jpreardon.com

Update 2007-08-02: It appears that the Shitty Tipper Database is no longer available. Link removed.

Crap tippers beware, bitterwaitress.com is set to expose those who are a bit too tightfisted when the check comes. The Shitty Tipper Database logs stingy folk from around the country. A search for “New York” yields a surprising number of celebs. Come on guys, spread it around a little bit.

via Boing boing

Boston (Watertown to be exact) taxis will start offering electronic payment options including MobileLime’s pay by phone feature. Pay by phone is intriguing, but how would you like to be in line behind someone following MobileLime’s payment instructions:

1. Let the clerk know you wish to pay using MobileLime™
2. Dial 866-360-LIME (Note: we recommend settings this up as a speed dial from your phone.)
3. Enter the location ID that is displayed at the terminal + #
4. Enter your pin + # to approve the transaction.
5. Listen for new specials or rewards you’ve earned from the merchant.

Granted, one can pre-approve purchases up to one hour before making a payment. However, given that many people can’ t seem to get their cash ready while standing in line, there probably won’t be too many pre-approvals happening. The other downfall of this system is that those who like to multi-task by chatting on the phone while making purchases will need to figure out how to put those important calls on hold while they attempt to call MobileLime.

via textually

Benton Brown and Susan Boyle have converted a 14,000 square foot warehouse space into six environmentally friendly loft spaces. The Crown Heights building features a vegetated roof, solar panels, rain water collection system and a radiant heat system.

via WorldChanging

A UK firm has an answer to the high cost of urban real estate: Abito. The 347 sq. ft. apartments feature built in appliances, balconies and a floor to ceiling window to increase natural light. Construction is planned to begin this year in Manchester and Salford with estimated prices starting at 85,000 GBP.

Many New York residents are familiar with studio apartments around 347 sq. ft. Unfortunately, few studios are designed this well or offer a feeling of spaciousness. These would sell well in Manhattan, especially if the price were about the same (85,000 GBP = 158,173 USD). This would equate to about $456 per square foot, quite a bit cheaper than the current Manhattan average of $671.

Via MoCoLoco