This Might Explain Some of His Song Lyrics

Looks like Trent's already started celebrating Weed Appreciation Day, but someone should tell him that the holiday actually refers to the kind of weeds you pull in your garden. However, in his current state, he probably wouldn't care. Less than a month left until 4/20, man. Just hang in there.

Fanfic Update!

• Beat It, by metameric1 (part 3): "Jack closed the door to the drum room, and looked around for Trent. Through the double-glazed picture window Daria was visible, tearing into a smallish Premier kit with a woofer doubling the length of the kick drum."


• Chemistry, by Captain Marbles (part 4): "The girl known to the staff as Esmerelda Schwartz, niece of Tycho Owen awoke. She yawned and stretched, then called room service for some breakfast."


• Cynic and a Six-String, by fringeperson (part 6): "It became a suddenly bad day when Ms Barch decided to break up Brittany and Kevin for a science project, and landed Daria with the thick-headed footballer."


• Dystopia, by mailorderannie (part 4): "Daria crossed her arms. 'I'll repeat myself. Do we have a plan? For that matter, are we still safe here? With no honest media around to report on it, what's to stop whoever's in charge of this sector -'"


• Hana Hou, Pt 2, by metameric1 (part 9): "Trent had to smile when he glanced out the kitchen window. 'Hey, Daria,' 'Hm?' 'The treehouse looks pretty cool. I like the tie-dyed shades and the macramé planter things hanging underneath.'"


• James the Lesser Presents Vinny Lane, by James the Lesser (part 34): "Vinny isn't sure what Ms. Li said over the intercom as classes ended but Daria heard it. 'A meeting, on Super Bowl Sunday, announced at the end of the day. She's up to something.'"


• Moonstruck Dumb, by EntrancedCat (part 2): "Sandi Griffin adjusted her regulation green toque, outer layer made from the finest Mongolian cashmere with soft breathable Lunar-made liner, to better protect her delicate earlobes from the early winter breeze off Lake Michigan."


• Pale Pink, by Missy (COMPLETE!): "'Oh my gosh. OH MY GOSH I CAN'T FIND THE LAST TUBE OF SUPER CREAMY DREAM WHIPSTICK IN BABY PINK!'"


• Run Jodie Run, by DIsaac (parts 4 and 5): "KYLE ARMALIN (Lead Anchor for WLWN-TV): I'm Kyle Armalin, Reporting from the Lawndale 5 Newsroom. We have just received some major breaking news on the Mayor Edwards Investigation." (Part 5)


• Unnamed story (IC Runaway Daria), by Waylander (part 4): "'...I return to the hotel room and find the message from One-Eye. I have to return to New York ASAP. Of course my vacation was ruined. I swear he enjoys it!'"

Weed Appreciation Day

Trent just found out that it's Weed Appreciation Day, and he seems pretty happy about it. Of course, that's not actually the kind of weed this holiday is celebrating, but why ruin it for him? Besides, he looks like he might have a song lyric brewing.

Fandom News!

• Kara Wild has a question about URL moving.


• Discuss the Germanwings plane crash as well as airline safety procedures.


• Can you suggest any birthday gift ideas for the old at heart?


• Talk about Top Gear's best moments.


• How far would Mr. DeMartino go to make Kevin a cuckold? Share your thoughts on the question in particular or the characters in general in the thread.

The Extra Quart of Grease is Completely Optional

Pull up a chair and grab a slice to celebrate National Cheese Pizza Day! Ted is shocked by his first taste of processed cheese, although he still wants to know what process they use. I think the rest of us are happier living in blissful ignorance.

I would say that Trent is celebrating Be Late For Something Day, but the lazy bastard hasn't shown up yet. Depressing or not, someone really needs to get that guy a watch.

Fanfic Update!

• Climb the Ladder, by InvisibleDan (COMPLETE!): "Jane answered her cell phone. 'Yeah, I'll be there... I swear I'm on my way, Quinn, okay?' She put the phone down and rubbed her eyes. After a quick look around her room she found the pieces of an outfit and slipped them on."


• Credence, by Astrocar82 (part 3): "Soon the time had come and Quinn and Stacy walked uncertainly to their doom, where they saw Jane and O'Neill waiting for them in the room next to the stage of the auditorium."


• Dylan, by J-D (part 27): "I still have to agree that my father's reasoning was basically sound. I did nearly run over that dog while I was having my driving lesson, and contact lenses really would avoid the problem my glasses create for my peripheral vision, so I'm in agreement on principle—but do you know what you have to do when you're putting in contact lenses?"


• The Fall, by Ranger Thorne (COMPLETE!): "The gathering dusk had brought in a light fog, leaving the city with a slight haze. There, in front of the massive front gates, were two cloaked figures. Neither was exceptionally tall, but even from his office he could sense their menace and power 'Get the slayers, won't you?' he told his assistant. 'Have them arm themselves then meet me at the gate.'"


• The Great And The Good, by ognawk (parts 13 and 14): "'Look, Daria, there's something I need to tell you,' he said, looking her straight in the eye, 'I'm not proud of it, but I want to be completely honest with you.'" (Part 14)


• GSA: The "Cousins" Morgendorffer, by GDTSP9 (part 1): "Daria sighed. She'd been waiting outside the airport for ages now, and Quinn still hadn't shown up. As Daria looked around, she almost didn't see the mid-sized grey car pull up in front of her. Quinn leaped out of the car and tightly hugged her sister."


• A New Direction (Iron Chef: My Dad, the director), by peetz5050 (parts 9 and 10): "'Uh oh.' Jane said then touched Daria's sleeve and pointed at the door. Daria turned around to see two of the school security staff accompanying a large, threatening cumulo nimbus cloud in an Armani suit. Jammy glared at her and indicated the door with a jerk of his head." (Part 10)


• Quinn the Psychopath, by SacredDust (parts 7 and 8): "Daria knew she would have to fight hard to stem the tide of Quinn's relentless quest for even more popularity (even if Quinn herself didn't see it as much). She illustrated her strategy with some of the hideous clay models they had made for a school project years ago." (Part 8)


• Red World, by PrecambrianStudios (part 1): "John Crichton slowly opened his eyes and was met with the usual darkness. Groggily, he turned his head left, and looked out the adjoining window. The stars were arranged in a formation he was not familiar with. 'Well,' he said, reluctantly stretching on his mattress, realizing what day it was, 'I guess today's it. Lights on.'"


• Shaggy Meets the Twins! (Scenes that should be: Pacific Rimmers), by Shiva (COMPLETE!): "In the dumb self-esteem class, the kid everyone called Shaggy couldn't resist a smirk as that new girl and her twin brother acted like they were secretly lovers, causing Mr. O'Neill to go into shock and pass out."


• Unnamed story (IC: DeMartino has Barch Arrested), by CartoonDork (COMPLETE!): "'What the hell do you think you're doing? Get your hands off of me, you dirty rotten men!' It was certainly a sight to see--Ms. Janet Barch being handcuffed by two policemen, right in the middle of her science class. "

Cough, Cough

It's 4/20, so smoke 'em if you got 'em. Trent's apparently way ahead of you, though.

Today is also Volunteer Recognition Day, so you can celebrate your awareness of others by reading to seniors. Ever wonder what it would be like to read Ginsberg's Howl while stoned? Now's the perfect opportunity.

Fandom News!

• Kara Wild would like some advice about what to do with certain furniture.


• MartinUK discusses his next trip, and the latest complication involved in it.


• Talk about the bombing at the Boston Marathon.


• Who is Doug Walker's seventh favorite movie or TV character? Find out in the linked video in the thread.


• Erin M. gives the closing summary for Worldhopper.


• Three new Iron Chefs have been posted in Creative Writing: ThanatosRW's Faceswapping, Walter Kovacs's The Thompson twins, and SinisterExaggerator's Thank God You're Here.


• Share TV Tropes in our own fanfics and TV Tropes in our own fanart.

I'll Bet He Didn't Even Inhale!

It's 4/20, everybody! Smoke 'em if you got 'em! It may look like Trent's way ahead of us, but I'm sure he's just naturally laid back. Really. (cough)

Anyway, today is also Volunteer Recognition Day, so this would be a good time to celebrate Awareness of Others Week by signing up for an extracurricular activity to make the world a better place. I've got my copy of Howl all ready to take to the Better Days Nursing Home, so I'm set.

Fandom News!

• Help Teeki decide what cause to support.


• Is PJ Harvey a living Jane? Check it out on the SFMB!


• Brother Grimace found some kids who Daria and Jodie could relate to.


• Roentgen asks, what is a war hero?


• LongSnakeMoan has made a polite request for a beta reader. Can you help?

Duuuuuude.

Today is 4/20, everyone! Trent may or may not celebrate this day every year, but judging by his expression in that image, his chronic (get it?) cough, and his relaxed attitude toward...everything, I'm going to say it's a strong possibility.

Today is also Volunteer Recognition Day, so let's take a moment to demonstrate our Awareness of Others. Half-assed clothing drives and reading "Howl" to seniors is optional.

Fandom News!

• What would it take to hold a Mega DariaCon? What issues are preventing it?


• Don-O has posted a travelogue of his trip to Laughlin, Nevada.


• Dervish wonders, why do you smoke?


• What are your top 10 movies you haven't seen but really think you should?


• Fans are discussing what martial art Daria would use. Assuming her deadly sarcasm failed her, of course.


• Charles RB posted a new Iron Chef: The Fashion Centipede.

"Roses are red / Tom Sloane is poo..."

"Jane's Addition" turns eleven today. The final episode of Daria's third season on MTV, "Jane's Addition" introduced us to Tom Sloane, our favorite well-beaten dead horse, and it marked the end of the Daria/Trent thing, which saved Trent from incarceration.

Today is also National Bad Poetry Day in the USA, and if there's one thing we know, it's how to write bad poetry. In honor of this day, and in honor of "Jane's Addition," you are urged to write a Really Bad Poem about Tom Sloane. When I say bad, I mean it has to suck the reader right out of the chair and into the monitor. Put your contribution in the Comments section for everyone to read and enjoy (or not).

ELVIS WEEK!

ELVIS WEEK! IT'S ELVIS WEEK!

No, really, it is. Trent helps out with the alter ego.

Gn00Z!

• Brian Taylor brings us a new Iron Chef: Modern Day Daria. "Daria's first day of school at Lawndale High occurs during the 2009 - 2010 school year. And... go!" Much discussion there.
  
• Ms. Kinnikufan offers up Iron Chef: Mr. DeMartino the Motivational Speaker. "After the events in Is It Fall Yet? Mr. DeMartino is approached by a publisher to write book about "If someone is doing something to irritate you, tell them about it in detail" way of dealing with low self-esteem. Apparently one of the publisher's children went to the "It's okay to cry corral" and benefited greatly from Mr. DeMartino's method. The very large advance is all it takes to get Mr. DeMartino to agree."
• TOTALLY NEWEST OF ALL! Roentgen has created Iron Chef: The Misery Chip, with the challenge being a Daria/Star Trek TNG scenario.
  
• Wanna make your own Daria T-shirt? Then do so. Thank you, Chris Tucker!
• Wouter brings us another great artwork, this time of Daria relaxing in the sun. Excellent.
  

FF.net

• EVEN MORE NEWEST! Broken, by Albatrocity (Parts 1 and 2): Daria sighed, deciding her need for coffee outweighed her want to continue lying in bed to reminisce. She sat up and stretched, her arms arcing over her head gracefully before standing and placing her glasses on her nose. A quick assessment of the apartment told that Jane had gone for her morning run, leaving Daria alone until she returned. That was... good, she could work on her article now. No fiend, er... friend to distract her. Smirking in spite of herself, she turned on the coffee maker and leaned on the counter, resting her chin in her hand to wait for the coffee to finish.

