fjcruiser | ExpatWoman.com
 

fjcruiser

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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 December 2011 - 16:29
Plug Ins sells the home plugs. Basically these home plugs use the electrical system to extend the wireless range. They work anywhere where electricity is at 220-240volts. One home plug would be connected to your wireless router. You can plug the other one (wireless or wired) into the room where you want to use your internet. If the home plug is wireless, you will have to enter its M.A.C address (unique identification number) into your router so the router knows this is part of a wireless subnetwork. In effect you will have 2 wireless networks (your router and your home plugs). You will have to name your subnetwork differently from your router to avoid conflicts. The pros: cheapest and most efficient way to increase network coverage The cons: download speed may be lower but still good to use internet. Not as easy as it says on the tin especially if your router and home plugs are different brands. Hopefully someone can help you setting it up.Also, no encryption on the homeplug network but only peple in your house would be able to pick it up as it is a subnetwork of your router which you will have encrypted! HTH
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 December 2011 - 16:14
Poor little pups, so not suited to this weather, and the person is asking 7k for each pup! I guess not legally! FYI The Dubai Municipality asked that anyone selling dogs without a proper licence (very likely as it is not a pet shop) needs to be reported.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 December 2011 - 17:54
We used Dr Christa Strauss because she was recommended to us by my DH company. We were very impressed. She will see my DS every 2 years. You should speak to all 3 and ask them what tests they will be conducting and why.There are hundreds of different tests to diagnose these conditions so you want to know upfront what you are looking at and the costs.We paid 5,000dhs. HTH
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 December 2011 - 12:35
'During the bank crisis within the last few years, it was actually a lot of the now beleaguered Euro that bailed out these UK banks!' I thought the british taxpayers bailed out the UK banks.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 November 2011 - 20:39
When you register with a vet, all the info on micro chip/ Municapality Tag will be changed to your name so it is an instant procedure. One word of warning though is there is no central database of micro-chip numbers. When a cat is lost and brought to a vet, the number may not recognised by the said vet. It would involve the vet ringing other vets and check with them.A bit disappointing that there is no central database but better to be micro chipped than not, as it increases the chances for a cat to be reunited with its owner should he gets lost.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 18:30
I think kittens often go without food when they are feral, so they are just stuffing themselves when food is available. I am currently experiencing this with my one or so year old feral cat at the moment. Today she was sick I think because of over eating. Like babies, it takes them time to realise food will be on the table all the time!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 18:27
The local, saudi or lebanese potatoes work well for mash. Unfortunately they are not as good for roasting.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 16:25
Just to update on our stray's progress. She has indeed progressed to become a sociable, gentle & clean girl. She is using the litter tray (obviously I had the wrong kind of litter before!) and I have followed your advice to the letter. She is yet to meet face to face with my other girl, although she can see her from outside. I am so glad we adopted her, she is such a softy. She is now spending her time on the sofa rather than hiding away from us. It only took 4 days!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 16:11
We bought an Aftron made in Korea (some Aftron sold in supermarkets are from China-do not buy) from the Aftron shop in Festival City. Touch wood, it has been working fine for the last 3 years. It was recommended to us by someone who tried them all so to speak!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 23 November 2011 - 16:06
TB vaccine should only be done once in a lifetime. The greater risk of contracting the disease is between the ages of 11 and 21 (as told to me by a British GP). The vaccine is valid for 10 years only.It is a difficult call. It really depends how much you are potentially exposed to the disease.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 November 2011 - 21:42
Thanks for all your advice ladies. She did use the litter box today for the first time which was great news. As we let her out in the house for a while, she was exploring and seemed quite relaxed. Unfortunately, she must have got stressed again at some stage and peed on my boys bed this evening! Never mind, I now understand it will take some time and I shall be patient. Thanks again all for your help!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 November 2011 - 21:44
Because ticks are so prevalent here, the vets recommend it be applied monthly rather than 3 monthly. Not sure if it was what you did anyway, just a thought.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 November 2011 - 23:30
