L E I S U R E

• Area B&Bs Offer Weekend Getaway, by Deanna Ferrante, SOS1 and Michael Ferrante, MBA1
• Around Town: Your Guide To What's Happening This Summer, by Andrea Damusis, MBA1
• The Blue Nile On The Banks Of Ann Arbor, by Sam Gordon, MBA2
• What to Drive: The Porsche Boxster: There Is No Substitute, by Sam Valenzuela, MBA1
• What to Drive: The Saab 900 SE Turbo: All Things To All People In All Seasons, by Sam Valenzuela, MBA1
• The MBA (Alumni) Gourmet, by John Lipinski, MBA2

Breakfast In Bed

Area B&Bs Offer Weekend Getaways

by Michael Ferrante, MBA1, and Deanna Ferrante, SOS1

What we found was Sharon House, a renovated farmhouse in the tiny burgh of Manchester, about 30 minutes southwest of Ann Arbor. A quick drive down I-94, and we found our way past the single stop sign town of Manchester. The town's welcome sign bears the ominous greeting: "Welcome to Manchester--Home of the Famous Chicken Broil."

We didn't make it to the Chicken Broil, but we did try the single restaurant in town called Haarer's, a good family-style restaurant. A river babbles through the quaint center of the village, where antique shops fill the old riverside mill.

After driving down Main Street, we finally found our way to the Sharon House, set back from the road on several acres of rolling farmland. Our hosts for the evening were Carl and Sharon Curtis (Sharon is a running theme here--the street is Sharon Hollow Road and the B&B is Sharon House). Sharon used to work for U-M, and Curtis is a retired Physics teacher.

The house is decorated in a country-style, with an eclectic collection of antiques that the couple has collected over the years. Most intriguing are the 'mechanical music' makers scattered around the house. The couple was happy to regale us with tales of their collecting history, even showing us their very first music box. The most elaborate items in their collection were the 'band organs.' These included an organ made from an old player piano, a huge Wurlitzer organ used at carnivals, and a monkey grinder organ that is cranked by hand (they'll even let you crank it if you ask!). The breakfast featured Curtis' mother's outstanding recipe for the fluffiest homemade waffles you've ever eaten, along with fresh fruit and juice. We ended the weekend with a leisurely stroll down Main Street exploring the antique shops and toy store.

This was our first time at a bed and breakfast, and it was a fun experience for us. Our first suggestion is that you call the B&B first to get a feel for the style of the place. B&B's can range from mini-hotels that offer gourmet breakfasts, to what comes down to a spare bedroom in someone's home. Sharon House falls more into the latter category--the atmosphere is one of being a guest in someone's home, rather than a less personal hotel-like feel. Know what type of experience you are looking for before you make your reservations; if you are looking for privacy and anonymity, a place like Sharon House is not the place for you.

B&Bs can be a great time to enjoy each other's company in a relaxed setting. Some of our suggested bring-alongs are a game of Scrabble, cards, or a bottle of wine (if they allow it). If you don't like the first one you go to, don't despair; each B&B offers a unique opportunity to experience. Other B&Bs in the area, ranging in style from country to Victorian to contemporary are listed in the box above.

Around Town: Your Guide To What's Happening This Summer

compiled by Andrea Damusis, MBA1

In addition to searching Arborweb, if you're going to be around town this summer and are looking for something to do, check out the Ann Arbor Observer and the Ann Arbor Current. Both are free monthly publications with fairly comprehensive compilations of events in and around A². Pick up a copy at any of the local coffee shops.

Have a great summer (no matter where you are)!

FESTIVALS

Ann Arbor Art Fair

The annual summer art fair is actually three separate fairs: the original Ann Arbor Street Art Fair (994-5260) on South University, the State Street Art Fair (663-6511) in the State Street shopping area, and the Summer Art Fair (662-3382), with sections on State Street next to the U-M campus and on Main Street. In addition to displays by almost a thousand artists, the fairs feature a variety of outdoor entertainment and related events. 1997 Art Fair dates: July 16-19.

Ann Arbor Summer Festival

Held annually since 1984, the Ann Arbor Summer Festival features theater, dance, and music by national and local performing artists at the Power Center and Lydia Mendelssohn Theater, as well as free concerts and movies atop the Fletcher Street parking structure. The 1997 Summer Festival runs from June 20 through July 13. 747-2278.

RECREATION

Bicycling

Ann Arbor has a well-marked network of bike routes and bike paths. Call the Department of Parks and Recreation (971-5471) for a map of bike paths and recommended street routes in Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County.

Single and tandem bicycles are available for hourly rental at the Gallup Park Livery, 3000 Fuller Rd. (662-9319). Cost for one hour is $5 (single) or $6 (tandem). Add 50¢ for each additional half hour. A $10 cash deposit ($15 after 5 p.m.) and a driver's license are necessary.

Canoeing

There are three canoe liveries along the Huron River. Argo Park and Gallup Park liveries are run by the city, while Skip's, a private livery, operates out of Delhi Metropark. A canoe auction, a canoe show, and several instructional clinics are held every May and June at Gallup Park; call 662-9319 for more information.

Argo Park Canoe Livery, 1055 Longshore (668-7411). Canoes, rowboats, fishing poles and supplies, long-term and overnight canoe rental, cartop carriers, canoe package trips, and concessions. To rent a canoe or a rowboat, a $10 cash deposit ($15 after 5 p.m.) and a driver's license are required. Rental fees are graduated by the hour: for two hours, the cost is $8 (weekdays) and $12 (weekends & holidays). The maximum charge, for seven hours of canoeing, is $14 (weekdays) and $16.25 (weekends & holidays). Hours: Apr. 6-May 19, Sat. & Sun. only, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; May 20-Sept. 2, Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., weekends & holidays 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Gallup Park Canoe Livery, 3000 Fuller (662-9319). Canoes, paddleboats, bikes, fishing supplies, and concessions. Paddleboat rental is $4.50 per half hour (weekdays) or $6 (weekends & holidays). Deposit, rental, and discount information is the same as for Argo Park (see above). Gallup Park also offers special 50 % discount off the second item rented, on Tues. (for students with ID) and Thurs. (for families). Hours: April 6-May 23, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (opens at 9 a.m. Sat., Sun., & holidays); May 24-Sept. 2, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (opens at 9 a.m. Sat., Sun., & holidays). Bike rental is also available; see listing under Bicycling.

Skip's Huron River Canoe Livery, Delhi Metropark, East Delhi Rd. (769-8686). Open April through October. Offers package trips only. Park at the Delhi Rd. terminus; the livery will transport you to the ride's embarkation point. Weekdays: Hudson Mills Metropark trip (3-4 hours, $22) leaves Delhi Park on the hour, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Dexter-Huron Metropark trip (1-1/2 to 2 hours, $14) leaves Delhi on the hour, 2-4 p.m. Weekends: Hudson Mills trip leaves Delhi on the hour, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Twilight trips are available Monday through Friday for groups filling six or more canoes. There is a $10 deposit for all canoes. Reservations are required for weekend and twilight trips, one or two weeks in advance.

In-Line Skating

In-line skating is pretty popular in Ann Arbor. Gallup Park is a favorite skating spot due to its miles of off-road, smooth-surfaced bike trails. Buhr Park's rink is open during the summer months for in-line skating. For those who do not own their own blades and are interested in renting, contact Ann Arbor Cyclery, 1224 Packard (761-2749); and State Street Sports, 330 S. State (761-7615).

Running/Jogging

Ann Arbor has a large number of parks and stretches of scenic riverfront pathway, providing miles of off-road running. A couple favorite running areas are Nichols Arboretum (hilly) and the area along the Huron river around Gallup Park.

For information on area running events and organizations, contact the Ann Arbor Track Club or one of Ann Arbor's two complete running centers: Tortoise and Hare, 213 E. Liberty, 769-9510; or Running Fit, 123 E. Liberty (769-5016).

Swimming

Ann Arbor boasts three outdoor pools open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Season passes are available at the Department of Parks and Recreation on City Hall's fifth floor and at other pools over Memorial Day weekend. The city pools are:

Buhr Pool, 2751 Packard (971-3228). Adults pay $2; youths 17 and under; seniors 60 and over pay $1.25.

Fuller Pool, 1519 Fuller (994-4263). Adults pay $2.50; youths and seniors pay $1.50.

Veterans Memorial Park Pool, 2150 Jackson (761-7240). Adults pay $3; youths and seniors pay $2.50.

Tennis

The Ann Arbor city parks, public schools, and the U-M all have tennis courts available. The courts are free for public use when they are not in use for classes or tournaments. The courts operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Unless otherwise noted, courts are not lighted.

