Consuming Interests

H&R Block wants your tax questions

2010-03-19T14:00:09Z

H&R Block is offering free, around-the-clock tax advice to help filers navigate nearly 300 tax law changes this season.

More than 50 tax experts will be on hand to answer questions over the phone at 1-866-472-5625 or you can e-mail your question to taxtalk@hrblock.com. Or, you can submit questions online or by iPhone using the H&R Block Tax Answers application.

Block will take questions from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Central Time on March 25th. (Block says it’s 24 hours, but really it’s 23 hours and 58 minutes. But why quibble?)

The accounting firm took questions last year, too, and 6,000 people called in.

This may be a good opportunity for all of our Consuming Interests readers who have been submitted some pretty difficult questions on the homebuyer credit.

'Drive out" deals put travelers in driver's seat

2010-03-18T20:09:37Z

It's nearing that time of year again. The time when Florida becomes hot, rainy and a target for hurricanes. The time to get out - and Enterprise, Alamo and National rental car companies want visitors to take their fleet with them. In spring and early summer, the agencies relocate cars from the Florida to areas that will see a bump in demand for the summertime.

Beginning this week, you can drive a rental car out of the sunshine state starting at $10 a day for a compact car or $15 for a minivan. The deal is mostly targeted at winter residents - snowbirds - who stay in Florida for the cold season and then head back to the northeast or to the midwest for summer. But Baltimore has fairly cheap flights to Florida that could make this deal appealing.

I'm thinking fly to Miami, pick up the car and take a drive to the Keys and then head up the Gulf Coast, hitting Naples, Siesta Key, Sanibel Island and St. Pete before cutting across the state for a stop at Disney World. On to Amelia Island, Cumberland Island, Savannah, Myrtle Beach and - you get the idea. No, it's not a short trip and gas is getting a bit pricey. But the mileage is unlimited and you get up to 21 days. Heck, it could be 1,000 miles of fun. (Hertz offers a similar deal, but you only get 4 days to return the car.)

This year, the rental car companies are also launching a drive out program for Arizona. But that deal has specific states attached - and Maryland isn't one of them. Still, maybe you fly to Arizona, pick up a rental car and meander across the Southwest before returning the car in Missouri, where you can catch a flight back to Baltimore.

The deals are good for travel through May 31. You must book at least 24-48 hours in advance, depending on the rental agency. You will need to use the codes #FLDRIVE or #AZDRIVE for Enterprise.

Photo: The Florida Keys Overseas Highway

Schwab strategist optimistic on jobs

2010-03-18T17:33:25Z

Last May, Liz Ann Sonders predicted that the recession was over.

The chief investment strategist for Charles Schwab & Co. says for that bit of early optimism she was lambasted. In fact, she says, her declaration was so at odds with the conventional wisdom that she was invited on national TV to be defend her position.

The pessimism was so pervasive back then, she says. That alone is a sign that the bottom had struck and the only direction from there was up. (Most economists now say the recession ended sometime last year.)

Sonders stopped by The Baltimore Sun’s office recently and updated her forecast. She is more optimistic about the economy than the stock market.

And what so many of us care about, the job market?

Good signs, she says. The four-week average for initial unemployment claims is down. And she predicts the next monthly unemployment numbers out in early April will show the creation of jobs, not more losses.

It's not that far away. We'll see if Sonders' optimism is on target.

Got questions on taxes? Let's hear 'em

2010-03-18T12:28:40Z

On April 9th at noon, we'll have a live chat on the blog to answer your last-minute tax questions.

Our guest will be Mark Steber, chief tax officer for Jackson Hewitt Tax Service. He's not only knows a lot about taxes, but he's a fast typist.

If you have questions, you can join us that Friday for an hour of Q&As. Or, send you questions to the blog ahead of time, which we can forward to Steber and he can start working on.

The blog gets lots of questions about the homebuyer credit and Steber has been answering many of them. But we're open to all tax questions.

Free Rita's Italian Ice: Cheap Trick Thursday

2010-03-18T11:04:26Z

Spring is almost here! Celebrate the vernal equinox on Saturday, March 20 with a free Rita's Italian Ice.

