My Yahoo! Blog

A New Way to Join the ‘In’ Crowd

The ever-expanding world of social networking sites and mobile applications – not to mention must-see viral videos and gadget upgrades – makes my head spin.

I’m sure I’m not alone in this.  So I want to make sure to call everyone’s attention to this very handy app from Mashable.  It’s more than just a news site, although you can catch up on the latest developments that are rapidly changing the social media landscape.

I really like the Web Video and Entertainment portions of the app.  Otherwise I never would have learned about a “super slowed down” version of a Justin Bieber song that went viral. Or seen a wacky, incredible commercial for a product called the “Comfort Wipe.” (See it for yourself.)

Mashable offers an enticing blend of vital trends and random fluff that’s buzzing on the Internet.

Having it on your My Yahoo! page is like being in with the cool kids.

Tom

My Yahoo! Editorial

Make Me Laugh!

I could spend all day online amusing myself with videos of animals on a trampoline, online photos of misspelled signs, and learning new jokes that I can pass along to friends. We all love a good laugh, so why not keep a steady stream of humor on your My Yahoo! page?

 Try on these apps for some good yucks: 

• The Onion: Top Stories – There’s no such thing as a slow news day with these funny takes on the news.
• Hilarious.net - The name of this site says it all. It’s easy to lose hours going through the gems you’ll find here.
• Funny Quote of the Day – These offerings are great for a quick chuckle, and you can repurpose them in a variety of comic ways.
• About.com Web Humor – Make every day feel more like April Fool’s Day.
• Humor Videos – Wacky favorites — like the samba-dancing baby — from Yahoo! Video.

 And speaking of animals bouncing on a trampoline, check out these foxes…

– Tom
My Yahoo! Editorial

Your Summer Reading Selections

Reading is especially fun in the summer, sitting outside — whether on a beach, in a park, or nestled in a deck chair. The challenge is deciding what to read.

Many publishers time their new releases for summer readers, and you can always find lists of recommended summer books in magazine and newspapers.

If you enjoy reading as much as I do, chances are you’ve got your own list of books that you’d like to get through this summer. If you want some new titles to add to your list — or start a new one — try exploring these apps to enhance your summer reading pleasure:

• weRead Books — This handy tool lets you organize the books you’ve read and share that list with friends.  You’ll also find more books and authors with the built-in search tool, and see what other weRead members recommend.
• NYT: Books — This feed from the New York Times is an excellent source for new reviews by professional book critics. You’ll also find some related news about happenings in the publishing industry.
• Review-A-Day — You can find some real surprises in this daily feed from the great used book emporium Powell’s in Portland, Oregon. The reviews come from a variety of sources and include books that might not otherwise get much attention.
• So Many Books — This fun blog, subtitled “The Agony and Ecstacy of a Reading Life,” chronicles the adventures of a voracious reader whose tastes go beyond current best-sellers. Most readers should be able to find something here that will generate new ideas and stimulate discussion.
• NPR Topics: Books — Readers of all kinds can find commentary on new books and a variety of literary issues.

 And don’t forget about rereading the oldies but goodies. I’ve been inspired to reread “To Kill a Mockingbird” as a way to celebrate the novel’s 50^th anniversary this month, and it’s the kind of delightful summer reading experience I wish for you all.

 – Tom
My Yahoo! Editorial

Wading Through the Oil-Spill Chaos

The massive gushing of oil beneath the Gulf of Mexico since April has become an economic and environmental crisis that keeps sprawling with no immediate end in sight. Wildlife, sensitive wetlands, ocean habitats, and coastal businesses are all suffering as BP, the oil giant that owns the exploded well, struggles to stop the ongoing damage.

The crisis has many dimensions — environmental, economic, and political, to name a few — and it’s tough to get a handle on its magnitude. The suggested apps below can help you keep tabs on it.

• News: BP Oil Spill – Follow all the news relating to the huge oil spill, from Yahoo! News.
• BP’s Gulf of Mexico Response – Monitor the company’s efforts to contain the gushing well and conduct cleanup operations.
• Audubon Magazine Blog — Oil Spill – Get updates on what’s happening in the Gulf with bird rescues, cleanup volunteers, and issues related to impacts on wildlife.
• BP Oil Spill Fallout Blog – This blog has frequent video clips that focus on various local aspects of the spreading damage.
• Politico — Top 10 — Morning Energy – Keep tabs daily on how the spill is changing the energy industry and related political issues.

These are just a few ways to stay informed and possibly get involved. In the meantime, let’s hope, pray, and keep the pressure on for stopping the massive oil leak.

– Tom
My Yahoo! Editorial

Twitter, Facebook on My Yahoo!

If you are one of the millions of people that checks multiple social sites daily to stay on top of what’s going on, we have some fantastic news for you. Facebook, Twitter, and Yahoo! Updates have come to My Yahoo!.

Historically, My Yahoo! has been anti-social. It’s been your own personal sanctuary… your filter on the world… a place for your interests and passions devoid of any tweets and status updates or any likes and commenting. Until now.

If you use Facebook or Twitter, or want to find out what all the fuss is about, we have some really great apps for you. You can add the individual apps or add the Yahoo! Updates app which aggregates several social networks in one place with even more coming soon.

• Yahoo! Updates: Aggregate all your social networks in one place.
• Facebook: The best Facebook app out there.
• Twitter: Tweet directly from My Yahoo!. Search for trending topics.

 Michael,

– My Yahoo! Team Lead