RAMBLINGS—Spring 2015
RAMBLINGS
President’s Message By Kathy Myers
SPRING 2015
Featured in This
Issue:
So Here Is The Good News.
Advertising Rates
3
CCRA Officers and
Directors
3
Who is St. Patrick?
4
Spring Symposium
Agenda
6
Registration
7
Forrest Brenner
8
CRCR Registration
12
Carrie’s Case Cat
Corner
14
Annual Luncheon
Wrap-up
15
International Court
Reporter
17
CCRA 2015 Slate of
Candidates
21
Proposed Bylaws
Change
21
Power Behind Video
Depos
22
CCRA Membership
Renewal
23
Realtime Training 24
Have you looked at job search
engines lately for court reporting jobs
around the country? I have. I am
always trying to get a handle on where
we stand. If you start searching, I think
you will find the same thing I did.
What we have all been saying for years
is true. Realtime is saving our jobs. If
you look at traditional court reporting
job offerings, the majority are looking
for realtime reporting capabilities. The
opportunities are growing and I will get
back to that in a moment.
We are now in a new era. We have
always provided a realtime transcript -it just required us to read it back from
our notes. Technology caught up with
us, not the other way around. Are there
sometimes mistakes within these
instantly viewable transcripts? Yes.
You are human. Thank you. Are the
mistakes correctable? Yes, usually.
Reporters are perfectionists. They
either are a perfectionist before they
begin the profession or are turned into
one. This is also the trait that inhibits
our transition to becoming a realtime
writer. “Everyone will see my writing.
It won't be perfect.” Well, no, your
writing won't be perfect. I don't care
how good you are, you will still find
mistakes, things you would like to
improve.
What scares most of us about realtime?
The lack of control over the proceeding.
If you are retired or have not been in
depositions for some time, you would be
shocked at how much they have
changed. Material is all tough, lots of
new and similar sounding acronyms,
patent law, and the majority of
proceedings are fast. Attorneys expect
you to be able to thread every exchange
together even when it is weaving in and
out with questioner and deponent
answering the other persons' sentences.
Depositions used to have a flow, more
like a tennis match where the words go
back and forth between question and
answer, and there were some rules that
the reporter could help enforce.
Depositions have become a
conversation, and, unfortunately, 21st
century conversations which are
influenced by talk shows and
newscasters who talk over each other
constantly and quickly – we are getting
used to it.
Someone in my office recently said, I
really like working with him, but he
never strikes period. That is now the
norm. There are many instances now
where not just one person is talking over
the other, but everyone in the room is
doing it.
Continued on Next Page
3000 South Jamaica Court, Suite 390, Aurora, CO 80014 - (303) 835-9088 - fax (303) 979-6094 - www.ccra.info
President’s Message Continued
RAMBLINGS—Spring 2015
Reporters are slowly losing control because
many attorneys are now routinely asking
reporters to not interrupt them for anything. .
Well, that is fine because they are the client, but
then they have to understand and accept what
they are going to get. I think attorneys
understand that part too – to a certain extent.
But it makes us crazy and we think it makes us
look bad.
So here is a solution and it seems weird for me to
say this one. Maybe we should not read back,
even if it is not realtime, and have them attempt
to read from our screens. If someone has to
read, or try to read what they just said, maybe
they will think twice about talking at light speed
over the top of everyone else. I know super-fast
and over the top of everyone is the style for some
attorneys, but it is a learned style for most.
Attorneys sometimes are looking for the one
clear question and answer that can be used for
impeachment. So over and over we go until that
witness (and reporter) is exhausted and finally
an answer arrives for the question in exactly the
way an attorney wants it. Again, fine and we
understand that. But many times it is just a
really poor record. Not our problem, I know, but
it sure feels like it is. Maybe we are part of the
USCRA The Circuit Rider
Test Tips From FCRRs
Following a discussion about
realtime and testing at the last
USCRA convention, the reporters
present put together the following
testing tips:
• Make a checklist for packing so you
know you have everything.
• Practice with speed tapes at 260, 240,
225 wpm.
problem because we aren't letting attorneys
know they are making a horrible record. It is not
that we are not fast enough or good enough -sometimes attorneys, not us, are making a
terrible record. Maybe it is so fast, so over the
top of the previous answer or objection, so
lacking in clarity that the witness truly can't
figure it out either. “Yes, Counsel, that is how
you said it and he said it and she said it and all
those dashes – all at once.”
Computer programs cannot do what you do at
this point and transcribing some of these
proceedings from media would truly be awful. I
seem to remember a pamphlet or booklet that
CCRA used to give out and it was in the style of
helping to educate attorneys about depositions.
Maybe we should reinvent that writing and see if
it can assist us with educating attorneys on how
to help us so they can make a good record.
But never fear because we have more options!
We are truly in demand. There are many official
job openings all over the country and the same
goes for freelance. But the truly big growth has
been in CART and captioning. The work is out
there. It may be different work, but all things
change. Let's go get all of that new work. We
have the skills.
• Practice with Realtime Coach.
• A few weeks before the test, get new
dictation material. Set up your machine
and practice, and then start the new
material as if you are taking the test.
• Grade every practice test.
• At home, practice setting up your
machine and lap top, putting your
machine in test mode, writing in all
caps, creating an ASCII and copying it to
a thumb drive. Repeat dry run several
times.
• Write down the steps to be able to
create your ASCII and bring the list to
the test with you.
• Take a deep, cleansing breath before
you begin writing.
• During the test, concentrate on a
place on the wall, floor or ceiling. Wear
sunglasses. Don’t look at your screen.
No distractions.
• When it sounds too fast, slow it down
in your mind. • Imagine you’re in your
courtroom writing a witness.
• Dress professionally, as if you’re at
work.
• Do finger drills.
3000 South Jamaica Court, Suite 390, Aurora, CO 80014 - (303) 835-9088 - fax (303) 979-6094 - www.ccra.info
RAMBLINGS—Spring 2015
Letter from the Editor:
OFFICERS & DIRECTORS
President
Kathy Myers
[email protected]
Vice President
I hope you enjoy reading this exciting and
interesting Spring Edition of the Ramblings as
much as I enjoyed putting it together. The
outpouring of articles was amazing! As
they say, “Be careful what you ask
for!”
Cindy
Editor
Lisa Wagner
