There are many different phases the Moon goes through throughout the months and years. The Moon’s surface reflects off the Sun’s rays, allowing us to see all the different phases it goes through.

The Moon has eight different phases which we call the lunar month, divided into four primary and four intermediate phases. The primary phases occur at specific moments in time while the intermediate phases take up the time in between.

The first primary phase is called the New Moon and it occurs when the Moon and the Sun are aligned with each other, with the Sun and the Earth on opposites sides of the Moon.

A New Moon cannot normally be seen from Earth since only the dark side of the Moon faces our planet at this point in the phase.

The first intermediate phase begins as soon as a sliver of the Moon becomes visible after the New Moon. This phase is called the Waxing Crescent Moon. This phase lasts for about seven days.

The moment the Moon has reached the first quarter of its orbit around Earth is when the phase changes to the second primary phase called the First Quarter Moon. It can also be called the Half Moon because we can see exactly 50% of the Moons surface.

Check out this video to see the First Quarter Moon phase up close and personal:

The Moon is beginning to get bigger and bigger as it reaches the next intermediate phase called the Waxing Gibbous Moon.

Waxing means it is getting bigger, can you guess which phase is next??

If you guessed the Full Moon, then you are correct! The Full Moon appears when the Sun and the Moon are aligned on opposite sides of Earth. This alignment technically only lasts for a moment, but it still appears to be full a day before or after because about 98% of the Moon is illuminated.

Occasionally, the Full Moon passes through Earth’s shadow causing a lunar eclipse. We actually had one earlier this year!

Another fun fact about a Full Moon is that when it comes close to the points of its orbit that are closest or farthest away from Earth, it creates a Supermoon!

We also experienced this earlier this year on February 18 and 19. This picture below was taken by Steve Pond in East Grinstead, West Sussex:

Are you wondering when the next Full Moon is going to be? Well, mark your calendars! Here is the list of the next Full Moon’s for the rest of 2019:

After the Full Moon phase come the next intermediate Moon phase called the Waning Gibbous Moon. It is basically the opposite of the Waxing Gibbous Moon because instead of increasing in illumination it decreases. We are currently experiencing this Moon phase!

The next primary phase is the one we are about to enter, the Third Quarter Moon, also called the Last Quarter Moon.

According to MoonGiant.com, the Third Quarter Moon occurs roughly three weeks after the New Moon. MoonGiant also predicts this phase will begin June 25, 2019. Illumination at this time is at 49%.

The final intermediate phase is called the Waning Crescent Moon. This occurs when the Sun illuminates less than half of the visible part of the Moon. Waning means it’s getting smaller, while crescent represents the shape visible on the Moon itself, similar to the shape of a banana!

Our Moon is an incredible thing and every phase it goes through has a certain underlying meaning. It can help us predict weather, tides in the ocean, and for some who believe, astrological horoscopes!

We are still continuing to learn more about the Moon and I don’t think the research will ever be finished but this article can help you learn a little bit more about the Moon and the phases it goes through throughout the year!

 

Our Moon is a phenomenal thing! Check out this easy-to-follow YouTube video about our Moon.

The Oxford Board of Aldermen met on June 4 to discuss the possibility of allowing one of Mississippi’s U.S. Representatives use an office in City Hall. The request was approved for Trent Kelly, a Representative for Mississippi’s 1st congressional district, to have an office in Oxford City Hall to be able to better serve his constituents. 

Kelly personally reached out to the Board in a letter, part of it stating, “Being the third fastest growing municipality in the state, Oxford is poised to enjoy future growth. With this growth, obstacles will arise that will require attention on the local, state and federal level, and it is our intent to assist the City of Oxford in facilitating that growth,” Kelly’s letter read.  Kelly went on to say that, “The proposed location in Oxford would also help us provide a more available Congressional office not only to the City of Oxford but to the local entities and constituents in the Lafayette County area.” 

U.S. Representative Kelly has been the only Congressman to make the request. The Board did not have any objections regarding Kelly’s request, with a five to one vote.

This is a huge step forward for the Oxford/Lafayette community, especially with everything that has been going on the past few months. Bringing Kelly to Oxford will make it easier for civilians and government officials to notify him of problems and propose solutions that will be able to happen faster and accomplish more in less time.

Go meet with Representative Kelly in his office located on the lower level of City Hall!

You probably never thought that Katy Perry and Taylor Swift would ever be on speaking terms again after their feud over famous singer, John Mayer. After many years of subtle songs written about each other and backlash on various social media sites, the two have put it all behind them with COOKIES!

Katy tweeted her Instagram post, a picture of a plate of chocolate chip cookies with the words “Peace at Last” written in red icing:

In which Taylor responds with 13 pink heart emojis….

Could they turn this new friendship into a collab? Is this just a way to become more famous?

MTV News seems to think so too!

Did they make the cookies together?!

So many questions!!!

They can’t keep us all waiting for long! The fans want what the fans want….

Collab or not everyone’s still celebrating by playing their hit music!

But they still better do it

One could even think that Katy’s blonde curly locks in her new music video could be because of Taylor!

