Endings and Anniversaries

The end of an era has come. Richard Lobinske's epic Falling into College series has concluded. (I missed that little point over the last day or two, still believing there was more coming. Silly me.) If you have been a fan of this series, post your comments at the link. What epic series will he create next? The fandom awaits with baited breath.

"Malled" premiered 13 years ago today, and "The F Word" 10 years ago. Jake reminds us that Angus Young of AC/DC turns 55 today, still rockin' away too.

Today is Thomas Mundy Peterson Day in New Jersey, Cesar Chavez Day in the southwest USA, and Hanami (flower viewing day) in Japan. It's the 126thth birthday anniversary of astronomer Adriaan van Maanen (famous in Daria fandom because of this shared world). The Motion Picture Production Code that prevents us from seeing cartoon boobs on TV was enacted 80 years ago today. And this is the 414th birthday anniversary of philosopher René Descartes, who said "I think, therefore I am" and won a little mention in Daria fanfiction for that.

Tomorrow... we have a lot of jesters. Stay tooned.

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• An End to War, by The Sharpie (COMPLETE!): “It has been thirteen years since that day. As the fires burned above ground we were some of the lucky few who were in The Caves. I wasn't supposed to be there, but my company convinced the government that since I helped write a key part of the new program I should help install it,” Daria told her daughter....
• NEW! Anti-Trope, by Minx (Chapter 2 COMPLETE!): "So how was Bobblehead Bobby? Will you be seeing him again?" Dean asked. "I doubt it," Jane said with a smile. "I like my men with a normal head to body ratio." (FF.net)
  
• Finn Morgendorffer 40: Higher Learning, by HolyGrail2007 (Part 3): “So, when do you suppose they do the brainwashing?” Daria asked. “Freshman orientation," said Tom. "That way, even the dropouts send in their last dime.”
• Lawndale's Finest: Action Stories #4—Power Struggle, by Jim North (continued): Then, just as she was ready to reach down and reset the entire system, windows began to pop up, close down, and move around, seemingly at random at first but finally in a pattern that she recognized as all the command attempts she had been making before, all executing at once. "No no no no!" she screamed, grabbing the sides of the monitor and shaking it in frustration. When the window containing the article she had been writing shut down without saving, she slumped forward to rest her forehead against the screen.
• NEW! There's Something Furry in Denmark, by LadieT (COMPLETE!): Over the next couple of weeks, Jane noticed odd changes in her behavior. Her leg would start bouncing whenever she had an itch. She felt the urge not to use a spoon when eating something out of a bowl. If Trent played a high pitched note, she would have to cover her ears. She tried to block the strange occurrences out of her mind. (FF.net) (OD)
  

Much Ado About Everything

Another eventful day in Daria-land. A poor fellow with the dreadful name of Hymen Lipman, just 152 years ago, invented the pencil eraser. This was mentioned in an earlier post. Also mentioned in an earlier post is the fact that today is Vincent van Gogh's birthday anniversary. Jake was the van Gogh alter ego model, and Upchuck was the pencil's.

What went unmentioned is that this is National Doctor's Day, which Brittany commemorates here. Thank you, doctors! And it is Francisco Goya's 264th birthday anniversary, the same Goya that Ted and Jane rave about in "The New Kid." See if this fan-art re-creation by Minx of one of his most famous paintings triggers a memory of his work.

It is also apparently Hot Dog Day, not sure why (Kevin is the mascot), and Celine Dion's birthday, with Daria as the fan-art alter ego (by Liliane Grenier).

Lots to celebrate, go to it.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Anyone who knows of Moscow-based Daria fans should check in with them as soon as possible to make sure they are okay, in view of the subway bombings there yesterday. Give them our best wishes, please.

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• NEW! Anti-Trope, by Minx (Chapter 2, Part 5): "I'm sorry to be the one to beak it to you D-man," Dean flinched at his new nickname. "But some guy is in there macking on Jane," Joey replied. "Oh my God, does Jodie know?" Jamie asked as he alternated his gaze between Dean and Joey. "Not Mack, mack-ing," Joey reiterated. "So, Jodie's in on it, like a threesome?"
  
• As Loud as My Heart, by Ranchoth (Part 1): Daria passed by another farm of upright Plexiglas tubes—all "empty," though a few bubbled with dingy liquid. She was just glad none had people in them at the moment. Or anything worse...
• NEW! The Dream of the White Darkness will be continued by jtranser on SFMB, because of adult content.
  
• Falling into College 72: Valley of Love and Delight, by RLobinske (COMPLETE!): After she and Michael had changed into more appropriate traveling clothes, Daria stopped next to the bed to pet Bump. "We'll be back for you in two weeks, so take it easy on Mom." "Meow." "But you don't have to go easy on Quinn. I think she'll make an excellent chief of staff while we're gone."

• Finn Morgendorffer 40: Higher Learning, by HolyGrail2007 (Part 2): “Hey Mack, Hey, Jodie.” Finn greeted the pair as he walked down the hall of the school the next day. “Hey, Finn.” Mack seemed bummed out, but managed a smile. “What’s wrong, bud?” “The meeting at the bank didn’t go so well.” Jodie explained. “His father can’t get the loan.” “I won’t be able to afford Vance without a scholarship now. And that’s a long shot.”
  
