S nere A2 combines big city with small town by Jesse Brouhard Daily Staff Reporter There I was behind a small table at a rural high school in Michigan, attempting to convince students of the wondrous opportunities available at the University of Michigan. I was doing a commendable job until, sitting less than two feet from me, the lovely representative from Michigan State University opened her mouth. But a freshman, I was even so kind as to pay attention to some of the thoughts exuded by this fair scholar from the north. Then straight out of left field came this weighty statement. "Michigan would be a great place to go to graduate school, but Ann Arbor is just too much of an urban campus for anyone to enjoy as an undergrad." Suddenly, I awakened out of my stupor. I am sure at MSU there is an extensive class entitled "Urban Campuses of America: The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, a Review." Even though I am certain my friend got an A, where indeed was she coming from with that bold statement of little veracity What kinds of things does she enjoy doing in the cornfields she believes exist in East Lansing? Better yet, could this person even begin to comprehend the urbanity of a real city such as Chicago or Philadelphia? Maybe if this State student had taken the time to drive down to see the Spartans get crushed in Michigan Stadium, she would have realized that Ann Arbor is neither what she described nor what she aspired to enter. As much as I hate to admit it, Ms. Michigan State was right in a way, though - I swear she was. Ann Arbor is urban. But with a small-town twist. Ann Arbor is not the urban jungle described above, where getting across town is impossible, safety is a constant concern and a blade of grass last saw the sun in the Paleolithic era. There are no skyscrapers, insane law firms or ferocious smog. Traffic jams, gigantic parking structures and palatial estates are not the norm here either. See CrrY, Page 8 PETER MATTHEWS/Daily fMELESS The situation for Ann Arbor's homeless residents remains relatively static. Their numbers are growing as people are drawn to Ann Arbor by a hope of finding a job in a city with a liberal reputation. Shelters foradult and juvenile homeless abound and are staffed by volunteers from the University and city communities. IOTS 3 The Michigan basketball team againmade the final game of the NCAA season. And again, University students celebrated en masse on South U. Thou- sands of fans gathered on the street between East U. and South Forest after Michigan's semifinal victory over Ken- tucky. The mostly peaceful gathering was followed two nights later by one that was a bit more unruly, as North Carolina ended the Wolverine run. Cry6 COUNCIL AnnArbor's City Council en- dured another ho-hum year of politics and government. Wait, hold on a sec- ond, Ann Arbor tossed Democratic Mayor Liz Brater out of office in favor of Republican Ingrid Sheldon. Also, five new councilmembers were elected and had to deal with the riots on South U.Maybe thereis more going on in city government than some people think. S HOPPING 7 There are definitely enough places to shop while in school atMichi- gan. (bottom) Take that credit card and headtoany numberof venues forclothes, music, shoes or even condoms. The best areas to find what your heart desires are Briarwood, South U., State & Liberty, Main and the Arcade. We'll explain. dI I IL? . RESTAURANTS You are probably wondering what and where you will be eating once you get to school. Well, it probably won't be crusted over lasagne and it probably won't be in your dorm. At least, that's what will happen if you listen to us. There are enough restau- rants and fast food places to check outin Ann Arbor. (top) There is everything from Chinese to deli to Mediterranean. Nomatter what your taste, there is surely a spot for you. PERF )RMERS Didyou know thatBongoMan (middle) is a former childhood televi- sion star? Well, first you must know who the Bongo Man is, right? Basically, he's one of the street performers in Ann Arbor. Along with thelikes of Shaky Jake, Preacher Mike, Stoney Burke and a handful of others, the Bongo Meister entertains, challenges egos and makes his unique pitch for money. MARY KOUKHAB/Daily G ROCERIES 8 COFFEE CS SHOPS 4-5 This city houses numerous coffee shops that cater to a plethora of tastes. There are establishments that pride themselves on atmosphere. There are places that boast the "right" crowd. Heck, there are even a few places to go if you want a good cup of java. Just make sure you head to the right coffee shop for you. Ann Arbor party stores offer more than the traditional fare of beer, wine and chips. Find water chestnuts, out-of-state newspapers and ever-popu- larramen noodles at the shop around the corner. The stores still provide the tradi- tional beverages, but beyond the cooler lays strange and delicious foods for those adventurous enough to cook. ANKS s All.