I Bet the Punchline Involved Sandals

President's Day just finished celebrating Presidential Joke Day, but I suspect that the joke was at someone else's expense. Honestly, as far as I can tell those two are the presidential joke. Harpsichord skills or not.

If you'd like to visit a gigantic symbol of consumerism, why not celebrate the anniversary of the opening of the Mall of America on this day in 1992? Just remember that you parked in FMoss3 and don't participate in any market research for free.

Finally, it was on this day in 1999 that the episode "Just Add Water" first aired. The Titanic references were maybe a tiny bit dated, but at least we got some laughs over Mr. DeMartino's crippling gambling addiction!

Four Score and Seven Punchlines Ago....

President's Day is (are? I don't know how the pronouns work for two people who make up a single holiday) celebrating a successful gag on Presidential Joke Day, but I think the rest of the holidays would rather successfully gag them. Even if half of them can really wail on the harpsichord.

If you want to tell them to jump in a lake, then I have good news for you! The episode "Just Add Water" aired on this day in 1999, and there were plenty of people jumping or being pushed into the lake or whatever body of water the Princess Fairy was sailing on. Whatever it was, it was surprisingly shallow...just like the Fashion Club.

Fanfic Update!

• Quinn in Yellow, by welltemperedclavier (part 1): "It was near the end of her senior year and Sandi Griffin regretted every moment of high school."

I Mean, Each of Us Is Technically a Son or Daughter, Right?

Trent and Jane are ready to celebrate Son and Daughter Day, but first they need to find their parents. Maybe they'll turn up by the time next year's Son and Daughter Day comes around.

Today is also the anniversary of the episode "Just Add Water" in 1999. It's not exactly a fan favorite, but you've got to appreciate the rare moment of comeuppance for Sandi at the end. I know Quinn did, anyway.

Finally, it was on this day in 1995 that the series pilot "Sealed with a Kick" was completed. I think the first thing that most of us think of with that one is the creepy smile. It's also the first thing I see in my nightmares.

Fandom News!

• R.I.P., Markie Post.


• New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has resigned. What do you think?

The Joke's On Them

It looks like Washington and Lincoln just shared a funny exchange in honor of Presidential Joke Day, but don't get too excited. It was probably just another snarky remark about Arbor Day's shoes.

Today is also the anniversary of the opening of the Mall of America, and to celebrate you could visit any repository of human greed and debasement of your choosing. Just remember that you parked in Fmossthree, okay?

Finally, it was on this day in 1999 that the episode "Just Add Water" first aired. It's kind of a middling episode, fandom opinion-wise, but we did get to learn about Mr. DeMartino's super-hilarious gambling problem and see a very dated Titanic movie reference. So there's that.

Fandom News!

• Talk about the proposed Space Force.


• Which Daria characters would be good or bad at cooking?


• Do you know of any fanfics where Daria and Ted are a couple?

Why Did the President Cross the Road?

Kevin is amused by Presidential Joke Day, and I can't think of a bigger joke than Kevin as George Washington. Just like in Mrs. Stoller's story, though, he's not very focused.

Today is also the anniversary of the episode "Just Add Water," which first aired on this day in 1999. It may have been a so-so episode, but some of those Sick, Sad World bits during the marathon were pretty funny.

Fandom News!

• Read about and discuss the feud between the WSJ editor and Sean Hannity.


• Ranma has a question about the episode "Malled."


• Share your opinion on the various Scooby-Doo reboots.


• See the list of completed 2016 Daria fanfics.

Hail to the Clowns!

President's Day is sharing a good joke for Presidential Joke Day, although knowing those two it's probably not really all that funny. Then again, maybe they are the joke.

Today is also the anniversary of the episode "Just Add Water," which aired on this day in 1999. In that one we found out about Mr. DeMartino's gambling problem and found out the real depth of Ms. Li's ability to choose school events that aren't even remotely appropriate for high school students. Plus the writers managed to shoehorn in a Titanic joke.

Fanfic Update!

