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RPR

Well, I just registered for the November RPR. I passed the written knowledge test in July, so this is the big test. I sat for it in May just to get an idea of how it was (with no expectations to pass any leg, which I didn't), and so I'm hoping that will help my test jitters. I am writing a solid 200+ wpm and just need my final three Q&A tests at 225 to get out there and start working. I don't need the RPR to work, technically, but really want to get it to beef up my resume. It is one thing… Continue

Added by Jackie on August 19, 2009 at 10:00 — 7 Comments

What a blur!

My first year on the job went by so fast, but with MANY bumps along the way. Needless to say, I overwhelmed myself with work, got burned out, rejuvenated myself, and now there's not much work to be had in my area. I guess that's how it goes.

I definitely LIKE court reporting. I'm so looking forward to the day that I LOVE it. As a student I never realized how much work it would require. At school I'd transcribe a couple of times a week. It'd be a ten page transcript at that. I was not… Continue

Added by Naomi on August 17, 2009 at 22:36 — 1 Comment

Please help with sending an audio file in Case

Ok, I have a problem. I'm trying to send an audio file to a scopist. The way I do my files is this: I keep one file for a full day of court. If I get a transcript request for a hearing for that day I just save the requested portion to another file name and then I associate the audio with that file. When I try to send that new file over to a scopist it will not let me send the audio. The only way I could figure out how to send it was to send the entire audio file for the full day of court and… Continue

Added by Crystal Chilton on August 14, 2009 at 14:08 — 4 Comments

An Alternative for Freelance Court Reporters

The freedom of being a freelance court reporter is attractive to many court reporting professionals across the country, but the reality of the current economy is making this a difficult career choice. Court reporting agencies offer an alternative to reporters who want to keep their flexibility but want some added security.

Freelancing is a tough job,… Continue

Added by Huseby Inc. on August 13, 2009 at 11:30 — 4 Comments

Steno Briefs

Anyone know of easy to remember brief for: I know, I mean, I just???

I am so tired of writing those out. I have a terrible memory when it comes to briefs.

Added by maura johnson on August 12, 2009 at 10:35 — 6 Comments

One of those doh moments

Don't you just hate it when you read back wrong. The question is perfectly correct on the screen and for whatever reason, what comes out of your mouth is not what is on your screen.

For instance, today the name was Jim so-and-so. I read John so-and-so, when the screen said clear as day Jim so-and-so. It kills me bec. then the attorney says this is how you spell the last name and by the way the name is Jim so-and-so. Of course, it's all videotaped.

It's one of those times… Continue

Added by Kyung on August 11, 2009 at 19:23 — 7 Comments

my thoughts on health insurance

Sadly, the town hall meetings that congresspeople are having are being reduced to shouting matches. I fear that what happened with health care reform in 1993 will happen now again. That means that my government will have burned me twice, getting my hopes up that I will be able to afford health insurance and then dashing my hopes and not knowing where to turn. It was an issue for me in 1993 and an even bigger issue now.

In 2008 my husband got laid off and I was the breadwinner of the family… Continue

Added by Lisa Breiter on August 10, 2009 at 15:14 — 2 Comments

ECLIPSE SCOPIST NEEDED

Experienced and reliable Eclipse Scopist needed immediately for overflow work.

Added by anita t. shemin on August 7, 2009 at 3:55 — 1 Comment

Showing off the new writer, The DIAMANTE, in Knoxville, TN.

I am going to be in Knoxville, TN on August 12th, showing it off so if you want to view this writer just let me know.

Added by Nina Edwards on August 6, 2009 at 10:56 — 5 Comments

Freelance reporting services in Rapid City (Black Hills) SD

I am new to CSRnation. How do I post my freelance services on here in the Black Hills, SD area? I am living in Rapid City, SD.

Thanks!

Cindy Gloe

Added by Cynthia Gloe on August 6, 2009 at 8:54 — No Comments

machine and software

I was wondering what are the feelings of buying a new machine and professional software verses a refurbished one. I am graduating and looking at prices. A refurbished machine and software is about $2300 cheaper then going all new. I just don't want to regret it in a year and end up putting out the money for a new machine then.

