Here is a list...

craig's list [2008-11-21]
Not all craig's list posts are scams. I actually found one of my accounts on craig's list and have been transcribing for this particular group for about a year and a half. I did see the job posting you are talking about and I agree with the other posters....This one looks fishy. It's probably one of those we will train you but you have to pay for it scams... Stay away.

a list [2008-11-19]
x-ray ultrasound CT/CTA MRI/MRA mammograms DEXA scans (bone densitometry) nuclear medicine scans PET/PET-CT and a slew of special procedures (invasive) such as: tube/port placement angiograms arteriorgrams angioplasties epidural injections biopsies to name a few.

Can I transfer instant text word list to autocorrect?? [2008-11-02]
Hi all. Well I have a ton of entries stored in my Instant Text program. The problem is, that now that I am using Editscript version 8 instead of version 6, whenever I use my instant text program, it freezes up on me.. So I am just wondering, is there any way that I can transfer over my IT word lists over to autocorrect in microsoft word?? I think this is the only text Expander I can use with editscript 8. I really appreciate any help with this!!

Ok, here's my list...... [2008-10-24]
1. Coffee 2. AC - Have to be cool (it's 93 in southern CA today) 3. Quiet 4. Burt's Bee's lip balm. 5. Hand lotion 6. My desk/chair/keyboard all adjusted just right. 7. Snacks like grapes or yogurt-covered raisins. I think that covers it!!

Sorry, there is not a list of user names & I didn't know "just me" qualified as a taken nam [2008-10-23]
x

Autocorrect list of everyday [2008-10-20]
I am looking for a list of everyday short phrases that we type alot because I know I am missing some. Is there a website that has a list? Also, is there a way to compilea list from the reports we type to show which phrases and wordsare used the most? Isn't there software that does this? Thanks a lot

Compiling a phrase and word list [2008-10-20]
The software that does this is Instant Text. IT can make a list of the most frequently used words and phrases in your transcription. You select the folder of files you want Instant Text to read through and in a few seconds your list is done. Instant Text also includes a number of glossaries ready to be used. See link: http://www.textware.com/itfeature/glossary2page.htm I guess that is what you are looking for. If you have any questions you can email me. Marianne Textware Solutions

Did you find a list at this website? [2008-10-20]
I went to this site but when I clicked on the download link there was not a list there. Does anyone know how to find this list or one similar to it? Thanks

Did you get the list off this site? [2008-10-20]
Hi, I couldn't find theautocorrectlist on this site. Can you please email it to me. Thanks

Personally, I would prefer to build my own list versus [2008-10-07]
using a premade list. If you build it yourself, you know what's in there and you use a system that is comfortable for you. It takes time, but it's well worth it. Quite frankly, I think this smacks of wanting someone else to do the hard work for you, taking the easy way.

I have this list saved [2008-10-07]
(as a 2-column document) and then every now and then will print out 10 pgs or so at random. Then, when I'm watching TV, will scan through them to see if anything jumps out at me as something I should add, or trigger an aha! Then I make notes and add them to my Expander using my system.

The Joint Commission's Dangerous Abbreviation List... SM [2008-10-03]
applies to written entries on a patient's chart, i.e. nurses' notes, doctor's orders, etc. For some insane reason, someone somewhere decided to apply it to transcription as well which is just silly. I work for a facility that has decided not to force transcription to strictly adhere to the dangerous abbreviation list and Joint Commission has not counted it against them in the last three audits. I will say most MTs where I work do not use qhs, qac or qd. We expand those out becauseWE (the transcription department) decided that we should for clarification purposes.

so is there such thing as a black list? [2008-09-03]
I just got cut loose and I was only with them for two weeks. I had never used escription/editscribe and that was mainly only thing I was struggling with. I was finally I think getting it and I have two years experience in transcription. Is it legal for a company you sign wi6ht to only give you two weeks? Always thought they were suppose to give someone a month. Especially if you have never used the platform/software and never really got any good training on it. I have put resumes out for many companies needing help and I have not heard anything back. Is there such thing as a black list if so how do I see or find out if my name is on it? If anyone knows how please let me know thanks!

There was a posting regarding a black list [2008-09-02]
The poster was having a hard time finding employment because she had a disagreement with her supervisor and got fired. I was having the same problem (although I quit and didn't get fired) so I removed them from my resume. Guess what? I start a new job (outside the home and NOT transcription)next week. I'm excited to be inching my way out of this business. The money in transcription sucks and I'm tired of paying my own taxes, insurance, etc. Bye ya'll.

WordPerfect numbered list help please! [2008-08-28]
Just starting to use WordPerfect, so unfamiliar with it. I can't get numbered list feature set properly. I can get it to number, think I have it set, and then when I save the document, close, and reopen, it has changed. Pulling my hair out here :) Any help is appreciated.

Common Error List [2008-08-26]
Does anyone have a common error list that a new MT could use? I have been doing transcription for about 6years now and am starting to edit a new MT's work. I know I had a common error list with another company I worked with, but I tossed it when I ended my contract (I know, never throw away a resource! I am kicking myself now). I just was curious if someone had one and was willing to share :0) Thanks in advance! Kristen

common error list [2008-08-26]
You might try a yahoo search for common error list in MT. I am sure you will come up with something that could be helpful.

macro to import expansion list into MSWord Autocorrect [2008-08-23]
Here is mymacro that will import your expansions into MSWord. Your list needs to be in the following format for this macro to work: tp=the patient copd=COPD chf=CHF There needs to be a hard return at the end of each entry. If you have any expansions that contain an equal sign or a hard return, you will need to enter those into your autocorrect manually. Here is the macro: Sub Add2AutoCorrectList()Dim AddName, AddValue As StringDim W, C, A, L, Y, T, N As LongDim CountWords As BooleanSelection.WholeStory: Selection.CollapseN = ActiveDocument.Words.Count: C = 0: A = 0: T = 0ScreenUpdating = FalseWhile N 0x = Selection.MoveEndUntil(cset:=(=), Count:=wdForward) If x = 0 Then End End IfSelection.MoveEndUntil cset:=(=), Count:=wdForwardAddName = Trim(Selection.Text)L = Selection.Words.CountWith Selection .Delete: .Delete .MoveEndUntil cset:=Chr$(13), Count:=wdForwardEnd WithAddValue = Trim(Selection.Text)Y = Selection.Words.CountAutoCorrect.Entries.Add (AddName), Value:=(AddValue)Selection.Delete , Count:=2T = L + 2N = N - TC = C + 1A = A + 1If N 1000 ThenScreenUpdating = TrueN = ActiveDocument.Words.CountEnd If If A = 100 ThenApplication.ScreenRefresh'ScreenUpdating = TrueStatusBar = N C entries processed!A = 0End IfWend End Sub One word of warning: When I posted a line counting macro here some time ago, I could not get a quote mark in the code topost, so the macro as posted would not work, and I had to followup with a post explaining how to correct that. This macro is a bit more complicated than the other one was, and although I will look at the code as soon as this posts, if it doesn't come through perfectly, and you don't understand my corrections, you can e-mail and I will send it to you. Also, I wrote a companion macro that will list your autocorrect into a document so that you can import it into another computer or just keep it as a backup in case you lose your normal.dot.

Is there a black list for MT's? I feel like giving up. [2008-08-03]
I have been actively looking for work for the pastseven months and had nothing but no luck at all in getting a job. A majority of my experience was with the last company that I worked for (3 years with 99% QA) and we had a disagreement about time off and low and behold they fired me for poor work performance. This didn't go unchallenged but I feel that they are a big reason why I cannot find work. I am just ready to scream. There has to be a way to get past this (like get a job) but how? One transcription company with only one supervisor should not have the say over my future as a transcriptionist! I am so frustrated. Thanks for letting me vent and I would appreciate any ideas out there to help me through this. I am not a bad MT!

list [2008-07-23]
Try this site: www.mtdaily.com/mtcos.html. It lists companies by state with web sites and contacts. This is how I found the job I have now. Good luck and best wishes.

