The FDA frustrates me to death. I am a board-certified lactation consultant and I counsel with many women who need a galactogogue - a medication to increase their milk supply. The most effective drug with the fewest side effects is also the cheapest: domperidone. Unfortunately, since it is a cheap drug, the manufacturers have chosen not to spend the fortune required to seek FDA approval and the drug can only be gotten from a very few compounding pharmacies in the U.S. or ordered from overseas, which is supposed to be illegal. The FDA also issued a warning about the use of domperidone based on reactions in a few people taking it intravenously and ignoring the real experts on its use in breastfeeding mothers. And so, most of the mothers I know in need of this medication take metoclopramide instead, even though metoclopramide crosses the blood/brain barrier and causes many side effects including depression.
Today I read a Lockerroom post by my friend Nancy Winter that suggested we didn't need the FDA. As frustrated as I am with them, I remember all too well what happened before the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938. The Elixir Sulphanilimide tragedy taught us that the individual does not have the means to assure that the medication is taking himself, or worse yet, giving his children, is not diluted with a fatal poison. Europe learned this lesson with the birth of over 10,000 thalidomide babies in the late 50's. I want my medications tested on animals, and in people, before I use it.
So, what's a free-marketeer to do? Perhaps an Underwriter's Laboratory for drugs? An FDA that tests, labels for safety (like the use in pregnancy classifications already given), and then stands back? I'm not sure, but I suppose the FDA doesn't really frustrate me to death, that's what happened before the regulations.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Dearth and Ruin
The Bible says in the dearth of people is a prince's ruin. For as long as I can remember, though, the culture has been screaming that overpopulation is a problem, that people are like parasites on the earth, that it is irresponsible to bear more than two children. Who's right?
Europe is finding that God is right. No European country has even a replacement birthrate. The graying of Europe is likely to have dire economic consequences. Even Catholic Italy can't seem to convince people to have enough children to keep the country going. Russia now aborts more babies than are born there and will probably have too few workers to sustain their economy by 2020.
Tonight I read an article in Foreign Affairs in which the author was disturbed that the only people having babies were those that believed in God. Although he offers quite a few ideas to encourage seculars to reproduce, he misses the most critical thing: those who are selfish will do what is selfish; those who live by principle, will live out their principles.
We have seven children. We live by principle. We believe in God. Funny thing is, we seem a lot happier than those who only seek their own pleasure. Seems God had something to say about that, too.
Europe is finding that God is right. No European country has even a replacement birthrate. The graying of Europe is likely to have dire economic consequences. Even Catholic Italy can't seem to convince people to have enough children to keep the country going. Russia now aborts more babies than are born there and will probably have too few workers to sustain their economy by 2020.
Tonight I read an article in Foreign Affairs in which the author was disturbed that the only people having babies were those that believed in God. Although he offers quite a few ideas to encourage seculars to reproduce, he misses the most critical thing: those who are selfish will do what is selfish; those who live by principle, will live out their principles.
We have seven children. We live by principle. We believe in God. Funny thing is, we seem a lot happier than those who only seek their own pleasure. Seems God had something to say about that, too.
Saturday, October 08, 2005
China with Children
First, nearly everyone we talked to thought we were nuts for taking our children to China. Even the guidebooks have stern warnings that it just isn't a good idea. After travelling for a few weeks in China with our children, I just can't figure out where they are coming from. We and our children had a great time! Perhaps it is because we have so many children, but we found folks went out of their way to be kind and helpful to us. As Peter told us would happen, the waiters/waitresses in the restaurants gathered around our table and waited on no one else until we left. I'm sure the other diners were not as appreciative as we were. :-)
The Chinese we encountered seem absolutely delighted with our family. Whenever we stopped walking, people of all ages would gather around and ask about the children. They would say, "Are you all one family?" I'd crank out my paltry Mandarin and tell them "Yes, we have six sons and one daughter." (Anticipating the next question...) They would invariably say things like, "Lucky family!" "Happy family!" "Hero mother!" "Fortunate family" and "Hero father!" Then they each wanted an individual picture of us. This got a little old... my brother called my five year old "Hollywood", since everyone wanted a picture of his blue eyes and tow head. Poor Seth would be dozing in the stroller, we'd rouse him and say, "Seth, somebody else wants your picture." He'd sit up, smile sweetly, then go right back to sleep!
In high traffic tourist spots, we had to keep moving, or we were mobbed by the curious, but very sweet and friendly people. One guide said, "Who are you? I didn't know I was guide for movie stars!"It was interesting that when the crowd thinned out, someone would nearly always ask, "Your country lets you have seven children?" and be very thoughtful when we
explained how things are in America.
