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Last month, I took two business trips where I had to rent a car: one to Boston and one to Los Angeles. I rolled the Hertz dice and ended up with a Chrysler 200 in Boston and a Nissan Versa SV at LAX. Each was a 24-hour rental, but the prices were remarkably different. The Chrysler: $61.59 for one day. The Nissan? $116.31 for one day. If the street price to buy one of these cars was anything in relation to the difference in rental price, everybody would be buying the Chrysler. Boston Strong!
Both cars were as un-optioned as they're made. Bluetooth? Nope. The Nissan curiously had a third-party Bluetooth system hacked into the car, but it didn't work. The Nissan also had a bunch of things glued to the windshield, which I presume include a GPS tracking feature as well as an annoying multicolored LED that faces out and blinks random colors as you're driving down the street. Most likely, this Versa served in an earlier life as part of some ZipCar-esque car sharing service.
Anyway, before we get into the driving impressions, a Chrysler 200 base model seems to cost $21,540 ($495 more if you want Bluetooth). The Versa SV is $15,240 ($760 more if you want Bluetooth, navigation, and other electronic gadgets). The Chrysler has a 2.4 liter engine versus the Versa's 1.5 liter. The Chrysler has a 4-speed auto, versus the Nissan's CVT; pricier Chrysler 200's have a 6-speed auto, but not this one. Overall performance was probably about the same, but neither car inspires you to push it. I will give credit to the Chrysler for being a noticeable step up with interior quality (e.g., having a leather-wrapped steering wheel). Road noise was reasonably muffled, and the car felt generally solid over bumps and other road indignities. The Nissan was just a cheap, unapologetic econobox.
Before I go on, I must digress. I drove through Cambridge and Boston, on my way out to the 'burbs and back again to Logan Airport. I even drove right past Fenway Park, a side effect of an epic digression to pick up a pack of America's only domestically brewed Trappist beer. (Highly recommended!) Not once, not a single time, did somebody honk at me. Nobody cut me off. When I signaled, people let me in. Boston, what's wrong with you? Where are your passive aggressive moronic idiot nutjob drivers? Have you gone soft on me? (Do Boston drivers feel sorry for you if you're driving a Chrysler 200?!)
Anyway, back to the cars. The Chrysler is rated for 20 city / 31 highway mpg. I figured out the reset button once I got on the highway, so I managed to get 32 mpg (indicated) on the remarkably traffic-free Saturday morning drive. Once I got caught up in Boston traffic, using Google's truly impressive routing skills to follow one obscure side street into the next whilst cutting from Quincy to Braintree (kids: don't try this at home), my indicated mileage dropped, bringing me in at 22 mpg combined. Still, not a bad performance. The Nissan, though, was stunning in the mileage department. LA traffic being what it is, there's no such thing as freeway driving. It's all about "combined" driving, and my final tally was 33.8 mpg (indicated), splitting the difference between the 31 city / 40 highway rating. (Overall, I'd say that I put both cars through similar drives, so the mileage difference here is representative of what happens with bigger engines in heavier cars: roughly 1000 pounds different.)
But CVTs! They bore us! There is much mileage to be gained when you can run the engine at arbitrarily chosen speeds. Want to go fast? High RPM. Want to save gas? Low RPM. This is great if you care about efficiency, but it's a nightmare if you're used to using engine noise as a proxy for looking at the speedometer. If you put your foot down just a little bit, the car might well be accelerating, but the engine noise is holding constant. You just never know, so your best bet is to set the cruise control and forget trying to enjoy your drive. The Nissan, trying to squeeze all the juice out of its tiny engine, does precisely this. The engine's noise, and the tachometer's readout, are nothing other than a direct measure of where your foot happens to be on the gas. Consequently, the Versa is as boring as a lecture about how CVT transmissions can optimize engine power output and improve mileage, but at least it's honest. What about the Chrysler? Despite having a bit of traditional engine rev and gear changing, it's every bit as dull. You can option up for a big V6 but then you're competing in a whole other segment.
Recommendations: if you're trying to get a cheap car, get the cheaper Nissan Versa with the 6-speed manual. You can at least pretend you're not driving a cheap econobox, and you won't care that you're getting 10% worse gas mileage. On the other hand, the base-model Chrysler 200, for the extra few bucks, and with discounts maybe not that many extra, gives you something resembling a luxury car experience. Sure, the drivetrain is nothing more than a high-achieving econobox, but the rest of the car is a step up. The quiet ride, all by itself, would make the Chrysler 200 a much better car if you spent a lot of time doing your daily soul sucking commute. When the 2nd-generation Fiat-enhanced version comes out next year, with a base price of $21,700, I expect it to be a very competitive car. Not only will it have more gear ratios (9 speeds!) and better mileage (36 mpg freeway!), but it will also be decidedly not ugly. It might even have some excitement. Maybe.
69 Comments on "Rental Car Review: A Tale of Two Econoboxes..."
April 28th, 2014 at 2:01 pm
The old Chrysler 200 should have never been built if Chrysler wasn't ready to give it an all-new roofline and Uconnect. The ride quality could be overlooked, but I had a friend with one who assumed something was wrong because his "pulled to the left" under hard acceleration.
Immediately I asked: do you have the Pentastar V6?
He said "yes".
I told him: "your problem is Torque steer…and proceeded to explain what torque steer was.
Though you "auto enthusiasts" deride AWD and ride quality of the smaller imports, I know plenty of people who LOVE their Accents, Elantras, Sonatas, etc with a passion and plan on rebuying them. Most of them have never ridden fire – never been in a RWD sports car with more than 400 BHP. Toyotas and Camry have poisoned their souls.
The old 200 Convertible is still one of the cheapest convertibles you can rent – and looks great.
The new Chrysler 200 is awesome for the intro price and the loaded $34,000 with AWD, V6 and Uconnect, but…
…I must criticize the small interior feel. At the auto show, I got in the 200 and the Sonata 2015 and came away feeling as if the Sonata was the winner on interior design and interior space. The Sonata felt huge. I struggled to get my legs under the 200's manual-actuated column adjust.
The exterior looks make the 200 feel more upscale to drive than most of the similarly priced imports – with the exception of the Sonata. Unfortunately, the interior is bland. The materials are mostly dark and have the charm of the inside of a coal bin.
YES – I'm criticizing Chrysler/Fiat…
I wish the American cars felt more – and looked more like Hyundai/Kia's. Only on upscale Chargers, 300's and Jeep's can you have white/ sepia/ red / orange leather colors. Meanwhile, the caramel, tans and whites of the Kia's and Hyundai's make them feel as upscale as being in a German car – though they are harder to the touch.
The same goes for GM's cars (with the exception of Cadillac) and Ford's (with the exception of Lincoln).
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VoGoApril 28th, 2014 at 2:05 pm
You do realize he drove the old 200, which has been assessed as the worst vehicle in the midsize market, by nearly every auto journalist, right?
Credibility: it's built or eroded every day.
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danio3834April 28th, 2014 at 2:25 pm
Perhaps those journos didn't compare the old 200 back to back with a CVT Sentra. I'm no fan of the base 200, but it's definitely nicer than a low end Sentra.
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TonyJZXApril 29th, 2014 at 1:20 am
the 200 with the v6 has actually reviewed quite well ON TTAC
yep. more motor than the car needs
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danio3834April 29th, 2014 at 8:12 am
I review the V6 200 quite well too. It's a bargain hot rod.
Kyree S. WilliamsApril 28th, 2014 at 3:10 pm
I think the outgoing 200 is fine for what it is…a stopgap product to last until a truly-competitive midsized sedan could be introduced. Maybe that didn't happen as soon as it should have, but I think Chrysler did the best that it could with the Sebring's bones. And it sure doesn't deserve to be compared to the lowly Versa.
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April 28th, 2014 at 9:42 pm
> Most of them have never ridden fire – never been in a RWD sports car with more than 400 BHP. Toyotas and Camry have poisoned their souls.
I'd bet Baruth can make it around a road coarse faster in a V6 Camry than BTSR can in whatever. In fact, he'd probably flip it in the first corner so make that a Toyota Kei car.
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April 29th, 2014 at 12:17 pm
You make it sound like the average highway, interstate or parkway is shaped like a road course.
Let's see a Camry or Accord keep up with me on i280.
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April 28th, 2014 at 2:04 pm
Oops, they posted it before I added the photos. Stay tuned.
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NotFastApril 28th, 2014 at 3:13 pm
SentRa, not Senta.
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Jeff WaingrowApril 28th, 2014 at 4:03 pm
Doesn't there need to be just the littlest bit of editing going on?
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April 28th, 2014 at 4:14 pm
See mea culpas, below. Hopefully we'll get this fixed soon.
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28-Cars-LaterApril 28th, 2014 at 2:05 pm
Wait, in this review a model year isn't specified. Which one did you drive, the Sebring or the new one?
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April 28th, 2014 at 2:11 pm
The one I rented was a 2013 model, so it's the Sebring. There will be pictures once they update my post.
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28-Cars-LaterApril 28th, 2014 at 10:10 pm
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danio3834April 28th, 2014 at 2:26 pm
The new 200 isn't on dealer lots, let alone rental lots yet.
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AstigmatismApril 28th, 2014 at 2:18 pm
If you were in fact reviewing the old 200, it's worth noting that the out-the-door price is probably not all that far off the Sentra's. TrueCar shows a base 2014 200 LX going for around $17k even, while the Sentra SV clocks in a little over $16,250.
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April 28th, 2014 at 2:27 pm
Indeed. Discounts on the outgoing Chrysler 200 make it very attractive in comparison to the similarly priced Sentra econobox. You're giving up some gas mileage (and unknown maintenance headaches) in return for a quieter, nicer ride.
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Ltd123April 28th, 2014 at 3:03 pm
Ummm… That's a Versa, not a Sentra.
Headlights, grille, 4 vs 6 window greenhouse. And judging by the cell phone photo and CA plates, this isn't a google image mistake, what we're seeing is an automotive journalist not being able to identify a car he drove for a day… that's just sad.
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turbosaabApril 28th, 2014 at 4:16 pm
