The Michigan Daily-Thursday, September 6, 1979-Page E-3 Characters A 2 has more than its share Daily Photo by MAUREEN O'MALLEY A YOUNG SHOPPER casts a curious glance toward a grill display in one of Briarwood's numerous stores. For many, the mall offers recreation and entertainment as well as a place to shop. mall with it al, riarwood offers variety to local shoppers By R. J. SMITH Ann Arbor is famous for its diversity, . and true to its reputation, the city has attracted a colorful variety of well- known characters. These human lan- dmarks dot Ann Arbor, offering frien- dly smiles and serving as ever-present conversation partners. There are many stories of such characters of the past. We all know, for instance, about the "Orangutan man" of 1936, who scaled the ediface of Bur- ton Tower, he said, in order "to get some of the bananas up there for my dinner." And many are the street loons who have subsidized their lifestyle over the years by holding down seats on the Ann Arbor City Council. Just when exactly it was that they began ransacking what would other- wise be a sleepy (i.e. boring) college town, is unimportant. What has become clear is that the "street people" have become an integral part of today's University experience. THE ADVENTURE begins many times from that golden moment when the incoming freshperson first sets foot on Ann Arbor turf. Pity the poor one- time ranch hand from Spumoni, Texas (or wherever), face beaming in an- ticipation of that orgasmic learning experience the University told him was awaiting him. With a single step off his Greyhound at Ann Arbor's less-than- glistening bus terminal, his educational dreams could all be shattered. All it would take would be the briefest of en- counters with our own version of the Vietnamese boat people-the Huron Street Depot Droogs. We're talking about people with eyes that show no pupil or irises, just eggshell whiteness, and who answer all questions with a snappy "uh, huh.. .?" But the student who lives closer to our beloved city and gets driven to his or her dorm (or what- ever) misses out on nothing. The side- show is as close as the nearest trek down State Street-no admission charged. This is all not to say that Ann Arbor has any sort of corner on the kook market. It sure ain't in the ballpark when compared to, say, New York, which seems to install bums on ech street corner by means of some vague city ordinance. Still, in its own modest way, Ann Arbor has a noteworthy claim to fame for all its street people-in fact. it draws many from the all-time Geek Hall of Fame. This list includes such luminaries as: " SHAKEY JAKE WOODS: Ann Ar- bor's roving Romeo, spashiest dresser, and fabled raconteur, Jake is our only purveyer of that rarest brand of music, the Mississippi Deltoid Blues. Rumored to be anywhere from 65 to 180, Jake hits all the hotspots with his trusty guitar, but most typically can be found on the corner of State and William, hawking Shakey Jake t-shirts and posters. He has been known to offer up kisses, to. e "Crazy" Mary: If a certain zoology professor's plans to throw a cage around the Diag at midday in order to create a University zoo, Mary would be the head zoo keeper. Unlike her predecesser as Diag master of ceremonies, Richard Robinson (a.k.a. "Doctor Diag"), who at least appeared to be a stable individual, Mary may not seem so docile to the incoming fresh- person. From a distance, she's great though: exhorting lots of wild stream-of- consciousness stuff, she's a great foil for all the jive artists, merchants, and religious hucksters that periodically occupy the Diag. And of course there are scads more. You see them in the pinball joints, in the city's many greasy spoons, in bars, living in coops, and inhabiting the nor- thwest corner of the Diag. So unless you don't plan on seeing any movies, playing pinball, or walking to class, you will meet, and sooner or later talk to Ann Arbor's finest. There is really only one bit of advice necessary for your first encounter: for God's sake, don't be afraid. After all, these people are a lot safer than many of those you'll meet at dorm parties. By ADRIENNE LYONS Some people who visit Briarwood for the first time wonder why the place isn't on the map. Well, the complex may not be that " big, but the huge shopping mall, featuring more than 100 stores, has awed many a freshperson. Actually, Briarwood is Ann Arbor's answer to suburban life. The great variety of stores, restaurants, and ser- vices offered there has enticed many. University students to make the trek out to Einsenhower and State (almost three miles from campus). THE MALL, which opened in Oc- tober, 1973, is typical of most suburban shopping centers springing up across the country. Chrome and glass abound within its walls, providing an open, airy atmosphere. Lines, squares, and sharp, irregular angles complete Briarwood's "ultra-modern" decor. While the complex features many shops ranging from clothing stores to home furnishing outlets to office supply shops, the center also includes three department stores: the nationally- known Sears and J.C. Penney, and the Detroit-based Hudson's. Among Briarwood's many attrac- tions are their four movie theaters. Fir- st-run films are the main attraction, but the midnight showings of "cult films," such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show, often draw large crowds. MANY STUDENTS, however, shun the Briarwood movies because of their $3.50 admission price on the weekends ($2.50 with student identification on weeknights). Instead, many opt for the various $1.50 movies on campus. Another feature of the mall is its cen- ter area, known as Grand Court. The sprawling open space encircles a foun- tain and the mall's stage, which is reserved for Santa Claus during Christmas, as well as the Ann Arbor Summer Symphony Orchestra. The Amaizin Blues, a University choral group, also sings there at least once a year. While Briarwood isn't a convenient ten-minute talk from students as many stores are, it is fairly accessible through the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority. There are bus runs to the mall every half hour with stops strategically close to campus. ASIDE FROM fulfilling shopping needs at Briarwood, many students look to the giant mall for employment. John Wagner, the mall's manager, said Briarwood is always looking for part- time employees. "I have University students in security and one or two in the main- tenance force," Wagner said. William Fetterman, Sr., manager of L.G: Haig shoe store, said he often looks to students for help. "The largest tur- nover (of sales clerks) is when kids get out of school and again in September," Fetterman said. He also said he isn't only interested in hiring students part time, but he also looks out for those in- terested in having "jobs for the future." MULE SKINNER LEATHER SHOP " BRIEFCASES * VESTS * WALLETS * POUCHES : BOOKBAGS " BELTS & BUCKLES " CUSTOM MADE LUGGAGE " WALTER DYER MOCCASINS TRAVELBAGS .--s CUSTOM LEATHER-Your Design or Ours 0005WoOLSALE- RETAIL 665-55751 RIEFCASES OPEN MON-FRI. 11 AM - 7 PM s UNI VERSITY HATS SAt i AM - SPM W. 1ETS 611 S. FOREST 0 ANN ARBOR j pgi off S. university /// _ % _ , II -ML ---S Beat The Textbook Rush! has everything you need! O New Textbooks Dl @©t LED 5% O Used Textbooks IDIOO1ER D 25 to 35% O Supplies to Fit All Your Needs O Great Selection of Clothing, Gifts & Novelties O General Interest Books, Reference & Study Guides DlC(UHjt F5% O Conveniently Located on 22 OUTH TALE AU MORUH UHlEYRaETYall A 4~ 1111