We discovered a few things about travelling with children in China: Carseats and seat belts are non-existent. High chairs are universal, but they usually look like a small regular chair on tall legs and are often called "baby chairs". If they don't have a high chair, they will go to great lengths to make a child comfortable in a big chair with extra pads and things to sit on. Child discounts go by height and the heights are absurdly short for westerners. My 8 year old was way over the height!
The Chinese we encountered seem absolutely delighted with our family. Whenever we stopped walking, people of all ages would gather around and ask about the children. They would say, "Are you all one family?" I'd crank out my paltry Mandarin and tell them "Yes, we have six sons and one daughter." (Anticipating the next question...) They would invariably say things like, "Lucky family!" "Happy family!" "Hero mother!" "Fortunate family" and "Hero father!" Then they each wanted an individual picture of us. This got a little old... my brother called my five year old "Hollywood", since everyone wanted a picture of his blue eyes and tow head. Poor Seth would be dozing in the stroller, we'd rouse him and say, "Seth, somebody else wants your picture." He'd sit up, smile sweetly, then go right back to sleep!
In high traffic tourist spots, we had to keep moving, or we were mobbed by the curious, but very sweet and friendly people. One guide said, "Who are you? I didn't know I was guide for movie stars!"
explained how things are in America.
We discovered a few things about travelling with children in China: Carseats and seat belts are non-existent. High chairs are universal, but they usually look like a small regular chair on tall legs and are often called "baby chairs". If they don't have a high chair, they will go to great lengths to make a child comfortable in a big chair with extra pads and things to sit on. Child discounts go by height and the heights are absurdly short for westerners. My 8 year old was way over the height!
Friday, August 12, 2005
Leadership - Poor and Otherwise
MamahadeenWell, it's that time again. I'm totally infuriated and need to let off some steam, so here we go. It drives me crazy how so many people in so-called leadership won't take responsibility. We recently had a snafu in one of the orgs I'm involved with and everyone stood around pointing at the other guy, while the ship was going down. It's at times like this that you really have an opportunity to see how rare real leadership is. Leaders are out in front. Leaders take responsibility. When bad stuff happens, the leaders bust their behinds to fix it. Today I led. Hardly anyone saw it, but I stepped up to the plate and took care of business. Then I looked around. I was all but alone out there. Where were the folks that blew the situation in the first place. My blood boiled. Another day ruined. Another day lost fixing a mess I didn't create. Another day of putting my life aside to save the day. Arrrgggghhhhhh.
Then I took a nursing break and read a little in By Pike and Dyke by G.A. Henty. Once again, I was infuriated at the lack of leadership and lack of responsibility shown by the burghers of Flanders and Brabant. I felt for William of Orange - he always stood in the breach. He was always faithful in the midst of the faithlessness of his enemies and allies alike. I was reminded that the world is full of fools and incompetent leaders, but this wasn't about what is easy, it's about the will of God. William of Orange was God's man for that time. He kept the faith and fought for the people of God when they barely had the sense to fight for themselves. He did what the Lord would have him to do. He was a good and faithful servant.
That's what I want to be and really that's enough. Just let the rest go.
Then I took a nursing break and read a little in By Pike and Dyke by G.A. Henty. Once again, I was infuriated at the lack of leadership and lack of responsibility shown by the burghers of Flanders and Brabant. I felt for William of Orange - he always stood in the breach. He was always faithful in the midst of the faithlessness of his enemies and allies alike. I was reminded that the world is full of fools and incompetent leaders, but this wasn't about what is easy, it's about the will of God. William of Orange was God's man for that time. He kept the faith and fought for the people of God when they barely had the sense to fight for themselves. He did what the Lord would have him to do. He was a good and faithful servant.
That's what I want to be and really that's enough. Just let the rest go.
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Dining Well in China
Well, we're back from our trip to China with our seven children and we had a fantastic time. I'm full of things I can't wait to share with you, but I'll start with formal dinners. Much to our surprise, when we arrived in China, my brother and his Chinese friends had planned a detailed itinerary for us, including many formal dinners instead of leaving us on our own as we had expected. We dined very well -including dinners at Yongfoo Elite in Shanghai and Ah Fat Abalone Forum inBeijing - and boy, did we learn a lot about dining in China.
First, a formal dinner is almost certain to be held in a private room, which actually adds a little ease to the situation - it becomes a private party -much like in someone's home. Dinner is served at a huge round table with a giant lazy susan in the middle. Cold dishes and salads are placed on the table first. Here's a trap: if you are deemed by the host to be the most honored person at the table, each dish will be turned in front of you as it arrives. No one will take anything from the table until you have taken some of that dish. If you don't realize this, all will patiently starve :-)
In the areas of China we travelled in, all formal dinners included shark fin soup. This is tricky to eat. Typically, you add a little vinegar from the bowl on the lazy susan and a few pieces of coriander leaves. It tastes like a wonderfully strong chicken noodle soup (heresy to my chinese friends :-). The "noodles" are the shark fin and are looked upon as a great delicacy. It helps to lift them onto your soup spoon using your chopsticks. Sometimes it is served over a candle fire, when you have eaten half of it, you should extinguish the candle if the waiter has not already done so, or it will be too hot to eat. This is one of the few things folks do seem to watch to see that you eat all of it - of course, since they may have paid $50-100 a bowl, I can see why. Two other extremely expensive delicacies you may be served are abalone (kind of like oyster, but milder), and bird's nest soup (Nothing like it sounds! Very sweet and tastes like coconut).
Oddly enough, don't be afraid to take children to a formal dinner. The Chinese are currently extremely indulgent of children and it is extremely unlikely your children will behave worse than the Chinese children present. They tolerate a lot.
Besides knowing these things, I found Chinese formal dinners to be more enjoyable and relaxed than American formal dinners. Taking portions from the common bowls, and therefore eating more of what you enjoy (do take very small portions to begin - there may be a *lot* of courses coming); the nearly universal kindness and friendliness we experienced, make it a great experience!
First, a formal dinner is almost certain to be held in a private room, which actually adds a little ease to the situation - it becomes a private party -much like in someone's home. Dinner is served at a huge round table with a giant lazy susan in the middle. Cold dishes and salads are placed on the table first. Here's a trap: if you are deemed by the host to be the most honored person at the table, each dish will be turned in front of you as it arrives. No one will take anything from the table until you have taken some of that dish. If you don't realize this, all will patiently starve :-)
In the areas of China we travelled in, all formal dinners included shark fin soup. This is tricky to eat. Typically, you add a little vinegar from the bowl on the lazy susan and a few pieces of coriander leaves. It tastes like a wonderfully strong chicken noodle soup (heresy to my chinese friends :-). The "noodles" are the shark fin and are looked upon as a great delicacy. It helps to lift them onto your soup spoon using your chopsticks. Sometimes it is served over a candle fire, when you have eaten half of it, you should extinguish the candle if the waiter has not already done so, or it will be too hot to eat. This is one of the few things folks do seem to watch to see that you eat all of it - of course, since they may have paid $50-100 a bowl, I can see why. Two other extremely expensive delicacies you may be served are abalone (kind of like oyster, but milder), and bird's nest soup (Nothing like it sounds! Very sweet and tastes like coconut).
Oddly enough, don't be afraid to take children to a formal dinner. The Chinese are currently extremely indulgent of children and it is extremely unlikely your children will behave worse than the Chinese children present. They tolerate a lot.
Besides knowing these things, I found Chinese formal dinners to be more enjoyable and relaxed than American formal dinners. Taking portions from the common bowls, and therefore eating more of what you enjoy (do take very small portions to begin - there may be a *lot* of courses coming); the nearly universal kindness and friendliness we experienced, make it a great experience!
Monday, April 04, 2005
My forehead is getting bloody
Today I answered an email asking me for a favor and this is what I received in reply:
I am stunned. Shocked. So, now you want me to fill out a form begging you to accept my email answering your question? This isn't the first time this has happened to me, so it's not just one dim bulb out there. Sorry, but if you write me, I think it is your responsibility to see that you accept my answer. Somedays it seems like the brick wall should be running blood.
I apologize for this automatic reply to your email.
To control spam, I now allow incoming messages only from senders I have approved beforehand.
If you would like to be added to my list of approved senders, please fill out the
short request form (see link below). Once I approve you, I will receive your
original message in my inbox. You do not need to resend your message. I
apologize for this one-time inconvenience.
Click the link below to fill out the request:
I am stunned. Shocked. So, now you want me to fill out a form begging you to accept my email answering your question? This isn't the first time this has happened to me, so it's not just one dim bulb out there. Sorry, but if you write me, I think it is your responsibility to see that you accept my answer. Somedays it seems like the brick wall should be running blood.
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Having It All
How delightful to see the things you know come out in the research. Over 13 years of working with new mothers helping them get started breastfeeding their little ones, I have almost never seen a mother who wanted to leave her baby and go back to work. So, why do they? They've been lied to! All their lives they've been told that to be fulfilled, to have the good life, they had to have a career. They've been told that they could "have it all" by marrying, having a supercharged career and somehow fit their children into tiny increments of "quality time." I've had mother after mother say, "Why didn't someone tell me I'd feel like this?" when they consider leaving their babies, but they can't stop now. Since they've always been told that this is what women should do, they've bought a big house and nice cars that they have to have a two-paycheck family to support their lifestyle. They feel trapped - and they are.
This is what really gets me about feminism. Feminists say that women got no respect before feminism. Who knows? I know this, though, that women still get no respect for doing "women's work", but only if they become imitation men! It gives me hope that some young women are waking up to the truth and are daring to do what they want to do! Shockingly enough to the feminist establishment, that's stay home - nurture your children, help your husband, make your house a home - the most creative and rewarding position a woman can have. The rewards are eternal. I wouldn't trade for a million dollars!
H/T WorldNetDaily
This is what really gets me about feminism. Feminists say that women got no respect before feminism. Who knows? I know this, though, that women still get no respect for doing "women's work", but only if they become imitation men! It gives me hope that some young women are waking up to the truth and are daring to do what they want to do! Shockingly enough to the feminist establishment, that's stay home - nurture your children, help your husband, make your house a home - the most creative and rewarding position a woman can have. The rewards are eternal. I wouldn't trade for a million dollars!
H/T WorldNetDaily
Monday, March 07, 2005
The U.N. is United
Against us. That is, the U.S. It amazes me how so many liberals think that truth is the product of a popularity contest. The world doesn't like what we are doing, therefore we are wrong. I can't figure out if they really believe this stuff or if it's just a convenient way to attack the conservatives, but there is such a shock evident when we ignore the U.N. that I think they must really be serious. I think they need to grow up. Maybe a country disagrees with the war in Iraq because they were doing business with Iraq and we've taken out their customers!
It reminds me of a book I read in graduate school, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. It propounded "constructivism" - the idea that truth is the construct of the beliefs of the community of scientists. Dear ones, if every scientist on the face of the earth believes they will live forever, the market in tombstones will not change. Believing doesn't make it so. And... the right course of action for the freest country on earth shouldn't be submitted to a referendum of the tyrants.
It reminds me of a book I read in graduate school, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. It propounded "constructivism" - the idea that truth is the construct of the beliefs of the community of scientists. Dear ones, if every scientist on the face of the earth believes they will live forever, the market in tombstones will not change. Believing doesn't make it so. And... the right course of action for the freest country on earth shouldn't be submitted to a referendum of the tyrants.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Tea Parties
It is a tradition among our friends to have a Patriot's Tea Party on President's Day - entire families in full Colonial costume, china, tea, scones, finger foods, and fellowship. It was fascinating to me to be gathered at the table with five other homemaking, homeschooling mothers all dressed up like Dolley Madison. What delightful, womanly fun! How the feminists would laugh; that is, until they heard the conversation. The topics of discussion Monday included the limits of tolerance and inclusion in liberal thought, the effectiveness of modern education, raising our children to succeed at marriage, and the debunked claims of a Virginia woman to be Anastasia.
On the other hand, the parties I've attended that were primarily feministic, working women had incredibly shallow conversation - clothes, vacations, what they'd bought for the house. It bemuses me why mothers at home are seen as brainless drudges by such brainless drudges as these women. Come on home, dears. Let's have a tea party and discuss some real issues.
On the other hand, the parties I've attended that were primarily feministic, working women had incredibly shallow conversation - clothes, vacations, what they'd bought for the house. It bemuses me why mothers at home are seen as brainless drudges by such brainless drudges as these women. Come on home, dears. Let's have a tea party and discuss some real issues.
Saturday, February 19, 2005
How Firm a Foundation ... Is Not Built on Fraudulent Science
The fall of Reiner Protsch von Zieten, a Frankfurt professor of anthropology, ought to give chills to those who persist in interpreting scripture in light of the latest scientific "evidence." Turns out he has lied and manipulated data for 30 years in order to "prove" early humans in Europe. One skull once asserted to be the oldest human remains in the area at 27,400 years old was found to be that of an elderly man who died in 1750. A skeleton thought to be 21,300 years old was actually only 3,300 - well within the limits of young earth creationism.
It frustrates me that Christians twist and strain scripture to fit in with scientific thought that changes freely. Once I had a conversation with a thoughtful informed Christian who was surprised that with my background in biology, I was a young earth creationist. He propounded a theory that perhaps animals lived and died ages in the six days of the creation story - that their death (without souls) could have occured within the parameters of "very good" before the advent of people and sin. I countered that the fossil record showed these supposedly ancient creatures dying of cancer and violence - hardly "very good". He was shocked, he'd never known there were fossils that showed this. Would someone tell me why in the world someone who knows that little about the science of the fossil record would base his interpretation of scripture on the light of that science? No wonder people think we are idiots.
The lesson is... those who judge God's eternal Word by the theory of the day, may find that not even the evolutionary scientists are standing with them in the end - for it was his fellow scientists that exposed Protsch's fraud.
