UrbanBaby

[ - ] We just moved to NYC. We're only applying to Montclare for our dc (I understand this is not the smartest idea). Our tour is tomorrow. I know I need to first choice them but how & when do I do this? Do I send a letter after the tour or wait until the playdate (Jan). This is all new to me so any help would really be appreciated. TIA. 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 12:01 PM Flag

A first choice letter, if you choose to write one, is usually sent later (January). [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 12:11 PM Flag

[ - ] How much do you pay your live-in nanny (NYC) and how many hours/days/nights wknds does she work? 0 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 11:57 AM Flag

[ - ] SIL is about to get in trouble and I LOVE IT. She told FIL and MIL that we never responded to dear niece's birthday party. Well we do respond-when we are invited and are aware of the event. FIL almost hit the roof when he heard. Finally-some vindication. 3 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 11:49 AM Flag

I hate my SIL, too. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 11:55 AM Flag

An adult who is excited that someone else is going to "get in trouble" seems extremely petty and immature to me. Find a hobby. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 12:03 PM Flag

I agree. It's pathetic. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 12:06 PM Flag

[ - ] Pregnant with 3rd. First was insanely busy with work and I took 2.5 months, 2nd basically the same story so went back part time after 2 months, this time I really want to take 4 - 6 months. I work in finance, and while I am doing well at my job, it is a big bank and more layoffs are coming. Did anyone get a different job when they went back (ie if they didn't save your exact job?) I am really excited about the extra time with all kids, just want to be prepared for how work will react. Thanks in advance. 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 11:45 AM Flag

I would not expect your job (or any job) to be there when you get back if you take 4-6 months off in finance. 3 months is the accepted norm. They cannot "fire" you because of taking leave, BUT you can absolutely be eliminated along with broader layoffs. I also would not expect much lateral movement within a firm as everyone is fighting to just keep their own seat. Sorry. Signed - another pg finance mom [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 12:14 PM Flag

[ - ] How many months of the year do you run the AC? The heat? What temp? 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 11:36 AM Flag

We run it whenever we need to. Summer set at 74 during day and 69 at night. Winter house set at 65 during day and 60 at night [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 11:58 AM Flag

[ - ] Why don't we just pull out of this miserably long war already? Seems like that would solve so many financial problems. What good is coming from our continued occupation? 0 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 10:45 AM Flag

[ - ] What is an appropriate ConEd bill for a 1400sf apartment in the summer months. We moved into new apt at end of June. Just got an "adjustment" bill from them saying we need to pay over $1,000 more than we paid since our usage was high. Would end up being over $400/month. WTF? We are not power-mad. What am I supposed to do about this? 17 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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New York City 10.22.12, 04:21 AM Flag

what can you do? the utilities never ever lose. they are monopolies. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:25 AM Flag

I have been wondering about our bill as well. We are on a level billing plan. 750sq ft apt. No dishwasher, no W/D, small oven, small fridge - $188/mo. Seems crazy. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 12:05 PM Flag

That does not sound right. We have 1600 sq grand paid about 300/ month this summer. Have someone come in and check things out. I want to reduce my bill too and was told to unplug as much as I can. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 05:47 AM Flag

Similar. We have an $1850 sq foot place (all loft ceilings), and pay between $300-$400 during the worst months. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 11:27 AM Flag

Appropriate? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 07:06 AM Flag

+1 [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 08:03 AM Flag

You should call them. Because this makes no sense. Unless you set your AC at 60 or so 24/7. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 07:06 AM Flag

(even then, I don't think it would be this high) [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 07:07 AM Flag

Contact them and see if there was an error. I doubt you'll win, but it's definitely worth a shot. Does your apartment face south or west? Do you get direct sunlight? Do you have insulating drapes that are closed when the sun comes in? Are there high ceilings (it's not just about sf, but cubic feet or "volume"). [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 09:11 AM Flag

^^Also, is someone at home all day, every day? At what temp do you set your thermostat? Do you have a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts the temp for when you're at home/at the office/at night? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 09:20 AM Flag

