Flashback Friday – “The Adventures of Huck Finn” Published

On this day in history, in 1885, Mark Twain published “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”! Did you know that Mark Twain was a pen name, that his real name was actually Samuel Clemens? Twain saw this book as a sequel to his 1876 novel “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer”, but this book also saw a more serious approach as well as it focused on the institution of slavery and other issues of the south at that time.

This wonderful classic of American literature told the tale of Huckleberry Finn and his friend Jim, a runaway slave as they rode a raft down the Mississippi river. If you’ve read the book you know that he ran way because he was about to be sold and separated from his wife and children; Huck went along with him to help him get to Ohio. What I really liked about this book was it’s satirical take on slavery, racism, religion and the overall social attitude of that era. To me Jim was strong, generous and brave as well was wise, whereas the other characters were shown to be violent, stupid and/or selfish. Huck was very naive to me, but the way he ended up questioning society’s attitude in general was just outstanding.

This book has not been without controversy, however, heck a month after it’s publication it was banned by a library in Concord, Massachusetts, saying it’s subject matter was “tawdry” while the narrative voice of Huck was “coarse and ignorant”. Other lemmings, sorry, I mean libraries, followed suit, which followed long after Twain’s death in 1910. In the 1950’s various African American groups protested it, saying it was racist in it’s portrayal of black characters even though others said it displayed a strong criticism of racism and slavery. Even more recently, there have been attempts to edit the book, most notably as of late to remove all reference to the “N” word, replacing it with slave. But I think the best judge  of this book is another literary genius, Ernest Hemingway, who once famously said that this book marked the beginning of American literature. He also said, “There was nothing before. There has been nothing as good since.”

What do you think? Let us know in our forums HERE!

Big Brother Alums Brendon and Rachel get Engaged!

Ahhh… they say Valentines Day is for lovers, and now, everything is right with the world.

That’s right, Brendon Villegas and Rachel Reilly (BB12) announced on Valentines Day via Real Player Superpass that they are engaged to be married. Rachel’s twitter lit up, “I’m engaged 2 my best friend!!!!!!!!!” and “Yay 4shellic nail products! Making manicures last!! Gotta have pretty hands 4my pretty ring!” and “Oh gym no sugar diets why do you hate me! but you make my butt look cute and after all I gotta start wedding dress shopping next week!” Thank you to Yak Forum member kmteach for the heads up on this precious moment!

We even got a picture of her engaged hand via Twitpic (included below).

No word yet on where they will set up house, but we would imagine Las Vegas is in the running. She “is Vegas” after all.

Cheers to you two! We hope it lasts a lifetime!

Comments? Let us know below!

Melodic Monday: Spotlight on Adele

Most, at this point in time, has at least heard of Adele, at least we hope everyone has. Well, Adele is releasing a new album next week, so we thought we would turn the Melodic Monday spotlight on this truly amazing, and just getting better with maturity, talent. Maturity of course being a whopping 22 years old! Her latest release, ’21’, will be available Feb 22 for purchase.

In the meantime, sit back and enjoy this broken down acoustic performance of Adele, thanks to NPR, and be sure to let us know what you think! We think this wonderful performance is the perfect anecdote to a great week, especially after the quite peculiar Grammy’s we were all subjected to yesterday.

Liz Taylor Treated for Heart Failure

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Elizabeth Taylor has been hospitalized for treatment of congestive heart failure.

The Oscar-winning actress was at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Saturday, her spokeswoman Sally Morrison said.

The 78-year-old Taylor first disclosed in November 2004 that she suffered from congestive heart failure. The condition was compounded with other ailments including spinal fractures and the effects of scoliosis.

Morrison did not know how long Taylor would be in the hospital.

Taylor had been scheduled to attend an amfAR benefit gala Wednesday night in New York, where she was to receive an award alongside President Bill Clinton and designer Diane von Furstenberg, celebrating their dedication to AIDS research.

Elton John accepted the honor on her behalf.

The actress had near-fatal bouts with pneumonia in 1961 and 1990, and another respiratory infection forced her to cancel all engagements for several weeks in late 1992. Both her hip joints were replaced in 1994 and 1995.

She’s also battled ulcers, amoebic dysentery, bursitis, and had a benign brain tumor removed in 1997. In recent years, she has had to use a wheelchair when out in public.

Taylor, who’s appeared in more than 50 films, won Oscars for her performances in “Butterfield 8” (1960) and “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” (1966). But she’s been just as famous for her marriages — all eight of them, including two to Richard Burton — and her lifelong battles with substance abuse, her weight and physical ailments, including numerous visits to the hospital for more than 20 major operations and countless treatments.

Grammy Rehearsals: Day Two

Day one of rehearsals are now behind us, time to move into day two! Here are the updates!

This morning, and just finishing up, we had Rihanna rehearsing her act with Drake. Looks like they will have some sort of “Caveman” theme going on today, with a campfire in the middle of the stage. They have a lot of sexy dancers up there on stage with them, all wearing some pretty skimpy clothes. The choreography was terrific! I have no idea how this coincides with the theme, but there was a big clown wig thing going on today. Maybe just hoping to be incognito? Who knows. (Itsy Bitsy video clip included at the bottom. I know, I need a new phone!)

Coming up next, scheduled at 1:00p, Bruno Mars is in the house! We will update you as we get further along.

Scheduled for 6pm., Cee Lo Green is schedules to rehearse, followed by Katy Perry at 8pm. (All times Pacific.) Stay tuned to the Yak for more updates!  Hopefully I can get some better video as well. Rehearsals are being held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

The Grammy’s: Rehearsal Day One!

The Grammy’s performers are getting ready to entertain you, and we have the inside scoop, thank to our very own super secret spy! Stay tuned in the Yak forum HERE for updates!

Rehearsing earlier today, we had Arcade Fire in the house! The house being Staples Center in Los Angeles of course. Anyway, they have a little surprise up their sleeve for the show… That’s right, they had some BMX riders up there with them doing tricks on stage. It was interesting!

Up Next, Lady Antebellum got their practice in, and just let me say, Hillary is an absolute doll, so humble and nice.

Streisand made her way in around 5pm for her rehearsal. The place was definitely still and quiet while she performed.

The Salute to Aretha Franklin is rehearsing now (7:30p Pacific Time), and we have Christina Aguilera (straw hair and all) and Jennifer Hudson (who is so thin now it makes us want to buy her a hamburger) up there on stage. You know, the last time we sat through an Aguilera rehearsal here, she oh so politely chucked her gum out of her mouth on to the stage where the Grammy Production Crew had to go pick it up. Well, I guess that’s a diva for you!

We have not yet seen Cee Lo, Mars, Eminem etc. Probably rehearsing tomorrow… Stay tuned to the Yak and we will try and keep you all updated!

Black History Month: The Yak Salutes Sammy Davis Jr.

In honor of Black History Month, we’d like to bring attention to Mr. Sammy Davis, Jr. Sammy Jr. started off touring with his vaudeville- performing father, Sammy Sr. and joined the army during WWII where he experienced racism and segregation. After his discharge, he became great friends with Frank Sinatra and was, as you know, a member of the Rat Pack.

Sammy refused to perform (along with Ol’ Blue Eyes) at many venues that segregated their clubs and was at the March in D.C. Because of his actions, many clubs desegregated their establishments for further Black performers after Mr. Davis, Jr. He continues to hold a special place in our hearts as a great entertainer and Civil Rights Activist.

Sammy was most definitely one of the most multi-talented and spectacular artists that ever graced the stage, and America is better for it. Sammy, we salute you. It was a privilege to have you in our lives, and in our history. Let’s remember Sammy Davis, Jr.

Tech Tuesday: Google, Hulu and Twits!

Welcome to another edition of Tech Tuesday! Here are the top stories in the tech world you may have missed!

Google Logo: Diver Down!

Honoring Jules Verne, the French author who pioneered the Science Fiction genre, Google has an interactive logo today that allows you to explore the depths of the sea.

Jules, best known for his classic novels ‘Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea’, ‘A Journey to the Center of the Earth’, and ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’ was born on this day in 1828.

Check out the interactive logo HERE.

TwitPic Launches Video for Twitter

Twitpic is bringing support for video to Twitter today, allowing users to timely share their clips. Now, instead of posting your links to YouTube to spread your awesome vid, you can upload it over to Twitpic and share it immediately.

So be sure to tweet @yakkityyaks so we don’t somehow miss your video! Hey, if it’s a good one, it may just get notice on Webtastic Wednesday!

