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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

[ - ] Stuck in the city during the summer. Started looking at ongoing school website for my 4yr DS and noticed that many school has already set up an brouchure/application request form. Do you think I look nuts if I fill the request form in July? 6 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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NY Schools 07.10.08, 08:42 PM Flag
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we did that. had all applications in by late september, all interviews done by november. a whirlwind, and then the boring wait til february. it was good to be done though. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 09:00 PM Flag
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Wow, how did your DC handle the whirlwind? Did you think the schools took care of your brouchure/application request well (not forgetting) you sent your ruquest well in advance? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 09:30 PM Flag
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typo....even you sent your ruquest well in advance? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 09:38 PM Flag
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check the applications, some may be from last year. IME, they mostly go online in August. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.11.08, 04:35 AM Flag
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I found the same and despite having all my applications in by late September we still had a few Play Dates in Jan. It is good to be on top of it though because some schools only give out a certain number of applications. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.11.08, 04:39 AM Flag
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ongoing apps aren't like with ps where you have to call right after labor day. but they may be last year's. most schools list what you need to do for apps-request, download, etc. gl [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.11.08, 04:45 AM Flag
[ - ] Sister told me that her dh is drinking too much. i sent her a link to Al- 3 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:37 PM Flag
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OP: Al L [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:38 PM Flag
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Al Anon. Did I overstep my boundary? (gee, i seem drunk on this post!) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:38 PM Flag
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your sister hasnt heard of AA? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:40 PM Flag
[ - ] Is having a Sweet Sixteen a big deal ? If you have a party, is family supposed to be invited or just friends of the kid ? 2 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:32 PM Flag
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depends on your family. if you are italian, YES! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:34 PM Flag
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you need to watch more MTV. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:43 PM Flag
[ - ] Have you ever done something even though you knew it would upset your DH ? 4 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:28 PM Flag
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like every day! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:30 PM Flag
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are you a SAHM? don't feel like you have to please him all the time! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:30 PM Flag
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No WOHM. Just wondering where the fine line is between regular upseting DH and what would be considered betrayl [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:40 PM Flag
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I don't think I ever have. Maybe I've annoyed him with a choice I've made, but if I know something would really upset him, I wouldn't do it. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:45 PM Flag
[ - ] how old do you think typical kids need to be to go to a broadway show that is not disney oriented. something like a chorus line, hairspray, grease, ect. 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:07 PM Flag
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Depends on the show. If it's something like a Christmas show (Rockettes/Xmas carol, Nutcracker (I know that's ballet)) and so on, I'd say 6. If there might be crass comments or difficult issues, maybe 9-10. Grease, I'd say 8. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:13 PM Flag
[ - ] How likely is it that I will be exposed to measles/mumps in the next 9 months? Just found out I'm pregnant and am not vaccinated against it, and its too late now... 8 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:07 PM Flag
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You live in Park Slope? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:19 PM Flag
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Incredibly, incredibly slim right now. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:20 PM Flag
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you've gone this long without being exposed... [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:21 PM Flag
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Pretty unlikely, but the consequences of congenital rubella are pretty severe. Is the vaccine completely contraindicated? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:21 PM Flag
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np: I think it's a live vaccine. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:22 PM Flag
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Yes, it is a live vaccine. You cannot get the vaccine while pregnant. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:34 PM Flag
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It is an attenuated virus [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:35 PM Flag
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It depends on a lot of things - where you live, where you work, your DCs peer group. Talk to your OB. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:34 PM Flag
[ - ] Birth control help.... Have 2 kids, not planning on more, but don't want anything permanent. Stopping mini pill next week and need to decide what to do next. Back to regular pill, IUD, other? 7 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:03 PM Flag
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IUD or condoms (we use condoms--with 2 kids who has time for sex?) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:04 PM Flag
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What are reasons against pill? ( [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:05 PM Flag
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it's a pain in the ass -- how you gonna remember to take it? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:07 PM Flag
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i've been on it for so long that i don't have a problem remembering to take it. wasn't sure if there are medical reasons not to keep taking it though. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:08 PM Flag
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I plan to get an IUD. I like the concept of birth control that I don't have to think about on a daily basis. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:12 PM Flag
