Practice Video: 180 200 Jury Charge
This is a jury charge practice at 180 and 200. I found this great video on You Tube created by user name, Moss4ACI. It includes some useful briefs at the beginning of the video as well as briefs and phrases further along in the video. It also includes a great read back of the material that includes proper punctuation.
Medical Monday: Astigmatism
Astigmatism is characterized by blurred or distorted vision. According to Wikipedia, it is “the inability of the optics of the eye to focus a point object into a sharp focused image on the retina.”
Machine Briefs:
Option #1: astigmatism= A/STIG/MA/TIFM
Option #2: astigmatism= A/STIG/TIFM
Option #3: astigmatism= A/STIG/MAFMT
Option #4: astigmatism= A/STIG/MAFM
Steno Fitness: Building Balance (Beginner Yoga)
The Dangers Of Prolonged Sitting: Part 1
For a few years, I would sit at my machine for HOURS at a time writing, in a quest to master steno. After doing some research, I’ve started to make sure that I take a break every couple of hours and do some exercises. A sedentary lifestyle can be harmful to your health. Be sure to take breaks and take care of yourself. We are such perfectionists. We often focus on the job at hand, and forget about tending to ourselves. Remember, you are at your most effective when your health is at its best. TAKE CARE OF YOU!
Friday Phrases

assault with a deadly weapon= SDWEP
digestive system= DFJS
digestive tract= DRAKT
déjà vu= DAIFJ
video game= VAOG
video games= VAOGS
gas station= GAIGS
police station= PLAIGS
radio station= RAOGS
train station= TRAIGS
subway station= SBAIGS
vantage point= VAPT
vehicular homicide= VAOEKDZ
vehicular manslaughter= VAOEMTS
RPR Reference Materials
I spoke to an NCRA representative today to get some advice on what to study for the upcoming examination. She told me that a new study guide was slated to come out this year, although she wasn’t certain of the exact date, as it has not been announced yet. She also directed me to a part of the website that lists the following materials as references for the written knowledge part of the test:
All references are the most recent editions, unless otherwise noted.
Business
Dictionary of Business Terms
(Barron’s)
Dictionary of Insurance Terms
(Barron’s)
Robert’s Rules of Order
Computer
Ask Mr. Modem! (2nd ed)
Dictionary of Computer and
Internet Terms (Barron)
Sherman’s Guide to Web Sites
Windows Help
General
Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations
Dictionary (Merriam-Webster’s)
NCRA (Journal of Court Reporting,
web site, Policies and Procedures
Manual, other)
Grammar
Glossaries for Court Reporters
Grammar for Court Reporters
Gregg Reference Manual
Morson’s English Guide for Court
Reporters
Proofreading Manual [A Guide for
Court Reporters, Scopists, and
Proofreaders]
Legal
ADA Information
Black’s Law Dictionary (8th)
The Bluebook: A Uniform System of
Citations
Federal & State Rules of Civil and
Appellate Procedures
Federal Register
IRS Publication
Special Interest Groups (e.g. AAJ,
ABA)
Medical
Health Professional’s Drug Guide
Stedman’s Medical Dictionary (28th ed)
Technology
Alternative Realtime Careers
An Introduction to Court Reporter
Technology
CART in the Courtroom: NCRA
Model Guidelines
CAT Software Manuals
The Complete Court Reporter’s
Handbook and Guide for
Realtime Writers
The Court Reporter’s and CART
Services Handbook
Closed Captioning Handbook
Deposition Handbook
Dictionary of Scientific and
Technical Terms (McGraw-Hill)
Inside Captioning
Realtime Systems Administrator
Pocket Guide (NCRA)
Realtime Writing
Writing Naked
Changes To The RPR Test
When I first did a post on the requirements of the RPR test (on 6/19/12), (Click Here), the written knowledge test was comprised of 105-110 questions that was based on the following four categories and percentages:
Reporting (48%)
Transcript production (44%)
Operating practices (4%)
Professional issues and continuing education (4%)
As of today, the NCRA website states that the written knowledge test is comprised of the following three categories and percentages:
Technology (22%)
Reporting practices (62%)
Professional practices (16%)
I hope that with the changes there is an updated study guide. If anyone has any information about an updated study guide, please let me know. Thanks.

