Here's a sneak peak at the new homepage design which is scheduled to go live next week. In typical Facebook style, the design has not deviated too much with the exception of nice rounded corners on profile thumbnails. In terms of experience, there are some significant changes. Basically, they've simplified the publishing tool and have consolidated the system so you have one stream. And the best part, I think, is that you can now filter your streams based on groups. 

Jaman will be hosting a live stream and Facebook chat for tonight's Academy Awards show. Okay, so I guess I can see how this Facebook feature can be popular. The Oscars can drag on, so what a great way to pass the time, especially if you are at home watching alone. Facebook connect allows you to update your status with witty comments, insightful commentary, general film knowledge, or whatever else you'd like to share with others on Facebook or exclusively with your friends while watching the live show. 

The concept isn't necessarily a new one, MTV has been allowing their viewers to post 'shout outs' for years via txt messaging during their programming, for a fee. However, Facebook's experience is different in that it won't be broadcast, it's free, and it's strictly an online experience -- lets hope it stays that way. This trend has proven to be a popular one for mainstream events these days. It first made it's debut during the Obama inauguration, most recently at the NBA all-star game, and now tonight's Oscars presentation...and no doubt we can expect to see this appear in many more future events. [via Mashable]

Facebook pulls a 180 on their recent TOS update. According to Mark Zuckerberg the wording of the latest updates to the TOS caused some misperceptions. Doesn't this sound like a familiar scenario? I don't know what you think, but Facebook is quickly becoming the Eddie Haskell  of social networking sites, in my mind. [via Slashdot]

The recent Burger King campaign Whopper Sacrifice to 'defriend' 10 people on Facebook for a free burger raises some interesting issues on social media etiquette. The promotion was successful and boasts having ended 234,000 friends on the popular social network before it ended it's campaign. So is defriending the new trend in 2009. If it is then widgets like Twitter Grader and Facebook Grader will be a good tool to help you decide who stays and who goes!