Ten! Nine! Eight! And so forth!

It doesn't look like Daria's going to make it to midnight for New Year’s Eve, but the rest of us can have the countdown to 2024 while she takes a nap. Just count quietly, okay? And have a great new year!

It was on this day in 2002 that Daria made a (very) brief appearance on MTV's annual New Year's Eve show. Given her usual preferences, though, we should count ourselves lucky she was willing to show up at all.

Finally, a special shout out to Andrea for National Andrea Day! I hope she gets to read some of her best poetry, or at least that her shift at PayDay isn't too annoying.

Fandom News!

• R.I.P., Tom Smothers.


• Dennis is seeking beta readers for his new GTS story.


• Read about and discuss what Derek calls "the Fyre Festival of the Seas" being cancelled.


• Share your thoughts on silly false alarms.

Yo Yo Rah!

Brittany is surprisingly focused for International Cello Day, but if she's found something she's good at (besides twirling her hair around her finger and looking vacant) then I'm all for it. Bow away, Brittany!

Jake, on the other hand, needs to back away from the spice rack. Just because it's Pepper Pot Day doesn't mean he should use too much (or perhaps any) pepper in his cooking. His tongue only just returned to its normal color!

Fanfic Update!

• Avatar: The Drama Of Daria, by psychotol (parts 9 and 10): "Daria had fallen into a routine that seemed to just burn time by the time the interschool match came about, and Daria was now preparing to fight their designated opponents." (Part 10)


• The Pawshank Redemption, by Kristen Bealer (COMPLETE!): "Brian Taylor, Chris Griffin, and Courtney and Adrian Lane trudged through the Crewe Neck neighborhood towards the Taylor house in sullen silence."


• SpiderGirl’s Debut, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (COMPLETE!): "Having, read the article, Quinn Morgendorffer left the café. She smiled. The various criminals had been put on notice, in a way."

Witness for the Persecution of Male Students

Ms. Barch looks much classier than usual, thanks to her alter ego as Marlene Dietrich, who was born on this day in 1901. Don't be fooled, though. Behind that calm, suave exterior beats the heart of a raving lunatic.

For those who prefer their celebrities to be more childish and fictional, it was on this day in 1947 that the first episode of Howdy Doody was broadcast. Decades later, Upchuck would do a fantastic job of emulating the puppet without even trying.

Finally, it may be winter but there's no reason you can't celebrate Visit the Zoo Day! Especially if you're looking for inspiration for a new hairstyle.

Fandom News!

• Share your Christmas greetings.

Ho, Ho, Huh?

It doesn't appear that Christmas, or "X" as he prefers to be called, is feeling very jolly on his holiday. Perhaps he found some coal in his stocking? Or it could be that his gingerbread cookies were stale. Either way, I hope that he cheers up and, more importantly, that everyone in fandom who celebrates today has a merry Christmas!

There are just too many Daria Christmas fanfics to list here individually, but you can find a lot of them at Outpost Daria Reborn. Enjoy!

Fanfic Update!

• Reader Reviews, by Missy (COMPLETE!): "'Daria, mom just finished your book. Whatever you do, don’t turn your phone on!'"


• Titanic - A True Story, by Sheila Wisz Ellayn (parts 15 and 16): "It was once again the day when Larry's life had changed forever." (Part 16)

Something Fishy is Going On

Daria's having a pretty bad day, but it should come as some comfort to know that she's helping to recreate the catching of the first live coelacanth, which happened on this day in 1938. Okay, it's probably not very comforting, especially because it probably isn't historically accurate. I mean, who would bait a hook with a sarcastic teenager?

I hope she at least feels free to air her grievances, because it's Festivus and that's one of the main traditions of the day! Also for some reason putting up a metal pole, but I think the airing of grievances is more relevant right now.

Fandom News!

• Tell everyone about your favorite holiday decoration.


• Vote in the Deadliest Warrior poll between Wolverine and Freddy Krueger.


• Talk about how the Morgendorffers celebrate Christmas.

This Holiday is a Little TOO Bright

Half of Lawndale appears to be celebrating National Flashlight Day, but I really don't think wandering around the woods is the best place to celebrate. Especially because there's a high chance that they're freaking out the other half of Lawndale right now.

On the other hand, perhaps they're just taking a super literal approach to Look on the Bright Side Day, in which case they're going a little overboard. I really think one flashlight would have been plenty.

Last but not least (unless there's a pun involved), today is National Short Girl Appreciation Day. Since Daria and I are both the same height--five feet, two inches--I think we should both get a little recognition. And maybe some help reaching that thing on the top shelf.

Fanfic Update!

• Daria Enrolls at Nevermore, by Meester_Lee (part 13): "Classes started bright and early the following morning, much to Daria’s distaste. Her first class wasn’t really a class, at least not yet: it was a testing session to see how much magic Nevermore’s newly-arrived witches and wizards knew or could perform."

