Berry Family DNA blog

"The Differentiator" - GeneTree's new Y-DNA19 test

2012-02-03T23:55:00.008-05:00

GeneTree has announced its new Y-DNA test extending 19 markers beyond its current Y-DNA46 test. This new test includes 17 alleles not included in FTDNA's Y-DNA111 test. It also includes two of the 'fast-moving' markers often missing from other labs' results, DYS570 and 576, but not CDYa&b.

The markers offered in the new test are:

DYF387a

DYF387b

DYF399a

DYF399b

DYF399c

DYF403Aa

DYF403Ab

DYF403Ba

DYF403Bb

DYF404a

DYF404b

DYS518

DYS526B

DYS547

DYS570

DYS576

DYS612

DYS626

DYS627

GeneTree very generously offers their new test to those who have either ordered a Y-DNA 46 marker test from them or who have hand entered results into their site.

The price for the test is $94.99 and discounts are available to returning GeneTree customers. It is offered here.

Orange Co., NC Berrys

2012-01-29T16:24:00.007-05:00

I just received this from Ben Henderson:

THE NAME OF MY BOOK IS: “OUR BERRYS IN FRONTIER AMERICA”
I have an enormous volumn discount for printing my book.    I have decided to pre-sell the book because once I place the order my discount price will be gone.
My current price is $29.50 per book including shipping.    If I sell all of the books I have printed the same book printed one book at the time would have to sell for $55.00    I do not want anyone who wants a copy to be left out of the discounted price.
If I receive any orders after February 14th I cannot guarantee you will get the discounted price.    I plan to place the order on February 15th.

The Book is a hardback 8 ½” x 11” letter size book and will be registered in the Library of Congress.
It will be laser printed on acid free paper for a long life expectancy.
There are 300 pages and 269 images, forms, documents, and records about our Robert & Elizabeth Cate Berry family who lived in Orange County, North Carolina. It also tells how their children pioneered the frontiers as our nation grew.
ORDER FORM:
Number of copies wanted:_________________
Amount of Check:________________________
Ship my order to Address:
Name__________________________________
Address:________________________________
City, State, and Zip:_______________________
Make check to Ben Henderson
Mail to:
B.B. Henderson
4505 Revere Drive
Raleigh NC 27609-5247

Anyone who might be interested in purchasing this book should contact Ben directly.

DNA's function and replication

2012-01-13T18:38:00.005-05:00

This is just a bit beyond our immediate interests and I might not have posted except that it was done by one of us - - - - Berrys.

Impressive. Use full screen.

Australian biomedical animator Drew Berry, who was recently awarded a MacArthur fellowship, makes movies illustrating the processes of DNA's function and replication, and how it fits inside a cell. At a TEDx talk recently posted online, he describes his work as a continuation of the scientific tradition of drawing or sketching to illustrate an idea.

Discover Magazine

Waiting at Rainbow Bridge

2012-01-09T21:15:00.000-05:00

Arimarlisa's Phantom V Reiteralm NA
July 14, 1996 - January 9, 2012

PhantomMy Sweetie

Just this side of heaven is a place called the Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.    There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor.    Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.    The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing;   they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance.    His bright eyes are intent.    His eager body quivers.    Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.

The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head.    You look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together…

Author Unknown

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T15:01:00.000-05:00

Click on these gifts to open -

Another 23andMe offer

2011-12-15T13:07:00.007-05:00

23andMe has just posted this offer. As I figure it, the price with the offer must be $76 but I'm guessing you still have to have the subscription. Offer expires December 27.

Here's a clickable version of the link. http://www.23andMe.com/a/ff1/u2h7q

Black Friday/Christmas sale

2011-12-15T00:29:00.003-05:00

GeneTree has just sent out this reminder:

"Our annual Christmas Sale is going on now. Order by Friday at 3pm MT time with USPS standard shipping to insure your kit arrives in time to be wrapped and put under the tree."

If you'd like to order, the link is just below.

GeneTree BF Sale

2011-11-22T15:29:00.005-05:00

GeneTree has their 46 marker test on sale for this weekend.

Click HERE to order.

FTDNA Holiday Sale

2011-11-15T17:18:00.006-05:00

FTDNA is hosting a holiday sale from now until December 31, both for new kits and for upgrades.

Here's the details:

You may order here.

11/11/11

2011-11-11T11:13:00.001-05:00

A Celebration of Steve's Life

2011-10-24T12:37:00.002-04:00

Watch the special event, filmed live at the Apple campus in Cupertino, California on October 19, 2011 by Clicking here.

Steve Jobs

2011-10-07T14:33:00.010-04:00

February 24, 1955 - October 5, 2011

A Visionary Genius

Family History Month Sale

2011-10-06T23:24:00.001-04:00

Sorry. I should have gotten this posted earlier.

October is Family History Month and GeneTree is having a HUGE [their description] sale to celebrate families!

Y DNA 46 marker test is now *$99.00
mtDNA test is now *$129.00

* regular price is $179.00 each

To order now go to the Genetree Store

Sale runs through October 11, 2011.

Be aware, though, that GeneTree's test does not include the 'fast moving markers' DYS576, DYS570 and CDYa&b.

FTDNA FB Sale!

2011-09-26T22:39:00.015-04:00

From FTDNA:

Thank you for helping us reach 15,000 LIKES on our Facebook page! To show how much we like you too, we're offering a 36-HOUR SALE!

START: Monday, September 26 (TODAY) at 12:00pm CDT
END: Tuesday, September 27 at 11:59pm CDT

          For NEW customers:
                    Y-DNA 12 . . . $59 (was $99)
                    mtDNA . . . $59 (was $99)
                    Y-DNA 37 . . . $129 (was $149)
                    Family Finder . . . $199 (was $289)
                    mtFullSequence (FGS) . . . $229 (was $299)

                    Y-DNA 12 + mtDNA . . . $118 (was $179)
                    Family Finder + Y-DNA 12 . . . $248 (was $339)
                    Family Finder + mtDNA . . . $248 (was $339)
                    Family Finder + Y-DNA 37 . . . $328 (was $438)
                    Family Finder + mtFullSequence . . . $398 (was $559)
                    Comprehensive Genome (Family Finder + mtFullSequence +                                   Y-DNA67) . . . $597(was $797)

          Upgrades & Add-Ons:
                    mtDNA add-on $59 . . . (was $89)
                    mtFullSequence upgrade (HVR1 to Mega) . . . $199 (was $269)
                    mtFullSequence upgrade (HVR2 to Mega) . . . $199 (was $239)
                    mtFullSequence add-on . . . $219 (was $289)
                    Family Finder add-on . . . $199 (was $289)

Prices will be automatically adjusted on the Family Tree DNA website -- no coupon code needed! Important: Promotional orders need to be paid for by the end of this sale. Visit us at http://www.familytreedna.com to order now.

We hope this limited-time sale will give you yet another reason to "LIKE" us!

Thank you for your support!

Family Tree DNA
www.familytreedna.com

This offer ends TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27th, 2011 11:59pm CDT.
*You do not need to be a member of Facebook to take advantage of this offer. Payment must be received at the time of your order. Valid only on products listed. No substitutions. No adjustments will be made on previous purchases. This promotion is not valid in combination with any other promotions. Family Tree DNA reserves the right to cancel any order due to unauthorized or ineligible use of discounts and to modify or cancel these promotional discounts due to system error or unforeseen problems. Subject to change without notice.

© All Contents Copyright 2001-2010 Genealogy by Genetics, Ltd.

Oops!

2011-09-12T12:42:00.002-04:00

I forgot Elmo, #216, in the hassle of cleaning up after FTDNA but, fortunately, got a reminder this morning.    Ancestry.com results are always a problem to convert to FTDNA nomenclature so that they can be compared across the entire Project and these have me scratching my head.    They came to me already in FTDNA order so I'll have to assume that the conversion is correct but Elmo has a strange result at DYS442.    His is 17 and no one else in the entire project has a result higher than 14.

Hmmmm.    I suspect that 17 is a mistake.    When I use an Ancestry.com value of 17 in the SMGF converter, it converts to a FTDNA value of 12.    Guess I'd better find out where his values came from.

I'll have his yAncestry posted shortly.

POSTED AT 7:15 PM, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2011
I shouldn't have assumed that because Elmo's values were in FTDNA order, they had also been converted.    I've now converted them and Elmo's stuff is all posted.    In addition, his haplotype has been compared with all Participants in the Project and he has no matches.    His nearest is a genetic distance of 5 from #75.

Maybe something, maybe nothing.