• Beneath the Surface, by Princess_Pasta (part 3): "Lunch went by quickly considering nobody wanted to break the forced, tense silence that had descended on the table. Jodie tried to broach the subject of leaving again to which Mack calmly but seriously disagreed. Normally, that was where things would've ended."


• Children of the Scorn, by Kristen Bealer (part 2): "Daria knew she didn't want to get stuck with an unpaid babysitting job, but she'd be damned if she'd let anyone destroy her room."


• Clarity, by Zetor (part 4): "It was three weeks ago. Mother had been busy and had forgotten to set out the pills for a couple of days. Everything had become so clear."


• Sonoma Coma, by jtranser (part 21): "First you freeze, then you fall. It's O.K. as long as you don't do it going down the steps"

Down with All Hands

"Just Add Water" celebrates its 11th birthday today, having premiered on MTV that long ago. Much has been said here about that episode, so it will not be repeated. The unaired pilot episode of Daria, "Sealed with a Kick," is 15 years old, and fanfic character and Daria love Michael Fulton is 29. I forgot where I discovered that last bit of info, maybe someone can tell me the story in which that date appears.

I took yesterday off, so sue me.

NEWZZZ!!

• Charles RB asks, is it better or worse for Erin and Brian to have stayed married?

PPMB

• Anticipation, by Chris Tucker (COMPLETE!): "Six days until graduation and I will NEVER have to step inside Lawndale High again!" "I know. And then, come September, the Big City, the Bright Lights, the separate boyfriends!" "I hate you. Sheesh, you steal one boyfriend, and they never let you forget it." "What are friends for? Hey, what's with the waterworks, amiga? You OK?" "Yeah. Just a bit emotional since the other day. Had a session with the therapist and it went places I didn't expect. I've been thinking a lot lately about what it means to have a friend like you."

• The Camera I, by Brian Taylor (Part 1): The lens cap is removed. The camera begins recording an image of a dining room table after a party. Covered in shreds of wrapping paper. Paper plates. Plastic forks. A half-eaten chocolate cake. It pans up to reveal a weary housewife bent over the table, shoveling wrapping paper into a trash bag. She has dark hair and ruddy coloring, and she looks to be in her forties. "Stately Barksdale Manor," intones Amy dramatically on the narration. "Where even as we speak, Edie Barksdale, put-upon housewife by day and crimefighting dynamo by night, is preparing to do battle with her trickiest opponent yet—Wraps McGee, the sinister shrinkage king of suburban Virginia!"
• The Dam Bursts, by Chris Tucker (COMPLETE!): "So, wanna come in?" "No, not today. I'm kind of bushed. I need a nap." "OK, call me later if you want. 'Bye!' "'Bye!" She discovered several thick envelopes in the mailbox, all addressed to her, from several of the colleges she'd applied to. Including Bromwell. Collecting her mail and leaving the rest in the box, she went in and up to her room. She stared at the acceptance letter from Bromwell. She smiled to herself in satisfaction.
• Daria/Dorian 6: Christmas Chaos, by LadieT (Part 6): "Jane, you broke up with your boyfriend and ended up on crutches thanks to me." "True, but I got a better boyfriend out of the deal." Jane kissed Dorian's cheek. "As for the crutches, blame the three doofuses for that. Besides, if I wasn't hurt, I wouldn't be having the best Christmas I have had in years." Dorian gave her a quick kiss as he heard the front door open.
• Dimwits & Dragons, by Ken T. (Part 4): The thunder of thousands of feet filled the air as Daria and Jane ran alongside each other, desperately trying to keep up with the horde. The draw of the Hunger was very strong now. Something deep inside Daria wanted to find a sword, a stick, anything, and start swinging it. All that little twerp gave her was a useless hat... wait a minute. She was able to pull a mallet out of that hat. Where did it go? (Daria/Dungeons & Dragons: The Animated Series)
• Finn Morgendorffer 55: Dreamer Without a Cause, by HolyGrail2007 (Parts 7 and 8): “Well, before that, we’re going to a film festival. Daria’s got a film playing.” “Really?” Jodie was completely surprised by that one. “That’s... that’s great. She made one, you said?” “With a film-making club she joined earlier this semester.” “Yeah, I was surprised, too.” “You’re going too, Finn?” “Jane asked me to come, Daria didn’t.” (Part 8)

