Thirty years ago, the PC was born. It is truly amazing to look back at all of the innovations of the past three decades, knowing that the future is full of possibilities!  We have come a long way since 64 kilobytes of memory.  What was your first PC?

If you like to go by a nickname, you are out of luck on Google+, at least for now. The newly launched social networking site has banned the use of pseudonyms and nicknames in place of real names, according to Mashable. The policy is “designed to fight spam and prevent the creation of fake profiles.”

After utilizing user’s names and information in ads, LinkedIn found itself in the harsh privacy light last week. The site was allowing third-parties to use the information in ads and its partners to target users based on information in their profiles. At the same time, Facebook announced it is now allowing advertisers to target users based on zip codes. Where do you think the line should be drawn in terms of social advertising?  

Speaking of Facebook, have you downloaded its new messenger iOS app? The app provides “one-click access to messages that are delivered through notifications and text.” It’s already a big hit and some think it may replace the need for traditional smart phone texting.

As much of America is suffering under a heat spell, Southwest has been inspired to create a “cool” campaign. In one of the airline’s hubs, Atlanta, Southwest has implemented the “Random Acts of Coolness” campaign, low-key efforts at schools, public pools, and police and fire stations in which teams of people distribute treats, ice pops and bottles of water to teachers, firefighters, police officers and others. I admire how they are making a splash. 

Do you want to avoid “search overload?” The advertisers at Bing may be on to something with their slogan. According to new data, Microsoft’s decision engine Bing is better in terms of search effectiveness than its monster search engine rival Google, as measured by the percentage of search queries that result in a visit to a website.  Do you prefer more or less search results?

Bon appétit!  If you enjoy the French way of life, and by that I mean French food, go no further than your vending machine? A Parisian baker developed coin-operated vending machines that provide pre-cooked baguettes that are heated upon order.  Au revoir, I am off to call office services to suggest getting one here at Realogy headquarters!