DownSyn Forum

LarkinsMom

Tom I nominate you as POTW!

What was the motivation for you to put this awesome forum together for us?

_________________
Amy
Mom to Chase 8/29/95 & Larkin 10/4/05 (DS)

bonniepd · Posted: October 15 2006, 11:12 PM Post subject:

Way to go favorite! Great person to nominate.

What is your favorite part of the web sight?

What is your favorite activity when your are not maintaining the site? I would guess it take up a lot of time.

_________________
Alexander (8/7/99), Andrew (9/26/02), Anthony (12/29/05 DS)

"You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be not result." -Mahatma Gandhi

Tom

LarkinsMom wrote:

Tom I nominate you as POTW!

What was the motivation for you to put this awesome forum together for us?

Thanks for the nomination!!!

I started the website as my therapy. Wink

I work with computers so when Mikey was born I naturally looked on the internet for information. But back in 1997 there wasn't a lot of information available on the web. So I bought a bunch of books on Down syndrome and created my own web site (originally it was on Geocities). Apparently I found a need because it wasn't long before I had lots of visitors to the sites and was spending a lot of time answering emails. So I decided that I needed a forum just so I didn't have to say, "I don't know" all the time. The first forum didn't look anything like this but it became popular enough that I expanded it by buying some software. That was the software we were using until July when we had the hacker problem.

_________________
Dad to Beth (13) and Mikey (9 - Ds and PDD-NOS)
My Blog

Tom · Posted: October 16 2006, 12:04 AM Post subject:

bonniepd wrote:

Way to go favorite! Great person to nominate.

What is your favorite part of the web sight?

What is your favorite activity when your are not maintaining the site? I would guess it take up a lot of time.

Favorite part of the web site is the forums. I like all the little changes I made like adding the event calendar and the map and blogging but that's because I'm a geek so this stuff is fun for me.

Actually the care and feeding of the site doesn't take up too much time. I approve all new users (or one of the moderators does), read through most posts to make sure there are no problems, answer emails and private messages for people have problems with the fourm. Think about cool changes to make and program them.

So what do I do when I'm not maintaining this site? You mean like in my spare time? Wink

I don't have a lot of spare time but I try to maintain my blog and I read the blogs that I like. I try to watch a little TV. I hang out with Beth and talk about stuff with her. I want to make sure that we always have a really good relationship. I play with Mikey. I take Mikey for drives (he loves the car). He won't let me watch TV with him though. He chases me out of the room.

I used to do stuff before the children came along. I have a telescope and a stamp collection I haven't touched in years. I reviewed lots of books for amazon. Now Michel and the kids take up every moment when I'm not at work. And that is a good thing. Very Happy

bonniepd · Posted: October 16 2006, 7:13 AM Post subject:

Quote:

I used to do stuff before the children came along. I have a telescope and a stamp collection I haven't touched in years. I reviewed lots of books for amazon. Now Michel and the kids take up every moment when I'm not at work. And that is a good thing.

Do I hear ya there!!!!! I could come up with some things to. It is amazing how children with or without a disability change our lives!

_________________
Alexander (8/7/99), Andrew (9/26/02), Anthony (12/29/05 DS)

"You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be not result." -Mahatma Gandhi

iluvmacy · Posted: October 16 2006, 8:03 AM Post subject:

Were you born and raised in NY?

I read your blog and see that you love books, do you have a favorite?

Any favorite movies or songs?

_________________
~Alyssa~ Mom to Macy-d.o.b.5/11/05

dect · Posted: October 16 2006, 8:27 AM Post subject:

Geeky question - what's your favourite programming language?

_________________
Deryck
Dad to Xena 2 Aug 97, Lucas 28 Jun 99, Persephone 12 Jan 2004 (DS & AVSD repaired)

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind - Theodore Geisel (Dr Seuss)

http://www.picklesnet.co.uk

ajbest · Posted: October 16 2006, 9:31 AM Post subject:

exactly what kind of heart monitor did you get implanted??

pace-maker, defibrillator? Guidant or what brand?

just curious, aj

_________________
Momma to Janna (AVCanal/Mitral Valve Repair-T21-02/02/05)
Wife to Joseph (TOF & still thriving)

"Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance." St. Francis of Assisi

EliasMom · Posted: October 16 2006, 9:34 AM Post subject:

what did u studied? and where ?

what's the best job u have ever had?

can i promote the forum in a congress in my city next week ? Smile

how much time do u spend with the computer?

what kind of computer do u have?

what are the programs that u always have open?

_________________
Ali, wife to Felipe, mom to Elias (Feb 21 2005)

Tom · Posted: October 16 2006, 9:55 AM Post subject:

iluvmacy wrote:

Were you born and raised in NY?

I read your blog and see that you love books, do you have a favorite?

Any favorite movies or songs?

I was born and raised on Long Island. In fact, I grew up just 3 blocks from where we live now. In fact, I have never lived more than 5 miles from Plainview.

Favorite books, movies, and songs are hard for me. It depends on my mood. Books I have enjoyed recently include The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon. Over the summer I bought To Kill a Mockingbird for Beth because I think that is a fantastic novel. I also enjoy reading reviews of books. There are so many new books out that it is impossible to read them all so reading reviews gives you the flavor of a book that you may not ever read.

I usually like older, classic movies. Perhaps I just have a hard time watching the "stars" of today. My favorite music is from the punk era of the late 70's. The Clash, The Ramones, etc.

_________________
Dad to Beth (13) and Mikey (9 - Ds and PDD-NOS)
My Blog

Tom · Posted: October 16 2006, 9:56 AM Post subject:

dect wrote:

Geeky question - what's your favourite programming language?

Java! I started working with Java in 1996 when it was brand new. I even taught it at Hofstra University for a few years.

_________________
Dad to Beth (13) and Mikey (9 - Ds and PDD-NOS)
My Blog

Tom · Posted: October 16 2006, 10:00 AM Post subject:

ajbest wrote:

exactly what kind of heart monitor did you get implanted??

pace-maker, defibrillator? Guidant or what brand?

just curious, aj

It is a Medtronic Reveal Plus 9526.

From the Medtronic website:

Quote:

9526 Reveal® Plus Insertable Loop Recorder

The Reveal Plus ILR is an implantable patient- and automatically activated monitoring system that records subcutaneous ECG and is indicated for:

Patients with clinical syndromes or situations at increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias
Patients who experience transient symptoms that may suggest a cardiac arrhythmia

So it is just a monitor. It is not a pace-maker or defribilator. It just sits inside my chest, just under the skin (I can see and feel it) recording what my heart is doing.

_________________
Dad to Beth (13) and Mikey (9 - Ds and PDD-NOS)
My Blog

Tom · Posted: October 16 2006, 10:09 AM Post subject:

what did u studied? and where ?

I studied Physics and Computer Technology at the NY Institue of Technology.

what's the best job u have ever had?

The best job I ever had was my first job at Dun and Bradstreet. It was before computers were on descktops and the computer people were looked on with fear and respect. Very Happy

can i promote the forum in a congress in my city next week ? Smile

Absolutley!!!!

how much time do u spend with the computer?

According to Michel, Too Much! I spend most of my day either on the computer or in meetings. Then I go home and check the website, view my favorite blogs, etc. I bring my portable to bed with me and Michel watches TV and I'm on the computer! I have a wireless network in the house with a broadband connection to the internet.

what kind of computer do u have?

At home we have two Dell computers. For work I have an IBM Think Pad that I bring home with me every night.

what are the programs that u always have open?

epop (corporate IM system), outlook, browser, ultraedit, reflections (for logging into Unix), Peregrine (our help desk system), Clarity (our project management system), Apache, mysql (for development and testing). At home, usually just a browser, unless I am working from home.

_________________
Dad to Beth (13) and Mikey (9 - Ds and PDD-NOS)
My Blog

ajbest · Posted: October 16 2006, 10:29 AM Post subject:

Tom wrote:

So it is just a monitor. It is not a pace-maker or defribilator. It just sits inside my chest, just under the skin (I can see and feel it) recording what my heart is doing.

