11th (Eleventh) post regarding Burbank Jamboree - Live Podcast and Roots Magic

11th (Eleventh) post regarding Burbank Jamboree. I posted 2 posts about getting ready to attend the SCGS #10 Jamboree and this is my 9th blog about attending the 2010 Jamboree. 11 a prime number and a good place to stop and move on. Months and months of research prompted by the Jamboree will go under the surname, location, world event or era to which it belongs. But I will reference/cite where and how I found the data. So you will see Jamboree peppered in my blogs for at least a few more months. Maybe I will reference all books, sources, etc. found last weekend. The GOLD RUSH of California and I found gold and precious gems.

Two of my favorite things Lisa Louise Cooke's live podcasts (yes, I am a member) and RootMagic (yes, I use this software and attend monthly group meetings).

Saturday at 1:00 pm we were encouraged to grab some lunch and meet in a huge outdoor Pavilion. Right away there were technical difficulties with no extra lighting and planes flying overhead! But in true pioneer spirit Lisa conducted her podcast to a live audience at the 2010 Jamboree.

Lisa's guest included:

- Maureen Taylor, The Photo Detective, after hearing Maureen's account of the book, I purchased the book and offered a book review in an earlier blog.




- Suzanne Russo Adams, Ancestry.com and Researcher on Who Do You Think You Are?
A fasinating talk about working with 30 other genealogist piecing together the histories of American celebrities. Suzanne was able to email around the world and ask genealogist to research data in many countries. Suzanne also explained the research continued to include lots more information for these celebrities. All the data was given to the celebrity. The production company choose just a fraction of the research done to present on yelevision. Suzanne says she was captured on film doing an interview but her segment was "cut on the floor".






- Chris Haley, Genealogist and Artist, opened his talk with a couple of jokes. Chris is a very personable good looking man. Besides shareing the work being done by his foundation, Chris treated us to a Broadway song.

-special surprise guest, Lisa's Grandson Davy, was presented on stage with his mother. Davy (less than one year old) was also seen helping to man Lisa's booth during the weekend.

Door Prizes were offered at the LIVE PODCAST and my number 151 was drawn to win the ROOTSMAGIC ATLAS!!! I was very pleased.

Well this is my 11th and last post regarding the 2010 Jamboree in Burbank California. Did I have a great time? without a doubt! but for me as in many things I get more out of events if I prepare ahead, make myself available, and leave some flexible time in my planning.

SEE YA ALL NEXT YEAR!!

More SCGS #10 Jamboree News--- Meeting the Experts

Here I am with fellow GENEALOGICAL TREE HUGGER DANIEL HOROWITZ Daniel works with Schelly on the Family Tree Builder site. Daniel also presented a dynamic talk on Super Search Engines.



Craig Manson, a lawyer from the Sacramento California Area, is the go-to person regarding copyright laws and all things legal. Craig also presented on the Blog 2 panel.



Chart Chick Janet Hovorka shared some great ideas to incorporate into my Geni Camps. Yet the presentation of interest was Digital Archiving. "Will your family history survive the digital age? Will your records be accessible in 100 years..?

More SCGS #10 Jamboree News--- More Book Reviews

Soon to released:

THE LAST MUSTER, Images of the Revolutionary War Generation

was written by Maureen Taylor
with significant contributions by David Allen Lambert

The book is dedicated to Maureen's father James William Taylor Jr.
Maureen explained this book took eight years to compile and write.
This book is the first of it's kind. Maureen found photos of men, widows and others that served in the American Revolutionary War.

Maureen identified and included incredible stories to each photo.

Below is a photo of Maureen Taylor, myself Ruth Himan, and Alex (Roots) Hayley's nephew, Chris Haley.













_________________________________________________________________________

Every genealogist in finding their nitch

We have a member of our CVGS with criminals in his lineage.
This book

WANTED! U.S. Criminal Records

is an excellent resource book on researching the Criminal Records of the United States.
Below I am pictured with the author:
Ron Arnons

MICHAEL JOHN NEILL of CASEFILE CLUES

2009/2010 I became a fan of the Case file Clues written monthly by Michael John Neill. Casefiles is a subscription to receive email with attached stories. Monthly I print the story. These can be retrieved and read anywhere. Waiting at a doctor's office, or attending a soccer game, I read the stories, pen in hand.

The cases cited by MJN are cleverly constructed to teach conclusive research and sound reasoning. A year of reading his work, I hoped to meeting this man. I was not aware he is so popular. This gentleman has become

a Genealogical Star

.

On Friday afternoon MJN was scheduled to speak in a huge tent (the Pavilion) the largest venue available at the SCGS Jamboree convention and it was standing room only!! His subject was

Re stacking the Blocks, Organizing Your Information

. Reminding me of forensic research, MJN explained that he will organize his research chronologically, in family groupings, by locations and all acquaintances of the individual. By acquaintances he meant Witnesses of land deeds, witnesses of marriages, etc. MJN identified the evidence as secondary and/or hearsay such as family published books and census.
Very methodical, MJN will state the problem, devise a plan, carry out the plan and then review his work.

In an effort to assure the handouts were current, literature was passed out at the session. Somehow I missed the hand-outs, The presentation was that well populated.

My next opportunity to see MJN was 8:30 Saturday morning. (yawn). My roommate was starving Saturday morning and MJN was lecturing on migration from NJ to Ohio, not my path, so I skipped the class. I did not worry because I knew MJN was giving another class that I was even more anxious to attend.

Pig Blood in the Snow.

Imagine my surprise as I walked from Lisa Louise Cooke's live podcast to MJN's class and was refused entrance. A staff member was holding a sign, CLASS FULL and it was 5 minutes before the class start time. So I walked over to the BLOGGER's Lounge and relaxed. Later I was able to catch MJN in the breezeway between building and spend a few minutes to say hello. He truly took his popularity in stride.

Besides MJN's (I call him friend so I take the liberty to type in MJN) Casefiles he also hosts an annual group research trip to FHL in SLC.