Law [email protected]
Cynthia Hudak
(720) 535-1837
[email protected]
Advertising Rates
Secretary-Treasurer
Next Issue Copy / Ads Due: June 5, 2015
Sheri Tacket
Sheri [email protected]
Directors
Judy Stevens
[email protected]
Sherry Richardson
[email protected]
Carol Dunne
[email protected]
Alternate Director
Amy Bland
[email protected]
Past President
Kathy Scheer
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3000 South Jamaica Court, Suite 390, Aurora, CO 80014 - (303) 835-9088 - fax (303) 979-6094 - www.ccra.info
RAMBLINGS—Spring 2015
Who is St. Patrick ?
What the World Book Says about Saint Patrick, (about 389-461), is the patron saint of Ireland.
Patrick was chiefly responsible for converting the Irish people to Christianity. He became known as
the Apostle to the Irish. His name in Latin is Patricius.
His life. Patrick was born in Britain. His father was a wealthy alderman and a Christian. When
Patrick was 16 years old, pirates captured him during a raid and sold him as a slave in Ireland. He
served as a shepherd of an Irish chieftain in Ulster. During his captivity, Patrick dedicated himself
to religion. He escaped after six years of slavery and returned to his home in Britain.
As a result of his experiences in Ireland, Patrick became driven by the idea of converting the Irish to
Christianity. To prepare himself for that task, he studied in the monastery of Lerins, on an island off
the southeast coast of France. Patrick also went to Auxerre, France, and studied religion under
Saint Germanus, a French bishop. Partly because Patrick's earlier education was inadequate, his
religious superiors were reluctant to let him return to Ireland as a missionary. But Palladius, the
first Irish missionary bishop, died in 431. Pope Celestine I then sent Patrick to Ireland.
Patrick began his work in northern and western Ireland, where no one had ever preached
Christianity. He gained the trust and friendship of several tribal leaders and soon made many
converts. Patrick is said to have founded more than 300 churches and baptized more than 120,000
people.
Patrick brought clergymen from England and France for his new churches. He succeeded in his
mission in Ireland, even though many British clergymen opposed him and the way he organized his
churches. Patrick preached in Ireland for the rest of his life.
His writings serve as the most important sources of information about Patrick's life and work.
During his later years, he wrote Confession, an account of his spiritual development. Patrick wrote
this book to justify his mission to Ireland. In the book, Patrick expressed his humility and
thankfulness that God called him to serve the Irish. Patrick also wrote Letter to Coroticus. In this
letter, he criticized a raid on Ireland conducted by Coroticus, a British chieftain. Several of Patrick's
converts were killed during the raid. The letter also shows Patrick's resentment of the scornful
attitude of British clergymen and nobility toward the Irish.
Legends about Patrick. Many stories about Patrick are based only on legend. One of the best-known
tales tells how he charmed the snakes of Ireland into the sea so they were drowned. According to
another legend, Patrick used a three-leaf shamrock to illustrate the idea of the Trinity. Many people
believe the shamrock came to be the traditional symbol of Ireland as a result of this legend. Today,
Irish Catholics throughout the world celebrate Saint Patrick's Day on his feast day, March 17.
Saint Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland in the A.D. 400's. The Irish accepted Christianity and
came to regard Patrick as their patron (guardian) saint. Today, his feast day, March 17, is celebrated
as a national holiday.
Saint Patrick also introduced the Roman alphabet and Latin literature into Ireland. After his death,
about 461, Irish monasteries flourished as centers of learning.
Obtained from Angelfire.com
3000 South Jamaica Court, Suite 390, Aurora, CO 80014 - (303) 835-9088 - fax (303) 979-6094 - www.ccra.info
RAMBLINGS—Spring 2015
CCRA 2015 Spring Symposium – Tina Stuhr
It was so great to see everyone at the luncheon at the Chophouse a couple of weeks ago, and I
am really looking forward to seeing more of you at this year’s CCRA Spring Symposium!!
We have a great lineup of speakers for you. First off, Nancy Varallo, who is a past president of
NCRA, will be speaking about the StenoOps team in Guantanamo Bay. She will talk about the
process to assemble and qualify an elite team of court reporters to provide stenographic
services for hearings of those accused in the USS Cole bombing and the terrorism of 9/11,
including the testing, obtaining top secret clearances, and arranging travel and housing.
Next we have Lisa DiMonte who will be talking about strategies and tactics for effective time
management. Lisa has 37 years of experience in the court reporting industry and serves as
chief executive officer of Planet Depos, a global court reporting company headquartered in
Washington, D.C. This is a topic that many of you have asked for, and I, myself, am very
excited to hear what she has to say!
Finally, we will have Ed Varallo who will be talking about his systematic approach to writing
shorthand which is designed to require less physical effort, produce better realtime ouput, and
thus reduce editing and scoping time. I know there isn’t one court reporter out there who
doesn’t want to learn how to shorten their writing technique!
We have kept the price for the seminar the same as it was last fall. Your state association is
providing you with an opportunity to obtain the points you need and to hear informative
speakers without having to spend extra money on an airline ticket or a hotel room. We are
bringing nationally known speakers to you!
If you are taking the CRCR Test and want to get a great night’s sleep and not have to worry
about driving to the test site bright and early Saturday morning or you simply want to get away
for a night, we have negotiated a discounted rate for our members. Be sure to book early!!!
Look at it this way –
Earning .60 CEU Points without leaving your state -- $155
Having lunch with friends you don’t get to see very often in a beautiful hotel -- $40
Learning just one tip from any of these three phenomenal people – PRICELESS and LIFE
CHANGING!
Your state association, CCRA, works hard to bring speakers to our seminars that you, the
members, are interested in hearing! We value your feedback and suggestions and really take
them to heart when planning for our events. So please support your state association and join
us on Saturday, April 25, 2015, at the Sheraton Denver West Hotel in Lakewood. You won’t be
disappointed!!
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Registration for CCRA’s Spring
Symposium Available Online!!
3000 South Jamaica Court, Suite 390, Aurora, CO 80014 - (303) 835-9088 - fax (303) 979-6094 - www.ccra.info
RAMBLINGS—Spring 2015
SPRING
SYMPOSIUM
AGENDA
APRIL 25, 2015
Sheraton Denver
West Hotel Lakewood
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Stenographer Operations at Guantanamo Bay (1.5