• Jane Lane: Ace attorney—Turnabout Teacher's Pet, by LSauchelli (Parts 11 and 12): Jane was nervously going one more time through the court file when the Judge called for everyone’s silence and attention. “Order! Order!” He looked professional and solemn for a second, but Jane knew better now than to be fooled by his appearance. “This court will now begin the re-trial of Jane Babin, accused of murdering Superintendent Carwright.” “OBJECTION!” shouted Jane at the top of her lungs. (Part 12) (Daria/Ace Attorney game)
• The Lane That Wasn't, by LadieT (Part 17): Jane stared nervously at the old man. He gave her a reassuring smile. She leaned over, staring down into the blackness. Jane was about to walk back to the bench. The old man stopped her. "If you walk away, the hole will close. I will not be able to open another one. There is nothing to be afraid of. You cannot physically get hurt. I know that it looks like complete darkness, but it's just the way to enter your subconscious. The decent takes less than a second. Now, remember, your five minutes starts the moment that Jane wakes up. Good luck. I will see you upon your return." Jane summoned all her courage. She closed her eyes and jumped.
  
• Li Don't Like Mondays II, by Charles RB (COMPLETE!): "ALERT! ALERT! A SHOOTER IS RAIDING THE SCHOOL -" Tinny recorded sounds of a gun came over. "EVERYONE TO DRILL POSITIONS!" "Oh darn," sighed O'Neill. "Oh well, lockdown is in session, class!" Daria felt a brief surge of panic, only to notice the rest of the class looked... well, bored. That struck her as odd. "Jane? I know this class is boring, but has it really put everyone in such a stupor that they didn't hear we're being shot at?"
• Li Don't Like Mondays II (Alternate Ending), by Greystar (COMPLETE!): Daria turned her head and looked behind her at the offending freckle faced male. Her cold glare got a twiddle finger wave back from the boy in response. She turned her focus to her phone as she thumb-tapped a response on her keypad and sent it back: "dismembering & disposing of ur corpse creep" A few more quick thumb taps and the offending number was blocked before Upchuck's face had a chance to fall as he read the reply.
• MST version of TAG's "Daria 2007: The Girl from Hope" by Charles RB (Parts 3 and 4): [Won't spoil it for you!] (Part 4)
• No Child Left Behind, by Malakite (COMPLETE!): Mr. DeMartino had barely started in his rant about being interrupted for complete nonsense when Quinn (and everyone else) heard-or rather felt the explosion.Some of the tacky things on the walls fell off, as well as a cup near the edge of DeMartino's desk.
• Stardate: Esteemsters, by Roentgen (COMPLETE!): It was time for Worf to enter the simulation. Wearing a white shirt that had seen too many washings and a loose black tie, Worf strode forward confidently. "You shall remain seated," he growled. "Class...there is a new student in the classroom. Her name is Daria Morgendorffer." He paused. "You will greet her." The crowd mumbled almost inaudibly. It did not please Worf. "I stated... you will greet her!" He brought his fist down upon the desk, almost putting his hand right through the cheap wood. The class was... more enthusiastic, and the response was more genuine.

• Unnamed story (Daria/Dorian 6: Christmas Chaos), by Erin M. (COMPLETE!): "I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT A LEOPARD SKIN BIKINI AND A CAN OF WHIPPED CREAM!"
• Unnamed story (The Hallowed Halls of Fielding), by Charles RB (COMPLETE!): In the private hell of his darkened room, Anthony took another swig of the vodka. Again, his mind screamed at him that he should have had the damn balls to become a mariner like he'd dreamed. But he'd been scared. And so he'd meandered and now...
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: The Misery Chip), by smk (COMPLETE!): Data, carefully following his PADD display, "Esteem... a teen. They do not really rhyme, do they? The sounds do not quite mesh. And that, in fact, is often the case when it comes to a teen and esteem. The two just do not seem to go together. But we are here to begin realizing your actuality and when we do, each and every one of you will be able to stand proudly and proclaim, "I am." Now, before we... " Since Data had been too focused on his PADD to notice her raised hand, Troi spoke up, "Excuse me. I have a question. I want to know what 'realizing your actuality' means."
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Modern Day Daria), by Chris Tucker (COMPLETE!): "BOMBSNIFFING DOGS? Are you serious?" "Yes, I saw the truck outside the school when Quinn and I were driving to the mall." "What the hell is Li thinking? Bombs? At 'Laaaaaawndale High'?" Jane's impression of Angela Li was spot on. Her impression of Angela Li in the throes of orgasm was always a hit in the girl's bathroom. "Really. You realize this means more cuts to the academic. music and arts curricula, right?"
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Modern Day Daria), by Charles RB (COMPLETE!): "So when you were my age, did you treat your mother with respect and listen to her?"

