iNews Briefs & Community Events
Feast your eyes on this gigantic butter sculpture
From Mashable
Celebrate dairy farming by looking at this outrageous 1,000 pound butter sculpture
A massive butter carving debuted at the Pennsylvania Farm Show to highlight the history of environmental stewardship by dairy farmers.
7 New Year’s resolutions you can do in one minute a day
By Lea Rose Emery, Bustle From Business Insider
IMAGE: It’s 2017. Shutterstock
The New Year is here, but it’s not too late to start thinking about New Year’s Resolutions. But a huge portion of us abandon our resolutions quickly. According to University of Scranton research, only 8% of Americans actually achieve their resolutions at all. I think that’s because we have a tendency to set some really, really unrealistic goals at this time of year. The ‘New year, new you’ pressure gets a hold of us, suddenly we’re swearing we’ll climb Everest or never eat a slice of cake.
In a survey of 822 Bustle readers, 23% said that New Year’s resolutions made them feel depressed, stressed out, or disappointed in themselves. The New Year is a great time for self-improvement, but we shouldn’t set our selves up for failure in the process. There are so many goals and achievements we can set for ourselves that we might actually, you know,do.
So it’s time to rethink how we approach these resolutions. Let’s call them micro-resolutions. There are plenty of improvements we can make in our lives that hardly take any time at all. Maybe they’ll eventually build into larger habits or maybe they’ll stay just as tiny parts of your day, it doesn’t matter. The point is that you actually make the time to do them — even if it’s just a small moment each day. Here are seven resolutions you can complete in 60 seconds every day, because you deserve to feel good about your goals.
1. Keep a journal
Even if you only jot down one thing that you’re grateful for that day, it’s a great start. Gratitude journals have been shown to have a positive effect on your mood.
In fact, a 2012 study in Psychology Today found that keeping a daily gratitude journal helped people with anxiety and depression — participants found it lessened their symptoms and helped them sleep better. And who couldn’t use some more sleep?
2. Meditate
You don’t need to go into a full 90-minute session in order to get a sense of peace. In fact, if you’re new to meditation, you can start with some baby steps.
“Meditation is the most effective way to slow down and bring us back to the present moment,” Jamison Monroe, Jr., Founder & CEO of Newport Academy Mental Rehab Center tells Bustle. “This can be much more simple than many people originally think.”
There are some great mindfulness apps that can help or, if you feel stressed, just take 60 seconds to close your eyes and focus on taking long breaths in and out. It’s longer than you think, and totally worth it.
3. Eat more vegetables
Instead of cutting something out of your diet, try adding something healthy in. Take the time to pick out healthy produce at the supermarket.
“Everyone can add more antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables to their diets. Antioxidants can help us look and feel better by preventing cell damage caused by the free radicals we are all exposed to every day,” Tiye Massey, Director of Content at Clean, a 21 day detox program developed by one NYC-based Dr. Junger, tells Bustle.
It shouldn’t take more than a minute to reach for some nice green broccoli to cook. Your body will thank you.
4. Drink more water
Water is like a magic elixir — it boosts your immune system, gives you energy, flushes out toxins, and so much more. Plus, being dehydrated is the worst. If you’re used to it, you might not even realize how dehydrated you are.
So first things first, buy a big AF water bottle. Then every morning take 30 seconds and fill that sucker up. Take 30 seconds later in the day and do it again.
“Starting with your body weight in pounds and dividing that number in half,” Massey tells Bustle. “The number you end up with is the minimum amount of water in ounces we suggest drinking every day.” Drink it up. You’ll feel like a whole new person.
5. Practice self-care
Take any extra minute every day for a little self-care, whatever that means to you. Put some nice moisturizer on your hands. Add a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil into your shower (this is a game-changer). Treat yourself and download that song that makes you smile off of iTunes. Just give yourself a little treat. Especially when things are stressful, it’s easy to let taking care of yourself fall by the wayside as you prioritize other people.
“Don’t forget to live your life,” Dr. Erika Martinez, licensed psychologist, tells Bustle. “Spend time with family and friends. Go to hot yoga. Schedule the spa day with your bestie, or whatever else relaxes and restores you.”
IMAGE: Hollis Johnson/Business Insider
6. Take a moment to stretch every day
I totally recommend more than 60 seconds of stretching every day, but work with what you’ve got. It’s especially important if you work at a desk all day or have a sedentary lifestyle.
“Do gentle head and shoulder circles, lie on your back, hug your knees into your chest, and make circles with your knees to massage your low back,” Stephanie Eris, the national yoga director at Exhale Spa, tells Bustle. “These simple movements will keep your joints lubricated.” It will feel amazing and help your body in the long-term.
