What can't an iPod Nano get you these days? First the device was used barter-style for cab fare (albeit this was a forced barter), and now the BellTel Lofts in Brooklyn are using the $140 gadgets as bribes. The NY Times reports that Ilan Bracha of the Bracha Group at Prudential Douglas Elliman have set a goal to lure at least 300 top-producing Manhattan brokers over to the property with a "BellTel Lofts-branded iPod Nano in a custom-made and branded leather-bound portfolio containing video footage, images and updates” on the project. All they have to do to claim their prize made the trip over the bridge for a private tour of the building's units; so far there have been 180 takers, and 20 have been from Brooklyn. That's right, even in-borough brokers can take one home if "they bring in five groups of buyers" with to BellTel with them. If Apples aren't the new currency, they're certainly the new dangling carrots. more ›

Breathe a sigh of relief Carroll Gardens, The Real World's newest seven strangers won't be moving in to your neighborhood after all -- the original report of the cast heading to Downtown Brooklyn is now confirmed. more ›

What part of Brooklyn will MTV's newest seven strangers inhabit when their show "The Real World” moves in this summer? The Brooklyn Paper reports that they may move into the BellTel Lofts (pictured) located Downtown...and decidedly "unhip." Allegedly MTV has scouted the penthouse units at the Bridge Street building, which is still under construction.

Executive Producer Jim Johnston confirmed that he has looked at the building, though he would not say if a lease has been signed. more ›