The freezing freebie will be available from noon to 10 p.m. at participating locations. Here's hoping the weather is warm enough to enjoy it.

And special thanks to the Cheap and Bored blog for the tip!

Go Irish with St. Patrick's Day travel deals

2010-03-17T18:43:01Z

A country that produces U2, Colin Farrell and soda bread can't be wrong, right? In celebration of St. Patrick's Day, here are a few deals on trips to Ireland. Erin go braugh, man.

Travelzoo features Ireland as its "Destination of the Week," with dozens of deals, including:

Sceptre Tours has a six-night, three-city package - Dublin, Mayo and Limerick - that includes four-star hotels and airfare from New York starting at $599 per person for travel in April and May. Taxes are an additional $120-$180.

Stay 7 days/6 nights at the Fota Island Resort near Cork City in southern Ireland for $799 per person, including airfare and car rental, based on double occupancy.

CheapOAir offers a $10 discount on flights to Dublin, with fares beginning at $524 roundtrip from New York.

Dooley Vacations has a popular "Irish Escape" tour for those looking for a short 4-day getaway to the Emerald Isle. Packages range from $819-$1299, depending on when you go. Limited availability for spring.

Photo: Ireland's Cliffs of Moher

British Airways weekend strike to impact BWI flights

2010-03-17T18:03:35Z

If you're booked for a British Airways flight this weekend from BWI you may need to change your plans. A strike by BA's cabin crew is set for three days beginning Saturday. British Airways officials say flights from Baltimore to London Heathrow will operate as usual on Saturday, but are canceled for Sunday and Monday. Travelers may be able to reschedule with partner airlines that have agreed to help during the strike by allowing passengers on canceled flights to rebook at no charge.

The cabin crew union, Unite, has also called for a second strike beginning March 27. The union is protesting pay freezes and other changes to working conditions. The Associated Press reported today that Unite is seeking support from American unions. Such actions could hinder British Airways operations further. At this point, the airline plans to operate up to 60 percent of its flights as usual through Monday utilizing other BA workers who have been newly trained along with cabin crew who have volunteered to work as normal.

British Airways says that if enough cabin crew members continue to work through the strike, the flights from Baltimore could be re-instated. Passengers may want to call BA later in the week for an update.

Associated Press Photo

Southwest serves it up green with free beer

2010-03-17T14:07:12Z

If you're flying Southwest Airlines today, you've got the luck of the Irish. Not only is Southwest putting leprechauns on board its flights for St. Patrick's Day, but it is also serving up complimentary Heineken beers to passengers. I would expect no less from the airline that saves us green, has a green plane (with eco-friendly cabin materials) and makes its competitors green with envy. Cheers.

Amtrak board signals times are a-changing

2010-03-16T18:20:21Z

I'm not a frequent visitor to Baltimore's Penn Station, but on a recent drop-off of a friend I happened to wander inside to wait with her. As I was sitting there I noticed something different -the old mechanical arrivals/departure board was missing. In its place was a large LCD screen with signs attached that said "testing in progress." At the service counter, a small TV screen displayed train times and as I looked around I saw other locations where TV screens appeared to also be in testing phase. I guess the times they are a-changing.

Indeed, said Amtrak spokeswoman Karina Romero, explaining that Amtrak is installing new LCD screens at stations it owns throughout the system. Baltimore, just so happens, is the first to get the upgrade.

Since Amtrak owns most of the stations along the Northeast corridor, that's where riders will see the majority of the changes, Romero said, adding that not every station has the same boards. The electronic boards will be installed in 29 stations by the end of September. The new signage will also include smaller screens along the platform areas.

Amtrak said the changes are needed to satisfy ADA requirements and will be partially funded by stimulus grants. Romero said Amtrak is donating the old board from Penn Station to the B&O Railroad Museum, which is creating an exhibit around it.

