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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

[ - ] My ds had developed a tic during the school application process, but it went away basically as soon as the playdates ended. It's now starting again, although not as bed so far. How can I help him relax? I think all of the talk about K and transitions are making him anxious. Trying not to say too much about it, but they bring it up at his school. 12 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:31 AM Flag
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Our dd was scrunching her nose all year, and now is blinking -- a tic. We are upset about it too. Our house is not particularly an anxious place. My husband and I recently spoke to someone about it. Generally the thought is to let it go, however, we were told that if it comes up to assure her that squeezing muscles like this is a common thing when peo0ple are a little anxious. I totally understand your concern -- we too don;t love it, but have to tell her that no matter what we love her. That said, I wish it would not be our children!!! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:41 AM Flag
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op: I am pretty anxious by nature, so he definitely picks up on it. I don't think I ever had a tic, though. I don't draw attention to his winking, but it can be really noticeable. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:46 AM Flag
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What's the tic? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:42 AM Flag
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winking [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:44 AM Flag
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for us it is blinking both eyes or stretching her nose (like she has a buggy in it). At first we gave nasonex, until we knew it was unrelated. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:51 AM Flag
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op: yeah, I thought he had something in his eye or conjunctivitis at first. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:56 AM Flag
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Ok - - we went through this process last year and there's no way I'd pursue if it actually caused so much anxiety that it resulted in a tic. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:45 AM Flag
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op: well it's not like I can't send him to K because it makes him anxious. The tic didn't kick in until playdates were almost over, fwiw. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:47 AM Flag
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I donlt think it is the schools that produce it. It hink it is the general transition out of one school and into another. In fact, I think it is just the way my child is -- nothing to do with this. Large birthday parties can set it off, meeting a new group of children. Apparently 4-6 is a common time for these things to begin. My worry is that it concerns her and spirals into more consciousness. I think that all we can do at this point is acknowledge it with our children and remind them that they are loved any way that they are. The nose scrunching or excessive blinking can be scary for him or her too. I thought it is was more of a twitch, but It hink you are right that tic is a more specific word for it. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:48 AM Flag
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op: Interesting that your dd seems to notice she does it. My ds doesn't seem to notice it unless someone brings it up. For a while people just thought he was winking at them trying to be cute. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:58 AM Flag
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My dd's only shows up when she is in a foreign situation and especvially when she is tired. She is playing at home now and there is no sign of it. when she is with her good firends it does not show up. It is what it is . . . . but I am equally concerned and upset by it. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:52 AM Flag
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FYI - even thoguh we do not deem ourselves "anxious" it was quite helpful to speak to someone in a session about it as she pointed out that while we are relaxed about the "big picture", just by living in this big city creates anxiety. Sooooo, our job is to reduce as much anxiety as we can. Any wisdom you have, please pass it on. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:53 AM Flag
[ - ] Are there any "Mommy and Me" matinees in NYC? 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:28 AM Flag
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Yes. Google "Reel Moms". Or for indie movies go to the website for the Sunshine on Houston. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:29 AM Flag
[ - ] Are there any hotels or other places where one can get a day pass to use their pool? DS is learning to swim, and I'd like to be able to practice with him. TIA! 15 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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New York City 06.28.08, 10:24 AM Flag
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The city pools. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:30 AM Flag
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I always hear horror stories about those, plus I'm fat and want to see as few people as possible when I'm in a swimsuit. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:32 AM Flag
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LOL--they're not so bad. Honest. And I'm fat and fit right in there. That said, many hotels do have day passes to the pools. I know the Marriott in Downtown Brooklyn does. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:37 AM Flag
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Thanks. Maybe I'll check out the Parks Dept. site for pool info and give it a try. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:39 AM Flag
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city gyms - most of the people arent in the best shape there anyway and they have classes [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 06:53 PM Flag
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you can do this at any ymca too [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:59 AM Flag
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do you have to be a member? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 11:01 AM Flag
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no, can buy a day pass [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 06:37 PM Flag
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Absolutely! Where do you live? New York Mag and Time Out both name several in their guides to pools. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 05:27 PM Flag
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Ft. Greene [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 05:31 PM Flag
