I Really Hope That's Cranberry Juice

It appears that half the Lane family is getting in on the fun for Look in the Back of Your Refrigerator Day, although I don't expect them to find much of any value. The Lanes don't really seem like the type of people to keep much fresh food in the house. Or any food at all, for that matter.

If they come across anything suitably rotten then they could put it to good use later on because it's Mischief Night. There's nothing like the weaponized use of smelly produce to really start a prank off right!

As pranks go, though, I don't recommend participating in National Text Your Ex Day, especially if you're Ms. Barch. I suspect that she has nothing good or useful to say to her ex-husband.

Fuzzy Wuzzy Wee...Snacks?

I see that Mrs. Bennett (as well as, for some reason, Upchuck) is super excited about Plush Animal Lover’s Day, because it's a great opportunity to collect more Fuzzy Wuzzy Wee Bits! Since I assume that Fuzzy Wuzzy Wee Bits were a reference to Beanie Babies, I have to believe that the bottom dropped out of that particular market a long time ago.

Just don't eat the poor stuffed critters, even if it is Wild Foods Day. Still, I'd rather have a mouth full of cotton stuffing than take a chance on Jake's survival skills. No glitterberries for me, thank you!

In fact, I'll just stick to my favorite snack for National Chocolate Day. I hope Jane is able to get her hands on some unauthorized chocolate, but she'd better keep it hidden from Mrs. Johanssen if she wants to hold onto it.

Finally, a happy International Animation Day to every single character on Daria because, after all, they're all animated! I suppose it would make more sense to thank the artistic talent behind the show, though.

Fanfic Update!

• How to Train Your Dragon: Berk in Time, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 1): "This is Berk. Most places have cats or dogs as pets. But we have dragons."


• Spider Quinn 12 Rise of the Green Goblin, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 7): "Mayor Lawson was on edge. He read through the Sun-Herald's article again. 'Pure speculation!' he groused to himself. 'There's no proof there's an actual fourth costumed vigilante.'"

Will She Turn Into a Carriage at Midnight?

It seems that background character Dawn is all set for National Pumpkin Day, and just in time for Halloween as well. If you haven't carved a holiday pumpkin yet, today is your best chance!

I'm more interested in National Trick or Treat Day, though, because hey! Free candy! I have to assume that Trick or Treat Day is Halloween's sugar-obsessed kid sister.

If you're not into Halloween festivities, then you could always celebrate Hug a Sheep Day instead! Although I'm not sure why anyone would want to hug a sheep. As pointed out by Quinn, they tend to be...less than clean.

Fandom News!

• wouter offers an example of Trent's quote: "They don't care about your art, they just want something loud going on so they don't have to talk."


• Vote in the Celebrity Deathmatch poll between Samantha Stephens and Sabrina Spellman.


• Meester_Lee shares a story about an Indiana teenager's skull found in a wall.

Kevin's Due in Kangaroo Court

Brittany is either making sure everyone is aware of kangaroos for National Kangaroo Awareness Day or else Kevin ticked her off again and she's about to go a few rounds in the ring with him. I would bet on Brittany to win even without the animal strength and massive hind legs.

After the boxing match they should sit down and share a meal for National Food Day, although for most people National Food Day is every day. Enjoy the edible item of your choice, and bonus points if it's pizza to honor our favorite duo!

Finally, it was on this day in 2000 that Wraith posted an essay on the episode "See Jane Run." He makes some interesting points, and it's always fun to see reviews of the show written while the show was still airing!

Fanfic Update!

• Mysteries of Aurora, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 1): "Freya Andersson was excited. She was starting University at Academia d’Aeterna Universitas d’Aurora, the oldest university in the world. Of course, that wasn’t the reason she was studying there."

They're Just Nuts About...Well, They're Just Nuts

Daria and Jane are taking National Nut Day awfully far, but hopefully they're being paid well for their humiliation. Let's just pray for Daria's sake that Trent doesn't experience a peanut brittle craving and head their way.