• Lawndale's Finest: Detective Stories #4—Power Struggle, by Jim North (continued): "No charges are being brought against Supergirl," Jane replied, though she sounded far from happy about it. "All of the witnesses confirmed that Val avoided the cops to cross a police line and that Supergirl did everything she could to save her." She took a swallow of her drink and stared down into the neck of the bottle. "Not that the press believed a word of it, of course. They still seem to think I snatched her up and dropped her down on the mine myself." "But you didn't," said Trent. "No, I didn't," Jane echoed sourly. "But it was because of me she was even there. She was chasing after me. She had me on the ropes, she knew it, and she was moving in to finish me off."
• Regifted 2: I Put Away Joyless Things, by Ajar (Part 6): “Well, if it isn't the guy who disappeared without a trace,” Jane said sarcastically. “I wasn't expecting you back from the abduction so soon.” “Yeah, sorry about that,” Ryan said, entranced by his shoes. “I just wasn't quite expecting... just who was that kid, anyway?” “That's Artie. He had his skin replaced by a synthetic skin when he was abducted.”

The Curious Case of Tom Sloane

I was watching "Jane's Addition" a couple of weeks ago (too). It’s interesting to see how much Tom changed between his first appearance in "Jane's Addition" and the following episode "Partner's Complaint."

When I look at Tom's character design in "Jane's Addition" (right), I don’t think of a 17 year old. He looks…old. His hair was disaster, his ears were too big, his expressions made him look ancient – that line next to his nose that adds about 30 years on him.

At the risk of sounding like Quinn, let me just say that the worst part of Tom's early character design were his clothes. He was supposed to look casual preppy not old-fashioned! Sweater – awful, trousers – terrible, shoes – that buckle makes him look like a gangster, belt – horrendous. His outfit would have made more sense if Jane had met Tom at Studio 54 in 1977 than at The Zon in 1999.

Young Thomas was a complete trainwreck.

Fortunately, the art department took notice of this – and fast. By "Partner's Complaint" (left), Tom had mutated into his usual self. His hair looked much better than Disco Tom's hair, and his clothes looked like they belonged to a 17 year old. New (longer) sweater – OK, baggy trousers – OK, sport shoes – nice, no belt – phew! And, his face looks fresh.

We have a teenager now.

Jane's Secret Magical Powers REVEALED!

While watching "Jane's Addition" a while ago, I noticed an unusual event that proves Jane Lane has magical powers! The image at left shows Jane in a disheveled state, talking with Daria the morning after Jane and Tom Sloane first meet and Jane goes off with her new bf. Jane's eyes are big because (image on right) Tom has just appeared behind Daria. When we next see Jane, PRESTO! She has nicely combed hair again! (See image at bottom left.)

Jane's secret power is obvious. She can make herself look good for any guy in mere seconds without a comb, brush, or anything else. Can the Fashion Club do this? NOT! Jane Lane is her own Fashion Club!

What secrets are left to learn about this amazing town of Lawndale and its inhabitants? Stay tuned and we will see! (P.S. Click on any image here to get a larger view.)

And here are more stories, as long as we're here. Over 153,000 hits! And a warm cheery welcome to all the new Followers of this blog!

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• Legion of Lawndale Heroes Special: No One Is to Blame, by Brother Grimace (teaser): “Yeah, we’ve had the chance to travel all over the world,” Jeffrey Brace said, holding Stacy Rowe’s attention with every word. “Ever been to Easter Island? It’s really cool.” Stacy moved closer to Jeffrey, totally lost in his story as Tiffany Blum-Deckler simply rolled her eyes.
• Unnamed story (Scenes That Should Be: Breakfast of Zombie Champions), by LSauchelli (scene): "Well, is there anyone alive? Tell me my dad is—" "Your parents are dead." Jane said without mellowing it up. "Quinn too." (Daria/Captain Planet)
  

Janet Barch: Warrior Princess!

Happy Birthday, Lucy Lawless! You (as Xena) are Janet Barch's favorite TV character! Interesting that Barch uses a phallic dagger and not Xena's real weapon of choice. Hmmm, did that mean something?

"The New Kid" appeared on MTV twelve years ago. There are stories that Ted DeWitt-Clinton's appearance as Daria's first "real" boyfriend was not met with the wholehearted approval of the fandom. Maybe everyone wanted Daria for themselves. Or everyone preferred her unattached, or attached to Jane. Water over the dam now. Daria/Ted wouldn't have happened anyway.

This is also National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day, so we have gone back to "Camp Fear" and dragged out Earl and Barbara, who owned the dreadful unique cookie business at the general store. Good luck, you two!

N00Z!

• Mack Mackenzie has bad habits? He does now!
• Midwest Dariacon 2010 now has an activities list! Foremost among them appears to be stepping in cow poop at the state fair.
  

