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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

[ - ] i went to a very good nyc public school over 35 yrs ago. i found one of my class photos and there were 39 kids in the class. talk about over crowding! 9 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 06:36 AM Flag
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and I'll bet you are a smart, successful person who was not stunted by it [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 06:39 AM Flag
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Her teacher may have died young though [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 06:43 AM Flag
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I think it was easier for teachers back then: kids actually did what they were told. Now that I'm a teacher, if I call a student's parents to tell them the student isn't doing her homework (for example), I often get flak from the parents. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 07:16 AM Flag
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what grade? [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 07:51 AM Flag
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6th and 7th [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 07:52 AM Flag
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you are absolutely correct. dh and i both went and are perfectly fine. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 08:41 AM Flag
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I went to a crappy NYC public many yrs ago..with lots of students per class. I assume you public wasn't in the ghetto of Manhattan [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 06:53 AM Flag
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no it was in the ghetto of brooklyn. right around the corner from our house. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 08:40 AM Flag
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Back in the day, classrooms were routinely 35-40 kids. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 07:14 AM Flag
[ - ] is it true that a lot of these private/independant schools would love to enroll a certain minority i.e. black boys? 3 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 06:34 AM Flag
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Yes, if he is smart and has nice parents. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 06:37 AM Flag
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NP: And well behaved! [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 06:38 AM Flag
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schools want diversity and minorities are on the list (so are same sex families, economic diversity, single parents, ect) [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 06:54 AM Flag
[ - ] oy this place is dead 0 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 06:21 AM Flag
[ - ] SAINT ANN'S: Could the people who have been through the K admissions process there explain how it works? Also, why were so many people mad last year? Dis you feel "teased" or "led on?" Many thanks! 5 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More ]
NY Schools 07.06.08, 06:14 AM Flag
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Here's how I see it. Just about EVERYBODY who pays the really high application fee gets told that their kid is in some way or other PERFECT for Saint Ann's and then gets waitlisted and/or rejected. They do tend to act as if your child is a shoe in for the school. Everyone feels led on. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 06:24 AM Flag
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thanks. They don't seem to want the ERB. How come? [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 06:31 AM Flag
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np: I think that they want either the ERB or the SB [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 06:32 AM Flag
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No. They do their own test. That's why the application fee is so high [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 07:38 AM Flag
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They all do their own tests. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 07:53 AM Flag
[ - ] Am looking for a pair of teen girls for focus group in Soho tomorrow a.m. to make $100 each. Am having so much trouble. Any ideas? 3 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More ]
Teenagers 07.06.08, 06:04 AM Flag
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i know 3 that would be very interested. please provide me with the information and i will pass along. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 06:30 AM Flag
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contact me at lynnycoco at yhoo dt coom. I will send a breakdown of the needs. It is legit, teens get paid a the time of service. It's really fun, marketers are genuinely interested in what they have to say, parents welcome to stay [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 06:37 AM Flag
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sorry for weird address. UB doesn't like url addresses. Hope you understand it. Looking forward to your email. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 06:45 AM Flag
[ - ] Booster seat recommendations? Child is only 32 lbs 3 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 05:45 AM Flag
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op: please, I'm desperate! [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 05:54 AM Flag
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Graco's. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 06:32 AM Flag
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Had same thing come up with my daughter. Our pediatrician said she's still too small at 31 pounds for a booster and told us instead to get a convertible seat with a higher height and weight limit. Just purchased Graco Nautilus which will later convert to booster. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.08.08, 11:37 AM Flag
