RuthM | ExpatWoman.com
 

RuthM

RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 October 2012 - 14:05
Yes, I think it's Land Registry that has it - can't remember, but it's definitely possible, I used to do it all the time in my last job. Also mortgage companies check when people are buying properties with maintenance/ground rent charges that they are up to date so would be likely to be interested if she's not paying.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 October 2012 - 13:06
Don't agree that the resellers don't have a good knowledge, we've bought both iPad and laptops from the Istyleshop in Mirdiff and they are very good, there is also a big one in Dubai Mall. Well the iStyle shop in Mirdif were showing me a Mac Pro and the assistant stuck her hand inside the machine to show the 'space' for expanding. Quite why they had the cover off the machine I do not understand (normally when displaying machines this way the cover is replaced with a clear cover). Now any hardware installation engineer knows poking your hand around a machine without anti static precaution is a quick way to destroy the circuitry with a small static shock. It only takes less than 200 volts to damage delicate circuitry inside a computer, if you feel a static shock it will have been 2000 volts plus, so you may not even know you have damaged components at the time. Dry air environments (such as air conditioned environments) increase the risk of static even more. This was not just showing lack of knowledge but also a very stupid thing to do. When returning our iMac to the iStyle store in Dubai Mall they gave us a new one and offered to copy the data over. Then proceeded to copy it to an external drive over Firewire 800. I stopped them and showed them the magical way of 'sharing' and copying the data straight from one mac to the other with the Firewire cable directly, which takes half the time - I had the entire shop in awe of my brilliance (it's a pretty straight forward thing). Lastly at the Apple outlet in Virgin one of the sales assistants proceeded to treat me like an idiot when I was looking at a 24" display telling me that I should buy an iMac as it's 'better'. I said I only wanted a display and was waiting for the 27" LED one to come out (it hadn't been announced yet). They then proceeded to tell me the next one would be a 30" and actually get in an argument over it. Logically with the 27" iMac is was inevitable the display would also be 27" and also the rumours on tech forums confirmed this. Low and behold a few weeks later the 27" display was announced. So I stand by my statement, Mac sales staff in Dubai, generally know very little.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 17:50
There is no Apple store in the UAE. There are a number of Apple authorised resellers none of which actually seem to know anything about Apple products, but the customer service is reasonable when we were sold a faulty iMac they exchanged it straight away. Otherwise there is an Apple online store, where you can build a machine to your spec.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 October 2012 - 17:43
I've never been a big fan, positive reinforcement and desensitisation is the best way to train and deal with behavioural issues imo. It just takes a little longer and a lot more patience than terrorising a dog until it either submits or attacks you.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 October 2012 - 23:13
So now the cats been given medical care can we talk about arranging a lynch mob for the ******s that tortured her? BTW when we found a stray the pet shop at motor city very kindly let us put a poster up to try and find her owners and they saw it and called us. Also the vet at Polo Club and pet shop at Ranches and Spinney's let us put up found cat posters to try and locate her owners.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 October 2012 - 17:55
Perhaps it is worth petitioning Emaar and RTA for one from Ranches to Motor City. Of course with the never ending road scheme there it may take 10 years to put it in.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 October 2012 - 17:54
Try Nad Al Sheba vet, I think they have later opening times as well now: http://www.nadvethosp.com +971 4 323 4412 +971 50 881 7048 They may be able to give her immediate care and check for chip. However if she's a stray then it'll be back to feline friends or finding someone to hang on to her until she can be homed.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 October 2012 - 14:59
You didn't mention dates? Have you done dates? Also the Bateel sparkling date and pomegranate are nice.
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 October 2012 - 14:48
Just out of interest for those with an LR3/LR4 did you got for the V8 or V6?
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 October 2012 - 12:33
Even if y did sponsor on a company visa, would there then not be issues with the no house sharing rule?
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 October 2012 - 00:21
it's been a nightmare - no EW and no online games! :D I could get on Warcraft no problem, just browsing was not possible - maybe you play different online games! Back up now though it seems.
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 October 2012 - 23:37
Web browsing seems to be back up, albeit painfully slow.
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 October 2012 - 20:19
I did get an MRI done and it is a bulging disc I don't k ow which one exactly. Dr never specified and I didn't know to ask ! I have been advised to lie down with a pillow under my knees and I do that. I can move my legs and they did the push pressure test and ascertained I have no numbness in my toes. However I do sometimes have spasms of pain when's lie down. And the pain shoot down to my knee but only when I walk. I know this is a lifelong thing and the k you ladies for your prompt responses. I need to figure out the right way to go and hopefully this unbearable pain will stop In the next few days. The dr mentioned that muscle relaxants help with the long term healing. That sounded a little dodge but right now with being unable to walk my options are limited to listening and doing as the drs say! So you have a bulging disc not a herniation? There is a big difference. Did you not get a copy of the radiographers MRI report. You paid for it, it belongs to you, if you don't have one then demand a copy the report is pretty self explanatory (if they do proper reports in Dubai) you don't need to be a doctor to get the gist of it. Of course Dubai doctors seem to love to treat the patients like idiots and make out like they are gods so this doesn't surprise me. Luckily I saw a very good doctor in the UK he not only explained things for me he even drew me a picture! So to give a bit of explanation. Your discs sit between the vertebrae in your back. Each disc is like a cushion, a cushion that is filled with goo and in the centre is the nucleus. A bulging disc is where one of these discs is bulging where is shouldn't, leaving it vulnerable. An annular tear is where the outside of the disc is torn. A herniated disc is where the disc has torn and some or all the goo has come out. Many people have bulging discs with no symptoms at all and frankly if you have a disc bulge with no herniation seeing a surgeon is certainly not something you want or need to do. When the goo comes out it can head for the nerves, this is when you get the leg pain (this is like a hot poker shooting all the way down your leg), numbness, loss of bowel/bladder control etc. this is when you may wish to consider surgery but just because you have a bulging disc now does not necessarily mean this will happen in the future. In fact most people will have some bulging discs and maybe even annular tears by the time they get to 30, it just depends where the bulge/tear is as to whether they will show symptoms. Remember back surgery can always go wrong and if you are not at the end stages of a herniation then once the surgeon has poked around in your back and irritated the nerves there is always the chance you could come out worse than when you started. If you have a disc bulging outwards and you repeatedly flex forward (i.e. to do sit ups) then it will cause the disc to bulge further (I'm talking about doing situps every day not an occasional thing). If you bend backwards in a sudden movement (as I have) you can tear the disc. However gentle backward flexion exercises will help prevent the disc bulging further (at least that's the theory). But if your disc bulges a different way then different exercises will be required, which is why you need a copy of that MRI report to take to a physio to get the appropriate exercises. I don't know a doctor to recommend in Dubai, frankly I just get frustrated with the doctors here trying to overprescribe. But I have heard Up and Running are meant to be very good, and I can say Dr Jovanovic at Motor City does not jump up and refer for surgery and will generally be happy to send you to a physio for exercise therapy, which with a bulging disc is most likely what you need. As for the muscle relaxants these can be very good. I assume he is prescribing them because you have a muscle spasm. A little more explanation. When you do something that makes your back think it is unstable (can be something small like a subtle twisting movement) because your core muscles are weak and the disc is vulnerable the muscles will suddenly switch on and hard. This is to protect the area, it's like they throw up a wall of protection. Unfortunately they then cannot switch off, so you have a spasm, and if you don't have a herniation it is most likely this spasm is what is causing the pain. So anti-inflamatories and muscle relaxants will assist to let the muscle 'switch off'. Also a physio may do some deep tissue massage, IMS (where the muscle is stimulated with acupuncture needles) can also relieve a spasm. You don't want it to switch off to quickly though, because remember it is protecting the area. This is why targeted gentle exercise is most often all that is needed to relieve pain from a disc bulge, but it does require effort, dedication and a lot of hard work. Hopefully this will help you to understand a little more what is going on in your back.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 October 2012 - 13:37
Which disc? How was it diagnosed? I believe it can only be confirmed with an MRI. Typically it's L4/L5, but if it has not been confirmed then it may be a bulging disc or annular tear. Do you have pain when lying down flat? Do you have to lie down with a pillow under your knees (knees bent) for comfort? Or lie on your side with a pillow between your knees? Have you done a leg raise test? Is the pain predominantly on one side? The doctors here will try and get you to have surgery, if you do not have leg numbness, tingling and shooting pain all the way down your leg then do not let them do this (they just want money). It's a long recovery. A torn disc takes 6-12 months to heal, the trick is to gently exercise whilst it's healing to ensure you don't have muscle weakness which will leave it exposed to further injury. Physiotherapy is the best place to start, Up and Running have some good physios, I see the British physio at Motor City. You want a physio to give you exercises, if they just give you manipulation and ultrasound you are wasting your time. Once you are out of the acute phase then it will be worthwhile looking for a pilates teacher with some knowledge of back injuries. I see Caroline Leon from Exhale (she does home visits). You may also want to buy a book on the MacKenzie method, this is very useful for back problems (many health professionals use it). It is vital you do the exercises every day, little and often is the way to go with this kind of injury. <em>edited by RuthM on 19/10/2012</em>
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 October 2012 - 13:28
I second Miele. Dyson are ok but don't last well. Sebo are also ok, but don't have a wide range (not sure if there is a stockist out here either).
