It suddenly occurred to me that a lot of people won't even be familiar with the term genealogy, so...
Genealogy
Genealogy is the study of lines of descent. In practice, this usually means starting with recent history and working backwards through time.
A genealogist studies lines of descent - either their own or other people's - to discover information about ancestors and relatives, and produce family trees. It's the stories that really bring it alive though - everyone's life means something, and it's so interesting to find the stories that make up your heritage.
Wednesday, 22 July 2015
Wednesday, 15 July 2015
WDYTYA? USA - Kelsey Grammar
OK, so this was the last episode of this series of WDYTYA? USA on Watch - the UK hasn't yet picked up the Minnie Driver episode because she was previously featured on the UK show.
So, Kelsey Grammar's episode rounded off the series on Watch. And it was fairly interesting, focussing on aspects of American history that we in the UK probably don't get to see that much - like the wagon trails west. We tend to think of US immigration as being from Europe etc., and not think of the continent-wide journeys taken by thousands of Americans from the East coast to the Western states.
The other enduring aspect of this video was the all-too-relatable story of alcoholism and family strife that permeated into the family of Kelsey's grandmother. It makes for an interesting story, but not one that you would ever want to have to experience yourself.
Can't wait for the UK series to return to our screens now!
So, Kelsey Grammar's episode rounded off the series on Watch. And it was fairly interesting, focussing on aspects of American history that we in the UK probably don't get to see that much - like the wagon trails west. We tend to think of US immigration as being from Europe etc., and not think of the continent-wide journeys taken by thousands of Americans from the East coast to the Western states.
The other enduring aspect of this video was the all-too-relatable story of alcoholism and family strife that permeated into the family of Kelsey's grandmother. It makes for an interesting story, but not one that you would ever want to have to experience yourself.
Can't wait for the UK series to return to our screens now!
Wednesday, 8 July 2015
WDYTYA? USA - Valerie Bertinelli
Last night's WDYTYA? USA episode featured Valerie Bertinelli - a US actress more well-known in the states than over here.Her episode focussed on the Italian and British sides of her family. The Italian side of her family led to a case of attempted murder - it really does surprise me how often US celebrities have a link to murder in some way.
Valerie's British side led to a gateway-ancestor, which means that their family is well-documented and usually very posh/noble to boot. Mere mortals may only dream of a gateway ancestor and royal connections - but WDYTYA? USA just waltzes straight in with one, still, it makes for an interesting facet of the story.
Also featured were elements of Pennsylvania's history and its founding, as well as its Quaker connections.
Monday, 6 July 2015
Who Do You Think You Are? Series 12
The UK series of Who Do You Think You Are? is almost back with us, with a fresh crop of celebrities for season 12 (12 series - incredible!)
The line up for this series at the moment looks something like this:
The line up for this series at the moment looks something like this:
- Paul Hollywood (from the Great British Bake-Off)
- Derek Jacobi
- Anne Reid (Coronation Street, Dinnerladies, Last Tango in Halifax)
- Frances de la Tour (prolific British actress)
- Mark Gatiss (known for, amongst other things, writing and starring in Sherlock)
- Jane Seymour (the actress and Bond girl, not the wife of Henry VIII)
- Gareth Malone (The Choir)
- Jerry Hall (the model and former Mrs Jagger)
- Frank Gardner (journalist and BBC security correspondent)
- Anita Rani (journalist, broadcaster and presenter who often appears on The One Show)
Thursday, 2 July 2015
WDYTYA? USA - Rachel McAdams
Rachel McAdams' episode of Who Do You Think You Are? USA aired on Tuesday night in the UK. (Sorry for the delay in posting my write-up!)
Rachel travelled around in her episode with sister Kayleen - a make-up artist to the stars, including Rachel. Both are originally Canadian - and tracked their Canadian routes back to the Gray family, dispossessed of their home in America after the US War of Independence. This was an interesting feature of the episode for people who may not know as much about US and Canadian history.
The other stand-out of this episode was the sisters' English ancestors, one of whom was a footman to a sizeable home. Rachel and Kayleen were delighted by the 'very Downton Abbey' nature of it all! And to be honest, their naivety throughout was pretty endearing - this seems to be more of a facet of the American series than the British. The British celebrities seem less surprised, less uninformed, than many of their US counterparts. Make of that what you will. Still, an interesting episode.
