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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

[ - ] does it help my dc's K application if I chaired the ps auction? 20 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:45 PM Flag
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mostly because you ahve kissed psd's behind by doing this, and ongoings will figure that you experience could be useful. of course, unless they have too many auction chairs in the applicant pool... [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:47 PM Flag
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Not much space or time to mention this type of stuff. I was PA pres and it never once came up in essays or interviews although I was assuming (hoping) PSD at least mentioned it in DC's school report. She probably just said "involved" re: that question (without $$$). [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 07:57 PM Flag
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I chaired committees (inc auction) at my dc's school. I'm sure that info was included in report. Dc got into fc (also had very high erbs). [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 09:29 PM Flag
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It can help but does not always. I know someone who was the Chair of the Board of Directors at DC's pre school and her child got WL'ed across the board and is now in public. there are many factors that go into admissions [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 09:54 PM Flag
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Kid probably bombed erbs. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 07:49 AM Flag
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right. it's not going to help a child who isn't qualified, but the reality is, there are too many kids with great playdates, great preschool reports and great erbs. This can be the little extra that gets you to the top of the pile. But all the other factors have to be there already. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 08:15 AM Flag
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There aren't THAT many kids with high 90s (great) erbs (despite what you read on UB). Even among kids of educated parents, it's an impossibility that MOST dcs taking WPPSI--III for ERB will score in the top 2% of the population. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 08:41 AM Flag
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wow, chill out. you are the one defining high erbs as top 2%, not me. My dd got 95 and I think that is plenty high. But yes, there are more kids that a school would like to take than kids they have room for. That's really all I'm saying. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 09:00 AM Flag
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How do you know that? [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 09:40 AM Flag
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95 is good. Not high enough for some schools, though. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 09:40 AM Flag
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Please, it is good enough for all schools, but there is more to the picture than ERBs [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 09:44 AM Flag
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Can't hurt. There is a space on ISAAGNY form that asks about this. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 04:57 AM Flag
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i didn't chair any auction but was very involved at prek. Positive PSD report was credited partially for the acceptance. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 05:48 AM Flag
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Its a good compensating factor. (i.e. if kid unlikely to get in on their own merits.) [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 07:57 AM Flag
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no, you have it wrong. It is good for the kid who, on their own merits, meets all the criteria for the school, but there are simply too many great kids that the school loves and wants to take. This can be the little thing that tips it over the edge from a priority wl to an accept. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 08:13 AM Flag
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Ok, but we weren't able to volunteer for anything, or donate much of anything, and dc got in to top few choices. I think people should chair the auction committee because they have the time and want to chair the auction committee, not because they hope it will get dc into an ongoing. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 11:05 AM Flag
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I never said you have to be involved for your child to get in. I only said that it can be a tipping factor. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.23.08, 07:00 AM Flag
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Bet your kid did well on erbs (either that or your "top choices" weren't tt or very competitive schools). [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.23.08, 07:04 AM Flag
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Did well on ERBs [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.23.08, 09:07 AM Flag
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Quite honestly yes - you PS director will work a little harder for you & help push an iffy candidate over the starting line with an extra phone call. Also the ongoing schools will really like that fact you have proved that you will contribute to the school. Private schools depend on the parents to do a lot & it always seems like the same 9 people doing all the volunteering so your willingness to engage & contribute will be duly noted. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 09:45 AM Flag
[ - ] Is it ok to continue bfing while pregnant? 6 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More ]
Expecting 07.21.08, 06:37 PM Flag
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Sure [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:39 PM Flag
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Thanks. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:43 PM Flag
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Holy Christ, hiw long have you been bfing? [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:43 PM Flag
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Why? [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:45 PM Flag
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I'm just asking, not flaming, you either have been bfing along time, or you got pg quick...it sounds very tiring. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:47 PM Flag
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Yes [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:46 PM Flag
[ - ] We need to get some type of gift for 1yo cousin's birthday & baptism. We'd like to get something that like a bond or start a fund for college. Any recommendations? ideas? 7 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:36 PM Flag
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We gave a friend's 4yo 1 share of Disney Stock, got the certificate and they all loved it. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:39 PM Flag
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that is so cute. How did you do this? [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:40 PM Flag
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I always buy bonds - growing up people always got them for me, and they came in handy while I was in grad school and with my wedding. Usually in addition to the bond I will buy a small gift for the child, like a book or small small toy because they don't understand the bond - but I am sure when they are in college, they will thank me! :) [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:39 PM Flag