I enjoy his case files. Reading these cases hones in my deductive reasoning and reminds me to always trust the genealogical tools and basic skills.

Well off to have more genealogical fun.......Ruth

Fifth blog posted on the SCGS #10 Jamboree --- BLOGGERS

Fifth blog posted on the SCGS #10 Jamboree through the eyes, ears and classes attended by Ruth.

Of great fun was the ever busy BLOGGER's LOUNGE: A section of the hotel lobby was set up as a lounge for blogger to meet and greet. Many group pictures were taken in the bloggers lounge:









Bloggers held classes and two sessions of a Blogger summit:
BLOGGERS SUMMIT 1:
Beginner to Reader to Blogger
consisted of a panel of bloggers.

Thomas Mac Entee
Elyse Doerflinger
Miriam Robbins Midkiff
Steve
Randy Seaver

in this case the Syllabus was quite important in so much as the glossary words and Thomas' list of blogs by subject was published.


Literally 5 minutes was used to create a blog on stage. I thought as I listened to the questions that more time was wanted to spend on the step by step rather than the what is, how can I use, benefits of, finding other blogs to read,

I think when I attended a class with Lisa Louise Cooke she took the 10 minute route but she started with setting up a google account. The google account requirement was mentioned briefly but I am unsure many of the audience comprehended what was required.

Speaking of Lisa Louise Cooke, she was a panelist of the next blogger panel -- creatively titled Blogger Summit 2--Now that you are a BLOGGER

Again it was led by Thomas Mac Entree with Lisa, Craig Morgan and Schelly Talalay Dardashti, Kathryn Doyle. Summit 2 seemed to focus on copyrights and to or not to run ads on your blog.
Suggestions for getting traffic to your blog included
Daily Themes,
Running a series, (I wonder if I get another follower based on a series based on the Jamboree?),
Multiple blogs, I tried that and Google wanted to verify my account, and that has caused numerous codes sent to my cell phone and now I am locked out!!
Speak UP, I do a lot of that!!!
Ask people what they would like you to blog about

OK I am asking anyone who reads this, be kind but please let me know what if anything I can do to interest more people in my blog?

I am not yet one of the beautiful bloggers and I am unsure exactly where I am missing the mark.

and SEO was discussed and explained, Wordpress or Blogspot was the census question of this summit.

All and all the summits were nice

but the sideshow of the facebook and twittering was funnier

. Several people in the summit including people on the panel was twittering and facebooking away throughout the entire panel discussions. This was hilarious as people across the room from each other were "passing notes in class" and updating their friends of the real time events of the summit.



Blogging along, Ruth

More SCGS #10 Jamboree News---Meeting Lisa Lee

More SCGS #10 Jamboree News---Meeting Lisa Lee (Anderson) Lisa has recently married.
I have read and been anxious to meet Lisa Lee for some time now.




Lisa is a smart, well educated, lady teaching in the areas of Irish, Canadian and African- American Genealogy. It is free to join her website GOT GENEALOGY and Lisa publishes monthly newsletters packed full of useful information.



Lisa writes about general genealogy subjects, the SSDI index, new websites, and upcoming genealogical tools. What is especially delightful about Lisa is her easy approach to genealogy. She does not mind telling you the way it is.....admitting she is shooting at easy targets (county office help, large genealogy websites trying to be all things to all people, etc.)


Lisa takes people to that next step of re-uniting slave owners and slave descendants. I have so many writing on my ancestors slaves and I am anxious to get them to their families. My ancestors are guiding me to share these wonderful stories with the families. Using the newspapers of the era is my next step in reconstructing the movement of the African-Americans after they left the plantation.

I am chronicling my journey to finding and aiding these families, in a new blog I started named "Healing of America".

My theory is we must start healing this country; if the USA is to survive. United we are a much stronger country. It is time for healing to start. There comes a time in life when the past must not be forgotten but also not preventing us to move forward. The not-so Civil War and history of slavery continues to cripple this country. Being active in the Civil Rights movement of the 60s, I became aware of the generalizations and falsehoods taught as universal truths. All Blacks do this, this is the way Blacks think, This is the way Whites think. Civil Rights worked because we understood we could not change the teaching of the ruling generation but we could and would educate the children.

Civil Rights did not try to change the world in one day, Civil Rights worked because we stopped looking at the time, place, locations as a whole and met and heard the stories of the individuals on both sides. Just the facts ma'am, just the facts.

A NEW FRIEND: Darelene Warren Rothwell

I had a wonderful visit with Darelene Warren Rothwell that authored the book
A History of African-American Families and Slaveholders in Cass County, East Texas from the Colonial Days and Slavery to the Twenty-first Century


I purchased this book, the book has a very attractive book cover, the fonts used are elegant and the book has an abundance of personal photos This large coffee table size book is a beautiful tribute to Darelene's family and their history in America. Darelene tells the stories of former slave ancestors able to purchase land and prosper in East Texas. Just like most upsets, healing happens one story at a time. The sorting the myth from the facts. Darelene has been able to start the "healing" process of America. My visit with Darelene was absolutely delightful.

I am meeting many pioneers ready willing and able to start the healing of America. I do not think it is a mistake that this authors name is "Dare"lene. The author includes stories and photos from the slave owner's families. She is a pioneer in "telling the real stories". And sorting through fact and fiction. I am moving away from political issues in this blog. I am choosing to keep this blog genealogy work only. If you want to start "healing America" I am going to start a new blog devoted to healing America from within. Dare-lene is truly a pioneer and our truths will be told.

Darelene worked with an established publisher

AND AN OLD FRIEND

collaborating to publish an important part of American History.
Darelene published her book with the help of this wonderful man, Tom Underhill. I have been friends with Tom for quite awhile now. Tom's Publishing company Creative Continum website has many exhibits of his work. Besides being an excellent interviewer, Tom is an expert photographer, and publishes absolutely beautiful Family Books. Of special note on Tom, his son and daughter (young teens) are now helping him with the publishing business.

