As the popularity of social media has grown, so to has the number of so called "experts" and "gurus" in the field. As you wade through the plethora of websites dedicated in some way to offering the latest news and updates regarding all things social or "web 3.0", the one you should bookmark is Mashable.com, the "largest independent news source dedicated to covering digital culture, social media and technology."

The site not only offers a ton of articles, tips, updates and information but it's also laid out well, creating an excellent user experience. The very top of the page offers up "Top Stories" or "Trending Topics." Below these links, Mashable breaks down its news feeds into five simple segments - Social Media, Tech, Business, Entertainment, and US & World. All article topics are web-related. For example, today's top story in US & World is "Dalai Lama Joins Google+, Plans Hangout With Desmond Tutu."

The articles are well written, informative, and widely re-tweeted and shared across the web.

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According to his bio, Seth Godin has written 13 best-selling books, with topics ranging from post-industrial revolution, the way ideas spread, marketing, quitting, leadership and, "changing everything." American Way Magazine calls him, "America's Greatest Marketer." TED.com calls him "an entrepreneur and blogger who thinks about the marketing of ideas in the digital age."

What we love Seth's sight for is his blog - enormously popular, entertaining, humorous, and always insightful. From an entry on October 3 for example - "If you're not willing to face the abyss of choice, you will almost certainly not spend enough time dancing with opportunity."

Another great thing about Seth's blog is that he posts nearly everyday, so if you're subscribed, there's always something new to read, react to, and share.

What other blogs should we follow?

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We all know that when it comes to search, Google is king. And while that may be true, it does not currently hold the title of best "real-time" search engine. That would belong to Twitter Search.

Twitter has become so much more than a place to keep up with what your friends or favorite celebrities are thinking and doing. It is now a prime resource for up-to-the-second breaking news and real-time updates on major events. For example, if you are eagerly awaiting a highly-anticipated court verdict, Twitter is the place to be, with media tweeting updates literally as the verdict is read. Looking to know the latest on the Occupy Wall Street protests? Simply search Twitter with the hashtag #OccupyWallStreet.

Twitter Search is also an excellent (and free!) resource to monitor what people are saying about your company. If you aren't on Twitter and keeping tabs on these conversations, you are missing out on the chance to answer questions, offer solutions to issues, or make new contacts.

Information and communication are moving faster than ever. If you want to keep up, start with Twitter Search.

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Allusions to the sky can be found throughout the newest student-housing complex east of the University of Oregon. The aptly named Skybox features a rooftop deck with panoramic sky views and hammocks, a garden roof and eco-roof open to internal views of the surrounding landscape, as well as an ample dose of flying duck graphics. Residents will also have a skybox view of Matthew Knight Arena. Check it out.

To promote businesses in this district, students who live in Skybox will receive a HomeCourt Advantage Card that will give them discounts of up to 30 percent at local businesses. The focus is on creating a great experience for residents, including discounts on haircuts, pizza, furniture, auto services and entertainment.

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Attention all women! Here's a night out just for you. Plus, it benefits the Eugene Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Meet your friends for an evening of pink drinks, fun and frills. Guys are welcome, too! Wednesday, Oct. 19, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Lewis & Clark Catering (formerly the Waterfront), 2210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Oregon Imaging Center sponsors this event, which includes live music, a silent auction, fabulous prizes and Liz & Jess from MIX 94.5. Register here.

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