March 2021
Monday, March 1, 2021 - Edition #207
Interview with Elizabeth Fern!
We interview the editor of Squirrel Village High School’s new newspaper Village Squeaks!
Reporter: Hello, Elizabeth!
Elizabeth: Hello.
Reporter: You are the main editor for the new newspaper Village Squeaks. How did you get the idea?
Elizabeth: Well, I was inspired by the Hamsterville University’s newspaper University News. Unfortunately, the newspaper wasn’t very successful and had to close after 3 months.
Reporter: Where did you get the idea for the name Village Squeaks?
Elizabeth: My brother, James, picked the name. He wanted to symbolize that the newspaper was from Squirrel Village and he thought ‘News’ or ‘Press’ would be boring, so he tried ‘Squeaks’.
Reporter: Can you give us a sneak preview about what is in the first edition (coming out today!)?
Elizabeth: Well, there’s a recipe for sugar cookies and an interview with the principal of the Squirrel Village High School, Dr. Brown. There’s also a music recommendation list and book recommendation list.
Reporter: How long are still going to be at the Squirrel Village High School?
Elizabeth: I’m a Sophomore, I have two more years of High School left.
Reporter: Do you plan on continuing Village Squeaks?
Elizabeth: Yes, and I hope it continues even after my brother and I leave.
Reporter: Thank you for this interview, Elizabeth!
Tuesday, March 2, 2021 - Edition #208
Maria Fur moves her Fur Salon Location!
Maria Fur is a fur stylist in Hamsterville, she recently moved to Volington and moved her salon location as well.
Her former salon location was on 1995 First Street, Hamsterville. Now it’s 1884 Tulip Lane, Volington.
Maria Fur moved due to the fact that her husband, Mark Fur, had to move due to work.
Mark Fur is a chimney sweeper and there are more Victorian aged houses that still have chimneys. Often, new houses don’t have chimneys, Mark says.
Maria’s old salon was painted light blue and had 3 old-fashioned chairs. Her new salon is mint green and instead of chairs, there are two lemon colored coaches. Maria has already announced that she plans on repainting the salon a coral-pink.
The Fur’s have also moved into a one-story burrow next to the new fur salon.
“Maria is already planning on repainting it blue,” Mark told reporters. “I would have preferred, purple, but…”
Modern Fur, another fur salon, has moved into Maria’s old salon in Hamsterville. However, many rodents in Hamsterville have said that they will still be going to Maria Fur’s salon for their fur cuts.
Wednesday, March 3, 2021 - Edition #209
CD store in Lemmington closes!
The number of CD stores in Hamstington has been going down in the last years. One of the main reasons being that rodents are listening more to radios, rather than listening to CD’s.
Unfortunately, in Lemmington there was only one CD store. Now that Lemming CDs has closed, there isn’t a CD store in Lemmington. Many older rodents living in the area, who prefer cd’s to radios, have been very sad.
Lemming CD’s told the public that they were closing in late February. Since then many elderly rodents have been visiting the store almost weekly to buy any CD’s still missing from their collection. 😊
The CD Society of Hamstington💿 has been working to restore the CD stores in Hamstington. So far, they have managed to keep over 25 stores in Hamstington from shutting down permanently.
Thursday, March 4, 2021 - Edition #210
COMET SHOWER!
Tonight around 8:00pm-12:00am rodents can see a comet shower around the Hamsterville area. Comet Shower Sia comes every year on the 63th day.
Rodents are recommended to drive out of the city to see the comet shower in its full splendor. The city lights could block out the stars. Rodents are asked to keep lights out for the evening so other rodents can see the stars.
The Hamsterville High School has organized to set up a tent in a field just outside of Hamsterville. There will be snacks and warm drinks, as well as some astronomy teachers who will be able to point out constellations.
Rodents can come at 7:30pm and stay until 11:30pm. It has been requested that children under 5 do not attend.
Friday, March 5, 2021 - Edition #211
Alice Pink breaks wing during Water Rescue!
Alice Pink, a member of the Little Lemming Pink Aid team, broke a wing yesterday during a daring water rescue! A hedgehog (who wishes not to be named!) had to be rescued yesterday from the rapids of the Carrot River. The hedgehog was lodged under a large log that acted as a bridge over the river. Alice Pink bravely flew down and rescued the hedgehog. However, when Alice flew upward her wing smacked against the log and broke. Luckily, Alice was able to get herself and the hedgehog to the river back before collapsing.