Admittedly, It's Probably a Fake Tree Anyway

Daria's having a surprising amount of difficulty on Look for an Evergreen Day, especially considering all she has to do is turn around. On the bright side, she did find Cupid, a leprechaun, and the slowly dawning realization that she's losing her mind. Cheers!

Still, while she's going insane she might as well go all in and re-create the scene in the Beavis and Butt-head episode "It's a Miserable Life," in which she's singing Christmas carols, has a boyfriend, and is smiling! I know, I'm a little frightened, too. Just remember that it was an alternate reality and never really happened.

For those of you not in the holiday spirit, there's also the anniversary of the premiere of the movie Titanic on this day in 1997. I'd say that Mr. O'Neill and Ms. Barch could give that "standing on the bow of the ship" scene another shot, but there's a good chance the water is frozen. Better wait until there's a chance of one or both of them drowning!

Fandom News!

• dennis71 shares what he's been up to.


• Vote in the Celebrity Deathmatch poll between Rick Sanchez and Simon Bar Sinister.

Who'd Like to Appreciate a Nice Space Heater Right Now?

It probably goes without saying that Jane and Daria are not happy to be celebrating the Festival of Winter Walks. In fact, I think Mr. DeMartino would probably draw the line at this particular environment for hiking, and not only because he'd risk falling over a cliff again.

I hope Helen knows that it's National Device Appreciation Day, although I think she appreciates that cell phone more than enough as it is. Quinn, too, should thank the phone for helping her maximize both her social life and the Morgendorffers' telecom bills.

Fanfic Update!

• Her Last Words, by Sheila Wisz Ellayn (part 77): "At first a very shocked Anna just stayed frozen on the spot after what happened, a silent Shadow was still holding her left hand and together they listened as Lockie climbed the first set of stairs, and a second staircase after that, and then she also climbed a third and final set somewhere so high up in the house."

How About Pearls, an Ugly Sweater, AND a Hoop Skirt?

Jane defies Nathan to tell her she can't celebrate National Wear Your Pearls Day, and I think if he pushes her too far he might find himself strangled by those pearls instead. Better let the girl do what she wants, buddy. It's for your own good.

If pearls are too classy for you, there's always National Ugly Sweater Day! Just don't tell the Fashion Club...I don't think they could stand the horror of it.

For those who really want to dress up, how about going full Civil War-era cosplay as a character from the movie Gone With the Wind, which premiered on this day in 1939? Quinn and Daria might even watch it together, although probably not in costume.

Fandom News!

• R.I.P., Andre Braugher.


• Vote in the Celebrity Deathmatch poll between Hot Lips Houlihan and Dixie McCall.

Giddyup!

I see that Jake and Helen are enjoying National Horse Day. Perhaps enjoying it a little too much. I guess what two consenting adults get up to in the privacy of their own home is between them...and the teenagers who'd better hope they don't walk in at an inopportune moment.

In fact, it might be a good idea for Daria and Quinn to celebrate Ice Cream Day by going out for a cone or dish of their favorite flavors. Might I suggest Firstdown Fudge, courtesy of the Bro and QB Ice Cream Company?

Considering that, at least in the Northern Hemisphere, it's a bit cold for ice cream, you could also choose to observe National Cocoa Day instead. Quinn can even tell us all about that TV movie about the really cute family of teens who drank cocoa during a hurricane.

Fanfic Update!

• Merry Stressmas, by wilddogjj (COMPLETE!): "In the living room was a fully decorated Christmas tree while Teddy Carbone and his best/only friend, Rachel White, were watching TV." (Part 2) (Part 3)


• A Variant Lawndale, by cfardellbrenorenz29 (part 4): "Jane paddled out to the wave and started to surf. However, there was trouble. Tori had entered straight after her and was dropping in on her."

Dancing Cheek to Mane

Daria seems to be an unwilling participant in National Tango Day, and one must wonder: if a lion and a teenager dance, who leads? Trick question; the teenager immediately sues the lion for invasion of personal space.

Unfortunately, Helen won't be able to take the case because she's probably too busy suing UNICEF on the anniversary of its creation in 1946. Please, Helen, try to remind Eric that UNICEF has nothing to do with manufacturing tires, okay?

Finally, we should let the Wilderness Adventure Club know that today is International Mountain Day and they should try their hand at climbing a mountain again. At least, we could have done that if the Wilderness Adventure Club hadn't presumably disbanded immediately after that fiasco with the blizzard.

Fandom News!

• Shiva reports a certification invalid message.


• R.I.P., Honey Boo-Boo.

"When Dead Clowns Can't Clown...."

Looks like today is Tad Gupty's lucky day, because it's Lost and Found Day and he's both! Until Tom and Daria get distracted and he gets lost again...but then he'll get found again, too! It's like he's caught in one of those vicious...things.