PPMB

• 2 Girls, 1 Camera, by rglovejoy (COMPLETE!): Sandi folded her arms and glared into the camera lens. "Stacy, I still don't understand why you need to record this." Stacy set the focus on the video camera. "It's for a project, Sandi," she said cheerfully. "Now, all you have to do is watch this Internet video and I'll be able to get your reactions, okay?" "Fine." Sandi turned her nose up. "What do I do now?" "Just press the mouse on the 'Start' button, That's right." Stacy hit the record button on the camera.
• NEWEST! Bittersweet, by thatLONERchick (COMPLETE!): It had been coming on for some time now. They had both known, seen the signals both obvious and subtle, but some things, as we all know, are difficult to let go. Like so many things, it started with a misunderstanding...
  
• Finn Morgendorffer 55: Dreamer Without a Cause, by HolyGrail2007 (Part 6): “So, Daria, all ready to go tomorrow?” Henry asked as the two sat in her room. “Ready to have my work torn apart by critics?” Daria returned. “Since that’s not gonna happen, I get to say you’re worried for nothing!” Henry remarked cheerfully. Too cheerfully. “No, Henry, that’s their job. Maybe they won’t be at a newspaper or anything, but people watch movies to have opinions of them. They’re just gonna hate it.” “God, you’re so depressing sometimes.” “I’m being realistic.” “Realistic how? What, you’re expecting cinema or something?”
• I Was A Teenage Sex Kitten..., by Erin M. (Part 2): The invasion itself was much like a gang of belligerent drunken dwarves with dubious personal hygiene: nasty, brutish and short. The Zippotronian saucers effectively decimated the military forces of the world, turning every last vehicle, weapon, and nuke into a vast buffet which was, under Jane's order's, delivered to the poorest counties in the third world so they could have SOMETHING to eat for once. Otherwise, things really didn't change that much. Jane was very much a hands-off benevolent dictator. She let the conquered get on with governing themselves, while enjoying her authority from the new global capital of Lawndale.
• MORE NEWEST! Jane Lane: Ace Attorney--Turnabout Teacher's Pet, by LSauchelli (Part 10): Jane took a deep breath and a look around the room. This is it, this is the day. No one could blame her for feeling nervous. She spent a good deal of the evening trying to talk to O’Neill, but the man was nowhere to be found. He didn’t answer his home phone and his cellphone was dead. That in itself was suspicious, but that aside, it meant Jane couldn’t corroborate Barch’s alibi. She had to call Charles during the night to ask him to search for O’Neill, even if she thought the boss wasn’t going to be happy once the P.I. sent him his fees. “Would you stop fidgeting like you need to pee? You look like an idiot,” Sandi said, barely turning to look at her over her shoulder.
  
• The Lane That Wasn't, by LadieT (Part 16): Jane closed her eyes for a moment as she thought about the old man's words. Just five minutes..300 seconds..I will need to make them count. She began to think out what she was going to say or do. She gazed back at the old man's face. He stared out straight into the distance. His emotions were unchanging. For the first time since she arrived at this place, she felt afraid. How can he just make me appear out of thin air? What is he? Is he an angel, a devil, or some other kind of worldly being out to destroy my sanity? There is just so much I don't understand. Jane started to speak, but the old man stopped her.
• Legacy, by Getrealordie187 (Interlude 3): "I'm sorry. I didn't know you were in here." She stands up, wobbly on her feet. "Hmm. From what I just heard, you weren't very concerned about being anywhere else but where Rita wasn't. I'm sorry I haven't been around to watch Aunt Rita throw herself at you; watching her embarrass herself is like an episode of Dallas. Let me look at you." She staggers over to him and to his incredulity, the girl appears to be as drunk as the day is long. He frowns even as he moves to shake her hand. "I thought Rita was your mother too." He leans forward to sniff at her and confirm his suspicions and becomes even more alarmed at the way she backpedals from him to land on her ass. "Is that vodka I smell? Are you drunk?"
• EXTREME NEWEST! Legacy, by Getrealordie187 (Part 4): "Hey, we're Mystic Spiral and we'll be back for our next set in half an hour. Oh and we're thinking about changing our name." Another day, another gig at the Zon. Sometimes he thinks that this is all he'll ever do with his life and most days he's okay with that. But sometimes when the fights with Nick and Max got a little too vicious and Jesse's a little too blank, he thinks about getting as far away from Lawndale as his feet can carry him. But leaving Janey to the tender mercy of his forgetful parents and the hounds of the IRS will never be his style so he pushes on like he always does.
  
• MORE NEWEST! Li Don't Like Mondays, by Charles RB (COMPLETE!): While DeMartino tried "patiently" to explain to Kevin that the Vietcong were neither related to King Kong nor Al Qaeda, the school intercom sputtered to life: "ALERT! ALERT! A SHOOTER IS RAIDING THE SCHOOL !" Tinny recorded sounds of a gun came over. "EVERYONE TO FALLBACK POSITIONS NOW!" "Dreams do come true," said Daria. "You wish," replied Jane. "Li does these things once a week, just in case a real shooter or a terrorist attacks us." "So she's annoying potential shooters to death?"
  
