Extravagant Nightlife and Nature’s Splendor – 4 Cayman Island Tourist Hotspots

Tourists vacation in the Cayman Islands for a variety of reasons. Some seek out the celebrity lifestyle, indulging in the extravagant nightlife, while others thirst for exotic experiences that symbolize the natural splendor of The Caymans. Here are four enticing hot spots that will provide both.

Extravagant Nightlife

· The Macabuca

It’s said, “When the sun goes down in the Cayman Islands, the stars come out”. Many of the island’s restaurants serve up exquisite Caribbean quinine and present live entertainment nightly. The nightlife in the Cayman Islands is a hot tourist attraction, especially at the Macabuca and The Cracked Conch. Perfectly positioned in the heart of the Cayman’s famous seven-mile strip of beach, the Macabuca is sprawling with space and frequented by celebrities and worldly dignitaries. Both Taylor Swift and the Ken’s created quite the stir when she was spotted dancing under the moonlight at the Macabuca.

· The Wreck Bar & Grill at the Rum Point Club

Drift up the beach a few hundred yards and Cayman guests will find The Rum Point Club, home of The Wreck Bar & Grill. While Rum Point has activities throughout the day, this corner of the Cayman’s really ignites when the sun sets. Patrons staying on other parts of the island can enjoy a $5 ferry ride from Safehaven Dock to Rum Point. Tom Cruise likes to beach his jet ski and stroll up for a “cocktail” at the Wreck Bar.

Nature’s Splendor

· The Mastic Trail

The Cayman Islands radiate with the spectacular beauty of nature. A trek along the Mastic Trail is the perfect remedy for an adventurous spirit. Named for one of the region’s native trees, the 200 year old trail meanders deep into a primeval woodland that has evolved over two million years. Buried in the heart of the Mastic Reserve it presents a true image of the Cayman Island’s splendid natural magnificence. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter enjoys quiet strolls along the Mastic Trail when vacationing in the Caymans.

· Cayman Turtle Farm

Another favorite attraction that resonates with nature lovers is the Cayman Turtle Farm. Island guests frequent this attraction, an enjoyable experience where people can get close to one of the world’s oldest living creatures. Visitors can observe assorted breeds of sea turtles, including some on the endangered list. The Cayman Turtle Farm’s work strives to preserve one of nature’s most delicate and endearing animals.

Visitors should take time to enjoy the Cayman Islands for both its exotic nightlife and the exquisiteness of nature. Guests need to keep one eye on the island’s exquisite beauty with the other on the lookout for famous celebrities. The Cayman Islands have a lot of both.

Historic St George’s announces first woman as head of school

St. George’s School in Newport, Rhode Island has announced that they have appointed their first female head of school, Alexandra Callen. She will be the twelfth head of school since the 1896 founding. She will be replacing Eric Peterson, who has been at the school for the past thirteen years. Callen is a descendant of several alumni.

Callen is coming from being the upper school director of the Lakeside School in Seattle. Before that, she was principal at Acton Boxborough Regional High School in Acton, Mass. and assistant principal of Needham High School in Needham, Mass. She has a bachelor’s and master’s from Brown University, along with a master’s and doctorate from Harvard.

Callen’s family members who are alumni are great-grandfather, Johns H. Congdon ’03, grandfather, James B. Congdon ’41, great uncle, Charles B. Congdon ’40, and uncle, James B. Congdon Jr. ’66. Her husband, James Bailey, is an educator. The couple has two sons, Zander and Miles.

“My entire career has been spent helping teenagers to be kind, to watch out for each other, and to be contributing community members,” said Callen. “To now do that work in a school that has such deep roots for my family makes me humble and proud.”

St. George’s is one of the five elite prep schools that are unofficially called St. Grottlesex. The school has graduated Vanderbilts, Bushes, Astors, and Mellons. It is situated on Aquidneck Island across from Newport. The campus itself is known as the Hilltop.

