One of the most dreaded aspects of flying (aside from Eddie Murphy movies and box-cutters) is having to consume the so-called “food” being served on board. Filling up in the terminal beforehand is a long-practiced strategy for avoiding airplane food, and with new top-of-the-line restaurants opening in Jet Blue’s (which is quickly becoming the H&M of airlines) JFK terminal, this dining option is looking better than ever.

Alexander McQueen’s partnership with Puma is unleashing a wild (and wildly priced) shoe slated for sale in late August. The Puma AMQ line has most recently created a chocolate-brown crocodile leather kick that manages to combine urban style (note the high-top build) with high fashion -- plus a little bit of a jungle vibe mixed in. "There is a part of me that is very couture, and a part of me that is very street," the designer explains. A street sneaker that doubles as a dress shoe made from gator hide. Why didn't I think of that? Although the three-grand price tag may seem hard to swallow, the shoes come in a handmade wooden shoebox with a complimentary pair of crocodile leather flip-flops. If you plan on getting your claws on a pair of these, act fast, as only 28 pairs will be distributed in the United States.

The city of Rome has recently enacted a ban on eating and drinking near its famous monuments. In a place where gelato is plentiful and wine is as cheap as soda, this new regulation just seems cruel. Violators face charges of up to $80, and several people have already been slapped with hefty fines for savoring food and beer on the iconic Spanish Steps. While the ban seems a bit extreme, this isn't the first time the Italian capital has gone ban-anas.

Meatpacking District hotspot Buddha Bar is upping the ante in the cocktail wars. They've introduced a seasonal cocktail, called the Gold Digger, a mix of Zuidam Gin and Dry Vermouth, and it'll set you back a cool fifty bucks. The extravagance doesn’t end with the price: the cocktail includes gold-encrusted olives and a golden designer toothpick by Rick Toscano. The Gold Digger is the latest addition to the array of novelty cocktails, and actually seems cheap compared to the former Guinness World Record-holding Ritz Side Car cocktail.

The Democratic Donkey and Republican Elephant have long reigned as the animal kings of politics, but in a country where dogs wear more expensive clothing than I do, it was only a matter of time before the canine population had their barks heard in the political arena. Thanks to Lori Lambert, creator of PetsVote.com more

The latest phenomenon to take over the silver screen is not a budding actor or actress. It's just bud. According to Time.com, despite the perenially raging war on drugs, marijuana has been lighting up (pun intended) the screen a lot recently, making frequent appearances in movies and TV shows. Having a TV show (Showtime’s "Weeds") take on its namesake seemed to served as a launching point for pot’s acting career, and the progression to movies was only natural. After being featured in films like The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up, pot is now taking on starring rolls (homonym also intended) in the upcoming movies Pineapple Express and The Wackness, both opening this summer. Whether or not you are part of the 6% of Americans who actually smoke it, pot can now be experienced by anyone checking out the latest stock of THC-filled comedies. To find out more about Mary Jane’s onscreen appearences, check out the full article at Time.com.

Hotel rooms in the West Village for under $100? As a now-cynical American disillusioned by rising gas prices and pretty much everything else, the thought of cheap accommodations in one of the un-cheapest parts of Manhattan seems farcically impossible. And when something seems too good to be true, it's because it is.

Last night, the Plaza Lobby Bar in the iconic Plaza Hotel in New York was invaded by vampires, or at least by actors who play vampires in the upcoming comedy/horror film, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Undead. Stars of the film, including Jake Hoffman ("Arrested Development"), Devon Aoki (Sin City), John Ventimiglia ("The Sopranos"), and Danny Masterson ("That '70s Show"), mixed and mingled with the other 100 guests in attendance, partying the night away to beats provided by DJ Equal. The cast party celebrated the wrap of Rosencrantz, a movie that manages to intertwine Shakespeare, the Holy Grail, and the undead, all captured through the lens of the revolutionary Red One camera. Perhaps the vampire theme rubbed off on the partygoers, who stayed out all night and departed when the sun came up.

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Whether you’re a buyer of art, a browser of art, or just have some extra cash lying around, check out the Affordable Art Fair, in town now through the 15th at The Altman Building / Metropolitan Pavilion located at 135 West 18th Street. Created for art collectors, novices and vets alike, the AAF brings art from around the world to one convenient location for easy perusal. Over 70 galleries from all over North America, Europe, and Asia will be showing works ranging from sculptures to photographs to video art. The perfect piece for that blank spot on your wall is sure to be found among the plethora of artwork on display, and with prices starting from $100, the AAF offers the ideal opportunity to start (or continue) building your very own art collection. For more information about hours and admission prices, check out the AAF Visitor Information site.