hours) Nancy Varallo, owner of The Varallo Group LLC, will tell us about the detailed process to
assemble and qualify an elite team of court reporters to provide stenographic services at
Guantanamo Bay – testing, obtaining top secret clearances, selecting technology and equipment,
arranging travel and housing, and wading through seemingly endless government
documentation. The affectionately called StenOps team is currently at work reporting the
hearings of those accused in the USS Cole bombings and the terrorism of 9/11 that changed the
world.
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Break
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Time Management Tips (1.5 hours)
With more than 37 years of
experience in the court reporting industry, Lisa DiMonte serves as Chief Executive Officer for Planet Depos, a global court reporting
company headquartered in Washington, D.C. She will be enlightening us with her professional tips on the most requested topic of
time management!
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Luncheon, Annual Business Meeting, Installation of Officers/Board
Members
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Shorthand for the 21st Century (1.5 hours) Part I Our fastpaced court reporting world demands that we write smarter. Ed Varallo, six-time NCRA speed
contest champion, will outline his systematic approach to writing shorthand which is designed to
require less physical effort, produce better realtime output, and thus reduce editing/scoping
time. Ed will share his tips and techniques that will set you on the path to unleash the Realtime
Superstar inside you!
3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Break
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Shorthand for the 21st Century (1.5 hours) Part II
Coming from outside Denver or just want to get a good night’s sleep before the CRCR
Examination?
Special Room Rate—Single occupancy and double occupancy rate is $109 a night.
3000 South Jamaica Court, Suite 390, Aurora, CO 80014 - (303) 835-9088 - fax (303) 979-6094 - www.ccra.info
RAMBLINGS—Spring 2015
2015 Spring Symposium
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Sheraton Denver West Hotel
360 Union Boulevard
Lakewood, Colorado
(303)987-2000 or (888)627-7027
Limited Rooms Available – Call Early
Mention Colorado Court Reporters Association for a discounted room rate
Registration Form
_____ $195.00 ~ CCRA Member
_____ $305.00 ~ Non-Member (Includes $110.00 Membership)/Out of State
_____ $119.00 ~ CCRA Member Students and Teachers
_____ $146.50 ~ Non-Member Student (Includes $27.50 Membership)
_____ $201.50 ~ Non-Member Teacher (Includes $82.50 Membership)
_____ $ 50.00 ~ Social Only (Business Meeting/Lunch)
_____ $119.00 ~ Sponsor a Student (Suggested Donation)
*** CRCR TEST TAKERS - Get a 15% discount on registration fee ***
Register by April 3, 2015
(After April 3rd, Late Registration Fee of $50 applies)
To register, please complete the Registration Form and submit to:
CCRA
3000 South Jamaica Court, Suite 390
Aurora, CO 80014
Or FAX to 303-979-6094 - MasterCard, Visa, or Personal Checks Only.
( ) MasterCard ( ) Visa ( ) Personal Check, Check No._________
Print Name on Card: _________________________________________________Billing Zip Code:_________________
Card No.: _________________________________________Security Code__________Expiration Date: ___________
Signature: ____________________________________________________ Amount: $______________
QUESTIONS? Contact Tina Stuhr at [email protected]
CANCELLATION POLICY: A refund will be given for seminar fee only, minus a $10 processing fee, provided written notice of
cancellation is given 14 days prior to the event.
TO BE COMPLETED BY NEW MEMBERS:
Company Name:___________________________________________________ Business Phone:_________________
Address:_________________________________________________________________________________________
City: ________________________ State: ____________ ZIP: ___________ E-mail:____________________________
Business Phone: ______________________ Home Phone:________________________ Fax: ____________________
Home phone will be printed in the CCRA Membership Directory. If you do not want your home phone listed, leave space blank.
A CCRA Membership Directory will be provided to all Members. Names & phone numbers will be published on CCRA's Website.
_____CHECK HERE if you do NOT want your contact information to appear on CCRA’s Website.
_____ Official _____ CART Provider _____ Freelancer _____ Captioner
_____ Teacher/Instructor _____ Videographer _____ Scopist/Proofreader _____ Vendor _____ Other
_____ Retired _____ Student - Current Speed: _______
CERTIFICATIONS HELD: RPR: Date _________ CRR: Date__________ CCB: Date ___________ CCP: Date__________
RMR: Date__________ RDR: Date __________ Other: Date___________
3000 South Jamaica Court, Suite 390, Aurora, CO 80014 - (303) 835-9088 - fax (303) 979-6094 - www.ccra.info
RAMBLINGS—Spring 2015
Editor’s Desk
By Cindy Hudak
Who is Forrest Brenner?
I attended the CCRA Annual Luncheon on February 21st at
the ChopHouse in Denver. A great time was had by all.
During the conversation, Forrest Brenner’s name was
raised by our Honorary Member, Viola Lundberg. One of our newest members, Fran
Lenart, was sitting next to me with a very quizzical look looming across her face. “Who’s
he?”
At that moment, it became aware to me that our new generation of court reporters in
Colorado may not know this man who was so influential to our field and helped shape
court reporting in our state.
I know very little about Forrest, but did attend his court reporting college: Mile High
College of Court Reporting in Lakewood. I learned the Brenner theory, which he
developed and taught in his school. That is about the extent of my knowledge of Mr.
Brenner until I did an Internet search. And here is what I found about the murders of he
and his wife. (As tragic a story as you will hear.)
****************************
Published April 1973, Colorado Court Reporters Association Ramblings
President’s Message
Dear Fellow Reporters:
Unfortunately, I am starting my term of office with great sorrow for, as you know, we have lost two
great reporters. Every time I think of this great tragedy, I cannot believe it. It leaves me with a complete
loss of words.
Forrest has probably contributed to court reporting in Colorado , the Rocky Mountain area and the
country, than any other reporter I know. His loss will be deeply felt in our organization, as well as to the
reporter world as a whole. He had certainly attained the highest rank in our profession and every trait of
his character, both professionally and personally, reflected the ultimate in perfection. I had been looking
forward to counseling with him during my forthcoming year and will personally miss the wisdom that could
only come from such a giant in our field.
I propose to have some permanent memorabilia created in their honor and would appreciate all
suggestions.
John Spera, President
3000 South Jamaica Court, Suite 390, Aurora, CO 80014 - (303) 835-9088 - fax (303) 979-6094 - www.ccra.info
