Digital City

Share

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?

Share

If you like playing poker illegally, be careful because the law will find you. However, if you've got a group like the Poker Players Alliance on your side, you may have a fair fight.



Kevin Raley began organizing poker tournaments at a bar in Greeley, Colorado. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation kept their eye on Raley, who thought he was just having a good time. Last August, they busted Raley and four other players with a charge of illegal gambling and professional gambling.

Share

Beer is big business in the United States. Not only is it the most popular alcoholic beverage, but our country is home to over 1,400 breweries, the largest number of any country in the world.



So where can you go to sip a cold brew and talk hops with the locals? Belly up to the bar and see what's on tap at these top beer pubs:

Share

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.

Share

The economy is not recovering fast enough and everyone is still trying to save some cash. As budgets are getting tighter more and more folks are hosting dinner parties at home. According to a foodservice study by Technomic, more than 40% of consumers are purchasing food platters to celebrate the holidays.

To cater to this growing market, several restaurants are now offering catering services to make up for the loss in foot traffic. Ruth's Chris Steak House recently rolled out a new catering menu in their Orlando restaurants. They plan to offer the service to other Florida cities before expanding it to nationwide locations.

National chains like Wingstop and Brueggers bagel bakery will also be implementing a catering program this winter. Both Panchero's Mexican Grill and Chatham Street Cafe in Cary, NC, have already started catering services this year to augment their business.

Share

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.

Share

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is currently accepting nominations for its annual list of Most Endangered Historic Places. Each year, this list highlights historic sites throughout the country that are at risk for destruction or irreparable damage.



"The National Trust issues its America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list as an alarm bell, a call to all Americans to realize that some of our most important treasures are in trouble," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "Unless all of us are aware of the importance of our heritage and take action to preserve it, America's past won't have a future."

Share

There's something about a city that can incorporate itself into its surroundings while still remaining distinct. It's the unassuming kid in class who has something amazing to say and no one has ever bothered to ask.



Like Baltimore, Kansas City can be called culturally isolated. It is at the forefront of American cities in the areas of jazz, barbecue and fountains – Yes, fountains.

But that's not all. Check out these eleven reasons why Kansas City is awesome.

Share

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!

Share

With Thanksgiving awaiting us next week, it's almost time for the peak holiday shopping season. But where should you go to make sure that you can find every possible gift option for everybody on your list?



Lucky for you, we pulled together a list last month of the biggest and best malls across the country. But before you go running off to catch all the Black Friday deals you can find, find out a little more about these malls and what they have in store.

From New York to California, we have the low down on the ten best and biggest malls in America – the best stores, the food court offerings and special details, like where to find the ice rink or the wedding chapel. So read on for the details, starting with: