And the judge didn't even tell the lawyers that she was going to issue an order on their motion to compel these various depositions until the very end of the call, around 7:45 Eastern Standard time and that the clerk would actually fax them a copy at that point.

CNN: Transcript: White House Counsel Ruff's opening statement

But if his occupancy is more than 40%, he's going to schedule a desk clerk: his time would be better spent doing some sales calls or a property improvement project.

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Between speeches, there are quorum calls, time killers in which a Senate clerk calls the roll at the rate of one name every few minutes.

NEWYORKER: The Empty Chamber