It's Not Too Late to Learn BeforeThe New Year from Davidson Academy

Table of Authorities in MS Word 2003
Wed., December 7, 2011 from 12:00 -1:00 p.m. - REGISTER NOW
Learn how to properly mark citations and generate a Table of Authorities in MS Word 2003, including revising the "selected text," choosing the proper category, creating proper short citations, and correcting the most commonly made mistakes.

Table of Authorities in MS Word 2007/2010
Thurs., December 8, 2011 from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. - REGISTER NOW
Learn how to properly mark citations and generate a Table of Authorities in MS Word 2007 and 2010, including revising the "selected text," choosing the proper category, creating proper short citations, and correcting the most commonly made mistakes.
To register, go to:

http://www.davidsonstaffing.com/webinars/.

Do You C What I C?

I'm so confused. I still use "cc" when I'm copying someone on a letter? What's a letter? It's the thing we used before email.

Anyway, originally it meant "carbon copy." Of course, we haven't used carbon paper in many years, but we have continued to use "cc."

Recently, I started a new gig. They're younger and hipper and high-tech. I had to do a letter the other day and I thought, "Do I say "cc: Mr. Jones," or "c: Mr. Jones."

I played it safe and stuck with "cc" but it got me thinking that in this high-tech world in which we live there are some issues that we haven't fully dealt with.

If anyone knows the correct term, please forward.

Sincerely,

Dottie

Have You Ever Seen One of These?

If you were born after 1980, there's a good chance you have no idea what this is.

You grew up with electronics at your fingertips. It's entirely possible you've never even seen a typewriter. Although, I really hope that's not the case because that would mean that I am, in fact, completely obsolete.

This is a Rolodex open business card holder. You probably don't carry business cards either. You use a V-card which goes into your Outlook contacts and business cards aren't really hip any more. And if you want to find someone, you can just go to LinkedIn. Or send them a tweet.

But if you're someone of my generation, you probably need all the help you can get. Which is why I have never stopped using a Rolodex. Truth is, I was using one in 1980. And yes, I am still in the workforce and think I do a pretty darn good job, if I say so myself.

But this little thing has years, actually over a decade of contact information. And yes, some of them are obsolete, some of the companies are defunct. But there's something about keeping them that makes me feel a little more connected to actual people. And my Rolodex TM goes with me wherever I go. It's a part of me.

I love technology and will never fight progress. But, who says you have to throw away something that's perfectly useful just because it's a little outdated.

And that includes good secretaries.

Have a great week!

SOMETIMES I FEEL LIKE THE "COOKIE MONSTER"

Everyone has their favorite court reporting company or at least a couple of firms that they know they can always depend on to never let them down and cut them some slack when they give less than the required cancellation notice. But what kinds of "swag" do you get from court reporters that you really use?

Everyone loves cookies, especially yours truly, and the trend in the last few years has been "get-acquainted lunches, dinners, cocktails" and such. However, many firms don't allow secretaries and paralegals to accept items from vendors which have a high monetary value.

I have received many nice marketing tools over the years. On the other hand, I've received some things that I would put in the category of "doo-hickeys" or even "dust catchers." I'd be curious to know what you've received lately that was of particular use.

One court reporting service brought me the nice laminated calendars for 2012 a couple of months ago. That's always useful. Especially with the court crowding and dates being extended out for months - even years.

I also got a very helpful sewing kit which is perfect for emergencies. Highlighters are nice and I can always use notepads. Mousepads are cool but you can only use one at a time.

And, while we're on the subject, what do you look for in court reporting services? Do you like a large firm or do you tend to go with the smaller independent?

This is just "food for thought."

Let me know what you think. This isn't a formal survey, but "inquring minds" want to know.

It's Thursday, guys. We're almost there!

Say It Ain't So, Sam - Goodbye to the Extra Space After a Period?

According to the this article on slate.com it is completely inappropriate to add two spaces after a period. But this looks too crammed and funny. And did anybody tell my attorneys? So what happens after a question mark? And why do they keep changing the grammar rules?

Will you bid adieu to that extra space or is it in your life to stay?

I'd love to hear your thoughts. Period.

A Good Read - "Open House" by Elizabeth Berg

Where have I been? This book was an Oprah's Book Club Selection over a decade ago and somehow it never made it on my reading list.

Elizabeth Berg weaves a tale of divorce and change that not only keeps the reader engaged about serious issues, there were times when I laughed out loud - on the train! Of course, sometimes the legal profession can make you do that anyway.

However, this was the second book I'd read by this author, the first being "The Last Time I Saw You" (another good read).

A perfect selection for Fall.

www.elizabeth-berg.net