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 October 2012 - 01:05
Yes I knew. Otherwise all the people that come to the UK and get citizenship could just pop over whenever they want treatment. Only residents get treatment which makes perfect sense, regardless of if you are UK born or naturalised you can't just hop over whenever you want treatment. My mums local hospital has a sign to this effect at the door, so it's really not a hidden secret. If you are an ex-pat in Europe, including Switzerland, the above does not apply. Yes The European Economic Area (EEA) is a free trade zone between countries of the European Union (EU), Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. The regulations on access to healthcare in the EEA also apply in Switzerland. This comes under the European Union Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement hence the European Health Insurance Card. Which you can't get if you are not resident in Europe. 'Any person who is ordinarily resident in the UK, and is of British, other EU/EEA or Swiss nationality, is eligible for an EHIC.' 'The NHS is a residence-based healthcare system. Therefore, once you have moved permanently away from the UK you are no longer entitled to medical treatment under normal NHS rules.'
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 October 2012 - 00:56
My friend who works as a nurse in the NHS says that most doctors and hospitals turn a blind eye as the paperwork can be a hassle when they are busy. They just classify the person as a walk-in emergency or new patient. I'm sure. And to be honest, in my recent experience of NHS hospital emergency treatment for my geriatric demented mother, it's nothing worth having. I'm happier with her staying at home and being treated there by the GP who knows her - in fact, I would prefer an ambulance wasn't called to take her to the emergency dept of a local hospital, as it is usually an unmitigated disaster, with no cohesive treatment and no reference to her GP or community nurses, who are the ones who know her best. We get what we pay for unfortunately ! Its easier in Dubai to pick and choose and make the best informed choice of doctor and hospital, but with the NHS its harder. I am always very afraid of ending up on a trolley with some messy emergency problem, or catching one of those MRSI super bugs. Bleugh Well of course, in Dubai you have private doctors, how can you compare this to the NHS? I find it so strange people try to compare it. As someone who has never had to use the NHS and had private healthcare since birth I can assure you the private healthcare here is shockingly bad. All the gear and no idea is what springs to mind. Not many good doctors would come to a region where they are completely isolated from any kind of teaching hospitals, medical network or development opportunities (medically not managerially). But they advertise nicely so I guess you can say it's easier to make an informed choice - if you think commercial advertising is an informed choice. I absolutely avoid doctors here, they are so scalpel happy it is beyond belief. So far DH who saw one of the best knee surgeons in the UK (who does over 400 knee arthroscopies a year) before coming out here and was informed he needed physio no surgery. Upon arrival we had to get a local referral for physio we were sent from the GP to see another orthopaedic guy who insisted he needed another MRI and surgery, ironically his surgery book was empty and he could fit him in the next day! I have a bulging lumbar and cervical disc with annular tear but no neuro symtoms or root impingement. I saw a top Rheumatologist in the UK, OBE and founding member of the British Society of Rehabilitation Medicine also a chief medical officer in the GB Army that specialised in injury rehabilitation. He said no surgery required, exercise, physio and rest from extreme sports. I stormed out the surgery of the doctor here after he wanted to do yet another MRI, an x-ray, give ibuprofen injections, cortisol and refer to a neurosurgeon for surgery - a neurosurgeon with no neuro symptoms?!!! I had the unfortunate experience of seeing the same idiot this week for my neck and went through the same palaver all over again, and I cannot tell you how much he was pushing for all these unnecessary scans and surgery. From what I can tell the doctors here are only interested in telling people they are sicker than they are and lining their own pockets with the kickbacks they get from scans and referrals. There is a good reason why most of the middle east wealthy go to Europe and America for treatment and it's not because Dubai is too expensive nor is it to make use of the NHS (they go private).
