Chatterbox: In This Month's Issue

September MCU

Guys, gals, lizards, sentient house plants, and assorted extraterrestrial beings, welcome to the September MCU! I’m Pangolin, your host this month, and these are my AEs, who will be “helping” me. 

What do you mean by “helping”? I’m plenty helpful! *trips on their own feet and falls into a stack of Very Important Papers, sending them flying*

…as I was saying, will you guys just go ahead and introduce yourselves?

~Um…I’ll go first, I guess? So, uh, hi! I’m Mirage, she/her.~

Hey I’m Fir, they/them, and I’m very helpful.

Yo I’m Barnacle, he/him and this counts towards my community service hours.

*stage whispers* Pangolin’s making him redeem himself because he threw one too many pies in people’s faces.

|…and hey, I’m Arum, she/they. Five bucks says we won’t get halfway through this MCU before a food fight breaks out.|

I like those odds. *shakes Arum’s hand over enthusiastically*

Alright, now that we’re all acquainted, can we please move on? Thank you. 

I’d like to have a moment of silence for Ella Starburst, the original creator of MCUs. We wouldn’t be here without her. Thank you, Ella!

Okay, first up, we’ve got Important Dates, courtesy of Seadragon.

Sep 1: No Rhyme or Reason Day
Sep 2: Bison Ten Yell Day
Sep 3: Skyscraper Day
Sep 4: Eat an Extra Dessert Day and Labor Day (in the US) (Moon Wolf, Avara, Poinsettia)
Sep 5: Be Late for Something Day (Wafflecat) and Cheese Pizza Day
Sep 6: Fight Procrastination Day (Wafflecat) and Read a Book Day (Avara, Wafflecat) and Amethyst’s CBversary! *confetti* *gives Amethyst a churro or other favorite treat*
Sep 7: Salami Day and ADHD Awareness Day
Sep 8: Pardon Day and National Ampersand Day (Wafflecat)
Sep 9: Teddy Bear Day and Wonderful Weirdos Day (Avara)
Sep 10: Swap Ideas Day and Hug your Hound Day and Grandparents Day (Poinsettia)
Sep 11: Make Your Bed Day and Patriot Day (In honor of those who died that day, may they forever rest in peace) (Moon Wolf, Avara, Poinsettia)
Sep 12: Chocolate Milkshake Day and National Day of Encouragement (Poinsettia)
Sep 13: Positive Thinking Day (Wafflecat) and Roald Dahl Day
Sep 15: Make a Hat Day and the start of Hispanic Heritage Month (Moon Wolf) and Rosh Hashanah (Moon Wolf, Poinsettia) and Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie Day (Avara) and Hawkstar’s CBversary! *blows one of those party horns, making an annoying horn noise* *gives Hawkstar a churro or other favorite treat*
Sep 16: Collect Rocks Day and Guacamole Day
Sep 17: International Country Music Day
Sep 18: Rice Krispie Treat Day and Cheeseburger Day (Avara)
Sep 19: National Gymnastics Day and International Talk Like A Pirate Day (Wafflecat)
Sep 20: Punch Day
Sep 21: Miniature Golf Day and International Day of Peace (Moon Wolf)
Sep 22: Astronomy Day and Hobbit Day
Sep 23: Autumn Equinox (Northern Hemisphere) or Spring Equinox (Southern Hemisphere) and Checkers Day and International Day of Sign Language (Moon Wolf)
Sep 24: Punctuation Day and Vegan Baking Day and Yom Kippur starts (Moon Wolf, Poinsettia)
Sep 25: Comic Book Day and Yom Kippur ends (Moon Wolf, Poinsettia)
Sep 26: Love Note Day
Sep 27: Crush a Can Day and See You At the Pole Day (Poinsettia)
Sep 28: Ask a Stupid Question Day (Avara, Wafflecat) and Good Neighbor Day
Sep 30: Hot Mulled Cider Day

The first Saturday of September (this year, the 2nd) is World Beard Day, the Saturday before Labor Day (this year, also September 2) is International Bacon Day, and the first Sunday after Labor Day is Grandparent Day (this year, September 10). September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, National Charcot-Marie-Tooth-Disease Awareness Month, National Deaf Awareness Month, German American Heritage Month, Gospel Music Heritage Month, National African Immigrant Heritage Month, National Suicide Awareness Month (Moon Wolf), Hispanic Heritage Month (starting September 15) (Moon Wolf). Religious holidays, include Krishna Janmashtami (Sept. 6-7), Paryushan (Sept. 11), Rosh Hashanah (Sept. 15-17), Yom Kippur (Sept. 24-25), Mawlid-al-Nabi (Sept. 26-27), and Sukkot (Sept. 29-Oct.6). (All dates are accurate for this year.)