• Unnamed story (Scenes no Daria fanfic should have: Ouch Time), by Derek (COMPLETE!): "We are the Borg. Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated." "Heh heh, they said 'ass', heh heh." (Star Trek TNG/Beavis and Butt-head/Daria (maybe))
• The Vision of the Burning Cities, by jtranser (continued): Ensorceled in slumber, Christopher Atkins found himself walking slowly across a enormous, intricately woven carpet which seemed to stretch out all the way to the horizon. As he moved, he became aware of a peculiar sound coming from the area of his feet. Looking down, he noticed that the small sections of weave were rippling around his shoes...
  

Mightier Than the Sword

The beloved episode "Cafe Disaffecto" aired for the first time 13 years ago today, when Daria was able to spark an anti-Communist riot in Lawndale by the power of her writing. "The Lost Girls" appeared 11 years ago today, in which Daria was able to bring the notorious Val (as in Val) to Lawndale by the power of her writing. Maybe today should be a holiday for accomplishing things by writing something, the power of the pen and all that. Only what gets accomplished isn't what you thought would happen.

What else... today is the 21st anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, which destroyed Alaska and western Canada, plus parts of Siberia, but on the positive side it gave us "Just Add Water," in Daria's third season.

This is the 45th birthday of the WWE wrestler known as The Undertaker, portrayed here by Jesse Moreno (wonder why MTV like this wrestler so much); the 109th birthday anniversary of Ub Iwerks, legendary animator and creator of Mickey Mouse; and the 136th birthday anniversary of Harry Houdini, whom Charles Ruttheimer III imitated so well in "Life in the Past Lane." Plus it is also World Tuberculosis Day, relevant to a certain fanfiction character, and Kick Butts Day, relevant because some of Daria's high school classmates and teachers smoke (e.g., Burnout Chick, Mr. DeMartino).

PPMB

• Finn Morgendorffer 38: Fractures, by HolyGrail2007 (Part 4): As Daria watched the three feuding Barksdale sisters continue their talk, she finally started to realize just what it was that was bothering her about this feud. It bothers me because it is stupid and pointless. But it’s also so familiar. Arguing over everything, nothing is sacred in a game of one-up. That’s not just Mom and her sisters. It’s me and Finn. That's... that's the future. And it... blows.
• NEW! The Hallowed Halls of Fielding, by Roentgen (Part 19): "Hell-oooooo!" The cry from upstairs was Helen Morgendorffer, bounding down stairs with Daria trailing behind her. "Elsie! Tom! Glad to see you again! Can I get you something to drink?" "Bourbon will be fine for me," said Tom with a smile. "Tom Collins, please," Daria said. "Nothing for me, if you don't mind," said Elsie. "I'm so close to my one month chip."
• Rocket Girls, by TAG (continued): “My mother wants meet you,” said Dora, searching in vain for the recently launched V-2. “She asks if you go to our house Saturday. She makes dinner.”
• NEW! Until You've Crossed, by Ticknart (COMPLETE!): Jane frowned. She really didn't want to do anything with Tom, but here she was. Maybe she could make an excuse and get away, see if Daria was up for pizza or a movie. More likely, though, Tom would want to tag along. She'd probably just end up sitting on her butt listening to the two of them go on and on about foreign films and the minute meanings as the movies move from reality to fantasy and back again and what the things in the fantasy mean. Jane could only sing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" in her head so many times before she wanted to kill the other two and then herself. Daria was out of the question.
  