Alice was immediately flown to the nearby Little Lemming hospital. Why the hedgehog was in the river remains unknown. However, many rodents suspect that the hedgehog was in a kayak and when he entered the rapids did not have the skill to stay in his kayak. If that is true, some rodent wonder why the hedgehog wasn’t wearing a lifejacket.
Monday, March 8, 2021 - Edition #212
Lemmington Lemons get new Coach!
The Lemmington Lemons is the Lemmington Tail Tennis team. Recently, Albert Lem retired as coach of the team at age 52. A few rodents were considered for the job: Elena Autumn, Mike Daisy, and Mica Grassi.
Each of the candidates coached the team for one week. After all the candidates had coached for one week, the team voted on a final coach.
The new coach turned out to be Mike Daisy, a 33-year old lemming from Hamsterville. The team voted him because he gave them helpful tips/criticism, knew how to play correctly, and was a good combination of strict and friendly.
Mike Daisy played Tail tennis professionally until he was 22. At age 22, he quit and got a masters in Herbology at the New Guinea Pg City University. He recently moved to Lemmington.
Last year, the Lemmington Lemons had a horrible season, losing to their arch-nemesis the Green Gerbils at their last game. This year, they hope to crush the Green Gerbils at one of their first games.
Tuesday, March 9, 2021 - Edition #213
Sally Woodmouse starts Gardening Column
The famous land-scaper, artist, and writer Sally Woodmouse has started a Gardening Column in the Gerbil Town Press. The column will appear every Wednesday (the Gerbil Town Press is a daily newspaper). Sally Woodmouse will give rodents gardening, land-scaping, and garden photography tips. She will also introduce some of her favorite plants (e.g. best plants for a vegetable garden, best herbs, recipes for with basil).
Sally Woodmouse is also publishing her memoir this summer. You can pre-order your copy today at: rodentreads.org/art-in-the-city
In her memoir, Art in the City, Sally Woodmouse discusses her career as an artist and land-scape designer in Hamsterville and growing up in the city.
Wednesday, March 10, 2021 - Edition #214
Mike Daisy: Q & A
Mike Daisy, the new Lemmington Lemons coach, has agreed to a “question and answer” interview.
Q: What is your job?
A: I’m the new Lemmington Lemons coach, before I played professional Tail Tennis and got a masters in Herbology at the NGPCU.
Q: Do you like your job?
A: I don’t really know yet, but the team seems nice. We’ll see how I get along with the parents.
Q: Did you find it stressful to play professional Tail Tennis and earn your masters in Herbology at the same time?
A: I quit the Tail Tennis team before earning my masters in Herbology. But earning the masters was very hard work.
Q: Have you ever regretted quitting professional Tail Tennis.
A: Not really.
Q: Are you married?
A: No.
Q: Favorite color…
A: Violet.
Q:Favorite food…
A: Ramen.
Q:Favorite drink…
A: Apple Cider.
Thursday, March 11, 2021 - Edition #215
Jannie Spot-Feather: Interview #2
Last December, the Daily Squeaker interviewed Ms. Jannie Spot-Feather, owner of the Lucky Duck Water Hotel in Gerbil Town. Now, three months later, we check in to see how she is doing. The first interview was done on December 11, 2020.
Reporter: How are you, Jannie?
Jannie Spot-Feather: Good, and the hotel is doing very well.
Reporter: What has changed since our last interview? Has anything exciting happened?
Jannie: Not that much new stuff has happened. The Water Taxi drivers have now gotten a new type of “room”. Water Taxi Ducks used to always stay in the reed rooms. Because they need to get up so early and I don’t want them to disturb other guests. Most of the ducks are like permanent residents, and their room is more like their “apartment”. Now, the willow tree (where I sleep) will become the taxi ducks apartments. Guests will no longer be able to book rooms in the willow tree. The only other exciting thing that will be happening, is that Greta Rainbow, the environmental activist, will be staying at the Lucky Duck Water Hotel next month!
Reporter: It seems that a lot has happened since the last time we spoke, Jannie! I wish you a lot of success in the future!
Friday, March 12, 2021 - Edition #216
Q & A:
Officer Einar Carrots
Officer Einar Carrots is a bunny on the Squirrel Village Detective team. We did a “question and answer” with him for this edition. These questions were submitted by the readers of the Daily Squeaker.
Q: Why did you decide to become a detective?
A: My father was one.
Q: Did you ever solve the mystery of the vanishing (and returning) books? *Edition: October 30, 2020*
A: No, the thefts stopped after the article was published.