Thank you so much, Seadragon!

Happy No Rhyme or Reason day! Who wants to do random stuff for no apparent reason?

|*chucks a copy of The Phantom Tollbooth at him, narrowly missing his head* We have a MCU to run, remember?|

Exactly. Next up, the LMWAY! Last Month We Asked You what your favorite memory from this summer is. Here are the responses~

Moon Wolf says: “My favorite memory of the summer is going to Houston, Texas and seeing the Johnson Space Center.”

 

Avara says: “My favorite memory is going to a river/adventure camp with my church!”

 

Wafflecat says: “My family and I went on a trip to Northern California and took some hikes among beautiful redwoods. The house we rented was right next a forest, and it had a short path down to a bench in the woods. I spent a lot of time reading there :)”

Amethyst says: “Being able to participate in the birthday of someone I know :) Also going to a park near here, which is beautiful and has plenty of memories from other summers.”

Poinsettia says: “I have so many... But two of the top ones are going to an extremely interesting county fair with all kinds of animals including hOrSeS; and taking chess lessons with a bunch of hilarious, fun kids/teens and a hilarious, fun teacher :)”

Whoa, you all had awesome summers. I kind of regret not bothering Mirage to bring me someplace fun now.

~Um, you did bother me. Many times, actually. I said that I’d rather stay inside and read. Besides — what about when we went to the amusement park? And when Pangolin got you tickets to see that musical? And when Barnacle—~

Well, yeah, but I didn’t see the Johnson Space Center or go to a country fair with horses or—

Oh, enough, you two. Next, the Advice Column. We asked for your advice on studying and time management for this upcoming school year. Here’s what you said~

Moon Wolf said: “For studying, do what fits right, like flashcards, related games, reviewing textbook, and try doing a variety. For time management, don't procrastinate! Work on your homework/project as soon as you get it, and work on a little every day.”

Avara said: “This is a bit directed towards public/private school people. Sorry homeschoolers. When you get home from school, do your homework and study, with the hardest stuff first. When you study, do it for 30 minutes, then take a 5 minute break. That way you'll probably remember more.”

Wafflecat said: “Write everything down -- a planner is super helpful for me. Also, I start homework a few minutes after I get home, so often I have some time after. I also use a 25/5 system -- study for 25 minutes, take a break for 5. That way, if I have a lot to do, it doesn't seem endless, like I'll never get to my free time. And if I'm doing a writing assignment feel like I just don't have any ideas, often switching locations helps. I'll go sit on the couch, at the kitchen table, outside, even underneath my desk.”

Poinsettia said: “Take your homework and send it down the drain and, when your mom asks you what you're going to tell the teacher when she wants to see your homework the next day, sing "Live, live without caaaare! LIke a fish in the waterrrr; like a bird in the airrrr!" if you're a John Denver fan.”

CelineBurning Bright said: “For tips, try not to procrastinate. Try to take breaks, try to limit distraction, try different strategies, ask for help or extensions if you really need them (or, for help, just don't be afraid to ask! Ask your teachers, your peers, your friends, your parents... anyone!). Don't lose sleep when studying, better to be well-rested and remember some things than forget everything due to lack of sleep (unless you're like me, oc, who can sleep a very unhealthy amount which I don't recommend and still ace a test the next day), eat a good breakfast (unless, again, you're like me and usually don't eat breakfast bc you wake up very full), and hopefully have fun with your studying (and if you don't, I'm sorry). Sometimes I like to make up little rhymes for myself to remember stuff, or connect things in ridiculous ways only I can know (I'll spare you examples), which really does help. But don't spend forever doing it. As for time management... that's what I need help on. Maybe hire someone (like your parents or annoying siblings, for instance (I don't the latter though, it goes to their heads)) to be constantly on your case about time management until you have to get faster because you feel guilty and stuff.”

