Saturday, February 9, 2008
Random Question ...
I was just wondering. How does a blogger figure out which of their blog posts are the most read? I've noticed that a few other genealogy bloggers have lists of their most read posts, and I was just curious as to one is able to figure it out. Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks.
Have Ancestors That Lived in Cuyahoga County, Ohio?
If you happen to have ancestors who lived in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, you might want to check out the Cuyahoga County Recorder's Office. They have an online database with images of their land records going back to (I believe 1810). You can find the website here.
Friday, February 8, 2008
An Interesting Quiz ...
I decided to take a look at Blogthings and see if this site had any new quizzes since I hadn't been to the site in a while. I'll be honest: some of the quizzes are okay or fall into the category of funny, but there are some quizzes on the site that I think are innappropriate. Anyhow, this quiz just happened to catch my eye:
| You Are a Pundit Blogger! |
 Your blog is smart, insightful, and always a quality read. Truly appreciated by many, surpassed by only a few |
So, what do you think? What type of blogger are you?
Thursday, February 7, 2008
More History Blogs Added!
Over the past few days, I have added some more history blogs. The blogs added are:
- Boston 1775
- Appalachian History
- Scandalous Women
You can find these and other history blogs on the right side of the page. (It used to be the lower left side.) Any suggestions for other history or genealogy blogs are welcome.
A Non-Genealogy Blog
I just wanted to mention a non -genealogy blog that I just learned about within the last couple of days. I learned about it through a submission to the Carnival of Central and Eastern European Genealogy, and as the submission did not relate to the carnival, I was not going to include it with the next edition. Although I wasn't going to include it in the carnival, I thought I would mention it here: http://www.robschaumer.com/blog/ . You can read more about it here.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Genealogy Parade Floats Response Posted!
A listing of the genealogy parade floats have been posted at West in New England. You can read it here. Enjoy!
Weather Update - West Michigan
I just got back inside from participating in an outside-class function (It was for a class, but it wasn't during class), and the weather is just getting worse by the hour, if not by the minute. It has been snowing steadily since about 10 a. m. (or at least it wasn't snowing at 8 a. .m), and it is snowing ever harder than it was then. Right now, at about 4:17 p. m., it is snowing enough to be a partial white-out. At about 12:37, I'm guessing there was about half - in - an - inch to an inch of snow out, and now I'm guessing there is about three inches. (And I just heard thunder a second ago.) Either way, it is bad enough for my university to cancel classes and activites after four p. m. (My school rarely cancels classes.)
If you live in West Michigan, be careful out. If you live on the east side of Michigan, I would probably leave work a little earlier, as it is only going to get worse. The bad weather is coming.
If you live in West Michigan, be careful out. If you live on the east side of Michigan, I would probably leave work a little earlier, as it is only going to get worse. The bad weather is coming.
Hoping For the Best ...
I've been hearing over on the news about the destruction down in the south. I'm hoping that bloggers who live down South are alright.
If I Had A Million Dollars ...
I would use it to pay for Graduate school and invest the rest of it ...
Well, I would do that, but that doesn't conform to the challenge's question. Both Becky Wiseman and Shelly Dardashti have posted their answers to this question, and now I will too.
If I had a rich uncle who gave me a million dollars to research my family history, what would I do? I couldn't tell my family, but I don't know if that would be a problem. I took over the research originally from my grandfather, and he still assists me in our research. My brother also helps me. Both help look up and read records when I visit places to do research. I don't believe that would change regardless if I recieved money.
I think the biggest change for me would be that I wouldn't have to rely upon family members to help pay for obtaining records or ordering microfilms. I probably would be able to pay my way to do research in countries that my ancestors lived before coming to the U. S.
So, I don't know how much that would change my research. As I don't have an uncle that is rich, I think this will still be a fantasy.
Well, I would do that, but that doesn't conform to the challenge's question. Both Becky Wiseman and Shelly Dardashti have posted their answers to this question, and now I will too.
If I had a rich uncle who gave me a million dollars to research my family history, what would I do? I couldn't tell my family, but I don't know if that would be a problem. I took over the research originally from my grandfather, and he still assists me in our research. My brother also helps me. Both help look up and read records when I visit places to do research. I don't believe that would change regardless if I recieved money.
I think the biggest change for me would be that I wouldn't have to rely upon family members to help pay for obtaining records or ordering microfilms. I probably would be able to pay my way to do research in countries that my ancestors lived before coming to the U. S.
So, I don't know how much that would change my research. As I don't have an uncle that is rich, I think this will still be a fantasy.
Speaking of the Lost Colony ...
In light of GenLady's post about the Lost Colony, I thought I would recommend two history books that I read on the Lost Colony.
The first book that I want to recommend is Big Chief Elizabeth: The Adventures and Fate of the First English Colonists in America by Giles Milton (New York: Picador, 2000). This book is written in the style of popular history books. In other words, it is easier to read than many other history books would be. The history of the colony and world events are mentioned in the book, and the author also gives his speculation on the fate of the lost colonists.
The other book is Roanoke: Solving the Mystery of the Lost Colony by Lee Miller (New York: Penguin Books, 2000). Unlike the other book, this book is written more in the style of an investigative report, only with a historical analysis twist. This book also explores the events and history of the colony and world, but this book also speculates on who was most likely responsible for the failure of the colony. The author also gives her opinion as to the fate of the colonists.
I can't say which book I like more as I enjoyed both of these books. To me, they were both very interesting. In addition to these books, you might want to check out the blog, Searching for the Lost Colony DNA Blog for further information.
The first book that I want to recommend is Big Chief Elizabeth: The Adventures and Fate of the First English Colonists in America by Giles Milton (New York: Picador, 2000). This book is written in the style of popular history books. In other words, it is easier to read than many other history books would be. The history of the colony and world events are mentioned in the book, and the author also gives his speculation on the fate of the lost colonists.
The other book is Roanoke: Solving the Mystery of the Lost Colony by Lee Miller (New York: Penguin Books, 2000). Unlike the other book, this book is written more in the style of an investigative report, only with a historical analysis twist. This book also explores the events and history of the colony and world, but this book also speculates on who was most likely responsible for the failure of the colony. The author also gives her opinion as to the fate of the colonists.
I can't say which book I like more as I enjoyed both of these books. To me, they were both very interesting. In addition to these books, you might want to check out the blog, Searching for the Lost Colony DNA Blog for further information.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Finding Cousins ...
I couldn't help but notice that Randy Seaver posted an article on finding living cousins, and I have decided to explain how I found a couple of cousins.
So, how did I find a couple distant cousins? Well, I found one cousin from the family tree that that person had posted. I found two other cousins from message board queries they had posted. Of course, I must state that I only found these people because they posted either looking for information on their family or posted their family tree that connected with a branch of my tree. Outside of those methods, I have not connected with any other distant cousins. I think the main reason I was able to find a couple of cousins is that those cousins were searching for information and wanted to be found. Of course, I have posted responses to other queries and have not received a response as that person did not update his or her e-mail. I guess that is just one of the realities that we must all face when searching for cousins.
So, how did I find a couple distant cousins? Well, I found one cousin from the family tree that that person had posted. I found two other cousins from message board queries they had posted. Of course, I must state that I only found these people because they posted either looking for information on their family or posted their family tree that connected with a branch of my tree. Outside of those methods, I have not connected with any other distant cousins. I think the main reason I was able to find a couple of cousins is that those cousins were searching for information and wanted to be found. Of course, I have posted responses to other queries and have not received a response as that person did not update his or her e-mail. I guess that is just one of the realities that we must all face when searching for cousins.
Blog Adjustments
I've changed the template somewhat; I've just changed to a three column. (I had to go to another site.) I've had to add a few more things back onto to my blog, so if you blog is not listed anymore, that is why. Please let me know if I've lost your blog link, and I'll put you back up. I'm terribly sorry for losing anyone's blog link. Thanks!
Monday, February 4, 2008
More Genealogy Blogs Added!
I have added several more genealogy blogs today. The blogs added are:
- Janet the Researcher
- Jewelgirl's Searching For Family Branches
- Sharon Klein's Genealogy
- The Virtual Dime Museum
You can find these and other blogs on the lower left side of the blog. Any suggestions for other genealogy or history blogs are welcome.
Carnival of Genealogy Posted!
The carnival of genealogy has been posted! You can read it here. The topic for the next carnival is the Academy of Genealogy and Family History Awards! That's right, we get to nominate our own posts for best picture, best possible screenplay, best documentary, best biography and best comedy. Enjoy!
Blog Changes - Again!
As you can see, I've made changes to my blog again. This time I have changed the template as I was getting bored with the template that I had. Plus, I wanted another template that I could make changes to much easier than I could with the previous template.
Ten Signs You're Addicted to Genealogy ...