I suppose Daria would much rather be reading or even studying, though, especially because today is Smart is Cool Day! I guess the popular kids at Lawndale High School didn't get that particular memo, but Daria will get the last laugh someday. Except that she doesn't laugh.

It's possible that the late Timothy Leary, born on this day in 1920, would have disagreed, however. His famous advice to "Turn on, tune in, drop out" suggests that traditional education wasn't his preferred goal.

Fandom News!

• Read and discuss an article on Screen Rant that declares Daria the best MTV animated series of the 1990s.

I Vant to Try on Clothes!

Sandi's trying out a new hairstyle and fashion choice to honor the late actor Bela Lugosi, who was born on this day in 1882. Lugosi was best known for his iconic portrayal of Dracula, but he was also (infamously) known as one of the stars of Plan 9 from Outer Space, a film that most likely made it into one of Daria and Jane's Bad Movie Nights.

I suppose Daria should let Jane pick the next movie, though because today is National Lane Day. I don't suppose there is a National Morgendorffer Day, though, so maybe that isn't fair. Jane has to share anyway, however, because it's also National Jeff Day and Jeffy would probably like to have a little attention...at least from a certain redhead.

If Jane chooses a movie Daria doesn't like, she could always spend the time working on a new Melody Powers story in honor of National Day on Writing. Assuming that her Musings rejection didn't sour her on the whole thing, that is.

Fanfic Update!

• Jim's Wet Nightmare, by wilddogjj (COMPLETE!): "Jim was in the garage working on a 1957 Chevy Bel Air while tripod mounted cameras recorded the process."


• Moronic partying, by Rémi (COMPLETE!): "Daria and Quinn were walking to school. The two girls were holding hands but, since Quinn was always more enthusiastic about things than Daria, the latter was lagging behind and being pulled forward by her little sister." (Part 2) (Part 3)


• Run, Timmy, Run, by wilddogjj (COMPLETE!): "The Fielding football players who'd stolen the Glenfield Wolf costume have just placed it in the team's storage room. Once that was done, they walked out and closed the door behind them." (Part 2) (Part 3)


• Spider Quinn 12 Rise of the Green Goblin, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 6): "As she sat down for dinner, Helen noticed something different about Daria. 'Hairclips, Daria? I’m happy that you’re changing something up.'"

Time to Get Out the Razor!

Jake picked the wrong day to quit shaving, not only because it's No Beard Day but also because I don't think a beard would really suit him anyway. I suppose Trent could consider shaving off his goatee but I'd hate to wake him up for something as trivial as grooming.

Since I've never had a beard, I am much more interested in celebrating National Chocolate Cupcake Day, especially if any of my readers are willing to contribute cupcakes! Brittany and Kevin can celebrate, as well, because Kevin probably still considers Brittany to be a great hostess...cupcake. Except that Brittany has previously stated a preference for Ho-Hos.

I offer absolutely no sweet treats to Ken Edwards, even if today is National Ken Day. Partly this is because I don't want to reward creepy dudes but also I just don't like to share my chocolate.

Fandom News!

• Discuss cartoon gags that have not aged well.

But...Just the Dye?

Quinn is going to make sure everyone knows that it's World Allergy Awareness Day, or at least she's going to make everyone aware of her allergy to pistachio dye. Remember that allergies can be life-threatening, and even end a neck modeling career before it has the chance to start.

As long as you don't consume anything that might cause a reaction, please do celebrate World Food Day by eating...something. Could be cheese fries, could be frozen lasagna, could even be chewing gum if you're Ted Dewitt-Clinton! Just don't try the sushi at Tokyo Toby's.

Once Quinn gets over her ordeal, she can join her friends at Cashman's to celebrate National Department Store Day. I'm sure some serious shopping will take her mind off the unpleasantness, or at least it will until Sandi repeatedly reminds her of it for her own amusement and spite.

Fanfic Update!

• Cynic and the Tower of Joy, by Meester_Lee (parts 1 - 3): "It came about very suddenly. One moment, the area around Tunney’s Store was there, just as it had been for decades; the next it was gone, replaced by a medieval-looking tower and a few scattered outbuildings." (Part 2) (Part 3)


• Fashion Show (Scenes no Daria fanfic Should Have: How did We survive?), by Shiva (COMPLETE!): "Quinn Morgendorffer stood backstage at New York Fashion Week as the models were being given their final instructions."


