A little respect, please — creative entrepreneurs are an important part of the state’s economy. Couldn’t they use a little cultivation?
Natalie Burg
Natalie Burg has lived in six Michigan cities, but most recently put down stakes in Ann Arbor. Her book, “Swedish Lessons: A memoir of sects, love and indentured servitude” was released last year. She’s a little obsessed with trying new veggie- or fish-based twists on Eggs Benedict. The views and assertions of guest columnists do not necessarily reflect those of Bridge or The Center for Michigan.
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
A part-time legislature would create more full-time problems
Hey, voters: If you want someone to do an important job better, do you cut their hours and hope for the best? Then why would it work for the Legislature?
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
A wish list for millennials, as they come into their own
BIG LAKES, COOL CITIES: What does the coveted millennial generation want from its home state? (Photo by Flickr user Andrew McFarlane; used under Creative Commons license0 How are those resolutions coming? Though we may be knee-deep into 2014 if you’re counting in attempted trips to the gym, in reality, it’s still the early in a […]
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
Abortion-insurance law will brand state as extreme, hostile to women
‘RAPE INSURANCE?’ A voter petition likely to be approved by the legislature will require Michigan women to purchase a separate insurance rider, should she need an abortion — no matter the circumstances. (Photo by Flickr user Clinic Escort; used under Creative Commons license) I never plan to have an abortion. But then, I never plan […]
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
We have 9 million reasons to find common ground, so let's try
ONE STATE, DIVIDED: The view from on high doesn’t match the one from the ground, where too often Michigan residents aren’t focused on helping the state move forward. My happiest moment at 30,000 feet was in 2006 when I saw the Detroit River announce the end of my international flight and my return to Michigan. […]
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
A millennial looks forward to Obamacare, and wishes legislators would, too
WHAT ABOUT US? Women protest at the U.S. Supreme Court during arguments over the Affordable Care Act in March 2012. (Photo by Flickr user Tabitha Hawk; used under Creative Commons license) About eight months ago, I called my heath insurance provider to gather information about adding maternity coverage I might need at some point (At […]
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
In the nation’s increasingly powerful cities, a need for serious thinking
ALL IN THIS TOGETHER: As the U.S. has left its agrarian roots behind, cities and metro areas are the country’s new economic drivers, a new book by Bruce Katz and Jennifer Bradley posits. (Photo of Jackson by Flickr user Lane Montgomery/used under Creative Commons license) There’s a revolution afoot. Have you heard? If you have […]
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
Kids these days: Quick to click, but engagement lags
THE MILLENNIAL PARADOX: They might follow senators and presidents on Twitter, but when it comes to getting their hands dirty in politics, are young people in, or out? (courtesy photo/used under Creative Commons license) My first serious disagreement with my husband was on our second date. It was about John Mayer. My guitarist husband said […]
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
Michigan’s detours into social issues won’t help attract young talent
KNOW YOUR CUSTOMER: Millennials appreciate Michigan’s place-making efforts, writers Natalie Burg, but the state won’t have much success selling itself to young talent with outdated attitudes on social issues such as gay marriage. (courtesy photo) I was pretty proud of myself upon landing my first grownup-person job several years ago. It came with such new-to-me […]
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
Been here and there, but Michigan is best for young and young at heart
Hi. I’m Natalie. I’m a self-employed writer, I’m 31, and, if you listen to the headlines, I don’t exist. Like a centaur or a yeti, the well-educated, career-driven, creative-class Millennial like myself is not found in the wild here in Michigan. Supposedly, we’ve all left or are desperately attempting to do so. HERE TO STAY: […]
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