SUMMARY: The University of Southern Mississippi’s Center for Fisheries and Research Development (CFRD) and the Mississippi Aquarium are hosting Shark Weekend on July 26-27. This annual event features interactive stations where visitors can learn about shark species native to Mississippi’s coast, shark research by USM, and the ecological importance of sharks. Dr. Jill Hendon, CFRD director, highlights Mississippi’s diverse shark populations and the center’s long-term research on shark biology and conservation. The Aquarium emphasizes sharks’ vital role in marine ecosystems and the need for protection. USM also offers related educational programs, including Sea Camp, Shark Fest, and a Shark Biology course, engaging enthusiasts year-round.

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SUMMARY: The shoebox, a common item worldwide, holds a surprising history linking a Scottish inventor and a Mississippi entrepreneur. In the 1870s, Robert Gair, a Scottish-born printer, invented the mass-producible cardboard box. Later, in 1884 Vicksburg, Mississippi, Phil Gilbert revolutionized shoe retail by selling shoes in matching left-right pairs inside these boxes, improving customer convenience and retail presentation. This innovation quickly spread nationwide and became the standard. Beyond packaging, shoeboxes now store memories and crafts, symbolizing thoughtful retail design. What seems simple today began as a clever idea in a small Mississippi shoe parlor.

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SUMMARY: Young fledgling birds, much like human teenagers, often whine and beg their parents for food after leaving the nest. This behavior is evident in backyard and park settings, where adults sometimes seem exasperated by persistent, high-pitched calls and wing-shaking from their offspring. Observations include a young Cooper’s Hawk calling from a tree limb and a Downy Woodpecker teaching its juvenile to peck for food, involving playful yet instructive interactions. Carolina Wrens demonstrate patient parenting by actively showing their young how to forage. These scenes highlight that the challenges of raising teenagers aren’t unique to humans, offering a charming glimpse into bird family life.

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