A Shocking Way to Celebrate!

Mr. DeMartino is clearly regretting his decision to celebrate International Kite Day during a thunderstorm, but on the bright side he just discovered a cheap method of resuscitating himself if he suffers another heart attack. If you fly a kite today, please be safe and also watch out for kite-eating trees!

I hope Quinn realizes that, even though it's National Shop For Travel Day, she should exercise restraint and--ha, I'm just kidding. Quinn has no idea how to not shop. At the very least, I hope she doesn't allow her travel gear to replace life-saving supplies.

On this day in 2002, the "Look Back In Annoyance" aired on MTV. It was a half-hour retrospective of the show, but Daria put it much more succinctly as "a cheap-ass clip show."

Fandom News!

• Time is running out to nominate for the 2024 Daria Fanworks Awards!

It's OK to Cry in Baseball

Mr. O'Neill is being even more bobble-headed than usual in honor of Joe DiMaggio's birth on this day 110 years ago. I wouldn't have taken him for a sports fan, but I suppose it's wholesome enough to make him happy in spite of the presumably mentally-damaging competition.

Meanwhile, the Fashion Club will be happy to know that today is Shopping Reminder Day, although I doubt they've ever needed a reminder to go shopping. It seems more likely that they'd need a reminder to go home before the store closed.

Jake might like to know that today is also National Brand Day, so he could go to another branding conference if he'd like. Just make sure someone explains to Quinn that this type of branding has nothing whatsoever to do with cattle.

Fanfic Update!

• Spider Quinn 13 Aftermath and Investigations, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 2): "True to her word, Sandi pulled up into the Giant Strawberry’s parking lot with screeching rubber just over four minutes later. Daria stopped trembling and got out of the car."

Jakey Hendrix

Jake's giving that guitar everything he's got in honor of Jimi Hendrix, who was born on this day in 1942. I doubt Jake could ever hope to reach Hendrix's level of skill (who could?), but I hope he tries his hand at composing another song for the school musical. He can even write it about dogs if he wants.

Whatever he does, I hope he doesn't forget to attend the branding conference, because it's National Brand Day and I'm sure he'd hate to keep those poor cows waiting. Wait, was that not the point of the conference? Huh.

Finally, one must wonder if the Fashion Club will celebrate Cyber Monday, since it's a holiday about shopping but also about computers. The last thing they'd want is to be mistaken for computer geeks.

Fanfic Update!

• Avatar: The Drama Of Daria, by psychotol (part 8): "As Daria and Jane ate their pizza at their selected thankfully indoor table Daria asked 'So you mentioned Hun Pino was trying to stoke a trans panic because Ikki hails from the Air Nation which has been famously tolerant of human sexual orientations and gender identities, which you seemed to indicate was unlikely to take hold?'"


• Bad Bromance, by wilddogjj (part 1): "Kevin was in his back yard with a shovel. He plunged the shovel into some dirt and struggled to get it in."


• Her Last Words, by Sheila Wisz Ellayn (part 76): "Anna knew, as soon as she had set foot into that house, that this was going to be nothing like the wonderful night that she and Lockie had spent at Avalon's place."


• Spider Quinn 03: Comes Great Responsibility, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (COMPLETE!): "As Amy and Daria talked, Helen talked to her mother. 'Do you know what happened?' Theresa Barksdale asked."

Anyone Want to Shop for Baseball Equipment?

Mr. O'Neill wants everyone to know that today is the anniversary of Joe DiMaggio's birth in 1914, but he hopes that the realization that DiMaggio is currently deceased won't adversely affect anyone's emotional well-being...and he's crying. I think it's a new record!

The Fashion Club won't need to be informed about Shopping Reminder Day, because they don't need a special holiday--or any excuse, really--to go shopping.

However, it might be a good idea to shop small for Small Business Saturday, because places like Payday already have enough money. On the other hand, buying from people like Earl and Barbara just encourages them to make weird product choices.

Fandom News!

• Share your picks for the best tributes to a deceased cast member on a TV show.

The Clock is Ticking!

I see the Fashion Club is out in force for Last-Minute Shopper's Day, but as far as they're concerned it's always the right minute to shop. However, I think Quinn just made the mistake of telling them that, as it's also Christmas Eve, the point of the holiday is to shop for other people. Oops.

Today is also National Egg Nog Day, but be sure to check the date on the drink before you partake. The last thing you want to do is hallucinate a bunch of holidays escaped from Holiday Island.

Fandom News!

• What are your favorite Britcoms?


• Share your thoughts on Jane in college.

Piece of Cake!

For once, Quinn and I are in agreement about celebrating National Cake Day. I don't know how she managed to bake and frost an entire cake without breaking a nail or burning down the kitchen, but I never turn down free chocolate cake.

Today is also Shopping Reminder Day, so Quinn had better put down the cake and get to Cashman's right away! Just set the cake down right here next to me. I'll take good care of it, I promise.

Fandom News!

• The 2019 Completed Daria Fanfiction list has been updated!


• Discuss a scathing new Pentagon report that blames Trump for the return of ISIS in Syria and Iraq.


• US veterans say Trump views the military 'as tool for massacres.' What do you think?

I Hope Helen's Credit Card Can Handle the Strain

The Fashion Club is ready to go for Black Friday, and I pity the crowds that get in their way today. Just beware of shopper's cramp, girls!

Meanwhile, I'll be joining Daria and Jane for Buy Nothing Day, but that's less of a protest against consumerism than it is pure laziness on my part.

Finally, today marks the eleventh anniversary of this very blog, begun on this day in 2007 by awesome writer/fan/blogger/human being The Angst Guy. Happy birthday, you wonderful old fandom blog!

Fandom News!

• Roentgen posted an "Iron Turkey": How They Spent Thanksgiving.


• Share your frustrations with people expecting artists to work for free.

"Darwin's the Monkey Guy, Right? I Like Monkeys!"

I have no idea if Joey, Jeffy, and Jamie have any nieces or nephews, but today is All Our Uncles are Monkeys Day so I guess they'll fit the bill.

They should really get over to Cashman's, because today is also Black Friday and Quinn needs someone to carry all of her shopping bags. Unless, of course, she's decided to observe Buy Nothing Day instead.

Okay, I'm done laughing now.

Fanfic Update!

• An Annoying Paradise, by Resop (part 3): "Jane looks at Daria. 'Something is wrong.' 'Is my posture off?' Jane crosses her arms and then points down the hall of TFAS from their lockers. 'Don't you see?'"


• Can You Keep A Secret? (My Annual Thanksgiving Fanfic Release - 2017!), by Brother Grimace (COMPLETE!): "'Hey, lady – that's a cool costume.' Stacy Rowe smiled as the young Black girl – she recognized her as Rachel Landon, Jodie's little sister – passed by and complimented her."


• Fates Entwined, by Deep Metal (part 11): "'How did it go?' asked Ted. 'Miserably,' Daria sat down at the table where the two were convening. 'Jane reacted... in the only way that made sense.'"


• The Heart of the Matter (Quinn, Season 2), by WildDogJJ (COMPLETE!): "Quinn, Daria and Helen are at the table discussing Jake's care. Helen: I can handle most of the in-home care. I'll just have to cut back my hours at the firm. The real problem is what the two of you can do."


• The New J (Quinn, Season 2), by WildDogJJ (part 1): "We see Quinn seated at Jake's desk. She is wearing a dark blue business suit. On the desk is a small intercom. Quinn is going through financial statements. Quinn: (Thought VO) I didn't know Happy Herb was one of Dad's clients. It explains the cheesy commercials, though."


• Prometheus/Lingchi, by LongSnakeMoan (part 1): "'Jane, I'm so sorry. I know I was supposed to back on Thursday but I've had a meeting and there may be more to this site than we thought so I may be in Dubai for another month. I know we were due to go out for dinner that I'll have to postpone again. Unless you want to eat here, I can book you a flight.'"


• Unnamed story (LLH - Short Entries), by Brother Grimace (part 63): "'We were in Puerto Rico to cover the Canadian government's efforts to get citizens off the island before Maria hit. Not one of my idea assignments – I never cared for weather stories.'"