Cool, i guess. too bad we can't all get one that records how much love we have for our kids and have the results spread so the world can see how great they are! (i'm sure we'd all break the meter/digi-strip - LOL)

_________________
Momma to Janna (AVCanal/Mitral Valve Repair-T21-02/02/05)
Wife to Joseph (TOF & still thriving)

"Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance." St. Francis of Assisi

EliasMom · Posted: October 16 2006, 12:49 PM Post subject:

i think u would get a lot very well with my husband lol, we are both IT engineers, but i got graduate only because i learn easly but its not my passion... difference to him, that he loves and enjoys too much his job.

this will guide me to my next question..

haha we have been thinking on moving to USA, but of course he would like to work been IT engineer... so, how much possibilities a person from Mexico, could have of working in this are in your country??

he's now project coordinator =D, 22, and have been working since he was 19.

_________________
Ali, wife to Felipe, mom to Elias (Feb 21 2005)

Ellen · Posted: October 16 2006, 11:44 PM Post subject:

Mets or Yankees?

Being an obsolete programmer, I know it was impressive to work for Dunn & Bradstreet. I just can't remember why.

_________________
Ellen
Mom to Tom, Kevin, Mary, Anna,
Paul, Michael, Grace (DS, 6/23/05)

Stephanie · Posted: October 17 2006, 10:01 AM Post subject:

What year did you get married?
Can you post the pics in the wedding thread?
What is your ideal car? (I don't think it is ever the one you drive)
Have you watched any of the Life Goes on Series?
Do you remember the 1st PM you ever got from this website?

I will be back with more. I just need to think.

_________________

Proud Parents Stephanie and Joe
Awesome Big Brother Joey 3/8/97
Beautiful Daughter Megan 11/8/03
Precious Lil' Livi 7/6/05

www.megansgot47.com

Tom · Posted: October 17 2006, 11:39 AM Post subject:

Ellen wrote:

Mets or Yankees?

Yankees... although I hate the current team because I despise the players. I miss the teams from the 70's, 80's and 90's. This team is just a bunch of spoiled brats and I was happy they lost to Detroit.

_________________
Dad to Beth (13) and Mikey (9 - Ds and PDD-NOS)
My Blog

Tom · Posted: October 17 2006, 11:45 AM Post subject:

What year did you get married?

1984. Wow that was a long time ago! So how many of you weren't even born yet? Very Happy

Can you post the pics in the wedding thread?

We didn't have digital cameras back in the old days so I will have to scan them in. Michel and I look like little kids.

What is your ideal car? (I don't think it is ever the one you drive)

1967 Chevrolet Malibu. I loved that car. Mine was stolen in 1982. You could seat 8 people in that car!

Have you watched any of the Life Goes on Series?

I watched the series when it was originally on but I have not watched the DVDs. They are still in their sealed box. I deny any implication that I am afraid of crying if I watch it!

Do you remember the 1st PM you ever got from this website?

No, but I'm sure it was someone complaining about something!

_________________
Dad to Beth (13) and Mikey (9 - Ds and PDD-NOS)
My Blog

ajbest · Posted: October 17 2006, 11:49 AM Post subject:

Tom wrote:

I miss the teams from the 70's, 80's and 90's. This team is just a bunch of spoiled brats and I was happy they lost to Detroit.

who is your all time favorite Yankee player(s)?

_________________
Momma to Janna (AVCanal/Mitral Valve Repair-T21-02/02/05)
Wife to Joseph (TOF & still thriving)

"Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance." St. Francis of Assisi

bonniepd · Posted: October 17 2006, 2:22 PM Post subject:

Quote:

What year did you get married?

1984. Wow that was a long time ago! So how many of you weren't even born yet?

I am proud to say I was a sophomore in high school the year you got married. Boy am I glad those years are behind me!!! Congratulations for being married 22 years!! Very Happy

_________________
Alexander (8/7/99), Andrew (9/26/02), Anthony (12/29/05 DS)

"You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be not result." -Mahatma Gandhi

Tom · Posted: October 18 2006, 6:44 AM Post subject:

ajbest wrote:

Tom wrote:

I miss the teams from the 70's, 80's and 90's. This team is just a bunch of spoiled brats and I was happy they lost to Detroit.

who is your all time favorite Yankee player(s)?

