The Daria Fandom Blog II

The Day of the Twins

2009-07-15T00:05:00.000-04:00

That sagacious font of Internet wisdom, Wikipedia, informs us that if we had lived thousands of years ago, we would today celebrate the feast of Castor and Pollux, who were the patron gods of the cavalry. More about them is here. Brad and Brett (or Brett and Brad) Ruttheimer mark this solemn occasion by trying to pick up Jane and Daria.

Other than that, it was a pretty dull day in history. Except maybe for the wars.

Back soon.

Threesday

2009-07-14T16:30:00.005-04:00

A rare triple-play day this is. "The Teachings of Don Jake" premiered on MTV 12 years ago today, and "Lane Miserables" popped out 10 years ago. On top of that, today is the 14th anniversary of the first time that Beavis ate too much sugar and changed into the Great Cornholio! Daria was an eyewitness and uttered those fateful words: "Get out of here, Beavis." In honor of this event, the Beavis and Butt-head episode was named "The Great Cornholio." And here is the obligatory cast picture.

Thank you, Kristen Bealer Guy. Moar l8r.

Okay, TAG, stop throwing things at me already!

2009-07-14T07:40:00.002-04:00

It's Bastille Day, France's national holiday and the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille! According to David Sorenson, they found the Marquis de Sade there, so I'm sure there was quite an after party.

Speaking of the French, how has this exchange been ignored in fanfic?

Brittany: Yeah! Plus, it's like getting in the yearbook is the only reason to join French Club in the first place!

Daria: Gee, Brittany, what about your deep love for French people and their culture?

Brittany: Love had nothing to do with it! He was just a lonely exchange student, and I wanted to give him an American goodbye!

Get writing, people!

Enough Fair

2009-07-13T00:05:00.006-04:00

"Fair Enough" debuted 11 years ago this evening on MTV. In addition, Greystar began this story 7 years ago today, and a canon character (with fanon elements) was preparing to get married 73 years ago today.

Anyone up for a June 2010 Dariacon in England? If so, click here!

Don't have much else to add right now. Stay tuned.

PPMB

Tales of the Ringbearers: With New Responsibility, by Richard Lobinske (Part 8): Archangel and Richard had scouted the abandoned restaurant before taking up observation positions around the portal and waited. While scanning, his ring detected something. Archangel said, "Someone's coming." "Apocalypse?" "No. Zero reanimates or metahumans within five klicks. We have humans approaching."
Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Daria Is Raven's Apprentice), by Project Pegasus (continued): "I tell you the truth, using those gleefully obtuse Latinate phrases is better than sex."
Unnamed story (Scenes No Daria Fanfic Should Have: TGIF), by Angelboy (COMPLETE!): Daria looked at the opossum sitting on the floor next to her. "I told you, Opie, I'm not going to kiss her..."
Unnamed story (Scenes No Daria Fanfic Should Have: TGIF), by Roentgen (COMPLETE!): The shuttle began its slow approach to the landing beacon. Commander Jek played a popular warrior's chant over the shuttle intercom. "This relocation is not necessitated by a loss of honor," he said. "And therefore, there is no shame in the relocation. You will understand that, Dakra." "I was paying no attention," snarled Dakra. "I see no changes."
Vigilante, by Lorenzo Sauchelli (Parts 1 and 2): “Now, that’s not something you see every day,” said the slim detective. He threw his cigarette straight to the floor at the sight of the corpse in front of him. [Part 2: “Got the vic’s name,” said a bored detective Guttenberg. He had been expecting a challenge in the Dragon Serial Killer, as the media was calling the maniac who had murdered the girl. It didn’t matter to the media that one victim hardly meant "serial," but it bothered him to no end their meddling.]

The Stuff of Legends

2009-07-12T00:05:00.008-04:00

"Legends of the Mall" premiered on MTV nine years ago this evening. If anyone has the time, the DariaWiki page for this episode could use a little sprucing up.

Trent's story about the crazed shop teacher with steel dentures was my favorite of the three stories, especially given the way he told it. That tale inspired another one, and another one, and another one... Thanks to Richard Lobinske for inputting the episode's script, one of the last episodes to have this done for Outpost Daria, two and a half years ago.

Speaking of Outpost Daria, it has been updated! This might be the last update for a while, as Martin Pollard explains. You have our best wishes for a speedy recovery and many more birthdays besides.

NEWZ: Pinkminx offers up a great illustration of a face-off between Sandi and Quinn. Excellent!

The list o' fanfic will be updated later today (Sunday). Stay tuned. L8R: Here's the first part. I need to finish another chapter of "Gimme Skelter" plus do yard work. Sorry for the delays.

FF.net

Bromwell Bound: That One Fateful Summer, by HolyGrail2007 (Part 1): It was over. That was the only thought going through my mind as I arrived home. There was a lot said, and a lot unsaid, but that was the only truth in my mind at that second. My relationship with Daria Morgendorffer was over. [A Tom-centric story, told first person, and it's really good!]
Daylight: The Fugitives, by Disco316 (COMPLETE!): Max Tyler woke up with a start. Sleep had come more easily lately. Perhaps having a steady job and food every night was helping him sleep, but he still couldn’t shake the worry that sleeping too long would leave him open to bandits.
Pick a Boat, Any Boat, by Disco316 (COMPLETE!): [One disaster, three possible endings!]

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Beavis, Daria, and Butt-Head, by Peapotmaster, a.k.a. Patrick Moore (COMPLETE!): "Daria, how could you tell Mom and Dad about my Smurf shirt? If the Fashion Club found out I wore one, they'll kick me out."
Daria the Hoosier, by Doggieboy (Part 2): The newspaper had been abandoned, and Daria picked it up. She gave it a quick scan and learned that just a couple of weeks before, Iraqi Vice President Saddam Hussein had replaced the resigning President Hasan al-Bakr. There was also a brief article about Michael Jackson’s upcoming album and news about the Sandinista takeover of Nicaragua.
Expendable, by Silver (COMPLETE!): Charles Ruttheimer the Third ran through London's Poplar district, cutting across streets, through crowds, and doing almost anything in his power to keep the presuing police at bay. Still, no matter how hard he tried, the sounds of persuit dogged him, harsh cries of “Stop!” and “Murder!” ringing in his ears.
Gimme Skelter, by TAG and Brother Grimace (Part 15): Under the watchful eye of Major Jones and almost two dozen armed USCAF soldiers, General Armalin and Lieutenant Mackenzie went back into the lamp-lit airport’s main building. A highly annoyed Sergeant Freeman (holding a struggling, yapping Spike) waited inside, having been surprised by yet more soldiers who had crept in through other doors.
John Lane 41: Friends and Rediscovery, by Richard Lobinske (Part 4): "Grizzly burgers," Daria said. "More like road kill." [Best line!]
Legion of Lawndale Heroes Mini: The Little Drummer Girl, by Brother Grimace (COMPLETE!): Maybe it was meant to be like this all along. From what I understand, Mr. Stark didn’t want the Colonel to make us into soldiers. He just wanted us to get some help in learning to protect ourselves-especially after everything that happened.
Regifted, by Ajar (Part 8): Daria sat in the cafeteria, eating her macaronis au gratin. Somehow, even in a school with as discriminating students and as high standards as Grove Hills, cafeteria food was just as awful as anywhere else. The menu is in French. I guess that's how you can tell it's gourmet, she thought to herself as she choked down her rock hard "bâton de pain." Or pretentious. Yeah, that's it.
Shadows of a Timeless Song, by Dennis (Part 3): Back at the boarding house, Daria sat in her room listening to the rapid tattoo of her heart. The boarding house was a ramshackle Victorian monstrosity with four floors, twelve bedrooms, and not nearly enough bathrooms, which had been a huge problem when Daria arrived three months ago. [Continued at last! Spot the four-way crossover yet?]
Tales of the Ringbearers: Recital, by Brother Grimace (COMPLETE!): “It’s almost dawn,” Robert Nelson said, turning his head to see Daria Morgendorffer as she stood beside him, her hand soft in his own. “Do you really want me to do this? It’s kind of corny…”
Unnamed story (Iron Chef: The Great Flood), by Project Pegasus (COMPLETE!): And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. But Daria found grace in the eyes of the LORD. [Guess the crossover!]
Unnamed story (Scenes No Daria Fanfic Should Have: TGIF), by Roentgen (COMPLETE!): Philadelphia led 21-14 with just a few seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Baltimore looked at how long they had to go on fourth down. Fifteen yards. It wasn't much of a distance, but it could be an eternity under the right circumstances. The Baltimore team huddles. Sandi Griffin looked over at Tiffany. "Jesus, Tiffany, will you get that fat ass off my back? If you can't throw a block, this season is over."

