You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader software, version 4.0 or higher to view and print this ballot. Get Adobe Reader for FREE.

SEWER RAT ATTACKS MURRAY'S CHEESE SHOP

Local Hero Saves the Day
By Blasco Tobasco

NEW MOUSE CITY Residents of New Mouse City can never agree when it comes to their favorite subject: Cheese, and where to buy it. Some are partial to The World of Cheese. Some think Miceway rules. But everyone agrees that Murray's Cheese Shop is a noble institution, and that any rodent should feel honored to cross its threshold. The smell alone is worth the price of admission.

Murray's got it all. We're not talking your average American yellow. We're talking gorgonzola, billy goat cheese, and the best fresh mozzarella on earth (according to a fiercely loyal minority). Last night it was almost curtains for this landmark of the New Mouse City cheese scene.

Roderick Cheddars, the seventy-five-year-old owner, was busy closing up for the evening. Suddenly, while sweeping up some romano crumbs, he was smacked in the back of the head with a huge hunk of parmesan (and you know that's no soft cheese). "It came out of nowhere. I felt a sharp pain. Everything went black. That was it," the old cheesemonger said. He knew nothing more.

Fortunately, Emmit Furfist heard the commotion. His gym, Crunchers, is three doors down from Murray's. "I heard glass breaking and smelled the most delicious aroma waft into the street," Emmit said. "I knew it could only mean one thing."

The fearless Emmit ran over and confronted the intruder, a large sewer rat who was frantically stuffing money and cheese into his suitcase. Emmit knocked the criminal off balance with a well-aimed wheel of triple crème brie, then toppled him into a vat of fresh ricotta. Emmit dialed 911 on his cell phone, and guarded the swimming sewer rat until the police came.

"How can I ever thank you?" Mr. Cheddars cried when he finally came to. He gazed in confusion at Emmit, and then at the pawcuffed sewer rat, who had been fished out of the vat and was dripping ricotta all over the nice clean floor.

"How about all-I-can-eat FREE top-of-the-line cheese for the rest of my life?" Emmit suggested jovially, slapping Mr. Cheddars hard on the back.

Mr. Cheddars did not look amused.

SECRETS TO LIVING A FABUMOUSE LIFE
By Special Correspondent Thea Stilton

NEW MOUSE CITY Rodents everywhere keep asking me: "How do you do it? You are so cosmousepolitan. So full of energy. Where do you get your unique sense of style? How do you meet so many sweethearts? Why is everything about you so rat-sionable?"

So, due to popular demand, here are my tips for living a more fabumouse life, for both female and male rodents of New Mouse City. Big hint number one: it's not about buying all the hippest clothes and other stupid things. It's about how you feel about yourself!

The Big Cheese: What's Your Name?
Does your name have character? Chances are, it does. Take my name for example: Stilton. It's a superbly classy and distinctive bleu cheese. If your name is less than fabumouse, think about taking on a nickname that suits your inner mouse. At the same time, you should be proud of your name, whatever it is, and of your family (if you aren't already). Family is the best, even though individual family members can be annoying. My brother has a saying: The hearts of two mice who love each other will always stay connected. Don't forget it!

Are You In Shape? Or Are You a Blob of Mozzarella?
It's important for rodents of all shapes and sizes to stay fit. Can you run around at top speed? Or are you always lagging behind? Can you jump at least three feet in the air? If the answer is no, you'd better start lifting weights and taking mouse-aerobics! Whatever you do, don't just sit on the couch eating cheese balls in front of the TV all day. There's a whole world of interesting stuff happening out there—so get with it!

Are You Confident? Or Are You a Big Wimp?
Do you think you're something special, or just a piece of average boring American cheese? Try to listen to the unique squeak inside you. Even if you suspect you're a scaredy mouse at heart, try to be bold and brave for a change. Taste a new type of cheese you never thought you'd like. Be adventurous! Speak your mind and learn to like yourself. Every rodent is special—don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Enjoy Life!
Fabumouse rodents have no time for cheesebrains who complain all day. We fabumice surround ourselves with people and things that make us happy. Do what you love and the cheese will follow. Try it-it's not as hard as you think!

Editor's note: At press time, we are still unsure of Thea's whereabouts. But we are confidently awaiting her safe return.

© EDIZIONI PIEMME – ITALY