RuthM | ExpatWoman.com
 

RuthM

RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 September 2012 - 02:42
Find a reputable breeder in the UK yourself contact them explain the puppy farming situation in Dubai and ask if you can buy from them (they normally like some info about you as well). There is a good chance they'll want to meet you but so far three breeders out of three have all said yes to me.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 September 2012 - 02:40
We have a sociable (and anti social but we won't talk about her) choccy Lab. He loves meeting new friends. There is a place to walk off lead in the desert. If you exit the ranches at Studio City and turn left and head straight out, I think it's the second roundabout there is a left turning with a cattle grid. Beware of quad bikers/dune buggys out there though. Alternatively I heard a rumour there is a place if you drive into Studio City and keep on going - haven't been there yet but if anyone can elaborate would be most grateful!
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 September 2012 - 02:36
Sorry did you say toddler? And Maltese? And miniature? This sounds like a recipe for disaster, as an experienced dog owner surely you are aware that the Maltese is a very small and very fragile dog? They can be snappy with small children and are not an ideal breed for small children as they are so fragile. Frankly the 'miniature' (teacup) Maltese shouldn't even exist in my opinion. Then the fateful words 'I am looking for a doggy for my child'. This fills me with grave doubts, a dog is for the family and no toddler should ever own a dog. I'm also not sure how you have gone from Maltese to Cocker Spaniel as the two breeds couldn't be further apart. But here is some information. I know you say you don't need it but I think perhaps you do. To introduce a dog to cats is not going to be easy. Any introductions should always be done with the dog on a tight leash, a few times a day you will want to put both animals in the same room with the dog on the leash. A few minutes every time, try to pick a time after walks or play so the dog is tired. Once you bring the dog home it may be ideal to keep it confined for a while. Have a room you can sit in with the dog and put a puppy gate up so the cats can come in as they please but the dog does not leave the room. Make sure you spend a fair bit of time in the room with the dog so it does not feel alone and so the cats may be encouraged to come in. This situation may be ongoing for a number of weeks, it is not going to happen overnight. Hopefully at some point they will reach some kind of mutual respect for each other and you can take the gate down. We had an Alsatian that failed her guide dogs exam because she hated cats. Then my mum decided to get a cat, she managed to get the Alsatian to tolerate the cat eventually. So no dog will be impossible, although I would avoid any hunting breeds with a natural chasing instinct they will always have a tendency to chase the cat regardless of how well they get on with it and accidents can happen. Oh and I wouldn't get any snub nosed dogs in Dubai, Pugs are lovely but the weather is cruel for them. From your posts I am not convinced having a dog is a good idea. Perhaps you should do some more reading and think more seriously about it first, because your daughter wants a dog is not really a good reason to buy one. If she is a toddler the dog will effectively be your dog so it is important you are keen to have this lifelong commitment as well. The training, the chewing, the vet bills, the food, the mess this will all be picked up by you. I am sorry if I sound negative but really think you need to be absolutely sure a dog is what you want for your family.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 September 2012 - 23:50
Smart Fitness trainers are fantastic, top class trainers with great backgrounds, AED250 per session. I have a wonky hip and used one of their trainers and he knew exactly what he was doing and I managed to get a level of flexibility I never thought possible. Your post has prompted me to think about getting back into some form of training. http://www.smartfitness.ae/services/personal-training/ Ooo I notice Jarred is there - I'm sure he used to be at Core? - Wonder why he left?! Thanks for all the suggestions ladies - I've contacted both trainers for some info and am debating whether to contact Jarred at Smart Fitness as he looks most suitable for me :)
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 September 2012 - 21:07
I have season 1 and 2 which I erm ripped to my Mac in mp4 720 format. If you have an Apple TV or similar you're more than welcome to them. The DVDs are in storage however.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 September 2012 - 20:24
If you just need an information page it's easy. Many web space companies include build your own website packages with their hosting services. However if you want people to be able to buy things off your website, make bookings etc. it becomes more difficult. Just whatever you do, DON'T use flash. Or put annoying videos on the front page, stupid fancy animations, or music it drives users insane.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 September 2012 - 19:56
Completely off topic but how hilarious is that site! http://www.panarabiaenquirer.com/ I will definitely be reading that more frequently! My favourite: http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 September 2012 - 19:24
They do transfer sounds quite well so high heels and even dogs with long nails will sounds very "tick tick tick" on a wooden floor. May not bother you though but just a consideration. But tiled floors are just as if not even noisier, handy in our villa as I know when DH has left the bedroom door open and can catch the dog trying to take a nap on the bed!
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 September 2012 - 02:27
I had both in the UK, only got the Miele in Dubai but want the Dyson (for the dog hoover attachment!). For an upright I'd go with Dyson, but for a cylinder then Miele.
