Is the Price Right?

Jesse's wishing a happy birthday to the late Bob Barker, born on this day in 1923. He'd also like to remind everyone to spay and neuter their pets, and wonders if "Come on down" would be a good replacement name for Mystik Spiral.

Kevin, meanwhile, will hopefully know better than to pester Mack about his summer job, even though it's National Ding-a-Ling Day. However, I suspect Mack was less bothered by the ringing bell than he was about the feral children flinging ice cream at him.

It's not quite Christmas yet, but X is insistent that we all celebrate Gingerbread House Day today. He really needs someone to make him one of those little cottages all made out of gingerbread.

Fandom News!

• The 2025 Daria Fanfiction list has been posted.


• Discuss this year's Daria fanfics and artwork that you think should be nominated for awards!

Have a Squeaky Holiday!

Let's all wish Roger the Mouse a very happy International Animal Rights Day, or at least a day without post-traumatic stress disorder. Are mouse therapists a thing? Because I think I know of someone who needs one.

We shouldn't forget about people when we talk about rights, because today is also Human Rights Day! Human rights have become even more important than ever before, so let's observe today with hope and determination.

Quinn's would-be admirer Corey will be happy to know that he gets his own day today, National Corey Day. He'll be less pleased to know that he's barely on Quinn's radar, especially when Joey, Jeffy, and Jamie are around.

Fanfic Update!

• Dungeons and Ditzes, by AngryKnife, Another Knife (AngryKnife) (part 2): "The TV hummed, and the announcer spoke over a dramatic guitar riff: 'Suburban Book Club Accidentally Summons Literary-Criticism-Demon During Discussion of Beach Read. A Sick Sad World Exclusive!'"


• First Crushes, by starbutterflyz (COMPLETE!): "'What are you working on?' Jane peeked over her canvas to see Daria lying on her bed upside down, channel surfing with the remote."


• Together, by Iron Trilobite (COMPLETE!): "Daria awoke in the early morning dawn and realized this morning was very unusual."

One...Two...Tree!

Daria would be celebrating National Christmas Tree Day, but she's got more important things to worry about. She can enjoy the holiday once she's dealt with the unexpected hostage situation going on in the closet.

If you want a Christmas tree but don't have one yet, better get shopping and see if you can find someone to help you pick one out, since it's also National Salesperson Day. If you meet Theresa, be extra nice, because no one should have to deal with the Fashion Club as often as she does.

Meanwhile, perhaps the Yaegers will observe Pretend To Be A Time Traveler Day by driving around in a classic Volkswagen Beetle and wearing clothing from the 1960s. If they did, then Daria's theory about the VW being a time machine could be proven correct!

They Are Also Minors Who Are Mining!

Joey, Jeffy, and Jamie are prepared to search the deepest depths of the Earth for a suitable gift for Quinn, thanks to today being National Miners Day. They'll want to clean up before they offer it to her, though, because the "Ewww!" that she'd emit upon seeing them in their current state could probably be heard halfway across the country.

Today is a sad music anniversary, as the tragic Altamont Free Concert took place on this day in 1969. Despite the concert being free, Jake managed to not only pay for tickets but also get a refund. God only knows how.

Happy birthday to deadpan comedian Steven Wright, born on this day in 1955. Although Daria's deadpan humor is brilliant, Steven Wright's influence can more clearly be seen in Luhrmann, seen only once (in "I Don't") and never again.

Fanfic Update!

• An argument of friendship, by redpink (part 1): "DARIA and JANE lie on opposite ends of Jane's bed, backs against the wall, legs stretched out."


• Artifact in Lawndale (Crossovers Still Crossing Over), by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 2): "'So what is in common between the Lawndale Artefacts?' Myka asked. 'Good Question,' Artie replied. 'Actually, there is little in common, other than the details I told Claudia earlier.'"


• Bathroom breaks, by redpink (part 1): "The room is dimly lit, quiet except for the soft hum of the streetlight outside."


• Best BFF ever, by redpink (part 1): "The room is dimly lit, a soft amber glow from a desk lamp casting long shadows across the walls."


• The closeness, by redpink (part 1): "The rain outside softens to a whisper. The room is still, wrapped in quiet intimacy."


• Comforting a little girl, by redpink (part 1): "The sky is soft with fading light. DARIA walks alone, hands in her jacket pockets, her boots tapping rhythmically against the pavement."


• Harry Potter Morgendorffer, by Meester_Lee (part 46): "The buildings of Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry just beyond the end of a short bus ride from the railroad station at North Adams and the narrow, winding driveway up Mount Greylock."


• Heart-shaped pizza lovers, by redpink (part 1): "The room is dimly lit, quiet except for the soft hum of the night. DARIA and JANE lie side by side on Jane's bed."


• A horrible moment between friendship, by redpink (part 1): "The room is dimly lit, soft shadows dancing across the walls. DARIA lies curled against JANE on the bed, her cheek gently pressed into Jane's chest like a pillow."


• Like pillow and blanket, by redpink (part 1): "Soft lamplight spills across the room. Posters line the walls, paintbrushes rest in jars, and a sketchbook lies open on the floor."


• A lullaby threat, by redpink (part 1): "The room is dimly lit by a soft lamp on the nightstand. Posters line the walls, and scattered sketchbooks rest on the floor."


• A moment in Alabama, by redpink (part 1): "The room is dimly lit by a soft lamp on the nightstand. DARIA and JANE lie together on Jane's bed, wrapped in a quiet cocoon of comfort."


• The New Girl, by wilddogjj (COMPLETE!): "Teddy Carbone was in the most awkward situation of his young life. His science partner, Amy, whom he has a crush on has been using him as a patsy for a drug operation. Needless to say, Teddy was most displeased."


• Slices, by redpink (part 1): "Soft lamplight spills across the room, casting a golden hue over the bed where DARIA and JANE lie side by side."