In a statement, the trustees said, “We are confident that [Callen] will steer the course boldly for St. George’s, continuing to build on our longstanding strengths while at the same time moving St. George’s confidently into the future. She is fully prepared and eager to build upon our forward-thinking curriculum, to foster our safe and welcoming community, and to support our teachers in continually expanding their expertise in teaching and learning.”

Alexandra Callen was introduced to the school by the Board of St. George’s on December 9.

Resource America Picked Up by New Investor

C-III has purchased Resource America in a merger of two brands that create one of the largest and most-diverse real estate companies in the world. The two companies combine portfolios of commercial, industrial and residential real estate, and they will join forces as C-III takes over operations for both companies. This article is a look at what will happen at Resource America becomes the latest little cousin of the C-III brand.

#1: Why Is the Deal Important?

The deal is quite important in that it helps save Resource America from falling out of the top of the industry. The industry is quite dynamic, and companies that remain stagnant for a time will lose their favor among investors. Resource America will have new life under C-III, and the shareholders are paid handsomely for the shares they hold in the firm.

#2: How Does Commercial Real Estate Improve After the Deal?

Commercial real estate will have a larger partner in the combined companies, and it is a wonderful place to go for a sale or purchase. Companies seeking their first piece of commercial real estate may shop with someone from C-III, and they will ensure a sale is completed properly. Everyone who shops with the two companies will have more locations to shop, more service and better prices.

#3: How Will Companies Save Money Through C-III?

The company has more resources now that it has acquired Resource America, and C-III becomes a more-trusted company, under the leadership of CEO and Chair Andrew Farkas. They are a large firm that wishes to help more people, and they will expand their business to all the places where Resource America is aiding customers. Their offices will combine in a large package that helps clients with their real estate needs. Every new customer with the firm is backed up by their financial resources, and they will see there is a plain difference between what C-III can do and what other companies will not do. Service saves money, time and energy.

The large merger between C-III and Resource America gives hope to real estate shoppers who are seeking a better experience. Businesses and individuals must purchase large pieces of real estate that are priced sometimes in the millions. Their investments are carried out by the professionals at C-III and Resource America. They have quite a few options when shopping with their newest partners, and the money saved may be re-invested in new locations around America.

Beautiful Places to Visit in the Cayman Islands

Sublime Seven Mile Beach

Sublime Seven Mile Beach is a famous spot to visit in the Caribbean. The long stretch of sand is lined with coconut palm trees and turquoise waters. Massive amounts of tourists spill out of cruise ships, stepping on to the beautiful, peaceful patch of sand. Lavish homes and upscale hotels like Ken Dart’s Residences at Seafire and Kimpton Seafire Hotel give tourists the view of a lifetime. The Sublime Seven Mile Beach is typically free of mobile venders so that guests can relax and enjoy what the area has to offer.

Stingray City

Stingray City is a must see when in the Cayman Islands. It offers crystal clear waters where guest can mingle with the friendly stingrays by feeding, petting, and cuddling them. If someone ever had a fear of stingrays, that fear would be gone by visiting this lush paradise. Guests can also dive, swim, and snorkel alongside of the stingrays. A couple celebrity sightings have occurred right here in this city. Tom Cruise was reported to have went to Stingray City on a dive trip for the holidays. Also, former President Jimmy Carter spent New Year’s Eve visiting here as well. Taylor Swift is another celebrity spotted in the Cayman Islands. It is reported she loved her visit because staff at the areas she visited treated her with the utmost respect so that she could relax and enjoy her vacation.

George Town is offshore and considered Cayman’s attractive capital. Cruise ships fill the harbors. Also lining the harbors is a sea of restaurants and shops. The Administration Building is called the glass house. In this beautiful capital guests will find several attractions to visit. The Cayman Islands National Museum is a great place to learn the history of the islands. Fort George was built to protect the islands from the pirates and Spanish. But today only a portion of the wall remains.

Atlantis Submarines

Atlantis Submarines offers one of the best underwater experiences without getting wet. The submarine holds 48 passengers and takes guests down about 30 meters. There they can look through the large viewing windows at the shallow reefs, tropical fish, and shipwrecks.