MTSO list [2008-07-22]
I have worn the keys off my keyboard searching every way I can think of to find a MTSO to apply for work with, other than those commonly named here. If anyone knows of a list or can suggesta way to search, I would be grateful.

Here's a link to a good list of organisms I use. [2008-07-14]
Just in case the link doesn't work, copy and paste. http://www.indiana.edu/~tmrna/menus/listalpha.html

Add me to the list of another unpaid [2008-07-05]
I will very happily disclose the name of this company and owner's name and any other info anyone else would like if I do not receive pay soon. I don't want ANYONE else to fall into the same TRAP I have fallen into......Good luck to me. Who wants to be forced to get nasty for not being rightfully paid what they are owed? This is so irritating and I shouldn't be fighting this battle, nor should anyone else. I'm willing to go all the way though, even if it costs me more than I'm owed to teach this MTSO a lesson. *sigh*

I need step-by-step instructions to make a macro in word that aligns automatic numbered list to the [2008-06-27]
HELP!!!!! Thanks in advance.

aligns the list to the left...sorry nm [2008-06-27]
nm

I'm getting another flashdrive and guessing who is on it [2008-12-03]
Okay, last Thanksgiving weekend, my new doctor gave me a flashdrive and I did all the patients, and then she told me nine of them had been done, how did I want to handle that? You all were very kind in giving advice. This was after a girl walked away and left them not knowing up or down on who is done and who is not. Today, she called me and asked me questions about dates and patients. She said she is busy and doesn't really have time to see what is actually on the flashdrives. We're meeting in the morning and she is going to give me another one (or two or three). Should I volunteer to listen and make a patient list, or should I tell her I will type all the patients and expect to be paid for them. I don't want to spend my time listening and not getting paid, honestly. But then I want to try and hold onto this job, having just got laid off from an office with more than one physician (thanks to Cbay). You guys are experts and thank you.

Tell her you will type what is on it, [2008-12-03]
especially if you did not charge the first time for the duplicate reports as you have been down this road before. Definitely do not WASTE your time by listening through first and making a patient list. You might suggest that the doctor separate his reports out in teh future as he dictates and then the office staff can make a list and give to you with the flashdrives. That way, if there is a patient on the list and you do not get you, you can let them know.

You know the [2008-12-03]
old saying, give 'em an inch and they'll take a mile . . . you have given them their inch already. I don't believe they would be able to find someone else to do that for them at no charge, do you? I'm sure she is being paid for the time that she works, be it by the hour or salary. I know how it feels to want to keep an account of your own, especially under the circumstances you mentioned in your last post, but I do not think you should continue to help out for free. It's not fair, and more than that it is abuse. I would probably try to find a nice way of letting her know that you do want the account, but cannot afford the time to help out for free. Maybe say something like, when you determine which ones you need to have transcribed, give me a call and I can pick up the drive and list of those done right away. There's nothing wrong with keeping a list of transcribed patients to let them know which ones you transcribed, IMHO, but if there are some that they do not want you to transcribe then they need to let you know which ones they are. I have a sneaking suspicion that with the last ones she gave you, she knew some had been done and did not have time to figure that out beforehand, and did not even mention that to you until afterwards. They really should've had the last girl keeping a list of what she had transcribed, and then they would not be in this predicament. I would just try to be as pleasant and professional in my responses to her, but do not let her have you sorting out her mess at no charge.

This account is sounding like both old MT sm [2008-12-03]
and the office staff are extremely disorganized. Other than making a list of the patients you transcribed, I would not get involved in any pre-transcription listmaking. That's the office's job. What should be happening is that they give you 1 jump drive for every 1 or 2 days' dictation ALONG WITH PATIENT LISTS FOR THOSE TWO DAYS. They have patient schedules in the office or a sign-in sheet, I am sure. They can at least provide you with those. As far as duplicates, state very firmly that due to the state of the records prior to you doing their transcription, they are probably going to have some duplicates and that you expect to be paid for everything you type. This is simply a cost of doing business the way they have been doing it in the past (or associating themselves with) and they are going to have to eat that cost. It's not your problem. If they give you any trouble with any of this, I would drop the account immediately and let them find a sucker to do free typing for them.

If it's ok with you if your health records [2008-12-02]
go to some filthy disgusting third-world country, at the expense of your own job and livelihood, be my guest. FYI HIPAA laws are only for this country. they can do whatever they want with your private health records. It's not just fires. The QA sucks, communication barriers suck, economic consequences of MTs who have lost their jobs BECAUSE of greedy Indian MTs,.... List goes on. Go ahead and be a bleeding heart, but don't be surprised when your job security stops beating as well.

Thanks [2008-12-01]
Thanks all for the input, which seems positive. Is anyone finding them uncomfortable? I'll be putting them on my Christmas list and give hubby the web page for Bose.

At least they asked you how you wanted to handle it. SM [2008-12-01]
They could have just not paid you for those dictations or they could have just called you up and told you they weren't going to pay you for that those dictations. As it is, they attempted to be diplomatic, I guess. I would, in a friendly way, say something like I wish I would have known which ones had already been typed before I started typing. I could have skipped over the ones already done. And then ask with the next group of dictations, if any have been transcribed that they provide you with a list up front. But I agree with everyone else, I would let them have this one since they are probably scrambling to try to figure out the mess that the former girl left.But if it happens again, I would put my foot down and let them know you're not in the business of typing for free.

I am always surprised to hear [2008-11-26]
so much of that goes on, and I can't believe people feel okay about doing it. I don't notice it happening in my company, but I guess I can't say for sure. The only time I have ever chosen other than the top of the pool list is when I only have a very few minutes left of my shift and know I would go over with the top choice. It does suck when you end up getting tons of a crappy dictator. That happens, but I always assume it is just because that particular dictator sent a bunch of work at that time.

That's too many steps in a dialog box. [2008-11-22]
Word 2003 has a List Number style already formatted at the left margin that you can assign a keyboard shortcut to, then switch back to your default paragraph style after your list with Ctrl + Q. Or you can turn on automatic numbering in the AutoCorrect/AutoFormat as You Type tab. Type your 1 and period and auto numbering starts. You'll get the auto indent, but you can hit Alt + Shift + left arrow to move the list to the left margin. You can shorten that shortcut by assigning something like Alt+L to the OutlinePromote command in the customize keyboard dialog box under all commands.

You're not the only one. [2008-11-22]
Some I don't have at all, BUT not because I lost them, because they weren't dictated. I keep a physical list of all reports on each tape I do and if it's not on the tape, it's not on the list. I mentioned this to the sec. once before in my defense when she's said he dictated such and such when he actually only thought he did or accidentally taped over it something, kwim? Thishappens with my doc. He swears he dictates it because I put a checkmark on the file. But when? Before or after he dictates? He doesn't tell me. It got to the point that I would not erase the tapes (when he was doing tapes) and if there was dictation missing, he could easily check it himself. Also, it could be that there may be someone in the office throwing out the dictation because there is no patient name on it (I have no patient list and have to go by his dictated names). I'm sure that was done to me if the secretaries couldn't figure out which patient it was. It aggravates me when he tells me re-dictation; well, actually, grates on my nerves because it looks like my mistake when it's not. Yet, I have to put 're-dictation' under the heading so he knows it was redone.

craig's list [2008-11-21]
Not all craig's list posts are scams. I actually found one of my accounts on craig's list and have been transcribing for this particular group for about a year and a half. I did see the job posting you are talking about and I agree with the other posters....This one looks fishy. It's probably one of those we will train you but you have to pay for it scams... Stay away.