Added by Pam Mcclain on August 6, 2009 at 6:36 — 2 Comments

On-line NCRA certified schools

I am hoping to begin an on-line court reporting program in the near future and would greatly appreciate hearing from on-line students or graduates from certified programs. On-line isn't my top choice, but there's not a program near me that I can attend. Joanne

Added by Joanne Wilson on August 1, 2009 at 20:11 — 2 Comments

Any Other Dinosaurs Out There?

I was just looking at Jennie's blog about her HP printer, and it got me thinking how if I never printed another transcript page in my lifetime, I'd be thrilled. I now send in all of my work via e-mail. I have come to take it for granted, I guess, how much better things are today than they used to be.

I can remember working on a transcript on my Baron Oz system. I bought it with another court reporter, because the monthly payments were about the same as a mortgage payment. I would… Continue

Added by Janet on August 1, 2009 at 14:17 — 15 Comments

Nixon Using Hidden Tape Recorders in Oval Office

Unbeknownst to many of his visitors in the Oval Office, President Richard Nixon had hidden microphones throughout his office that recorded all conversations. I just read an article this morning about the National Archives trying to get 18 minutes of missing audio transcribed pertaining to Watergate:… Continue

Added by Jennie Ann on August 1, 2009 at 2:00 — 1 Comment

Lesson Learned: My Brand-New HP Laserjet Printer

My HP Laserjet 1320 printer died. I researched the HP printers and ended up geting the HP Laserjet P2050DN. I didn't need the "DN," but they were out of the regular HP Laserjet P2050. It must be a popular model. The "N" stands for network, which I don't have. I don't know what the "D" means, at least not yet.

So I plugged it up, placed the toner cartridge in it, and then let it self-install with the HP CD.

I was so bummed, as the printer just would not print. I tried… Continue

Added by Jennie Ann on July 31, 2009 at 12:31 — 6 Comments

CHEESECAKE DAY !

Today is National Cheesecake Day. Yes, we now have cheesecake to celebrate.
The nationwide chain, The Cheesecake Factory, is debuting a new flavor today: Stephanie's Cheesecake.
It's a Red Velvet layered cake/cheesecake. You can also get your favorite slice of cheesecake today for half off if you have a meal in one of their restaurants today. Any flavor.

So, go get your cheese on :D

Added by April McMillan, CRR, RPR, CSR on July 30, 2009 at 9:34 — 5 Comments

Swearing in Witness

For those of you working as deposition reporters, would you be so kind as to give me the exact wording on the oath that you give to witnesses? Is there a standard oath? Is it okay to use your own wording as long as certain specific words are there? Working in court for my entire reporting career, the Clerk swears in all witnesses, so I've never had the "honor" of doing it. BTW I am a p/t instructor at a court reporting school, and your answers will benefit future court… Continue

Added by Kaleisha Straughter on July 29, 2009 at 22:20 — 10 Comments

Got to Disney in June and it was awesome!

I loved it too! I got to chat with Prince Caspian (above) also and was tongue tied, lol. I love Narnia!

Added by Rhoda Collins on July 29, 2009 at 19:31 — 7 Comments

Readback

I took Volume II of a depo. Volume I was taken by a completely different reporter. I am a 5'2 Korean woman. The reporter for Volume I, the day before, was a tall, blonde white woman.

At the start of the depo, the attorney turned to me and asked me to read the last question from the day before.

I just looked at him for a second. I was so amazed my mind actually went blank. I reminded him that I wasn't the reporter from the day before.

I know we're… Continue

Added by Kyung on July 29, 2009 at 9:09 — 4 Comments

Things you wish you could say during a depo

Feel free to talk over each all you want, I'm not listening.

I write at 225 wpm, I will drop all words starting at the 226th word and on for those minutes you choose to speak at 300 wpm.

Do you think the room has been struck deaf. We can all hear you whispering really loudly to your client and chances are that counsel can hear you instructing your client and I can hear you. Take it outside if you don't want it on the record.

Why do you think I am a lip reader… Continue

Added by Kyung on July 29, 2009 at 9:03 — 19 Comments