This. Too bad that this mess of an article was posted on TTAC not another website, would have made a fine target for a Baruthian rant about automotive "journalism"
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April 28th, 2014 at 4:22 pm
We published an early draft of a review by mistake. Our apologies.
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MaccaApril 28th, 2014 at 4:36 pm
Not to pile on (much) but there's still plenty of editing to do:
The Versa SV base MSRP is $15,240 and it has a 1.6L I4 engine (not 1.5L). The EPA fuel efficiency is rated at 31/40 (cty/hwy).
The Versa also does not have an available 6-speed manual as is suggested in the concluding remarks. The base transmission is a 5 speed.
I do question how you could drive a car for even a brief moment and not know what it is…
I'm also confused how a subcompact Versa is almost twice as costly to rent versus a 200.
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MaccaApril 28th, 2014 at 4:45 pm
Oh, and you can't get Nav on an SV Versa, only the SL trim. Interestingly the technology packages for both trims cost $760, but the SV makes do with an upgraded stereo and bluetooth, and a few other random items.
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James2April 28th, 2014 at 3:10 pm
The top picture is of a Versa, is it not? And, if I'm a Nissan PR guy, it's Sen-TRA, Sen-TRA, Sen-TRA…
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Kyree S. WilliamsApril 28th, 2014 at 3:13 pm
I sort of understood the Grand Cherokee/Edge comparo that you guys did. But the 200 is significantly above the Versa.
And I'd be pretty mad if my rental was a Versa (sedan), since I think that it's the worst subcompact on the market. Unless you were singlehandedly going for the cheapest new car on the market, I don't see why you'd ever buy a Versa base sedan. And for the SV's $18K price tag—not that I think they even go out the door at that sum—better can be had, like a Cruze LS/LT or a Focus S/SE. Or Nissan's own Sentra.
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April 28th, 2014 at 3:17 pm
The Versa looks alien and rides like a buckboard. I see some mediocre SVs going through lanes for cheap relative to book, then I think, "would anyone really buy this car?" and withdraw from bidding.
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Kyree S. WilliamsApril 28th, 2014 at 3:24 pm
I'll bet. Even as used cars, they do nothing to entice anyone, and so don't really have any profit. I could see your prospective budget customer going a model-year or two back so that he/she can afford a nicer car than a Versa. The 200, on the other hand, is financing gold and really doesn't make a bad pre-owned car, especially with the Pentastar V6.
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April 28th, 2014 at 3:40 pm
If I had a more extensive lot with 75-100 units and focused on OMGZ GUARANTEED FINANCING LOLZ, I'd stock a few Sentras and such as switch cars. But doing wholesale with the retail side consisting of 35-40 cars, I have to have 'eye candy' and 'impulse buys', especially in the area I am in. And at least a 200 S has visual appeal.
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vvkApril 28th, 2014 at 4:10 pm
> The Versa looks alien and rides like a buckboard.
I completely disagree. I had Versa sedan as a rental and drove it on highways and some pretty good mountain roads. It was a very competent car. I liked it so much better than my 2012 VW Passat. Ride in particular was MUCH better.
It was very roomy, too. With four tall, burly men (imagine your typical biker types) inside everyone had plenty of room. The trunk swallowed lots of luggage with ease.
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VarezhkaApril 28th, 2014 at 3:55 pm
Well, base Versa MSRP at $12K and Versa SV at $15K, so the price difference is huge. Given that context, I think Versa is nice and honest car with large space and good economy for not much money. For most people it would be a better buy than Mitsubishi Mirage or Chevy Spark in the same price range.
I will be pretty upset if one cost me $116 a day at the rental counter, though.
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April 28th, 2014 at 4:11 pm
Yeah, $116 is pretty steep. I saw that number when I was booking the car and checked out all the other LAX rental options, and I was looking at similar prices. It's still cheaper than I would have paid for cab fare.
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April 28th, 2014 at 7:30 pm
Yes LA and California is that freakin' expensive.
Makes Toyota's decision to move some of its operations from Ca to Texas a little more understandable.
Currently living in LA and spent the 80's in Houston.
As an example of higher LA/Ca prices on a basic level,I left Clearwater Fla for LA.
I had a 2 bedroom apartment w/built-in washer/dryer for $795/mo in Clearwater and got a studio apartment near where I work in LA for $933 in 2005.
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jim brewerApril 29th, 2014 at 1:20 am
For renting cars, LAX SUX.
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vvkApril 28th, 2014 at 4:12 pm
What he (Varezhka) said.
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jim brewerApril 28th, 2014 at 9:06 pm
"I don't see why you'd ever buy a Versa base sedan." The Versa has a usable back seat, that's why. That's not a significant advantage in automotibe blogs and car magazines. Only real life.
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April 29th, 2014 at 12:07 pm
Also, the trunk is huge. If you want cheap and functional, the Versa has you covered.
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April 28th, 2014 at 3:14 pm
Bought a 2013 Chrysler 200 Touring 'S' w/16k miles for $10,385 with fee. Had a clean CarFax and auction-reported 'structural damage' from a PDR hole drilled in the C-pillar and a dent on the driver's inner rocker (who cares?).
Sold it to a customer coming out of a behind-rough-book '03 Grand Am I gave her $800 for. Credit union qualified – Drove out with payments of $230/mo for 66mo.
On a 1 year-old car.
With balance of full factory warranty.
You guys see why these cars work? You see why Darts aren't flying off the lot?
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danio3834April 28th, 2014 at 5:00 pm
That's a damned good deal for a full buck S model, no shame at all at that price. Cars by the pound.
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28-Cars-LaterApril 28th, 2014 at 10:24 pm
Holy crap Flybrian, even I wouldn't have called that being so low.
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djsyndromeApril 28th, 2014 at 3:27 pm
"get the cheaper Nissan Senta with the 6-speed manual."
This is easier said than done.
In a 500 mile radius from where I sit, there are 382 Nissan Sentras for sale. Exactly four of those have a manual transmission, and of those only one is at a dealer I would consider 'local' (within 50 miles). The same story holds true for most other compact cars now; you can count on one hand the number of manual Imprezas, Civics, and Corollas available in your area. Even Mazda, champion of the manual transmission, is looking to go with a nearly 90/10 mix for the new Mazda 3.
None of this addresses the other issue with the Sentra and its contemporaries – you can't have Nice Things if you decide to row your own gears. Want leather in that Sentra, Impreza or Civic? You're letting a computer shift for you. Any color other than a derivative of white, gray or black? In many cases, you're out of luck.
People may say they want manual transmissions, but most aren't buying them, and the automakers aren't making it easy or enjoyable for the ones that are.
(at least the Sentra comes with a temperature gauge. That's something you can't get on many of its competitors at any price)
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SCE to AUXApril 28th, 2014 at 3:43 pm
"at least the Sentra comes with a temperature gauge"
That's something I learned to live without on my former 05 xB1. It had a temperature light which was blue when the engine was cold, blank when the engine was at normal operating temperature, and red if it overheated. In 7 years of ownership, it never ran too hot or cold, and I didn't lose anything by not knowing the precise temperature.
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djsyndromeApril 28th, 2014 at 3:45 pm
Neither of our cars have it either. I feel it's good to have if something's running a little warmer than normal so you can start looking for issues, but with today's long-life coolants it's certainly not a regular maintenance item like in older models.
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Volt 230April 28th, 2014 at 4:09 pm
A temperature gauge is important if you have an aluminum engine, if the red idiot light goes on, it may be too late to save your engine from permanent damage, I have been able to save my Corolla engine twice when the gauge crept up above its normal operating range and I pulled over right away and called for a tow truck, both times the tech told me I would have caused real damage if I had kept driving as it overheated.
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IndianaDriverApril 28th, 2014 at 6:47 pm
I think the dummy light for a temperature gauge only works up to about 100,000 miles – then you start to see some "surprises" start with your car – even if you followed the recommended maintenance schedule to a tee. Like you, I've had the temperature needle go up over the normal mark and acted accordingly to get servicing done before overheating problems occurred.
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doloreanApril 29th, 2014 at 3:22 pm
The temperature gage is a throw-back to a by-gone era of motoring where your car was prone to boil over like bigtruckseriesreview on anything Union-made. You'd have to drive like an early aeronaut, checking the gages every minute or so IOT avoid a Chernobyl meltdown. The British MGs, Sprites, Austin-Healeys and Triumphs were notorious steam machines and a gage was considered as necessary as proper tonic to the Bombay Sapphire. Today's cars temp gages are so dampened now that they basically serve little function other than to give the driver a sense of allswell.
VelocityRed3April 29th, 2014 at 2:03 pm
Just to reinforce. After wrecking my (manual) Mazda 3, I bought a 2003 Honda Accord 5-speed. There are approx 6 million people in the Atlanta Metro area & there were 8 (Eight) manual Accords of that vintage.
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Volt 230April 28th, 2014 at 3:50 pm
I had a rental Sentra for 2 weeks while my Corolla was getting body work done and I was impressed by the upscale feel of the car, driving on ECO mode I averaged 38 mpg for the 2 week period, mostly around town and roomy as a midsize, only drawback I felt was that the ride was a little choppy, but I guess that is price you pay for sharper handling.
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April 28th, 2014 at 4:08 pm
Mea culpas:
1) Yes, it's a Versa SV 1.6, not a Sentra SV 1.8. I had to go and double-check my Hertz receipt. Honestly, my brain farted out "Sentra" and didn't notice the difference. (Word to the person who criticized my automotive journalism creds: I do this for fun, not for the money.)
2) Yes, it's Sentra, not Senta. I can't spell and TTAC isn't into proofreading.
3) Sorry for those of you who saw the posting prior to its having images. TTAC editors were too quick on the draw with their approval button. This is the last time they'll ever approve something I write.
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Ltd123April 29th, 2014 at 1:34 am
