YAY! It's World Information Society Day! YAY!

Yes, once again our secret masters at the United Nations have mandated that we have another holiday on Holiday Island, but this time it is one that is of special interest to us fans. World Information Society Day is here to remind us that the Internet has a big effect on our lives, which seems sort of obvious given that you're reading this right now instead of mowing the lawn as you should be doing. We do have our Daria fandom as a result, however, so maybe this is a good holiday after all. Well done, UN!

Of course, this is all academic when the Internet goes down, your computer gets a virus, etc.

REMINDER: The Sick Sad World website is active! Send in your fanworks ASAP! The instructions for fanfiction are here, and the instructions for fan art are here. Go!

PPMB

• Am I Being Served? by Ajar (Part 4): "What if we let Mrs. Slocombe model the new line of environmentally friendly undergarments? That's sure to turn the whole department green." [I also liked: "If Roger hadn't told me about the principles of Zen I don't know how I could make sense of anything around here."]
• Cold Comfort, by Doggieboy (Part 2): "Colonel Armalin is here to see you, sir." The officer raised his eyebrows. Did I hear her right? "Colonel Armalin?" he asked. "Yes, sir." That's odd. Damned disquieting, too. Very unusual for him to show up unannounced like that. He nodded and said, "Send him in."
• More Strangers, by Waldnorm (Part 1): "So now the Fashion Club is being given a pep rally assembly?! You know, I never thought high school would get any worse." "Ah, amiga, it may just be getting worse. Look outside." [Guess the crossover!]
  

YAY FOR THE FILLY!

I bet you thought I had forgotten about this great alter ego. No, sir! Hooray for Rachel Alexandra, winner of the Preakness! Hooray! Ride 'er, Jake! And enjoy the private celebration in the stall afterward!

Ah, there's nothing like quality family time.

More later, still up too late. PPMB is wonky, having trouble getting into it.

Crying All the Way to the Bank

Ninety years ago today, showman and classical pianist Liberace was born. Mr. DeMartino does a nice impersonation of him at left, tickling the ivories in an MTV alter ego. A lot of alter egos have a musical theme, usually a very specific one. The catchphrase in the title was actually invented by Liberace, who went heavily for the entertainment angle. He was a pretty nice person from most accounts. The artist really worked on this image, didn't he?

Now and then I surf around looking for news stories related to Daria, but almost always the writers mention the show in a peripheral way only. Still, a couple of hits looked interesting. "TV will eat itself" (Guardian (UK)) was one, and "Reality TV Addiction" (The Comment) was another. Daria is well remembered, just not well analyzed or discussed.

PPMB

• Embers, by Undefinedlust (COMPLETE!): My name is Jennifer. They call me burnout girl. Jennifer started to write on the blank first page of a notebook that had already been filled. She was distracted by her mother yelling at her from the kitchen. With a sigh she closed the notebook and placed it on top of a stack of identical spiral bound books on her desk then went into the kitchen. [Contains adult content. You are warned.]
  
• Expecting Trouble, by Legendeld (Part 7): “I’m not prepared to consider bail until we can go a week without the number of victims in this case increasing. Your client admitted to the police that at the time of his arrest he was planning on leaving the city, which makes him a flight risk. So unless your client wants to provide the prosecution a list of the minors he had relations with, he stays in jail.”
  
• Red Hot Monkey Love, by Dennis (COMPLETE!): "We haven't made red hot monkey love in a while," said Amanda. "You're right," said Vincent. "I was in Greenland and you were in the Azores. Let's do it now."
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Daria Is Raven's Apprentice), by Project Pegasus (COMPLETE!): "Stupid term paper." "What are you up to?" "Working on my term paper. I just can't seem to finish it." "Let me see if I can help."
  
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Finish the Story, Your Way), by Paisleygal (COMPLETE!): Daria took one last look at Tommy Sherman. He still had that cocky grin on his face as he watched Brittany’s retreating form and rubbed the red spot on his cheek. Daria saw him pause as if he was trying to think of something to say. “Don’t think to hard, you might strain something,” she thought as Tommy took a half step forward... and collapsed to the floor.
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: 'Shipper Ficlets!), by NightGoblyn (COMPLETE FRAGMENT!): "Talk to me." He glanced down at the comparatively tiny woman standing next to him. She was leaning forward against the safety wall to get a better view of the city, her toned and athletic figure backlit and obvious in her dark red bodysuit. He knew she was trying to pose and distract him, a gesture he found touching considering how normally reserved and shy she tended to be. "Talk to me, don't shut me out." She turned and peered up at him. "Please."
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: 'Shipper Ficlets!), by Scissors MacGillicutty (COMPLETE!): "I came to get her because we were going to have a late supper at Lauriel de la Ribas' new restaurant. I went into the gallery and just found her on the floor...it looked like she was having a seizure. I thought she fell off the ladder and I called 911 right away."
  

A quick semi-tragic note

I won't be at Wonderfest this year. Caught a bad cold or something, coughing all over the place. Damn. Was hoping very much to see Richard Lobinske and wife, go out for pizza, look at great SF/horror/fantasy/dinosaur models, meet the hawt Cartwright sisters (Veronica and Angela). Double damn.

Well, heck, may as well sulk about it.

sulk sulk sulk

Oh, and there's a new Iron Chef on PPMB: 'Shipper Ficlets!

And...

OUTPOST DARIA HAS UPDATED! HUZZAH!

If Ever, If Ever a Wiz There Was

The famed author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum, was born this day 153 years ago. This story is referenced a number of times in official Daria materials. See if you can find the Oz references in "Legends of the Mall," "Fire!" "Lucky Strike," and the Daria's Inferno computer game (hint: see image at right). Fan artists (Adam Spradlin and Lisanne Bouchard) have created Oz-derived Daria art, and at least three crossovers with the Oz saga have been written, though curiously they are now hard to find (Ken T.'s "The Wizard of Ug," Aaron Adelman's "Daria in Oz," and Crazy Nutzo's “Through the Rainbow”). I haven't yet performed an extensive search for these, but perhaps someone out there knows where they appear.

