The odd thing is that the desktop notifications are clearly only appearing for what seems to be email lists or marketing messages.  For example, almost every message that I have received from Apple displays a desktop notification.  The same for Staples, and some antivirus vendors, etc.  Almost never does it display a "normal" message from another person.  I feel there has got to be a rule or setting that flags these messages to display alerts, but I am unable to locate it.  I have looked in Rules and have been unable to locate anything. 

I am almost certain that I have seen that setting in the past but haven't been able to run across it again.

This is a new installation of Office 2011 14.3.8 and an initial sync with Outlook.  There has been no modifications made to the installation other than a signature added.

Thank you

Jeff