I don't post here super often but I could use some thoughts (m) [2008-11-21]
and support. Don't flame me for sounding weak or needy. I had a client call me out of the blue today (actually his secretary called me) and told me that I was no longer transcribing his letters. But were clear I'd still be transcribing for his partner. I asked why, she said she didn't know what his gripe was but that he made her be the bad guy. It feels personal to me, not because he did it on a personal level, but I guess it hurts like a personal attack because my work is very serious to me and I'd hate to think that he thought I wasn't do my job well enough. I know I was. I often felt undermined or a little accused by the staff at times. I was supposed to pick up x number of times per week and about a month ago they called and said now, how often ARE you picking up? which sounded like they were not believing I was coming when I should. I pick up after hours, have my own key. Other times I'll get lists of reports they need. Some I've given them weeks or months earlier. Some I don't have at all, BUT not because I lost them, because they weren't dictated. I keep a physical list of all reports on each tape I do and if it's not on the tape, it's not on the list. I mentioned this to the sec. once before in my defense when she's said he dictated such and such when he actually only thought he did or accidentally taped over it something, kwim? Things are so tight for us right now as they are for so many of us. I guess I just need to vent and ask if this has happened to others? Where you felt undermined and let go unfairly? Or if you've just had doctors come and go every so often for really no good reason? I feel bad. These doctors' wives are my friends (were before I worked for him) and I think that makes it feel more personal. I've been very good about and tried really hard not to mention personal in the office or the office when I see them socially so the two are separate. I just feel like he was unhappy with me and I often wondered if he was just by the questions the girl asked me and made me feel like she thought I wasn't doing my job right. But I really thought if HE had a problem, HE would talk to me so I was okay. Guess not, huh? Thanks if you even read this far. If you have a prayer or two to spare for me that it all works out, that I find work fast to replace this income and that my family doesn't feel any effects from it. Also that the relationship and my feelings are healed, that I can overcome it. I'd just appreciated any shared experiences. Thanks. (P.S. Not in the best frame of mind right now, so I apologize for any typos or errors. This is my disclaimer that I'm not going to proofread this, lol).

location: worldwide (red flag!) [2008-11-20]
compensation: $50 (red flag!), is it per page, per hour, per day... as i understand it, craig's list is to sell items to local parties. It is not where i would look for, or respond to a job from.

interruptions in your day [2008-11-17]
Hi all! I have been at this now for about 9-1/2 years and now that I have gotten serious about trying to work it like a normal job, it seems EVERYTHING gets in the way!!! arrgh. I work for two companies, one with assigned doctors (not much work) and one with pool work. I am struggling to consistently work enough hours doing the pool work. The money is good and the lines are decent, but it seems I have a hard time committing to it. With the assigned doctors, they have XX patients, and I know I do those patients and I am done. I can't seem to finish out my time with the pool work. It is just stupid. Anyway, after giving it a bit of thought this weekend, I decided to work my schedule like this. I will say because I have done assigned docs for so long, I am geared towards having a schedule of XX patients to work through and I don't have that with the pool work. 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. 6-10 pool work, 10-12 assigned doc, 12-4 pool work. The issue I am having is my phone is ringing or there are issues with the kids, etc. So already this morning, basically 4 hours today have been shot due to phone/kids (HUGE ordeal this morning - I still have two kids at home, 16 and 17 - the joy of parenthood hehe). I just feel like I can't get anywhere. Currently I am doing the assigned doc and of course no one is calling, no drama, etc., so I will go right through his work with no problems. How do those of you who do pool work schedule yourselves? I think if I could ever get myself on a schedule with the pool work, which there is plenty of, I would drop the assigned doctor. My thinking is December 31 Maybe my brain is just stuck on checking off patients on a list instead of playing beat the clock doing the pool work HELP!!!!!

RE: Background color on typing screen [2008-11-15]
Thanks for all of your suggestions. The closest I could come to what I had done before was: Start, control panel, display, appearance (advanced tab), Item: (dropdown list - chose application background), color1: (dropdown color choices - chose aqua and clicked OK. It didn't make my typing screen for MT work aqua as it had been before. Wish I could find my instructions !!!!