Be careful with the Auto Market: loads imports, accident-repaired and all sort of dodgy stuff around. Look at Park and Shop adds. Many expats advertise their cars there. Good private deals also on Dubizzle. Have a look at Philippine Car (you can google their name). A friend of mine advertised his tip-top Pajero 2005 on Dubizzle privately and got the price he wanted from Phillipine Cars. He had in fact had bought the car from them 3 years before.The guys were very good, did all the paperwork at his home. Good luck. Buying privately is fraught with risks but is possible (took me 6 months to buy the car i wanted!), you will get some warranty from a dealer but personally I would stay away from the Auto market.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 31 October 2011 - 09:00
Tx again for your help SueB. Got a call back from FF and I am getting FF discount.Was always happy to pay for it (I know how financially stretched they are) but it helps to get the discount. One month ago, I had to take a couple of 2 days old kitten that some wicked kids on the compound had squeezed so badly they had no chance to make it. Al Quoz Vet charged me the current euthanasia rate, albeit only for one. It was a harrowing experience. On the positive side, the lady who thought she had my boy is helping me to find him.She will also feed the stray I took to the vet. Heis such a sweet cat.There are indeed a lot of helpful and kind people around. That makes up for all the morons and nasty people who mistreat animals!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 October 2011 - 20:56
Does anyone know where I can find non bamboo garden torch. I am looking for steel ones. I checked at Ace and they only do the bamboo ones. TIA
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 October 2011 - 19:08
I went to the lady again and unfortunately it was not Rusty but a very friendly uncastrated cat. I took him to the vet and he will be done tomorrow morning. Do you by any chance know the feline friend person who can authorize the op at the FF reduced rate ? My friend who works for FF is not answering. Tx for the tips. I have spoken to as many houses as I can, watchmen, maids and everyone is kindly on the lookout. I am still hopeful he got lost and will turn up for the Saint Glin Glin as we say in French!. I will also put a post on dubbizle just in case.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 October 2011 - 16:02
Will do. Went around and he was not there, will go back this evening as he will be calling for his dinner for sure! Hopefully will catch him then. I need to find out why he goes on errand like this. I thought he was happy with us. First thing first let's find him!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 October 2011 - 14:27
It's him!!!! Tx ever so much SueB. Trying to contact person but not around. Fingers crossed.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 October 2011 - 22:15
park n rock al wasl sells bluebell ice cream in large tubs.32dhs I think. <em>edited by fjcruiser on 16/10/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 October 2011 - 22:13
US is listed under United States.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 September 2011 - 23:01
Just wondering whether the assessment you did last year suggested you get a shadow teacher or is it the school who cannot / does not want to help your kid (but will take the money nonetheless) suggesting you have a shadow teacher. If your child has behavioural issues, is sad, it is a symptom not the cause. Shadow teachers an't for every child. Often that's what the school says cos they don't want to look at the problem from their point of view instead blame the child and the family.Sorry beeen in your shoes a while ago, so understand your predicament. Not sure if you have to go to Kids First but Dubai Community Health Center on Jumeirah Road has therapists too. We started going there as it was recommended by the psychologist. Both therapist my DS sees have been working there for years and their reputation is well established. <em>edited by fjcruiser on 28/09/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 September 2011 - 22:46
Second AS on Al Safa Vets. They are are brilliant and not expensive.Milk is deadly for cats, especially kittens. Dry food is better for the gums and teeth. As young as 6 weeks old, kittens can eat dry special food (available at the vets) mixed with water. From 10 weeks mine was on normal dry food. When you take your kitties, the vet will give you some de-worming and injections when they are 8 weeks and boosters a few weeks later.Sorry cannot remember the cost (includes rabbies, feline flue and leukemia). <em>edited by fjcruiser on 28/09/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 22:24
Unfortunately the lady at the bank was mis-informed. Your assets held offshore are out of bounds of the UAE. Of course having a will is always a good thing, allowing things to be sorted out more quickly. Although you may have been mis-informed, in the end, it was a good thing the lady mentioned about the will.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 September 2011 - 22:53
Just to add, money in e-saver in your DH's name will be frozen should he dies, will or no will. Also, having a will made here is no guarantee that Sharia law won't apply as the Court ultimately decides (will are not recognised here so the Court will have to make exceptions when they deal with non locals). Hence why people say to keep savings offshore even if in your case it is not an option at this point in time.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 September 2011 - 22:32
Like the Emirates ID, people become subject to paying the housing fee when they sign their new lease contract as info about rent paid has to be completed.I guess it may take some time for everyone to be hit by this tax.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 September 2011 - 22:24
