February 2021
Monday, February 1, 2021 - Edition #187
Sean O’Connor: Woodwork Teacher
Sean O’Connor is an Irish woodmouse and the woodwork teacher at the Piper Woodmouse School in New Guinea Pig City.
We interviewed him about his work as a Woodwork teacher.
Reporter: Good morning, Mr. O’Connor. Why did you decide to become a woodwork teacher?
Sean O’Connor: I love wood. The way you can make something out of a block of wood.
Reporter: Have you always known that you wanted to be a teacher?
Sean O’Connor: No. After I graduated from High School I opened a woodshop in Gerbil Town. I noticed that a lot of children came every day to watch and sometimes, I would even let them try to work with the wood. I realized that I really enjoyed working with children. When the Piper Woodmouse School in NGPC was hiring a new woodwork teacher. I handed in my resume.
Reporter: Do all classes, 1st through 8th have woodwork?
Sean O’Connor: No. Woodwork starts in 5th grade. I would be too nervous to let a first grader work with a saw or even sandpaper.
Reporter: What kind of projects do students make?
Sean O’Connor: In 5th grade, students make a butter knife and dish. In 6th grade, they make a spoon. In 7th grade, they make a stool. And in 8th grade, they make a coffee/tea cup.
Reporter: Thank you for this interview!
Tuesday, February 2, 2021 - Edition #188
Crazy Blue concert tickets sold out!
The reggae star Crazy Blue won one of Hamstington's Got Talent! competitions last month. A couple of days ago he announced he was going to give a special concert at the Hamsterville Butterfly Theater. All the money made from the concert will go to the Hamstington School Art Fund.
Tickets could be bought on crazyblue.com/tickets, a couple of minutes after the ticket sale went live the concert was booked out. About 10,000 fans were able to get tickets. Tickets ranged between $80-$200.
Crazy Blue will be performing his top hits from the last decade. The concert will be around 2 hours long and will have a 30 minute intermission to give Crazy Blue a chance to catch his break (-:
Wednesday, February 3, 2021 - Edition #189
Groundhog Day Protests!
Every year on Groundhog day groundhogs all over Hamstington come out to protests.
Some of the most popular messages are:
“I’m a rodent, not a meteorologist!”
“Stop blaming me, for seeing my shadow!”
“You want ME to predict if there’s going to be more weeks of winter?!”
Groundhogs, and other rodents, want to stop the tradition of making groundhogs predict if winter will last longer. Many rodents think it's an insult, and must be stopped. These protests have happened every year since 1888, the second year that Groundhog Day was celebrated.
So far, rodents have had no luck.
We interview Jane Earth, a groundhog living in New Prairie Town:
Reporter: Hello, Jane! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Jane Earth: I’m a groundhog and live in New Prairie Town. I’ve been going to the protests every year since 2002.
Reporter: What do you do at protests?
Jane Earth: Often we make signs (and pose with them), hold a short-ish meeting, and collect signatures.
Reporter: How many signatures did you collect this year?
Jane Earth: I believe we had over 500.
Reporter: Do only groundhogs come to these protests?
Jane Earth: No, all kinds of rodents show up.
Reporter: These protests started in 1888, have you seen any signs of progress?
Jane Earth: Unfortunately, no. Humans don’t seem to be aware of the fact that they are insulting the groundhogs!
Reporter: Thank you for this interview, Jane!
Thursday, February 4, 2021 - Edition #190
Silvio Wonderwool opens New Clinic!
Silvio Wonderwool recently gained fame after he opened a clinic in Volington. The clinic will be a place where rodents can heal after they have received an injury. The clinic is in a small lodge near downtown Volington. It is meant to be a safe place for rodents to heal.
Silvio Wonderwool finished his doctor degree at the New Guinea Pig City University. He started his doctor's degree in Paris, France where he lived before moving to Hamstington. He named his clinic the “No Drama, Llama Clinic”.
The clinic officially opens next Monday (February 8, 2021), to meet Dr. Silvio Wonderwool contact 222-567-8889 for an appointment. Or write to appointment.llamaclinic@rodentmail.com. The clinic will be open Monday-Saturday 10am - 5pm for appointments.
Friday, February 5, 2021 - Edition #191
Modern Art Collection: Hamsterville Art Museum
The Hamsterville Art Museum has a special Modern Art Collection. The art pieces are from three different modern artists: Li Waters, Vi Art, and Harry Williams.
The collection officially opened this morning at 9:30am. The collection will be in the Hamsterville Art Museum until the end of March. The most famous of the pictures in the collection is called “WildFur”, it is a picture of President WildFur with translucent pieces of color.