Hell

On the north side of the Grand Cayman is a town called Hell. In 1962, Hell opened its own post office so that guests can officially mark their visit. Hell offers a sinister rock formation which is what inspired its name. The boardwalk provides easy access to view this beautifully, dark rock formation.

Day of Dining on the Cayman Islands

The Cayman Island are a place to relax, enjoy the Dart paradise and eat great Hotel food. The food diversity on Grand Cayman is excellent with renowned chefs to local and family restaurants. It has it all and you will not be disappointed. If you enjoy normal American food, Caribbean food or have the taste for exotic food such as conch or turtle, you can find it here. Let’s take a look at the various restaurants that you should check out when visiting the Cayman Islands.

Breakfast – Cimboco

This cafe is a great breakfast spot. The lively colors brighten up the place and the food is excellent. The skillets are their most popular option. They also have great deals like the five items for five dollars which are a big hit. The coffee hits the spot. Mark Cuban could be spotted here enjoying some of the great coffee at Cimboco.

Lunch - Wreck Bar and Grill

This restaurant is located on Rum Point right on the beach. The outdoor seating is relaxing and when you are finished you can lay in the available hammocks. Indoor seating is also available. The Wreck Bar and Grill is famous for mud slides and the traditional Cayman food such as conch fritters and chowder along with jerk chicken. Many excursions stop at the Wreck Bar and Grill for lunch. This location could definitely catch the likes of Taylor Swift with the relaxing feel and excellent drinks.

Dinner - The Wharf Restaurant and Bar

This romantic location is great for a special evening. Located on the waterfront it marks the beginning of Seven Mile Beach. The food here is fantastic. Starting off with happy hour every from 4 pm to 7 pm including every Friday with free hors D’oeuvres. The food finds a Carribean touch and coupled with the setting you will have a magical evening. Keep an eye out for celebrities at the Wharf, as it catches the attention of Jimmy Carter when he is enjoying the Cayman Islands.

Dessert - Gelato & Co. Cremeria Italiana

The perfect stop for a day filled with food is gelato. This authentic, homemade Italian ice is light and refreshing. New flavors are made every day. They also have fresh cakes and pastries that any sweet tooth would like. Don’t worry about eating the sorbets as they are fat-free, so indulge!

Cayman Islands - A Real Island Paradise

Cayman Islands bring to mind crystal clear water and sandy, sunny beaches. Three islands make up the perfect getaways are Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Grand Cayman is the largest of the three and is home to many resorts and attractions. Cayman Brac is the launch point for deep-sea fishing. Little Cayman is the smallest island and is home to a wide variety of wildlife.

Of the many amazing attractions, Stingray City is one that no one misses when visiting the Cayman Islands. Located on the northwest corner of Grand Cayman’s North Sound, it is a gathering place for the Southern Atlantic Stingray. It is believed these stingrays started gathering here when the fishermen from the island would clean and gut their daily catch, throwing the entrails in the water. Today, people gather on the sandbar and shallow waters to interact with the amazing creatures. They can be hand fed and petted even though they are in the wild. It is an intimidating and breath-taking experience. This spot has a 12 foot dive site the ranks among the best in the world.

On February 8, 1794, a convoy of British ships wrecked on the reef surrounding Grand Cayman. Nearby residents came and helped the crew and passengers to shore. Eight still died despite their efforts. Legend says that is why the Cayman Islands has its tax breaks. Rumor says one of the passengers was a the son of King George III and he decreed the Cayman Islands would be free from war conscription and taxes as a reward for their bravery. Today, you can pay your respects to the eight who lost their lives on that fateful night by visiting Wreck of Ten Sails Park.

Be sure to add The Cayman Turtle Farm to your list of “must see” locations. It is the only commercial Green Sea Turtle farm in the world. The main goal of the farm is to educate the public on the benefits of a proactive conservation program for sea turtles. They have a 1.3 million gallon snorkel lagoon where you can swim with the turtles and other marine life. There is also an Aviary and Iguana Sanctuary, a nature trail and the “Blue Hole” sunken cave. The most recent addition to The Turtle farm is Boatswains Beach, a 30 acre marine theme park.