No…procrastination?? *is aghast*

I think I’ll follow Poinsettia’s advice, thanks.

~No, Barnacle—~

*runs away singing Sweet Surrender by John Denver at the top of his lungs*

*sigh* I’ll deal with him later. Next up, in case you need something to distract yourself from the impending doom of school, we have threads to check out, courtesy of yours truly.

TM: AE Census, posted by Amethyst (http://www.cricketmagkids.com/chatterbox/thismonth/node/552152) 

CaC: CBers as songs, posted by Poinsettia (http://www.cricketmagkids.com/chatterbox/chirpatcricket/node/552348) 

Word Scramble Game, posted by Sylvazia (http://www.cricketmagkids.com/chatterbox/chirpatcricket/node/553151)

BaB: My Bookshelf, posted by Tsuki the Skywolf (http://www.cricketmagkids.com/chatterbox/blababoutbooks/node/553430)

Monthly Book Club, posted by CelineBurnung Bright (http://www.cricketmagkids.com/chatterbox/blababoutbooks/node/552553)

DtE: Project Pronouns Reboot, posted by Hex (http://www.cricketmagkids.com/chatterbox/downtoearth/node/553754)

Care Packages, posted by Peri (http://www.cricketmagkids.com/chatterbox/downtoearth/node/552471)

PP: Song Dissection and Analysis, posted by Jaybells (http://www.cricketmagkids.com/chatterbox/puddingsplace/node/553566)

Ultimate Written Picturings Thread, posted by Poinsettia (http://www.cricketmagkids.com/chatterbox/puddingsplace/node/553160)

Inkwell: Tag Game, posted by Nut Le Squirrel (aka Rora) (http://www.cricketmagkids.com/chatterbox/inkwell/node/510701)

One Word Story, posted by Sylvazia (http://www.cricketmagkids.com/chatterbox/inkwell/node/553055)

Next up, we’ve got the book of the month, courtesy of BookGirl!

That username is fitting.

~*gasp* It’s an aptronym!~

Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston 

This book is about 13 year old Amari Peters, her brother has disappeared and she is being bullied at school, after being expelled from school for standing up for herself a dude shows up at her front door telling her that there is a package in her brother Quinton's room waiting for her. When she finds the package there is a booklet of instructions telling her about the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs summer camp, Amari is determined to go to this camp and find out what happened to her brother. Now she just needs to figure out how to get over the fact that aliens, unicorns, and other supernatural animals exist, as well as there being Magicians that are illegal. When Amari gets to the camp all of the trainees get their superpower, Amari's ends up being a Illusionist, a type of Magicians. 

Amari is determined to find Quinton and bring him back no matter what it takes. 

Thank you BookGirl! But if the CB and books aren’t enough to distract you from sChOoL, music might be just the thing. Here’s the monthly playlist, courtesy of Poinsettia, the last song courtesy of Moon Wolf~

Ride, by Martina McBride (very good for listening to if you need motivation for something... like going back to school) 

Coat of Many Colors, by Dolly Parton 

Five Hundred Miles, by Peter Paul & Mary 

Gardens of Sampdon and Beasley, by Pink Martini 

1 2 3 by the Indigo Girls

September by Earth, Wind & Fire

*loudly and obnoxiously sings along to the September playlist*

|*shouts over the singing* FIR WE HAVE A MCU TO HOST HERE, rEmEmBeR?? *throws a conveniently placed glob of potato salad at them*|

*gasps* You’re trying to start a food fight, aren’t you?? So you can win the bet?? Well, I won’t have it. *crossed arms*

*runs in* food fight??? Where??? Why was I not invited sooner??

~Um. Barnacle, there’s no food fight. And we’re all very much off track, so can we please just get back to the MCU?*

Thank you, Mirage. Next up, the Joke Column! 

How many seconds are in one year? 12 of them. (January 2nd, February 2nd, etc.) (Moon Wolf)

Why did Humpty Dumpty have a great fall?

To make up for his miserable summer. (Avara, Hex)

So today’s the day those 8-legged Bears wake up from hibernation. When September ends, the OctoBears wake up. (Avara)

I’m stealing those jokes, they’re all wonderful.

|Hosting the MCU was a terrible idea! Barnacle has new material and I’m probably going to end up owing Fir five dollars—|

It’s been working out great for me so far.

