A DNA test has shown that the Loch Ness Monster is an algae-based creature, filmmakers claim.

Investigators collected water samples from the famous Scottish loch's Borlum Bay during the largest search for Nessie in over 50 years.

Matty Wiles, 49 and Aga Balinska, 42 were volunteering as part of the search, which took place over the last weekend of August this year.

A very, very old claimed photograph of the Loch Ness Monster

They went for an early morning swim at 6.30am and saw two humps and a third appendage, possibly a head, in the water.

They took photos and videos and shared their findings with Loch Ness Exploration, a group set up to research the mysteries of loch and coordinated the search.

Documentary producers working on new TV series, Weird Britain, by Dragonfly Films were there to chronicle the hunt for Nessie as the season finale of their series.

They decided to collect water samples to send for eDNA analysis.

Environmental DNA (or eDNA) analysis is a new method of amplifying traces of DNA left behind by an animal in its habitat, the environment in which it lives.

The samples were sent to a private laboratory called Jonah Ventures in Boulder, Colorado, USA which was founded in 2013 with the aim of helping other scientists answer ecological questions by sequencing environmental DNA.

The tests detected two types of algae, with experts claiming it suggests Nessie may be algae-based.

TV presenter and cryptozoologist Ken Gerhard said: ''The tests only detected algae, which of course is exciting news if we consider the possibility that Nessie is a giant algae blob monster.”

This article is not about any of the "normal" topics of this newsletter: genealogy, history, current affairs, DNA, and related topics. However, I suspect lots of people will be interested in this:

Whether you're a coder or a total beginner, Amazon might have an AI class for you. Amazon wants you to work in AI. More specifically, they want to train you on the skills necessary to handle one of these jobs.

In a blog post on Monday, Amazon announced "AI Ready," the company's new initiative to give two million people access to free AI skills training by 2025. In total, the company is offering eight new classes, for free, for varying experience levels and purposes. In addition, AI Ready aims to offer a new generative AI course to more than 50,000 high school and university students. The company has also formed a new partnership with Code.org to teach students about generative AI.

But back to the free classes: Whether you're a total beginner to the world of AI, or you're an experienced person looking to boost your skills, Amazon believes it has a class for you in AI Ready. (There are more than 80 other AI classes and resources Amazon hosts on AWS, but not all of them are free.) 

The classes range in length, experience level, and topic, and the list covers a variety of different use cases. I can imagine Amazon's "Introduction to Generative Artificial Intelligence" course, for example, being useful for anyone looking to gain a baseline understanding of how generative AI works.

You can read more at: https://lifehacker.com/tech/amazon-offering-ai-classes-for-free. 

On the front page of the Nov. 28, 1963 issue of The Georgia Bulletin, still in its inaugural year of publication, Archbishop Paul J. Hallinan offered words of prayer following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. 

“John F. Kennedy was a man, a husband, a father, a son, a brother. The entire human family mourns his death,” wrote the archbishop. “We are somehow all diminished when a man of his vision, principle and courage is cut down in his prime. But in Christian confidence, we ask God to receive him now and grant him eternal light and peace.” 

The Nov. 28, 1963 edition of The Georgia Bulletin.

The historical paper, which also covered Atlanta’s Masses for the president and reaction from Rome, is available online. This month marks 60 years since the president’s murder in Dallas. 

This edition and more recent issues of The Georgia Bulletin are available online through the Digital Library of Georgia. 

A project of the Office of Archives and Records of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, full text issues of the local Catholic newspaper from 1963 to current times are now digitized. 

Over several years, the Office of Archives and Records sent batches of historical print issues of The Georgia Bulletin for preservation scanning. This protects fragile papers from further damage. Researchers can now easily access local Catholic history in north Georgia.  

You can read more, including instructions on how to access this resources, in an article in the Georgia Bulletin at: https://georgiabulletin.org/news/2023/11/sixty-years-of-the-georgia-bulletin/. 

The following announcement was written by Findmypast:

Family history website, Findmypast is offering a 25% discount on selected 3- or 12-month subscriptions for Black Friday*. Keen family historians can uncover the secrets and stories hiding in their family trees for less from 21 – 27 November using the code BF25OFF.

The offer includes all 3- and 12-month Plus, Pro and Premium subscriptions, which offer access to Findmypast’s rich interconnected tree network, a treasure trove of historical newspapers, and billions of unique family history records.