RAMBLINGS—Spring 2015
Who is Forrest Brenner (Continued)
Robertson, Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
In Loving Memory —
Forrest was born August 25, 1917, in
Kansas City, Kansas. He was introduced to Gregg
FORREST AND EVELYN BRENNER
Shorthand at the Kansas City College of
Russell Forrest Brenner (CSR,CP, CM) ,
Commerce and, after spending two years in
55, and his wife, Evelyn Marie (CSR, CP, CM), 36, Alaska, completed a course in court reporting at
were found slain in then bedroom of their home the original Gregg College in Chicago, founded by
at 4605 Saulsbury Street , in Wheat Ridge,
John Robert Gregg, author of the system.
Colorado, shortly after 8:30 a.m., on Tuesday,
Graduating in 1939, he engaged in freelance
April 3rd, 1973, by students of Brenner’s Mile Hi reporting in Detroit. Continuing his pursuit of
Reporting School. Police had been called to the
speed, he found time to win the Gregg Diamond
school shortly after 7 a.m. to investigate a
Medal. In late 1940, Forrest came to Colorado,
burglary. Receiving no response to telephone
became certified, and in February 1941, began
calls to the Brenner home, students Allan
reporting in Fort Morgan. Early in 1942, he was
Kuhlman and Charles Jarsifer drove to the home appointed official reporter for the Industrial
and discovered the bodies. Evelyn’s car was
Commission, but with World War II raging, by
missing and an all points bulletin was issued,
April he was in the Navy. When separated from
resulting in the car being intercepted on
the Navy three years later, he was a Chief Petty
Interstate 25 about eight miles north of Trinidad. Officer.
Two suspects in the car were arrested and are
On March 6, 1943, Forrest was married to
now charged in Jefferson County District Court,
Henrietta Evans at Boulder. To this union were
Golden, with two counts each of murder and
born Steven, Neal, and Kathryn Brenner. The
burglary and one count of theft.
marriage ended in divorce.
Funeral services were held at the Olinger
Following the war, in December 1945,
Chapel, 29th and Wadsworth, on Friday, April 6,
Forrest returned to work with the Industrial
1973, and were attended by an overflow of
Commission. 1946 found him engaged in
relatives, friends, students, and associates. Dr.
freelancing. In 1948, he became the reporter for
Clyde H. Canfield, Central Presbyterian Church,
Federal Judge J. Foster Symes. In 1955, he
officiated. Burial was in Fort Logan National
returned to the Industrial Commission. In 1960,
Cemetary in adjoining graves.
Forrest was appointed the official reporter to
Forrest is survived by a daughter, Miss
Judge Donald A. Carpenter, Greeley.
Kathryn E. Brenner, Greeley; two sons, Neal E.
On June 1, 1962, Forrest opened the
Brenner, Greeley, Steven T. Brenner, Elmendorf
Water Valley Ranch and Stenotype School at
Air Base, Alaska; his mother, Mrs. Elizabeth
Brenner, Santa Barbara, California; two brothers, Encampment, Wyoming near Saratoga. In 1965,
Forrest, along with Perry Goldstein, opened the
Richard H. Brenner, Parkville, Missouri, and
Mile High Reporting School, with offices at 333
Edwin E. Brenner, Dallas, Texas; a sister, Mrs.
West Colfax, Denver. The school later moved to
Jean Thornton, Santa Barbara, California.
its present quarters at 6301 West 44th in Wheat
Evelyn, who was expecting a child in July, Ridge.
is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred D.
Continued...
3000 South Jamaica Court, Suite 390, Aurora, CO 80014 - (303) 835-9088 - fax (303) 979-6094 - www.ccra.info
RAMBLINGS—Spring 2015
Brenner Continued
Colorado. She graduated from Garfield County
High School and attended college in Greeley.
Forrest was very active in the National
Shorthand Reporters Association serving on the While in Greeley, she was a copywriter for Radio
Station KYOU. She later served as SecretaryBoard of Directors, as chairman of several
Treasurer of the West Divide Water
committees, and as President (1952). Always
Conservancy District, Glenwood Springs. She
active in the Colorado Shorthand Reporters
was employed briefly by the Garfield County
Association, he served as its president in 1948
Superintendent of Schools and spent some six
and 1960.
years as a legal secretary in Glenwood S Active
On April 7, 1966, Forrest and Evelyn
in civic affairs, Evelyn advanced to the office of
Marie Robertson were married at the Central
Worthy Advisor in Rainbow Girls. She was an
Presbyterian Church, Denver, where they were active member of the Eastern Star, Business
members until their death. Forrest was a 32nd Women’s Club, and the Methodist Church.
Degree Mason.
Enrolling in the Mile Hi Reporting School
Forrest was an avid outdoorsman,
in 1965, she successfully completed the course,
hunter, trapper, and fisherman. He loved Alaska achieving reporting speeds. She had passed the
and had made several visits there over the
Colorado CSR and the NSRA Certificates of
years. He was also an accomplished musician.
Proficiency and Merit. At the time of her death,
she was official reporter for Honorable Robert E.
He was a great friend. His passing is a
McLean, District Judge, Denver.
great personal loss to the hundreds of people
who knew him. The proceedings of NSRA and
Hers was a sweet disposition. She was
CSRA are replete with details too numerous to
well liked by all who came to know her. She was
mention of his intensely dedicated, unselfish
a very capable reporter.
service to reporting.
Forrest and Evelyn will not soon be
Evelyn Marie (Robertson) Brenner was
forgotten.
born July 7, 1936, at Glenwood Springs,
Save the date
Want a 3-day Getaway
in the Colorado Rocky
Mountains? Plan to attend the
2015
CCRA FALL RETREAT
September 18th, 19th, and
20th
Watch for upcoming details!
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RAMBLINGS—Spring 2015
Justice Served —Brenner
The following is an excerpt from the Colorado Appeals Court in the case of
People vs. Salas .
The Facts:
The bodies of Russell Forrest Brenner and Evelyn Brenner were found in the bedroom of their home. They had both
been shot with a .22 caliber pistol. Evelyn Brenner also had her jugular vein cut with a knife that was found at the
scene. Russell Forrest Brenner suffered cuts and head injuries and bled profusely prior to his death.
The discovery of the Brenners' bodies precipitated a comprehensive police investigation and resulted in the arrest of
Kautz and Salas near Trinidad, Colorado. At the time of their arrest, Kautz was driving the Brenners' Mercury
Cougar at a high rate of speed, and Salas was in the back seat. Salas claimed, at the time of his arrest, that he was a
hitchhiker and that Kautz picked him up at Littleton.
A search of the Brenners' car produced a .22 caliber pistol with blood stains on it. In addition, .22 caliber cartridges
were found in Salas' pocket which were identifical to live cartridges resting on Evelyn Brenner's body. Ballistics tests
indicated that the defendant's pistol could have fired the bullets which killed the Brenners, although a positive
identification could not be made because of the damaged condition of the pistol. However, it was shown that the