Three of the busiest and largest concentrations of courts are at Huron High, 2727 Fuller (994-2076), seven courts; Pioneer High, 601 W. Stadium (994-2120), ten courts; and the CCRB, 401 Washtenaw, (763-3084), 16 courts. The CCRB courts, which are just north of the building at Palmer Field, are open to U-M user pass holders and their guests.

The lighted courts in town include four at Fuller Park, two at Buhr Park, three at Vets Park, and two at South Maple Park.

The Blue Nile On The Banks Of Ann Arbor

by Sam Gorman, MBA2

The dimly lit interior casts a mellow, golden glow throughout the entire restaurant which is accented by colorful, ethnic murals further enhancing the charming allure. Hosted and served by one of the owners, customer service was brought to a new level--really making you feel at home. For those who want the entire ethnic dining experience, dinner can be enjoyed while leaning over knee-high basket tables. However, this can be slightly uncomfortable for those of us who are on the taller side

Probably the most unique and novel characteristic is the fact there is no silverware; you simply eat with your hands. Potentially unappealing to the pretentious type consumed with issues of etiquette, it seems quite appropriate given the environment. Hot towels are provided to clean your hands in preparation for the ensuing meal.

I ordered what I appropriately named the "Ethiopian Feast." Served on a platter, the feast offers a variety of traditional dishes, including both meat and vegetables. Accompanying the platter is a sponge-like bread called Injera which is used to pick up the food. It introduces a nice texture which compliments any item that you select from the platter. The beauty is that once you run out of your favorite item, the servers are pleased to replenish your platter with a fresh supply. Herbivores have choices of spiced greens, sautéed cabbage and a variety of lentils and peas. Although simple sounding, the "artfully spiced" dishes offer a distinctive flavor not found elsewhere in Ann Arbor. Moreover, the endless supply of food insures a satisfied tummy.

Although the menu is somewhat limited, both meat-lovers and vegetarians can please their taste buds. Not excluded are those who have a fetish for the hot and spicy, as some of my favorite items have a serious, spicy kick.

I would highly recommend this incognito locale to those with an appetite for unique edibles and relaxing atmosphere. It is also within the scope of a college budget. You should plan ahead if you decide to visit, since it draws a nice crowd on weekends and holidays. It is only open for dinner, starting at 5 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday , and 3 p.m. on Sunday.

If you like Greektown in downtown Detroit, they have a second location on Monroe Street. Call ahead for quicker seating and do not go without your appetite!

The Blue Nile is located at 221 E. Washington, Ann Arbor, 313-998-4746.

What To Drive

The Porsche Boxster: There Is No Substitute

by Sam Valenzuela, MBA1

The Boxster gets it name from a combination of two terms. "Boxer" describes the 6-cylinder engine design in which the pistons fire back and forth at each other--3 pistons on one side of the engine, 3 on the other, as if they were boxing. "Roadster" describes a car with an open, two-seat layout (other examples include the BMW Z3 and the Mercedes SLK, both of which get their butts kicked by this new Porsche). So, "boxer" + "roadster" = "Boxster."

When you first see the car, it instantly attracts your attention. It also attracts everyone else's attention. Driving down Main Street in downtown Ann Arbor, heads turn, faces smile, fingers point, voices shout, and hands give a thumbs-up. On the freeway, cars speed up so passengers can take a rare look faces stare out windows, and people laugh excitedly. When one passerby said, "Very nice car," I responded, "Well, it's not mine. It's on loan from Porsche Cars North America."

Not really. I politely said thanks, downshifted, and blasted away, leaving him and his girlfriend grinning from ear to ear.

The Interior

Now let's take a closer look at the Boxster's interior. After you take a seat in the standard leather bucket sports seat, you start the car with the ignition switch on the left of the steering column. (This was originally designed for Porsche drivers at LeMans who, at the start of the race, would run across the track, jump in their car, push in the clutch, and simultaneously start the car with their left hand and shift into first gear with their right hand, making for a quick get-away.) The leather covered steering wheel telescopes but does not tilt.

Through the top of the steering wheel you clearly see three large gauges, slightly overlapping each other. The larger tachometer sits in the middle, flanked by the speedometer on the left and temperature and fuel gauges on the right. Beneath the analog portion of the gauge are digital readouts showing vehicle speed and oil level. I found myself using the digital speed readout more than the gauge because it was sometimes difficult to determine your precise speed with the analog gauge. (You know this car is built for speed when the speedometer reads in increments of 25 mph, from 0 to 150.)