Medea42 found something. (Shhh!)

FF.net

• Reality Is What We Make It, by Lord of Fluff (Part 1): The only sounds that invaded my sense of hearing as I worked furiously was the thunderclap of the soft storm that crashed down outside of the building I was in and the quick and precise clicking of computer keys as my hands swiftly raced across the keyboard. If this was going to work, I needed to get a move on.
• Wristcutters: A Daria Story, by Charliefox2012 (Parts 7 and 8): Daria entered her apartment, gave Erik his cottage cheese, grabbed the phone and headed into her room. The mess had been cleaned up. “Thank you, Erik!” Daria called. No answer, but she knew he heard. She dialed Eugene’s number hoping he was home.

PPMB

• Cold Comfort, by Doggieboy (the REAL part 1): Let's just say that it was a bad day for muggers. A very bad day.
  
• Spirit Stick, by Brother Grimace (Part 4): After walking into the commons area, Archangel frowned as he saw that Valkryie had not stepped in with him–more like we probably stepped into differing time zones, he thought, seeing the newspaper dated 17 October 1962. Or different time periods. Looks like a "Shattered" scenario. Shame Richard isn’t here. He could lecture me about how I have to make sure that I don’t do anything that’ll disrupt the natural flow of events.
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Lying About "The Kiss"), by Dennis (Part 1): The suspicious part of Jane’s mind whispered that Daria had frozen for a second, that something had been off about the conversation, but Jane again shoved it down, as they walked through the double doors into school. “See you after homeroom,” she said, and the two parted.

Next, on MTV....

... nothing.

No one has reported Daria resurfacing on the tube.

Damn.

Got the image at left from an old MTV Daria page through the WayBack Machine. "Try not to get too excited." No problem, dude. Nothing to get excited about.

Okay, time for something less depressing. The fanfic has been pretty good.

Stay tuned.

Do not try to adjust your computer. We are in control.

Thought that would sound nifty for a headline. Sorta like The Outer Limits TV show. Cool. (See this OL intro, too. Whoa.)

The second annual Wonderfest Dariacon is coming up this weekend. Heh heh heh...

NEW NEWS! DariaWiki has some new pages and material. The newest page of all is: Ringwraith Three, by Lorenzo Sauchelli.

Two new artworks are online at Lawndale Online, both by Skooma: Daria Is a Viper Pilot and (the somewhat disturbing) Rorschach Daria.

MOAR FANFIC ADDED! This is a good day for readers!

FF.net

• Our Time Now, by Charliefox2012 (Part 3): In the kitchen, Daria was surprised to see the ceiling light fixture missing, and replaced by a gaping hole and wires. Jake was standing on the table and reading what appeared to be an instruction manual. He apparently was trying to fix the ceiling light. He was having a bit of trouble. Daria stood to watch him. “Dammit,” he swore, still reading the manual, “Where does it say which wire is which?” he said touching the group of wires on examination. “Maybe a little light will make things easier,” Daria teased, reaching for the light switch.
• Reunion, by Smileyfax (Part 1): Helen Morgendorffer knocked on the front door of the house of Jane Lane, Daria's new friend. She was elated to discover Daria had made a new friend--the only people she had hung out with in Highland were those two... odd boys. However, she wanted to meet with Jane's parents, get to know them, find out if Jane ran with any bad crowds.
• Wristcutters: A Daria Story, by Charliefox2012 (Parts 5 and 6): Daria arrived at Eugene’s around seven. He and his family lived in an apartment a few blocks from her. It was okay looking; well, as good as it was going to look in this place. Nothing here looked nice. Daria hadn’t dressed up; it was too hot. She just wore her usual tank top, and jeans, but she felt she should have put on something nicer. [You have to read this. It is awesome.]
  

PPMB

• Cold Comfort, by Doggieboy (Part 1): “Process her,” the sheriff said and shoved Daria towards the deputy with the pot gut. The man was at least forty-five and had a thick, dark mustache. He took his nightstick and gently prodded the young woman’s left shoulder with it. “Let’s go, girl,” he said as a younger redheaded deputy opened the door leading to the jail itself. Daria looked around as she was led in. She said nothing and ignored the deputies; she didn’t fight them, either, as she was led down a metal stairway to a desk. The middle-aged man sat at the desk and booted up a computer, while the younger deputy stood at her left side. [Guess the crossover?]
• Report on Ringwraith Three: The Fall and Rise of Vengeance Ring 167 (Tales of the Ringbearers 33), by Lorenzo Sauchelli (COMPLETE!): "...although we were able to track a few of Ringwraith One's clients for cross-dimensional travel, not one of them could help us find his current location," Ringbearer Pennyworth stated, his voice firm but obviously upset as he had no good news to bring.
• Stacy Rowe, Seeker (Part II), by jtranser (continued): "....So, you see, the key is Stacy and her biocongruent abilities. If you can inject an appropriate destabilizing factor at the proper moment, the Uncertainty Principle will take over. At that point, you should be able to maximize the situation to your advantage." "Thanks, Josh. You're saying that all we have to do is give things a nudge and let Stacy be Stacy, and it'll all turn out okay."
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Finish the Story, Your Way), by Cap (COMPLETE?): "You knocked him out with just a slap?" Daria asked incredulously. [You have to read this one, too. It is also awesome.]
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Lying About "The Kiss"), by Scissors MacGillicutty (COMPLETE!): "Young Thomas and I are no more." [It's ditto all over again. Wow.] PART 2 is here!
  

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!

Happy Surrealism Cubism Day!

Salvador Dali was born this day 105 years ago. Had he been with the MTV team drawing Daria characters, Brittany would have appeared as she does at right. What a shame. Why did Dali paint people like this? Jane Lane has a theory.

Two new PPMB Iron Chefs, both from Scissors MacGillicutty: Iron Chef: Quinn in Highland, and Iron Chef: Lying About "The Kiss." Lots of potential here waiting to be brought into being.

A new PPMB round robin has been started (see below). And the Outpost Daria update is almost here!

FF.net

• The Quiet Ones, by Smileyfax (COMPLETE!): "It's always the quiet ones, isn't it?" "Huh?" Jane asked. A detective from Lawndale PD had come to Quiet Ivy to speak to Jane, but she had zoned out after a while. "The quiet ones, you know, that end up to be axe murderers." "Oh, yeah. Right." [Nice one! Thank you!]
• Which Lane Is the Right Lane? by Lord of Fluff (Part 1): As Daria and Quinn left Mrs. Manson's office, Daria in front and looking down at her scheduled to see which class she was supposed to go to, she crashed into someone. Daria almost fell down but was caught in the last split second by the guy she ran into. Looking up, she saw him and gasped, her eyes widening in shock.

PPMB

• Apocalyptic Daria: Scarlett's Tale, by Doggieboy (Part 9): When Scarlett opened the storage trailer’s doors and drove the car outside, she calmly sped between the buildings until she reached the main gate and slowed to a stop. I took John’s car keys, she thought and blinked as she stared ahead. But I didn’t take his other keys.
• Expecting Trouble, by Legendeld (Part 6): Quinn didn’t know when she stopped paying attention to the Science teacher and even less when she absent-mindedly pulled out the needle and thread then started sewing the patches of cloth together. Her mind drifted to the only conversation she could remember with her father in the last two weeks. He had come into her room without warning. [Contains adult content. Hang on.]
  
• John Lane 40: Starry Eyes Open, by Richard Lobinske (Part 2): As Mr. DeMartino gave up and bashed his head against the chalk board, Daria said, "There is some stupidity that no amount of optimism can overcome."
• Legion of Lawndale Heroes Mini: The Merry Old Land of Oz, by Roentgen (Part 1? Complete?): [Whoa. We're not in Kansas anymore, but wherever this one is going, I wanna go there, too.]
  
• Round Robin: Justifiable Teachercide, started by Prince Charon (Parts 1 onward): The ringing of Daria's cellphone started just as she was about to pull out of the gas station (which was charging an outrageously high price of $1.69 9/10 a gallon). Looking at the traffic, she decided to pull into an empty space, and took the call. "Daria's House of Angst," she started.
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Lying About "The Kiss"), by Dennis (COMPLETE!): "We're fighting about you, Daria Morgendorffer," Jane said, pain behind the anger in her voice, "being dumb enough to think a boyfriend is worth screwing up a really good friendship for. A really important friendship."
  
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Quinn in Highland), by Dennis (COMPLETE!): "We've been in this hellhole for three years now," Quinn wrote in her diary. "I wish we could move back East. Oh, sure, I'm still pretty and popular here, not like Daria, who only hangs out with those two... things.
  
• Unnamed story (Scenes No Daria Fanfic Should Have: TGIF), by Lorenzo Sauchelli (COMPLETE!): Jane stomped all her way by the stairs, not bothering to listen to anything Quinn was saying in order to stop her. "Wreck my hair will you?" She said under her breath, her eyes pulsing like they were about to pop out of her skull. "You do that and then you run off on me? What the hell?" She stopped when she reached her supposed best friend's door. "DARIA! I know you're in there! I can smell your ass!" She tried to open the door but found it surprisingly locked. "DARIA!" She kicked the door twice. "Open the door!"

Yo, Mom! It's Your Day!

No one has yet written a great Mothers Day story making use of the alter ego at left. Alas.

Happy Mothers Day to one and all. More news to come, have to do Mothers Day stuff here, hope you understand. Remember Helen Morgendorffer's great moment as a mom? What a gal.

What was your favorite Daria fanfic about motherhood? Name the best in Comments and share with everyone.

A possible route for Daria releases? Maybe, maybe not.

The Day Before Mothers Day

First question: on which image of Madonna was this alter ego of Helen Morgendorffer based?

Second question: to be announced when I think of it.

FF.net

• The Quiet Ones, by Smileyfax (Parts 4 and 5): Jane walked into her house and dropped her bookbag at the side of the door. As she walked upstairs to her room, she resolved to call Daria, as she wasn't in school that day. All had apparently been forgiven for Daria's fouling of the dye job and Jane's paranoia, but Jane wanted to make sure Daria was okay nonetheless. "Huh," she said aloud upon entering her room. The shades were drawn and the lights were off. She reached out to flick on the switch. "Don't turn on the lights, Jane." [Contains mature content. Hang on.]
  

PPMB

• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Angst Lord Time Trials), by Angelinhel (COMPLETE!): She curled up next to her best friend, for once feeling safe and comfortable.
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Aware of Changes), by Scissors MacGillicutty (COMPLETE!): Daria Morgendorffer awoke from uneasy dreams to the sound of her sister's voice. "DA—RI—A!" Quinn's cry came from just outside her door. "You better get washed and ready if we're going to make the Fashion Club meeting this morning!" [LATE ADD: The story is actually continued here. It is just amazing. You must read it.]
  

L8 MORNING ADDS:
I was too lazy and tired to look it up on my own, but yes, it does indeed appear to be Madonna from her 1990 music video "Vogue," another extremely specific pop-culture reference from the MTV animation staff. The relevant image is here, the video is here, and the background on the video is here. This video is apparently widely beloved by critics (said to be be one of the best music videos of all time) and was directed by David Fincher, whose movie credits are eye-popping and include The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. One heck of an alter ego reference.

Oh, almost forgot, there's a Pizza Thread at PPMB now, thanks to Brother Grimace the Great. Check it out.

Cartoon Caption Contest time!

What's the best caption for this image? Add your suggestion to Comments, below.

All the Fanfic That's Fit to Read!

Lots of good fanfic on the way to readers from the last couple days. Links will be posted later today after I get home from work. Too pooped to pop right now.

By the way, what is Jake reading that's making him so happy? Put your answers in Comments.

FF.net

• Falling into College Year 4: How Did We Get All This Stuff? by Richard Lobinske (COMPLETE!): "Daria really has him whipped now," Gina said before popping a piece of double chocolate into her mouth.
  
