A couple of big changes in the social media world:

• Facebook is overhauling its News Feed feature, with the promise that the changes will keep you from "missing important updates" or big life changes of your closest Facebook contacts. Mashable.com has details.
• Google's hope for a Facebook-killer (or at least Facebook-wounder), Google+, has taken the wraps off its Beta status. It's now open to all, not just those who snag an invitation. Details on the change, and some new features added, on Google's official blog.

(By the way: If you're looking for me on Google+, I'm here ... and NOT here. Why would anyone smoke a cigar?)