Ello, the newish social network that eschews advertising and has been called the "anti-Facebook," has unveiled a revamped version with a slick new interface and also announced that it has raised $5 million in a new round of financing -- a big vote of confidence from investors in a social network whose business model is still largely untested.

With its controversial "Race Together" program barely in the rearview mirror, Starbucks might be expected to steer clear of sweeping attempts to address awkward social issues -- but instead, the premium coffee giant is doubling down with a bold new effort to change the way Americans think and talk about arguably the most important issue of all: mortality. As with the previous campaign, it will include a multifaceted social media component. Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz acknowledged that some customers might consider this an awkward subject, but said he will stay the course: