Digital City

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These days, it's easier to ask who isn't on Twitter rather than who is. But the latest segment to flock to the yip yappy social networking tool is our nation's cities... and they're getting awards for their participation.



Just this past week, Chicago Tourism was recognized for being in the top three destination marketing organization accounts for three months in a row, in comparison to 450 other destinations nationwide. Their official Twitter, @ExploreChicago, was number one in September, gaining 600 new followers and posting an average of 24.7 updates daily.

What other cities can you find on Twitter?

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As we continue to focus on getting further into eco-friendly practices, a lot of us are starting to pay more attention to what we put on our body. And not just with clothing – in cosmetic products, too.

That's something celebrity make-up artist and green beauty expert Tina Turnbow knows all about. With a client listing including names like Mary-Louise Parker, Amanda Peet, Joan Allen and more, Turnbow recently partnered with eco-friendly beauty company tarte to launch the Flower Child collection, featuring cheek stain, a natural eyeshadow palette and natural gel lip stains.

But what if you've never really looked at what it takes to make your make-up kit more earth friendly? Worry not – Turnbow has all the details you need to know.

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When setting up a vacation, it's fun to pick a theme. Some go for amusement parks, others go for the seven wonders, but have you considered doing a tour of World Heritage Locations?



If the hotel aspect has you confounded, you're in luck. Meet ten hotels that are spitting distance from famous World Heritage Locations, then get ready to call in and make your booking.

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While the holidays are all about gift giving, eating and drinking, and reconnecting with friends and family, they wouldn't really be anything without legendary parties.



But if there's one thing that contributes to heavy holiday stress, it's the agony of being a holiday party hostess. Got plans to throw a swingin' festive shindig this season, and worried you're going to give yourself an ulcer in the process? Samantha Freeman, a publicist with New York firm PJ Inc., has all the tips you need to make your party successful - and ensure you come out of the experience unscathed, wearing the crown for best host or hostess!

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When you're looking for a vacation spot, certainly you want to find the ultimate locale - especially when you want some decent chill-out time. But almost as important as where you go is where you stay, and chances are, you're looking for a place that has some bells and whistles.



But these days, the bells and whistles are getting a lot more interesting. From a 3-D movie theater to designer rooms to pets on loan, hotels across the nation are really making their guest add-ons unique.

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Going to the mall ain't what it used to be.



Once a fairly simplistic endeavor, nowadays malls are working hard to one-up each other by offering more and more value-added services, from valet and priority parking (usually for an extra fee), to elaborate gift wrapping and home delivery. But a pair of L.A.-area malls have just upped the ante with the newly launched One Touch Concierge.

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Whether you're a visitor or a local, Los Angeles is one of those kinds of places where you can have intimate knowledge of the city, and yet never completely know all the awesome parts of it ... not just because there are so many awesome parts, but also because there's new things popping up every day.

But one new Website aims to change both local and tourist knowledge of L.A.

Meet TheYentaReport.com. Launched by Loren Elkins, a self-described "nice Jewish girl from the Valley," TheYentaReport.com bills itself as "an online resource to help you navigate through all of the LA meshugas and find the best that Los Angeles has to offer."

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The Superbowl Halftime Show has always been a big deal, but this year, it's about to get bigger.

According to reports, legendary U.K. band The Who is slated to play the coveted spot during Superbowl XLIV, marking the first time the band has played live on this side of the pond since 2008.

But while some are confirming it as fact, others are... well, not really saying anything either way. The NFL released a statement, saying, "When we have something to announce, we'll announce it."

Our bet? It's happening, or else there'd be fierce denials on both sides. The non-committal comment from the NFL probably has more to do with firming up all the entertainment plans for the show. While The Who is the main draw, they're probably not the only ones who are going to show up and take the stage.

Which leads us to our next question: who are they going to share it with? The clock is ticking ...

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It's happened to everyone at least once. You get a gift, beautifully wrapped, and think it's going to be something awesome inside ... but oh no.

Instead, you open the box, tear through the tissue and find a horrendously fug holiday sweater, probably with some kind of snowflake applique and – if you're really unlucky – Rudolph, with a battery-operated, glowing red nose.

But a bad holiday sweater doesn't have to ruin your celebrations. Just ask Clarissa Trujillo and Jenny Keeney, the founders of UglySweaterStore.com.

The site, founded by the two Chicago-area entrepreneurs last fall, has quickly become the Go To spot for ugly sweater party-goers in search of quality ugly sweaters. Since its launch in fall of 2008, the site has expanded to include even more ugly sweaters, party tips, YouTube clips and more.

So how can you host the ultimate Ugly Sweater Party, or find one if you don't want to host your own? Clarissa and Jenny have all the answers.

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One surefire way to tell the holiday season is upon us? All the chain coffee places have trotted out their ceremonial cups, drinks and treats!



But this year, a number of outlets have upped their seasonal offerings... and a lot of them sound really good. Deliciously outstanding, even. (And possibly addictive.)