I Think Quinn's Going to be Put on Another Sabbatical

Quinn just made the terrible mistake of suggesting that instead of Black Friday, the Fashion Club should celebrate Buy Nothing Day. The suggestion might sound crazy coming from Quinn, but perhaps she's only referring to a loophole: if the girls can convince either their parents or their dates to buy everything for them, then it still counts!

Fanfic Update!

• The Appointment, by elainefr (part 3): "'Where are you going?' Helen asked her daughter just as Daria thought that she had made her escape out the back door. 'To visit a friend,' Daria said with the intention of hurrying on out before her mother could detain her any further."


• Burned Out, by Wrabbit75 (part 8): "One had to admit; despite the heart attack-inducing tone of Mr. DeMartino's voice, especially when lecturing to his students, His history class was certainly one of the more interesting."


• Cynic and a Six-String, by fringeperson (part 41): "'Ms Morgendorffer, I want you to take over the teaching position for the Language Arts classes until Mr O'Neill can return to his post,' Ms Li informed Daria once she'd taken a seat."


• Last of the Summer Whine, by Kristen Bealer (COMPLETE!): "Between Mildred's snoring and his eagerness to find out if his plan worked, Tom had a restless night and overslept the next morning. He got dressed and hurried downstairs to find out how badly everyone else had slept with no pillows."


• Mack Mackenzie, Superstar (My Annual Thanksgiving Fanfic Release - 2016!), by Brother Grimace (COMPLETE!): "(It is nighttime, and Mack (his football uniform all in white with spangles and fringe) stands atop the bleachers next to the LHS football field as Daria - still in her trademark outfit - stands mid-field at the center of the fifty-yard line."


• Misery Machine, by NightGoblyn (part 14): "The students were quickly split into teams and issued gear - rifles, vests, helmets, and a supply of paintballs. Each of the three team leaders led their teams through the woods to the spot where their flag was placed, and then took the few minutes left before the game started to address their troops."


• Moonstruck, by NightGoblyn (part 5): "Almost an hour later, Daria was slumped down in a desk near the back of her English teacher's classroom struggling to stay awake as the man droned out one line of gibberish after another."


• The Other Side of the Looking Glass (My Annual Thanksgiving Fanfic Release - 2016!), by Brother Grimace (COMPLETE!): "What's gone? The what is gone? Did I... do something? A deep and sudden feeling of foreboding began to well up from deep within Tffany Blum-Deckler's stomach as she looked around the area – a sensation worse than the worse case of nausea she had ever experienced, as she found herself outside the Tower, with no idea how she had gotten there..." (Part 2) (Part 3) (Part 4)


• Rutting Season (My Annual Thanksgiving Fanfic Release - 2016!), by Brother Grimace (COMPLETE!): "God, just make it stop... Daria pulled a pillow over her head, and tried to focus past the thoughts, the words - the sensations - that seemed to flow through her head like water."


• Second Chances, by Lady Evil (part 2): "'Mrs. Talbot, let me explain.' said Jesse as he followed the angry woman dripping with faintly pinkish vomit. 'You can explain it to CPS!' snapped Mrs. Talbot as she flung open the front door."


• Thanksgiving, by dmsfanman (COMPLETE!): "Tom and Daria were just finishing putting dishes in the dishwasher and cleaning the last of the pots and pans when Tom asked, 'So how much embellishing did you do on that Thanksgiving story? I have kind of a tough time believing that Thanksgiving with your aunts and cousin was that awful!'"


• We Are Compelled to Ask, What Is Wuv? (Crossovers Still Crossing Over), by Kristen Bealer (COMPLETE!): "'Daria, Quinn,' the bridesmaid was saying as she led the girls over to meet their escorts, 'this is Garrett. Garrett will be with Quinn.' Daria took in the groomsman's handsome face, confident attitude, and instantly lovestruck expression as he looked at her sister. 'Of course.'"

I Bet You Stacy Won't Last Ten Seconds

The Fashion Club have their game faces on for Black Friday shopping, but I think they might lose their nerve when they start getting jostled by the crowds.

Instead, why not celebrate Buy Nothing Day? I suspect the girls would succumb to withdrawal, but I think it sounds pretty good.

Fandom News!

• The Weather Channel recently featured a very Daria-esque programming choice.


• Talk about the upcoming SyFy adaptation of Childhood's End.

To Shop or Not to Shop?

