I Happen to Think the Bumblebees Are Cute!

Helen is settling in with the Fashion Club for National Girls’ Night In Day, but Quinn clearly isn't enjoying it one bit. At least this sleepover is going better than the one(s) she tried to have during "Gifted," because no one's getting kicked out of the house. Yet.

That said, I think Helen might do better to spend her quality time with Linda Griffin instead, because it's American Business Women’s Day. They can talk about the frustrations of the glass ceiling, share horror stories about awful clients, and get on each other's nerves by constantly trying to one-up each other. And then someone will most likely get kicked out of the house.

I suppose it might be better if Helen just celebrates Hobbit Day with Jake and a misshapen candle that might or might not be shaped like a hobbit. She'll probably need that soothing brown color after dealing with teenage girls and smug colleagues.

Fandom News!

• Vote in the Celebrity Deathmatch poll between Mel Sharples and the Soup Nazi from Seinfeld.

This Will Not End Well

Before Kevin goes any further with National Punch Day, someone should tell him that the holiday is about the beverage, not fighting. I don't point this out for Robert's sake, but for Kevin's. We already know that Robert is more than capable of taking Kevin in a fight, and the last thing anyone wants is to see Kevin get his jaw broken again. Well...some people might want to see that.

However, I think it would be a lot safer to just celebrate National Pepperoni Pizza Day with a slice at Pizza Prince. Daria and Jane are probably already there, contemplating the extra quart of grease added to the recipe.

If anyone wants to observe National Care For Kids Day, I'm sure the Gupty parents would be willing to offer a babysitting job. Who wants to spend an evening talking about dental hygiene and the evils of materialism?

Fanfic Update!

• Angie's Body, by wilddogjj (parts 1 and 2): "Quinn, Jim and the triplets were spending a day at the beach. They weren't the only Lawndale residents there." (Part 2)

"Burger! Get! Get burger!"

Looks like Daria is all set for National Cheeseburger Day, but I'll leave it to you to guess whether she's going to eat it or stick it in her boots for that squishy feeling she loves so much. Let's just spare a moment of thought to all those burgers on Skip's grill that landed at Normandy.

Speaking of Camp Grizzly, with today being Locate An Old Friend Day let's hope Daria looks up Amelia and gets together to talk about old times. Of course, considering Amelia's iffy memory, I'm not sure which old times will be discussed.

Honestly, I think Daria would probably rather celebrate National Report Kickback Fraud Day by turning in Ms. Li for any of her numerous financial crimes. I still can't believe that woman kept getting away with it!

Fandom News!

• Share your thoughts on the avocado toast guy and other useless advice from greedy people.


• Vote in the Celebrity Deathmatch polls: Tyrannical TV Principal Showdown, Abbott and Costello vs. Laurel and Hardy, and Sgt. Snorkel vs. Sgt. Carter.

Anyone Else Want to See Her Do a Backflip?

Daria has just undergone an extraordinary amount of physical activity for National Gymnastics Day, especially considering her usual level of exercise is reaching for the remote control while sitting on the couch. However, it's probably better than the alternative, which is National Dance Day. Daria is not one to ever board the soul train.

I hope Jake knows that today is National Guacamole Day, and that he remembers not to have a heart attack and fall facefirst into it. If he does, then Helen will most likely miss the guacamole yet again.

Finally, someone wake up Trent and tell him that today is National Tattoo Story Day! It shouldn't take long; it's pretty easy to say, "I got a tattoo out of a magazine."

Fanfic Update!

• Her Last Words, by Sheila Wisz Ellayn (part 72): "If there was something that Anna Coulthard irrevocably loved about her father, it was for sure his endless love and fascination for the deep night sky."

Donut Forget to Say "Cheese!"

Junk food lovers, rejoice! Today is National Cream-Filled Donut Day and all of our sweet tooths will be satisfied! If cream filling isn't your thing, then you could follow Daria's example and have a twisted little cruller instead.

Don't forget to smile, though, because it's also National School Pictures Day. I know we aren't supposed to smile unless we have a reason, but a donut is reason enough for me to smile. Can I recommend "Clouds Over Chernobyl" for a photo background?

Finally, it was on this day in 1998 that People Weekly gave Daria the opportunity to judge the best and worst dressed people of 1998. If being allowed free rein to snark about famous people didn't put a smile on her face, then seeing the faces of the Fashion Club upon learning she'd stolen their dream job certainly would have done the trick!

Fandom News!

• wouter posted his tribute to the Rolling Stones.


• What bad food do you love?

Play Some Encouraging Games!

I see Daria wasted no time at all in celebrating National Video Games Day, and I hope she finally got that copy of Cannibal Fragfest she wanted. I expect Ted is also celebrating, most likely at the virtual reality arcade.

Let's give them our full support in their activities, because today is also National Day of Encouragement and I don't want to discourage anyone from having fun. However, I do want to point out that I tell you over and over again that you're wonderful and you just...don't...get it! What's wrong with you?!

There. How's that for a pep talk?

Fanfic Update!

• The Engineer and the Time Lady, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 22): "'The new Queen somehow produced ice and ran off!' Albert reported."


• That Undiscovered Country, by E. A. Smith (COMPLETE!): "'. . . when she hugged me, I realized how horrible I’d been. I’ve been thinking of Mom as a problem, or more and more, as a child – and I’m nowhere close to being ready to get into the psychology of that right now – but she’s not. I could see it then. She’s still in there. Buried, usually too deep to see, but she’s there. She’s still my mother, and I owe her the best I can give her.'"

Not One of Jane's Better Days

Don't worry, Jane. Grandma Lane just wants to be absolutely certain that you know today is Grandparent’s Day! When the ringing in your ears stops, you should wish her a happy holiday. And then make a fast escape.

In fact, why not realize one of your most cherished dreams and celebrate TV Dinner Day by eating dinner alone! No need to wait until Thanksgiving; just stab the plastic, stick it in the microwave, and voila! The saddest meal ever invented is yours!

