• Filter the conversation
 

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

[ - ] Do you think a Freedom of Information Act request would succeed in getting more info about the pre-K lottery process? DOE majorly screwed up, but they're not admitting it. I want to know exactly how badly they messed up. 21 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
New York City 06.13.08, 08:13 AM Flag
»
You would need to be more specific about what documents you need. A FOIA is to request a specific piece of paper, from my experience. Sounds like you are proposing a full-scale investigation, which would probably have to come from the Mayor's office or the DA's office. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:14 AM Flag
»
how about finding out the make-up (i.e. sib vs. non-sib, zone vs. out of zone) of the kids admitted to the pre-K class I wanted dc to get into? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:16 AM Flag
»
I think that would be out and out non-public information. You can't reveal names of the kids, etc. so I doubt you could reveal the class make-up. It's entirely within their right to size the class as they choose. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:17 AM Flag
»
In other words, you'd get the kid's name -> from there find the kid, where they live, etc. -> all of that is nonpublic. Even if a Private eye took on the case you are walking on a fine line and may not be able to use that info in a court action since it was not public. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:18 AM Flag
»
ok, I guess I'll just have to write to the Mayor's office or the Public Advocate to have them launch an investigation. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:19 AM Flag
»
Yes, or start a petition to do so! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:22 AM Flag
»
ok, i know this is annoying to everyone who is in the middle of it, but can you recap what this schools situation is for those of us who are not involved? i'm curious. what did the doe do wrong? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:14 AM Flag
»
DOE was supposed to give preference to: (1)siblings of students in the school, then (2) kids in the zone, then (3) out-of-zone, non-sub kids. Turns out that 2's and 3's were admitted over 1's, and 3's were admitted over 2's. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:18 AM Flag
»
[ Removed by moderator ] [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:20 AM Flag
»
yeah, but the DOE farmed out the lottery process to some company in PA [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:26 AM Flag
»
oh man, that's bad, and sort of unfixable unless they do a re-do. was it for nyc? elementary? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:21 AM Flag
»
NYC pre-K [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:25 AM Flag
»
FOIA is federal only. DOE is a city agency. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:14 AM Flag
»
Yes but you can cite the federal law in a state request - should not be an issue [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:18 AM Flag
»
In reply to above poster, you can cite any law you want in your request, even Murphy's Law. The issue is whether the agency is required by law to disclose its official records, and my point was simply that FOIA is not binding on city or state agencies. It applies only to federal agencies, and even where it does apply, there are a multitude of exemptions. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:22 AM Flag
»
You win. Thank you. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:25 AM Flag
»
Yes, but many states have their version of the federal FOIA. I'm not sure if it applies to city agencies, though, but it might. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:34 AM Flag
»
I think there are probably better ways to work the system. IF you have a sib at the school and did not get a spot, go talk to the principal, then keep moving up the ladder. You attract more flies with sugar than you do with poop [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 09:31 AM Flag
»
I think flies really prefer the poop over the sugar, though. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 09:50 AM Flag
»
Kids don't need pre-K. Get a grip, lady. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 09:52 AM Flag
»
What will you do with this information? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 09:56 AM Flag
[ - ] can anyone recommend an evening class that is physical (gym, dance) on ues. 2yo energetic dd needs this badly 3 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
Toddler 06.13.08, 08:05 AM Flag
»
Not sure about evening times but have a look at NY Kids Club (67th St). My 2.5yo active boy loves it. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:08 AM Flag
»
Look into CATS. Howver, I've found that many of these programs have more limited schedules in the summer. You might want to explore Super Soccer Stars as well, as they have "drop-in classes" in Central Park....not sure how late they go for 2 yos. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:58 AM Flag
»
I looked for evening classes on the UES when dd (also 2) was younger but it was mainly Little Maestros and sometimes Big City Moms drop-in options/sample classes. We take dd to the park every night (I WOHM) and she runs around there in the summer. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 10:35 AM Flag
[ - ] Got mail - nothing in it 2 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
NY Schools 06.13.08, 08:05 AM Flag
»
really? I got mine this morning. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:08 AM Flag
»
Right. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:11 AM Flag