Q: Favorite color, drink, and food?
A: Pastel green, lavender and honey latte, sliced carrots.
Q: Do you have any other hobbies, other than being a detective?
A: Yes, I enjoy reading Agatha Christie's books, drawing, and kayaking.
Q: Have you ever been on planet Earth?
A: Yes, I visited France in 2015, Iceland (where my family comes from) in 2017, and Japan in 2009.
Q: What languages do you speak?
A: Rabbit, Hamster, English, French, and a little bit of Spanish.
Monday, March 15, 2021 - Edition #217
Coffee VS Tea*
The mice of Gerbil Town debate about whether tea or coffee is better.
The representative for coffee is: Ms. Lillian Strongtail
The representative for tea is: Sir Shortwiskers
The debate begins:
Argument 1: Sir Shortwisker
Tea comes in a greater variety than coffee. There are many different types. E.G. mint tea, raspberry tea, and camomile tea
Tea, unlike coffee, can also be “iced”. Have you ever heard of “iced coffee”?
Argument 1: Ms. Lillian Strongtail
I disagree that there are no varieties of coffee. E.G. decaf, espresso, and black
True, you don’t drink coffee with ice. However, have you ever had tea with vanilla ice cream on a hot day?
Thirdly, coffee is a standard drink that almost all rodents enjoy. It’s become a habit to ask someone “how do you like your coffee?” at a cafe
Argument 2: Sir Shortwisker
Tea ceremonies have become a tradition for some mice, I have never heard of a “coffee ceremony”
Tea is easier to make than coffee. Tea can be as simple as a slice of lemon in hot water
Argument 2: Ms. Lillian Strongtail
Coffee allows you more ways to explore. Unlike tea, coffee can be made with regular milk, almond milk, etc. However, for tea you always use water and a tea bag.
Winner of debate (voted by public): TEA!!!
*This debate is a matter of opinion, not verified facts
Tuesday, March 16, 2021 - Edition #218
St. Patrick’s Day: Rodent Holiday?
St. Patrick’s Day is tomorrow: March 17, 2021! Is St. Patrick's Day considered an official rodent holiday?
Suddenly, no. Although many rodents celebrate St. Patrick’s Day (including the Royal Family), you won’t find it on any rodent calendars and schools do not give the day off to students.
However, many rodents still celebrate this holiday and some rodents take their children out of school for the day. The Irish mouse community in Hamsterville and New Guinea Pig City has come together and has started a petition. Rodents want St. Patrick’s Day to become an official holiday in Hamstington.
Unfortunately, things look grim for the petition. According to Hamstington laws, the petition needs to have 2,000 signatures or more before the high court will look at it. Although many rodents celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, not many see the need for it to become an official holiday. The petition currently has about 500 signatures, a fourth of what they need.
Sean O’Connor, an Irish mouse living in Hamsterville told reporters that “Although I’m Irish and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, I don’t believe that it should become an official holiday. St. Patrick’s Day has human roots, it’s not a traditional holiday for rodents.”
Wednesday, March 17, 2021 - Edition #219
New Podcast: No Drama, No Llama
Squirrel Village High School students decided to create a high school podcast for llamas.
The podcast is run by 5 llamas: Riana Cloverwool, Jane Cloverwool, Jennifer Cloverwool, Jenny Honeywool, and Ebony Llama.
The podcast can be heard live once a week on Monday 3:30pm - 4:00pm. The editions will be divided into two parts. The first part will be an interview with a local rodent. The llamas have decided that their first interview will be with Dr. Panda, the Squirrel Village High Science teacher. The second half of the podcast will be about news from the llama community. Local news stories, contests, and high school news (exam dates, etc).
Tune in on March 22 for the first ever edition of No Drama, No Llama!
Thursday, March 18, 2021 - Edition #220
Who is Dr. Panda?
Dr. Panda. Scientist. Professor.
Dr. Panda is a red panda and science teacher at the Squirrel Village High School.
Dr. Panda graduated at the New Guinea Pig City University (NGPCU) at the top of his class. Now, he teaches high school science five days a week.
All students are required to take science as a class. Two of the five lessons in a week are mandatory. Meaning that students must attend them. The Monday Physics lesson and the Thursday Chemistry lesson are mandatory.
Students must sign up for the class to attend the Tuesday Physics lesson, Wednesday Astronomy class, and the Friday Chemistry lesson.