Word to me, apparently. I'm the person who noticed this was a Versa, not a Sentra. Not to be a total d**che, but I just happen to be an ordinary citizen who loves all things automotive, part time. If I can outwit an "automotive journalist" based on my 3rd grade love of cars, shame on TTAC, not me…
The very fact that you blame some early publishing snafu is laughable. There are literally thousands of people like me that can name a car from one second of an image of a bulb, and yet you can dare call yourself an automotive journalist when you clearly can't identify a mainstream car. It makes this whole exchange a joke.
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Volt 230April 28th, 2014 at 4:13 pm
But regardless you are comparing tangerines to grapefruits, the 200 is 2 size classes above the Versa, right now the only other car that you could compare to the Versa would be either a Mazda 2 or Toyota Yaris, the others in the class are more expensive, thus more "car" than the cheapo Nissan.
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jbergerApril 28th, 2014 at 4:30 pm
BTW: All the "stuff" added on the versa was part of Hertz 24/7. It's Hertz version of Zipcar.
I have no idea why you ended up with one as a regular rental but that might be why the rate was so much higher since it's much more expensive on a per day basis than a regular Hertz rental car.
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carguyApril 28th, 2014 at 4:44 pm
Skip 'em both and buy used.
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Thatkat09April 28th, 2014 at 5:34 pm
The 200 has a leather steering wheel, automatic climate control and actual rims judging from the pictures. I'd then wager a guess and say your 200 in fact had the 6 speed auto and not the 4 speed. Unless they've spruced up the base model which is a real possibility for the fleet models.
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canddmeyerApril 28th, 2014 at 6:43 pm
I'd swear it was just a year ago someone on TTAC was ripping the 200 as the worst of the worst. Oh how times have changed!
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danio3834April 29th, 2014 at 8:16 am
I think it was Doug ripping on the Avenger as the worst of the worst. Jack reviewed a similar model 200 to the one in this review and IIRC gave it one thumb up and one thumb down.
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sgeffeMay 2nd, 2014 at 10:40 pm
The Avenger is the weak sister of the two! I had one for a week from Enterprise while my car was in the body shop. Worst car I've ever driven! I don't rent cars for business like some on here, but I've had several cars from the big companies as loaners over the years. All but two have had at least one balance weight missing from the front wheels, just for starters! That car was damn near undrivable at 70+!
As for that Avenger itself, the weak-kneed 2.4 mated to the ancient four-speed automatic made a lot of noise, but didn't translate that noise into forward motion! Steering? Worst feel of any car I've driven! Same with overall handling feel! And the real kicker was the crap MPGs, thanks to the need to cane that poor four to get it to go anywhere!
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DrGastro997April 28th, 2014 at 7:19 pm
I can't believe I'm saying this but I think Nissan does the CVT just right. As much as I totally despise simulated gear changes, it seems Nissan has it programmed to "help" you forget you're driving a single speed bicycle.
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Volt 230April 28th, 2014 at 7:53 pm
After having driven new Sentra, Altima and JX 35's I agree with you!
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AprilApril 28th, 2014 at 8:29 pm
A Versa was my rental during my visit to San Jose last month. I found it a very adequate basic automobile. Reasonably accurate steering with good acceleration. Considering all the city driving I did the gas mileage was excellent. Also my host and I took a road trip to Sacramento and the CVT responded well, even in the hilly portions of the interstate we took. One more thing, the compact dimensions of the Nissan came in handy while parallel parking.
I cannot understand all the hate for the Versa.
P.S. Trying to find a curbside parking spot in the residential area of SJC sucks.
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30-mile fetchApril 29th, 2014 at 12:23 am
My problem is with the interior. The last Versa was uncommonly nice inside for the segment. Decent dash plastics. Padded door panels. Big squishy door armrests. That's all gone now, it is a bad as a Yaris or Fit without any quirky character. Doesn't matter how much you spend on your Versa, your elbows will be resting on rock hard plastic.
It has also become rather homely, what with the swollen passenger compartment flanked by a tiny hood and trunk.
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danio3834April 29th, 2014 at 8:29 am
I agree. I worked for Nissan when the Versa first came to North America and I remember driving ones out of the company pool. I recall thinking they were fairly nice cars for the money, but certainly not enthusiastic.
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FeatherstonApril 29th, 2014 at 12:28 pm
@ 30-mile fetch – If I'm reading Wikipedia correctly, the current Versa actually is a different model, not just a newer generation of the same model. The Versa of five years ago was the North American version of the Nissan Tiida. The Versas of today are the North American versions of the Latio sedan and the Note hatchback. I think the Tiida is, by design, a bigger and nicer car than either the Latio or the Note.
A coworker has a previous-gen hatchback (i.e., the Tiida hatchback). It's the type of car that journalists scoff at but is a great vehicle in the real world. The back seat is fantastic, with head and legroom that would shame many midsizes, not to mention compacts and subcompacts.
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April 28th, 2014 at 9:41 pm
I think the Versa has a place in the current market. My views may be skewed being that I'm in Brazil and all, but it is a car that handles well enough, the 1.6 has good acceleration and the manual (never drove the CVT in it) has nice shifts and a light clutch. It is roomy though a tad narrow and the roofline in the back eats away at headroom. The external and internal design could use some help but I don't find it bad enough to reject the car for it if all other spots hit it for you.
I don't know exactly the market for it in the US, but here cars like it (and there are a bunch) offer for reasonable prices (in our market) a driving experience that, taking away the obvious drawbacks (which seem to have been more or less addressed in the already seen new Versa, especially seems the interior has been improved), is competitive with Fiesta (more roomy), Fit (more comfortable) and those immediately above like Corolla, Civic, Focus (cheaper).
I don't think it's in no way a disposable car and offers quite a lot back for those who value value for money.
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MaccaApril 28th, 2014 at 9:47 pm
There are still some glaring factual errors in this article – this doesn't seem befitting of a site like TTAC…
1. The engine in the Versa is a 1.6L, not 1.5L.
2. Navigation is not available in Versa SV trim. You can get bluetooth, steering wheel controls and an upgraded stereo in a tech package, but you have to opt for the highest SL trim to add nav as an option.
3. The manual transmission option in a Versa is a 5-speed and is only available in the most basic 'S' trim (the one that starts at $11,990 and lacks map lights and a center arm rest – so yes, I would imagine you'd know you're in the most basic transportation available).
4. Furthermore, it would seem that the entire premise of this article was to show what kind of feature/drive contrast there was between two similarly priced cars from two distinct classes of car (midsize vs [sub]compact). I mean, that was the point, right?
The effectiveness of this thesis is diminished once the writer realized he was in a $15k Versa versus a $21k 200. Go for the manual-trans Versa sedan (again, a 5 speed) and you're in a $12k car versus a $21k car. With $6-$9k separating these two vehicles the differences are more easily explained and understood. It seems as if most of the article was written around the idea that this was an $18k Sentra – take that away and it kind of falls flat.
I don't mean to be a jerk about the fact checking, but this is basic stuff that is easy to get right. If an article on the new Stingray had incorrect engine displacement figures or errors regarding options packages, it would likely get a bit more attention from the B&B – I mean, who cares about a tenth of a liter in an econobox?
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davielApril 28th, 2014 at 9:48 pm
Did you see a lot of bicycles in Boston?
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April 28th, 2014 at 11:54 pm
you ask "Not once, not a single time, did somebody honk at me. Nobody cut me off. When I signaled, people let me in. Boston, what's wrong with you? Where are your passive aggressive moronic idiot nutjob drivers? Have you gone soft on me? (Do Boston drivers feel sorry for you if you're driving a Chrysler 200?!)"
As a native New Englander and frequent Boston driver let me state that we have just been through an nine month winter with approximately 99 snowstorms. It's still cold out and it's nearly May. We are all ground down to the nubs and have so much Season Affective Disorder from this relentless winter that we can't even get worked up about guys who don't know how to drive in our city.
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dtremitApril 29th, 2014 at 12:42 am
That and his car had Virginia plates. So everyone here knew at a glance that he couldn't drive.
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doloreanApril 29th, 2014 at 3:23 pm
"CVTs! They bore us! There is much mileage to be gained when you can run the engine at arbitrarily chosen speeds. Want to go fast? High RPM. Want to save gas? Low RPM. This is great if you care about efficiency, but it's a nightmare if you're used to using engine noise as a proxy for looking at the speedometer."
Easy fix. Get a manual. Nearly impossible to find on a rental lot, hell, on any lot, but so worth it.
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rpn453May 14th, 2014 at 4:09 pm
"You can at least pretend you're not driving a cheap econobox, and you won't care that you're getting 10% worse gas mileage."
The manual won't actually get worse gas mileage unless the driver is so incompetent that he shifts as poorly as the EPA test requires for manuals.
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De Bethune proudly presents its new DB16 Tourbillon Regulator watch. The novelty reflects the classic codes of Fine Watchmaking. It boasts remarkable precision based on the patents and innovative features worked out by the brands research and development laboratory.
The signature De Bethune case, standing out by its cone-shaped lugs, measures 43 mm in diameter and is sculptured from pink gold. The case has been modeled and shaped to accommodate a mechanical hand-wound movement, DB2509 calibre, with its 30 tourbillon crafted in silicon and titanium.
Beating at a cadence of 36,000 vibrations per hour, the De Bethune tourbillon is on the list of the fastest and lightest tourbillons ever created. It is constructed from 57 parts and weighs just 0.18 grams. The sophisticated tourbillon is visible via the sapphire crystal case-back.
read more