• MST version of TAG's "Can't Touch That!" by Jim North (COMPLETE!): [Won't spoil it for you!]
• MST version of TAG's "Daria 2007: The Girl from Hope" by Charles RB (Part 2): [Won't spoil it for you!]
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: ATTACK WARNING RED), by Chris Tucker (COMPLETE!): The school intercom screeched to life. "Attention: we are under attack." Jane rose from her desk and ambled to one of the classroom windows. "Hey, Daria, check it out!" Her friend joined her at the window....
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Modern Day Daria), by Brother Grimace (COMPLETE!): "In five, four, three, two..." "Hi! I'm two liters of cool, refreshing Quinn!" "And I'm a double 'on-the-go' pack of tasty, sugar-free Stacy!" "Mix liberally and add a healthy splash of our tech-guy Ted—"
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Modern Day Daria), by Roentgen (COMPLETE!): "Now I realize that it's very difficult being at a new school," Jake said. "As difficult as it is to be pardoned as a American journalist trapped in North Korea. I'm just asking you to use a little diplomacy, like ex-President Bill Clinton used earlier this month." The car pulled up to the school. A girl walked up to Quinn, who had gotten out of the car first. "Hi! What's your name?" she asked. "Quinn Morgendorffer," Quinn replied. "Wait a second?" the girl in pigtails asked. "Did you say Quinn Morakot, after that typhoon that hit Taiwan three weeks ago?"
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Mr. DeMartino the motivational speaker), by Getrealordie187 (COMPLETE!): "And now for our next guest, who wrote a controversial book on self-esteem entitled, I'm Mad As Hell and Here's Why I'm Not Going To Take It Anymore, which quickly rose to the New York Times Bestseller list. Ladies and gentlemen, a round of applause for Anthony DeMartino."
• A Very Special Edition of At the Fics with Daria and Jane, by Chris Tucker (COMPLETE!): "Jesus, it stinks in here! The carpets are ruined, we'll never get them clean. OK, girls, marks. In 5... 4... 3... 2...and we're on!" The two girls stood stiffly. They were wearing cheap plastic ponchos from Sears. The backdrop, chairs and set floor were stained with wet, brown lumps of something. From the look on the smaller girl's face, they smelled very bad. Both ponchos appeared to have hastily wiped off, as evidenced by the smears of a similar brownish matter. "Hello, I'm Jane Lane." "And I'm Daria Morgendorffer. We're the hosts of 'At The Fics with Daria and Jane." "I thought it was 'Jane and Daria' this week?" "No, remember last week it was just Tom hosting the show."
  

It's Anti-'Shipper Day! Hooray!

Martin J. Pollard, webmaster of the renown Outpost Daria, invented the term "anti-'shipper" in an essay for this fandom eleven years ago this very day. Thus, today is and forever will be Anti-'Shipper Day. He created the term in honor of Kara Wild's story, "'Shipped Out," which he credits as being the first anti-'shipper tale in Daria fandom. Ms. Wild's tale was written in June 1999.

How does one celebrate Anti-'Shipper Day, you ask, and well you should. The day may best be appreciated by pausing to reflect on the elements working against any romantic pairing displayed either on Daria itself or in Daria fanfiction. Daria/Trent? She's too young, Trent's a bum, and Daria is too obnoxious anyway. Daria/Tom? Tom's a bit too conceited, and Daria is too obnoxious anyway. Daria/Anyone? Daria is too etc., etc. What about Jane/Anyone? Daria will sabotage the relationship to have Jane for herself. You get the idea: always blame Daria, because she deserves it.

Today is also the anniversary of a famous alter-ego birthday, and it is International Friendship Day. For more information on the latter, here is a refreshingly cynical essay describing it. Winnie the Pooh is the holiday's mascot. He is shown at left in a candid moment.

More shortly. Not awake yet.

GnuZ!

• Less than two weeks to go until Midwest Dariacon 2010!
• Tiffany: does she suffer from narcissistic disorder? Does a wild bear use Charmin in the woods?
• NEW! A year ago here, I had a sort of mini-contest for artistic fans to find creative things to do with an old MTV screen background I discovered using the WayBack Machine. Anyone up for trying this again? Can you turn it into a neat-o wallpaper for Daria fandom computers?
  

PPMB

• Daria/Dorian 6: Christmas Chaos, by LadieT (Part 5): "I called your house. Your dad said that your aunts brought you and Janey here. He told me about her ankle. Is she okay?" "Yeah, she's doing okay. She is going to be glad to see you. She's really missed you." "I missed her, too. Do you know what store she's in? I really need to talk to her." "Is everything alright?" "No."
• NEWER! Jane Lane: Ace Attorney—Turnabout Teacher's Pet, by LSauchelli (Part 8): Jane carried on: “Did you see the way she talked to me? Like I was just one of the little idiots we used to make fun of in High School!” She spared a moment to look at Charles, “No offense. But how dares she do that?! What the hell is her problem! I mean, I expect that kind of treatment from Sandi, I’d be retarded not to, but Daria?! Daria?! This is the girl I survived high school with!” “You do realize you’re starting to sound a lot like that old witch at the gym?” said Charles.
• NEWER! MST version of TAG's "Daria 2007: The Girl from Hope" by Charles RB (Part 1 of 9,000 parts): [Won't spoil it for you!]
  
• Pulp Fiction: A Cup of Tea, by Chris Tucker (COMPLETE!): It had been two months since the subway bombing, and James had been, as he put it, "busy". His contacts with Daria and Jane had been minimal, the odd phone call, a quick coffee 'date', and so on. So, it was with some surprise when Daria heard her name called across a noisy Downtown Crossing intersection in a very familiar voice. A quick embrace between friends. "So, what brings you 'round here?" "I got a Border's gift card from my sister for Christmas, and I've finally got some time to use it. I also wanted to get some bagels, too." "Care for an escort, dear lady?" "Why, thank you, kind sir!"
• Raft College: The First Year, by rglovejoy (Part 21): Daria's Thursday afternoon section with Professor Daniels went well enough. The professor asked her to read her story to the class; Daria did so as best as she could. The worst part was the passage where the protagonist, a disgraced Soviet railroad engineer and deserter, and the beautiful NKVD officer (who she named Zhanna Lanski) shared a steamy encounter in a bombed-out Stalingrad railway station. Daria's face turned crimson several times; she cursed herself for not recognizing that she was not the only one who would be reading the story.
• Regifted 2: I Put Away Joyless Things, by Ajar (Part 10): “Hey, David. No, don't turn around.” “But isn't eye contact generally—” “Keep it down, we're still in class. Don't worry about it, I just want to know if you've seen Daria today.” “Maybe.” “What do you mean, maybe?”
• Sleepwalker, by Jim North (continued): The first bus was easy to get into since the door had been left open. Once Daria stepped inside, she could see why. A small hatch just inside the door had been broken into, various tools sat just within. She felt certain that if she checked, she'd find that those tools did not include a tire iron. Once she was inside the vehicle, she quickly scanned the interior. She didn't see anyone, but as it was one of the rental buses and not a school bus, there were dividers under each seat, blocking her view. There could be anyone hiding behind one of the rows of seats, waiting for her to let down her guard.
• The Vision of the Burning Cities, by jtranser (continued): "So how did it go? New semester with the usual pack of eager smiling faces anxious to learn all about Dream Psychology and how to use it for personal discovery, psychological engineering and sexual exploitation?" "No, Jane, that was last night's class. Today it was all about Introductory Psychotronics." "Mind Control, eh? Did they ask you what The Frequency was?"
  