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 October 2012 - 00:19
I know little about the explorer, but frankly think the LR4 is probably the perfect do everything car. I am a die hard LR fan though. My father always had RR classics all the way back in the seventies (he never liked the new ones, too fancy) and a LR Series II (from the sixties) and I have a Defender in the UK. <em>edited by RuthM on 19/10/2012</em>
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 October 2012 - 00:14
International Computer Driving License ICDL is probably your best bet. In fact even for people that 'think' they know how to use a computer this is a good thing to as they are often surprised the things they didn't know (assuming it's as comprehensive as the ECDL). There are a list of approved centres on the website, as for which one of them are any good, I'm sorry I cannot advise. http://www.icdlgcc.com This reminds me, I've been meaning to get advanced certified.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 October 2012 - 00:06
Yes I knew. Otherwise all the people that come to the UK and get citizenship could just pop over whenever they want treatment. Only residents get treatment which makes perfect sense, regardless of if you are UK born or naturalised you can't just hop over whenever you want treatment. My mums local hospital has a sign to this effect at the door, so it's really not a hidden secret.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 October 2012 - 23:54
I've ordered form Evo.com and Backcountry.com. Both have seemed reasonable although some brands they're not permitted to ship abroad (I guess with shop and ship they'll never know). With goggles make sure you buy the right lens for the right conditions (depending on where you're going). A yellow lens is generally good for low light whereas a darker lens would be good for bright light. I recommend goggles rather than sunglasses in any light condition simply because they are safer. Also forgot to mention, along with the ski socks try to buy three quarter length thermals (bottoms) not full length, otherwise the thermal goes into the bottom of your boot and causes discomfort. As you are going skiing in December it is early season and you may be able to get some local bargains (selling off last season stuff) also all the new ski gear will be in if there is nothing suitable in the sales. It may be worth looking in resort depending on where you're going.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 October 2012 - 23:46
loved this quote: 'Teresa, a stay-at-home grandmother and active cat rescuer, is worried what could happen to her tabby in case of illness. “Chrissy is quite old now and I shudder to think what I would do were she to need emergency medical help. Everyone I’ve spoken to lives in the same constant fear.”' Lives in constant fear, this feels straight out of the Daily Mash. I'm sure they may be a serious issue but I really don't think everyone is living in constant fear!
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 October 2012 - 12:47
I don't know what the prices are like in Dubai (everything here seems expensive). But for good basic ski wear (the Gap of ski wear so to speak) I recommend The North Face, it's not cheap but it's also not Peak Performance (which I love), Kjus or Spyder expensive, it's just the right amount of good quality at a reasonable price. But do not forget the most important thing, ski socks. You must buy ski socks, I recommend smart wool PHD or something similar (they have all the right padding in all the right places). Wool is good because it wicks away perspiration, your ski boots are waterproof and your feet will perspire. Do not wear two pairs of socks or football socks or any other socks, ski socks are probably the most important thing you will buy, if you want to be able to feel you skis and not have sore/numb/wet feet. <em>edited by RuthM on 18/10/2012</em>
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 October 2012 - 12:43
Frankly I would not touch a plastic surgeon in Dubai, especially for something as complex as a rhinoplasty (breast augmentation maybe but not rhinoplasty). You will notice people from all over the Middle East go to London or the US for complex surgeries. If it is routine, like appendicitis or needing your tonsils out then by all means any surgeon can do a cut and shut. Dubai has little in the way of teaching hospitals, little links to the medicine world and as much as it would like to be it is not a big medical centre and just doesn't have the network places like London has. Medicine in Dubai is too much of a commercial venture. I had my rhinoplasty done by Barry Jones. He works out of London, it was back in 1992. At the time I had a large golf club shaped hole in the middle of my face, my nose was well once located where the hole was. The end of it was still intact but kind of hanging off. How do I look now? Well lets say people don't believe me when I tell them the injury I had, my nose was rebuilt out of wire (there was no bridge left) and I have a very small faint scar that you can only just see where it meets the corner of my eye, if I pull my eyelid down and sit at a certain angle and point at it. It's also quite a nice shaped nose (better than the big honker the rest of my family have!). Why did I see Barry Jones? Well at the time it happened my father was a dental surgeon, he went to Kings and when he did dentistry the dentists studied with med students for the first few years. He lived in a house with seven med students and stayed very good friends with them. Most of them are in high places now, two of them are chairman of two very large hospitals in London and know practically every good doctor there is to know. When I was in the emergency room with a hole in my face my father called them all, and his father (a retired doctor as well) and asked them to find him the best plastic surgeon they could. Barry Jones is who they came up with. If you do look for a surgeon in the UK look for one that is a member of BAAPS and one that operates an NHS clinic as well as private (BMJ works out of Great Ormond Street). If you can find a surgeon that is published, in the world not just regionally, then even better. Do not be taken in by shiny rooms in Harley street and a surgeon that solely operates out of those shiny rooms, then you're back to commercial medicine again. http://bookghostwriter.com/CS_TopSurgeons.pdf http://www.baaps.org.uk/component/surgeon/member_details/120/mem_id/135/mr-barry%20m-jones www.barrymjones.co.uk/
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 October 2012 - 13:05