Penguins In Space!

2009-07-11T08:29:00.007-04:00

Two important events happened today. Our generous host was born (hatched?) an unspecified number of years ago and forty years ago, David Bowie released the iconic song, Space Oddity. Coincidence?

Happy birthday, TAG. I'm sure you'll enjoy thinking about Tom stranded in deep space.

Foxing Lady!

2009-07-11T00:05:00.003-04:00

Nine years ago, for apparently no good reason, Outpost Daria was shut down in the event known to fandom historians today as the Foxing of Outpost Daria. (Do not confuse this with the Foxing of Outpost Amy, which was not related and took place on a different day.) Every year at this time, we give Martin Pollard a huge THANK YOU! for seeing the crisis through to its happy resolution.

Nothing else going on. Where are all those people who are supposed to be posting stuff here when I run out of things to say? Where'd you go? At least The Bug Guy hasn't abandoned his sacred duties!

Still On Vacation

2009-07-10T08:11:00.004-04:00

Now with color (is that better, TAG?)

Come to think of it, the Morgendorffers weren't much for vacations. During their three years in Lawndale, the closest thing they came to a vacation was their camping trip during "The Teachings of Don Jake". The Daria Diaries mention a cancelled cruise vacation, but beyond that, nothing. Okay, Jake and Helen did enjoy their stay at Le Grande in the episode, "Fire!" and Quinn (with Fashion Club in tow) were almost treating it like an in-town vacation.

But really, was Helen that much of a workaholic? Or were there unseen trips to exotic locations with disasterous results that everyone agreed not to mention again?

Hmm, more story potential.

Unfinished Tales of History!

2009-07-10T00:05:00.012-04:00

456 years ago, Lady Jane Grey took the throne of England... for just nine days. And yes, I will finish that darn story this year, promise.

96 years ago, Death Valley's temperature reached 134 degrees F. And yes, I will finish that darn story this year, promise.

62 years ago, Dr. Lincoln LaPaz, an astronomer and expert in meteors, spotted a UFO while out with his family about 70 miles north of Roswell, NM, where the infamous Roswell sighting had occurred only days earlier. And yes, I will finish that darn story this year, promise. And that's enough of that.

Midwest Dariacon '09 is coming together nicely. Be there or be, uh, not there.

A terrific comic by NapalmKracken, "Comfortably Numb," has a special panel set of interest to us. Click and see.

Vlademir1 produced a nice colorization pic for us: "The Horror." Evocative.

Lorenzo Sauchelli has started an intriguing new Iron Chef: Where in Time Is Daria Morgendorffer? Some superb entries in there already!

Back to everyone else's fanfiction.

FF.net

Wristcutters: A Daria Story, by Charliefox2012 (Part 15): “Don’t be alarmed, friends!” The King spoke loudly so that everyone could hear him. “The vessel will die soon and the spirit will rise!” “I don’t like the way that sounds,” Jane said nervously to Daria.

PPMB

Broken, by Silver (continued from here): “It's been three days. Why hasn't she woken up yet?” “I don't know, Quinn.” “Why won't Sandi wake up? I mean, the doctors said it wasn't that bad.”
Daria the Hoosier, by Doggieboy (Part 1): When the blast of wind hit the high school roof, Daria found herself lifted up. “Daria!” Jane screamed her name. Daria couldn’t even scream as she was lifted higher and higher. She could only close her eyes as tightly as she could and one thought played continually in her mind: What goes up, must come down.
The Hierarchy, by Vlora (Part 1): Ignoring her own misgivings, and her own frustration, Quinn approached the new school year with a small sliver of solace; Daria was gone. The phrase wrung some idyllic charming little bit of warmth to rise in her. (FF.net)
Lie! Lie! My Darling, by Dennis (COMPLETE!): Jane waited for the knock on the door. A little voice in the back of her mind told her that she was fooling herself—that Daria wasn’t coming today or ever again—but she ignored it. After her talk with Daria last night, Jane had decided her behavior was childish and she resolved to just trust her friend until or unless she was given a reason not to. [WIN!]
Pick a Boat, Any Boat, by Disco316 (COMPLETE!): “You know,” said Jane Lane, “I’m beginning to think that today’s just not our day.” Daria Morgendorffer smirked despite her growing sense of her own mortality. “What made you think that? The nukes at the North and South Poles? The news that most of the Atlantic Seaboard would end up underwater? Being trapped on your roof while the waters slowly rise past the second floor windows?”
Stacy Rowe, Seeker (Part II), by jtranser (continued): Stacy was in the last stages of preparation. The Brussels sprouts and their leadership had been loaded in their expulsion tubes and given their instructions. Their guidance systems had been preprogrammed for that single aperture moment of merging with the other focal life forms cued by Stacy's music. Then would the great galaxy of Andromeda explode in an unimaginable release of energy as if the mighty nebula had been left too long in the greatest microwave oven in existence.
Tales of the Ringbearers: I Hate the Desert, by Brother Grimace (COMPLETE!): [i]I hate the desert. I really do.[/i] Courtney sighed as she looked across the seemingly endless waves of sand that made up the landscape of the lonely world she stood upon.
Unnamed story (Iron Chef: The Great Flood), by Cyde (COMPLETE!): Had she been more alert, she might have noticed the distinctly antiquated architecture of the surrounding shops and houses... or the lack of electrical infrastructure connecting them. As it was, she'd have been happy to merely shake loose the cobwebs and the stampede of steer coursing through her skull.
Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Where in Time Is Daria Morgendorffer?), by Roentgen (COMPLETE!): Young Hugh's job was to wait for Lady Daria. This involved walking to the castle, an imposing structure. Normally, a farm child such as himself would never have the opportunity to go to the castle, but his father had asked him to see Lady Daria and send her one of his sous, a coin that would be a few days wages. "You guard this coin with your life, and when you give it to Lady Daria, you tell her that it was Old Will that gave it to her!"
Unnamed story (Scenes No Daria Fanfic Should Have: TGIF), by Avantre (COMPLETE!): “Daria?” “What… what happened?” “You’re in a hospital at the college. There was a car crash. I told you to wear a seat belt, but you never listen.”
Unnamed story (Scenes No Daria Fanfic Should Have: TGIF), by Derek (COMPLETE!): "I kissed your brother." "What?" "I kissed your brother. I didn't mean to. I'm sorry."
Unnamed story (Scenes No Daria Fanfic Should Have: TGIF), by Reese Kaine (COMPLETE!): "Jake Morgendorffer, you managed to get up to four spins for the first round. Are you ready?" "You betcha!" "Alrightie-then, here we go!"
Unnamed story (Scenes No Daria Fanfic Should Have: TGIF), by Richard Lobinske (COMPLETE!): [Don't read this! You'll never be normal again! Save yourself!]