The collection has 70 pictures in it. All the images are in a modern art style. Another famous picture in the gallery is called “HeroRat”. It is a picture of Magawa, the famous HeroRat in a similar style that “WildFur” is in. Both of the images (“HeroRat”, “WildFur”) were created by Harry Williams.
Monday, February 8, 2021 - Edition #192
Sophia McRabbit: Q&A
Sophia McRabbit is a cotton tailed bunny that lives in Apple Glade Forest. She loves knitting and baking and there was always at least one pot simmering on the stove or something baking in the oven. We did a question & answer with her to learn some more about her family, which is famous for its jams.
Q: Why are your family's jams so famous?
A: I think it’s because the jams are made of odd combinations that taste really good. For example, my favorite jam is strawberry, lemon, and orange.
Q: Since when has your family made jams?
A: My great-great grandfather started making jams and we continue to use his traditional recipes.
Q: You also enjoy baking and cooking, other than cooking jams, what else do you enjoy cooking?
A: I love making tortelli, pizza, and stir-fry.
Q: Anything tips for other rodents making jams.
A: You don’t have to stick with the recipe. Experiment.
Tuesday, February 9, 2021 - Edition #193
Olympic Advantage: River VS Pool Training
Experts have found that rodents have an advantage in swimming competitions when they train in rivers, streams, or lakes versus when they train in pools.
Experts say that when rodents train in rivers for swimming competitions they have an advantage. Because training in a river is harder than training in a pool (currents, etc) when rodents come to the pools to compete it’s much easier for them. While, the rodents that train in pools face the same level of difficulty.
Some pools in NGPC and Hamsterville have tried to add “artificial” currents, but rodents have found that it is not the same as training in real rivers. For one, the temperature in rivers isn’t always constant, in pools the temperature is always comfortable and stable.
Many experts think that the next Swimming Jr. Olympics will be won by a team that trains in natural and wild conditions.
Wednesday, February 10, 2021 - Edition #194
New Style:
Curly Fur
The newest fur trend is curly fur. Since the new movie “Great Aunt Anne” came out, rodents everywhere have been curling their fur. Today we look at the three most popular methods for curling fur (hair curlers, sleeping with braids, and hot irons), and find the positives and negatives of each method.
#1 Hair Curlers
Hair curlers are something that perhaps your grandmother still uses. However, they are back in style! Rodents roll their fur around these hair curlers (while fur is damp or wet) and leave them in until fur has dried completely. Some rodents also sleep with these hair curlers. The bad part about hair curlers is that some rodents seem to forget that they have their fur in curlers and then go shopping!
#2 Sleeping with Braids
Sleeping with braids is the safest way to curl fur. However, it also takes the longest. Another good thing about sleeping with braids is that when partially brushed, it creates “waves” instead of curls.
#3 Hot Iron
This is the fastest way to curl fur, but it also requires the most equipment and is the most dangerous. The problem with hot irons is that they can overheat and “burn off” fur.
Thursday, February 11, 2021 - Edition #195
Storm Warning!
The Hamsington Weather Society has given a high wind and rain storm warning. For the next 7-10 days rodents should expect high winds, rain, and flooding. The warning is for the Gerbil Town/New Prairie Town/Squirrel Village area.
The Squirrel Village Elementary and Middle School has already canceled school for the next two weeks after some students had problems getting home due to rain. Students will be receiving a homework packet via mail during the next 3-5 days. The Squirrel Village Elementary and Middle School hopes that it can soon reopen safely.
Some parts of Hamstington, such as the Rodenti Mountain Range did not receive a storm warning. It is expected that the Mountain Ranges will have no clouds and much sun for the next two weeks. Many rodents booked hotels and inns in the mountain ranges as soon as they heard.
To be safe, it is recommended that rodents only go outside if they have to. They also recommended that rodents go shopping during the next 3 days. The storm is supposed to hit on February 14 with full fury.
Friday, February 12, 2021 - Edition #196
Interview: Alexandra Parrota, owner of the Parrota Dance Studio
We interviewed Alexandra Parrota to see how her new dance studio in Ratstown is doing. Alexandra opened her dance studio in late January with her family. She hoped to teach rodents and birds the beauty and joy of dance.
Reporter: Good morning, Alexandra! How is your dance studio doing?
Alexandra Parrota: The dance studio is doing very well. I was surprised how many birds in the area are interested in learning the traditional dances.
Reporter: How many birds/rodents are in each class? How do you decide which birds/rodents are accepted?
Alexandra Parrota: We have between 15-25 rodents/birds in each class. All rodents/birds are welcome in our classes. However, they need to have had previous dance lessons to be accepted in the “advanced” classes.
Reporter: Many rodents/birds were wondering if the Parrota Dance Studio has a competition team?