New Participant

2011-09-05T17:45:00.004-04:00

We have a new participant, Gary, #215, who tested at Ancestry.com. His results have been converted and posted and compared with all our other Participants. Alas, no matches.

Alan's closest are ##'s 162 and 190, each a genetic distance of 5. Probably nothing but you three might want to take a look, just in case.

Gary's yAncestry is also posted for you to examine and compare.

New results . . .

2011-08-31T00:05:00.001-04:00

. . . for James, #214. Y-DNA1-12 results have just come in and are posted. Unfortunately, they don't look all that promising for matches. Only one other person in the entire Project has DYS19=13 and he's haplogroup E1b1b1.

Still have markers 13 to 37 to be reported but it's unlikely to get better.

Participant Genetic Distances Comparisons

2011-08-17T14:14:00.008-04:00

I have just generated and posted a new Participant Genetic Distances Comparisons table in which all markers tested to date have been combined and compared.

In addition to clicking on the image above, you may access this table from the foot of either yResults page or from any 'Short Bio'.

To find your distances from others, locate your Participant # along the left edge or the top, follow along your line with your cursor and the Participant numbers being compared for any given distance (cell) will appear when your cursor is hovered over that cell. Values on the diagonal indicate number of markers tested.

the Perseids!

2011-08-13T00:24:00.001-04:00

Well, I seem to have finished bringing the Berry Family DNA website current.    In doing so I discovered that I had missed the results for Ron, #210, a Madison Co. Berry.    I believe I had Chuck, #211, posted but not LaVerne, #213, a Spartanburg Co., SC Berry.    But I think all are current now.

I also took the opportunity to run the entire Project through Dean McGee's genetic distance tool to see if we had any previously undiscovered matches.    I didn't find any new ones but decided to post those that had previously shown up that I hadn't known enough about to be willing to give them the status of a 'Family'.    These are now, and will be in the future, shown at the end of the Family yResults listings as "Other matches yResults".

It occurrs to me that there may be some of you who don't know how to find whether you are part of a 'family' or match anyone else in the Project, ergo, a primer:

1. Find yourself on the Participant page and note your number (#).

2. Open the yResults page and find your number there.    That is your haplotype and if it is colored light yellow you have no matches.    However, if it is any other color you belong to a recognized 'family' and can scroll to the top of the page to determine what family your color represents.    Then click on the 'Family' button to open the Family yResults page and find your family there to see who you match.    You recall, of course, that hovering your cursor over the ID# will reveal the name and kit # of the person represented by that ID, and that clicking on that ID# will generate an email form for you to send to that person.

3. You may then go to the yAncestry page for your family to see the male lineages of all the family members.

4. The only exception to this is the 'other matches' that I spoke of earlier.    Since they have not been assigned to a family they will still be colored light yellow and thus there will be no indication on the numerical yResults page of the match.    To find if you are one of those you will just have to take it upon yourself to click over to the Family yResults page and check out the 'Other matches' section at the bottom of that page.

The title?    It has no meaning.    It was just on my mind.    Hope you saw them.

Y-Refine67to111 (final)

2011-08-09T12:04:00.004-04:00

Y-DNA 1-111 numerical and family yResults pages are now online. Thanks Carol.

nunc pro tunc

2011-08-08T21:59:00.003-04:00

Nunc pro tunc is a latin term used in judicial circles to mean roughly 'this for that' where one says something now that he intended to say in the past.    I actually thought that I had posted the following this past May 27, but discovered that I had not.

Nunc pro tunc
So far only Delmer, #194, has ordered the Y-Refine67to111 upgrade.    I'm sure that it will be kind of lonesome out there with no one to compare with..    It's probably just as well, though, since we as yet have no place to display many of those results.

Well, Delmer's results are starting to arrive so I guess I'm going to have to get busy re-coding the yResults pages.    The unfortunate thing is that the upgrade is not an entire new and different set of markers.    Many of these markers have been ordered and received by our members before as advanced markers and some were included in other labs' results.

The second unfortunate thing is that FTDNA displays them in an entirely different order than I had chosen several years earlier.    Here's my start to convert our table to accommodate the new markers.

DYS565 is the last of the 67 markers.    The top line shows my markers as they are now.    The bottom line shows my markers using FTDNA's (now) order.

Problem is, I'm not the only one with advanced markers and it's going to be tricky trying to get them in the right boxes.    I've never been handy with spreadsheets and all those labor saving devices so I have to do all the coding and data entry by hand.

Y-Refine67to111 (cont.)

2011-08-07T03:13:00.001-04:00

Continuing the task I started last May I've now gotten the (numerical) yResults page rewritten and Carol's checking it over. While that process is going on I'll try to bring the new participants and new results up to date so when it goes online it will be complete.

Looks like I'll have to explore anew how tools like Dean McGee's Y-DNA Comparison Utility, which itself is in Beta for the 111 allele mode, will work with these markers.

I believe the older one gets the less we enjoy change.

Those pesky 'Missing Markers'

2011-08-05T12:00:00.008-04:00

OK folks, we've been asking for it for a while now, here and here and here. What is 'it' you ask? 'IT' is those missing fast moving markers in the third FTDNA panel that are missing from results gotten from SMGF, Ancestry.com and GeneTree.

Check this out:

Here's the transfer link - http://www.familytreedna.com/landing/ydna-transfer.aspx

Here's the FAQ link - FAQ

If any of you who have tested at labs other than SMGF, Ancestry.com and GeneTree are interested in this, let me know and I'll check with FTDNA to see if they'll cover you.

23andMe - Coupon

2011-08-02T11:41:00.001-04:00

If any of you might still be interested in a 23andMe test, Coupon Code YG7XDH is good for $50 off until August 9, 2011. www.23andMe.com

Here's yet another sale!

2011-07-15T17:43:00.001-04:00

Seven Eleven day

2011-07-11T12:54:00.001-04:00

Last Day!!!

2011-06-22T00:01:00.000-04:00

If you're thinking about taking advantage of any of the FTDNA Sale offerings, today is the LAST DAY!

You must order and pay for your order by Midnight tonight, June 22, 2011.

Same Sale?

2011-06-18T10:54:00.003-04:00

This just arrived. Same sale? I'll let you make the comparison.

FTDNA Upgrade Sale

2011-06-16T21:42:00.008-04:00

Guess I'd better get this up before the sale is over.    Received this in my email yesterday:

Don't know whether this has anything to do with the 'Facebook' thing or not.    But it is a sale.

Anyone interested who needs any help, let me know.    I'll be glad to do what I can.

FTDNA sale in the offing

2011-06-09T11:31:00.005-04:00

Don't know when or what products will be on sale, but FTDNA has posted this notice on their Facebook page:

Click here if you want to hurry it along.

Y-Refine67to111

2011-05-27T23:24:00.002-04:00

So far only Delmer, #194, has ordered the Y-Refine67to111 upgrade.    I'm sure that it will be kind of lonesome out there with no one to compare with..    It's probably just as well, though, since we as yet have no place to display many of those results.

Well, Delmer's results are starting to arrive so I guess I'm going to have to get busy re-coding the yResults pages.    The unfortunate thing is that the upgrade is not an entire new and different set of markers.    Many of these were among the advanced markers that have been ordered and received by our members before and some were included in other labs' results.

The second unfortunate thing is that FTDNA displays them in an entirely different order than I had chosen several years earlier.    Here's my start to convert our table to accommodate the new markers.

DYS565 is the last of the 67 markers.    The top line shows my markers as they are now.    The bottom line shows my markers using FTDNA's (now) order.

Problem is, I'm not the only one with advanced markers and it's going to be tricky trying to get them in the right boxes.    I've never been handy with spreadsheets and all those other labor saving devices so I have to do all the coding and data entry by hand.

Guess I'd better get busy . . . . .

Augusta/Washington Co. Berrys upload

2011-05-20T17:42:00.009-04:00

I believe I've finished.

Not fun.

Click here and please let me know if anything seems not to be working as you would expect.

Augusta/Washington Co. Berrys uploading (cont.)

2011-05-19T14:54:00.002-04:00

Sometimes the upload runs smoothly, sometimes it doesn't. Nothing is automatic. As soon as I think it can run by itself and leave it, when I return something has gone awry and I have to review it all to see what, if anything, worked and what I need to repeat.

Still plugging along.

Augusta/Washington Co. Berrys uploading

2011-05-17T17:44:00.001-04:00

Well, I sure hope that these applications are getting a lot more complicated because, if they aren't, I'm in a rapid decline.

