Austin Blessing-Nelson (Blessing)
Bio
Stories (42/0)
Original Draft of "The 2010s and beyond"
Below is the complete and original draft of the article titled "The 2010s and beyond" that I wrote for the Michigan Bar Journal as part of a series celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Michigan Bar Journal. I also wrote the accompanying timeline and the companion article titled "The continuing role of lawyers in today’s ever-changing world." All three pieces were subject to editorial changes, but this piece was subject to the most edits, mostly due to the length of the original draft. Below is my original version.
By Austin Blessing-Nelson (Blessing)2 years ago in FYI
The Story Behind My New Last Name
As many people have noticed, I recently legally changed my last name from Blessing to Blessing-Nelson. Since men don't ordinarily change their last names after getting married, I have been getting many questions from people who are curious about why I changed my name. The short answer to why my last name is now different is because I got married, and one of the many decisions you have to make when you get married is what your last name will be going forward. There are many options, and my wife and I chose to both hyphenate our names (we now both have the last name of Blessing-Nelson).
By Austin Blessing-Nelson (Blessing)2 years ago in Families
Issues with App Games
Mobile app games can be a lot of fun and are a great way to blow off some steam and relax, even if just for a few minutes at a time. However, there are some increasingly common traits/features I have been noticing that take away from the experience. Everyone should be aware of these so that they can attempt to avoid them and even advocate against them.
By Austin Blessing-Nelson (Blessing)2 years ago in Gamers
History and Description of Vaccines and Herd Immunity
When discussing the history of vaccines, most people begin in 1796 with the invention of the direct predecessor to modern day vaccines.[1] However, the story actually “begins with the long history of infectious disease in humans, and in particular, with early uses of smallpox material to provide immunity to that disease.”[2] “Evidence exists that the Chinese employed smallpox inoculation (or variolation, as such use of smallpox material was called) as early as 1000 CE. It was practiced in Africa and Turkey as well, before it spread to Europe and the Americas.”[3]
By Austin Blessing-Nelson (Blessing)2 years ago in Longevity
Port Huron Railroad Bridge
Locals of Port Huron, or indeed anyone who has ever been near the Port Huron Yacht Club, are undoubtedly familiar with the large, metal structure at the mouth of the Black River. But, even if you have seen it a million times, you might be wondering, what is it and what is its story?
By Austin Blessing-Nelson (Blessing)2 years ago in FYI
- Top Story - January 2022
Why do attorneys call themselves attorneys at law?Top Story - January 2022
Recently I saw some people on social media poking fun at attorneys for how they sometimes refer to themselves as “attorneys at law.” After all, isn’t that redundant and unnecessary? Aren’t all attorneys considered attorneys at law? If so, why bother saying "attorney at law" and not just "attorney"? As it turns out, while today it isn’t always necessary to specify “at law,” there is a reason for the practice.
By Austin Blessing-Nelson (Blessing)2 years ago in FYI
Five Serial Killers that Terrorized Michigan
When it comes to serial killers, a few key examples come to mind. However, the terrifying truth is that serial killers have always been around and there have been way more than just a few. Additionally, serial killers have affected every state. Michigan is certainly not an exception, as it has been terrorized by numerous serial killers throughout the years, including recently. Below is a brief discussion of five of the more notable serial killers that have terrorized my home state.
By Austin Blessing-Nelson (Blessing)3 years ago in Criminal
What is a Crash Investigation Site?
I frequently drive on expressways in Michigan and I have recently been beginning to take notice of blue signs that say "crash investigation site" and then direct you to an upcoming location, which is usually a little area on the shoulder of the road that appears to be meant for cars to pull over and park in. After wondering about these signs and areas for a while, I recently became curious enough to actually look into what these are and what they are designed for. I wasn't sure exactly what I would find, but, as it turns out, the answer is that these things are actually very simple yet also incredibly practical and important.
By Austin Blessing-Nelson (Blessing)3 years ago in FYI
The Oakland County Child Killer: The Story of a Lesser Known, and Uncaught, Serial Killer
We all know about certain high profile serial killers like BTK, Ted Bundy, and Jeffrey Dahmer, but there are countless more out there that are lesser known, and sometimes unidentified. One lesser know serial killer is the Oakland County Child Killer, an unidentified murderer who committed heinous acts against children in the late 1970s before vanishing. This vicious killer has four confirmed victims with a couple more unconfirmed victims that are possibly linked to him (or her, or them).
By Austin Blessing-Nelson (Blessing)3 years ago in Criminal
“WOOOOOOO!!!”
John and his wife Mary lived on a small, quiet fishing lake with only a few other houses around them. They were in their early 60s, retired, and loved nature. The small house was perfect for them, plus it had an extra bedroom and a big yard for when their kids brought the grandkids. John’s passion in life was fishing. Every night he went out on the lake to fish and then the next day him and Mary would spend hours cooking the fish. They were living the life.
By Austin Blessing-Nelson (Blessing)3 years ago in Fiction
The story of Secretary Frances Perkins, the first woman to hold a Cabinet position
Recently there has been a lot of attention being paid to barriers being shattered by women and minorities (as well as to the various barriers that remain standing that need to be shattered). In light of this, and of the fact that it is currently Women’s History Month, let us reflect on a somewhat lesser known example, the life and career of Frances Perkins.
By Austin Blessing-Nelson (Blessing)3 years ago in Viva
Dispelling the Myth that Law School is About Pure Competition
When you think of law school, what comes to your mind? For many the scene they imagine is one of bitter competition and people trying to sabotage each other to get to the top. While that may be reality for some, it isn’t for most, at least it shouldn’t be. Instead, law school should be a place where people help each other to succeed and where students help each other to manage and cope with the stress of law school just as they should do for each other when they are in practice.
By Austin Blessing-Nelson (Blessing)3 years ago in Education