By: Bob Garver Poster credit: IMDB The “Sonic the Hedgehog” movie franchise has had quite the history. In 2019, jokes about the poorly-received first trailer were everywhere in pop culture. Paramount, to its credit, took the vitriol as constructive criticism and spent months redesigning the main character to have a more palatable appearance. When the upgraded movie was released in 2020, all was forgiven and the movie was a hit. The 2022 sequel was also a bigger hit than expected, with “Morbius” bombing the week before and audiences hungry for a blockbuster. And with the third film already earning over $60 million at the domestic box office in its first weekend, it’s a safe bet that it will be the biggest hit of Christmas 2024. The journey from Internet punching bag to must-see holiday destination is indeed an inspiring one, much more than anything that happens onscreen in the mess that is “Sonic the Hedgehog 3.” As we check in with Sonic (Ben Schwartz), he’s enjoying domestic life on Earth with his adoptive human parents Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter) and his home-planet sorta-siblings, fox Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey) and echidna Knuckles (Idris Elba). But the good times can’t last, as the government needs Team Sonic to fight off a threat from another superpowered space hedgehog. Shadow (Keanu Reeves) has escaped from a secret government facility and is up to no good. Even with a 3-on-1 advantage, the heroes are easily bested and Shadow gets away. If they want to defeat Shadow, they’re going to have to align with hedgehog expert and dormant supervillain Dr. Ivo Robotnik (Jim Carrey). Robotnik and his long-suffering assistant Stone (Lee Majdoub) help Team Sonic track Shadow to an abandoned facility where they learn that the heelish hedgehog isn’t working alone. Dr. Gerald Robotnik (also Carrey), Ivo’s grandfather, has been helping the former science specimen for decades. Together they’re working on an evil scheme to control a doomsday device. Ivo immediately turns on the others once he discovers that family is involved, so the next battle in London is essentially a 3-on-3 with Team Sonic vs. Shadow and the Robotniks. Then, of course, the final showdown is at the weapon itself with only seconds to spare, most of those seconds used by the heroes to try to convince the villains not to blow up the world. Action and story-wise, this movie is a yawn. I can’t imagine anybody coming out of this movie saying that it was really cool when a character did this or it was a surprise when the movie took that turn. That leaves humor as the movie’s distinguishing characteristic, which is a shame because a lot of it missed for me. The heroes’ jokes could be found in any number of similar family action movies, including but not limited to the MCU. The returning character that probably got the most laughs out of me was Knuckles, thanks to Elba’s gravitas-filled delivery, but even his lines feel like Drax the Destroyer leftovers. As for comedy legend Carrey, I assure you that playing two characters doesn’t make him twice as funny. Twice as annoying, maybe, but he’s doing all of his infamous mugging without much of his famous passion. I say “much” because, like Elba, he did get a few laughs out of me, but not enough to come close to saving the day. As far as I’m concerned, the only thing that “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” has going for it is that it could be worse. We could be three movies deep into this franchise with the way Sonic originally looked, with the lanky body and humanoid teeth. Yes, I know that releasing the first movie like that might have killed the sequels, but it also could have brought about two even uglier sequels. At least this way it’s a marginally better-looking character getting shoved down our throats. Grade: C- “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” is rated PG for action, some violence, rude humor, thematic elements and mild language. Its running time is 109 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send any responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com   To paraphrase a comedian from years ago, “D’ya know what makes me sick?” No? Well, I can gladly tell you. And there will be no referring to the cost of eating, or heating the house, or driving across the street nowadays. Although I certainly could.   The topic eating my lunch today; Having friends that I love… and they can’t stand each other.   I enjoy church on Sunday morning, singing, praying, and then listening to a minister explain a part of the Bible in a way that is understandable. (Understandable, preachers, get that? Understandable!) Then eventually bundling myself up against the weather outside, saying goodbye to friends standing nearby, and racing my car headlong to my warm home.    I do not enjoy having friends or loved ones at church being at odds with each other and each expecting me to side with them. I do not enjoy being the center of the proverbial wishbone.   