7. Say a positive affirmation
Whatever you need to hear, take 60 seconds and say it to yourself. We all need something different to feel good — maybe you need to be reminded that you’re beautiful or smart or strong or just enough. It doesn’t take long to look in the mirror and say it. You owe it to yourself.
Plus, it can be a huge help in professional situations. A study published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin of 282 people found that self-affirmations boosted performance and were especially helpful in high-stress situations. They’re a great tool and take just a minute out of your day.
It’s way too easy to start off 2017 with another set of unrealistic resolutions. Instead, take one minute each day to really help yourself. It’s a goal that you can actually reach — and you’ll be happier for it.
Read the original article on Bustle. You can also check them out onFacebook and Pinterest. Copyright 2016. Follow Bustle on Twitter.
Cayman Islands Voter Registration Deadline Fast Approaching
Have you procrastinated about getting registered to vote in the coming May General Elections? If so, hurry and get registered because the cut-off for registration is midnight, Monday, 16 January 2017.
This means from 12.01 am Tuesday, you will no longer be able to get on the voters’ register and you cannot vote in the General Elections, even if you want to.
Supervisor of Elections, Mr. Wesley Howell reminds everyone who is not registered that registering to vote is your prime democratic right which you can exercise in the coming General Elections.
“I urge all who have put off registration to take advantage of the next few days and come in to the office to register. We want to ensure that no one qualified to vote misses the registration deadline and loses the opportunity of voting in the May election.
“Remember, if you are not registered by the 16th, you cannot vote on May 24th,” he emphasised.
“We are also opening our office on Saturday (14 January 2107) from 9 am to 4 pm to provide additional opportunities for registration,” Mr. Howell added.
The Elections Office is located on the second floor of Smith Road Centre, 150, Smith Road in George Town.
(GIS) Photo caption:
Election Supervisor Wesley Howell reminds all who have not yet registered to vote in the May General Elections that they have until midnight on Monday, 16 January 2016.
European Commission proposes greater privacy regulation for messaging, email services
The agency suggests messaging and email services such as Facebook’s WhatsApp (NASDAQ:FB), Apple’s iMessage (NASDAQ:AAPL), Google’s Gmail (GOOG, GOOGL), Microsoft’s Skype (NASDAQ:MSFT) and others request user consent prior to tracking for purpose of running personalized ads. The move is intended to balance regulation of over-the-top services with rules set in place governing more traditional telecommunications operators.
While part of an ongoing review of related matters, approval by European Parliament and European Union member states remains required for enactment into law.
Previously (September 8, 2016) – Reuters: European Commission draft proposal lays out extension of certain telecom security regulations to technology services
Cayman Islands Smoking Cessation Classes: ‘I Can Quit’
The Public Health Department reminds smokers who wish to quit the habit that there are still some spaces left for the upcoming smoking cessation classes the department is offering. Classes start on 8 February 2017 from 5.15 p.m. to 6.45 p.m. every Wednesday for seven weeks in the Public Health waiting room.
Registration deadline is 27 January 2017.
For more information or to sign up, contact the Public Health Department on 244-2889/244-2621, or email [email protected] or [email protected]
Major hotel development launched in Dominica
From St Lucia News Online
IMAGE: A rendition of Silver Beach Resort and Spa to be located in Picard
DNO – A 200-room five-star hotel to be developed under the Citizenship by Investment Program (CBI) was officially launched in Dominica on Monday.
The Silver Beach Resort and Spa will be located at Picard Beach in Portsmouth and has announced partnership with Marriot International.
The launch was done at a ceremony held at the State House on Monday. The hotel will be developed by Alick Lawrence and family.
Major hotel development launched in Dominica
For more: http://www.stlucianewsonline.com/caribbean-major-hotel-development-launched-in-dominica/
Caribbean countries congratulate Cuba for revolution anniversary
Havana, Jan 7 (Prensa Latina) Leaders of various Caribbean countries sent congratulation messages to their Cuban counterpart, Raul Castro in occasion of the 58 Anniversary of the Revolution, reported diplomatic sources today.
In a letter sent to the Cuban President, Grenada Prime Minister Keith Mitchell highlighted the 37 years of relations between the two nations, based on mutual trust and respect, according to the official website of the Cuban Foreign Ministry.
The message highlighted that the greater Antilles Island in the Caribbean has contributed to the socio-economic development of the people of Granada through collaboration and assistance in different areas.