[ - ] i called a babysitter i found on craigslist and asked for her references and she said she likes to meet people before she gives references so she's coming over this morning. that's ok, i see her point i guess, but i'm a little annoyed cleaning up the house this morning at 8 am for a babysitter. ok, no point to all this, just a tiny vent 7 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:03 AM Flag
»
you should have rescheduled for a time that's good for you. don't blame that on her. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:04 AM Flag
»
man, she's got some nerve - it's you who calls the shots as you're potentially hiring her [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:12 AM Flag
»
[ Removed by moderator ] [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:13 AM Flag
»
first OR: sorry. i didn't mean to make you feel bad. i just wanted to point out that it's not fair to blame her if you didn't speak up for yourself. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:15 AM Flag
»
np: It is standard not to give out references until you know you are seriously considered for the job, after the interview. For any job. References are not for fishing expeditions, and besides, you can ask much better questions after you actually met the applicant. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 09:03 AM Flag
»
sorry but that's reasonable. usually you give refs when requested at the interview [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 09:07 AM Flag
»
Exactly. You don't want your references to be called every time you send your resume to someone. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 09:12 AM Flag
[ - ] does anyone know the going rate to watch 2 kids for a nanny in bklyn? 2 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:00 AM Flag
»
$17/hr [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:40 AM Flag
»
well it's $15 for one [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:40 AM Flag
[ - ] Thinking about trying for #3 have a 4yr old ds and 2yr old dd, very busy and tired, but keep wondering about it...any btdt advice? 5 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:58 AM Flag
»
i have three dc and love it. i would like more but i'm on a medical hold for ttc'ing. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:02 AM Flag
»
how old are your dc's? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:05 AM Flag
»
oldest is almost five. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:14 AM Flag
»
my one friend who has three honestly doesn't seem that happy - way over-extended...youngest gets almost no attention imho - but everyone is different - she's not the most organized person - i think it definitley turns into just a pure circus when you have 3 - esp. at those ages [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:03 AM Flag
»
I'm pg with #3 now (am 40yr) but my dcs are 8yr and 4yr. I think the 4yr diff. will be very helpful [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:04 AM Flag
[ - ] Columbia High School in Maplewood just received a Grammy Award (yes, same organization) for its outstanding music program. My son was in the Wind Ensemble, and the Jazz Ensemble I, and it was an amazing experience. Great, great stuff. 9 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:50 AM Flag
»
holy crap. a high school received a grammy?? i want to move to maplewood. it's my big fantasy that my 2.5 year old will be musical minded. but congrats to you, you must be really proud. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:52 AM Flag
»
If you are serious about your child having a great musical education, you should indeed consider moving here. The music program in the schools is really great (the teacher at Tuscan is especially wonderful, the kids study Mozart, Saint-Saens, Satie, Ellington), MMS's puts on a musical that pretty phenomenal, and the high school's range of offerings has quite a range: in addition to the 2 jazz ensembles and spin-off combos that the kids organize and the school supports, and wind ensemble, there is concert band, symphonic band, marching band, at least one orchestra (I'm less familiar with this, since my son didn't do it), a chorus, a gospel chorus, a full year class for rock musicans, and a big musical theatre production, with support from the many community members who are Broadway performers and designers. Plus, there are bands everywhere in the community: several of my friends are in rock bands. There are also concerts of all genres in both Maplewood and South Orange all year. It's really a big music scene. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:48 AM Flag
»
And, thanks! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 04:34 PM Flag
»
Op: oh, I forgot to mention, 10,000 schools were invited to submit, around 2,200 did, 14 schools selected. Only 2 on the east coast won, CHS and a school in Maryland. We are thrilled here. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:53 AM Flag
»
that's amazing. maplewood sounds too good to be true everything i hear about it [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:55 AM Flag
»
contrary to the hs winning a grammy there are many issues with it. would never move there. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 09:16 AM Flag
»
Congratulations! Yes, that's wonderful. To be clear, it's not a Grammy Award, like the kind professional musicians receive. The Grammy organization has a Grammy Foundation, their non-profit arm. They give out big money grants to schools with exemplary music education - nationally! - and Maplewood won one for their guitar and/or piano programs. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 09:14 AM Flag
»
^^^Or rather Maplewood's grant is for their guitar/piano programs but they won it because of their overall music education excellence. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 09:16 AM Flag
»