Weber came round and cleaned ours twice, although mostly because it got caught on fire as DH didn't know to clean the bottom of it as well as the top! The guy did an amazing job and took before and after pictures he was so pleased with it! Not sure if it is a routine paid for service they do, I wish they did as a deep clean about twice a year it is definitely something I would pay for.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 October 2012 - 13:02
And now for the shocker... I believe the Summit 670 is around AED 14,000 (can't remember the exact price). Expensive, although if as I do you regard it as an outdoor cooker it seems more reasonable. I don't think it comes with a cover, certainly the Genesis doesn't, but I think we bought a cover for about AED 250. One day (many years from now) when we are zillionaires I hope to get a full outdoor Kalamazoo kitchen (http://kalamazoogourmet.com), oh to dream! <em>edited by RuthM on 17/10/2012</em>
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 October 2012 - 10:59
It depends what you want to do. We have the Weber Genesis 310. We use it almost every day and pretty much cook every meal on it except things like stews and curries. We cook pizza on it, roast beef, vegetables, whole chicken, fish - I even have a recipe for a whole turkey but we can't fit one in. Which is why I am asking DH to upgrade us to the Weber Summit 670. The only other downside with our BBQ is we got the one without the hob on the side. As I often do roasts etc. I wish so much we had the hob as then I could make gravy, sauces etc. on the side whereas at the moment I am running back and forth from kitchen to BBQ. I wouldn't even consider an electric BBQ, from what I have seen they often have disastrous results. Charcoal is great, the Weber design for charcoal (we had one in the UK, Weber Kettle) works really well, if you only intend on using it occasionally then charcoal would be a good cost saving option. Weber do a few cheaper options as well, my mum has the Weber Spirit in the UK, which to be honest is almost as effective as the Weber Genesis, although it doesn't quite hit the high temperatures the Genesis can for searing. And there is also the WeberQ which is good for basic grilling, we intend on getting one for camping. If you don't want the inconvenience of charcoal but think the Genesis is too expensive as you only want to occasionally grill a few burgers and steaks then the WeberQ may be good (they do a larger version on a stand). But if you want to be able to effectively use it as an outdoor cooker then I would not hesitate to recommend the Weber Genesis just get the one with the hob on the side or you may regret it later!
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 October 2012 - 02:22
Also awake, trying to finish Warcraft dailies lol. Sorry to hear of lost kitty, I'd be going crazy if we lost one of our dogs here. At least it's not the middle of summer so he/she won't be suffering outside with the heat - hope you get him/her home safely.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 October 2012 - 20:08
I believe Canada is easier than the US. With the US you need to come in on a professional visa realistically and with a job offer. DH is working towards getting into the US within the next five years. He has two degrees, two post graduate diplomas, is a specialist in his field and looking at completing a PhD before trying to get in. He has some trade published articles and aims to publish more as he studies for his PhD. He is also likely to be working for a US company that will transfer him. The US have a set number of visas per type of worker, the more highly qualified the entrant the easier it will be to get in: EB-1 (First Preference) These visas are designed for certain multinational executives and managers; outstanding professors and researchers; and those who have extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics EB-2 (Second Preference) This category is for foreign nationals professionals with an 'advanced degree' (masters degree or higher) and with a job offer from a U.S. company; for foreign nationals with 'exceptional ability' in the sciences, business or arts and with a job offer from a U.S. company; and for foreign nationals with exceptional ability, or an advanced degree, who can show that their activities will substantially benefit the U.S. national interest EB-3 (Third Preference) This category is for 'professional workers' with a U.S. bachelor's or foreign equivalent degree and with a job offer from a U.S. company; for 'skilled workers' for positions that require at least two years of training or experience and with a job offer from a U.S. company; for 'unskilled workers' for positions that require less than two years training or experience and with a job offer from a U.S. company
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 October 2012 - 15:55
RuthM, if OP and the rest who have responded to this thread were skilled enough to be using and buying semi-pro cameras, they wouldn't be using EW for suggestions, they would be using professional sources. Sorry she said professional in the original post and specifically mentioned Canon and Nikon (both well known SLR manufacturers) so I was just going with the information given. Anyway regardless, if she wants to go professional some day it is wise to start with the camera brand you intend to continue with. My first digital camera was a 300D, I bought my semi-pro body when I found the EF 70-200mm f/4L was a bit too big on the 300D. I have a friend who started with a Nikon, later, after a few years when his lens collection had grown he wished he'd started with Canon, but it was too late to go back as he already had a lot of money invested in Nikon lenses. I also know someone who started with Canon and later sold all their Canon gear and switched to Nikon but it is an expensive way to go. Which is why I (like another poster) suggested the Canon 7D, I also suggested a lens to go with it and an EF-S lens which is not a professional lens. I suggested the OP looked at what they wanted for the future and picked a body to go with that, perhaps I should have been clearer, what I actually meant was they should pick the appropriate brand body. I could not advise on Nikon or Sony so I would suggest she undertake her own research for that. I think you will find the 7D is considered an amateur camera, being a crop sensor, but she can add lenses to it as she goes on and later, if she upgrades to a 5D or even a 1D, many of her lenses will still work, most photographers start out with a