As far as I know, your assets held offshore do not form part of your estate in the UAE that's why you are often advised to minimise your assets here(if you can of course) to avoid Sharia Law should your husband dies. Outside countries where there is Sharia Law, dying intestate (without a will) exposes your estate to be divided according the laws of the country your estate is That's why it is essential to have a will in place especially when you have children. As an ex-banker, I always mentioned to my customers with savings and investment to have a will drafted.HTH
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 21:51
There are good artificial flowers at the Marina & the One on Jumeira Road.I try to buy them when there are sales as they can be expensive sometimes.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 September 2011 - 21:48
I am with HSBC Premier in Dubai, the UK and Offshore. I like doing everything online rather than having to use customer service. That said, I had to deal once with customer service in Deira branch to withdraw a large amount of cash and found customer service was good.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 September 2011 - 00:01
Had a new Siemens all in one electric for 18months and loved it. When we moved, I replaced the horrible LL's hob and oven with a Siemens gas hob and electric oven. So far so good. I wonder why someposters are saying Siemens are bad.We always buy our appliances big and small from Jacky's. Service and after sales are good. <em>edited by fjcruiser on 16/09/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 September 2011 - 20:35
My DH has been seeing Dr Humeira Badsha at Al Biraa Arthritis and Bone Clinic on Al Wasl Road, Umm Suqeim for the past 2 months after being referred by Emirates Clinic. At the time, blood test were not conclusive but Dr Badsha diagnosed him straight away and the treatment he is receiving seems to be working. He has seronegative arthritis caused by the multiple ops he had in 2010.He is closely followed as the meds are metabolised by the liver. It means he has regular blood tests and his medication is adjusted accordingly. Good luck.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 September 2011 - 21:22
Decor was interesting, its location too amongst residential villas but the food was disapointing. There weren't any thai people in there just tourists. The portions were small, the presentation was poor too and it was quite expensive. No more BYO. The bill came in stuck in a little loo toy which spits out water as you open the top. Very bad taste. No comparison with the Lemon Grass in Lamcy which is so popular with thai people, where the food comes in plentiful and presented in a very stylish manner and cost a lot less. Thumbs down for SBKK I am afraid.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 August 2011 - 16:29
Dr. Amer Saadeddin at the Dubai Community Health Center on Jumeirah Road. +971-4-3953939 .He caters from children to adults. Highly recommended.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 August 2011 - 21:33
No. I think till 6th September.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 31 July 2011 - 22:41
I think the haggling and arguing is politically motivated. As 2012 is campaign year in the US, the longer the argument goes the better for the Tea Party who is desperately trying to make a name for themselves. I am neither Republican nor Democrat, not even American. By just reading a variety of newspapers from the US, UK and France, it is obvious the US campaign will be about the debt. As much as the problem should be addressed, the way it is being done is quite chocking to say the least.Looks like a circus to me.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 31 July 2011 - 22:33
The UK taxman does not care how much you have or transfer in into your UK savings account. The tax is on the interest received on your savings. Unless you were a non tax payer in the UK in which case interest on your savings was paid gross, the majority of savers pay a 20% tax already deducted by the bank at source.If you are a high taxpayer, you should pay 40% tax on the interest received. To avoid any problem it is better to open an offshore savings account. Unfortunately the interest paid are pathetic generally! Another issue is that most banks do not allow you to open a new savings account unless you are resident in the UK. If you already have a savings account you may be able to keep it but make sure you are up to date with your tax position.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 July 2011 - 17:37
Did you buy the VC in Dubai ? If you did the shop will give you the address where it can be repaired.If you did not buyit in Dubai, I found that Jacky's Electronics was very helpful in providing me with the info. they have shops in DM,Mirdiff City Center. Another place which could give you the info is Better Life in MOE and Mirdiff City Center.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 July 2011 - 16:00
@m. you cannot stop a cheque even post dated in Dubai.As I said earlier, the poor OP'friends havebeen robbed. Fortunately they have a receipt. It may not be worth much but to the police it proves they paid out 5,000dhs. They can file a police case. Their chances of recovering their money may be slim but they can try.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 July 2011 - 15:48
It looks like the EA was not registered with RERA hence RERA reluctance to get involved. Best is to file a complaint to the police as your friends have been scammed.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 30 July 2011 - 15:44