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 September 2012 - 02:23
My pilates teacher who seems to do more PT sessions than just pilates worked with a physio in Australia (according to a physio I saw in Canada the Australian trained physios are the best, although I am sure many disagree!). She also has a Bachelor of Medical Science (BMedSc) in Anatomy and Physiology. I definitely recommend her if your daughter has any back issues, I also have hyper-mobile joints (particularly ankles but also knees, feet and neck) and she is very good with that too, doing lots of balance work to try and stabilise my joints. Her name is Caroline Leon and you can contact her through Exhale. http://www.exhaledubai.com/
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 September 2012 - 20:43
It sounds like the OP's child was not being that much trouble and the other couple were over reacting. However some months ago I was eating at Sezzam in MOE. We were sitting by the window next to the ski slope and the lovely family behind us were allowing their evil spawn to run up and down the windowsill, right past us so it literally had it's feet on our table as it ran past (the tables are at the same level as the sill). Normally in this situation I quietly trip the child up, leaving the parents to deal with a balling child. But this would have resulted in it falling on our table, so after asking them to stop the child and getting nowhere we ended up leaving our table and not finishing our meal. That said in the same place a few months earlier we had some awful tourists leaning over our table to take photos of the ski slope as we were eating. Then when I politely asked them to stop doing that as we were trying to eat our meal and having strange people leaning over us was quite disconcerting they got really rude and abusive. I wish in Dubai they could employ less Filipino staff and more Arab staff that would perhaps feel safe in throwing out irresponsible or rude people. With the racial class system here is seems people working in the service industry are too afraid to say anything to customers that would not get away with this kind of behaviour elsewhere. Speaking of the ski slope they could also do with some ski patrol to throw out those dangerous out of control skiers that could so easily cause a serious injury to a child or a beginner.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 September 2012 - 15:45
Eww Nickleback, how can they go from Linkin Park to Nickleback <sigh> I knew I should have fought DH a bit harder for tickets on the Linkin Park year.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 September 2012 - 15:27
I did try googling it and could only find companies that cover EU. It's a Land Rover and I want to be able to take it off road to go shooting so unfortunately a rental just isn't going to work :D Thanks for the Stuart Collins recommendation, my mum currently has it insured under her insurance and uses it from time to time, I will try Stuart Collins and see if I can switch her policy to there and add myself and DH on to it. Thanks again.
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 September 2012 - 00:29
now they need a law to deter non paying tenants. Police should be able to evict automatically after non payment of rent after 90 days...or something like that Landlords have always been able to issue Notice to tenants who don't pay and proceed through the courts - nothing to do with the Police... Maybe homeless people think that someone who can afford to have a property and not live in it has less need of it than they do !! :) Unfortunately homeless people are not generally the ones who are squatting, more often than not it's a bunch of liberal middle class brats with degrees in art or something that have some kind of silly political ideal about green, eco, 99% and all that garbage. They take great joy in trashing 'rich' people's homes because they are greedy and 'deserve it' and non tax paying expats are exactly their targets. Then you have the opportunists that try to claim adverse posession on your property and don't get me started on those. Many people cannot afford to pursue squatters through the courts especially at present with the housing depreciation in the UK many people may not have much equity in their homes that they can release to get cash together to dispose of these people. Actual homeless people are most likely the ones that will leave when asked to. Our house is currently empty as we are trying to get some cash together to put in new heating and electrics so we can get a landlords certificate and a new kitchen and bathroom so prospective tenants will have a 'nice' place to rent. And yes when I go to check on it I take my dog and my gun, I have no intention of pursuing squatters through the courts and will frankly throw them out myself, they can do me for assault later and see how far they get, at least I'll have my property back! Although now the law has changed I can only say hurrah, I no longer need to be at risk of beating up on squatters. Just my two cents.
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 September 2012 - 23:29
They should just be able to break the door down and shoot them - erm I meant arrest them ;)
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 September 2012 - 15:10
I second Denon/Marantz but approach with caution as I am not convinced by their sales staff, unfortunately this could possibly be a problem with all stores in Dubai. There is a store Archimedia (http://www.archimedia-me.com) which I have not tried but they are local dealers for B&W and Meridian (both very reputable brands). If you want a 'style' home setup you could look at B&O or for the cheaper but also stylish option Loewe. Otherwise you can do the research yourself using What-Hifi and contact Richer Sounds or Sevenoaks SAV in the UK to confirm your set up is compatible before buying. I often buy from SSAV as once you have claimed the tax back it can be cheaper than Dubai (if you ever visit the UK).