On Vacation

2009-07-09T11:37:00.003-04:00

Since I'm on vacation, I thought I'd pass on an rare Alter Ego image of OH on vacation that TAG discovered on the MTV website a couple of years ago.

If she's not on vacation, I bet someone can come up with a great story to explain the image.

And thinking about the glass, what do you think would be Daria's preferred beverage?

Hole Lotta Love

2009-07-09T00:04:00.005-04:00

Courtney Love (left) turns 45 today. Quinn Morgendorffer (right), who I am sure was not a fan of Ms. Love or her rock band, Hole, gives us her Courtney Love alternative-outfit impersonation anyway.

Enigmawing is back on PPMB with more Daria/Kim Possible crossover art.

Stay turned, this blog spot will fill up eventually with more news.

L8R: Forget it, I'll put the new stories in Friday's entry.

It's that time of the year again: BOWMAN DAY!

2009-07-08T00:05:00.015-04:00

Yes, it's Bowman Day, just like it was last year at this time. What is Bowman Day, you ask. Why, click the link and you will see. It's all about the Bowman Acts, which were created by Senator James Bowman of the USA.

In other words, it's a fandom holiday and you don't have to go to work. Trust me. Of course, that only applies if you are a superhero living in New York City in the alternate universe for the Legion of Lawndale Heroes. If you fit these parameters, kick back, relax, and enjoy the day.

Well-earned kudos to Vlademir1 for his unceasing efforts to get spammers out of DariaWiki. You are THE MAN!

Pinkminx is asking for beta-readers to come to her aid. She writes great stuff, so go for it. Fun for all.

A new PPMB Iron Chef has arisen: The Great Flood! Go to it!

Over 98,000 hits on this blog! Yeee-HAAAW! We're gonna hit 10 to the fifth in no time!

* IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT! *

The Bay State Dariacon has been canceled for now, due to low pre-attendance figures. If you purchased a ticket for $000.00 to this free event, Derek has stated that he will honor all refunds.

And there's NEW FANFICTION!

FF.net

Bed and Breakfast Man, by Ruthless Bunny (Part 31): OMG! NEW CHAPTER! HOORAY! GO READ IT! Best line: “For an extra fee can we burn Joan of Arc?”
Commitment Issues, by Fringeperson (Part 6): Daria realized when she woke up the next morning that she would not be able to wear the dress. At least not for some time. It would look like she had snuck back to the shop and bought it when the Lane’s weren’t looking, and that would be bad.
In Another Life, by Charliefox2012 (Parts 1 and 2): “I don’t know how you could do this to me,” Duncan Morgendorffer said miserably, sitting on his living room couch. “Haven’t I been good to you?” he asked the love of his life. Sandi Griffin sighed irritated, “Well, yeah. But he has money. I mean, he-llo, he’s a Sloane.”
An Oily Situation, by Doggieboy (COMPLETE!): Helen Morgendorffer got out of her SUV and looked around the factory grounds. She knew that the owners didn’t want her there, but they were being rather cooperative. Their offer of compensation was rather generous, she thought, but we still need to see the incident area, just in case it goes to court.
Reaped Out, by Pinkminx (Part 16): "Three hundred dollars for a pair of shoes?" Helen screamed as she paced the kitchen. Quinn sat at the kitchen table, her arms folded tightly across her chest. "You said I could buy some new shoes." "Not for three hundred dollars! First thing tomorrow you're returning them for a full refund."
Wristcutters: A Daria Story, by Charliefox2012 (Part 14): Daria turned around sharply and looked into blue eyes. “Jane?” she said, completely taken aback.

Perverted Squirrels!

2009-07-07T00:15:00.006-04:00

"Road Worrier" appeared for the first time 12 years ago, and "It Happened One Nut" 10 years ago. Time flies, doesn't it?

The Roswell UFO incident took place in New Mexico 62 years ago today. Wonder if one of Artie's ancestors was kidnapped there. In a related event, SF writer Robert A. Heinlein was born 102 years ago today. A few Daria crossovers exist with Heinlein connections, particularly this masterpiece.

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Cold Comfort, by Doggieboy (Part 11): In the hour and a half since Daria left the house, the skies had darkened slightly and the rain was spotty. She climbed up, then down, several hills on her hike to the northwest and finally came to a rusted chain link fence that blocked her from making any further progress. She saw a sign a few hundred feet to her west and moved towards it. (SFMB)
Daylight: Fallen from Grace: I Should Have Been Home Yesterday, by Disco316 (Chapter 10): Mr. Secretary: As you are likely aware, on 1/1/2000, an ELE occurred that simultaneously destroyed every electronic device and electric wire in the Washington D.C. area. We have since determined that the area of effect includes, at the least, all of the northeastern states and several to the south. We have yet to find an unaffected region, and fear that this may have been a global event.
Daylight: When Worlds Divide, by Lorenzo Sauchelli (Part 3): Kyle Armalin kicked the door open and stomped his way to Daria’s desk. He was breathing hard and glaring daggers at her. Daria calmly stared at the boy in front of her. She waited for him to tell her what he was up to. When that didn’t happen, so she decided a raised eyebrow was in order. Kyle growled under his breath. “You’re one irritating woman, did anyone ever tell you that?”
Legion of Lawndale Heroes Special: Tokusatsu Team Up! by Lorenzo Sauchelli (Part 11): “You mean, that crazy-ass bitch could pick up that weapon and open a hole to another dimension or something?”
Rolling the Dice, by Ajar (Part 1): “What if the bet was about me accomplishing something that would be satisfying if I succeed?” “Such as?” “Perhaps I get someone at school to do something they'd never do. Something only a brain would do.”
Tales of the Ringbearers: With New Responsibility, by Richard Lobinske (Part 7): The base commander paced back and forth in his office. "Pardon my skepticism, but the Corps of Ringbearers has explored the Multiverse for over nine hundred years and we've never heard the slightest thing about your agency."
Unnamed story (Iron Chef: The Great Flood), by Dennis (COMPLETE!): "And I can't go out with Corey and Cliff on the same night, so Sandi told me to get Stacy to sub on the date with Corey, but Stacy's got a date with Robert, and anyway, she doesn't like Corey, and I don't want to make her go out with someone she doesn't want to go out with, but then..."
Unnamed story (Second Coming of the New Ideas Thread), by Trscroggs (Part 1): “At ease men,” The general began, “We have a live one this time. And it isn’t going to be a pretty one.” The general let the men shift uncomfortably for a moment before continuing. “This time we’re going after an actual Guardian, class unknown.”

Rash Reaction

2009-07-06T00:05:00.006-04:00

"Ill" premiered 11 years ago today, and Daria starred in the Beavis and Butt-head episode "Sign Here" 16 years ago. Kinda of funny that the two events supposedly took place one year apart, yet were five years apart in real time.

I feel kind of bad that I didn't run around screaming my head off when it was discovered that Daria is finally coming out on DVD. Part of the problem was that we've had so many rumors floating around for years that it was going to happen, but didn't. Plus, the announcement from MTV itself came in the form of an advert on an unrelated DVD set. It leaked out instead of being shouted from MTV's rooftops.

This worries me because it seems to imply that MTV (or someone) has the idea that a boxed set of Daria DVDs won't automatically leap of the shelves. I've clicked over to the Daria section of MTV online, and there's no announcement there about DVDs. In fact (are you sitting down? ready for this?), when I put "daria dvd" into the MTV website search engine, I get this. Notice that THE TOP TWO SPONSORED LINKS ARE FOR UNOFFICIAL COLLECTIONS OF DARIA ON DVD! THEY'RE EVEN DOING A LIQUIDATION SALE! A THIRD UNOFFICIAL SELLER OF DARIA DVDS IS ON THE RIGHT! AND MTV IS PROMOTING THIS ON THEIR OWN WEBSITE! Click here for the screen capture I saved of this.