No One Expects... THE COUNCIL OF TRENT!

Today is a very important day in history because on this day, only 471 years ago, the Pope sent out letters having to do with... the COUNCIL OF TRENT! (DUH-DUN!)

What exactly those letters said is sort of difficult to figure out. People spoke funny long ago, and the way they wrote is even worse. Perhaps you will have better luck (click here). I do not have an alter ego of Trent as either the Pope or a monk, though there is an image of Jake Morgendorffer as the Pope and one of Kevin Thompson as a medieval monk. Mmm, maybe better to just let that whole thing go and just use a picture of Trent answering his duck phone.

Other than that, not much else went on. Oh, well, yeah, it's National Black Cow Day in the USA. Not a bad idea to make one for yourself. The recipe is at the link.

And now it's time for...

N0oOZ!

• Alert fan Mike Richardson was able to capture an advertisement that formerly ran on The N, announcing Daria's severely edited appearance there. Enjoy the clip!
• Disco316 needs help finding an image or two for a link to the DariaWiki. See what you can do.
• OverlordMikey is looking for an artist or two for help with a Daria project.
  

PPMB

• Bathing with Archimedes, by RLobinske (Part 1): Jake Morgendorffer drove his Lexus down the scenic, suburban street toward his two daughters' new school. To his right, the elder, Daria sat and stared out the side window, feigning disinterest while the younger sat in the backseat showing apprehension. He said, "Girls, I just want you to know your mother and I realize it's not easy moving to a whole new town—especially for you, Quinn, right?" (Daria/Eureka)
• Daria/Dorian, by LadieT (continued): Dorian decided to jog towards Lawndale High. With it being a vacation week, he figured it would be quiet and vacant. As his feet hit the pavement, his mind began to clear. As he continued down the sidewalk, he began to try to figure things out. He became so wrapped up in his thoughts that he didn't hear the footsteps catching up with him from behind. He almost jumped when he felt the tap on his shoulder. "Do my eye deceive me or is a Morgendorffer voluntarily exercising?" Jane smiled. "Mind if I join you?"
  
• The Dream of the White Darkness, by jtranser (continued):"...On the appointed hour, when those who hunt pale visions come forth to feed on the weaker dreams, all will be made ready for the final moments, as the keepers of humanity prepare the keys of their own destruction. O Titan VI, that bringest the end of the world, grant us thy peace."
  
• Finn Morgendorffer 48: Filling Sacks of Failure, by HolyGrail2007 (COMPLETE!): All thoughts of some quiet relaxation at home were dispelled when Finn saw there were guests at the house. I wonder what that all is? he thought. He asked his father, who merely shrugged. There was plenty of space to park the Lexus, however, and Finn found his way inside to see a number of people in the living room, running cables and setting up lights. People barked orders to other people. What the hell is this? he thought. Shooting a movie or something? Don’t be a porno, don’t be a porno.
• Finn Morgendorffer 49: Blessed Be This Meal, by HolyGrail2007 (Part 1): "You’re Helen Morgendorffer, who prosecuted a psychotically evil woman and the regime that allowed her reign for torturing innocent young boys. I mean, all you need is a superhero costume and a catch phrase.” “Well, I don’t think it’s like that. Plus, those superhero costumes are so vulgar.”
  
• For Life, by LSauchelli (Part 2): The first year had been full of a cycle of violence and loneliness. Someone would see in her a weak prey to exploit, and she would show them the error of their ways by smashing their faces to a wall.
• The Game Called Life, by Trscroggs (continued): “That was fun,” Daria exclaimed as she appeared in the White Room. “I don’t usually like those crossover lives, but that one was very entertaining. I got to do interplanetary travel, meet new and interesting people, and was well known throughout the galaxy. Whole interstellar civilizations had specific protocols for my arrival. Why, they would turn out whole fleets to great me.” “You are never getting a yellow ring again,” the Old Man said. [This story appears on FF.net but under different names: "A Game Most Divine" and "Daria's Game of Divinity."]
  
• John Lane 46: Substitute Plans, by RLobinske (COMPLETE!): At his new desk, Kevin looked around the room. "Hey, Jodie. I can't see anyone's test." "That's the idea, Kevin," Jodie said. "You mean, I have to fill out the test myself?" "Yes, Kevin." "Aw, man." Feeling the pressure in her right eye, Jodie closed it and turned away from the class.
• Lost in Space, by Tsrcroggs (Part 1): Jane sat up on the bed and carefully surveyed the room she found herself in. She then asked the first two questions that came to her mind out loud. “How in the hell did I manage to fall asleep on a sci-fi set? And why am I naked?”
• A New Set of Rules, by Dennis (Part 13): It was Colleen, of course, who summed up everyone's feelings with a well-turned one-liner on a warm March morning that carried the promise of spring. “Wow, Daria,” she said as the two walked across the quad, “there are days when you're downright cheerful. Are you sure you haven't abducted by aliens?”
• Raft College: The First Year, by rglovejoy (Part 6): When I was a young girl, Daria wrote, my mother told me three things: if a boy tells me that he's had a vasectomy, he's lying; if I'm at a party and someone hands me a brownie, I shouldn't eat it; and if I were to be stranded somewhere, I should never try to hitch a ride. Until my sophomore year in college, I followed her advice to the letter.
• Unnamed story (Scenes no Daria fanfic should have: Ouch Time), by Ranger Thorne (COMPLETE!): Daria closed the door as Jane stepped into the house. "How is she?" the raven-haired artist asked. Quinn's eyes opened beneath her bandages. Swinging her feet over the side of her bed, she came to her feet and staggered the few steps to the door. "She's okay, on the inside." "People still having to stay with her?" Peeking around the corner, Quinn saw Daria was distracted enough for her to slip into her parents bedroom, then into the bathroom. "No, just keep her from removing her bandages." "That bad?" [Guess the crossover!]
• Unnamed story (Scenes no Daria fanfic should have: Ouch Time), by Greystar (COMPLETE!): The grizzled Starfleet captain sighed and stood up, inspecting the wreckage of the bar and then looking at the other occupant of the table. The auburn haired young woman tossed back the rest of her beer and tried to clean some of the dried blood from her nose as she inspected her broken glasses.
• The Weed of Crime Bears Glitter Fruit, by Kristen Bealer (Part 1): Kevin Thompson, CONTROL agent 86, sauntered into the Chief's office and leaned against the desk. "I came here as soon as I got your message. What's the emergency?" The Chief held up a hand, expression even grimmer than usual. "Wait until your partner arrives," he replied. "This is very important, and you'll both need to hear it." "Aww, but now I'm curious! Can't I at least have a hint?" (Daria/Get Smart)
  