pistol in the possession of Salas had eight lands and grooves with a right twist, which corresponded to the murder
weapon. The blood on the gun was of the 'O' type which was the blood grouping for both Salas and Russell Forrest
Brenner. Salas had no cuts or abrasions on his body, but a number of small blood spatters were found on his
clothing. When the car was searched, the police also found Evelyn Brenner's underclothing and stockings.
The police investigation centered on the defendant's clothing and on the scene of the crime. An autopsy of Evelyn
Brenner indicated that she was six months pregnant and had intercourse not more than twenty-four hours prior to
her death. Semen stains were found on the defendant's pants and on Evelyn Brenner's bathrobe. Serological tests
demonstrated that the semen contained a 'B' blood group factor which corresponded with Evelyn Brenner's blood
type and a vaginal specimen which was obtained in the autopsy.
Rug fibers were taken from the defendant's shorts that were identical to the rug fibers in the Brenners' bedroom.
The prosecution also offered a jacket, which the defendant owned and which was found in his car, bearing the same
incriminating rug fibers from the Brenners' bedroom.
Following the defendant's arrest, the defendant made some cryptic admissions in jail to the effect that Kautz had
really gotten him into trouble and that he was concerned that he had left a clear fingerprint someplace. He also
admitted, in his crude vernacular, that he had had intercourse with a man's wife and that because neither she nor
her husband liked it very much, they had taken care of both of them.
Robert D. Kautz pled guilty to the charges. Bobby E. Salas pled not guilty and went to trial. He was
found guilty. Both men were sentenced to life.
April 10-12, 2015
NCRA TechCon Denver, Colorado
April 25, 2015
CCRA Spring Symposium and CRCR Exam—Sheraton Denver West
April 25, 2015
USCRA FCRR Exam—Chicago, Illinois
***** RECENTLY CHANGED BY NCRA —LAST CHANCE TO TAKE THE TESTS LIVE*****
May 2, 2015
NCRA CRR Exam—Brighton, Colorado
CCRA Web site Calendar of Events Link: http://ccra.info/index.cfm/ID/3/
Events/
3000 South Jamaica Court, Suite 390, Aurora, CO 80014 - (303) 835-9088 - fax (303) 979-6094 - www.ccra.info
RAMBLINGS—Spring 2015
Registration Available Online — Visit our
Web Site at ccra.info
or
https://ecomm.jmsamp.com/ccra/store.php?crn=210
3000 South Jamaica Court, Suite 390, Aurora, CO 80014 - (303) 835-9088 - fax (303) 979-6094 - www.ccra.info
RAMBLINGS—Spring 2015
3000 South Jamaica Court, Suite 390, Aurora, CO 80014 - (303) 835-9088 - fax (303) 979-6094 - www.ccra.info
RAMBLINGS—Spring 2015
Carrie’s Case CAT Corner
Version 16 is here!! There are many
enhancements and additions. The one I am
most excited about is Case Prep. What an
amazing tool, and not just for those providing
realtime.
Case Prep uses Case CATalyst files and ASCII
files to create a list of words and PHRASES
that appear in those transcripts. Your options are: “Words
found/not found in dictionaries,” “Phrases used/you might
want to brief,” and “Both”; “Create Dictionary Builder List
for undefined words/phrases,” “Create Heads-Up List for
defined and undefined words/phrases,” and “Include steno
definitions in Heads-Up List.” There is also the option to
Sort list(s) by: Frequency, Words then phrases, Phrases then
words. When opting for the Heads-Up list to include steno,
it looks for the steno in your personal dictionary and any
other dictionary(ies) you choose to include. A box to enter
how many times the word/phrase needs to appear before it’s
included in the list allows you to personalize it even further.
As you know, a word index is just that, a list of words. But
let’s say “perforated viscus” appeared over 50 times in a total
of three transcripts in a case. You will definitely want a brief
for that.
a transcript from a reporter not on Case
CATalyst, ask for an RTF file. You can convert it
to an .sgngl file and use that to ensure the
phrases will be included.
Case Prep is located in Manage Jobs/Tools.
Have fun playing with it!
Some of what’s new in Version 16 in addition to Case Prep:
Suspend a Power Define (rather than abort), Audio
Compression options (to enhance sound), Create EZ
Speakers from your writer, and (the most popular)
THEMES!!!
If you would like a workshop to go over all the new features,
send an email to [email protected]. The
workshops are held in the Tech Center (for local reporters) or
online. For those who need CEUs, the paperwork is provided
at the end of the workshop.
Carrie A. Arnold, RPR, CRR
Certified Independent Training Agent
[email protected]
CaseCATalystMadeEZ.com
303.332.8835
An important thing to keep in mind is the phrases are only
generated from transcript (.sgngl) files. If you need to obtain
3000 South Jamaica Court, Suite 390, Aurora, CO 80014 - (303) 835-9088 - fax (303) 979-6094 - www.ccra.info
RAMBLINGS—Spring 2015
CCRA 2015 Luncheon Wrap-up
By Shelly Hunter
Our CCRA 2015 Annual Luncheon was a complete
success! We had approximately 40 persons
attend and our speakers were excellent.
The annual luncheon is the perfect opportunity to
meet people we don’t usually have a chance to
meet in our busy lives, plus it gives us a chance to
catch up with our friends and solidify
relationships.
This year, CCRA’s Annual Luncheon was, once
again, in the Caboose room at the Chophouse.
The food and service was excellent. Between the
diverse company (including students, freelance
reporters, officials, CART providers, captioners,
firm owners, CCRA’s board of directors, and our
lobbyist) and the unmatched surroundings, we
had an informative few hours learning about and
sharing information concerning our court reporting
community.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:
Kathy Myers
President Kathy Myers thanked
everyone for attending the luncheon. She
encouraged everyone to attend the Spring
Symposium that Tina Stuhr has been
planning. President Myers asked for
people to sign up for committees and to
please volunteer. Our association needs
you!
WHAT CCRA AND CCRA SUPPORTERS ARE
DOING FOR YOU:
Betsy Murray, CCRA’s lobbyist, informed us that
Laura Woods, a court reporter in her past life, is
now a Colorado Senator. Our goal next year is to
invite Laura to our meeting and hear from one of
our senators. The legislative committee is always
working hard to get a page rate increase for our
official court reporters. They are not confident it
will happen this year but it is something they
continue to be passionate about for our court
reporters. Betsy’s efforts are invaluable to our
association. We are lucky to have her working
diligently for our cause.
CCRA Executive Director Josie Hall reminded all
of us it is renewal time and we can now renew
online. She asked that we all make sure our
information is up to date and accurate. Josie
shared with the audience that she recently
attended a conference; and at the conference,
there was sharing of the Top 10 apps people at
her conference are using.
Top 10 most popular apps amongst Josie’s peers:

Evernote – Used for Taking Notes and
Collaborating with Others.

Animoto – Video Maker and Photo
Slideshow

Dropbox – Used to Share Files and Protect
Digital Information

Flipboard – Your Social Media Magazine

Fiverr – The Marketplace for Creative and
Professional Services

LastPass – Password Manager

TripIt – Used to Organize your Travel Plans

Jing – Used to Create and Share
Screenshots and Screencasts

Tag – Easiest Way to Send your Location
Privately to Friends

Dafont – A Catalog of Font Sets
The NCRA Chief Examiner Amanda Maze
announced that the NCRA testing in May will be
live and will be held at the Adams County
Fairgrounds. Amanda is still awaiting word from
NCRA on when the testing will be offered online.
There are a few places in the United States where
online testing is being introduced. It was
interesting to learn that Colorado is one of the
largest, if not the largest, test sites.
Cindy Hudak, our new Ramblings
editor, would like see the Ramblings
editions more robust. To have a
more comprehensive Ramblings
edition, she needs articles to include.
If you like to write or have interesting
articles to share, please submit them
to Cindy. She could use our help!
Pat Graves
3000 South Jamaica Court, Suite 390, Aurora, CO 80014 - (303) 835-9088 - fax (303) 979-6094 - www.ccra.info
RAMBLINGS—Spring 2015
Margie Dauster, our Pro Bono Committee Chair,
was not at the luncheon. Kathy Myers read
Margie’s report in her absence. Margie is so very
thankful for those that volunteer to report pro
bono assignments. She reported that CCRA was
able to cover all pro bono assignments except for
a rush CD transcription, a CD trial transcript
request, and one last-minute deposition. On
average, there are ten pro bono requests per
year. One thing that CCRA is looking into is
whether we should continue the pro bono
program. Several members shared their opinion
on the subject matter. It will be something our
CCRA board looks into in the future, weighing all
sides of this topic.
The hat was passed
for luncheon
sponsorships for our
students. All money
raised at our
luncheon will go
towards next year’s
student
sponsorships.
After the hat was passed, Lisa Wagner, the
Student Committee chair, did her math and
joyfully announced $300.00 was raised. Thank
you to all in attendance who contributed towards
the luncheon costs for students next year. This
year we had six students attend because of
sponsorship from last year: Kristi Andersen, Alicia
Avila, Paula Halbeisen, Jenny Melius, Gaylynn
Smith, and Leslie Schwartz.
Lisa shared with us her future plans for the
committee. She wants to work aggressively to get
the word out about our amazing profession. She
wants to visit schools and start a “Promote Your
Profession” committee. The goal will be to get
people interested in our profession and to
hopefully get some positive press out of it. Her
goal will be to get some of these programs going
in conjunction with NCRA’s Court Reporting &
Captioning Week.
Kathy Scheer was not present to update us on the
CRCR Test Committee. Shelly Hunter shared her
report with everyone. Kathy was happy to share
that they had great success at the first CRCR Test.
There were 30 people that took the test, with 5
passing at
96 percent accuracy. The next test will be given
at the Spring Symposium. Keep in mind, CCRA’s
board has approved a 15 percent discount for
members who register for both the test and the
seminar. What a great incentive to sign up for
both!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
The Spring Symposium, orchestrated by Tina
Stuhr, will be held at the Sheraton Denver West
Hotel in Lakewood, Colorado. It is scheduled for
April 25, 2015. The agenda looks fabulous. This
is a Spring Symposium you don’t want to miss!
Carole Dunne announced that the Fall Seminar will be
held on September 18. Look for an e-blast or article in
the Ramblings for more details on the Fall Seminar.
IN CLOSING:
If you have not attended a CCRA Annual Luncheon, please
consider attending next year. It is in a very relaxed
setting. The first part of the luncheon is getting updates
from our different leaders and then we have a sharing of
stories with a specific theme in mind. This year’s theme
was The Gift of Court Reporting. (Ask Wendy Evangelista
about
Mr. Pickles – what a gift she received from her court
reporting career.) Best of all, it is a time to see friends
and catch up. You really are missing out on a fun day
with your fellow Colorado Court Reporters.
Thank you to everyone who attended! We look forward to
seeing you and all members next year!!
3000 South Jamaica Court, Suite 390, Aurora, CO 80014 - (303) 835-9088 - fax (303) 979-6094 - www.ccra.info
RAMBLINGS—Spring 2015
Oh, The Places You Will
Go ….. as an International
Court Reporter
Published in the MERRILL LAD MAGAZINE
January 2014, Written by Allison Allred
Submitted by Michelle Kirkpatrick
Meet Jade King, International Court Reporter
What does your daily work routine look like?
For Jade King, a star court reporter working for Merrill Corporation in our Asia offices, the day often starts with
a metro commute into population-dense Hong Kong to cover realtime court hearings, arbitrations and
depositions. But in Jade’s world, the phrase “daily commute” takes on a whole new meaning.
Hong Kong may be her home base but often, she finds herself heading out to exotic places such as India,
Mongolia, Korea and Mainland China to do her job. Following is a delightful photo journal of some of the places
and people she has seen along the way as she takes on court reporting in Asia.
Let’s start with Hong Kong…
A taste of Hong Kong
3000 South Jamaica Court, Suite 390, Aurora, CO 80014 - (303) 835-9088 - fax (303) 979-6094 - www.ccra.info
RAMBLINGS—Spring 2015
So much to see, nonetheless, off to work:
One of Jade’s longest and most meaningful jobs over the past year
was China’s Commission of Inquiry into the Lamma ferry collision.
This epic trial ended in March on Day 50, and in her words, “It was
my honour to make the record of this commission for posterity for the
Hong Kong people.”
Directly after this historic assignment, Jade went on to provide
captioning services for the “Asian Oscars,” a glamorous event.
Captioning for the Asian Oscars
Court reporting in Asia brings a
continuing paradox between modern
cities and the landmarks of history.