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we pull out [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:17 PM Flag
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Mirena IUD [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.11.08, 06:32 AM Flag
[ - ] I got shot at by what my friends and I think was a bb gun this evening in my friends apt backyard on the UES..I found a tiny square piece of paper next to my chair that hit my leg causing a rash...Is this a bb gun???Does anybody know what kind of device shoots tiny papers with holes in it, it looks like a square sticky that you preserve hole punched paper with???TIA 17 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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Toddler 07.10.08, 07:58 PM Flag
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it looks like you got hit with cupid's arrow! congratulations! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:58 PM Flag
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Did you hear it? If it was a BB gun, you'd have heard something. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:59 PM Flag
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we did hear a pop beforehand and the above poster is not amusing and does not belong on this board.... [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:00 PM Flag
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don't you tell me whether or not i belong on this board, you whiny nincompoop. i am very amusing! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:44 PM Flag
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^^^ I forgot to add: DRAMA QUEEN!!!! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:45 PM Flag
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This is the weirdest post I've read in a while. :) And I'm right there with you-- what the heck hit you??? I hope you're okay! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:01 PM Flag
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thanks I am fine but its freaking me out because my son was bullied by a fellow camper who threatned to kill him and his family with a gun all week. The kid is being kept an eye on after my telling the camp and some fellow camp moms that anybody could get a gun any place and then this happens...No kidding, just feeds into the whole kismet thing.... [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:03 PM Flag
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Man, that's terrible. Did you leave him in the camp? Isn't he scared? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:24 PM Flag
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you are seriously over the top, you know that? have you been to the ER regarding your RASH? OMIGOD YOU GOT A RASH!!!!!!!! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:49 PM Flag
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np: ITA [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:53 PM Flag
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BB guns shoot BBs - you would have been hit with a small metal ball. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:25 PM Flag
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A cap gun? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:39 PM Flag
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OR above: That makes sense, though the cap gun would need to be close to OP to have the paper land next to her. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:41 PM Flag
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True. Isn't here some kind of small fireworks that shoots confetti out of the top? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:42 PM Flag
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You are like CSI here! That's probably what it was, teens have been firing shit in my neighborhood since the 4th. Is that possible, OP? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:46 PM Flag
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I always wanted to be Qunicy. You made my night. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 09:04 PM Flag
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:) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 09:07 PM Flag
[ - ] We are starting to look for a 2 bdrm. DH is thinking we should look in the Upper East Side because a lot of private schools are up there. Right now, we live near Columbia and I like it a lot up here. Should we move? I have no idea what the Upper East Side is like...There don 18 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:53 PM Flag
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^^ doesn't seem to be a lot of schools up here though. We have a 1 yr old. (early to think about it - I know) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:54 PM Flag
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At this point, it's not too early if you're planning to stay. There is 2br bang for the buck in Riverdale-often with river views. Also, it's home to Ethical Culture Fieldston, Riverdale Country and Horace Mann. All good privates, if that's where you're aiming. PS 24 is the good local public elementary, otherwise. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:58 PM Flag
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NP: but the lower schools for those private schools are all in Manhattan [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:16 PM Flag
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no they aren't. Ethical Culture on CPW feeds into Fieldston, but all the others have both the upper and lower schools in Riverdale. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:31 PM Flag
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Interesting. I remember touring Horace Mann lower school in Manhattan [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:38 PM Flag
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just the nursery school is in Manhattan. the lower school is on the main campus. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:48 PM Flag
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I live on the UES. Is private school what you're gunning for? There are lots here. Also good public schools: PS 6 (where we go), 290, 183, 158. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:56 PM Flag
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yes and yes. Does UES have a certain flavor? for instance, how is it different than Upper West Side (around the 80s)? Right now, we live at 120th and I really like the low-key vibe, casual, university feel of the people and shops (it's okay not to have a bugaboo and wear old T-shirts vibe). [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:00 PM Flag
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NP: LOL--then UES is not the nabe for you. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:02 PM Flag
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ugh. i was a grad student and didn't even like to wear my diamond ring to class. so low pressure up here. now i am used to it. too much manolo/bugaboo/$300 haircut/hermes will be something i will not be able to keep up with (or want to, at this point) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:09 PM Flag