The Fashion Club is out shopping because today is Black Friday, the busiest (and most notorious) shopping day of the year. Quinn's on the receiving end of some dirty looks because she probably just pointed out that today is also Buy Nothing Day. It sounds like a good idea to me, but I don't think the girls there are going to go for it.

Fanfic Update!

• "Aw Mama...Can This Really Be The End?", by Scissors MacGillicutty (part 28): "Diane looked at the young man and smiled. Something about him terrified her. Yet she quashed her anxiety, fearing that any display of unease would be enough for the young man to attack her—or worse."


• Forbidden Fashion (Shorty Shorts), by ognawk (COMPLETE!): "Stacy Rowe was walking the streets of Lawndale, a bag of clothes in her hand and a smile on her face as she took in the cool fall air."


• Help! (Happy Thanksgiving!), by legendeld (COMPLETE!): "Helen Morgendorffer puttered in her kitchen sighing at the emptiness that she didn't think she'd ever get used to. When the phone rang she didn't hesitate to answer it. 'Mom, I need help.' The caller didn't need to identify herself."


• Hey Man, Nice Shot, by 45Ranger (COMPLETE!): "Daria came to a decision, pulled out her phone and dialed. When it was answered, Daria listened, and then said: 'Amorette? It's Daria.'" (Part 7)


• Mine, by Vukodlak (part 6): "Daria stared idly out the car window as her parents drove them to the Doctors office where she'd undergo another pregnancy test."


• Misery Machine, by NightGoblyn (parts 7 and 8): "Monday morning came around at last, and Daria knew it was time to head to school and start some shit. She sighed to herself as she dressed, confused and annoyed by the parade of emotions getting tangled up in her head." (Part 8)


• More Human than Human, by Bill Bruford (part 1): "Sandi Griffin leaned on the the counter of the bathroom sink, hands twisted slightly to grip the edge, letting her face stop inches from the mirror. A strange feeling settling into her chest as she thought about what had just transpired."


• Rude Awakening: The Battle of The Morgendorffers, by DIsaac (part 3): "(It is 3:30 am in the morning when Daria and Kevin hear a knock at the door) DARIA: You're the man. Go answer it. KEVIN: I would but this is usually the time you get up. DARIA: Damn You're right."


• Scars, by legendeld (parts 6 and 7): "Daria sat on the floor next to Quinn as she colored with childlike abandonment while their parents talked with the psychiatrist. Finding out her parents were seeing someone about their apparently vague marital problems might have alarmed her any other time." (Part 7)


• Thanksgiving in Avalon (Happy Thanksgiving!), by legendeld (COMPLETE!): "Jane Morgendorffer smiled at the laid out Thanksgiving dinner that was perfectly spread out on the ten foot long table. Literally every possible side item that could be associated with the day was placed around the three turkeys."


• Unnamed story (Plot Bunnies IV: Plot Bunnies in Paradise), by NightGoblyn: "'Girls, I just want you to know your mother and I realize it's not easy moving to a whole new town.' The man glanced around the car, at his daughters, all of which were ignoring him. He cleared his throat and added, 'Especially for you, Helen, right?'"


• Working At The Car Wash (My Annual Thanksgiving Fanfic Release - 2014!), by Brother Grimace (COMPLETE!): "Daria ignored the music as she turned to her best friend. 'I am going to get you for this, Lane, I promise you – I will get you.'"

Boxing Fashionistas

Happy Boxing Day! Put away the gloves; today is generally considered a day for lots of shopping. The Fashion Club are observing the proper traditions with gusto, but Daria will probably spend the day in a refrigerator box to avoid the consumerism mania.

It was also six years ago today that CINCGREEN created the first Daria Fandom Blog. Although that specific blog is no longer being updated, the DFB tradition still continues today!

Fanfic Update!

• Ah, Hell, by metameric1 (part 2): "He crossed his arms, leaning against the wall next to his bedroom door. Daria stood an arm's length away from him, thumbs hooked into the pockets of her jeans, her deep brown eyes focused on his chest. Had she always been this beautiful?"