I've used an application called Cyberduck for several years for my occasional data upload to my various 'projects'.    I never recall it being automatic but I also don't recall it being all that confusing.    Now it seems that I have a great many options which would be much easier to choose between if I had any idea what they were.    Problem is, I don't even understand the words they use to explain them.

I would advise staying away from trying to use the Augusta/Washington Co. Berry database for a little while.    I started the upload of my web cards at 8:42 PM - that's last night - and it's been pretty much a 'hands on' process.    I have no way to guess when I'll be finished but, until then, I'd expect the database to act pretty peculiarly.

It's difficult to tell how far along in the upload process I am.    The folders each contain varying numbers of files, up to 500, so I can't just count folders to see where I am.    But, just simply guessing from the number of folders uploaded and the number of folders yet to be uploaded, it ~~could~~ will be quite some time yet.

I'll keep you posted.

Augusta/Washington Co. Berrys Web Cards update

2011-05-16T11:30:00.006-04:00

For the complete upgrade history you must start with yesterday's postings which were appended to the end of May 13.

POSTED AT 11:30 AM
NOTE:   At 22 hours elapsed, 70% completed.    . . . and this hasn't even begun the upload.

POSTED AT 2:00 PM
NOTE:   At 24 1/2 hours elapsed, 75% completed.    . . . <twiddle>

POSTED AT 4:00 PM
NOTE:   At 26 1/2 hours elapsed, 85% completed.    Anyone figuring the 'creation rate'?

POSTED AT 8:00 PM
NOTE:   At 30 1/2 hours elapsed, 100% completed.    Web Cards created!    Now creating 'web media pages' - whatever they are.

POSTED AT 8:15 PM
NOTE:   Making images.

Final Call! Augusta/Washington Co. Berrys

2011-05-13T18:36:00.004-04:00

Thanks to all of you who offered additional information to update the Augusta/Washington Co. Berrys database for upload to the Web.

I want to especially mention Artie, Charlie and Edgar Berry and Margaret McLane for their help.

In the process the database has grown to 40,050 persons, most of whom are related to James and John, the immigrants.

There is still some time to submit additional information but I expect to do the upload over this weekend and will post here and to the Berry Forums when it is completed.

POSTED AT 1:30 PM, SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2011
NOTE: Web Cards are now being generated. Upload will follow.

POSTED AT 10:00 PM, SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2011
NOTE: Web Cards 20% complete in 8 1/2 hours. I'd remembered the upload to be the longest part of the process. Hm-m-m-m-m-m.

Commodore John Barry

2011-05-11T21:12:00.000-04:00

My son, Jon, has become a soccer fan and has affiliated himself with the Angel City Brigade, a fan group of the LA Galaxy.    Tonight they played in Philly so Jon had to watch on TV.    Apparently, from the stadium there's a view of the Commodore Barry Bridge and the announcer discussed a bit of it's honoree's history during the game.    Jon said, "Ya cant really help but look up when you hear the announcer of the game keep saying your name!"    Being the dutiful son, he thought he should bring it to my attention.

John Barry, 1745-1803.    Born at Ballysampson on Our Lady's Island, which is part of Tacumshin Parish in County Wexford, Ireland.    Died September 12, 1803, at his country home "Strawberry Hill," some three miles north of Philadelphia.    Buried in Philadelphia's Old St. Mary's Churchyard.

You can read about Commodore John Barry here.

Can any of you Barrys trace your line to the Commodore?

SMGF Update

2011-05-07T00:46:00.001-04:00

As I grow older I'm often reminded of the famous quote, "...what a waste it is to lose one's mind or not to have a mind is being very wasteful. How true that is."¹

I mention this only because I recently noted a new update of SMGF results and then never came back to it to tell you what it was.

So I'm now here to report that it seems to have been much ado about [little].

Probably not to Lawrence, #61, nor Jim, #102, each of whom gained one marker. For Lawrence, SMGF reported DYS463 and for Jim, DYS447, both of which have been posted to the yResults pages.

Fair Warning! Augusta/Washington Co. Berrys

2011-05-03T03:10:00.000-04:00

I'm putting the final touches on my update of my Augusta/Washington Co. Berry database and should be ready to upload in a few days.

If you have anything or anyone you'd like to add or correct, now'd be the time to do it. Before the upload, not after.

Especially you folks that only have your yAncestry lines that I've grabbed from your DNA Project yAncestry page. You will feel more fulfilled if your grandparents' wives and children are included. Look for yourselves here to see how complete your line is.

A Good Trip

2011-04-29T03:35:00.002-04:00

I had the recent good fortune to have a visit from fellow Augusta/Washington Co. Berrys Charlie, #27, and Edgar, #125, who were on a research trip from Lexington, Kentucky, to Augusta Co., Virginia, to find the home place of one of their ancestors.

This would be me on the left, Edger in the middle and Charlie on the right.Charlie and Edgar are 3rd cousins. Edgar and I are 7C1R. Charlie and I are 6C2R.

In Lexington, Kentucky, there is a historical marker that refers to Edgar's GGG Grandfather, William Berry, 1755-1838 who travelled there as part of a hunting party from the Staunton area of Augusta County, Virginia.

By all reports, a good trip.

Catchup . . . . . or was that Ketchup?

2011-04-20T02:46:00.004-04:00

Apparently the former.    I find my self playing catch up regarding two new participants who should have been mentioned earlier.

These are Charles O'Berry, #211, and Bryony Berry, #212.    Bryony is testing 37 markers and Chuck, 67.    Both have yAncestrys posted, presently in the Unassigned section.    Chuck is listed under his birth name, Berry, and his results are expected late May or early June.

Bryony was recruited by Patrick, #60, in his continuing quest to link us back to the old country.    Bryony currently lives in Barntown, Ireland and, needless to say, his results are much anticipated by many.

In other news, I think that Delmer, #194, is the first to upgrade his 67 marker results to the now full 111 marker set, and John Berry, #205, now has his yAncestry listed on the Unassigned page.

Attention: Augusta/Washington Co. Berry Family

2011-04-17T08:19:00.001-04:00

I am getting ready to do a new upload of my Augusta/Washington Co. Berry database very shortly and need your help.

Doing an upload of this database of over 39,500 people is not a trivial matter and takes several hours so it doesn't get done very often.    I'm hoping that I can get each of you to take a look at your immediate family at http://tinyurl.com/dkw3rt and let me know of any corrections or additions that should be made.    I try to gather full names and birth, marriage, death and burial dates and places, interesting facts and stories, and photos.

For some of you all I will have is the information gathered from your yAncestry and for others of you who are more recent additions, you may be in the database for upload at this time and not yet online.    If that is your case or if all I have is your yAncestry, please let me know the names, dates and places for spouses and children.

Just drop me an email to jim@langolier.net and reference the Augusta/Washington Berry database.    Thanks.

23andMe - Relative Finder improvements

2011-04-16T17:19:00.001-04:00

For those of you who may be interested, I found this which was just posted on the 23andMe site:

Improvements to Relative Finder's Relationship Predictions

Today we're making an improvement to the way predicted relationships are estimated in Relative Finder.    This should resolve an issue a number of you have reported, in which some RF matches, typically at about the estimated third cousin level and farther out, switched to a more distant prediction.    What we've done is to replace the procedure Relative Finder uses to infer that an individual’s ancestors are predominantly Ashkenazi Jewish.

Why would Relative Finder care whether your ancestors were Ashkenazi or not?    Relative Finder classifies individuals as having Ashkenazi ancestry or not in order to adjust the relationships and relationship ranges it reports.    Since pairs of Ashkenazi individuals have higher background levels of DNA sharing, Ashkenazi cousins of a given degree of relatedness will tend to share more DNA than non-Ashkenazi cousins of the same degree of relatedness; : : conversely, for the same amount of shared DNA, Ashkenazi individuals tend to be less closely-related than non-Ashkenazi individuals.    This led us to define separate models for relationship prediction for non-Ashkenazi and Ashkenazi populations, and that is what creates the need for a way to identify who has Ashkenazi ancestry.

Previously we used a very simple method to determine whether someone was genetically Ashkenazi -- whether their number of RF matches exceeded some fixed threshold.    If either individual in the pair is inferred to have a high level of Ashkenazi ancestry, the Ashkenazi tables are used.    This number-of-matches predictor was effective, but it depended on the size of the database, so as the database got larger, customers' results could change.    Recently, as customers without Ashkenazi ancestry have begun to cross the number-of-matches threshold, their distant relationships have shifted to a bit more distant.

We're replacing the old method with a new one that does not depend on database composition, but on the individual's genotype.    This will stabilize the relationship predictions.    (Some details on the method follow below.)

The main effect of the change is:    if your ancestry isn’t predominantly Ashkenazi, and you saw your results shift recently, they should go back as they were and stay there.    If you’re a new customer without much Ashkenazi ancestry, who started out above the matches threshold, you would never have seen your results shift to more-distant in the first place, but they would shift to less-distant now.    Also, if you've seen individual matches of yours move around, they should also go back as they were.

This change has no effect on the method used to identify shared segments of DNA, so there should be no changes to percent DNA shared or the number of segments shared.    The relationship prediction occurs downstream of the DNA segment identification.

[Notes on the new method]    The new method uses a special case of the model underlying STRUCTURE/ADMIXTURE.    First we defined several reference populations, by looking at clusters in PCA plots of customer genotype data, including full Ashkenazi, (non-Ashkenazi) Northern European and Southern European, and several non-European populations.    From these we computed reference allele frequencies for each population.    Then we chose the k markers that best differentiated the reference populations from one another (using Noah Rosenberg's I_n statistic; k ~ 20,000 after evaluating several different choices).    With these allele frequencies in hand, we could then compute the probability that a customer genotype arises entirely from one population, or from some specified mixture of multiple populations (e.g., both parents Ashkenazi, one parent Northern European-one parent Ashkenazi, both parents South Asian, etc.)    Finally, Relative Finder makes use of these probabilities to classify customers as predominantly Ashkenazi, or not.

FTDNA DNA Day Sale

2011-04-14T19:08:00.007-04:00

From FTDNA's Facebook page:

DNA Day is April 15th!
Starting at 12:00 PM on April 14th, join the celebration!

New customers:
Y-DNA12…… $59
Y-DNA37…… $129
mtDNA……… $59
Family Finder… $199
Family Finder + Y-DNA12… $258
Family Finder + mtDNA…… $258
Family Finder + mtFullSequence + Y-DNA67 … $657

Upgrades:
Y-DNA12 add-on … $59
Y-DNA12 to 37…… $69
Y-DNA37 to 67…… $79
Y-DNA12 to 67…… $148
mtDNA add-on …… $59
mtFull Sequence upgrade … $199
mtFull Sequence add-on ... $219
Family Finder add-on … $199

To take advantage of these promotional prices use the coupon code:    DNADAY2011

The coupon code will expire on Friday at midnight (CT).

Please note, the Y-DNA67 to 111 upgrade will remain at the introductory rate of $101 (no coupon necessary) until the end of this promotion.    The price will be $129 going forward.

Payment must be received at the time of the order.    Valid only on products listed.    No substitutions.    This promotion was announced in advance, therefore no adjustments will be made on previous purchases.

Offer valid from 12:00 PM CT on Thursday, April 14, until 11:59 PM CT on April 15, 2011.

This promotion is not valid in combination with any other promotions.    Family Tree DNA reserves the right to cancel any order due to unauthorized or ineligible use of discounts and to modify or cancel these promotional discounts due to system error or unforeseen problems.    Subject to change without notice.

23andMe - Celebrating DNA Day Early This Year!

2011-04-10T23:30:00.006-04:00

This just posted at 23andMe . . . . .

Although DNA Day is officially April 15th, we at 23andMe just couldn’t wait that long.    So we’re celebrating a bit early with a big sale!

For a limited time, you can order a 23andMe kit for $0 up front, plus a 12-month commitment to our Personal Genome Service® at $9/month.    This is down from the regular price of $199 plus $9/month.

Note that the 12-month subscription commitment is required to receive the sale price.    If you buy the service as a gift, you can pay the full year's subscription at the time of purchase.    You may also choose to order the service with no subscription requirement for $399.

Existing customers on our v2 genotyping platform can also take advantage of this sale to upgrade to the latest v3 platform for the same price by going to https://www.23andme.com/user/upgrade.

Once your sample has been processed, you’ll receive data on nearly 1 million places in your genome, information about your distant ancestry, and access to more than 180 health reports (optional).    With the Personal Genome Service®, we’ll also help you connect with potential relatives to fill out your family tree and keep you up to date on the latest research linking genetics to your health and traits.

This promotional price will be available from 12:00AM PDT until 11:59PM PDT on Monday 4/11/11, or while supplies last!

Y-DNA111

2011-04-06T01:32:00.003-04:00

Here are the markers tested.

This may not be as great as it appears at first blush if you've tested anywhere else or even any of FTDNA's Advanced Panels or markers. The 9 extra markers from SMGF are in here and 18 markers offered by Ethnoancestry.

Here's a list of what appear to be the new markers not offered elsewhere:

DYS632
DYS540
DYS525
DYS712
DYS593
DYS650
DYS532
DYS715
DYS504
DYS513
DYS561
DYS552
DYS587
DYS497
DYS510

two too new

2011-03-23T03:14:00.000-04:00

Unhappily, these announcements are all too infrequent recently.

We have two new participants! Tom, #209, and Ron, #210, have both ordered 37 marker test kits. Both have also supplied their yAncestrys. Tom's is with the Unassigned group until we see whether his results match anyone, while I've put Ron's yAncestry with the Madison Co. folks since Carol pointed out to me that his yAncestry matches that of David, #57. We'll hope his results confirm that match.

Pi Day

2011-03-14T13:59:00.002-04:00

M-m-m-m-m-m-m-m. I love pie! Probably fruit pies best. My favorite is rhubarb pie - not that wimpy strawberry-rhubarb, but just straight rhubarb.

Huckleberry pies are also right up there. Costco pumpkin pie is one of the best. Cream pies I can mostly do without.

But, getting back to pi -

3.141592653589793238462643383279502884197169399375105820974944592307816406286208998628034825342117067982148086513282306647093844609550582231725359408128481117450284102701938521105559644622948954930381964428810975665933446128475648233786783165271201909145648566923460348610454326648213393607260249141273724587006606315588174881520920962829254091715364367892590360011330530548820466521384146951941511609...

According to Wikipedia, pi is a mathematical constant whose value is the ratio of any Euclidean plane circle's circumference to its diameter; this is the same value as the ratio of a circle's area to the square of its radius.

Happy Pi Day!

NEW YCC Tree at Family Tree DNA

2011-03-04T19:18:00.004-05:00

SMGF Website Update: march 2011

2011-03-03T12:52:00.001-05:00

SMGF is happy to announce the addition of new haplotypes and genealogical records to the Sorenson mtDNA and Y-chromosome databases. We invite you to search these updated databases to find new family connections at http://www.smgf.org.

As always, please send your comments or questions to info@smgf.org.

Sincerely,
The SMGF Team

Looks like I'll have to get busy to see what new Berry stuff might have shown up.

iPad 2

2011-03-02T14:35:00.006-05:00

. . . and best of all, Steve Jobs was there presenting.

For more detail about any particulars, check the TUAW site, here or engadget, here.

iPad 2 ?

2011-02-28T21:07:00.000-05:00

Will it be? What will change?

Tune in here to find out.

Walk Through the Y Sale

2011-02-22T10:19:00.008-05:00

I don't do SNP testing and don't know much about it but for those of you who do or who might be interested I thought I should pass along a FTDNA sale announcement I noticed on the ISOGG lists:

Family Tree DNA is excited to announce our Walk Through the Y sale!    Based on recent improvements in our testing capabilities, and in order to spearhead further research in our field, we are pleased to offer our first discount on Walk Through the Y.

This test will be offered for a very limited time to approved applicants for $500 (normally $750).    Please note, this special pricing will only be available to customers who elect to have their results made public.

Walk Through the Y is an advanced sequencing test focused on the discovery of new haplogroup-defining SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) on the Y chromosome.    Walk Through the Y goes beyond the scope of deep clade testing, offering customers the opportunity to participate in testing at the forefront of Y chromosome DNA research.    This research can expedite the discovery of SNPs that help subdivide haplogroups, information that is fundamental to the continued success of our Y-DNA haplogroup projects.

Due to the advanced nature of this test, Walk Through the Y is by application only.    Interested members can fill out application form here.

To read more about Walk Through the Y, including information about who to test, please read through our frequently asked questions.

If any of you might be interested and have any problem getting the particulars of the offer, please let me know and I'll do my best to find out for you.

How many Berry families are there?

2011-02-20T21:47:00.001-05:00

Results for Ivan R. Berry, #201, and Edward John Barry, #202, have recently been posted. Ivan is haplogroup R1b1b2 and Edward is haplogroup I1. Unfortunately, neither has any matches within the FTDNA database. As soon as Edward's last two panels come in I'll compare both to our Participants to see if we have any matches there.