subset: commoncrawl


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Interview with Executive Chef: Ashe Lewis
Ashe is the driving force behind our Homestead Restaurant. He graciously took some time out of his busy schedule to sit down with us to give the inside scoop on what it's like being the head chef at Cairns Colonial Club Resort, where he sources his produce from and his favourite food combinations are. Bon appétit!
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I am 37 years old, born and raised in Scotland, UK. I have been working in the kitchen from the age of 15 and have 22 years experience. I have worked all over the UK and for some of the top chefs in the country. I have always pursued jobs in kitchens and hotels with a high standard of food and service.
I spent 3-4 years traveling the world and working to gain new experiences as I went. Australia was one of my stops and Cairns was included in one of the places that I lived and worked while I was travelling. I settled in cairns seven years ago and have held a couple of positions since arriving. I now work at the Cairns Colonial Club.
How long have you worked at CCCR?
Eighteen months.
How big is your team?
I currently have twelve chefs/cooks including casuals and four stewards on the books, this will fluctuate a little during the year depending on business.
Where do you source your produce from?
I try to source my produce from reputable local suppliers as I believe in minimising the carbon footprint of the products that we are using. This practice also helps to support the local community.
Is the menu reflective of the seasons?
The menu is reflective of the Cairns seasons as we will use local fresh produce when it is in abundance and refrain from ordering interstate or international produce as much as possible.
How did you create the current CCCR menu?
The CCCR menu is ever evolving as our clientele change. The concept is an upmarket "pub" wherein the food is of a good portion size and has an element of simplicity to accommodate high volume. We do however make as much as we can in house and continue to refine and build on the foundations that are in place already.
What's your favourite dish to cook?
I would not say that I have a favourite dish to cook as it is too hard to narrow it down to one thing or dish. I do enjoy working with the more time consuming cuts of meat and always love seafood. I would say that my interests lie in different styles and techniques when it comes to cooking, not specific ingredients.
What are some of your favourite food combinations?
Favourite food combinations would be chilli in everything, meats with seafood, savouries with pickles and garlic/thyme/onion for sauces.
What can you do for customers with dietary requirements? (e.g. gluten free, vegan, etc.)
We have some menu items for people with dietary requirements as well as an appendix of ingredients that may cause problems for people with allergies at hand. The appendix relates to menu items and highlights what each menu item contains in relation to risk ingredients i.e tree nuts, peanuts, shellfish etc. We are also happy to accommodate a guest with menu changes and the substituting of ingredients within reason to make the dish risk free for them to enjoy.
What do you love about working for the CCCR?
What I enjoy about working at CCCR are the people whom I work with and the challenges that we overcome on a weekly basis. We are obligated to continuously deliver a great quality of service and a high standard of food whether it be a corporate event, wedding, day delegate package or just dinner for two in the Homestead restaurant. Successfully overcoming these challenges is where I find my job satisfaction.
When you're not working, where do you like to go out to eat in Cairns?
When I'm not working I enjoy eating out at local cafes, ramen noodle spots, burger bars, small food businesses and some local restaurants. Some of my favourite restaurants are the Bay Leaf, Piccolo Cucina (pizzas), The Raw Prawn, Spicy Bite (for curries) and Mr Soy Boy (Asian).


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6 comments:
door ways to walled gardens are my favourite. I always long to know what's behind them xReplyDelete
A lovely intrigueing post, I shall look out to see if we have any unusual looking doors in the town where I live. You've made me think!ReplyDelete
So I am not the only one who likes interesting doors! Pity so many are never open to us! Then I suppose that adds to their mystery.ReplyDelete
The green Bivouac door intrigued me...must be a tall postman to reach the letterbox! The old school one too. Did you see a translation of the Latin anywhere? Using a bit of the old grey matter and help from Google translate I see it reads: From Funding (DN... Dominus Noster...Our Lord) then William Robinson Citizen of London. Makes you wonder who the kind benefactor was, a wealthy businessman in 1670 perhaps?ReplyDelete
doors to imagination .... that's great .... Have a secret but creative weekend ...ReplyDelete
What a lovely and interesting post. It makes me want to go in search of mysterious doors now!ReplyDelete
Julie xxxx
Hi there...
Thank you ever so much for stopping by today - I'm really glad that you did. If you would like to leave me a comment then I would be delighted to hear from you,
Hawthorn x
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What to do to take care of Raspberry Bushes?
Raspberry bushes are a favourite fruit and many homeowners grow the bush in their gardens. Taking care of the raspberry bushes is somewhat different from other bushes; once the canes begin bearing fruit, the plant does not need much care. In the early spring when new shoots appear is when the work needs to be done as the old canes need to be removed. The following are some tips that are helpful in taking care of your raspberry bushes.
- Plant the raspberry bushes in your garden in a row so that you can easily walk around the plants or plant them up against a fence or wall.
- Have easy access to water and add fertilizer to the soil. The best choice of fertilizer is organic.
- The raspberry plants need pruning every year in the spring. They do not produce fruit the first year but do so in the second year. Therefore, you should start pruning the canes when the canes are entering into the third year.
- Mulching is also a good idea. It is recommended to use 10 cm (4 inches) of mulch to preserve the moisture to keep the bushes productive.
- T-shaped stakes should be used. It is the best way to keep your raspberry plants upright and straight so that picking the berries is made easier.


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To explore the city of Barcelona is to straddle the old and the new. Today I got to sightsee along the harbour where I visited my university, before heading to the 'old town' to soak up some history.
I am sitting in the courtyard of the Museu Frederic Marès, in Barcelona old town, breathing in the city. The Esglesia Catedral de la Santa Creu (Barcelona Cathedral) rises sharply on my left, with black spires piercing the sky. Sharp points danced pirouettes around the spires, forking sharply outwards, adding to the gloom of the silhouette.
I have landed slap bang in the centre of 'old town'.
I started the morning in a traditional Catalonian fashion. My housemate introduced me to a tradition local to the Catalonian region. She toasted some bread, prepared the ingredients, and I operated the Nespresso machine. In a few minutes, we were seated on the terrace with a fresh cup of coffee and breakfast.
She started by slicing the tomato in half and scraping it over the bread. Afterwards, she added salt and finished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. You can top it with anything, but the best is cold meat or avocado. I opted for the avo. It was delicious.
I had my mission for the day. I wanted to visit my future university, Harbour.Space, where I will be starting late September. After I hopped onto the L3 metro-line (I am proud to say I navigate public transport with ease now), I landed in Drassane – the port stop. I filed onto the promenade and enjoyed the 1.5km walk along the harbour.
I had only seen photos of the university up to this point, but when I saw it, I was stunned. It looked like something out of a sci-fi movie. The structure cut into the water, mirroring the massive cruise ships anchored alongside it. It was built on a private port. After I spotted the hyper-modern structure from across the harbour, I suppressed the urge to run to get a closer peek.
The hypermodern design of Harbour Space University.
The view of the Barcelona skyline from the deck of the university.
This two-storey space ship has everything. After a quick tour of the interior, I was marched up onto the roof. It offered a 360° view of Barcelona. From the deck, I could see the whole harbour, the cathedrals and even Park Guell, where some of Gaudi's work lives. This dramatic skyline twisted into beautiful shapes with towers and spires of the old town. I couldn't believe this would be my space for a year.
Once my tour was complete, my tour guide told me about an excellent (and affordable) restaurant nearby. This waterfront area is bursting with tourists and is very expensive. So he set me on a quest to find Runbanroll – an affordable urban restaurant with great Barceloneta street food.
It was cheap, and I was spoilt for choice. After forking out the last of my pork, cauliflower and broccoli dish I set off to see the sights.
I headed North up La Rambla street and tracked into the alleyways. They reminded me of the souq in Muscat or the underground Camden Market in London. The buildings rose tall on either side – squeezing the pedestrians into a narrow space. Stores competed with brightly decorated windows and friendly smiles. I kept a firm grasp of my bags – wary of pickpockets.
Picking my feet through the side streets off La Rambla.
Shops along the alleyways in Old Town Barcelona.
After getting lost in the web of side streets, I fell in love with a store: Ale-Hop. They had everything. Imagine Typo had a clothing and shoe section, along with Oculus Rift gear and notebooks. I had been struggling to find my travel journal, but I found my soulmate in this store.
I pottered in the side streets a bit longer before stumbling onto a large courtyard where the midday sun struck me hard. Looming ahead of me was the Barcelona Cathedral. I marvelled at its finer details and took the time to circle the structure.
The stoic structure of the Barcelona Cathedral.
It has a long history in Barcelona. It was consecrated in 1339, but before that, it served a range of other purposes, from being a basilica hall to a church. This gothic cathedral is now the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona.
All I could do was stare. It had warped gargoyles – both mythical and real – standing guard. The attention to detail was astounding. To think that the building had been constructed some 700 years ago, before modern technology, yet still stand stoically in exquisite detail, amazes me.
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HARMAN and Samsung are defining and driving the future of automotive experiences. As important as beginning, even more so at instances; is stopping. All modern automobiles use a hydraulic brake system. By means of the brake pedal, the operator pressurizes the brake fluid within the grasp cylinder. The pressurized fluid acts on pistons. These pistons apply pressure to a shoe or pad. The friction floor of a shoe acts on the friction floor of a drum. The friction surface of a pad acts on the friction surface of a disc. The friction converts kinetic power of the transferring elements into warmth.
BCA Automotive Logistics services; the UK's primary provider of car movement providers for the automotive sector. The lowest listed worth for a given year, make and model mixture, among the many automobiles at the moment listed on Autotrader. Additionally we've famous constructional specifics of modern engines; as a result we now have created NANO Magnetic freed from particles and completely safe even for future cars.
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February 28, 2017, 10:35 am UTC.
OTC Brokerage And The Exchanges: The great debate
Lobbying from exchanges giving rise to new regulation on CFD providers, we look at how an exchange model would not be practical and how banks would have to be no last look if all their OTC counter-parties were forced onto exchange. Ryan Nettles, Swissquote Bank.


