The Michigan Daily Best of Ann Arbor 1997 - Th State of Ann Arbor GOTTA LOVE THOSE PEOPLE OF ANN ARB( Law School Business School It's no accident that the peo- ple here in Ann Arbor get voted the best thing about this place every year. With people, every day becomes a new experience. Every morning and say to myself, "Gee, I wonder what these lovely peo- ple will have in store for me Jennifer Petinski today." In most cases, it isn't Daily Arts Editor just the people-watching that gets my interest going; rather it's the people's interaction, the human relations, that makes this University a place I want to call home for one more year. Needless to say, I am always pleasantly surprised sometimes more than in others. Here, I will share with you a few noteworthy people who I've encoun- tered on my junior-year exploration of good ol' A. English Prof. Ralph Williams: Gotta love him, right? Now, I am taking my second class with Prof. Williams this term, and gosh darn it, I am still as impressed as I ever was. Talk about human relations - the man knows every face (and many names) of all students who have taken his classes. And who else. do you know who would actually go up and down the aisles of lecture shaking hands and saying "hello" to anyone ready to talk to him? He is one of the people at this University who adds personality and life to a sometimes impersonal, lonely place. What did I tell you? Are there some great peo- ple here in Ann Arbor or what? My housemates: Girls - maybe I don't tell you often enough, but you are certainly the best. Sure, you get mad when I don't clean my room (which is more often than not), when I don't do my chore (which is more often than not), when I don't pay my bills until the day before they are due (ditto on the last paren- thesis). But how about those human relations? No, not the disagreements, sillies - the other times. The good ones. You know when they are. Thanks. Again, the people. I can't say enough about them. But the list rambles on ... . My Neighbors: Well, it's sure been a great adventure living across the street from this rowdy group of guys. Boy, are they "people people." And boys, remember the time when you tried to scare us with the whole "squirrel tail and pocket knife" incident? It worked. Gee, these people are incredible. As for the neighbors - well, I said human relations, not ani- mal and human relations. So they still count. OK? So many more people, so little space. Meijer Check-out Girl, Aisle 9: OK, fine. So I'm not sure that it's Aisle 9, but it sure does sound good, and it's not really the point of my honorable mention. But if you, dear readers, are loyal cus- tomers of Meijer, then you better hope you get a check-out person like her - someone who will make you happy that you are living in Ann Arbor and eating such great food. On my last trip to Meijer, as I was on line, this lady told me that the $0.45 bean burritos I was about to purchase gave her gas once. Well, let me tell you, I still bought them, but boy, was I on the lookout for any possible side effects. In addition, I knew to leave the kitchen any time my housemates decided to eat theirs. People in Ann Arbor - so damn friendly. And so willing to help me out, ready to give me advice on gas. What a place. Drivers Who Almost Run Me Over: Gotta love these people too. I mean, where else but a crosswalk in Ann Arbor wil close to running y< their engines whet ful to these kind f trying to test my re Again, people best interests. Anc The CRISP La knows her like I dc personal relations we're best friends reminds me what < -just in case I al ask her about her I The CRISP lady ji Oh, the people else feel the same You: That's rigl you e-mailed me would love you as almost as much. Talk about hui understanding. N( -E-r i Graduate School Medical School RESTAURANTS Continued from Page 8B to order the most expensive thing on the menu. As if your par- ents are going to say, "No." Best Romantic Evening: Gratzi Ahhh -the lighting, food, ambiance - bellissimo! And if the degree of romanticism is positively correlated to price, then it's the most romantic of them all! Best Dorm Cafeteria: South Quad All right. No residence hall cafeteria jokes. South Quad is clearly the best. With prime rib and New York strip every night, who could argue? Just kidding. Hear they have great grilled cheese and tomato soup, however. By the way, did anyone ever notice that wherever athletes live is where the best food is located? Just wondering. Best Happy Hour: Touchdown Cafe How about those specials? You can buy more beer than you can carry for around $3. But why carry it? Just park yourself under the keg. Faster, more efficient. Best Overall Restaurant: Seva Restaurant The veggies win! Seva has found the philosophy - it doesn't need animal to be good. For all of you out there who refuse to eat at some "leftist-vegetarian place," do yourself a favor and grab a meal at Seva. It may be PC, but it's good. Best Overall Bar: Touchdown Cafe The lines in front of Touchdown can't be wrong. Touchdown took four categories this year, so it's no surprise that it won "Best Overall Bar" as well. So be merry and drink like a fish at Touchdown. Anyone ever wonder why it is called a "Cafe?" Don't miss out! I I /- THE BEST OF ANN ARBOR I In Test Preparation BOOKS Continued from Page 21B Most Intriguing Literary Phenomenon: Student Writing In the past year, student writing has come to prominence in two new venues: The Michigan Daily's first-ever Literary Magazine and the State Street Poetry Project, which hosted readings by student and faculty writers in April. Best Bookstore: Dawn Treader This Liberty Street haven has more books than Borders - and gives the Graduate Library a run for its money. You can find almost any book you want falling off a shelf or stacked on the floor, and it'll be on sale for about half the original cost. Best Ann Arbor Author Joshua Henkin This University MFA grad has taught creative writing workshops in Ann Arbor, and recently published a first novel, "Swimming Across the Hudson." He may well be the next local author to make it big. Best University- Affiliated Author: Charles Baxter Was there any doubt about this one? In addition to five previous books, just this spring Baxter published a book of essays and a marvelous short-story col- lection, "Believers." All that and he still teaches classes, too. Best Location for Readings: Shaman Drum This independent bookstore consis- tently lures in lesser-known but well- regarded authors, as well as plenty of local talent, and it hosts them in a calm, spacious, literary atmosphere. Readings here are never less than relaxing and enjoyable. 10% Discount for Students "SF *Vitami AV 1677.Plymouth Rd.. Ann Arb( Located in the Courtyard Shops at The New Line Chinese Cuisine Sxechuan Styt0 (313) 995-1786 W1 6Sf.r man.Sy (between Huron and Washington) Carryout and reservations accepted at r ntv. 1-800- P-TEST Open 7 Days 11am-11pm l '%% -4 OF