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IRS Examination

Can anybody tell me if they have ever reported an IRS examination? I have been asked to do one in a couple of weeks, and I don't believe I have ever reported one of these. I have been told that there can be any number of examiners, and I am under the impression it is an examination of a person being audited. If anyone can tell me more about these proceedings, I would really appreciate it.

Added by Lorna Brodie on February 5, 2009 at 19:27 — 9 Comments

Then and Now

I keep hearing about how slow it is and how bad it's getting out there.

Well, I think back in the 80's the court reporting field went through something similar. I'd love to hear from the reporters who were working back in the 80's and who are still working now. How does this recession compare to back then?

I think one of the problems back then was the contracting, which continues to be a problem these days with these huge firms trying to be all things.

If this… Continue

Added by Kyung on February 4, 2009 at 20:16 — 3 Comments

How are you sending wave files to scopists?

Hi there! I just read about You Convert It not being available anymore, and was wondering what other large file transfer websites are out there. I've used WhaleMail in the past, but it is so slow and usually takes 2-3 attempts at uploading, and 2-3 attempts for my scopist to download. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Added by Kimberly Bonnell on February 4, 2009 at 18:53 — 15 Comments

Away from Home Wireless connection

I have only shopped Verizon so far and learned that a wireless connection will run about $75/mo. Can anyone recommend a good and more affordable provider?

Added by Janice Arnold on February 4, 2009 at 14:01 — 7 Comments

Gemini Grand pic

This is a sweet machine! Jason has done it this time! Have used models since Gemini2 and I think he has it SO perfect on the Grand!

Added by Rhoda Collins on February 4, 2009 at 6:28 — 13 Comments

DEPOS FOR LIPKA.COM

Has anyone done any work for Lipka.com? I received a request to do depos for them and I wanted to know a little bit about the business. Any comments are welcome.

Added by Jennifer Slessinger on February 3, 2009 at 20:11 — 6 Comments

Nervous Fingers!

Hi everyone! I've been in school now since last May. I'm in the 70-90 speed now and I get so dang nervous during testing. I come home and practice and can knock out a clean 80 dictation, but can't pass a 70 at school. Any testing technics anyone can pass along so my hands don't shake like I have parkinsons?

Added by Jonathan on February 3, 2009 at 14:05 — 13 Comments

Court Reporter Board on governor's chopping block

please someone weigh in on this - the california website for proposed budget cuts is suggesting doing away with the board and instead, as I remember it, having it fall under the governance of the state bar. Seems like a conflict of interest to me - and also from what I understand, the board is self-funded and therefore this would result in no monetary benefit to the state, so what's up with that?

Added by shelly storey on February 2, 2009 at 23:44 — 2 Comments

Not only am I going deaf, but I'm going blind too.

No, seriously. I'm not going blind, nor am I going deaf. Just sometimes you feel like you're doing more lip reading than listening. The other day I actually had the attorney say to his deponent before the depo started to speak up and speak clearly and not to cover their mouth with their hands, a lot of court reporters are lip reading. The deponents say, I kid you not, I don't move my lips that much when I speak. Oh, yeah. It was a joyous depo. Not!!

Also, have you ever gotten… Continue

Added by Kyung on February 2, 2009 at 20:15 — 1 Comment

Frustrated with this field!!

I have been working in New York for about 7 months now, and I am having so much trouble getting steady work and pay. I know the holidays just passed, but it's been like this for me since the summer. I work steady for a few weeks and then barely get any work for the next month or so. Because of that, my paychecks don't come on a regular basis and I have trouble paying my bills. Is anyone else having this problem??? I am seriously considering relocating to anywhere where I can get steady work and… Continue

Added by Jennifer Benci on February 2, 2009 at 9:24 — 17 Comments

Fire - Can you help?

VERNON SAGE:

I swear, this family has had a hard 2009 already. Chris and Cheril are the parents of Bryan.

Ron and I were awoken yesteday morning at 4:30 a.m. with a very distraunt and disoriented call. Cheril was at work as she works as a reporter for her local newspaper and was filing a late story before printing.

Chris woke up to heavy, heavy smoke. It's a wonder he did because he's a very heavy sleeper, hard to wake up. He jumped up, only in jockies, started… Continue

Added by Patricia Harris Vernon on January 31, 2009 at 7:30 — 1 Comment

Gemini Revolution Grand is great!

Just got it and am testing it out. Writing with steno keys, LOL. It has the best touch! ! ! I thought the Revolution was good, but this is even better! Will do pictures soon. . . .

Added by Rhoda Collins on January 30, 2009 at 11:43 — 5 Comments

I think I blinked and missed January

Wow!! My head is spinning. This month is almost over. I can't believe it.

The good news, I haven't been writing 2008 on all my checks. Of course, that's probably just bec. I haven't been writing any checks. I'm just letting them pile up until the bill collectors arrive at my door. Just kidding. And don't worry you scopists and proofers out there. I'm still paying you on time. But it did seem extra fast to me.

The bad news. I hear in California they're not going to be… Continue

Added by Kyung on January 30, 2009 at 5:53 — 3 Comments

Okay, I love Indiana

I have discovered the Midwest. I mean, not by myself or anything, but after a life lived on either coast I was abandoned in Indiana* and I LIKE IT. There are things I miss, like good bagels, but right now I'm stuck in my log house in a snowstorm. How cool is that? Think hot cocoa and warm fireplace. And shoveling snow is very good exercise.

Does anyone else think Chicago is wonderful-er than New York and LA combined? Have you experienced a state fair where they actually have fried… Continue

Added by Tracy Revalee on January 29, 2009 at 8:30 — 6 Comments

ATTORNEYS' CHOICE IN LOS ANGELES?

HAS ANYONE ONE HEARD FROM THIS AGENCY THAT WAS LOCATED ON CENTURY PARK EAST? I'M TRYING TO LOCATE THEM.

THANKS

RENEE PACHECO

Added by Renee Pacheco on January 28, 2009 at 21:19 — 3 Comments

Losing Focus

Ok. I have 9 months left in the program and quite honestly, I am losing my focus. I know I want this so bad but it just seems like I am stuck. I could probably take some speed tests and hope that I pass but it just seems like I don't even want to practice anymore.

I just don't know at this point what I should do............................

To be continued....................

Added by Angela McPherson on January 27, 2009 at 6:29 — 12 Comments

Depository and deposition location question...

I have an attorney friend who I have been trying to get as a client for awhile. He had his own office for awhile but is now back at a firm who does construction defect. He wants to use my services but needs to be able to access a depository and have the depositions at that location. Do any of you reporters with your own clients have any suggestions on how to accomodate that. Or agencies out there too. I know one way to handle it is to use an agency's depository and depo room and the client… Continue

Added by Mary Motley O'Brien on January 26, 2009 at 10:41 — No Comments

Punctuation in Voice....

I have officially ended my third week in voice. We are now learning how to insert our punctuation into or material. I had no idea that we had to say punctuation as well while dictation.....you may be asking yourself how that is possible. Well for those of you who have had the pleasure of getting a taste of both worlds like myself (Steno and Voice) you have come to know that there are such things as "briefs". When you are doing voice and punctuation has come into play its a lot different than… Continue

Added by Malinda on January 22, 2009 at 8:30 — 3 Comments

detour through single mommyhood

So I've been doing the single parent gig this week. Man, it's a lot of work.

Kudos to all you moms and dads who do it on your own all the time.

So far, I've been working local and at decent hours w/attorneys who understand that a 12-hour depo does not a good reporter make. I've had local jobs, so even if we finished up late, I've been able to run over and pick up my daughter. I haven't had to call on the grandparents once.

However, that may change today since I… Continue

Added by Kyung on January 21, 2009 at 7:38 — 5 Comments