Does your new apartment have a lot of windows? Our apartment is less than 1200sf and we pay 400 per month sometimes and still sweat all summer long. We have floor to ceiling windows and it is awful. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 10:36 AM Flag

My apartment is 2600sf with floor to celling windows in the main area. I live in south FL, and run (BLAST) the AC all but maybe ten days a year. How do you manage to spend $400? I've never even come close to that! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 10:50 AM Flag

The windows are a major factor. I used to live in a 2-story townhouse with glass that ran on an angle from bottom to top. Smoking hot in the summer and so cold that ice in a drink would not melt in the winter. Terrible utility bills. I couldn't move fast enough! Windows look cool, but they are not cool. :) [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 11:00 AM Flag

But OP never said she had big windows. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 11:04 AM Flag

We don't know. It's probably a combo of mentioned above. She just moved in, so it's not like the bills used to be low and now they're high. I wonder what previous tenants paid? Even that's not a good approximation, since some people like it at 80 degrees and other people like it at 63 degrees. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 11:07 AM Flag

OP: Yes, lots of windows, most are south facing. Lots of light. We don't have thermostat set low, but kids are home during the day so some of the AC units will stay on. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 12:08 PM Flag

ours is 1900sf and never pay more than, like, $225 [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 11:24 AM Flag

[ - ] When I was admitted to the hospital to have db, they asked me if I would like to have the placenta to take home. The nurse was very carefully neutral and non-judgemental in asking. I declined to have my placenta doggy-bagged...but is this a thing we are doing now? Has anyone else had them offer you your placenta? Did anyone take it? 15 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:20 AM Flag

i read a recipe for placenta pate or something of the sort for "all the weird freaky things you can eat" including human flesh. some people actually tried it at the party. wow. but no, i was not offered. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:24 AM Flag

No, I was not offered. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:30 AM Flag

i heard some moms talking about getting the placenta put into pills. animals eat their placentas and it supposedly has lots of nutrients to help ward off postpartum problems. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 05:50 AM Flag

Yes, I've had it happen. No, I didn't take it. And obviously it's "a thing we are doing now" if by "we" you mean a few people . [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 07:08 AM Flag

http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/25/i-regret-eating-my-placenta/ [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 07:40 AM Flag

While I have not and will not eat placenta, it drive me nuts that you think this is a significant link. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 07:45 AM Flag

I guess you're driven nuts then. :P [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 07:49 AM Flag

Yep. As random message boards go, UB is often a place to avoid morons. Some nights I get unlucky. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 07:57 AM Flag

Well I guess you're having a conversation with a moron then! Yay you! And you base your whole opinion off someone based on... you know what I'm done. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 07:59 AM Flag

1) Why would this be "yay" me? I'd far rather talk with a non-idiot, or be asleep. But neither is happening, obviously. 2) When did I say I base my entire opinion of people on their moronic UB statements? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 08:03 AM Flag

yes it's a trend. placenta encapsulation so that you don't actually have to "eat" it. am now seeing commercial posts on my neighborhood's parent board for this kind of service, so i'm assuming demand for it is increasing. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 11:26 AM Flag

OP--by "we" I mean "those of us who read UB, and seize on the latest parenting trends". I'll bet if eating one's placenta was shown to raise db's IQ and shot at an Ivy it would show up on the menu pretty quickly:) [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 11:30 AM Flag

If we actually discovered this to be the case, would you NOT eat it? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 11:36 AM Flag

I am not squeamish:) If it were shown to have some great benefi, I'd grab a fork. Not until then, though. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 11:49 AM Flag

Most people who bring it home to "eat" don't actually fry it up or anything. They have it dried and put into pill (like capsule) form, it is used kind of like hormone replacement therapy. Other people bury it under a tree or flowering plant to commemorate baby's birth. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 12:11 PM Flag