I am just going to list players who were playing when I was a fan.

Babe Ruth

Don Mattingly
Craig Nettles
Ron Guidry
Paul O'Neill
Mickey Rivers
Sparky Lyle

_________________
Dad to Beth (13) and Mikey (9 - Ds and PDD-NOS)
My Blog

Tom · Posted: October 18 2006, 6:47 AM Post subject:

EliasMom wrote:

i think u would get a lot very well with my husband lol, we are both IT engineers, but i got graduate only because i learn easly but its not my passion... difference to him, that he loves and enjoys too much his job.

this will guide me to my next question..

haha we have been thinking on moving to USA, but of course he would like to work been IT engineer... so, how much possibilities a person from Mexico, could have of working in this are in your country??

he's now project coordinator =D, 22, and have been working since he was 19.

A couple of years ago the market was dead and a lot of jobs were moving to India. That seems to have turned around now and there are a good number of IT jobs available again.

_________________
Dad to Beth (13) and Mikey (9 - Ds and PDD-NOS)
My Blog

Tigger · Posted: October 18 2006, 9:20 AM Post subject:

What did you want to be when you grew up?
What do you think is the best thing about this forum?
When are you going to update your siggy pic?

_________________
Karyn
Mum to Nikki (19 Jul 89), Stefanie (3 Sep 96), Joel [18 June 98] and Talitha (DS) (18 Nov 05) AVSD/PDA repaired 23 March 06

"I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well." Psalm 139:14

mary c · Posted: October 18 2006, 10:47 AM Post subject:

I'm happy to say that not only was I born when you got married, I was in my 2nd year of law school (so I'm almost the same age as you--old). My question is, how does Mikey's DS and autism affect Beth? I often wonder since I have an older girl with a younger sibling what the long term relationship will be like.

_________________
Mary
Mom to Libby 6/92, Alex 9/93, Anna (DS)12/12/03

Tom · Posted: October 18 2006, 11:25 AM Post subject:

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A veterinarian. Later I wanted to be Carl Sagan.

What do you think is the best thing about this forum?

All the fellowship and support.

When are you going to update your siggy pic?

I have been thinking about that. I will do it this weekend. Wink

_________________
Dad to Beth (13) and Mikey (9 - Ds and PDD-NOS)
My Blog

Stephanie · Posted: October 18 2006, 11:53 AM Post subject:

My DH told me to tell you that a 1965 Malibu is better than a 1967 Rolling Eyes

....although his has been sitting in the garage unable to run for the past 10 years. hmmmm, is the "Boob" (thats what he calls his) a programmers thing? Very ironic that you both have the same ideal car.

When was the last time you and Michel went on a date?
What did you do? What would be the ideal date for the 2 of you?

Did you play sports growing up?

Do you have siblings?

Do you have an MP3 player? If so how many songs do you have on it?

_________________

Proud Parents Stephanie and Joe
Awesome Big Brother Joey 3/8/97
Beautiful Daughter Megan 11/8/03
Precious Lil' Livi 7/6/05

www.megansgot47.com

Emdad · Posted: October 18 2006, 12:01 PM Post subject:

Have you traveled, any, beyond Plainview? If so, did it affect your 'world view' any, and how? You live near one of the most interesting cities in the world - any good New Yawk stories?
Discuss.

_________________
Nature goes her own way and all that to us seems an exception is really according to order.
-Goethe

diannep · Posted: October 18 2006, 6:35 PM Post subject:

Ever heard of Endicott? If so, what's it like?
What's your opinion of Mac computers?
How did you and your wife meet?

** Hannah's mom ** UK · Posted: October 18 2006, 8:06 PM Post subject:

you and Jeff are great friends

how did you "meet" each other

What is your favourite Monty Python sketch? ( ha ha now you are facing the spanish inquistion lol!! )

_________________
Jo mummy to Hannah (DS ) who was 3 in July 05,Rebecca who was 2 in Jan 06 and Rachel born 6th April 2006

My beautiful girls

Please visit Hannah's webpage read all about her journey
Hannah's Video

Tom · Posted: October 18 2006, 11:40 PM Post subject:

mary c wrote:

My question is, how does Mikey's DS and autism affect Beth?