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• The Best and Brightest, by Smijey (Part 1): "Jane, I'm pregnant and Trent's the father." "Interesting." "If it's a boy, we're naming him Kevin, and if it's a girl, we're naming her Brittany." "Go on." "Damn it, Jane, you're not paying attention!"
• Finn Morgendorffer 40: Higher Learning, by HolyGrail2007 (Part 1): “Jane, you’re one of the best artists out there, and I know how you work. Just relax, it’ll come. Your best work comes when you just let things go as they should.” Finn chuckled. “Wow, that came out a little more dirty than I thought it would.”
• Sleight of Hand, by Minx (COMPLETE!): Death doesn't discriminate, it doesn't factor in things like wealth, social status or age. You won’t know when, you won’t know how, but it will happen. Most of you will pass on to greener pastures; to your own personal utopia. A select few of us however won’t be given this opportunity, at least not straight away. No, we stay behind. We are given a new body and a new identity and it will be our job to ferry the fortunate souls to the other side. My name was Daria Morgendorffer. Now I am a Grimm Reaper. (FF.net)
  

What If... Lawndale Had Been Closer to Three Mile Island?

The infamous Three Mile Island near-meltdown took place 31 years ago today near Harrisburg, PA. This incident has been brought up in this blog several times, mainly because Lawndale is alleged to be in either eastern Pennsylvania or Maryland, very close to this spot. Jane Lane has something to say about how things would have been different if Lawndale had been a suburb of Harrisburg. Anyone interested in exploring this alternate history should read the notes about it here and a suggestion here.

This is also supposed to be Something on a Stick Day and Weed Appreciation Day, both of which I am sure Jane celebrates yearly in her own special manner.

ART TIME!

• Sandi and Tiffany from Daria: Hunter, by Jim North. Dead on.

FF.net

• Bumpmass, by RLobinske (COMPLETE!): [previously appeared on PPMB]
• collar, by Jim North (COMPLETE!): [previously appeared on PPMB]
• Gimme the Prize, by RLobinske (COMPLETE!): [previously appeared on PPMB]
• The Girl with Golden Eyes, by Michellesdaughter (Part 6): Jane walked out into the backyard and walked straight towards the two. Effy sat up and gave a little wave and Jane ended up slapping her. Daria ran outside with Jesse behind her. Trent was frozen at first, they all were. Effy stood up and held her face. "The hell, Jane?!"
  
• Pluck'd a White Rose, by Dennis (COMPLETE!): [previously appeared on PPMB] (OD)
  

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• NEW! Falling into College 72: Valley of Love and Delight, by RLobinske (Part 17): Together, Daria and Michael joined hands and returned down the aisle. When they walked by, Nell whispered to CC, "So much for standing up after the 'if any has reason, let them speak now' bit." Hearing them, Sean said, "Did you really think that they would leave an opening like that that?"
  
• Finn Morgendorffer 39: That S-E-X Word, by HolyGrail2007: Finn started to talk rather fast as Jane pulled his shirt off. “You’re nervous?” Jane asked. Finn only talked fast when he was nervous. “I... a little,” Finn admitted. “I mean, I really do want this, and I really want you, it’s just... you know I’ve never done this before and you deserve to be happy in all ways and I just want to give you the best pleasure imaginable and it’s a lot of pressure and it makes me nervous, and I always talk too much when I’m nervous and...” Finn continued to chatter, however, he did start pulling Jane’s clothes off.
• John Lane 45: Haunted by the Past, by RLobinske (Part 4): Jodie said, "So you're really doing it?" "Unless they're writing in crayon, I'm sure I can edit whatever they give me into something useful," Daria said. "And if they use crayons?" "I'll give it to John to convert into an art project." "Gee, thanks," he said.
• NEW! Kamen Rider D, by Silver (Part 4): D lashed out, punching it in the nose. The monster staggered back, holding its nose in surprise. "You're worse than my last date!" it snapped at her. "Um, we are trying to kill each other, you know." The tiger stopped to consider this. "Right. Forgot." It charged again.
  

It's Viagra Day! Go, Upchuck!

Yes, it's been a loooong twelve years since Viagra was turned loose upon the world, and that merits mention here only because of Upchuck, who probably doesn't need it. (A recent fanfic making use of Viagra appears here.)

This is National Joe Day, but there are no Joes in Daria, except for this one, who was in this story.

The namesake of a certain well-known Daria fan & writer was born this day 165 years ago. It also seems today is when you should mark the festivities of Earth Hour, which means to just shut off any electricity you don't need.

DariaWiki chugs along at a great pace with many new pages, helped along by the likes of Brother Grimace, CR85747, Richard Lobinske, Doggieboy, Disco316, Kara Wild, JPAGC, Quiverwing, Roentgen, Darkkuno, Jim North, Ticknart, and Boandpop (vlora). Thank you, one and all!

ART UPDATE! Richard Lobinske has updated the art listing for 2010! Great stuff out there!

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• NEW! collar, by Jim North (COMPLETE!): Stacy trailed off and put a hand over her mouth. "I'm sorry, this may be going a little too fast. Can we just skip it for toni—" "No," Sandi suddenly said, standing up straight and crossing her arms. "She wanted to know everything about our lifestyle, so we should tell her." "Sandi, I—" "It's the punishment stool," Sandi continued with lethal calm. "Whenever Stacy does something bad, I put the stool in the middle of the living room and she has to sit on it until I think she's learned her lesson." [NEW! Ending is here: "Welcome back." Quinn lifted her face to see Stacy sitting on the steps beside her. The other woman was still in her collar and bedclothes, and she was staring up at the predawn sky. Quinn tried to speak, found her throat to be stuffed up with phlegm, and had to stop and clear it.] (SFMB)
  
• Finn Morgendorffer 39: That S-E-X Word, by HolyGrail2007 (Part 3): Maybe I should just stop thinking about this, Finn thought. Jane knows I haven’t done anything like this. And she hasn’t, I know that for a fact. So, there’s no, like, expectations or anything. I can get through it. I. Can. Do. This. Finn smiled to himself. He almost didn’t make it to the bathroom before throwing up.
  
