The Most Infamous Blimp in the World

I see that Daria has chosen to observe a moment of...something in honor of the Hindenburg, which exploded on this day in 1937. In addition to Daria's locker homage, the disaster was also referenced in "I Loathe a Parade" in an exchange between Tom and Daria:

Tom: It's like the Hindenburg.

Daria: Oh, the lack of humanity.

There's good news, however, for the staff at Lawndale High School because it's National Teacher’s Day! Of course, that doesn't make up for the lousy pay and the frustrating students and the corrupt principal, but...well, at least they get a special day to be miserable during?

I think it might be a good idea for them to celebrate Beverage Day, especially if the beverage in question is alcoholic. Jake's probably already way ahead of him with a martini, and Helen's drink of choice is most likely coffee in spite of Quinn's protests.

Fandom News!

• R.I.P., Ruth Buzzi and Jill Sobule.

"Are you ready to par-tay crazy?"

Bing and/or Spatula Man (does it really matter which is which?) is prepared to celebrate Radio Day...whether anyone wants him to or not. Just so we're clear, the answer is not. To read about radio that's actually entertaining, check out Ken Tremberth and Erin Mills's "Free Radio Lawndale."

While you're trying to tune out the Mental in the Morning DJs, you might visit the Big Strawberry in honor of National Tourism Day. It's the only tourist attraction Lawndale has, so you might as well make the most of it!

Then we can wish a happy National Teacher’s Day to all of the faculty at Lawndale High. Honestly, though, they'd rather just have higher pay, fewer demands from Ms. Li, or just some basic human dignity.

Fandom News!

• MeTV is doing their own Cartoon Network. What do you think?

Where DO All the Lost Socks Go?

Let's all have a moment of silence for poor Lefty on Lost Sock Memorial Day, as Daria and Jane separated him from his mate, never to be reunited again. Alas, I'm sure Righty will never get over the grief.

Perhaps the Fashion Club will stay the night at Quinn's house tonight for National Sleepover Day, and if they're really lucky then Helen will wear her bumblebee pajamas! Unless Quinn has already burned them, of course.

Finally, I would wish Mr. DeMartino a happy National Teacher’s Day, but "happy" and "teacher" never go anywhere near each other when he's involved. Still, we could take up a collection to buy him a new pair of pants to celebrate!

Fandom News!

• Discuss the coronation of King Charles.


• Vote in the Deadliest Warrior poll between Mr. Fantastic and Plastic Man.

Maybe Let the Runner Take a Shower First

I don't think Daria's going to go for International Hug a Runner Day, but it might not be because she thinks Jane has sold out her ideals or because she's jealous of the quality time she's lost out on with her best friend. Have you considered that maybe Jane just finished a race and she might not smell particularly...huggable?

Today is also Future Teachers of America Day, and I'm sure Mr. DeMartino will be telling every potential teacher to run away as fast as they possibly can. That said, I still think that Kevin could, under certain circumstances, become a good teacher. He likes kids and he's got a good heart. All he needs to do is become smarter than a grade schooler!

Fanfic Update!

• Daria on the Trail, by meesterlee (part 23): "Greetings from the Oregon Trail! Our Company has just crossed one of the worst obstacles we have yet encountered on our journey to our new home. We have crossed Rocky Ridge."


• The New Prime Minister (Scenes no Daria fanfic Should Have: How did We survive?), by Meester_Lee (COMPLETE!): "Daria Morgendorffer-Black sat in her office reviewing letters from her constituents."


• Stranger Without Time, by radiofox (part 7): "Inside a brown bricked house near the cast forests of Lawndale, Anna was beginning her morning as usual..."

Hooray for Teachers!

Mr. DeMartino and Mrs. Bennett are stunned to learn that today is World Teacher’s Day, and I don't blame them. It's not like they're accustomed to being appreciated in even the most token ways.

Today is also International Walk to School Day, which as far as I can tell was every school day for Daria and Jane. I hope they thank their teachers when they arrive! Someone ought to.

Fandom News!

• Talk about Cartoon Network's 30th anniversary.


• Analyze the fight from "Daria Dance Party."


• Meester_Lee posted a new Iron Chef: Daria and the Gang and Halloween.


