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Dear UrbanBaby community,

Thank you so much for being a valued member of the UrbanBaby community. We wanted to inform you that we are shutting down the site on July 6th. We are grateful for your participation and support that has helped make UrbanBaby such an important resource to parents for many years.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can email us at urbanbaby-support@cbsinteractive.com.

Thanks so much,

UrbanBaby Support

[ - ] we are renting a beach house for the month of august, what do i do with our mail/bills for the month? we live in the city with no doorman. 5 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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New York City 07.24.08, 06:46 AM Flag
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I think you can get it held by the postal service. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 06:47 AM Flag
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This is correct. Go to post office and fill out form to hold mail. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 06:51 AM Flag
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You can do this online at usps.com. Very easy. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 07:03 AM Flag
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We are on automatic payment plans for bills. And our neighbor gets and keeps our mail and we do the same for her. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 07:00 AM Flag
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you can also forward your mail to the beach house for that one month. but the easiest is to arrange for the bills to be paid in advance and ask someone to pick up your mail in case something unexpected comes up. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 07:08 AM Flag
[ - ] Any Greenwich moms out there? 0 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 06:46 AM Flag
[ - ] Rhinelander or Merricat's Castle? Why? 26 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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NY Schools 07.24.08, 06:41 AM Flag
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Merricats is a much better school. The teachers are better. There is a lot of turnover at Rhinelander. Also, the famous coke-pepsi challenge happened at Rhinelander. The directorat Merricats is well connected. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 07:32 AM Flag
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And, one more thing, the diversity at Merricats is good for preschoolers, imo. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 07:33 AM Flag
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what does that mean, "the famous coke-pepsi challenge happened at Rhinelander"? Do you mean they gave the 3 year olds soda? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 08:21 AM Flag
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no, tehy did not (it was the 4s class, and the teacher wanted to a thimble-full coke-pepsi challenge as a graphing exercise, as they were working on graphing in class. a letter went home about it, and when parents complained -- me included -- the director stepped in and cancelled it. truly, while the teacher made an error in judgment, it really wasn't that big of a deal.) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 12:10 PM Flag
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but why would thy do it? just wondering...bad judgement sure, but just seems stupid. Give them different color gummy bears or something, not caffeinated soda! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 12:12 PM Flag
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i agree completely -- as i said, i complained as well. the graphing exercise was a great idea, but the teacher's original thought to use soda was stupid. everyone agreed, some other item was used in its place (can't remember what), and that was the end of it. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 12:16 PM Flag
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I remember doing this as a kid but the choice was between cats and dogs! (Actually, I think this was first done as a vote, as it was an election year and they wanted to teach us about that) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 12:18 PM Flag
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they did that too at rhinelander, if i recall. after apple picking, i think -- yellow, red, or green apples were the choices... [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 12:27 PM Flag
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I see... both of these are UES preschools? Why have I never heard of EITHER before this post? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 12:28 PM Flag
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don't know. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 12:44 PM Flag
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It was supposed to be a taste test - but it was literally 4 years ago! It is over! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 08.18.08, 05:48 PM Flag
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disagree on merricats being much better. we disliked it when we toured. thought rhinelander was a very nice, sweet place. ended up sending dc there -- we were there during the coke-pepsi thing, and believe me, it has been way overblown (and it happened three years ago -- that teacher isn't even there anymore, i don't think). newish director at rhinelander is quite good -- more and more kids going to private school now. the school's grads have always been successful with the selective publics (many each year going to LL, anderson, and hunter). [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 11:10 AM Flag
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I totally disagree! The teachers at Rhinelander are amazing! Very nurturing and creative with their curriculum. The director has been there 3 years and is very well liked. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 08.18.08, 06:00 PM Flag
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How would you know that the teachers are better? Do you have children at both schools to compare the two? Both my kids went to Rhinelander and I loved all their teachers. They were extremely nurturing and had an amazing curriculum. Loved our field trips and the director is great - very approachable. In addition, from what my friends told me who had children graduate this year from Rhinelander, many children went on to TT schools including Chapin and Horace Mann. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 08.26.08, 04:54 PM Flag