• Spider Quinn 19 Making the News Amidst the Storms, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 9): "Daria then made her play. 'I have compiled newspaper reports of SpiderGirl’s activities from November, through to just before Groundhog Day. There are also excerpts from interviews I have conducted with some of Lawndale High’s seniors over the past few weeks. They paint a picture of a rather confident young lady who isn’t afraid to talk to people. What I saw when I watched last night’s interview was not that.'"


• Tickling bodies, by redpink (part 1): "The room is dimly lit by a single lamp on the dresser. Posters and sketches line the walls."


• What a wonderful world, by redpink (part 1): "The room is dimly lit, soft shadows dancing across the walls."

You Know What, Helen? I DO Like My Cookies Undercooked!

It looks like Helen and Rita are prepared to bury the hatchet under a pile of cookie dough in honor of National Cookie Day! However, I'd recommend skipping the oven and just splitting the cookie dough. Not only does it taste better raw, but then they don't have to get into arguments about cookie size and baking time.

Happy birthday to the late Chester Greenwood, who was born on this day in 1858. Greenwood's most famous accomplishment was the invention of earmuffs, which would one day lead to Quinn's near-death at the hands of her classmates. I don't think he had pink ostrich feathers in mind when he created them, but who can say for sure?

While you keep your ears warm, don't forget about your feet because it's also National Sock Day! If you find yourself missing one, be sure to check Brittany Taylor's laundry room and, if it isn't there, try Jane Lane's shirt. That static cling is really something.

Let's Not Even Talk About Those Socks

Jesse looks extra preppy for International Sweater Vestival, but you wouldn't think someone so anti-shirt would really wear such a thing. Then again, when he told Trent he owed him a shirt he didn't specify what kind of shirt Trent had to give him.

Quinn should probably see if one of the cuter technical types from school could give her some pointers on computer use because it's World Computer Literacy Day! These days, with technology being pretty much everywhere, failing to be tech-savvy is a real fashion don't.

Be sure to tip your server well because it's Bartender Appreciation Day and the last thing you want to do is piss off the person giving you your drink. Bartenders were an occasional sight on Daria, from the less-than-helpful man at Mad Dawg's bar in "Speedtrapped" to the Mai Tai-making fellow who witnessed Mr. O'Neill and Mr. DeMartino bonding in Is It College Yet?

Fanfic Update!

• Add Max Diem, by Ranchoth (COMPLETE!): "Nothing in the rear view—she couldn’t see anything in the rearview past the rooster tails of dust."


• But You Always Knew the Truth, by riotsquirrrl (COMPLETE!): "'You have to want something for Christmas, Morgendorffer.' Daria shrugged. 'More pencils maybe?'"


• Jane's Tedition (The Ted Zone), by Kristen Bealer (COMPLETE!): "'Who shot the hippies? Who locked them in a zoo? Who gagged the beatniks? Who filled their mouths with glue? Who crushed the bohos? Who turned their work to poo? Hey, Mr. Normal, it was you!'"


• Scarlett Investigates, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 1): "Scarlett O’Connell hadn’t expected to be investigating a sabotaged play. She just wanted to learn to improve her art while investigating minor campus mysteries."

Being a Swiftie Before It Was Cool

Daria doesn't seem to be enjoying the anniversary of Jonathan Swift's birth on this day in 1667, even though reenacting a scene from Gulliver's Travels is a pretty clever idea. Maybe if she had a (very large) book then she wouldn't be so unhappy. The good news is that if Quinn gets on her nerves, relief is just a finger flick away!

I have to say that the tiny Lawndale people are doing a terrible job of celebrating National Personal Space Day. I think that under normal circumstances this would be one of Daria's favorite holidays, but under normal circumstances no one ties her up so she can't move. Or at least I assume that isn't something that happens to her often.

If 17th-century satirists aren't your thing, then you could skip ahead almost 200 years and celebrate the anniversary of Mark Twain's birth on this day in 1835. Similar sharp tongue and quick wit, but with somewhat different hairstyles. I know Daria's a fan of his thanks to her nightshirt, but I think Trent leans more towards Hanna-Barbera and Huckleberry Hound.

Fandom News!

• Shady Doorags reviews "Lane Miserables" in a new video.


• What was the first movie you ever watched in theaters?

Mr. Potato'Neill

Apparently Mr. O'Neill is taking Make Your Own Head Day to a bit of an extreme, but it's not like this new head could be much worse than his old one. Just don't let Quinn see him, as she isn't a big fan of potatoes. They remind her of that that movie, "Angela's Ashtray."

I wouldn't worry, though, because Quinn will most likely be busy shopping on Black Friday, if the crowds don't frighten her off. On the other hand, she could celebrate Buy Nothing Day instead, although we all know that isn't going to happen.

I hope everyone has a pleasant Red Planet Day, a holiday in honor of Mars. Artie might want to avoid observing his one, however, even if it might mean a visit from alien space babes. Hey, if atomic Communists come from Mars, does that mean Mars really is the red planet?

Fanfic Update!

• Between the Holidays, by riotsquirrrl (COMPLETE!): "St. Patrick's Day looked down at his lunch in disgust. 'Peas again? What I wouldn't give for a decent boiled dinner in this place. With the carrots perfectly tender and the pork aged just right. But no, we have to eat this shitty English colonizer food.'"


• Spider Quinn 19 Making the News Amidst the Storms, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 8): "Sandi hung up from the third member of the AV Club she had called. 'No one,' she murmured. Then the phone rang again."


• Tomorrow belongs to who?, by DrT (COMPLETE!): "Jana Farhbahn studied her friend over her easel as she sat, pretending to read. Finally sighing, Jana said, 'You haven’t turned the page in ages. Is something wrong with it, or with you?'"

Is the Cake a Lie?

Quinn is showing off her (very unlikely) baking chops in time for International Cake Day, and while I absolutely love cake I would hesitate to try anything made by Quinn. Not only do I doubt her ability to perform any task more strenuous than applying makeup, but any daughter of Jake "my tongue is black" Morgendorffer isn't likely to be great in the kitchen.