“The Social Break-Up” Study

A study that surveyed 1500 consumers on why they unsubscribe, unlike, or unfollow brands in the social media world was conducted, and the results are in! I would think this shouldn’t be surprising…

More than 90% say they they do it because of too frequent, irrelevant or boring communications. Of the 1500, 91% have opted out of e-mails, 81% have “unliked” on Facebook to remove the company from their News Feed, and 77% say they are just more cautious about who they share their information and e-mail with.

So, now that you have that shocking information (sarcasm), why don’t you go follow the Yak on Facebook and Twitter! We promise not to bore you, too much anyway, and we promise to NEVER share ANY of your information, including your e-mail address!

T-Mobile – All Phones FREE!

As part of a special Valentine’s Day promotion, T-Mobile will offer all of the phones in it’s inventory for free with a new 2 yr. contract this Friday and Saturday. (February 11th and 12th.)

This includes their high-end Smartphones, like the HTC HD7, the T-Mobile G2 and the Samsung Vibrant. You can see a list of all the offers on T-Mobiles website HERE.

These are huge savings, but just like all other companies, I’m sure you will still need to pay the sales tax based on the original price. To take advantage of their offer, you must go to a T-Mobile store. However, there will be some offerings online if you wish to order from the comfort of your home.

Care to guess if this is really just for Valentines Day, or could it be because the Verizon iPhone comes out this weekend? Hmmmm.

The Daily Show and The Colbert Report Returns to Hulu

Fans of Jon Stewart, Colbert and Hulu unite! Both shows are returning to a computer near you. Hulu closed a major deal with Viacom last week, and as part of the deal, a “selection of great current programming from MTV, Comedy Central, VH1, TV Land, BET, and other Viacom channel brands will also be added to Hili Plus.

What does this mean for us? Well, previously the two above shows were on Hulu (free) and have now moved to Hulu Plus. Hulu Plus is a subscription based service that currently costs $7.99 a month. It’s a nice add if you are thinking about cutting the cable cord and accessing HULU through other platforms attached to your TV.

Well there you have it, all caught up. So, what do you think? Will you subscribe to Hulu? Will you run out this weekend for a new T-Mobile phone? Will you @yakkityyaks your Twitpic video? Let us know below!

Huffington Post Sold to AOL. Really.

As the news broke last night about the huge purchase of Huffington Post to America Online for $315 Million, I have to say I was quite disappointed. In fact, I think there are many who are.

Huffington Post, one of the top 10 stops on the internet for News and Current Events was purchased yesterday in a move that some foresee as putting AOL back on top and others as watching Huff Post crumble. I, being a cynic, am in the latter group.

For many of us, we “grew up” internet wise with America Online. They were known as “the internet on training wheels” for many, offering up a dial-in service (and later broadband access) to exclusive content, games and information. At the top of their game, they were almost like ‘Facebook’ where people could keep in touch through message boards, chat rooms, interactive gaming and of course, their iconic “You’ve Got Mail” e-mail.

However, something happened to the giant around the early to mid 2000’s. They stopped offering their content exclusively, moved everything out to the world wide web where everyone could access it, and did away with their Community Leader program, which was, in fact, crucial to it’s persona. The Community Leaders of yore helped bring in user driven content, provided what was once a personal experience on the web and got more users involved. AOL went mainstream, with the help of their newly merged company Time Warner. They sold out their exclusive content in lieu of advertising dollars. They rid of their personalization and user-driven network in order to drive up commercial revenue. They did away with their software, their membership dues, to become a giant www conglomerate.

The people didn’t take to it. Their user base dropped dramatically. Their AOL inboxes were nothing but SPAM. The personal experience they had once felt became anonymous web surfing. The older generation, who found it simple to get on the web with the American Online software was now lost in the vast internet sea. America Online crumbled, and people were going elsewhere. It was a huge mistake on their part, one of which I doubt they will ever admit. How they continued on is a mystery as their revenue, reputation and influence dropped substantially.

Time Warner and America Online parted ways in 2009 in a move that many had hoped would bring AOL back on top. People hoped that America Online would return to what had made it great, being able to finally make it’s own decisions. This wasn’t to be the case.