Is MTV's Legal Department aware of this competition against their own products? Is there some loophole we're not aware of involving ripping off corporations so they either don't know about it or approve of it? Is MTV getting a cut of the profits from the bootleggers? Beats me. This website doesn't earn me a penny. Have I had the wrong idea about copyrights and trademarks all these years?

All I want to say is that I will be thrilled to pieces to have my own official Daria DVD set, which is bound to be high quality and have all sorts of fun things on it. It will be wonderful. I'm only sorry it took so long, and sorry the news was delivered in such a low-key way. Thank you, MTV people. I am still curious how bootleggers can make money off your own products ON YOUR OWN WEBSITE. I once worked for a creative company that would have whipped me with razor wire if I had let something like that appear in the magazine I was editing, but perhaps I am being narrow-minded.

Cheers to you. Oh, last notes: today is ~~comic-book~~ graphic-novel artist John Byrne's 59th birthday, thank you for all those marvelous She-Hulk images stamped into my brain that inspired this story, and it is the 102nd anniversary of the birth of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, memorialized by Spanish-speaker Jane Lane in an alter ego at right. The 2002 movie Frida is well worth watching. And the painting that Jane stands beside is Kahlo's surrealist self-portrait, The Little Deer.

Interesting that this is one of several MTV images that show Jane Lane smoking.

LATE NOTE: Pinkminx has something special for all Trentophiles out there. Check it out.

The Day After the Fireworks... More Fireworks

2009-07-05T00:05:00.008-04:00

The fourth-season episode "Mart of Darkness" premiered on MTV nine years ago today. Lots of amusing bits in this one, like Tom making the typical guy mistake of eating food when his gf meant to use it as art supplies, Quinn doing the sibling thing and stealing Daria's bootlace, the Immaculate Confection, etc., but the funniest part of all was Quinn trying to hang up on Stacy: "Oh no! Oh, my God! Oh no, accessory emergency. Stacy, I have to go. No, Stacy, it's not you. It's not. It's not! Okay, fine! It is you! [Stacy begins to cry] Bye!" I love that part! We also saw that Daria wears white tube socks, which of course is critical to know.

A few other fandom events of importance took place on this date. Kara Wild's Contrarian's Corner, beloved of fandom as one of the great supersites tirelessly supporting Daria interests, was last updated two years ago today. A subdirectory of this site, DVDaria, continues to be active, thankfully.

An AU version of a minor canon character had her wedding dress completed 73 years ago today. See if you can guess who it is. An original fan-created character died on this day 146 years ago, too. Good luck guessing that one. If you click the links, perform a search for "july 5" to get the answers.

A startling thread appeared on PPMB about two Suicide Girls, Tragique and Viking, cosplaying Daria and Jane. The images run into the R-rated category so no direct link is offered, but you can get there from the PPMB thread. I have no idea why some people didn't like the pictures; they were amazing. The resemblance is not the only startling aspect the pictures have, but that is all we will say about that.

Napalm Kracken has a new work of art for us to enjoy: Daria and Jane Trek On! It might become the start of a series! YES!

Richard Lobinske found an amusing webpage that might be of interest to those writing about the perennial UFO-kidnapee, Artie. Enjoy.

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All in the Family... Guy, by Peapotmaster (COMPLETE!): "WHAT THE HELL DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH A GIANT CHICKEN WITH GENE SIMMONS’ GUITAR?!"
Caught, by Legendeld (Part 3): Helen Morgendorffer came down the stairs trying to keep herself calm. The chorus of crying grew louder and louder as she neared the living room. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, she saw Quinn holding the twin dolls, pacing as he tried to quiet their almost constant crying.
Dreams and Reality, by Aloysius (COMPLETE!): Daria Morgendorffer sat atop the building and looked down at the Lawndale streets through the binoculars. The dead were everywhere, shambling around, aimless, without a thought or care in the world. A pity the same couldn’t be said for the living. [Excellent!]
Gimme Skelter, by TAG and Brother Grimace (Part 14): Mackenzie woke up chilled and aching in every part of his body. Shivering uncontrollably, he felt around for a blanket—then realized he was lying stretched out on a blanket on a hard floor. It was too dark to see. He was inside a room, he could tell that from the faint echoes of his movements and breathing—but where was this place?
John Lane 41: Friends and Rediscovery, by Richard Lobinske (Part 3): Daria said, "I had to wonder what it would take for them to notice that I was missing, me being trapped in a hidden cave by an earthquake?"
Lawndale's Finest, Detective Stories 2: Daughters of the Demon, by NightGoblyn (COMPLETE!): Jim Vitale finished reading over the contract, rotated it on his desk to face his client, and pushed it over to her. He removed a gold-inlayed marble fountain pen from its holder and placed it on the contract. “My advice is to sign the contract,” he said.
A Mess in Lawndale, by Aloysius (preview of Part 2): Daria stood still and felt her face heat up as it turned red. Nobody could see that, however, because of the yellow paint that coated her face and the front of her clothing. She took off her coated glasses and worked to wipe the paint away from her eyes. Brian Taylor stood nearby and pointed at her as he laughed at the results of his handiwork. "You look so stupid."
Mystik Spiral Has Left the Building; or, How Daria Got Her Groove Back, by Project Pegasus (COMPLETE!): “That was so great Quinn,” Stacey said fawningly, “You were so sharp, like Perry Mason. I bet if I tried prosecuting someone, I’d end up looking disoriented like Matlock.”
Unnamed story (Crossovers Not Yet Crossed Over), by Psychotol (COMPLETE!): Looking at the cadaver pressed into the tarmac behind the steamroller, Daria said, "Gee, I wonder what the cause of death will turn out to be?"
Unnamed story (Crossovers Not Yet Crossed Over), by Thecoffeeguru (COMPLETE!): "Stacy, do you KNOW what that unicorn is going to do to your sensitive skin?" Stacy ignored Sandi's dig and continued peeling strips of unicorn flesh from the spit Quinn was turning slowly over the fire, the sizzle of dripping grease a prelude to the intoxicating aroma. Placing the meat in her mouth, Stacy closed her eyes and enjoyed the flavor.
Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Shemale Westerns with Space Porn Girls!), by Richard Lobinske (COMPLETE!): Daria raises one eyebrow and lowers the new script. "I thought that they were scraping the bottom of the barrel with the gender swap stories."

Oh, Say, Can You See...?

2009-07-04T00:05:00.008-04:00

Happy Fourth of July! Last year I posted a list of Daria fanfics that take place on this day, and you may click over that-a-way to check it out. Does anyone know of any new ones to add to the list? One fan-created character has an interesting connection to Independence Day.

Ms. Li here sings the U.S. national anthem, though I think the image is based on something else, maybe an MTV video. Not sure. Anyone know?

Even though it looks like we'll get Daria on DVD a little over a year from now, I'll leave the links section at left on "Daria-on-DVD activism" intact. You never know...

Enjoy the day.

WE HAVE A WINNER! Disco316 appears to have correctly identified Ms. Li's outfit as similar to that worn by Ginger Spice (Geri Halliwell) of the Spice Girls. The image is more precise than that, however. (Remember what I said a while back about MTV artists often being very particular about the images they imitate?) I believe this alter ego pokes fun at Ginger Spice's appearance on the cover of Playboy Magazine for the May 1998 issue (see below, click on pic to enlarge). Ms. Li merely wears the American version of the Union Jack one-piece Ginger wore. Same shoes and microphone, though. What do you think?

The answer to Monday's question is....