The center console is especially modern in design, with integrated vents, CD player, automatic climate control, and switches for the door locks and power convertible top, among others. I must compliment Porsche on this new design, for I remember that in my first car, a Porsche 914, and in some 911s I have sat in, some controls were kind of awkward. The radio, for example, was positioned closer to the passenger than to the driver. Anyway, between the seats is the shifter, and our test car was equipped with the new Tiptronic S transmission. This is an automatic 5-speed that can be driven in two modes--automatic or manual, in which you control the shifts by small rocker switches on the upper spokes of the steering wheel. So you use your thumbs to press the + or - signs on the switch, and the car will upshift or downshift, respectively (just like a Formula One race car!)

So, How Does It Handle?

And a race car it almost is. At speed, this is the most solid, well-controlled production car I have ever driven (although I have yet to drive a 911 Turbo). Its rigidity is even more impressive when you consider it is a convertible. The Boxster only slightly sways as it flies over bumps in turns, but is otherwise rock steady. Even on Michigan surface streets, this car is incredibly smooth, very un-sportscar-like. It's so sturdy and quiet at cruising speed that you can easily be deceived into thinking you are going 65 or 70 only to be corrected by the digital speed display.

The Boxster almost anticipates your lane changes with its super-responsive steering, and I found its handling to be superb, like it's stuck to the ground. Under serious cornering, there is only a hint of understeer, which is actually engineered into this sophisticated suspension. But you absolutely need to experience the braking power in this new Porsche. From 60 mph or so, a stomp on the brakes starts the clicking sounds of the Bosch ABS-5 anti-lock braking system, throws you forward in your seat (held tight by your belt), and stops abruptly in roughly 120 feet. Only a handful of cars stop quicker, one of them being another Porsche, and most of which are in the $100,000 to $250,000 range.

Over 200 Horses And $40,000

The new Boxster is powered by a 2.5-liter, flat, 6-cylinder, water-cooled, 24-valve, mid-engine that generates 201 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 181 ft-lbs or torque at 4500 rpm. It launches from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.7 seconds (a little slower with the Tiptronic), and acceleration in top gear from 50 to 75 mph in 11.4 seconds. Safety features include standard dual airbags and crumple behavior that minimizes forces on the driver and passenger.

You can pick up a Boxster for a mere $39,980 well-equipped. Our test car came out to $50,258 including Arctic Silver paint($789); Sport package($3235--17 inch wheels and tires, wind deflector, premium sound package, cruise control, alarm and in-dash CD player; Tiptronic transmission($3150); hard top($2249)--in matching Arctic Silver, and you still get the soft top which is folded underneath; floor mats($90); and destination charge($765).

Warranties And What Not

All Porsches include a two-year, unlimited mileage warranty with Porsche roadside assistance, three-year warranty on paint, and a ten-year, unlimited mileage warranty against rust. I would certainly recommend the hard top and the Sport Package. I'm undecided about whether to recommend the Tiptronic. On the one hand, it's fun and easy to use the switches on the steering wheel. It kind of makes you fell like you're driving a Formula One car. On the other hand, a 5-speed manual seems to be more consistent with a pure sports car, especially a roadster.

If there were any improvements I could make to the Boxster, I would change the position of the plug-in to the rear window defroster (on the hardtop). The plug is located behind the driver's seat and inconveniently positioned behind the rollbar, and it is very difficult to detach this electrical plug when you want to remove the top. Also, I noticed that when the top comes off, the windows automatically lower a few inches but don't roll back up, only down. In California that's fine, but in Michigan, sometimes you may want the windows all the way up and the heat on if you decide to go top-down.

There's so much more to write about the Boxster, but this edition of The MSJ won't be published in five volumes. So you'll have to stop me in the hall or send me an email to learn more. Or you can call 1-800-Porsche or get online at www.porsche.com for more information about the Boxster and the complete Porsche line.

So all you graduating business students who have already signed on for large salaries and signing bonuses, don't walk, don't run, get in your current car (or bus or bicycle) and speed to the nearest Porsche dealer to get yourself on the waiting list for a new Boxster. You just need to see it in person, hear the engine, and experience the drive for yourself. Trust me, you'll be glad you did. And you'll soon come to realize ... Porsche: There is no substitute.