• The Hallowed Halls of Fielding, by Roentgen (Part 20): How can someone who doesn't even know about YouTube know about the Khaki Barn?
• NEW! Jacob Morgendorffer, Esq., by CAP (Part 6): As for the area itself, quiet was the word that came immediately into Helen’s mind.... The tracks were perhaps a bit close but Helen enjoyed the cadence of a passing train. It conjured the romance of travel especially when its seductive rhythm teased her in the deep dark of night. It was an aural aphrodisiac. Jake felt the same way. Quinn likely owned her existence to a passing Norfolk Southern zipping past their home one warm late spring night.

Lucky Strikes Out

Nine years ago this very day, "Lucky Strike" premiered, closing in on the end of season five. A previous post offered some interesting information about this episode, see what you think of it. Wish we knew who the two black teachers were. They sort of magically appeared in this episode, then were never seen again. And the coach never got a speaking part. Alas.

Marianne, the legal assistant in Helen Morgendorffer's office, has a special day today (but no benefits thereof): it's Legal Assistants Day! Now she can shut up and get back to work, there's a deadline.

Today is also Purple Day (commemorating those with epilepsy), Prince Kuhio Day in Hawaii, and the birthday anniversary of poet Robert Frost and Star Trek actor Leonard Nimoy. By some accounts it is also Opposite Day, but you figure out what to do for that one. It might not be Opposite Day. Or maybe it is.

The Awesome Kem has drawn Kevin as Inspector Gadget, Brittany as his sidekick, and their dog as their dog. Dig it!

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• NEW! Apocalyptic Daria: Timeline, by Doggieboy (Part 3): In Kentucky, Major General Bartholomew J. Simpson and his wife are driving south on Interstate 65 after leaving Standford Louisville International Airport. That is when they hear the first reports of Washington and Pittsburgh being bombed.
• NEW! Cynic and Violence, by Peapotmaster (Part 2): "The planet is called Lawndale." "What kind of idiot names their planet Lawndale?" "Nerdy fan fiction writers who have nothing to do."
  
• Finn Morgendorffer 39: That S-E-X Word, by HolyGrail2007 (Part 1): Finn smiled. “You know I never asked, how did your date go last Saturday with Kelly?” “Fan-tastic,” Jeffy cheered. “How fantastic?” Joey, who was already starting to dress, joined in. “We went to the movie, then to the café. She was enjoying herself the whole way, and I was piling on that Mercer charm. Then we got back to her place, she invited me in, and, well...I scored! Woo!” Jeffy thrust his hips in celebration. Please point that in another direction, Finn thought to himself. [NEW! Part 2 here: Finn hung up the phone. Now he was even more depressed about the whole sex issue. Here was Daria, antisocial and a total misfit, now getting chewed out for having sex. With Tom. Finn’s best friend. Finn wasn’t sure whether to be angry or ashamed. Now even his own sister was having sex before he was. What did that make him? Nervous? Timid? Not interested in girls?]
  
• NEW! General Semantics, Private Angst, by Gwrtheyrn (Part 20): She reconstructed it in this way: Mackenzie's orders were to kill Amanda Lane, and 'X,' and maybe Jane as well, but to leave "Enro's favourite cousin" strictly alone. She'd prevented him from carrying those instructions out. But, had Mackenzie deliberately been complicit in his wife's murder? Had that whole gruesome tableau been served up just to convince Daria of his bona fides?
• NEW! Last Man Standing, by Project Pegasus (COMPLETE!): "So, ummm... I'm reading a book and... it's about John Milton and..." "Woah woah woah. This is your first self-insert, and you chose to blow it like this? You could have at least done something halfway interesting with your first self-insert like go to the Adult Entertainment Expo or something." "But... I thought we could... I dunno, have a fun adventure together. Like, we could do so many Jägermeister shots together that you become too drunk to make it back to your place so you have to stay at my place. When we get there, you come on to me in your drunken stupor but I gently rebuff your advances, informing you that I want you, but not like this and..." "Yeah, that's not happening."
  
• Nobody Puts Quinn in a Corner! by Shull Bitter (Part 1): "I don't really think you'd fit in at Hampshire College. It's Shaggy." Quinn wrinkled her forehead, not ugly though, but cute like a puppy. "What's Shaggy?" "You know, from Scooby Doo? There's a legend about the characters on that show being based on Hampshire College and the schools around it. And Hampshire is Shaggy." "Ooooooh." A pause. "What school is Daphne?"

And I Think It's Gonna Be a Long, Long Time...

It's Sir Elton John's birthday, and Helen has the perfect Sir Elton alter ego (with trademark glasses) to celebrate it. Obviously he was an MTV favorite. Well done! (Thanks to Pinhead for the image.)

Today was once the start of the New Year in many Western countries. A previous blog post has all the information on this curious fact. Since Lawndale might possibly be in Maryland, we also celebrate today as Maryland Day.

Finally, believe it or not, today is the 15th anniversary of the creation of the Wiki (as in DariaWiki), and we should tip our caps to the inventor.

N0OZ!

• A new Iron Chef is up: It's Not Raining Men. Lawndale High graduate girls go to college and find out that the male-female ratio is not skewed in their favor.
• Got LLH? Authors of Legion of Lawndale Heroes tales are urged to read this message about sending your stories to Outpost Daria!
• Ranger Thorne has an idea he would like for you to steal...
  

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• Damn, by GlitterShrooms (COMPLETE!): Things got more difficult as Tiffany ran for her life in the Overlook Hotel. After seeing creepy twins that looked like O'Neil and DeMartino, an elevator full of blood, and a naked Ms. Barch zombie, Tiffany thought there was something possibly odd going on. Still, none of that mattered now that Stacy had gone ax-crazy.
• The Dream of the White Darkness, by jtranser (continued): As she sat on a bus stop bench, shoulders slumped in final despair, a soft raspy voice whispered a suggestion and an address. Looking up, she saw no one, but to her surprise, she felt an irregular object digging into the palm of her hand. Opening her fist, it revealed itself to be a silver denarius of the emperor Caligula resting in her palm. Again the whisperer spoke its previous words and told her to seek "The Barber." She decided she had no other alternative, and so Daria to the dark alley came.
• Finn Morgendorffer 38: Fractures, by HolyGrail12007 (COMPLETE!): “Ummm... Daria, why do Mom and Aunt Rita and Aunt Amy fight like that?” “Fight like what?” “I mean, over me.” “Well, they do it because they disagree on everything. It’s just the way they are wired. They must disagree.” “That’s... stupid.” “Is it? That’s what we’ve been doing.”
• Interdimensional Dust Up on Twelfth of May, by thatLONERchick (COMPLETE!): Daria Morgendorffer and Jane Lane turned the corner into the alley behind the Good Time Chinese restaurant, carrying a large gummy bear bag apiece. Jane's was obviously empty, and she approached the dumpster against the back wall with the intent of discarding the package. Just a step away, the receptacle rolled aside...
• Lawndale's Finest—Action Stories #4: Power Struggle, by Jim North (continued): She heard more shouting from behind her, which put her teeth on edge. She turned again, this time to ask for some quiet so she could concentrate, when she noticed the reason for all the yelling. Val had arrived, slipped over the fence, and was running straight toward Jane with a determined look on her face. All Jane could do at first was goggle uselessly at the approaching blonde, but she recovered and tried to wave her off. "Val, get back! Now!" "Not until I get answers, SupergiiiiiiiiiRRAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!"
• NEWER! The Lions' Roar, by thatLONERchick (COMPLETE!): Just after lunch, an explosion rocked the school. Many of the students cried out in shock and fear while Ms. Li, principal of Lawndale High, smiled over her laced fingers, eyes like diamond chips in a show storm. "I knew this day would come."
  
• NEW! Unnamed story (Scenes no Daria fanfic should have: Ouch Time), by Ranger Thorne (COMPLETE!): [A scene from "Dye! Dye! My Darling" set to Gordon Lightfoot's "If You Could Read My Mind." And it works!]
  

Mightier Than the Sword

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

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

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

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

Near Miss Day? What's That?

"Monster" aired 12 years ago in season two of Daria. Daria got a little soft-hearted, didn't she? She was still a winner in the long run, but one does wonder what would have happened if the original version of the video had come out. A permanent rift between sisters? Punishment for Daria from Mater Helen? The video making it to the Sundance Festival and winning a Jury Prize? What might have been, indeed!

Today is also Near Miss Day. Say what? you ask. Near Miss Day is pretty straightforward, unlike a lot of weird holidays. It's a reminder, not so much a celebration, of the fact that we barely missed getting knocked back into the Stone Age when a small asteroid sailed past us in 1989. It came as close as twice the distance of the Moon from us. Now, lest that sound comfortably far, asteroids have come a lot closer. In fact, one whizzed by only a year ago at only one-sixth the distance from here to the Moon. How long is our magic rabbit's foot gonna hold up? We'll find out one day. (LATE NOTE: This has to do with Daria because of all the jokes about writing a Daria story when Earth gets hit by an asteroid. No one seems to have ever written such a story, but everyone thinks about it anyway.)

Oddly enough, this was also the day nine years ago when the legendary space station Mir reentered the atmosphere. Alas and alack-a-day. It was a grand place for so long.

Horrors! Minx has outdone herself again with a crossover between two leches we know and kind of love. Meet Quagheimer ("Giggiddy Giggidy!") Also check out her Class of 2001! Yowza!

Daria World on Facebook is just short of 300,000 fans!

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• Apocalyptic Daria: Scarlett’s Tale, by Doggieboy (Part 18): At first, she was shocked still. Scarlett was in a thatched hut—one where it was unbelievably warm, like a still summer day where the heat had nowhere to go and sweat simply oozed from one’s pores. “You are not Richie.” She turned and saw a man with curly blonde hair, lean and shirtless, but still clad in olive green pants and black combat boots. A pair of dog tags hung loosely around his neck and reflected the sparse candle light. “What?” she asked, her voice confused. “Who’s Richie?”
• NEW! collar, by Jim North (continued): "Seriously, you guys, you don't have to do this," Quinn said, her words accentuated by a tremor of suppressed giggles. "I'm fine, seriously!" "Do you think she is being serious right now, Stacy?" Sandi asked with a smirk.
  