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Oh no, I am sorry - I didn't memorize any pools there because I am on the UES and lazy so I would never make it there for swimming since there are closer pools to me. But Asphalt Green is $5 Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and Sundays. It is outdoors and the crowd very boring UES, not scary. Then there is a gym near 57th with a rooftop pool - Maybe it is called the Excelsior - it is $25 for both of you. These are outdoors, which is great. There are also some Related Buildings that have gyms and will let you try out the pool/gym for two weeks for free :). [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 05:56 PM Flag
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Le Meridian, the Ganesvoort, etc. have pools but they cost way more than these options. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 05:58 PM Flag
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A friend in Clinton Hill loves her local pool. Public pools are fine -- just go early (they open at 11) and be prepared to follow the rigid rules. Don't worry about being fat. You'll have PLENTY of company. In fact, you'll feel pretty thin. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 06:18 PM Flag
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Thanks to both of you! I didn't even realize we had a local pool here. I'll have to look it up. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.29.08, 07:05 AM Flag
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Teacher's College(columbia) has a pretty good schedule. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.29.08, 10:22 AM Flag
[ - ] I just hired a nanny who has been working while I'm on maternity leave. I've let her leave early on a number of occasions but made it clear that I can only do this while I'm off. I said no to her last request to leave early and she was clearly disappointed. How do I fix this issue before I return to work? 5 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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Newborn 06.28.08, 10:18 AM Flag
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Stop letting her leave early even if you can [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:20 AM Flag
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I think she thinks its not a big deal because I'm home so her take is that I'm just being inflexible and a jerk. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:22 AM Flag
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Plan errands/coffee/spa/anything for end of the day and only show up home when it is her time to leave [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:22 AM Flag
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Thanks. I'm going to try this. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:25 AM Flag
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GL. I had the same issue. And when I work from home, she does not get that I am -working-. So, I hop out at 5.30pm, do my quick errand and return home at 6pm. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:34 AM Flag
[ - ] DH was offered a new job; we're considering reloc to South FLA. Any opionions on living there? tia. 5 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:59 AM Flag
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rent for at least 6 mo, re prices are tanking [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:27 AM Flag
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What part? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:28 AM Flag
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Boca area [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:38 AM Flag
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In-laws are in Boca. I find it pretty tacky. Delray (to the North) is not quite as bad. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 11:06 AM Flag
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del boca vista has great shuffle-board and wonderful temple sisterhood group. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 11:47 AM Flag
[ - ] Sweet! Got called yesterday about a spot that just opened at our #1 choice preschool for DS. Miracles do happen, ladies! 4 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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New York City 06.28.08, 09:43 AM Flag
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Congrats! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:44 AM Flag
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Wow! Congratulations! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:24 AM Flag
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That is great!!! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:39 AM Flag
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which school? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:45 AM Flag
[ - ] For Maplewood/SO moms-I have thick hair and am looking for some place to go for haircut? Any recs? TIA! 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More
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Newborn 06.28.08, 09:37 AM Flag
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Ursula at Anthony Garubo. My daughter has thick hair and she does a beautiful job with it. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.29.08, 04:53 AM Flag
[ - ] Anyone know the difference between the phil n teds old e3 sport vs. vibe 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:36 AM Flag
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the vibe has a better sunshade and a handbrake. it kind of looks like a cross between the bug and a P&T. a friend of mine has it. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:52 AM Flag
[ - ] we chose public to save a boatload of money - i believe dc is lucky to be in a "best case scenario" public school situation and is getting a very good education even if not the very best in the whole wide world 11 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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NY Schools 06.28.08, 09:15 AM Flag
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Is there really such a thing as "the very best in the whole wide world"? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:30 AM Flag
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ok - well not the best available in nyc? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:32 AM Flag
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I don't think that there is such a thing either FWIW. There is no "best" overall when it comes to something like education. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:35 AM Flag
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ok - then better than the public school education my dc is receiving [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:35 AM Flag
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^^in other words i understand that private schools may be "better" than dc's school and accept that as fact [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:37 AM Flag
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your DC is not in a "best case scenario" [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:35 AM Flag
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i just meant that it is a "best" public one can hope for [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:40 AM Flag
