Google has updated its transparency report. “This is the sixth time we’ve released this data, and one trend has become clear: Government surveillance is on the rise. As you can see from the graph below, government demands for user data have increased steadily since we first launched the Transparency Report. In the first half of 2012, there were 20,938 inquiries from government entities around the world. Those requests were for information about 34,614 accounts.”

More Google: Google Fiber has gone live in Kansas City.

Hat tip to Dick Eastman for the article about the new online collection from the Chicago Genealogical Society. “The online database contains images of the Chicago Genealogist, a quarterly journal published continuously since 1969 by the Chicago Genealogical Society.”

The Chinese philosopher Confucius’ descendants are getting a digitized version of his family tree. It currently contains over two million people.

Yow! Apparently Skype had a very simple and easy-to-exploit security flaw. Appears to be fixed for now.

And in case you need a little brain boost, here’s the announcement that the New York Times has redesigned its online crosswords. Good morning, Internet…

I still don’t grok Pinterest, maybe this will make you better than me: 5 tips to make the most of Pinterest.

A Mashable article explains why there’s no “straight up Facebook feed”. Irritating.

Twitter has rolled out a search update with more multimedia results.

If you’re a Google Apps user, soon you will be able to have hangouts for up to 15 people.

Aaaaand if you’re in the US, you’ve probably heard about Hostess liquidating. In tribute, I’d like to present The ten dumbest comic book Hostess ads. Good morning, Internet…