2009-07-03T18:08:00.006-04:00

...Jane Lane. She appears in this alter ego wearing a costume like that worn by Flavor Flav, the 1980s rapper with Public Enemy. See this webpage for the source outfit. Another source is here. The original question was here. Nobody guessed it.

Clever people, these MTV animators.

More clever than you, it seems.

Time for the Dog Days... But Not for DVDaria!

2009-07-03T00:05:00.016-04:00

The poodle that appeared on Sick, Sad World in the episode "I Loathe a Parade" now appears here to celebrate the beginning of the forty Dog Days of summer. Gave her a peppermint look to go with her shoes.

BREAKING NEWS!

Are all episodes of Daria coming out on DVD at last? It looks that way! It'll be in late 2010, however, and without the music, but we can't afford to be picky. Click on the following links for details. The screen capture at the bottom of this post is lookin' good!

Kafkaesque author Franz Kafka, beloved of Daria so much that she has his picture hanging in her room above her work desk, was born this day 126 years ago. Read The Metamorphosis!

An interesting digression on writing for money vs. writing fanfiction for free appears at Fortress CINCGREEN. It's worth your time to read.

A new Iron Chef is up at PPMB: Shemale Westerns with Space Porn Girls! Get your story started right away!

FF.net

Commitment Issues, by Fringeperson (Part 5): Jane pulled Daria up short as they left school for the day. Trent’s car was parked out front, and Trent was standing beside it, arms crossed and probably looking cooler than he had for quite some time. Considering the number of teeny-boppers standing fifteen feet away, whispering and giggling and giving him furtive glances.

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Apocalyptic Daria: Scarlett's Tale, by Doggieboy (Part 11): Scarlett lay in the darkened alcove and held the still warm light bulb to her chest. She struggled to control her breathing as her pursuers entered the house and began their search for her. (SFMB)
Daylight: Falling from Grace: I Should Have Been Home Yesterday, by Disco316 (Part 9): As they made their way down Lakeview Drive, Quinn, Sandi, and Stacy kept their voices down, but they couldn’t help but talk amongst themselves. “Finally, one more corner and we’ll be there,” said Sandi. Stacy frowned at Sandi. “Keep on the lookout," she said. "My bad feeling about all this hasn’t gotten any better.”
Hard Riders & Raw Hides, by TAG (COMPLETE!): Tedi and Tomi were working tables that dark, stormy night in the Slippery Saddlehorn Saloon, waiting for customers who never came... [a shemale Western with space porn girls!]
Just Friends, by Pinkminx (Part 12 or 13 or something): Daria's face fell slightly and she mentally chastised herself for it. "Are you and Monique still together?" she asked, thankful that her tone had remained indifferent. Trent shot a crooked smile toward her. "Why, you want seconds?" He let out a soft laugh and coupled it with a stifled cough. (FF.net)
Lawndale's Finest, Detective Stories 2: Daughters of the Demon, by NightGoblyn (Part 3): Elsie stood in the dorm hallway, the door to her room open in front of her, and stared in shock at what she was seeing. Her keys slipped through her numb fingers and thumped on the carpet, and Nat glanced up from the book she was reading. “Come in, close the door,” Nat said quietly. She closed the heavy, leather-bound volume she’d been reading and set it aside.
One Shot, by Pinkminx (COMPLETE!): The lights of the emergency vehicles lit up the darkened street casting streams of blue and red into the night. The noise from the idling engines drifted through the open window and mixed itself with the hushed voices of the strangers that filled the cramped apartment. "Was the door open or locked?" the soothing masculine voice asked. (FF.net)
Regifted, by Ajar (Part 7): “Look,” Marina said in as stern a voice as she could muster. “If you don't do this, nobody will know who you are. You have to have enough name recognition that people will pick you.” At this point she was flustered and sweating but still maintained her smile. “If go this alone and let things stay on the back burner Graham will win, and that's something that neither of us wants to happen.”
See Me After Class, by Disco316 (Part 1): Ryan Mickelson stood at his locker putting his books into his backpack. From behind him, Michael “Mack” Mackenzie and Kevin “QB” Thompson approached. “Hey Ry-Guy!” said Kevin. “You ready to watch us cream Oakwood?”
Tales of the Ringbearers: With New Responsibility, by Richard Lobinske (Part 5): The longer it will take to reach your goal, when impatience is the path you follow. The words of his old master reminded Richard of one of his oldest weaknesses as he ignited his light saber and the orange blade emerged. Just in time, he let go of direct conscious control and rolled his wrist in an arc to deflect a burst of ice crystals fired at him by Audrey. He extended the motion into a long, sideways jump to evade a telekinetic punch from Niles. Richard landed and dropped low, gesturing with his left hand to stop Don Javier's telekinetic grasp.
Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Worse Possible Breakup Scenario), by Dennis (COMPLETE!): "I'm sorry. I just don't think the two of us should stick together anymore."
Unnamed story (Scenes That Should Be: Brains for Rent), by NightGoblyn (COMPLETE!): "When I was a little girl, I used to think there were monsters in my closet. I'd cry, and my Mom and Dad would come in and tell me that everything was okay, that there were no such things as monsters."

Flight into Mystery

2009-07-02T00:05:00.005-04:00

Nine years ago today, Noggin/The-N began running Daria, though in a rather sliced-up form. We still don't know why they put it through the Vegematic. Hey, at least they ran it.

Speaking of strange disappearances, as we have doing several times in the last few weeks, it was 72 years ago today that Amelia Earhart sent her last radio messages before vanishing forever over the Pacific Ocean with her navigator. Quinn gives us her best impression of Ms. Earhart in today's alter ego at left, though she is wearing what appears to be a fleece-lined USAAF bomber jacket from World War II with her high black boots and jodhpurs.

Hermann Hesse, author of Siddhartha and Steppenwolf, was born this day 132 years ago. Helen and Jake no doubt read his books while they were in college. I was in college about that time and read Hesse as well. It was the thing to do. You had to be there to understand.

Would Quinn really dress like this? It's very masculine for her, but still works.

Ice Cream & Randomess

2009-07-01T00:05:00.008-04:00

Yes, the new fiscal year has finally begun. How are you planning to celebrate it? Wait a second! When did they change the fiscal year to October 1? YOU BASTARDS!

Okay, what the hell else is going on. Today is Canada Day, July Morning (only in Bulgaria), the 101st birthday of the S.O.S. emergency signal, the 63rd anniversary of test shot Able at Bikini Atoll that gave us the bikini swimsuit (seriously), the 66th anniversary of the day Tokyo stopped being a city.... oh!

Today is Creative Ice Cream Flavor Day! Instead of that fiscal year crap, write down in Comments your suggestion for a new ice-cream flavor based on something in Daria!

DrNoGood09 offers a unique Iron Chef: The Fashion Club's Very Unusual Love Problem!

More crossover ideas for your amusement.... and here's the fanfic.

FF.net

Commitment Issues, by Fringeperson (Part 4): The next Monday, after Jane had left for school with Daria, Trent hauled himself out of bed. He’d set the alarm on his clock for once, and had been aware of the world for a while now. Shuffling to the hall phone, where all the numbers were kept, Trent looked up the “in case of Daria-type emergencies” numbers, and called Helen Morgendorffer’s work.
Daria: The College Years, by Farren O'Blivion (Part 11): This day has gone rather well. It can't possibly last, Daria mused. She and the others were having a surprisingly good time at Pizza King, despite Nick and Max's constant bickering. Quinn, be still her heart, had actually ordered a black olive and mushroom pizza, complete with artery-clogging cheese. Daria and Jane had looked stunned but, in her defense, Quinn said only, “Curves are in!”