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yes, and it is good to remember that there is more to education than super fancy facilities, computers or what have you. There is also life education, learning to be with a diverse group of people, diverse not just in terms of race, but also economic status, background, etc. These people will enrich their lives too. And I went to both public and private school, so I know, a few scholarship kids in a public school does NOT equal diversity. I think we will be making the same decision for our dc and I support your path! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:38 AM Flag
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thanks - but we chose public to save a boatload of $$ - i am sure there will be positive byproducts - but there probably would be different ones in private school as well [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:42 AM Flag
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We're going public because we got into the best private we applied to, and the best public option (citywide G&T). If the private were, say $5k, we might not have gone public. But there just wasnt that much more "worth of difference" (?) to us. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 11:19 AM Flag
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ditto [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 11:20 AM Flag
[ - ] Marlena or Miranda for dd? 10 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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Expecting 06.28.08, 09:14 AM Flag
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marlena is regularly posessed by the devil on Days of Our LIves. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:15 AM Flag
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Neither. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:15 AM Flag
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Good stripper names. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:35 AM Flag
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I agree, Marlena is too associated with Days. I think Miranda is cute though, and I don't hear it too often. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:43 AM Flag
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SATC, maybe? Marlena has no connection for me except of rhte Suzanne Vega song. That said, I don't really like either name. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:14 AM Flag
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miranda--beautiful [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:41 AM Flag
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Marlanda or Mirena [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:59 AM Flag
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Marlanda ?! Sounds like a new brand of birth control ! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 11:48 AM Flag
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Miranda lovely -- The Tempest. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 05:17 PM Flag
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both remind me of the name of that IUD all my friends have... Mirena? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 05:42 PM Flag
[ - ] I think dh is in love with my sister :( 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:12 AM Flag
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God no. Why do you say that and what would your sister say if she thought you felt this ? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:39 AM Flag
[ - ] The shit hit the fun, A number of classes out our public (D3) have 32+ DCs 45 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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New York City 06.28.08, 09:04 AM Flag
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There is a good place on Orchard street, i think it is called Orchard Street Corset, they are very affordable too. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:10 AM Flag
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sorry, meant to post to a different thread! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:10 AM Flag
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lol [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:12 AM Flag
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Which one? is this K? Where's that rational business planning model, Mr. Klein, when you need it? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:12 AM Flag
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k? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:12 AM Flag
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kindergarten [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:15 AM Flag
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i know k means kindergarten - i am asking op if she is talking abut k classes in her post [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:29 AM Flag
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Which school? And are you talking about the coming year? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:29 AM Flag
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199, yes [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:34 AM Flag
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In the upcoming K class or older? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:35 AM Flag
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same for ps 89 in battery park. crazy. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:38 AM Flag
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in the fall kindergarten class or older? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:41 AM Flag
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kindergarten, but that's going to bubble up in the coming years. No assistants. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:16 AM Flag
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I thought they were simply limiting registration. How many assistants will they have? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:47 AM Flag
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Teachers with less than 5 years experience do not qualify for "student teachers" - If by Assistants you mean paras, these are women with an IQ of 59 - stupid and lazy [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:49 AM Flag
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wow - that is too bad - dcs assistant teachers at LL have been very impressive! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:51 AM Flag
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That's an unreasonable statement, please. Anyway, it's Kindergarten, and they are there to help the teacher, who does almost all of the teaching. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:54 AM Flag
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where do you get your information from???? You need to find a new source b/c this is very wrong [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 03:21 PM Flag
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2 of my dd's para's were great [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 05:32 PM Flag
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that is scary and so sad. DC had 18 in his public K class a few years ago...that is nearly double....can't imagine [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 01:14 PM Flag