The award is for overall music excellence; the grant is from the Gibson foundation, and special mention was made of the guitar club, which has a lot of students participating and just made a CD; also, the jazz ensembles perform plenty of numbers with guitars so perhaps both were factors in the award. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 11:18 AM Flag
[ - ] Moving to the burbs in a few months, thought I could get something for DH for father's day that would be for the house etc.?? ideas?? 8 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:48 AM Flag
»
a grill [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:49 AM Flag
»
grill things- apron, tools, cookbook etc. i know it's cliche about the burbs, but the fellas seem to love that stuff and it's iconically suburban. a lawn chair or something would be good too. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:50 AM Flag
»
btw before i get slammed i don't really say fellas [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:50 AM Flag
»
any other ideas?? i know DH wants to buy the grill stuff [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:52 AM Flag
»
yeah, that's part of their grill pride thing, they want to be IN CHARGE. but the cookbook or the apron could be ok, he might not care about that. hmm, i'm thinking because we just moved from NYC to the burbs...windchimes? bird feeder? adirondack chair? hammock? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:57 AM Flag
»
a lawn mower and a beer cozie [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:57 AM Flag
»
a map that shows him how to get to the home depot or loews [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:58 AM Flag
»
this is sort of the wrong direction to go maybe, but a coupon book (homemade by you) of dates you'll go on in the city (assuming you're moving nearby enough) to favorite current places. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:02 AM Flag
[ - ] DH just called to say that a friend of his will be joining us for dinner. The house is a mess, two dc home all day, shopping to do,... Now I'm all stressed... The guy is very sweet "deep down" but his wife is part of the Jewish Federation Mafia here and I'm always getting the hairy eyeball from her... crap ! 9 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:44 AM Flag
»
that's annoying that he didn't ask you. but just try your best to not stress and let your house be a little messy, if they're friends they'll accept your life the way it is. if not, maybe they won't want to come back which sounds like that'd be ok. but what is the Jewish Federation Mafia, and where are you? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:45 AM Flag
»
There's a group of families in Atlanta that all hang out together, support all the same charities, supported Bush since he was "better for Israel" and other things... they are just a clique that i am not in and kind of disdain, but I have to smile and be nice and all that... [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:47 AM Flag
»
ohhhh. got it. yeah, it's your friday night so just try to enjoy the cooking, cleaning (it's always awesome how great your house looks when you have to clean it for guests) and don't worry. and maybe tonight is the night she'll show some great side of herself :) [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:49 AM Flag
»
I'll be a'polishin' the candlesticks !!! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:49 AM Flag
»
i wish i could come. shiny candlesticks are my favorite! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:51 AM Flag
»
They can also be used as weapons if things go badly... "Stressed wife, in the kitchen, with a candlestick." [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:52 AM Flag
»
ohhhh, learned from things from Clue did you [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:52 AM Flag
»
Always Ms Scarlett... [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:53 AM Flag
»
throw everything into your bedroom and shut the door. good luck. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:55 AM Flag
[ - ] I was a total jerk to my dh this morning. What are some good ways to beg for forgiveness? I have to run out really quick, but I welcome the suggestions. I need them. TIA! 12 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:41 AM Flag
»
sex is the sure fire thing... actually, a blow job is a sure fire fix-all... [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:42 AM Flag
»
so true. maybe [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:44 AM Flag
»
sorry, maybe a backrub or something when all that is done [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:44 AM Flag
»
An honest apology and something he'd enjoy (I'll leave that up to your imagination) [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:42 AM Flag
»
Call him, leave him a brief, sincere vm if need be. Now. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:44 AM Flag
»
yep, absolutely [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:44 AM Flag
»
even if that doesn't make him feel better, it'll make you feel better [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:46 AM Flag
»
bj [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:39 AM Flag
»
ew ew and double ew [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:40 AM Flag
»
why ew and double ew ? you never do ? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:42 AM Flag
»
i just hate the term bj...especially since that's also an nyc temple ;) [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:43 AM Flag
»
Oh... it was a terminology issue... [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:45 AM Flag
[ - ] Sorry for the OT post, but are there any movies out that are good for an almost 5 year old? My dad just called and asked if he could take dd to see the Incredible Hulk, and I said I'd try to find something a bit more age appropriate... 5 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