[ - ] What a weekend. Help - 4 yo ds, woke up crying. 102 fever. Gave 2 tylenol. 5 - 10 mins later threw up. Now have no idea of tylenol went in! Changed, cleaned him and he's back to sleep. Fever at about 100.2. He's complaining of a headache in the back of his herald that hurts worse when he lays down. I'm freaking out. This has never happened to him before. 6 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:16 AM Flag

Thats head, not herald. Stupid iPhone. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:16 AM Flag

does he have a stiff neck? i'd be scared that it's meningitis. did he get his immunization shots? i think i'd put him in a reclining chair or otherwise prop him up and if it doesn't work in the next hour, take him to emergency. i hope he/you will be ok. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001700/ [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:29 AM Flag

^^ give him motrin for fever next time. tylenol just doesn't cut it for me or my kids. they have't had that since they passed infancy. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:46 AM Flag

np If you take this nonsensical advice, try to forget that it was from someone who is ignorant of the passed/past distinction. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 08:07 AM Flag

The physical exam they do for the stiff neck is make sure he can touch his chin to his chest. Poor baby, I hope u both r ok. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:36 AM Flag

If you are in NYC, take him to Cornell at 68th and York -- best pediatric ER in city, IMO. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:54 AM Flag

[ - ] http://video.foxnews.com/v/1910303792001/eva-longoria-under-fire-for-controversial-retweet/?intcmp=obnetwork . Boycottt Longoria, L'Oreal, Scarlett Johansen, Lancome, Kerry Washington and anything they advertise. This is repulsive....... 5 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:10 AM Flag

mmm, no thanks. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:11 AM Flag

of course.......you support name calling and classless behavior [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:14 AM Flag

Two words -- Rush Limbaugh. Or how about this: "those aren't the words I would have chosen to use" Like that better? What a hypocrite you are, OP [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:55 AM Flag

seriously. these women are all for women's right but if you vote republican, you aren't even human, forget a woman. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:15 AM Flag

I already have little to no respect for those women. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 07:54 AM Flag

[ - ] Anyone up? 39.5 weeks pg. I'm having strong contractions every few minutes that don't hurt. Am I in early labor or is this false labor? 3 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:04 AM Flag

Are you timing the contractions? Are they coming at even intervals? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:31 AM Flag

my contractions did not come at periodic intervals. one of the reasons why i couldn't tell i was in labor. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:50 AM Flag

try to sleep. i had my first born after being awake all night. i never could tell with either whether i was in labor (i was). get some sleep. good luck with your birth. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:50 AM Flag

[ - ] Romney supporters - how to explain the lack of support he is receiving in Massachusetts when his premise is that he reached across the isles to both parties while Governor there, and Massachusetts recently put a republican through to Senate? 37 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:56 AM Flag

oh, you're that idiot again. did you notice how i said MA was the only state alongside DC that voted democrat in 72, the ONLY state? hello? do you think they are ultra, left-wing lib over there? do you think romney might be a moderate to even have been elected governor in the first place. no, you are too stupid. you see "republican" and the two neurons in your cerbral cortex get hyper-active and prohibits any real thought processing. the clown man in office is getting canned. i hope you move to canada. loved his alfred e smith dinner speech, though. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:59 AM Flag

I agree twat [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:02 AM Flag

I agree twat [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:02 AM Flag

I agree twat [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:03 AM Flag

OP. Wow, I've never posted about this before. I didn't bother searching for previous posts on this since the search function no longer works effectively. I'm actually a Republican who is seeking a coherent response on this since many of my liberal friends have been grilling me about this and I don't know how to respond. I would appreciate a genuine response that is not so harsh but would help me to articulate this matter with my friends. Thanks! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:04 AM Flag

bullshit. you are a romney hater. fine. don't play "even stupider." you have your answer so quit posting asininities. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:06 AM Flag