How in this world can otherwise normal, patient, God-fearing adults seemingly overnight become self-serving, egocentric, “It’s my way or the highway” kind of people? I might understand it easier, if the persons involved in this struggle were known to be constantly neurotic and narcissistic. But to suddenly devolve into angry and hurtful church-goers, simply because somebody didn’t agree with their point of view on an issue? And to complicate matters, both sides usually have good and sincere points in their favor. Both have valid reasons to believe they are the only ones in the right. And both are certainly not shy in letting any listener hear those talking points.  Stand still long enough in one place nearby, and you are bound to receive an earful.    But there is a problem, and it always the root problem for the entire issue. They talk to anyone else who will listen, but they are not talking and listening to each other.  How can they possibly expect to come to an understanding of the other’s POV, and settle on a compromise, if they refuse to sit down and listen to each other explain their beliefs and opinions?    Ignoring each other while standing in the very same crowded room does little to promote a loving and kind atmosphere for others, believe me. And it’s really difficult for the mutual friend who gets caught in the crossfire - otherwise known as being the middle of the wishbone.   Many church goers caught in this wishbone dilemma finally just make a decision. To avoid all the controversy, they simply stay home in their house robe, turn the channel to catch a TV preacher, grab a cup of hot-something and settle into their favorite chair for a thirty-minute sermon. Oh yes, that works for that person, but does little for the health and well-being of the local church.    Sincere and opinionated persons in the congregation, do us all a favor, please? Pick up the phone, and call your adversary to make a specific date and time to sit down and listen .

By Kara Kimbrough Super Moise Cranberry Orange Loaf is a perfect accompaniment to coffee and hot tea or as a last-minute dessert.      I get it – Christmas is here (or perhaps already come and gone if you’re reading this later in the week) and baking any more cakes, pies, cookies or related sweet treats just isn’t in your plans. However, if you have a few days off between now and New Year’s, you’ll need something to snack on while leisurely drinking your morning (or afternoon) coffee or when guests drop by unexpectedly. There’s nothing easier to pull together than these two quick breads that you literally cannot  mess up.    One of my go-to quick breads that easily doubles as a dessert or as mentioned, a late morning breakfast or afternoon snack, is cherry bread. I’ve given loaves of the fragrant bread as presents and dropped them off when a friend was sick or in need of an extra dessert.    I added a new quick bread to the lineup this year after I purchased a bag of fresh cranberries for a Christmas recipe and began searching for ways to use the remaining berries. Just like the cherry bread, this one is impossible to mess up. Ingredients can simply be dumped in a bowl, mixed together and poured into a loaf pan.     Try one – or both – recipes to enjoy with your coffee as the last remaining days of 2024 fade into the sunset.     Happy New Year! Super Moist Cranberry Orange Loaf 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour 1 ¾ cups white sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon baking soda ½ cup unsalted butter, melted 2 cups fresh cranberries 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained ¾ cup milk ¾ cup sour cream 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon orange extract 1 tablespoon white sugar      Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Grease a large loaf pan. Whisk flour, 1 3/4 cups sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda together in a large bowl. Add melted butter; stir until mixture is crumbly. Reserve 1/4 cup each cranberries and mandarin oranges; stir remaining into flour mixture.      Beat milk, sour cream, eggs, and extracts in a separate bowl until smooth; gradually stir into flour mixture until batter is thoroughly incorporated. Pour into prepared loaf pan. Scatter reserved 1/4 cup each cranberries and mandarin oranges on top of batter; sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon sugar.      Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes; reduce heat to 350 degrees and continue baking until center of bread springs back when touched, 35 to 40 minutes more. Fail-Proof Cherry Bread 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour  1 cup of buttermilk ¼ cup juice from 10-ounce jar of maraschino cherries (reserve the cherries for the end)  1/2 cup each white and brown sugar  ¼ cup softened butter 2 eggs 3 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon each - salt and baking soda  Cup of chopped walnuts, lightly toasted       Add everything except cherries to mixing bowl. Beat well, scrape sides of bowl and beat again. Add chopped cherries and mix well. Bake in a greased and floured bread pan in a 350-degree oven for 60-70 minutes. Cool on rack, then invert onto a serving dish.       Glaze: mix a cup of powdered sugar with a teaspoon or two of milk and a teaspoon of almond extract. Beat and add milk until you get the consistency you like. Drizzle over warm bread. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at   kkprco@yahoo.com .