Indiana Trent and the Band That's Thinking About Changing Its Name

Sixty-six years ago today, film writer-producer-director George Lucas was born. Thanks to him, we have more Daria/Star Wars crossovers than you can shake a lightsaber at. I think we can stop with the crossovers, there are enough now, please. We don't have enough Daria/Indiana Jones crossovers, however. My favorite IJ quote? It's from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: "We do not follow maps to buried treasure, and X never, ever marks the spot."

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• Apocalyptic Daria: Scarlett's Tale, by Doggieboy (Part 18.5): All three walked together through the field and remained side by side. Neither human said anything, and Scarlett couldn’t detect any discernible thoughts from the cat. Suddenly the field gave way to a city street and the three stopped. The homes around them appeared abandoned and damaged. Most of the cars that were appeared damaged and covered with a film of dust. The girl looked at one house and her mouth dropped open as she recognized the home of her friend, Kristy Barton. We’re in Lawndale... but why?
• Daria: Hunter 6—Infectious, by Jim North (continued): "My specialties are biology and nanotechnology." Ted reached into a pocket on his lab coat and pulled out a packaged pair of sterilized gloves, tore the plastic seal, and put them on. "Speaking of which, I heard that one of you has gotten a nasty little bite from our ambulatory deceased!"
• NEWER! Eye of the Beholder, by Yogi (Part 1): “This,” said Helen Morgendorffer, putting a sheet of paper full of neatly formatted text down on the table “Is an example of an ideal resume for college and scholarship admissions.” Daria resisted the urge to yawn, knowing it would only make things worse. She did not want to spend Saturday morning like this. Granted, she didn’t really have anything planned for this weekend, or for any weekend for that matter, but listening to her mother lecture her on her lack of activities was getting rather old. “And THIS,” Helen continued, putting a sheet of paper with much less text beside the first “Is YOUR resume."
  
• Finn Morgendorffer 46: Shields Up, by HolyGrail2007 (Part 3): “For this next project,” Janet noted, “you’ll be working in pairs.” Janet had thought of a number of things to say to this recruiter woman that Skinny mentioned was interested in Finn, that useless male. He did not deserve to have such people interested in him. The XY was proof enough of that. But, as she was thinking up the things, she realized she had no idea who this recruiter was... So her approach needed to be different, and that’s when she settled for the one weapon a teacher had: grades.
• From the Darkness: A Young Artist's Dream, by Civanfan (COMPLETE!): My first impression of Lawndale was a fine image of picture-perfect suburbia. Boring. I was supposed to meet up with whats-her-face at Pizza Prince at noon, but apparently she wasn't under the same impression. I was considering whipping out my knife and carving a Paul Klee imitation into the table, when I heard a voice call me by name. She, an attractive woman of about twenty-seven, had finally showed up twenty minutes late in worn blue jeans, a plaid shirt, and a smock with wet clay all over it. Her hair was in a polka-dot kerchief, and from the look on her face, I knew the first words out of her mouth would be an apology. "I'm sorry. I'm so so sorry!" She covered my hand in clay when she shook it. "I was working on a piece for a charity auction, and I suddenly remembered this interview." I shrugged. That's art, I said.
• The Game Called Life, by Trscroggs (continued): "What the hell happened anyway?” “Somebody made a wish,” the Old Man said, “on a greater artifact, while standing at a reality fulcrum, during a celestial alignment.”
• NEW! A New Set of Rules, by Dennis (Part 11): “So, what's Kevin's number?” Daria had tried to make it a joke, but her voice took on a nasty edge. Colleen's smile didn't change, but the tone of the conversation somehow did. “Careful, Daria. If you ask that question again, I just might answer it. And I'm not sure either of us could handle that.”
  
• Unnamed story (More Crossovers Not Yet Crossed Over), by NightGoblyn (COMPLETE!): Daria sighed deeply as she leafed through the paper. "Cheer up, amiga," Jane said. "It's just one summer of slave labor, and then you're back to the old college grind, right?"
• Unnamed story (More Crossovers Not Yet Crossed Over), by Disco316 (COMPLETE!): "You know, there's one thing about this satellite that worries me."

Staying Cool

Trent reminds us at right that today is National Firefighters Day, and glad we are of it. Thank you, firemen everywhere!

I read somewhere that this is also Star Wars Day ("May the Fourth Be With You!"). Lame, but there it is.

Greenpeace celebrates its 38th birthday today, which is relevant in part here because Daria was originally conceived to be a Greenpeace fan.

Alice Liddell (rhymes with "fiddle") was born this day 158 years ago. You know her better as Alice in Wonderland, as she was the inspiration for those stories. Thank you!

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• EVEN NEWEREST! Before the Deprogramming, by Kristen Bealer (Part 1): The last thing Jane wanted to do when she got home from Glenfield Middle School every day was baby-sit her niece and nephew, but no one else was available. Trent was always busy with his new "band," which had no drummer and still hadn't produced a single song. Wind only came home when his wife Claudia threw him out, which happened frequently but not predictably enough to rely on. No one had seen Penny in three years, although Jane was reasonably sure she was still somewhere in Central America. As for Jane's parents, well...they only showed up when they were least expected, not when they were most needed. Even at thirteen, Jane knew that all too well.
  