This limited-time discount can be used to begin a journey into the past or to continue exploring stories on a growing family tree. Those with an eye on their Christmas lists can tick off that perfect gift for the family history fan in their life or introduce loved ones to a new hobby. 

At Findmypast you’ll uncover stories behind headlines with the largest collection of British and Irish newspapers online, delve into exclusive parish, army, migration records and Censuses, and access more Irish and non-conformist resources than anywhere else. 

Plus, with a Premium subscription, you’ll get access to the 1921 Census, exclusively online at Findmypast. The 1921 Census is packed with endless family stories, secrets and surprises from your ancestors’ life 100 years ago. 

Findmypast’s easy-to-use, handy features make tracing your family tree simple. You can instantly discover new connections and stories with Tree Search and clever family tree hints are a valuable tool to help you get further, faster and with more accuracy.

You’ll also join a thriving community of likeminded people on Facebook to help with hints and tips, and gain access to simple-to-follow guidance on getting started and making the most of your subscription. With new records added every week, Findmypast subscriptions offer continued value and new family stories to uncover. 

Jen Baldwin, Research Specialist at Findmypast said: "Every family has a story to tell, and with this Black Friday deal, it’s the perfect opportunity to delve right in. Where will your past take you? You might uncover a military hero, a tale of bravery, an ancestor overcoming adversity, or maybe even a connection to a famous face. The possibilities are endless, and we're making it just that bit easier to get started with this limited-time discount.”

Findmypast Black Friday offer details:

• 25% off 3 or 12-month subscriptions (Plus/Pro/Premium)
  
• Use code BF25OFF10 am (GMT) Tuesday 21st November 2023 to 10am (GMT) Monday 27th November 2023
  
• Link here to take advantage of the limited time offer
  

It’s finally here! The moment you’ve been waiting for: MyHeritage’s Black Friday Sale! Now is the perfect time to delve into your roots, with our DNA tests available at an all-time low price of just $33.

Don’t miss out – grab your kit today!

The holidays are the perfect time to connect with family, and what better way to deepen that connection than by exploring your genetic heritage together? MyHeritage DNA tests offer a unique window into your family’s past, unveiling ethnic origins and connecting you with previously unknown relatives.

At only $33, the MyHeritage DNA test is more than just an affordable gift; it’s an invitation to a journey of self-discovery and family connection. Whether you’re looking to uncover your ethnic mix across 2,114 geographic regions or find new relatives, MyHeritage DNA tests are an invaluable resource.

The Black Friday deal also makes it the perfect time to buy kits for the whole family. Imagine the excitement of comparing results and piecing together your family history during your holiday gatherings!

Whether it’s for yourself or a loved one, a MyHeritage DNA test is more than just a present; it’s a journey into the past and a treasure trove of family stories waiting to be discovered. Hurry and get your kit at this never-before-seen price of $33! Remember, this is our lowest price ever, and it won’t last long. Order your MyHeritage DNA test now and start exploring your family’s history today!

From an announcement at: https://en.geneanet.org/genealogyblog/post/2023/11/geneanet-dna-features-will-be-discontinued:

Geneanet DNA was launched in February 2020, ahead of its time, with a strong ambition: to build a free, universal DNA database, enriched with family trees.

Free, in order to facilitate for all the search for one’s origins, in accordance with Geneanet’s mission.

Universal, by offering the possibility to upload DNA from multiple companies so you could find even more genetic cousins.

Enriched with extended family trees to help Geneanet members identify their common ancestors, a key differentiator compared to other market players.

A number of innovative features were developed with these goals in mind (haplogroup identification, a chromosome browser, triangulation, etc.).

However, over the last several years, we have not seen the success we had hoped for and we have therefore made the difficult decision to stop Geneanet DNA in order to concentrate on more promising Geneanet features and services, better aligned with requests from our members. Despite this, we are proud to have helped you, over nearly four years, to find cousins around the world with the many features we offered.

You can read more at: https://en.geneanet.org/genealogyblog/post/2023/11/geneanet-dna-features-will-be-discontinued.

For many years, the members of the Broad River Genealogical Society have been dreaming of a larger facility.

Ann Wright, researcher and member of the board of directors, said they have run out of room and cannot shelve their book collection and files. Many items remained boxed and unavailable to patrons. They purchased a storage building and locker to accommodate their growing needs, but it was still inadequate.

