Hewlett-Packard (HP) Non-Support

HP Computer Support Does Not Have the Right Department

Where to start . . . . well let’s start from the beginning. I ordered a new computer from Cost-Co. I use my computer on the average of ten hours per day seven days a week and it was time for an upgrade.

My HP ENVY 15t Quad 1080p TouchSmart Laptop, Intel® Core™ i7-4700MQ 2.4GHz laptop arrived as promised and I am very happy with it. It is easy to use and so much faster than my old computer.

My sweet husband Paul suggested that I get a docking station so that the laptop could be used as a desk top as well. I called HP Support; explained what I wanted to do; and the nice lady sent me a link for a HP 3005 PR USB 3.0 Port Replicator. She explained that it would do everything I wanted!

The HP 3005 PR USB 3.0 Port Replicator was delivered last week on 10/07/2013. Paul and I tried to set it up but it did not work at all. Therefore I called the HP Tech Support. After they tried unsuccessfully to help set it up, they said that the replicator was faulty.

Ari, HP Tech Support person, issued me case number - #4712051556. They promised a replacement replicator which would reach me in two days.

10/08/2013 I received this email from CSR Order Validation :

Good Day: You have ordered 1 SPS- USB 3.0 Port Replicator on 10/7/2013. Please follow the attached link below and fill out the web form so that your order may be processed. Please submit your verification form today to ensure your order is processed in a timely manner. Please ensure that you are filling out both of these sections correctly in the URL.

I completed their form immediately and attached the photo they requested.

(Numbers Blurred On Purpose)

Two days later, another email was received. This one, also from CSR Order Validation csr_order_web_validation@hp.com, stated:

Greetings, Thank you for your response, however we need a picture of the serial number tag that is affixed to the outside of your Hewlett-Packard device you are requesting warranty parts for.

Please reply directly to this email and attach either submit a copy of your proof of purchase or a picture of the serial number tag.

Therefore I sent them this photo:

Numbers Blurred On Purpose

10/14/2013 - I was patiently awaiting the arrival of my HP 3005 PR USB 3.0 Port Replicator. Therefore, imagine my disappointment when this email arrived:

Greetings, Thank you for your response, however we need a picture of the actual serial number tag that is attached to the HP computer you are requesting warranty parts for. Please reply directly to this email and attach either submit a copy of your proof of purchase or a picture of the serial number tag that is affixed to your Hewlett-Packard device you are requesting warranty parts for.

Okay, now I am confused – do you want a photo of the HP 3005 PR USB 3.0 Port Replicator that I am requesting you replace because it is defective and never worked? Or do you need the serial number tag that is attached to an HP computer?

I have a brand new HP Laptop, however I am not requesting warranty parts for it . . . .

I thought I had better call the tech guy again and get clarification as to what they really want.

Conversation with HP Computer Tech #1

It is now 10/14/13 and I still do not have the replicator. I tried to call the tech that helped me first (Avi 1-800-334-5144). Off course the HP telephone lines were experiencing heavy traffic and I had to wait my turn.

Even though I called the telephone number I was given by my original tech, once I spoke to a person, I was told I got the wrong department; they transferred me to 1-800-474-6836.

Conversation with HP Computer Tech #2

Again the lines were busy and I had a lengthy wait. After explaining my situation again, Mathew told I had the wrong department and transferred me to 1-888-237-8454. 

Conversation with HP Computer Tech #3

After yet another lengthy wait for a tech, I explained my situation and give my case number to Angel. You guessed it, Angel put me on hold so that she could connect me with the right department.

Conversation with HP Computer Tech #4

That brought me to Lope at 800-474-6836. However, she could not locate my case number. She wanted to start over. Nope I said, Mathew found it and Angel found it – try again . . . . Awe she found my case number . . . . yup you guessed it – she has to transfer me to the right department

I told Lope enough – please give me a supervisor – she did not do it . . . she quickly transferred me to Lata at 1.800.334.5144.

Conversation with HP Computer Tech #5

So then I was speaking to Lata (not a supervisor a tech support) whose phone number is 1.800.334.5144.

Wait a minute - 800.334.5144 is the first number I called on this gloomy odyssey. 

 

I begged to speak to a supervisor. Lata could not do that – I was required to give her all the info I supplied all the other techs I spoke to.

Lata sees that I have sent in the photos requested . . . . Lata (you guessed it) put me on hold so that she could talk to the “right people” in the right department to help me with my problem!

After another lengthy wait on hold, Lata says that she found the right department but now they are closed! She will call me back within the next 24 hours after the right department opens and she can talk to them and find out why they are not sending me the replacement.

You have to admit that this tale is sadly funny. I was going to get my nails done tomorrow, but had better wait by the phone for my “transfer to the next right department!”

How has your experience with HP Support been? Leave me a comment – Positive or negative. 


I will post an update as soon as my adventures with HP Tech Support progresses.  However, at this point Oma does not love  Hewlett-Packard Support.