My Heart Will Go On... Until Death, Anyway

Twelve years ago today, the epic movie Titanic was released in the USA. This led directly to the penning of the Daria episode "Just Add Water," which shares many plot elements with the movie, except for being shorter. Brittany, upon being informed of the event in her history class, had this response.

Queen Jossie wrote the fanfic "Y 2 Day?" ten years ago today. Remember all that Y2K crap? Jeepers. Did get some good fanfiction out of it, though. In addition to the above, the following have moderate-to-high Y2K-ness. Anyone recall any others?

• Daria's Christmas Folly, by Crazy Nutso
• Daylight: Falling from Grace, by Disco316
• DWU#13: Erin the Head, by Kara Wild (song at the end)
• Falling into College #9: Holiday Breaks, by Richard Lobinske
• The Submariner Series, by Wildgoose
• Why 2K? by Kemical Reaxion

OUTRAGEOUSLY GOOD NEWZ!

• One-time Daria fan artist Katie Cook is big time now! John Takis informs us that she is now drawing Fraggle Rock comics, and she has also been drawing collectible cards for Marvel, DC, and Star Wars! Check it out! Katie Cook's Daria fan art from the year 2000 survives on the web. We can say we knew her way back when she was awesome, before she became mega-awesome. And, in keeping with today's Titanic theme, here is Ms. Cook's Daria from the movie.

Quiverwing reminds us that there are only TWENTY (20) days left in which to nominate your favorite works for the 2009 Daria Fanworks Awards! Read the rules!

FF.net

• Secret Smile, by SinisterDragula (COMPLETE!): The front door slammed, followed by grunts of disgust. “God! Why did Jamie have to be such a jerk?”

PPMB

• NEW! Ah, Good Memories, by Brother Grimace (COMPLETE!): "Tell me why we're paying good money that we could be spending on bad pizza to see another faculty roller hockey game, Lane." [Cosmic Epic Win.]
• Another Normal Day in Lawndale, by JPAGC (Part 3): Quinn quickly spotted her sister with two of the usual companions: She remembered Brooke, the tall, brunette girl, but couldn't place a name on the blonde girl with a pink shirt also hanging with her. A junior? A freshmen? No matter, she thought, just another of the mindless fashion zombies my sister likes to so much.
• Anti-Trope, by Minx (continued): “No, a million times, no.” Dean shook his head. “There is no way in hell I am going to play football.”
• Crazy for Fashion, by Roentgen (COMPLETE!): "Let's look at the spectacle, Daria." "No." "Aw, come on. I'll give you a dollar."

• Daria: Hunter—Mind over Plasma, by Jim North (COMPLETE!): "Artie." The man's head snapped up so quickly that it looked like it might tear straight off his skinny neck and fly across the room. "What? Yes? I'm Artie!" "Your abilities," said the bounty hunter. "Just how far do they reach?" (FF.net)
• Daria: Hunter—Rememory, by Jim North (COMPLETE!): Another day filled with strangeness had passed, and Daria had made it out the other end alive. She told herself that that was the important thing. She was alive. Jane was alive. Their temporary ward Artie the psychic pizza cook was alive. The only person who hadn't survived the events of the day was the man who had attacked them, and good riddance. (FF.net)
  
• NEW! The Dream of the White Darkness, by jtranser (continued): "A number of patient specific tests will have to be run before a complete diagnosis can be ventured. But one thing has already become clear. Evidence of psychotronic interference and embedding is faint but clear. In short, patient has been a subject of involuntary mind control experimentation." [and more added here!]
  
• NEW! Finn Morgendorffer 21: Jane Errs, HolyGrail2007 (COMPLETE!): “Oh, come on,” Jane continued to tease. “It’s not like I haven’t seen you in your boxers before.” And that was enough. Daria pushed open the door into her brother’s room. “What the hell is going on?!” she shouted with righteous fury.