Fandom News!

• Share your thoughts on a list of Daria characters ranked by likability.


• Vote in the Celebrity Deathmatch poll between Fashion Club and Kanker Sisters.


• easmith wonders about Daria fanfiction sites aside from the message boards and fanfiction.net.

Quinn's Going to be Jealous....

Joey couldn't be prouder to have been named Miss America, especially as it was on this day in 1921 that the first winner was crowned. Joey's victory also lends support to Daria's theory that spelling one's name with a "Y" creates an advantage in the competition.

In keeping with the theme of being recognized onstage, today is also Actors' Day, and if we're lucky Quinn will favor us with a performance. Just remember to emphasize the right syllables! Oh, and duck when the turkey leg comes flying at you!

Finally, it's the anniversary of the Starry Night Ball at the Lawndale Art Museum, as mentioned in Is It Fall Yet? Anyone want to split a table with me for $5,000? I'm sure we all could find that under our couch cushions, right?

Fanfic Update!

• all i ever know, by sixspades (COMPLETE!): "Daria and Jane were opposites from each other, in a way, yet also had so many traits in common."


• Shadows of a Timeless Song, by Dennis (part 18): "It was more than an hour before they were on the A74, the first of the main roads that would bring them south to Glastonbury. Navigating the twisty roads and roundabouts had occupied Hermione's concentration, but she was on familiar ground now, which gave Daria an opening."


• That Undiscovered Country, by E. A. Smith (parts 8 - 11): "It didn’t take long for us to establish a daily routine, a comfortable – and comforting – rhythm of life together." (Part 9) (Part 10) (Part 11)

Don't Put Off Reading a Book!

Daria's clearly enjoying Read a Book Day, although how today differs from any other day for her is anyone's guess. Spoiler alert, Daria: the whale did it!

I just hope she isn't reading a book in order to delay some other activity, like writing or homework or applying for scholarships, because today is also Fight Procrastination Day. As far as Trent is concerned, that battle was lost before it even began.

Fandom News!

• Discuss other media you associate with Daria.


• Vote in the Celebrity Deathmatch polls: Sarah from Ed, Edd n Eddy vs. Dee Dee from Dexter's Laboratory and Tweety vs. Woody Woodpecker.


• R.I.P., Steve Harwell.

Not Exactly a Disney Princess, Is She?

Ms. Barch is showing her gentler side for National Wildlife Day, but I sure hope none of those animals are male. Is it any wonder that the deer looks really nervous? I sure would be if a woman with anger issues had her hand on my neck.

On this day in 1997, Daria and Jane made a cameo appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards. It was a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment, but they stayed true to form all the same.

Fanfic Update!

• That Undiscovered Country, by E. A. Smith (parts 4 - 7): "About an hour later, I walked into the house, paper pharmacy bag in hand, loins thoroughly girded, to find Mom sitting at the kitchen table with her back to me, a glass of wine before her, which sat next to an already half-empty bottle." (Part 5) (Part 6) (Part 7)

He's Just Nuts About COCOnuts!

Kevin--or, as he's all-too-appropriately impersonating, Gilligan--is having a lovely World Coconut Day but I hope he doesn't get too comfortable. It's only a matter of time before he screws up and gets into trouble. I bet Mr. DeMartino and the Skipper could share some stories between them. Especially if alcohol is provided.

If she wanted, Daria could finally put in some earrings if she wanted to get pierced for Pierce Your Ears Day! Then again, as Trent claimed, that's pretty boring. Why not go for the uvula-that's-not-really-uvula?

Of course, if body modifications aren't your thing, there's always World Beard Day. Jake could try growing his out again, but I doubt he'd have any better success this time around.

Fandom News!

• Discuss Jon Kilner's fanfics.


• Share your thoughts on the teenage girl stabbed to death in a fight over sweet & sour sauce outside McDonald's.


• Vote in the Celebrity Deathmatch poll: Battle of the TV Nannies.


• Talk about the story "Agendas" by Roentgen.


• What are the strangest obsessions/fixations of fictional characters?


• R.I.P., Jimmy Buffett.

Love and Lawsuits!

Helen's having a great Love Litigating Lawyers Day, but I hope she cuts the celebration short and gets back to her job. That fourteen-hour day isn't going to work itself, after all.

She might have time for a picnic, though, if she decides to observe National Eat Outside Day. Unfortunately, I don't think it will work as there isn't a way to plug in a microwave outdoors and therefore no lasagna. Sorry, Helen!

Finally, happy National Dan Day to Danny, and I hope he's satisfied with his long distance phone service even if Quinn never actually called him.

Fanfic Update!

• I'd Like to Make Myself Believe, by JoeMerl (COMPLETE!): "'Hey, look.' Jane jerked her head toward the quad, and the twenty or so little lights that danced above the grass. 'Fireflies.'"


• Mega Mall Mega Problems, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 6): "Brittany saw Daria and Jennifer come out and bounced over to them. 'You got something?' she asked."


• Quinn in Yellow, by welltemperedclavier (COMPLETE!): "'I’m impressed. Surprised, but impressed. It appears you have some backbone after all,' mom said."


• Shadows of a Timeless Song, by Dennis (part 16): "'We have something else in common then,' Daria stood, feeling a sudden urgency. 'How soon can we leave? Is there a train this afternoon?'"


• That Undiscovered Country, by E. A. Smith (parts 1 - 3): "I wiped the sweat from my forehead with a moist palm, but it made no difference; immediately afterwards, salty water was once again pouring down behind my lenses and into my eyes." (Part 2) (Part 3)


• to live on the other side, by sixspades (COMPLETE!): "Daria Morgendorffer has always been considered an ‘outcast.’ Although her parents were hopeful things would change after moving to Lawndale, Daria knew kids her age better than her parents did, and it came with the unfortunate truth that the attitudes they can have are universal."