That's a good question. Mikey is very affectionate and he loves his sister but his autism gets in the way of so many things for him. He likes Beth to hang out with him and do the things he wants to do but he a great deal of trouble understanding that he needs to do something that Beth wants to do sometimes too. Beth loves her brother and loves to pick on him the way a big sister should. Wink

But it is tough to develop a normal relationship with someone with autism.

How does all this affect Beth? She has had to grow up faster than we would have liked. She had to get used to being dragged out of bed in the middle of the night to take Mikey to the hospital (although thankfully those days are past). But at the same time she has developed a compassion for people who are different, who have a disability, or who don't have a lot of friends. Beth is the kind of person that can be friends with anyone and her friendships stretch across and between different groups in her school. I think a lot of that comes from her having a brother with a disability.

_________________
Dad to Beth (13) and Mikey (9 - Ds and PDD-NOS)
My Blog

Tom · Posted: October 18 2006, 11:48 PM Post subject:

My DH told me to tell you that a 1965 Malibu is better than a 1967

Tell him when he gets it fixed up I'll come over and he can take me for a ride! Wink

When was the last time you and Michel went on a date?

We went to Michel's high school reunion about a month ago. Before that... does a trip to Target count? Wink

Actually we do run out together and go to Starbucks while Mikey's aide takes care of him. We don't do it nearly enough though.

What would be the ideal date for the 2 of you?

A nice dinner in Manhattan... maybe a show... or just a trip to a museum.

Did you play sports growing up?

When I was a little kid I had undiagnosed nearsightedness so I was terrible at sports until junior high school. Then I got glasses and suddenyl I could see and played a lot of sports especially baseball. It's hard to hit a ball if you can't see it.

Do you have siblings?

I have a brother and a sister. They are both quite a bit older than me. In a lot of ways I grew up as an only child.

Do you have an MP3 player? If so how many songs do you have on it?

I have a Motorola ROCKR phone that holds 100 songs. I have the song from the Sponge Bob Movie. Everything else is alternative music from the 70's and 80's.

_________________
Dad to Beth (13) and Mikey (9 - Ds and PDD-NOS)
My Blog

Tom · Posted: October 19 2006, 12:00 AM Post subject:

Emdad wrote:

Have you traveled, any, beyond Plainview? If so, did it affect your 'world view' any, and how?

When I was little my parents used to take me on trips a lot. But they didn't fly so we went just about everywhere within 400-500 miles of Long Island. I saw more historic battle sites than anyone should be forced to see! Wink

I have been to Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, New Orleans, Atlanta, and most of Florida. I have been at one time or another to just about everywhere from Virginia to Maine in the US and everything in Canada east of Toronto including Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.

I have also been to Mexico and England.

I think everyone should travel because it does expand you as a person. I think you can get a real idea of how other people view you as a New Yorker or as an American only by travelling and talking to other people. I just wish I had travelled more, especially in Europe. Maybe some day!

_________________
Dad to Beth (13) and Mikey (9 - Ds and PDD-NOS)
My Blog

Tom · Posted: October 19 2006, 12:10 AM Post subject:

Emdad wrote:

You live near one of the most interesting cities in the world - any good New Yawk stories?
Discuss.

I worked in NYC from 1979 until 1997. Michel is a Brooklyn girl, of course. She has some good CBGB stories as she saw some great bands there. I went there quite often in the late 70's but I never saw anyone that was memorable. (At least I don't remember them.) I blogged about the attack on the World Trade Center in 1993. The World Trade Center was just a couple of blocks from Broadway and City Hall so I got to see the parades for the Mets and Yankees when they won the World Series. And being near City Hall meant I saw all the protests over the years. I met Al Sharpton in City Hall Park.

I had just started working at my first real grown up job when the Subway workers went on strike. That was the Spring of 1980. I could get into the city but there was no way to get downtown to my office. The first day of the strike I walked and it took over an hour. Thankfully it was a beautiful Spring day. To get home I ended up taking the train into New Jersey and then coming back into the city uptown. After that they let us work nights so I drove in when you could park on the street. This was just a couple of months after the Long Island Rail Road went on strike. I think someone didn't want me in the city!!!