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[ Removed by moderator ] [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 08:22 AM Flag
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To Dalton, yes, but mainly for minorities and/or legacies. Of those accepted last year, only one was neither. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 08.17.08, 06:40 PM Flag
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where are these places? never heard of either [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 11:15 AM Flag
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They are pretty equal. Pick the one you like better. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 11:22 AM Flag
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They are only equal in location... Merricat's Castle 100%! I did several mommy and me classes at Rhinelander which were all fine but when it comes to their nursery school program Merricat's is so much better (IMO). We LOVE Merricat's and everything about it. The director is fantastic and has been there for ages. They have great exmissions to private schools, 12 kids went to Dalton this past year from Merricat's. Did your DC get accepted to both? Did you get a better vibe at one over the other? I had an "in" at Rhinelander but let it slide in order to first choice Merricat's and hope for the best, which it is! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 11:54 AM Flag
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my goodness -- you should be merricat's PR director. i really doubt your claim that 12 grads went to dalton this past year, btw -- given that the school isn't really that big, and that a set percentage of the class is either special needs in some way or receiving some sort of therapy, and given that while private exmissions from the school are pretty good, at least 40-50% are still public bound, your claim seems unlikely. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 12:14 PM Flag
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Not a Merricats mom but met at least 4 Merricats moms at Dalton new parents event this past Spring - although 1 or 2 were sibs if I recall correctly. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 12:37 PM Flag
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Merricats send a few kids every year to Dalton and other great schools. There is no way 12 went in one year though. Merricats has a well established director and teachers. There have been 3 directors at Rhinelander over the past few years. There is uneven teaching and the new schedule sucks if you want full days for younger kids. Merricat has a flexible schedule and a warm and loving environment. We had to choose between the two and are really happy there. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 12:46 PM Flag
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The flexible schedule at Merricat's has a big downside if you want a typical five day schedule and consistent classmates for your child. For example, when my daughter was there most of her classmates were on different schedules and very few four year olds were in school all five half-days unless they did some combination of mornings and afternoons. This is not typical of most preschools where your child would have a consistent group of peers, all on the same schedule. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 08.18.08, 04:48 PM Flag
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I got into both and chose Rhinelander. Merricat's is great, however, I am certain that 12 children did not get into Dalton this past year. It should also be known that the director of Merricats has her own children there, so there is definitely a great connection with the school. Rhinelander is a great school as well and the director was able to place children this year at competitive schools such as Horace Mann, Dalton, Chapin, and Town. The director gave individualized attention to all her parents and the Pre-K parents were very pleased with her support. She is very approachable and loved by the kids and parents. As far as having an "in" to the school, I find that highly unlikely - the director is pretty clear that she does not give preferential treatment. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 08.18.08, 05:46 PM Flag
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We loved Merricat's. It was warm, friendly, the teachers are fantastic. it is also a integrated classroom with kids with special needs. It has a very loving atmosphere and I would agree about the staff. They are a core group that has been with the school for a long time. Rhinelander is a bit more traditional than Merricat's which I would call more progressive and flexible (our child took summer camp there one year). Overall, we were very happy with our child's experience at Merricat's. and yes, I would say it is connected to the private school loop. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 08.18.08, 07:59 PM Flag
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Rhinelander is certainly not traditional in their teaching. The director makes it very cleat that they are much more on the progressive side. The Director was a past special Ed. teacher herself, so definitely believes in a "hands-on approach" to learning. Only one head teacher has left during the past 4 years. And Rhinelander's director got many kids into to schools this year (Sacred Heart, Chapin, Dalton, Horace Mann, etc..). Just because people go to one school does not make you an expert on another school. Unless your child actually went to a given school, it very pointless to talk about another school as if you know everything about it. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 08.20.08, 04:19 AM Flag
[ - ] Have v. limited time today to check dbl strollers - would you go to BBB or Albee's (where is better selection)? 2 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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New York City 07.24.08, 06:37 AM Flag
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go to BBB and if they don't have what you're looking for, check out Schneiders (1 block away). [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 06:47 AM Flag