• TheFashionClub, by Rémi (COMPLETE!): "As it was the first day of Daria and Quinn at Lawndale High, their mother was driving them to school, but truth be told, the sisters didn’t enjoy the ride one bit."


• A Variant Lawndale 01 - Beach Party Invitation, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (COMPLETE!): "Suddenly, something happened. There was a rumble and the ground near the wave pool cracked."


• Alison's Last Word, by riotsquirrrl (COMPLETE!): "Is it really a student art opening without jug wine? Jane thought as she nursed a plastic cup of red, mildly alcoholic, liquid."

Bald and Free...to the Max!

Max is having a great day because not only did he get appointed a Junior Deputy but it's also Be Bald and Free Day! I suppose that's accurate in that he has been released from jail but he's not what anyone would consider a free spirit.

I bet Max's mood would get even better if someone offered him a sweet treat for National Dessert Day. Jane might still have some of that ice cream cake, or perhaps Quinn could produce another chocolate layer cake...unless that's reserved for Kevin only.

It's a Switcheroo!

Kevin and Brittany have moved beyond wearing each other's underwear and have now switched clothes entirely in honor of National Costume Swap Day. I have to admit, Kevin really does have the legs to pull off a skirt, although I'm more worried about what kind of force of nature Brittany would be on the football field.

Once they're done cosplaying as each other, they might take Kevin's motorcycle for a spin for National Motorcycle Ride Day, although I recommend that neither of them wear a skirt for that. Also, Brittany needs to remember to keep her mouth shut if she wants to keep her teeth bug-free.

As soon as they get back from their ride, they can find Mr. DeMartino and help him celebrate Moment of Frustration Day. I think it goes without saying, though, that the teacher will experience more than a single moment of frustration with those two around.

Fanfic Update!

• Crystal Claw, by Sheila Wisz Ellayn (COMPLETE!): "Everything seemed absolutely perfect for Ella Anne that day." (Part 47) (Part 48) (Part 49) (Part 50)


• Spider Quinn 12 Rise of the Green Goblin, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 5): "Half an hour after leaving home, the Enigma arrived in the vicinity of the Historia. She remembered her conversation with Daria after the opening."

Guys, Please Get a Room!

Brittany's got no problem with National Hug a Kevin Day, but I don't think she'd appreciate it if anyone else tried to celebrate it. I really hope those two know that it's only "hug" Kevin, because no one wants to see this go any further.

If Kevin grabs a set of drumsticks then they can also celebrate National Hug a Drummer Day! If not, then Max is always available. And I do mean always because no one likes Max. I don't think he can expect many hugs today.

Hugs might be appropriate in general, though, because it's also World Mental Health Day and comfort from a friend is always helpful for anyone struggling with mental health. What's not so great for mental health is the Quiet Ivy psychiatric institution, where the professionals don't really seem to know what they're doing. Mrs. Manson would fit right in.

Fandom News!

• Azul has some law questions.


• Vote in the Deadliest Warrior poll between Thor from Marvel Comics and Tlaloc.

Where's a Red Pen When You Need It?

I hope Jodie takes some time off from her stressful day to appreciate the irony of a misspelled poster about dyslexia, especially because it's World Dyslexia Awareness Day. There has been some fandom speculation about whether or not Kevin is dyslexic, although I suspect his intellectual problems run much deeper than any learning disability.

I don't think it would be wise for Jake to recreate the Great Chicago Fire, which began on this day in 1871, in the Morgendorffer kitchen. I don't care if Helen hid the mop again; the milk will taste just as good cold. If he really must warm it up, I might recommend the microwave.

Although there were no explicitly stated lesbians in Daria (Alison, being bisexual, doesn't count), I think we can celebrate International Lesbian Day all the same because fanfiction more than made up the difference. I can't say I'm surprised about it--with the shortage of decent guys in the show, shippers have to do what they can!

Fanfic Update!