[ - ] is it the economy or is this the right age, we seem to be losing quite a few friends to the burbs. families that seemed committed to nyc living, now leaving, their kids are around 4/5? 3 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More ]
Toddler 07.06.08, 05:24 AM Flag
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Yes. Also school uncertainty. There's no doubt that many suburban schools are better than most NYC schools. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 05:52 AM Flag
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Most publics you mean [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 06:04 AM Flag
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It is the normal pattern, every year, every decade families begin to leave around dcs turning 4, 5, and 6 because getting into their desired school doesn't happen because there is so much competition and financially those who thought they could do it find out they can't. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 06:06 AM Flag
[ - ] i have two reall big peices of furniture that are not in good condition, so can't even give them away for free, very heavy, how do i get rid of them? i was actually thinking of borrowing a sledgehammer? 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More ]
New York City 07.06.08, 05:21 AM Flag
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post them on Craig's List's FREE section and on FREECYCLE dot cm. Someone will prob come and haul them away for you, and you are recycling [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 06:05 AM Flag
[ - ] How to handle jealousy and problems with friends during private school admissions process this year. We are all great with great dcs but some of us have more, have less, have connections, are unconnected, have legacies etc. Any words of advice? TIA! 17 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More ]
New York City 07.06.08, 05:06 AM Flag
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don't say too much. it will be used against you one day. act clueless and always say nice things about others. you will still be the focus of envy and angry if you do well, and sideways glances if you don't, but hold your head up high and move forward. oh, and avoid false modesty. just be genuinely nice. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 05:28 AM Flag
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How can you say act clueless and always say nice things about others on the one hand, and then turn around and warn her to be genuinely nice and avoid false modesty? You don't see the contradiction? [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 10:00 AM Flag
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It sounds like you believe you are in the have more pile of your circle of friends. Let me tell you, it means nothing, truly. I [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 05:31 AM Flag
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^^^I've seen legacies and sibs get rejected. And, having more money means very little when it comes to admissions to k. It probably means more for preschool. Believe it or not, it's really more about the dc. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 05:34 AM Flag
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Where would you get that? I think you are projected - oh wait, I know you are. Relax dearie [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 05:52 AM Flag
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I don't understand your response. Are you posting in the right place? [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 05:57 AM Flag
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$$$$$ means a lot, don't fool yourself, but not everything. There ate many equally great dc and then it often comes done to who their parents are. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 06:25 AM Flag
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My dd came from the Garden House School, and IME, the dc's that went to the tt ongoings were not wealthier than those who didn't. Many of the wealthier families at the school didn't get their dcs admitted to the tt. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 09:04 AM Flag
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I am in the middle, why would you think from my post that I was a 'have' and not a 'have not'? [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 06:04 AM Flag
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I said it "sounds" like you believed you were. The reason I thought this is because if you were in the "have not" pile, why would you need advice on handling your own jealousy against your friends. I assumed any rational person would only asked how not to inspire these feelings among her friends, if the question had to be asked at all. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 09:02 AM Flag
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OMG! Grow up. Do you not have a life beyind this nonsense? I went trhough the process last year and this kind of silliness was never an issue. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 06:13 AM Flag
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This is a big problem for a lot of people. I understand. We did the admissions process too and the stress can really be overwhelming, particularly between friends. If you really care about the friendship, you can agree not to discuss it, although good luck with that. No one should have their hopes up and consider your back up plan and the back up to your back up plan, and ultimately (just in case) your zoned public school to be your first choice. GL!! [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 06:19 AM Flag
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If it comes up in conversation and you feel tension from one of your friends, then change the subject. Some parents can discuss this stuff without getting emotionally ugly - it's just school. Some (like many of the women on this board) are so invested that it becomes pathetic. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 07:14 AM Flag