NP: OP, I posted something similar yesterday or the day before. This OR thinks you are me. I'm the person who posted just below about Romney and Republicans not being fiscal conservatives, with a link to Bruce Bartlett's article. Yes, Bruce Bartlett, Reagan advisor, long-time respected Republican. The Romney supporters here can't stand anyone questioning their man. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:14 AM Flag

oh, so you are the idiot who said WI voted for MA but that MA isn't voting for romney. did you find the loose screws? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:16 AM Flag

You know, you are absolutely correct that I mixed up the names Scott Walker, WI governor, and Scott Brown, Massachusetts Senator. I do regret that I made that error as it detracted from the point I was trying to make, that so-called left wing Massachusetts did vote for a Republican very recently. I don't know why you didn't just say "I assume you mean Scott Brown" and call me on my mistake, instead of ranting that Wisconsin didn't vote for Mass, or some such nonsense. Why didn't you? Yes, I confused the 2 names; mea culpa. But my contention that Massachusetts residents do vote for Republicans isn't any less true for that error. Ok? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:48 AM Flag

no, not ok. you have your screws loose. that's why you're voting for obama after 4 years of epic failure. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:50 AM Flag

Are you trying to make Republicans look bad? If so, you are doing a good job. Please, carry on. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 05:02 AM Flag

Seems like the real concern here would be all these loose screws. Robots can't vote. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 10:40 AM Flag

OP. I don't usually respond to people who use vulgar language. I've never posted on this issue before and I'm not a Romney hater. I've voted Republican in every election since I turned 18 and have worked on many Republican campaigns including for Patrick Buchanan. I just haven't read enough about Romney to know the campaign position on this or what is the proper explanation. Living in NYC, I feel I am under constant scrutiny from friends who know my party politics to explain EVERYTHING about the Republican party, even if I don't know. I was genuinely looking for some assistance, if anyone else would care to discuss this politely. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:15 AM Flag

so, you are a stupid republican? did you read, the only state in the entire country to vote for mcgovern in '72. do you think it is a little bit lib? any other stupid questions to vex intelligent people? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:19 AM Flag

sleep well.. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:01 AM Flag

go away. romney is very well liked. the country is split so is Mass. we are a 50/50 country give or take a few percentage that swing back and forth. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:04 AM Flag

OP here. I can see I missed a spirited debate on this issue recently. I'll actually try to wade through the search results since the level of animosity here tells me I missed something big. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:07 AM Flag

Just answered you above - they think you are me. The Romney supporters here don't like to use reason to argue -- they tend to just call names. If you are truly a Republican (and I have no reason to believe you are not) I would question your support of Romney-Ryan. Obviously, the people of Massachusetts know Romney and don't like him one bit. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:16 AM Flag

uh, huh. you use your incredible reasoning prowess and came up with WI voted for MA but MA won't vote for romney. i'd just shut up right now while you're still on your medication. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:20 AM Flag

OP. Thank you for clearing things up a bit. As I said above, I am a registered Republican and have always found candidates I liked within the party. There are some things I like about Romney-Ryan (fiscal issues mainly and a turning away from socialist policies) and some I don't (lack of clarity on women's issues). To be honest, I wasn't in love with any of the candidates the party put forward this year for presidential candidate and I am still trying to learn more about Romney. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:20 AM Flag

you're trying to learn more about romney 2 weeks before the election day. and you live in the city? what is your deal? are you brain dead? it doesn't matter. just go to sleep. he's not going to take ny state no matter what. just give your poor little brain a rest. i think you're the same person posing as OP and the idiot who said WI voted for MA but MA won't vote for romney. lmao. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:33 AM Flag

If you are really a Republican, I don't understand what you like about Romney-Ryan. I think the response you got to your post demonstrates how difficult it is for people to defend their proposals using facts. I posted a link below by Bruce Bartlett, a long-time Reagan advisor. Obama has been far more fiscally sound than Bush and the deficit is actually a tiny bit less than what he inherited from Bush. He could do better, I agree, but his policies are quite moderate and frankly, the same ones that moderate Republicans have proposed for years. But those moderate Republicans of old, like Bruce Bartlett, are considered socialists to today's right-wing Republican party. I don't know why anyone would support them. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:40 AM Flag

and who says bush is a fsical conservative? anybody? can you provide a link to a republican who does? why are you bringing up bush in 2012? is he on the ticket again? has the 22nd amendment been repealed? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:53 AM Flag