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 September 2012 - 14:44
Lol! It should only take 8-20minutes to rip a dvd. You need to get a faster drive as yours is wayyyy too slow. For it to take overnight to copy a DVD with no encryption to HDD her machine would have to be seriously ancient! My five year old iMac decrypts and copies in less than 15mins. There is a firmware feature on some Macs called Riplock that slows the drive down (to decrease noise and supposedly increase the life of the drive) but I am not aware of whether this is found on Windows laptops. What spec is your machine? Do you know what speed the drive is? You can get this information from the Device Manager in Windows, or the make/model of the machine plus a little internet research will likely be able to come up with the information. How is your external HDD connected? What software are you using to copy the DVDs? Presumably as pirates they are already decrypted? Do you just want a copy of them or do you want them converted to MP4? Alternatively if you just want to save shelf space why don't you just get a DVD storage cake box like this: http://www.amazon.com/EMPTY-DVD-CAKE-SPINDLE-DISCS/dp/B0089Y6WR4/ref=pd_sim_sbs_misc_3 As for whether or not you should buy a Mac? Well my answer to that will always be YES! But then I am biased. <em>edited by RuthM on 02/09/2012</em>
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 September 2012 - 14:40
I do buy the frozen chicken as they are bigger and it's in one piece!! No kidding! have you buy the fresh chicken in C4? what ever I buy, I always find these poor chicken had suffered serious injuries that it's bones is already fractured in several places and it's wings are already ripped out of it's joints.....I refuse to eat something did suffer that much before it die....if I eat something suffered like that, it de-human me, and make me just a beast and I am not suppose to cook it....just eat it row..... really this what make you think Halal or not? Of course these chicken are not halal if they suffered before it die so it's not halal anymore. Just out of curiosity, how do you know that these "injuries" occurred before death and not after, during the plucking and packing stages? The blood ....there is hemorrhage that is inside the flesh which indicate these injuries occur while the chicken still alive.....if the cut was with no blood spreading out inside the flesh, that means it happen after killing the chicken. These were so many times I did see this hemorrhage mostly in wings and the area around the chicken neck....that means these poor things did suffer slow death and not fast and swift....which make these chicken not Halal anymore. I love the fact that you did a post-mortem on your chicken!
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 02 September 2012 - 11:39
You mean it takes a whole night to copy a DVD? The time it takes is going to depend on your computer. I can decrypt, rip, encode a DVD on my latest iMac in 20-30mins. My old iMac in the UK takes about 1.5hours to do the same thing. Now to just decrypt and rip the DVD on my iMac in the UK takes about 10-15mins (I've not done on any my new iMac). to explain: - decrypt (remove copy protection - which you may not need to do) - rip (copies to HDD) - encode (I encode to MP4 so it creates a smaller file size and is playable on iTunes, AppleTV, iPad etc.) programs used: - decrypt/rip - Mactheripper (alternatives I haven't tried are RipIt, Fairmount and for windows Win X DVD Ripper Platinum) - decrypt, rip and encode (doesn't just decode/rip) - Handbrake (I haven't used the Windows version and you need VLC installed as well for the decryption) and if you are fussy like me and want MP4 files that look pretty with picture, description etc. then you can tag them using MetaX What I often do is use Mactheripper to decrypt and rip about 50 DVDs onto a HDD then leave Handbrake to encode them over a few days, if you want them encoded for MP4.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 August 2012 - 01:20
I don't know much but Cyprus seems like a bit of a random place to have spinal specialists. I normally stick to London as my family who were all in medical professions themselves have always told me that any good surgeon would want to at least stay connected to a big London NHS hospital even if 90% of his work is private as they are teaching hospitals and they get some of the most interesting cases and have regular meetings with other doctors to discuss cases etc. There is a place in Munich where I know someone (a full time athlete) who had endoscopic surgery on their disc and was very pleased with the results and recovery time. However it may be best to do some research as one persons opinion is not enough for something as important as a spine! http://www.apex-spine.com/endoscopic-disk-surgery-lumbar-spine.html
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 August 2012 - 01:08
With any luck it was just someone drunk and got the wrong house, but still I would be terrified if it were me. When DH is away and the dogs bark at night it leaves me unable to sleep listening out for every sound, but then I hope whoever they heard is more scared than I am from the barking! Hope you don't get any more disturbances and it was just an innocent mistake or childish prank. :)
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 August 2012 - 10:45
I had an intense craving for this last year and could not find it anywhere. However, I found a recipe online and found that Prime Gourmet on SZR sold me the right cut of beef. I made it myself...super easy and totally satisfied the craving. tons of recipes online and a how to video on youtube that helped with some tips. HTH Thanks for that, I have a recipe (my gran used to make it) but have just never been able to find the right cut of beef in Dubai. Now perhaps I could be the first to open a Salt Beef Bar?!
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 August 2012 - 02:42
I haven't got Caroline's number with me but you'll be able to get it if you phone Exhale Telephone: +971 4 4474220
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 August 2012 - 02:40
I got some from Laura Ashley but they also won't be cheap.
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 August 2012 - 02:40
I got some from Laura Ashley but they also won't be cheap.