I Think We Can Guess Jane's Favorite Sport!

Daria has reluctantly taken up a new pasttime for National Sports Day, but I think she needs to think this through. "Sports" is a very broad category, so she could go fishing instead. Just sit out on a boat with a pole in one hand and a book in the other! Or if even that's too much, how about card playing, which also technically qualifies? It can be any card game you like!

Today is also International Bat Night, but I think sleeping upside-down and spreading rabies counts more as a hobby than a sport.

Fandom News!

• wouter reviews Mutant Mayhem.


• Talk about Brian Shaw's retirement from the Strong Man competition.


• R.I.P., Bob Barker and Arlean Sorkin.


• Vote in the Celebrity Deathmatch poll between Barbie and Holly Hobbie.

Now He Can Buy a Car That Won't Explode or Fall Apart!

Looks like the person who needs it the least has a reason to smile on International Lottery Day, but I think his family will be less than thrilled. After all, the last thing an old-money family wants is new money, right? So in the interest of family harmony, I will happily accept Tom's winnings and prevent a fight. He can thank me later.

While we're on the subject of fights, it was on this day in 2000 that the Daria movie "Is It Fall Yet?" aired. Daria and Jane resolved their differences over the Tom Thing, and I don't mean his lottery money. Although that would have been an interesting sideplot.

Fanfic Update!

• Her Last Words, by Sheila Wisz Ellayn (part 71): "The house inside was a lot better than it looked from the outside."


• Quinn in Yellow, by welltemperedclavier (parts 7 and 8): "Sandi went into her mom’s office and pulled at the center right drawer. No luck: it was locked." (Part 8)

It's Not Kiss and Make OUT Day!

I think Daria and Tom have misunderstood the point of Kiss and Make Up Day. See, you're supposed to make amends with someone you're fighting with, not kiss their boyfriend and then try to make up with them. Oh, well. That's teenage hormones for you.

Since today is also National Secondhand Wardrobe Day, I expect that the Fashion Club will be going door-to-door to collect clothes for the needy. As long as there aren't any carports. Or lawn elves. Or striped curtains. Or...you know what? I hope the less fortunate like go-go boots and belly chains.

Fandom News!

• Discuss small but powerful girls.


• What is the strangest role you've ever seen an actor perform in?


• Vote in the Celebrity Deathmatch poll between Daphne Blake and Janine Melnitz.


• Share songs with Trent Lane style lyrics.

Like, SPLAT!

Looks like Sandi's about to observe an incredibly short Ride the Wind Day, courtesy of her sabotaged parachute. Trouble is, not only are there way too many suspects to narrow down--from her brothers to Quinn and Stacy to pretty much anyone she's ever talked to at Lawndale High--but I'm not sure any jury would convict the murderer after hearing what she was like. Good luck, Sandi! Try to land on a cow!

It may be some comfort to Sandi to know that her untimely demise means she won't have to live through Find Your Inner Nerd Day. I wonder if it's anything like discovering the Eunice inside? Luckily for fandom, most of us keep our inner nerd pretty close to the surface.

Fanfic Update!

• I Was Overwhelmed by Hunks, by ladyevil (COMPLETE!): "Mr. DeMartino’s History class was more boring than usual, so Stacy found herself nodding off."


• Quinn in Yellow, by welltemperedclavier (parts 5 and 6): "It was almost 5 pm by the time Sandi got home. She’d completely forgotten about mom being out-of-town and dad being... somewhere." (Part 6)

Anyone Have a Rhyme for "Geriatric"?

 

Quinn is looking very...mature...for Senior Citizen’s Day, and I'm sure Sandi can't wait to rub it in. Unless Sandi has aged even less gracefully, in which case I expect the three Js will be kicking each other's canes out from under them in order to impress Quinn. 

On the bright side, they can all look forward to the latest generation of Kevins and Brittanys to come read to them!

Perhaps they'll even get to hear some poems, since today is also National Poets Day. Then again, the last poem Daria read to a senior didn't go over too well, so maybe not. Hey, Quinn, want to regale us with a dramatic reading of "The Greasy Fry"?

Boil 'Em, Mash 'Em, Stick 'Em in a Stew

I guess Daria is celebrating National Potato Day and only National Potato Day, but I'll bet she's starting to appreciate frozen lasagna a lot more than she used to. I'm hoping the thing has at least been cooked, but knowing her parents' cooking skills (or lack of), I can't be sure.

Jane, meanwhile, will probably prefer to celebrate National Photography Day. Possibly by taking a picture of Daria doing something embarrassing.

Fanfic Update!

• Her Last Words, by Sheila Wisz Ellayn (part 70): "Anna discovered that night that she lived at a really nice and privileged area of Layndale."


• Quinn in Yellow, by welltemperedclavier (part 4): "Sandi dreamed of the palace again that night and woke up feeling like she hadn’t slept at all."

Why Can't I Buy Fleas at the Flea Market?

Upchuck, Jane, and Daria are celebrating National Thrift Shop Day! Upchuck's still looking for a complete 1985 California Raisins posable eraser set in mint condition, Jane's hoping for some vintage art supplies, and Daria just wants to get out with her sanity intact.

On this day in 1997, The Chicago Tribune published an interview with Glenn Eichler and Susie Lewis. I can't be the only one curious about a potential alternate version of Daria known as "Butt-Chick," can I?

Fandom News!

• Vote in the Deadliest Warrior poll between Tetsujin-28 (Gigantor) vs. Starscream.


• Share your thoughts on story length.

No One Mention Eric or Mad Dog!

Helen and Jake look so cute and comfy together for Relaxation Day that it's obvious that this is from a fantasy sequence and not a real thing that happened. Oh, well. At least the rest of us have the capability (if not always the time) to relax, so we'll do so on their behalf. Trent, on the other hand, is relaxed enough for the entire show's cast.

