MAIL BAG #102606

Yes, there's even one Apple item:

* Catherine Sanders Reach, head honcho at the ABA's Legal Technology Resource Ctr, forwards this interesting little advisory from Cupertino. Apparently some new video iPods included an easter egg -- a Windows virus.

* From Jessica Moore: En septiembre de 2006, los abogados de Parsinen Kaplan Rosberg & Gotlieb lanzaron un programa de clases de español. Los empleados, clientes y amigos de la firma están invitados a participar en clases introductorias de español ofrecidas en su oficina. Las clases son enseñadas por Cristóbal Álvarez; él es de Sevilla, España.

Rough translation: Minneapolis' Parsinen Kaplan Rosberg & Gotlieb is offering weekly Spanish classes to its legal professionals, and inviting clients and friends to join in! What a GREAT idea! And a tangible way to help promote diversity. Details: here.

* Arnie Herz sings the praises of The Curmudgeon's Guide to Practicing Law, written by Mark Hermann, a lit partner at Jones Day, and published by the ABA.

I'll turn the mic over to Arnie:

"I thought it was a great book. Short, to the point, easy to read. Funny and important. Has great advice, that if followed, would instill a much greater level of professionalism and satisfaction in the practice of law.  I think its must read for any person thinking about going to law school, for all law students, and any one in a law firm, particularly associates. It is also applicable outside the law as well."

* Carolee Swallie, of Kirkland & Ellis, says the Legal Sales and Service Organization (LSSO) is launching The Thomas H. Lee Award for Service Excellence in Law, to recognize firms that demostrate commitment to "the standards and leadership necessary to achieve continuous improvements in delivering service excellence."  To apply, here's the 411.

* Doug Neal checks in to announce a new professional networking site for the legal community. It's still in beta, he sez, but you can check it out here. He welcomes feedback.

* My colleague Margaret Daisley found these two research goodies. The first one is about Bit9 this second, from RSA Security, is about password management.