cheap body, add lenses then buy a more professional body later (with which the lenses are still compatible, hence the need to get the right body in the first place). I also mentioned the 6D, which whilst in my opinion is not as good as the 7D but it is a full frame so she could avoid EF-S lenses altogether and have full compatibility in the future. Of course if she doesn't want an SLR then probably a bridge camera will be sufficient. In which case look at Canon PowerShot SX40, Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150, Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V or the Leica V-Lux3 (very similar to Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150). Or if she just wants an enthusiast compact for portraits and occasional landscapes, the Canon Powershot G12 is one that many professionals keep in their bag for backups (it is that well appreciated), I have the Leica D-Lux 5 and highly rate it and the Canon Powershot G1X is also a great little camera. Then there are also the compact system cameras to consider, the Olympus PEN I don't rate it but know others that do. Or of course Sony's NEX range, with a bigger sensor than the four thirds found in the PEN, which is probably better than the PEN but with a limited lens selection and expensive for what you get. Although I have often toyed with buying one I have no idea what I would use it for which is what has stopped me buying it but it may be good for an enthusiast without an SLR. I think you'll find [b'>Amateur[/b'> photography magazine review many of the products I mentioned, but perhaps their title is misleading. Another magazine What Digital Camera with the tagline [i'>'What to buy and how to use it..'[/i'> also review the products mentioned. It's tagline hardly inspires confidence that it is a professional trade publication read by professional photographers but perhaps I am mistaken I haven't bought a photography magazine for several years.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 October 2012 - 15:01
This is absolute tosh. What exactly do the estate agents do here? It would appear nothing. Perhaps the solution is that the maintenance is paid for by the tenant? Reduce the rents by however much the maintenance is and it has to be paid for monthly by the tenant (like council tax in the UK). Furthermore maintenance is currently paid annually (sometimes quarterly) so to all those who say it's up to the tenant to check if the maintenance is paid up. Then what if they move in two months before the year is up? The maintenance is paid for that year, but then they may have another ten months of unpaid maintenance?
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 October 2012 - 14:32
I can't believe everyone here is talking camera bodies. For a semi pro camera, lets talk about lenses. Once you have your lenses chosen then you choose the camera body to go with them. Personally I am a Canon fan, I believe Nikon may be slightly cheaper and know little about Sony. Here are a few great Canon lenses: Wide Angle Zoom Lenses *Canon 16-35mm f2.8L II USM Walkabout Zoom lenses *Canon EF 24-105 f/4L IS (to me, the ultimate good walkabout lens, also commonly used for wedding photography) Canon EF 25-70 f/2.8L (a fast walkabout lens but is heavy) *Canon EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 (a fast walkabout lens, highly rated, not an L series and only fits a crop sensor) Zoom lenses *Canon EF 70-200 f/4L IS *Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS for a fast lens (but it is heavy) *Canon EF100-400 f/4.5 - 5.6L IS (a superzoom, we used this for safari, not a fantastic lens but good for the price if you want to do nature photography) Prime Lenses (with good Bokeh) Canon EF 24 f/1.4L USM II (nice wide angle lens, great for low light) *Canon EF 35 f/1.4L USM (portrait lens) Canon EF 50 f/1.4 USM (portrait lens) Canon EF 85 f/1.2L II USM (portrait lens) *Canon EF 85 f/1.8 USM Lens (portrait lens, good for most situations) Other more creative lenses *Canon 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens (a fantastic macro lens, that could in certain circumstances be used for portraits also) Canon 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye (Fisheye lens) Decide which sorts of lenses you need for what you want to do. Look at the equivalent lenses for Nikon/Sony and their respective prices, you can also consider Sigma lenses. Then decide which brand you want to go forward from there. As for Canon there are four bodies I would look at: *Canon 7D - The very best crop sensor body, won numerous awards and is generally very good for semi-pro/enthusiasts *Canon 5D MkII - A full frame body, probably not great for sports but a good price and lovely for portraits/landscapes Canon 6D - A new body, only launched last month. Entry level full frame but to me doesn't look as good as it's crop sensor 7D counterpart, too many shortcuts to make a cheap full frame in my opinion - waiting for reviewers to rate it Canon 5D MkIII - A lovely camera, for a lovely price! Bear in mind your camera body you may replace many times, but when you start buying good lenses these you will keep for a lifetime. I have had a 40D (replaced with 7D) and a 400D (which was my 40D backup but now the 40D is the 7D backup - soon a 5D MkII and the 40D will go). Personally for every day walking around I would have a Canon 7D with a Canon EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 to start off with (the 1.6x crop factor makes this a 27-88mm). For full frame then a 5D MkII with a Canon EF 24-105 f/4L IS. Don't forget you need a flash with the 5D. Happy camera shopping. [i'>*what I would buy or have bought[/i'> <em>edited by RuthM on 14/10/2012</em>
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 October 2012 - 01:02
I don't know anyone but would love to know if anyone does (particularly extractions and someone that does male facials). Also I think a Facialist is actually referred to as an Esthetician just for clarification.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 October 2012 - 00:05
Fosters Clark vanilla extract is alcoholfree . You can buy from any super market. Foster Clark is vanilla essence not extract, it doesn't actually contain any real vanilla the ingredients even state 'artificial vanilla flavouring'. I will try some of the other places mentioned, thanks for advice.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 October 2012 - 01:48
Thanks, I might try the Plax, the fluoride level seems to be the same as Fluorigard, I was just stuck on Fluorigard as that's what my dentist (and my father) told me I must use!