• The Quiet Ones, by Smileyfax (Part 3): In the newest installment of this wholesome family comedy, we read: Bobby Stuart realized sometime last night that he had ruined his entire life over a piece of ass. He supposed he should be grateful he didn't actually sleep with her -- then he would be facing statutory rape charges, and he was vaguely aware that most prison inmates tended to frown on such things. As he sat up, he noticed with shock that Quinn sat on a chair in the corner of the room, hands in her lap. "Quinn!" he exclaimed, leaping out of bed (thankful he had fallen asleep in his clothes). "What are you doing here?"

PPMB

• Jane Lane: Spider-man, by Lorenzo Sauchelli (Part 1): Before Jane could wonder what the teacher was talking about, he started handing over pamphlets of the Maryland Science Center. He stopped next to a red-haired boy exchanging a few words with him and then kept going. “We’re going to visit a private showing of the latest advancements in genetic engineering.”
• Kappa Daria, by Peapotmaster (Part 2): On the set of the Lilly Mu Show, the cast is getting ready to work on next week’s show, as Mikey Simon, Lilly, Mitsuki, and Gonard are reading their scripts. “I can’t believe this, Guano,” Lilly spoke to a small purple creature with a light blue gem on its stomach. “Didn’t we do this scene last season?”
• Legion of Lawndale Heroes Mini: A Day At The Races, by Brother Grimace (COMPLETE!): “So, what’s it like being a Legionnaire, Julia? All sorts of high-tech stuff, that cool plane, not having to wear a uniform all the time, and – ooooh – Trent Lane, that Mack Mackenzie and Tom Sloane, all under the same roof!”
• More Apocalyptic Daria, by NightGoblyn (continued): “The less you fight me, the faster this will be over, and the sooner you can storm out of the room swearing at me,” Tom says in his ‘infuriatingly reasonable’ tone.
• Scenes No Daria Fanfic Should Have: TGIF: Several well-played ficlets of woe by Greystar and Derek.
• Stacy Rowe, Seeker (Part II), by jtranser (continued): The "We'll Be Here All Eternity. But We Are Thinking of Changing Our Name" frag. Truly a weird experience I hadn't counted on.
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Angst Lord Time Trials), by NightGoblyn (COMPLETE!): "I found her, Daria."
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Aware of Changes), by Brother Grimace (COMPLETE!): I can't spoil this one. Hang on tight.
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Aware of Changes), by Disco316 (COMPLETE!): "You know, it's funny." "I'm not laughing."
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Aware of Changes), by NightGoblyn (BEGS FOR MOAR!!!): "When I went to bed last night, I was a girl."
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Finish the Story, Your Way), by Greystar (COMPLETE!): "What are you telling me? He wants to watch? I don't know... Ow! All right, all right, he can watch. Hey, where are you going? Did someone flash the-the-the bim... Man, what's wrong with my head??"

Pig Out!

Today, I have just learned, is International No Diet Day. I think your response to this celebration is crystal clear. Go to it.

A PPMB thread on real-life costumed crimefighters [groan] has morphed into a discussion of how any normal person (i.e., a Daria character) could become a Spandex-wearing hero in his or her own mind. Maybe this will spark some fanfic along the same lines, though there is already quite a lot of superhero Daria fanfiction.

Back later, get some pizza.

Rrrrowrrr! I'd hit that!

Hola! Today is Cinco de Mayo, the Fifth of May, a day to celebrate Mexican heritage. Have some Upchuck goodies.

The best goodie, however, is this: OUTPOST DARIA UPDATES THIS WEEKEND! Get your stories in ASAP! Here's how.

The latest PPMB Iron Chef is Eyes on Quinn. Wanna create a new love triangle?

NEW! Curious about "Daria" as a baby name? Here is an interesting website that gives more depth on the topic. (Note the names given for siblings.)

FF.net

• The Quiet Ones, by Smileyfax (Part 2): As Daria and Jane filtered out of the assembly, Quinn caught up to them, a haunted look in her eyes. "Daria! We have to talk, NOW!" she demanded, grabbing Daria's arm and hauling her away. They slipped into a nearby broom closet, where they could speak without being overheard. "Daria, we have to turn ourselves in!"
• Something Is Rotten in the State of Lawndale, by Kristen Bealer (COMPLETE!): Vengeance! Swordfighting! Self-esteem workshops! Daria must avenge her father's death, but there's less murder and more silliness in this parody of Shakespeare's Hamlet.

PPMB

• Love Is a Series of Burning Sensations, by Undefinedlust (Part 8): Quinn heard the rumbling engine of a strange pulling up to the curb in front of the house and peeked out the window. After a moment she could see Daria and Tom emerge from a black Porsche and she thought with a small laugh that Tom was certainly moving up in the world. As surprised as she was by Tom's new car, she was more stunned by Daria's attire. Tonight must have been the night, she thought with a grin.
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Angst Lord Time-trials), by Doggieboy (COMPLETE!): "Yeah, Mom, everything's going fine." Daria stared blankly at the wall of the library hall as she talked on the pay phone. "I'll try to make it next month. You know how it is, with work and all." She nodded slowly, almost mechanically, as she closed with, "I love you, too, Mom. And Dad, too. Bye." Why can't I tell her? she asked herself as she hung up the receiver. She knows something is different. Why can't I tell her?
  

Those who rush in while everyone else is rushing out

Today is International Firefighters Day, and a big "thank you" to all of them. You people are the best.

Mothers Day is coming up next Sunday, don't forget. More soon.

All the News That's Fit to be Censored

We celebrate the UN-mandated World Press Freedom Day today. Now admit it, you wouldn't know if your news had been censored, would you? Anyway, good luck with that freedom of the press thing. Today is also Discoflux for all you Discordians, but I have no idea how to celebrate that. Neither do the Discordians.

The first mass spamming of the Internet took place only 31 years ago today. My, we've come a long way, haven't we?

FF.net

• Omega Omega, by Smileyfax (Part 5): "And then I put my gun to her head and shot her."