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 August 2012 - 02:11
Congrats on finding a pup! Fiat is correct, all animals must fly as cargo. However you can fly on the same flight. I flew on the same flight with our two dogs with Emirates from Gatwick. It is surprisingly easy to do. 1. Microchip, rabies vaccine, serology test (certificate) get scanned copies of everything for emailing 2. Order box for pup to travel in 3. Book flight (I recommend Virgin or Emirates) 4. DEFRA export certificate (send form) 5. Dubai import paperwork (we used DKC but apparently it is not hard to do yourself) 6. Visit vet get export certificate stamped, tapeworm treatment 7. Drop pup at cargo at airport 8. Fly 1. Organise the pups microchip and rabies vaccine at least 21 days before flying (if you haven't done so already), it is best to get a pet passport and do the serology test (this may be compulsory). Dubai rules are that the pet must be 3 calendar months old before rabies vaccine and cannot fly until 4 months old. 2. The pup will require a box to be shipped in, we used Vari Sky Kennel which are IATA approved and the guidelines for fitting your pup to a kennel are here: http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/cargo/live_animals/Pages/pets.aspx I recommend getting her to sleep in the kennel (give her a bedtime treat) for a few weeks before she flies so he gets used to it - the cargo guy couldn't believe how happily our two jumped into their boxes before flying (after many weeks of getting treats in them). 3. Book a flight with Virgin or Emirates (BA were not very helpful) ensure the date is flexible just in case. We first booked with Virgin who were great but then decided Gatwick was closer and changed to Emirates who were more expensive but also very helpful. BA were even more expensive and never returned any calls or gave any advice. You need to send the airline information as follows to book the flight: Dogs details: Dog Breed Labrador Retriever Colour Chocolate (Brown) *** Male DoB 05/04/2003 Age 6 years Name Chester Container Size 102x69x76cm Weight 30Kg Full shipper details and telephone number: RuthM XXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX Beckenham Kent XXX XXX Tel: +44XXX XXXX XXXX +44XXX XXXXXXX I will be travelling on the same flight with the dogs Full consignee details including telephone number: DH XXXXX Villa XX, XXXXXX Arabian Ranches Dubai United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 XXX XXXXXX (If you use an Agent then add) We will be using an Agent to organise paperwork and arrange customs clearance: Dubai Kennels & Cattery PO Box 10532 Street 34 Umm Ramool (near Rashidiya and Festival City) Dubai United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 4 285 1646 Flight and dates: EK012 Thu 12 Nov 09 09:45 London Gatwick Airport (LGW) Thu 12 Nov 09 20:35 Dubai International Airport (DXB) 4. Contact DEFRA as you will need a DEFRA certificate before flying. DEFRA will contact a local vet where the dog has to be checked a few days and given tapeworm treatment. http://animalhealth.defra.gov.uk/about/formsandfees/formdisplay.asp?ref=EXA01 5. Get an Import Permit from the Ministry of Environment and Water in Dubai (we used DKC for this but apparently it is not that hard however the website is a bit vague http://petimport.moew.gov.ae/defaulten.aspx) 6. See the vet to get tapeworm treatment and DEFRA certificate. 7. Drop pup at cargo bay. 8. Fly. No idea what happens at the other end, DKC picked ours up, but I would guess you could collect her at cargo. I'm not sure when the best time to arrive is, perhaps ask cargo, obviously night time will be cooler but there needs to be a vet on duty to release the animal, although ours arrived in the evening and got to our villa with DKC at the same time as me! Both Emirates and Virgin were very helpful when I phoned them, they emailed me tons of information and pretty much held my hand the whole way. All the breeders for Labradors I have spoken to have offered to arrange paperwork at their end and hang onto the pup until ready to travel for me if need be. In fact with the kitten I am looking at bringing out the breeder had cheaper rates on passport than the vet I normally use because the breeder breeds another rare breed and has lots of exports (they are trying to mix bloodlines worldwide). Don't forget to ask a few questions about the pup, parents etc. I don't know about Havanese (assuming this is what you got) but I think eye tests are the usual recommended practice. Perhaps also hip, ear and elbow but you can probably look up online to check which questions to ask. Links: Emirates http://www.skycargo.com/ourservices/animalCare/animalcare.asp Virgin http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en/travel-information/flying-with-pets.html DKC http://www.dkc.ae/what-we-do/global-relocations-pet-imports.php Our contact at Emirates was Melissa Morgan but she may have moved on by now, here are the details in any case: [email protected] Direct: 0208 757 6555 Good luck with your pup, hope all goes well :) <em>edited by RuthM on 30/08/2012</em>
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 August 2012 - 14:47
I don't know much about Windows laptops as I switched to Mac in 2001 and haven't looked back. People say Macs are overpriced, in some ways they are, but generally you get the some of the highest grade components in Macs whereas cheaper manufacturers may use inferior parts. In particular the screens on Macs seem to have exceptional brightness and good resolution. If you like OS X then you will not mind paying the extra for a Mac, I haven't really used Windows 7 at all so cannot comment on the differences, I will say DH hates using his work computer and now takes his MacBook Air to work and uses that whenever he can. You are looking for quite a high spec machine if it is just to be used for movies, emails etc. What screen size are you looking for? The 15" MacBook Pro comes with a graphics card with dedicated 512MB-1GB memory for graphics intensive tasks such as gaming. This will push the price of the machine up significantly but unfortunately as yet they do not produce a laptop at 15" without this addition. The 13" MacBook Pro does not have this graphics card and is priced significantly cheaper. Obviously there is also the MacBook Air to consider. Otherwise you can look at HP, Lenovo, Asus, Toshiba, Samsung and Sony as you mentioned. Traditionally Toshiba were very well known for making good laptops, Sony's were reasonable if a little overpriced, I believe Asus and Samsung are fairly well respected now. Samsung are one of the partners that make Apple screens but I believe they are made to Apple specification, that said Samsung are probably the market leader in LED screens, certainly in televisions (with Panasonic (using Pioneer tech) in the plasma market) When you are looking ensure you examine the screen resolution and don't just look at the components for a 15" try to get 1600x900 (1440 lowest). Try to look at the screen in bright light, preferably daylight if you can to ensure the screen will be bright enough. If it were me, I'd save a little longer and get a new MacBook Pro Retina - which is what I'm doing - so perhaps I'm biased!
