In this struggling economy, where jobs are scarce and college graduates are running home to the shelter of mommy and daddy, shopping is the last thing on anyone’s mind. I haven’t purchased anything be it clothes, shoes, or bags in a little over a year.

In Georgetown last week, skulking into Steve Madden, I found the perfect pair of black pumps. They were sleek, classically beautiful, and on sale. If the shoe fits, right? It did. Waltzing up to the counter, I eagerly handed over my debit card. The plastic slide through the machine like butter and an excited shiver ran through me—I had forgotten the thrill of shopping since I had been on withdrawal for so long.

The shoes gave me a buzz but now I was starving for another a fix. The coupon for Coach burned a hole in my purse and I did need a new tote for school—one that was durable, dependable, and delectably cute.

In the end, yes, a shoe is just a shoe and purse is just a purse. However, I don’t consider myself a fashion victim for buying purses at a slightly elevated price range. I consider myself a sharp shopper.

Learning to be frugal and budget is very important. But what’s also important is learning to run a cost-benefit analysis on your clothing, shoes, and accessories. Spending a little more on classic pieces like that little black dress or those black pumps, will ultimately save money in the long run. It’s true you are spending more money—but you’re only spending it once.

Explosions, fighting, and Scarlett Johansson undressing in the back an Audi: what more could a guy ask for? Iron Man II delivers on all three in spring’s most anticipated sequel. Opening with a wail of vengeful anguish from Ivan Vanko, played by Mickey Rourke, audiences can be sure this is a villain to be reckoned with.

A true man’s man film—women falling over themselves for the narcissistic yet endearing Tony Stark, played by none other than Robert Downey Jr. If every man could settle a drunken dispute by donning a sophisticated armed iron suit with his buddy, wrecking his apartment, the world would be a much more hazardous place.

Geeks worldwide will twinge in excitement as Stark discovers the hidden code his father left behind—the key to a totally new power source that will ultimately save Stark himself.

Johansson, playing two bombshell characters at once, Natalie Rushman and Natasha Romanoff, is engaging to watch with her snarky comments and deadly acrobatics. Paired with Gwyneth Paltrow, playing Pepper Potts, Johansson completes the second half of a beautiful pencil skirt and sky-high heel duet.

Thrilling and action packed, laced with a bit of snide humor, this film is definitely one to see in theaters.

Mary Horowitz wasn’t the only thing that plummeted into the deep, dark, abyss of a mineshaft in the would-be comedy All About Steve. Playing an oddball creator of the weekly crossword puzzle in a local newspaper, Sandra Bullock gives us an enthusiastic performance that, unfortunately, isn’t enough to resurrect this film from the pit it dug and shamelessly flung itself into.

The more than handsome Bradley Cooper plays news cameraman, Steve: the object of Mary’s sudden and obsessive affection. Surely, many women would like to chase Cooper across the country with his charmingly perfect smile, deep blue eyes, and chiseled features. However, most women would prefer to keep their dignity, understanding that men would rather lie to be polite, than tell the truth and break some hearts.

There are storms, tornadoes, and even locusts. The only two things this film lacks are humor, and respect for the intelligent woman. Being smart isn’t a crime especially if you’re a woman—beauty and brains make up parts of the whole. But Mary’s constant bombarding of obscure facts and quotes made one want to turn off her smart section of the brain because it got intensely irritating. Nobody likes a Know-It-All regardless of sex.

The two bright spots in this cinematic error, and yes there were bright spots, were Thomas Haden Church, and Ken Jeong, playing news crewmen Hartman Hughes, and Angus. Both provided the comedy that should have been given by Bullock but through no fault of her own, (this one’s on the screenwriters) turned out sadly desperate rather than funny.

On 17^th street, Washington DC there is a place where adults can revel in the fun of childhood and indulge in a frozen treat that’s actually healthy. Mr. Yogato provides customers with delicious low fat frozen yogurt loaded with flavor and creamy texture. To add to the fun, their toppings range from Captain Crunch to plump and juicy fresh fruit.

First choose a size and number of toppings, a frozen yogurt flavor, finally tell them the toppings you want. For 10% off, answer a trivia question but watch out, if you’re wrong, 10% gets tacked onto your bill.

If you don’t want to risk it, there are other ways to earn your discount. Rule number three states “if you wear a yogato stamp on your head, you get 10% off.” Or for 20% off, you can “recite the Stirling battlefield speech from Braveheart in a great Scottish accent.” If monologues aren’t your thing but you can move to the groove, try to “reenact the entire 47-second Michael Jackson Thriller dance” for a reward of 20% off the frozen delight.

While spooning your way to the bottom of the cup, sit back and play some old school Nintendo with the classic gaming console. Choose from a variety of old cartridges such as Tetris and Donkey Kong.

Stepping into Mr. Yogato, located on 1515 17^th Street D.C., brings you back to a world of “fun and games” combined with a wonderful health-packed treat. Grab a friend and see for yourself.

Dear Writer’s Block,

It’s not you, it’s me. It’s not your fault that you never have anything to say. It’s not your fault if you choose to sit staring at me, stoic and silent with nothing to contribute whatsoever.

I’m the one who keeps thinking that you’ll change, a foolish thought—I know. I know you’ll never turn into the person I want, no—need, in my life. I want someone creative and invigorating, someone who inspires me.

I am silly to let you keep crawling back to me, knowing you will never be those things. I guess I’m childish in that manor.

I sit at my computer waiting with bated breath, praying that you will break the silence. I tell myself each time I sit down that this time will be different—you’ll open your mouth and a stream of poetry will flow out to my waiting ears. I’ll throw my arms around you and kiss you, tell you I’ve been waiting my entire life for this moment.

I keep telling myself this yet the only thing you never fail to do is disappoint, to smash my feeble hope of change like a mirror—leaving me staring into my shattered reflection.

I’ve tried. I’ve hoped (both to no avail). I finally realize another minute spent dwelling on you is a moment lost to me—a moment I can never get back.

I’m sorry. It’s over now.

Goodbye.