H/T WorldNetDaily
It frustrates me that Christians twist and strain scripture to fit in with scientific thought that changes freely. Once I had a conversation with a thoughtful informed Christian who was surprised that with my background in biology, I was a young earth creationist. He propounded a theory that perhaps animals lived and died ages in the six days of the creation story - that their death (without souls) could have occured within the parameters of "very good" before the advent of people and sin. I countered that the fossil record showed these supposedly ancient creatures dying of cancer and violence - hardly "very good". He was shocked, he'd never known there were fossils that showed this. Would someone tell me why in the world someone who knows that little about the science of the fossil record would base his interpretation of scripture on the light of that science? No wonder people think we are idiots.
The lesson is... those who judge God's eternal Word by the theory of the day, may find that not even the evolutionary scientists are standing with them in the end - for it was his fellow scientists that exposed Protsch's fraud.
H/T WorldNetDaily
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Turbo? Tax
An hour of my day:
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You have been connected to 320 Paul .
320 Paul : Hi ! How may I help you?
Customer: I filed my NC return electronically. After it was accepted, I went through the screens to complete the filing. I was told that I needed to file some additional paperwork and to follow the printed instructions, when I printed the instructions said nothing about additional paperwork, but printed a D-400Lines 37 and 45 (Other Additions and Other Deductions Statement)) that was blank except for our names and SSN. What do I do?
320 Paul : What Turbo Tax product were you using? Basic Premier or deluxe?
Customer: Deluxe
320 Paul : Is it a D-400 worksheet?
320 Paul : 400-D?
Customer: No, it's a form labeled "Form D-400, Lines 37 and 45" in the upper left hand corner.
320 Paul : Have you done your updates?
Customer: Yes, we were totally updated when we did this.
320 Paul : Is that a state tax form?
Customer: Like I said in the first paragraph, it's a North Carolina "Form D-400, Lines 37 and 45 Other Additions and Other Deductions Statement" We've used TurboTax for 9 years and I've never seen an ambiguous instruction like this.
320 Paul : Checking on this issue
320 Paul : I am assuming they are wanting you to file this form along with your return
Customer: It's a blank form, the instruction page did not say to file it, or where to file it. If I am supposed to send this in, where? I filed electronically.
The agent is sending you to http://www.dor.state.nc.us/downloads/D401.pdf.
Currently experiencing network delays, one moment please....
320 Paul : Have you checked the north Carolina website in regards to this form?
Network connection re-established.
Currently experiencing network delays, one moment please....
Currently experiencing network delays, one moment please....
320 Paul : The form is totally blank or the information is not filled out on it
Network connection re-established.
Currently experiencing network delays, one moment please....
320 Paul : ? Network connection re-established.
Customer: The form is not filled out except for our names and SSNs Customer: The website is *slowly* downloading. I'll look. I'm frustrated, though. This is one of the reasons we use TurboTax -- so I don't have to play tax accountant :-)
320 Paul : Is that the only writing on the form ((Blank Page)) or are there lines and entry spots?
Customer: The lines and entry spots are there with no entries in them.
320 Paul : Did you run an error check befor you filed?
Customer: Error Check said no errors
Customer: I've checked through the website you sent and see nothing about this form.
Customer: The lines 37 and 45 instructions do not seem to apply to us.
320 Paul : I was just informed that if you ran an error check and recieved no errors then you are fine
320 Paul : That form was just for your own records
Customer: Does that mean that I file the blank form (and if so, where?) or that I do not file it?
320 Paul : Do not file it. It has already been filed when you efiled.
Customer: So, if I am understanding you correctly, the form is for our own records, and TurboTax was in error when it said we needed to file additional paperwork?
320 Paul : I'm sorry I thought you said earlier that there were no instructions to file additional paperwork 3
20 Paul : I am going to contact another agent in regards to this issue
Customer: Please read the first paragraph. The screen said we needed to file additional paperwork and to follow the instructions on the printed filing instructions. The printed instructions said nothing at all about filing another form. However this D-400, lines 37 and 45 form printed with no entries but our names and SSN.
320 Paul : did you electronically file and select Sign by paper?
Customer: No, we electronically filed with self-select pins
320 Paul : Have your returns been accepted
320 Paul : The status of your returns?
Customer: Yes, both federal and state returns have been accepted and we have DCNs
320 Paul : We are checking into the situation now
320 Paul : Do you have values on line 37 or 45
Customer: Checking, one minute
320 Paul : Sorry can you go into your return under state Taxes
Customer: No, those lines are blank on Form D-400
Customer: I checked the return and there are no entries on those lines or in the worksheet (QuickZoom) for those lines
320 Paul : Perfect
Customer: And....
320 Paul : Ther is probebly nothing else to do, just let me finish my check
Customer: Paul, I'm going to have to leave in the next few minutes, my children have chorus practice. Do you have some direction for me?
320 Paul : You should be OK If the IRS needs that form they will ask for it
320 Paul : Also were you printing to file or for your records?
Customer: Well, it's the North Carolina Dept of Revenue I'm worried about - it's their form.
