Kennedy Space: Great Shake ‘em Up Snow Globes

TITUSVILLE – The gift shops of the Kennedy Space Center are a top attraction. At the main Kennedy Space Center, the attraction has far more than just the astronaut ice cream that they are famous for. The store is on two levels, and has menswear with a NASA theme, books, trinkets, and all manner of space gifts. Great kid pleaser? Get the set of plastic model spaceships and spacemen. Another popular item are stuffed rockets, including the Space Shuttle.

Best thing? The space astronaut monkey Ham.

At the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, they sell every sort of Space Shuttle. Below, a shakie, or a snow globe, or whatever you call it. Take a click.

Snow Globe at Kennedy Space Center

Thinking of Plastic Surgery in Florida?

Let’s get honest. You are feeling a bit like you need a bit of updating. You need some work done. And while you aren’t so old school that you wouldn’t tell anyone, you’d like not to have to discuss it with everyone.

The solution? A “vacation” in Florida where you visit a plastic surgeon. Even more than California, Florida is the world capital of plastic surgery and dermatology. Between the sun, the trophy wives and the glamour of all things superficial, Florida is the place to come.

What are the steps?

1. First, ask yourself the question. Do I really need this? Or are there other issues of self-esteem or psychology that are REALLY the problem. A good reference book on the issue is the late Maxwell Maltz, a plastic surgeon who in the 1960s wrote the self-help book Psycho-Cybernetics. While he would treat patients for deformities, many other patients’ fears about their looks were overblown, and he resisted surgery. Cognitive behavioral therapy and a change in attitude made for just as much improvement as surgery in many cases.
2. Go to an M.D. who is a plastic surgeon. If you want an operation, you will certainly want someone who is not only a medical doctor, but has specific training in plastic surgery. A dermatologist is also an option, especially for minor non-surgical treatments like Botox. While patients could certainly be safe with a dentist who does some facial work, a dentist’s training is different than an M.D. Not all “Doctors” are Medical Doctors.
3. The Florida Society of Facial Plastic Surgeons has a great website, with info on procedures for the face. They also have a directory physician references as well as advice on procedures, all at www.fsfprs.org.
4. When looking online, don’t forget to check with the state of Florida. You can verify credentials online at Florida Board of Medicine, (888) 419-3456 or www.doh.state.fl.us
5. Find a physician through membership societies. For instance, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons has a list of the over 400 Florida physicians who are members of their society. See www.plasticsurgery.org.
6. Check major insurance plans. And no, the old “deviated septum” excuse won’t work. Why? You will want a physician who is on at least some of the major plans. Participation in a big plan indicates an interest in actual medical procedures, and not just Beverly Hills stuff.
7. The surgeon should be board certified. Look at the American Board of Medical Specialties online guide to plastic surgery at www.ambs.org.
8. Don’t just take the AMBS recommendation. You will want to look at some independent sites.
9. Consider WHERE you want to have it done. Certainly, areas like Palm Beach, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and the like have excellent practices, and the most are in South Florida. But the Gulf Coast  (Tampa, Sarasota, Naples) has excellent doctors too, perhaps at a less hurried pace. And don’t forget to look in Orlando, Vero and Jacksonville.
10. Ask your home physician. The medical field is still small, and you can usually get a reference from your local physician. He might have a classmate who is a plastic surgeon, or might know the right person to call. MD’s take these references VERY seriously and asking them for one is an “old school” way to get the best.
11. Ask about where to stay nearby during recovery. You will want a cozy hotel that is near to your physician office, yet not so close that you feel like you are on JUST a medical vacation.
12. Consider NOT doing plastic surgery. Perhaps you just feel tired, or you have gained weight and clothes don’t fit. Or work is stressful. These sorts of things will make you feel older; perhaps a good week’s vacation in Florida WITHOUT surgery might be the ticket.
13. When you narrow it down, look at their websites carefully. While you don’t need to look for a website that is too slick (and not all good MDs have them), a physician’s attention to detail shows everywhere.
14. Stay away from crackpots. And regular docs can be crackpots. We know of one Gulf Coast doctor who does “female section” fix ups, so women can look like porn stars. Not that this person can’t do some wrinkle removal, but do you really want someone who does these sorts of things working on you?
15. When you get to their office, does it fell right? Is there good Ju-Ju? This doesn’t mean an office should be slick, only that staff and overall atmosphere MATTER.

Fertile Turtle Package at Marco Island Marriott

MARCO ISLAND — Get some while the turtles get some?

Florida’s Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort entices couples to “conceive while on vacation” with their Fertile Turtle package. As sea turtles are known as a symbol of fertility, lovebirds have the opportunity to “watch sea turtles eggs hatch, right on the resort’s very own three-mile stretch of beach, while trying to fertilize an egg of their own.” A portion of the package proceeds will benefit the Sea Turtle Monitoring & Protection Project of the Conservancy for Southwest Florida. Read more

Groovin’ Lighting at Busch Gardens Africa, Tampa

Here, groovin’ looking lighting at Busch Gardens Africa in Tampa. It’s in the children’s play area called the Land of Dragons. For more information, see www.buschgardens.com.

Biz: Burger King Ads Make King a Reverse Thief

MIAMI Burger King Corp. (NYSE:BKC) announced a series of television advertising spots that portray the King as a reverse pick-pocketer, stuffing cash into customer pockets. The commercials promote new value offerings, including The Cheesy Bacon BK WRAPPER, a permanent menu item available for breakfast, and the Spicy Chicken BK WRAPPER, both for $1.39 each.

In the ad, the authorities are in hot pursuit as the King is revealed as the prime suspect in a string of reverse pick pocketing incidents in a new advertising campaign. The television spots show the King caught in the act of stuffing money in customer pockets “Unlike our competitors, Burger King Corp. is helping cash-strapped customers by adding to our BK Value Menu, not cutting back, said Russ Klein, president, global strategy, marketing and innovation, in a Business Wire press release.

Briefs: Disney Children’s Hospital, Re-branded GLBT Paper

ORLANDO — Officials from Florida Hospital today revealed new details about a new Orlando hospital. Not only will it be a leading hospital in terms of technology, it will be the first hospital ever to use the Disney name.

The plans include sophisticated, interactive technology for patients; accomplished pediatric physicians who specialize in advanced, minimally invasive surgery; and a former United States Surgeon General who will provide leadership for the children’s health and policy platform.

The hospital will be called Disney Children’s Hospital at Florida Hospital. While The Walt Disney Company has long supported children’s hospitals both locally and around the world, Disney Children’s Hospital will be the first children’s hospital in history to bear the Disney name.

“This hospital will be on the forefront of technology and a model for patient experience that will be truly dedicated to the well-being of children,” said Marla Silliman, administrator of Disney Children’s Hospital at Florida Hospital, in a PR Newswire press release. Read more

Miami Metrozoo Plans Amazon Journey

MIAMI — South Florida will journey into Tropical America when Amazon & Beyond opens at Miami Metrozoo on December 6, 2008. The 27-acre, $50 million exhibit will showcase giant river otters that can grow to be six-feet long; jaguars, the largest cats in the western hemisphere; harpy eagles with talons the size of grizzly bear claws; and anacondas, the mightiest snakes on earth. Divided into three areas that surround the center Fiesta Plaza, the Cloud Forest, Amazon Forest and Atlantic Forest will house more than 600 animals.

“Amazon & Beyond will not only be an exceptional exhibit at Miami Metrozoo, but it will also be Miami’s next big thing! We want the impressive collection of flora and fauna to inspire everyone to protect the endangered rainforests and the amazing animals that live there. Through participation in conservation programs and by making changes in the way we use natural resources, together we can all make a positive impact,” said Ron Magill, Miami Metrozoo.

Read more

Briefs: New Golf Program, SAA Wins Awards

From press releases

ORLANDO – Marriott Golf, one of the world’s premier golf operators and the golf management organization of Marriott International Inc. (NYSE:MAR) unveiled Marriott Golf Links, a loyalty program that enables Marriott Rewards members to both earn and redeem points for golf. For a list of participating golf clubs, see www.MarriottGolfLinks.com.

FORT LAUDERDALE – South African Airways received two influential awards, being recognized as the “Best Airline in Africa” along with having the “Best Cabin Crew in Africa.” These awards were bestowed by World Airline Awards, which are based on the annual World Airline Survey by British aviation experts Skytrax. “We continue to be honored by the fact that our customers and industry colleagues are recognizing our efforts to offer the best service to Africa,” said Marc Cavaliere, executive vice president, North America for South African Airways. Call (800) 722-9675 or visit www.flysaa.com.

Florida East Coast Engine

We spotted this locomotive while driving on Route 1. Wish it had some passenger compartments, but it is a direct link to the old Flagler System of railroads.

Paul Rudolph’s Beach Cottages in Sarasota

OSPREY — Those interested in beach cottages, mid-century Modern architecture and Florida will want to go to Sarasota’s Historic Spanish Point before Sept. 30, 2008, to catch the exhibition on architect Paul Rudolph entitled Paul Rudolph: Florida Houses & The Sarasota School of Architecture.

This exhibition explores the mid 1940s work of award-winning and world renowned architect Paul Rudolph {1918-1997}. After attaining his Master of Architecture degree from Harvard, Rudolph formed an association with Ralph Twitchell in Sarasota County. Known as the Sarasota School of Architecture, this style defined the look of modern Sarasota and influenced residential architecture everywhere.

The exhibit features models of the houses, as well as large photographs from noted modernist photographer Ezra Stoller. The exhibit is a companion to the book Paul Rudolph: The Florida Houses by Christopher Domin and Joseph King. Read more

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