Speaking of lazy musicians, it was on this day that Alternapalooza began, according to the flyer. Your guess is as good as mine on what year, but considering none of the Lawndale kids made it there in the first place, I suppose it doesn't really matter.

Fanfic Update!

• The Engineer and the Time Lady, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 21): "Emerson looked out of the ready room window at Earth. It looked rather peaceful. He knew that belied the reality."


• Her Last Words, by Sheila Wisz Ellayn (part 69): "Layndale nights were quite colder now that it was September, an entire hour had passed already since Anna had escaped from a new friend like Alice had been some kind of monster, a violinist was playing somewhere nearby and still there was no contact at all with Lockie Allyngard."


• Quinn in Yellow, by welltemperedclavier (parts 2 and 3): "Yellow had never been Sandi’s favorite color. It’s not that it looked bad on her, exactly. A pale, borderline pastel yellow worked well with her perfect complexion and dark hair. But she preferred quieter, more muted shades." (Part 3)

Anyone Want to Donate a Left Hand?

Brittany's trying to work out whether or not Left Hander’s Day is a holiday that applies to her, and with her brain power we could be here all day. To all the lefties out there (including my husband and daughter), have a good one and try not to smudge the ink when you write!

Today is also World Organ Donation Day, so be sure to check that donor box! After all, it's the only time when how you look doesn't affect how you're judged. Unless it's your eyes.

Fandom News!

• R.I.P., Robbie Robertson.

Four Score and Seven Punchlines Ago....

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

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

Fanfic Update!

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

Analog or Digital?

Trent and Jesse are enjoying the heck out of Frank Zappa Day, or maybe they just really like fish sticks. Just remember that if you listen to Zappa today, listen to him on vinyl. Some slacker wannabe musicians tell me it's a richer tone.

While the tunes are playing, you could also do some reading for Book Lover’s Day. I think it's a safe bet that Daria will be celebrating, and I think I'll do the same.

If you want a recommendation for reading material, keep in mind that Walden was published on this day in 1854. Did you know Jane Fonda was his daughter in real life, too?

Fandom News!

• Talk about the disappointment of reading an incomplete fic that hasn't been updated lately.


• easmith wonders about meeting your old standards of writing quality with new works.

How About Some Synchronized Speeches?

I'm afraid Sandi has a long way to go if she wants to emulate Esther Williams, who was born on this day in 1921. Then again, I'm pretty sure Sandi could beat Williams--in her present state--in a race pretty easily.

Since today is also Professional Speakers Day, let's hope Daria will favor us with another of her big speeches. I'm sure she has much more to teach us about naked emperors and the value of pizza. Sadly, I suspect she still isn't much for public speaking, speaking, or the public.

Fanfic Update!

• Gotta Go Fast, by Val_Creative (COMPLETE!): "A crowd of Lawndale seniors burst from the reception hall's doors, milling out, excitedly yelling at the top of their lungs."


• Her Last Words, by Sheila Wisz Ellayn (part 68): "After having camped with Lockie for three nights at the snowy and mysterious Allyngard ruins, Anna Coulthard had enjoyed the two sweetest and most peaceful weeks that she had ever experienced in her life."


• Titanic - A True Story, by Sheila Wisz Ellayn (parts 6 - 8): "It had been already some time since they boarded, and yet Quinn Morgendorffer still could not wrap her mind around how big Titanic actually was!" (Part 7) (Part 8)

All She Needs Is a Pie in the Face!

Andrea's sporting a new look for National Clown Day, not to mention a new hobby and a new mode of transportation. Let's hope she's still got the same personality, because fandom loves that seldom-seen yet delightfully snarky goth chick!

Today is also National Underwear Day, so be sure to hand over your underpants to any fratboys who want to run them up a flagpole. College punks.

Last but not least, let's all take a moment to appreciate the finest Daria fandom blogger ever seen for Blogger Day! Ahem. Me. I'm talking about me. Fandom punks.

Fandom News!

• Vote in the Celebrity Deathmatch poll between Fred Flintstone and Captain Caveman.

Munch a Bunch...Oh, You Know the Rest!

Jake's already gotten started on celebrating Grab Some Nuts Day, but he looks a bit troubled. Perhaps he's concerned that today isn't actually about legumes? Rest easy, Jake. Sometimes a cashew is just a cashew.

If nuts aren't your thing, you could have a cool, refreshing snack for National Watermelon Day! I'll take mine ungreased and out of the water, please.

Finally, it was on this day in 1998 that the episode "Write Where It Hurts" first aired. This one is a fan favorite, and in no small part because of the hilarious literary parodies sprinkled throughout. Special mention to Jane's declaration about making them crawl, too.

Fanfic Update!

• Daria: A different meeting, by storyteller316 (COMPLETE!): "'Well, are you girls excited for your first day at Lawndale High?' asked a woman as she sat with her family eating breakfast."


• Grant Writer's Block, by welltemperedclavier (COMPLETE!): "With the rush of the grant work behind her, the next week consisted of going through the motions. Around her, Lawndale got ready for Halloween. Really, it had started getting ready as early as August, but now came the jack-o-lanterns and Styrofoam gravestones." (Part 14)


• Pretty Red Revenge (Scenes no Daria fanfic should have), by shiva (part 1): "In her pretty pink bedroom, Charolette 'Unibrow' Ruttheimer lounged on her bed in a comfy bathrobe, her seaweed facemask all crusty and flaking off, a little cocker spaniel dog named Pucci curled up next to her, and she began writing in her diary with a pink pen with pink fluff on the bottom."


• Shadows of a Timeless Song, by Dennis (part 16): "Hermione's sudden reappearance and cryptic words occupied Daria's attention long enough for Mrs. Worthington to disappear."

When Fans Say They Think Tiffany Is High, This Isn't What They Mean!