The note stressed the ideals and efforts of the late revolutionary leader Fidel Castro to bring prosperity to the people of Cuba, and called for the international demand to be heard and to lift the blockade imposed by the United States Government.
Trinidad and Tobago President Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona also conveyed his congratulations to his Cuban counterpart on the occasion of the historic date with votes for the continuity of the country’s progress and prosperity.
Likewise, the authorities of Guyana extended a message to the Government and people of Cuba on the 58th anniversary of the Revolution, in a letter addressed to Army General, Raul Castro.
Vessel with 84 Haitian migrants intercepted in Turks and Caicos
From Caribbean News Now
IMAGE: haitian_sloop.jpg
PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — A motorized wooden boat from Haiti was intercepted at approximately 11:30 am on Thursday 23 miles southeast of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) with 84 illegal migrants aboard. The vessel was spotted by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Marine Branch.
The 25-foot yellow and blue boat powered by one engine and sail were escorted to the South Dock port where officials from various police units, border control, and other government and non-government agencies were on hand to assist with the processing of the individuals.
There were 84 souls on board consisting of 70 males and 14 females.
All 84 persons were later transported to a detention centre for further processing.
A search for illegal drugs and firearms was conducted on the vessel, but nothing was found.
Cayman Islands: Three CUC retirees
CUC Celebrates Long Serving Retirees
Three of CUC’s long serving employees recently retired. Kenzel Dixon, Thomas Bennett and Val Whittaker, were recently celebrated for their long service which started during the formative years of the Company. They served the Company for 44, 42, and 27 years, respectively and the Company recently celebrated 50 years of operations in Grand Cayman.
Each of the gentleman served in four positions during their career at CUC. These positions included Lineman Foreman, Plant Operation Supervisor, and Heavy Duty Mechanic.
President and CEO, Mr. Richard Hew, stated, “ CUC is well known for having many long serving Caymanian employees and we are proud to be able to celebrate with these three gentlemen who have worked with CUC for such a long time. They have shared their many years of experience and knowledge and we are grateful to them for their loyalty and dedication over the years. Even though these gentlemen have retired, they will forever be a part of the CUC family. We wish them good health and a long retirement.”
A retirement celebration was recently held in their honour and they were toasted by the CUC Executive and Management teams as well as by colleagues with whom they worked over the years.
Attached: Photos with Captions: Retirees: Val Whittaker, Kenzel Dixon and Thomas Bennett
CUC’s President and CEO Mr. Richard Hew addressing the retirement function
Disney parks recall 15,000 infant sweatshirts
Walt Disney’s Parks & Resorts unit has recalled some 15,000 infant sweatshirts that present a choking hazard.
No injuries or incidents have been reported. The Minnie and Mickey Mouse infant hoodies have a three-snap closure and were sold at Disney World, Disneyland and on the Shop Disney Parks mobile app between April and October.
Consumers were asked to immediately stop using the hoodies and contact Disney to return them for a full refund.
China is behind the latest bitcoin craze
By Jonathan Garber From Business Insider
So what’s behind the move?
China.
In his latest edition of “Greed & Fear,” CLSA’s Christopher Wood notes, “Daily turnover in Shanghai-based BTC China, the world’s largest bitcoin exchange by volume, has risen from around Rmb1bn in late September to a peak of Rmb27.8bn on 22 December and Rmb16.4bn on Wednesday while the Bitcoin price has risen by 70% over the past three months to Rmb6,927.”
The increased volume in the cryptocurrency comes as money continues to rush out of China. The country saw its foreign-exchange reserves shrinkby about 8% in 2016 to $3.05 trillion as of November. The drop in reserves has occurred as China’s currency, the yuan, weakened by 6% against the dollar in 2016. The currency is threatening to weaken below 7.00 per dollar for the first time since Q1 2008.
Things aren’t expected to get better anytime soon, either.
Deutsche Bank strategist Gautam Kalani recently called the yuan “the most expensive” currency in the world on a trade-weighted basis. While he didn’t go into specifics, his call most likely has to do with the fact that as the dollar strengthens on expectations for Federal Reserve interest-rate hikes, the yuan gets weaker and money pours out of China.
Additionally, Bloomberg economist Tom Orlik wrote, “China’s corporates continue to hold on to almost half of their forex earnings — a sign that yuan depreciation expectations remain high.”
In fact, it’s possible that the yuan’s depreciation kicks into a higher gear, causing money to flee China at an ever faster rate. That’s because at its most recent policy meeting, the US Federal Reserve appeared to be a bit more hawkish than previously expected. The Fed said it had begun to expect three rate hikes in 2017, up from its previous forecast of two. If that happens, the dollar will get even stronger, and the yuan will get weaker.
Of course, that will be even more positive for bitcoin.
Paul Stanley to perform in support of the National Gallery
Rock Icon Paul Stanley, frontman of the band KISS, will perform at The Mill Cayman in support of the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands
As the chief songwriter and unwavering voice of the band KISS, Paul Stanley is one of the single most recognisable front-men in the history of rock and roll. Hosted by The Mill Cayman, Stanley now takes the stage for the first time ever in the Cayman Islands with an evening of fine art and music held in support of free art programming for young people at the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI). It is the second in the concert series hosted by The Mill Cayman and it follows the highly successful Carl Palmer – A Legacy of Light event held earlier in 2016.
Stanley will perform with his band Soul Station, a ten-piece R&B revue which also features KISS drummer Eric Singer. The set list features “a celebration of soul music” that ranges from Motown to Memphis to Philadelphia, all songs which have contributed to the music he has written over the past 40 years.
The event at The Mill Cayman will also showcase Stanley’s artistic talent. Initially realised through designs for KISS album covers and set designs, including creating the iconic KISS logo which is universally recognised as one of the greatest logos of the 20th century, he later developed his passion into painting on canvas. The exhibition will feature eleven original artworks each one an emotionally-charged portrait or abstract that celebrates scale, texture and colour. Stanley’s signature guitars will also be exhibited.
Funds raised at the 6 January event will support youth programming at the National Gallery in 2017. “We are extremely grateful for the continued support of The Mill Cayman,” says NGCI Director Natalie Urquhart. “These inspiring concerts, which celebrate art and music, are a unique way to ensure access to creative education for young people across the Cayman Islands and to inspire the next generation of young creatives.”
Tickets for the 6 January 2017 event are extremely limited. For ticket information or to purchase Paul Stanley artwork or guitars, email [email protected].
For general press enquires email [email protected]. For more information about Paul Stanley fine art, visit http://paulstanley.com/artwork/.
To connect with The Mill Cayman, visit www.twitter.com/TheMiIlCayman,www.facebook.com/TheMillCayman/, www.instagram.com/themillcayman.
Cayman Islands Christmas Tree Recycling Dates in 2017
Recycle Real Christmas Trees
Christmas trees can be recycled and turned into mulch after the festive season to save them from going into the landfill.
The trees, which must be real rather than artificial, can be dropped off at containers in each community from 1 to 20 January before being mulched on Saturday, 21 January at George Town cricket field.
Members of the public are welcome to watch the trees being mulched by the industrial wood grinding machine, known as the “Beast”, which was recently purchased by the Department of Environmental Health (DEH).
The mulch is available free of charge to anyone who brings their shovel or rake and bags to collect it from the field, and is ideal for spreading around garden plants to enrich and insulate the soil. The processing begins at 7 a.m., with the mulch given away on a first-come first-served basis.
Containers to collect discarded Christmas trees will be placed at Ed Bush Stadium in West Bay, George Town cricket field, Spotts dock and the southern entrance to Frank Sound Road.
The mulching project is part of an enhanced recycling initiative to divert waste from going into the landfill. Recycling is also central to the proposed Integrated Solid Waste Management System (ISWMS), which is currently in the first stage of the procurement phase, with government aiming to have a contract in place, in principle, by spring 2017.
Last year, more than 1,800 Christmas trees were processed by the “Beast”, resulting in around two-and-a-half dump-truck loads of mulch, which was also given away at no cost.
“This process of recycling the trees is a great way to save space at the landfill and is ideal material for people to spread in their gardens and yards at no cost other than coming to collect it,” said DEH’s Recycling Foreman of Solid Waste Angello Roye.
For further information about the Christmas tree recycling programme, contact DEH’s Solid Waste unit at 949-8793.
Free Vegetable Seedlings Offered to Cayman Islands residents
Residents with green thumbs are invited to obtain free seedlings, as a limited stock of cabbage, cucumber, bok choy (Chinese cabbage), cauliflower, broccoli and other plants are offered to the public by the Department of Agriculture (DoA).
This initiative seeks to stimulate interest amongst backyard gardeners in growing quality produce, and ideally will lead to more entries and participation in the Cayman Islands Agriculture Society 50th Agriculture Show next year.
There are twelve types of these vegetable seedlings available, and they may be collected from the DoA Nursery, at 181 Lottery Road, Lower Valley.
One More Cayman Islands Public Holiday for 2017
With the Elections Office’s schedule for the General Elections formally approved by the Governor this morning (Friday, 9 December 2016), one more public holiday has been officially declared for the Cayman Islands in 2017.
General Elections Day on Wednesday, 24 May 2017 will be a public holiday, bringing the number of public holidays for next year to 12 days.
The full list of public holidays for 2017 now is:
Monday, 2 January – New Year’s Day (observed)
Monday, 23 January – National Heroes Day
Wednesday, 1 March – Ash Wednesday
Friday, 14 April – Good Friday
Monday, 17 April – Easter Monday
Monday, 15 May – Discovery Day
Wednesday, 24 May – General Elections Day
Monday, 19 June – Queen’s Birthday
Monday, 3 July – Constitution Day
Monday, 13 November – Remembrance Day
Monday, 25 December – Christmas Day
Tuesday, 26 December – Boxing Day.
Education begins on Cayman Islands Single Member Constituencies
The Elections Office invites the public, including voters, potential candidates and their agents in the 2017 General Election, to learn more about recent changes to the Elections Law that created 19 single member electoral districts.
Interested persons may email [email protected] to ask questions, or request short presentations for groups or organisations.
The public should also stay tuned to local media for information on upcoming meetings, which will aim to address any questions that people may have about the transition.
COMMUNITY EVENTS (Date Order)
JAN 12-15 (2017)
Cayman Islands Cookout Festival
CAYMAN COOKOUT 2017
GEORGE TOWN, CAYMAN ISLANDS
SCHEDULE
Thursday, January 12, 2017
03:00pm EST
VENUE
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
PO Box 32348 KY1-1209, Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
George Town
Cayman Islands
HOST
Wine Folly
EVENT DESCRIPTION
Join Chef Eric Ripert for a weekend celebrating food, wine and the natural beauty of the Caribbean at The Ritz-Carlton, a premier Grand Cayman Island resort. An incomparable roster of world famous chefs, wine experts and spirits blenders will offer tastings, demonstrations, tours and dinners that celebrate the barefoot elegance that only the Cayman Islands can deliver.
Follow the Cookout conversation on Twitter at @CaymanCookout or @Cayman_Islands and use #CaymanCookout.
For event-related questions, please call 345-815-6117. Kindly note, this phone number is strictly for informational purposes only – ticket purchase is available online only.
Know what events you want? Get direct tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cayman-cookout-2017-tickets-27393446536
SAT JAN 14
FN Sports New Day 5K
Cayman Islands Elections Office Open for Registration this Saturday (14)
To ensure that Caymanians, who have not yet registered to vote, have every opportunity to register, the Elections Office will be open Saturday, 14 January 2017 from 9 am to 4 pm.
The deadline for registration to be able to vote in the 24 May 2017 General Elections is midnight, Monday, 16 January 2017. The Elections Office reminds all those who have not registered that you cannot vote in the May Elections if you miss the deadline and fail to register.
Additionally, for downloading the registration form and for more details as well as for a list of your areas’ Registering Officers, who can also assist you in registering, visit www.elections.ky
SUN JAN 15
Harry Redknapp Golf Day 2 Man Scramble
Cayman bRUNch
JAN 16 – FEB 6
Every Step Counts Pedometer Challenge
WED JAN 18
DCI To Close Early on 18 January
The Department of Commerce and Investment (DCI) in Grand Cayman, including its Business Licensing Counter on the first floor of the Government Administration Building, will close at 3:00pm on Wednesday, 18 January, for a staff meeting.
DCI’s main office will reopen on Thursday, 19 January at 8:30am, and the counter will reopen at 9:00am.
DCI staff apologise for any inconvenience the closure may cause. For more information please call 945-0943 or email [email protected].
SUN JAN 22
Generali Worldside Mercuryman Triathlon
SAT JAN 28
Cayman National Charity Walk-Run
Taste of Cayman Volunteers
SUN JAN 29
Stride Against Cancer
TUE JAN 31
Cadet Corps Band Open for Recruiting
The Cayman Islands Cadet Corps Band is open for recruitment to young people from the age of 11 – 18 who are enrolled in school. They also welcome adults who play an instrument and would love to work with young people. Please call 946-9810 or email [email protected] for more details
PSPB Certificates
SUN FEB 26
Cayman Islands Lion’s – Cycle For Sight
Cayman Islands Cycling Association
Sunday 26th Feb 2017 6:00AM – 9:00AM
Event Description:
Lion’s Cycle For Sight – Change the way we see the world Start: East End Public Beach | Finish: Lions Community Center – 24 Miles