We have also recently added James Thomas Barry II, #208, a R1b who tested 43 markers at Ancestry.com. You'd think that there couldn't be that many separate Berry families! At some point you'd expect that any new person would belong to somebody already tested. Nope. Not yet. Jim, #208, also has no matches.

FTDNA Facebook Special

2011-02-17T00:10:00.005-05:00

Congratulations! You have earned a 40% discount on any of these tests:

Y-DNA37
mtDNAPlus
mtDNAFullSequence
Y-DNA37+mtDNAPlus
Family Finder
Family Finder add-on
Family Finder+mtDNAPlus
FamilyFinder+Y-DNA37
Comprehensive Genome
Warrior Gene

The coupon code is 5000FACES. This is only valid for new kits and can't be used on existing kits. Enter the code while ordering at www.familytreedna.com. It expires [about 10] HOURS from now!

The Singularity Revisited

2011-02-14T14:00:00.005-05:00

Remember back in 2007 when I wrote here about the Singularity? The Law of Accelerating Returns?

Well, it hasn't gone away and now Time Magazine has a story about it in its Monday, February 14, 2011 issue at p. 42 and online through this link.

I recommend these articles to you and would suggest that you start with The Law of Accelerating Returns before reading its follow-up in Time.

Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day . . . . and Happy Birthday, Jim!

Woops!

2011-02-01T11:00:00.002-05:00

Well, it looks not. Ivan's, #201, Y-DNA1-37 results have now also arrived and he has NO Berry matches!

Sorry.

First hint . . . .

2011-01-30T21:56:00.009-05:00

Y-DNA61-67 returns for Ivan, #201, came in yesterday. No others, just the last 7 of his Y-DNA67 order.

I'm guessing (a little) that Ivan is a Barry/Berry and, if so, he's already interesting.

Take a look.

DNA Heritage British Isles Y-DNA Promotion

2011-01-29T04:20:00.002-05:00

Alastair Greenshields, Principal of DNA Heritage, has just announced a new promotion aimed at assisting and encouraging British Isles testing recognizing that that is often the weak link in our attempts to extend our genealogies back across the pond.

The promotion has no (as yet) end date and offers both of DNAH's Y-DNA tests to folks with British Isles addresses at nicely discounted prices. Those qualifying include residents of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Ireland and includes the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

The $199 43-marker test is offered for $129 and their $219 58-marker test is $179.

While DNAH doesn't have as large a database as FTDNA, that won't be a hinderance to Berry Family DNA Project testers since our independent site compares all our participants, wherever tested.

An additional plus is that the DNAH 58-marker test now tests 15 additional markers: DYS481, DYS527B, DYS570, DYS643, DYS508, DYS549, DYS576, DYS724A, DYS522, DYS552, DYS607, DYS724B, DYS527A, DYS552.1 and DYS627 which include the fast-moving markers from FTDNA's third panel.

The particulars of the offer may be seen here.

Cole Co. Berrys

2011-01-23T19:49:00.010-05:00

We have a new family, the Cole Co. Berrys, Delmer, #194, and Roy, #198. They have been Berrys for at least 188 years but before that were probably Henrys, perhaps from that part of Augusta Co., Virginia, that became Rockingham Co.

Delmer and Roy match each other exactly at 67 markers. They also match a number of Henry men at 67 markers including an exact 67/67 match with a William Atchley Henry. In addition, all of them, Roy, Delmer and these Henry men are haplogroup I2b1 and all have a null at DYS425. Research is ongoing.

Here's their haplotype and their yAncestry.

In case you missed it . . . .

2011-01-13T15:17:00.004-05:00

. . . . or just want to hear it again.

Y-DNA Distances Comparison Chart

2011-01-03T23:46:00.006-05:00

From time to time, usually when we've gotten several new yResults in the Project, I undertake to compare all our Participants with each other no matter where they tested. I just completed this task and would invite you all to take a look at it. Participant #s are listed beside rows and at the top of the columns. The diagonal shows the number of markers tested. Hovering over any genetic distance square will display the Participant #s being compared.

Y-DNA Distances Comparison Chart

If you make any discoveries that I don't seem to have mentioned, please let me know. But please don't tell me about 12 marker matches.

December 2010

2011-01-01T00:01:00.001-05:00

Shows what a little 'content' can do -

more Cleaning up . . . .

2010-12-31T02:07:00.001-05:00

O.K., now I've never seen this before.    I just posted 37 markers for Lee M. Berry, #204, and, out of curiosity, checked his matches.    Usually we have some matches with others within a reasonable genetic distance, especially at the lower levels, even with other surnames.    Lee has NO 12, 25 or 37 marker matches.    NONE.    His haplogroup is J2a4b.    Unfortunately he hasn't shared a yAncestry with us.

The Y-DNA37 results for John Edward Berry, #205, have been posted.    John has never responded to our inquiries for his genealogical information so I don't know what he expected.    He has no Berry matches but does have an exact 37 marker match with a McDonald.    That could be worth exploring.

As part of my 'cleaning up' I undertook to write several folks with other surnames who were in the Berry group at FTDNA to see if they really belonged there.    I got a response from Rodney Allan Berry, about whom I had blogged in 2008, so Rodney is now our #206.    His yAncestry is among the Unassigned folks for those who like to check for 'family' given names.

Now to catch up on Carol's 'short bios' . . . .

Happy New Year, everyone!

Cleaning up . . . (cont.)

2010-12-30T01:11:00.001-05:00

Next we've added Ivan Berry, #201, another of the "Chuck & Bill" series.    Ivan's yAncestry is included with the Unassigned folks.    Ivan's results are expected early-to-mid-February.

Likewise, Edward John Barry, #202, was recruited by Bill on indications that their respective ancestors may have lived near one another in County Limerick, Ireland.    Again, his yAncestry is included with the Unassigned Berrys.

We know very little of Max Armond Berry, #203.    Max' Y-DNA67 results are posted and he not only has no matches in the Project, he has no matches at all closer than a genetic distance of 2 with a different surname at 25 markers.    I guess it doesn't help that he is haplogroup J2 and has a DYS464e=16 and a null at DYS 425.    Sorry, no yAncestry.

Oh.    One more thing.    Roy's, #198, Y-DNA25 results came in overnight.    He has thirty 25 marker exact matches with 16 different surnames.    Only one Berry match, Delmer Berry, #194.    I'm sure we'll have more about Roy later.

Cleaning up . . . .

2010-12-29T00:44:00.001-05:00

. . . . . means catching up, remembering things forgotten, putting things right and generally getting ready to start again afresh.

That's what I'm trying to do.    I'm sadly surprised at how far behind I've gotten.

So far I've gotten a couple new testees logged on, participants ##s 198 and 199, Roy Berry and Robert Wellington Berry.    Haven't heard back from either yet, though, so don't have their yAncestrys posted.    Roy's kit is back but not Robert's yet and it will be a while before we see their results.

I've also heard from SMGF Berry/Dunfee, whose results we've had posted for a while, and who has now identified himself as Michel John Berry, now participant #200, still looking for a match.

I've also been reminded that I neglected to post the SMGF results for Oliver Fleetwood Berry.    More indefensible in that he's part of my family, the Augusta/Washington Co. Berrys.    I have Oliver's results now posted as #207 with his Participant info and yAncestry yet to come.

To be continued . . . .

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T03:01:00.001-05:00

Click on these gifts to open -

Holiday DNA Sales

2010-12-02T13:40:00.004-05:00

Both FTDNA and 23andMe have announced new/continued sales for the holidays!

Here are the particulars:

23andMe has extended its current sale:

I can only assume that the $89 upgrade mentioned in the previous post also continues.    I've searched the site and can find nothing about that.

POSTED AT 1:15 AM, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2010
NOTE:    The upgrade does continue.    And they've added an additional option.    It is either $89 plus $5/month, as before, or $149 includes prepaid subscription for the life of the platform.    I guess if you opt for the latter you're betting that they're not going to upgrade the chip again within the next 12 months.

Things seem to be in a state of flux at 23andMe.   Can't tell exactly what's going on.    I think I might advise waiting a few weeks to see what else they're going to change.    That's what I would have done if I'd had any indication that the 'sale' was more than just a Thanksgiving sale.