• Hallway, by GlitterShrooms (COMPLETE!): "Morgendorffer! Lane! What do you two punks think you’re doing?” yelled the always angry Ms. Barch.
• NEW! In Search of the Path, by Trscroggs (Part 1): Drawing on all the experience she had gained while trapped in this twisted world of sorcery, the Seeker yelled in her most authoritative voice: “Freeze! Hands in where I can see them! Turn around slowly and I won’t have to shoot. Oh my God! It can’t be!” The small woman who had been stealing the Seeker’s loot stared in surprise. “Brittany Taylor? What the hell are you doing here?” Daria Morgendorffer asked.
• NEW! In Silence Sarcastic, by Trscroggs (continued): My sister, the dating guru, Daria signed. But I do not need to speak to the dating guru; I need to talk to the fashion guru instead.
  
• Love Is a Series of Burning Sensations, by Undefinedlust (Part 14): Okay, so I really couldn't get everything Daria was saying, so I called Christina for help and we talked till midnight. Then I got really high and tried to go to bed. But I just couldn't sleep, I just kept thinking of her in that box... just thinking about her... What the hell made me think it was a good idea to go for a walk... a walk past her house... looking to see if her light was on... Geez Jane, act like a stalker much?
• NEW! Monster Madness, by Trscroggs (continued): “Pilot Candidate Sterling has apparently decided not to read his briefing, sir. He called Pilot Morgendorffer a ‘know-nothing civilian brat’, sir.”
  
• One Night..., by Charliefox2012 (COMPLETE!): [revised version of original at FF.net]: I lie here, naked, but covered by a thin sheet, in a bed that is not my own.
• Quinn: The Show, by Ajar (Part 3): "So, um, what do you think about wrap skirts this season?" "First parachute pants and now this. Is there no end to Hammer's insanity?"
• A Reaper in the Wind, by Richard Lobinske (Parts 1 and 2): Tom closed his book and set it on the table next to the chair before rising. Only a moment after the visitor had knocked on the door, Tom opened it. "Good morning." A man in a black suit presented Tom with a sealed folder and said, "Special Agent Sloane. Your next assignment." [Daria/NCIS]
• NEW! Second Life, by Legendeld (Part 2): "I don't know why you keep putting up with Daria's crap, Jane. I know tons of models who would love to date you." Quinn took off her light coat and hung it on the stair railing. "Tell me what she did!"
  

• Slumber Party, by GlitterShrooms (COMPLETE!): "My God, Li," cried Ms. Barch from outside in the tree. "Are you getting all of this?" "You betcha your fat ass I am," replied Li with her camcorder.
• Stacy Rowe, Seeker (Part III), by jtranser (continued): High above Toronto, Stacy flew into the tomato sunrise. Below her, a hundred miles down, wreathed in light transparent smog, the brown and wrinkled surface of Earth bid her a silent forlorn goodbye as she engaged her drives and headed for the center of the galaxy.
• A Very Saturnalia Holiday, by Vlora (COMPLETE!): "What if you don’t celebrate Christmas?" Daria asked, her eyes set on Mr. O’Neill’s face. "Then pick any holiday you like!" "May I go first?" [At last! Thank you, Vlora!]

There's Got to Be a Morning After...

I still don't know why they didn't play the theme song from The Poseidon Adventure when the Princess Fairy sank. Someone should rewrite "Just Add Water" (which premiered 10 years ago today) so it capsized from a rogue wave and everyone tries to escape the floating hull before it sinks.... BUT NO ONE DOES, HA HA HA HA HA!!!

Anyway, that episode borrowed a lot from the movie Titanic and the Exxon Valdez disaster. Some people think it borrowed more than that. The DariaWiki page needs some work, if anyone could help out with that.

Today is also the 14th anniversary of the completion of the Daria pilot, "Sealed with a Kick," and fanfic character Michael Fulton (of the Falling into College series) is 28 years old today.

How do you think "Just Add Water" could have been improved, or at least made more interesting? Using the Comments section, write down your suggestions for plot changes that would have helped. A giant squid might have helped.