• NEWER! The Candidate, by Liz Ruiz (Part 2): Quinn took a last look around her backyard before she took a seat on one of the patio chairs. Even though she had thoroughly prepared for that meeting she still felt uneasy. For one thing, she hadn't any idea of the identity of the person that her husband will be leading into the backyard at any moment now. She would have felt much better if she had known just the gender of her guest. Sometimes you just had to leave some things to fate, she supposed.
• NEW! A Family Deal, by Dennis (COMPLETE!): "Okay," said Jake, "I'm going play a game of hearts with my beautiful wife and my two great kids." "Hearts?" Daria said. "Poker or nothing." Helen nodded. "It's a waste of time if you're not playing for money."
  
• Finn Morgendorffer 45: Quarter Past Midnight, by HolyGrail2007 (Part 1): He knew that, if he went over to Jane’s now, he’d hate himself. He’d hate himself as he talked to her, listened to her fears about colleges, fears Finn knew Jane had. Hate himself when he pulled her close, feeling her rapid heartbeat and shallow breathing. And, for the first time, he’d hate the love-making they’d do after he soothed her.
• EVEN NEWEREST! The Hallowed Halls of Fielding, by Roentgen (Part 27): "I thought that Pat Seven would try to call me, but I guess he remembered that I wasn't getting any mail," said Quinn. "I mean, I swore to him that I still wanted messages but that I was grounded and that I couldn't answer any of them. Mom would have probably dumped him off the phone if he did call. Stupid Mom. I mean, if Pat stops going out with me, it looks like I've lost him...!" "But you weren't going out with him at all," Jill said. "You just wanted to go to the Yacht Club."
  
• NEWER! The Smiling Menace, by Roentgen (COMPLETE! despite it being part 6 of 58): "I'm attempting to keep an ancient artifact lost in the Time Wars from falling into the wrong hands... the TOOTHBRUSH OF RASILLON!" The item appeared on the viewscreen, along with awe-invoking incidental music. It was a toothbrush, and damn, it was a fine-looking toothbrush. Nice bristles. Good, sturdy handle. Gallifreyan engraving. A real classic. "That is one sweet sweet toothbrush," Quinn said.
• NEWEST! Unnamed story (Three-peat! New Ideas Thread Wins Again!), by Trscroggs (COMPLETE!): "Damnit, I thought killing those two knuckleheads would be a good thing!" Daria yelled in frustration.
  

GILLIGAN!

Today is the birthday of the man who ultimately became the role-model for both Trent Lane and the background character known as Shaggy. Unless you were reading this blog a year ago, you won't know who that was until you click on this link, this link, and this link. The image at right is a hint. (Thanks, UU and Pinhead!)

My apologies for not being around as much as before. Hope to turn that around before long. Stay tooned.

Elvis, Unplugged

Forty-one years ago today, Elvis made his best known comeback, a special shown on TV that became instantly world famous. And MTV artists remembered it and used it as a Trent alter ego, at left. For more information on this specific alter ego and what it shows, click here. Did you know that Elvis not only invented the music video (with the "Jailhouse Rock" musical number from the movie of the same name), he also invented the "unplugged" live performance with his comeback special? What a dude.

Found a recent online article about DVDaria. Nice to see the support! Go, Kara!

Born 61 years ago today is the Alter Ego That Should Have Been: the Oz. Why no Ozzy, MTV? Oh, well. Maybe next time.

The Wind Cries Jimi

Jimi Hendrix, the greatest electric guitar player who ever lived in real history or any dimension or alternate universe, was born this day 67 years ago. The MTV staff must have been fans of his, because they created not one but two alter egos for him, one with Jodie (a post-episode a.e.) and one with Jake (from the computer game Daria's Inferno). Long live THE MAN!

Minor Note: Jimi Hendrix was left-handed. Jake's image should be flopped to be correct.

Trent Lane is a fan of The Man, and the date is even celebrated in the CD-ROM accessory, Daria's Sick, Sad Life Planner (below). Thanks to Pinhead for the alter ego at left!

Is it true that Hendrix once set his guitar on fire? You be the judge. Could he really play guitar with his teeth? Again, you decide. Was he the greatest guitar player ever? No question. Sit back and dig it.

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• Reaped Out 2: Sickle Sad World, by Pinkminx (Part 11): “Of course I’m dead, I’m not an idiot and I’m not blind. You think I didn’t notice all the chaos?” Sandi waved an arm at the crowd that had gathered around her body. “Then why are you yelling and shouting?” Daria asked. “Like duh, I’m trying to find my guardian angel.”
  

You Woke Up the Dead, So Put 'Em to Bed

Gettin' late, party's over, zombies have to be reburied. My thanks to Pinhead (at right) for the most excellent alter egos, to UU for more magnificent images, to Richard Lobinske for chipping in some excellent art with his posts, and to you for reading this.

The more alert among you might notice that this website has now joined the last existing Daria Webring, which apparently started out as the Other Daria Webring. It kinda fun to explore the ring and see where it leads; not very big at the moment but there's room to grow. Webrings were big about a decade ago. They're still around, good to see 'em. Maybe more webmasters will join in for the fun of it.

Hope your Halloween was a good one. Tomorrow is a new day and a new month (and this blog will run over 124,000 hits). Cheers.

As I Want You to Be

I'd much rather stay
home and listen to my
brother practice
the opening to
"Come as You Are."
—Jane Lane, in "The Invitation"

Nirvana's Nevermind was released this day eighteen years ago. Still smells like teen spirit.

A few interesting links for fun:

• Jane's art gallery from an Italian fansite (the art doctored up in an amusing way)
• That 3D image of Daria I posted once, from Lawndale Commons
• That 3D image of Jane (same source)

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• Finn Morgendorffer, by HolyGrail2007 (Part 2): Football tryouts were actually two hours after school, so Finn had time to head home first. Not to his surprise, Daria was not at home. She would not be around to make herself a target for a while, and Finn could only seethe with fury at her performance today.
  