PPMB

• Fundamental Daria: The Sodom and Gomorrah Show, by Disco316 (COMPLETE!): She sat on a bench set up outside what looked to be a fairly rundown house on the outskirts of town. An intercom system sat silent on the wall while she waited for her turn. She had been the last one there, after her last meeting dragged on longer than expected. However, the ad had said that all would get their chance, unless someone else had won the job outright.
• John Lane 40: Starry Eyes Open, by Richard Lobinske (Part 1): NEW! Ms. Li's voice announced over the P.A. system, "Welcome back students and remember; the school nurse is in and ready to take your voluntary urine sample. Show your Lawndale High spirit with the gift of urine!" Walking down the hallway with Daria, John looked up at one of the speakers. "She didn't really say that, did she?" [Yes, she did!]
  
• Legion of Lawndale Heroes Special: Tokusatsu Team Up! by Lorenzo Sauchelli (Part 10): Akane Horoi was the quickest to react to the intruders, she cupped her hands together and a red plasma-like beam instantly destroyed all of the Phyrexian cyborg horrors. The Planeswalker Jane, however, didn’t seem to be either affected or impressed by the magical blast.
• Omnicides: A Daria/Watchmen Crossover, by Lorenzo Sauchelli (Part 2): NEW! Lynn Cullen drew a long breath before pretending to smile at Tom Sloane’s presence, the quick peck she gave him afterward seemed a bit awkward, but it was good enough to fool anyone around. “How have you been?” She asked him. The question was a mere formality, as she knew exactly what he had been up to since the last time she had seen him. Sleeping around was Tom Sloane’s MO these days.
  
• Once Upon a Time in Lawndale, by Disco316 (COMPLETE!): Sandi rode slowly back into the partially-built town, passing the men and women working on the railroad as she went. On her way in, she saw a familiar, red-haired figure, leaning on a post and whittling a piece of wood. She stopped and nodded her recognition, as did the woman Sandi knew only as “Harmonica.” Sandi started to say something, thought better of it, and continued on her way.
• Separate Weights, by Dennis (COMPLETE!): Sandi sat alone at the bus stop on Dega Street and sighed. Her evening off from being Sandi Griffin was working about as well as being Sandi Griffin had lately, which was to say not at all. The bus had so far shown no sign of coming, and the fact that the bench was empty except for her was troubling. Worried about the prospect of hitching back home—or worse, calling for a ride—she didn’t notice the other person take a seat next to her. (FF.net)
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Finish the Story, Your Way), by Disco316 (COMPLETE!): It's been said that today is the first day of the rest of your life. On that day, it proved to be the last day of Tommy Sherman's life, and the first day of the rest of mine, a period so different from before.
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Finish the Story, Your Way), by Scissors MacGillicutty (COMPLETE!): Andrea went out the back door of the Zon to the new unofficial smoking area, lighting up just before she stepped across the threshold. Once outside, she exhaled and announced, "Ridiculous." "Yeah, right?" replied a guy with a ring in his nose from which a chain dangled. "No smoking in bars? It'll never last. I'm surprised they're going along with it."
  
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Finish the Story, Your Way), by Ajar (COMPLETE!): "Are you there Brittany?" asked Mr. Taylor to the door. "Go away!" came the reply in a sad but still somehow perky voice. "If you don't come out soon they're going to replace you on the cheerleading squad, you don't want that do you?"
• Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Angst Lord time-trials), by Angelinhel (COMPLETE!): NEW! Lawndale High hadn't changed in ten years. It was still the same nondescript, squat brick building, churning out the next batch of worker drones. She stood off to one side, out of the circle of light cast by the open entry door. Faint music could be heard from within, along with the low hum of idle small talk, shouted over the greatest hits of the nineties. She should go in, but she wasn't ready. It had taken almost fifteen minutes for her to decide to get out of the car and walk that far.

Ride 'Em, Jockey Jake!

Helen and Jake once again remind us that today is the day of the Kentucky Derby! Hooray!

This space will be filled with stuff later. For now, enjoy the picture.


LATE NEWS: Great Derby and Oaks races. Loved 'em.

Disco316, Brother Grimace, Dennis, Richard Lobinske, Nighthawk, and Skooma have done awesome work on DariaWiki. Join the fun! Latest page added: Splendora.

What is the population of Lawndale? This PPMB thread attempts to answer the question.

New Iron Chef: Finish the Story, Your Way!

May Day! May Day!

It's May 1st, May Day, on which so many holidays are celebrated that only one link will be given to them to save space. Daria appears in a show of solidarity with the oppressed laborers of the world yearning to throw off the yoke of warmongering imperialism and go back to bed for more sleep.

PPMB

• Am I Being Served? by Ajar (Part 3): "Look, there's someone half-amphora, half-man."
• Once Upon a Time in Lawndale, by Disco316 (Part 11): Tom held up his glass and toasted the red-haired woman. “Well, here's to you. Congratulations.” He swallowed the contents of his glass. “You got yourself a good deal.” The red-haired woman smiled when she realized what Tom had meant. “Oh, that auction thing. Forget it. Investing in land is so Pre-War of Northern Aggression.”
• Things Fall Apart, by Doggieboy (Part 13): Martin Peters was shown into the Russian consul’s office rather promptly, accompanied by Dr. Karin Nilsdotter and Tatyana Petrova. Tatyana handled the introductions. She motioned to the consul and said to Martin, “This is Vladimir Gregoryev, the Russian government representative assigned to Svarlbard.” Then to the Russian, she said, “This is Martin Peters, a...‘Ringbearer’, who says that he has been assigned to help us with the dead situation.”
• Two Halves, by Dark Kuno (teaser for Part 4): “So, you guys hear about the break-in at .Com last night?” Jane asked after they had walked for a few minutes in amiable silence.

SFMB

• The Brain and the Beauty Redux, by Ronin, edited by Disco316 (COMPLETE!): Daria’s eyes finally teared up. “She was worth it. The passion, the knowledge, the betrayal; she was worth every damn minute of it.” She collapsed against Jane’s chest as emotion overtook her. Wow, Jane has nice boobs, she thought as she wept.
  

Halloween again?

Tonight will be Walpurgis Night, a sort of European Halloween in the springtime. Hence the Three Js as the witches from Macbeth.

Is there anything that this blog needs to do, talk about, show, etc.? Any ideas from the peanut gallery out there about new stuff to try or old stuff to do again?

