How many of you would raise an eyebrow at a story linking the term “food desert” with Detroit? Just one more bit of tough news for a city with a plate piled high with challenges, right? Well, the reality is different — and better. There are more grocery stores in Michigan’s largest city than most […]
Quality of Life
Michigan is a great place to live. Bridge will report that fact often — and on potential threats to the assets that make it so.
Posted inQuality of Life
Veteran's tears reflect progress
I was talking to a Vietnam vet — who happens to be a member of the gay community — about the repeal of the federal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” rules for military service. When this Michigan native got the news the ban had been lifted, he just sat down and cried. These were no tears of sadness, […]
Posted inQuality of Life
Michigan poised for better days
The idea that no one would ever think of moving to Michigan because our economy is an utter wreck has, sadly, seeped into the pores of our body politic. It’s almost beyond debate now that we can’t sell Michigan to those who don’t live here. I’m still not buying the argument. And my reasons rest […]
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Guest column: Dunes decision troubling for all
By Alison Swan A quirk in Michigan case law makes it possible for a land speculator with deep pockets to force a change in local zoning rules that forever squelches any meaningful public participation. And it nullifies — again forever — local ordinances. Yes, “forever” is a strong word. Let me explain why it is so […]
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Get out of jail free
Anyone who’s played Monopoly knows the importance of having a “Get Out of Jail Free” card in their pocket. If a physician friend of mine is right, some Michigan teens have something similar stuffed in their wallets and purses. The doctor and his colleagues have seen an influx of parents coming in with their teen […]
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Expert: Just stop getting fatter
In anticipation of Gov. Rick Snyder’s special message on health and wellness in September, Bridge Magazine spoke with Dee Edington, one of the nation’s top experts on designing workplace wellness plans.
Posted inQuality of Life
Win cool stuff: 'Two Great Bridges' contest!
To celebrate the debut of Bridge, we’re launching the “Two Great Bridges” contest. The grand prize: An all-expenses paid weekend for two at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, overlooking the Mackinac Bridge. Second prize is a weekend for two at Greektown Casino-Hotel in Detroit. Here are the contest details: · To enter, simply subscribe […]
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Undiscovered Traverse City
(Originally published June 2, 2011) If you’re among the hundreds of thousands of people who get an opportunity to spend a little time each summer in Traverse City, you have probably recognized the impact of Michigan’s decade-long recession along East Grand Traverse Bay. For many years, the little community of Acme included a bustling community of […]
Posted inQuality of Life
Any idiot can lower price. Isn’t Michigan worth more?
(Originally published April 20, 2011) Michigan has the best fly fishing in the country! That’s what Field & Stream magazine declared earlier this month as anglers across the Midwest prepped for their annual pilgrimages up north for the opening of Michigan’s fly-fishing season, which is April 30 this year. Here’s what Field & Stream said […]