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 October 2012 - 01:45
My grandmother has been out to visit here a few times, she is 87 and has a number of other health concerns. She has been insured through Saga on both visits, it's not cheap but they will insure her. Furthermore she broke her leg in September and was due to go on holiday in October, Saga have been great with the cancellation/refunds etc. (although on this occasion she booked the trip with them as well as insuring with them).
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 October 2012 - 00:58
I'm inclined to agree with this. We have about 12 in our garden and no damage to walls or pool or drains as far as we can tell. We have been thinking of getting them trimmed down as they cast a lot of shade and grass won't grow in one corner. Since the EMAAR campaign our neighbours have complained that our trees are encroaching into their garden but they are just using that as an excuse to have another go at us I think. They have lived next door for over a year and not mentioned anything until now.. [b'>Why should Damas trees be any worse than any other tree?[/b'> They all have extensive root systems as far as I know they wouldn't stand up if they didn't Trees differ as much underground as they do above ground. Root systems have huge variation from species to species. Just as trees adapt above ground to suit their environment, they adapt below ground. Damas trees have adapted in order to be successful in the climate here, they tolerate heat, drought and high levels of salinity well which helps them thrive in the conditions here. Key to it's success is it's root system which is fast growing, covers a large area and is extensively branching making it very dense. The roots themselves are very fibrous rather than soft which makes them ideal for forcing their way through anything in order to reach water. Which is great for the tree, not so great for the wall/pipe/swimming pool that stand in it's way. When we first moved here we were in a rented property which had many large damas trees in the garden. The damas did great but nothing else would grow so I dusted off my plant and microbial sciences major and read up on them. When we bought a house my main stipulation for the garden was no damas! ETA: In answer to the OP, I've put in lots of bougainvillea which grow in to a dense hedge which I love the look of. You don't get the height of the damas though. edited by Daza on 12/10/2012 Thanks for this (and thanks for other replies). I like the look of the bougainvillea may I ask how tall it has grown and how long it takes to establish(ish). We'd like something 8ft(isn) I think. Thank you again.
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 October 2012 - 13:51
So no one knows?
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 October 2012 - 07:01
It's the Daily Mail, they were probably confused as to which ethnic group to accuse of barbaric behaviour, or whether to pick on youths or asylum seekers to be scrounging on the benefits system or which political party has come up with a new policy that is going to end Britain as we know it, so they decided to go with 'Man Throws Dog in Sea' as their latest sensational reporting - I wouldn't be too concerned, but do recommend if you want to add some humour to their fiction that you read the Daily Mash instead!
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 September 2012 - 01:28
No idea but you're not after hydrofluoric acid and a large low-density polyethylene tub are you? Should we be worried? ;)
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 September 2012 - 01:16
Mont Blanc or Dunhill for fountain pens. Mont Blanc do their normal range and their limited/special edition ranges Donation Pen, Writers Edition, Patron of the Art (4810 and 888). Which will start around 3000AED and go up to around 20,000AED (no idea local prices working on conversion). I will say I have noticed Mont Blanc in the past has been more expensive in the UAE than in the UK but Dunhill ironically (a British brand) are slightly cheaper in the UAE than in the UK. Pottery Barn had some nice placemats a while ago, the hard cork backed type, they also do some rattan ones not sure what you want.
RuthM
1042
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 September 2012 - 13:39
I can only suggest to do what you would do anywhere else in the world if an employee were to steal. Tell them their employment will be terminated. They have the choice to either replace what they stole or you will call the police and they will be arrested. In this case you can tell her of course she can go home but it will be via a jail cell and with a life ban on returning to the UAE. There are some articles on cases in the National, just search for maid stealing, perhaps show her some where maids have been given sentences, and throw in some other articles on jail conditions in Dubai. Of course if your maid is not legal etc. then it is probably best not to call the police or you will be landing in jail with her! <em>edited by RuthM on 21/09/2012</em>
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 September 2012 - 13:29
Ours was a 'teenager' (about 4-5") he loved those shrimps so much we had to stop feeding him for a few days or he would ignore his pellets and just eat the shrimps (not quite a balanced diet). What he really loved was the fresh prawns the vet suggested. He'd tear them to bits with his claws and go into a feeding frenzy! And raw fillet steak - yes our temporary resident turtle lived a life of relative luxury! <em>edited by RuthM on 21/09/2012</em>
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 September 2012 - 11:57
I'm getting a picture shipped with UPS for £170. But, they wouldn't take it with glass, I had to change the glass to perspex before shipping.