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Ahhh... you must be cautious. Be prudent. Don't talk about ERB score or SB score. Don't ask, either. Don't volunteer where you're applying to unless asked. Don't advocate SS philosophy or Coed philosophy - keep to yourself. Don't talk about legacy status. Basically, don't talk about much except the misery of having to go on school visits and how ridiculous everything is. Commiserate but that's all. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 09:07 AM Flag
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uhhh, don't talk about it? [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 09:31 AM Flag
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Don't talk about it at all. My dc also went to ghs (same as above poster's dc) and I agree with her assessment about tt placement. It's about the CHILD, not you (unless you're a pita). [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 12:30 PM Flag
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It is much more about you than you know. Many fabulous dc get SO who don't have PITA parents. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 12:35 PM Flag
[ - ] CIO help please! 7.5 mo old ds is very tired - rubbing eyes, yawning, etc - but is screaming in his crib right now (nap). How long do I let him cry for? It's been 15v minutes : ( I've gone in twice to rub his back for a few seconds. 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 05:01 AM Flag
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Only sleep will cure what ails him. If he is overtired, you might want to help him: rock him with a pacifier, swaddle, etc. If you are trying to stop these things, then you just let him CIO. Sorry. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 05:49 AM Flag
[ - ] Interfaith Marriage help. Dh jewish, I am not, we agreed dcs would be exposd to both but indoctrinated into neither. Now as dc#1 gets older DH is putting on pressure for a temple preK and religious school in a few years. This is not what we agreed to, DCs have only been to church twice because we agreed not to push one or the other but now when I argue about temple schools he says I am racist! Help me please what to do! 12 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More ]
New York City 07.06.08, 04:39 AM Flag
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your dh is WRONG and he misled you on purpose (it sounds). Is he being pressured by his family? Stand your ground because it's not fair that he gets to choose what religion your dc will be raised with. Also isn't the jewish rule that the dc is what the mom is? [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 04:44 AM Flag
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^^^he really should look up the meaning of racism before he pulls it out. You aren't being racist but you are following what you both agreed on many yrs back. He needs to realize an agreement is an agreement [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 04:47 AM Flag
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TY I have tried to explain this but he has become all too stubborn all of a sudden. His family is pressuring him and he feels this need to contribute to more jewish families. I want to say he should have married one of his many jewish girlfriends 10 years ago then! [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 04:50 AM Flag
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he needs to learn to stand up to his family. It's going to be up to him to set them straight if not he will let them come into your marriage (which isn't a good thing). Why can't your dc go to a reg. preschool but you both get to show him both faiths. I had a friend raised jewish and catholic. She grew up appreciating both sides [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 04:54 AM Flag
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^^^his mom should remember that you could pull out the stubborn card too. You may have to have a talk with his family and explain what their pressuring is doing to your family. GL. I hate to hear ppl arguing over things that are being stirred up by one side of the family [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 04:57 AM Flag
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Thank you. HATE my in laws now. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 05:02 AM Flag
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Problem is all of a sudden he treats the church as evil. Isn't open to even having them go to church let alone observe even in a small way. Miserable, I am just so unhappy and feel so small, also starting to resent him and his family. Regular preschool I can convince him of but he is dead set he says on raising jewish. When I say he is changing the plan he says everyone is entitled to change minds especially about religion and dcs. I feel like his attitude is not so much pro-judaism as it is anti-mommy's religion! [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 05:01 AM Flag
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he is being unfair. They should be exposed to both or none--as per your original agreement. Does he realize that he is being disrespectful of your religion? I vote for regular preschool and they can be exposed to both (if that is what you want). I'm with you! [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 06:08 AM Flag
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This sounds fake. Racist? What a weird word, esp for a husband to use. If this is real, contact the JCC interfaith counselor Rabbi Carol Levithan. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 06:16 AM Flag