And when you’re in the Cayman Islands, who can forget the beaches. The most popular beach is Seven Mile Beach. Hitting the beach bars while surrounded by coral sand and luxury resorts make you feel like you are truly in paradise.

Whether you are seeking fun in the sun or communing with nature. The Cayman Islands are paradise on Earth. It is no wonder the pirates took a liking to it. You will find it hard to tear yourself away and head back to real life.

Can You Retire Earlier By Investing In Real Estate?

There is an old saying in real estate that has been around for decades: “Buy land! They’re not making it anymore!” Well, many folks reading this article can probably relate to “missed opportunities” like real estate deals that never materialized or recalling what a family member said about stock market investment that was never jumped on.

All that said, here is a short primer on things you need to know when making an investment on retail property like a business and what is required when buying a home to rent out, so you won’t regret it five years from now.

First, let’s talk about residential real estate investments. According to Than Merrill, CEO of the real estate investment/education company Fortunebuilders, “Real estate investing is a wonderful asset as an investor. (It) offers a magnitude of strategies for those with insufficient retirement savings, including the ability to provide future retirees with short and long-term advantages, whether approaching retirement age, behind on savings or looking to retire early.”

There is a process you need to follow if you want your future home search and purchase to go smoothly, and here’s a few tips:

Common Sense Real Estate Investment Advice

  • If you can’t pay cash, arrange your financing first so you will know what you can afford. Then get loan approval from a lender.
  • Real estate agents/brokers can be helpful, but be selective on who you hire. Some are better than others and make sure they are state licensed.
  • Make sure you have a complete inspection on the home by a professional inspector.
  • Make a “fair” offer on the property regardless of what the agent or current homeowner says.

How To Buy A Retail Business Investment

  • Have a business plan that is thorough and ready to go way before you buy.
  • Never purchase any type of retail business that’s away from where the “action is” unless the investment is of the “industrial” type.
  • Don’t locate your business investment within a mile of any strong competitor.

How To Buy A Rental Investment
A rental investment could be a condo, apartment, four units, or a new manufactured home in a rental park for seniors.

  • Once again, if you can’t pay cash, get pre-approved from your bank or other lender. If you have to borrow all the funds and have a credit history that is at or below the 650 mark, you may want to rethink your investment goals.
  • Make sure the location is in a “rental area” and not out by an airport or bad part of town. Verify what units are renting for.
  • Read up on rental investment tips from professionals and keep learning!

 

Fracking to Provide Energy to Consumers

Fracking refers to hydraulic fracturing, a drilling type that has been in use for about 65 years now. Basically, Hydraulic fracturing involves drilling downwards while gradually turning horizontally. While using this method of drilling, mining companies can drill multiple wells in a single site. Once the wells have been drilled, they are cased and cemented.
Tiny perforations are then made along the horizontal section of the well pipe. A mixture of sand and water, along with other additives is then pumped through these perforations at high pressure. This high pressure creates micro-fractures within the tight rock formations and the sand holds the new openings. The application of Fracking by companies across the globe may be attributed to the many benefits it has to offer, some of which are discussed below.
Economic Benefits of Fracking
The use of new technology in hydraulic fracturing has had a direct economic impact. For instance, it has increased gas and oil production considerably. The natural gas from shale gas wells in the USA in 2011 was worth about $36 billion, at the rate of $4.24 per thousand cubic feet. This increased production and value of oil and natural gas has also created employment opportunities for more people within the production and delivery processes.
According to information by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, the oil and gas mining sector employed 267,000 people in 1980. This figure declined in over the two decades that followed as a result of reduced oil production in the country. However, the number of people employed by this industry has been increasing steadily since 2003. This increased production has also enhanced the energy trade balance involving the USA and other countries.
Other Benefits Associated with Fracking
In addition to the economic benefits offered by this mining method, it has also had an impact on other industries as well. One of the industries that has benefited from the use of hydraulic fracturing in the USA is the energy industry. Based on data released by EIA, the use of natural gas in the country has increased drastically to 24.757 quadrillion Btu per year in 2011. A considerable amount of the natural gas consumed in the country is used to generate electricity. This may be attributed to the fact that more electricity generation plants are switching from the use of coal to natural gas.
Owing to the increased production brought about by shale and fracking, it is projected that the USA may become the leading oil producing country by 2015. This is according to projections by the International Energy Agency projects. EIA, on the other hand, projects that gas production in the country will increase by 56 percent by 2040.

Notable Harvard Alumni Gives Back

A renowned real estate investor from New York and owner of the Island Capital Group, Andrew Farkas is a Harvard alumni and holds the institution in his heart. He has immense respect for the university and its philosophies. Farkas has been a long-standing member of the Hasty Pudding Club, which is a theatrical student society at Harvard University. It is the nation’s oldest theater company and is a medium of expression for many Harvard’s undergraduates and alumni members. Andrew Farkas recently contributed to the renovation and expansion of this 1888 structure to celebrate the stunning cultural space and give back to his alma mater. He devoted this gesture to his father, Robin L. Farkas who has been an immense influence in his life. It was his father who urged Andrew to join Harvard and the rest, he says, is history. The building is renamed as Farkas Hall and now houses a 270 seat state of the art theater, an elaborate stage and dance studios for students along with many offices for the members. The Hasty Pudding lobby displays the club’s pivotal role in the university’s growth. The renovation has preserved the rich history of the club through posters, plaques, and photographs which the lobby displays.

Farkas has been actively involved with the club since his undergraduate days and is now leading his 30th reunion class gift committee with the fellow alumni. He was the president of the club for 2 years and several generations of his family have been associated with this creative space. His wife Sandi is a playwright and screenwriter and choose to renovate the great club with her husband to preserve the legacy of The Hasty Pudding Club. The club has been home to many great visionaries including 5 presidents of the United States. It has supported and displayed creative freedom since its inception in the late 1700s. Farkas chose to renovate this club as a gesture of appreciation and respect towards his father, the Harvard university, and the Hasty Pudding club.

Andrew Farkas devotes his success to the university as it transformed him into a confident young man and made him what he is today. He actively supports cultural and art scene in New York and has been a regular attendee of all dedications held at the Hasty Pudding club. His 13-year-old daughter is also a member of the club which shows how this club has been an invaluable part of the legacy of the Farkas family.

Learn the Innovative Ways to Recycle Foam

The environment has dominated the news cycles of years and rightly so. This is our only home, and it deserves to be treated with the utmost of respect and appreciation for the life it continues to house. As global warming and climate change continues to spiral further and further out of control with unnecessary carbon emissions, new oil spills every week, and politicians who continue to either have their heads in the sand or allow themselves to be purchased by corporate interests, we need to continue to find ways to save this planet. Many cities across the United States have looked to implement a polystyrene foam ban, claiming it cannot be recycled.

While their hearts are in the right place, foam actually can be recycled. In fact, many places across the United States are already recycling the foam for reuse, cutting down on the damage and trash buildup we leave in the environment. For more information on how to recycle this foam, see below!

In truth, only about five percent of a foam package is actually the substance polystyrene. Most of the packaging is actually air. This is the reason why this foam is easy to break with your hands. This means there is actually less to deal with than appears on the surface. It helps to insulate packages, keeping them both safe and warm.

The negative campaign against this material comes from the fact that it is made from the same substance we use to power our cars: petroleum. This contributes to the negative media campaign and the banning of this substance in over 20 cities already.

Despite these issues, foam can actually be easily recycled. The recycling process starts by collecting foam and using conveyor belts to feed the material into a shredding machine. This breaks the foam down into small amounts that can be transferred to a plastic machine that uses both heat and pressure to melt the foam. Once the foam is broken down into this early form, the molten mixture exits and machine and solidifies again into a solid state. It is then transported to a separate machine where it is broken down into foam again for further use.

While it is important to care for the environment, it is important to collect all of the facts before making a decision. foam can be recycled and thus does not deserve to be banned from cities.