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Gimme Skelter, by TAG and Brother Grimace (Part 13): Rather than say that the bridge wasn’t there, it would be more precise to say that about ninety percent of the I-40 bridge was not only there but reasonably intact. The problem revealed in the tanker’s cracked headlights was that the easternmost hundred-foot span of the bridge had collapsed, the part closest to where Mackenzie and Freeman sat in stunned silence. The remainder of the bridge from the first pier westward was still standing. [New thread begins here.]
John Lane 41: Friends and Rediscovery, by Richard Lobinske (Part 2): John looked over from his easel and said, "What did Trent just get talking into?" Helen said, "He's going along with you, Daria and Quinn to Camp Grizzly. Not that you need supervision or anything, but just in case anything happens."
Lawndale’s Finest Detective Stories 2: Daughters of the Demon, by NightGoblyn (Part 1): Elsie glanced up from her great-great-grandfather’s journal when she heard the key rattle in the lock. She had enough time to conceal the antique volume among her school books before the door opened, and then turned towards her visitor with a puzzled smile. [Continued here: “Grovel,” Elsie said, smirking at her brother. “Beg for my forgiveness.”]
Love is a Series of Burning Sensations, by Undefinedlust (Part 3): Daria sat quietly in Jane's room, trying to process the changes she saw in her best friend. Over the weekend, Jane seemed to have undergone a radical transformation. She looked different, but more importantly she just seemed like a very different person. Her new look, while a shocking departure was not as jarring as the hard edge Jane had seemed to acquire almost overnight.
Regifted, by Ajar (Part 6): “Hello, Stacy,” Graham said. “You know you shouldn't be calling me on my cell,” Stacy said. “I don't know what would happen if Sandi found out about this.”
Richly Dressed, by thatLONERchick (COMPLETE!): The door swung inward with a mournful creak and silhouetted in the scant light filtering in from the hall was a gruesome sight. Tom Sloane stood there, face blank, entirely nude. The whole of his body was swathed in nightmarish gashes, each pulled together with large, clumsy stitches.
Tales of the Ringbearers: Sometimes, You Have to Wait, by Doggieboy (COMPLETE!): David MacClean lay on the bed and stared at the ceiling. It had been several days since he had been sealed inside the room and he had no idea when, or even if, he was going to be allowed out. It wasn’t a bad room, however. He had plenty to eat, a television to watch, and even books to read, if he so desired. The bathroom, in fact, was luxurious when compared to the one from his Lawndale apartment. Even a prison made out of gold is still a prison, he thought.
Tales of the Ringbearers: [unnamed], by Ranger Thorne (COMPLETE!): “Ah, the Ringbearers,” said the zack's master. “I was wondering when your were going to show up.” “Is there a Sith newsletter we don’t know about?” Jane asked.
A Taste of Hell, by Doggieboy (COMPLETE!): The only lights in Lawndale came from the fires that consumed more than half of the city. Todd Ianuzzi leaned on a nearby red-painted fencepost and looked at the dark silhouette of the woman who had killed his two partners and shot him in the leg. He couldn’t see her face at all, except for her glasses, and all they did was reflect the flames as they licked at the sky.
Unnamed limerick (The Daria Fan Fiction Classification Test), by Magnuskrauss (COMPLETE!): [It's a limerick. If I repeat any of it, that will be the whole limerick.]
Unnamed Story [That was low, really low], by NightGoblyn (COMPLETE!): Quinn had a headache. She slowly opened one eye, and then immediately closed it against the harsh, blurry light. Keeping her eyes closed, she tried to sit up and was shocked when her limbs refused to obey her commands. Her ankles were tied together, and her wrists were tightly lashed together behind her back. Slowly, she cracked one eye open again.
Unnamed story (Crossovers Not Yet Crossed Over), by Pinkminx (COMPLETE!): A lone blowfly danced hypnotically around the back alley of McGrundy's. A wonderfully putrid smell had summoned it there, and it had yet to discover the source. Its attention was drawn to the the old screen door as it screeched open.
Unnamed story (Scenes No Daria Fanfic Should Have: TGIF), by Greystar (COMPLETE!): "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, Tom, right?"
Unnamed story (Second Coming of the New Ideas Thread), by Trscroggs (Part 2, continued from here): “Agent D reporting in. How’s the signal home base?” “Spotty Agent D, but readable. What are conditions on the surface really like?”
Wrylight, by Pinkminx (Parts 1 to 6): "I've been known to get my wits out on occasion," Daria deadpanned. A Mona Lisa smile ghosted her lips. "Oh, Daria, you shouldn't do that." Brittany leaned across the table and put her hand over Daria's. "it's only permissible when you’re really wasted or when the Girls Gone Wild cameraman is around." [Okay, that line was pure WIN.] (FF.net)

One Shift, Two Shift, Red Shift, Blue Shift

2009-06-30T00:05:00.007-04:00

Only 104 years ago today, Albert Einstein's physics paper on special relativity was published. Daria will demonstrate the basics points here. That should make it clear enough, except for the added distortions of time and space which are covered elsewhere.

Of greater importance, though, is the 12th anniversary of the premiere of "The Big House" on MTV. And we still don't know with whom Daria was out that late at night. Had a yellow car, though. Not a taxi.

The Tunguska event is 101 years old today. Happy birthday to you, you big lug of a non-crater, you. And the Corvette Sting Ray (thanks to smk's correction there) is 56. Wonder why none of the characters in Daria ever drove one of these. They drove everything else.

In the art department, MDetector5 offers a new perspective on Quinn that I think all fans can get behind.

BAY STATE DARIACON time is almost here! Get ready!

RUMOR DEPARTMENT: Yesterday a fan named Kate wrote that someone heard that Daria might come out on DVD next year, according to this rumor. We can only hope! Oh, wait, that means I have to keep this blog going for another year. Well, fine, whatever. MTV, if it's true, THANK YOU!

The Moonwalker

2009-06-29T21:45:00.001-04:00

For a while I thought there wasn't a Daria character who had done an alter ego as Michael Jackson, but then I remembered the time-travel beginning of Is It College Yet?, which featured a few seconds in which Jake was 1980s rapper Flavor Flav and Helen was...

The Moonwalker. White glove and all.

Sorry it took me so long.

Rest in peace, Michael Jackson, and thank you.

Minor Note: What other Daria character appears in an alter ego as Flavor Flav? (hint)

The Duo That Was Not to Be

2009-06-29T00:05:00.011-04:00

What if Daria had been about Daria Morgendorffer and her best friend, Jodie Landon, and they had been transferred from a regular high school to a private prep school called Grove Hills? Interesting take on the old formula. "Gifted" aired for the first time 11 years ago today.

ADDED NOTE: Ajar is writing a story very similar to the above, called "Regifted." My fault for not mentioning it earlier. It is excellent and entirely worth your time to read. Enjoy.

Today is the 89 anniversary of Ray Harryhausen's birthday. If you don't know who he is, that is sad. There's an MTV alter ego of Helen Morgendorffer as one of his creations, the snake-haired Medusa from Clash of the Titans. I got to see the master of stop-motion animation a few years ago at a fan convention, and it was awesome.

Oh, today is also the 53rd birthday of the Interstate system! Hooray! And this is post #1,200 of the blog.

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[fill in this space before posting]
[better yet, just wait until Tuesday and do it so there's a lot of fanfiction to list, again]
[yeah, that's the ticket]

Ears to You! or, That Body Part Goes Best with a Red Wine

2009-06-28T00:05:00.014-04:00

Stacy Rowe is with us to honor two great events that took place today in history. On the left, she is costumed as Dr. Hannibal Lecter from the movie The Silence of the Lambs, to commemorate the ninth anniversary of the premier of the Daria episode, "Psycho Therapy." Tiffany has a saying worth repeating about "Psycho Therapy," so I will repeat it.