Customer: I was printing the North Carolina Electronic Filing Instructions
320 Paul has left the session.
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You have been connected to 320 Gerald .
320 Gerald : Hello , how may I help you today?
Customer: Arrrggghhhh. Do you have access to the incredibly long discussion we have been having?
320 Gerald : one minute
320 Gerald : I have talked to paul and he said there is nothing to worry about
Customer: Does that mean I do not need to file this Form D-400, Lines 37 and 45 that printed?
320 Gerald : where you printing for your files or to file with
Customer: If you have access to the chat, I said that I was printing the North Carolina Electronic Filing Instructions
320 Gerald : is there values on those lines
Customer: As I have said several times, there are no values on those lines or on the QuickZoom worksheets for those lines.
320 Gerald : then you do not have to worrie about that then
320 Gerald : if there is no vaule then you do not have to worry about it
Customer: I do not file this blank form - is that correct?
320 Gerald : no, becasue there is not values
Customer: Thank you -- Bye!
320 Gerald : If you want to let our supervisor know what a good job we are doing, you can e-mail your message to taxkudos@intuit.com and we will make sure that they are informed. Thank you for taking the time to send us your compliments!
320 Gerald : I would appreciate if you could take a short survey on my personal performance, where I am rated on a scale of 1 to 7, 7 being the best. You will find this survey as soon as you close the chat window. Thank you for your feedback and for contacting TurboTax Support. Your session has ended. You may now close this window.
This is a direct copy of their customer service chat believe it or not. It's a good thing I've used TurboTax for 9 years without problems or this would have cured me. BTW, the survey never appeared on the screen. Perhaps they really didn't want to hear what I thought...
Please wait while we find an agent to assist you...
All agents are currently busy.
Please stand by.
An agent will be with you in a moment. Thank you for your patience.
You have been connected to 320 Paul .
320 Paul : Hi ! How may I help you?
Customer: I filed my NC return electronically. After it was accepted, I went through the screens to complete the filing. I was told that I needed to file some additional paperwork and to follow the printed instructions, when I printed the instructions said nothing about additional paperwork, but printed a D-400Lines 37 and 45 (Other Additions and Other Deductions Statement)) that was blank except for our names and SSN. What do I do?
320 Paul : What Turbo Tax product were you using? Basic Premier or deluxe?
Customer: Deluxe
320 Paul : Is it a D-400 worksheet?
320 Paul : 400-D?
Customer: No, it's a form labeled "Form D-400, Lines 37 and 45" in the upper left hand corner.
320 Paul : Have you done your updates?
Customer: Yes, we were totally updated when we did this.
320 Paul : Is that a state tax form?
Customer: Like I said in the first paragraph, it's a North Carolina "Form D-400, Lines 37 and 45 Other Additions and Other Deductions Statement" We've used TurboTax for 9 years and I've never seen an ambiguous instruction like this.
320 Paul : Checking on this issue
320 Paul : I am assuming they are wanting you to file this form along with your return
Customer: It's a blank form, the instruction page did not say to file it, or where to file it. If I am supposed to send this in, where? I filed electronically.
The agent is sending you to http://www.dor.state.nc.us/downloads/D401.pdf.
Currently experiencing network delays, one moment please....
320 Paul : Have you checked the north Carolina website in regards to this form?
Network connection re-established.
Currently experiencing network delays, one moment please....
Currently experiencing network delays, one moment please....
320 Paul : The form is totally blank or the information is not filled out on it
Network connection re-established.
Currently experiencing network delays, one moment please....
320 Paul : ? Network connection re-established.
Customer: The form is not filled out except for our names and SSNs Customer: The website is *slowly* downloading. I'll look. I'm frustrated, though. This is one of the reasons we use TurboTax -- so I don't have to play tax accountant :-)
320 Paul : Is that the only writing on the form ((Blank Page)) or are there lines and entry spots?
Customer: The lines and entry spots are there with no entries in them.
320 Paul : Did you run an error check befor you filed?
Customer: Error Check said no errors
Customer: I've checked through the website you sent and see nothing about this form.
Customer: The lines 37 and 45 instructions do not seem to apply to us.
320 Paul : I was just informed that if you ran an error check and recieved no errors then you are fine
320 Paul : That form was just for your own records
Customer: Does that mean that I file the blank form (and if so, where?) or that I do not file it?
320 Paul : Do not file it. It has already been filed when you efiled.
Customer: So, if I am understanding you correctly, the form is for our own records, and TurboTax was in error when it said we needed to file additional paperwork?
320 Paul : I'm sorry I thought you said earlier that there were no instructions to file additional paperwork 3
20 Paul : I am going to contact another agent in regards to this issue
Customer: Please read the first paragraph. The screen said we needed to file additional paperwork and to follow the instructions on the printed filing instructions. The printed instructions said nothing at all about filing another form. However this D-400, lines 37 and 45 form printed with no entries but our names and SSN.
