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WHO WILL BE THE NEXT MAYOR OF NEW MOUSE CITY?

Get to Know Brian LeRat, Winner of New Mouse City Idol
By Soya Mousehao

The competition is fierce. Hundreds of thousands of hopeful singers audition for the toughest judges in all of Mouse Island, if not the world, to become one of twelve finalists on the hottest show on television — Mouse Island Idol. Hopes are dashed as the judges tell the singers they just don't have it. But for one Mouse City resident, Brian LeRat of Mount Vamp, all of it was worth it when he was crowned champion on last night's exciting live show. One Rodent's Gazette reporter was lucky enough to sit down with Brian just hours after he won the ultimate prize — and got to know this talented young star a bit better.

Soya: First of all, congratulations! How does it feel to be a winner?

Brian: Well, it was a lot of hard work. It hasn't really hit me yet that I'm going to be recording a CD soon!

Soya: And what about all your fans?

Brian: I love my fans and the signs they hold up to support me. I like it when they throw cheese, too.

Soya: What is the best part of all of this?

Brian: Being able to perform and getting paid to do what I love. And cheese. Because I really, really like cheese.

Soya: Is there any special lady in your life right now?

Brian: My career and the show keep me kind of busy, but I am hoping when things settle down a bit, I will meet that special girl. I think I have a lot to share with the right person.

Soya: I bet there are a lot of fans out there who would love to be that girl.

Brian: Well, I'm taking applications! *laughs*

Soya: Thanks so much for your time, Brian. We look forward to hearing more of your songs and seeing a lot more of you in The Rodent's Gazette! Anything else you want to say to the fans?

Brian: I just want to thank them for all they've done to support me, and let them know that I will make sure to do my best every time I perform a song, whether it's at Mousidon Square Garden, or at a friend's birthday party.

Fashion Frenzy: The Summer's Hottest Trends
By Zeppola Zap

Every summer, people look forward to vacations so they can do things they can't during the year. Students don't have to worry about school dress codes and find new ways to look different and stylish. So what are the hottest trends in New Mouse City? Zeppolla Zap took to the streets to find out what the coolest mice were wearing — and what their parents had to say about it.

High school senior Pixie Purpletail took her last name seriously when she was one of the first in New Mouse City to go to the upscale salon, Ratsemme, to have her tail dyed. Her mother, Joann, was shocked when she saw her daughter. "I wanted to cry... her natural fur color is so pretty... I don't see why she has to do things like that." But dyed tails are very popular this summer -- walk down any street in the city and you'll see hints of blue, pink, purple, and even green. Not all parents think it's so bad, either. Doug Ratall, whose son just dyed his tail blue at Ratsemme, said, "I think it's pretty cool. I wouldn't do it myself, but he's young... I don't see what harm it does."

Not ready to dye your fur just yet? Well, that's not all that's hip this summer. The key word for fashion seems to be baggy! Everyone's pants and shirts are getting bigger — less is no longer more. Dana Ratquist laughed when asked about her super-baggy gear, and said, "It's summer. I want to be comfortable. Big clothes breathe — and when you have all this fur, and the sun is beating down, you want to be as cool as possible." Not comfortable with big clothes? Well, little tank tops and skirts are also in. Kristen Mousmore smiled as she modeled her cute cherry-covered dress. "I bought this in a thrift store for $1.99. It's so pretty, but also, helps keep me cool."

As always, it's impossible to sum up this great city with simple fashion trends. Mice everywhere come to the city because it gives them a chance to be who they are — whatever that may be. The fact that we see tinted tails, baggy clothes, tiny tanks, and everything in between on the streets every day shows us one thing: you just have to be who you are. Let your fashion express the real you! And be sure to look fabulous while you keep cool this summer.

© EDIZIONI PIEMME – ITALY