Megan Smolenyak x2

This past week end I had an opportunity to sit down and spend some time with author
Megan Smolenyak x2. I typed in x2, and if you look carefully at the author's last name on the cover of the book, the last name has the squared symbol.

Megan's maiden name and married name are the same, no relation.

I have reviewed Megan's book on Amazon.com and our Genealogical Society references the book very often.

So you can only imagine how absolutely thrilled I was when Megan personalized an autographed copy for me.



It reads:

Dear Ruth,
Genealogy truly is
Ruthless without you!
Thank you for your enthusiasm
and kind words!
Megan Smolenyak (squared sign)

Susi Pentico, a true genealogy angel, stopped by about this time. Susi is one of those very special ladies that you can truly count upon to help a friend. I am so glad I can call her friend. Susi stopped by, explaining I had the book and donated the book to the society as a raffle prize at a recent CVGS seminar. So why was I receiving another book?



This personalized copy will not be donated. It will be left with a copy of this blog to be found in my genealogy legacy. Are you listening, family???

BURBANK JAMBOREE JUNE 2010

Paula Hinkles wrapped up another fantastic Jamboree. Many "non-genealogist" vendors did not come through with their services. Paula Hinkle was very busy and resourceful in solving this issues. Every event has break downs, miscommunication and challenges. It is a tribute to Paula's experience and professionalism as to the nearly seamless way Paula took each incident under control and solved the issue.

I had an amazing time; I drove down Thursday night with my friend, Ann Diffley. Friday morning we visited the SCGS library. For such a small library, the books were marvelous. There were plenty of volunteers to help find sources and plenty of tables and chairs to accommodate the 75 plus patrons. I found 3 very important resources for my research.
1. A book that---Explained the school land grants that were given to people willing to teach in Eastland, Texas in the 1870s when my g g grandmother was widowed with six children.
2. A book of records listing the American Revolution Military regiment numbers, muster dates, and service records for over 2 dozen Chapin men of Springfield, Mass.
3. The 23rd Genealogist Psalm.

All week end we met and greeted old friends and new friends. I took many photos that I am preparing to post in my blogs.

Saturday evening we were entertained by Alex (author of Roots) Haley's nephew, Chris Haley. Chris Haley is in the entertainment industry and treated us to theatre musical singing. Chris also explained projects the Alex Haley foundation will release in the near future. These projects included adding more states to their research and possibly slaves of Canada.

Saturday morning consisted of two hours of instructions, tips, and sharing of bloggers. (I will expand on these sessions in another Blog)

I participated in Lisa Louise Cook'S Genealogy Gem podcast (another Blog)and won a ROOTSMAGIC TREE SOFTWARE CD from Bruce Buzbee.

Saturday afternoon I had the wonderful experience of meeting Lisa Lee. GOT GENEALOGY? (another blog)

I met Dick Eastman, and ran Michael John Neil down in the hallways---Michael was a very popular speaker. (I will write another blog explaining why I was banned from attending MJN's class!!)

My friend, Ann and I again ate light and cheap during the Jamboree! We did swim in the hotel pools. Saturday night we watched a Miley Cyrus movie (Last Song) on the pay per view.

Sunday we ate in our room with foods we brought from home, instant oatmeal, and crackers with peanut butter and jam, washed down with lovely cups of tea. Yum

We scanned photos using an awesome set up provided by Ancestry.coms. I met several book authors, and visited each and every exhibit booth. (Book reviews will follow in upcoming blogs)

There were new products, including a very awesome magnifying light but it was 39 dollars marked down to 26 dollars---too rich for my blood. There were old articles and magazines for sale also. I purchased THE SECOND BOAT vol 4 nos 1-4 for 10 cents a piece. (Another blog).


This blog was only an overview of the Burbank Jamboree. To do justice to the week end, I choose to give some of these findings a separate blog.

It's Saturday and time for another Saturday Night Genealogy Fun challenge from Randy Seaver over at Genea-Musings:Your mission, if you decide to accept it, is to:

1) Answer the question: How did I advance my genealogy research today? [Or, this past week? Or this past month?]

2) Answer the question: How did I advance my genealogy education today? [Or past week? or past month?]

3) Share your answers on your own blog post, on a comment to this post, or on a Facebook status or comment on this note on Facebook.

Here's mine:

Today I would have to call Aunt Ida Elizabeth Dearman day. I advanced my research by adding more to the life of Ida E. Dearman. Ida was my Great grandmother's more frail sister. The woman, my mother was named after, was a double aunt to my mother. Ida and Lulu married brothers Henry and John Cook. Trellis a dear cousin of my mother was raised by my grandmother along with Alta's younger brothers (Uncle Lloyd who always hung around with Uncle Bert). As a child I was often confused regarding this family.

The reason Aunt Ida came up is because I met a new cousin Chad from Texas, Chad is trying to piece the Dearman family together. And it is through Henry and Ida he is descended. Once I explained two sisters Ida and Lulu married brothers Henry and John Cook. His email of OHHHHHHHHHHH! that explains a lot, reminded me when a double cousin from Texas explained it to me. I need to try to get ahold of that lovely lady that I have lost contact. Some how over the last 20 years we have lost contact.

This week I advanced my knowledge of metes and bounds, rods and chains thanks to a presentation by Myrna Goodwin at our monthly general meeting in Chula Vista, California. I knew it was a set of measurements from the past but Myrna Goodwin gave an excellent explanation complete with the actual conversions, numbers and photograph of the instruments of survey so many years ago.

I participate in some genealogy challenges in this blog format in an effort to share with my family just a glimpse of the "fun" that goes into understanding the families that lived, and combined to make our family as we know each other today.

Ever considered attending a conference but thought .....

Ever considered attending a conference but thought
1) I can not afford it?
2) There will be nothing for me?
3) I would not know how to get the benefits of the conference?
4) It is too expensive, even if I could afford it?