Free Christmas E-Book But Hurry

It is really never too early prepare for Christmas. Especially when there is an awesome opportunity for a FREE Kindle Christmas Book for your favorite toddler!

I downloaded and read, “A House Before Christmas” this morning. It is a short quick read – perfect for a rainy day activity with a curious child. Be forewarned however, this story mirrors some stark reality not usually in children’s stories.

However, that is one of the main reasons I found this story so refreshing! What an awesome introduction for youngsters into the all too adult reality of homelessness!

Correctly utilized, this book could be a meaningful tool to invite dialog, learning and understanding of homeless people, friendship, and kindness.

Book Description:

A House Before Christmas is a children's Christmas Story about Tommy Mouse and his 2 friends Mary Cricket and Purdy Mole. 2 days before Christmas Tommy has lost his home in the old farmhouse he loved. He was planning a Christmas Eve party for his two friends. Now he has to find another place to live, and before Christmas Eve! For ages 3 and up. Charming hand-drawn and hand-painted illustrations.

FREE Christmas E-Book (Click Here) 

 If you want this book for free,
hurry because it will only be free today and tomorrow.

After downloading and reading this book, please take a moment to give this author a review on Amazon.

Also, please leave a comment on this post and let me know what you thought of “A House Before Christmas” (You could just copy and paste your Amazon Review!)

I cannot wait to read this with Reef Indy.

Reef Indy at the Valley CenterSkate Park Fundraiser

A beautiful SoCal Saturday - Skateboarding at the Park

Skateboarding is a 2.5-billion dollar industry and has become a vital part of urban communities. A skatepark can attract skateboarding tourists and with national health issues looming for today’s youth, it’s time to offer a greater number of healthy, athletic choices.

Healthy fun for kids of all ages!

In 2006, 42 people riding skateboards died. Of those, 40 of them were not in a skatepark and 27 of those involved a motor vehicle. In other words, of these 42 deaths, 40 of them might have been prevented had the person been skating in a skatepark instead of the streets.

Activism and change come in a variety of venues. To truly create social change, activism must happen locally as well as nationally. It can happen in small, everyday actions as well as creative ways using large-scale or far reaching venues like the media or social networking. 

Opa With Reef Indy

It is never too early to instill a sense of community awareness and activism in a child.

Reef Indy came out to ‘Support our Youth and Help Make Change Happen’ at 28246 Lilac Road Valley Center CA 92082.

Education Is Very Important for Your Little Star (Part 2)

The teachers and staff of Little Stars Academy are committed to helping every child develop to their own individual potential in an atmosphere that fosters a balance between each child’s social, physical, intellectual and emotional development. We provide a well-balanced curriculum supported by a professional staff dedicated to encouraging each child to reach their maximum potential.

Oma’s interview with Jessica, the founder of “Little Stars Academy Temecula”  continues. (See Part 1 here)  

Question Two of Three:

Oma: Please give us the “The Little Star” story – the when, why, how . . . . .

Jessica: After having my own son I ended up working as a part-time job share teacher for 3 years. I loved the kids that I worked for and the parents I met but I quickly started to dislike the system. I experienced an environment where many coworkers were not there to put kids first, were not there to help shape lives, or to help them learn the things they needed to know. I experienced bad and in some cases downright scary teachers, principals who honestly cared more about bullying staff then they did about changing a school’s culture, and a district that was determined to change the system every year just because they could. I knew in my heart as much as I loved my school that I would never send my son there. I couldn’t stand the idea of not being comfortable with him being in every classroom on campus.

I started to look elsewhere for job options and school setting for my son. I became involved in the would be start-up of a charter school for our community that just never seemed to go anywhere or get enough support. My amazing partner teacher who knew of my frustrations finally encouraged me to look into starting a private school. When I did I discovered that it actually could be a possibility.

I am a strong believer in the importance of a good foundation in kindergarten and 1st grade. Kindergarten today is essentially what 1st grade used to be. Kids learn to read in kindergarten now and if a child enters kinder without preschool they start out at a disadvantage. I also believe in small class sizes, which with budget cuts you will not find often. I wanted a school that provided that strong foundation in a small group setting that kept learning fun and engaging. I wanted a place where I could connect with parents and help them learn to help their children.

So with the help of my husband and the dream of the school that I would want for my own child we started putting the steps into motion in November 2011 while I was still working in public school. We started looking for a location and I started researching curriculums. We worked on the website, handbooks, and our philosophy for the school. In March of 2012 we moved into the space and started painting, building, and buying. We began taking appointments for tours and started to take students for our first year.

The 2012-2013 we had 6 kindergarteners and 1 first grader. We were a tight group from the beginning and the thing I loved most about our group that every child in there was there because their parents were looking for something unique and as special as their child was. Isn’t that exactly what I wanted for my son? It totally was. One of my former parent volunteers came to work with me. She is honestly the most hardworking dedicated person that I have ever known. She homeschooled two of her own children and knew the basics of teaching but set to work that year learning everything she could about what the kids needed and how to present the information in a beneficial and meaningful way. Once again I found the most enjoyment out of teaching and guiding her to be a better teacher!

Overall the year was hard, scary, and stressful but amazing at the same time. Going into our 2nd year we have 23 students in transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, and 1st grade.

What makes Little Stars better than public school is that we cater to each child. I often compare it to homeschooling but with a real teacher and peers in the mix. Each child in getting a variation of the Common Core Standards at the level they need. In public school most of the kids are being taught at the exact same level because there are so many kids in the class that the teacher could not possibly teach at all the levels needed. 

Most of the time you teach to the majority of your class and then work your butt off to bring up the low kids leaving the high kids to fend for themselves because you know they are fine and are not going to fail. It is these kids that I always felt the most disservice to because I would wonder if I really ever challenged them, ever taught them anything that they didn’t already know. Our small class environment means that we get a lot more work done in less time, which leaves more time with the subjects like science and social studies. These are the subjects that are often getting left behind in public school. 

With our multi-age peers in the room the kids are learning how to be more responsible like the older kids and more caring to the younger kids. We teach about respect, courtesy, and kindness not just about the academics.

(The Last Installment - Part Three – Will be Published Next Week)

FREE Box of Kraft Mac & Cheese!

If your name is Smith – You can get a free coupon (arv $1.65) redeemable for one Kraft Macaroni & Cheese product today!

Every day through October 16th, you can head over to the Kraft Noodle Reunion website and check to see if you can score a FREE Box of Kraft Mac & Cheese! You will be eligible ONLY if your last name matches. Be sure to check back every day to see if your last name matches! You must verify your last name via Facebook.

It was easy and it was fun. I got my FREE Box of Kraft Mac & Cheese! Now I am going to let all my fellow SMITHs know about this freebie!

Reef at 1 Month

Tummy Time for Reef Indy

What is tummy time and why is it important
 to your infant's development? 

Reef Indy - Ready for Tummy Time

Today marks Reef Indy’s first month. This month has been both busy and joyful. What a delight it has been learning to communicate with the infant. Loving the grandbaby was easy and came so naturally.

Reef Indy’s first month birthday started Omas thinking about “Tummy Time”

During tummy time, the baby lays on his belly to play while you supervise. Since your baby sleeps on his back to help prevent sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), he needs to spend some of his awake time on his stomach to develop physically and mentally.

The Benefits

On his tummy, Reef Indy will lift his head, which strengthens both the neck and upper back muscles. Tummy time also gives your little one a different view of the world.

“Babies need to learn how to support their heads when they are still, says Tanya Altmann, MD, a pediatrician in California. “They also need to be able to turn their head in response to what's happening around them and hold their heads steady when they're moved."

Lastly, spending time on his stomach will also help Reef Indy’s head become round instead of developing flat spots on the back of his head.

When to Start

“Tummy time can begin right after birth or definitely by the time your baby is a month old.” According to Chris Tolchis, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician in California,

For the first few weeks, you may want to delay tummy time until his umbilical cord stump falls off. As long as your baby is comfortable, though, you can safely let his play on his stomach right away.

How Frequently and for How Long

Some pediatricians suggest having your baby play on his stomach five to ten minutes a couple times a day. However, there are no set amount of time.

"I usually recommend starting to offer tummy time at least once per day," says Scott Cohen, MD, FAAP, an attending pediatrician at Cedars Sinai Medical Center. He suggests leaving your baby on his tummy as long as he accepts it – be it fifteen seconds or fifteen minutes.

Some babies initially resist tummy time because they don't have good control and find it hard to lift their heads. But the more practice your baby gets, the better he’ll like it.

How to Make Tummy Time Fun

Turning tummy time into playtime is as easy as lying on your belly and facing your baby, Jana says. Tips for making Reef Indy's tummy workout fun:

• When your baby can't support his own head yet, put his on your chest tummy down. Or put his across your lap on his stomach for burping.
  
• Get on the floor with your baby. "Make faces, talk to them, get a tummy time mat, and hold colorful toys or a rattle in front of them." Cohen says.
• Encourage your baby to look up by talking or singing above his head.
  
• Place your baby next to a mirror or musical box -- or something else he’ll want to reach for.
• Place your baby's upper body and arms over a nursing pillow. This elevation gives a nice view and may be more comfortable.
• If your baby starts to fuss, divert his attention. Turn him on his back, then blow "raspberries" on his tummy. Flip his onto his stomach and make the same raucous noises on his back. That’s distraction at its silly best.
• Some parents suggest waiting an hour after your baby eats to start tummy time, for the baby's comfort and for mom and dad -- less spit up to clean up!

Tummy Time Trouble Makers

Some babies have strong opinions about being on their stomachs. After all, tummy time is hard work! Just keep trying . . . Reef Indy will meet this milestone when he is ready. It is part of Oma’s job to give him the opportunity to make tummy time "a fun part of every day."

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