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I'm the OR. UES is fine. I went to Columbia for grad school and moved back here after graduation (I lived here before). UES can be anything you want it to be. You can have a bug, you don't have to have one. You can wear old t-shirts or new stuff. Seriously, who cares? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:15 PM Flag
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move to the upperwest side. big deal if you have to commute cross town. also there are several schools on uws as well. who knows where your kid will get in. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:10 PM Flag
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I'm a native NYer and would live anywhere in Manhattan except for UES..if you like columbia's area, I don't think the UES will be your cup of tea. Why not stay on the west side and just take a short cross town bus to school? That's what we do. I'm in the east village and our kids go to private school in the west village. EASY [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.11.08, 04:07 AM Flag
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We live in West Harlem & send dc to an UES private school, live where you want - don't pick it based on the school dc may or may not go to. You may end up sending your child to a Hill School for all you know. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.11.08, 04:15 AM Flag
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Can't afford to buy there, but used to rent on the UES (86 and 2nd) and felt completely comfortable going out wearing old T shirts and pushing a cheapo stroller. Loved the neighborhood. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.11.08, 02:39 PM Flag
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hah! I am an UES refugee - grew up there in there (the 70s/80s before all this hedge fund madness) and fled down to the village to escape the weird bubble mentality that thinks - of course everyone has a helicopter to fly out to their country house and of course you have to have two week school break at easter otherwise how else could you fit in the one weeks skiing with the one weeks beaching? My dd was accepted at my old ss tt school there because (probably) she was legacy & I just couldn't deal with the thought of interacting with all those UES parents so turned them down. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.11.08, 02:52 PM Flag
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don't move to the UES. it lacks personality and is ugly. stick with the UWS. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.11.08, 03:10 PM Flag
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I agree with poster that said 'it is what you make it'- I'm UES, in a tt ss and don't have any of the usual 'stuff' and my dd doesn't fly private or any of that 'stuff' either. We enjoy it here. If you are looking for issues, you will find them anywhere- find a great apt and enjoy your life... [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.11.08, 03:21 PM Flag
[ - ] I give up. DH and I went out for nice dinner tonight, I made a totally hopeful and well-meaning comment over dessert about how we could save the difference between our current rent and new mortgage to pay for preschool in fall 2009 and DH got hideous, so mean, how dare I suggest he siphon off x amount of his salary (I pay childcare and house bills, he pays rent/mortgage). It was awful and I felt so hopeless. Even after I asked him to please stop he kept on until I got teary in the restaurant. I feel so lost. 13 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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Toddler 07.10.08, 07:47 PM Flag
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Yikes. This is why I don't think the "separate ot" method works. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:49 PM Flag
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what is separate ot? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:49 PM Flag
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Sorry, I meant "separate pot." I'm a "one pot" person and this is why. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:10 PM Flag
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I couldn't live with someone like that. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:49 PM Flag
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I know. tell me about it. It was so awful--he started in on how his family never talks about money, it's so vulgar, crass, as if I was asking for diamonds or something. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:50 PM Flag
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Couples therapy ASAP. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:57 PM Flag
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we just finished 6 mos... [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:02 PM Flag
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Go back. Did you guys talk about money there? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:03 PM Flag
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no. we've never had a problem before. I honestly meant nothing by my comment. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:07 PM Flag
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I don't get it. Isn't all the same money? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:51 PM Flag
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yeah, that's what I thought. This came out of left field. We've never had money fights before. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:52 PM Flag
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You need to start thinking of the money as house money, not I do this and you do that [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:57 PM Flag
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Clearly money is a hot button issue for him. Next time, save the money conversation for some other context. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:57 PM Flag
[ - ] Any recommendations for where to get dressy baby boy's clothes to wear to a wedding (6 mos) either in NYC or online? Thanks. 5 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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Newborn 07.10.08, 07:45 PM Flag
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bestdressedchild.com [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:46 PM Flag
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Janie & Jack--there are stores, but I don't think in NYC [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:46 PM Flag
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in the westchester mall [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:33 PM Flag
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Jacadi. Online or there are 3 stores in NYC. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:48 PM Flag
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www.heypeanut.com [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.12.08, 09:15 PM Flag
[ - ] My father passed away this past month, and though I am also grieving, I am suddenly obsessed with TTC (#1). My DH and I have seriously thought about trying for ~4 yrs (we're 32) and I've actually casually thought of it for all 6 yrs of marriage, but kept putting it off (crazy careers, etc.) Now, suddenly, it is so urgent. I'm ovulating this week and positively obsessed. We started having sex on ~day 6 or7 and I'm adamant about doing it straight until ~day 16 or 17. I don't know, I guess all of a sudden I feel old, and the shortness of life and how little time we can get with our kids is hitting me. Please tell me to relax. 5 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:45 PM Flag