@MP. Life insurance is not necessarily connected to residence. Some life insurance companies will allow you to keep paying your premiums even when you move abroad. It depends on the company T & Cs.Life insurance is regulated in the UK so using a broker/financial adviser in the UK may make more sense. at first Depending on how long the OP has, it could be easier to arrange a policy in the UK. That said, if there are pre-existing conditions, age issues, or the insurer requires theapplicant to go for a medical, it could take weeks to have a policy approved. If the OP is short on time, she can sort a life insurance policy with a reputable broker/financial adviser in Dubai. I stress the word reputable as there is light regulation in Dubai compared to the UK for eg.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 July 2011 - 21:37
old age pensioner.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 July 2011 - 21:34
Got my tyres from AAA and the same make was much cheaper than at Toyota's.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 July 2011 - 21:11
re credit card. My understanding is you cannot have a credit card in Dubai unless you are resident. When you leave your current account has to be closed. You can only have a savings account and no credit card or cheque are linked to savings accounts.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 July 2011 - 19:14
What did you do to get a virus ? Sometimes, you will have a program popping up your screen telling you you have a virus. In fact you do not have any virus at all but the application will ask you fraudulently for money to get rid of the virus.As you open the application, it will possibly download a real virus. Unless you have opened certain documents, dowloaded an .exe program from a disk containing a virus, most likely it is a scam to get money out of you. please let us know what happened.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 July 2011 - 22:18
Being the parent of a special needs child, my only concern is to make sure my child fits in a school or system rather than the school or the system fits the child.The idea of inclusion is very much a recent way for schools to avoid being done for discrimination (especially when funded with tax payers money). In practical terms, it does not mean much as every special needs child has by definition special needs so how can a school possibly cater for every type of special needs except on paper ?. <em>edited by fjcruiser on 18/07/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 July 2011 - 00:05
Bought a car on dubizzle. It took 6 months of searching but got the one I wanted at the price I wanted. My first question is always: I am calling about the car....best way to know whether you deal privately rather than with a dealer.Important to organise test drive preferably from home of owner of the car (another way to check car is privately sold) and do your home work (check logbook, repair receipt and ask questions about the car and its history). Good luck with the search.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 12 July 2011 - 18:40
Off on a tangent - has anyone re-mortgaged their UK property while they've been over here? Any feedback? I have, and I am about to do it in October for the 2nd time, the problem I have is the mortgage company don't actually know that I don't live in the property or live abroad. Beware.It will invalidate your buildings insurance.Also, if your property is rented out, the bank needs to know. The IR on the mortgage may not go up (if you have been with them for sometime for eg) or your mortgage may move to a BTL rate as it's considered more risky for the bank. Also you need to have told the Inland Revenue you moved abroad by filling in a form called P85 I think.If the bank finds out you could be sued or they simply could ask you to repay the mortgage as you lied to them. ETA. What you are saying is actually called mortgage fraud. It is a criminal act punishable by imprisonment. <em>edited by fjcruiser on 12/07/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 July 2011 - 22:14
Also check where the appliance is actually made. Certain manufacturers like Bosch manufacture in cheaper countries as well as Germany and it reflects in the price and quality.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 July 2011 - 15:02
EK does not use recruitment agencies. They will only consider online applications. Good luck.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 July 2011 - 23:16
My DS (grade 3) goes to K12 in Knowledge Village.I am very happy with the curriculum which combines online and books studying. We have been lucky this year as for the first time K12 offered tutoring and he was partof the year with 2 other kids and now it is down to two and soon, it will be one to one 9kids start at different times of the year). Next year he will be in a class of max 4. The program is proving very successful. It would have been too difficult for me to homeschool him so tutoring is a great option and affordable too (much cheaper than the average school here).
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 July 2011 - 18:17
You should insure your car now and not wait for it to expire in a month. Although you have a 30 day grace on renewing registration, it is best to be legal so to speak in case of an accident or just being pulled up by the police. Although your insurance is valid for 13 months, we all know that the premium is calculated on 12 months and I guess the extra month is just there to give you time to shop for a new policy.