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Where & how do you buy bonds? Do you hold onto them or give to child? [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:41 PM Flag
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You need the child's or parents ss number. You get them at a bank, you have to fill out a form, I usually buy EE bonds (you pay half the face value) or I bonds (you pay full face value)the difference is how they collect interest. Again, my intention is for them to be used in the future, so I usually do EE assuming they will reach face value, or go over, depending on how long the child waits to cash them. The bank will give you a certificate to include in the card telling them of the bond and they will receive it in the mail in a few weeks. I usually name the child the owner and the parent the beneficiary. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:45 PM Flag
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my BIL bought my dd stock (GE and something else). He called up a stock broker friend and set it up [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:41 PM Flag
[ - ] NY1 Segment on PS 116. There was a press conference at PS 116 today to address the overcrowded issue at 116 and other district 2 schools. The Mayors office claims that they are working on space for more schools....Let's keep our fingers crossed. 3 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More ]
Preschool/Kids 07.21.08, 06:35 PM Flag
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what about D3? [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:47 PM Flag
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They did not mention D3. They said that D2 is the most overcrowded and the largest district in the city.... [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:49 PM Flag
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oh, thanks [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:50 PM Flag
[ - ] connected w/ old bf on facebook today. i sware i reread my emails to him about 15 times b-4 sending them off, i looked at my pics to see how they look from the outside. what is up w/ that? i am happily married w/ kids! yikes! but it was so much fun.he's single btw. 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:33 PM Flag
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Just don't meet up with him! And if dh see's it he will be very hurt, most likely, as you would be if he was chatting it up with an old flame. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:45 PM Flag
[ - ] i weigh 3 pounds less than the day I deliver my db. my all time non-pregnant high. . . it's a bummer I'm so stressed out and busy, I don't eat well or exercize enough. 11 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:29 PM Flag
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tomorrow is a new day, get out a piece of paper and right out 100 times: I will get my fat ass to the gym today and starve myself silly so I am not an embarrassment to myself, my husband and kids. And join WW. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:32 PM Flag
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Wow, I hope you are getting lots of therapy. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:33 PM Flag
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It was a joke, hello! Don't we all have those thoughts when we are at are shitty weight. I think the poster knows it's a joke. Poster, it's a joke, take care of yourself and get moving. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:36 PM Flag
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OP: don't worry. . . i don't take UB that seriously. I think the problem is that I don't feel all that fat. . . I should [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:37 PM Flag
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what a comedienne! [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:38 PM Flag
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I will write a 100 times: I will get my silly ass to a shrink today so I do not embarass myself on UB. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:40 PM Flag
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ww? is on line good enough? [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:33 PM Flag
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I'm going to say if you can actually go to a place sometimes it seems to keep you more in line, at least it does for me. And although I do not write out things like I posted above, I do keep a journal, when I start these things. I just put my weight, no matter how scary, my thoughts, my goals and my plan of action. It's great to look back on six weeks from now and see your progress and that you've followed through. It's alos just nice to get past those first few days of change. And you don't have a fat ass and you are not an embarassment to anyone, I WAS JOKING! [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:39 PM Flag
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so part was funny and part was how you live your life - HILARIOUS [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:40 PM Flag
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I don't get it, is that sarcastic? She said she was joking and then gave solid advice. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:42 PM Flag
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i just started with a personal trainer. can't afford it, but it is the best money I have spent. I like to think it it is investment that will pay off in many aspects of my life - more energy & confidence to make more money.. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 12:07 AM Flag
[ - ] at what age do you think you can tell if a child is gifted or not? 20 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More ]
Toddler 07.21.08, 06:24 PM Flag
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7 or 8, IMO [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:25 PM Flag
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agree, if you are talking about IQ. There are some really gifted swimmers, musicians, actors etc that show their gifts later than that. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 05:59 AM Flag
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there are kids who are verbal when really young, so you think they are smart/gifted. but really, can tell if gifted by age 7-9 ish [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:25 PM Flag
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I agree with the 7-8 poster above, but I have heard of dcs reading at age 2, doing math in their head before age 3, etc. These kids are gifted. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:34 PM Flag
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I knew it about my dc for as long as I can remember. verbal, conceptual ability of a smart adult, vocab of a very smart adult, memory like an elephant, socially connected far earlier than other kids, on and on. test scores were there too when the time came, but giftedness was not subtle in my dc. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:43 PM Flag
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Ditto with my dc. We always knew, everyone who meets him says it, his test scores prove it. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:52 PM Flag
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Extraordinary gifts show up super early, but in general high academic ability doesn't show up until 7-9ish. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:52 PM Flag