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 August 2012 - 14:14
We spent quite a bit on our first mattress in Dubai, it was a vi-spring on sprung slats. After a few months we decided a King bed was too small for the master bedroom and moved it to the spare room and got another Super-King bed for our room with another vi-spring mattress on a divan base. Both are very comfortable. I was surprised when our first guest to visit said on his first day 'wow I've never slept on a bed so comfortable where did you get that mattress?' Many other guests have made similar comments. I will say I prefer the one on the sprung slats it seems to make the mattress slightly firmer, but am also happy with the one on the divan base. In the UK I have a Tempur mattress but must say whilst it is hugely comfortable, it is also very warm. It may be worth taking a trip to your home country where you may get better service selecting a mattress with a wider selection and more experienced staff, then you can order it when back in Dubai.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 August 2012 - 14:04
I think there's a music centre at Studio City - whether or not it's any good I cannot say. http://brooklynmelodies.com/ The website has annoying music which instantly makes me dislike them but then I just hate websites with music and videos on the front page grrr.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 August 2012 - 11:04
My favourite brands for pots are: All-Clad (US stainless steel) Lagostina (Italian stainless steel) Mauviel (French copper or stainless steel) Galleries Lafayette and Crate & Barrel sell some of them or you can look online and get them shipped over. They're expensive brands but you might never need to replace them. Mine are five ply aluminium core but if I buy any more I am going to try and get five ply copper core or even just copper pots!
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 August 2012 - 23:53
We got two mattresses from And So To Bed... They are both Vi-Spring which are a UK brand that are handmade (perhaps not in the UK anymore but we can hope). They use natural materials which means they should not be too warm. In fact four times now we have had guests staying in our spare bed who have without prompting said how comfortable the mattress was, one of my friends said "wow that was the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in!". Foam mattresses can be very warm. Although I love my Tempur mattress in the UK (my mum stole our bed from our house for her spare room) I find in the summer it is just simply too hot.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 August 2012 - 23:43
The DSO building is with Etisalat and I think the rest of the estate is as well. As it is supposed to be a technology park the connection there seems to be very good. I often go to DH office to play Warcraft at the weekend if he is working and it is bliss!!!
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 August 2012 - 23:40
Grip size is paramount or you can have all sorts of issues such as tennis elbow etc. Ideally it would be best if he chooses a racquet himself that feels a good weight for him. But if he has an existing racquet you can usually find the grip size on it, it will either be 1, 2, 3, 4 or it will be 4 1/8, 4 2/8, 4 3/8 etc. Grips can be made bigger by adding an overgrip but it is hard to make them smaller. As for racquets most intermediate racquets have a mid size head and are reasonably light. Smaller head size and slightly weightier racquets I think are better for more control but more often used by pro players. DH was playing with a Babolat Pure Drive GT which was the most sold intermediate racquet at my local tennis club in the UK (perhaps because the shop got a job lot of them?!). But recently he decided he was a big Federer fan and just HAD to have the Federer racquet. After much persuading I stopped him buying the smaller and heavier Wilson Pro Staff Six.One 90 and he got the Wilson Pro Staff Six.One 100. It is slightly lighter than the Babolat I think but the same head size and the balance is still head light. His tennis coach said he played well with it so he can't be happier. If you are sure you want to get him a racquet I would suggest getting one from a store where they will offer an exchange and look his existing racquet up online to see what the grip size, weight, headsize, balance, length, string pattern are and then look for something similar.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 August 2012 - 23:16
Our sock monster is called Chester, he's brown, furry with four legs and a tail - he just loves chewing the ends off the socks or just makes them disappear altogether!