• Love Is a Series of Burning Sensations, by Undefinedlust (Part 12 COMPLETE!): Daria smiled in amusement as she walked from the video store to her mom's Suburban, here she was about to have bad movie night with her sister and Stacy Rowe. If she had ever been in a more absurd situation, she couldn't remember it. The fact she had been busted staring at Stacy's ass made the situation even more amusing.
• Unnamed story, by Teeki (Part 1): "What?" Helen Morgendorffer screeched, "The teleconference is back on?! But Fred, you assured me it wasn't going to happen tonight. I'm supposed to take my daughters shopping." Quinn scowled as her mother listened to the voice on the other end of the phone. "But of course, Fred. Listen, I'll be a little late. Let me get back to the house, get the girls a snack and I'll call in from there. Bye, Fred."
  

A Musical Interlude for Summertime

Just for you, Trent will try out a new song about summer.

Enjoy. Stay tuned for further instructions.

NEWS: Richard Lobinske is offering a peek at a future fanfic.

Wanna see my new tattoo? The Cheshire Cat has some interesting ones.

A new Iron Chef is up at PPMB, courtesy of Lorenzo Sauchelli: School of Rock.

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• Daria the Hoosier, by Doggieboy (Part 6): "Now, you know how you suggested that we go see Heinlein?” “Yeah.” “I just realized that there is a much better person out there to see and talk to. Isaac Asimov.”
• M4: Tomorrow Is a Better Day, by Silver (COMPLETE!): Chris leaned on his locker and rubbed his face, trying to wake up. Damn DeMartino and his tests. Damn the brilliant idea of pulling an all-night study marathon. He stopped cursing reality at the feeling of a finger on his nose. He peered over the tops of his fingers, down a slender finger and into the gray-green eyes of Stacy Rowe.
• Unnamed story (Scenes No Daria Fanfic Should Have: Hump Day), by JPAGC (Part 1): "The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep..."

It's a Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall

Singer-songwriter-activist Bob Dylan was born 68 years ago today. Wow. One of his songs was the backbone of this story. I confess I've not been as fond of his later stuff as I was of early albums like Desire, which was awesome. I once had a copy of the stream-of-consciousness novel he wrote, Tarantula, but lost it.

By the way, I used Trent because there are no Bob Dylan alter egos. He could pass for Dylan if you squint a lot in a dark room. Until he plays.

Not many fanfics have much to do with Bob Dylan. Here is an exception.

By the way, I added a bunch of new stories to the last post. Have a look. Great stuff. I love this fandom!

The interviews done last year with some authors and artists have been posted. Enjoy. We'll see what comes up next.

BREAKING NEWS! Richard Lobinske has updated the 2009 Daria Visual Fanworks listing! Hooray!

And now for the fanfic.

FF.net

• Our Time Now, by Charliefox2012 (Part 4): Daria was startled when her door burst open. “Daria! What are you doing in bed when the house is on fire?!” Jake yelled. The sentence didn’t really process for Daria. She sat up and put on her glasses. “Um, trying to find out if these blankets are flame-retardant?” she said. [Author would like some feedback, please help!]
• Sinspiration, by Vlora (up to Part 11!): As Trent arrived home he was met with Jane on the couch eating some kind of instant meal. ‘You’re up early,’ she pointed out, her eyes drifting between her food and the TV periodically, enjoying the laziness of a Saturday more than she could remember. It was probably because she had spent most of the previous night reliving the same feelings she had gotten from Tom when they had broken up – all through Daria. She shouldn’t have let them date, but it seemed as if nothing good would have come out of the situation either way.
• Tales of the Ringbearers: Temporary Duty, by Richard Lobinske (COMPLETE!): Sharon lifted a pair of electronic binoculars and observed the target area 500 meters away. Only her long experience with The Agency prevented her from flinching at the series of loud reports that erupted beside her. Looking down range at the fluttering remains of the target, she said, "Very effective Gunny, though a Ma Deuce isn't exactly what I'd call subtle."

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• Jane Lane: Spider-man, by Lorenzo Sauchelli (Part 2): Jane hurried after the redheaded boy but instead bumped into an African-American girl who was carrying a box full of photographic equipment. Jane tried in vain to catch the box before it hit the floor but couldn't get there in time and instead got the other girl to fall too. “Uh, sorry. Did you see a guy go by here?
• Stacy Rowe, Seeker (Part II), by jtranser (continued): "Whose idea was this? I try to stay under the radar, run a profitable investigation agency and avoid fools and incompetents whenever possible. But, lately, somehow, I've become a magnet attracting deranged and idiotic creatures of great wealth."
  
• Things Fall Apart, by Doggieboy (Part 14): After the Ringbearers restored a semblance of order to the chaos at Highland High School, Beavis found himself alone and thinking of Butt-Head. They saved everyone here, but what about Butt-Head? he thought and sniffled.
  
• Unnamed story (Scenes No Daria Fanfic Should Have: TGIF), by Greystar: "Daria, how can you have anything bad to say about a school trip to Europe of all places?" Jane asked her best friend as they walked to school. "We're going on a zeppelin, Jane." Daria scowled. "The last one of those that ran for passenger service crashed in 1937, in case you don't remember. I've got a picture of it in my locker."
  

Smarter than the Average Berra!

A quick sports note about a quotable quoter: Yogi Berra, famed catcher and baseball manager (and legendary mangler of English) was born today 84 years ago. He is the renown inventor of Yogiisms, which have to be read to be understood. Brilliant work, man. Daria loves you!

Interesting, I just noticed that Trent is wearing Lawndale High School colors. Wonder if he finally got a job working for Ms. Li.

DariaWiki has benefited from the handiwork of Mman, João Paulo Costa, Disco316, Richard Lobinske, Dennis, Brother Grimace, and Doggieboy. Thank you!

Dariaverse.com has updated! Hooray!