• RIP, Sacheen Littlefeather and Loretta Lynn.


• Vote in the Celebrity Deathmatch poll between the Grim Reaper and the Red Guy.


• Discuss the MN Republican candidates.

Does This Mean Jodie is a Bond Girl?

Mack's clearly enjoying the anniversary of Dr. No, the first James Bond movie, which was released on this day in 1962. Either that or he's come up with a very creative way to get away from Kevin.

Today is also World Teacher's Day, and I hope Mr. DeMartino in particular is having a good one. At the very least, I hope he doesn't have to put up with Kevin Thompson. Otherwise, would someone please get him his own jetpack?

Fanfic Update!

• Brittany - Esteem of the Transfer Student, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 3): "Once they had ordered their pizza’s they found a booth. 'So, we were going to talk about ourselves?' Brittany asked."


• Danny Morgendorffer, by ST91 (part 52): "'Partypartyparty!' Quinn exclaimed as she, her brother and Heather walked towards the building where the party in question was taking place."


• Daria Ravenclaw: The Year of the Owl, by Meester_Lee (part 38): "Daria carefully stepped past the edge of the fireplace then stood up. 'Good, you made it,' said Anahita. who’d flooed in just before Daria."


• Daria's sexuality crisis, by tawog (COMPLETE!): "Daria was never one to get close with others."


• Mystery of Sherwood, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 1): "It had been a week since Clara had joined Lady Vastra, Jenny and Strax in their Paternoster Row residence. She was still adjusting to being stuck over a century in her past. She heard a knock on the door. 'Come in.'"

Hey Hey! Ho Ho! Kevin Thompson's Got to Go!

The Lawndale High faculty doesn't seem impressed by World Teachers' Day, but they'd probably be a lot more enthusiastic if they could earn a decent wage for once. Or if they didn't have to deal with Kevin. Either one would be reward enough.

Also on this day in 1998, Michelle Klein-Häss published her essay, "Morons in the Control Room." It was a call to action against the technical glitches in the Daria broadcasts in 1998. Check it out for a glimpse of fandom in the early days!

Fandom News!

• Can you help clear up some generational confusion?


• Talk about horror movies with Dark Kuno.


• Read and discuss essays about Daria and "The System" and Lucky Strike.


• ozferret wonders when the Morgandorffers became Jewish.

Beats Dying in an Influenza Epidemic

Do you think Mr. DeMartino is happy that today is World Teacher's Day? Well, look at that face and then you tell me how he feels.

It might make him feel better to know that today is also Do Something Nice Day...except that sounds like the kind of holiday Mr. O'Neill would come up with.

Fandom News!

• Can you help figure out why the board can't adjust time zone for daylight savings?


• Discuss the recent Las Vegas shooting.


• Fans mourn the death of Tom Petty.


• Talk about the Catalan independence vote and the aftermath.


• Szcz posted a new Iron Chef in Creative Writing: Total Recall.

It's Better to be Feared than to Teach

Mr. DeMartino is breaking the bad news to Mrs. Bennett that even though today is National Teacher Day, there is no pay raise on the horizon. However, surely having your own holiday makes up for having to deal with Kevin and Brittany on an almost-daily basis, doesn't it?

No? Yeah, I suppose not.

Today is also the anniversary of Niccolo Machiavelli's birth in 1469, so it's time to stop putting off taking over that country you've had your eye on.

Fanfic Update!

• Daria Ravenclaw: The Highland Years, by Meester_Lee (parts 4c and 4d): "It was a cold and dreary day at Grimmauld Place. The sun was hidden by thick clouds and a cold wind swayed the branches of the trees and bushes of the small, ill-kept park across the street from the town house." (Part 4d)


• Past Lives (Ideas!), by Princess_Pasta (COMPLETE!): "Lawndale Haven House was one of only two youth homeless shelters in the tiny Maryland suburb, something that Daria Morgendorffer attributed to the fact that people wrongly assumed nobody could be homeless in such a wealthy area."

Atomic Communist Teachers from Marx

Mr. O'Neill is doing his solo performance, "Nothing to Lose But His Chains," again because today is the anniversary of Karl Marx's birth in 1818. It's actually hinted at more than once in canon that Mr. O'Neill is a communist, although nothing ever really came of it. I'm actually a little more concerned about why the man owns his own fake beard.