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Derek shared a theory with me, recently. We are currently testing this theory and documenting our findings. Actually, we have been doing research for many years, and we didn't even realize it.
Derek told me that when 2 guys, who have testosterone rushing through their veins, are within 3 feet of each other, SOMETHING.MUST.HAPPEN.
These "happenings" include, but are not limited to nudging, pushing, shoving, poking, smacking the behind, squeezing the knee, and other violations of personal space. They have also been known to knock off each other's hat, pull down each other's pants and snap each other with towels.
They are drawn to do something with the energy they feel building up inside their body, and the closer they get to each other, they feel the energy from the other person, and they must act upon that energy.
Not only does the energy and activity increase, but the volume increases, as well. As one guy's voice gets louder, so do the voices of those around them. Sometimes, just hearing the voice of another male is enough to initiate such "happenings".
For example, in our house, a brother walks by another brother. It may begin with something as small as a "hug". Then the other brother returns that "hug", with just a little more enthusiasm that than the one that he received. Usually the minutes following that initial "hug" include half nelson choke holds, armbars, or an anaconda vice. This pattern continues, it gets louder, someone falls, hits a wall, or damages something in my house in some other way.
Then, within about 2 minutes from the time the first hug began, I am yelling, "Please, stop!"
Sometimes that statement is followed up with, "Somebody is going to get hurt!"
Usually, though, my follow up statement is, "I do not have time for the ER today!"
(Don't judge! Whether you admit it or not, most mothers of boys have had this thought. It may not have been spoken, but the thought was there.)
Laura's sidenote: This theory is not limited to adolescent males. I have seen this manifested in "grown men" many, many times. Usually males that possess the same DNA. That's a different blog for a different time!
Anyway, we hope to share our continued findings with you as our research continues. This theory is tested in our house daily, and I'm sure in many other homes, as well. Feel free to share your finding with us! We would love to hear from you.


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Forthcoming event listings diary for The Unicorn in Greater London:
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Jeff Dunham: Seriously!? Comedy Icon Announces UK Arena Tour for 2020
odome set to revolutionise event marketing
Line Management Course - 2nd November 2020 - Impac
A fab video about beautiful Shropshire
Monty Python Tickets
The Grand Budapest Hotel Trailer
The Ladyboys of Bangkok 2020 TOUR: FLIGHT OF FANTASY
Football and darts: the best mashup ever?
The South London Soul Train with Echoes Of Los Ang
gangnam style
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The Lego Movie Trailer


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Train in New York City at Steps on Broadway!
Professional Training Programs: International Independent Study Program (IISP), Steps Conservatory Program, Steps' Steele Pilates Teacher Certification Program, Summer Study NYC
Course Details
Dancers ages 18 +.
IISP – Students may enroll for three, six or twelve months with semesters beginning on the first Monday of every month. Completed applications must be received at least two (2) months prior to enrollment date. Steps Conservatory and Summer Study Programs are by audition only. Pilates Certification Program requires a dance component. Check website for all application and audition deadlines.
Main Subjects
IISP – Dancers create their own dance schedule (48 classes per month) from over 40 daily classes in ballet, pointe, floor barre, contemporary, modern, theater dance, jazz, hip hop, tap, world dance, Pilates, yoga, Gryokinesis, and Zumba.
Summer Study NYC is a contemporary intensive. Each summer there are two 4-week sessions offered that consist of daily technique classes, Steps with Contemporary Masters, Creative Tools and Performance Skills workshops. A final studio performance ends each semester.
Steps Conservatory Program offers a ballet/contemporary and a theater dance/jazz focus and combines technique classes from the daily schedule with performance enhancement workshops created exclusively for the program, and performance opportunities.
Main Teachers
Steps' faculty is comprised of internationally recognized and established dance professionals. Guest instructors, choreographers, directors and performers are regularly added to the roster, further enhancing the scope of the dancers' experience and training. The faculty's professionalism, creativity and talent combine to provide an exciting and diversified program that fosters artistic growth and offers a strong introduction to the professional world of dance.
Contact Mindy Upin Jackson, Director of Student Programs to apply and for audition/scholarship information or visit the website.
Photo: Summer Study NYC Final Performance, 2013.


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Twins Sweep the Tigers –
Brad Radke continues to pitch like the most underrated pitcher in baseball. He may not be as dominant as Johan Santana but he definitely makes up a large part of the two headed monster. What makes Brad even more amazing is that after 10 years he may now be pitching his best season. In the past he has often been plagued by 1 poor inning a start and occasionally he would pitch a game where he was unable to locate his pitches and gave up a lot of runs. He has never been this consistent. He is hitting all his spots, keeping batters of balance and walking people even less then he used to. His ERA at 3.51 is even lower then it was the year he won 20 when it was 3.87. Brad's biggest problem this year has been run support. With a little help he could easily have as many wins as Santana and then people would be mentioning him being right behind Johan in the CY race. Every time either of these two pitchers is on the mound the Twins expect to win and as a result they play better.
Speaking of that CY Young race, why is it so hard to admit that Johan Santana is currently the most dominate pitcher in baseball? He is on an unprecedented streak and yet members of the media keep trying to pass out his hardware to elsewhere. The latest Gammons article compares Santana to Schilling and tries to make it an argument. Schilling has more wins then Santana but his numbers do not compare in ERA, K's or the amount of hits Johan has given up. Yes there are other pitchers out there having great seasons but Johan is a head above them all. Why must Santana pitch a 2 hit shutout every start from here on out just to prove himself? It is unbelievable he has not had a letdown in close to 3 months. Not 1 bad start!
Call a Doctor
Terry Tiffee came out of last night's game after colliding with Ivan Rodriguez at the plate. He may have injured his shoulder on the play. This guy has really impressed in his brief time in the bigs. He plays hard and comes up with clutch hits. His fielding seems to be average but he is an improvement over Michael Cuddyer. If his shoulder is alright and Corey Koskie is unable to work his way back, Tiffee may be the starting third baseman in the playoffs. He has not played like a wide eyed rookie and it would be surprising if he didn't play well given the opportunity. He also gives the Twins another option for next year should the Twins decided not to resign Koskie. If both players are still hurt come October the team will have a huge hole to fill especially if Cuddyer has to play second.
Last night saw the return of our boy Lew Ford, the official player of Twins Chatter. Lew looked like his old self driving in the first run of the game and later knocking one out of the park. As always, it is great to see Lew perform. The celebration in the dugout following the homerun was another story to add to the book of Lew. As he got back his teammates were either not paying attention or just giving him a hard time because they didn't do anything. They then all had a good laugh and congratulated him following the initial delay.
Special congratulations to Ryan for going 12 and 3 and finishing at the top of Seth's NFL experts picks. I for one, was a little surprised he did so well. Currently I have a commanding lead in our fantasy baseball league for the 3rd year out of 5. Ryan has never won it ever (NOTE BY RYAN): John is just a lucky SOB). Apparently he has more of a knack for football. It is all in good fun though and we hope his luck continues for the rest of the season.
I apologize for such a jumbling of ideas but it is getting toward the time of the year where everyone is just waiting for the playoffs. No one is threatening in the standings while it is still too early for playoff previews. Even the DTFC forum is a little light on topics right now.
Tonight the Twins begin their series against the White Sox. Tickets are supposedly half price for the game which makes it definitely worthwhile to go down and see Johan pitch. The Sox could put a scare into the Twins if they are able to sweep the series. It isn't going to happen and Santana will erase all doubts in game 1. Who knows, we might just see a no hitter.
To Trade...or Not
A question was brought up last week in the comments section on whether it would be a good idea to trade Lew in the off-season given the right deal. Lew is definitely a fan favorite and with Jacque Jones on his way out there is a spot open for him in next year's outfield. The Twins may have to fill holes at second, short, third, the bullpen and in their rotation in the off-season. I don't expect that Lew will be traded or that the team would get enough value to do so especially since he has cooled off a bit later in the year. That said, the Twins have been very good at producing good outfielders in the past couple of years. The can field a decent infield next year with a combination of Punto, Bartlet, Cuddyer, Tiffee and Koskie. If that infield could be upgraded by trading away Ford for reasonably priced talent the Twins should do it. If they can get a good arm for him they should also make the deal. The Twins have been very good at making creative deals. They traded away A.J and Milton last year and got more back in return. There is no reason to close the door and not attempt to do the same this year.
Monday, September 13, 2004
Winning With Pitching and Other Rambles
Posted by john at 9:44 PM
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60 Minutes and correspondent Steve Kroft began chronicling President-elect Barack Obama's road to the White House nearly two years ago, as the candidate declared his candidacy.
Over the course of the campaign, Kroft interviewed the long-shot candidate, his family and his closest advisors, for what turn out to be perhaps the biggest story in American political history.
See the candidate making sandwiches for his young daughters, the rising political superstar on the campaign trail, the confident candidate poised for victory, and the president-elect with his future first lady reflecting publicly for the first time on the fact that they will be the first African-American couple to occupy the White House.
When 60 Minutes went to Illinois in February 2007 to do a story on the young, charismatic senator, it wasn't because we thought he was going to be elected the 44th President of the United States.
Nobody thought that, but he was becoming a political phenomenon and there had never been a presidential candidate quite like him - his last name rhymed with Osama, his middle name was Hussein; racially he was half white and half black, and politically he was green.
It would have been easy to dismiss him if it were not for the fact that he was running second in the polls behind Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination. Watch/Read
After an enthusiastic beginning, the Obama campaign seemed to hit a wall. Eight months after he announced his candidacy in Springfield and on the eve of the primaries, Obama still trailed Hillary Clinton by nearly 20 points in the national polls, and people were still predicting that she could wrap up the nomination by the middle of February.
Obama's performance in the early Democratic debates, in the fall of 2007, lacked inspiration. He seemed flat, professorial, and wonkish. Watch/Read
When Barack Obama went to the Democratic convention assured of the nomination, he was about to make history as the first African-American presidential nominee of a major political party.
The question was, would the American people elect him? Hillary Clinton had helped heal Democratic divisions after a bitter primary fight. But Obama entered the convention locked in a dead heat with Republican opponent John McCain. Watch/Read
After the victory celebration in Chicago's Grant Park, President-elect Obama disappeared for a few days to rest, spend some time with his family and begin organizing the transition.
But he emerged the following week with his wife Michelle and joined 60 Minutes in a Chicago hotel suite for their first post-election interview.
Produced by L. Franklin Devine, Michael Radutzky, Tom Anderson and Jennifer MacDonald