Elves tell Santa about MS driver behavior Because no one logs more travel miles on Christmas Eve than Santa Claus, the Big Guy simply insists on being well prepared. That's why earlier this month, at Santa's request, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) cleared St. Nick and his reindeer for all modes of travel in the state on Christmas Eve and awarded him an official Certificate of Travel Clearance.   MDOT staff thoroughly inspected Santa's extra wide sleigh load, ensuring it met all safety requirements. Permits were issued for his sack of toys surpassing posted weight limits, and Rudolph's nose so bright met, but did not exceed, the illumination threshold. All takeoffs and landings to and from the homes of good children have been approved, and exceptions were granted for any last-minute "Nice List" additions.     "Santa knows the importance of being prepared no matter how you choose to travel, and he's a staunch, yet jolly, safety advocate to boot," said Brad White, MDOT Executive Director. "Before Santa Claus comes to your town, make sure your elf-size family members always travel in car seats, wear your seatbelt and check it twice, and remember, he sees you when you're speeding, and he knows when you've been texting. Take it from Kris Kringle: Put safety first so everyone can have a Merry Christmas."  While at MDOT, Santa received reports on Mississippi drivers' conduct from elves Darryl and Cheryl. Sadly, elven intel suggests some of the state's motorists may receive a lump of coal this year. However, St. Nick insisted that with a few behavior adjustments and a sprinkle of Christmas spirit, even the most egregious drivers may be able to change their fate. Darryl and Cheryl also gifted Santa a reflective vest for extra safety and visibility along state highways.  Currently, conditions appear favorable for sleigh flight on Christmas Eve. Motorists are advised to drive slow and be alert for sleighs, reindeer and their white-tailed cousins after dark on Christmas Eve. Blitzened driving is strictly prohibited.   Stay updated with live traffic information by downloading the MDOT Traffic mobile app, visiting MDOTtraffic.com and following @MississippiDOT on Facebook and Twitter. Sleigh traffic version in beta.

As the year draws to a close, the staff and students of Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School extend a huge thank you to Dr. Shelby and The Kirkland Group for their unwavering instructional support throughout this school year. Your dedication to enhancing education and empowering both teachers and students has made a lasting impact on our community. From providing valuable resources to sharing expert guidance, your contributions have been instrumental in helping us achieve our goals and grow as a school. Your commitment to education reflects the true spirit of teamwork and collaboration, and we are deeply grateful for your partnership. As we embrace the holiday season, we also pause to reflect on the joy and sense of community that Bolton-Edwards represents. It’s a time to cherish the connections that make our school a special place and to remember the many hands and hearts that contribute to our success. Thank you once again, Dr. Shelby and The Kirkland Group, for your support, and may the holiday season bring peace, joy, and blessings to you and your families.

By Bob Garver Poster Credit IMDB In between the blockbusters of the Thanksgiving season and the blockbusters of the Christmas season comes “Kraven the Hunter,” a movie that was never going to be a blockbuster in any season. Sergei “Kraven” Kravinoff (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) is another one of those Spider-Man villains that’s getting his own movie because Sony still has a piece of the “Spider-Man” franchise and they think fans will mistake it for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which is owned by Disney. “Venom,” “Morbius,” and “Madame Web” are all part of the same branch. Supposedly there are (or at least “were”) plans for a big Avengers-style crossover down the line, but these movies keep bombing so badly that fans don’t care if they continue. Kraven’s origin is that he and his brother Dmitri (Fred Hechinger) were brought up by their imposing Russian gangster father Nikolai (Russell Crowe), who was big on hunting metaphors. After their mother died under mysterious circumstances, Nikolai took the boys on a hunting trip, where Sergei was mauled by a lion. He nearly died, but aspiring voodoo priestess Calypso (eventually played by Ariana DeBose) gave him a magical potion that not only restored his health, but gave him the ability to communicate with animals. Now Kraven is a hunter like his father, but instead of animals, he hunts people. Sometimes this just means tracking people down to talk to them (like Calypso, who’s now a lawyer), but usually it means killing bad guys. Kraven spends most of the movie trying to protect Dmitri, whether it’s from their father’s control or from a rival