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Relax, but if you're trying to do things quickly, are you charting BBTs and/or using OPKs? That at least takes the forced sex off the table. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:48 PM Flag
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I'm using a CB Easy fertility monitor. So, I know when I ovulate, but I just want to be good and ready... See what I mean? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:49 PM Flag
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Well, there are studies that say sex everyday actually reduces sperm quality (both count and motility) so you may want to rethink it. Try to enjoy this part while you can (while loosely keeping track of your cycles) and then seek help if not pregnant in 6 months because if it turns out you do need help, it gets not fun very quickly. Signed, IVF Mom [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:57 PM Flag
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Very well put! And enjoy your sex life while you are trying to make a baby b/c if things don't happen right away TTC sex can become a major bummer after a while. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:02 PM Flag
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GL! The CB Monitor is a great gadget and as long as you are physically able to conceive you should get ++ results soon. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:58 PM Flag
[ - ] Going to Central park zoo tomorrow morning. Is there a playground really near the zoo and is it good for an active 2 year old. TIA 2 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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Toddler 07.10.08, 07:45 PM Flag
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just walk north from the children's zoo. there is a playground really close. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:48 PM Flag
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Walk north past the children's zoo and there will be a fork, take the fork right and right again and there will be a playground on left on that path that leaves the park toward 67th street. There is a sand pit with a slide at the front, and toward the back there is a spectacular granite slide that kids adore. There are also baby swings [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:49 PM Flag
[ - ] Hmm.. someone is doing research on Dalton and Trinity today. 2 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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NY Schools 07.10.08, 07:39 PM Flag
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what do you mean? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:04 PM Flag
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Someone's pulling out and posting on some of the really old posts about those schools. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:08 PM Flag
[ - ] LOTS of Anderson mom bashing again to day I see. Wow, nice group of "ladies" we have here. 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More
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NY Schools 07.10.08, 07:38 PM Flag
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Just ignore and don't feed it. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:39 PM Flag
[ - ] Here are my solutions to the NYC public school issues (G&T, in particular): 1) Eliminate citywides. 2) Develop K-8 G&Ts in all boroughs/districts. 3) Re-instate catchemnt policy to match newly re-instated sib policy. 4) Eliminate lotteries. All of these changes will keep kids local, with gifted and gen ed options which will improve QOL and decrease congestion and pollution, thus using less resources and maximizing community and family life. 71 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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NY Schools 07.10.08, 07:33 PM Flag
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wow! genius! ITTTA! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:36 PM Flag
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Are you sure you live in NYC? This will NEVER happen! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:37 PM Flag
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but it should. all this screaming about what is fair needs to be shut down. the best way is to eliminate all the options to send your kid elsewhere. then people with resources will either move to the burbs if they don't like what is locally available, or work to improve the school. makes no sense to keep trying to accomodate. people just get more and more angry and entitled. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:43 PM Flag
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ITA! people are splitting hairs over whose kid is more intelligent, threatening to form vigilante groups, threatening to sue DOE for any policy that wasn't announced and signed off in blood. DOE should just stop trying to ship people out of their zones, and offering all this opportunity to go elsewhere. that way, people will have to help local school, build local gifted programs, and STFU. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:55 PM Flag
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almost any family that could afford to move, would do just that. as a matter of public policy, for the city as a whole, a massive exodus of the middle/upper middle class would be a complete disasater - the tax rolls would be decimated, so every single service in the City would be cut to the bone and the only people left at first would be those who could afford to insulate themselves (who would leave soon after - not wanting to live in a City with once a week garbage collection) and those who couldn't afford to leave. G&Ts may not be the best educational policy, but letting the middle/UM classes leave would be a nightmare for everyone who was left. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:03 PM Flag
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this is ridiculous, and you and others have said it before. so many of us want to be in nyc, and if there were 50 other families like me willing to go to the school down the street, I would skip the commute form the burbs and stay. your hysterical scare tactic is just that. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:19 PM Flag
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at any rate, the city needs to lose some of these kids. there just isn't space or capacity anymore. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:20 PM Flag
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many of us lived the early stages of this in the 1970s. even people who wanted to stay eventually left. it took 20 years for the city to rebound. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:23 PM Flag
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oh please. the city is bursting at the seams, and the smart people will stay and make it work. too much else that is good in nyc, and no one I know would want to commute. if people in the same strata stay, they will undoubtedly fix the local schools. ps9/anderson was a scary underutilized school when anderson started. now its the most desirable public in the system. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:27 PM Flag