More soon when I wake up or get home.

Middle-of-the-week Day

It's appropriate in a twisted way, but the latest page added to DariaWiki was Infected. Hope everyone out there in the Real World stay healthy.

Our latest competition is Iron Chef: Barksdale Brothers, by JPAGC. Kinky.

FF.net

• Lambda, by SigDiff (COMPLETE!): Jane had tried to talk to Daria the day after the battle, but she'd been brushed off with a simple “I'm fine, really,” and a change of subject. She knew she wasn't going to get anything out of Daria unless the Lieutenant wanted it that way. [Warning: angst ahead.]
• Omega Omega, by Smileyfax (Part 4): Morgendorffer let her shotgun lead the way as she stepped into the third Daria's attic. She noticed that number three didn't have any weapons on her, and wondered if she didn't wear them during daylight hours. Not smart. Morgendorffer used to not bother wearing her weapons during daylight hours, until another survivor pulled into town. [Warning: angst ahead.]

PPMB

• Apocalyptic Daria: Brave New World, by Doggieboy (preview of Part 8): Daria meets an old acquaintance while shopping. Gunfire follows.
• Apocalyptic Daria: Scarlett's Tale, by Doggieboy (preview of Part 9): Scarlett and Roger... but not as you've seen them before.
• Lawndale's Finest: The Dark Knight, by NightGoblyn (Chapter 3, Part 7): Batgirl carefully lifted the still unconscious Stacy Rowe onto the hospital bed in one corner of the cave, only half listening to the television broadcast being displayed on a computer monitor. Moving smoothly and efficiently, Batgirl cut away the tatters of Stacy’s competition costume and dropped the ruined garments into a nearby trashcan. She then carefully inserted a needle into the back of the girl’s hand in order to start an IV drip.
• Stacy Rowe, Seeker (Part II), by jtranser (continued): "And then, and then, a handgun jumps out of her purse, steps out on tiny little legs and shoots the guy dead! And Daria talks about it as if it was one of the most natural things on earth. But it's just not possible! I mean, I must be going CRAZY!"
  

More stuff to come.

And now a word from the Talking Heads....

Kara Wild has made an offer that this fandom cannot possibly refuse. Read and contribute ASAP. Woo-hoo!

PPMB

• Once Upon a Time in Lawndale, by Disco316 (Part 10): Angela Li, the town sheriff, sat at the main table in Flagstone's Town Hall. It was customary for the sheriff to act as the auctioneer for any property auction. She couldn't help but think it was a shame she would be unable to bid on the large piece of property being offered. Still, from the whispers coming through town, and from the group of rough-looking bandits who’d made their presence at the auction known, she had a feeling bidding on the land would be nothing but trouble.
• Something Is Rotten in the State of Lawndale, by Kristen Bealer (COMPLETE!): Later the following week, Daria was in her room, contemplating her hydrocephalic skull replica. "Nah," she muttered at last. "Too easy."
• Stacy Rowe, Seeker (Part II), by jtranser (continued): There is no greater fool than he who wants to see things as they really are. Even so, that wish is sometimes granted. But know this, the fulfillment of that request is never to the benefit of the wisher.

Toozday

Hmmm, Blogger won't load my picture. Dang. Okay, here's a note that it's Tuesday and I will have more news later.

Stay tooned.

Graphic News

I'm back again, and today (this evening) is World Graphic Design Day, per Jane Lane. Celebrate as you see fit.

BREAKING NEWS: Glenn Eichler had a message for Kara Wild. Check it out, in context.

Speaking of graphic design, NomadX offers a new Daria artwork worth a long look: "Boxcar."

Richard Riordan is the latest addition to DariaWiki. Thank you, Dennis.

Disco316 has, for reasons unknown, re-edited Ronin's "The Brain and the Beauty" so that it is legible. Those interested may click the link. Don't worry, there's no artwork.

The Angst Lord Time Trials are being conducted on PPMB.

Also, new mind-boggling ficlets are appearing on Scenes No Daria Fanfic Should Have: TGIF. Brace yourself.

FF.net

• Even in Death, by Charliefox2012 (Part 1): “Dammit, Helen,” Jake said looking through a gap in the boarded up window, “They’re across the street, they’re attacking the Hendersons!” he yelled getting hysterical. “Hamiltons, Jake, and be quiet,” Helen said coming over to the window and looking. Six zombies were on the lawn of the house, and were pounding on the windows and front door. The family’s screams could be heard.
• Lambda, by SigDiff (Part 28): They arrived at the White Forest missile base several hours later. It was a flurry of activity as soldiers appeared to be preparing for an attack. Upon arriving, Grey Team was directed into the former control building for the missile silos, which the Resistance had converted back into a military installation. Aside from the still-functioning missile controls, there was a lab for the scientists, extensive barracks, a mess hall, and even a field hospital. After reporting in at the front gate, Daria and company found their way to the sick bay, where she was given an X-ray. “Yep,” the medic began, holding the print up to the light. “Two fractured ribs on your right side, the fifth and sixth. Both in two places.” [And Part 29: “Warning: Striders and Hunters inbound. All teams outside to repel."]
  
• Wristcutters: A Daria Story, by Charliefox2012 (Part 4): The girl scrutinized Daria a moment before she spoke, “Listen, my friend Rachel and I, we play this game where we try to figure out how people offed themselves,” Tania explained.
  

PPMB

• Complications, by Legendeld (COMPLETE!): Jane Lane tugged at the collar of the dress that was making her uncomfortable, even more than her current activity was. David was sitting next to her looking almost as miserable. He leaned over. “Do you think they would notice if we snuck out?” Jane shook her head before answering. “Quinn already laid down the law with me. You might want to be careful Daria doesn’t hear you plotting to run away from family togetherness.”
• Expecting Trouble, by Legendeld (Part 5): Quinn sat alone at the lunch table eating hamburger with a mountain of French fries. She didn’t bother to look around at the empty seats around her. She had moved in each of her classes to have a seat closer to the door. Aside from Daria and her teachers, she was certain she hadn’t spoken to a single living soul all day. She ignored the sounds of approaching feet because she couldn’t fathom a way that it would concern her. It wasn’t until chairs started being pulled out around her did she bother to look up from her plate.
• Lawndale's Finest: The Dark Knight, by NightGoblyn (Chapter 3, Part 6): “Where’s your sister?” Jane asked, taking the empty seat next to Quinn. “Business,” Quinn said, rolling her eyes. “It’s still annoying, but at least it’s not like some stupid party or something. You wouldn’t believe the places she gets off to sometimes.”
  
