jane was never deprogrammed?

Ninety-eight years ago today, the Girl Scouts and Girl Guides were created. About twenty years ago today, Jane Lane was deprogrammed after leaving the Girl Scouts so she would stop singing marching songs.

This is also the 9th anniversary of the premiere of "Camp Fear," in which we meet Daria's fan club, which had only one member. The club was disbanded after this episode.

One year ago today, we said goodbye to a wonderful member of our fandom. Thank you, Guy, for all you gave us. You are still The Man.

ARTz!!

• The incredible Kem gives us... Brittany as Q-bert! Weird, man, I'm tellin' ya.

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• Daria—The Next Chapter, by LadieT (Part 5): "This photo was taken a couple of months before Tom died." Jane took a deep breath. "Tom had taken a position at a small law firm. The pay was okay, but Tom loved the job. The firm mainly dealt with divorce cases involving spousal or domestic abuse. An ex-spouse of one of their clients came in irate over his divorce proceeding. He was armed to the teeth and just started firing. Three of his coworkers died on the scene. Tom and three others were injured. The gunman killed himself. Tom was shot twice, once in the right arm and once in the chest. He fought for two days. His sister and I were in the room with him when he passed." Jane's tears flowed freely. (OD)
  
• Falling into College 72: Valley of Love and Delight, by RLobinske (Part 13): "It's a good thing you found each other," Quinn said, "because nobody else could stand you."
  
• Finn Morgendorffer 36: Brain of the Family, by HolyGrail2007 (Part 3): Finn was performing in school, and excelling at it. He had the whole package: tall, strong, handsome, and now smart. “So where does that leave me?” Daria sighed.
• Kamen Rider D, by Silver (Part 4): Jane poked her head out from the bushes, watching as the energy sphere engulfed Kamen Rider D, changing her back into Daria Morgendorffer. "One less monster," Jane commented dryly. Daria didn't respond. Jane poked her friend. "I'm fine," Daria told her flatly. "Just wondering what's with these monsters." Jane shrugged. "At least you're doing something. Me, I'm cowering behind the bushes."
• The Other Thing, by Ticknart (COMPLETE!): After a while Jorge started to slow. He didn't stop digging or breaking dirt clods, but he didn't use the claw or trowel with any real force. He didn't seem tired, just listless. He stopped working and sat up on his heels. "Aunttany..." he said. "Yeah." "Why aren't you my mommy?"
• Rainbow Connection, by Ranger Thorne (COMPLETE!): [Perhaps best not to give anything away here...]
• Zero G, by SigDiff (Part 2): "It's time for lunch. We've left the Oort cloud, by the way. If you weren't already, you two are now officially interstellar travelers. Would you like some pilot's wings?”

Wimmin n Gunz

We celebrate today the birth of the voice of Amy. The voice of Amy Bennett, that is, not Amy Barksdale. Voice actress Bennett played daffy economics teacher Diane Bennett and the chocolate-challenged Mrs. Johanssen for Daria. She turns 35 today, and we gratefully wish her the best. Mrs. Bennett at left appears to be the (modified) alter ego for the lead character in the 2000 movie, Miss Congeniality. (Or maybe not. Any better guesses?)

Patty Hearst turns 66. A young socialite kidnapped by an American terrorist group in the early 1970s, Ms. Hearst was forced to join the Symbionese Liberation Army in a bank robbery until she was captured. She really got screwed over, considering the circumstances, but eventually she was let out of jail and was able to return to being normal again. For some reason, MTV artists drew Jane Lane as Ms. Hearst (compare Jane at right with Patty's SLA image at Wikipedia).

We also wish a happy birthday to 84-year-old Richard Matheson, who created tales of horror, science fiction, and fantasy known to everyone in this fandom. Remember I Am Legend? The gremlin on the airplane wing from The Twilight Zone? Hell House? Duel? The Night Stalker? "The Enemy Within" episode from the old Star Trek? The Incredible Shrinking Man? What Dreams May Come? Somewhere in Time? How many fanfics were inspired by one or more of these works, do you think? I know some of mine were.

SKYPECON is ON!

The Aliens Among Us (in Jane's School Locker)

"The Old and the Beautiful" has an interesting moment in which we get to peer inside Jane Lane's school locker. She has a drawing that looks to be of a Grey alien, and above it a sketch of some kind of tentacled Cthuloid monster with one large eye. (She's holding a bull's skull, by the way.)