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teacher here and mom of a gifted child. i think you know by 7/8 in regards to academic ability. truly exceptional children you can tell as early (maybe not measurable) as 3/4. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 06:02 AM Flag
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and many truly exceptional children are missed and labeled problem children in school. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 06:10 AM Flag
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np; this is true. Research shows teachers make very poor identifiers. Said parents actually are good at ID'ing giftedness. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 06:15 AM Flag
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well good thing i am both [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 06:17 AM Flag
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There are kids who read at 1.5yo and say things like "are you here for my birthday party?" on the 1st birthday. Not my dc, but I know there are kids like that. You can't mistake those kids. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 06:06 AM Flag
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Read the article which below poster linked. www.educationaloptions.com/levels_giftedness.htm goes to early infancy through preschooler age and what these diff level gifted kids could do. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 06:07 AM Flag
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I didn't know but my SIL's (teachers), friends (teachers) and sister (psychologist) said they knew even when dc was just 1yo. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 06:18 AM Flag
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Don't get too caught up in the early stuff, I read somewhere that Edison didn't read until he was 12 and Einstein is famous for being a very slow developer. I know several adults who were precocious as very young children (very early readers, talkers, etc.) who are smart but not more so than others. Only time can tell if someone has truly special abilities. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 06:44 AM Flag
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Educationally it may not matter if a kid presents as gifted and turns out just to be precocious later on, i.e., doesn't 'stay"' gifted. Because you have to educate the child in front of you, not the child he or she will be. It's a problem for gifted programs because they can't counsel out the kids who don't pan out. On the other hand, if they could counsel them out, it would create a horrible atmosphere for children and parents. But if you don't give the gifted-at-K kids something appropriate for the first few years, they can have problems: get bored, voluntarily dumb themselves down, withdraw, act out, learn to hate school, feel bad about themselves, get snarky with teachers because they feel condescended to, develop bad relationships with adults as a result, etc. There is a real need, but there is no perfect solution. It would be good if people recognized both these things. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 06:55 AM Flag
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read a bio on Einstein. Those stories are bullshit. His sisters and records all show that his abilities were apparent early on. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 07:02 AM Flag
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I have and he didn't speak until he was 3. Show me something that contradicts that. I'm not talking about his early school years, which I agree have been exaggerated. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 07:29 AM Flag
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I doubt that Edison didn't read until 12: "Before he was 12, he had read works by Shakespeare and Dickens, Edward Gibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, David Hume's History of England, and more." Edison WAS home-schooled though. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 09:17 AM Flag
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Of 3 indicators, early reading, early speech and early motor skills (especially fine motor), they say early reading is the best indicator of those 3. Early reading by age 2 or 3. Not so much for age 4. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 07:13 AM Flag
[ - ] What is an unzoned school? Who is able to attend unzoned schools? 11 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:22 PM Flag
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PS 150 (Tribeca Learning Center) is an unzoned school. It is open to all D2 kids through a lottery. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:24 PM Flag
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and 212 [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 06:01 AM Flag
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All of D1's elementary schools are unzoned; kids are assigned by lottery (but they must live in D1). [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:28 PM Flag
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you have to live in the district to qualify. admission is by lottery. some zoned schools have additional admissions criteria. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:29 PM Flag
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Are you sure? Soem are district wide but some are citywide? [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 06:04 AM Flag
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How does one find out about unzoned schools? [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:30 PM Flag
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I think you can search for unzoned schools in your district at insideschools.org [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:35 PM Flag
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Midtown West is unzoned and opened to applcants citywide with preference going to District 2. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:36 PM Flag
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I really do not understand the whole unzoned school thing. Why do they have a different set of rules? [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:48 PM Flag
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The DOE likes charters and choice schools. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 06:01 AM Flag
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It's a bit of a patchwork - so many administrations, so many different schemes over the years - be grateful. If klein has his way it will be as tightly and centrally controlled as the Soviet Union - with equally good results. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 06:58 AM Flag
[ - ] what's a good breast pump for occasional use by a SAHM? 2 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:22 PM Flag
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none. don't bother [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:24 PM Flag
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I liked my Avent Isis--inexpensive, easy enough to use for a couple of bottles/week. It served me well. I've seen it for sale at drugstores; I bought mine at BRU. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:25 PM Flag
[ - ] Looking for a nice/clean nail salon on the upper UWS that has an early/mid week mani/pedi special. I love Golden Nails on Bway at 113 but I don't recall them having a combo special....tia! 2 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:20 PM Flag
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i think jade does...bway between 97th & 98th. i like them a lot. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:25 PM Flag
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cindy's on amsterdam btwn 83rd and 84th [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:27 PM Flag