Coming in at #15, they could do GREAT things together!

And they are BOTH on the list for the highest grossing female artists:

This rekindling is going to be the start of something big!

Even though they might not be as popular anymore as you may think, they are still coming in on top music lists and highest grossing female artists and this rekindling over cookies is just going to make it even better!

Corn bread and grits, a nice juicy burger, chicken and dumplings, the sound of those just make my MOUTH WATER! I have been surrounded by southern food my whole life. Growing up and living in the South, not a week goes by where I don’t CRAVE a satisfying, grandma-style, home-cooked meal. Are you wondering where the best places to find the best southern-styled meals? Well keep reading and find out where you can find the perfect soul food in Oxford, Mississippi!

1. Ajax Diner: Located right in the heart of Oxford on the Square, Ajax has been named the “Best Downhome Soul Food” by Mississippi Magazine THREE YEARS IN A ROW! Here you can find the best corn bread and lunch plates to satisfy your needs. The cozy atmosphere makes you feel right at home like you’re eating your favorite meal by grandma. Ajax also holds many local titles by The Oxford Eagle, no need to say more, you MUST try this incredible casual dining spot. My personal favorite: chicken and dumplings, cheesy grits, and the mouth-watering cornbread. 
2. Phillip’s Grocery: This long-running southern comfort restaurant is a classic, historical place for residents of Oxford. The inside has a rustic feel to it along with some outdoor seating. Serving everything from breakfast to the juiciest burgers and sandwiches you’ve ever had, Phillip’s is a MUST HAVE! Their seasoning on their fries and other sides are so unique, you just can’t stop eating them. Pictured below is the classic cheeseburger and fries with comeback sauce on the side: a match made in Heaven! 
3. Tallahatchie Gourmet: A fairly new New Orlean’s Style Oxford restaurant located under Neilson’s on the square. The food and relaxing yet exciting atmosphere makes you feel like it has been around for years. At night, TG brings in local artists for a fun entertainment scene while you enjoy a reasonably priced, comfort food meal. Ranging from gumbo and shrimp and grits to all kinds of sandwiches to southern-with-a-flare vegetables, you don’t want to miss out on this spot! My personal favorite sandwich is the honey buffalo chicken strip sandwich, so much flavor and you can order it fried or grilled. 
4. The Sizzler: Located about 10 minutes outside of Oxford on Highway 7, the outside of the Sizzler doesn’t look like much but don’t worry: the staff and delicious soul food makes up for it! The Sizzler is the perfect place for a special occasion like parent’s weekend. My friends and I brought our families to this down-to-earth restaurant and had the best meals you could imagine! Their checkered table clothes and sweet southern staff make you feel right at home! They offer everything from fried and broiled fish baskets to chicken and steak meals for a cheap price. Also, you don’t have to worry about paying for alcohol because the Sizzler lets you bring whatever you like in a brown bag, how fun!
5. Mama Jo’s Country Cookin: Joester Egerson Brassell, known as Mama Jo, opened her small restaurant 12 years ago in Oxford just wanting to use her gift of cooking to touch people’s souls. And that’s exactly what she has done! Her home-style soul and country cooking has been feeding the souls of locals for years but it doesn’t stop there. News of the amazing food caught the attention of national food channels, including Travel Channel’s Bizarre Foods’ Andrew Zimmern, who shot an episode of his show at the restaurant in 2012.

If that doesn’t make you want to head right over to the corner of Molly Barr Road and North Lamar then I don’t know what will! Shown below is Mama Jo’s famous fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans and…. CORNBREAD! If you haven’t had this, definitely worth it and only $8!

When someone says comfort food is too filling and you won’t eat it all:

As you can see, if you’re looking for the best comfort, soul food in Oxford it is not too hard to find! All of these restaurants offer a variety of different types of soul food that will appeal to ANYONE’S taste. Now close this article and go get your sooooooul on!

 

 

Look how precious this baby giraffe is that just arrived to the Memphis Zoo this Friday afternoon.

Born on exhibit to mom “Akili,” the baby girl giraffe was named “Mashamba“ by keepers. Her name loosely translates to “fields” in Swahili and was chosen in honor of Fields Falcone, a former Zoo associate whose last day was Friday. Mashamba is the first newborn in the herd for 2018.

The Memphis Zoo is very excited to have this baby girl join their giraffe family.

According to area curator Courtney Janney, “Akili is doing a great job as her mother and nursing has been confirmed. Both mom and baby seem to be doing great.” So stylish in her pretty pink cast as well!

How can you not smile when looking at that sweet face? She is going to be a happy, healthy, big girl! See above how tall she already is, at nearly 6 feet in height already and 115 pounds.

Mashamba had her first medical check-up after 24 hours of acclimation and it ensured that the new baby is healthy and nursing while also providing the baseline needed to assess future growth.

No need to worry about the pink splints on Mashamba’s lower legs, it is not uncommon for giraffes to be born with “crooked” legs due to its position in the mother’s womb. These splints are just temporary to help Mashamba grow to be the best she can be!

Come visit Mashamba today and welcome her into the world at the Memphis Zoo!