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September 2008 Blog Posts (17)

Thank you!

Thank you so much Kelli, Daniele, Becky and Kyung for all of your suggestions! Before I finished my courses, I was wondering who I was going to be able to talk to and ask questions to about all of these things. I am glad I found you guys! One question I forgot to ask though, and sorry if it sounds really naive, but are the best/only places to purchase any software through the internet? Is it even a good idea to buy a used system, if it's possible? And holy cow!! I sure didn't expect them to… Continue

Added by Debra Nelson on September 30, 2008 at 16:46 — No Comments

Which system is best?

Since I am new to this game, I need some help! I have been all over the internet researching different CAT systems and would like some input from real people who use them every day. I have been mainly looking at Eclilpse, StenoCAT, Catalyst and AristoCAT. What are your opinons of the benefits and drawbacks of these? Do they really pay themselves off soon after you start working? (I understand it taking a little while to really get going) Are there any other programs needed or recommended if I… Continue

Added by Debra Nelson on September 29, 2008 at 17:07 — No Comments

Competent Case Catalyst Scopist

Hello,

My name is Daniele Self, and I'm a scopist on Case Catalyst v.9. I am a current court-reporting student, and a stay-at-home mom. I am no stranger to hard work, and am someone you can depend on. With me, you will never need to worry if your job will be done on time and of good quality. I take pride in my punctuality and quality of my work. References I use to assist me in my work are: Google, Web M.D., Gregg Reference Manual, Webster's Dictionary, and anything else I may… Continue

Added by Daniele Self on September 27, 2008 at 19:04 — 1 Comment

Swearing in an Interpreter

I just finished a depo where an interpreter was used. I said my usual statement, which is: You do promise to translate from English into Spanish and from Spanish into English to the best of your ability. The interpreter's response was No, he would not translate, that he would interpret, I used the wrong word. Uh???? That's the way I've been doing it for 12 years and have never been told I was doing my job wrong. The funny thing about it the attorney asked him what does that mean, are you going… Continue

Added by Rosalie DeLeonardis on September 24, 2008 at 16:10 — 6 Comments

More Federal follies

Well, yesterday was a fun day for me. Not!!

I forgot to turn my mike on for the first hearing. Bleh.

Then I got a call at lunch asking where's that rough? Well, I e-mailed it to you on Friday. Haul my laptop down to the jury room to see if I can find some wi-fi to send in the rough. Unable to get wi-fi hooked up. Double check my e-mail sent box, yes, did send it in. Asked agency to double check their inbox. Yes, they did have it.

Hauled my laptop back up to the… Continue

Added by Kyung on September 23, 2008 at 8:20 — 1 Comment

Is there any way to contact reporters that use a certain software?

This site has a list of scopists by state or software. Is there any way to contact reporters by software, other than searching the member list? When you search the member list, all reporters on a certain software
surface (seven pages). It's would be very time consuming to email each one; although, I did email
a few in Florida.

Added by Darlene on September 22, 2008 at 18:32 — 11 Comments

Wedding shoot yesterday....14hr day!

Was SUCH a long day! I backed-up the main shooter, but got some very nice ones myself. Alpine, NY, which is SO beautiful! Near Watkins Glen. Beautiful couple too!

Added by Rhoda Collins on September 19, 2008 at 14:25 — 5 Comments

Update Federal pro tem

Well, I became a pro tem for the Federal court just a few short months ago. If you've read any of my blogs, you know the first few times were very hairy. But I've produced a transcript from one of my days.

I've also learned a lot of new stuff. The problem is there is no formal training program. They kind of throw you in there and expect you to swim. There have been a couple of reporters who have been helping me out with the administrative end of things. Thank goodness.

As… Continue

Added by Kyung on September 19, 2008 at 6:37 — 5 Comments

Best Buy Rocks! Thank you for connecting me to the world again!

Hi from Hurricane Ike country. I am still out of work and out of power, but thankfully the temperatures have been very comfortable since Monday so we can sleep at night. One of my problems is no internet access or computer access (as well as no fresh meats, perishables, ice) but we've been dealing with it, very fortunate our home was spared. I have been looking for electric access to charge phones or get to my email and saw this Best Buy was open on I-10 and Blalock. They have a nice long table… Continue

Added by Sue Baker on September 17, 2008 at 17:37 — 5 Comments

Realtime versus Livenote

For the longest time, I didn't realize there was a difference between realtime and Livenote. And if you already know the difference, then you can skip this blog and avoid my rantings, ravings, and ramblings.

Realtime is what we do. We provide realtime for ouselves and for the attorney. Realtime is hooking up your writer to your laptop and having the words come up In English. Realtime is hooking up the attorney to your realtime feed somehow via wireless or wire so that they can see… Continue

Added by Kyung on September 17, 2008 at 7:28 — 7 Comments

How to deal with the last-minute call.

The great thing about this profession is the flexibility. You decide to take jobs or not to take jobs.

Of course, there will come a time when you are called for a last-minute depo. And when I say last-minute, I mean last-minute. The agency is calling you at 9:30 for a 10:00 a.m. depo.

Now, a lot of agencies will tell you, we expect you to be showered and ready to go out the door whenever we call. Hmmmm . . .

Well, there are some days that I plan to stay at home… Continue

Added by Kyung on September 13, 2008 at 6:00 — 1 Comment

Annual "Stella" Awards

It's time again for the annual 'Stella Awards'!

For those unfamiliar with these awards, they are named after 81-year-old Stella Liebeck who spilled hot coffee on herself and successfully sued the McDonald's in New Mexico where she purchased the coffee. You remember, she took the lid off the coffee and put it between her knees while she was driving. Who would ever think one could get burned doing that, right?

That's right; these are awards for the most outlandish lawsuits… Continue

Added by Debra Sozio on September 11, 2008 at 17:34 — 1 Comment

anyone heard of "theory of someting more" case?

I Google'd those words and can't seem to find anything -- would you transcrbe as something-more case
or "something more" case?

Added by Terri on September 11, 2008 at 14:57 — 1 Comment

Eclipse and MAC

I'm thinking of buying a MAC computer, but I've heard that using Eclipse with a MAC is a huge headache. Also, I'm getting ready to buy an Elan Mira A3. Has anyone had any issues with that machine and Eclipse?

Added by Jennifer on September 10, 2008 at 21:15 — 1 Comment

PAY YOUR TAXES - IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR

Hey,

Don't forget to pay your quarterly taxes.

For the new reporters out there, you are an independent contractor. Nobody is taking money out for the government, but they want their share. I personally pay quarterly. My tax person gives me vouchers that I just send in every three months.

If you say you don't have the money now, better start saving. Because if you don't have it now, they'll want it later. Just estimate an amount.

Added by Kyung on September 5, 2008 at 16:01 — 4 Comments

find scopist question

Hey y'all....i have been away from the site and noticed some new functions like the got scopist....just wondering how i get listed under the find digitalcat scopist now?...any suggestions?..thanks!!

Added by Debi Rodgers on September 3, 2008 at 11:12 — 10 Comments

Airports & travel

So I'm traveling for the Labor Day weekend

San Jose, California, is a great airport to fly in and out of. They have pretty good TSA, not the zoo that is LAX. It's a fairly easy airport to navigate in terms of finding your gate. They have lots of outlets to plug into for your laptop. They also have free wi-fi. Whoo-hoo. Awesome. They got a good mix of restaurants. Of course, they're all overpriced but there's some variety.

John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County,… Continue

Added by Kyung on September 1, 2008 at 12:00 — 1 Comment