[ - ] At a family party yesterday and a relative came up to my soon to be kindergarten son and said to him, "I hear you are going to a great school with all sorts of other gifted children!" (obviously grandma has been bragging). He looked at her like she had two heads and moved on. I ignored it (both with him and her) since we haven't discussed "gifted" and don't intend to (particularly since the new school will have both "gifted" and general ed classes), but it made me very uncomfortable. I am glad he didn't understand what she meant. 11 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More ]
NY Schools 07.21.08, 06:17 PM Flag
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Be prepared for the issue to come up again in the future. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 07:51 PM Flag
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NP: Not necessarily. It has never come up with my dc. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 08:03 PM Flag
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How old are dc? [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 08:14 PM Flag
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DC's grandma has been specifically told not to discuss "gifted" nature of child's school with DC or others...for this exact reason. Grandmas brag. DC should not be made aware of "gifted" etc. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 11:35 PM Flag
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This is the NP (the above post is not me). And dc is 11 years old. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 11:39 PM Flag
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My child attended Anderson for many years and never knew it was a school for gifted children. I didn't mention it, the teachers didn't mention it, and my child is a bit oblivious. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 06:08 AM Flag
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A is not a school for gifted children. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 10:41 AM Flag
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Anderson is supposed to be a school for gifted children. What is your point? that the children aren't gifted? Or that the school isn't? [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 03:07 PM Flag
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Ugh. A similar thing happened with a relative of mine. It's sometimes astonishing what people don't realize they should say to children. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 10:39 AM Flag
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I never told my son that he was in a gifted class but when he started Kindergarten there was another child that was bragging about the present that she received for making into a TAG class. Very obnoxious.... [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 03:11 PM Flag
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Last year a child entered the TAG class from the Gen Ed and told my daughter that he was too smart for the other class.... [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.22.08, 03:13 PM Flag
[ - ] OP: he sounds great?! I don't get this. were you being sarcastic? and MYOB is not an appropriate response. She asked me to post on urban baby for her! My opinion is that she should run for the hills too! 2 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:16 PM Flag
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I was joking! How could he sound great? He solicits prostitutes, slept with her and put her at risk for an STD and is an overall mess...and my last comment, YOUR FRIEND IS A MORON and if she doesn't know already what a piece of shit he is than she deserves him. Why is there any question? She might as well stay with him now, she's got the clap and probably a host of oter things soon to show up. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:27 PM Flag
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what grade are you in anyway, "your friend" should talk to a professional and stop stripping, she will meet better men. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:33 PM Flag
[ - ] Have you been to any good bar mitzvahs lately? Just got a date for DS and starting to think about it. 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More ]
New York City 07.21.08, 06:15 PM Flag
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DH's cousins had a great one in Philly. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:19 PM Flag
[ - ] EEEEEK! a mouse!!!!!! 8 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:13 PM Flag
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in your apartment? MOVE [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:42 PM Flag
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yes, in my apartment--just came out from under the radiator and ran to under the cabinet. . . ARGH! [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:43 PM Flag
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Borrow a cat. Works wonders. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:44 PM Flag
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np: Just make sure it is a mouse. If you have rats, the rats will kill the cat. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:45 PM Flag
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the difference between a mouse and a rat is the size, right? [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:47 PM Flag
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Rats are larger, longer tails, better at chewing through walls and floors, different ears. Both are rodents, both will hug the walls when they move around your apartment, both will seek food, both are nocturnal, and both carry disease. Gross problem, I know. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:49 PM Flag
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Where is she going to go? Most apartments in NYC will, at one time or another, have mice. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:44 PM Flag
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Moving does seem a little drastic. . . [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:46 PM Flag
[ - ] On the pill, should have gotten period yesterday, haven't gotten it yet. Should I be worried that I'm pg? 2 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:13 PM Flag
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i skipped my period on the pill pretty often maybe 1-2x/year - more so in the early years. after the first few negative pg tests, i calmed down about it. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:43 PM Flag
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fwiw, when I was on the pill I was scheduled to get my period on Monday morning... sometimes it would come Monday night, sometimes surprised me on Sunday night..... never was I pg..... [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:48 PM Flag
[ - ] i can not sleep these days! I'm having a lot of therapy and it's bringing up so many issues. . . 3 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:13 PM Flag
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i totally cannot sleep these days. but I seem to be fu nctioning [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:16 PM Flag
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i was functioning OK. . . but it's getting old and I have a big work deadline coming up. . . need more rest. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:19 PM Flag
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gl. therapy can be great, once you get through it [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.21.08, 06:21 PM Flag
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