Instead, I think Quinn would do well to go hang out at Cashman's for Shopping Reminder Day. Of course, Quinn (and the Fashion Club as a whole) would never need a reminder to go shopping.

Helen will, of course, be spending the day at work because it's both National Law Day and a day that ends in "Y." Eric might be there if he isn't in rehab, but just because it's National Eric Day doesn't mean Helen is obligated to put up with his nonsense.

Soon He'll Progress to Cave Drawings and Civilization Will Be On Its Way!

I'm a bit concerned to see that Kevin has chosen to celebrate Evolution Day by going in the wrong direction, although for him it wasn't actually a long journey. If he goes back a bit further, he'll be pleased to discover that he's become a monkey--after all, he likes monkeys!

Jake might think twice about going to another branding conference, even if it is National Brand Day. The last time he went, Daria ended up in a downward spiral and things got weird. Besides, it really isn't fair to those poor cows.

For anyone out there with an usual skill, be sure to enjoy Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day! Whether it's twirling hair around your finger and looking vacant or having a skull good for crushing beer cans against, be proud of yourself!

Fanfic Update!

• The New Girl, by wilddogjj (part 2): "Amy was in the backyard talking with her best friend back in LA. 'Man, I hate it here! Wish I was back wit' the crew.'"


• Spider Quinn 19 Making the News Amidst the Storms, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 7): "It was still a half hour before the Friday night show would start when Anders saw Fields arrive. She went up to her. 'One of the assistants will show you the way to the dressing room,' she said."

One Car, Two One-Shot Characters, and Three Holidays

It appears that Daria has already celebrated Go For a Ride Day, but we still have no idea who the mystery driver was. Perhaps Trent and Jane will do the same, because as Jane says, "You and I never go for rides anymore. We need to go for more rides." As long as it doesn't end with hair dye and tiger stripes.

Good news for Daria's one-person fan club, because it's also National Amelia Day! Maybe she can spend the day following Daria around, or better yet, telling Skip Stevens off. That's always fun!

If she needs a new jerk to yell at, she could always pick Jane's ex Nathan because it's National Nathan Day and I can think of few people on Daria that deserves their own holiday less.

Smoke on the (Toilet) Water

It appears that someone in the girls' bathroom has chosen the wrong way to celebrate Great American Smokeout, because you're supposed to take the opportunity to quit smoking cigarettes. Then again, it could just be another Tommy Sherman exorcism, which I would completely support.

I wonder if Mr. DeMartino ever observes Future Teachers of America Day by wishing the worst possible fate upon his least favorite students: a desire that they, too, will one day have to teach idiots. I doubt Daria will be among that group, as her brief stint as a substitute probably scared her off the profession for good.

Jane should know that today is International Hug a Runner Day, so she should try to get all of the hugs she can get. However, it might be a good idea to shower first if she just got back from a run. Or at least apply some deodorant.

Fanfic Update!

• Harry Potter Morgendorffer, by Meester_Lee (part 45): "She was in the middle of some dream she didn’t remember when she felt someone’s hand on her shoulder. “Daria, wake up!” said the Quinn-like voice. She opened her eyes and saw that it was Quinn."


• Is it The Purge Yet?, by darialalalalala (part 5): "'So, what should we do with Kevin now that Brittnay is gone?' Daria asked. 'Ehh, we'll just throw him out the window.' 'Alright then.'"


• The New Girl, by wilddogjj (part 1): "Mrs. DiBenedetto, a pudgy middle-aged science teacher with glasses, was addressing her seventh-grade science class. The class includes Teddy Carbone (Quinn and Jim's son), Rachel White (Jamie and Nicole's daughter) and Kevin Thompson Junior (Kevin and Brittany's son...actually, Daryl and Brittany's son but everyone pretends otherwise so the boy doesn't find out that he's the product of an extramarital affair)."

Supernatural Phenomena is Really Shiny!

Not sure if Tiffany is celebrating Occult Day or if she's just decided to go all-in on the "black is slenderizing" philosophy. At least the candle doesn't make her look fat, although I think she was a little too heavy-handed with her makeup.

Quinn, on the other hand, would far rather celebrate National Princess Day. After all, she's far better known for pink than black, unless she's trying to cover up a neck zit. Shhh...you didn't hear about it from me!

Meanwhile, it's possible that Noah Barkman is enjoying National Entrepreneur's Day, but if the dotcom bubble hit him as hard as it did many others like him, then I doubt it. Jake was probably very lucky to have gotten out when he did!

"The greasy fry, it cannot lie. Its truth is written on your thighs."

Daria and Jane are waiting patiently for their turn to celebrate National Fast Food Day, but I'm on the edge of my seat waiting to see if they'll choose fries or things. Maybe they'll splurge and get both!

Switching topics from greasy to slimy, today is also National Charles Day, which Upchuck would be wise to observe by keeping his mouth shut. Especially around anyone female.

If he chooses not to take my advice, I hope for his sake that his intended target is celebrating International Tolerance Day. In that they might be willing to offer him a ten-second headstart before they retaliate.

Fanfic Update!

• Q's Visitor, by wilddogjj (COMPLETE!): "Quinn and the triplets were seated at a table. Each of them had a massive pizza in front of them. 'Wow,' said Tommy, 'This is really cool, Mom!'"


• Spider Quinn 19 Making the News Amidst the Storms, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 6): "After talking to Quinn, Brittany decided to seek out Andrea before lunch ended. ‘It’s barely a week since the last time she helped,’ she thought as she left the library and looked around the courtyard. ‘But is she in the cafeteria?’ she wondered."

Don't Guac It 'til You've Tried It!

I see that Jake has no intention of missing the guacamole on National Spicy Guacamole Day, but I hope he leaves some for the rest of the family. Especially because Jake's track record on spicy foods is...not great.

At least he isn't overdoing it on sweets, which would be a terrible idea on World Diabetes Day. Please keep the following advice in mind:

Mr. O'Neill: You know what they say, a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.

Jane: Not if you're diabetic.

Much of the Daria cast will be glad to know that today is International Girls Day, although by now the "girls" from the show are middle aged. And doesn't that just make you feel old?

Just Wait Until He Finds Out You Can Have Pizza with the Works AND Anchovies!

Ted is enjoying another new experience by trying a pizza with many toppings in honor of National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day, and I suppose next he'll try pizza with anchovies. I'm sure neither pizza will be able to hold a candle to the wonder that is gum, however.

Let's wish a happy birthday to the sculptor Auguste Rodin, who was born on this day in 1840. This will be welcome news to Jane, who was known to dabble in sculpting herself, but also a good opportunity to check out Steve Taylor's jockey statue to see if it's a genuine Rodin or a forgery.

Today is also the anniversary of Grace Kelly's birth in 1929, which is notable to fandom in that Jane compared Quinn to the late actress/princess in "The Teachings of Don Jake": "Lemme get this straight. You, Jake, Helen, and Princess Grace are going camping? Like in the woods camping?"

Fanfic Update!

• Heavenly Wine and Roses, by riotsquirrrl (part 11): "'This had better be worth it,' Daria says as she trudges along the nature path behind Jane. The other girl looks over her shoulder, saying 'C’mon, we’re almost there!'"


• Help Wanted! Rodent Problem!, by Doggieboy (COMPLETE!): "I don't know where to begin, and I'm not sure what to do. Nothing I have ever done has prepared me for this. Here goes. We have a rodent problem."


• Q's Visitor, by wilddogjj (parts 1 and 2): "Stacy Ruttheimer (nee Rowe) was sitting at the kitchen table having an angry conversation over the phone." (Part 2)


• Strange Days in Lawndale, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 1): "It was an ordinary day in Lawndale. Daria Morgendorffer was resting in her room. But suddenly her sister, Quinn, burst into the room in a hurry."


• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Daria's Stolen Notebook), by Azul (COMPLETE!): "Every day is the same connotation. Tension rips and molars brux and there is pain on redux coated in something important and not like Alzheimer's fog over your son's face."

Daria Muppetdorffer

Daria looks way too happy to be dressed as a Muppet, but in fairness it's Sesame Street Day and it's hard to be grumpy around the Sesame Street crew--Oscar aside, that is. For a Sesame Street/Daria crossover that's both sweet and funny, read D is for Daria by Mike Xeno.

Don't forget to...uh...do something...what was it? Oh, right! Remember to celebrate National Forget-Me-Not Day! I don't think Mr. O'Neill will be celebrating this one, given his absolutely terrible memory for student's names. Aside from, oddly enough, Trent Lane.

Just as long as Mr. O'Neill doesn't forget the name of Lawndale High's science teacher, because if he forgets Ms. Barch then today will not be World Science Day for Peace and Development. The "science" part might be there, as an experiment on how much pain her boyfriend can handle before passing out.

It Kind of Looks Like a Bird Wearing a Top Hat To Me

Squint hard and see if you can recognize a herd of beautiful wild ponies running free across the plains in that inkblot, because it's the anniversary of Hermann Rorschach's birth on this day in 1884! I'm sure he would be just thrilled to know that his test was still being used in pop culture cartoons over a century after his birth.

Another birthday boy, Bram Stoker, was born on this day in 1847. Stoker, of course, was known for chronicling the life of internationally known celebrity vampire Dracula. Or maybe that was his brother Brad I'm thinking of.

Finally, Margaret Mitchell, author of the book Gone with the Wind, was born exactly 125 years ago today. Maybe Daria and Quinn will sit down and watch the movie together, perhaps with a snack of Johnny cakes courtesy of Jake's "top-rail number one" Civil War-era cooking.

Fanfic Update!

• Harry Potter Morgendorffer, by Meester_Lee (part 44): "The days continued to count down to the day when Daria and the rest of her family would set off for New York City. Miracle of miracles, Quinn remained on her good behavior. Daria didn’t know whether it was because her Mom’s threats or if Quinn was saving the big one for the day that she and the rest of the family would set off for the airport."


• Scares the Beef, by wilddogjj (COMPLETE!): "Chad and Angie are asleep in Chad's bed. Chad wakes up, turns over and stares at Angie. Angie starts to wake up." (Part 5) (Part 6)


• Spider Quinn 19 Making the News Amidst the Storms, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 5): "The Sun was rising when the Shadow arrived back at Casa Lane and changed to the ordinary Jane. She saw that Trent and Jesse were in the kitchen making a snack."

She Shoots, She Scores!

Jodie's sporting a new look and a new hobby for National Basketball Day, but I don't think it will go over well with her parents. They probably won't care too much about the hair dye and tattoos, but they'll be very concerned that basketball playing might take time away from the hundreds of other activities she's supposed to be doing right now.

It might be some comfort to Jodie's mother that today is National Michele Day, although I suspect that she'll find something to be offended about. It's one of her biggest strengths, after all.

Maybe Andrew Landon can help soothe her ruffled feathers by fixing her a nice meal, especially because it's Men Make Dinner Day. We can only hope that Jake decides not to celebrate this one, because I don't think Helen, Daria, or Quinn want blackened tongues tonight.

Fandom News!

• Please alert the Daria Refuge Facebook page mods/admins if your post was sent to spam.

Shall We Eat Some UNAUTHORIZED Chocolate?

Daria and Tom are fully immersed in celebrating National Candy Day, and I'm happy to join them! Let's hope that the local stores decide to help out by having plenty of post-Halloween candy sales going on.

Once your sweet tooth is sated, you could do something sweet for others in honor of National Day of Community Service. I wouldn't recommend reading to seniors, though, as they can be a pretty tough crowd, especially if you don't have a pleasant and cheerful voice.

While we're on the subject of voices, let's wish Wendy Hoopes a happy 53rd birthday! Hoopes voiced Jane Lane, Helen Morgendorffer, and Quinn Morgendorffer, which means that in some episodes she did a large share of the speaking!

Fanfic Update!