After the split, America Online dropped it’s AIM ability for users to access AOL Chat rooms, a move that has seen a large dip in AIM patrons in the months since. It also acquired TechCrunch and Engadget, two premier sites offering reviews of all things technology. However what have those sites become? Well, according to the AOL CEO himself, Tim Armstrong, American Online wants those pages to be “story mills”… Pumping out search engine and profit optimized stories at a quick rate to make as much money from their advertisers as they can. Well, that’s great, but what about the reader? Can you trust the reviews? Is a bad review an advertisement for a different product flashing at you in the top banner? Is a good review with the relevant ad on the side a ploy? What was once great review sites that were dedicated to keeping users informed is now one large ad. It doesn’t appear America Online has changed it’s ways one bit.

Enter Huffington Post. The Huffington Post has always been a stop for me on the internet. The writers expressed their views on many different subjects and from many different angles. It was (somewhat) personal. It covered everything, from current events, politics, and Entertainment. It was a melting pot if you will of content. Will this change? Well, if America Online has anything to do with it, you bet it will. It may not change overnight, but change it will. Gone will be many of the premier writers you grew to enjoy. Gone will the honesty we sense in the writing. Stories will churn quickly, and profitability will be it’s goal. It just won’t be the same, no matter how much they try to tell you it will. I expect to see a lot more ads on my iPhone/iPad app soon. Course, that will most likely be the day it gets deleted.

As part of the deal, The Huffington Post co-founder Arianna Huffington will be appointed president editor-in-chief of all of AOL’s content. She will not only run The Huffington Post, but will lead AOL’s news, tech, women, local, multicultural, entertainment video and community content businesses in an AOL entity that will be known as the Huffington Post Media Group. This will include MapQuest, AOL Music, AutoBlog, Patch, Engadget and TechCrunch.

However, we are also seeing the exit of some key people from Huffington, like CEO Eric Hippeau and Chief Revenue Officer Greg Coleman. We will also, eventually, see some, if not most, of the writers going by the wayside, guaranteed. Many of the big names will no longer contribute to the new conglomerate and wasn’t that the point of the whole thing to begin with? To hear angles on stories by some of your favorites? The personal experience has been squashed, in good ‘ol AOL fashion.

Arianna sold out, and it’s just a matter of time before everyone sees it, if they don’t already. In a blog statement by Arianna herself, as many of her longtime co-workers exit the building, she said “By combining HuffPost with AOL’s network of sites, thriving video initiative, local focus, and international reach, we know we’ll be creating a company that can have an enormous impact, reaching a global audience on every imaginable platform.” That may be true, for the moment.

AOL now claims that the combined entity reaches 117 million unique visitors per month in the U.S. and 270 million worldwide. AOL CEO Tim Armstrong says the new organization will be “a next-generation American media company” focused on content, community and social experiences.

What he should of said was the organization will be a last-generation American media company, focused on money, advertising and social spam. It is known as the “Aol Way”, which AOL CEO Armstrong actually called it when training the new writers and Editors of TechCrunch. The training included teaching these contributors to boost traffic by 5 to 10% with search ads and other ‘paid media’ and editors should decide to produce content based on ‘the profitability consideration.’

Yes, I’m a cynic, can you tell? However when you look at the current giant, Facebook, it’s all about personal experience, lack of in your face spam, and belonging. AOL has a history of squashing that, and therefore, the Huff Post receives an “outlook not so good” on my trusty 8-ball. Matter of fact, the same theory is beginning to set in over at Facebook as well, and it may well be the downfall of that giant soon. Selling your information, privacy breeches, more advertising… Facebook could learn a few things from the failures of the big boys, but will they see it before it’s too late?

What we didn’t touch on in this article is the changes to come in the content of The Huffington Post. Do you think we will see what is now a left-leaning slant begin a directional shift? America Online is known to be by many as right-leaning. How will these companies mesh? I guess we wait and see.

What do you think? Will you keep stopping at The Post, or is that bookmark already no longer in your faves? Leave us a comment and let us know!

Melodic Monday: White Stripes, Grey and Idols

Here is your ‘readers digest’ version of some breaking music news this past week. Hopefully this will help get you all caught up!