The astronomy class is held from 8:30-10:00 on Wednesdays in the astronomy room. On nights with good weather, the glass dome of the room will be open. On other nights, the glass dome will be closed.
About 25-40 students sign up for the science program each year. Dr. Panda has noted that the Astronomy lessons seem to interest rodents the most. Because of that the school purchased another 10 telescopes last year. Before they had 20, and not always enough for all of the students. Now they have 30 telescopes and students get longer turns at viewing the night sky.
Dr. Panda is 52 years old and has been teaching for over 30 years. He began as a professor at the Hamsterville University, but then changed to the Squirrel Village High School amongst 10 years ago!
Friday, March 19, 2021 - Edition #221
Beach Cleanup in NGPC!
A beach cleanup was held in NGPC yesterday afternoon.
The day was warm and the sun was out, still no rodents splashed in the waves of Coral Beach. All the rodents were on the beach, helping with the beach cleanup.
The cleanup was organized by Pia Lilac. Pia is a guinea pig and diver who regularly dives in the Coral Beach bay. She was amazed at what she saw at the bottom of the bay and decided that the first step to cleaning NGPC was a beach cleanup. Rodents were able to bring trash bags, buckets, shovels, and trash pickers.
The cleanup started at 10:00am and ended at 2:30pm with a group picnic. The rodents were able to clean up the beach completely and plan to meet again every two weeks on Fridays.
The nearby general store provided snacks and drinks for the cleaners while they worked. The grocery store owner, Catherine Carrie, told reporters that she couldn’t shut down her store for the day, but would happily help the cleanup by providing drinks
Monday, March 22, 2021 - Edition #222
Spring Cleaning in Hamstington begins!
March 20 was the first day of Spring! Every year, on the first day of Spring, rodents start their annual spring cleaning!
Gardens are weeded, attics looked through, and kitchens deep-cleaned. The second day of Spring also starts the annual flea markets which last until April 16th.
Almost all cities have these annual flea markets every year. The exceptions being Little Lemming and New Lemmington, because these cities are younger than 2 years old. Some of the Hamstington flea markets are trading, or bargaining, markets. Meaning that some items do not have a fixed price and owners are willing to trade and/or bargain for the items.
Markets where you can trade and bargain will have a sign. (see right bottom image)
Tuesday, March 23, 2021 - Edition #223
Royal Ball in Gloria Castle in Volington!
The Royal Family of Hamstington has decided to host a spring ball in the castle Gloria near Volington. All residents of Hamstington have received an invitation. This means that, if all rodents attend, there will be around 20,000 rodents in attendance. Unfortunately, cats will not receive invitations. The royal family of Froggy-World will be there, but there won’t be other guests from Froggy-World.
The castle Gloria, where the ball will be held, is in the Volington area near Ice Drop Lake. It was built in 1905 and has been a popular tourist destination, as well as a retreat for the royal family.
Guests coming to the party are recommended to come a couple days early. Gloria Castle will be opening it’s over 500 rooms for guests to stay in. To register for a room in Gloria Castle visit royalfamilyhamstington.org/castlegloria. The ball will be on three nights, during the day rodents can sign up for a tour of the castle. The royal bakery will also be doing classes. The ball will be on April 3, 4, and 5. A reporter from The Daily Squeaker will also be present and a report will be published on Tuesday, April 6th.
Wednesday, March 24, 2021 - Edition #224
Question & Answer: Florence Fluffur
Q: What is your job?
A: I work at the Walnut School for Learning as a teacher.
Q: Do you like your job?
A: Yes, it's very fun!
Q: Do you find it stressful?
A: Sometimes, when I’m preparing lesson plans.
Q: What grade do you teach?
A: 4th Grade.
Q: Are you married?
A: No.
Q: Favorite color…
A: Amber
Q:Favorite food…
A: Almond ice cream
Q:Favorite drink…
A: Thai Ice Tea.
Q: How long have you been teaching?
A: Since 2003.
Thursday, March 25, 2021 - Edition #225
Interview: Jessica Buni (Kindergarten Triathlon Coordinator)
Jessica Buni is the Kindergarten Triathlon coordinator. We interviewed her to find out more about how the event is set up.
Reporter: Since when have you had the role of Triathlon coordinator?
Jessica Buni: I’ve had this role since 2018.
Reporter: As coordinator, what are some of your responsibilities?
