Find a Monster in the Back of Your Fridge? Time to Clean it Out!

Jake's celebrating Look in the Back of Your Refrigerator Day with gusto, although he may just be on the hunt for some cheese. Hard to tell with that man.

This is also Frankenstein Friday, so this would be a good night to curl up with Mary Shelley's most famous work. We know from "Write Where It Hurts" that Daria's already read it, so now it's your turn if you haven't done so before!

Fandom News!

• Join the discussion about sex work vs. sex trafficking.


• angieo invites you to caption this scene.


• dmsfanman found another sighting of Daria on the web.


• Indigo posted a fanfic plot bunny: Repeat Offender.

I Don't Recommend Chocolate Plush Animals, Though

Mrs. Bennett's awfully excited about Plush Animal Lover's Day, and Upchuck seems to be as well for some odd reason. I'm not going to ask questions.

This is also National Chocolate Day, one of my personal favorite holidays. You can pry some chocolate away from Mrs. Johanssen, or just talk to Jane if you want to get your hands on some (evil laugh) unauthorized chocolate.

Fanfic Update!

• Black Cloaks of Lawndale, by Waylander (part 24): "A shiny red Mustang convertible was running through the streets of Highland. Several onlookers noticed something that left them speechless – there was no driver in the car."


• Black Widow (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by Anguirus1955 (COMPLETE!): "'I'm bored,' Quinn Morgendorffer said as she lied down on the couch in Amy Barksdale's living room. 'Oh? I thought your name was Quinn,' her cousin Erin joked."


• Broken (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by Zetor (COMPLETE!): "Daria stretched her fingers as she climbed into the passenger seat of her father's Lexus. She'd been driving for two hours straight and her hands were cramping up like they always did when she had to drive."


• Clothes Make the Crush, by EntrancedCat (COMPLETE!): "'Miss, miss.' The clerk didn't approach as quickly as a Cashman's employee might come running to wait on the Fashion Club president but she got up from her position behind the counter and gave me my needed attention."


• The Duckling (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by 11tee (COMPLETE!): "Jane Lane waved to her brother as she started running. Trent was kicking a soccer ball with his friend Jesse, and though she wanted to linger and watch her brother's best friend, she also wanted to get out and breathe and stretch her legs."


• Escape (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by Zetor (COMPLETE!): "Daria watched helplessly as her father ran down a marked off trail, ducking under a warning sign and disappearing around a bend. Her day just kept getting better."


• GOING, GOING, GONE! (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by ognawk (COMPLETE!): "Claire Defoe opened the door of her small apartment, a dripping umbrella in one hand and a stack of mail in the other. It had been an unseasonably rainy day in Lawndale, but she was thankful that she always came prepared for such things."


• The Great Crusade of Quinn the Red (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by Zetor (COMPLETE!): "The summer sun shone down on Lawndale's beach, warming the sands and water to just the right temperature for all students of Lawndale high, now free from their studies for the summer."


• Growing Pains (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by Princess_Pasta (COMPLETE!): "Rain cascaded against the windows of an inconspicuous looking black Honda, parked neatly between a large pick-up truck and a tan SUV. It was dark, the only light coming from the flickering glow of a yellowing streetlight outside."


• Inner Worth (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by Princess_Pasta (COMPLETE!): "Awkward silence permeated the Morgendorffer living room while the only two occupants of the house tried their best to coexist without actually interacting with one another."


• Jesse (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by 11tee (COMPLETE!): "Daria sat on Jane's bed with a book sitting in her lap. Jane was sitting on a stool in front of her easel; a fistful of colored pencils in her left hand. It was a scene much like innumerable times in the past, but this night was different."


• Lawndale 2021, by Anguirus1955 (part 16): "In the darkened halls of a secure facility, several figures, all high-ranking men of various nations and governments, sat around in a large room. These men were collectively known as The Tribunal."


• Life And Love Of The Future Lane (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by Anguirus1955 (COMPLETE!): "Jane looked over at Quinn after she came home. Both women were sharing an apartment in Lawndale, a place that neither had expected to return to after college."