At wits end...sm [2008-11-13]
I am getting about 15 hours of work now a week. The company I am with cannot give me a backup account because they have all the MTs they need on all accounts. Actually more than they need on accounts. I have been with them longer than any other MT on this account. But we got a list of MTs working and what accounts they work on a while back and I have been with them longer than just about all the MTs except maybe 1 or 2 and I am the only one without a backup account. I remember when I first started with them because I was at the bottom of the totem pole for a while I had my backup account taken to give to another MT who had been there longer. Now it is me who has been there longer than most all of them and no backup account. Why can't they do something to make sure I have a little more work? Maybe it is beyond their control. I even am willing to make it on 20 hours a week. If they could just give me 5 more hours. I have applied with SO many companies. Can't tell you how many resumes I have sent out. BUT without 2 years exp you can hang it up and I have 1-1/2 years. Also I have clinic exp and not acute care. I guess that is where my problem lies. I am not even asking for full time. All I am asking for is 20 hours at least. I talked to the manager of the company who is over MTs. I know the owner. A really nice man. Should I run this by him? Or should Ijust leave it with the manager and not tell the owner?

Oh brother, the period thing again! [2008-11-12]
Mr John Smith - my docs would throw this back at me, they still use M.D. not MD, and the periods in the phone #s instead of hyphens, they hate that as well. When I was taught at an ivy league university I was told disk was in the eye only, not in the spine. Now what's the rule? It has changed with every edition. Go along to get along, I guess, more money down the porcelain bowl. Thanks for replying. Still have to obey who pays me. Perhaps we could list what preferences get thrown back at us. It's getting too darned confusing. What happened to artistic license, we are artists after all, we painta pretty picture for what is thrown at us to figure out the mess. There are no jobs so we have to tolerate it. Even Welcome to Walmart doesn't have any openings, not that I checked but the thought crossed my mind.

My way of doing things sm [2008-11-12]
My shortcuts started with Mary Morkin's list 10 years ago. I have added a lot of things because she didn't do much cardio, ophtho or ENT, but she did do OPs, as I do. You start with a root word, we'll use irritate as an example. The pattern states: The first 2 letters of the first word or part and the first 2 letters of the second word or part. Irritate is irta as the root on this scheme. irtad=irritated irtas=irritates irtaj=irritation irta-irritate Just for an example. J added gives you the -tion or -sion sound S added is plural D added is -d as in ed N or C (depending on what fits) will give you -ance or -ence Y will give you -ly x=expanded anything C=C as in dx=diagnosis dxs=diagnoses dxc=diagnotic dxd=diagnosed bil becomes bilateral, but bily becomes bilaterally. spta=spontaneous and sptay=spontaneously You can add things like CAD and CHF chf=CHF chfx=congestive heart failure cad=CAD cadx=coronary artery disease sst=since that time phh=patient has had hhh=he has had shh=she has had atp=at this point awti=at which time (note an extra letter that prevents a crossover) att=at this time atht=at that time You have to have exceptions because there are too many things that have similarities with the above. In mine, cardiac stuff is mostly an exception. hedis=heart disease hefai=heart failure depec=deltopectoral It is best if the exceptions fall within a body system. I have lot of vascular words because I do a lot of vascular surgery and cardiac surgery. ica=internal carotid artery eca=external carotid artery sfa=superficial femoral artery and so on. If you have to type headers, and I do, I have used a C for capped words. prdxc=PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS I don't include punctuation at the end of my expansions because typing a colon, a period or a comma will expand things. I type prdxc than then : and I get PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: Saves strokes. You should be able to translate this easily enough given the above rules: hpix: tp is here WI atfx and chfx pri to cavej tomo. Tp wil hv a preop ec bf the proc. Tp wil be on plav for a yr afwa, and a rx ws gvn to tp tod. OR: HISTORY OF PRESENT ILLNESS: The patient is here for atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure prior to cardioversion tomorrow. The patient will have a preoperative echocardiogram before the procedure. The patient will be on Plavix for a year afterward, and a prescription was given to the patient today. I have plenty of doctor's names in there too, if I have to type them out all the time, like my cardiology fellows. bbmd becomes Benjamin Bratt, MD or M.D. depending on what account it pertains to. The longest things are stuff like asap for as soon as possible and amap as much as possible. I don't have many of those. Nw tht I hv inrud your train of thot wi my expar thots...you cn se what I mean here. Gvn what I do it works jus fin!