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go to bbb, also just go with the Phil and Teds sport, the best one for double. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 06:50 AM Flag
[ - ] would you get a bikini wax if you were 40 wks pg? my due date was yesterday so i'm just sittin' around waiting. i know that it'll be many weeks before i'll be able to get another wax, and it might be kinda nice to be less hairy in this heat. any recommendations for places to go for bikini wax when hugely pg? 18 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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Expecting 07.24.08, 06:33 AM Flag
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I go to J Sisters and they have very pregnant people in there all the time, I just asked it about last time i was there... [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 06:51 AM Flag
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where are they located? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 11:00 AM Flag
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i did with past 2 deliveries. this time im not sure if i want to bother. would like to trim but i cant see anything down there. i'd definitely go to bliss though. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 06:57 AM Flag
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would you recommend bliss in soho? (this would be closer to me...) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 07:30 AM Flag
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i go to bliss in soho, kamala is good. but my ob told me not to wax near the end of my pg-if they needed to shave me, they would, but it has something to do with germs on your skin. i kind of forget it all now [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 10:54 AM Flag
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uhoh...i made appt. already at that edamame place for this afternoon. think it's ok? i can't get through to ob before the appointment and already left credit card. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 10:56 AM Flag
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get a pedicure with a foot and leg massage instead! Believe me, you will not care how hairy you are during labor and delivery--I thought I would be embarrassed, did not give it even one thought. Do something nice for yourself, trust me. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 07:08 AM Flag
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thanks. pedicure and massage also sound great, but wax is more for comfort than aesthetics right now. i just feel too sweaty, and less hair would be fresher-feeling.. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 08:10 AM Flag
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since it's the summer, i've been keeping up. i actually tried the maternity spa at destination maternity and they did a good job. my regular waxing person goes away for the summer and i felt weird going to someone new while i was pg. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 07:16 AM Flag
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i got waxed right up until the end before having both dcs...i couldn't fathom going through delivery, having everyone poke around down there without a wax... [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 07:49 AM Flag
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i am 35 weeks and had a bikini wax last week. i think it was my last one before delivery. it was so painful and my skin was so sensitive. i was thinking that i wanted to be waxed and hair free for the delivery, but after that pain, i am going au natural! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 08:06 AM Flag
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i'm in the hospital now after a C-section. got a bikini wax the day before i came in to avoid getting shaved. i'm glad i did and the nurses made a big deal about not having to shave me. it did hurt more than usual, though... [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 09:29 AM Flag
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you're in the hospital now? congratulations!! (curious where did you go for wax? i'm thinking of going to the edamame spa that was mentioned, but it's a little far...) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 09:57 AM Flag
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how are you on the computer in the hospital? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 09:59 AM Flag
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np: probably iphone or something. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 10:03 AM Flag
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I went to Completely Bare at 38 weeks. They trimmed and waxed everything. Didn't hurt much (they use really gentle wax) and was GREAT postpartum not to have hair on top of all the nastiness coming out of me. Do it, OP! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 02:28 PM Flag
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Go to Regina at Maria Bonita in SOHO - 12 Prince Street [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 03:51 PM Flag
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Shobha they have locations in Soho and 57th street. switched there from J sisters [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 04:19 PM Flag
[ - ] another baby gift ques. moved away 3 yrs ago & had a friend who just had a db. sent me an announcement, but we haven't even spoken since i moved. send gift? 2 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 06:28 AM Flag
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op: exchanged a couple of emails in that time. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 06:28 AM Flag
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if this is someone you like and feel genuine warmth toward, yes. why not? doesnth ahve to be expensive. if you dont want to do it and dont really care about her and are asking if you are obligated, no you're not, you can just send a nice email [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 06:36 AM Flag
[ - ] forgot whether i sent a baby gift to someone or not. ask? send another? don't send at all? we used to be friends, now not so much. her dh sends a little business to my dh. 5 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 06:26 AM Flag
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Do you have any records to look at (CC receipts?) that might job your memory? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 06:27 AM Flag
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^^sorry, jog your memory. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 06:30 AM Flag
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that wouldn't help. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 06:30 AM Flag
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op: buy a lot of crap [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 06:30 AM Flag
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if they are people who write thank you notes (isn't everybody ;-) then wait and see if you get one in a couple weeks. If not, send a(nother) gift. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 06:35 AM Flag
[ - ] What is the most fun you've had (or will have) all summer? Anyone doing a STAY-cation? 5 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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Toddler 07.24.08, 06:23 AM Flag
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So far swimming lessons/swimming for fun. Both kids are learning for the first time and it's awesome. They feel so proud of themselves and are having such a good time with it. But we are taking a vacation in a week, so I know that will be great too. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 06:25 AM Flag
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went to lbi for a week. house w/ pool and jacuzzi. also, white water rafting in berkshires. 5yo and 7 yo. also db - home w/ nanny. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 06:26 AM Flag
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zoaroutdoor.com has info on family float trips. it's a couple hrs. from nyc. you can stay in an inexpensive hotel overnight. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 06:29 AM Flag
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Camping out under the stars in our back yard (Manhattan) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 06:29 AM Flag
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nice [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 06:30 AM Flag
[ - ] Can someone please explain how the "inclusion" class works in public elementary schools in Manhattan? Are the kids considered "inclusion" kids physically handicapped or could we theoretically end up with some psycho kid who harms others? 4 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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NY Schools 07.24.08, 06:23 AM Flag
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I think most of the kids have minor issues, like speech or sensory or fine motor skills. Psycho kid would get kicked out of school. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 07:15 AM Flag
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Agree, but there was a psycho kid in my dc's ctt class this year and they couldn't get him out. Parent fought legally to keep the child in regular school. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 07:21 AM Flag
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How was the experience for your dc otherwise? Was it a K class? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 07:50 AM Flag
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Psycho is not a nice way to put it, so let's say dcs w/ behavioral issues. Unfortunately, not true. Dc was in a CTT class where there were 4 dcs w/ behavioral issues, acting out, not listening to teachers, threatening to throw chair, and in one case, actually throwing the chair and other hard objects. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 08:04 AM Flag
[ - ] How the heck can so many people afford the exhorbitant private school tuition in Manhattan? Seriously. College is less than most of these will cost for Kindergarten adn they rise exponentially. 34 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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NY Schools 07.24.08, 06:20 AM Flag
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Because tons of people make a lot of money in Manhattan? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 06:31 AM Flag
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First, there is a lot of money in Manhattan, even in tough economic times. Second, some people who borderline can't afford it get sucked into the private school scene, believe the hype and think they cannot live without it, and they ask their parents to help out, or do stupid things like draw down from their 401(k) to make ends meet. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 06:32 AM Flag
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Or, of course, get financial aid. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 02:29 PM Flag
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Or just live paycheck-to-paycheck, while still stocking away in 401K [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 02:52 PM Flag
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pretty much only a state school costs less than private school. most private colleges and universities cost $50k or more per year. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 12:17 PM Flag
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Actually you are WRONG! And the fact that provate school is anywhere near most universities is disgusting! np [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 02:14 PM Flag
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relax, snippy. and considering that college costs amount to much more than just tuition for the vast majority out there, i am not wrong. now pipe down. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.25.08, 12:57 PM Flag
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they have a lot of money; FA; family helps. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 02:23 PM Flag
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i wonder that same thing! and i wonder where they work?! lol. my husband and i are college educated wtih professional jobs in the city, rent an apt in queens, and there's no way we could afford a private school. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 03:29 PM Flag
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I wonder same and think it is much Wall Street/finance money as well as celebs, nouvo rich and some old money. I wonder what is going to happen with all the soon to come layoffs in the financial sector. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 03:36 PM Flag