gangster known as The Rhino (Alessandro Nivola). The Rhino employs an assassin called The Foreigner (Christopher Abbott), whose gimmick is that he can disappear while he counts to three, then pop out somewhere unexpected, usually to kill someone. The moment I met this character, I knew his downfall was going to come in a scene where he disappears for a two-count, then something “surprising” keeps him from reaching three. The movie could have done without the dull Foreigner, since it already has a pretty good surefire villain in The Rhino and a complicated villain in Nikolai. For that matter, the protagonists aren’t bad either. I can actually see Taylor-Johnson, Hechinger, DeBose, Nivola, and Crowe making an effort here. I can see Taylor-Johnson turning Kraven into a cool character under different circumstances. I got a few chuckles out of Nivola’s scenery-chewing. But this isn’t a movie that knows how to capitalize on the talent in its ranks. This is a movie that is here to slap together a few smoldering shots for publicity stills, a few action scenes for trailers, and call it a day. Taylor-Johnson is fine when he’s giving a performance, but not when “Kraven” is unconvincingly hopping around a supposed maximum-security prison. Nivola gives his character some engaging personality, but it’s hard to notice when he’s become an ugly (not terrifying, just ugly) CGI Rhino. “Kraven the Hunter” is just another in a long line of Spider-Man-adjacent bombs. There’s only one way I see these Sony also-rans having any kind of future: Disney needs to buy them for a song and bring them over for the crossover with the one character that can make them interesting. I’m not talking about Spider-Man, I’m talking about Deadpool! Don’t laugh (or do, I don’t care), he’s helped the public regain interest in the likes of Elektra, Chris Evans’ Human Torch, even himself after his awful 2009 debut. He’s on a roll and I’d love a movie that’s 20% superhero adventure and 80% jokes at the expense of how badly these characters flopped in their own movies. And yes, this movie is a such a flop. Grade: C- “Kraven the Hunter” is rated R for strong bloody violence, and language. Its running time is 127 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send any responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Many people do. Many people find this particular holiday season to be full of heartache, or a nameless void. They can feel a myriad of unwelcome emotions that threaten to overwhelm and sink them into a black hole. Sadness, depression, loneliness, anxiety, or just the very fear of any of those. Any one, or all of these emotions can descend without warning on their lives and take the wheel. Others around them may understand their problem and attempt to help, or they can be totally clueless. Some will begin avoiding the sufferer or even get annoyed that their own happy season is being sabotaged by such an inconsiderate person. But what is actually ground zero for this suffering? What is the root cause of the pain people suffer during what is universally accepted as the world’s greatest and happiest holiday time? Unless you are the victim, you cannot provide a real answer. There is no possible way that one person can know exactly what another is thinking, and therefore feeling, because of those personal thoughts. None of us have ESP, no matter what Aunt Lizzie has claimed. But we can know this. The emotional pain is real, and is related directly to the thoughts surrounding a time in our lives. And the more painful that time, the more difficult it is to contain and divert our thoughts from it. Think of a dog chasing his tail. That never-ending challenge is a battle in itself. “Will I ever get over this and feel happy at Christmas? Will I ever learn to smile again, and truly mean it?” Christmas-dreader, you are not alone with this problem. Many others share your pain during this season. Countless others suffer in silence, just like you. And just like you, they paste on the fake smile and use their artificial laughter for the sake of those around them. They too have learned the emergency-driven art of 8/4/8 X 15 breathing, to take control of spiraling anxiety and fear. Now, I do realize that this is no comfort to you, to know that others are struggling also. So, what can I offer you that will begin to ease the pain of memories that don’t allow you to breathe easily? To promise a future will finally allow your pain to begin subsiding into a dull ache? And provide you with real reasons to sleep well, and then awaken with a zest for living again. I’m no miracle worker. Personally, I can’t offer that hope to you, but I know the One who can. He definitely wants to help you find ways to handle your pain. If you will open up, over and over, in total honesty to Him about your anger, depression and fear, He is the one who can offer you hope of one day starting to enjoy life again. And giving you hope is one thing that I do feel comfortable offering to you this Christmas.