The Ancestry Insider has been posting ideas to cut cost and/or get the most out of a Salt Lake City Conference visit.

THESE EXACT SAME OPTIONS ARE OFFERED AT THE BURBANK CONFERENCE

There are several posts about freebies, including Ancestry Insider suggestions outlined below:

Ancestry.com is offering free document scanning. Sign ups for each day are held first thing in the morning. Inquire at the Ancestry.com booth to learn where to sign up.

SWAG. That’s the official, programmers’ term for free promotional items given out at trade shows: pens, high lighters, post-it notes, stickers, rulers, pocket flashlights, and miniature magnifying glasses—all labeled with someone’s logo—are SWAG I’ve seen at recent genealogy shows.

Exhibit Hall may be the largest assemblage of genealogy vendors ever assembled. Look for these extras: Show specials on many of your favorite genealogy programs and products. Sit-down demonstrations, not unlike conference sessions, are offered by several vendors of genealogy programs. Ancestry.com typically has several computers available for free access to their website. Consultants are on hand to give personalized research help. I don’t know if Legacy will be holding their usual drawing for a free Netbook computer, but if they aren’t, you are likely to run into other prize drawings.

____Thank you The Ancestry Insider for those great tips_____

What did I gain from last year's jamboree:

Last year I won an hour of German genealogy study; I am going to use it on my Messersmith line. (Family, Elizabeth Messersmith was David Reed's wife, mother of Monroe Parson Reed (the sheriff of Howell County, Missouri)

An entire Syllabus of the entire Conference!!! Worth it's weight in GOLD

I was introduced and fell in LOVE with ROOTSMAGIC and also met the developer and all around good guy Bruce Buzee who actually made me feel I could contact him any time for assistance, and a San Diego Genealogy Teacher giving monthly FREE ROOTSMAGIC sessions. Yes, I wanted, needed a new program (I had been on Legacy since it's first edition) but I wanted it inexpensive, fulfill many of my wants and needs, and lots of help learning a new program.

I met and learnt alot about GOOGLE, WIDGETS, and STUFF from Lisa Louise Cook. And guess what we have become friends over the year!!! I was actually on one of her podcast!!

I became a BLOGGER. A very jolly guy decorated like a Christmas Tree lured me with his baubles and trinkets and next thing I knew he helped me form the name of this blog and when I returned home a year ago, he actually stepped me through learning to blog.

And I met the neatest people I would list them but would be afraid of missing someone ----- errrrrrr!

and from blogging and google, facebook, this entire year --- I have met more genealogy friends, COUSINS!!!, and increased my research efforts in unmeasurable ways.


Now I will add a few Ruthisms:
Last year was my first year at the Jamboree. I have a couple of concerns when I travel. Last Year my husband was seriously ill and I was home nursing him. Also because of my own health issues, 3 days is a long time for me to be out of my routine. And I had concerns about the cost so.......

1.) I carpooled (BIG ADVANTAGE: because I also met a new friend.) (Cutting gas cost, parking cost and wear and tear on my body). She has a smooth nice newer car. Her lumbar section of her seats even warm up so your back gets a little physical therapy as you sink into her plush wide seats. ahhhhhhh

2.) We went on Saturday and paid for only one night lodging and one day of conference.

3.)For breakfast and lunch that day we had packed waters, apples, yogurt, crackers, cheese and protein bars.

Saturday Night was the bloggers dinner so I had one very full day.

Rather or not we paid for Sunday sessions I knew I wanted a good night sleep after waking early for the ride up to Burbank, a full day of conference and attending a late blogger dinner.

Going late and being a little unsure of your plans it is a gamble somewhat:
True, the Sunday Breakfast was sold out, that I later decided to attend. I continued to visit the information booth to see if tickets came available. Finally Saturday night, the lady working the information booth found out she was scheduled for more volunteer work during the breakfast time and sold me her ticket.

That was a great presentation and the breakfast was plentiful and nicely served, I am so glad I was able to attend. Thank you volunteer for selling your ticket to me. It was a presentation done by women in costume sharing the Traditions and Rules of Etiquette for Mourning in the 1800s. They had many artifacts with them and were most gracious.

If you ever see them scheduled somewhere I suggest you make time to see/hear this presentation and allow yourself time to look over their treasures. 1800s were a difficult time because of poor prenatal care, wars, and diseases. Life expectancy was a lot shorter time measured in years. Hard to think about losing people at the age of mid-40s.

There was one last activity my car companion and I wanted to see after Sunday's lunch so we decided to stay for lunch. My friend was experiencing pain in her leg, so I asked her what helped it and she said exercise in a swimming pool. Yes, we were already fast friends by then.

Whenever we meet people She likes to say that she and I spent the night together in a hotel the very first day we met each other. She even had the opportunity to share this fact with the minister at the church I attend with my husband. lol

So we put bathing suits under our clothing with hopes to get a quick bite, have time for water exercises and still make it to our desired activity scheduled for after lunch. I called the front desk requesting for a late departure time. By the time we got downstairs, the snack line, dining room lines were tremendously long.

Here it comes! The big RUTHISM,

So I suggested we go ahead to the pool. No other people were at the pool. There was a phone at poolside which I picked up and ordered lunch. So while waiting for lunch, a sandwich to share, hummus, and juice. We slipped in the pool, stretched and did a few light aqua exercises. How taking-care-of-ourselves luxurious is that!!! When our food arrived we got out, sat in the shade poolside and had a delightful lunch. Then we went to our room, showered, packed the car, attended our session, got in the car and left.

All in all a very complete satisfying experience. We cut cost by at least half, ate sensibly, and started our ride home rested, fed, and fresh.

So if you ever consider attending a conference I suggest you:

1. hand-tailor it to your wants and needs
2. pick one close to home
3. know what you want (I wanted a new software program)
4. be prepared to meet and enjoy many many new friends!!
5. allow yourself a chance to try at least one new thing.
If it does not work out---that is ok.
6. Do not make purchases until the last day, everything looks like the answer to your research on the first day. I looked over all software packages, and web site resource sites before I made my final choices for purchase.
EXCEPTION TO 6: unless it is the book you have been looking for and could never find----then nab it immediately.