POSTED AT 1:15 PM, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2010
NOTE:    The 'natives' are getting restless.    A recent post from a 23andMe forum:
Sam Astor: Dec 3, 2010
(13 minutes ago)
I still can't believe the unprofessionalism and the poor communication skills of 23andme.    As a customer, I believed in the company and trusted them with my most important piece of information:   my DNA.    I hate to see how badly 23andme managed the update news and the customer service for the last 2 weeks.    Makes me have second thoughts about 23andme.    If they can't handle a customer service situation because they claim they don't have people, what should I expect about a serious scientific analysis of my SNPs.    I think is a great idea to listen to your customers and make decisions based on what they want, but all this improvisations makes me wonder if 23andme really has a serious project or not.

@_Homa, please don't write just a twitter-like sentence with the news and then never show up again.    If you are going to say something that is important for a lot of people, please link it to a page where you have developed the subject so people don't have to ask a million questions that go by unanswered.

I want things to go great for 23andme.    I believe it can be done, but right now I'm really "disappointed loyal customer".

23andMe - Sale or Upgrade?

2010-11-25T23:41:00.004-05:00

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA   –   November 24, 2010   –   23andMe announced today that the company has transitioned to the third version of the company's genotyping array.    The new technology will allow the company to test approximately one million single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).    Customers who purchase the 23andMe Personal Genome Service™ on or after Wednesday, November 24th will have their DNA tested on the new version of the array.

“With the introduction of our third generation chip, customers will now be tested on approximately one million SNPs, nearly doubling the number of SNPs tested,” said 23andMe Co-founder and CEO, Anne Wojcicki.    “Over time, our customers will be able to get access to enhanced reporting about their DNA results through our Personal Genome Service™.”

23andMe has combined Illumina's HumanOmniExpress array with significant customization to create a more comprehensive testing platform.    The new chip has backwards compatibility, ensuring the company can continue to provide reporting that is consistent with what it currently offers as well as improve and develop new reporting for the future.    Below are just a few of the genotyping enhancements that are included:

• Increased coverage of drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters (DMET) as well as other genes associated with response to various drugs.
• Increased coverage of gene markers associated with Cystic Fibrosis and other Mendelian diseases such as Tay-Sachs.
• Denser coverage of the Human Leukocyte Antigen region, which contains genes related to many autoimmune conditions.

* * * * * * * * *
The DNA chip that we use genotypes hundreds of thousands of SNPs at one time.    It actually reads 1,000,000 SNPs that are spread across your entire genome.    Although this is still only a fraction of the 10 million SNPs that are estimated to be in the human genome, these 1,000,000 SNPs are specially selected "tag SNPs."    Because many SNPs are linked to one another, we can often learn about the genotype at many SNPs at a time just by looking at one SNP that "tags" its group.    This maximizes the information we can get from every SNP we analyze, while keeping the cost low.

In addition, we have hand-picked tens of thousands of additional SNPs of particular interest from the scientific literature and added their corresponding probes to the DNA chip.

v2 chip = 580,000 SNPs
v3 chip = over 1,000,000 SNPs

* * * * * * * * *

For current customers - $89 upgrade.

What is the upgrade?
23andMe recently improved the chip it uses to analyze your DNA.    Our new platform adds new genetic markers that give you even more information about diseases, traits and your ancient ancestry.

Do I have to upgrade?
No.    If you do not, you will still have all of your existing platform chip information and will continue to receive updates on new discoveries about the markers on that platform.    But as research advances, some new information will not be available to you if you're not on the latest platform.

How much does it cost?
See the table below for upgrade pricing.    If you have another 23andMe account, log into that account to upgrade the profiles in it.     Please note:    upgrading to the latest platform requires a Personal Genome Service subscription.

* * * * * * * * *
The Personal Genome Service subscriptions includes:
• Updates when new discoveries are made about your DNA
• Secure storage of your DNA sample
• Discounts on future platform upgrades
• Alerts when new genetic relatives are discovered throughout the world
• Browsable raw data

* * * * * * * * *
How does the new Person Genome Service subscription impact existing customers?
There is no impact to existing customers.    Existing customers will continue to receive account updates on their current platform without a subscription.

* * * * * * * * *
What happens to my account if I cancel my subscription?
You may choose to cancel your subscription anytime after the commitment term.    You will retain access to any existing reports and features, as well as your raw genotype data.    If you choose to cancel you will no longer receive new Health Reports, existing Health Report updates, nor new Relative Finder matches.    If you opted to biobank your sample, your biobanked sample may be discarded.     You will no longer have access to the Browse Raw Data feature (download of raw data is also available) and you will no longer be eligible to receive discounts on future platform upgrades.

My take:

We're not given a lot of information on how this upgrade might benefit the genetic genealogy community.    Most of the custom SNPs seem to be aimed at medical conditions.

Communication is not this company's strong suit.    I've not seen an 'Official' notice of the 'Sale'.    I've seen no indication that the $89 upgrade price is in any way time limited.    My guess is that the $99 'Sale' is time-limited and I seem to recall having seen somewhere that it ends at midnight on Nov. 26th.    California Time?    The difficulty is that despite an extensive Google search I haven't been able to confirm an ending date or time.

If you are a current customer and think that you might want to take advantage of the added information from the new chip, my recommendation (and what I did) is to order the $99 test using an alternate email address.    The possibility apparently exists that by 'upgrading' and declining the monthly service after the year we'll be worse off than we would be by not upgrading at all.    A $10 saving to introduce that uncertainty doesn't seem like a bargain to me.    What I'll have is the bother of two accounts but the comfort that if I determine that the monthly service charge is of no benefit to me I can drop it without worry about destroying the utility of my original test.

If you want to order an Upgrade you do that through 'My Profile' under your 'Account' tab.    There you will see a notice that 'This profile is eligible for an upgrade. Learn more.'    Click the 'Learn more' and enter your order.

If you want to order a new test for $99 click on https://www.23andme.com/ , then click on 'Order Now' and enter one of these promo codes in the box:    GIZMODO99       LOYALFAN       B84YAG

POSTED AT 11:45 AM, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2010
NOTE:    Promo codes are apparently no longer needed.    This from their website:    "$99 price valid through 11/29 or while supplies last.    Limit 10 per person." and it apparently is good until sometime Monday (unless supplies don't last).    This from their Facebook page:    "23andMe Get our service at 80% off and save $400!    This awesome deal starts now.    All day Black Friday and until Cyber Monday!"

FTDNA Thanksgiving 2010 Sale

2010-11-24T22:38:00.007-05:00

From FTDNA:

As we enter the Thanksgiving weekend, we would like to extend to you a one-week promotion for upgrades:

To order this special offer, log in to your personal page and click on the special offers link in the left hand navigation bar.

ALL ORDERS MUST BE PLACED AND PAID FOR BY MIDNIGHT DECEMBER 1st 2010 TO RECEIVE THE SALE PRICES.

Log In to place your order.

23andMe - Black Friday(?) et al

2010-11-23T15:14:00.007-05:00

List posts courtesy CeCe Moore:

Someone on Twitter just wrote, "23andMe (lowest price ever) discount returns; code B84YAG to be live 10 AM Wednesday for the new v3 chip".    It may also require the Personal genome Subscription as that seems to be their new model.    I haven't confirmed it yet and the code shows as invalid right now, but keep your eyes open if you are interested in testing.    23andMe keeps tweeting that there will be a big sale this week as well.

They did away with the Ancestry and Health Editions.    The new orders require a Personal Genome Subscription for at least a year.    They also upgraded to a new chip, but existing customers have to pay $89 to have access to the new info, plus subscribe to the PGS.    Existing customers will still receive new matches and updates.

POSTED AT 9:58 PM     Much more here:    Your Genetic Genealogist

Roland

2010-11-06T02:02:00.001-04:00

I should also have mentioned yesterday that Roland's, #196, Y-DNA25 results have also been reported. Unfortunately, Roland's Berry family is one of those that, so far, has no matches in our database.

Roland has just ordered a Y-DNA26-37 upgrade so that when a match does show up there will be little chance for ambiguity. In case anyone might recognize a name in common, here's Roland's yAncestry.

Berrys are on all seven continents!

2010-11-05T03:48:00.002-04:00

David, #197, is currently at McMurdo Station, Antarctica on his 10th deployment to the ICE as an Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE) specialist. David's Y-DNA37 results have recently been reported and he is solidly a Berry Plain Berry, an exact 37 marker match to James, #28, and Bill Stribling, #124.

David's marker values may be seen here and his yAncestry here.

FTDNA

2010-10-20T15:51:00.004-04:00

Not much reason to post this one. New FTDNA customers only:

DNA Heritage

2010-10-20T01:38:00.003-04:00

DNA Heritage has just announced the availability of an additional 15 markers beyond its standard 43 marker kit.    These additional markers are DYS481, DYS508, DYS522, DYS527A, DYS527B, DYS549, DYS552, DYS552.1, DYS570, DYS576, DYS607, DYS627, DYS643, DYS724A and DYS724B.