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PODS Meetups: The Importance Of Social Influence on Health
March 12, 2017
I was reading the Wall Street Journal and discovered the following report published on 2/26/17, "When Patients Share Stories, Health Insights Emerge." What researcher's found was that "people are willing to discuss things very frankly when they are in a roomful of people who share their experiences" and " the goal is to understand the unspoken challenges that effect a patient's ability to get and stay healthy."
Another important finding was about the social influence on health- people often improve or worsen together. As a PODS co-leader in the Princeton, NJ area, I can personally testify to the power of the group in improving the well being of our members. Our last meeting on "Hormonal Changes- Perimenopause and Menopause and Diabetes" is a perfect example. There were 15 of us cozily crammed around our table in the library meeting room. We were reviewing common symptoms of hormonal changes as discussed in the ADA's "Sex and Diabetes" by Janis Roszler and Donna Rice (good book!). We went through the list: menstrual changes, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, mood swings, fluctuations in sexual desire and response, weight changes, bouts of rapid heartbeat, frequent urinary leaking, vaginal infections, depression and painful intercourse. We all agreed that these physical changes were rarely discussed and were generally a taboo subject (not so male ED many observed).
In our peer environment we could be honest and more open about what we were experiencing as individuals. It was no longer taboo and because we could speak about these physical changes among ourselves maybe we could open up to our partners and healthcare providers too.
As our discussion continued we began to talk about how these hormonal changes effect our perception of ourselves as sexual partners. Now we laughed and shared our concerns and remedies and felt relief that we were not alone. And for some of us there was lessening of guilt and sadness over how aging and diabetes makes being sexually active more pain then pleasure.
Could I have had this kind of experience without the PODS group? Did we leave our meeting satisfied? Yes, by friendship, understanding and taking care of each other.
My conclusion- our PODS meetup fills in the human element that is crucial to living well with diabetes.
Spring is coming. Hope you enjoy the season!


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Available in a variety of colours and sizes the 6 Pack Fitness Bags are the perfect fitness apparel combining functionality and aesthetics for diligent and committed athletes at the gym and on the street.
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With our efficient dispatching and quick delivery throughout Australia, 6 Pack Bag - Meal Management System can be yours sooner.


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Tuesdays with Corey: Out and About - Ben Hindman, co-founder of Mesosphere
Corey Sanders, Director of Program Management on the Microsoft Azure Compute team takes the show on the road! Rick and Corey are in San Francisco talking with a number of partners who offer services in Azure and other ecosystems. In this episode - Corey drops by the Mesosphere office and talks with Ben Hindman, Co-Creator of Apache Mesos and a Mesosphere Co-Founder.
Don't forget - we're always looking for Suggestions and Questions here in the comments section OR via twitter #AzureTwC. You never know - you might make it to an upcoming episode and be a virtual star of the show - like THIS one!
Post any questions, topic ideas or general conversation here in the comments OR online on via Twitter.
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More episodes in this series
Tuesdays with Corey - Azure Container Instances
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Smok OSUB One 50W Mod Kit – $46.95
The next step forward for the OSUB platform, the Smok OSUB One 50W Mod Kit is an attractive and feature-filled all-in-one system that not only includes an integrated 2200mAh battery, but a built-in 2ml tank with adjustable top airflow. It has an extremely streamlined profile and includes a side-mounted OLED display with a full-length squeeze firing button on the side. The Smok OSUB One Mod offers up to 50W of output with five output modes and includes temperature control (Ni/Ti/SS) and TCR adjustment down to 0.1 ohms.
There have been a handful of all-in-one units that include a hidden tank, but the Smok OSUB One Kit has an especially attractive design and all of the options you would expect from a quality, mid-wattage setup. You can get a competitive price at US vendor Vapor DNA for $49.49 with coupon "DNA10", or get one for even less at MyFreedomSmokes for just $46.95 (no coupon necessary) →
* Expiration of coupon codes is unknown. Good while supplies last.
Smok OSUB One 50W Kit features:
- Variable wattage: 1 – 50W
- Temperature control: 100C – 315C / 200F – 600F (Ni/Ti/SS/TCR)
- Voltage Range: 0.8 – 9V
- Resistance range: 0.06 – 2ohm (TC mode), 0.1 – 3ohm (VW mode)
- Ergonomic zinc alloy chassis
- Easy-to-read OLED display
- Five output settings (Min, Soft, Norm, Hard, Max)
- Full-length squeeze firing button
- Built-in sub-ohm tank
- Multiple protections such as short circuit and over-heating protection
- Micro-USB charging and upgrade port
- Spring-loaded 510 connection
- Integrated 2200mAh battery
Smok Helmet Tank features:
- Stainless steel and glass construction
- Top-fill, leak-proof design
- 2ml tank capacity
- Top adjustable airflow system
- 510 drip tip
- 22mm diameter


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The Eight: Reindeer Monologues, Frosty Farm, San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Events December 12-December 18, 2019
Various Authors noon, Dec. 8
Texas buyout magnate T. Boone Pickens, who has a spread in Del Mar Country Club Estates near Rancho Santa Fe, is throwing a St. Patrick's Day fund-raiser for GOP Congressman Brian Bilbray. The host committee includes the usual names, among them Sempra's Jessie Knight and ex-assemblywoman Charlene Zettel. … Former San Diego schools chief Carl Cohn, who sometimes bridled under close questioning of his stewardship by board member Mitz Lee, is listed as a "special guest" at an upcoming fund-raiser for her June opponent John Lee Evans. Cohosting the March 9 event at the La Jolla home of clinical social worker Victoria Danzig is Francine Busby, the Democratic congressional candidate bested by Bilbray in their race to succeed Randy "Duke" Cunningham.
OK, who can remember when Mesa Oil tried to take over Texaco....Bwahahahahahah!


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What Medellin city tour includes?
- The Poblado park
- the Plaza Botero
- Metropolitan cathedral
- Botanical garden
- Metro and metrocable
- the pueblito paisa
includes visit to:
Medellin City
In 2013 Medellin was awarded the Innovative City of the Year by The Wall Street Journal. Paisas, the residents of Medellin, are proud of their city's progress, and are ready to move forward with vigor. Medellin shows the world its transformation. The city is today a tourist destination because it is an example for the world. Here people can discover the magic of culture , education traditions and nature.
The Poblado Park
El Poblado Square where Medellín was born in 1616 and Calle 10 (10th Street) which is noted for its thriving commerce and nightlife. It was the place where the first village de Valle de Aburrá (Medellin) was founded.
the Plaza Botero
Fernando Botero, Colombia's most famous artist, is originally from Medellin. He donated a large collection of his bronze statutes to the city, and they are on display in Plaza Botero,
Metropolitan cathedral
The cathedral is the principal church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Medellin, home of the Archbishop and Metropolitan Chapter.The Metropolitan Cathedral, which holds the record as one of the buildings in the world with the most bricks -over 1'1 million-, located along the Bolivar park in the city heart.
Botanical garden
It is a living museum, a scientific research center and a shelter for hundreds of species of wildlife and plants of Colombia. Classroom for environmental education, recreation and civic culture.
Metro and metrocable
The Metro corresponds to one of the first experiences of modern mass transportation in Colombia. Through the city via two lines: Line A north - south and Line B from the center to the west of the city. From the heights, you'll spot the panorama of the city of "eternal spring" through metrocable.
the pueblito paisa
Pueblito Paisa (Little Paisa Town) is located on the top of Nutibarra Hill (Cerro Nutibarra) in Medellin. It is a replica of the traditional villages of Antioquia commemorating the tradition of paisas. El Pueblito Paisa has some viewpoints that give a wonderful view of the city of Medellin, day or night.


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Heat hold annual family festival
Champs spent time with community
MIAMI – The Miami Heat enjoyed a day of fun, family, and giving back to the community on Sunday.
The team came together for the annual family festival at the American Airlines Arena.
It was an opportunity for the players to mingle with Heat fans, play games, and eat food from all over the Miami area.
Fans were able to shoot with the players, take pictures and video with the players, and get autographs.
The team gave over $580,000 to Jackson Memorial Hospital.
It was the 17th straight year of this great off-the-court event for the Heat.
On the court, Miami has now won seven straight games.
Copyright 2014 by Local10.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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AMD Hosts Preemptive Lunch Before Intel Launch
amd made a strong preemptive statement on wednesday, hosting a press and analyst luncheon to hype the company's strengths in mobile processing compared to the upcoming intel mobile chip code-named "santa rosa."
"we believe that versus santa rosa, in many areas, we already provide a superior experience," said patrick moorhead, vice president of advanced marketing for amd.
amd representatives highlighted graphics capabilities with vista, and compatibility with next-gen 802.11n and draft-n wireless standards. representatives from nvidia and broadcom spoke at the san francisco event, pointing to the advantage of an open-platform, brand-name solution. whereas santa rosa is rumored to have these features made only by intel, amd partners with nvidia and broadcom for each capability separately.
"really what this is, is a brand-name solution," moorhead said. "so people say, 'hey, i might not know what all these brands are, but i know its better and i know these brands are better.' we want to provide our customers with the absolute choice."
moorhead gave graphics demonstrations using amd's latest mobile chips, the amd mobile 690g chipset with the amd turion 64 x2 mobile processor, in comparison to intel's desktop centrino g965 chipset with the intel core2 duo processor. the graphics were admittedly more life-like and the frame rate on the amd system was between 40 and 45 frames per second, compared to intel's 17 to 22 frames per second. of course, since santa rosa has yet to be tested, these numbers aren't really an apples-to-apples comparison.
read up on santa rosa on extremetech.com
while both 802.11n and draft-n do not have finalized standards just yet, amd professed to have been compatible with both for six months. the next-generation wireless standard is said to be far more powerful and efficient than 802.11g.
"the idea is that we can put more devices on the home network, serve them with a higher throughput, and provide a better experience," said clint brown, director of business development for broadcom. "with our 802.11n on an amd platform, you can see there is a 20-fold improvement in terms of transfer time for multimedia content versus 802.11g."
broadcom representative rich ybarra showed a demo of an apple tv box streaming content to a flat screen tv, while two laptops streamed real-time online video and a nintendo wii ran online, all from the same 802.11n router.
amd also emphasized the company's focus on windows vista compatibility.
"3d is even more important for windows vista," moorhead said. "amd recommends a discreet graphics card for the ultimate experience. in the vista world, it becomes even more important to make sure that users get branded graphics. what this does is provide a much more satisfying experience to the end user."
when asked how vista's increased emphasis on graphics taxes the power efficiency of the chip, amd reps seemed nonplussed.
"certainly vista is consuming more power but we have been very focused on introducing more power-efficient technologies via the 65-nanometer process, as well as the wireless solutions," said bahr mahony, director of product marketing for amd. "we're able to deliver an additional hour of battery life over our previous-generation platforms."