• Odd-Job Anthony (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by Anguirus1955 (COMPLETE!): "Anthony DeMartino put his hand out to stop the youthful-looking man in front of him. 'ID,' he requested."


• Perhaps (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by 11tee (COMPLETE!): "Daria Morgendorffer sat across from her one-time teacher. Tony DeMartino was a fascinating man."


• Possibilities, by Sureia (part 27): "For Matt, Monday was a slightly less pleasant affair than it usually was. He'd risen early to get a run in and his muscles were already taking him to task over it, but it was preferable to dwelling on the events of the weekend."


• Rebirth (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by Princess_Pasta (COMPLETE!): "'Daria! You've been in there for thirty minutes already! SOME more popular members of the house would like to brush their teeth before they turn fifty!'"


• The Smart And The Ass (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by Anguirus1955 (COMPLETE!): "'So,' Michael Jordan 'Mack' Mackenzie said as he looked at Kevin, 'How does it feel to actually earn your title, Mr. QB?' Mack asked Kevin Thompson."


• Strangers; Lovers, by 11tee (parts 1 and 2): "'Elsie... Come here. We need to talk about your... Situation.'" (Part 2)


• Thirty Years, by 11tee (COMPLETE!): "Claire Defoe and several of the other teachers looked at the slim girl as she made her way to the casket. She stepped forward and dropped a white carnation, then stepped back, tears in her eyes."


• Unnamed story (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by 11tee (COMPLETE!): "Jane walked down the hallway toward the Women's locker room, backpack in hand. It was a misty day; cool and dreary. Perfect for running."


• Unnamed story (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by 11tee (COMPLETE!): "Amy sat on the bench and enjoyed the morning sun. It was still cool enough to sit in direct sunlight without feeling like she was baking."


• Unnamed story (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by 11tee (COMPLETE!): "Daria sipped at her drink; it was an odd cocktail of Jagermeister, prune juice, and RedBull. Despite the potential ramifications of mixing such as odd concoction, she found it was an eclectic mix she enjoyed."

Wanna Shoot a Pumpkin to Celebrate?

I hope you're ready for National Pumpkin Day, although what you're supposed to do with the pumpkin once you've got it is up to you. Carve it, turn it into a pie, throw it at Upchuck, whatever you want. Enjoy!

This is also the anniversary of the famous Gunfight at the OK Corral in 1881, not to be confused with the Gunfight at the OK-to-Cry Corral, when the campers just got completely fed up with Mr. O'Neill.

Fandom News!

• Share your favorite music scores from otherwise bad movies.


• Check out this sweet Calvin & Hobbes video in the thread.

Looks Like She's Even Got the Utility Belt!

Jane's off to save the day in honor of the late Bob Kane, who was born on this day in 1915. Kane created the Batman character, and while Jane's costume doesn't really match that of any of the Bat-related heroes, it's close enough for me. Whether Jane plans to stop supervillains or just sleep upside-down and spread rabies is up to her.

Fanfic Update!

• Aftermath (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by Princess_Pasta (COMPLETE!): "The words on the page blurred in and out of focus as Jane fought back against the tears that threatened to overwhelm her. It was so personal that she felt disgusted for reading it but something compelled her to push forward."


• All My Memories of Now (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by Anguirus1955 (COMPLETE!): "Helen walked away from the parking area and over to the front entrance of the Zon, noticing the state of decay in the building's outer layers. This place should be condemned, she thought as she walked inside."


• As One (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by Princess_Pasta (COMPLETE!): "'So, how does it feel to be a member of the graduating class of 1986?' 'It would feel a hell of a lot better if I wasn't out here getting eaten alive by damn mosquitoes. I really hate fish.'"


• Before The Storm (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by Princess_Pasta (COMPLETE!): "A wide expanse of water stretched out before her, the quiet calm of the early morning making her pause a moment just to enjoy it. It wasn't often that Quinn got to relax and even less so that she got to go camping."


• Busted! (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by 11tee (COMPLETE!): "Daria walked home from Jane's house, contemplating what her friend was experiencing. Jane was dating a boy from another school for over a month, and while Daria was a little jealous at first, she was thrilled to see her friend actually connect with somebody- at least until last night."


• Dammit Daria, by SexshiTiTePaNtZ (part 4): "Jane followed Daria out to the garage and watched as Daria swept her bushy bangs out from in front of her glasses. 'Do you need a hat to hold your hair back?' Jane asked as Daria opened the door for her."


• Daria The Mighty, by Anguirus1955 (part 8): "As soon as Daria entered her room, she plopped down on her bed and fell asleep. Quinn turned off the light in her sister's room and closed the door before making her way back to her own room."


• The First Time (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by Anguirus1955 (COMPLETE!): "Jodie Landon looked across the table at her younger sister, Rachel. She had grown a lot over the years."


• How I Met Andrea (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by Zetor (COMPLETE!): "Trent paused the TV and looked over his family. Next to him on the couch sat his wife. Andrea wore her dark hair longer these days, but her various piercings were still visible; she loved the way they freaked out the other parents in the PTA."


• The Hunt for Scarlett the Fairy, by Aloysius (COMPLETE!): "Have you ever wondered how you hunt a wild fairy? No?"


• Lawndale 2021, by Anguirus1955 (part 15): "We cut to the interior of Sealab as several crew members sit around a large table with envelopes, tablets, and papers. There are some computers in the room, with Upchuck stationed at one of them. He looks over at the camera before returning to his duties."


• Rollin', by 11tee (part 2): "Jodie Landon pushed her chair frantically across the court amidst the yells and whoops of both her own team-mates and her opponents. She hurled the ball to her own team-member, then was hit- hard."


• Smorgasbord Shuffle (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by Anguirus1955 (COMPLETE!): "Steve Taylor looked at the unusual concoction on his plate. He had no idea what it was, and it smelled... potentially life-threatening."


• Was it a Dream?, by 11tee (COMPLETE!): "Jodie woke up with a start; her heart was pounding, and her sheets were soaked with sweat once again. The recurring nightmares were so vivid she swore she her body felt shattered as the last fleeting images of the wing-suit trip vanished."


• Unnamed story (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by 11tee (COMPLETE!): "Stacy strapped on her skates and looked out at the other early-birds to the practice. Brittany and Tiffany were present, but so far, none of the other team members were there."


• Unnamed story (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by 11tee (COMPLETE!): "'J... Janet... Can we talk about this? Please?' 'Quiet, Skinny. It isn't your choice. Not anymore.'"


• Unnamed story (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by 11tee (COMPLETE!): "Trent looked at his little sister as she tried sitting up off her bed. He found her just minutes before on the floor with an empty soda bottle spilled across her desk. She was sweating, and her skin was very pale."


• Unnamed story (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by 11tee (COMPLETE!): "Quinn Morgendorffer looked across the blanket at the love of her life. The picnic was something they kept talking about but never had time for- not given their incredibly busy schedules."


• Unnamed story (A different Type of Writing Challenge), by 11tee (COMPLETE!): "Tiffany Blum-Deckler sat in front of her computer; it was late on a Friday afternoon, and she was bored. Lawndale State was a mediocre university in most subjects, but in several areas it shined."

Turn On, Tune In, Eat Some Nuts!

Happy National Nut Day! You can celebrate by eating some of your favorite legumes, like Jake here, or rub some pistachio dye on Quinn's neck and watch the fun! If you don't have any nuts, just drop by It's a Nutty, Nutty, Nutty World and Daria will be happy (or not) to help you.

If that's not interesting enough for you, you could also celebrate the anniversary of Coyote and Willow's dog's namesake Timothy Leary's birth on this day in 1920. Celebrate by...doing something totally legal, right?

Fandom News!

• Talk about a cancelled wedding that turned into a dinner for the homeless.


• Discuss the recent election in Canada and share your thoughts on the results.


• What is the hardest thing you ever did? Tell your stories in the thread.


• Participate in a different type of writing challenge.


• Can you help ST91 with his problem with Deviantart?

That's Not How You Cosplay Twilight, Sandi!

Happy birthday to the late Bela Lugosi, who was born on this day in 1882. Lugosi was known for (among other things) portraying Count Dracula and other horror movie characters. Technically Sandi is channeling Gary Oldman more than Bela Lugosi here, but I figure it's close enough.

Fanfic Update!

• Daria The Mighty, by Anguirus1955 (part 7): "The ambulance ride to Cedars of Lawndale was nerve-racking for Daria as she held Jane's hand tightly. She silently begged her friend to hold on. 'Please, Jane,' Daria said with a cracked voice, 'Don't die on me. I need you.'"


• Daybreak, by metameric1 (COMPLETE!): "'You know, that writer friend of yours is kinda cute.' In the dark, Trent rolled his eyes and gave the production assistant a dirty look."


• Fixer, by PrecambrianStudios (COMPLETE!): "Jeremy Lazenby had never before pondered possibly quitting his job as a fixer. Today though, I could tell that he was seriously considering becoming an honest citizen."


• Lawndale Z, by Kuriamo22 (part 4): "Jake stood in the center of his dojo practicing his Kata, slightly scowling as he did, and not at his unseen opponent either."

In Case You've Been Looking for an Excuse to Shave

Jake seems to have forgotten that it's No Beard Day, because he picked the wrong time to start regrowing his whiskers. Oh, well, I'm sure he'll fix that soon enough, once the novelty of fresh stubble wears off. I suppose Trent could shave off his goatee, but it's so small I'm not sure anyone would notice the difference.

Any other major characters on the show have facial hair? Either I'm drawing a blank or Daria was full of clean-shaven guys.

Fandom News!

• Tell your lame jokes and puns in the new thread.


• Are you planning to watch Heavy Metal when it airs on TCM?

Out of Rehab and Ready to Celebrate!

Eric's freaking out because it's Boss's Day, and he forgot to call Helen and remind her to send him a card. I think it's unlikely that Marianne will be honoring Helen with any great enthusiasm, either, so I guess it all evens out.

Today is also World Food Day, so let's all take the opportunity to sample some exotic Daria-inspired cuisine, like frozen lasagna--no, but how about Jake's Kitchen Sink--hmm, maybe not--but perhaps some extra-greasy pizza...?

Okay, forget World Food Day. Just try not to get indigestion, okay?

Fanfic Update!

• Daria The Mighty, by Anguirus1955 (parts 5 and 6): "Christella Revy swam gracefully through the water of the pool, allowing herself a rare moment of relaxation as she closed her eyes moved with the flow of the substance around her." (Part 6)


• Rollin', by 11tee (part 1): "The girl wheeled herself down the school hallway amidst sideways glances and stares. She felt every eye was one her. The rich girl. The overachiever. The black girl. The cripple."

Hair is for the Law-Abiding!

Max, the only major character I can recall offhand that has no hair, is ready to observe Be Bald and Free Day! Celebrate like a true criminale, Max.

Of course, just because a character on the show appears to have hair doesn't mean they aren't secretly bald. Any theories on what characters on the show might be wearing a toupee?

Fandom News!

• Share your scary stuff in the CreepyPasta 2015 thread!


• Discuss the bizarre case of the woman who sued her nephew for hugging her.


• Add your opinion to the Columbus Day vs. Indigneous People's Day controversy.


• Wouter is looking for advice on a project he's working on.

Tell Us About Your Frustration in Spanish, If It Helps!

It's Moment of Frustration Day, and Mr. DeMartino is happy to share just one of many of his moments with everyone. Too many more moments like that, and his eye isn't going to survive the experience.

This is also Spanish Language Day, so Penny Lane can express herself in Spanish--or a near approximation of it--to her heart's content.

Fanfic Update!

• Daria The Mighty, by Anguirus1955 (parts 2 - 4): "After Daria and Jane returned to Casa Lane, as Jane's home was often called, the two retired to Jane's room to try and put things into perspective. 'Okay...I'm sharing a body with an alien from outer space,' Daria said after letting a breath go." (Part 3) (Part 4)


• Dreams Rewoven, by RLobinske (part 4): "Michael sat down beside her and slid the chair over. 'I know it's not what you had planned, but this might be a good time to consider jobs outside of academia. Trust me, it doesn't suck out here.'"


• It Begins (Ideas!), by Princess_Pasta (COMPLETE!): "A darkness has descended over this miserable town. An inky blackness that only I can see. It ebbs and flows, leaking over cracks in the pavement and seeping in through open windows."


• The other black chick, by 11tee (part 2): "Mack walked outside the Zon, Rachel at his side. He was keenly aware of how she looked."

Fortunately, He's Not Wearing the Metal Dentures

Mr. DeMartino is celebrating World Mental Health Day, mostly by letting go of the last shred of his sanity. It's a little scary how many images of DeMartino I had to choose from for this one, by the way. It's almost like the man isn't quite right in the head or something.

Fandom News!

• Did you survive the end of the world?


• Read and discuss an article about toxic masculinity in the U.S.


• Talk about the new TV show, Be Cool, Scooby-Doo!.

At Least He Still Doesn't Need a Shirt!

Jesse's doing his best Crocodile Dundee impression for actor Paul Hogan, who was born on this day in 1939. I'm not sure if Jesse would be any good at subduing crocodiles, but he can't be much worse at it than he is with music.

Fanfic Update!

• Daria The Mighty, by Anguirus1955 (part 1): "As Daria turned a corner on a sidewalk, she heard a loud noise. She turned her head to see a large greenish light bloom from the vicinity of the next street over, just before the sound and light of an explosion drew the attention of everyone around her."


• Lawndale 2021, by Anguirus1955 (COMPLETE!): "'Long ago, on a frosty winter's night, a wagon appeared at the gates of Fort Klugman, carrying pioneers to the frontier. A young woman in the party, called Delia, was heavy with child. And though she had journeyed with the virile young men for nigh on one year, none had lain with her, though she was comely.'"


• Sisters and Friends, by metameric1 (part 27): "'I did a simple cosmetic refresh of the basic tool.' Quinn stood her ground. 'I couldn't fault the traditional form, in terms of balance, usability and function.'"


• You'll Know When You Have Kids of Your Own, by metameric1 (part 8): "'Hey, Sam.' 'Daria!' the recording engineer grins, squinting at the video screen at the security desk. 'You're looking good! I thought you were Ani for a second, but Trent told me she never has her hair a normal color these days. Where's the old man?'"

Why is a QB Like a Writing Desk?

Kevin's ready for Mad Hatter Day, and there are times when I think he's crazy enough to pull it off. I'm pretty sure the Mad Hatter had at least some intelligence, though, so maybe not.

This is also German-American Day, and that includes the Morgendorffers (okay, except Helen). It may also include Upchuck, and I'm sure Daria and Quinn are just thrilled to have something in common with him.

Fandom News!

• Weigh in on the suggestion for a PPMB Like Button.


• Share your favorite spooky songs in the thread.


• Who would you give various cartoon awards to?


• Talk about the new season of DC Comics TV shows.


• Ranma is looking for advice on fan artwork.

Fore!

Jesse's teeing off in honor of National Golf Lovers Day, which is much better than getting tee'd off. Then there's Jake, who probably has both covered. Damn ball in the damn sand trap it's all the lousy old man's fault, gah dammit!

Fanfic Update!

• Lawndale 2021, by Anguirus1955 (parts 13a - 13c): "Daria Morgendorffer opened her eyes groggily as she climbed out of bed. She slowly made her way into the bathroom to freshen up before making her way into the kitchen, where her aunt, Amy, was already sitting down." (Part 13b) (Part 13c)


• The other black chick, by 11tee (COMPLETE!): "Mack sat at the bar; the old bartender from years back was gone; in his place stood Andrea."

Okay, Please Go Back to Frowning!

I think Daria's taking World Smile Day a little too far, but I'm afraid to tell her to tone it down. You go ahead; I'll wait a safe distance away.

Good grief! Today is also the 65th anniversary of the Peanuts comic strip, beloved by many and inspiration for Petrel/CINCGREEN's fanfics "New Kids in Town" and "New Kids in Town II: 'Batting Practice'."

Fandom News!

• Listen to ognawk and Princess_Pasta's latest Lawndale Lowdown podcast!


• MartinUK wonders which phone you would choose? Vote in the poll to help him decide.


• Discuss the third season of Agents of Shield.