More on my hometown: Watercress

17 May 2010 by Libbi.

When I was growing up, we used to go up to New Market for watercress in the spring. At the time, New Market, Alabama, was known as the “Watercress Capital of the World” . That’s because watercress needs fresh water flowing over limestone to thrive, and that pretty much describes the landscape of north Madison County.

Watercress sandwiches were a specialty of my mother’s (along with the best, the definitive cucumber sandwiches!).  Watercress in salads is one of my favorite things. And watercress soup, oh my….

According to the Encyclopedia of Alabama, “although never a major cash crop, watercress was an important commodity in Alabama during the first half of the twentieth century. The watercress industry was centered in Madison County, then known primarily for its textiles and cotton, but at the height of production, the area also was known as the “Watercress Capital of the World.” From the early twentieth century through the 1960s, more than 2 million bunches of watercress were grown and harvested in the area, more than produced by any other source in the United States. Today, watercress production continues in Madison County, but on a much-reduced scale. “

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My Hometown’s History

13 May 2010 by Libbi.

This was sent to me by my friend Susie Bruton, who from the list of fowarding addresses, seems to have received it from my mother’s best friend Darlene Davis….Huntsville is SUCH a small town ;D

 

THIS GUY (WHOEVER HE IS) MUST HAVE BEEN SITTING AT THE BAR AT THE

AIRPORT WHEN HE WROTE THIS…

 

A Brief History of Huntsville

By Matthew Pierce

 

Huntsville was founded a long time ago by someone who is now dead. In

the beginning, the city was called Twickenham. This was before Bridge

Street, so it was not a good time to be a resident. Later on the town

was renamed Huntsville, because, come on, Twickenham. The name

“Huntsville” was taken from an Indian word that roughly translates to,

“We’re getting out of here, there’s a tornado coming.”

 

Huntsville was an important part of the Civil War. Confederate forces

willingly surrendered the town to the Yankees, who did not know about

the tornadoes. The rebels thought this was very funny. Several Yankees

were sucked up and landed on Monte Sano, where they remain to this day.

They are called Presbyterians.

 

The first mayor of Huntsville was Wernher Von Braun, who was a scientist

who invented the vacuum cleaner. Von Braun came to Huntsville and

started inventing rockets, presumably to blow up the tornadoes. He never

did figure out how to do this, so he gave up and invented Space Camp. He

was very good at inventing things.

 

Starting in the 1960s, Huntsville was subjected to another invasion.

Only this time it wasn’t Yankees who were invading, but engineers. These

engineers were mostly short men, and all of them drove very fast cars.

No one really understood what they did for a living, but they all had

lots of money. The engineers are still here today, because engineers

never really die-they just keep inventing ways to stay alive.

 

In the 1980s Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco formed a minor league

baseball team called the Huntsville Stars.

The Stars played at Joe Davis stadium, where they excelled at making it

all the way to the Southern League Championship and then losing. Back

then McGwire and Canseco were not using steroids, probably because they

were too busy eating the ice cream at the concession stand that comes in

the little plastic helmets, which is excellent.

 

The most famous person in Huntsville is Dan Satterfield, who is a

television meteorologist and loud person. He is the arch nemesis of the

tornado.

Whenever it begins to rain in, say, western Kansas, Satterfield

immediately interrupts television programming to broadcast warnings for

the next seven hours straight. Many tornadoes have gone away sad because

Dan Satterfield ruined their sneak attacks.

 

Today Huntsville has a bright future, and not just because it has more

restaurants than people. It is a modern city on the cusp of research and

technology. It is a crossroads, where the spirit of the Old South meets

the expression of the arts. It is a bustling, thriving community where

diversity and tradition mingle.

 

Basically, it is a city that prides itself on not being Birmingham.