Cheer up, Tad; it's also the anniversary of Emmett Kelly's birth in 1898, and who doesn't love a happy clown? Emmett Kelly, apparently, because he specialized in sad clowns. At least he was able to inspire that artist from Art in the Park to be not in the least bit original.

Ms. Li had better watch out, though, because it's International Anti-Corruption Day and, well, she's pretty much 100% corruption. I guess if you're going to do something, don't go by half-measures.

Fanfic Update!

• Bad Bromance, by wilddogjj (COMPLETE!): "Kevin, Chuck, Jamie and Chris were hanging out on the porch drinking beer despite the fact that it's cold outside."


• Daria: Cynic The Superheroine, by Meester_Lee (part 4): "They didn’t go upstairs. Once Daria’s ID problems were squared away, they went downstairs to one of the Interrogation rooms instead."


• Daria on the Trail, by meesterlee (part 57): "'You look worried,' said Susana. 'I am worried,' I said."


• Shameless Self Insert Into Daria, by James the Lesser (part 10): "'Put that down right now! If you don't you'll ruin it!'"


• This is Not America, by ladyevil (part 2): "Helen was looking at her unlined face in the mirror of her locker, focusing on getting her hair perfectly ratted up before her next class."


• Titanic - A True Story, by Sheila Wisz Ellayn (part 14): "Anna did not have any more coffee after learning of its dangerous powers, she became a lot more peaceful as the hours passed, Larry was relieved and so their first day of dating was pretty normal after all of that."

Good Luck Waving Your Pom-Poms Now!

Poor Brittany doesn't look very enthusiastic about portraying the title character of Edward Scissorhands, which premiered on this day in 1990. Can you blame her, though? The next time she twirls a lock of hair around her finger, she'll probably give herself an unwanted haircut...or worse.

Not only that, but she's going to have to pass up Letter Writing Day as well. Not that she ever did much writing in the first place. Daria, on the other hand, sent and received a handful of letters throughout the series. In fact, she even (briefly) broke up with Tom by letter, which is kind of a jerk move if you ask me.

Fandom News!

• R.I.P., Norman Lear.

Lip Gloss On, Lip Gloss Off

Sandi's getting ready to prove her dominance over the Fashion Club by any means necessary, thanks to International Ninja Day. Quinn had better either look out or learn some martial arts. Just remember to sweep the leg!

Whatever she does, Quinn should take extra care of her pants because it's National Blue Jeans Day and she doesn't want any more jeans-related catastrophes. Jake only has so much cash to give away, and her guardian angel just isn't that attentive.

Perhaps the Morgendorffer parents will try to observe National Communicate With Your Kids Day, although that doesn't tend to go very well. If Helen doesn't take them clothes shopping then Jake will accuse them of being Communists and, either way, someone's going to end up angry.

Fanfic Update!

• Titanic - A True Story, by Sheila Wisz Ellayn (part 13): "That day was so peaceful at sea that most of the millionaire First-class travelers continued to have social walks on the decks, everything felt like the powerful engines of the Titanic had now settled to work properly, Captain Smith continued to hunt for the riffraff that had not been sprayed yet and meanwhile something very strange was happening on the ship of dreams."

Maybe Just Wear a Helmet

Don't worry, Daria, you can still celebrate National Roof over Your Head Day...for the time being. Don't let the threat of imminent structural collapse thanks to shoddy workmanship and a stingy principal interrupt your studies. Unless you, I don't know, enjoy surviving.

Helen, meanwhile, might get out that hobbit candle because it's Candle Day! Or maybe she should just leave it put away in that drawer. That thing is...not pleasant to look at.

Finally, someone tell Wind that today is National Ronald Day, and he can go ahead and change his name if he still wants to. There's no naming gazebo to get in the way!

Fandom News!

• Talk about the death of Henry Kissinger.


• George Santos has been expelled from Congress.

How About Painting a Red Apple?

I see Jamie is celebrating Eat a Red Apple Day, but unfortunately it appears that someone will soon be celebrating Eat a Jamie (or is it Jerome?) day. It kind of makes me wonder why only red apples are getting love today, though. What's wrong with green ones?

No one tell Jane that today is Day Without Art Day, because I'm pretty sure she will completely refuse to celebrate it. After all, for Jane a day without art is like...well, she wouldn't know what it's like, would she?

Regardless of how much art she does or doesn't do today, I hope she and Daria have each other's backs, because it's also National Women Support Women Day. I think it goes without saying that Quinn and Sandi will not be participating in this one.

Fanfic Update!

• Bad Bromance, by wilddogjj (part 2): "The Thompsons' entire house and property are now coated in human waste due to the sewage pipe Kevin had accidentally ruptured."


• Stranger Without Time, by radiofox (part 10): "'Hey, Anna.' Graham walked up to Anna's locker. 'Hey Graham, what are you up to?' Anna closed her locker and turned to her friend."