Zipcar has a new widget on WHERE for the iPhone 3G. What's a widget? It's a cool GPS-based application for your mobile device that makes it easier to do stuff. What kind of stuff? Well, it lets you Yelp from your iPhone, or find the nearest grande Frappuccino, or Yelp about your grande Frappuccino. Most importantly, our widget helps you locate the nearest Zipcar and make a reservation, all in less time than it takes to hail a taxi. (But even if it didn't, we'd still like the word widget.) Learn more and download your free Zipcar widget here.

Just like energy builds energy (or as we like to say, coffee builds energy), keeping Zipcars clean encourages your fellow members to keep them clean too. Reporting damage and car condition issues are an important part of keeping all of our cars in tiptop shape. Just remember to report damage at the very beginning of your reservation by calling 866.4ZIPCAR (866.494.7227). It's important that we know the damage took place before you drove away, and it gives us a chance to remind other members that leaving a car full of trash is not how we roll. For more information on how we roll (aka The Six Simple Rules), go here.

We're thinking of ways to improve our Member Services menu options (the ones you hear when you call 866.4ZIPCAR). It got us thinking that as we make changes, we should check in to be sure they'll make a difference to you guys. Care to share your thoughts? Click here to take our survey.

The new gas cards have officially made it into every car, truck, and MINI from one coast to the other, and you all have been filling up without a problem. Thanks for that. If you haven't gotten a chance to pump some free fuel using a new Zipcar Gas Card, there is just one thing you need to know: your Zipcard number. Everything else is still exactly the same, but when it asks for your driver ID #, you'll enter your Zipcard number (located on your Zipcard). If you're a veteran Zipster (i.e. your Zipcard number has less than six digits), you'll need to add zeros to the beginning of your Zipcard number to make it six digits.

We're loading up on burgers, fries, and ice cream. And funnel cake. And we're still losing millions of pounds. Don't believe us? Check out the Zipcar Low-Car Diet. Members from East to West have committed to car-free living for thirty days and each is chronicling his or her experience for your enjoyment. This diet isn't about swimsuit season or losing ten pounds. It's about a healthier environment and lifestyle. We're excited to hear how real people react to living without wheels (except for ours, of course). Check out real stories of car-free trials and tribulations at zipcar.com/lowcardiet.

With so many members doing the housing shuffle now that September is nearly upon us, we figured it'd be a great time to ask you about the place you call Home Sweet Home. We wanna know all about where you hang your hat and why you chose to hang it there. Give us an earful here. We'll be giving one lucky duck $25 in driving credit for completing the survey.

We can tell from the CDs left in glove compartments and the high volumes left cranked on the radio that music is an important part of your driving experience.  NPR Music explores this connection further in their new summer series Road Trip: Songs to Drive By.  Weekly lists showcase the best in songs for the road . . . whether you want jazz for long drives, heavy metal for maximum volume, or even songs under two minutes long for when a road trip means running a quick errand.

On Sunday, August 17, 2008, cyclists participating in One Day, One Ride, One Cause will travel 40 miles through all 8 DC wards to raise awareness and funds to combat HIV / AIDS in the District.  We are donating the use of a few vehicles to serve as "sweep" vehicles for the ride, and we need a few Zipcar members to drive them.  Volunteers will transport riders and equipment to and from spots along the bike route.  The ride needs sweep support from early morning until about 5:00 PM.  Support hours are flexible but need to be at least two hours.  Interested in volunteering or riding?  Please contact Randall Myers at randall@1day1ride1cause.org or (202) 486-7546.

congrats and haiku to you

Congratulations to Zipster Neil Glick!  Neil submitted the winning name Mazda Mamma Mia for last month's car naming contest.  He received two tickets to see If You See Something, Say Something at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company during the Capital Fringe Festival.