We're really not beating around the bush here. We could sing it, or do a little dance, but the bottom line is this: your Zipcar should be nestled snug in its spot when your reservation is over. Starting soon, not returning your Zipcar when you say you will could put your membership in jeopardy. (And no one wants to have a carload of presents to haul and no Zipcar to haul them in.)

The good news is that you now have an online snapshot of your recent reservations. Check to see when you've been on time (thank you), and when you've been late. View your reservations here.

And don't forget about text alerts, the easiest way to know when it's time to head back or whether or not you can extend your reservation. Learn more and sign up here.

No matter what, always call Member Services at 866.494.7227 if you're going to be late. It gives us the opportunity to make other arrangements for the next member.

We're sprucing up zipcar.com! As we grow, car sharing becomes available to more and more people. When new people come to our site, we want to make sure that they feel welcome. We also want to be sure they're getting the best information and a feel for who we are.

As it turns out, who we are is you. It sounds really deep, but all we mean is that the Zipcar community is made up of real people who use Zipcars to do real things. If you've got a story or photo to share, we'd love for you to do just that. We'd like to do more than tell people about the benefits of Zipcar; we'd like to show them. (Or rather, we'd like for you to show them.) Send your stuff (in .gif or .jpg format) to share@zipcar.com and we'll send you some driving credit if we use it on our website.

You'll soon see that the member website is also getting a little makeover. Don't worry, everything (i.e. making a reservation, checking your invoice, etc.) will still work exactly the same way. We're just doing this to create a more consistent experience across the site as a whole. Very soon we'll be reaching out for your ideas on how we can continue to make things better. If you have something you want to tell us now, just email share@zipcar.com.

Stay tuned for next month's newsletter where we're planning to give you a sneak preview of the website before anyone else (shhhhhh...).

Say what? Gotanother. If you've "got another" family member or housemate who mooches rides in your Zipcar, you should know that it's a cinch to add people to your household account. Send them here to begin the application process. We'll walk them through it.

When it's that easy to add new peeps to your account, there is no reason for anyone but you to ever be using your Zipcard or driving your Zipcar. Think of it like a sacred experience that should only be shared between you and your chosen Zipcars. Break the covenant and you could lose your membership forever. Not worth it for a mooch!

Important note: adding someone to your account means liking them enough to be responsible for THEIR charges on YOUR credit card bill. If you don't like them that much, you can always refer them instead and earn some driving credit.

• 22nd and Chancellor St: Civic Crutison
  
• 1814 Cypress St: Element Hillary
  

The 2008 First Person Festival is back this year with artists from all over the country, as well as a growing circle of outstanding local artists.  At this year's Festival, you'll hear the winners of the 2008 StorySlams and see work by winners of First Person Impressions.  You'll attend screenings and performances by Salon artists and artists-in-residence.  Oh yeah, and you will hang out with your local Philadelphia Zipsters!  Explore your creative impulses November 11 through November 16.  For a complete listing of performances, times, and venues, check out the First Person schedule of events.

Because it was the chicken's day off!  Um, and also because it had to get up extra early and head on over to LOVE Park.  Join Zipcar and WMGK on Tuesday, November 25 from 5:30-10am for the WMGK Annual Turkey Drop.  Just in time for the holidays, John DeBella will host his morning show live from LOVE Park in an effort to raise money and turkey donations for those families in need.  Spread some holiday cheer with a turkey donation, and Zipcar will give you a special holiday treat.  All proceeds benefit City Team Ministries.

Or did he just scare you?  Either way, we're inviting all Zipsters to join us for a teddy bear auction on Tuesday, December 2.  In a magical repeat performance, the teddy bears will once again come out to play at the Philadelphia Art Alliance's Teddy Bear Auction, Cocktail Reception and Dinner. The event has something for everyone.  It starts at 5:30pm with a silent auction and cocktail reception, catered by award-winning Restaurant Associates. At 7pm, the live auction begins, followed by a three-course dinner at Gardenia Restaurant for ticketed guests. Register online here!

We are awarding one lucky Zipster a free pair of tickets to Arden Theatre's production of Gee's Bend.  Featuring three strong women and interwoven with gospel music, Gee's Bend is a deeply personal story of family, self-discovery and artistic expression.  The rules to win are simple.  The first Zipster to email Lacey at lstone@zipcar.com with the correct answer to the following question will be awarded a free pair of tickets.  What was the first department store to hold a Thanksgiving parade?  Hurry!  Only the first correct answer will win.

Not so long ago, we invited you to join us for the 2008 First Person Festival (about 5 paragraphs ago, to be exact).  If that paragraph wasn't enough to get you over to the Festival, how does the chance to win free tickets sound?  We have several free pairs of tickets that we will be giving away to our most creative culinary Zipsters.  All you have to do is email Lacey your favorite fall recipe at lstone@zipcar.com.  We will choose a handful of winners and contact you about your free tickets.  Now get cooking!