Romney saying he reached across the aisle in Mass is a lie. Over 800 times he vetoed legislation passed by the legislature AND WAS OVERRIDDEN. The only substantive things he really reached across the aisle for was shutting down coal plants and the beta version of Obamacare. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:05 AM Flag

well, yes, it is a super majority democrat legislature. what did you expect, patrick deval? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:08 AM Flag

ROFLMAO [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:10 AM Flag

pp: The point is he claims to have had a great working relationship with the Democrat controlled legislature, that they did all kinds of bipartisan work. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 05:48 AM Flag

jfkladsjvioabgvuigpvbuihpnaioesfjnakls;dfiahewon[saf' [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 07:29 AM Flag

OP. Ok, this was obviously the wrong forum, or wrong time of day, to attempt a civilized conversation. Funny to be attacked by someone from my own party (seemingly) but certainly not someone of any class or mental stability. Good night all. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:24 AM Flag

it's ok. you're in nyc. romney doesn't give a shit about your vote and frankly, neither does obama. don't tax your brain, otay? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:35 AM Flag

Oh, you were definitely attacked by a Republican. She thought you were me, and she can't stand it when I post anything that demonstrates the weaknesses of Romney and his ideas. She seems to be unable to muster up facts to defend them, so she calls names and attacks anyone who dares to criticize Republican policies. Perhaps it will make you rethink being a Republican. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:43 AM Flag

she can be a flaming lib for all that matters. she's in manhattan. you need to read more, talk less. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:54 AM Flag

OP. Well, I'm not going to give up on the Republican party just because of one crazy person. Unfortunately, there are bad apples on both sides. It's a good reminder of how many mentally unstable people there are in the world, but it doesn't mean I have to engage with them. Obviously I am aware that a Republican vote in NY is essentially meaningless, but I still take my civic duty seriously and I am open minded enough to look at all facts, no matter which way they cut. No party is perfect. I was just hoping for some insight from people familiar with the Mass. situation. Just because it is a liberal state doesn't explain why they won't support Romney now. NYC is extremely liberal and it has had Republican mayors. Once in a while, people can raise above party lines and vote for what they think is best for them. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:56 AM Flag

Of course, they do it all the time. And right now, in Massachusetts, Scott Brown is getting a far higher % of the vote than Romney. So that means many people in Massachusetts will vote for a Republican Senator and Democratic President. Why? Because they know Romney and know he will not make a good President. Not because they are knee-jerk liberals, obviously, or they wouldn't vote for Brown. But because they are thoughtful people who see right through Romney's salesman pitch and want no part of buying it. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 05:05 AM Flag

Whiny, whiny, whiny. I was with you until this crap. Grow up. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 07:30 AM Flag

Would those "isles" he reached across be Long Island and Nantucket? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 10:30 AM Flag

The illiteracy and innumeracy here on UB is amazing! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 10:45 AM Flag

[ - ] shout out to fiscal conservative peeps -- romney 2012! 12 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:55 AM Flag

good night.. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:01 AM Flag

+1 [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:03 AM Flag

+1 Go Romney! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:04 AM Flag

Are you suggesting Romney is a fiscal conservative? lol! He is cutting taxes and increasing defense spending. Even thoughtful Republicans (not politicians) know that he is not. Read and learn something: http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Columns/2012/06/01/Whos-the-Biggest-Spender-Obama-or-Bush.aspx#page1 It's astonishing to me that people really don't realize how much Obama saved America from sinking into a ditch. People want to return to those policies! PS -- this column was written by a famous Republican. But he's not a Tea Party member or right-wing Religious conservative, so he no longer is in the mainstream of the party. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:05 AM Flag