You could try just stating in a letter [2008-11-11]
They may or may not decide to keep you. You don't really ask as an IC. You state as an IC. You will risk them finding cheaper services. So, you need to ask yourself if it is worth losing the account for a few more cents per line. The only other thing you could do is attach an administrative fee to each bill and let them know it is for tasks not related to the actual production; this would be a little raise. The bottom line is that raises are nonexistent as an IC. Normally what quote you've given them in the start of the work is what they expect to pay or they'll find someone cheaper like an offshore company. I wouldn't stir the waters if I was you, but that's just me. I tried to barter with one account over a raise and the doctor met me halfway. I was being paid per page. I had to drop him though because once I raised the rate, he quit paying me on time. I guess I was last on the list. He switched to me doing handwritten note dictation (no dictation). It was hard on the neck and eyes, so I quit.

You will want to sway the easiest way for you [2008-11-11]
If it is a one-doctor practice, you want to purchase the handheld. Try www.transcriptiongear.com for options regarding either FTP or call-in system depending on the volume. www.vancedigital.com offers an FTP site that is easy to use and you pay on usage; fairly inexpensive. I would suggest for tapes that you give them a list of courier services because once you start to pick and drop off work and tapes you'll lose valuable time. I like to get out during the week so I do deliver but the pay is awesome and I can't bring myself to not pick up, plus it allows me to network. Sticky notes a great idea. I was actually thinking a pen with my business name on it, but haven't gone that route as of yet. Good luck to you.

Would you care to show us where -- sm [2008-11-05]
you got that bit of information? Or is it just another item on a MTSO's wish list?

Poll: Earnings vs Expenses [2008-11-05]
1. What are your monthly earnings -- just you (no spousal income) -- doesn't matter how many jobs....monthly earnings? 2. Do you work more than one job? 3. What is your base line rate? If you have more than 1 job, list all base rates. 4. Now what is the minimum bring-home pay you need to survive each month? This is your housing, energy, transportation, insurances, food -- what you have to have to make it. 5. What's the difference? Are you in the hole? Got surplus? Breaking even? My answers: 1. About $3100 each month. 2. One job. 3. $0.095 cpl plus some incentive bonus each month. 4. $2287 gets everything paid. Savings and pocket money not included in that figure. 5. Surplus but not much. Trying to save as much as possible and have a few greenbacks in my wallet each week.

Not so. [2008-11-04]
Check out this web site for a list of groups exempt from federal wage and hour laws: www.dol.gov/compliance/guide/minwage.htm . It does NOT include production workers as being exempt from these laws, if they are employees. IC status, of course, is totally different. Production workers are entitled to minimum wage, overtime, and paid training time if required by the employer. That is why large companies like MQ and Spheris require that you punch a time clock and pay you overtime, minimum wage, and training time. They are not doing it out of the goodness of their hearts! They are much too large to stay under the radar of the Dept of Labor, and there are big penalties to companies for violating these requirements.

Thanks for the heads up on the Belkin. I'm crossing [2008-11-03]
this one off my list for sure...I've had to use that type of keyboard before where you have to push too hard on the keys - not good!

Expanders [2008-10-31]
Hi, I use Instant Text and absolutely love it! However, I did check out the websites you listed here. The first one, vsisystems, I would not go with for sure, as there are typos and incorrect grammar on their website. I mean, that is not good advertisement at all - - lol! The second one in the list, soft411, doesn't sound as if it is for Word, it sounds as if it has more to do with getting around on the Internet, but I may be wrong. The third one in the list, thinkabdul, is a little confusing to me; so, I don't know about that one. Just my thoughts on the matter. Instant Text does take a little bit of time to get used to, but once you do, it is wonderful.