• Cynic and Violence, by Peapotmaster (Part 1): SCOOTER: What are we going to do, boss? / KERMIT: Time for guest star B. / SCOOTER: Who could that be? / (We now see Daria Morgendorffer and Jane Lane enter.)
• NEW! Falling into College 72: Valley of Love and Delight, by RLobinske (Part 16): "You look good." "And that dress makes you look radiant." "I told Isabelle that radioisotopes were over the top."
  
• Finn Morgendorffer 38: Fractures, by HolyGrail2007 (Part 3): “You what!” Rita shouted into the phone. “Erin, you signed a pre-nup? Without telling me? When you’re the one with money, you never sign one of those. It’s a death warrant!”
  
• The Hallowed Halls of Fielding, by Roentgen (Part 18): "Sara, this is my friend, Quinn Morgendorffer. We need you to cast a spell for us." "Wait a second. A spell?" Quinn asked. "You mean were going to use magic? Like those gyps with the 1-800 numbers?" Sara looked perturbed. "Oh, you unbelievers. You know not what forces you mock. I'm almost tempted not to help you. Not only am I a true-born Wiccan, but I'm also a Hufflepuff."
• John Lane 45: Haunted by the Past, by RLobinske (Part 3): "Trust me," said Quinn. "When it comes to writing stuff, Daria's ego is as big as… well, it's big. Really big."
• Lawndale's Finest—Action Stories 4: Power Struggle, by Jim North (Part 1): "With all the work that Supergirl has done around Lawndale and Gotham City, she shouldn't have to put up with people trying to tear her down like that." Jodie scowled deeply. "Willis doesn't even live here, anyway. She's from Metropolis. What does she know about what Supergirl is really like anyway? Nothing, that's what," she answered her own question. "That's why the Daily Planet or any other respectable paper won't touch her. That's why you can only find her mean-spirited editorials running in second-rate magazines and trashy tabloids." "Gosh, Jodie," Jane said as she turned a page, "I'm starting to get the feeling you don't like our good pal Val." [NEW! Part 2 here: Lawndale's Finest: Action Stories #4 - Power Struggle, by Jim North (continued): "Supergirl!" Val greeted her brightly as she approached, looking and sounding as if she were meeting an old friend for the first time in years. "What a pleasure to finally meet you! Now, you probably didn't know I was coming since I wanted it to be a super surprise, but I'm Val! As in Val Takes On...!"]
  
• Shining Star: Temporal Conundrum, by RLobinske (Part 3): Standing on a hill overlooking a town, Archangel said, "No giant strawberry, but otherwise it pretty much looks the same as any other universe. Gotta love nexus stability." Also looking at the town, Richard said, "Except that all the signs are in what we call Old English." "Details, details."

The very first Spotlight

In a time when our little fandom is poised to grow by leaps and bounds as people are drawn in by the release of the series on DVD, it behooves the more experienced among us to guide these neophytes to treasures of old, whether they be stories, authors, artworks, artists, or memes. For the first such Spotlight it is only fitting to highlight one whose work fits, nay, surpasses each of these categories.

The first of Darea-lover’s works, found here, started a meme which can still be heard today. That first work was later illustrated, proving that Darea-lover’s talents were far more than merely literary.

However it was her written works that carried the greatest impact. In a review of her second work, esteemed author TAG wrote: “[It] is a fantastic tour de force, an exploration of the borderlands between the real and the imaginary as intense and vivid as anything that Jorge Luis Borges or J. R. R. Tolkien ever produced.…Exotic imagery fills the senses, the mind drifts from marvel to marvel in the sure and capable company of the author.” Fitting praise indeed.

Sadly, though, rather than become a sun in the Daria-fandom heavens, burning steadily and bathing us all in the glow of her genius, Darea-lover was a shooting star, burning brightly, but all too briefly. Her third and final work leaving the reader saddened at the thought of what might have been.

There you have it, the first of what I hope will be many such Spotlights, and I hereby challenge my fellow bloggers to Spotlight their own favorite artists, authors and works. The newbies aren't gonna get scarred, er informed, on their own, now are they?

Water, Water, Everywhere, But I Goof Off and I Don't Care

Once again it is the World Day for Water, a.k.a. World Water Day, and we have young Daria and Beavis at the Highland High pool to show how World Water Day is done (wetly). The scene is from the Beavis and Butt-head episode "Water Safety."

It is also International Goof Off Day, however you wish to celebrate that. Daria likes to look at the world upside down, but your mileage may vary.

PPMB

• That's Daria! by TAG (COMPLETE!): “Patty Duke” meets “Ugly Betty” meets “Hannah Montana,” without “Daria.” That’s right: NO DARIA.

A Good Day with an Awkward Name

Another day with a lot going on. Let's see, it is the UN-mandated International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (a worthy goal but such a horrible title), and also Humans Rights Day in South Africa and Harmony Day in Australia. The latter two get special awards for being succinct and on target. We should talk to the UN about the too-long-a-name issue. They have a lot of awkwardly named holidays and really need to work on that.

It is the 58th anniversary of the Moondog Coronation Ball, which was the very first rock & roll concert ever. (The guys of Mystik Spiral fill in as mascots here.) The MCB was held in Cleveland and was kind of a successful failure, as you will see when you read the link.