Unsinkable

A mere 142 years ago today, Margaret Tobin was born in Hannibal, Missouri to a poor family. She married a guy named Brown, became quite rich and well known in the U.S. and Europe as a socialite, philanthropist, labor supporter, and women's and children's rights activist, then she ran for the U.S. Senate (and lost), then she helped establish the first-ever juvenile court in the United States (on which our present-day system is based), and then she became internationally famous as the Unsinkable Molly Brown after she survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic. In the midst of the disaster, she took command of a lifeboat and aided her fellow survivors, attempted to rescue drowning victims, then (before she even reached shore) established a charity to aid the survivors who were left destitute. Afterward, she helped rebuild France after World War I, cared for wounded Allied soldiers, ran for the U.S. Senate again (and lost), and became an actress. I left out a lot of other stuff she did because this post was getting too long. When you look at her life as a whole, it is difficult to believe anyone could actually do all this. Yet Molly Brown did.

For her surpassing heroism and charitable deeds, she is remembered in many books, a Broadway musical and assorted songs, at least five movies, and a line of swimwear, and she even had a manned spacecraft named for her (Gemini 3). Her birthplace and her later home in Denver have become national landmarks. As heroines go, Molly Brown was world class.

Brittany and Kevin commemorate this important day by getting in the only lifeboat the Princess Fairy had when it sank after hitting a garbage scow ("Just Add Water"). What a lucky pair of kids. Too bad it rained and Brittany beat the snot out of Kevin. Later, Brittany had one comment about her experiences.

GNUZ: Richard Lobinske has updated the 2009 compendium of Daria visual artworks. Thank you!

FF.net

• Two stories added to catch up with PPMB additions: Doggieboy's Apocalyptic Daria: Scarlett's Tale and Daria Goes to the Custom's Office.

PPMB

• Falling Again, by Silver (COMPLETE!): [Continued from here.] “What do you mean 'she isn't able to walk'?” Linda Griffin snarled. “The bullet hit her shoulder. Her legs shouldn't be affected at all!” The doctor raised his hand. “I am dammed well aware of the details regarding my patient, Mrs. Griffin,” he replied in annoyance. “Regardless, she cannot currently use her legs. All tests show that her legs should be working. Our staff specialist believes it to be a psychological problem.”
• Gimme Skelter, by TAG and Brother Grimace (Part 17): The crimson sun disappeared below the distant mountains about the time Mackenzie saw a cluster of ruined buildings ahead. The sight was heartening, as vampire bats were increasingly haunting his thoughts. A fallen sign informed him that he was entering the town of Shoshone: “The Gateway to Death Valley.” He supposed in his case that was a good thing.
  
• Lawndale's Finest, Detective Stories 3: The Line of Duty, by Lorenzo Sauchelli (Part 1): Harvey Dent, Assistant DA, parked his car a few houses away from the crime scene. He stared around for a moment and wondered how a place so peaceful could be where a crime of this nature had been committed. He opened the door of his car and strode towards the crime scene, nodding his way at all the uniformed men that surrounded the house. “Where's the body?” he asked the female officer standing by the door. [Now with Part 2!]
  
• Prey as Wolves Must, by Silver (COMPLETE!): [Continued from here.] Charles Ruttheimer III blinked awake. He'd been aboard the airship Revanche for several days. The crew had been restless as pickings had been slim. “All hands on deck! Target in sight!”
• Tales of the Ringbearers: With New Responsibility, by Richard Lobinske (Part 9): Gauging the situation, Richard said, "Do you want the endless zombie horde or the flying psycho with the spear and shield?" "Hmm, I'll go with the endless zombie horde. I can use the bottlenecks around here to our advantage," Archangel said, already planning his next move. "What about you?"
  
• Two Halves, by Dark Kuno (Chapter 4, Part 2): The kitchen was quiet at the Morgendorffer house on a Saturday afternoon as Alex, Daria and Jake sat quietly in their usual places at the kitchen table and read from sections of the Lawndale Post.
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Daria Is Raven's Apprentice), by Project Pegasus (COMPLETE!): "Hey Daria, you got any change for the pop machine?" "What did you just say?" [And another one! Click here to see Daria take off her top!]
  