• Legion of Lawndale Heroes Special: Tokusatsu Team Up! by Lorenzo Sauchelli (Part 8): Charles swallowed hard when he realized what had happened. His body was back to normal –or at least as normal as the Planeswalker would allow– because Daria had seen him for what he was and was so disgusted by him that she had to break their mental link. His left eye was shaking, revealing the fear he had inside for all to see. He always thought he could one-up Daria and her accusations of pervert-hood any time he wanted to, but now?
• On the Clock, by Legendeld (COMPLETE!): I buried my sister today. It should have been me. If one of us was going to die, it should have been me. She wanted to save the world. At least she got to do that before she died.
• Tales of the Ringbearers: Temporary Duty, by Richard Lobinske (COMPLETE!): A couple hundred people were locked inside the track at Lawndale High School, from small children to the elderly. The worried and dejected looks on their faces had much more of an effect on Daria than their pale, lifeless skin. It made her furious at those responsible, as well as the guards holding rifles against her back as they prodded her through the gate and locked it closed.

Quinn - or Daria - as Hannah Montana?

Imagine either of the Morgendorffer girls - well, it DOES work better with Daria - as the globally-famous singer, trying to live her normal teenage life while also singing for her supper and being a teen fashion icon.

Quinn would have a cow that would continue on through her Master's Degree. Also, I can easily see Jane really getting into her 'Lola' persona...

So, what fics examine the idea of Daria or Quinn rocking out? Dennis has his GTS series, and I believe that TAG wrote 'Meet The Fashion Club'. (I'd place links to the fics - but dumb me - I haven't figured it out yet.)

More later - after I get someone to hold my hand and walk me slowly through '1o Better ways to post messages here.'

Away for a little

Need to go do stuff, will be back Monday or Tuesday. Maybe some of the other contributors here will contribute, if asked nicely. Party on.

LATE NOTE: Does anyone know how to save a complete website quickly and completely? If GeoCities is going down, it will take many old Daria websites with it, including some large fan fiction archives, like this one. Just wanted to bring that up.

Spring, When Fashion Is in the Air

Listen to Quinn's deep thoughts on fashion for this month. And more deep thoughts. And Sandi.

Some Daria fanfic taking place in April:

• "Changes, Secrets, and Other Disturbing Parts of Growing Up"
• "More Real Than Real"
• "April Is the Cruelest Month" (SRA art!)
• "Unhealthy Competition"

1,239 fans in the Daria Fan Club.

Most recent DariaWiki addition: Ringwraith Two.

NEW! The Ringbearer General Information Thread has been created by Brother Grimace on PPMB.


FF.net

• Lambda, by SigDiff (Part 27): It was already close to sundown when the Citadel had detonated, leaving Grey Team very little time before they had to stop for the night. After setting up a camp for the night, Daria took the first watch. Because of the now-open terrain and complete lack of cover, this effectively meant sitting up in the dark surrounded by sleeping teammates. It was a risky position, but also the only option.

PPMB

• Lawndale's Finest: The Dark Knight, by NightGoblyn (Chapter 3, Part 5): “Daria, wake up. Damn it, Daria, I’m not going to go over there and shake you awake so you’d better be able to hear me.” Daria cracked one eye and blearily looked over at her aunt. With a small frown she glanced around, taking in her surroundings. She was still dressed in her suit, with the mask, cowl, and cloak sitting on a nearby table. Computers hummed and beeped around her, and several screens still patiently presented her with the data she’d been skimming before she dozed off.
• Legion of Lawndale Heroes 13.6: Broken, by Roentgen (COMPLETE!): The irony of it was that, even though Jane was hurt far, far worse than she ever let on by what happened because of Tom's - well, Tom being Tom - she really did end up coming out on top.
  
• Things Fall Apart, by Doggieboy (Part 12): The pursuit through the streets Findlay didn’t even last for one block. Despite the youthful vitality that both Robert and Julie had as teenagers, their pursuers overtook them easily.
• Unnamed story (Scenes No Daria Fanfic Should Have: TGIF), by Roentgen (COMPLETE!): Roentgen continues to post his fanfic in the wrong thread, as usual.
  

Is It Back? Is It Back? OMG IT'S BACK!!!

Daria is back on MTV! In reruns, yeah, but still, it's back! (More on this development.) I can't find any other mention of Daria on the MTV schedule pages, but let's hope for the best!

Must fan myself. Mercy sakes alive, never thought we'd see the day.

More later on.

LATER ON: MDetector5 and teh sexay are on PPMB. See Helen as you've never seen her before! Unless you have some weird sex dreams. Also, Reese Kaine has made a very unusual computer movie: Soul Calibur 4: Daria vs Quinn! They fight it out with swords and kicks! And Quinn squeals! It's cool!

The Daria Fandom Drinking Game continues to get the entire fandom wasted.

Dervish has discovered a truly amazing video on YouTube relevant to all of us here. See it before it's gone!

Daria: The Collectable Card Game! More cards than ever before!

More on Sandi Griffin's marriage/dating life.


PPMB

• Don't Bet on It: The Prequel, by Lawndale Lurker (COMPLETE!): Daria's first time with Kevin. Srsly.
  
• Something Is Rotten in the State of Lawndale, by Kristen Bealer (Part 6): Daria briefly considered which would be less enjoyable: spending time with Tweedle-Double-Dee and Tweedle-Double-Dumb or attending the workshop in Oakwood. She mentally declared a tie and decided her sanity depended on her doing neither.
• Tales of the Ringbearers: Temporary Duty, by Richard Lobinske (Part 5): "Sorry, having to probe that deep that many times is hard on a person." [Woo-hoo!]
  

