The media seems to glom on to buzzwords like white on rice. For the last few weeks, words like sequester and furlough seem to be everywhere. Check out the awesome website Newswordy to get definitions and to see examples of the buzzwords words in action. They remind us that, “these ‘news words’ are accepted by audiences for their implied meaning. But often loaded words are misused or used out of context. The actual definitions can be different than what is implied.”
Newswordy is a growing collection of these words, updated every weekday. Along with each word is a definition, a quote with its use (or misuse) in the media, and a news and Twitter feed on the subject. The site is designed and curated by Josh Smith + oak.
Check it out – it’s a bit addictive! 
From PureWow
“Think the world’s great literary minds would eschew Twitter’s 140-character limit? Think again. Here, our five favorite authors to follow.
Who: Gary Shteyngart (@Shteyngart)
Why: The popular Russian writer is known for his sarcastic, pun-filled observations about the literary profession.
Sample tweet: My hegemonic discourse brings all the boys to the yard.
Who: Margaret Atwood (@MargaretAtwood)
Why: Atwood jumped on the social media bandwagon early and frequently asks her followers for writing help.
Sample tweet: What should be on my next book cover? a) Flowers b) Snakes c) Zeb d) Blue naked people e) Ring where I spilled coffee f) All of above
Who: Ruth Reichl (@ruthreichl)
Why: The former Gourmet editor’s tweets about dinner menus read like poetry.
Sample tweet: Brisk, bright Sunday. Shad roe, lightly sautéed. Butter. Lemon. So tender. Small surprising figgy bursts of flavor. Spring’s on its way.
Who: Paulo Coelho (@paulocoelho)
Why: Look no further than this Brazilian novelist for your daily dose of spiritual guidance.
Sample tweet: No one is in charge of my happiness but myself. And I treasure this.
Who: Jennifer Weiner (@jenniferweiner)
Why: Weiner is an unabashed (and funny!) feminist. She also live-tweets The Bachelor with biting commentary.
Sample tweet: I’d like to #tellafeministthankyou for advancing the radical notion that books by women are not inherently less worthy than books by men.”
Jennifer Weiner is a favorite for me, because she is funny AND because she is very responsive. She replied to one of my tweets (and read my post!!) See my “15 minutes of Twitter fame”:
Such a thoughtful response. RT @eagran: Calling Someone the “F” Word – On Weight & Bullying…: ericafinds.com/2012/10/callin… @news8jennifer
— Jennifer Weiner (@jenniferweiner) October 14, 2012
Do you follow these feeds or have any other authors that you love to follow on Twitter? I am in New Orleans for a conference, so I have not had a ton of time to look at deals (drat!) Here are a few for you:
> The NAKED Truth: Naked Juice doesn’t just taste good; it does good. And now you can, too–download a coupon for $1 off any 15.2-ounce bottle packed with 1 lb of fruit and, with the help of Wholesome Wave, Naked will donate 1 lb of locally grown fresh produce to underserved communities. (Also, check out $56 dollars in coupons at Whole Foods, too!)
> Bloomspot has great deals on photo books from Photobin and jewelry from Gorjana (over 50% off!). Check out deals in major metro cities, other online and travel deals from Bloomspot HERE.
> As usual, Gilt City does not disappoint with some cool new deals this week, too!
– Check out great deals at Craftsy for online classes – over 50% off on one, three, six or twelve online classes!
– Also 50% off at Dav Rain Boots online
– And a 3 month subscription to gfreely a gluten free curated box of treats – $36 for 3 months including shipping – 50% off!
In Chicago:
– As I mentioned last week, they still have a great deal on a 7 day or 5 day trial of healthy meal delivery from Green Gourmet Chicago. I have ordered this several times and get deliveries a few days a week. Check out my review HERE.
– Try the brunch or dinner at Sunda in River North for 35% off or more! (Brunch is SO GOOD!)
In NYC:
– Get great deals at Pour George Gastropub in Greenwich Village
– See great deals on ICE cooking classes for 2 in the “Just Married and Cooking” series
– and many more great NYC deals.
In LA:
– Great deals at Beautiful Me in Brentwood for massage ($49!) or laser treatments.
> In Chicago, check out $69 for one month at David Barton Gym – 75% off from Living Social!
> Hey moms – check out Wittlebee clothing club for kids and get 50% off the first month with the code ELLIE
That’s all I have for now! I hope that you are all having a good week and are not snowed in!