long-term goal: An objective that you want to achieve with many steps
short-term goal: an objective that you can achieve in a short amount of time with little steps
Either "By 2007, more Americans lived in or near cities than they did in rural areas." or "<span>Even today, the need for work is a common reason people move to urban areas."</span>
Answer:
i am fine and thank you for your wish
<span>You think because I am her mother I have a key?</span>
I believe that "like a slackened drum" is the implied metaphor.