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also, there were many reasons why people left for the burbs then. lack of gifted education was not high on the list. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:27 PM Flag
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lack of decent school options was high on a lot of lists though. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:32 PM Flag
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but without the other reasons, they would have stayed, and made it work. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:33 PM Flag
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you don't know that. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:35 PM Flag
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I know it as much as you think you know what you know. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:37 PM Flag
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I disagree. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:33 PM Flag
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sounds great to me - please tell Klein this! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:38 PM Flag
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I plan on it. I think all this craziness of late regarding citywides has to be changed. I think people need good local options with good gifted programs, and having a MS would be a good thing. I think local schools in nabes that have been gentrified will never be improved if you allow so many options for people to send their kids out of zone and district. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:40 PM Flag
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I would agree, except that we just got lucky with a citywide spot, so I want to keep the citywides (at least ours). But your suggestions make a lot of sense. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:38 PM Flag
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ditto, but I wouldn't mind if our citywide became district/zoned school. we happen to live in the zone. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:47 PM Flag
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To OP: do you have any actual experience with GT programs or citywides? It doesn't sound like you do. The citywides are coveted because they have a higher cut off, overall (only, overall, on individual level, any child anywhere can be brilliant or blah academically) are accelerated, and depart from teh NYC curriculum which 1. sucks on its own merits; 2 is pitched to the lowest level: 3. moves at the speed of molasses. You can aruge that tests are not reliable; or you can argue that the citywides are not living up to their mission. But I don't see how anyone can argue that we don't need a place for kids who need a lot of acceleration and advanced work. I've seen homework from PS 166 GT and it's totally inappropriate for gifted children. Those kids are good sports and well socialized. If you tried to give that homework to Hunter kids, you'd have a mass rebellion on your hands. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:48 PM Flag
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I think that a school does not need to be citywide to have this approach. we should work toward having real gifted programs with real gifted education. they should be local however. absolutely no need for citywide aspect, IMO. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:52 PM Flag
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I have another solution -- eliminate the G&T altogether. The very best Brooklyn public schools have no G&T programs yet are filled with kids who would qualify. Believe it or not, it works quite well -- G&T programs are a way of segregating kids and it's a shame the DOE can't figure out a better way to improve schools than to put a G&T class in them so middle class parents are willing to send their kids. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:42 PM Flag
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OP here. I disagree with this. all public school systems around the country have gifted education. i don't think we should regress as city in this regard. G&Ts should not be used to lift the schools. they have their own purpose. i also think if people stay in their nabes, and those nabes have both options, then there is no harm to having them. as it stands people use them as a way to leave their bad zones. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:46 PM Flag
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^^^once that option is not available, they will see G&T for what it is...a specialized program for gifted kids. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:48 PM Flag
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Do the public schools in Chappaqua have separate gifted classes? The kids who qualify for gifted programs in NYC aren't really gifted -- they may be smart, but likely no smarter than the average student at any Ivy league or good private liberal arts college. Most of whom do not call themselves "gifted", sorry. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:54 PM Flag
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really don't give a damn what you call it. there are kids who are gifted in G&T programs, and others who aren't. so what? again you people seem to be caught up in some ideal, and have no idea how to develop an overall good ststem (of course, with flaws) that does give a different approach to kids who seem to be able (via testing) to handle it. call it what you want. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:58 PM Flag
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No, I'm just pointing out that NYC gifted programs are filled with kids who are about as smart as the average kid in a good suburban school system. The good suburban school systems don't have to pretend to have gifted classes to keep their very advanced kids happy. And probably more of those kids will go to great colleges than the kids in the nyc gifted programs. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:01 PM Flag
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you are speaking of nyc burbs, but elsewhere in the country, even in small burbs of small cities and rural schools, there are always accelerated or higher level classes/programs for the higher level kids. that scarsdale has the same approach for all of its wealthy kids makes no difference. G&T programs are progressive in the field of education, and I see no good coming from trying to go backwards. G&T should not be a way for people to get out of zone, however.. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:05 PM Flag
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ie., they are being misused, as are the familes and kids in these programs. a mc kid made to stay local will have parents who work to improve the school whether or not he is gifted or talented. and that is how it should be in my opinion. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:07 PM Flag
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You are wrong, G&T aren't progressive at all, and in NYC it is a joke. You have basically proven my point. Most of the gifted kids in NYC wouldn't even be close to being the smartest in their class in a good suburb. So it's just an excuse to separate middle class kids who are a bit above average (and really not gifted at all) from the poor kids who might be struggling academically. Most schools can accomodate this, as the ones in Brooklyn do. Don't need to pretend the above average kids are "gifted", however. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:08 PM Flag