What is my want list this year:

1. Attending advance ROOTSMAGIC classes with Bruce. and hoping to ask him about the future of the software program.

2. Meet up with old friends!!

3. Meet new friends. A couple of "expert" genealogists and I have already made plans to meet!!!

4. Spend an enjoyable time and sleep in the same hotel room again with my new found friend. Maybe I will get a cupcake for us to share with a candle to celebrate our first anniversary as friends. LOL

5. Review and renew purchases of services and web site accesses. Many of my subscriptions expire (one year) I need to renew and/or find the correct purchases for me. (Repeat suggestion #6 after me Ruth, do not make purchases the first day.) Unless it is the MOORING BOOK or HAYLEY BOOK--- which I give you permission to claw, crawl, reach over people, anything you need to do to claim that book for your family (ancestors and future generations). Do not worry -----I just ran that last sentence through my WTF!! filter and I will not make a spectacle of myself. I will make my ancestors proud of my controlled restraint!!

6. Visit the SCGS Library ---- with research papers in hand having done my homework ahead of time to be as efficient and effective as possible on my search.

7. and oh yeah have fun but being mindful to take good care of myself in the process.

I reviewed and selected sessions for Burbank Jamboree

I reviewed and selected sessions I want to attend at Burbank Jamboree in June 2010. The one thing I truly appreciated about the program was the different level of study being indicated on each session.
There are sessions designated as for ALL, Beginners, Intermediates, and Advance. It is truly amazing because about a month ago I started a spreadsheet with Presenters, Contact information, Subjects of Presentations and actually added level of the presentation to my spreadsheet.
The reason I did this was to objectively present information when asked about hiring a presenter for a Society General Meeting or Seminar.
The short bios on the Speakers were also good indicators to help choose sessions I wish to explore.
Although one time slot seemed to lean heavily on the IA rating, there seemed to be enough variety in each time slot.

Besides reviewing the subject to make my choices for sessions to attend, I also want to see in person some of the Presenters.

The Jamboree is certainly bringing in the "A" list of presenters: With Chris Haley and Megan Smolenyak Smolenyak of WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE TV series.

We have our wonderful regulars that continue our enthusiasm like DearMyrtle and Lisa Cook. I have to get my enthusiastic "Genealogy can be fun shot from these fun fun ladies". And they make it look so easy!!!

And a big treat is the hard hitting serious genealogist like John Humphrey, Lisa B. Lee, and Michael John Neill. SIGNED UP FOR SOME OF THESE!

Bloggers will be well represented so I certainly am planning to attend sessions with Randy Seaver, Elyse Doerflinger, Miriam Robbins Midkiff and OUR FURIOUS LEADER Thomas MacEntee.

The program is rounded out with sessions focusing on at least 15 ethnic groups, professional services and software merchants. So I have signed up with a few ethnic sessions that were focusing on record search for particular ethnic groups. I also signed up for sessions to some commercial vendors that I use or interested in their product.

All in all I scheduled myself for 16 sessions and two mini "laptop" classes. I have scheduled serious studies and some relaxing sessions.

By indicating the sessions I am interested in attending in no way obligates me to attend those sessions. The program planners just want a count of how many people will be interested in each subject matter.

I will have time to follow up with some of these subjects. Collect documents and remind myself which "ancestor family" was I thinking about when I decided to attend each particular presentation.

I am glad I took some quiet time to review the program in its entirety. I look forward to attending the Jamboree, to see "faces" to those books and articles, learn some new information (there is always something new!), meet new genealogy friends, and network with the "OL' Genealogy Community". See you there!!!

RootsMagic

Well my new focus to master ROOTSMAGIC was generously answered. I know sooner said that I wanted to thin my 25 item genealogy wish list to focus on 3 subjects----than my quest for more ROOTSMAGIC knowledge was answered.

Imagine my surprise when a fellow genealogist called me Friday Night and stated she wanted to attend:
Sat., April 17, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - COMPUTER GENEALOGY SOCIETY OF SAN DIEGO. Meeting
9:00 - User groups: RootsMagic.
(NOTE: This is a change -- there will be no footnote.com session).
10:00 - Break, refreshments.
10:15 - Announcements and Society Presentation.

The ROOTSMAGIC group meets once a month and last weekend was the regular ROOTSMAGIC Group Session. I do want more information on footnote but what a pleasant surprise.

Pam Pomeroy, a noted teacher of ROOTSMAGIC, was called just two days ago. (Hmmm I need to check my earlier blog as to when I stated I wanted to hone my skills on RootsMagic.) The footnote.com session was cancelled and would she please prepare a class on ROOTSMAGIC!!!

Yes a CLASS!!!! not just a group get together where the subjects can bounce around and you could or could not keep up.

AND!!! Her subjects for her ROOTSMAGIC class:

TIMELINES AND MAPPING

(Smile)

I could not have paid for a better class, with subjects more to my interest.

WOW WOW WOW

Not only simple timelines and maps but also complicated multi-lineage possibilities. Clear concise instructions ---Step by Step

To create a Timeline:
To create a Timeline on an individual

click Reports
click Lists
click Timeline
click Create Report
click Individual
Scroll and find individual from the list
Click on box next to the individual you wish to create a timeline
Click Create Report


To create a Timeline on a group:

click Lists
click Timeline
click Create Report
click Group List
Click Select from list
Scroll and find individuals from the list
Click on box next to the individuals you wish to include on your timeline
Click on Mark People
Select Family (choose one)
Click OK
Click OK
Click on Generate Report

Here we expanded a little on our knowledge of timelines;
To add National and World Events to our timelines it was suggested we try using

OURTIMELINES.COM a free website

To find out more about this site, the timeline web site was reviewed and blogged

14 Dec 2009 by Randy Seaver, www. genea-musings.com

To make a timeline of multi-persons birth and death dates only. It was suggested to Click Printer
Click Timeline Chart
Scroll and find individuals from the list
Click on names of individuals you wish to include on the timeline
Click Print Preview

Mapping was another subject taught in a similar step by step format;

To create a Map showing location of events of an individual
Click on Tools
Click on Mapping
Change Places to People in drop down menu
Use your curser to find the individual you wish to map.
Hit Enter.