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How do you know the # of kids per class? And what grade is this for? It's "okay" to have that many kids in the upper grades, according to the UFT contract. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:48 AM Flag
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it's "okay", but it still sucks [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:49 AM Flag
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ugh. that's awful. we dodged a bullet. they were predicting that many in our d2 k class but it wound up being 25. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 10:16 AM Flag
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I saw this coming and maintain my 'theory' that children about to enter K this Sept and those who will enter in the next 4 years are going to be royally screwed. After that the doe will have 'fixed' the problem of not enough seats. We have 2 kids who will be starting K in the next four years and one who is already in elementary. He has had a great experience so far but I feel like our next 2 are going to get short-changed for elem, and then later for MS. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 12:57 PM Flag
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what happens after 4 years? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 01:09 PM Flag
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they will have built more schools, moved middle schools out of shared bldgs etc. So kids about to be born now and in the following years will be fine but those starting K now and over the next few years are going to suffer the consequences of an inadequate public school infrastructure [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 01:12 PM Flag
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^those kids aleady in 1st grade in up now will be fine too since they came through right before the 'under 5 population bubble' [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 01:13 PM Flag
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Not really, as more and more space is converted to classrooms, DCs will start not having art rooms, music rooms, science rooms, and even Gyms and playground space. It really sucks for everyone already - freaking Bloomberg [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 02:10 PM Flag
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you're right, I didn't think of that...but at least those 'older' kids will be crammed more to a classroom too to make for an extra classroom in a lower grade. - sadly, this is why we are leaving for the burbs....so at least their will be 3 less kids taking up space! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 03:32 PM Flag
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It's going to take a lot longer than four years. I thought 27 was the max for a kindergarten class? 4th grade can go up to 32. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 02:10 PM Flag
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OK, I checked. It is against the UFT contract to have more than 25 children in a kindergarten classroom. So, either the story is incorrect or the school has 32 enrolled and so must scramble to add another classroom. My source: http://nycpublicschoolparents.blogspot.com/2007/09/class-size-limits-for-nyc-public.html [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 02:21 PM Flag
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that's not entirely correct. It depends on the "leftover". If for example 4 grade has 67 students, they can do 2 classes of 33 and 34 instead of 3 classes of 22. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 02:34 PM Flag
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Thank you for the clarification. That's insane, though. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 05:17 PM Flag
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they can go up to 32 in K if they have another adult in the room so most likely the K classes will have a para w/ them [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 03:23 PM Flag
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what is bad though is the rooms don't get any bigger. MTW had 28 kids in a class and it reminded me of a crowded subway car - barely any room to move around [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 03:30 PM Flag
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I have taught w/ 32 in a class and it was fine. If the teacher is good she will know how to magage the classroom to make it work [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 03:31 PM Flag
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I'm sure it was fine but if would have been more pleasant for all involved with say, 18-20 kids [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 03:34 PM Flag
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yes it would have been but your child can be placed in a class of 18 w/ a really lousy teacher and have a terrible experience. It all depends on the teacher [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 03:40 PM Flag
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np. I agree that the teacher is the most important factor, but I cannot agree that that's all dc's experience depends on. 32 K dc in one room is too many, even with the best teachers. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 04:20 PM Flag
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As someone whose DD was stuck in K-2 grade with 30 kids, I have to say I abhor this argument, always made by educators, that a great teacher can handle that many kids. I've seen it first hand and that is bullshit. I've seen a very good teacher and a very bad teacher try to handle that big a class. It made the good teacher bad and the bad teacher horrid. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 05:45 PM Flag
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if all 32 DCs are well behaved it's doable, but 2-3 thugs can turn the class into a nightmare [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 05:55 PM Flag
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exactly, and the chances of getting 32 well-behaved kids is about zero. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 06:00 PM Flag
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...in a public school. I have not seen any thugs in DC's tt private. All very well behaved/very smart DCs [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 06:09 PM Flag
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and of course no classes with 32 kids and the different kids are weeded out thru insane admissions and tuition. what is your point? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 06:17 PM Flag
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itta...wtf was that about? Private schools don't admit the thugs, or if they do, eventually kick them out [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 06:27 PM Flag
[ - ] ww moms - how many points is a whole wheat med bagel store bagel with the inside out?? 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More
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Toddler 06.28.08, 09:00 AM Flag
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i would guess 5, but would weigh it to be sure [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.28.08, 09:02 AM Flag
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