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Media Release: Where to find genealogy software reviews

10 May 2010 by Libbi.

GenSoftReviews, the website where genealogists and family tree researchers review and rate their software, now lists over 500 different programs  GenSoftReviews is a website that allows users of genealogy software to rate and review the programs they’ve used or tried. This allows others who are looking for programs to better compare and select software that will help them. The site is located at: www.gensoftreviews.com  Now there are more than 500 programs for genealogists listed at the site. Those who are unhappy with their current software can use the listings to find a program they may find more suitable for the way they work. The site includes 244 full featured programs that allow full recording of your family data and more. There are 170 utility programs that do something useful by reading the data produced by a full featured program. And there are more than 80 programs that do not work directly with your genealogy data, but perform useful functions for family researchers.Over 300 of the programs are for Windows. There are 44 for the Mac, 36 for Unix and 26 for handheld devices. In addition there are over a hundred online programs listed, many of which are full featured and allow you to store and share your data online.Almost half of the programs listed are free. In January, GenSoftReviews awarded its first User Choice Awards based on user ratings of their programs. The top program was Roots Magic with an average rating of 4.94 out of 5. Other top programs included Legacy, The Next Generation, Brother’s Keeper, Personal Ancestral File, Reunion, Family Tree Builder and GRAMPS.”Most genealogists are unaware of how many different software packages they have to choose from. Each have different capabilities and benefits, and there is no reason why anyone should be stuck using a program they don’t like” says Louis Kessler who developed and maintains the site. The Genealogy Software Reviews site is free to use and does not require registration About Louis KesslerLouis Kessler has been a genealogist and programmer for over 30 years. He has published newspaper articles on genealogy, given presentations on genealogy, and is Past President of a regional Heritage Center. He is the developer of the genealogy program known as Behold that can be found at www.beholdgenealogy.com. Contact InfoLouis Kessler  111 Wallingford Cres.,Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3P 1L5   Phone: (204) 488-2858  Website: http://www.lkessler.com

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Things we might not know if not for the Census…..

5 May 2010 by Libbi.

Early Presidential Last Names

138

Ranking of the frequency of the surname of our first president, George Washington, among all last names tabulated in the 2000 Census. Other early presidential names that appear on the list, along with their ranking, were Adams (39), Jefferson(594), Madison (1,209) and Monroe (567).

Source: Census 2000 Genealogy http://www.census.gov/genealogy/www/freqnames2k.html

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A census thought for the day…

4 May 2010 by Libbi.

Talking about Census Bureau News - Facts for Features Special Edition - 2010 Census by the Numbers:… — WASHINGT

Quote “72 The number of years census records are kept confidential before being released for genealogical research.  ”

So many times, I hear pundits questioning the use of the questions on race in the census: It’s very simple. 72 years from now, when your grandchildren are doing their genealogy, that race question will help them differentiate you from someone else with the same name….I cannot tell you how many times that has helped me in my research…

Census Bureau News - Facts for Features Special Edition - 2010 Census by the Numbers:… — WASHINGT

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1890 Census

28 April 2010 by Libbi.

A reminder for genealogy newbies: the

1890 Census

exists only in fragments that survived a 1921 fire. However, some substitutes are available for specific areas. Read the article at the link for more!

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DNA Genealogy News Roundup

14 April 2010 by Libbi.

1. Roots & Branches: Shay or Harper? DNA holds the answer ‎Lebanon Daily News - James M. Beidler - 2 days agoOnly in the brave new world of DNA genealogy can you start out looking for Shays and end up finding that you’re a Harper. …

2. Ask a genealogist ‎South West Review - 1 day agoQ. What answers can genealogy research provide that DNA tests won’t? A. The two actually go hand in hand. DNA will tell you in general terms what part of …

3. 2 elderly Fla. men discover they are half brothers ‎MiamiHerald.com - 5 days agoNichols’ granddaughter helped him get on the genealogy Web site Ancestry.com, and eventually … A DNA test later confirmed they have the same father. …From strangers to siblings: Brothers, both in their 70s, meet for …‎ - Ocalaall 15 news articles »

