On November 29, I published an article entitled "Google Investigating Missing Files on Drive" at https://eogn.com/page-18080/13285158.  You might want to read that article first before reading about "the fix" below:

Just install the latest client and follow the instructions, but don't ask questions.

Google has released an updated version of the Google Drive app for Windows and macOS that, along with some simple manual work, should resolve missing file issues.

A help page was published by Google yesterday that includes steps to resolve issues with missing files for "the small subset" of Drive for desktop users it said were experiencing the glitch. Per the company, affected users should install the latest version of Drive for desktop, which should be version 85.0.13.0 or newer.

Once installed, Google said users should run the app, click the Drive for desktop button in their menu bar or system tray, and while holding the Shift key, they should click Settings, where "Recover from backups" should appear. Click that to start the recovery process. 

Users should then see a notification saying that recovery has started, followed by recovery being complete, though be prepared to wait. Any files and folders that are recovered will show up in a new desktop folder (i.e. not in your locally synced Google Drive space) titled Google Drive Recovery.

Here is an interesting article by Siham Alaoui published in theconversation.com web site:

Archivists assist users like historians, genealogists, students or citizens in locating, accessing and interpreting archives. Archival reference services have long been seen as services that mediate understanding and dialogue between archivists, users and archives to make documentary objects more accessible and usable.

Recent years have seen the introduction of artificial intelligence(AI) in heritage institutions like libraries, archives, museums and galleries. 

Researchers are examining how AI is affecting and will affect archival services, from the automation of recordkeeping, to organizing archives and new forms of digital archives. There has been much discussion about the benefits of AI in terms of supporting users. 

Among AI-powered technologies, ChatGPT can support some aspects of archival reference services. However, using it requires human supervision. 

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Through a few examples of a real conversation with this chatbot, it’s possible to explore the relevance of this AI-powered technology as an archival assistant — and also, its limitations.

You can read the full article at: https://tinyurl.com/2wpycuuf.

For residents of Indiana, names like Howard Caldwell, Ken Beckley, Barbara Boyd and Anne Ryder may ring a bell. They are among the many local broadcasters Hoosiers have welcomed into their living rooms over the years to deliver the day’s news from the warm glow of a television. At Indiana University Bloomington, a professor and an archivist teamed up to preserve Indiana’s history as told by the familiar faces and voices of local radio and television broadcasters.

“It’s the story of our state,” said Mike Conway, professor in The Media School and director of the Indiana Broadcast History Archive. “That’s what we do at The Media School: We tell stories.”

Conway worked in broadcast news for nearly 20 years before becoming a journalism historian, returning to his alma mater as a professor. He was inspired to create the archive because he noticed a lack of preservation for broadcast news in comparison to print news. This archive is the first of its kind.

Media School professor Mike Conway delivers a lecture during his History of Journalism class. Conway's students are recording broadcasters' oral histories, which are included in the Indiana Broadcast History Archive. Photo by James Brosher, Indiana University

“You can search The New York Times all the way back to the 1860s, but we don’t know what the local TV or radio station did 10 to 20 years ago because it just wasn’t saved in any systematic way,” Conway said.

You can read much more at: https://news.iu.edu/live/news/33757-indiana-broadcast-history-archive-preserves-the. 

With the recent news that hackers stole data from around 6.9 million users of the genetic testingvcompany 23andMe, it’s understandable that some might have concerns as to what someone could do with that information. 

Whilst no DNA records were reported stolen, it does beg the question of the potential consequences if they had been. After all, you can change your address or your name, but unless you subject yourself to a hefty amount of radiation (in which case, someone having your DNA would be the least of your concerns), you’d be hard-pressed to alter your genetic material. So once someone has your DNA sequence, can they glean anything of importance from it?

It depends on who’s looking

Of course, some things can be interpreted from our DNA – otherwise, genetic testing services wouldn’t exist, nor would we be moving towards healthcare personalized by our genetics – but a certain level of expertise is required.

You  can read the full article by Holly Large published in the iflscience web site at: https://www.iflscience.com/what-can-someone-do-with-your-dna-sequence-71875. 

Legislators should increase state funding for DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy of unidentified human remains, a state task force recommended.

The recommendations came from a Washington task force on missing and murdered Indigenous women and people in a report adopted unanimously on Nov. 20.

The report said DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy can help identify missing Indigenous people "and bring a measure of closure to families." The primary barrier to testing is cost strapped agencies, according to the report.

DNA testing of remains costs approximately $2,500 and the approximate cost of forensic genetic genealogy is $8,000. The state provides financial assistance to local coroners and medical examiners through an account administered by the Forensic Investigation Council, the report says.

Task force members recommend that the Legislature provide one-time funding to the council in its Death Investigations Account to identify remains that have not yet had DNA testing completed and for forensic genetic genealogy if DNA testing fails to yield a match. The group also seeks ongoing funding to ensure needs are met, the report says.

You can read more in an article by Tammy Ayer published in the yakimaherald web site at: https://www.yakimaherald.com/news/local/wa-panel-recommends-more-funding-for-dna-testing-and-forensic-genealogy/article_5bc998dc-92ec-11ee-98c1-ebc7042d204d.html. 

A press release from the National Coast Guard Museum  

The National Coast Guard Museum (NCGM) team assigned to Coast Guard Headquarters is making tremendous strides in curating exhibits and programming to bring the museum experience to life through its website and social media channels. With that, the NCGM team is celebrating two recent, monumental achievements: the reveal of the NCGM’s official website and the launch of its social media accounts. 

“This is an exciting time for the museum,” said Ken Hickman, NCGM deputy director. “We have the unique opportunity to offer Facebook and Instagram followers a glimpse into the history of the Coast Guard and behind-the-scenes access to the curation process of the exhibits and artifacts that will tell the service’s story. The website is an equally important tool because its final design will be that of a virtual experience as visitors await opening day.” 

Building the foundation for a digital museum 

The NCGM’s new website, which can be found at www.nationalcoastguardmuseum.org, is being built in two phases.  

“Phase 1 revolved around rooting the website into a strong foundation,” said Dwight Martino, the NCGM’s visual information specialist. “From there, we can build a robust and expressive online museum experience. We are starting with the Pentagon Experience exhibit, an overview of the Coast Guard's history, which is on display at the Pentagon, but will also have a home as our first virtual exhibit.  In Phase 2, we will be bringing on more exhibits, both as part of the permanent collection, but also more typical exhibits.” 

As the NCGM project gains momentum, which includes artifact treatment and restoration, progress will be documented and posted to the museum’s Instagram and Facebook accounts. One of the oldest artifacts in the collection that is currently being prepared for conservation is the Fog Signal Cannon.  

Unveiling the collection 

“The Cannon is the oldest object in the Heritage Asset Collection, and it is a direct tie back to one of the oldest lighthouses in North America, the Boston Light,” said Gabe Christy, NCGM curator. “Boston Light was first built in 1716, and a fog cannon was installed on the island in 1719. The cannon we have in our collection is likely not the original from 1719, but still holds a significant place in terms of being a direct connection to this important piece of American maritime heritage.” 

On Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, at 12:30 p.m. EST the NCGM public affairs team will go Facebook Live, the first of many in a series documenting the Fog Signal Cannon’s path to restoration and eventual placement into the museum. The Facebook Live event will introduce viewers to the cannon and the team at B.R. Howard & Associates in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where a sizable portion of Coast Guard artifacts will be treated and restored in preparation for display in the NCGM.  

You are invited to join the team for the Facebook Live event. The museum can be found on Facebook  at National Coast Guard Museum | New London CT | Facebook and on Instagram at National Coast Guard Museum (@ncgmuseum) • Instagram photos and videos 

The chat will be monitored during the event and your questions will be answered live by a member of the museum team.

The following is a press release from Vivid-Pix:

Vivid-Pix, President & CEO, Rick Voight to Speak at “What’s Next Longevity Innovation Summit” in Washington, DC on December 13

Memory Station One-click Scanning Solution Is Designed Easy-to-Use for Older Adults to Help Them Save Precious Image, Artifact and Voice Memories for Future Generations

December 7, 2023, Savannah, GA – Vivid-Pix www.vivid-pix.com, a technology leader specializing in scanning, restoring, and archiving treasured memories, announced today that the Memory Station™ one-click scanning solution designed for older adults to scan, restore, and record audio memories and save multiple images, documents, and memorabilia for future generations is being deployed throughout the U.S., expanding into senior living, home healthcare, genealogical and historical societies, archives, and museums, where seniors can enjoy reliving their memories.

Vivid-Pix is now available for use at:

• Senior Living: Cloverwood Friendly Senior Living, the #1 Nursing Home in NY state. Cloverwood is a full-service independent living community located in Pittsford, NY which opened in 2004 as an active, friendly senior living community with a rich selection of programs and activities.
• Home Healthcare: Thrive Center, a technology testing location for National Institute of Health (NIH). A unique consortium of people and ideas unlike anything in the world, Thrive is a collaborative group of innovators, researchers, and healthcare providers from across the US who are focused on solving challenges and providing solutions for the aging care market.
• Societies: National Genealogical Society, California Genealogical Society, South Carolina Historical Society, and Rochester Genealogical Society.
• Libraries: Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne, IN, The Power of Story. The ACPL Genealogy Center explores unique state-of-the-art resources for family history research with the largest publicly available research collection in the country; making available, at no cost, records from around the world to aid in personal discovery.
• Archives: Houston County Archives and Tennessee Archives & Museum.
• Museums: International African American Museum, Charleston, SC. IAAM is the museum that honors the untold stories of the African American journey at one of our country’s most sacred sites.