Today is also National Teacher Day, so let's celebrate our favorite Daria teachers! Hmm. If only a few of them were competent at their jobs.

Fanfic Update!

• Ah, Hell, by metameric1 (part 31): "'Trent opened the door, smiling at the boy holding the jar of coffee beans still warm from the roaster. 'Morning, Russ. Thanks for the delivery service.'"


• Is it Curtain Yet?, by Zetor (part 4b): "Daria looked at the clock and sighed. Three seventeen. Time seemed pass slower as the end of her day grew closer, even more so than in school. Another thing to look forward to in adult life. It was made worse by the complete lack of customers. If someone were here, she'd at least have some amusing idiots to tell Jane about later."


• Unnamed story (Iron chef: The actress who plays Daria), by RLobinske (COMPLETE!): "'Why don't we just call it, Daria Does Dallas?' the exasperated actress asked. The executive said, 'Because some fanfic writer copyrighted the title back in '04 and won't give it up.'"


• Unnamed story (Iron chef: The actress who plays Daria), by Roentgen (COMPLETE!): "'Uh, this isn't the kind of part I would expect you to do? I mean, I remember watching you on TV when I was a kid growing up and....'"

The Job Is Its Own Reward, I'm Sure

Mrs. Bennett has just shocked Mr. DeMartino by reminding him that today is World Teachers' Day. Since today is not World Increase Teachers' Salaries Day, I don't think the news is cheering him up very much.

This also marks the eleventh anniversary of the SFMB, which was created on this day in 2003. Thanks, Mistress Thea!

Fandom News!

• The AV Club lists all 57 books mentioned by Daria in the series. How many have you read?


• Tetris: The Movie. Yes, really. Discuss it in the thread.


• Nominate the cheesiest songs of all time, in your opinion.


• tafka is looking for writing advice.


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

"Oh, the lack of humanity."

It was on this day in 1937 that the Hindenburg disaster took place. Daria has immortalized the event on the door of her locker, possibly because it sums up her attitude toward high school.

Speaking of high school, today we also celebrate National Teacher Day, so let's go appreciate Ms. Barch--ugh. Er, how about Mr. O'Neill--hmm. Well, we could always tell Mr. DeMartino...on second thought, I'd rather keep my distance from that particular walking time bomb, too. Let's just appreciate them from afar, okay?

Fanfic Update!

• ASPS 2, by PrecambrianStudios (parts 13 and 14): "She really wanted to scratch her nose. Lisa Alkaev, a sixteen-year old sophomore with brown hair styled in a pixie cut, wrinkled her nose, hoping the itch would just go away, but of course it didn't." (Part 14)


• Behind the Counter, by NightGoblyn (part 8): "'You,' the woman said, pausing in the door with what was obviously intended to be a dramatic turn. 'When we sit around at the bar and talk about which one of you we hate the most, it's you.'"


• Chips Off the Older Block, by Indigo (part 3): "Daria and Quinn were walking to school when three of Quinn's admirers Joey, Jeffy, and Jamie approached them eager to do anything that might win over the younger Ms Morgendorffer"


• Credence, by Astrocar82 (part 9): "Daria was soon hooked up to machines and monitors that could do the tasks that her brain apparently couldn't anymore. IVs pumped in hormones to her blood. These hormones were supposed to regulate her ability to live and shrink the tumor that had crippled her."


• Fortune's Fools, by Kristen Bealer (COMPLETE!): "Keveo took a step back, horrified. This is my fault, he realized. If I'd been paying attention, I could have stopped him from getting hurt. I could have stopped-- He looked over at Sam Stybalt, who was snickering with a couple of Oakwood players. --that bastard."


• Possibilities, by Sureia (parts 1 and 2): "The old place just wasn't what it used to be. It was so quiet now. He hated quiet; quiet meant something was being planned. Quiet meant that his wife had gotten up and he was alone in his bed. Eventually quiet had come to mean that she would never be there again." (Part 2)


• Quinn's Code 10: Blue Screen of Sherman, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 4): "It was breakfast at the Morgendorffers. 'So I called up Cindy, Kristen, Jenna and Andrea, and the Anime and Programming Clubs are going to take up collections to get safe new goal posts. Like, to honor the dead guy's memory.'"