How significant this offering is I'm unable to say.    To begin with I think that we have just a couple of folks in the Project that have tested with DNAH.    In addition, as best I can determine, only DYS 481, 522, 570, 576 and 607 of the new offering are also offered by FTDNA.    Not sure who we'd compare the other nine markers with.
[Update:    DYS724 is another name for CDY]

Just in case there is any interest, though, the upgrade is being offered for $104 for a week - until midnight Central time on Tuesday, October 26th.

Went to America

2010-10-08T12:50:00.028-04:00

[The following is contributed by Patrick Berry, #60, of Perth. Patrick is an Augusta/Washington Co. Berry but searches many Berry lines from the UK. This is offered because of its references, went to America, in case anyone recognizes any names, dates or places as theirs.]

Berry of Berrymount & Berry of Croghan
(unedited extract from Lorton Wilson MS)

Generation One

William Berry, b. in Edinburgh; Gentleman. Held lands of Gortnevin, Multollagh and Baylyborough & Braklin in Co. Cavan in the right of his wife. Living 26 June 1724. He married Sarah ?. Sarah was sister of Jane, wife of Archibald Peacock of Cavan and of Ursula, wife of Nicholas Barron of Westmeath.
Generation Two
William Berry. Of Mullaynduffe in the Parish of Kildallon in 1720 and of Aghubane, Co Cavan, in 1734. His parentage as documented here by L.A W. is not certain.
L.A.W. PRONI T1021 #12 BERRY OF BERRYMOUNT.
Generation Three
? Berry.
James Berry, d. between 1770 and 177. Of Berrymount, also Gubrushin, Co. Cavan of which he obtained a lease from Alexander Faris in 1753.
Generation Four
Jack? Berry, resided Croghan, Killeshandra, Co.Cavan. L.A.W. suggests that this was probably Jack Berry of Croghan, who died before 4 Nov. 1787, when his widow was living at Whitefield, Co. Cavan. His reason for supposing this was that Jack Berry's son (presumably James Berry of Croghan) claimed cousinship with James Berry of Berrymount - see BERRY OF CROGHAN. He married Elizabeth Armstrong (daughter of James Armstrong). Still living in 1811.
Thomas Berry, d. 1835. Of Bocade, Co. Cavan and of Rockfield, which he bought from Robert Faris in 1777. J.P. 1797. He married Mary Pringle (daughter of John Pringle). Of Ballyline, Co. Cavan.
Generation Five
James Berry, b. 1773, d. 11 April 1861. Of Croghan. He married Margaretta ?, b. 1777, d. 9 May 1861.
Mary Berry, d. June 1863. She married ? Morton. Of Glassmullagh, Co. Wermanagh.
Alexander Berry, b. 1773, d. 18 Oct. 1835, occupation Attorney. Of Ballyline and Rockfield. Bought lands of Aghavore, Crockabea and Aghavenbegg from Thomas Carson on 21 April 1799 for £2000. Lieut. Killeshandra Infantry; resigned 1805. He married Arabella (Mabel) Story (daughter of Joseph Story and Francis Arabella Sneyd). Arabella was daughter of Ven. Joseph Story, Archdeacon of Kipmore.
James Berry, d. May 1857 in Will proven 1866, occupation Military, resided Berrymount. Lieut. Killeshandra Infantry May 1805. He married (1) Mary Anne Faris. He married (2) Anne Levinge Moore.
Generation Six
John Berry, d. 14 Dec. 1879, occupation Linen bleacher. Of Ravensdale, Co. Louth. Moved to Fairmount, Co. Cavan, c. 1841. He married Jane Breakey (daughter of John Breakey and Bessie Small), d. 29 Jan. 1894 Buried in "Friends Sleeping Place" Rosenalie.
Tom Morton. Of Glassmullagh.
Alexander Berry, d. Sept. 1869. Of Drumane, near Killeshandra and Berrymount.
James Berry is recorded as owning over 500 acres in county Leitrim in the 1870s. In 1851 Alexander and Mary Anne Berry had offered over 300 acres in the barony of Carrigallen for sale in tne Encumbered Estates Court. Alexander Berry was residing at Drumany, Killeshandra at that time. [source] He married Mary Anne Irwin, d. 16 Jan. 1890. Mary Anne was daughter of William Irwin of Bilberry Hill. She was Alexander's cousin.
James Berry, resided Sandville. Of Sandville. He married (1) Anne Ferguson. Daughter of Andrew Ferguson of Correy, Co. Longford. He married (2) Sarah Elliott.

Patrick's excellant website, Irish Berry Genealogy, may be seen by clicking here.

Elizabeth Warren

2010-09-17T13:56:00.009-04:00

Top Five Things You Should Know About Elizabeth Warren
1. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau was her idea.    Here's why she thinks this agency is so critical:   "It is impossible to buy a toaster that has a one-in-five chance of bursting into flames and burning down your house.    But it is possible to refinance your home with a mortgage that has the same one-in-five chance of putting your family out on the street."¹

2. The Republicans are so scared of her, they tried to pass a law blocking her from leading the agency.    Republicans in Congress and the big Wall Street banks have always been against Warren leading the new consumer agency.    Republicans even offered an amendment that was widely understood as designed to block Warren.    That amendment failed.²

3. She is one of the most prominent, successful and fierce female lawyers in America.    Coming from working-class roots, she graduated from high school as a debate star at 16.    She finished law school when she was nine months pregnant.    And she has repeatedly been named one of the fifty most influential female lawyers by the National Law Journal and was twice nominated as one of Time Magazines 100 Most Influential People (among other honors).³

4. She spoke truth to power about the failed foreclosure program.    The Home Affordability Modification Program was supposed to save homeowners from losing their homes but has left many deeper in debt than they were before.    Warren used her position on the Congressional Oversight panel to bring the voices of these disaffected homeowners right to the decision makers in the administration and demand accountability.⁴

5. She may have actual superpowers.    She once calmed the entire crowd of an NBA game with her encyclopedic basketball knowledge.    She explained the financial meltdown so clearly to Jon Stewart he said it made him "want to make out with" her.    And there's a viral rap video about her.⁵

Sources:
1. "Making Credit Safer: The Case for Regulation," Harvard Magazine, June 2008
http://harvardmagazine.com/2008/05/making-credit-safer-html

2. "GOP Tried To Block Elizabeth Warren From Heading Agency She Proposed," Huffington Post, October 27, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=90368

3. Elizabeth Warren Wikipedia Entry
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Warren

4. "Elizabeth Warren is Bostonian of the Year," The Boston Globe, December 20, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=90369

5. "How HAMP Makes Elizabeth Warren The Only Choice For Consumer Protection," The New Deal 2.0, July 22, 2010
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=90370

Got a New Sheriff, Main Street Brigade
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6W0vCgMRX0o

"Elizabeth Warren is Bostonian of the Year," The Boston Globe, December 20, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=90369

"Jon Stewart to Elizabeth Warren: Let's Make Out," Talking Points Memo, January 27, 2010
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=90371

It's been a while . . . .

2010-09-05T03:26:00.000-04:00

. . . but I can't make it up.

We've just received our first results since August 6th, and one of these is from Max who never responded to our invitation to join the Project.    Perhaps the fact that his 67 marker results are a genetic distance of 70 from his nearest Berry factored into that decision.    Just sayin'.

The good news is that we just got Y-DNA38-67 results for two more Faires Berrys, Dennis, #31, and Glen, #176.    Both have been posted to the yResults pages.

The bad news is that we have next to nothing in the pipeline!    None in the lab, only Roland's, #196, Y-DNA25 order which has just been returned to FTDNA and should go to the lab midweek.

At Last

2010-08-19T03:04:00.011-04:00

Since we invaded Iraq on March 20, 2003:


      4,415 U.S. service members killed.

     31,907 U.S. service members wounded.

     - Iraqi civilian deaths estimated at between  97,196 and 106,071 

          in "W"'s War.

"When a man don’t use good judgment it’s the innocent who pays" -- Echo Mountain

The 'Olden' Days

2010-08-18T03:27:00.001-04:00

Probably several of us are of an age that we can remember scenes similar to these from our childhood. It is a time worth remembering not only for the hardships but for its simplicity.

For the rest of you, it is a time well worth knowing.