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 August 2012 - 23:58
I see a really nice lady from Exhale called Caroline. I used to do personal training with another trainer but since a back injury have started doing a combination of personal training and Pilates with her. She also sees my husband who does a few sessions a week with a crossfit trainer and a few session with her for yoga stretches and Pilates core work. She is a yoga and Pilates instructor and also has some experience working with physiotherapists in Australia so is very aware of physiology etc.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 August 2012 - 16:14
There's no such thing, Microsoft made that up! You can use a USB bridge cable or an Ethernet crossover cable (the one you use to connect to your Du (maybe Etisalat) wall socket for internet. Otherwise try the electronics shops (Sharaf, Jacky's etc.) at Dubai Mall or Mirdif.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 August 2012 - 15:31
I recommend against an unfit person doing a lot of burpees. If you do then don't try to race through them, do them slowly, especially if you have any history of lumbar problems. Why? Because to do a burpee correctly you need good core strength, if you don't have good core strength you will drop your hips and put your lumbar into a very dangerous position. When done quickly it is all too easy to damage or even herniate a lumbar disc. I only speak from experience, I had a disc tear in January 2010 and an ongoing bulging disc which caused mild pain, I had to take six months off exercise all together (to allow the disc to heal- no exercise does not heal discs) then ease gently back into training being concious of core stability. Had few issues of mild muscle inflammation as the muscle near the disc is still in mild spasm, but nothing serious. Then started with my 'crossfit' trainer in January. A few weeks later another disc tear and now my fitness is put back yet another year. How? Burpees (the weighted squats probably compressed the disc first). My physio, doctor and Pilates teacher all had a cringe on their face when I said he'd had me doing burpees, because you need core stability for those.
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 August 2012 - 03:45
Has anyone done a Club Med for ski or are they too expensive or out of the way? I've only been to Club Med in Val D'Isere in the 90's. It was quite expensive and I would say more family than couple oriented. However much may have changed since then and may also depend on which resort you choose. The Val D'Isere hotel I went to was located on the side of the piste and a long way out of town so made nightlife less accessible, which is perhaps why it was so much of a family hotel (Val D'Isere is traditionally a more lively area). I would recommend Meribel. I must confess I have not been personally but it is a pretty village, very trendy and well known for apres ski as well as having good facilities for beginner and intermediate skiers and good snowmaking facilities. The downside is it also has a reputation for being very British and may be slightly pricey (but then if you live in Dubai is anywhere pricey?!!). I believe there is a Dick's T-Bar there (open until early hours) and if it is anything like Val D'Isere was in the 90's it's the place to go out. Of course it is possible many things may have changed since the 90's and hopefully others can advise. Unfortunately as Meribel is in France they will need to use a bus service. It may be best to book a package deal with a company like Inghams or Scott Dunn, this will usually include a bus/coach which I imagine will take around three hours. If they don't want a package deal they could consider posting on a forum such as j2ski and see if they can find anyone looking to share a private bus. Other trendy resorts are Val D'Isere, Chamonix, Verbier and St Anton but all four certainly have more technical skiing than Meribel and may not be ideal for a beginner. St Anton in particular is hard, Verbier less so but still a lot of moguls and quite steep (they call it steep and deep). Chamonix is just steep and steep, it is where they held our race training camps. However I understand that Val D'Isere may have developed more green runs than when I was last there (1998) so may be better suited for intermediates and beginners now. Take care not to go too late in season though slopes on the lower parts of the hill are in the sun and can become slushy in the afternoon in early spring. Also if they choose Val D'Isere please be aware the pistes are not all that accurately marked (I distinctly remember my mother practically breaking down in tears on our first day there on a blue that was closer to a red or even black run). The runs into the resort are notorious for being icy at the end of the day and not all that easy so do not be afraid to download. As an advanced skier I often download as I would rather be fresh for skiing the next day than have to tackle an icy lower piste with lots of tired skiers of varying abilities and risk injuring myself for a run I won't enjoy much in any case. Courchevel and Zermatt are also very trendy resorts and both great for intermediates but I always think of them as more for older couples looking to eat out rather than hit bars and clubs. That said I am sure they both have excellent nightlife as well probably Zermatt more than Courchevel (we are looking at Zermatt this year). I've kind of hit on the big names here as I assumed they would be looking for good nightlife, but can elaborate on smaller more 'Swiss' local resorts with few brits not much English spoken and some lovely skiing (where I normally go without DH). But I have a Swiss guide (a good friend) fluent in German and French and really only go to ski (we make first tracks every morning and are asleep by 930pm!) Summary: Meribel - Good for intermediates, great apres ski, pretty resort Val D'Isere - Good for advanced, average for intermediates, great apres ski Chamonix - Good for advanced, expert, terrible for intermediates, great apres ski, ugly resort Verbier - Good for advanced, expert, not good for intermediates, great apres ski Courchevel - Good for intermediates, average apres ski St Anton - Good for advanced, expert, terrible for intermediates, great apres ski Zermatt - Good for all skiers, good apres ski and if by chance they can get a flight to West coast USA/Canada I would recommend Whistler, great for intermediates, nice apres ski and really friendly resort. I suggest they google these resorts, have a look, read some forums and see what they think. I'm sure wherever they choose they'll have a great time. <em>edited by RuthM on 15/08/2012</em>
RuthM
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 August 2012 - 13:49
I used to take this in the uk but honestly thought it would have been a no no drug for Dubai Really interested now to know if my doc would prescribe it. Ive two pharmacies at work will see if either of them stock it you have a prescription It's an SSRI so not an Opiate (i.e. Codeine) or Benzodiazepine (i.e. Diazepam). SSRI's are controlled in Dubai but not banned as far as I'm aware. They can't really be used for recreational abuse. A friend of mine was visiting recently and was given permission from MOH to bring 1 month supply of Venlafaxine (SNRI) for his personal use (an SNRI is similar to an SSRI and also sometimes used for migraines or depression).
