After his wife's stirring speech supporting Barack Obama last night, former president Bill Clinton will be the featured speaker tonight at the Democratic National Convention (after the roll-call and nomination process). Clinton is expected to discuss foreign policy, and his aides told the Times "he intends to deliver an impassioned plea for Democratic unity." However, much has been made of the fact that the former president has made remarks suggesting skepticism for Obama's chances. Clinton will not be at Invesco Field on Thursday when Obama finally gives his acceptance speech--reportedly because he "doesn't want to detract from Obama." Politico looks at the Clinton-Obama drama, noting things each side could have, should have done to unite the party and Doonesbury has a funny comic about it.

Before people flee the city for Buffalo, they enter it with wide eyes and big hopes. The NY Times looks at what it's like for newbies, who will either be crushed by the city, or embrace it. Just how many fresh transplants are amongst us? The Census for 2006 showed "nearly 77,000 people in their 20s had been in the city for a year or less" -- a number that's likely doubled since the Sex and the City movie came out (unsubstantiated!). While many newcomers find comfort in the skyline they've seen in countless tv shows and movies, others are defeated by a lack of funds and friends. And then there's the rudeness; one claimed he "is still trying to stomach what feels to him like a whole new brand of rude." The same fella has a childhood fear of taxis, and says “I always thought any time I got into taxis they were going to kidnap me, and I was going to die."

It's been a while since we've chimed in on the happenings at Momofuku Ko, so take your medicine. You'll no doubt recall how chef David Chang's 12-seat restaurant is impossible to get reservations for, unless you're willing to ho yourself out through Craigslist. But now it may be a teensy bit easier to get in because the joint will soon be opening for a 16-course "lunch tasting menu." The bad news is that it costs $150 per person and lasts three hours, excluding all but the most idle bon vivants. But for those who do qualify, a blogger for Bon Appetit was able to preview the menu and has posted the first detailed account of all 16 courses. Bacon dashi with bacon fat poached shrimp, anyone? [Via Eater.]

The Department of Health estimates that, per the Sun, "72 out of every 100,000 New Yorkers contracted HIV in 2006, compared to 23 out of every 100,000 individuals around the country." The new statistics are based on a new model the CDC uses to track infections, which led the agency to find the rate of infection was actually 40% higher. In the past year, the NYC DOH has said HIV diagnoses were rising among young gay men and up in high schoolers. Most recently, the DOH wants to test every adult in the Bronx for HIV, because the borough has the higher AIDS-related death rate in the city.

Could it really be that Manhattan's obscene rents are becoming ever-so-slightly less obscene? That's the Observer's perception, and they've got market reports from the Real Estate Group New York [REGNY] indicating that rents on studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments are lower this summer than last. According to REGNY, in June the average rent for a Manhattan two-bedroom apartment in a non-doorman building was $3,950, 6.5 percent less than in June 2007. All this has the COO of REGNY, Daniel Baum, wringing his hands: "We never have a weak August; it is supposed to be one of the strongest months of the year. It is not a good indicator that the market is down in the strongest season of the year."

Another day, another Andy Warhol lawsuit. The NY Sun has the latest on artist John Chamberlain, who has been claiming he owned a piece by the artist, titled 315 Johns. However, a former Warhol assistant, Gerard Malanga, says he created the piece. What's the connection? Malanga says he stored the work at Chamberlain's apartment, and sometime around the year 2000 the latter submitted it to the Andy Warhol Art Authentication Board, who dubbed it an original! "In 2004, Mr. Malanga claims, he ran into Mr. Chamberlain, who told him that he had sold the work as an authentic Warhol, for $5 million." The Supreme Court of the State of New York judge says the Warhol board's decision isn't binding on the court, however. Malanga is seeking to be compensated or to have the piece returned...or for his 15 minutes? His lawyer also noted that this case "once again raises questions about the competence and integrity of the Warhol authentication board." Burn!

A 24-year-old man was charged with three counts of criminal mischief as a hate crime. Police says Joseph Papapietro, 24, allegedly drove into three Mexican owned businesses on Port Richmond Avenue on Staten Island last week. Police arrested him after noticing the broken tail light on his red pickup truck (witnesses said the driver was in a red pickup) and the Advance reports that Papapietro "made incriminating statements" during questioning. Cocaine residue was also found in his vehicle. The merchants are happy he was arrested, but worry about others who may bear ill will.