Another interesting assignment was
onsite at the Lands Tribunal,
formerly the Kowloon Magistracy:
Kowloon, China
One look at this historic building and
you cannot help but wonder how
many generations of people have
climbed these steps to have their
story be heard.
Later that year, Jade found herself in India, covering a dispute between multinational pharma
companies. After arriving at the India Ghandi Airport in New Delhi and an energetic cab ride to her
hotel, she found herself in a lovely, green city: New Delhi, India.
In her words, “Seriously, who knew New Delhi had a forest in the middle of it?”
Worried that poorly functioning spell checkers will make you look bad? Run things like
your résumé, blog posts and the content of important emails through Correctica's
"Proof It Free" tool.
3000 South Jamaica Court, Suite 390, Aurora, CO 80014 - (303) 835-9088 - fax (303) 979-6094 - www.ccra.info
RAMBLINGS—Spring 2015
From India, it was on to Shanghai to cover a complex assignment in the Shanghai World
Financial Centre, the third tallest building in the world and the tallest building in China.
Jade’s picture is worth ten thousand words:
Breakfast on
the 93rd floor
of the
Shanghai
Financial
Centre
But all assignments end. Next up? Another exotic country – Mongolia.
On her way to work, Jade snapped some action shots of Mongolia’s people:
A glimpse of
life in
Ulaanbaatar,
Mongolia.
3000 South Jamaica Court, Suite 390, Aurora, CO 80014 - (303) 835-9088 - fax (303) 979-6094 - www.ccra.info
RAMBLINGS—Spring 2015
After finishing up in Mongolia, she headed to Seoul, Korea to cover an arbitration. Densely populated and
bustling with business during the day, the city also offers up beautiful scenes at night.
Good evening,
Seoul!
Jade’s photos certainly paint an adventurous picture of the life of an international court reporter. Hats off to
her for finding the time to capture a glimpse of the exotic worlds she finds herself in every day.
At the end of the assignment, however, she’s glad to have been there and glad to be going home.
Jade, we applaud and appreciate your hard work more than we can possibly say. It all looks quite glamorous,
but we know how much dedication it takes to do a great job in one city, let alone four countries! How do you
do it?
Thank you Jade, for sharing your passion for court reporting in the international arena with us. You can
read more about Jade King’s court reporting adventures at www.jadeluxe.wordpress.com
2015 Eclipse Users Conference
Las Vegas, NV - April 24 26, 2015
Ramblings is looking for an
Eclipse user to submit tips,
tricks, and techs to assist
our readers with their
Eclipse software. If you are
interested, please send
submissions to the Editor.
3000 South Jamaica Court, Suite 390, Aurora, CO 80014 - (303) 835-9088 - fax (303) 979-6094 - www.ccra.info
RAMBLINGS—Spring 2015
CCRA HARD
AT WORK
SLATE OF CANDIDATES FOR 2015
The 2015 Nominating Committee, comprised of Kathy Scheer, Julie Matt, Mary
George, Kathy Davis, and Tracy Masuga, conducted interviews of potential
board members on February 21, 2015. The nominating committee hereby
proposes the following slate of candidates for the Colorado Court Reporters
Association 2015-2016 Board of Directors:
Kathy Myers - Past President
Lisa Wagner - President
Sheri Tackett - Vice President
Tina Stuhr - Secretary-Treasurer
Director - Carol Dunne (year two of two-year term)
Director - Wendy Evangelista (to replace Tina Stuhr, year two of two-year term)
Director - Claudia Booton (year one of two-year term)
Director - Jodi Wagner (year one of two-year term)
Alternate Director - Maria Orton
Sheri Tackett
CCRA Secretary-Treasurer
Proposed Change to CCRA Bylaws and Constitution
To shorten the time frame for the application to become a member of the Colorado
Court Reporters Association, the Executive Committee would propose a change to
Section 5, Application and Admission to Membership, of the CCRA Bylaws and
Constitution to be voted on at the Annual Business Meeting on April 25, 2015.
Section 5 is set forth below with the proposed changes in bold. The words “or
designee” were added, and the sentence, “Names of applicants shall be published to
the membership within five (5) business days of receipt of such application, and if
within fifteen (15) days after publication …” will replace, “Names of applicants shall be
published to the membership as soon as practicable, and if within thirty (30) days
after publication ….”
SECTION 5. Application and Admission to Membership
Any person desiring to become a member of this association shall make application
upon such form as the Executive Committee may prescribe, accompanied by the
current year’s dues and the endorsement of one member in good standing in the
association. Membership applications shall be filed with the Secretary-Treasurer (or
designee), who will determine the class of membership to which the applicant is
entitled. Names of applicants shall be published to the membership within five (5)
business days of receipt of such application, and if within fifteen (15)
days after publication no objection to a given application is registered with the
Executive Committee, the application will be deemed accepted. In the event a
membership application is not accepted, the affected individual will be promptly
notified and any dues paid will be refunded.
Sheri Tackett
CCRA Secretary-Treasurer
3000 South Jamaica Court, Suite 390, Aurora, CO 80014 - (303) 835-9088 - fax (303) 979-6094 - www.ccra.info
RAMBLINGS—Spring 2015
Diamante
Package Includes
writer, wireless and hardwire
equipment for realtime, and wheeled
case. Light blue. Used 16 months
before retirement. Asking $3000 but
will take best offer.
Contact Julie Matt at
[email protected]
3000 South Jamaica Court, Suite 390, Aurora, CO 80014 - (303) 835-9088 - fax (303) 979-6094 - www.ccra.info
RAMBLINGS—Spring 2015
3000 South Jamaica Court, Suite 390, Aurora, CO 80014 - (303) 835-9088 - fax (303) 979-6094 - www.ccra.info
RAMBLINGS—Spring 2015
Realtime Training - Open to everyone!! Presented and Hosted by Michelle Kirkpatrick
Sunday, April 26, 2015
770 Glencoe Street
Denver, Colorado 80220
1) 9:00 - 10:00
2) 10:00 - 12:00
3) 12:00 - 1:00
4) 1:00 to 3:00
Student Hour
Testing/Certification Practice
Lunch and simultaneous 15-minute One-on-One Prescheduled Times
Realtime Hookups and Software Issues