Finally, with the able assistance of Andrea (below), we celebrate World Poetry Day. Write a Daria poem and post it on PPMB or FF.net today. Stretch your boundaries. Blow some minds. Make some rhymes. There you go!

NEWZ!!

• Work continues on the magnificent Best of Daria Fan Fiction on FF.net! Go go go!
• NEW! Gene wishes to know what great description (best descriptive phrase) you have read lately that impressed you.
  

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• Finn Morgendorffer 38: Fractures, by HolyGrail2007 (Part 2): “Aunt Rita?” Finn’s voice called from the couch. “What are...” Helen started, but Rita interrupted. “Oh, Helen, it’s awful. Ralph left me!” Rita exclaimed. “He... what? Oh, that bastard!” Finn shouted.

• From the Fractured Life of Stacy Rowe, by Respite (COMPLETE!): But then, just like every other bastard, he doesn't call, and it's five o'clock somewhere, and I'm halfway through my soaps and a bottle of Smirnoff when his bitch comes pounding on my door yelling my name like I'm going to come out if she keeps yelling. And so I had to do something, or my neighbors were going to hate me even more than they probably did already.
• NEW! Gimme the Prize, by RLobinske (COMPLETE!): Anthony DeMartino warily entered the alley behind the Good Time Chinese restaurant. He could feel the other immortal waiting. The electric feeling was unmistakable and the accumulated power, intoxicating. There can be only one...
  
• Mata Dari, by Dennis (COMPLETE!): It was the irony of the thing that Daria hated the most. The most accomplished wordsmith Lawndale High had seen in at least a decade was, less than a year short of her thirtieth birthday, working as an accountant.
• Morning Next, by Jim North (COMPLETE!): "Okay, so, everything makes sense then," Jane said with a nod. Daria glared at her. "No, everything does not make sense!" she said. "Where did we get the sushi? And the gum? And this hotel room? And the penguin?!" (FF.net)
  
• Project Runaway, by Disco316 (COMPLETE!): Stacy Rowe had run away from her home over the weekend for reasons nobody could determine. Her parents said they couldn’t find any sign of why she had left, and nobody had seen her since Saturday night. At school, Quinn had suggested to her other friends, Sandi Griffin and Tiffany Blum-Deckler, that they should go out searching for her after school. Sandi’s response was to suggest that the Fashion Club should not lower itself to searching in unfashionable areas. The ensuing argument left both Sandi and Quinn upset, and left Tiffany primping at a mirror; at least, that’s the last either had seen of her before leaving.
• Unnamed story (March Madness Round 1, Match 1: Minx vs Jim North), by Minx (COMPLETE!): “I did it. I told you. Eleven a.m. on move-in day. Those crayons were useful.” Jane said. Daria could hear the smile in her voice. Daria’s brow furrowed, ‘Eleven a.m. on move in day? What the hell was she on about…?’ As Daria thought, a snippet of a long forgotten conversation slipped into her mind. “Wait a minute, you’re not referring to… I mean you didn’t… Crayons?” Daria said in disbelief.
• A Very Special Daria, by OverlordMikey (COMPLETE!): Jane’s eyes began to twitch. Something was way off. A dream? No, that can’t be right. Brain-washing? Then how could Brittany have been affected? The Twilight Zone? No, there’s color. I must have died! Was I really bad enough to be sent to hell though? Hmmmmm—don’t answer that.
  

Spring Has Sprung! Fall Has Fell!

Lots of interesting tidbits for this day, so get ready. "The Story of D" premiered nine years ago today, midway through the fifth season of Daria. The episode's title was based upon the title of a famous pornographic novel, The Story of O, about which no more will be said here. Look it up on your own. "The Story of D" was embarrassing enough for Daria, who is at a low point when she goes over to Tom's house to blame him for her story being turned down by a magazine. The shame of it. The image at left is Daria's face when she realizes that she has been... (duh DUNNN)...

REJECTED!!!

Today is also the spring equinox, at 1:32 PM EST (adjust for your time zone). You may dance around the Maypole and throw flowers or whatever. It's *Spring*! (This holiday is applicable to the Northern Hemisphere only; it's the autumnal equinox below the equator, where everything is backwards.)

Because this is springtime, this day is also the Persian/Iranian new year's day, celebrated as such for the last 3,000 years; Ostara, a pagan holiday (Mabon in the Southern Hemisphere); Equinox Earth Day (some say it is the real Earth Day); a holiday I cannot pronounce in Japan, there for admiring nature; Chunfen in China; International Astrology Day; the International Day of the Francophonie (party hard if you speak French like Daria and Jodie); St. Cuthbert's Day (for Dungeons & Dragons game enthusiasts); Sham el-Nessim in Egypt; and (most importantly for this fandom) World Storytelling Day. The storytelling theme for this year is "light and shadow."

Oh, and it is also Extraterrestrial Abductions Day. Srsly. Poor Artie. Tiffany is the E.T. poster girl at right.

The downside is, a tragic event occurred six years ago today in one of the many Dariaverses out there. A sad and magnificent story.

Do you know of any other crossover appearances of characters from Daria besides those given here? If so, drop a note and the item will be added to DariaWiki.

ART!!!