NY Schools 06.13.08, 07:40 AM Flag
»
Kung Fu Panda [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:50 AM Flag
»
The Museum of the American Indian by Battery Park has a children's film program at 10:30 and 11:45AM, if I am reading their site correctly: http://www.nmai.si.edu/subpage.cfm?subpage=events&second=ny [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:53 AM Flag
»
They're in the burbs - Kung Fu Panda it is! She's been dying to see the Hulk but that's one superhero I just cannot stand. I think she thought she could get it by her grandfather. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:55 AM Flag
»
is that robot movie out yet? wall-e or something like that? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:57 AM Flag
»
Kung Fu Panda was fine. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:09 AM Flag
[ - ] G&T letters going out today--I just spoke with the office. 5 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
NY Schools 06.13.08, 07:39 AM Flag
»
The implication being, there will be nothing in today's mail, right? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:42 AM Flag
»
teaser... [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:42 AM Flag
»
I'm just so sick of myself restlessly clicking the refresh button. Call me sick/freak, I know. But not knowing when I would know where my dd's going turned me into total nut case.... [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:51 AM Flag
»
join the club. Hey OP, which office did you speak with? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:52 AM Flag
»
jesus - if they would hold mine i would go pick it up so i wouldn't have to put myself through another weekend of angst...looks like i'll be hitting the bottle again this weekend. i'll be in rehab by the time this mess is over. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:56 AM Flag
[ - ] How demented am I ? Just got back from visiting friend's DC in hospital where she has been for almost a week with a nasty virus. She has lost a ton of weight from all the vomiting and I'm thinking... maybe a lesser version would be just the thing before having to put on a bathing suit this summer... I'm grossed out by my own brain... 2 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:38 AM Flag
»
Yeah, being sick is no fun and losing weight from illness is no fun either. You should get a time out. hehe [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:39 AM Flag
»
as long as there are no chips or cookies in the time out room... or olives or wine or little nibbly crunchy things or Teuscher dark chocolate dipped orange slices... I'm a foodie mess ! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:41 AM Flag
[ - ] Give me some cute mom / mother/son / baby boy quotes... I need them for baby shower 5 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:33 AM Flag
»
"I kiss you and kiss you, With arms round my own, Al, how shall I miss you, When, dear, you have grown. -William Butler Yeats [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:36 AM Flag
»
the poem "When I Grow Up" by William Wise. You might be able to find it if you googleit. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:37 AM Flag
»
not cute and not really for a baby. but this poem always resonated with me. "listen to the mustn'ts, child. listen to the don'ts. listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. listen to the never-haves then listen close to me. anything can happen, child, anything can be". [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:39 AM Flag
»
I am going to copy this for my own ds... so wonderful :-) [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:40 AM Flag
»
thanks. i read it on teh subway once. it was one of those "poetry in motion" poems. i think it's by shel silverstein but i'm not really sure. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:47 AM Flag
[ - ] So I am assuming since no one has reported a letter yet that we won't be getting them today either... 2 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
NY Schools 06.13.08, 07:30 AM Flag
»
Inside Schools posted that ppl are getting emails saying that letters will be mailed out "Friday or as soon as possible" [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:33 AM Flag
»
f*ck me [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:35 AM Flag
[ - ] Anyone have a live-in nanny who doesn't have a huge home/apt. I might return to work on a TV show but my hours are insane and I'm a single mother. I will often have to leave at 5:30am. I will also be off every other episode (about 8 days or so) unpaid so I won't be able to afford a great room for a live-in. Anyone make it work with a live-in who didn't make big bucks? 5 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
Toddler 06.13.08, 07:27 AM Flag
»
au pair ? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:32 AM Flag
»
I have done this for the past 5 yrs it is great when it works, so-so when it doesn't but always managable. Cost about $5,000 for the agency & $140 per week to au pair. Needs to have own bedroom [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:44 AM Flag
»
I have a firend who is a singe mom with a 2bd. she and her dd share a room, the nanny has the other. it's a small place, but it seems to work. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 07:43 AM Flag
»
I don't think my nanny has a huge home/apt. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 08:14 AM Flag
»
Does not have to be huge by any means, I know people who have nanny living in a tiny maids' room. But she should have her own bedroom, you can't expect her to sleep on a pullout in the living room on regular basis. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 06.13.08, 09:07 AM Flag
Refresh » New Post »
Select Category
close [X]

close [X]

Select a Category (only 1)

category
Stages
Regions