Of special interest on mapping --- Pam showed us how she added places and dates under descriptions of her photos and the locations of the photos appeared on the map.

Pam asked us to experiment and report back on:

Using City and County names no longer in existence.
Working in GenSmarts in this application
and Color Coding family connections.

Pam Pomeroy is a gentle even-keel teacher easily understood. I am anxious to apply her teaching this week to my databases. I especially think it will be helpful as I prepare for my genealogy fact finding trips to different states and countries.

My Genealogy Wish List

I am trying to prioritize my genealogy wish list. I am writing a list to better identify the significant things to me about genealogy research. To understand what part of genealogy makes me happy and fulfills my individual goals for myself.

Truthfully, regarding genealogy --- I want it all!!! And I want it NOW.

At some point in my life around the half century mark, I recognize I can not have it all and I can not do it all. I am realizing the same with genealogy. There are just so many hours in a day, so much money in the bank, and so much get up and go in this body.

Once the shock wore off that I can not have it all and could not do it all, I had to resolve how to cope with this new life cycle. (Did I mention my husband and I raised 7 children, worked full time, and were heavily involved with community activities?) The thought that someday we would no longer be able to work at that pace had not come to mind to us.

To muddle through with this new life cycle, I find myself becoming a list maker and a prioritizer. (Yes, I do make up words when it serves me)

When I make list , I first start just brain dumping and put everything down on a piece of paper. Then I come up with some kind of criteria to prioritize the list. Example "Things to Do"
criteria "Must dos versus Wish to dos" and
Urgent versus Not urgent.
MUST and URGENT get the highest priority. Unless I do not like the task and then it goes on my husband's NAG (oops I meant to say, my husband's to-do) list.

So My Genealogy Wish List:

Find more direct-line ancestors
Breakdown brick walls
Visit cemeteries and take photos of grave markers
Visit places of significance of my ancestors and take photos (their church, their residence)
Stay involved with my local genealogy societies
Continue to associate and learn from other genealogist
Meet new cousins
Meet historians of the interesting places my ancestors lived
Travel over seas
Attend all genealogy conferences
Read all genealogy and history books
Become proficient at several genealogy software programs
Scan all my family photos and organize them all
Write books ---I am now in the midst of 5 such books right now
Plan a trip to Texas
Plan a trip to Ireland
Plan a trip to France
Work more on my nephews Italian ancestry
Get more people in my family interested in genealogy
Structure and present orations
Join more genealogy societies (Texas, Lake co.Tenn., Chapins Foundation,
Read all the genealogy periodicals published.
Master Roots Magic
Prepare comprehensive maps for each lineage
Have family reunions

Okay for right now; that is my list Now I can group them;

Group 1:
Plan a trip to Texas
Plan a trip to Ireland
Plan a trip to France
Visit cemeteries and take photos of grave markers
Visit places of significance of my ancestors and take photos (their church, their residence)
Meet historians of the interesting places my ancestors lived

Group 2:
Structure and present a subject of interest
Join more genealogy societies (Texas, Lake co.Tenn., Chapins Foundation,
Attend all genealogy conferences
Stay involved with my local genealogy societies
Continue to associate and learn from other genealogist
Read all the genealogy periodicals published.
Read all genealogy and history books

Group 3:
Become proficient at several genealogy software programs
Master Roots Magic
Prepare comprehensive maps for each lineage
Scan all my family photos and organize them all
Write books ---I am now in the midst of 5 such books right now

Group 4:
Get more people in my family interested in genealogy
Meet new cousins
Have family reunions
Work more on my nephews Italian ancestry
Find more direct-line ancestors
Breakdown brick walls

Final Analysis:

Plan trips to include:
Visit cemeteries and take photos of grave markers
Visit places of significance of my ancestors and take photos (their church, their residence)
Meet historians of the interesting places my ancestors lived

My trip to Texas is planned for December 2010
My trip to Ireland is planned for August 2010

Group 1 in the planning!!!




Share my unique individual genealogy experiences with others
Structure and present subjects of interest
Join more genealogy societies (Texas, Lake co.Tenn., Chapins Foundation,
Attend all genealogy conferences
Stay involved with my local genealogy societies
Continue to associate and learn from other genealogist
Read all the genealogy periodicals published.
Read all genealogy and history books

I have several presentations on my Grandma's Geni Camp scheduled already.

Group 2 on it's way

Become proficient at several genealogy software programs
Master Roots Magic
Prepare comprehensive maps for each lineage
Scan all my family photos and organize them all
Write books ---I am now in the midst of 5 such books right now

Mastering Roots Magic and careful input disciplines will go a long way to allowing the maps, books, and photos organize themselves.

Group 3 possible with the help of Roots Magic.


and Group 4 I think will be a natural fall out of these activities.

So I have my long exhaustive list of 25 items narrowed down to 3 priorities:

Plan and take my planned genealogy trips
Perfect my Grandma's Geni Camp presentation
Master Roots Magic

and most of all have fun.......

Accuracy versus Precision

Although the two words can be synonymous in colloquial use, they are deliberately contrasted in the context of the scientific method.

Imagine my dismay when I listened to Ancestry.com explain their criteria for accepting data to post when they used the word ACCURACY. I think this is the core of my problem with Ancestry.com. This is probably a flawed side effect from working with engineering configurations for over 30+ years.

My suggested solution for Genealogist as a whole is to adopt a modified ISO 8000. Which is the international standard for data quality.