• The Artist and The Burnout, a marvelous image of which Jim North says, "Nobody saw this coming." I sure didn't.
• The Hallowed Halls of Fielding, by Quiverwing. Miracles never cease!!!
• NEW! Quinn and Stacy from the Daria: Hunter series, by Jim North. Teh awesomeness!!!
• EVEN NEWER! Tom and a very pissed-off Andrea from Daria: Hunter! PAR-TAY!!!
  

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• Finn Morgendorffer 38: Fractures, by HolyGrail2007 (Part 1): “I understand if you’re weirded out. I mean, dating your buddy's ex doesn't jive with the dude code.” “The code is malleable. Us guys are nothing if not understanding of our buddies. You two are both my friends, and I care that your happy. If you’re happy and she’s happy, that’s all I’m concerned about.”
• Getting a Bye, by Disco316 (COMPLETE): Daria sat in her room, pondering how best to phrase her question for the first, and quite possibly last, test she’d ever have to give. As she finalized her test, a knock was heard at her door. She saved her work and called, “Chaos reigns within.” The door opened, revealing Sandi. She was wearing a very low-cut burgundy top with a black micro miniskirt. “Hello, Daria.” Daria looked around, unsure what to think of the scantily-clad Fashion Club president before her. “Um, I think you have the wrong room, Sandi.” “Oh, Daria, Quinn and your parents left for a movie,” said Sandi. “They won’t be back for a couple hours. This is between you and me.”
• Stacy Rowe, Seeker, by jtranser (continued): "As far as ThirdSight is concerned, you're just another predator trying to get in the game. And the only thing they haven't yet decided is what sort of cage to put you in."
• Uplinked, by Silver (COMPLETE!): Hiro: Cynic, this is insane. / RacheIsGod: All the more reason to go for it. / CynicalData: Shut up, please. I'm working. (Daria/Cyberpunk 2020 RPG)
  

Hail, Goddess Daria!

Sorry for missing a day, took one off for vacation. Wasn't anything going on Thursday anyway.

Today, however, is Quinquatria, the old Roman holiday for (not Quinn!) Minerva, the goddess formerly known as Athena, who bears an amazing resemblance to Daria (or maybe Amy). Thanks to Pinhead for the image. Party on! (More information on Daria as a religious figure can be found here.)

Alert fan CR85747 reports that Mystery Science Theatre 3000 once had a reference to Daria, in 1999. Check the link for more.

And now for some fanfic.

FF.net

• NEW! A Few Years Difference, by Vlora (Part 4): "Why are you talking to yourself?" "I was talking to my imaginary friend." "I don't see anyone." "What do you want, Quinn?" (FF.net)
  
• My Nights at Daria's Anthology: Mack, by the writer formerlyknown as lm (COMPLETE!): I am, for all intents and purposes, the ideal student. I am, for all intents and purposes, the ideal boyfriend.
• My Nights at Daria's Anthology: Quinn, by the writer formerlyknown as lm (COMPLETE!): "Let me give you a makeover." "What? Why the hell would I do that?" "Because you know you want it." "Yes, Quinn, what I want more than anything in the world is to have you make me over." "So we're on the same page." "Quinn, I don't even think we're reading the same book."
• My Nights at Daria's Anthology: Tom, by the writer formerlyknown as lm (COMPLETE!): "Daria," I ask her, "are you sure you don't want to go to Jane's?" She shifts uncomfortably and I know that she wants to, but I am a selfish bastard, so my heart leaps when she says she'd rather be with me.
  

PPMB

• NEW! Falling Into College 72: Valley of Love and Delight, by RLobinske (Part 15): "What's going on?" "Mrs. Morgendorffer is going all Capt. Hornblower and ordering everyone around like she was on a ship in the middle of a storm." "From her viewpoint, she is."
  
• Finn Morgendorffer 37: Mature Relationships, by HolyGrail2007 (COMPLETE!): “Finn, why don’t you love me?” Helen asked. Finn’s fork clattered out of his hands. “Pardon me?” he said. [Last part here: “I never thought you liked cars,” said Finn. “I don’t,” Stacy answered. “But I do love speed.”]
• The Hallowed Halls of Fielding, by Roentgen (Part 17): [New thread!] As Daria and Elsie escaped the range of the man's voice, Daria asked, "Who the hell was that?" "That was Mr. Butler," Elsie said. "Who is he? Prof? Residence? Dean of Students?" "He's the chaplain."
  
• The Handoff, by Disco316 (COMPLETE!): “For the last time, no!” Michael “Mack” Mackenzie shouted. “I don’t care what your cheerleader friends told you, but I won’t go out with you!” Brittany Taylor, sitting on the bleachers, looked to be on the verge of tears. “But you have to go out with me! You’re the captain of the football team! I’m the head cheerleader! We have to go out!”
• NEW! The Principals, by Ajar (COMPLETE!): “Ms. Li, I need to speak with you for a moment.” “I trust all of the accounting is in order,” said Mrs. Li, following under her breath. “It better be, for Mrs. Bennett's sake.” [Can you guess the crossover?]
• NEW! Tracksuits, by Malakite (Part 5): Sandi fidgeted slightly as she stared once again at the SecTen Entertainment Terrarium guide. It no longer had the handy color coding that had once been the Mall of the Millennium's proud hallmark. Instead, everything was marked out as though with street signs, like in those old tacky indoor flea markets.