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6 Questions A Financial Plan Will Help You Answer
According to research by the Financial Planning Standards Council (FPSC), 42% of Canadians rank finances as the greatest source of stress in their lives. That's as much as personal health and work combined.
For a lot of us, it's not just a stat, it's our reality. Financial questions keep us up at night: will the rent cheque clear this month? Will we ever be able to afford a down payment? Are my student loan payments keeping me from hitting the financial milestones I should be hitting? Do I have enough put away for retirement?
Yes, the questions we have about our finances seem never-ending. But it doesn't have to be that way.
The first step is to create a financial plan.
A financial plan will give you clarity and peace of mind. Here are some common questions our members come to us with and how a financial plan can make all the difference.
How do I create a budget that fits my life circumstances?
Creating a budget that works for you is at the heart of your financial plan and learning to manage it is the cornerstone to thriving financially.
Budgeting is not about cutting out Starbucks. It's about getting clarity on where your money is going on a regular basis. That way, if you're in a crisis or trying to reach the next big milestone, you're able to use your budget to determine the best course of action.
Once you've laid the foundation with budgeting, you'll also better understand your patterns and behaviours so you can start taking control of them. You can choose to go to Starbucks because you know you've budgeted for it.
A lot of our members want to know how much they should be spending in each category. Because your budget is geared towards helping you overcome your obstacles to reach your financial goals, it really is going to be tailored to you. However there are various rules of thumb that can provide a basis to get started, like the 50-30-20 rule:
- 50% of your after-tax income covers your needs (groceries, housing, bills, loans, etc.)
- 30% covers your wants (shopping, hobbies, dining out, etc.)
- 20% is what you save
There are a lot of tools that can help you create a budget and help you track your spending. These are some of the most popular ones:
If you feel like building a budget is a little daunting, don't worry, you're not alone. If this is you, we encourage you to meet with our financial planner. They're here to share their expertise and provide you with resources so that you can reach your financial goals. And best of all, meeting with an advisor is completely free.
Here's a quick way to make your own budget
The Takeaway: Creating a budget is an important step in financial success. It gives you the ability to choose where your money is going, rather than let your money choose where you are going.
How do I make sure I am financially secure in retirement?
Based on survey results from Franklin Templeton Investments, 80% of Canadians are concerned about retirement expenses.
Data from Franklin Templeton Investment's Retirement Income Strategies and Expectations (RISE) survey, conducted January 2018
- Will Canada's Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) be a dependable source of income?
- How do you save for retirement when prices are rising faster than your income?
- How do you prepare for additional or emergency expenses?
These are some of the most common questions Canadians face. Whether you're twenty years or five years away from retiring, the answers hinge on what you want your retirement to look like.
Can you depend on CPP and OAS?
If you're happy to live a minimalist lifestyle in a town where the cost of living is minimal, you might be able to live mostly on CPP and OAS if you qualify for the maximum amount, which right now is $1,100 a month for CPP and $600 for OAS.
But if you want to travel, or continue to live in your family home, then you'll want to make sure you have a retirement plan in place that takes those wishes into account.
Having a good idea of what you want to do in your retirement years is the key to crafting a plan that provides you with the income you'll need to enjoy your retirement.
Prepare for post-retirement emergencies
Before you retire, you'll want to have an emergency fund in case unexpected expenses come up. Ideally, you don't want to have to make additional withdrawals from your RRIF (Registered Retirement Income Fund) if you need a new roof on your house, new brakes on your car or to repair a burst water pipe.
The best retirement plans are the ones where you have taken into account surprise expenses or large ticket expenses.
One of the ways you can do this is by securing a line of credit before you retire. Whatever your strategy ends up being, it's a good idea to have a couple of backup plans in place.
Pay yourself first
The best way to make sure that you have money saved for retirement is to pay yourself first, rather than save whatever is left over after your bills and expenses come out. Set up an automatic savings plan that runs in the background so you don't have to do it manually.
After a few months, you won't even miss that money anymore and you might even be in a position to increase your savings.
If you feel financially stretched, start with $25 biweekly. Every two weeks, $25 goes automatically into your RRSP or TFSA. When it's an amount you're not missing, bump it up to $50. That way, slowly and surely you are paving the road towards a financially secure retirement. It starts early and it starts small.
The Takeaway: It's never too early to start planning for your retirement and it's never too late to plan what it's going to look like.
Not sure about the differences between an RRSP and a TFSA?
Do I prioritize paying off my debt or start saving early?
This is a question that comes up often, especially with university graduates who are fresh off the Commencement stage and laden with student debt. What's the best strategy? Do you prioritize shedding that debt as fast as possible to the detriment of other goals you might have (saving for a trip, a car, a house, retirement)? Or do you split your goals and start saving early?
There are advantages to getting your savings started as soon as possible: the most important factor to growing your savings is time in market. There is one resource that you can't get more of and that is time so it's worth taking advantage of it while you still have it.
With our example above where you're contributing just $25 biweekly, if you do that over 40 years with an annual rate of return of 5%, you're going to end up with nearly $20,000 saved.
You bump that up to $50 biweekly and you've more than doubled your savings.
A TFSA calculator like the one above is a useful tool to see how your contributions can grow long-term.
Say you're just starting off and you make $30,000 after tax ($2,500 a month) and you follow the 50-30-20 rule we talked about in budgeting. That's $500 that you're saving every month (in a tax-free registered account). Half of that goes towards your retirement in your RRSP and half of it in a TFSA towards that trip to Europe you want to make. With 40 years in the market at an annual interest rate of 5%, you'll end up with nearly $400,000.
By the way, if you're using your Tax-Free Savings Account like a regular ol' savings account, check out our complete guide to your TFSA.
In the end, no one regrets saving early.
When it comes to your debt, not all debt is the same. A mortgage, a student loan and credit card debt are all very different. To determine how you prioritize paying off your debt, look at your interest rate.
Anything below 6% is good. A car loan, a student loan and a mortgage will all tend to have low interest rates. If you have the opportunity to pay them off faster, it's not a bad idea, but you don't have to do it at the expense of your savings.
Most consumer credit cards come with an interest rate of 19.90%. That is something that you want to prioritize paying off in full.
There are low-rate credit cards available, but even an interest rate of 9.90% is comparatively high, so it's worth prioritizing it before you get your savings started.
Of course, if you have other consumer debt (payday loans) with a higher interest rate, then make those the priority.
The Takeaway: Always put a little savings aside, unless it comes to credit card debt. In that case, pay it off as soon as you can.
How do I save for a down payment?
If you're a first-time homebuyer, you're probably looking at the housing market pulling your hair out by the tuft.
A lot of young people are crunching the numbers then packing up to leave the province. But not everybody wants to do that. So other than up and leaving to the much less green pastures of Alberta, how do you save for that first down payment?
Essentially there are two main ways you can go about it.
The first is you use your RRSP to save for your retirement and separately build up your down payment using your TFSA. This is a great option if you want to make sure that saving for a home doesn't disrupt your retirement savings.
The second option is to save for your down payment by saving for your retirement. You can do this with the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP). This federal program allows you to withdraw $25,000 ($50,000 per couple) from your RRSP tax-free for your down payment.
The advantages here are you don't have to be saving in different buckets for different purposes. You also get a tax deduction for the RRSP contributions you make, which can be deposited right back into your RRSP.
Finally it is a loan, but a loan that you're giving yourself. You don't have to pay any interest on it, as long as you pay it back within 15 years. How do you pay it back? By making regular contributions to your RRSP, which you are probably doing anyways.
To use the HBP, you'll need to:
- be a first-time homebuyer
- be a Canadian resident
- have had the money saved in your RRSP for at least 90 days
- withdraw the money within 30 days of owning your home
- have a written agreement to buy or build a home (eg. an offer)
- intend to use your home as your primary residence (not as rental income)
The Takeaway: Your RRSP is a gift from the government that helps you not only save for retirement but for a down payment on your first home, as well. Start saving early and you'll be able to use your RRSP for your down payment.
Find out more about the secrets that your RRSP holds.
How do I care for my kids and parents while saving for my own future?
If you're caught between having to care for your children and your parents, those are priorities that are competing not just for your time and attention, but your money as well. There are several things that you can do if you're in that situation. The first is to sit down and figure out what your financial goals are, aside from your sense of paternal or filial duty.
The second thing you can do is have an honest, open conversation with all the parties involved where you are able to set parameters together. This can be an opportunity for you to get your children and your parents to think about their goals and their priorities. Where do they want to be and how do you get there together?
When it comes to family, we often feel guilty if we can't provide for everyone's needs. If your financial wellbeing is under duress, it's important to set up some ground rules because you are a unit and what affects you affects everyone in the household.
The third thing you can do is bring in your family members to meet with your financial advisor. If there's someone who's helping or hindering your finances, bring them with you. It's helpful to have a third party involved in the discussion and providing resources so everyone can thrive.
The Takeaway: You are a family unit and you need a financial plan that reflects that unit. Involving all concerned parties is essential to achieving financial wellness, not just for you individually, but for everyone.
How do I invest in a way that matches my values?
These days, we are increasingly concerned about the footprint we leave. We're conscious of the effect our actions have on the environment. We're much more aware about social inequities that we perpetuate consciously or unconsciously. We're informed and we care about the way companies are managed.
A lot of us are actively changing our lifestyles to make a difference and one way that we can do that is through responsible investing.
Responsible investing is also known as socially responsible investing (SRI), ethical investing, sustainable investing, green investing and other such similar terms. All of these are broad umbrella terms that describe various ways to invest in socially conscious ways. Some are passive approaches (like negative screening) while others are quite proactive (such as community investing, impact investing and advocacy investing).
SRI funds are no less profitable than non-SRI funds, they're not more difficult or expensive. All you have to do to get started is determine what your goals are, what your values are and how you'd like to see those support each other. Then talk to your financial advisor.
The Takeaway: You can invest in a way that reflects your values with responsible investing. Not only are you able to keep companies out of your portfolio, but you create pressure on companies to reach benchmarks and qualify for responsible investing.
Helping you sleep better at night
There are a lot of things in the world that can keep us up at night. A lot of them we have no control over, but some we do.
Regardless of age, income or lifestyle, finances are one of the top concerns for Canadians. We're still worried about being able to pay our bills, afford retirement, manage our debt, buy a home, providing for our loved ones and making a positive impact on the world.
The thing is: all of these concerns are connected. They're tied together and at the core is a lack of clarity. A financial plan gives you insight on your finances and a strategy to get you where you want to go, while helping you sleep better at night.