Mississippians in need of dental treatment can apply for free services available during Dental Mission Week at the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry.  The school’s ninth annual Dental Mission Week, set for Feb. 4-6, seeks to raise awareness of issues related to access to dental care and to provide free dental care for vulnerable populations that include medically underserved or uninsured minor children and adults, including military veterans.  Free services provided are cleanings, extractions, fillings, root canals for front teeth only, oral cancer screening and oral hygiene education. Those selected for treatment will be contacted by the School of Dentistry to schedule an appointment.  "Since 2017, Dental Mission Week has been an integral part of the work we do in the School of Dentistry to improve health outcomes and eliminate health disparities in the state,” said Dr. Pia Chatterjee-Kirk, interim dean of the School of Dentistry. “In that time, our students, faculty and staff have provided uncompensated dental care to over 7,000 Mississippians who may not have otherwise been able to get the care they needed.”  The deadline to apply is Dec. 30. Visit umc.edu/DMW to download an application. Applications are also available at the School of Dentistry or from a local Veterans Affairs facility liaison.  Applications must be mailed to UMMC School of Dentistry, 2500 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39215 including a working phone number and signatures where indicated. The School of Dentistry will not accept applications that are emailed or faxed.  For more information, call 601-984-6185.

BEEMS Benchmark 2 Testing is scheduled for December 16-20 . This is an important opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning progress. Parents, ensure your child gets plenty of rest and arrives on time. Let’s work together to achieve academic success! Following testing, students can enjoy holiday-themed events celebrating their progress and achievements. Friday, December 20 will be a 60% day for early release.

By Bob Garver   Poster credit IMDB             “Gladiator II” has some awfully big sandals to fill, both commercially and creatively. Its predecessor, 2000’s “Gladiator,” made $187 million at the domestic box office. The new film has thus far made an estimated $132 million after three weekends of release. With a lot of money up for grabs in the upcoming holiday season, another $55 million isn’t out of the question. Maybe I could even stretch to see it making the $68 million it needs to hit the $200 million mark. Yes, inflation means that it’s less impressive to make these numbers now than it did nearly a quarter-century ago, but these are attainable goals. What I do not see as attainable is the sequel ever becoming as well-regarded as the original. That film won the Academy Award for Best Picture, so already the new one has to live up to an impossibly high (dare I say “gold”?) standard. But even with realistic standards, this movie is still a disappointment.             The second film takes place a few decades after the first, with the once-great Roman Empire ready to collapse under the blissfully-ignorant rule of twin emperors Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Caracalla (Fred Hechinger). They’re still greedy enough to want to expand the empire, so they send out top general Acacius (Pedro Pascal) to conquer a kingdom in Africa. Acacius doesn’t believe in the imperialist cause, but he’s sworn allegiance to his home, so he sacks the kingdom, which includes killing the wife of top soldier Hanno (Paul Mescal), who swears revenge.             Hanno is taken prisoner and sold into slavery, where he’s served up as a potential gladiator without much consideration. But he impresses in his tryout against a troop of baboons, and is purchased by Macrinus (Denzel Washington), a former slave who sees managing gladiators as a way to curry favor with the emperors, feeding into political ambitions and possibly even a power grab. He makes a deal with Hanno that if his “personal instrument of destruction” can become a superstar in the Colosseum, he’ll eventually give him a chance at revenge against Acacius.         Hanno is conflicted between wanting revenge and not wanting to be used as a political pawn for a slimeball like Macrinus. He’s not conflicted about wanting to stay alive, however, so he plays along in putting together a string of victories. Also, Acacius’s wife Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), the daughter of former emperor Aurelius, notices that Hanno bears a striking resemblance to her long-lost son Luscious. And Luscious’s father… is not Acacius.             The story and action aren’t very engaging in “Gladiator II,” with choppy editing and plodding pacing. But the real weakness of the movie is the acting. Pascal and Nielsen are fine, and the emperors get to do some fun scenery-chewing, but whoever thought that bland pretty-boy Paul Mescal could be an inspirational protagonist on par with the iconic Russell Crowe made a severe miscalculation. Also, and I’m not saying that the rest of the cast is exactly making me feel immersed in Roman culture, but there’s something so unmistakably American about Denzel Washington. Maybe it’s his voice, maybe it’s his mannerisms, maybe it that he shares a last name with the nation’s capital, but he belongs at Caesar’s Palace much more than he belongs at… these Caesars’… palace. He’s too Vegas-y is what I’m saying.             “Gladiator II” has my permission to be a modest financial hit as long as it stays in the shadow of superior recent releases “Moana 2” and “Wicked,” the latter of which has much scarier CGI primates. But it hasn’t won me over as a movie worth recommending, and I definitely don’t consider it an awards contender. Am I not entertained? Taking into account the wording of that question, I can say that yes, I am not entertained.   Grade: C-   “Gladiator II” is rated R for strong bloody violence. Its running time is 148 minutes.   Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send any responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com I am convinced of a truth after living all these years on this earth. Simply and baldly stated, there are some people who have bathed themselves in misery for years. And they truly do not want anyone to hand them a big thick towel to dry off.  They experienced a severe trauma in their life some time before, and rather than grieving it, and then slowly moving past it - or at least WANTING to move on from it - they get stuck with that wet muck all over them.   Now I am not saying they consciously prefer to live the rest of their years on earth in sadness and misery. Not at all. I am saying that they do not know how to want   to get on with their newly adjusted life. And there lies the problem.   Deciding to move on in a new way with your life takes guts and determination. And for some, that just seems entirely too difficult, so they just stop. They have been mired in grief and depression for so long that the deep hole they have lived in simply become a way of living. Grief and depression can zap physical strength, fuzz your ability to think, and badly weaken your ability to ‘gird your loins’ to do what needs to be done. So too many hurting folks can end up feeling as if there is no way out, no hope of ever getting back to enjoying life. They will tell anyone who wants to help them that they really don’t want their help, all they really want is for their time on earth to be over. And if someone insists on offering encouragement or solutions to their problems, very often the traumatized-person-who-has-decided-to-remain-that-way will become hurt and angry.   Going down the drain of defeated thinking, feeling, and living.   What do you do - as the ‘someone’ who cares and wants to help? Certainly, you can suggest professional counseling. But beware, you best have on your asbestos suit. Talking in depth about their feelings is usually the last thing they want, and they will let you know it. Being there for them is good and necessary, but again, don the asbestos suit. You’re going to need it over your heart and feelings. Their pain level can take its toll on you.   You will really need to remember this: Each person who is grieving does it in their own way and on their own time table. The old belief: “It’s been a whole year, my word! Can’t she pull herself up by her bootstraps and get on with her life yet?” may be true for some. But it is not fool-proof and guaranteed for all. Patience, a listening ear, encouragement, and a willingness to dance the one-step-forward-and-two-steps-backward pattern with your loved one is vital.   Last advice? Be self-aware and care for yourself. Don’t ignore your own feelings and find yourself swirling the drain, when it’s almost too late.

The Mississippi Egg Marketing Board (MEMB) works to promote and expand the market for Mississippi produced eggs. Every year, the MEMB and the American Egg Board (AEB) combine efforts to educate communities on the versatility and cost-effective nutrition source that eggs provide. As part of those efforts, the American Egg Board's Eggcelerator Lab® is excited to launch its annual Product Development Competition. This year's competition challenges students to develop new and innovative products featuring egg yolk. Students can win a total of $18,000 in prizes and a trip to Chicago. This competition will engage, excite and encourage students to think big by showcasing their knowledge, expertise and ideas in creating food products that focus on new and novel uses for egg yolks. Eggs are an ingredient with endless nutritional and functional benefits. Through this competition, participating students will have the unique opportunity to develop innovative ways of using common egg ingredients to meet today's consumer preferences for new types of food products. Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in institutions within the United States are eligible to compete in creating new food products that incorporate egg as an ingredient. Successful entries will meet specific competition criteria demonstrating innovation and providing value to consumers. AEB's Eggcelerator Lab® is the egg industry's innovation center, created to spearhead innovation and help bring new egg-based product ideas to market through unparalleled insights and proven innovation methodologies, along with unmatched technical, functional, culinary and nutrition expertise. The Eggcelerator Lab® is addressing consumer needs through transformative products and technologies that capitalize on the unique functional and nutritional benefits of the incredible egg. Visit www.incredibleegg.org/eggceleratorlabcompetition/ for guidelines and eligibility requirements. For more information about the Mississippi Egg Marketing Board, contact Jennifer Thompson at msegg@mdac.ms.gov .