• "Aw Mama...Can This Really Be The End?", by Scissors MacGillicutty (part 5): "'How did you know?' Jesse Pinkman—his real name at last—was stunned. 'I mean, the guy who sent me your way said you had your fingers in a lot of pies—'"


• The Double D Dilemma, by Smijey (part 2): "'Hmm, an interesting mystery...' Jane mused. 'You know, I remember a few years ago, when Dawn moved here. I think that was the time Tiffany Blum-Deckler lost all her weight.'"


• Figuring It Out, by Anonymous (COMPLETE!): "Jane Lane is not a coward. She's just .... assessing her options before making a decision. She's being cautious. Prudent. Thinking ahead, which no Lane before her had done, ever."


• From the Beginning, by Shiva (COMPLETE!): "'Oh, great.' Dora Mayweather muttered to herself while resisting the urge to rub her eyes, the new contacts still irritating her, 'And here I thought things were going to be different.'"


• A Great And Good Christmas #2 (Shorty Shorts), by ognawk (COMPLETE!): "Cassidy looked around to notice a boy who looked about her age, with short black hair, blue eyes and a nice smile. He was dressed in a light blue sweater and black pants and was drinking some coffee."


• Home for Christmas, by JoeMerl (part 1): "The man blinked as Stacy rose to her feet, giving him a very nervous smile. She felt her face burn. 'Your hat. It's just, you know...Christmassy. I mean, it's not exactly fashionable or anything, but, um—well, it's "in season," right?'"


• Memory Lane, by Snow-Kitty (parts 1 and 2): "She whirled around to see a rather distinguished looking man sitting at a table, dressed in a tailored suit, nursing a glass of red wine and waving to her. Despite a slight change in appearance, there was no denying it was Anthony Demartino from Lawndale. What was he doing in Boston?" (Part 2)


• Rude Awakening Chrismas (TAKE 2): A Christmas Tale, by DIsaac (part 2): "TODD: Remember, this is for business! This Stacy as of this afternoon. TOMMY: She looks depressed. TODD: She is. That face is the face of a woman who's life is a crossroad, and unfortunately there is no GPS."


• A Very Ianuzzi Christmas (Scenes No Daria Fan-Fic Should Have: Do What Now?), by LongSnakeMoan (COMPLETE!): "It was early on Christmas morning when Todd and Jane Ianuzzi heard the thud as something landed on the top of their RV that was currently hidden somewhere deep in the woodlands of West Virginia."

The Cake Better Not Be a Lie!

Quinn has baked us a lovely chocolate layer cake in honor of National Cake Day, but I'm sure she has an ulterior motive. Perhaps she needs a ride to the mall, because today is also Shopping Reminder Day. Not that Quinn ever needs any reminding.

Fandom News!

• RX-87's brother shares a sad announcement.


• Wouter has a question about German language.


• What word does your pet know better than their own name? Tell everyone about your critter's wacky antics.


• Discuss the Doctor Who special Day of the Doctor--spoiler warning!


• Share your favorite Daria/Doctor Who crossovers in a new thread.


• Two new Iron Chefs have been posted in Creative Writing: LSauchelli's Daria is Tesla reborn and Shiva's Stories based on Fan Art.

Black Friday? But I thought eggplant was the current neutral!

It's Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving and the official start of the Christmas shopping season in the United States. Of course, pretty much every store in the country started playing holiday music and stocking Christmas stuff sometime in September, so I don't know who they think they're kidding at this point.

You know, I don't think anyone has written a fanfic in which Quinn and the rest of the Fashion Club go shopping on Black Friday. On the one hand, it's shopping at its most extreme form, which is right in their line. On the other hand, they'd have to get up early and be jostled by unfashionable types.

Also, what would the Holiday Island version of Black Friday be like? Materialistic? Aggressive? Broke?

Okay, enough random musing. On to fandom newsing! (Sorry.)

• The PPMB will be moving to a new server on or near December 20th.


• breitasparrow wonders who loves vinyl? Share your collection! I'm telling you, it's a richer tone.


• Giant Bomb Rats! Will anyone be safe? And who's going to be willing to change the bedding at the bottom of that cage?


• Good luck to VPrad, who's starting an internship. Hang in there, man!