• But You Always Knew the Truth, by riotsquirrrl (part 11): "Jane's train was late. Daria kept pacing up and down the corridor of the station. She had a book to read."


• Daria Enrolls At Nevermore: An Experiment, by Meester_Lee (part 19): "Helen watched as the sheriff and deputies took Gomez Addams away. 'Daria, does this sort of thing happen every week?' said Sirius. 'Not every week,' Daria replied."

Check Out That Beautiful En Pointe!

Mr. DeMartino is showing an unusually graceful side and a surprise hidden talent to celebrate World Ballet Day, and even in a tutu I feel like he still has more dignity than he ever felt as a teacher. Perhaps Daria could take the opportunity to learn the skill, if only to make peeing in the woods easier in spite of the pervert squirrels.

Someone should tell Quinn that it's the anniversary of Marie Antoinette's birth in 1755. She can tell everyone about the champagne glasses and the French tabloids, but perhaps she ought to leave out the part about the Marquis de Sade.

I hope those who live in countries that observe it enjoyed the extra hour of sleep we got due to Daylight Saving Time ending. I'm sure it will make up for the annoyance of resetting all the clocks, trying to readjust to the new schedule, and not seeing the sun for more than a few hours per day.

Trick or Treat!

I think Dawn might have missed the point of Carve a Pumpkin Day, but I give her plenty of credit for embracing the full spirit of the day. Still, I have to assume it would have been much easier to just buy a pumpkin and carve it. Far be it for me to micromanage, though.

If you want to celebrate by carving a pumpkin of your own, then you'd better hurry because today is also Halloween and you clearly waited until the very last minute to do your holiday decorating. Let's hope that the personification of Halloween doesn't take offense, as I bet she can be absolutely vicious with toilet paper and shaving cream.

Finally, Upchuck might be interested to know that today is National Magic Day, because putting on a magic show was one of the few talents he displayed that wasn't super creepy. Don't forget to tithe your earnings to Lawndale High!

Fanfic Update!

• Brooke Tries to Join the Fashion Club, by Buffcoat (COMPLETE!): "The scene opens with Brooke, a rich girl with a bandaged nose and swollen lips, standing outside the Lawndale High fashion club's meeting room. She's dressed in a revealing outfit, complete with a tight mini-skirt and a low-cut top."


• Dumb Brunette, by Janepringles (part 1): "In the town of Lawndale, there isn't much to do after a long day of chatting, schoolwork and incessant idiots belching out carefully crafted sentences meant to grind gears and make you roll your eyes so hard they pop out of their sockets."


• I (Don't) Want to Be a Part of It, by ladyevil (part 12): "Daria entered her house. It was her house right? Some things looked a little off."


• Spider Quinn 19 Making the News Amidst the Storms, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 4): "Penelope hung up the phone and looked at the incomplete article on her computer screen. She had gathered what information she could from various people who had been on the scene and she would just tell the facts."

She's ALIVE!

Daria and Jane are all dressed up and ready for National Frankenstein Day, and they've even given us a bonus Igor as well! If any pedants get huffy about Jane technically being Frankenstein's monster rather than Frankenstein himself, then just remind them that the real Frankenstein is the friends we made along the way!

I would suggest that everyone celebrate National Internet Day, but I suppose you already are. If not, then how the heck are you even reading this right now?

In honor of National Cat Day, I hope that Jake finally gets that pet cat that he's always wanted, in spite of his father's attitude. Unless, of course, his unfortunate run-in with Mr. Whiskers put him off the feline critters entirely.

Fandom News!

• R.I.P., June Lockhart.


• janendaria4life posted a new Iron Chef: Daria's Stolen Notebook.

But I Thought Keg Queen Was Quinn's Job!

Brittany is pleased to serve everyone a cold one in honor of American Beer Day, but I hope Kevin limits himself to just one. Partly because I'm sure his judgment is even worse when he's been drinking but also because if he starts singing the song about beers on the wall then I don't think he'll be able to count backward much further than that.

Daria and her family, meanwhile, could celebrate National Tell a Story Day by sharing spooky stories with each other. By now I'm sure Daria and Quinn are old enough to hear the uncensored version of Helen's vampire story, but I don't think anyone wants to hear round two of Daria's cannibal tale.

On this day in 1997, Daria made an appearance in Fortune, along with several of her fellow cartoon characters. True to form, Daria seems to have been the only one who brought a book.

Fanfic Update!

• And so what? We have free will anyway, by natalieee_139 (part 14): "'I actually kind of knew what was going on with Tom— and the reason why he was following Janey too.' Trent confessed, nervously rubbing the back of his neck."


• Scares the Beef, by wilddogjj (parts 2 and 3): "Quinn, Jim and the triplets were sitting in the living room watching TV. On the screen was Stacy and her co-anchor. The co-anchor was finishing his report." (Part 3)


• Spider Quinn 19 Making the News Amidst the Storms, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 3): "However, Dafoanairi found a panel that had been displaced and found the power switch beneath it. The powerless pterodactyl was then placed on a table as Ninja Talon and Dafoanairi both looked for the controller."

It's Not Over Until the Popular Lady Sings!

Quinn's really nailing that high note for World Opera Day, but the real question is whether or not she's also going to make a dainty garland for her head and sing. Just be sure you don't miss the performance of Madame Butterfly being held in the PayDay automotive department!

Jane will be pleased to know that today is also both International Artist Day and National Fine Art Appreciation Day, so she can celebrate both herself and her artwork! Unless she's suffering from burnout and/or wrist cramping again, in which case she should celebrate a well-deserved break instead.

For those in fandom who are less sophisticated, there's always National Greasy Foods Day, so you could just enjoy some junk food. However, let's hope that Quinn doesn't take a break from singing to re-share her "Greasy Fry" poem.

Now They're Mental in the Morning!

Daria and Jane look way too cheerful for TV Talk Show Host Day, especially considering it's morning and neither of them was ever shown to be morning people. At all. I'm guessing that this situation was caused by either massive amounts of caffeine or alien body snatchers. Could they possibly be atomic Communists from Mars?!