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well, we disagree. i cannot see how I have proven your point that the kids in G&T aren't the smartest kids in the class in a good suburb. some kids are gifted, and some are not. i think these programs need to exist, but they need to be in each zoned school, and serve the top students in those schools, wherever they are. You could also test into them at later grades since there would be no need to move to a different school. this is how it is done everywhere and it works well. so a smart poor kid in the zoned school with your MC kid could have the chance to get differentiated education as he gets more school experience and is no longer disadvantaged by his lack of it. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:17 PM Flag
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All you are describing is "tracking", and we did it in my midwestern elementary school in the 60s/70s. The smarter kids were in one class, and everyone knew which one it was. But most none of those kids was gifted. Schools should learn how to differentiate education properly and I'd rather see the DOE focus on improving teaching rather than making middle class parents like yourself feel happy because your kid gets to be with other above average kids and think their kid is "gifted". [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:22 PM Flag
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you seem so sure that none of the kids anywhere in any of these programs, then or now are gifted. what are you, a psychic? of course some are...in the midwest in your day, and now. these programs are good for the smarter kids, and should be available to them. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:29 PM Flag
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lol! ITA. that poster is delusionsl. thinks all the kids are dumb, and no one needs more advanced education. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:32 PM Flag
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When did I say all the kids were dumb? I said, very few of the kids in NYC gifted programs are really gifted; they are just above average. Perhaps you need better reading skills. But it seems you think everyone a bit smarter than average needs their own class. My kid goes to a great public school, no gifted program, and a bet at least 20% of the kids would qualify as gifted. There are other ways to teach smart kids than to segregate them from the "average" kids. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:38 PM Flag
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again, you are saying that dew kids are actually gifted in nyc G&Ts. you have absolutely no data to base this on. same goes for your assessment of giftedness of your cohort in the midwestern 60s/70s. I think gifted kids benefit from certain approaches, and smart kids benefit from being taught at their level. I think plenty of research supports this. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:41 PM Flag
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Great. I'm sure that is the case -- I'm certain that most successful adults attended special gifted classes that helped them live up to their brilliance. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:45 PM Flag
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^^^ and all the top kids at the best colleges must have attended gifted programs, or else how could they be so academically successful? I'm sorry, but the g&t programs in nyc are just a way for middle class parents to keep their smart, but far from gifted, kids together. I'm sure a few are gifted, but not the vast majority. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:46 PM Flag
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I am glad you are so sure, but frankly, you sound bitter. about your own upbringing/education, and now your dc's. seems you don't have it, so it can't be good for anyone else, nor can any other dc need it or be smarter than you and yours. must be nice to live in your world...or not. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:49 PM Flag
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say what? I don't get your point. There are lots of kids smarter than my dc (although apparently, with 1500+ ELA/Math scores, dc qualifies as "gifted" in NYC) Truly gifted kids need special programs, and I do know one or two, but I repeat, the vast majority of kids in NYC gifted programs are just smart kids. You think all smart kids need to be separated from the average kids, and I don't. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:53 PM Flag
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ela/math tests do not test giftedness, and I'll bet with those scores you will want to segregate your kid for MS/HS. since you have not had experience with the gifted programs in nyc, you have no idea. I might have agreed with you before being at a very good program. the kids were not all obviously gifted, but they were by far much brighter than our highly sought after preschool's kids. many of those kids went on to top privates, btw. but the overall energy and intelligence level in the gifted program is way higher. its really quite interesting. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:59 PM Flag
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But is your dc at Hunter? That's probably the one school that is the exception. But I haven't heard of one kid who tested that didn't qualify as "gifted" in nyc (although perhaps not enough for citywides). But the program has been expanded so much that it seems like everyone I know qualifies. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 09:16 PM Flag
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because you don't agree with the method of choosing, means nothing. there is no good science saying the sb is better than the olsat in determining giftedness in 4 yos. sorry, yours is but a feeling or opinion. hunter is not magical, and their methods are as flawed as any. I know more than a couple of hunter kids who turned out to be not so suited for the progtam. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.11.08, 02:49 AM Flag
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It's never going to happen, simply because there aren't enough of those "very best" schools to go around. Most middle class families, when faced with the choice between a crappy zoned school and moving to the suburbs will move - which is a public policy nightmare. What may be the better educational policy may not be what is best for NYC as a whole. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:47 PM Flag
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I don't know. Have a few friends who have decided to go to ps84 in the fall. the school is up and coming and if enough people get shut out of privates and G&T, they may still want to attend the local school if others are doing it too. the very wealthy will leave if they don't get private, of course, but there are many MC people who do not want to leave the city, and would be happy if their likeminded neighbors all elected to go to the local school and build it up. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:50 PM Flag