We always knew Tiffany's feet weren't firmly planted, but now on National Mountain Climbing Day we have the final proof. Has anyone explained to her, though, that only air gets thinner at high altitudes, not people? Oh, well. At least she can enjoy the view.

I'm sure Daria and Quinn will be celebrating Respect For Parents Day, what with their immense admiration for Jake and Helen--never mind; I can't even type that with a straight face!

Speaking of respect (or lack of) for parents, today is National Andrew Day, and I hope Andrew Landon gets all the respect he deserves...which is very little. Jodie, tell him where he can shove his opinions and demands, okay?

Fandom News!

• Vote in the Celebrity Deathmatch poll between Nick Yemana and Larvel Jones.


• Discuss toys that would make great media.


• R.I.P., Paul Reubens.

Like, Glub!

Sandi almost has the right idea for World Snorkeling Day, except that she's clearly scuba diving rather than snorkeling. Oh, and you aren't supposed to hold hair dryers or any other electrical devices while doing either activity.

While we wait for Sandi to get the shock of her life, Daria and Jane can celebrate International Day of Friendship. In fact, their relationship is close enough that they may even decide to go for Share a Hug Day! Hm...maybe they aren't quite that close.

Fanfic Update!

• Convergence on Lawndale, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 9): "As Stacy returned to her seat, she tried to ignore Sandi’s glare. 'What was that about, Stacy?' the latter asked. 'Um, nothing,' Stacy said."


• Friend of a Friend, by Doggodoaattack (part 8): "'Daria, get up. Janes here.' Glancing at her alarm clock, she saw it read 9:30. Her mother must be losing her mind, Jane was never awake that early on a weekend."


• Grant Writer's Block, by welltemperedclavier (parts 11 and 12): "No one at Daria's company objected when she'd given her two weeks' notice and finished her time working remotely from the Morgendorffer home, now darker and quieter and dustier than it had ever been." (Part 12)


• It was only a kiss..., by DIsaac (parts 1 and 2): "My mind just started racing with every single thought I could imagine or even think of after finishing what I just did with Daria." (Part 2)


• taken by someone who makes me better, by wwzelda (COMPLETE!): "Twenty years after leaving Lawndale for college and never looking back, Jodie finds herself back for Lawndale High's reunion."


• Titanic - A True Story, by Sheila Wisz Ellayn (parts 3 - 5): "Larry had heard all kinds of stories about Edward John Smith, the greatest and most respected Captain in the entire White Star Line, everyone in Southampton knew about him, the man was famous... and yet, standing in the living presence of the legendary Captain Smith was a totally new experience!" (Part 4) (Part 5)


• you were right in front of me, by wwzelda (COMPLETE!): "When Daria nearly gets into a bad car accident, she doesn’t think to call her parents, her sister, or even her boyfriend."

There's More Than One Way to Bring Glory to Laaaaaawndale High!

Ms. Li is having a terrific National Soccer Day, but I don't think the students are going to appreciate it. I guess it's still better than chopping open a soda machine with a fire ax, though.

Today is also the anniversary of the episode "Speedtrapped," which aired on this day in 1999. Daria got her driver's licence, Mystik Spiral got arrested, Quinn got a cute new outfit, and Travis...well, Travis just barely got away with his life.

Fandom News!

• Charles RB is passing the baton of the Lawndale High forum to Erin Mills.


• R.I.P., Sinead O'Connor.


• dennis71 has a question about "Love Is a Series of Burning Sensations."


• Talk about when pop stars have to do normal jobs.

Auntie Pathy

I see Rita and Amy are arguing again, but they should try to make peace because it's Auntie's Day and they need to set a good example for their nieces. Unfortunately, that thought will probably set them off on an argument over which of them is the worse example, so I think I'll just stay out of this one.

While we're talking about massive blow-ups, today is also the anniversary of the episode "Fire!," which aired on this day in 2000. Wait, did you think I was talking about Jake's unintentional arson? I mean Daria, Tom, and Jane's escalating conflict. And the worst was yet to come....

Fanfic Update!

• Alone, by Doggodoaattack (part 14): "'Tell me what happened at the Zen.'"


• Daria: Cynic the Superheroine, by Meester_Lee (part 3): "At the end of the school day, Daria returned to her house. She devoted the early part of the evening to business: first checking messages on her phone service, then calling the Navajo Nation’s tribal police to report that her car had been stolen."


• Friend of a Friend, by Doggodoaattack (part 7): "'So, you can’t talk tomorrow?' Daria had been on the phone with Charlie for almost an hour after school, discussing anything and everything."


• Grant Writer's Block, by welltemperedclavier (part 10): "Many people would be terrified at the thought of having to write sixteen pages of original content over the brief course of a single weekend. To Daria? It was a chance to show off."


• Quinn's Keg Party, by Sheila Wisz Ellayn (COMPLETE!): "To Quinn Morgendorffer, that slow and cloudy day started just like any other Friday morning..."


• She Ain't Easy, She's My Sister, by Dennis (COMPLETE!): "'I get it, Mom,' said Daria Morgendorffer, as she folded laundry, the cordless phone tucked between her shoulder and her cheek. She rolled her eyes at the wall of her bedroom as she put another T-shirt on the neat pile on the bed."


• Titanic - A True Story, by Sheila Wisz Ellayn (parts 1 and 2): "It was a happy day, and there it was! The mighty RMS Titanic of the White Star Line, looking as majestic as any ship could ever dream to be, just waiting as hundreds of passengers slowly made their way into the unbelievable vessel." (Part 2)

Helen, You Might Want To At Least Get a Covered Wagon!

Helen's all set for Pioneer Day, or at least she would be if the pioneers set off with a single wheel and a chicken. Perhaps she should talk to the Dewitt-Clinton family and get advice? On second thought, better not. Talking to them is never a good idea.

I hope Quinn wishes Daria a happy Cousins Day, and while she's at it she could give Erin a call. Poor girl probably needs some cheering up, considering who she's married to.