What to Drive:

The Saab 900 SE Turbo: All Things To All People In All Seasons

by Sam Valenzuela, MBA1

The Saab 900 SE Turbo Convertible has a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $41,470 and comes with tons of standard features like power everything (mirrors, windows, steering, folding top with glass rear window, etc.), leather-heated seats, front and rear fog lights, central locking, alarm system with remote for the doors and trunk, automatic climate control system, and a list of other goods. Our Cayenne Red test car with sand beige leather interior also had polished California burl walnut wood trim (from cultivated, ecologically sustainable trees), light alloy wheels, a 6-disc CD player in the trunk and floor mats.

Smooth Rider

The Saab floated over bumpy Michigan roads, yet hugged the curves of freeway access ramps. At cruising speed, the convertible was remarkably quiet, and in the rain, there was not even a hint of leakage. I was also completely amazed at how quickly this car picked up speed when you push the accelerator while still in fifth gear and at 65 mph on the freeway. The turbo just kicks in with no lag whatsoever, and you feel like you're being pulled faster and faster toward your destination ahead. A friend who was cruising behind me commented on just how suddenly the Saab seemed to zip off ahead and put distance between itself and the cars behind. I think that the motor thinks that it's much bigger than it is. It certainly acts bigger.

The 900 SE Turbo Convertible is fitted with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, turbo-charged motor that generates 185 horsepower and acts like an engine twice its size. As pleasant and comfortable as the ride is, the car can catapult itself from 0 to 60 mph in under seven seconds and brakes from 60 to 0 in a short 126 feet. The handling is very neutral and forgiving. Even under harder cornering, you just steer the car where you want to go, with little or no correction. I think the ride is deceptively smooth which makes the excellent handling initially surprising.

What A Trunk!

The seats are very comfortable, and the interior is laid out well. Almost all the controls are easy to understand and use, which really helps those of us who don't like to read manuals. My favorite control is the single round knob on the vent that allows you to position the airflow exactly where you want it by merely pointing the top of the knob to where you want the air to go. There's no messing with those vents that require pushing the vent up and down, and then adjusting it left and right, and never quite getting it perfect. Someone was thinking clearly when they designed this.

I also liked the trunk, which was very easy to shut, even with a bag of groceries or golf clubs in one arm. Also, the convertible top was especially noteworthy. It had excellent seals all around, generated almost no wind noise and had no leakage whatsoever. One of the more interesting features is the "black panel" button that literally blacks out all the gauges and controls in the car except for the speedometer. This allows drivers to be less distracted by so many lights and moving needles, and it's a bit easier on the eyes.

Things To Improve Upon

There were only a few things I thought may need improvement. First is rearward visibility, which was very limited. The back window was somewhat small, and visibility was non-existent in the corners. However, this is probably expected in a convertible and can be solved quite easily, put the top down! I did that, and then it almost started to snow (in April?!). Second, I thought the gear-shift was a tad notchy and could be a little smoother, although over time I got used to it and ended up shifting as smoothly as an automatic. Last, the door locks are positioned in the far rear-end of the door panel, making it difficult to reach back and unlock the doors if you seat is too far forward. If there was a door unlock switch, I must have missed it.

I hope I've done the Saab 900 SE Turbo Convertible justice. It is truly a pleasure to drive. If you have more questions or want more information, you can call 1-800-582-SAAB or reach them on the world wide web at www.saabusa.com.

After spending the weekend with this car, I am seriously considering purchasing one, and so should you. Why? Simply put, it's the perfect all-round car. You can use it as your daily driver; it's not just a weekend sports car. But if you want it be a weekend sports car, it can play the part very well--it's got wonderful acceleration, excellent handling, great braking and is a joy to drive. When it snows, just put the top up, and it's fully insulated lining keeps the weather and the temperature outside where it belongs. Also, you can turn on the bun warmers and the auto climate control and be completely comfortable in the car with short sleeves and no jacket. Best of all, when the sun's out, put the top down, grab some friends (who can actually fit in the back seat and enjoy the ride) and take a day trip out of town to do some sight-seeing or visit a new restaurant. No matter which path you take, a Saab 900 SE Turbo Convertible will help you to find your own road.

The MBA (Aumni) Gourmet

This Summer, Don't Forget The Barbecue Sauce!

by John Lipinski MBA2

Combine all ingredients and simmer in a heavy kettle for two hours, uncovered. Stir often. Be sure it doesn't burn on bottom. Makes about a quart.