Hip Young Things

How many times has it been heard that a friend or relative has decided to undertake some course of learning which others ponder what will be done with the knowledge, or degree upon completion. Along the lines of working on a bachelors degree in ancient languages, or medieval history, or the like. Even more modern focuses in areas like literature or liberal arts leave some scratching their heads with respect to what can be done with such knowledge and experiences.

The pursuit of a college degree in psychology, however, seems to be a worthwhile prerequisite to a large number of people famous in various fields of entertainment, publishing and even the sordid side of the lives of master mind criminals.

The following briefly lists celebrity types and their pursuit of an education in the field of psychology:

• Hugh Hefner: Founder of Playboy Magazine. Mr. Hefner attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he earned a bachelor of arts in psychology. There must be a lot of emotional and behavioral characteristics associated with successfully managing playmates.
• Natalie Portman: As if being an award winning actress wasn’t enough, during the time Ms. Portman was portraying a role in the Star Wars prequels, she attended no less than Harvard University in her study of psychology. Ms. Portman has stated she would rather be smart than just a movie star.
• Gloria Estefan: Attending the University of Miami prior to becoming a 7 time Grammy winner, Ms. Estefan majored in psychology and minored in the study of French language. Clearly understanding the mind of the music listener has helped her reach successful heights in her musical career.
• Ted Bundy: Even convicted serial killers like Mr. Bundy can seek a deeper understanding of the science that deals with mental processes and behavior. While something obviously faltered in his own mental state, this is another example that one need not consider a career in therapy when pursuing a degree in psychology. Of course, going the route of serial killer is not highly recommended either.
• Jon Stewart: Graduate of William & Mary in Virginia, the host of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart understands how his degree helps with his subtle, tactical actions and arguments he employs as he attempts to manipulate or influence his show’s viewers. Ever the showman, and newscaster, Mr. Stewart is an accomplished critical thinker as evidenced in his published writing as well.
• Clare Danes: Although Ms. Danes did not finish her degree pursuit, the mere fact of getting into the psychology program at Yale University tells you something about her abilities to fully analyze the minds of the fictional characters she chose to pursue instead of finishing the program.
• Jerry Bruckheimer: Producer and director of some of the most action packed movies ever made humbly earned himself a degree from the University of Arizona.
• Wes Craven: This writer and director fully understands the psychology at work when he makes movies designed to scare us out of our wits. A degree in psychology from Wheaton College wasn’t enough for him so as a back up plan, Mr. Craven also earned a certificate in education while at school.
• Katharine Hepburn: Ever the student of human nature, Ms. Hepburn took advantage of her education at Bryn Mawr to better understand herself, her roles, as well as her complicated relationship with Spencer Tracey.
• Monica Lewinsky: Even the infamous intern and graduate of Lewis and Clark College put in her chops to learn about the psychology of world leaders. Perhaps she took the extra curricular activities a bit too far?

Andy West is a freelance writer who is working on his psychology masters degree while writing about his other interests like global awareness, nutrition & fitness and technology.

When you are visiting Miami and you have the kids along you may want to spend some time with the animals and marine life. As I am sure you know, most kids really love animal and Miami has some really great ways to enjoy them.  

Since you are in a tropical environment, take advantage of it. Get the kids and head over to Jungle Island. The kids may even be able to get involved in a kids camp for a day. They have all kinds of fun for the whole family with some animals shows featuring the tigers and birds. OK, so not in the same show. Anyway, you going to find a great community of Orangutans and other primates. One of the Orangutan females has given birth to twins, which is rare, and the people at Jungle Island are so excited to share, peanut and pumpkin with everyone. There is also a great variety of birds, reptiles, fish and mammals to enjoy on your visit. There is a private beach on the island to relax and let your kids play in the splash pools.  

Another local favorite is the Miami Seaquarium were everyone in the family can swim with the friendly dolphins. There is a great world of marine life here to enjoy with the Sting Ray aquarium, sea turtles, manatees and fish. The dolphins and whales will put on a good show for you and you can enjoy a nice lunch. The sea lions also have a very entertaining show with Salty the Sea Lion interacting with some other characters that will keep you and your family laughing.  

Miami is a kid friendly place with many ways to enjoy the animals and the four star hotels miami is known for are available to help you find the right kind of animal adventure for your family.

The Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa, Florida is one of the city’s great education and interactive entertainment establishments that is specifically oriented toward the interests and developmental needs of children. It is located in the heart of downtown Tampa. The external design of the building is extremely attractive and is also a strong guiding factor for tourists as well as residents when they are trying to find the museum. Family oriented attractions, events and activities are extremely popular for many of the guests in some of Tampa’s finest hotels . Finding a great establishment like the children’s museum is often a favorite aspect of many family’s visit.

The museum includes many exhibits and some are structured more for information and educational purposes while there are others that exist strictly for fun and entertainment. The Water’s Journey exhibit is sponsored by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and it demonstrated the journey a drop of water will take as it travels from the aquifer to the clouds. The exhibit allows children to climb the journey with the water and interact with various environmental features including thunderclaps and rain making clouds.

Other exhibits in the museum include the Engineer’s Workshop, which includes a tabletop display of various activities. These introduce and help the children to understand some of the standard engineering concepts that relate to items and elements in everyday life. The Cruise Ship is an extremely popular exhibit and attracts a great deal of attention when patrons enter the museum. It is located first floor and is visible from the outdoors. This large ship allows children the opportunity to play sea captains and explorers. Telescopes and simulation of the water and life under the ship add detail and excitement to the experience. The Glazer Children’s Museum is one of the city’s finest offerings for families and young children and introduces them to many components of their world.