~And for me. I’ve successfully avoided almost all of the AE drama! :)~

Me too. So let's keep it that way, shall we, and move on to our next section, Quotes! We have, uh, quite a few, so let’s get right to it~

Inspirational quotes, courtesy of Amethyst:

"After love, book hunting is the most exhilarating sport of all." --A.S.W. Rosenbach 

"You can dance in a hurricane, but only if you're standing in the eye" --Brandi Carlisle 

"The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn." --Ralph Waldo Emerson 

"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain." --Dolly Parton 

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." --Anonymous 

"Friendship doubles our joy and divides our grief." (So very true of the CB :) ) --Anonymous

Book quotes, courtesy of Moon Wolf:

"There is a saying that when people die, they continue to live as long as someone remembers them. I would add: 'and tells their story.'" - The Windeby Puzzle, Lois Lowry  

"Meantime, I was going to enjoy the magic while I could." - Crenshaw, Katherine Applegate 

"'You've always had the power, my dear, you just had to learn it yourself.'" - The Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum 

"'But a person is so much more than the name of a diagnosis on a chart!'" - Out of My Mind, Sharon M. Draper

And CB quotes, courtesy of CelineBurning Bright:

“The important (part) isn't how well we do or don't know you--the important part is that everyone on the CB is here for you when you need it (whether or not we're all 40-year-old men who sell garden gnomes in Kentucky and we're all just lying to each other and none of us really know each other).” — Chaser and Jay (on whether anyone in the CB really knows each other) 

“As for me, I have a really weird real name, but spontaneously want to change it to ‘Sequoia.’ IT HAS ALL FIVE VOWELS!!! *shocked in seven languages* That is simply the most amazing thing to me right now.” -Jaybells

“*Reaches in the depths of my mind*  *Comes out with the recipe for spaghetti* Now that can't be right…” -Piano Man 

“One word can describe my life.... CHOCOLATE” -Emekittycon Kitten 

“learning the alphabet today, conquering the world tomorrow. *maniacal laughter ensues*” -Phoenix Tears 

“I win! (Although Admin is the ultimate winner...)” -Little Sister (about LTP)

 “Chatterbox is my lil nonsense world and i love it :)” -CelesteOfTheGoldMoon 

“My characters have infinitely more eventful summers than I do…” -Artemis  

“I wonder why dads get all the credit for bad jokes...?” -Hex

“my brother: let's sing hamilton 

me: ughhhhhhhh no i'm tired of hamilton we listen to it ALL the time i don't want tooooooooooooo lets do something else 

him: .... 

him: lafayette- 

me: I'M TAKIN' THIS HORSE BY THE REINS MAKIN' REDCOATS REDDER WITH BLOODSTAINS–” -Tsuki the Skywolf

Thank you guys for compiling those quotes! And last but not least, here are the winners of this month’s LoTM!

Honorable Mentions:

Sequoia National Park, CA (submitted by Moon Wolf)

Why: man I WISH I was there. It looks gorgeous.

Getting school supplies (submitted by Wafflecat)

Why: it’s trueeee *sobs*

The Trolls Movie (submitted by CelineBurning Bright)

Why: dO yOu ReMeMbEr ThE tWeNtY fIrSt NiGhT oF sEpTeMbEr~

Third Place: Climbing a tree (submitted by Avara)

Why: there’s a depressing lack of climbable trees where I live, but a person can dream

Second Place: a phantasmagoria of foliage (submitted by Hex)

Why: absolutely gorgeous~ unfortunately the location box did not agree

First Place: a field of goldenrod (submitted by Poinsettia)

Why: equally gorgeous, and conveniently under twenty five characters :)

Well, that’s just about it for this month’s MCU, unless we forgot about something.

|We probably forgot about something.|

Yeah, we did! *extends hand* Five dollars, please. I won the bet.

|...fiiiiine. *places five hundred pennies in their hand, one at a time, very slowly*|

Thanks for reading, thanks to everyone who contributed, sorry if it wasn’t very funny (it was a little rushed, ngl). Signing off, 

pangolin

Barnacle

Fir

~Mirage~

|Arum|