There are several well-known authors and self-styled experts, with Larry English perhaps the most popular. In addition, the International Association for Information and Data Quality (IAIDQ) was established in 2004 to provide a focal point for professionals and researchers in this field.

The standard governs data collection with several considerations including but not limited to:

1. Rules management
2. Metadata Verification and validation
3. Database sanitation including redundancy
4. Data Profiling

Rules management: Many genealogy software programs have set internal rule engines. Rule engine software is commonly provided as a component of a business rule management system which, among other functions, provides the ability to: register, define, classify, and manage all the rules, verify consistency of rules definitions. Examples Mothers must be at least 13 years of age. People do not have children over the age of 80. Parents do not marry their children.


Metadata Verification and validation: Assess whether metadata accurately describes the actual values in the source database.

Database sanitation including redundancy: Understanding data challenges early in any data intensive project, so that late tree project surprises are avoided. Finding data problems late in your research has caused more than one "professional level" genealogist to dump an entire lineage. (I purposely omitted the names here to protect the guilty, but you know who you are!!)

Therefore I call this data sanitation a phrase I made up when I was asked to analysis large data bases with data not monitored and controlled by myself. My boss would ask when would the report be ready --- depending on the missing data, incorrect data, typos, the answer would vary. Some genealogy programs help with this process by running "possible problem reports" for you. But each "suggestion must be examined carefully and evaluated as to how any changes would effect dependent joined data.

Rather than using any family tree on Ancestry.com or independent web sites. I have found it less time consuming to start from scratch and enter data independently. I often find by the 50th entry I run into a "not possible, probably not correct" data point.

Data Profiling: Several genealogy software programs helps with this by setting up quick easy to read charts and reports. Giving us for examples
Frequency counts: most of my ancestors should be in United States; I have no one born in Japan in my family database history so the largest number of occurrences of code should be USA. I should have no one born in Japan.

Although this seems bogus I have seen Names of Cities mistakenly entered as name of countries,
Statistics:
Minimum value: such as youngest person at death
Maximum value: example oldest person at death
Mean value (average): average age at marriage
Median value: All Civil War veterans lived within 1860----1870 or longer
Standard deviation

As in many scientific disciplines popular opinion does not make it FACT. When I realize "the experts" are basing their findings on popular vote (i.e. One of the Worse Offenders ONE WORLD CONNECT)I am reminded of the story of The Emperor's New Clothing.

It takes every muscle in my body to clamp my mouth shut. My Dearman and Chapyn lineage agree with no other lineage I have seen posted yet. And further more I am okay with that.

In the fields of engineering, industry and statistics, the accuracy of a measurement system is the degree of closeness of measurements of a quantity to its actual (true) value. The precision of a measurement system, also called reproducibility or repeatability, is the degree to which repeated measurements under unchanged conditions show the same results. Ergo if all family historians researched their own data, copied from Family Bibles, land deeds, census records, birth and death records we could use that data to do just as Ancestry.com suggests. Calculate precision based on reproducibility and repeatability. BUT if 20 family historians go in and copy unvalidated, unverified, family trees and then use loose rules of Design of Experiment. We have a very unstable database to almost being to the point as useless.

Then for the LDS to indicate that this will be the basis for their WORLD TREE.......HELP definition of stress: the energy used to prevent myself from screaming at these presentations!!!!

Los Angeles Library, with Chula Vista and San Diego Genealogy Society

We all met and traveled in a comfortable plush bus to Los Angels to visit the library. The bus was only about half full (approximately 25 people) and so not crowded and very comfortable.



Los Angeles Library, with Chula Vista and San Diego Genealogy Society
March 20, 2010,

I had never been to this library before so I was amazed at the size and architecture of the library. Four Floors down and Four Floors up!! The last fourth bottom floor was the genealogy floor. A guide met with the new comers and explained the layout of half of the bottom floor. We were instructed to the way to get periodicals, closed case books, copies and find micrfiche, films and reference books.

Virginia kindly found a table for four and we sat to study.

Susi Pentico met with a cousin from the Foulk/Myers line and shared data.
Her cousin Julie arrived, pulled up a chair to the table next to Susi and they discussed FOULK and MYERS, MEYERS, MOYERS the entire time we were there until the trip end. Susi had a lot to share with this cousin and they found new data also.

The library is large enough to have food stations. We ate at a Chinese fast food found right inside the library for lunch and returned later in the day for a yogurt dessert.
From Susi's blog I copied:
Virgina learned some great information and Ruth found a plat map with Dearman,
Shirley learned some clues also in her lines.
Ruth got the maps copied and we made the bus on time.

The study of genealogy leads us to many other fascinating studies;

The study of genealogy leads us to many other fascinating studies;

Among the subjects we dabble in includes but is not limited to:
history, geography, politics, computer science, photography, journalism, are just a few of the studies we are exposed to on a very regular basis-----

I am not an expert on any of these subjects for any other family history line except for mine.

I know my on-site computer websites based on my education and experience with computers, the equipment I have, the subscriptions I have sign up for etc.

I know a lot of general world history, a lot of American and English History, Some European history as it related to American or English History, Far less Asian history, and even less Mid-Eastern History except as it relates to Biblical times and Israel post 1945,

As I study mine or any of the other family histories I am involved in--- I learn the geography, politics, laws, culture, traditions of the time and place of the individual family I am researching.

I am learning alot about photography, restoring old photos, on-line photo shop like applications and storing of photos.

I am constantly trying to hone in my journalism skills.

I am learning a lot about legal documents, organizing data, medical diseases, cemeteries, and bureaucracy.

I enjoy open conversation and exchange of ideas on these subjects. With that said.... I invite my colleagues to communicate, comment, share, and engage me in like conversation.

A very nice thing happened to me the other day---- I received a private message regarding one of my posted blogs. The individual suggested I change a sentence to have correct noun/verb agreement, pointed out a few words I used in correctly, I wrote passed and meant past.

I am very grateful to that fellow genie blogger. It spoke volumes to me that they did indeed read my blog, thought well enough of it to want to make it better, and treated me as a colleague ..... Thank you special person..