The old mechanical boards - called Solari boards - harken back to the glory days of rail travel. For me, they provide an aural memory of some of my earliest childhood trips - to Washington with the safety patrols; to Philadelphia with my great-aunt; and to New York on a college student budget. The sound of the board flipping through numbers - chchchchchch - as the trains departed and arrived on different tracks was enthralling to a kid. I loved to watch the board as it seemed to come alive in those moments.

The new boards will be as quiet as a pin dropping. Sigh. But I'm all for progress, especially for Amtrak, which needs updating in the worst way.

Disciplined doctors: Naughty Businesses of the Week

2010-03-16T11:03:59Z

Here are the names of doctors and other medical professionals sanctioned by the Maryland Board of Physicians for the months of January and February 2010:

JANUARY 2010

Francyne O. Anderson, M.D.
Area of Practice: Family Medicine (Cheverly, MD)
Additional fine of $10,000. The physician violated the provision of her February 26, 2009, Consent Order which ordered her to pay a fine of $25,000 either in full or in 25 equal installments made on a monthly basis beginning March 10, 2010. Date of Action: January 20, 2010

Alicia A. Cool, M.D.
Area of Practice: Internal Medicine (Towson, MD)
Administrative fine of $750; terms. The physician affirmed in her 2008 renewal application that she had obtained the required CME credit hours when she had not. Date of Action: January 19, 2010

Stephen Corvilla, M.D.
Area of Practice: Unspecified (Crownsville, MD)
Suspension; immediately stayed; Probation for 4 years subject to terms and conditions. The Board took action based on the physician’s self prescribing for his ADHD under a pseudonym. Date of Action: January 27, 2010

Mark Davis, M.D.
Area of Practice: Internal Medicine (Abingdon, MD)
The Revocation Order of July 8, 2008, is vacated by order of the Circuit Court for Harford County. The Circuit Court for Harford County vacated the Board's order and remanded it for further proceedings. Date of Action: January 27, 2010

Elizabeth A. Edgerton-Gabriele, M.D.
Area of Practice: Pediatrics (Washington, DC)
Administrative fine of $2,000; terms and conditions. The physician affirmed in her 2008 renewal application that she had obtained the required CME credit hours when she had not. Date of Action: January 14, 2010

Juan J. Galarroga, M.D.
Area of Practice: Internal Medicine (Miami Beach, FL)
Administrative fine of $750; terms and conditions. The physician affirmed in his 2008 renewal application that he had obtained the required CME credit hours when he had not. Date of Action: January 22, 2010

Robert Lee Gordon, M.D.
Area of Practice: Plastic Surgery (Plantation, FL)
Termination of Probation. The physician has complied with the probationary terms and conditions imposed by the Consent Order dated December 29, 2006. Date of Action: January 6, 2010

Ronald Hairston, M.D.
Area of Practice: Unspecified (Capitol Heights, MD)
Administrative fine of $1,100; terms and conditions. The physician affirmed in his 2008 renewal application that he had obtained the required CME credit hours when he had not. Date of Action: January 22, 2010

Patricia Hough, M.D.
Area of Practice: Pediatrics (Frederick, MD)
Administrative fine of $2,300; terms and conditions. The physician affirmed in her 2008 renewal application that she had obtained the required CME credit hours when she had not. Date of Action: January 22, 2010

Michael S. Kaplan, M.D.
Area of Practice: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Baltimore, MD)
Reprimand; within 90 days of the date of the Consent Order, permanent termination of the physician's pain management practice; and terms and conditions. The Board found that the physician failed to meet the standards of quality care and/or keep adequate medical records in regard to three patients in his pain management practice. Date of Action: January 27. 2010

Scott A. Kelso, M.D.
Area of Practice: Internal Medicine (Clinton, MD)
Termination of Probation. The physician has complied with the probationary terms and conditions imposed by the Consent Order dated September 27, 2006. Date of Action: January 6,
2010

Peter R. Kongstvedt, M.D.
Area of Practice: Internal Medicine (McLean, VA)
Administrative fine of $5,000; terms and conditions. The physician affirmed in his 2008 renewal
application that he had obtained the required CME credit hours when he had not. Date of Action: January 4, 2010