RuthM
1042
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 August 2012 - 12:48
So many factors to consider. What standard of skier are they? What kind of holiday are they looking for, (quiet chalet, big party town)? How much do they want to spend? Verbier is [b'>the[/b'> big party town, easily accessed by train, very expensive and the skiing is very challenging. Zermatt is a lively town not as well known for young nightlife as Verbier but has great apres ski, with more accessible skiing for good intermediates and also accessible by train and expensive. Davos is an ugly town that is great for intermediate skiers and easily accessible but with average apres ski and ugly (could try Klosters that covers Davos ski area). Champéry is a pretty village with some apres ski and good for intermediate skiers. Saas Fee is a great village but miserable in winter as it is on the wrong side of the mountain so cold and wet (great in summer though). St Moritz is a well known 'posh' ski town, a bit ugly with good intermediate skiing and lots to do. Most resorts in Switzerland are easily accessed by public transport, more often trains but sometimes a bus may also be required. It no longer makes that much of a difference whether you arrive in Zurich or Geneva a change can easily be made at Visp or Brig. However if you fly into Zurich you can try the excellent Sprungli chocolates which are only available on that side of Switzerland! You can check the transport links on the SBB website to see how long it takes to get to a resort: http://www.sbb.ch/en/home.html For resort info here are a few websites: http://www.wheretoskiandsnowboard.com/resorts/ http://www.ifyouski.com/ski-resorts.aspx http://www.j2ski.com/ski_resorts/ http://www.skiclub.co.uk/skiclub/skiresorts/default.aspx Please note if they have only skied in ski Dubai the standard of skiing is not the same in Europe. Beginner - Non skier - Level 1 Ski Dubai Basic Intermediate - Snowplough turn and stop - Level 2 Ski Dubai Intermediate - Basic parallels with an occasional snowplough wedge when conditions change - Level 3 Ski Dubai (sometimes Level 4) Good Intermediate - Basic Parallels on varying conditions - Level 4 Ski Dubai Advanced - Strong parallels, carving, short radius and long radius, steeps and moguls, able to ski at very [b'>[u'>slow[/u'>[/b'> speed and still hold good form with short and long radius turns - No classes Ski Dubai Going to a resort with challenging skiing as an intermediate will be miserable (I took DH to Verbier last year and he hated every minute of it - he is an intermediate skier) <em>edited by RuthM on 14/08/2012</em>
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 August 2012 - 23:03
Gawd don't go to iStyle. After they tried to copy data from my old mac to my new mac using an external HDD and looked perplexed and then amazed (the whole shop crowded round to look) when I showed them the magical way of connecting two macs together and sharing the drives (to them it was like magic), I wouldn't go near them. Not to mention the lady in Mirdif that stuck her hand inside a Mac Pro to show me the space for expansion with no static protection eeek! Protech may be the maintenance company that they use out there, if you tell iStyle you have a broken mac they will put you on to the authorised technicians in Dubai. I would offer to have a look at it for you (live in the ranches) but am in the UK until September. Can you advise what types of email accounts he is using? (IMAP, exchange etc.) and what mail application he is using. I can certainly walk you through correctly setting them all up from scratch (best thing to try is make a new user account to test it so it won't bother the existing settings) but it will be hard to troubleshoot on a forum.
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 August 2012 - 02:21
For salad dressing, pasta and most meat marinades extra virgin olive oil or virgin olive oil For stir frys, roasting etc. grape seed oil or canola oil as they have higher smoke point (peanut oil is meant to be good but I am always paranoid I will give it to someone with a nut allergy) For special day roast potatoes goose/duck fat or beef dripping (if there is beef) I don't look at the health facts, there are probably good and bad points for all of them I imagine. So I figure use them all a little bit and then I can get the good with a balanced amount of bad!