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but far more families are not willing to sacrifice their DCs education on the altar of public schools. I live in the PS 84 zone and that school has been "up and coming" for the last 5 years. It hasn't gotten there yet. If our only choices were PS 84 and moving, we'd move. It would be hard - DH and I have commutes of less than 25 minutes, door to door, which would more than double if we went to any 'burb and our child-care situation become a shambles. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:55 PM Flag
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well, then move. if everyone had to stay local or move, I guarantee you schools like ps84, which is in a pricey nabe would move beyond the up and coming stage. no need to use G&T as the carrot, or give spots to people like you to schools like ps87. if you move, there will be someone to take your spot. the city is overcrowded with kids, and you will not be missed. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:01 PM Flag
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families wouldn't stay - it's what destroyed Detroit. when the auto industry moved out of Detroit, the middle class moved with their jobs; when they left, the rest of the city took a nose dive into what it has been. a city can't survive without its middle class and if the G&T programs are what it takes to keep the middle and upper middle classes in NYC, that is what the City will do, regardless of educational pedagogy. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:06 PM Flag
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But you have it backwards. The middle class WANTS to stay in the city, and that's why, at least in Brooklyn, they have improved the local schools, made them very desirable, without a gifted program. In fact, until this year, no one even wanted to send their smart kids to the gifted programs, which were in crummy schools. Klein's expansion of the g&t program isn't the reason so many zoned schools are now desirable. You don't need fake gifted programs to do this. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:14 PM Flag
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They want to stay, and are willing to stay, as long as they can be assured of a decent education for their DCs. If they don't think that's going to happen, they will leave. The middle class made a major exodus from NYC in the 1970s, in part because of the schools, and there is no desire to repeat that. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:21 PM Flag
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it was the auto industry tanking that killed detroit, not the lack of G&T programs. you are absurd...and wrong. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:22 PM Flag
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when the auto industry left, so did all of the middle class jobs. the people followed their jobs and the city couldn't survive without the middle class. all I am saying is that when the middle/upper middle class leaves any city, that city gets into massive trouble. since NYC is less dependent on a single industry (although Wall St comes close), shutting down one industry will not chase out the middle class, but if the middle class thinks their DCs will not get a decent education in the public schools, they will leave. if they leave, it's a public policy disaster waiting to happen. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:27 PM Flag
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I don't think that making gifted programs in zoned schools will cause a mass exodus of the MC. sorry, just don't buy the hysteria. I think people who can, will move to good zones, and those who can't, but don't want to commute, and live in gentrified areas with other MC/UMC people will attend these schools if their peers do. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:31 PM Flag
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Except NYC has different demographics than Detroit. If white middle class families leave, their are still new immigrant families here and continuing to pour into the city, and their kids will fill the schools. In addition, there are a lot of young singles and childless couples, who are not going anywhere. Yes, Wall Street may be tanking, but there are many other industries. There will probably always will be a huge tourist industry, a thriving creative class, many health care facilities, universities, etc. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:33 PM Flag
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The immigrant population will always use NYC as a gateway, but not many restaurants can survive just on tourist business. If the city has to cut major services like police and sanitation because of declining tax revenue, the wealthy will not stay either - they will move to Greenwich. Once they are gone, their support for the major institutions/tourist draws like MoMA will go with them, etc. It's a parade of horribles, but not one that the City likes to immagine, so they will do whatever they think is necessary to keep the middle/upper middle classes living here. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:41 PM Flag
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you sound nuts. this ain't gonna happen. period. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:42 PM Flag
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PS84 has 4 or 5 blocks on CPW (and most of those DCs go to private schools) - nothing on WEA or Riverside. The rest of that zone is not what you seem to think it is - there are two huge housing projects in that zone and a bunch of walkups on Columbus and Amsterdam. There are a few luxury buildings, and some very expensive brownstones, but it's the low West 90s, not the West 70s. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:18 PM Flag
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So you don't care about a gifted program if you are in the suburbs, right? Because your kid probably wouldn't qualify by suburban standards. So why the insistence on your kid being in a g&t program in NYC? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:04 PM Flag
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I would care and my DC would qualify for whatever G&T programs are out there (currently at Hunter). However, generally speaking, many of the suburban districts have better overall public school systems than the Gen Ed schools in NYC. Individual schools and school districts are better or worse, but it's not hard to find a suburban school district that will provide a better education than PS 84. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:11 PM Flag
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op here. the idea is that this will change if people have to stay local with all their MC/UMC cronies who will improve the schools just by being there. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:24 PM Flag
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But you seem to also be saying that MC/UMC people won't stay local if they can't be in a special gifted program so they don't have to be in classes with the other kids in the school. That's what I don't understand. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:27 PM Flag
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no, I am saying that MC/UMC don't want to be in a school without their peers. if everyoone is made to stay local, then they will be with their peers, and the school will improve. the gifted program in the school would be for the top students, and would be more mixed as it wouldn't be only available at K level. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:36 PM Flag
