Pirates Week's annual song contest has been announced and you have until Friday, 26 October, to submit your compact disc. The competition is open to anyone 18 or older who has been resident in the Cayman Islands for at least one year. 
The song must be lively, upbeat Caribbean Carnival music and submitted on CD. The song will be uploaded onto the cayCompass.com site where the general public will vote for the one they like the best. 
The lyrics and music must be original and written by residents. Previously released songs are eligible. Songs previously entered in the Pirates Week song contest are not eligible. 
The contest winner must be available to be in the Pirates Week Float Parade if so requested and to make personal appearances throughout the 10 days of Pirates Week if requested. The winner's prize is $1,000 plus four hours studio time with Hopscotch Studios and once a demo tape has been produced, it will be forwarded to VP Records for consideration. 




Source:compasscayman.com

 

Over 60 young children have attended a six-week pilot programme designed to provide a reading experience for children that encourages 'play with purpose'. 
Entitled 'Play, Read, Learn!' the library-based initiative focused on children between the ages of 3 and 5 by incorporating five basic practices that support learning to read, talking, singing, reading, writing and playing. 
'Play, Read, Learn!' will run from September 2012 through June 2013, with the first programme having taken place on 19th September at the George Town Public Library and 20 September at the Emily Redley Powery Memorial Public Library and Learning Center in West Bay, respectively. 
The programmes will run from 10.30 to 11.30am in each location. The classes at the George Town Public Library will be held on Wednesdays from 19 September, 2012, to 26 June, 2013. The classes at the Teacher Redley Powery Public Library in West Bay will be held on Thursdays from 20 September, 2012, to 27 June, 2013. 
Launched in May, the pilot programme ran for six weeks and was attended by up to 70 children and their parents. 



Source:compasscayman.com

 

Let's be truthful, have you got an office space in your home? Not the type of home office that you have attractive furniture in, yet you only use it to store books. I am talking about the type of office at home you need to be productive in. Whether it's your main place for working, you use it for paying bills, using the computer, etc Your home office should somewhere you can be productive and feel good in whenever go into it, and then leave it! If you don't feel that your home office is what it should be here are 5 tips to make the space more productive: 

DECLUTTER: Create a list. Which items stored in the office are used regularly? What items have just been sitting there for weeks, months or even years without being used?! Before moving onto the next step - de-clutter. Figure out what office supplies you will need and give all others away or use in another room if you can. 

CLEAN: This tip is vital for just about any room you spend time in. when your environment is clean, so is your mind which will allow you to become more creative and productive. If there is trash, old newspapers, magazines or old paperwork cluttering up your desk, throw it out. 

PRIORITIZE: Decide which items can be used for activity in the office. If you have a television in your office and it distracts you from the purpose of being in there, take it out. Kid's toys and other such items shouldn't be in your office space. When you start using the space for more than work, it is likely that you will perform that activity before you work. 

ORGANIZE: As you have completed the first couple of tips, its now time to organize your remaining space. Divide your office into zones. 1 - Storage: Things that can go into a closet, for example office supplies, reference materials that are rarely used. 2 - Desk Products: Only the bare essentials should be on your desk, pens/pens, computer, staple remover and tape. Anything should be put away in a desk drawer to avoid an untidy desk. 3 - Display: For books, and magazines use organizers designed for bookshelves. These organizers can group them together, and be easy to reach. A couple of pictures and souvenirs may be used to personalize your office space. 

LIGHT: If the room you are setting up your home office in is dark, figure out why. Open windows, buy different drapes, or fit light fittings which will brighten your office. When you can see clearly, you are likely to stay in the space for longer and be more productive. Ensure there is a good temperature and ventilation. If you are too hot or cold, you will want to leave the office quickly. 

Your office at home should be as comfortable as your living room. Productivity will be achieved when you are relaxed and organized, and want to stay in the space. Doing office work isn't always enjoyable, however, you can make your office more enjoyable right?

You've signed the documents. You've got the keys and you are now the proud owner of a new home. As you are unpacking and getting used to being the new homeowner, there are a few vital items you may want to take care of. 

1. Change locks 

Sadly, you can't assume the keys you have for your new home are the only ones that exist. It is a good idea to be safe and have all the locks changed as soon as you can. 

2. Re-program garage door opener 

Again, it's better to be safe when it comes to the security of your home. Most garage door controllers have an easy to use re-set function with a re-set button that you simply hold down to reprogram the opener. If you need further instructions, take a note of the brand and contact the company so that they can assist you. 

3. Replace furnace filter 

Most companies advise that a furnace filter should be changed monthly throughout the heating season to ensure efficient performance. While you may find better quality filters that do not require monthly replacement, it's still a good idea to check the filter monthly and, of course, change it when you move into a new home. 

4. Install new batteries in smoke alarm and co2 detector 

You will have no way of knowing when the batteries were last changed and if the home has been unoccupied for any length of time, it may have a while. Test the alarms and detectors and put new batteries in each of them. This investment of your time and a few dollars is worth it, given the stakes. 

5. Replace toilet chair covers 

It is probably not necessary to go into too much detail about this, however most people insist on changing toilet seats when they move into a new home. 

Becoming the owner of your very own home is a very exciting life changing event, however it is also good to be practical and attend to the jobs that will ensure you are secure and comfortable in your shiny new home.