WSJ: Romney's Tax Deduction Cap: Good Tax Policy, Better Politics Wall Stret Journal editorial: Romney's Tax Deduction Cap: An Idea to Finance Reform and Avoid Political Trench Warfare: The Obama campaign and the press corps keep demanding that Mitt Romney specify which tax deductions he'd eliminate, but the Republican has already proposed more tax-reform specificity than any candidate in memory. To wit, he's proposed a dollar limit on deductions for each tax filer.... In an October 1 interview with a Denver TV station, Mr. Romney mentioned a cap of $17,000 and said "higher income people might have a lower number." His campaign stresses that these dollar amounts are "just illustrative" and that there are other ways to reduce deductions that in any case would have to be negotiated with Congress. But details aside, the tax cap is a big idea, and potentially a very good one. The proposal makes economic sense to the extent that it helps to pay for lower marginal tax rates. ... The idea may be even better politically. The historic challenge for tax reformers is defeating the most powerful lobbies in Washington that exist to preserve their special tax privileges. ... This is one reason President Obama wants Mr. Romney to be more specific: The minute he proposed to limit the mortgage-interest deduction, the housing lobby would do the Obama campaign's bidding by running ads against Mr. Romney's plan. Mr. Romney is right not to fall for this sucker play. By limiting the amount of deductions that any individual tax filer can take, Mr. Romney is avoiding this lobby-by-lobby warfare. ... WSJ ChartThe political left should have a hard time opposing this because reducing deductions would hit high-income taxpayers the hardest. Out of the 140 million tax returns in 2009, the last year such data are available, only 45 million itemized their deductions. The non-itemizers, who take the standard deduction ($11,900 for joint filers in 2012), would be held harmless by the Romney cap. Most of these are lower- or middle-income earners. The nearby table shows that the dollar value of deductions rises with incomes. ... Mr. Obama has also called for limiting tax deductions for high-income filers. His budgets have endorsed allowing them to take writeoffs at a rate of 28% instead of 35%. The big difference is that Mr. Romney wants to dedicate the revenue gain from capping deductions to cutting tax rates. Mr. Obama wants to use the money to pay for more spending. The larger point is that Mr. Romney is serious about reform and has put on the table a serious idea for how to finance and achieve it. That's far more than Mr. Obama has proposed about anything in a second term. Center for American Progress, The Romney Tax Plan Still Doesn’t Add Up Tax Policy Center, How Much Money Can You Raise by Capping Deductions? Tax Foundation, Analysis of Romney's Tax Plan With and Without a $25,000 Cap on Itemized Deductions Tax Foundation, The Impact of Romney's Proposed $17,000 Deduction Cap Tax Vox Blog, How Much Revenue Would a Cap on Itemized Deductions Raise? Tax Vox Blog, The Real Lesson About Capping Itemized Deductions Tax Vox Blog, Understanding TPC’s Analysis of Limiting Deductions October 20, 2012 | Permalink [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:13 AM Flag

Ooooooh. It's THIS lady again. Moving right along…. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 07:09 AM Flag

uh, hello? did you see me say bush is a fiscal conservative? i know left wing libs love to equate republican with bush because that is what they wish the whole country would do. nein. cutting taxes is fiscal conservatism. romney is not increasing defense spending. he is just eliminating the obama $2B defense cut. 'tis all. there isn't any more. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:14 AM Flag

No, fiscal conservatism is balancing a budget, which Democrats know how to do (thus, Clinton's huge budget surpluses). When was the last Republican to balance a budget? Raising taxes is fiscally conservative. It's laughable that according to your logic, Bill Clinton wasn't a fiscal conservative because he raised taxes, despite leaving Bush-Cheney with a huge budget surplus they managed to squander in short order by giving huge tax cuts to the wealthy (and tiny little ones to the middle class). And Romney is proposing the same policy! You don't understand what it means to be conservative. Cutting spending 20% while cutting revenue 50% doesn't make you fiscally conservative, it makes you a Republican. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:36 AM Flag

oh, ok, idiot who said WI voted for MA but MA won't vote for romney. so it's total fiscal conservatism if there is perfect income redistribution so the marginal tax rate is 100% on everybody as long as there is balanced budget. ok, keep smoking it whatever it is. raising taxes is fiscal conservatism. you are beyond retarded but i already told you that when you said WI voted for MA but MA won't vote for romney. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:45 AM Flag