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First, the layoffs have already started going on a year now, and seccond, the real money comes with the layoff package! My DH got laid off from his firm and we had a great garden leave, enjoyed our 2 mil package, then he started at a new firm. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.25.08, 07:00 PM Flag
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We both have professional jobs & live in Manhattan & could almost afford it for one dc. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 03:43 PM Flag
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Same here and we just don't see it being worthwhile. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 03:52 PM Flag
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Ditto. We could wing one child. It's a waste of money, though, IMHO. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 04:12 PM Flag
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You need to make b/t 250 & 300 to be able to afford to send one dc. Many professionals in NYC make that. OF course, many don't - but that combined with the really wealthy and the under 250K who get aid easily fills up the schools. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 03:47 PM Flag
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Tuition for NYC private school rises about 3-7% yearly, depending on the year and the school. It does not rise exponentially. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 04:27 PM Flag
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Oh Honey. To many of us THAT is exponentially [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 05:29 PM Flag
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It actually is the definition of exponential growth! It would be linear if you added a set amount every year, not a set percentage [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 09:02 PM Flag
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Math note - that is exponential growth. The exponent is 1.03-1.07, but it's still an exponent. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 07:55 PM Flag
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That's a multiple, Not an exponent. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 08:58 PM Flag
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and multiplying by a set number is exponential growth. The exponent part is the variable of time that tells you how many times you multiply by that number [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 09:01 PM Flag
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Then any growth is exponential if it goes up every year by an amount you can quantify? Does this mean my salary has exponential growth? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 09:07 PM Flag
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If it goes up by the same percentage every year, then yes. Say it goes up 1% then you would calculate your current salary by first years salary times 1.01 to the power of how many years you have worked: the classic exponential formula [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 09:10 PM Flag
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Thanks for the late night math lesson. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 09:34 PM Flag
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But schools don't have a set % increase each year. Just like the rent guidelines board, it varies. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 09:12 PM Flag
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I was just saying that if it goes up 5% a year, then that is exponential growth [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 09:15 PM Flag
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Because its predominantly family money, or finance/hedge fund money. (And the rest financial aid, or celebs.) Clearly there are exceptions. But after much consideration, and getting into our top choice, we couldn't pull the trigger. Its just too contrived of a setting. And even if say, just 40% (which I maintain is a LOW estimate) of a particular class, is ibanking/hedge fund money . . . . didn't sit right with us, and not want we wanted our dc to grow up in. Going citywide g&T instead. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 07:44 PM Flag
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^^^ meant "not what we wanted our dc to grow up around - " bad grammar but you get the point. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 07:45 PM Flag
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You will probably end up with 40% hedge fund/IB [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.24.08, 08:05 PM Flag
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not at citywide, not based on the parents I know whose kids are at citywide - there may be some attorneys, some in finance, but I highly doubt there's as high a % of hedge/IB as at private [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.25.08, 01:10 PM Flag
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Hope not. I have to think there are a lot of smart people that passed on their smarts gene to their kids, and chose more interesting fields than finance. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.25.08, 06:36 PM Flag
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I really don't understand this question at all even though I've seen it a million times. A lot of people in Manhattan make a lot of money! Period. For example, our HHI is 3-4 M/year. Dh is finance (60%), I'm in a creative field (40%). We send our kids to private without batting an eye. Get over it. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.27.08, 04:53 PM Flag
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AND its almost all finance money. Boring. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.27.08, 06:30 PM Flag
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I agree. Ask the same question about a pair of shoes. There are some that spend several hundred dollars on a pair. The people with income similar to mine think this is silly, but we regularly spend $90 on a pair. But there's a group of people who think this is silly and would never spend more than $25. and THEN there's the group that can't spend more than $2.50. It's all a question of percentage of your income. I would guess that we all have the same tolerance when you think about portions. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.30.08, 08:59 AM Flag
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