At right, Stacy dresses as a boxer to remember that fateful day twelve years ago when Mike Tyson got the munchies in the ring and bit off the ear of Evander Holyfield. You see at once how well the two events go together.

Today is also the 83rd birthday of producer, director, screenwriter, comedian, composer, and actor Mel Brooks, and I don't care if that has nothing to do with Daria, I'm celebrating, darn it. He created Blazing Saddles, for pete's sake, and without that we wouldn't have WacoKid! Or the line: "Would you like another schnitzengruben?"

Pinkminx unleashes awesomeness with a portrait of Trent Lane, full length, on PPMB. And speaking of art...

The 2009 Daria Visual Fanworks Listing has been updated by Richard Lobinske! Hooray!

I don't know what's going on, but there is so much fanfiction coming out lately, it just blows my mind. KEEP IT UP! BUT GIVE YOUR STORIES ACTUAL NAMES! Don't let them wander around like unwanted bastard children, never meant to be! Not like a love child, born in poverty! Love child, always second best! Love child, different from the... oh, sorry, got carried away. That is all. Nothing more to see here. Oh! Story names, remember that. Though, oddly, all of the unnamed stories below were as astounding as the named ones.

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Color Coded, by Thecoffeeguru (COMPLETE!): “Is there any more business before I adjourn this meeting of the Fashion Club?” Sandi let her gaze sweep past the faces of her fellow fashion mavens, paying casual yet critical attention for indications of weakness, treachery, or indifference. Being president of the Fashion Club was tireless work, but someone had to do it.
M4 I & II, by Silver (Part 2): Stretchers and EMTs flooded Lawndale High. The media chose this time to show itself as well. The shell-shocked students suddenly found themselves at the center of a very different sort of chaos.
Tales of the Ringbearers: With New Responsibility, by Richard Lobinske (Part 5): Walking around the stands, Richard saw a poster that made him stop. It featured a winged woman with spear and shield standing over another fallen gladiator. He used his computer to translate the caption, "The Apocalypse. Five Years Undefeated Champion."
Operation Nutblocker, by Brother Grimace (COMPLETE!): "With HIM?" Jake's voice was fever-pitch high. "Of EVERYONE around here, you had to—I can't even say it!—with HIM?" "I'm sorry, Jake—I didn't mean for you to find out like this—" [Sick, sick, sick...]
Unnamed story (1,001 Deaths of Tom Sloane - Part II), by Dennis (COMPLETE!): "Wanna hear a joke, Tom?" Jane asked. Her hands were behind her back, and her eyes were fill of mischief.
Unnamed story (1,001 Deaths of Tom Sloane - Part II), by Kristen Bealer (COMPLETE!): Crouched in a dark and smelly sewer, CTU agent Tom Sloane opened the case in front of him and whistled softly under his breath. "Bad news, Daria," he told the computer analyst on the other end of his cell phone conversation. "It's a bomb. Nuclear. If we don't shut this thing down, the entire city of Lawndale is going to be history in less than a minute."
Unnamed story (1,001 Deaths of Tom Sloane - Part II), Thecoffeeguru (COMPLETE!): "We'll just concoct ourselves a little hangover cure that'll induce him to spew red, white and blue, then."
Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Worse Possible Breakup Scenario), by Disco316 (COMPLETE!): Daria sighed. "I'm sorry, Trent, but I can't go on like this. I mean, the sex is great and I like getting stoned with you, but there's nothing else there anymore. It's not you, it's me. I'm just... looking for more than this."
Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Worse Possible Breakup Scenario), by Project Pegasus (COMPLETE!): Daria shifted the bag of potato chips and a half empty bottle of Arbor Mist under her arms as she walked toward the Lane's living room, eagerly anticipating the new episode of "Sick, Sad World" featuring a wide assortment of fertility drug mishaps. Just as she was passing the garage door, she heard Trent's voice obviously in great emotional distress. She pressed her ear against the door, not being able to resist the temptation to eavesdrop.
Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Worse Possible Breakup Scenario), by Richard Lobinske (COMPLETE!): "I'm sorry, Helen," said Eric. "I can't pretend anymore, we have to break things off."
Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Worse Possible Breakup Scenario), by Thecoffeeguru (COMPLETE!): Tom woke up with a crick in his neck. He realized after a second or two that he was fully dressed, and in Daria's bed. A quick look at the clock told him that it was a little after 4 in the morning. You know, that's it. I've really tried to make it work with Daria, but it's like dating a shadow that occasionally kisses you, then feels guilty about it.
Unnamed story (Scenes No Daria Fanfic Should Have: TGIF), by Greystar (COMPLETE!): "You are now the property of Lawndale High. Break the rules and you will suffer. Obey the rules and you will suffer less!"
Unnamed story (Scenes that Should Be: Brains for Rent), by Ajar (COMPLETE!): Tomdide, driven out of his childhood home stumbled along, too unfamiliar with the real world to know how to get along. He slept in the gutter, girl-less and starving but satisfied in the belief that he always knew best. When he awoke the next day half frozen to death he decided to go to the next town called Lawn-berghoff-trarbkdikdorff in the hopes that he would meet someone who would take pity on him. Upon coming to an inn he noticed two people eying him. [Daria/Candide, a first!]
Unnamed story (Scenes that Should Be: Brains for Rent), by NightGoblyn (COMPLETE!): Daria sat up straight in her chair, her face going pale. “Are you trying to tell us that the Ill . . . that your organization believes there’s a threat to the continued existence of civilization, that it’s beyond your resources to prevent, and that you want five random people to fix it?”

Atoms to Atoms, Dust to Dust

2009-06-27T00:05:00.024-04:00

Fifty-five years ago today, the very first nuclear power station came on-line in the Soviet Union, in Obninsk. It proved to be remarkably durable, staying in operation until quite recently. I am an advocate of the careful, reasonable use of nuclear power for civilian purposes, and Jane Lane is too, to my surprise, but not for the same reasons.

The infamous soap opera Dark Shadows began on this day 43 years ago. (Jodie and Upchuck here commemorate this event.) I can testify to the intense fan involvement of this show, having known several people (all high-school students like me) who were completely addicted to it. Me, I never watched it. Vampires, werewolves, ugh, where were the robots and aliens? Wonder how many of the MTV animation group were fans of that show. Just curious.

It's a bit of a stretch, but Sandi Griffin's trip to Bermuda in Is It Fall Yet? makes the next tidbit relevant, sort of. Just 111 years ago, renown sailor Joshua Slocum completed the first-ever solo circumnavigation of the globe. Just 11 years later, however, he vanished in the vicinity of the Bermuda Triangle, joining Judge Crater, Amelia Earhart, Ambrose Bierce, and Elvis in the realms of mystery. Except we know Elvis is dead. Get over it. Daria fanfiction does need more Bermuda Triangle fanfics, so get on it, please.

OMG! This blog has 95,790 hits! Don't you people have lives? Or is that all from me?

Kangaballs is looking for a collaborator for a hard-boiled detective story told from Daria's viewpoint. PM her at PPMB.

Pinkminx has expanded her artistic talents to do a realistic portrait of Trent Lane. Nice! And she's got a new version of it in a different thread. Vote on them, please. In other art news, "Downer Ending," by Silver, shows Stacy Rowe watching TV. Or playing video games. Not sure, but it's Stacy.

DrNoGood09 has proposed an anime-crossover Iron Chef: Kamen Cynic. I'm not an anime expert, so I'll let him explain it.

I found an article on the dangers of cheerleading that might be of interest to those writing stories about Brittany and her colleagues. Ouch!

Disco316, João Paulo Costa, Brother Grimace, and Richard Lobinske have been seriously burning it up at DariaWiki. Good Lord! A big hand for these guys! YES!