Jessica Buni: I have to make sure everything is prepared. The Triathlon grounds have to be cleaned. The ribbons have to be made. The winner’s cake has to be baked. I have to make sure all the schools get there on time. And, if they will be using public transport, school buses, or parent’s cars. Then you have to make sure that none of the kids have any allergies.
Reporter: Sounds stressful. Do you have any funny behind the scenes moments you could share?
Jessica Buni: Yes, a couple years ago the winner’s cake was a raspberry and vanilla ice cream cake. However, it was so hot that, by the time that the competitions ended, the cake was half-melted. We ended up just serving ice cream to the winning team.
Reporter: Just wondering, how did you get elected to be the coordinator?
Jessica Buni: I’m not actually sure why. The previous triathlon coordinator picked me to be the next coordinator. I’m not sure why.
Reporter: How long do you plan on keeping the position?
Jessica Buni: It’s really fun to organize the triathlon and I’d like to keep doing it for a couple more years.
Reporter: Thank you for this interview!
Friday, March 26, 2021 - Edition #226
Kindergarten Triathlon: Results
The annual Kindergarten Triathlon was held this morning from 10:00am-1:30pm. The Kindergarten Triathlon is held between The Happy Pomegranate Kindergarten, the Orange Blossom Garden, and The Little Chopstick.
The first event was the long jump. Then came running. And finally was the swimming competition.
The Happy Pomegranate Kindergarten came in first in long jump. The Orange Blossom Garden came in second. And The Little Chopstick came in third.
As for the running competition, the Orange Blossom Garden outran the other teams at an impressive speed. They beat the other teams by 9 seconds. The Little Chopstick team came in second. And the Happy Pomegranate Kindergarten came in close third.
The Little Chopstick swimming team came in first for this competition. The Orange Blossom Garden and the Happy Pomegranate had a tie and were both given second place.
There was no clear winner as each of the kindergartens had won one competition. Therefore, the winner’s cake was split into three. This year the winner’s cake was a special chocolate, lemon, and rose cake with blue frosting and sprinkles.
All three schools look forward to next year’s Kindergarten Triathlon!
Monday, March 29, 2021 - Edition #227
Simone De Iceflake publishes Graphic Novel!
Simone De Iceflake is a japanese dwarf flying squirrel on the national ice skating team. For years she has been working on a graphic novel about her grandmother’s experience on the Titanic. She finally finished it and got it published!
The book is in a graphic novel format and in a “manga” style. Simone De Iceflake wrote and illustrated the entire book. There are 300 pages in full color. Illustrating the book took Simone 2 years.
The book has been rated as ages 8+. Some of her teammates read the book and wrote the following reviews:
“A must read! I couldn’t put it down, 10/10.” -Lizzy Blacksilk
“The story and illustrations are amazing, the characters are funny and you can relate to them.” -Georgia Ginger
“Amazing that Simone could write a book and still go to all of our ice skating competitions.” -Cathy Waters
You can purchase your own copy of Titanic Iceflake wherever books are sold. An audiobook version will be released in a couple of months.
Tuesday, March 30, 2021 - Edition #228
StarPaw: shortage of coffee cups
StarPaw, a chain of cafe’s, recently experienced a shortage of paper/plastic cups. StarPaw Cafe was started by Alfred Carrots in 2002. Recently, the cafes have been experiencing a shortage of paper/plastic cups and ceramic cups.
For “to go” orders rodents would get their drinks in paper or plastic recyclable cups. For “for here” orders rodents would get ceramic cups that they would have to return to the cafe after finishing their drink. However, so many rodents have been ordering “to go” and the shipments for plastic/paper cups have been delayed and many of the store's ceramic cups didn’t get returned.
To solve the problem, StarPaw decided that rodents would need to bring their own reusable cups. Starting this Friday (April 2) rodents will need to bring their own cups to get drinks from StarPaw. ☕
Wednesday, March 31, 2021 - Edition #229
Squirrel Village Library Temporarily Closes!
A recent study done by the Squirrel Village Library Branch showed that 10% of the books checked out in the last 4 weeks were never returned or were returned damaged. Due to this the library has temporarily closed until the rodents can learn to be more responsible with books. The study also showed that most of the books in question were checked out by Squirrel Village middle or high school students. Many of the rodents that never returned their books also didn’t pay the library fines. One librarian spoke out on this issue, “Our library is funded by the community, but we can’t get new books if rodents aren’t returning the ones that we already have.”
Many rodents in the area support the library's decision to close. However, some rodents have complained that “why should the entire community pay for the fault of the middle and high school students?”.