• Crystal Claw, by Sheila Wisz Ellayn (parts 44 and 45): "Camp Grizzly was quite probably the most famous Summer camp in all of Pennsylvania." (Part 45)


• Homecoming, by davidfalkayn (part 32): "'Who was that on phone, Dear?' Mrs. Ruttheimer asked as she came out of the kitchen. 'That was Brittany, Mom.' Charles answered, 'She’s coming by in an hour to pick me up to catch a movie and then listen to some music. Jenn and her group are playing tonight.'"


• Parting Gift, by remi (part 10): "'Very well, Quinn. I am surprised that you would want to defend Daria after what she did, but we are listening. What do you have to say in her defense?'"


• Sixteenth Doctor Adventures (Chapter 1), by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (COMPLETE!): "After the TARDIS had landed, Xander got off the floor. ‘He’s taking this rather well. Much like others I have travelled with, in my previous incarnations,’ the Doctor thought."


• Spider Quinn 12 Rise of the Green Goblin, by cfardell_Brenorenz29 (part 4): "In the bathroom, Daria looked in the mirror. She saw herself and Quinn, two sisters who were more alike than she would have expected before her father passed."

Merry Unbirthday, Kevin!

Kevin is proclaiming to all that today is Mad Hatter Day so you should...I don't know, wear a hat or have a weird tea party or talk nonsense. Whatever you like. If you don't have any other plans, you could read one of the many Alice stories that cross over with Daria.

I hope no one tells Jake that it's Change A Light Day, because the last thing anyone (especially Quinn) needs is for him to fiddle around with the light fixtures and risk killing a family member again. Hey, how many Jakes does it take to change a lightbulb? I don't know, but feel free to share your ideas for a punchline in the comments.

Instead of doing any DIY projects around the house, Jake should just cook up some pasta in honor of National Noodle Day. We know he can make both fettuccini Bolognese and penne a la pesto (as long as the pesto doesn't oxidize), so plain noodles shouldn't be a problem.

Fandom News!

• R.I.P., John Amos.


• wouter shares a song he wrote and the story behind it.


• Discuss the “Daisy” ad.

Please, Go Back to Scowling!

Daria really needs to stop celebrating World Smile Day because she's starting to freak me out. Supposedly she doesn't like to smile unless she has a reason, but apparently being super creepy to all observers is reason enough.

It should put a smile on Jake's face to learn that today is National Golf Lovers Day, so I hope he gets the chance to break out his clubs and play his favorite game. I think one of my favorite Jake moments is at the end of "I Don't," when it turns out that he left all of the chaos behind to play golf at the country club. Good for him!

I don't think anyone will be smiling for Kids Music Day, at least not if we have to listen to Tad and Tricia Gupty's awful records. Jane will most likely refuse to sing that song about John Jacob Jingleheimer somebody but would be happy to perform "Old McDonald" for us. Don't even ask Daria about "Pop Goes the Weasel," though.

Fanfic Update!

• Crystal Claw, by Sheila Wisz Ellayn (part 43): "What Quinn Morgendorffer discovered that day had been so shocking, so terrible and painful that she had cried and howled all over the house, just trying to be noticed by her parents and yet remaining all ethereal and invisible as the ghost that she had become."

Who Wouldn't Want a Seeing-Eye Jane?

Daria and Jane are celebrating International Walk to School Day, which actually is pretty much every day for them. However, it's rather unusual that Jane has to guide Daria through the trip thanks to a lack of vision correction. Resist the urge to steer her into a tree, Jane!

With luck, Daria will receive some otherworldly help because it's Guardian Angel Day. Then again, guardian angels are more Quinn's thing, so I guess she shouldn't count on that. Besides, Daria's angel might be too busy playing his string thing to notice her peril.

Speaking of peril, I don't recommend anyone celebrate World Farm Animals Day using Rita's boyfriend Roger's method, which is to land on a cow in a tragic skydiving accident. Instead, take Daria's example and write an essay comparing the sophomore class to barnyard animals. Name names.

Fandom News!

• R.I.P., Kris Kristofferson.