Finally, it was on this day in 2013 that CollegeHumor released a fake Daria movie trailer that made all of fandom wish it was a real movie. Really, the whole thing was spot-on! You can watch it here.

Fandom News!

• R.I.P., Tony Bennett.

Or As Jane Calls Him, "Young Thomas"

If Tom chooses to celebrate National Thomas Day by stuffing his face with junk food, then who am I to stop him? I just hope he made sure that the gummi bears weren't already reserved for an art project. As for Tommy Sherman, well, he can get his own holiday. Preferably one about massive head injuries.

Travis, meanwhile, will be pleased to know that it's also National Day of the Cowboy. Of course, wearing a cowboy hat and playing a guitar does not a cowboy make, so I'll reserve judgment until I see him ride. And by "ride" I mean dive out of the way of crazed homicidal teenage drivers.

Speaking of Daria, today is World Brain Day and I hope she celebrates by...I don't know, thinking or something. At the very least I hope she's able to keep a safe distance between herself and any non-brains, for everyone's sake.

Fanfic Update!

• Daria: Cynic the Superheroine, by Meester_Lee (part 2): "She got home in a couple of hours and let herself in after thanking Joe for the ride and giving him some bills to help with gas money."


• Daria's Lifeline, by Faith64 (COMPLETE!): "Daria held the phone in her hand, hovering one finger over the keypad. She knew the number well enough, having called it in more than one moment of emotional crisis."


• Friend of a Friend, by Doggodoaattack (part 6): "The next day after school, Daria found herself pacing back and forth in her room. Her ‘not a date’ with Charlie had been the only thing on her mind all day."


• Grant Writer's Block, by welltemperedclavier (parts 7 - 9): "Daria had always been the stoic Morgendorffer. Even more so than mom, she’d stay calm in the wildest situation." (Part 8) (Part 9)

On the Good Ship....

Jane looks just precious for National Lollipop Day, but her expression says she'd rather find the person who dressed her like that and put the lollipop someplace unpleasant. Have a sweet treat today if you want one, but I'll stick with chocolate myself.

If Quinn ever decided to join the Chess Club (as Daria predicted in "Quinn the Brain") then I hope she and her friends have a great World Chess Day. If she didn't, then there's always Kevin "King me!" Thompson!

Also on the subject of school extracurriculars, I hope Jane changes into her running clothes in honor of the anniversary of "See Jane Run," which aired on this day in 1998. If Jane still has that lollipop handy, I think either Evan or Ms. Morris would qualify as candidates for its final resting place.

Fandom News!

• Dennis is looking for someone to beta read his latest work.


• Share your thoughts on a Bob Ross color-by-number book.

Some Families Dive Further Down Than Others

Jodie's showing excellent form for Women's Dive Day, but I'm sure her parents will find fault with it somehow. Maybe they'll complain that she should have been studying on the way down?

In any case, the Landons will not be celebrating Perfect Family Day, but then again none of the other families in Lawndale really qualify, either. The Grififns are a nightmare, Helen can't get along with her sisters for even a minute, and the Taylors...well, let's not even get into that one. It could be that the Lanes have the right idea: stay on different continents and everyone gets along much better.

Fanfic Update!

• Alone, by Doggodoaattack (part 13): "Daria took a deep breath and began to recount the events that led to her nightmare."


• Daria: Cynic the Superheroine, by meesterlee (part 1): "'So you’re really going back?' said Clarise Sparrow. Clarise had been one of Earth Intelligence’s interrogators put in charge of debriefing her after she arrived on this world after her unintentional translation from Earth Bet."


• The Engineer and the Time Lady, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 20): "Nina thought more about the rescue. There was certainly more to it than that."


• Friend of a Friend, by Doggodoaattack (part 4): "Sitting in the back of class, Daria found herself unable to focus, her new discovery swarming her mind."


• Grant Writer's Block, by welltemperedclavier (parts 5 and 6): "'I didn’t know Sandi was still in Lawndale,' Quinn said. It was almost midnight, and a steady rain pattered on the roof. Daria lay on her bed with her phone to her ear." (Part 6)


• There and Back Again, by Shanejayell (COMPLETE!): "Quinn Morgendorffer sighed softly as she rode the elevator up, her light brown hair flowing gracefully over her shoulders. She was not looking forward to this."

Medusa, Esq.

Helen's fully into celebrating World Snake Day, and I am very intentionally avoiding the obvious lawyer/snake joke that I could have made. I'll just say that I'd rather take my chances with Joanna, sensitive scales or not.

Let's just hope she puts that bow down before she finds out that today is National Wedding Invitation Day, because if she gets another invitation to a wedding for Erin (or, God forbid, Rita herself), then that reception will be full of stone sculptures before they even cut the cake.

Fandom News!

• Do all your stories take place in a single continuity?

Born to be Mild

Mack's looking quite bad-ass for National Motorcycle Day, and I hope he learns from Kevin and doesn't try to pop a wheelie. I don't care what that Paunch guy did on CHiPs.

I am, however, happy to see that he's (mostly) clothed, because it's National Nude Day and I really don't think anyone should ride a motorcycle naked. At the very least you want a helmet!

Finally, today we celebrate the anniversaries of both "The Teachings of Don Jake" and "Lane Miserables," which aired on this day in 1997 and 1999. Both involved Lane family reunions that went south quickly, but only one of them provided us with Trent's sage insights into Huckleberry Hound.

Fanfic Update!

• Alone, by Doggodoaattack (part 12): "They didn’t talk much on the way to Jane’s house. Daria was still shaken by her recent panic attack and the sudden reintroduction of her only friend in the world back into her life. Jane was still angry and worried about her friend."


• Daria Ravenclaw: The Legend of Sporting Joe, by Meester_Lee (part 19): "On Wednesday evening Julia came from day camp, showered, and changed into something dressier than she’d been wearing since she arrived in Highland."