• Rude Awakening: The Battle of The Morgendorffers, by DIsaac (part 2): "DARIA: Alright, we got to be at TD Garden by 4pm for the game for our promotional stuff. It will be Me, you and Mack for that. JANE: Daria, You might have a problem with Mack?"


• Tigresses of Lawndale, by taishigi (parts 15 and 16): "For many, especially the females, the hot topic was the traditional winter formal dance and all its ramifications. Once called the Christmas Ball, in the politically correct era it was now usually known as the Snow Ball or Winter Ball, and was held on the Saturday before Christmas, December 23." (Part 16)


• Unnamed story ([Iron Chef – Round Robin – Free For All] Time Loops), by NightGoblyn (part 8): "Daria said something droll to their father and Quinn froze. This wasn't right."


• Unnamed story (Scenes No Daria Fan-Fic Should Have: No longer in the 1%), by Silver (COMPLETE!): "'Hell, it could just be the stars coming right and stress! All I know is that the world is ending and I don't want to be alone when it goes.' Andrea's voice broke into panicked sobs. 'Please, Daria. Please.'"


• Without Warning, by SentrytheDefiant (part 14): "Jace tried his best to ignore the sinking feeling in his stomach as the automated message informed him that the number he was trying to reach was no longer in service. He didn't even realize he was crying until tears started to drop onto the counter."

But the Work is its Own Reward

Mr. DeMartino is just thrilled to pieces that today is World Teachers' Day, which completely makes up for the meagre pay and constant thankless struggle he endures every single day!

Er...could someone go collect his eye? I think it rolled under that cabinet over there.

Also, happy birthday to the Sh33p's Fluff Message Board, which hits its tenth anniversary today. Thanks for everything, Thea!

Fanfic Update!

• Daria as the Doctor, by ashk09 (part 3): "A plan formed in the Doctor's mind; it was risky, as it relied on the Daleks' lack of knowledge about the true capabilities of the TARDIS. 'I can get us through the barrier, but I'm going to need Jane's help to do it.'"


• The Difference a Year Makes (IC: Early Meeting), by Shiva (COMPLETE!): "'You know that just a year ago if anyone had told me that I'd be where I am right now, I'd have just looked at them funny before walking away without saying a word.'"


• Doctor Ewwww: Life In Plastic, by ognawk (part 2): "'Let me get this straight, you could go to any mall, in any part of the universe, at any time, and you choose to go to Cashmans in Lawndale,' Jane said, scratching her head."


• Dominick Morgendorffer, by macross (part 9): "She turned back and saw it was one of the new comers to the school's self-esteem class, Jennifer Burns. The two girls had never really said more than two words to one another in all the time they had both traversed the Lawndale county public school system, so Jane was a bit perplexed by the sudden attention."


• Don't Mess with the Brush (Scenes No Daria Fan-Fic Should Have: Why, oh God WHY?!), by Serrallonga (COMPLETE!): "'Daria, do you think it was my fault?' 'Excuse me? Of course not. It was his own fault, in all kinds of ways'"


• Dylan, by J-D (part 30a): "'You're not planning on turning up at the school dance, are you, Dylan?' 'Why would I want to do that?' prevaricated Dylan. 'I'm spending the evening with Rod.'"


• Fashion Service (Iron Chef: Daria finds out the FC is an escort service), by KnightScarb (COMPLETE!): "'A Call girl, you really thought I could be a hooker. God Daria, I can't even slow dance with a guy without freaking out.'"


• The Great And The Good, by ognawk (part 21): "Jane was happy as she was walking across the room with a soda in her hand. People seem to really like my paintings, she thought. Her mood soon soured slightly when she noticed Cassidy walking towards her dressed in a one shoulder, sleeveless red dress with a rhinestone belt, with Tom accompanying her in an expensive tuxedo. OK Lane, just remain calm."


• Just a Phase (Scenes No Daria Fan-Fic Should Have: Why, oh God WHY?!), by Shiva (COMPLETE!): "As the Lawndale Lion's cheerleading squad continued to do their performance even as the Lions kicked serious Taproot butt, Daria and Tom watched the spectacle along with the rest of Lawndale. But unlike the rest of the Lawndale, they weren't staring out of enjoyment."