It's hard to know if you are a Democrat trying to make Republicans look bad. If so, you did a great job scaring off the OP above, who was a Republican. But I am sad to say I believe you really are a Republican. You do absolutely no favors to your party when you post these kind of nonsensical and angry posts. If I am wrong, and you are really a Democrat pretending to be a Republican, well, you fooled me. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:59 AM Flag

Zzzzzzzzzzzzz [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 06:36 AM Flag

Fiscally conservative Romney disliker here. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 07:09 AM Flag

[ - ] Moving from Pennsylvania. Dcs applying at about 15 schools (was told to cast the net wide because they are off year applicants). Great grades (nearly all As for all year, soft comments on report cards indicate well-behaved, hard working, smart kids, principal and teachers will site terrific recs., Does any of that matter or is it all about connections ( I have none) and ISEEs? 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:55 AM Flag

Grades and reports matter. ISEEs will also. Do you have ISEE scores? 6s and up are scores good enough for many schools. (I've known under 5s accepted at top school, though.) Most schools seem to prefer students new to the city over students applying from another school within the city, so that's in your favor. (I think it's that schools don't want to seem to be poaching from other schools.) [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 12:02 PM Flag

[ - ] do you buy more $$ birthday gifts for kids from the wealthy families in your school? 6 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:40 AM Flag

Are you drunk [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:41 AM Flag

nope just wondering...we are a new FA family in a wealthy school, just wondering if people give more than the average $20 gifts in this scenario. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:42 AM Flag

nope. $20 for everyone, rich or poor. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:41 AM Flag

no, why should I? they are wealthy already, they don't need my extra help. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:40 AM Flag

good night [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:02 AM Flag

Quite the opposite. And you're totally drunk. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 07:10 AM Flag

[ - ] I'm honey and my husband sucks 6 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:35 AM Flag

Horney [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:41 AM Flag

that makes a difference, doesn't it? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:42 AM Flag

NP I thought this was some kind of saying I was unfamiliar with. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:43 AM Flag

God yes, I would 1000 times take care of myself than have him do it [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:46 AM Flag

It's horny, FYI. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:32 AM Flag

sleep well [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:02 AM Flag

[ - ] 5th grade school cliques. don't like 'em. what to do about 'em? 18 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:35 AM Flag

homeschool or suck it up. that's what i have to contend with. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:43 AM Flag

I was homeschooled K-12, and still dealt with this stuff. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 07:14 AM Flag

from who? your aunts? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 07:30 AM Flag

Ignore this pp! NYCers/UBers have particularly ignorant notions of homeschooling. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 07:36 AM Flag

or she should try, you know, answering... [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 07:41 AM Flag

I'm here (homeschooled poster), and I'll answer. Who? My peers. My aunts? No. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 07:48 AM Flag

np Funny that she didn't answer THIS. Just some troll looking to fight. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 08:07 AM Flag

HA! I'm sorry that you struggled socially, but believe it or not some of us involve ourselves in activities BEYOND school. You can meet people there. I mean "you" theoretically. Obviously not YOU specifically. You meaning fun, confident, non-lazy people. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 07:43 AM Flag

you sound not very well-adjusted. so sorry. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 07:50 AM Flag

Well adjusted to what? And FWIW, I wasn't homeschooled. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 07:57 AM Flag

hehe, from who? your 16 other siblings in your polygamist family? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 07:50 AM Flag

Going back to my original comment about ignorance….. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 07:58 AM Flag

Try wearing your skirt without undies, they will the accept you in [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:48 AM Flag

In 5th grade this is cool? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 07:48 AM Flag