Sorry I didn't get the fanfic list updated for a while. Busy with a story, plus life, etc. Here we go.

NEWLY UPDATED! I cannot believe how much fanfic is listed here.

FF.net

Commitment Issues, by Fringeperson (Part 3): Trent had expressed a need to go to Dega Street for guitar strings about halfway through his pizza, an idea which Jane promptly jumped on. She was always on the look out for new and interesting art supplies after all, and Dega Street was never short of inspiration either. It was a more appealing prospect than going home, so Daria agreed to come, too.
Daria, Poem Unlimited, by Project Pegasus (Part 3): “Coffee?” he asked. Coffee was his answer to everything, just as other people turned to God. For him, the reflexive impulse to offer coffee was the equivalent of saying, “I’ll pray for you.”
Many a True Word, by Alpacca Jo, a.k.a. thatLONERchick (COMPLETE!): Home room was as uneventful as ever, Charles Ruttheimer III mused as he doodled on the back of his History notes. Around him, students traded jokes or fresh gossip, while a select few sat with their heads down in a vain attempt to catch up on missed sleep.
Never Come to Be, by Alpacca Jo (COMPLETE!): A tear fell, hit Trent's guitar and slid down to drop into the grass at his feet. He seemed not to notice, kept playing though his voice grew rough.
Shucked Again, by Alpacca Jo (COMPLETE!): She awoke in darkness, cool, sweet wind swirling about her form in what seemed like open air. The sky was an inky blur and, disoriented, she began patting the ground around her in search of her glasses. She blinked in surprise—she was laying in what felt like tall grass.
A Sibling's Rivalry, by Alpacca Jo (COMPLETE!): Jane watched Trent's door swing slowly shut, face blank but long artist's hands clenched into trembling fists. Just before the latch clicked, Monique stuck her head out and tipped Jane a catty wink. Then they were shut into the cluttered dark of the narcoleptic musician's chambers, and Jane was left alone.
Sinspiration, by Vlora (Part 20): "I’m dating someone," Jane spouted from the quiet of the band’s introduction. The crowd was shifting and stifled, the two girls barely able to see over the heads of some particularly nasty goth-punk-grunge hybrids. ‘When did this happen?’ Daria asked in surprise.
A Stumble on the Road to Enlightenment, by Alpacca Jo (COMPLETE!): The Bromwell Freshman Orientations had always been a curious affair; while the various scholarship students or those not associated with any alumni of note attended their services in one of the campus's vast auditoriums, the Legacies were taken aside one by one to be welcomed into their new home.
Super Heroism and YOU! by Alpacca Jo (COMPLETE!): Daria rolled her eyes. Thus far, Ms. Li's mandatory Super Heroism and YOU! assembly was nothing more than several black-suited "officials" with no names, no credentials, and, supposedly, no affiliation to CertIAn government agencies droning on and on and on about Lawndale's "exceptional youth" having "the future's future" on their shoulders.
Take Me on the Floor, by MandeeMistress (Part 2): It wasn’t soon after Daria had arrived that Trent walked into the pizza parlor. Daria’s eyes met his sleek exterior and mysterious aura. His dark eyes were still welcoming. She felt her pulse quicken a bit. It seemed that plenty had gone on since she had left.
Three Dark Tales, by Alpacca Jo (COMPLETE!): "Fade," "Dark Siren," and "This Is Not Hell."

PPMB

1776+222 (Give or Take), by Disco316 (COMPLETE!): “But I can’t be on this committee! Jodie has time off for the first time in years this weekend!” Mack Mackenzie complained to anyone who would listen to him. Jane Lane took Mack by the arm as she led him out of the meeting room in the school. “Oh, don’t worry about it. I’ll just get Daria to write it up. This is her thing anyway.” [The first-ever Daria/1776 crossover!]
Fimbul (ex-More Apocalyptic Daria), by NightGoblyn (continued): The wind is brisk today, and I pull an extra pair of gloves out of my coat pocket and pull them on as I walk home. I should probably take a nap, since tonight was the first night of the full moon.
Gimme Skelter, by TAG and Brother Grimace (Part 12): Mackenzie groaned in torment. The gasoline tanker had proved roadworthy after time-consuming repairs and tire changes, but with two axles slightly bent the vehicle had a noticeable wobble as it rumbled down the freeway at 35 mph.
I'd Watch (in a Non-voyeuristic Way), by thatLONERchick (COMPLETE!): "We're here with Tom and his friend, Daria. Behind us we have set up an obstacle course including flaming hoops, a Yokou Zuna Sumo wrestler, and a live (and rather angry) lion!"
John Lane 41: Friends and Rediscovery, by Richard Lobinske (Part 1): "...And the doctor said Sandi's leg will be in a cast for at least a month. Poor Sandi, crutches don't go with anything." "That's the same thing those landmine victims are always complaining about."
Needs Something, by Thecoffeeguru (COMPLETE!): “Hmmmm, 'need to atone.' Needs something.” Trent Lane lay on his bed, strumming his guitar and chasing his muse. He was broken from his reverie by the appearance of one Daria Morgendorffer in his doorway.
Reaped Out, by Pinkminx (continued): Quinn inhaled deeply as she stood in the drive and waved farewell to her mother as Helen reversed the car and drove down the road. The gesture went unnoticed. Quinn turned and entered the Morgendorffer residence hesitantly. [Continued here: "This isn't about the boyfriend shish kebab is it?" Mason groaned as he turned to Daria. "Love these things..."]
Tales of the Ringbearers: With New Responsibility, by Richard Lobinske (Part 4): Though their weapons and some loose gear remained, there was no sign of the team when Richard stepped through the portal to the old apartment. Silent, he inspected the room and briefly looked out at the now empty park below. All around him, he felt darkness. [Excellent spooky atmosphere.]
A Time for Everything, by Thecoffeeguru (COMPLETE!): Daria stood at the bathroom counter, brushing her teeth. This was a chore she attended to daily and, as such things went, was not that bad. Or rather, it wouldn’t be that bad if it weren’t for one environmental concern. “Gawd Daria, why do you insist on using the bathroom for that? It’s not like you even use the mirror.”
Unnamed story (1,001 Deaths of Tom Sloane - Part II), by Dennis (COMPLETE!): [I don't dare ruin this one. Read it. Too funny! ]
Unnamed story (1,001 Deaths of Tom Sloane - Part II), by Silver (COMPLETE!): The deck beneath Tom Sloane's feet bucked as only an airship under fire would. He'd tried throwing the wheel, jerking the stricken ship away from its attacker.
Unnamed story (Iron Chef: Favorite Aunt Meets Amiga), by Greystar (COMPLETE!): "Hi, Amy Barksdale." "Jane Lane. Pleased to meet you." "You're cute." Amy was checking out Jane lustfully. "You're not so bad yourself." Jane returned the attention by closely examining Amy's rack.
Unnamed story (Scenes that Should Be: Brains for Rent), by Doggieboy (COMPLETE!): Suddenly, the outer walls of the restaurant disappeared, leaving the five tables nearest to Scarlett's. A cold chill went down her spine as she watched the darkness surround them and stop at where the jagged edges of the floor tile were.
Unnamed story (Scenes that Should Be: Brains for Rent), by SigDiff (Part 1): There was a loud ringing noise filling the small bedroom. Only one of its two beds was occupied, an uncombed mass of auburn hair visible at one end of a bulge in the blankets. Time for yet another boring day at work, Daria thought as she jerked awake, slamming her palm down on the alarm's “Off” button. [SF!]
Unnamed story (Second Coming of the New Ideas Thread), by Trscroggs (Part 1): “Explosion in secondary drive array! Charge dumps 2 through 6 are unstable! Phase bubble is beginning to resynchronize with real space! Twenty minutes until field collapse!”