• Life, There's More: Sweet Dreams, by RLobinske (COMPLETE!): "Lin waved through the viewing window and, looking weak, Paula smiled and waved back at him. Seated beside, her, Amy sat, gently holding an infant in her arms. The joy and love on her face was unmistakable."


• More Than One, by KnightScarb (part 1): "Helen saw her oldest daughter standing on the stoop holding a squirming infant. She noticed the clothes that she had never seen before, the long flowing skirt and black blouse."


• A New Direction (Iron Chef: My Dad, the director), by peetz5050 (part 14): "'Ms. Morgendorffer, welcome to Vitale, Horowitz, Riordan, Shrecter, Shrecter and Shrecter. Won't you please step into the boardroom, the Partners and I would like to welcome you properly.'"


• A Really Early Meeting (IC: Early Meeting), by Vukodlak (COMPLETE!): "'Can I help?' squeaked a voice. Daria turned to see a boy her age he had a whole sandcastle kit, shovel, pale, and the long rectangle pieces for easy walls. 'My sister Elsie's always knocking down my stuff too.'"


• Simpatico, by SacredDust (part 1): "Jane put down her fork and waited patiently. 'You said people have different sides to them, right? Go on.' Daria hesitated. 'Um...do you think we do, too? As in, you and I?'"


• Tom Sloane, Lax Bro, by Shiva (part 17): "It had taken a lot of hard work and training, but by God one Tom Sloane had gotten a spot on the Lacrosse team at Fielding and during his first game had scored the winning goal."


• Unnamed story (IC: Tom Sloane, Lax Bro TAKEDOWN!), by PrecambrianStudios (COMPLETE!): "Tom Sloane groaned as he awakened to the sound of beeping machines and his father's voice."


• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Daria finds out the FC is an escort service), by ashk09 (part 1): "It was something that the older girl had never heard from her sister; fear, vulnerability. Quinn was normally so cheerfully confident that it seemed that nothing could breach her defences. It seemed like something more than a date going a bit sour."


• Unnamed story (Scenes No Daria Fan-Fic Should Have: Why, oh God WHY?!), by ashk09 (COMPLETE!): "They were barely out the door of the Pizza King when Daria suddenly clutched her stomach, almost doubling over in pain."

And To Think, He Could Have Been Born During an Influenza Epidemic!

Today is National Teacher Day, and I'm sure that this one day of recognition is more than enough to recompense Mr. DeMartino for the many years he's wasted trying to teach students like Kevin. Go ahead and ask him just how warm and fuzzy he feels today. I'll wait over here.

Today is also V-E Day, or Victory in Europe Day. It was the day that Nazi Germany surrendered during World War II. The day is also notable in that, according to (the now-appreciated) Mr. DeMartino in "Fizz Ed," none of Lawndale High's history supplies were manufactured after that point. I think he was exaggerating, but knowing Ms. Li...maybe he wasn't.

Fandom News!

• Staticblast is looking for easy recipes. What can you suggest?


• The Latin American version of Netflix is now offering Daria--or at least some of it.


• Discuss the upcoming Judge Dredd movie in a new thread.


• Shiva posted a new Iron Chef in Creative Writing: 'Sloane Trouble' Expansion.

"Why did I survive, grow tall and strong, only to SQUANDER all my potential by becoming a TEACHER?!"

Happy World Teachers' Day! I have no doubt that this holiday is more than enough encouragement for Mr. DeMartino to rediscover his love of teaching and find the strength to face each day with a smile.

Right up until Kevin opens his mouth, of course.

Today is also the Sh33p's Fluff Message Board's 8th birthday! It was created on this day in 2003 by Thea Zara and Gamer, and while the board has been through several changes over the years, their legacy still lives on. Have an adult-themed birthday cake, SFMB!

Fanfic Update!