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Well, if it's any consolation, we agreed to raise dcs Jewish (dh is, I'm not) and we are having conflicts too. (I was raised celebrating christmas/easter but never went to church/wasn't baptised). Oldest is 7 and while I don't have any issues with him going to hebrew school, it's just a huge PITA to fit it into our busy schedule (and of course I have to take him, not dh)..DC hates it, doesn't want to go, doesn't want to miss other activities for it and I have to listen to all the complaints while dh is at work. So the whole burden for what dh wants falls on me and the kids. (and I feel like dh's parents want it more than dh really does) [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 10:31 AM Flag
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NP and I've had this same problem (DH's family doesn't care what he does, but he suddenly hit a "I'm betraying the Jewish people" phase). I feel for you. It's very hard. We ended up going to couples counseling about it to try to get to the root of both of our feelings. In the end, it turned out it had a lot to do with his guilt over being non-practicing--felt he had to somehow make sure DCs get the education he got b/c he can't teach them anything Jewish (though of course he can). Often this issue is about the parent not wanting to cope with his/her own feelings about the religion. Happy to talk more if you need (I had some bad years with this myself--ugh). [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 10:34 AM Flag
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np who was the counselor? because that sounds EXACTLY like my DH... [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 01:23 PM Flag
[ - ] how is ps139 in bklyn? 0 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More ]
NY Schools 07.06.08, 04:28 AM Flag
[ - ] We haven't been that great about attending religious services regularly, nor do we say grace in our home or any daily prayers, etc. I feel that ds (he's 5 1/2) and an only, doesn't seem to have any appreciation or gratitude for what he does have (and what others don't), even though he's generally a good dc. But the whining about food, certain toys, etc., bugs me on principle and even though we talk about how lucky we are to have enough to eat, I wonder if doing some sort of grace at meals or "thank you" prayer before bed will teach him to be more grateful in general? I don't mean thankful to us but rather just thankful for what he has in life. Opinions? Thanks. 6 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More ]
New York City 07.06.08, 04:21 AM Flag
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Read: YOur Five Year Old by Louise Ames. This is how 5 yr olds ARE. 5 1/2 is a particularly tough age. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 04:24 AM Flag
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OP - thanks, will do. As I said, ds is generally a good dc but we're just trying to teach more awareness. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 04:25 AM Flag
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I remember being told: kids are starving in Africa, or I walked a mile to school in the snow. It's comical and doesn't teach a child anything but to roll her eyes. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 04:27 AM Flag
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I disagree with this (NP btw). When we watch the discovery ch. we discuss the kids who don't have food every day, who don't have a roof over their head. When we see a homeless person on the street I take the opportunity to discuss this with my kids and teach them that this is reality for so many and that's why we should appreciate every little bit we have. They never laugh but are very empathetic kids at their young ages [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 04:33 AM Flag
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np and I disagree. My 5 year old realizes that there are children in the world who do not have clean water to drink and that is why we don't leave the water running while we brush our teeth. You may not have realized the lessons from what your parents said (and you might actually have) - but my dc knows how blessed we are - that we have more than enough - and that some people will always have more and some will always have less. There aren't any real magic words that get this messsage thru in one sitting - its more of an attitude/way of life that is pervasive. Your child will pick up your morals and values as long as you continue to show and discuss them in the little unplanned moments during their life. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 07:56 AM Flag
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since you are talking about appreciating what you have, why not volunteer with your ds to help others (like serving food for the holiday). Americares has good opportunities for families to volunteer. My own dd started to make a collection for poor dc last summer. She also saved her pennies..and for xmas, we did the secret santa through americares and bought a dc a gift for xmas. I told dd I would match what she collected and saved up. We had a letter sent to us, we shopped for the exact gift the dc wanted, she wrapped it up and was so excited to be able to help another dc. She got it...and I was so proud of her [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 04:41 AM Flag
[ - ] Is there a way to search only within a specific category? Looking for some old watched posts and don't need to search the entire board, only the ones I posted in. Also, any way yet to search only my posts? Either the ones I posted to or I was the OP of? Thanks 2 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 04:15 AM Flag
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^^actually, I mean search only in a specific board? Say, the Toddler or SN or NY board? [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 04:16 AM Flag
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No, this is something UB has said that they will do, but none of the rest of the list of improvements has happened ever since they were sold to CBS and the feeling is that they won't happen now. [ Reply | More ]
General Topics 07.06.08, 07:26 PM Flag
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