I also enjoy sharing my experience and "genealogical tools" with others. I know not everyone has the time, equipment, access that I have been acquiring in my old age.....lol So I am enjoying sharing my education, experience to help others solve genealogy issues. Not as an expert on their family, their collective histories, but more of the how tos, what is available as resources/tools/access to write their own family history---- even as to include actually finding and showing documents, photos, grave markers, town histories, census, neighbors of those individuals families.

Who Do You Think You Are? shows excellent cues to how to lead someone to their history, not interrupt, pass judgement, or read into it more than there is-----

There were people in the program interchange that did show their "opinions" but every incident, every revealing, had several ways to interrupt it----allowing the "student of his own genealogy" absorb, process, and act upon his/her own discoveries as an individual. This observation of watching the individuals processing their discoveries is part of the fascination of this teaching people genealogy.

Seekers are given a box of puzzle pieces. Each piece of the puzzle is precious and unique.

You watch some clutch the data sheets to their hearts and smile as if they are hugging long lost friends.

You see some pull out the parts and immediately start building trees. Pulling extra parts from all over and making a bush instead of a well structured tree.

You see some tuck it away as though the looking at it is too painful to bear.

In each case; You realize your work is not done; a long road has just begun. So you wait, you listen, and you help your fellow traveler down the next bend in the road, because you know there is always another bend in the road.........

Escondido Family History Fair

March 6, 2010 The LDS hosted a lovely fair. The boy scouts provided treats throughout the day and lunch as a fundraising activity. The stage was set with interesting artifacts.




Many Chula Vista Genealogy Society Members carpooled together and took turns greeting and meeting visitors to the Chula Vista Genealogy Society Information Table. Sweet Grace came by to say Hello to CVGS Board Member Randy Seaver.



There were 5 hours of instructions setup throughout the day. With 5 possible classes for each hour for a total of 25 possible classes to choose from----and admission was free!!!

There was also plenty of time to visit and network.




Here I am with Tom Underhill, Tom is the go-to guy to capture your "real" family story. The story of who your ancestors are beyond the birth/death dates and locations.


Here I am with the lovely Margaret Lewis. She is a very knowledgeable woman in many areas of genealogy. Including naming of children, name changes, and naming of Afro_American after emancipation. A subject very near and dear to my heart.


This very tall young man is Zachary. Besides being a collector of Confederate Memorablia, Zachary also travels all over the nation doing Civil War reenactments. He did tell me when he is in the South, he changes the color of his wools to Union Blue because everyone else wants to be Confederates in Southren reeactments. The other gentleman is an advisor for the enactments.



Here I am with the lovely Joan Lowrey. Joan shared her extensive experience and resources regarding Germany Genealogy on the Internet. She and I were able to spend some quality time together. We reenforced each other about the importance of Genealogy work and why it is so important.



I visited the Son of the American Revolution table.













What did I think was so funny while visiting with Jean Hibbens and Ann Diffley? The family quilt on display was an absolute "Hit" at the Fair.



The Bells were presenting and answering questions about the ever more popular resource on-line site FOOTNOTE.COM I just love and appreciate site developers and masters approachable and kind to "users".

Comparing Getting Started with Genealogy: Who are you------have to have list....

Always on the look out for advice consultation from "the experts" I am finding this month has produced some interesting lists ---- of "have to have" genealogy tools.

I have a genealogy budget and want to get the most benefit for my money. Genealogy can get expensive.

I realize I should probably wait until I finish my comparison before I blog about this ----

but did I say ---my day is full and that two hours ago I should have been off the computer??????

To tickle you curiosity --- I am linking 2 of the 5 blogs I will be evaluating and assessing ---- but right now ---- sorry I gotta go --- finish getting visuals for
the Escondido, California Family History Fair---- then all day will be spent at the Fair------


I am making an extensive list and comparison chart. I subscribe to most of these sites. I can tell you my personal experiences with the sites. Strengths and Weaknesses. and try to come up with my own
"Where to put my genealogy dollar to support my research"

and a beginner's list of where to put dollars, to get started.


http://blog.dearmyrtle.com/2010/02/10-things-genealogists-cant-live.html





http://blog.genealogybank.com/2010/03/genealogy-boot-camp-get-to-know-your_7700.html

Top Ten Genealogy Moments in 2009

Top Ten Genealogy Moments in 2009
Lisa Alzo, who writes The Accidental Genealogist blog, posted her Top 10 Genealogical Moments of 2009 and invited other genea-bloggers to write about theirs too.

Top 10 Genealogical Moments in 2009:

Chronilogically?? or by Importance??

ok 10 in no particular order.

1. A moment of genealogy community acceptance by being asked to be the Sunshine Person for the Chula Vista Genealogy Society. Does it sound like a made up position? Well it is ---Shirley Becker came up with the post and I was accepted annoumiously.

2. A moment of surprise when the LATimes called to interview me regarding my Grandma's Geni Camp that I conducted for a week with my grandchildren.

3. A moment of accepted family connection meeting "new" cousins Martha Jane Good Caswell, Preston Bell, Lonnie Potter, and David Reed.

4. A moment of accomplishment receiving Eliza Jane Mooring Hayley Works pension application regarding the great grandfather my father never knew, Captain John William Hayley.

5. A moment of feeling that somebody-out-there-understood-what-I-really-wanted-in-a -software-program ROOT MAGIC 4

6. A moment of collaboration with my Aunt Helen showing her that we had over 200 relatives that are ready to be presented for temple.

7. A sense of being a part of history: Connecting the Needhams and the Hayleys in Jamestown 1640 and realizing their off springs (my g-g-parents) marry in 1850.

8. The moment of devastation I felt when I realized what my family survived during and post Civil War.

9. A moment of validation connecting with so many genealogist verifing, and relating to my family history.

10. A moment of responsibility and purpose when I realized that I am the Family Historian and need to complete this work to the best of my ability.