4. San Antonio Current

   Uprooting the ancestors ‎San Antonio Current - Callie Enlow - 9 hours agoSpurred on by his Uncle Lico’s previous genealogical work, Santos feels … but, thanks to a detailed DNA test, many scattered and surprising origins. …

5. DNA: The Future of Jewish Genealogy ‎Shalom Life - Dan Verbin - Apr 3, 2010Today, Jewish genealogy is more popular than ever thanks to a plethora of … Jewishgenealogy’s ongoing popularity in Israel and using DNA to trace your …

6. World News

   Eva Longoria shocked by DNA test ‎NDTV.com - Apr 4, 2010… star Eva Longoria was left stunned by recent genealogy results because she’s …when the results of an indepth DNA test came back because her ancestors …Eva was an “Aztec princess”!‎ - Times of IndiaEva Longoria Launches Easter Tent Crusade‎ - Actress Archivesall 25 news articles »

7. History buffs head to Salt Lake City for genealogy events ‎USA Today - Jennifer Dobner - Mar 20, 2010… understanding DNA testing and writing and editing family narratives. … The week also includes several special events, including a genealogy ”kids …

8. KISSIN KUZZINS: A glossary of terms one may encounter in genealogy … ‎Lufkin Daily News - Carolyn Ericson - Mar 31, 2010Perhaps FamilyTree DNA holds the answer to your problems. FamilyTree DNA providesDNA testing for genealogists and is the pioneer in the new field of …

9. Legislature passes limits on vital records access ‎Bangor Daily News - Roxanne Moore Saucier - 2 days agoWith DNA testing, exciting new doors have opened as tools to discovering one’s …Another session of Genealogy for Kids Day, GEN4KIDS, will be held 11 …

10. OnMilwaukee.com

    OnMedia: NBC turns genealogy into TV drama ‎OnMilwaukee.com - Tim Cuprisin - Mar 26, 2010… news to former NFL running back Emmitt Smith that DNA evidence showed his roots …Smolenyak runs her own “reality” channel, an online genealogy outlet …

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Doggy Genelaogy

17 March 2010 by Libbi.

My dog is an English Springer Spaniel    (29th on the list)

2009 Most Popular Dogs in the U.S.

1. Labrador Retriever

2. German Shepherd Dog

3. Yorkshire Terrier

4. Golden Retriever

5. Beagle

6. Boxer

7. Bulldog

8. Dachshund

9. Poodle

10. Shih Tzu

WORKING K-9s “SNIFF OUT” THE TOP 10The German Shepherd Dog isn’t the only breed Americans will spot at the airport or train terminal when they travel – Labradors, Golden Retrievers and Beagles work throughout the country to keep the homeland safe. These breeds are used by law enforcement military and homeland security personnel for a variety of tasks ranging from border patrol, bomb and narcotics detection, to searching for missing persons and tracking down fugitives.

These four breeds were developed for various forms of hunting or herding, but the traits that made them so effective at these jobs, such as strong scenting ability of the Beagle, the eager-to-please attitude of the Golden Retriever and Labrador, and the bold nature of the German Shepherd, make them effective in their careers today.

“Despite advances in security technology, the canine and its unique abilities remain a valued resource for the military and law enforcement agencies that work to keep us safe,” said Peterson. “The loyalty, intelligence and hardworking nature which make these breeds desirable as K-9 partners in the field also contribute to their status as valuable companions in the hearts of dog owners around the nation.”

PET PREFERENCES: FIFTY OF THE LARGEST CITIESTop trends in 50 large cities in the U.S. include:

• The ever-popular Lab is slowly losing ground in some towns – more U.S. cities featured a breed other than the Labrador Retriever in its top spot this year than in 2008. The breeds responsible for ousting the 19 year national favorite? The German Shepherd ranked first in Columbus, Detroit, Honolulu, Memphis, Miami Providence and West Palm Beach; the Yorkshire Terrier triumphed in Oakland, Tampa, NYC, and Philadelphia; the Bulldog rose to the top in L.A.; and the Bull Terrier was a favorite in Newark, NJ.
• The Bulldog is a favorite in California, perhaps due to celeb owners such as Adam Sandler, Kelly Osborne and John Legend. The breed reached the top spot in Los Angeles, the only city where it currently reigns as number one. The wrinkled pooch nearly reached the top in San Diego as well, coming in at the 2nd spot.
• South Florida loves its German Shepherd Dog. The breed ranks first in West Palm Beach as well as Miami, where it has held the top spot since 2002, the first year the American Kennel Club started tracking city registration statistics.
• Providence is the only U.S. city where the Labrador Retriever does not factor into the Top 5. Despite ranking second in 2008, the breed dropped off the list, making room for the German Shepherd in first place, along with the Yorkshire Terrier, Golden Retriever, Boxer and Poodle.
• Unusual breeds on local top five lists include the Bull Terrier (1st in Newark), the Mastiff (4th in Des Moines), the Miniature Pinscher and Shetland Sheepdog (3rd and 5th, respectively, in Richmond) and the Chihuahua (3rd in Honolulu).

PET PREFERENCES: 1999– 2009Some of the most notable recent trends in the past decade include:

• The most popular pets with the biggest increase in rankings over the last decade included the Bulldog (from 21st to 7th); French Bulldog (from 73rd to 24th); Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (from 58th to 25th) and the making the largest leap the Havanese (from 92nd to 32nd).
• Working K-9 breeds favored by law enforcement and the military have shown modest gains as pets including the Belgian Malinois (from 95th to 81st), the Border Collie (from 71st to 52nd) Bloodhound (from 51st to 43rd), and the Doberman Pinscher which served heroically with the U.S. Military during WWII (from 23rd to 15th).
• A trend toward easy-to-groom breeds is seen with the rise of the Mastiff (from 39th to 27th) and the Rhodesian Ridgeback (from 56th to 48th) as well as the decline of higher maintenance breeds such as the corded breeds the Komondor (from 132nd to 154th) and the Puli (from 123rd to 149th) and on the Irish Terrier (from 108th to 132nd) and Sealyham Terrier (from 138th to 157th) which require hand-stripping.
• Among rare breeds on the decline are the Curly-Coated Retriever (from 114th to 142nd), the Sussex Spaniel (from 135th to 159th) and the Irish Water Spaniel (from 130th to 150th).
• Even before the Obama family selected the Portuguese Water Dog it was on the rise in popularity ranked 80th a decade ago to 60th currently. However, it did make a jump from 64th a year ago when all the interest in this mid-sized, hypoallergenic breed began.

 Click here to find out where your favorite breed ranks in the nation and major U.S. cities.

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Planning ahead: Wholly Genes Cruise in September

16 March 2010 by Libbi.

What’s a genealogist’s dream vacation? How about cruise the Carribbean while listening to professional genealogists? The 6th Annual Wholly Genes cruise will be September 18-25, 2010 and include speakers such as:

Lloyd Bockstruck, 30-year veteran Supervisor of the Dallas Public Library, who has been described as “easily the most sought after lecturer for annual seminars of local and state genealogical societies.”

Dr. Stephen P. Morse, whose long resume includes the development of the “One-Step” web portal, the extremely popular search engine for the Ellis Island databases and dozens of other on-line resources.

Hank Jones, Megan Smolenyak, and Craig Scott come back for return engagements.

You can find more information here: http://www.whollygenes.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?screen=CRUISE#cost . Everyone I know who has gone on one of these cruises raves about how much they learned and how much fun they had!

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I’m Baaaaaaack!

15 March 2010 by Libbi.

I took a bit of a blog break while I finished up the first draft of Genealogy Online 9th Edition, but that’s all turned in. While I await the copy edits and galleys, I’m back to blogging!

So if I still have any readers out there, here’s a question: What specific aspects of online genealogy would you like to see a book about? Is there some topic or aspect that you feel has not been covered adequately by the existing lexicon? Is there a need for something to be updated? Speak up and let’s talk about it!

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