Daniel Jay Konick, M.D.
Area of Practice: Internal Medicine (Annapolis, MD)
Administrative fine of $4,600; terms and conditions. The physician affirmed in his 2008 renewal
application that he had obtained the required CME credit hours when he had not. Date of Action: January 4, 2010

Marie A. Kramer, M.D.
Area of Practice: Pediatrics (Parkton, MD)
Administrative fine of $5,000; terms and conditions. The physician affirmed in her 2008 renewal application that she had obtained the required CME credit hours when she had not. Date of Action: January 19, 2010

Stanley Kramer, M.D.
Area of Practice: Pediatrics (Rockville, MD)
Administrative fine of $900; terms and conditions. The physician affirmed in his 2008 renewal
application that he had obtained the required CME credit hours when he had not. Date of Action: January 22, 2010

Mahesh Krishnamoorthy, M.D.
Area of Practice: Internal Medicine (Hagerstown, MD)
Administrative fine of $1,175; terms and conditions. The physician affirmed in his 2008 renewal
application that he had obtained the required CME credit hours when he had not. Date of Action: January 13, 2010

Michael Mazzone, RCP
Area of Practice: Respiratory Care Practitioner (Baltimore, MD)
Suspension for 2 years; suspension stayed; Probation for a minimum of 5 years subject to terms
and conditions. The Board took action based on the health care provider’s history of illegal drug
and alcohol abuse, providing professional services while under the influence of certain substances, removing CDS on two occasions from a hospital supply, and self administering CDS on two occasions. Date of Action: January 27, 2010

Linda A. Perline, P.A.
Area of Practice: Physician Assistant (Columbia, MD)
Administrative fine of $500. The physician assistant practiced after her certificate had lapsed in violation of Md. Code Ann. Health Occ §14-401. Date of Action: January 22, 2010

Dawn M. Reisett, P.A.
Area of Practice: Physician Assistant (Frederick, MD)
Administrative fine of $500. The physician assistant practiced after her certificate had lapsed in
violation of Md. Code Ann. Health Occ §14-401. Date of Action: January 22, 2010

Roger Theodore, M.D.
Area of Practice: Surgery (Baltimore, MD)
Reprimand; Probation for a minimum of 2 years subject to terms and conditions. The Board found that the physician failed to meet the standards of quality care and keep adequate medical records in regard to 4 patients in his surgical practice. Date of Action: January 27, 2010

]]> FEBRUARY 2010

Paul Acevedo, M.D.
Area of Practice: Neurology (West Palm Beach, FL)
Stay of suspension; Probation for 5 years subject to terms and conditions. The Board determined that the physician met the requirements for reinstatement. Date of Action: February 19, 2010

Gene Benjamin Baker, P.A.
Area of Practice: Physician Assistant (Silver Spring, MD)
Administrative fine of $500. The physician assistant practiced after her certificate had lapsed in violation of Md. Code Ann. Health Occ §15-401. Date of Action: February 3, 2010

Joyce A. Bonsu, M.D.
Area of Practice: Obstetrics & Gynecology (Owings Mills, MD)
Administrative fine of $775; terms. The physician affirmed in her 2008 renewal application that she had obtained the required CME credit hours when she had not. Date of Action: February 3, 2010

Catherine Brophy, M.D.
Area of Practice: Family Medicine (Dunkirk, MD)
Reprimand; Probation for one year subject to terms and conditions. The Board determined that the physician failed to meet the standards of quality care in regard to three patients in her practice of Family Medicine. Date of Action: February 24, 2010

Allan Stuart Gold, M.D.
Area of Practice: Psychiatry (Baltimore, MD)
Termination of Probationary terms and conditions imposed by the Consent Order dated September 26, 2007. The physician has complied with the probationary terms and conditions precedent. Date of Action: February 4, 2010

Hanna A. Kifle, P.A.
Area of Practice: Physician Assistant (Lorton, VA)
Administrative fine of $500. The physician assistant practiced after her certificate had lapsed in
violation of Md. Code Ann. Health Occ §15-401. Date of Action: February 1, 2010

Kristina M. Medori, MRT
Area of Practice: Medical Radiation Technology (Newark, DE)
Administrative fine of $500. The healthcare practitioner practiced medical radiation technology
without a certificate in violation of Md. Code Ann. Health Occ §14-5B-17©. Date of Action: February 4, 2010

Willie B. Mvemba, M.D.
Area of Practice: Family Medicine (Catonsville, MD)
Reprimand; Probation for a minimum of three years and until terms and conditions are met. The Board determined that the physician failed to meet the standards of quality care and to keep adequate medical records in regard to 6 chronic pain patients in his practice of Family Medicine. Date of Action: February 24, 2010

Bhupinder Singh, M.D.
Area of Practice: Urological Surgery (Bemidji, MN)
Petition for Reinstatement denied. The Board determined that the substance abuse issues underlying the physician’s June 27, 2008 Consent Order of indefinite suspension have not been
sufficiently resolved to the satisfaction of the Board. Date of Action: February 1, 2010

Usha Varma, M.D.
Area of Practice: Obstetrics & Gynecology (Owings Mills, MD)
Termination of Probationary terms and conditions imposed by the Consent Order dated January 23, 2008. The physician has complied with the probationary terms and conditions precedent. Date of Action: February 4, 2010

Sylvia A.Warrenfeltz, M.D.
Area of Practice: General Practice (Waynesboro, PA)
Stay of suspension; Probation for a minimum of 3 years subject to terms and conditions. The Board determined that the physician met the requirements for reinstatement. Date of Action: February 19, 2010

Want to get to Spokane to watch the Terps?

2010-03-15T16:42:36Z

Well, you're almost too late. Almost. Less than 24 hours after Maryland was named the no. 4 seed in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament and set to play early rounds in the northwest, many - if not most - flights from Baltimore to Spokane have sold out.

Southwest is sold out from BWI and from Dulles. AirTran does not provide service to Spokane, unfortunately. So you're dealing with the legacy carriers, which means higher fares - especially on short notice. But there are a few flights remaining for fans who can cough up about $1,200-$1,500 for a round-trip ticket and who don't mind about 8-11 hours of travel time.

Your best bet to get there quickly: Delta Flight 1207/1707 departing BWI at 7 a.m., connecting in Salt Lake City and arriving around noon. Return flight departs Sunday around 1:30 p.m. and arrives in BWI at 11:30 p.m. It's a whopping $1,435 but avoids regional jet segments and is less than 8 hours of travel time each way.

You could also try US Airways Flight 365 departing BWI at 7 a.m. Friday and arriving in Spokane at 1:30 p.m. for $455. The return trip on Sunday will be tricky, involving a couple stops - pick your poison, all are painful. But if you're a good traveler, you can get this roundtrip for about $1,145.

If you're willing to get creative, you can fly Southwest from Philadelphia for about $728 round trip. You'll need to change planes in Las Vegas and Denver - and you'll need to figure out how you're getting back to Baltimore. But you can always use some of your savings to hire a limo - or pay for parking at the Philly airport, about $11 per day. No car? Take Amtrak and connect to the airport via SEPTA shuttle bus from the 30th Street Station. (Last pickup is around midnight, so you'll need to hustle depending on your terminal.) But where there's a will, there's a way.

If you want to fly like Greivis Vasquez, you better book your flight to Spokane today. Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr., Baltimore Sun

Royal Caribbean to offer year-round cruises into 2012

2010-03-11T19:37:15Z

Royal Caribbean will continue to offer year-round cruises from Baltimore through 2012, extending its agreement with the Port of Baltimore for another year. The cruise line had committed to a year-round schedule through April 2011, but will now sail 47 cruises during 2011 and an additional 11 cruises through April 2012.

All this and Royal Caribbean hasn't even begun offering the cruises for the first year. Its first year-round cruise launches June 18 with a New England/Canada itinerary. I guess RCCL is optimistic - and why shouldn't they be? Carnival Cruise Lines began sailing year-round cruises last year from the Port of Baltimore and since then, the port has set cruise passenger records proving the market here is strong. The Maryland Port Administration says a record 167,000 passengers embarked on 81 cruises from Baltimore in 2009. This year, the port will host 91 cruises from Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. So why not sail on silvery moon?

Even yours truly took a cruise last year and I've been thinking about taking another this year to check out the Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas, which arrives here this summer to replace the Grandeur of the Seas, which has been serving Baltimore since 2004. (Enchantment is a slightly larger vessel with more amenities.)

Better make up my mind soon - so should you - word on the dock is that cruise prices may be headed up this summer. Carnival said last month that they will raises prices by as much as 5 percent after seeing encouraging signs for 2010 bookings.

Free coffee, Target coupons: Cheap Trick Thursday

2010-03-11T12:58:51Z

Here's a roundup of some deals and discounts available now and in the near future:

--- According to this Buxr tip, Dunkin' Donuts stores are giving away free cups of iced or hot coffee on Mondays in March. The deal was e-mailed to folks who signed up to receive Dunkin' Perks e-mails about discounts. Not all stores may be participating, so please come back and comment if you discover one location does or does not honor this offer.

--- Attention Target shoppers with smart phones: (updated) ~~download~~ ~~Target's iPhone app~~ go to Target's mobile Web site, which offers users scannable coupons right on their handsets -- no clipping required. You can also sign up for text-message coupons and just show the phone at checkout.

You use the app to read the store circular and update gift registries. Conveniently, the app allows you to search for the product and if it's available in stores, it will tell you what aisle will have it.

UPDATED: But you can still save at Target even if you can't access the mobile Web. As we've told you before --- just print store circular coupons at the Target gift registry kiosk found at the front of the store.

]]> --- Save 20 percent off a pair of Kenneth Cole shoes by donating a gently worn pair of your own or cash at Kenneth Cole stores and outlets, like the one at Arundel Mills Mall. The shoes will be donated to Soles4Souls, an organization that plans to distribute the footwear in Haiti.

--- Jos. A. Bank has renewed its risk-free suit and sport coat offer for those experiencing a little job insecurity. If you buy a suit or sport coat from the retailer between now and March 28, and you lose your job involuntarily between April 5 and July 1, the store will refund your purchase price up to $199. Jos. A. Bank had offered a similar job-loss rebate in the past, one example of a trend of layoff and recession deals offered by car dealers, airlines and more.

Thanks to Kate over at Charm City Moms for the two tips above!

Now, apologies because this next one is a bit far afield:

--- Save up to 50 percent off office furniture at Office Max stores during their furniture event through March 20. Use this coupon to save an additional $15 off purchases of $150 or more. The closest locations are York, Lancaster and Hagerstown.

UPDATED: Reference this blog post to get 20 percent off picture framing this weekend at Fell's Point Frame and Design, 1622 Thames St.

Consumer Protection tips: Consumer Web Site of the Week

2010-03-10T13:15:01Z

Happy National Consumer Protection Week!

A group of consumer advocates and watchdog agencies has banded together to provide information at consumer.gov in honor of National Consumer Protection Week. Find videos and articles with more information about combating identity theft and scams as well as protecting your money. There's advice for people of all ages, including kids.

The FDIC is using this week to kick off a pledge to share new consumer tips weekly.

This week, the corp. has posted a consumer tip daily at www.fdic.gov/consumertips . Starting next week, they will post one new tip every Monday.

There's also more educational information available at the FDIC's consumer protection week site.

Free pizzas in Locust Point

2010-03-09T16:50:44Z

Dining blogger Laura Vozzella has a hot tip for scoring some not-so-hot pizza if you're in or near the Southside Marketplace in Locust Point ... and if you use Twitter. It helps if you're not picky about your toppings, too.

Apparently whenever someone calls in an order and fails to pick it up within a few hours, the manager of Ledo's Pizza gives away it away for free. Sometimes he gives away pizzas that have been made incorrectly, too.

Want to play? He tweets announcements about available pies from LedoFedHill --- and also warns slowpokes when the pizza has already been taken.