JULY 3, 2024

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• LEARNING  First "Day of da Vinci" Scheduled for July 23 at MPB

• RECIPE  Avocado Chocolate Mousse (Yes, avocados!)

• TELEVISION "8 Days: To the Moon and Back" Commemorates the Apollo 11 Mission

• RADIO   Season Finale of "10 Minute Time Out" July 19; "Next Stop" Live at the "Mississippi Ag and Outdoor Expo" July 26 

• NEWS  Mississippi Sturgeon Still a Threatened Species

• FOUNDATIONMPB Members Invited to Special Event at "Ag and Outdoor Expo" July 26 - 28

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Mississippi Views

Common to the state's waterways, the great white egret stalks the edges of large rivers and lakes looking for fish, frogs, and snakes. Although smooth at first glance, their bill has sharp edges to grab slippery prey. This bird was brought back from near extinction from over-hunting in the early 1900s. Thanks to Deborah Dickinson from Liberty for sharing her "catch." Send your favorite local pictures to photos@mpbonline.org.

Educators Inspired by da Vinci Can Earn Free CEUs

"A Day of da Vinci" is a new statewide learning initiative from MPB and the Mississippi Department of Education designed specifically for educators. It offers lesson plans to promote K-12 interdisciplinary STEAM instruction using principles showcased by the work of the great Leonardo da Vinci. The first of three events will be held at MPB at 3825 Ridgewood Road in Jackson on July 23, with additional events in Brookhaven in August and Columbus in September. Teachers who complete the program can earn three free Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) towards licensure. "A Day of da Vinci" was inspired by "Leonardo da Vinci," a new film coming to PBS in November from Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, and David McMahon. Click the button for details and to register for the nearest event.

Avocado Chocolate Mousse? Absolutely!

Traditional chocolate mousse can be complicated and almost too rich with eggs, cream, and butter. An easier, healthier, faster, and more affordable way to make mousse uses nature’s butter — avocados! It’s low in calories, vegan, dairy free, egg free, and guilt free. You can use cocoa powder (preferably Dutch processed), or melted chocolate (chocolate chips or bittersweet chocolate no higher than 70%), or a mix of both cocoa powder or melted chocolate for a deeper and ultimate chocolate heavenliness. Plus, it will last up to three days in the refrigerator.

Courtesy of Create TV

'8 Days: To the Moon and Back' Recreates 1969 Apollo 11 Mission

July 16 was the 56th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission that landed Americans on the moon. Witness its historic journey as the film seamlessly blends mission audio featuring conversations among Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins with new footage, NASA archive, and stunning CGI. "8 Days" is an amazing recreation of the Apollo 11 moon landing from PBS airing July 19 at 8:00 p.m. Viewers can also stream here or use the MPB Public Media App.

'10 Minute Time Out' Season Finale July 19

Join host Lacey Alexander for the finale of Season 1 of the MPB Original mini-podcast covering sports throughout the state. In Episode 8, "10MTO" fans will get a preview of Mississippi collegiate football in the 2024-2025 season - including SEC, SBC, SWAC, and more. Download the podcast July 19 at noon here, or use the MPB Public Media App.

'Next Stop' to Broadcast Live from 'Outdoor Expo'

Hosts Germaine Flood, Java Chatman, and Kamel King (Visit Mississippi) will broadcast live from this year's "Mississippi Ag and Outdoor Expo" July 26 at 10 a.m. "Next Stop, Mississippi" will be previewing the activities of the state's largest outdoor expo with interviews and event updates before the doors open at noon. MPB Members who RSVP to their invite (see the Foundation section below) are encouraged to be a part of the live audience with free entry. Listen live via broadcast, online, or on the MPB Public Media App.

Questions Remain with Regard to Native Mississippi Fish Species

The Gulf Sturgeon is perhaps best known for its sudden and acrobatic leaps above the waters it calls home, breaking the surface at will and splashing down with a loud smack. Listed under the federal Endangered Species Act as ‘threatened’ in 1991 (a step below endangered), its range was determined by officials to have shrunk nearly 200 miles from its previous boundary. MPB goes in-depth with a local researcher who works to help officials better protect this iconic Mississippi species.