Bits and Bobs from 2012-08-07

Guess I was microblogging a lot yesterday.

Serious Stuff

1.  Race, Origin, and other census labels – The Census Bureau reexamines the hornet’s nest of race/ethnicity classifications.
2. If this doesn’t make you paranoid about living online … – Recent social hacks into Apple, Amazon, and thence to other systems are … worrisome for someone who does a lot online.  I’m considering our options.
3. Google Two-Factor Authentication – Looking very hard at this security option for myself.  Probably not as necessary for a lot of folks, though.
4. At the risk of siding with Facebook on something … – Yes, clicking on a “Like” button should be considered free speech.  Of course.

Fun stuff

1. The Art of the “Avengers” title sequences – A lot more thought goes into those titles than you’d think.
2. Facebook becomes not only normal, but expected – Because if you’re not on Facebook … then what are you hiding?
3. Amazon lockers – Amazon continues to make forays into the real world.  I can imagine some folks for whom this would be pretty helpful.
4. Easy links to your Google+ profile – So, for the record, you can always get to me via http://gplus.to/davehill .
5. Nothing can be done – Experts agree!
6. Airline luggage delivered to your door – Another way for airlines to make money from you. Though I can imagine cases where this could be handy.
7. AVENGERS DIRECTOR, REASSEMBLE! – Joss Whedon to return as the writer/director for Avengers 2.  Huzzah! (And, not incidentally, to develop at least one Marvel-based TV property … Alias / Jessica Jones, perhaps?)
8. Whedon’s vision of “Avengers 2” – Sounds good to me. Though I’m sure there will still be plenty of things blowing up real good.