Things That Make My Work Easier
June 2, 2016In May 2014, I posted a review of one of the best tools to ever cross my desk – WordRake. I meant to post an updated review in May 2015, but … the Texas floods happened.
You’re asking, what it this WordRake of which you speak?
It’s a software add-in for Microsoft Word and Outlook that acts as an ‘in-line editor designed for professional business writing.’
“WordRake is designed to edit documents and emails to remove useless phrases and words, making your documents and emails clear and concise.” Take the sentence below. The original was composed in perfect legalese, but the raked version is much easier to read and presents a stronger argument.
I write a lot – pleadings, memoranda, correspondence, and more for my clients; magazine articles; my blog; training materials; and homework*. After a week of ‘raking’, I discovered I use ‘that’ a lot more than necessary. WordRake clarified my thoughts without changing my voice.
It’s so easy to use – highlight and rake. Within a minute or so, WordRake scans the document and provides suggested edits. All that’s left is to review the suggestions and decide whether to accept or reject them. I am still surprised by how much unnecessary and cumbersome language it finds in my writing. Bottom line, WordRake continues to make me a better writer.
Click below to see WordRake in action:
Sign up for a free trial today (no credit card required). You’ll be hooked.
- I finally graduated!! On May 13, 2016, I earned the right to add MATD (Master of Arts in Training & Development) to my credentials.
WordRake – Make Yourself a Better Writer
May 28, 2014I have just completed a 1-year free trial of WordRake, and, well, I love it!
“WordRake® software is an add-in to Microsoft Word. It will “rake” any Word document and suggest edits to make the document clearer and more concise.”
I discovered WordRake at ABA TechShow 2013 and was offered an opportunity to test-drive it for a year. What I saw during the live demo was amazing. They highlighted a 30-page brief, clicked WordRake, and, within a minute, WordRake had identified a host unnecessary/cumbersome language and made suggestions to be accepted or rejected.
I use WordRake on almost everything I write – my blog, articles for print media, homework (I’m still in grad school), and work. It really has made me a better writer.
On May 13th, WordRake released a new version –
WordRake 2 removes unnecessary words, enlivens your sentences, and teaches you how to be a better writer. All inline within Microsoft Word, just like a live copy editor. Only faster. WordRake 2 can edit 25 pages and suggest 200-300 improvements in one minute.
Compose in Word, click the “rake” button, and watch WordRake 2 instantly ripple through your document, revealing edits to tighten and clarify your writing.
Click below to see WordRake in action:
Give it a shot. Sign up for a free trial today (no credit card required) and see for yourself how you can streamline your writing.
Comments Off on WordRake – Make Yourself a Better WriterGet $20 off a $55 Costco Membership
February 6, 2014Have you been waiting to sign up for a Costco membership?
I know, for some it seems silly to pay for the privilege of shopping at a store – after all, your membership fee subsidizes the discounts you receive. Then again, there is a reasonable ROI (‘return on investment’ – ooh! look, I’m using language from my current class at RU!)
Here’s the deal, use this link to purchase a voucher at LivingSocial for a 1 year Gold Star Membership for $55 ($104.47 value). You’ll also receive a $20 Costco Cash Card AND a pack of bonus coupons ($29.47 value) good for:
* a free Kirkland Signature™ 48-pack of AA batteries,
* a free rotisserie chicken,
* a free Kirkland Signature™ case of water,
* $4 off Kirkland Signature™ coffee, and
* $4 off Kirkland Signature™ albacore tuna.
PROMO ENDS February 8, 2014
PAID VALUE EXPIRES ON February 6, 2019
PROMOTIONAL VALUE EXPIRES ON May 10, 2014
Here’s the link again: http://ow.ly/tlM8L
(FYI: the link takes you to LivingSocial for Beaumont TX, but voucher is good anywhere)
the fine print
- This offer is valid for NEW members only
- Limit 1 Membership per customer, up to 3 additional Memberships as a gift
- Limit 1 Costco Cash Card per customer/household
- Entire value of Voucher must be used in a single visit
- To qualify for this special offer you must purchase the Costco Membership Activation Certificate through this promotion.
- Offer may not be combined with any other offer or coupon
- Costco Membership Activation Certificate will be emailed to you immediately after completing your purchase and redeeming your Voucher online
- To activate Costco membership you must bring the printed Costco Membership Activation Certificate email or your printed confirmation page to your local Costco location
- The Costco Cash Card will be provided after presenting the Costco Membership Activation Certificate and completion of the Costco membership application for a Costco Gold Star Membership
- Coupons will be mailed to the address provided by Purchaser within 15 days after redeeming Voucher online.
- Costco Cash Card and Coupons are considered “Promotional Value”
- Purchaser must redeem Voucher by May 10, 2014, to receive the Cash Card and Coupons in addition to the applicable Membership purchased
- Purchaser must claim the Costco Cash Card and use Coupons by July 31, 2014
- A Costco membership is $55 a year; Each membership includes a free household card
- Costco accepts cash, checks, debit/ATM cards, EBT, Costco Cash Cards, Costco Credit Cards and American Express
And the Winner is …
January 28, 2013
That’s right, thanks to your votes, StarrParalegals, LLC won Top Honors in the 2012 StartupNation Home-Based 100 Business Competition.
Can I get a “WOOT!”
StarrParalegals earned a rank of 54. In my universe, 54 is a magic number (cue music: … yes it is, it’s a magic number …) (more…)
Comments Off on And the Winner is …Are You Using the Most Current Bankruptcy Forms?
January 4, 2011The following Official Bankruptcy Forms have been amended as of December 1, 2010:
- B9A – Notice of Chapter 7 (No Asset) Case, Meeting of Creditors & Deadlines
- B9C – Notice of Chapter 7 (Asset) Case, Meeting of Creditors & Deadlines
- B9I – Notice of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Case, Meeting of Creditors & Deadlines
- B20A – Notice of Motion or Objection
- B20B – Notice of Objection to Claim
- B22A – Statement of Current Monthly Income and Means Test Calculation (Chapter 7)
- B22B – Statement of Current Monthly Income (Chapter 11)
- B22C – Statement of Current Monthly Income and Calculation of Commitment Period and Disposable Income (Chapter 13)
- B23 – Debtor’s Certification of Completion of Instructional Course Concerning Financial Management
- Director’s Procedural Form B200 – Required Lists, Schedules, Statements and Fees
Please note that many jurisdictions have preferred local forms and quirky local rules. Contact Pamela Starr at StarrParalegals, LLC to make sure you have the right forms and to get your pleadings e-filed.
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