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 September 2012 - 11:31
I am clueless when it comes to tech ! hahaha does this all mean you have it is dvd form?? sorry It means the DVDs are copied into iTunes. CD copies to MP3 DVD copies to MP4 When you download torrents they are typically not MP4 and will not play in iTunes (you can use a player like VLC) they will also be of varying quality. My actual DVD disks are in storage in the UK. Hope that helps :)
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 September 2012 - 11:26
They are so easy to look after. Get some turtle pellets from a petshop, they also love salad stuff like lettuce, carrot etc. Make sure they can crawl out of the water onto a harder surface like rocks. Sorry she said they are baby turtles. I am assuming as they are aquatic then they are Red Eared Sliders (most common). Baby RES are practically carnivores, they do need some vegetation but prefer meat and they need a lot of protein. If she is trying to get them to eat them tempting them with meat is probably the best way to go, although necessary it can be hard to get them to take greens. [b'>One thing I forgot to mention which is really important. Sliders cannot eat on land. They can only eat in water so you must put their food in the water.[/b'> Live feeder fish (occasionally) Earthworms Finely chopped raw lean beef or beef heart Cooked chicken Snails Tubifex worms Mealworms Waxworms Pinkie mice Crickets Bloodworms I added prawns as my vet suggested them when we found a turtle. Some useful information: http://animal.discovery.com/guides/reptiles/turtles/slider.html
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 September 2012 - 05:23
Do it! It's a great show.. Www.cokeandpopcorn.com If you haven't, I recommend madmen aswell! I have Madmen S1-4 ripped to MP4 direct from DVD (not downloaded) as well. Also Dexter, Six Feet Under, The Shield, Life, Homeland, Boston Legal, House, The Pacific and Band of Brothers My geeky side has Buffy, Angel, Dark Angel, Big Bang Theory, Battlestar Galactica, Babylon 5, Farscape, Smallville and Firefly Obviously these rips are all for personal use and I would only be able to 'loan' them to you for personal use :)
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 September 2012 - 05:12
I'm really boring and use Bobbi Brown mineral foundation. But on bad days I have used Luminous Moisturizing Foundation or Moisture Rich Foundation (can't decide which I prefer). Really most reputable brand liquid foundation should provide good coverage, just ensure you use a finishing powder and then you won't have the shininess or the pasted on look!
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 September 2012 - 01:32
They need sunlight or a UV light to bask, if they are not eating this may be why, it is vital for their health without basking they cannot metabolize. Many pet shops sell them with a florescent light but this does not meet their needs. Baby turtles eat more meat than adult turtles. If you are struggling to get them to eat get some of the dried shrimp turtle food (looks like tiny dried shrimps) to try and tempt them, otherwise if still unsuccessful you can try some fresh raw prawns or lean steak. This will not give them a balanced diet however but to try and get them to eat it may work. They will also require fresh greens and the complete pellet food pet shops sell to try and balance their diet. They may eat some water plants if you put them in and plants will also help to remove chlorine from the water. But take care to get plants that are not poisonous to them. When we were looking after an adult one we bought a large Ikea plastic tub (not ideal long term because it will degrade under UV) and covered half of it with some wood and put a large basking rock at the other end. The rock needs to be easy for them to climb on to and not sharp. The water depth should be at least 1.5 times the length of the turtle so if they fall onto their backs they can roll over in the water. Also be careful of spaces or areas around the rock where they can get trapped and drown. As they are babies it may be worth having a second rock in the shady end as they won't be strong enough to swim all day and they may want a cool spot at times. I'm not in Dubai at the moment but if the temperature is still quite warm you may need to move them inside and outside appropriately if it is too warm for them in the heat of the day. They will require frequent water changes and once they are eating again it may be advisable to feed them in a separate container as they defecate almost immediately after eating. Turtles can have a nasty bite so take care when handling keep your fingers away from their mouths and lift them carefully. Be very careful not to drop them, they may struggle and try to scratch and it can be surprising how strong they are. Also bear in mind baby turtles in particular can carry salmonella so ensure you wash your hands after handling them. Hope this helps whilst you are looking for a new home :)
RuthM
1042
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 September 2012 - 17:24
Are your teeth through or impacted? If they are impacted I would recommend an oral surgeon rather than a dentist. Don't know anyone in particular in Dubai though but Mr Mace in Harley Street, London is excellent.
 
 
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