“Just in the past month, we received genealogy collections from three different families,” Wright wrote. “Our collection and membership continued to grow, but our facility remained the same.”

Until, Wright said, a miracle happened earlier this month when they received word that they were awarded a grant that would make their dreams possible.

“Several months ago we applied for a grant from the State of North Carolina with encouragement and guidance from our Senator Ted Alexander,” Wright wrote in an email to The Star. “We were advised the funding amount was unclear and would only be finalized when the new appropriations budget was completed. We anxiously ‘chomped at the bit’ awaiting news and finally received notification that we could expect at least $10,000.”

She said they were happy and grateful, but a little disappointed since it would not be sufficient to cover the cost of the new facility they desperately needed. 

Shortly after, Broad River Genealogical Society Vice President Dolores Ashworth got a call from Alexander requesting a meeting along with President Linda Carpenter and several others.

They were told Alexander and Speaker of the House Tim Moore had obtained a further grant of $400,000. 

Wright said they were speechless.

You can read more in an article in the shelbystar web site at: https://tinyurl.com/fx2m89ke.

The following announcement was written by FamilySearch:

Don’t miss your last chance to register for RootsTech 2024 at the lowest price of $99. Early bird pricing ends November 23, so register now! 

For $99 you will receive the full, 3-day conference pass and experience. This includes:

 • Hundreds of captivating classes

 • Inspiring keynote speakers

 • New cutting-edge technology that will enhance your genealogical pursuits

We look forward to seeing you in Salt Lake City, Utah.

FYI: Next Thursday, November 23, is Thanksgiving Day in the United States. I plan to celebrate the day by taking the day off! I do not plan to post any new articles on that day.

My schedule will return to normal the following day, Friday, November 24.

Strathclyde Institute for Genealogical Studies is pleased to announce the call for presentations for a conference: ‘Advancing genetic genealogy: how the past is informing the present through revolutions in genetic research’.

Date and Place of Conference

June 7-8, 2024, University of Strathclyde, Scotland and hybrid access

Guest Speakers

Conference Call for Presentations

The Strathclyde Institute for Genealogical Studies (SIGS) will hold an international academic genetic genealogy conference in Scotland at the University of Strathclyde, June 7-8, 2024. The conference will be hybrid with some events in person only, including DNA testing lab demonstrations and an evening reception. On June 6, a separate symposium on investigative forensic genetic genealogy will be held by the University’s Forensic Science department.

The conference will be interdisciplinary in nature, with a particular focus on the themes of autosomal DNA and Y-DNA, as well as on bioarchaeology, genetics and investigative genetic genealogy, emphasising their importance and value to the field of genetic genealogy. Presentations should be aimed at an audience with an intermediate to advanced level of knowledge and understanding.

This call for presentations seeks proposals which will tend to cover the more practical application of genetic genealogy, to supplement the more academic based keynote presentations, although more academic proposals will be considered.

Speakers from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds are invited to share their experiences and thoughts around the following themes:

Proposals out with these themes will also be considered. 

Recordings of the presentations will be made available for two months to conference participants.

Submission guidelines

The conference committee invites proposals for individual or co-presented presentations. Presentations can be 10 or 20 minutes in length and time will be set aside for questions and answers. Proposals must be submitted via email by January 08, 2024. Acceptance decisions will be sent out by end of January 2024.

Please submit an abstract (200-300 words), the time length desired (10 or 20 minutes) and a biographical note (100 words) for each presenter. Provide information on previous experience with presenting at conferences or other events.

Hybrid Option

We are planning for a limited number of slots for remote presentations in a hybrid setup at the conference. When submitting your abstract to claire.mcconnell@strath.ac.uk, please indicate that a ‘remote presentation will be required’. If you have any questions regarding this hybrid option, please email claire.mcconnell@strath.ac.uk .

Deadline for submissions: January 8, 2024

Please submit your abstract to claire.mcconnell@strath.ac.uk  

About the Advancing Genetic Genealogy conference and SIGS

The Strathclyde Institute for Genealogical Studies was established in 2022 to bring together a growing network of individuals and organisations to share knowledge and build a thriving academic genealogy community for all. Learn more about our genetic genealogy research projects, courses and events at https://www.strath.ac.uk/studywithus/centreforlifelonglearning/genealogy/ .

Speakers at the conference are required to register and pay for attendance. (attendance awards for students tbc)

Contact email: claire.mcconnell@strath.ac.uk