Original ‘Love the Way You Lie’

If you haven’t heard this version of the song by the original writer, it’s a must listen. It’s kinda like acoustic candy for your ears. Skylar Grey, (formerly Holly Brook) the original writer of the tune is currently making a big splash on the music scene, piping up on some big artist records, from Dr. Dre to Lupe Fiasco. Skylar states that she never really was a writer for others, but an artist in her own right. The song was originally written for her to perform, but once Rihanna and her team heard the track, they asked her for the hit. Skylar agreed to let it go, but thought it would be great if people could still hear her version of it. So, here you go, and be sure to let us know what you think in the comments below!

The White Stripes are No More, Sales Rise Substantially

The White Stripes are calling it quits, according to a statement made by Jack and Meg White on their site last Thursday, the band “has officially ended and will make no further records or perform live.” According to the statement, both Jack and Meg are “feeling fine and in good health,” and the decision comes instead from a desire to “preserve what is beautiful and special about the band.” There were no creative differences, no lack of wanting to continue, no health issues, no in-fighting. They added that they want to thank every one of their fans and admirers for the incredible support they have given throughout the 13 plus years of The White Stripes’ intense and incredible career. “The White Stripes do not belong to Meg and Jack anymore. The White Stripes belong to you now and you can do with it whatever you want. The beauty of art and music is that it can last forever if people want it to. Thank you for sharing this experience. Your involvement will never be lost on us and we are truly grateful.”
In the time after the news broke, the sales of their music had a massive boost. The band’s live album and documentary ‘Under Great White Northern Lightsactually had a  2,644% increase, according to Amazon’s UK site. Their older albums also saw large increases in sales. Question is, will they change their minds in the future? I guess we will have to wait and see.

Mick Jagger to Hit the Grammy Stage for the First Time

Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones is finally giving in to the Grammy’s for the first time in his long, long career. Jagger will perform on the stage February 13th with soul singer Raphael Saadiq as part of a tribute to soul singer Solomon Burke who died last year. Burke opened several times in his late career for the band, and Jagger feels a strong connection to him.
“We’re thrilled, delighted, excited and very much looking forward to Mick doing his debut on the Grammy stage,” said Neil Portnow, president and CEO of the Recording Academy. “It’s extraordinary to many of us that the fact is, this will be the first time; he has never performed on the Grammy stage.”
This is not really the first time Jagger has performed for the Grammy’s, but the previous performance was over satellite, when the band received the lifetime achievment award presented by Eric Clapton.
This won’t be Jagger’s first appearance on a Grammy telecast. In 1986, the Rolling Stones were given a lifetime achievement award by Eric Clapton, and they performed on the show by satellite. “I think they had been celebrating a little time before we went on camera,” Ken Ehrlich said. “It was quite a moment.”
Ehrlich has produced the show for 31 years and has always wanted Jagger and the Stones to perform, but it didn’t work out until this year.Jagger will join a performers list that includes Rihanna, Cee Lo Green, Gwyneth Paltrow, Eminem, Arcade Fire, Katy Perry, Bruno Mars, Usher, Lady Gaga, Lady Antebellum and Justin Bieber.

American Idol Releases ‘Greatest Hits’ Album

Scheduled to be released on March 15th, American Idol is releases their first ‘Greatest Hits’ album. Named “American Idol 10th Anniversary – The Hits”, the album will feature songs by Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry, Adam Lambert, Fantasia and David Cook.
This will mark the first album that American Idol releases including all of their seasons winners. They have previously released “Greatest Hits” albums, but they only encompassed the hits from their respective seasons. The new album will include all the winners from the past 10 seasons, with additional tracks from runner-ups Adam Lambert and Clay Aiken.
See the full track listing below:

1. Kelly Clarkson – “Since U Been Gone”
2. Ruben Studdard – “Superstar”
3. Clay Aiken – “Invisible”
4. Fantasia – “When I See U”
5. Carrie Underwood – “Before He Cheats”
6. Taylor Hicks – “Takin’ It To The Streets”
7. Daughtry – “Home”
8. Jordin Sparks (duet with Chris Brown) – “No Air”
9. David Cook – “Light On”
10. Kris Allen – “Live Like We’re Dying”
11. Adam Lambert – “Whataya Want From Me”
12. Lee DeWyze – “Sweet Serendipity”

Will you buy it? I’m not sure if I will… I haven’t liked every American Idol that has won the show, and the ones I did like I already purchased either as an album, or as a single (more often than not.)