• The Author as a Lesbian, Season 2, by DeacBlue (parts 3 - 6): "'What Quinn's talking about is that, to push the point home that she's not abandoning fashion, just the Fashion Club, she wants to design clothing and make us up for the next dance. Since I came up with this, I'm committed.' She took a deep breath. 'Will you two go to the Valentine's Dance with me? And will you let Quinn dress you?'" (Part 4) (Part 5) (Part 5.5.) (Part 6)


• Beavis 2.0 (Iron Chef: Twilight Zone Daria), by Roentgen (COMPLETE!): "(SCENE: The girls bathroom. Cassandra is finishing up Daria's 'tattoo' which has been applied by pen.) Cassandra: I hope this washes off. A skull. It doesn't convey your nobler, gentler spirit, Daria. Daria: To hell with that. This is a scam. And I'm going to prove it. I don't know what the hell they're up to, but unlike most of my fellow students, I'd like to learn something before I graduate. But I have to get Beavis and Butt-head to drop the facade."


• The Beginning of our History, by ST91 (parts 1 and 2): "'Please mommy tells the story again please, please' said a girl with long dark brown hair and a gorgeous pair of blue eyes 'But I told you already have a lot of times Elizabeth , why you want to hear it again?' said Jane Lane to her 6 years old daughter" (Part 2)


• Daria is Raven's Apprentice, by project pegasus: "Daria: Great! It’s like a maze down there. It’ll be like 'Pac Man': we’ll be like the ghosts and chase Beast Boy, who will be like Pac Man--a murderous, serial killing Pac Man who has a hard-on over dismembering us and reanimating our reconstituted corpses."


• Friendship is Tragic (Scream Scenes), by Smijey (part 1): "'Jane, you're going to help me with the surgery I'm going to perform on this horse.' Jane's eyes practically bugged out of her head. 'Uh, Daria? I don't know if you think I just forgot to mention it, but I haven't gotten a degree in veterinary medicine, horse surgery, or anything like that since we last saw each other. What about that guy who's supposed to advise you on stuff like this?' Daria smiled, and Jane started to feel uneasy. 'Oh, I don't need his help with this. Besides, he died.'"


• Interstellar Portals - A worldbuilding scenario, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 2): "The mercenary leader looked at the public house where his informant had told him that the representative of the Haudenusaunai kingdom was waiting for him. It was an average pub for the City. It stood 3 stories high, and had upwards of 100 rooms. There were stores on either side. The pub was located in an area of the city close to the centre of the city, completely outside of the portal."


• John Lane 51: Promises Kept, by RLobinske (COMPLETE!): "'We watched the sun set from the Lincoln Memorial.' 'That sounds so romantic,' Helen said. 'I'm sure you're going to remember that for a long time.' Daria took a breath and said, 'I think I'm going to remember this more,' before showing her hand with the ring. The single, small diamond glittered in a circle of six tiny emeralds."


• Legacy (Iron Chef: Crazy Pairing Story!), by RX-87 (COMPLETE!): "'W-what are you talking about?' Summer sobbed in confusion. She'd never been the best mother, but she'd never done anything before to elicit such violence from any of her children. Adrian loomed over the crying woman menacingly, 'Oh, you don't know? You just put it out of your mind, hoped it would go away? Is that why you never gave a shit about me and Courtney going off on our own? Didn't want to be reminded of what you'd done?'"


• Quinn's Code 04: Geekery at the Mega-Mall, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 3): "Quinn hoped that the situation wouldn't go out of hand. As she placed the phone down it rang again. 'I guess that this is Xavier!' she thought with slight agitation. 'Hello?' 'Quinn, I hope I am not too late!' Xavier said. 'Depends how you define "too late."' 'I'm too late, aren't I?'"


• Remembrance, by HolyGrail2007 (part 19): "'Ah, the eternal dilemma. Too much to do. Have to prevent murders, but how to determine what sets off the murder? Obviously a serial killing, targeting females all of a certain age, but the age advances even after the time skip?' That wasn't exactly common, if someone was after young women, why would it change to older women after that? Stacy and Andrea did not look alike, have the same friends, or the same cliques, so it had to be some sort of other trigger. Perhaps something triggered by a third party. That left the avenue open to...just about anything."


• Rude Awakening Ep.9: Join The Club, by DIsaac (part 5): "UPCHUCK: We need evidence, Mack. CHIPMUNK: Really good evidence, it will take cunning. UPCHUCK: It will take skill. It will take - MACK: Running her name on Google?."