RuthM
1042
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 August 2012 - 00:37
Thanks all. I can only assume he has somehow broken the computer again then! Now for the long phone call to try and get him to reset things &lt;sigh&gt;.
RuthM
1042
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 August 2012 - 22:46
I love the Urban Dictionary answer for definitely: [b'>definately Idiot-speak for "definitely". One of the most common moronic misspellings found on the internet. [i'>"The new Backstreet Boys CD is, like, definately the best thing ever."[/i'> [/b'> Things that irritate me: quite and quiet principal and principle advice and advise effect and affect whether weather accept, except two, too and to wood, would and of course the old favourites they're, their and there witch and which where and were bear and bare your and you're I take great joy in ridiculing those that cannot spell, with the exception of non native English speakers but frankly their spelling would seem to be vastly superior to that of native (predominantly British) speakers.
RuthM
1042
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 August 2012 - 22:23
Have Du and Etisalat blocked VOIP again? I'm in UK atm, DH spoke to me on Sunday without a problem but since yesterday neither FaceTime or Skype will work at his home (Du) or office (Etisalat).
RuthM
1042
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 August 2012 - 00:11
Call me stupid but where can you get the grocery delivery from?! I am in the UK at the moment reveling at being able to order all my favourites form Ocado does Spinney's deliver in Dubai and why didn't I know about it?! I would miss: Tax free salary Friends of so much varied nationality, race and religion Cheap petrol Large indoor ski centre American home/furniture stores (but where is Williams Sonoma?!) Pork free restaurants and beef bacon Being able to go shopping without being surrounded by yobs and hoodies Shopping open till late every day Premier seats at the cinema that actually feel premium Able to plan a BBQ and practically guarantee it is not going to rain I would not miss: Racial and religious intolerance and class system Bad and dangerous driving Heat (DH asked where do you want to live? I said Zurich, Vancouver, Toronto, Geneva, Denver or Chicago so he picked Dubai!) Big indoor new city (I like old historical buildings and like to shop in St James, Bond St etc. new city is not for me) Lack of good prepared food (I want Marks & Spencer foodhall in Dubai) Untrained staff where companies believe quantity is better than quality so throw twenty people at you when one well trained person would do Big utility bills Stuck up expats that think they are king of the world (same can be said for some locals) Expensive flights to go anywhere from Dubai The non existent postal service
RuthM
1042
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 August 2012 - 23:27
If you wanted to take a bottle of something you could get the non-alcoholic date or pomegranate (my favourite) sparkling juice from Bateel. We often take some when visiting muslim friends and it is generally much appreciated.
RuthM
1042
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 July 2012 - 01:04
CBT CBT CBT! Cognitive behavioural therapy is a proven technique used by almost all psychiatrists and psychologists to help coping with stress, anxiety and depression. Try a book for a month or so, if it is still not helping then I recommend seeing your doctor. The longer you leave these things the longer it can sometimes take to resolve them. Ask them to run some bloods etc. to ensure the anxiety is not being caused by a vitamin deficiency or something. If they are clear then ask for a referral to a psychiatrist for a full assessment. This is nothing to be ashamed of, some 25% of people will at some point in their lives suffer from depression, even more with anxiety a psychiatrist will hopefully be able to pinpoint the cause of the anxiety and refer you to a therapist to help work through it as well as prescribe some medication (SSRI's are often used for anxiety). Most importantly do not think there is anything wrong with you, many people suffer from anxiety at some stage in their lives and it is perfectly normal, and they find a way to resolve their anxiety so rest assured there will be a solution for you, it may just take a little time and patience.
RuthM
1042
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 July 2012 - 11:27
You can easily get an international driving permit which along with your UAE license should allow you to drive almost anywhere. This is from the post office and takes about a day That's the long way of getting it. You can go in person to one of the places that issues them and get it in 10 minutes. Yes well for us it was the short way, being that the post office was just a few steps from DH office, driving elsewhere seemed futile. But I am sure the OP can decide where is easier for her to get one. <em>edited by RuthM on 12/07/2012</em>
RuthM
1042
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 July 2012 - 19:39
Once you are resident in the UAE your 'home' driving license becomes invalid. Generally you need to be resident in your home country for your driving license to be valid there (hence why you need a UAE license asap when your visa arrives). You can easily get an international driving permit which along with your UAE license should allow you to drive almost anywhere. This is from the post office and takes about a day. There is a list of countries that accept the IDP if you do a google search, I am quite sure Ireland is one of them. For driving anywhere you should as a UAE resident be using your UAE license even though you are an Irish citizen, in fact a forum recently discussed this and there was some indication you may not even be insured if you hire a car using your home country license rather than your resident country one. Just noticed this has already been pointed out - that will teach me for leaving my laptop opening and wondering off then coming back and hitting post an hour later! <em>edited by RuthM on 11/07/2012</em>
 
 
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