Water, Water, Everywhere

The U.N. has once more freshened our calendars with a holiday you never heard of, today being World Day for Water, also known in some circles as World Water Day. Sandi Griffin at left is celebrating the event as best she can. Nice necklace there.

Still not quite awake. More to come as soon as my brain kicks in.

Oh, I did see a news article about a soon-to-be (if not already) famous person who likes Daria. You might find it interesting.

Lots of new material has been added to DariaWiki. A round of applause for everyone who has enriched the website!

Hello? Hello? Anyone home?

Stayed up too late last night? Too bad. Life rolls on. More to come as the day goes on.

VERY LATE ADD: Back again. Whew!

Have to think of something to post for tomorrow. Have to update fanfiction stories list and get my nominations in for 2008. More shortly.

SHORTLY: Back again.

The 2008 Visual Fanworks Listing is complete! Thanks to the awesome Richard Lobinske! Go out, one and all, and NOMINATE!

TheSecretSharer asks the burning question: Daria's jacket: vinyl or cloth? I don't know why, either, but add your two pfennigs anyway.

My Heart Will Go On & On & On & On & On & On & On & On & On & On & On & On & etc.

Eleven years ago, Titanic was released and was never successfully recaged. I'm re-using the "Just Add Water" pic from a while ago because it is so appropriate.

One Titanic Moment

"Just Add Water" (as mentioned earlier) had a "Titanic moment" when Dee-Dee stood up on the bow of the Princess Fairy and tried to get Tim O'Neill to hold her up, with a wonderful Barch moment coming right after. Today is the 54th birthday of the man who gave us that iconic moment (and the Terminator and Alien series). Happy Birthday to James Cameron, who is one year older than me. See, old people can too do cool stuff!

Wikipedia also informs us that today is the 78th anniversary of the creation of the very first color cartoon ever. The creator, Ub Iwerks, laid the groundwork for Daria and all the other good stuff we've enjoyed over the years. Thank you and bless you, man!

DJPotatoe has released his "first ALL DIGITAL painting of Daria" right here.

Lawndale Online is still down. Damn. Moar inna minnit.

LATER: Richard Lobinske has again updated the 2008 Visual FanWorks Listing (PPMB) (SFMB). Thank you!

PPMB

• A Monster in the Unmaking, by Kristen Bealer (COMPLETE!): Magnificent work. Should have been canon.
• Promises, by Richard Lobinske (Part 2): "Proms are one of the high points of high school," said Helen, "and I don't want you regret missing the chance." "Yeah," said John, "I guess all that underage drinking and sex are hard to forget. Well, unless you drink too much, then you probably forget everything." (Love this series, I just love it.)
  

SFMB is getting spammed again. Oh, well.

Avast and Ahoy There!

"Just Add Water" was aired for the first time nine years ago today, near the end of the third season. Though it has not been counted as anyone's favorite episode, one thing you can say about it: Tom Sloane is nowhere in sight. This was the last pre-Tom episode.

It appears that "Just Add Water" was derived from two major sources: the 1997 movie Titanic and the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster. The parallels between the Princess Fairy's drunken captain and the Exxon Valdez's drunken ship's master, Joseph Hazelwood, have been commented on before. The Titanic link, with the standing-on-the-bow-railing scene (marvelously interrupted by Janet Barch, who has a great part here), is also pretty clear. Daria and Jane, though, do nothing. It fits their character, but it's disappointing nonetheless.

Too bad about Kevin and Brittany, stuck in open waters in that creaky lifeboat with no oars during a violent thunderstorm. Someone needs to write an AU in which they . . . well, you get the idea.

Sixteen years ago this day, the Mall of America was opened, the very structure that just about almost probably certainly gave birth to the Mall of the Millennium in Daria. Even the internal diagrams are similar.

The pilot episode for Daria, "Sealed with a Kick," was completed thirteen years ago today. Speaking of the pilot, a very curious observation has been made about a possible connection between Daria and the movie called Welcome to the Dollhouse. Click here and see what you think of it.