Many people seem to be confused that this is some kind of privacy invasion, with Microsoft sharing your search queries with all of your friends.

No. You must specifically log in to so.cl and perform a search. It is only these searches which are made public and (if you allow it) to your social networks.

The site is definitely geared to students and to help them collaborate on search results. It even offers features similar to Pinterest and a video chat room surrounding specific terms.

Everyday people often choose convinience over security. They forego data encryption, they have simple passwords, and they don't think twice about their privacy implications.

Criminals are often no different.

Don't even get me started on baggage claim...

Agreed. While most people probably wouldn't think about stealing something with three dozen guards around, this is a huge personal security loophole.

Every time I travel I see the opportunity to steal someone's stuff. If someone is "detained" for a second scan, their stuff is always left availble.

I've even had security guards attempt to hand me laptop bags asking, "Is this yours?" It belonged to someone who was still on the other side of the body scan.

Add that your personal items (keys and wallet, mostly) are in the little bin as well, and I'm surprised that not more theft happens this way.

Take us to JFK Airport, Warp 7.

Engage!

Your comment reminded me of my old laptop and cell phone, both which had IrDA.

I never even thought about it, of course, until one day I set my cell phone down exactly line-of-sight to the laptop and both of the devices lit up and started talking to each other. The laptop even made a funny zap noise. Freaked me out.

Hello. I am using Windows 8.

I did not need to provide my Windows Live login for anything. While it is suggested, it certainly wasn't required.

I am using the built-in email, calendar, and messenger apps. All of them allow connectivity to multiple services including Exchange, Facebook, and more. (Yes, I can even see my Facebook contacts and events integrated into the various apps.)

And while Windows 8 certainly ships with IE 10, you're not forced to use it. I could have easily installed Firefox and tabbed it to the Metro screen if I wanted.

You can disable the Metro interface through a registry setting. Upon release it might be even easier. It will certainly be a GPO that can be set.

Or you could just try it out. You might actually like it.

What bullshit is that?

It asked if you wanted to change the default search engine. I think that's it.

And, it probably only does that to avoid anti-trust issues.

Common sense. :P