When I first got my iPhone, I was thrilled by the ability to have a dictation unit in my pocket, in addition to everything else. Many times I'd tried to use small units to capture my thoughts while driving or right after meetings but the tapes usually remained un-transcribed and gathering dust in a desk drawer.

Like a lot of others, I'd also tried using the venerable Dragon Dictate software to assist in getting things done. It didn't understand all the names and Masonic titles I'd throw at it and because I use a mail program other than Outlook, it wouldn't work for that. (Thank you, U.S. Navy, for at least having taught me how to type!) So on I went.

Quite recently, I saw that Dragon had just released an iPhone app and my curiosity was aroused. It, installing gently, caused me.... (Am I lapsing into ritual again? Sheesh!) Anyway, what was even better? The price. FREE!!! And, by golly, it WORKS! (There's one small typo in the pics. The last word should be "it".) Now lots of other folks, including Huffington Post (Look, I'm only mentioning it so don't get all politically upset if it's not your cup of tea....) have commented on the pros and cons of this and initially there were some concerns about privacy but here's one of the great things about your iPhone and its apps: if you don't like something, just delete it. It's not like your PC where the ghosts of an uninstalled program will haunt you forever. It's GONE and you move on.

However, if you get hooked on this system, there are lots of ways to make it even better. The SkillCasting site has an interesting video if you're interested.

For the active Mason it's really great to be able to sit for a moment in the car after a meeting and make a few dictated notes about things you need to remember. Try it. You might really like it.

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