• Save the Last Trance for Me, by jtranser: "'Jane, tell me how all these stock footage dream endings got into this show? And this orgy! I didn't plan all this, this...' 'You can't. All that omniscience just gets in the way. So we usually hire somebody else to plan it. Don't worry, it'll get out of hand soon enough.' 'What? You mean this was plotted out by a orgy designer?' 'No, Daria, more like an orgy architect....'"


• The Screaming Whisperer (Scream Scenes), by OverlordMikey (COMPLETE!): "The room was dark; not in the lighting sense, in that sense it was quite bright. It was a room filled with all kinds of makeshift devices; most seemed to be for torturing people. The walls where designed like a dungeon. Charles himself was strapped to a strange alter stripped of any clothes. Before him stood someone; someone he knew, a member of the Fashion Club."


• So Totally Not Cthulhu, by Lord Yellowtail (part 1): "And if nothing else, Daria Morgendorffer forged herself into the Question to fight corruption. Evil government conspiracies were part of the natural order of her universe. Power Girl had mostly just reinforced Question’s own beliefs. Which is probably exactly what she intended. But this ..."


• Unnamed story (Iron Chef - Jodie the Inventor), by Chris Tucker: "There was a look to her, a look of fear and uncertainty. 'When he was speaking, I could HEAR metal creaking, I KNEW it was the vertical stabilizer connected to the fuselage. The metal was starting to fracture. I could hear it. I shouldn't be able to DO THAT!'"

Happy Birthday, You Delightfully Twisted Little Cruller!

Let's all wish a happy birthday to Niccolò Machiavelli, born on this day in 1469. Daria apparently is a fan, shown reading Machiavelli's The Prince during the episode "Fire!"

Tom: Hey, The Prince. Planning on taking over a country?

Daria: Well, not now that you've ruined the surprise.

Today is also Teacher's Day in the U.S. I'm sure the existence of this holiday alone is enough to give Mr. DeMartino the job satisfaction and peace of mind that he's been looking for. Or something.

Fandom News!

• Temppeli is happy to announce that Linnanmäki, the oldest amusement park in Finland, is open.


• What's your signature outfit? Sorry, someone's already got dibs on green jackets and Doc Martens.


• The Canadian election is being discussed in Nick's Corner.


• Which are your top movies you wish you'd never seen?


• JPAGC has posted a new Iron Chef in the Creative Writing forum: Mack Snaps.


• Artist S-C has created model sheets for Daria and Jane, which should be useful for other artists who want to draw the characters.

Meet Coach Gibson . . . I think

The last of the "Before They Were Daria Stars" flipbook characters on MTV's Daria site is somehow misidentified as Burnout Chick, which she . . . er, he definitely isn't. He is obviously a high-school sports coach who bears a resemblance to the heavy-set faculty member seen on rare occasions in the original series. We get a good glimpse of this latter fellow (short light brown hair, no mustache, blue sweatshirt, whistle on chain, gray sweatpants, sneakers) marching with the striking teachers in "Lucky Strike" (at far left in picture), and we have a distant view of the same figure in "Fizz Ed," standing on the edge of the football field during scrimmage practice. A coach he must be. Maybe he got tired of the mustache.

In The Daria Diaries, Mack makes reference to a coach named Mr. Gibson who is "almost done paying his debt to society" and had assured Mack that when the recruiter used the word "kickback," he thought the man had said "kickoff." It isn't clear who was running the football team while the coach was "paying his debt," but the two MTV books reflect material from the first two seasons of Daria, and the coach appears in the last, fifth season. (CORRECTION: I just spotted him in the Assembly scene of "Esteemsters," on the stage with Ms. Li. Oh, well.) We can hypothesize that the coach seen in the show is Gibson, and between the time he appeared in Esteemsters and the fifth season he got a brief government-funded vacation in the Big House. The character seen in the flipbook could be him as well, before he went to the hoosegow and shaved off his mustache. He remained a background character throughout.

On a related topic, note the presence of two black teachers among the marchers in "Lucky Strike": one short and heavy with glasses and one tall and thin. One of them must be the mathematics teacher, since we never see one in the series, and the other must teach . . . computers? Humanities? Mass media? Band? French? Where the heck are all of the Lawndale High teachers?