• "Expectavi"—Daria: Agent of Cobra, by Ranchoth (part 5): "In a second, she was there again. Another classroom. Another damned uncomfortable chair. Babel in front of her, soaking in bedlam. There was a voice, coming from behind."


• Friend of a Friend, by Doggodoaattack (parts 2 and 3): "They made their way to the venue, where the band was already playing, some punk rock group that Toms sister was obsessed with." (Part 3)


• Grant Writer's Block, by welltemperedclavier (parts 3 and 4): "Daria didn’t exactly hustle in her search for a volunteer position." (Part 4)

It's So...Jiggly!

Brittany could not be happier that today is National Eat Your Jello Day, but Daria and Jane seem distinctly unimpressed. It can't be that they're food snobs, given the greasy pizza and cheese fries they regularly consume, so I'm going to assume they're disgusted by the sight of primary colors during daylight hours. Not. Done.

On the subject of color, you could celebrate Different Colored Eyes Day even if your eyes are the same color. Just follow Quinn's advice and look into colored contact lenses! She recommends green for that touch of exotica that many young women crave.

"Legends of the Mall" aired on this day in 2000, which means the episode is old enough to qualify for its own past-era urban legend story! What kind of story would you set in the early 2000s? Probably something about a creepy Tamagotchi wearing Heelys and getting "crunk."

Fandom News!

• Vote in the Celebrity Deathmatch polls: Dexter vs. Young Sheldon Cooper and Benson DuBois vs Ralph Hart.


• Ao3 is offline due to a DDoS attack.

Warm Kittens are Great...But Not THAT Warm!

Helen's fans (especially Eric) are pleased to see how hot she looks today, but she's still not as hot as Death Valley was on this day 110 years ago, when it hit the world record high temperature of 134 degrees Fahrenheit. Although the way things are going, I wouldn't be surprised if that world record gets broken before long.

On a lighter (and cuter) note, today is National Kitten Day and I hope you have a cuddly feline friend to snuggle. If not, go see if Mr. Whiskers is in a friendly mood! (Spoiler alert: he isn't.)

Fanfic Update!

• Alone, by Doggodoaattack (part 11): "Daria was startled by a loud knock on her door. She quickly hid the razor under her pillow and pulled down her sleeves, covering the fresh cuts on her arms."


• Grant Writer’s Block, by welltemperedclavier (parts 1 and 2): "On her thirty-eighth birthday, Daria celebrated by doing the same kinds of things she did every day." (Part 2)


• Lawndale's Forbidden Library, by chaoslordsquidward (COMPLETE!): "Daria awakened from her slumber. While she had an urge to drink blood, like all vampires have, she had an even greater urge to visit the Lawndale library to return her overdue books."

Thank You, Jake, For Wearing Boxers!

I'm pretty sure Jake is just celebrating Body Painting Day and didn't drop four figures at Axl's Parlor for tattoos. Not only would Helen murder him, but he's way too high-strung to be able to handle that many needle jabs...especially in sensitive places.

Daria, on the other hand, would probably much rather focus on Video Game Day, especially if there's a new Cannibal Fragfest out and she's got writing to procrastinate on. I think she'll pass on the Virtual Reality games, though, as they make her ill and bring back unpleasant memories of being ditched by a lovable kook.

Fandom News!

• Talk about the return of Tracy Grandstaff.


• Vote in the Celebrity Deathmatch polls: Quincy vs. House and Snuffy Smith vs. Punkin' Puss.

Maybe Don't Kiss Your Webmaster, Though

Daria is immediately regretting her decision to celebrate International Kissing Day with Tom. Of course, she's going to regret it even more when Jane finds out!

If you decide to obeserve Take Your Webmaster to Lunch Day, be sure to invite Noah Barkman. Now that the dotcom bubble has long since popped, I'm not sure the guy is getting a lot of hot meals anymore. Do yourself a favor and skip the kombucha, though.

Last but not least, the episode "Ill" aired on this day in 1998. We may never know the root cause of Daria's rash, but we've sure had a lot of fun playing with it in fanfic, haven't we?

Fanfic Update!

• Agony of De Fly, by radiofox (COMPLETE!): "A beautiful Saturday morning in the Lawndale. The sun shining, birds chipping, the sound of cars driving and flies buzzing. Wait, flies buzzing?"


• Alone, by Doggodoaattack (part 8): "The Zen was more crowded than Daria had ever seen it, probably because Mystik Spiral wasn’t playing."


• The F Files, by jones2000 (part 9): "From his hospital bed Chuck watched as Milo Luciano walked down the steps of the courthouse in his fancy Italian suit, shoot the camera a smug little grin and flipped on his sunglasses like he was some B list movie star that had just got off a DUI on a stupid technicality."


• Song From An American Movie, by ladyevil (part 13): "The movie started with a montage of homeless people either on the streets or in the shelter. Care was taken to obscure their faces."

Curiouser and Curiouser!

Stacy is all set to play a game of croquet in honor of Alice in Wonderland Day! I would warn her against angering the Queen of Hearts, but if she can handle Sandi then this should be no problem.

Does anyone know if Travis is still around? If so, he can celebrate National Country Music Day! If not, I don't blame him. I wouldn't want to stick around while Daria's behind the wheel of a car, either.

And happy Independence Day to my fellow American Daria fans! We sure showed the King of England what's what, didn't we? Now we can drink tea without paying taxes and spell words with z's if we want to! USA! USA! USA!

Fandom News!

• R.I.P., Marvin Kitman and Frank Field.


• Talk about the man who literally drank to death.


• Vote in the Deadliest Warrior poll between Dynomutt and Blitz from C. O. P. S.

Do Aliens Disco?

I don't think we need to ask Daria if she's celebrating World UFO Day; the question is whether or not the UFO that left the crop circle was from Mars or Zippotron. Some mysteries will simply never be explained.