I plan to prepare my son for how awful 5th-9th grade can be. Tell him if he has a couple good friends who are good people who treat him well be happy with that and ignore the insecure kids who need to form or belong to a clique to feel good about themselves. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:50 AM Flag

good night [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:02 AM Flag

You do nothing because you're not in fifth grade anymore. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 07:13 AM Flag

Make sure your child is not using social media. Facebook is for age 13 and up. Check child's computer history. Help your child develop friends outside of school. Weekend sports, summer camps, religious training groups may help with this. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 12:04 PM Flag

[ - ] Did we discuss this article from the NYT today: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/21/nyregion/for-minority-students-at-elite-new-york-private-schools-admittance-doesnt-bring-acceptance.html 10 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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NY Schools 10.22.12, 03:32 AM Flag

we did [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:33 AM Flag

link to post? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:37 AM Flag

social engineering does not work. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:43 AM Flag

its money not race....... [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:05 AM Flag

ditto. engineered diversity doesnt work. ahem .......Darwin [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:06 AM Flag

and? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 10:41 AM Flag

sleep well [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:02 AM Flag

Where I grew up there were no privates and the richest kids went to school with the poorest. This is about the FA student in the class being the only non-rich person some UES snowflake has ever known in his/her life. Except their housekeeper. They're sheltered and out of touch. The fact even as seniors they didn't have the emotional intelligence not to ask the subject in the story if he were going on the class trip is just pathetic. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:06 AM Flag

this [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:09 AM Flag

Welcome to Dalton! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 09:59 AM Flag

[ - ] To what extent do you interfere with a kid's friendships? I'm thinking 8-10yo kids. If you overhear them being slightly rude or if yours seems not to pick up on certain social cues, do you intervene privately or let them sort it out? 6 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:31 AM Flag

Yes immediately beat them [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:49 AM Flag

If the other kids were slightly rude probably not. If it's my kid I jump in and set him straight. If they are being mean yes. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:52 AM Flag

You interrupt their conversation with a peer over slight rudeness? And you only PROBABLY wouldn't interfere if it was the other child? Cut the cord, woman! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 11:38 AM Flag

If the other kids were slightly rude probably not. If it's my kid I jump in and set him straight. If they are being mean yes. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:52 AM Flag

it depends. if it is just small stuff, i stay out. but if i hear them trashing some other kid (which has happened before), i do step in. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:57 AM Flag

I have stepped in on gossiping about people who aren't there (teachers, other kids)... as far as rudeness goes, I don't interfere. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 12:09 PM Flag

[ - ] Any psychic moms on now? 29 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More

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Toddler 10.22.12, 03:28 AM Flag

Yes [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:33 AM Flag

Op hi any sense of pg for me? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:40 AM Flag

Some [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:44 AM Flag

I'm getting the feeling you aren't really a psychic mom :) [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:47 AM Flag

Yes [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:33 AM Flag

Can you tell me anything about when we will meet and how it will go? (someone I know) [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:36 AM Flag

Yes [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:41 AM Flag

Yes what? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:48 AM Flag

Any idea when we will meet? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:59 AM Flag

What career do you see for me? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:46 AM Flag

Can't say.... [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:50 AM Flag

Faker [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:50 AM Flag

Nope [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:52 AM Flag

As opposed to someone who actually sees the future? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 07:17 AM Flag

i have a legit question. if someone asks a question, do you "read" what is "true" or what the questioner is thinking. for example, if someone asks, "is my house going to sell before the year end?" do you read whether it really will sell or do you read that the questioner has a possible buyer who's seen her house twice and is probably going to make a bid? do you read the situation or the questioner's emotions? thanks. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:55 AM Flag

Both [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:58 AM Flag

how can you tell which is which? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 03:59 AM Flag

You have to see the person [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:01 AM Flag

Psychic mom do you see in a relationship soon? [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:01 AM Flag

Yes [ Reply | More

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General Topics 10.22.12, 04:01 AM Flag

Yes [ Reply | More