Please RSVP to [email protected] for any or all segments. Space may be limited.

Please bring cash so we can order lunch. (Or alternatively, feel free to bring your own lunch with
you!)

If you'd like a 15-minute one-one one, please indicate a first and second choice; e.g., 12:00 12:15 or 12:15 - 12:30, etc.

This is for officials and freelancers alike. Those interested in working toward CART or
captioning are welcome as well!

Reporters, please consider coming early to help support our students!

Bring machines and laptops, any specific software or hardware you'd like to try to install or hook
up to. Consider going to the TurboTRAIN area of ncra.org/TRAIN beforehand to see if that
narrows down your issues (or just raises more questions for you, ha)!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - E-mail subject line: "April 26 Realtime Training"
Name: ____________________________
Phone: ____________________________
E-mail: ____________________________
Segments I am interested in attending:
1) _____
2) _____
3) _____ (My two time-slot choices are: ________ and _________ )
4) _____
CAT Software: ____________________
Issues I already know I'd like to troubleshoot: _______________________________________
*Note: NCRA testing registration is open from March 2, 2015 - April 3, 2015. Testing date is May 2,
2015. Anyone who would like some help before the April 25 Colorado CRCR realtime exam is invited
to contact me personally as well to set up a time. [email protected] (Registration for the CRCR
is now open, and registration deadline is April 15.)
3000 South Jamaica Court, Suite 390, Aurora, CO 80014 - (303) 835-9088 - fax (303) 979-6094 - www.ccra.info
RAMBLINGS—Spring 2015
3000 South Jamaica Court, Suite 390, Aurora, CO 80014 - (303) 835-9088 - fax (303) 979-6094 - www.ccra.info