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1. Coronado, Panama
Monthly budget: $1,800
Monthly rent: $600
Panama caters to foreign retirees like no other country in the world. Day-to-day living is affordable, the approach to taxation is favorable and property prices remain a bargain outside the capital city. The country boasts perhaps the world's most generous incentive program for retirees and uses the U.S. dollar as its currency, meaning no exchange-rate risk for retirees whose retirement income is also denominated in greenbacks.
Panama City is being remade in real time right now thanks to a myriad of public works projects, including the expansion of the Panama Canal. Panama also offers some of the most advanced medical care facilities in the region. Many Panamanian doctors are U.S.-trained, and Panama City's hospitals are first-rate.
My top recommendation for retirement in Panama in 2014 is Coronado, a beach community on the country's Pacific coast about an hour outside the capital. Life here could be comfortable, convenient and turn-key, as this area is home to one of this country's most established communities of foreign retirees.
2. Languedoc, France
Monthly budget: $2,300
Monthly rent: $800
Not everyone is cut out for life in the Tropics or the developing world. If you prefer old world living, consider France. With its food, wine, architecture, history, museums, parks, gardens and cultural and recreational offerings, this country is the world's best example of getting what you pay for.
Specifically, for retirement in 2014, I'd recommend the "other" South of France. Not Provence (which is pricey), but west of there, in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, between Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur to the east, the Midi-Pyrenees to the west and the Auvergne to the north. Spain is a few hours' drive to the south. This region is colorful, eclectic, always changing, never follows a formula and is very open to retirees. This is wine country, with a long history and a lot of heart.
3. Ambergris Caye, Belize
Monthly budget: $2,000
Monthly rent: $800
Warm, welcoming, independent and private. These four perhaps seemingly contradictory adjectives best describe both Belizeans and their country. Belize is also one of the safest countries in the world, despite what you may read about it. Belize was a colony of Britain until 1981, meaning the people here speak English. They also value their freedom, as it's relatively new.
In the nearly 30 years that I've been spending time in this country, I've joked that "the good news from Belize is no news from Belize." This is a sleepy Caribbean nation with but 350,000 people and three highways. On the other hand, little Belize offers a whole lot of what many retirees are looking for: A chance to start over on sandy, sunny shores. Prices for a bit of sand on Ambergris, the most developed of Belize's islands, are not cheap, but it is cheaper than elsewhere in the Caribbean. And it is this island, home to the country's biggest expat community, that has the services to cater to retirees. I would recommend Ambergris to any retiree dreaming of retirement on the Caribbean Sea this new year.
Legal residency is easy to obtain in Belize, and foreign residents pay no tax in Belize on non-Belize income. I would not recommend Belize if you have a serious health concern or existing medical condition. Health care facilities and standards are improving but limited.
4. Cuenca, Ecuador
Monthly budget: $1,300
Monthly rent: $500
Lots of overseas retirement destinations tout the fact that they're just like the United States, and that, retired there, you could settle into familiar surroundings. You won't hear that about Ecuador. Each day you spend in this country, you know you're in a different and wonderful part of the planet.
Ecuador is also one the world's best places to retire overseas on a budget and to live better for less. The cost of living is low, and the cost of real estate is near rock bottom for Latin America. The health care is high quality and inexpensive.
Specifically, I would recommend Cuenca, Ecuador, a beautiful colonial city with a fresh, spring-like climate 12 months of the year and a large and growing expat community that is one of Latin America's most diverse and well-blended. Ecuador has other colonial cities, but Cuenca is the cultural heart of the country, with an orchestra and active art, theater and even tango traditions that you can often enjoy free.
Perhaps the biggest draw to Cuenca is its cost of living, which is low in an absolute sense. The falling dollar has caused prices to go up sharply for overseas Americans in some countries where goods are priced in the local currency. This won't happen in Ecuador as long as the country continues to use the U.S. dollar as its currency. Real estate, too, is an absolute bargain. You can buy a small condo for less than $40,000.
5. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Monthly budget: $1,100
Monthly rent: $400
Thailand is arguably the cheapest place on earth to live well. Expat friends in this part of the world have long tempted me with tales of $1 Pad Thai lunches and $11-a-night hotels (including breakfast and free WiFi).
My top recommendation for retirees considering Thailand in 2014 is Chiang Mai, about 450 miles north of Bangkok, in a fertile river valley surrounded by mountains. Chiang Mai, home to more than 17,000 foreign residents, enjoys a more temperate climate than other parts of Thailand and is an area rich in history with a culture distinctly different from that in central and southern Thailand. Another big plus for Thailand is health care, which is both very good and very cheap. Downsides include the distance from North America.
6. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Monthly budget: $2,000
Monthly rent: $700
Mexico is a big place with a bad reputation. The reputation isn't altogether undeserved, as drug cartels do control parts of this country, but not all of it. And some of the most appealing regions for both living and investing sit outside the war zones. Mexico offers two long coasts, mountain towns and colonial cities, plus Mayan ruins, jungle, rain forest, rivers and lakes. It's also the most accessible "overseas" haven from the United States. You could drive back and forth if you wanted.
For all these reasons, Mexico is home to the biggest established populations of American expats in the world, making it a great choice if you seek adventure with the comforts of home. Mexico is no longer a super-cheap option, but it is my top pick for enjoying a luxury coastal lifestyle on a budget in Puerto Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta is more expensive than other places where you might consider living or retiring overseas, but in Puerto Vallarta that's not the point. This isn't developing-world living. This stretch of Mexico's Pacific coastline has already been developed to a high level.
Life here can be not only comfortable, but easy and fully appointed, with world-class golf courses, marinas, restaurants and shopping. This is a lifestyle that is available only on a limited basis worldwide, and is truly (not metaphorically) comparable to the best you could enjoy in southern California if you could afford it. Here you can afford it even on an average budget.
7. Granada, Nicaragua
Monthly budget: $1,300
Monthly rent: $500
Geographically, Nicaragua is blessed, with two long coastlines and two big lakes, plus volcanoes, highlands, rain forest and rivers. In this regard, it's got everything Costa Rica and Panama have got, all less discovered and developed and available for the adventurer and eco-traveler at bargain rates.
Architecturally, too, Nicaragua is notable. Its two sister colonial cities, Granada and Leon, vie for the title of Oldest City in the Americas. Whichever story you believe (that the Spanish conquistadores settled first on the shores of Lake Nicaragua at Granada or, perhaps, a few months earlier in Old Leon), Nicaragua is the big winner, with impressive colonial-era churches, public buildings and parks to her credit.
Property values have fallen significantly in this country over the past several years, thanks to the re-election of Sandinista President Daniel Ortega and the global recession, which has hit this country hard. As a result, you can buy a house on Nicaragua's Pacific coast for less than $100,000.
8. Medellin, Colombia
Monthly budget: $1,800
Monthly rent: $500
Colombia is the world's top up-and-coming retirement haven. Specifically, Medellin, Colombia's city of flowers and eternal springtime, offers a very appealing and competitive retirement lifestyle option. Medellin is a pretty place with strong Euro-undertones, meaning it's a chance to embrace a sophisticated, cosmopolitan retirement on a modest budget. The world just hasn't figured that out yet.
Kathleen Peddicord is the founder of the Live and Invest Overseas publishing group. With more than 28 years experience covering this beat, Kathleen reports daily on current opportunities for living, retiring and investing overseas in her free e-letter. Her newest book, "How To Buy Real Estate Overseas", published by Wiley & Sons, is the culmination of decades of personal experience living and investing around the world.


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I'm almost always clad in dresses these days. With the daily temperature of 36 degrees celcius anything fussy or complicated feels too cumbersome. I've also found a few really lovely pieces of fabric on my travels so was thinking about a simple shape to show them off to their full. My first indie pattern was the Colette Laurel, blogged here in denim and here in Liberty lawn. It's a really simple shift dress that fits pretty well out of the envelope.
So I thought that the Laurel would be the perfect way to use this fab tropical print viscose. As before, I took a few inches out of the side seams on the skirt to avoid the 'grown-up wearing a children's nightie' look. The viscose drapes beautifully so I thought it was a shame to interrupt it with a zip. I tested my Laurel top and realised that the dress would slip over the head without any trouble. So I omitted the zip and used black bias tape to finish the neckilne. This dress makes me happy. It's become a firm favourite as it packs easily, looks more statement than simple, and is just so comfortable to wear.
I'm getting my head turned by all of your delicious new makes but trying not to succumb! For the record I've mainly been: obsessing a little too much over the Closet Case Files Sallie jumpsuit; getting my pattern pieces ready for the Prima magazine culottes; and deciding between the BHL Anna and Zeena. Progress is extremely slow but I firmly believe that a hobby should be a pleasurable escape not another pressure. Well, I'm trying to convince myself of that! Either way, no new patterns until I source a new printer cartridge!