_________________
Dad to Beth (13) and Mikey (9 - Ds and PDD-NOS)
My Blog

Tom · Posted: October 19 2006, 12:17 AM Post subject:

Ever heard of Endicott? If so, what's it like?

I assume you mean Endicott, NY. That is about 250 miles away, near Binghampton. I only know the area from having driven through it to visit my sister. She used to live in the Finger Lakes area of NY.

What's your opinion of Mac computers?

Wish I had one. Love them.

How did you and your wife meet?

I was friends/co-worker with her ex-boyfriend. He introduced us while they were still dating. But, no, I did not steal her away. We started dating a few months after they had broken up.

_________________
Dad to Beth (13) and Mikey (9 - Ds and PDD-NOS)
My Blog

Tom · Posted: October 19 2006, 12:40 AM Post subject:

you and Jeff are great friends. how did you "meet" each other

Jeff and I met through this web site. He joined early on and volunteered to help out. For a long time we were the only guys on the site.

What is your favourite Monty Python sketch? ( ha ha now you are facing the spanish inquistion lol!! )

There are so many! "The Dead Parrot", "The Lumberjack Song", "The Spanish Inquisition", "Upper Class Twit of the Year", and "The Ministry of Silly Walks" are all great. But I think my favorite is "Michael Ellis" because it makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. And "The Cycling Tour" for the same reason! Wink

The first episode I ever saw was with the blancmange from Andromeda. I was hooked from that moment!

_________________
Dad to Beth (13) and Mikey (9 - Ds and PDD-NOS)
My Blog

LarkinsMom · Posted: October 19 2006, 11:10 AM Post subject:

What is the one thing you will NOT spend a lot of money on that is a necessity? For most men this is clothing.

What is the one thing you WILL splurge on that is not a necessity.

_________________
Amy
Mom to Chase 8/29/95 & Larkin 10/4/05 (DS)

DadtoBelle · Posted: October 19 2006, 5:43 PM Post subject:

Rank the following:
1.The Clash
2. The Ramones
3. Modest Mouse

Pick a fav from each

Jets or Giants?

Glad to see you didn't list Bucky bleepin' Dent.

a)tastes great
b)less filling
c)don't drink the swill

Pythons' Crunchy Frog or Spam?

_________________
Darryll

Dad to Joshua (4) and Isabelle, DS, 1/05

Tom · Posted: October 19 2006, 10:13 PM Post subject:

What is the one thing you will NOT spend a lot of money on that is a necessity? For most men this is clothing.

Clothes. Michel has been yelling at me to buy a new jacket but I have a perfectly good jacket. Who cares that it is an ungly color and is a little threadbare?

What is the one thing you WILL splurge on that is not a necessity.

Coffee. Although coffee is a necessity. Books. If you ask Michel she will tell you that I hate spending money on myself.

_________________
Dad to Beth (13) and Mikey (9 - Ds and PDD-NOS)
My Blog

Tom · Posted: October 19 2006, 10:20 PM Post subject:

Rank the following:
1.The Clash
2. The Ramones
3. Modest Mouse

You already have them in order!

Pick a fav from each

1. London Calling
2. I Wanna Be Sedated
3. Float On

Jets or Giants?

Giants. Although when I was a little kid I really liked Joe Namath.

Glad to see you didn't list Bucky bleepin' Dent.

I don't think he'll ever be elected mayor of Boston! Although he could have been mayor of NYC!

a)tastes great
b)less filling
c)don't drink the swill

c) When I drank beer (I don't drink much because of my medication), I was always a snob about it. I even brewed my own for awhile. When I have a beer now, it has to be something special. I have a 6 pack of Czech beer in the fridge and I let myself have one every week or two.

Pythons' Crunchy Frog or Spam?

Spam! Bloody Vikings!

And nice to meet you Darryl! We can use all the men we can get!!! Very Happy

_________________
Dad to Beth (13) and Mikey (9 - Ds and PDD-NOS)
My Blog