On the other hand, the mystery of whether or not Rita's celebrating National Disco Day is an easy one. Do you suppose she still has the disco ball from her (first) wedding reception? I mean, disco was king. King of what, though?

Fanfic Update!

• Alone, by Doggodoaattack (part 7): "Daria woke up the next day feeling groggy and miserable. She had nightmares all night, reliving the fear of the past few weeks and fearing the horrors of her future."


• Daria Ravenclaw: The Legend of Sporting Joe, by Meester_Lee (part 18): "On Monday Julia got up, put on shorts and a tee, then sat down to wait for her mother. Her mother was dressed casually, or at least what was considered casual by the tabloids."


• Her Last Words, by Sheila Wisz Ellayn (part 67): "Anna looked in silence at the dazzling violet moon that glowed so high up in the sky, the severe wind just kept carrying snow from the high mountains everywhere and she was starting to get really cold that night."


• La Dolce Daria, by wilddogjj (part 1): "Daria and Jane were at a pizza joint in Manhattan's East Village doing what they'd done as teenagers in Lawndale; talk about their lives over pizza."


• The Youngest Barksdale, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 8): "Upon arriving at school, Quinn met her friends. She hadn’t yet told them about her mother’s suspicions about Ms. Li."

Frankly, My Dear, I'm Unfollowing You on Twitter!

Jake and Helen are cuddling up as the cutest dysfuntional literary couple you've ever seen for the anniversary of Gone with the Wind, which was published on this day in 1936. The story was referenced in "I Don't" with Jane's "Oh, Scarlett, you grow lovelier by the day!" quip as well as in "Aunt Nauseam" as part of an unlikely excuse for sisterly bonding between Daria and Quinn.

On a more modern note, today is also Social Media Day, so I'll take the opportunity to bump the Facebook episodes Iron Chef I posted all the way back in 2010. Still plenty of episodes left undone if anyone's interested!

Finally, it was on this day in 1997 that the episode "The Big House" first aired. Jake and Helen laid down the law, and Daria promptly destroyed them with harmonica music and Scrabble skills.

Fandom News!

• The latest Beavis and Butt-head episode features a super-smart Daria.


• Check out Cracked.com's 15 Trivia Tidbits About Daria.


• Vote in the Celebrity Deathmatch poll between Original Filmation Ghost Busters and the Winchester Brothers.

She Could Have Gone For the Not-Uvula, Too!

Check out Daria's new accessory for International Body Piercing Day! It was that or pierced brains, and I'd hate to see the rash for that one.

Also on this day in 1998, MTV aired the Top 10 Animated Videos Countdown, hosted by Daria and Jane. The animation was limited, but the jokes were 100% pure Daria and Jane classic snark.

Finally, the episode "Psycho Therapy" first aired on this day in 2000. So many great scenes, from Jane's suggested answers for the survey questions to Quinn's past-life regression, but my favorite will always be the family role-playing exercise.

Fanfic Update!

• Alone, by Doggodoaattack (part 6): "The rest of Daria’s day was a nightmare. Rumors had spread that she was dating Ethan, and he had been bothering her all day."


• Circle of Strife, by wilddogjj (COMPLETE!): "Angie was having another ghostly visitation. This one was her recently deceased ex-boyfriend Bryce. This encounter was proving to be a disappointment." (Part 9)


• Daria Ravenclaw: The Legend of Sporting Joe, by Meester_Lee (part 17): "Nymphadora Tonks, Hogwarts graduate and prospective Auror trainee with the Ministry’s DMLE, shifted her foot as she waited for the port-key that would take her across the Atlantic."

I Hope Jake Made an Extra-Special Hobbit Candle For the Occasion!

Happy anniversary to Helen and Jake, who made their commitment vows on this day in 1975! I assume that's when they got married, but "Committed" by Mike Xeno has another, more interesting take on the day.

Let's all celebrate their anniversary (maybe) with some chocolate pudding for National Chocolate Pudding Day, and join Daria and Brittany in their shared disgust for when the pudding has skin. Yuck.

Finally, here's a shout-out to Zachary for National Zachary Day! Do I mean Zachary the guy who was briefly seen being mistreated by Quinn in "Monster" or do I mean Zachary the never-seen cat belonging to the Lane family? You decide!

Fandom News!

• Vote in the Celebrity Deathmatch polls between Hippity Hopper and the Giant Jackrabbit from The Beverly Hillbillies or Alice Kramden and Edith Bunker.


• Check out Daria's return to comics (sort of).


• Has the moment for the Jodie spinoff passed?

Can Fairies Swim?

It seems that because today is International Fairy Day, Jodie has added wish granting to her already crammed-full list of extracurricular activities. Maybe she can grant her own wish for a little rest and relaxation. If you want to read a hilarious set of stories with another Daria character as a fairy, check out the Scarlett the Fairy series by Aloysius. There are also "Jane Unchained" and "Uranium in the Drinking Water," both by The Angst Guy, which put Jane and Daria in the role of fairies.

For those of us without magical abilities, there's always Swim a Lap Day. Jump into the pool and "swim, you cow, swim!"

Sorry. Coach talk.

Fanfic Update!

• Alone, by Doggodoaattack (part 4): "Daria's mother arrived at the school shortly after the nurse called her. She was furious and worried when she saw Daria's condition."

Celebrate With Some Chackers and Creese!

Helen clearly isn't in favor of National Kissing Day, but in her defense she's probably thinking about the last time Daria and Tom kissed. The fallout was absolutely brutal, and I don't think anyone wants to live through that again.

Instead, why not forget your worries and wish Cyndi Lauper a happy 70th birthday! Nothing bad could happen during a Cyndi Lauper song, right? Hey, did anyone else just hear a weird metallic sound?

Fandom News!

• Join the discussion about Daria and "Being Yourself."


• Check out the Daria Fan Game by Ink Ribbon Studios (while it lasts).