Rachel travelled around in her episode with sister Kayleen - a make-up artist to the stars, including Rachel. Both are originally Canadian - and tracked their Canadian routes back to the Gray family, dispossessed of their home in America after the US War of Independence. This was an interesting feature of the episode for people who may not know as much about US and Canadian history.
The other stand-out of this episode was the sisters' English ancestors, one of whom was a footman to a sizeable home. Rachel and Kayleen were delighted by the 'very Downton Abbey' nature of it all! And to be honest, their naivety throughout was pretty endearing - this seems to be more of a facet of the American series than the British. The British celebrities seem less surprised, less uninformed, than many of their US counterparts. Make of that what you will. Still, an interesting episode.
Wednesday, 24 June 2015
WDYTYA? USA - Jesse Tyler Ferguson
Last night's Who Do You Think You Are? USA on Watch was Jesse Tyler Ferguson's episode - Jesse is probably most famous for his role as Mitchell on modern family.
I don't know whether it's something to do with the air, but WDYTYA? USA tends to involve more historical murder trials than the UK series. We plunged straight in at the deep-end with the story of Jesse W Uppercu(e) - Jesse's great-grandfather. Honestly, I think that there could be a TV series just about this man - he seems to have led an interesting life to say the least. I recommend you find the episode on an on-demand or streaming service if you missed it last night - it really is one of the more interesting stories they've featured. It's difficult to explain too much without giving the game away - but I, for one, really enjoyed the episode.
I also have to mention just how likeable Jesse Tyler Ferguson is himself - if acting doesn't work out, I'm sure a career in presenting wouldn't go awry. I love him (and his sassiness.)
I don't know whether it's something to do with the air, but WDYTYA? USA tends to involve more historical murder trials than the UK series. We plunged straight in at the deep-end with the story of Jesse W Uppercu(e) - Jesse's great-grandfather. Honestly, I think that there could be a TV series just about this man - he seems to have led an interesting life to say the least. I recommend you find the episode on an on-demand or streaming service if you missed it last night - it really is one of the more interesting stories they've featured. It's difficult to explain too much without giving the game away - but I, for one, really enjoyed the episode.
I also have to mention just how likeable Jesse Tyler Ferguson is himself - if acting doesn't work out, I'm sure a career in presenting wouldn't go awry. I love him (and his sassiness.)
Thursday, 18 June 2015
WDYTYA? USA - Cynthia Nixon
OK, a day later than expected (sorry!) but here's my write-up of Tuesday's episode of Who Do You Think You Are? USA.
Cynthia Nixon's episode hit the ground running for this series. It was genuinely interesting - and there was axes and murder, always good for the dramatic side of things. I'm not kidding, there was actual axe-murder. I won't say more than that, you'll have to watch it yourself.
The episode was very focussed - which to be fair only served to make it concise and stop it from becoming ungainly. I'm always struck, however, when watching the American series, just how much product-placement there is. Maybe this strikes me because the UK series is made by the good old BBC where there is no product-placement or sponsorship. I will also say that's it's amazing how exact supposed 'searches' are when it comes to finding results - their searches magically turn up a single result. What are the odds?
Don't let that put you off though - Cynthia Nixon's episode is one heck of a story and I guarantee that anyone interested in history will find it an enjoyable and fascinating watch. Cynthia herself is genuine throughout, though there is the odd moment where she perhaps comes over as a little naïve.
Cynthia Nixon's episode hit the ground running for this series. It was genuinely interesting - and there was axes and murder, always good for the dramatic side of things. I'm not kidding, there was actual axe-murder. I won't say more than that, you'll have to watch it yourself.
The episode was very focussed - which to be fair only served to make it concise and stop it from becoming ungainly. I'm always struck, however, when watching the American series, just how much product-placement there is. Maybe this strikes me because the UK series is made by the good old BBC where there is no product-placement or sponsorship. I will also say that's it's amazing how exact supposed 'searches' are when it comes to finding results - their searches magically turn up a single result. What are the odds?
Don't let that put you off though - Cynthia Nixon's episode is one heck of a story and I guarantee that anyone interested in history will find it an enjoyable and fascinating watch. Cynthia herself is genuine throughout, though there is the odd moment where she perhaps comes over as a little naïve.
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