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If you had any experience of a good public school, you would understand that you don't need to separate the smartest kids, you just need to know how to differentiate instruction so they are challenged. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:42 PM Flag
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many educators would disagree with you, and certainly in nyc, differentiating instruction is necessary given the highly heterogenous population. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:44 PM Flag
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there aren't enough kids to fill a K-8 G&T in each district [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:17 PM Flag
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it could be a program within the school [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:38 PM Flag
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but how many K-8 gen ed schools are there? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:40 PM Flag
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this is a proposal, silly. hasn't happened yet, but it should. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:50 PM Flag
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I love how people who have never tried to improve a public school are always saying that if mc/umc parents send their children to a school, they can improve it. I have said this before but let me say it again. Parents dont' hire teachers, choose professional development, control the budget or control class size. Nor do parents choose the principals for their schools. Parents can do nothing but raise money for assiistant teachers and art supplies. yes, better than nohting but not what makes a school good. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:44 PM Flag
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money talks. the more money the parents raise, the more enrichment and programming they can fund, the better the experience and education. not sure why you don't get that. you should spend some time at one of the schools that has been very successful in this regard. you can see how it is done. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:47 PM Flag
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I agree with #1 and #2. Not sure what you mean about #3. Definitely disagree with #4.....but that is probably b/c I'm in a crappy zone in a good district. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 08:31 PM Flag
[ - ] My SIL just told me that they decided to buy a bunch of furniture from Bob's Discount cuz they actually liked it better than Raymour & Flanigan. I love them, but they have such phenomenally bad taste. Anyone BTDT? 16 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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New York City 07.10.08, 07:33 PM Flag
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BTDT, what? who cares where they buy their furniture? how does it affect you in any way? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:34 PM Flag
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Cuz it is ugly. I work in design & am a very visual person; poor design grates on me. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:36 PM Flag
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but so what? they don't care what you like, only what they like. so go to their house, sink into their plush recliner loveseats, enjoy how comfortable it is and get over being petty. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:38 PM Flag
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Um, appreciation of good design is not petty. Maybe you should start with Art History 101. It is not an irrelevant nicety. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.11.08, 12:22 AM Flag
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You don't take your furniture with you when you die [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.11.08, 03:58 AM Flag
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OMG. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.11.08, 04:03 AM Flag
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NP: Adolescent abbreviations ("cuz"?) grate on me. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:39 PM Flag
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Then maybe you should go over to the grammar police site. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.11.08, 12:23 AM Flag
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BTDT have a SIL with bad taste? yes, I limit contact with her. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:37 PM Flag
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so? it isn't like it is your house. she may think you have crappy taste too [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.11.08, 03:19 AM Flag
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she loves my house, but she is Russian & been here 2 yrs & has no idea where to shop. She is stuck on this Russian idea of having matching sets of furniture. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.11.08, 03:57 AM Flag
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what matters is that she has a good heart, not what furniture she likes [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.11.08, 03:58 AM Flag
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seriously. I don't like bad furniture either, but mind your own business. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.11.08, 04:04 AM Flag
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that's pretty much what the OP should do- it's ok for people to like different things. The world doesn't need more haters. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.11.08, 04:10 AM Flag
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where has the snark gone from this site? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.11.08, 05:28 AM Flag
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I'm all for being snarky. but this post was just stupid. "BTDT"? WTF??? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.11.08, 05:39 AM Flag
[ - ] Any BTDT of DB with frequent ear infections? How did ped handle? 6 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:27 PM Flag
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Define frequent. My 2 yo gets a few each winter. He takes amox. and so far that's it. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:44 PM Flag
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That's typical. Frequent is db 8 mo gouing on his 7th [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:47 PM Flag
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Ah--sorry. That stinks. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 07:48 PM Flag
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i am curious, did you bf your db ? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 09:15 PM Flag
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DS got ear tubes at 13 months. Huge improvement! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 09:11 PM Flag
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np: Ditto. What a difference it made. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.10.08, 09:13 PM Flag
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