320 Paul : did you electronically file and select Sign by paper?
Customer: No, we electronically filed with self-select pins
320 Paul : Have your returns been accepted
320 Paul : The status of your returns?
Customer: Yes, both federal and state returns have been accepted and we have DCNs
320 Paul : We are checking into the situation now
320 Paul : Do you have values on line 37 or 45
Customer: Checking, one minute
320 Paul : Sorry can you go into your return under state Taxes
Customer: No, those lines are blank on Form D-400
Customer: I checked the return and there are no entries on those lines or in the worksheet (QuickZoom) for those lines
320 Paul : Perfect
Customer: And....
320 Paul : Ther is probebly nothing else to do, just let me finish my check
Customer: Paul, I'm going to have to leave in the next few minutes, my children have chorus practice. Do you have some direction for me?
320 Paul : You should be OK If the IRS needs that form they will ask for it
320 Paul : Also were you printing to file or for your records?
Customer: Well, it's the North Carolina Dept of Revenue I'm worried about - it's their form.
Customer: I was printing the North Carolina Electronic Filing Instructions
320 Paul has left the session.
Your agent is experiencing technical difficulties.
Please stand by while we re-establish contact or find a new agent...
Please wait while we find an agent from the Triage Chat department to assist you.
You have been connected to 320 Gerald .
320 Gerald : Hello , how may I help you today?
Customer: Arrrggghhhh. Do you have access to the incredibly long discussion we have been having?
320 Gerald : one minute
320 Gerald : I have talked to paul and he said there is nothing to worry about
Customer: Does that mean I do not need to file this Form D-400, Lines 37 and 45 that printed?
320 Gerald : where you printing for your files or to file with
Customer: If you have access to the chat, I said that I was printing the North Carolina Electronic Filing Instructions
320 Gerald : is there values on those lines
Customer: As I have said several times, there are no values on those lines or on the QuickZoom worksheets for those lines.
320 Gerald : then you do not have to worrie about that then
320 Gerald : if there is no vaule then you do not have to worry about it
Customer: I do not file this blank form - is that correct?
320 Gerald : no, becasue there is not values
Customer: Thank you -- Bye!
320 Gerald : If you want to let our supervisor know what a good job we are doing, you can e-mail your message to taxkudos@intuit.com and we will make sure that they are informed. Thank you for taking the time to send us your compliments!
320 Gerald : I would appreciate if you could take a short survey on my personal performance, where I am rated on a scale of 1 to 7, 7 being the best. You will find this survey as soon as you close the chat window. Thank you for your feedback and for contacting TurboTax Support. Your session has ended. You may now close this window.
This is a direct copy of their customer service chat believe it or not. It's a good thing I've used TurboTax for 9 years without problems or this would have cured me. BTW, the survey never appeared on the screen. Perhaps they really didn't want to hear what I thought...
Monday, February 14, 2005
Happy Valentine's Day
If ever two were one, then surely we.
If ever man were lov'd by wife, then thee.
If ever wife was happy in a man,
Compare with me, ye women, if you can.
I prize thy love more than whole Mines of gold
Or all the riches that the East doth hold.
My love is such that Rivers cannot quench,
Nor ought but love from thee give recompetence.
Thy love is such I can no way repay.
The heavens reward thee manifold, I pray.
Then while we live, in love let's so persever
That when we live no more, we may live ever.
Anne Bradstreet
This is the poem I placed on the front of this year's Valentine's Day card to my dearest earthly friend, my husband. Anne Bradstreet, known as the Puritan poet, was a mother of eight, who lived from 1612 to 1672 in the Puritan Massachusetts Bay Colony. This exactly captures how I feel about the husband that I give submission to, just as Anne Bradstreet did her husband. So much for repressed, tyrannized Puritan women :-)
If ever man were lov'd by wife, then thee.
If ever wife was happy in a man,
Compare with me, ye women, if you can.
I prize thy love more than whole Mines of gold
Or all the riches that the East doth hold.
My love is such that Rivers cannot quench,
Nor ought but love from thee give recompetence.
Thy love is such I can no way repay.
The heavens reward thee manifold, I pray.
Then while we live, in love let's so persever
That when we live no more, we may live ever.