In addition to the recent extensive travels throughout the U.S. showcasing Vivid-Pix Memory Station at various societies, libraries, and facilities, Rick Voight, President & CEO, Vivid-Pix will also be speaking at the “What’s Next Longevity Innovation Summit” in Washington, DC on December 13 at 8:00 AM with Matt Menashes, Executive Director, National Genealogical Society. For more information, and to schedule interviews, please contact: Karen Thomas, Thomas PR (631) 549-7575 kthomas@thomaspr.com.

Where: What’s Next Longevity Innovation Summit

What: “Successful Case Studies” Panel

Date: December 13, 2023 at 8:00 AM

Who: Matt Menashes, Executive Director, National Genealogical Society and

Rick Voight, President & CEO, Vivid-Pix

About: https://washingtoninnovationsummit.com/

Vivid-Pix Memory Station Availability

The Vivid-Pix Memory Station solution is available immediately at: https://www.vivid-pix.com/memorystation, priced at $629.95 – $1299.95. For more information, see: www.vivid-pix.com.

About Vivid-Pix

Vivid-Pix invents and harnesses technologies, making it simple for individuals and organizations to relive memories and share stories. Whether by inventing software to restore decades/centuries-old photos/documents, bringing back precious memories that were thought to be long gone due to the passage of time, cognitive decline, or helping to bring families and friends together at reunions, for over a decade Vivid-Pix has made it simple and affordable for consumers and organizations to relive memories. For more info, visit https://www.vivid-pix.com/.

Photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16UHfGOkp_tgqoFMmnQPf44DXgASEwDGV?usp=sharing

Vivid-Pix Logo: http://www.thomas-pr.com/136/photos/vividpixlogo.html

Memory Station How-to Video: https://vimeo.com/866954225/f7bd35929a

Some 6.9 million 23andMe customers had their data compromised after an anonymous hacker accessed user profiles and posted them for sale on the internet earlier this year, the company said on Monday.

The compromised data included users’ ancestry information as well as, for some users, health-related information based on their genetic profiles, the company said in an email.

Privacy advocates have long warned that sharing DNA with testing companies like 23andMe and Ancestry makes consumers vulnerable to the exposure of sensitive genetic information that can reveal health risks of individuals and those who are related to them.

In the case of the 23andMe breach, the hacker only directly accessed about 14,000 of 23andMe’s 14 million customers, or 0.1%. But on 23andMe, many users choose to share information with people they’re genetically related to — which can include distant cousins they have never met, in addition to direct family members — in order to learn more about their own genetics and build out their family trees. So through those 14,000 accounts, the hacker was able to access information about millions more. A much smaller subset of customers had health data accessed.

Users can choose whether to share different kinds of data, including name, location, ancestry and health information such as genetic predisposition to conditions such as asthma, anxiety, high-blood pressure and macular degeneration.

The exposure of such information could have concerning ramifications. In the US, health information is typically protected by what’s known as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA. But such protections only apply to health-care providers.

You can read more in an article by Kristen V. Brown published in the Mercury News at: https://tinyurl.com/4zsuw8hc.

Former first lady Melania Trump is scheduled to appear for a speech at the National Archives on Dec. 15, Bill of Rights Day, during a ceremony to swear in new U.S. citizens.

At the ceremony, 25 people from 20 countries will be sworn in as new American citizens.

Trump, who was born in Slovenia and became a citizen in 2006, will speak alongside U.S. Archivist Colleen Shogan, in her latest public appearance amid her husband's third presidential campaign.

The former first lady's husband, former President Donald Trump, has a troubled relationship with the National Archives as he is facing criminal charges for mishandling classified documents following his departure from the White House in 2021.

After adding Drive support in recent weeks, Google now also lets you scan documents using the Files app.

Last week saw some great updates to Google Drive's document scanner. First of all, it's finally available on iPhone (thank god), but the Android version also received some exclusive new features, including automatically capturing documents when the camera detects them, an improved viewfinder, and the ability to upload documents directly from your phone.

But apparently Google doesn't just have its sights set on Drive to serve as your document scanning hub. As Twitter user @Nail_Sadykov discovered, the company is also rolling out similar functionality for Google Files (at least on Android).

Once the feature hits your device, you'll see a camera icon appear towards the bottom-right of the Files window, just as it appears in Google Drive. When you tap it, you'll open the same document scanner Google added to Drive, including all the new upgrades. 

The tool gives you a choice for how to scan your documents: "Manual" or "Auto Capture." Manual capture means you can line up the document in the viewfinder yourself and take the scan as you would a photo. Auto Capture, on the other hand, gives the controls over to Files: When the app detects the borders of the document you're trying to scan, it'll automatically capture it for you.

You can read more in an article by Jake Peterson published in the lifehacker web site at: https://lifehacker.com/tech/you-can-now-scan-documents-in-google-files.