DoJ employees failing spam scam test

Seeing if department employees would respond to spam requests, as part of an ongoing evaluation of employees, this email apparently caused some waves outside of the small group it was initially sent to. Even federal employees know how to hit FWD and pass along a juicy ... rumor. Kind of like a lot of stuff that hits my inbox.

Justice did not anticipate response to bogus e-mail

http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20090204_2057.php

Report: Justice Department sends hoax e-mail to test workers

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-10153795-83.html

...

Two new Google tools

Sync your Google contacts with Blackberry

http://www.techtree.com/India/News/Now_Sync_Google_Contacts_With_BlackBerry/551-95558-643.html

-my only complaint: there's not an option to keep calendar entries "forever" -- Google Sync for Calendar (included as part of this new Sync) continually deleted my appointments -- my colleagues were wondering why I canceled meetings in the middle of the night. My challenges came with trying to sync my Bb with my enterprise server and with Google Sync - I think the phone was having issues trying to figure out what to sync. But my other problem is that old events get deleted (I think 4 months is the longest it will let you keep on the Bb). Google is aware of this issue. http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Google+Mobile/thread?tid=75095dc91f64c1ea&hl=en

And says that your Google calendar keeps the events, but deletes them from your phone because of "memory issues." Well, my Bb calendar is set to keep appointments forever, and I haven't noticed any space issues... It's helpful to be able to look back or search for past or future events that may be outside of the 4 month or 1 year span... 

-but if this doesn't matter, Sync away

Stalk your Friends with Google Latitude

http://www.techtree.com/India/News/Stalk_Your_Friends_With_Google_Latitude/551-98555-643.html

Just in case you don't think people can keep track of you through your Twitter or Facebook updates, let them "see" where you are. Haven't tried this yet, but I'll keep you posted.

**BONUS**

Google Ocean - a plug-in/layer for Google Earth. You have to download the program, but it will have you diving around the world before you know it.

bbq explosion: part 2

I mentioned before (either here or shared in my Reader) the delicacy know as the "BBQ Explosion" -- a stunning combination of bacon, sausage, and more bacon. After finding its way around cyberspace quickly after being posted, and shared via pretty much every social network imaginable, this little piggy went to print. In the paper of record.

Check it:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/28/dining/28bacon.html?partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

the aftermath, as noted by the NYT

Amazing lunch

So, this is going to be like my journal entries from when I was 8. (Ok, so probably from 8-21...). But I went out to lunch today and had the most amazing, delicious lunch at Equinox Restaurant in Washington, DC.

I was there with someone who was a "regular," which made the experience that much more interesting and enjoyable. The head chef and owner cam out to our table to introduce the [lunch] menu, explaining the specials, some things they had going in the back that weren't on the menu, and ended with -- "and if none of that suits you, let me know what's on your mind and we'll see what we can do."

I started out with the Cream of Parsnip and Granny Smith Apple Soup (over In-House Duck Confit, Roasted Shallots, and Apple Julienne). The duck, apple julienne, and shallots were in my bowl, and then they poured the soup from a "pitcher" of sorts over it in front of me. Nice.

But actually, before that we had some fresh (potato?) rolls and a "shot" of their lobster bisque soup. Had I tried the lobster bisque before I ordered, I may have been tempted to pass up on parsnip and apple creation and go with the yummy bisque. Anyway.

My main course was the Wild Carolina Grouper Filet with Marscapone Grits (with toasted Pumpkin Seeds, Diced Avocado, Blood Orange-citrus vinaigrette, and seasoned popped corn around the edges of the plate). It was amazing, to say the least.

The whole experience was wonderful and the food excellent. If it weren't so expensive, I'd probably go back tomorrow! I'll have to keep this in mind for a future dinner =)

Ah. Great food. Great company. Great conversation.

I love DC.

Your little piece of knowledge for the day

Rival - from the Latin rivalis, meaning one using the same river as another.

Interesting, eh?