Buy Buy Birdie

Got extra money to spend? Did grandma just send you a check for your birthday? Interested in getting that new IT thing? If somehow, you've managed to beat the recession and answered yes to any of these questions, then come on down to New York's 5th avenue.

The shopping at 5th avenue in New York between 49th street to Central Park at 59th street is considered the place for all the IT people to buy their items. A walk down this gold paved road guarantees a celebrity sighting. For the average man however, this place may leave your pockets dry, your wallets empty, and your plastics burned.

The list of designer stores is endless, and the prices at these designer stores are limitless. But if you find yourself to be ready, willing, and able to drop some serious dough at these stores, you will be left nothing short of a VIP experience.

There is one store on this silk road where you can find yours truly. That is the NBA store at 5th and 52nd. With autographs, jerseys, collectibles, indoor basketball, ticket counters, clothes, video games, life-sized replicas, and so much more, this store will never bore the sports enthusiast.

For the shopper seeking some designer clothing, but a cheaper selection ought to mosey on forward to the legendary Bloomingdale's in NY. This building is almost as famous as the United Nations in NY. The store occupies an entire square block in the heart of the city on 3rd ave between 59th and 60th.

If none of the above interests you, which ought to be the case for most of us because this type of shopping exists anywhere in the world, there is one last solution. Walk through Little Italy on Mulberry Street to give you a real NYC experience. Small stores, fake goods, and persistent salesmen makes this place the epitome of the New York City market.

If the recession's got you bad, doesn't mean you can't enjoy New York's shopping. Just walk around with a hot pretzel and window shop your mind away!

- Shrenil S. Bhansali

GAMEOVER

Its over. The New York Knicks finished another season disappointing their fans for the 7th straight year. Are we officially losers?

Yea, we are....

The Knicks (30 - 52) ended their season with a win over the New Jersey Nets and won by 30 points. However, when it mattered, as per usual, the Knicks got blown out.

I had the luxury, although hardly a luxary to be quite honest, of attending two games over my spring break in New York. All I can say is money well spent. NOT! I asked for a good game. I didn't care for a win, I didn't care for a slam dunk, I didn't ask for a buzzer beater, and I didn't look for a medley 3s. Just wanted a solid game. But to my complete shock, we got killed in both games by an average of 30 points each game.

Its so bad now that the Knicks store is offering 30% discount on all its goods, and even has much of its merchandise on clearance at $10 dollars.

According to ESPN, MSG saw a decrease of $60 million in revenues per year since they started losing. In one of the world's premiere cities, the 'world's most famous arena' is full. Full of empty seats and angry New Yorkers.

Also, instead of promoting its team and the accomplishments, the http://www.knicks.com/ website is flaunting the plethora of celebrities that attend. I know Anthony Anderson and Howard Stern are pretty much the best things since sliced bread, but honestly, I rather just see a nice assist.

What's ahead?

Well, quite frankly, nothing. The way the Knicks have been playing, they probably don't even care about their fans and are throwing back, in addition to the bricks on the the court, hotdogs and burgers, instead of working on their game.

The Game Is Over.

- Shrenil S. Bhansali