On this day in 2001, the first line of iPods made their debut. Years ago, S-C created images of Daria characters with iPods as well as a dPod spoof ad.

In other fanart news, the Fashion Club (minus Quinn) made a cameo appearance in the webcomic "Mall Monkeys." I don't know where Quinn was at the time, but she was probably appearing in a much more popular (or so she'd claim) comic.

Fanfic Update!

• Duplicity, by Big_Crabtree (COMPLETE!): "Watching Brittany had become her new favourite form of entertainment while at school. It was amusing to watch her feign stupidity for all to see."


• Mysteries of Lawndale 03: Night of the Coffee House, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 10): "'So, you know who it is, but will only reveal it tomorrow night,' Jane said as she sipped a coffee in the kitchen. 'That’s right,' Daria said."

He'd Better Avoid Ms. Barch's Class on Dissection Day

Looks like Kevin has taken American Frog Day to the extreme, perhaps as a way to improve his agility on the football field. He's going to be very disappointed with the corresponding decrease in strength, though.

It's going to take a lot more than strength to lift a government building, which was actually attempted--telepathically--on this day in 1967 during the March on the Pentagon. Helen, Jake, and their commune friends were part of the attempt, which failed miserably and led to Jake breaking his foot. Stupid five-sided building.

Finally, on this day in 1997 the first Daria VHS tape, creatively named "Daria," was released. It contained "Esteemsters," "The Invitation," "College Bored," and the "Sealed with a Kick" pilot, without which we'd never have seen Daria's super-creepy grin. So...yay?

Fandom News!

• R.I.P., Ace Freley.

"Oh rapture, oh ecstasy--another scintillating computer game."

Retro gamers, rejoice! Today is the 25th anniversary of the Daria's Inferno computer game! It was snarky, difficult to work with, and sometimes downright infuriating...just like Daria herself. Just don't talk about the steam pipes. I still have nightmares.

If you're interested in observing Evaluate Your Life Day, you could do worse than taking some advice from Jake: "You change your name, move to another state, get some ID. It's not too late to start over, Daria, it's not too late! You're still a young man! You don't have to live with your mistakes! Get out while you can!"

On second thought, that's pretty bad advice. Maybe just drink some water and take a walk outside instead.

You could also try forming new bonds with people you don't know in honor of National New Friends Day, but don't expect Daria to participate. She lucked out with Jane, but I can't imagine she'd expect lightning to strike twice.

Fanfic Update!

• Spider Quinn 19 Making the News Amidst the Storms, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 2): "Quinn entered the office to find the principal busy with paperwork. 'Ms. Morgendorffer?' she asked."

Can He Jump Over the Big Strawberry?

Mack's preparing to do an extra-dangerous stunt in honor of the anniversary of Evel Knievel's birth on this day in 1938. Of all of the guys at Lawndale High, Mack is the one I would least expect to pull this kind of thing, but I guess he'd do just about anything to get Jodie's attention.

Someone should tell Jake that it's National Pasta Day, because pasta seems like the one thing he seemed to be able to cook well--penne a la pesto, fettuccini Bolognese, and so forth. Of course, technically speaking frozen lasagna would also qualify, but the Morgendorffers have got to be sick of that by now.

Someone should not tell Quinn that it's Wear Something Gaudy Day, though, because the very idea of wearing something unattractive would probably give her nightmares for a week. I suppose it might be a good excuse to throw another Fashion Don'ts Costume Gala!

Fandom News!

• Talk about your experiences with AI.

This Little Light of Mine and His and Yours and Hers and Theirs....

It seems that everyone in Lawndale is celebrating Shine a Light Night, although the point of the holiday is helping the homeless rather than shining literal lights. Also, this isn't going to help Daria's paranoia issues at all.

Daria and her classmates can at least enjoy World Students' Day by going to school, but I think Daria would take exception to my use of the words "enjoy" and "school" in the same sentence. I doubt that Mr. DeMartino will be feeling very celebratory about this one, either, because students are both the focus and worst part of his job.

If the more infuriating students bug the man too much, then at least he can take comfort in knowing that he's observing National Grouch Day. Daria observes this one most days, or at least on the days where she's forced to interact with other people.

Fanfic Update!

• Mysteries of Aurora, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 20): "'One of the Architecture sections,' Alexia said. 'That's where the blueprints of the University would be stored.'"


• Scares the Beef, by wilddogjj (part 1): "The Thompsons were seated at a table in a cowboy themed steakhouse called Wrangler's. It was the same place where Timmy Carbone had won a steak eating contest two years ago."

"Are you suuuuuuure?"

Jane looks awfully doubtful about...something...but that's fine because it's International Skeptics Day and she can be as skeptical as she wants. Usually Daria is the one with the doubting attitude, but I imagine Jane picked up a few tricks from her during their years of friendship.

Perhaps she's just failing to be trusting, which would also be appropriate for International Day for Failure. I hope Mr. O'Neill doesn't get it into his head to retry the old "failing on purpose" class assignment because I don't think anyone could handle going through that again...least of all Mr. O'Neill.

Today we celebrate a maybe-anniversary for Daria fandom in that the earliest saved copy of the Paperpusher's Message Board can be found on this day in 1999, so this could be the PPMB's 26th birthday. There's no way of telling for sure, though, so take that with a healthy dose of skepticism!

Fandom News!

• Share stories of celebrities going through situations straight out of Daria.


• If you had been a writer for Daria back in the day, what would you have done?


• Watch and discuss the video "Jane Lane's Sick, Sad World."

Nice Legs, Trent!

Trent looks less than thrilled about National Costume Swap Day, but then again maybe he's borrowing Daria's attitude along with her wardrobe. I'm a little curious about what Daria would look like in Trent's clothes, but I suspect the sight would send Jane's teasing into overdrive.

Meanwhile, I suppose Kevin and Brittany are celebrating National Motorcycle Ride Day, but I hope Kevin doesn't try to pop a wheelie this time. Brittany was freaked out enough as it was about the cricket; suffering a massive injury would probably also spoil her day.

I sure hope that Jodie gets to enjoy Black Girl Day Off, if not the whole day then at least for a couple of hours or so. It might require either an act of God or faking her own death, and I'm not sure if either is likely to work on the Landons.

Fanfic Update!

• Convergence on Lawndale, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 14): "'There it is,' the Doctor said as he lead the others into the Morgendorffers backyard from the laneway. 'That blue box?' Kim asked. 'Yes,' the Doctor answered as he unlocked the ship."


• Duplicity, by Big_Crabtree (COMPLETE!): "Daria watched the ongoing party with disdain. It was bad enough that she had deluded herself into coming here. It was even worse that she ended up losing her only friend among the crowd."


• Her Last Words, by Sheila Wisz Ellayn (COMPLETE!): "Layndale was starting to thaw out now that it was already March the Twentiseventh."


• Spider Quinn 19 Making the News Amidst the Storms, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 1): "It was a busy evening at the Historia. Quinn Morgendorffer was busy as she delivered drinks and meals to various customers."

Mystik Firal

Trent is awake and ready to fight any fires for Fire Prevention Day, and he might actually end up being pretty good at this job if he doesn't fall asleep. After all, someone had to put out the flames before the Lanes enacted the "no building fires in the rooms that don't have fireplaces" rule. Let's just hope he can get to the Morgendorffer house in time if Jake gets another craving for warm milk.

I'm sure Daria will be happy to celebrate World Sight Day by wearing her glasses so that she can see things. Not contact lenses, though. Those neighborhood dogs will just have to learn to watch where they're going.

On this day in 1998, Entertainment Weekly named Daria a "toon diva." It was a title she would share with Tinkerbell, Veronica from the Archie comics and...Foghorn Leghorn?!

Fandom News!

• Watch and discuss a video about a recent Tory Conference.

Not So Much of a Criminale

Max is having a great day because not only did he get named a junior deputy, but it's also Bald and Free Day--a special day to celebrate his (lack of) hair! I suppose he's even more grateful for this holiday, because he likely appreciates being free even more after his traumatic afternoon in jail.

Still, it's better to focus on the positive because it's National Forgiveness & Happiness Day. Let's hope Jane can use the occasion to (actually) forgive Daria for the Tom thing, even if she still isn't too happy about it. Can you blame her?

Finally, it's National Inner Beauty Day, which is probably the Fashion Club's least favorite holiday. After all, what's the point of having beauty on the inside where no one can see it and you can't use make-up to cover up any flaws?

Fanfic Update!

• Harry Potter Morgendorffer, by Meester_Lee (part 43): "The days towards Daria’s departure for Ilvermorny went by like a slow-motion countdown. Daria spent parts of the time visiting with friends from school and from her encounter group."

I See Someone Has Been to Funky Doodle Lately!

Trent and Jesse have gone for a wildly different look in honor of National Get Funky Day, but it remains to be seen if their music will change as well. I gotta admit, a funk version of "Freakin' Friends" would be interesting to hear.

Mr. DeMartino, meanwhile, can enjoy the fact that it's World Teachers' Day! He's not going to get a pay raise or increased benefits or even any extra dignity, but on the bright side he still has to put up with students all day, every day.

Let's hope those students take pity on him, because it's Do Something Nice Day and the least they can do is try to answer a question correctly. The Fashion Club might also celebrate by not being too cruel when they critique other people's clothing choices. Maybe.

Say Cheeeeeeese!

Daria is back, right on schedule, to freak everyone out for World Smile Day. This time she didn't even bring heart-shaped cookies, so I'm shutting the door right in her terrifying face.

I think it's fitting that today is also National Kevin Day, because Kevin was the recipient of Daria's creepy smile/cookie combination in the original pilot. Also, Kevin tends to go everywhere with a big goofy grin on his face.

It's hard to say if Brittany and Kevin will be celebrating National Boyfriend Day thanks to their on-again, off-again relationship, but Quinn's probably holding out for National Personal No-Strings Attached Devotee Day. As for Tom? I'm not even going to go there.

Fanfic Update!

• And so what? We have free will anyway, by natalieee_139 (part 12): "'How are you so unworried all the time?' Daria asked Trent, as they were walking to the Lane residence after going grocery shopping."


• But You Always Knew the Truth, by riotsquirrrl (part 10): "'Jane, help me come up with a decent costume.' Jane knew long distance was expensive, but jeez. That was abrupt."


• Harry Potter Morgendorffer, by Meester_Lee (part 42): "Daria Morgendorffer picked up her marker her wall-calendar and put an x on the day before. Another day gone by: it was getting closer to the day when she’d set off for Ilvermorny."


• Suspiciously Wholesome (1999), by scaryfangirl2001 (COMPLETE!): "The late September air in Lawndale carries that peculiar Maryland autumn scent—damp earth, decaying leaves, and distant woodsmoke—as Daria Morgendorffer stares blankly at her bedroom calendar."

Time For a Room at Better Days Nursing Home?

Quinn has definitely looked better, but I suppose she's looking the part for International Day of Older Persons. By my math, though, she shouldn't be much older than 40 in the present day. I guess she forgot to use her sunscreen!

At least her hair seems to have kept its bright color and bounciness in celebration of National Hair Day! Then again, the color might be from a bottle or the whole thing could be a wig. Only her hairdresser knows for sure!

Please, no one tell Trent that today is International Music Day, because the last thing anyone wants is to hear a Mystik Spiral original. Fortunately, he'll most likely sleep through the day and our eardrums will remain intact.

BACK in the SADdle Again!

Mr. DeMartino has found a new career by following in the footsteps of Gene Autry, who was born on this day in 1907. While "singing cowboy" doesn't offer that much more dignity than "teacher," it does mean that he doesn't have to deal with Kevin and Brittany as students anymore. An overall win!

I have no doubt that the decreased stress will be good for his heart condition, which is great because it's also World Heart Day! Jake should be celebrating this one by avoiding things that upset him (which is just about everything) and finally telling everyone what the doctor told him about cheese.

He should probably lay off the caffeine, as well, even though it's National Coffee Day. Quinn will approve of that decision, but Helen simply will not function at her usual 200% without her morning coffee.

Fanfic Update!

• Alison's Last Word, by riotsquirrrl (COMPLETE!): "Jane mopped her brow with her bandanna and squinted at the white cube of the gallery. The show was nearly fully mounted and she still didn’t know what painting she was going to put on that last bit of wall."


• And so what? We have free will anyway, by natalieee_139 (part 11): "'But mooooom! Why do we have to get Daria back?! It's not like she's important or anything anyway!' Quinn whined, stomping on the Lane's porch."


• Her Last Words, by Sheila Wisz Ellayn (part 100): "Anna Coulthard looked all around her to admire the gardens of Starlight Castle as she walked beside Lockie that cold and snowy morning. It was the very first time that she was allowed in the castle grounds after all, since she had finally completed her Agent trials four days ago, and Anna was really happy that she would be there to witness history that day."


• LLH Reboot, by roentgen (part 3): "Daria, Jane, Tom and Stacy waited outside the Major's office. It was time for the 'lessons learned' part of the training exercise."


• Spider Quinn 18 A Birthday and Stormy Sonnets, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (COMPLETE!): "Officer Peterson was still on duty at the station. William was still in one of the cells, waiting for his parents to come with their part of the story, and for transport back to the hospital as a patient. She knew it was going to continue to be a mess."

Hugh Hefner He is Not

I don't think this is quite the intention of National Bunny Day, and frankly the look on Upchuck's face is making me feel slightly ill. I'm betting that Quinn would much rather hang out with the Trix Rabbit, who supposedly stayed with the Morgendorffers when Quinn was little, in spite of his tendency to leave the milk out.

The Fashion Club might even be willing to put up with Bing and the Spatula Man in honor of Morning Show Hosts Day if it gets them away from Upchuck. A less annoying option would be an episode of "Good Mornings with Daria and Jane," the hypothetical talk show from the Is It College Yet? alter egos.

One way or another, I think it's pretty likely that Upchuck will be celebrating National Singles Day as soon as the girls get tired of putting up with him. I give it another thirty seconds, tops.

"It's only a matter of time...."

Quinn is enjoying World Dream Day, but something tells me that her dreams aren't nearly as lofty as the holiday would normally intend. Still, at least her dreams are probably more pleasant than some of the nightmares Daria experienced in the show. That girl's subconscious was a terrifying place.

In fact, I would suggest Daria observe National Psychotherapy Day, but very few of the psychological "experts" on the show were particularly helpful. From Ms. Manson to the staff at Quiet Ivy, the incompetence was almost palpable.

At any rate, both Quinn and Daria could celebrate National Daughters Day by simply existing as their parents' children. Helen might prefer not to celebrate, however, as that might involve getting in touch with her mother and no one in the Morgendorffer house wants that to happen.

Fanfic Update!

• And so what? We have free will anyway, by natalieee_139 (part 10): "'Jane! Wake up!' Daria said, shaking Jane's shoulders 'What- What's up??' Jane said, sitting up on the sofa, where she had fallen asleep."

"Sister, nuke the frozen bagel."

Helen is taking National Baker Day very seriously, but I hope her cooking skills are better than Jake's. The last thing the family needs is a loaf of bread that will incinerate their taste buds on contact.

Even though today is National Checkers Day, Kevin shouldn't bother to get out the game board and demand to be "kinged" because the holiday actually refers to a speech Nixon once made about his dog of that name. This will be a tremendous relief to Tom, who probably played a lifetime of checkers against his uncle at The Cove.

We could technically observe Celebrate Bisexuality Day in fandom by bringing up Alison from Is It Fall Yet? but I don't think that's a good idea. Alison wasn't exactly the kind of character you want to celebrate, after all.

So Much for the Sisterhood

Looks like Linda Griffin and Helen Morgendorffer are pretending to like each other, or at least they will for National Women’s Friendship Day and then go right back to being passive aggressive and snide to each other at every opportunity. Like daughter, like mother, I suppose.

I assume that Jake's affection will be much more genuine for Wife Appreciation Day, and I don't think that Tom Griffin will be able to say the same. Honestly, if you had to live with Linda, you'd probably have a hard time feigning appreciation as well.

Maybe Jake can give Helen a nice gift, like another misshapen candle, which would be especially appropriate with today being the anniversary of the publication of The Hobbit in 1937. Unfortunately, brown isn't so soothing when the thing you're holding looks like a demonic mutant.

Fanfic Update!

• And so what? We have free will anyway, by natalieee_139 (part 9): "'Should I knock...? Or maybe I should wait until she wakes up...' Trent pondered, walking through the halls, specifically in front Penny's room."


• Another Kiss, by Yuuuutong (COMPLETE!): "Summer vacation, Daria and Jane were on the train back to Lawndale."


• Her Last Words, by Sheila Wisz Ellayn (part 99): "Anna looked up at the dazzling white sky for what seemed to be several hours, at some point they arrived at the frozen shores of yet another vast crystal lake and there they found a wrought iron bench just like those back at Lawndale Park, waiting for them right beside a great and surprisingly still green cypress tree..."


• I (Don't) Want to Be a Part of It, by ladyevil (part 11): "'Can you believe this?' Jane said as she showed Daria the ticket she just purchased. 'Thirteen fifty just to ride an elevator! I was hoping to take advantage of the post Easter chocolate sale at Li-Lac’s! I’ll be lucky to afford one hollow bunny in this expensive city!'"


• LLH Reboot, by roentgen (part 2): "'TEAM BRAVO, PLEASE PROCEED TO ENTER THE VAULT.'"


• Spider Quinn 18 A Birthday and Stormy Sonnets, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 7): "'SpiderGirl?' Peterson asked. 'I have an idea,' SpiderGirl said and told Peterson her theory that turning off the lights should cause William to revert."