I've decided to take another stab at coming up with genealogy humor. After reading Chris Durham's post a few times, I could not help but come up with my own humorous post. (Or an attempt at it.)
So here are ten signs you're addicted to genealogy:
10. You have dreams where you see your family tree.
9. You are grumpy for most of the day if you do not get a chance to read articles from genealogy blogs or read about genealogy techniques.
8. You bring notebooks, pencils, and possibly tape recorders or camcorders to family gatherings, even if it is not for a holiday or special event.
7. You can remember what a first cousin five times removed is but you can't remember what you need to buy at the grocery store.
6. Family members run away from you when they see you coming towards them with a notebook and pencil in your hand.
5. You are always finding cousins related to you, no matter how distant, and introducing them to your family members.
4. Local archivists, librarians and county officials know you on a first name basis.
3. You write or speak about your ancestors as if you have known them your whole life.
2. You stop to transcribe the tombstones in every cemetery you drive by.
1. If you did not have to eat, sleep or work, you would spend all of your time at an archive.
So here are ten signs you're addicted to genealogy:
10. You have dreams where you see your family tree.
9. You are grumpy for most of the day if you do not get a chance to read articles from genealogy blogs or read about genealogy techniques.
8. You bring notebooks, pencils, and possibly tape recorders or camcorders to family gatherings, even if it is not for a holiday or special event.
7. You can remember what a first cousin five times removed is but you can't remember what you need to buy at the grocery store.
6. Family members run away from you when they see you coming towards them with a notebook and pencil in your hand.
5. You are always finding cousins related to you, no matter how distant, and introducing them to your family members.
4. Local archivists, librarians and county officials know you on a first name basis.
3. You write or speak about your ancestors as if you have known them your whole life.
2. You stop to transcribe the tombstones in every cemetery you drive by.
1. If you did not have to eat, sleep or work, you would spend all of your time at an archive.
Response to "Where Were Your Ancestors in 1808" Posted!
Donna over at What's Past is Prologue has posted a list of all the articles that responded to the question, "Where Were Your Ancestors in 1808?" You can read the article here.
Poll Results ...
The poll is now closed, and the results are in. The question for this poll was, "Should I continue the Carnival of Central and Eastern European Genealogy?" Nine people voted, and the results are:
- Yes - 7 votes
- No - 0 votes
- I don't know - 2 votes
I guess I'll be continuing the carnival for the time being. To those who voted, thank you! Enjoy!
A Cute Quiz ...
I learned about this quiz from reading one of Janice's articles, and I thought I would try this quiz out myself. So here are my results:
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Blog Changes
As you might have noticed, I have added a new graphic to the title of my blog. It is supposed to be a 3-d shape. This graphic was something simple that I could do with my computer's paint project. Some day I would like to have a unique look for my blog, but I still don't know how to do that. Any suggestions or advice would be welcome.
More Genealogy Blogs Added!
Again, I have added more genealogy blogs today. The blogs added are:
- But Now I'm Found
- Searching for the Lost Colony DNA blog
- Kasper & Anna
- Genealogy - Northwest Ohio
You can find these and other blogs on the lower left hand side of the blog. Any suggestions for other genealogy or history blogs are welcome.
More Genealogy Blogs Added!
Today I have added several more genealogy blogs. The genealogy blogs added are:
- Nordic Blue
- GenLady
- Genealogy - Southeast Michigan
- Irish Family History
- Ohio Historical Society Archives/Library Blog
You can find these and other blogs on the lower left hand side of the blog. Any suggestions for other genealogy or history blogs are welcome.
Where Was I in the Censuses?
The only two censuses that I might have been in so far are the 1990 and 2000 Censuses, but I do not know if any census takers ever came to my house. In 1990, I would have been too young to remember. In 2000, I remember that a census was occurring, but I don't recall anyone coming to the door to ask about our family. I was under the impression that the census bureau would be mailing those sheets. I asked my dad if anyone had ever come by, or if we ever received a form, but he said no. So, I do not know if my family was recorded or not. So, I can't say for sure if I am in either census, even though I was living in the same house for both censuses.
Another Genealogy Carnival!
I just happened to be looking at Blog carnival's listings for history blogs, when I happened to notice another genealogy blog. This carnival is called Where Were You? The carnival is hosted by GenLady. The first carnival will be posted on February 11th. The topic for this carnival is: Where were you when the censuses were taken? You can find more information on this carnival here. Enjoy!