Why would she have these? Yeah, I know, because she's Jane and having monster pictures in her locker is a very Jane sort of thing to do. Her brother Trent, however, has a picture of a Grey in the Tank. Wait, the Tank is owned by the drummer, Trent just drives it. The image at the lower right is from "Road Worrier." You can usually see the Grey behind Trent's head while he's driving.

If you click on the label "aliens" below, you'll get a long list of all the other aliens that have appeared in Daria over its five seasons. That's a heck of a lot, and we're not counting mentions of Sasquatch, black helicopters, clone armies, and alter egos.

Or the UFO convention with the giant green Grey making a peace sign (or victory sign?) for the crowd. (Click on pic for detail.)

Interesting place, Lawndale.

Wonder what really goes on there at night...

Dancing the Night Away in His Memory

This is the 98th birthday anniversary of famed artist Jackson Pollock, in whose honor Jane Lane designed the student dance milieu in "Daria Dance Party." When asked what the decorations stood for, Jane replied, "Being young, carefree, having your whole life ahead of you and dancing the night away to celebrate. Oh, and the untimely death of Jackson Pollock." Mr. Pollock died August 11th, 1956, so it is doubtful that the party fell on his "death day" (to borrow a phrase from the Potter fandom).

However... Jane did not say aloud how Mr. Pollock died. How did Quinn know it was in a car crash? Well, there was a giant steering wheel hanging in the gym, so it must have been obvious.

Let's see, this is also Data Privacy Day, in memory of all the privacy we've lost through the Internet, and it's the 52nd anniversary of the patenting of LEGO blocks. Jake at left is clearly a LEGO fan. On top of all that, this is the 8th anniversary of a fanfiction couple's secret marriage. Guess who it was.

I see I am running behind on listing fanfiction again, so I will get to it as soon as possible.

Let there be ART!

It's time again for 2010's all-new

ART!

(in no special order)

• Amy's Attitude, by Minx
• Amy in the Danger Zone, by Minx
  
• Cage, by Pinhead
• Upchuck's Brand of Angst, by Kael Seoras
• S-crap-s, by Pinhead
• Meg as Daria, by (unknown)
• Meg as Daria, by napoleonxvi
• Esteeminator: Protectors, by Jim North
• Older Daria, by Vlora
• My version of "Three's Company," by DBR70
• NEW! LLH Comic WIP Sketches- Quinn, by midnightstorm
• NEW! Daria's birth, by Pinhead
• NEW! I Wonder What She Wonders... by MDetector5
• EVEN NEWER! More "Small Jokes" from Pinhead
• and Pinhead returns with a short animated GIF, "Boxing Daria"
  

Did you ever wonder who came up with the "Mirror, Mirror" episode of the original Star Trek, with the counterclock universe with the evil bearded Spock? This very popular episode has been imitated and parodied in everything from South Park to Futurama to Daria fanfiction (here, here, and here in scene 67). Today is the 87th birthday anniversary of Jerome Bixby, the genius Hollywood writer who dabbled in SF writing and created meme after meme in doing so. He's the reason why evil universe animated characters are frequently given goatees. So now you know.

J. K. Rowling finished the last Harry Potter book three years ago today. We won't even go into all the Daria/Harry Potter crossovers, there are trillions of them.

A few Daria fanfics take place during January, when high school and college are back in session. A few January-based, school-related tales appear below. "Fizz Ed" probably took place (in part) in January, which we know thanks to mention of the Super Bowl. Jake Morgendorffer, a Capricorn, might have been born this month, too.

High School

• "Many Are Culled" (TLAS)
• "Victory Lane" (Daria returns after being brainwashed)

College

• "Chosin Fate" (FiC)
• "Art Frieze" (FiC)
• "Refrieze" (FiC)
• "Between the Lines" (FiC)
• "Christmas Melody" (FiC)
  

Other

• "Still Wet by Moonlight" (All My Children)
• "Invisible Planet"
• "Nine Point Oh"
• "When the Torrent of That Time Comes Pouring Back"
  

In other January fandom events, Kara Wild wrote an essay on The Triangle, "The Other Side of the Kiss", seven years ago this month. The Irony Maiden, a beloved U.K. fansite, closed its doors last year at this time.

The first fanfiction update for 2010 is coming very soon.

Jane Lane and National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day!

Today is National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day, and you know what to do. So do it.





Be right back.





Or not.

It's Tango Day! Hooray!

Yes, Daria fans, today is Tango Day! Today we celebrate the tango by watching other people dance, because we are Daria fans and you've got to be kidding that we can actually dance, like no way. Well, okay, maybe some of us can dance, but the exceptions prove the rule.

The tango was invented in Buenos Aires, which was destroyed by jealous aliens who had too many legs to tango properly. We mourn the loss of a great city, but we still have the tango to fill our Daria fanfics (such as here and over here).

Lawndale Commons, one of the great early supersites for this fandom, is said to have shut down on December 11, 1999. A story by Kara Wild was dedicated to it that same month. Lawndale Commons did close its message board about that time (and perhaps changed its address), but it was given its final update in 2003.

Just Ourselves and Immortality

Welcome to the 179th anniversary of Emily Dickinson's birthday. Almost completely unknown in her lifetime as a writer, it was only after her death, when her sister discovered her writings (in a closet, I think) that anyone had any idea that she was doing anything at all. Once again I must reference one of my most favorite Dickinson poems, about faith. Good Readers, what are your favorite Emily Dickinson poems? And what would Daria & company write, if they were to create poetry in Ms. Dickinson's style?

Did you know Ms. Barch is a Dickinson fan? (Do a word search there.)

I learned something interesting in rewatching "Write Where It Hurts" to get this image. Quinn, in Daria's imagination, refers to Jesse in an interesting way. She sees Trent and Jesse on horseback, and cries: "But look! Here approaches Mr. Lane himself, along with his sister's admirer, Mr. Moreno." This means Daria believed Jesse was sweet on Jane.

So, given that the episode's write was Glenn Eichler, I guess Jane Lane and Jesse Moreno, at least until the end of the second season, were... you know... mutual admirers. Jane/Jesse turns out to be a FACT, not a supposition. When Jane and Jesse lean on each other in the van in "Road Worrier," it really did mean something.

Well, duh. The things you learn from cartoons. I feel sorta stupid for all the times I thought it was just made up. Sorry, all you Jane/Jesse writers, for thinking you were stupid mislead!

Oh, and Minx (ex-Pinkminx and some other name) has an AWESOME sketch of Jane and Daria. Whoa!

Who Watches the Watchmen?

Today is the 56th birthday of Alan Moore, creator of Watchmen, V for Vendetta, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, and many other graphic novel and comics lines that have been crossed over with Daria by inventive fanfic writers. Thanks, dude! And thanks especially for Jane Lane's grandmother (or, you know, great aunt), Silhouette.

Oh, and Mickey Mouse is 61 years old today. Can you feel Daria's excitement?

Oh, well. Moar l8r.

Birthday Girls

According to a certain popular fanfic, today is Daria Morgendorffer's 27th birthday! Thanks to Austin Covello for that date and the story.

In the real world, actress Wendy Hoopes (at right, a.k.a. Jane Lane, Helen Morgendorffer, and Quinn Morgendorffer) turns 37. Here is Ms. Hoopes as Jane, here she is as Quinn, and here as Helen. Thank you, Ms. Hoopes! You rOoL!!!

Fifteen years ago today, Daria appeared in the Beavis and Butt-head episode, "The Trial." Wonder if it was based on the Kafka novel. Hmmm, apparently not. (Click, copy, save, say no more.) That's Daria laughing in court at something Butt-head said, by the way. The prosecuting attorney is not amused. So this ninth-grader likes courtroom kibitzing? Daria was a heck of a kid, wasn't she? (The interesting images from the episode are displayed here.)

Kristen Bealer has raised the terrifying specter of a Midwest Dariacon 2010! Read and reply!

MDetector5's most excellent Fashion Club art is all the rage on PPMB's art channel. And Pinhead's "small jokes" just keep on rockin'!

Amusing photographs that could be of Quinn's Fashion Police have appeared at PPMB.

JPAGC has started a new Iron Chef based on a single screen capture from "I Loathe a Parade." See what you can do with it.

I was reminded of a great car-lovers' webpage that our own D. T. Dey helped create. It is the best!

PPMB

• Falling into College 71: Merging Goals, by Richard Lobinske (Part 1): "So, since you know him better, are you going to call Mr. Morgendorffer?" "I suppose I should." "What, his wife wouldn't appreciate him getting a call from a stripper?"
• Finn Morgendorffer 11: Man of Honor, by HolyGrail2007 (COMPLETE!): “Finn, you know you aren’t supposed to drink champagne. Alcohol isn’t for the under 21's. Put the glass down,” Helen instructed. “Finn, you don’t have to put it down as long as you’re staying here,” Rita returned. “Rita, Finn’s my son, not yours.” Helen’s eyes narrowed as she regarded her sister. “And I’m sure that makes you proud,” Rita replied.
• In Silence Sarcastic, by Trscroggs (Part 2): “My name is Daria Morgendorffer,” the sheet began. Before Jodie could read the next line Daria held her whiteboard up. “Daria Sunbeam Morgendorffer,” the board said.

• Invisible Love, by Charliefox2012 (Part 7): “Um, is Jane home?” Duncan asked tentatively. Trent only stared at Duncan impassively. After a moment, he sighed. “Yeah. She’s home,” he said and moved back from the doorway to let Duncan in. (FF.net)
  
• Unnamed story (Scenes That Should Be: Brains for Rent), by NightGoblyn (COMPLETE?): Daria sat on her bed and tried to read, but the stifling heat of the room distracted her and ruined her concentration. With a frustrated growl she tossed the book onto the nightstand and walked across the room to open a window. She had already stripped down to cut-off sweat pants and her sports bra, and only the thought of having someone walk in on her prevented her from trying to read in the nude.
  

Thirteen

In Richard Lobinske's Falling into College series, Daria Morgendorffer met Jane Lane on October 14th, 1996. Happy 13th anniversary!

This is World Standards Day, whose website is not up to standard, at least using Firefox. (Can you spot the errors in the heading?)

And one of the actors who played James Bond turns 82 today. You go, dude.

Haven't figured out what else to add. Got any ideas? Put them in Comments. thx

PPMB

• Anti-Trope, by Pinkminx (Part 2): “I’m here to see the principal,” he said. The woman raised a questioning eyebrow and waited for him to continue. “I’m a new student.” He added, having a feeling he’d be using this line more than once during the course of the day.
• Fat Man's Grave, by TAG and Brother Grimace (Part 3): To stand in the entrance to Daria’s Inner Sanctum and gaze upon its eccentric splendor took my breath away. It was a teenage girl’s bedroom, but you wouldn’t have known it. It was a place where the color pink shriveled up and died.
  
• Our Time Now, by Charliefox2012 (Part 3): “Just trying to bring you out of your mood. You’re no fun once you’ve gotten irritated,” Jane said. “I’m fun?” Daria asked feigning surprise. “You know what I mean,” Jane deadpanned. “Meaning you won’t get any,” Daria said, raising an eyebrow.
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Stacy's Mom, Where Are You?), by Roentgen (COMPLETE!): Quinn showed up at Stacy's door and tapped her fashionable tennis shoes impatiently. C'mon, Stacy, if I miss a second of Boys 'r' Guys, I'm going to yank out your pigtails. [You are not going to believe this crossover. TAG]
  

Early Morning Jane

With this colorized edition of an early Jane concept, you have to wonder how the character would've been different if the creators had gone with this concept.

I can see a somewhat wilder Jane that was more likely to do physically involved activities just to see what would happen. Perhaps she would show some of her atristic talent through her earrings by making new creations all the time. Shock ideas like a corpse hanging from a noose might be in order.

Her interaction with Daria would be different (though I can still see this version trapped in Esteem Class for months on end). Being less inhibited, this Jane might have drawn Daria out of her shell sooner.

So many possiblities. What else do you think this Jane would do?

Whistling "Sweet Georgia Brown" Once Again

With one important exception, I did not like sports when I was a kid. The exception was watching the Harlem Globetrotters on TV, which was the only sports event that made you laugh. A number of websites state that today is the 82nd anniversary of the birth of the Globetrotters, though the actual situation is more complicated than that. Nevertheless, here is Jane Lane wearing an outfit very similar to the "away" uniform of the Globetrotters. Thank you, Meadowlark Lemon, wherever you are, for all the joy you gave me.

FF.net

• Pigskin Caduceus, by HolyGrail2007 (Part 9): I drifted in and out of consciousness for the next couple of hours, I couldn’t remember things too well. When I was coherent enough to think again, I was lying on the floor in my room. My head was lying next to a puddle of vomit, the carpet had quite a number of bloodstains.
• Reaped Out, Act 2: Sickle Sad World, by Pinkminx (up to Part 3).

PPMB

• Stacy Rowe, Seeker (Part III), by jtranser (continued): "Let me see if I have this right. You've gone to all the trouble of kidnapping me, bringing me to some godforsaken jungle, and now you tell me you're going to destroy the world!! And I'm going to help you!? And I thought I was nuts!!!"