Holiday Shopping Madness Season Is Here

It's that time of year again, when we get talked into going broke buying stupid things (like encyclopedias) for people who didn't want them in the first place. I'm doing all my shopping online. Not gonna see me stuck in traffic in a mall parking lot, no way.

If Daria was remade today, what would it be like? Go here and express yourself.

Pinhead has created Tiffany art.

OverlordMikey needs assistance with a fanfic idea.

A new Iron Chef: Legionnaires on the Air! Brother Grimace seems to have struck gold with this one.

Some excellent fanfic here. Dive in!

PPMB

• Daria: The Untold Story, by Ajar (preview): Why terrorism prevented the release of Daria on DVD: The launch of the DVD of a show as popular as Daria would lead to an event with so much publicity and so many people would be just too tempting of a target. Besides, a teenage girl who questions everything isn't exactly the united front we want to show to our enemies. Remember, a sassy mouth means the terrorists win.
  
• Finn Morgendorffer 17: Through Your Eyes, by HolyGrail2007 (COMPLETE!): At school, Finn’s suspicions were quickly confirmed by catching a glimpse of Daria walking to her second period without her glasses. Jane was serving as a guide, but he thought he caught Jane say something about Daria simply being blurry. Jane thinks she still has the contacts in, Finn concluded. That could be the only reasonable conclusion to draw.
• John Lane 44: Fizzy Logic, by Richard Lobinske (Part 2): "You're planning to make soda companies bid against each other for the right to market their products in Lawndale High?" "That's right. All you kids have to do is what you'd do anyway: drink soda." "Does that mean that everywhere I turn I'll run into a vending machine?"
• Reaped Out 2: Sickle Sad World, by Pinkminx (Part 12): Daria watched as Rube handed out the Post-Its containing the days reaps. She counted them silently as he stacked hers in front of her. "One… two… three, looks like a busy day," She mused to herself and let out a tired sigh.
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Legionnaires on the Air!), by Night Goblyn (COMPLETE!): “Alright, and welcome back.” Jon Stewart smiled at the camera as the show came back from the commercial break. “So, we've got a real treat lined up for tonight, like I was saying earlier, so let's have a legion of applause for Miss Daria Morgendorffer!”
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Legionnaires on the Air!), by Roentgen (COMPLETE!): "And now... the guest host of Saturday Night Live... Charles Ruttheimer the Third!"
  

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Spending, Everywhere You Go

Not many shopping days left for whatever December holiday you plan to celebrate. I did almost all of my shopping through Amazon.com. Never left the house.

It was about this time of year that "Like Father, Like-" took place. Cold.

Will think of more exciting things as soon as I wake up.


LATE ADD: It is now 10 days until Christmas, but only a week until Hanukkah and Yule. If you ain't done your shoppin' yet, you are this close to FAILURE.

Today is Bill of Rights Day, so declared by FDR in 1941, and to mark that occasion you can read a fanfic from nine years ago with a related theme. If you can think of any other Daria fics about civil rights, name them in the Comments section.


FF.net

• Over the River and Through the Mood Swings, by Kristen Bealer (COMPLETE!)

PPMB

• Looking for a Bargain, by Katrina Medina (COMPLETE!): It's today, and Jane Lane needs a job and a new phone. Good thing Daria is there to help her. NOT!

Shop Shop Shop Till You Drop Drop Drop!

The day after Thanksgiving, the day after all that pigging out we did. Sandi Griffin wisely says of today: click here.

Today is also Black Friday ("black" in the financial sense, meaning profit, meaning goodness), and everyone in America is expected to spend money until their credit cards smolder. Not likely to happen this year.

Lawndale Online is back up, but not accepting new submissions yet. Moar l8r.

A Special Message from Holiday X

Yo! Four shopping days left, man! Get on the stick! You wanna get, you gotta give! Move it! The malls ain't open forever!






And, you know, Merry X. Peace out, bro.

My Brain Hurts

I had something incredibly awesome to post here, but my head cold erased all the information. I have no idea what it was, except that it was awesome.

[thinks] Nothing there. Dang.

I will post updates on this situation as events unfold. Stay tuned. We now return you to your regularly scheduled program, Dallas Does Lawndale, already in progress.

LATE NEWS: I added more links and more link categories at left, including a shopping mall (sort of). Let me know what you think.