For All the Tree-huggers

Today is Arbor Day, and a sad day he is. Who could he date at Holiday Island High that would cheer him up? Probably not the pyromaniac Devil's Night.

MORE DARIA WEBSITES FACE EXTINCTION! Roentgen notes in his blog that all GeoCities sites are goin' down later this year. That includes The Green Sink. Whoa. This must be why Arbor Day looks so glum. Somebody save the site while we can! And the others!

HELP THE AUTHOR: Echopapa needs some advice on his new story. Here is how it starts: Jane, still in her usual sleepwear of t-shirt and shorts, stumbled down the hallway to the kitchen, thoughts of her morning libation filling her head. Coffee. Coffee. Jane must have coffee. Wonderful, magical nectar of the Gods. I can almost smell it - wait. I can smell it! Jane stopped, suddenly fully awake. Is Trent?- No, he never makes coffee. I wouldn’t drink any he made anyway. Then who? -

My apologies for being tardy with the new fanfic list. Things do have a way of getting in the way.

FF.net

• Lambda, by SigDiff (Parts 23 to 25): “God dammit!” Daria yelled. “Fall back into the administrative offices and put up a barricade in the ticket office. Make them fight room to room. Use shotguns and grenades. Don't hold back, we're fine on ammo!”
• Our Time Now, by Charliefox2012 (Part 2): “It's legal, and tender, but someone's getting shortchanged! Little cross-dressers and the women who love them, coming up next on Sick, Sad World,” said the announcer and the show went to commercial. If that woman were Judy Garland, this might make sense on a couple of levels, Daria thought. She smiled sadly and sighed. She and Jane would usually be watching and making fun of this show together. She missed Jane.
• Wristcutters: A Daria Story, by Charliefox2012 (Part 2): Daria finished with the pizza and placed it in a box, ready for whoever came for it. She removed her headband, depicting the Kamikaze pizzeria logo. “I’m going on my break,” she said. [I get the impression that before this story took place, something happened....]

PPMB

• Am I Being Served? by Ajar (Part 2): "I know you need some pairs of 'trousers' to finish your art project, but did we have to come here? I'll never get the smell of stuffy out of these clothes."
• Lawndale's Finest: The Dark Knight, by NightGoblyn (continued): “I’m so not looking forward to this,” Daria said with a sigh as she came down the stairs. She walked over to where her aunt and sister were sitting and held her arms out. “Do I look like I’m ready to go to the nut house?” [FAN ART!]
• Love Is a Series of Burning Sensations, by Undefinedlust (Part 7): Jane sat up on the couch and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. Had she really cried herself to sleep on the couch? Looking at the window she noticed it was dark out. "God, I wonder what time it is", she thought as she stood up and walked into the kitchen. Looking at the clock above the sink she saw it was eight o'clock. "Damn, they are already ..." She shook her head violently, trying to shake the image of the Daria and Tom together out of her mind.
• Phlegm Noir, by Scissors MacGillicutty (Part 2!): "But why must he use Laaaawndale High only for his interiors? I think the school's a fine example of public architecture! Besides, I can't have the interior security systems be compromised!" [One of my favorite stories, continued at last!]
• Something Is Rotten in the State of Lawndale, by Kristen Bealer (Part 5): That night, Daria came home angry enough to punch through walls. When she saw that Poneillius was still there and waiting to "rap" with her, she upgraded from walls to kittens. He opened his mouth, but she spoke before he could even inhale. "Say one word to me and I will throttle you until your head physically detaches from your body. Then I will kick your head through several windows and turn the rest of your body into a makeshift punching bag. After that, I will come up with something ten times more unpleasant than that to do with your remains. Understand?"
• Spirit Stick, by Brother Grimace (Parts 2 and 3): The air inside the foyer of the Pi Rho Omega sorority house was unnaturally still as the door opened, and the two Ringbearers stepped across the threshold. “Engage shields,” Archangel ordered; as he spoke, twin ovals of barely-visible blue energy appeared and surrounded the two, flickering slightly as they walked through the area. “Scan for signs of life.” “Nothing,” Valkyrie echoed. “I’m not even picking up any traces of human remains. Not good.”
• Tales of the Ringbearers: Temporary Duty, by Richard Lobinske (Part 4): Nathan paced back and forth in one of the two rooms at the Dutchman Inn that the agents had rented. "Why in the hell is that a young man is living in the same house with my granddaughter?"
• trennt and the amaizing coofie, by Dennis (COMPLETE!): I dare not spoil the majesty and wonder of this amazing tale. Click and enjoy.

Daria and the Bard

While The Bug Guy looks up the fanfics which have been influenced by Shakespeare, this post will briefly name some of the episodes that owe one or more elements to the Bard. "Cafe Disaffecto," "Lucky Strike," "The Lost Girls," "Ill," and "Quinn the Brain" all mention or describe the works of Shakespeare. Brittany at left reenacts the role of Juliet in "Cafe Disaffecto."

I have been lax about updating the fanfiction list but will attend to it later this evening. Some great stuff is out. Back to The Bug Guy.


"I can't take anymore of this Shakespeare dude, bro. He's, like, a total chick writer!"

—Kevin Thompson, Cafe Disaffecto

Roll Over, Shakespeare

William Shakespeare passed away 393 years ago today.

Something tells me that he would find this very amusing.

There's more Daria/Shakespeare crossover stuff out there, I'll track it down after dinner.
---
Okay, I've been fed.

To start with, there's KB's The Life and Death of Stacy III. There's also a bunch of stuff someone instigated here (I wouldn't know who). How about Midsummer Night's Dream? What kind of Shakespeare collection would it be without some version of Romeo and Juliet? Another light romantic comedy based on Much Ado About Nothing.

That should keep everyone reading for a while.

Spring! Ah-CHOOOO!

It is High Pollen Season again in Daria-land. Hope you are coping.

There's a PPMB thread poking about for other monsters that Ringbearers can fight. Join in with your ideas.

Moar soon. Happy Earth Day!