Alexandra Parrota: No, the Parrota Dance Studio is still so new. Also, there aren’t many dance studios in Hamstington that we could compete against.
Reporter: Last questions, the Parrota Dance Studio has a very strict policy about being on-time for classes, have you had any late-comers so far?
Alexandra Parrota: No, we haven’t had any problems about students being late.
Monday, February 15, 2021 - Edition #197
Hamilton comes to PawWay!
The rodent version of Hamilton is coming to PawWay in two weeks. Hamilton is an American musical written by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
A group of rodents traveled to New York City in the winter of 2019. They watched Hamilton multiple times. Then they returned to PawWay (Hamstington’s Broadway). In early 2020, a cast for PawWay’s Hamilton was chosen.
In the last year, the cast has learned the songs and choreography. Finally, on February 20, 2021 PawWay’s Hamilton has it’s opening night. The musical will be the same as Lin-Manuel Miranda originally wrote it, but will be played by rodents instead of humans.
Tickets are between $80-$130 depending on where you are seated. Performances will be every Monday-Friday from 7:00pm-9:30pm. Tickets can be purchased at pawway.org/hamilton/tickets.
Tuesday, February 16, 2021 - Edition #198
Bridge in Raccoon City collapses!
The Silver Whisker Bridge in Raccoon City collapsed yesterday evening around 10:00pm. Luckily no rodents were killed, but two llamas broke their legs trying to get out of their car. They are currently in the hospital in New Guinea Pig City. The reason that the bridge collapsed remains unknown.
The bridge was just recently finished. It was built to connect Raccoon City to the mainland of Hamstington. It was meant to replace the ferry. However, it now seems that the ferry is back in business.
Even when the bridge is repaired, many rodents seem to have lost trust that the bridge will hold. Architects say that the bridge could be repaired by the end of March. However, many rodents are calling for the bridge plans to be looked at and the error, that caused the bridge to collapse, to be found.
Wednesday, February 17, 2021 - Edition #199
Raccoon City Bridge:
Interview with worker
We interviewed a worker who was on site the day the Silver Whisker bridge collapsed.
Reporter: What’s your name?
Eddie: Eddie Richmond.
Reporter: Where were you the night the bridge collapsed?
Eddie: I was on the Raccoon City side of the bridge, working on a sign.
Reporter: What happened next?
Eddie: One of the pillars holding up the bridge started crumbling. The bridge shook for a moment and then the pillar collapsed.
Reporter: How many cars were on the bridge at the time?
Eddie: About 5. Only one, the one with the two llamas in it, had bad damage. A lantern pole fell on it.
Reporter: What do you think happened?
Eddie: I think it was a technical error, not a rodent error or vandalism.
Reporter: Thank you for this interview, Eddie!
Thursday, February 18, 2021 - Edition #200
Interview with Florence Fluffur
In September 2020, the teachers of Walnut School for Learning were on strike because the administration would not buy them a new coffee machine. Today we interview Florence Fluffur, a teacher at the Walnut School for Learning.
Reporter: Good morning, Ms. Fluffur! How are you?
Florence: Call me Florence. I’m good, I had to get a substitute teacher for today so I could do this interview.
Reporter: Did the teachers of the Walnut School for Learning get a new coffee machine?
Florence: Yes, one of the parents generously donated one.
Reporter: At the Walnut School for Learning, do teachers stay with their class until 8th grade, or do they teach the same grade every year?
Florence: At the Walnut School for Learning the grades are divided into 3 groups. 1st and 2nd grades are taught by two teachers. 3rd, 4th, and 5th are taught by a group of teachers. Middle School (6th, 7th, and 8th) are also taught by different teachers.
Reporter: What kinds of subject classes does the Walnut School for Learning offer?
Florence: There is a math, woodwork, and gym teacher. There’s also nut identification, but that’s for squirrels only.
Reporter: Last question, how many rodents are in a grade (on average)?
Florence: There are between 20-25 students in each class. I’m afraid I have to go, the substitute is only there until 10:00am!!!
Friday, February 19, 2021 - Edition #201
Pipe in Little Lemming Bursts!
Temperatures have been quite low in Little Lemming for the past couple of weeks. Yesterday evening the temperatures dropped so low that a pipe burst in the City Hall. Apparently, the water inside the pipe had been slowly freezing over the last few days and the ice now needed a new room to grow - and burst the pipe.
When the pipe burst, nobody was in the City Hall. However, ice and icy water was flung everywhere. Unfortunately, it’s still too cold for rodents to leave their houses and repair the damage. Julius Long-Ear, a bunny police officer, was the rodent that noticed the damage. He had been told by a local resident that there had been a loud noise (the pipe bursting) coming from the City Hall, he immediately investigated and found the pipe.
The pipe that burst was in the waiting room of the City Hall that had been newly furnished just a few days before. This means that the room will have to be completely re-decorated and cleaned.
Monday, February 22, 2021 - Edition #202
Hamstington Film Studio releases new movie: Mountain Peak
Hamstington Film Studio announced the release date of their new film Mountain Peak on February 20, 2021.
The film is said to be available in theaters and cinemas March 5, 2021. Rodents will be able to buy a dvd version starting April 2, 2021.
Mountain Peak is a live action film about the Mountain Guinea Pig Clan, it is set in the 1800s. It stars Lydia Stripes as Kayana and Sirius Vole as Atohi.
The film is said to be 133 minutes long (2 hours and 13 minutes) and is rated G (general public or gerbil).
Mountain Peak is the story of the Guinea Pig Clan and how they fought to survive. Kayana and Atohi are brother and sister narrate the film. The film is also part fantasy as it includes some of the clan legends.
Tuesday, February 23, 2021 - Edition #203
Chinchilla Chronicles comes to an end
Last week, author Elviria Acornia announced that the 8th book of the Chinchilla Chronicles would be the last in the series. Icy Rivers, Icy Lake would be the last book in the series. However, Elvira Acornia did say that she will be starting a new series, Lemure Adventures. Book 8 of the Chinchilla Chronicles, Icy Rivers, Icy Lake, was published on February 14, 2021.
Elvira Acornia started the Chinchilla Chronicles in 2014. The books were published in the following order:
Meadow Home - October 2014
Ocean Foam - May 2015
Shell Cottage - December 2015
Fire Lake - January 2017
Cherry Tree - January 2018
Frozen Lake - September 2019
Summer Paradise - July 2020
Icy Rivers, Icy Lake - February 2021
In 2016, River Raccoon Films made a movie out of Meadow Home. It was very successful, but they were unable to get the rights to make a film out of Ocean Foam. A reporter asked Elvira Acornia about how fans were taking the news.
“Well, I’ve gotten a lot of emails and mail since I’ve made the announcement that the series is ending. Not all of the mail has been positive.” She answered.
Wednesday, February 24, 2021 - Edition #204
2 Paws to the Left Releases New Album: Daisy
General Information about 2 Paws to the Left: 2 Paws to the Left is a band started in 2007. The members include: Carrie Day, Elvine Vine, Raisa Te, and Paula Dune.
2 Paws to the Left has just published their 6th album Daisy. You can buy the album at most CD stores throughout Hamstington. This album includes 13 songs and a re-recorded version of their hit ‘Blackfire, Bright Night’. The CD is 1 hour and 23 minutes long.
The band told fans that they chose the name Daisy for their album because the first song on the album is called Daisy Fields and almost all the songs are inspired by nature. The 13 new songs are currently only available on the CD.
Fan News: 2 Paws to the Left plans on making a Golden CD with all 72 of their songs on it!
Thursday, February 25, 2021 - Edition #205
Silver Sea Raccoon Choir accepts New Member!
The Silver Sea Raccoon Choir is made up of 59 racoons. The choir is made up of male and female raccoons.
Their newest member, Herbert Anderson, is 22 years old. Herbert is a rather small raccoon with a low voice (Bass).
In his free time, Herbert enjoys painting, photography, and gardening. He also enjoys swimming, diving, and learning different languages. He is currently fluent in over 15 languages, including: French, Spanish, Thai, Skunk, Old Raccoon, New Raccoon, and Icelandic.
The last member to be admitted to the Silver Sea Raccoon Choir was Shilah Wright in 2018. The choir started in 1988 and was founded by Antonio Steffan (age 56 at the time). The choir is still run by his family; Antonio unfortunately died in 2003 at age 71.
Friday, February 26, 2021 - Edition #206
Squirrel Village High School Starts Weekly Newspaper
Squirrel Village High School students have decided that they will be starting a newspaper called Village Squeaks. The newspaper is written and operated by high school students. It will be a weekly paper, the first edition comes out next week.
Village Squeaks will be telling news about high school news and announcements, there will also be a recipe’s section, a ‘letter to the editor’ section, and general Squirrel Village news.
The idea was first developed in August 2020, but was halted due to the fact that there were not enough students willing to create the newspaper and they needed the school’s permission to print copies on the school copy machine. The main editors are Elizabeth Fern and James Fern, twins were first proposed the idea.
The twins are planning on copying 50 copies of the newspaper for their first edition and they will be sold for $6.30. There is a $1 discount for high school students. The newspaper will be sold on-campus and at the Squirrel Village general store.