Anne Bradstreet
This is the poem I placed on the front of this year's Valentine's Day card to my dearest earthly friend, my husband. Anne Bradstreet, known as the Puritan poet, was a mother of eight, who lived from 1612 to 1672 in the Puritan Massachusetts Bay Colony. This exactly captures how I feel about the husband that I give submission to, just as Anne Bradstreet did her husband. So much for repressed, tyrannized Puritan women :-)
Friday, February 11, 2005
Hash History
Well, that's just incredible. I have googled and googled trying to find a link for hash to put in the last post to no avail. Somehow in all these millions of webpages, no one, not one single soul, has enshrined the best end to which beef has ever been put - Union County, SC hash. It is meat and onion, cooked to tender succulence, surrounded by a broth that is the essense of them both. Served on white rolls, with bread and butter pickles on the side, there is no better eating. My mother tells me that hash is the traditional Fourth of July cookout in Union and it used to be made only then. Then O'Dell's came along, but that's a story for another day. I wish I could give you a link, but it's just not out there... and I was sworn to secrecy about the recipe.
Hypocrites and Hash
Recently someone wrote a screed about my husband, and some of our coworkers in our non-profit accusing us all of being flagrant, gasp, Christians. I am fed up with the seculars who say they are about tolerance and diversity, but are totally intolerant of anyone who disagrees with them and can't bear diversity if it includes Christianity. Why can't these guys see that they are so busy accusing us of judging folks by their beliefs that they can't see that they are judging us by our beliefs. I herewith create a new acronym RWYW - READ WHAT YOU WROTE, the 21st century version of "look in the mirror, dear."
So what does hash have to do with it? These hypocrites are making hash of the English language. It's becoming newspeak: tolerance = those who aren't "progressive" enough will be ridiculed, demonized and ostracized; diversity = you are only allowed to be different in physical, non-important ways, everyone must believe the same; inclusive = we include everyone who isn't a Christian.
And unfortunately, all this frustration makes me want to bury my sorrows in a big plate of hash from O'Dell's in Union, SC. Hash with bread & butter pickles. Lots of it. That's why I'm overweight - frustration.
So what does hash have to do with it? These hypocrites are making hash of the English language. It's becoming newspeak: tolerance = those who aren't "progressive" enough will be ridiculed, demonized and ostracized; diversity = you are only allowed to be different in physical, non-important ways, everyone must believe the same; inclusive = we include everyone who isn't a Christian.
And unfortunately, all this frustration makes me want to bury my sorrows in a big plate of hash from O'Dell's in Union, SC. Hash with bread & butter pickles. Lots of it. That's why I'm overweight - frustration.
Best Sounds in the World
Tonight I'm typing around my baby girl, listening to her happy sounds as she dozes, "Hmmm. Hmmm. Hmmm." Ah, a gentle joy wells up in me. Earlier Hal and I were watching a tape with a birth story on it. Oh that newborn cry brought tears to both of our eyes. I remember one of our boys' first cry. He was born on the way to the hospital and I was worried, then that sweet, sweet sound. Those precious sounds of motherhood: a baby laugh, a newborn cry, a toddler squeal of joy, the husky voice of a young man whose heart is touched. God is good!
Friday, February 04, 2005
Social Security "Contributions"
On The Locker Room, I saw a link to Fixing Social Security by Phillip Longman who was talking about how to change Social Security to encourage child-bearing - you know, little people who will one day owe payroll taxes and keep SS able to pay benefits. Well, I think he needs to look at much simpler changes:
The vast majority of mothers of large families I know (and I know hundreds) are only able to maintain and continue growing a large family because they are homemakers, and do not work outside the home. Our culture punishes this sacrificial love in many ways, from simple denigration ("Aren't you wasting your degree?" as if the training of the next generation was a worthless task) to the marriage penalty to the Social Security system.
Did you know, for example, that a stay-at-home mother is not allowed to contribute to her Social Security account? To do this, she must leave the home, get a job, and be taxed. I know one mother in our area who drives around with her family in tow delivering flowers and earning income they don't need, while spending time they can ill afford. Why? Because she's older than her husband, and when she reaches retirement age there will be no check for her otherwise … because she's been busy raising the children who will be paying for your check.
How is this fair? Why can't she just make the "contribution" needed for her credits without going to all this trouble? She would far rather invest the money than the time.
The vast majority of mothers of large families I know (and I know hundreds) are only able to maintain and continue growing a large family because they are homemakers, and do not work outside the home. Our culture punishes this sacrificial love in many ways, from simple denigration ("Aren't you wasting your degree?" as if the training of the next generation was a worthless task) to the marriage penalty to the Social Security system.
Did you know, for example, that a stay-at-home mother is not allowed to contribute to her Social Security account? To do this, she must leave the home, get a job, and be taxed. I know one mother in our area who drives around with her family in tow delivering flowers and earning income they don't need, while spending time they can ill afford. Why? Because she's older than her husband, and when she reaches retirement age there will be no check for her otherwise … because she's been busy raising the children who will be paying for your check.
How is this fair? Why can't she just make the "contribution" needed for her credits without going to all this trouble? She would far rather invest the money than the time.
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