Take a look at these images taken by photographers of the Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information, which are some of the only color photographs taken of the effects of the Depression on America’s rural and small town populations.

Captured: America in Color from 1939-1943 – Plog Photo Blog

Several Results While I've Been Gone.

2010-08-17T11:13:00.003-04:00

Max Armond Berry has received all but the final 7 markers of his Y-DNA67 order. He matches no one. Perhaps that's why he never responded to my invitation to join us?

Harold, #20, and James, #157, have each received their Y-DNA26-37 panels. No matches for either Harold or James. Harold's and James' results are posted if you'd care to take a look at them.

Off we go . . . . .

2010-08-02T12:35:00.001-04:00

click for details

I1a telling markers

2010-07-31T11:30:00.001-04:00

Per Ken N.    -    If you have 67 markers you have DYS511.    Within I1a it serves the same purpose as DYS462 ninety-nine percent of the time

DYS462 =12 goes with DYS511 = 9
DYS462 = 13 goes with DYS511 = 10

This is only true in I1a.    Also if you check your DYS455, if it is 8 you are I1a, 99.9 percent confidence.    If you are 11 at DYS455, you are not I1a;   basically total confidence based on the thousands of haplotypes seen to date.     DYS388=14 is another very good indicator for I1a.

For those interested in the technical details, kindly provided by Nordtvedt, Norse I1a (14/23/14-14) and ultraNorse I1a (14/23/14-15) is dominantly DYS 462 = 13;   while AngloSaxon I1a (14/22) is dominantly DYS 462 = 12.    DYS 462 mutates extremely slowly and thus results are strong modals for research, Nordtvedt said.

Sales over!

2010-07-21T23:42:00.000-04:00

Here's how we stand. Four Project members took advantage of the sale to increase their marker count - James, #157, and Harold, #20, from 25 to 37 markers, and Carlos, #176, and Dennis, #31, from 37 to 67. All have expected results date in early September.

In addition, we have a new participant, Allen Ray Berry, #195, expected, it appears, to be a Barry/Berry. His kit hasn't yet been returned to FTDNA.

Upgrade Sale 2010

2010-07-08T19:22:00.003-04:00

How long have I waited for an Advanced Markers sale? The answer is -- a long time. This is not it.

Not to complain (too much) but those of us who maxed out our markers early seem to be getting the short end of the stick from FTDNA.

FTDNA Summer Sale 2010 -- Extended

2010-06-25T18:39:00.003-04:00

Sorry, I'm still at fiddle camp but until I return, if you've been wanting to test yourself or sponsor another.    Family Tree DNA (the lab we recommend) has just extended their Y-DNA37 test (the test we recommend) through June 30th.
Here are the details:

          Y-DNA37 for $119    (Regular price would be $149)
          Y-DNA67 for $199    (Regular price would be $239)
          Y-DNA37+mtDNA for $159    (Combined test would cost $238)

Kit must be ordered and paid for by June 30th, 2010 to qualify for the Summer Sale pricing.

By way of P.S. and in partial explanation of my recent silence, my fiddle camp is located in Marlinton in Pocahontas Co., WV.    Pocahontas County is also the location of the Green Bank National Radio Astronomy Observatory and in order to work their magic they somehow blank cell phone and associated services for the major portion of Pocahontas Co.    Our camp is located about five miles north of Marlinton and in the affected area.

In order to find the internet I must travel to Marlinton and find a stray wifi on the street that I can latch onto.    Marlinton has some special deal going where AT&T beams a cell signal that blankets the town - so it's only Marlinton and only AT&T.

Sgt. Brandon C. Bury

2010-06-14T12:31:00.003-04:00

Marine Sgt. Brandon C. Bury, 26, of Kingwood, Texas, died June 6 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Fox Valley Pioneer Cemetery, Linn Co., Oregon

2010-06-13T23:30:00.002-04:00

I have just completed posting over 50 gravestone photos from Fox Valley Pioneer Cemetery in Linn Co., Oregon.

Among others, there are a LOT of Berry gravestones.    Take a look here.

While you're there, if you recognize anyone and can help me with full names or maiden names of married women, I'd appreciate the information.

Carol's Notes:    POSTED AT 5:30 PM, MONDAY, JUNE 14, 2010

Any info I have on this family is from:

"Francis Berry & Pamela Mahan"
Family Group Sheet from Verla McClane, January 31, 1932
1992, in possession of Patricia Mayo, 117-B via Estrada, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Fox Valley Pioneer Cemetery
Linn Co, Oregon

Francis N. Berry, b. ca 1873.    Son of James Monroe Berry (1838-1925)/Sarah Ann Gardner (b. ca1837-1934).

James Monroe Berry was a son of Francis 'Frank' Berry (1791-1880)/Permelia Mahan (1804-1882).    Francis 'Frank' Berry was a son of Francis Berry [Jr] (c1748->1816)/Sarah Sharp (1754-1834.    Francis Berry [Jr] was son of Francis Berry [Sr] (c1719-1800/Isabell Unknown.    Francis Berry [Sr] was son of elder John Berry (c1695-1770)

Frances T. Berry (b 1854-1859) was a son of John Preston Berry (1829-1905).    Martha Frances McCroskey (1833-1910).     John Preston Berry was also a son of Francis 'Frank' Berry/Permelia Mahan.

Herbert Berry McLane (1881-1949) was a son of Josephine Amanda Berry (1846-1906)/Samuel Marcus McLane (1832-?).    Josephine A. (Berry) was a daughter of Francis 'Frank' Berry/Permelia Mahan.

Ulrich S[eagle] Berry (1865-1951) was a son of John Preston Berry/Martha Frances mcCroskey

Ernest [Burton] Berry (1876-1927) was also a son of John Preston Berry/Martha Frances McCroskey

Martha Berry Bruce (1863-1955) m. [Unknown] Bruce, also a dau of John Preston Berry/Martha Frances McCroskey

Lotsa results

2010-06-09T03:29:00.001-04:00

We got results! Lotsa results! Not all real helpful (yet) because they're from later panels and difficult to compare without the earlier panels.

Galen, #187, got his Y-DNA26-37 panel to finish up his Y-DNA37 order. Still a Swiss Beery. I've only so far gotten the values entered but will get everything color-coded and arranged shortly.

In addition, Claude, #191, received his Y-DNA38-47, 48-60 and 61-67 panels, and Delmer, #194, got his Y-DNA38-47 and Y-DNA61-67 results.

All posted.

FTDNA Summer Sale 2010

2010-06-05T15:00:00.006-04:00

Here's your chance if you've been wanting to test yourself or sponsor another.    Family Tree DNA (the lab we recommend) has just put their Y-DNA37 test (the test we recommend) on sale for 20 days.

Here are the details:

          Y-DNA37 for $119    (Regular price would be $149)
          Y-DNA67 for $199    (Regular price would be $239)
          Y-DNA37+mtDNA for $159    (Combined test would cost $238)

The promotion started today, June 5, and will end June 25.    Kits must be paid for by June 30, 2010.

National Doughnut Day

2010-06-04T10:40:00.007-04:00

Get 'em while they're hot!

Krispy Kreme:    All customers receive a free doughnut. No purchase necessary.

Dunkin’ Donuts:    Free doughnut with the purchase of a beverage.

LaMar's:    All customers receive a free Ray's Original Glazed doughnut. No purchase necessary.

Shipley Do-Nuts:    Free glazed doughnut with purchase until noon.

New Swiss

2010-06-03T03:25:00.000-04:00

Galen, #187, got his Y-DNA13-25 marker panel of his Y-DNA37 order last evening and he's definitely one of the Swiss Beerys. Judging from his yAncestry (still in the Unassigned group) this is going to be no surprise to him. But, I guess confirmation is also good.

As soon as his final panel comes back I'll post his results and yAncestry in their 'family' places. For now, his results are available on the Numerical yResults page.

Confirmed

2010-05-29T09:29:00.000-04:00

New Y-DNA13-25 results have now been posted for Cliff, #189. They do confirm that Cliff is a New Jersey Berry.

Curiously, DYS448 is reported by FTDNA for Cliff as 0. This was previously reported for Larry and Paul as a null and Relative Genetics reported it for Ron as 19.

Here's a comparison of these folks markers -

I'm at Vandalia now but will try soon to go back to recheck those values to see if they've been updated.

Headin' out again . . . . .

2010-05-27T03:29:00.001-04:00

It's time for the Vandalia Gathering in Charleston. I'll be spending the next few days with the best people in the world. I'll try to share part of it with you all.

Participant #192, our 201st and SMGF

2010-05-17T03:11:00.001-04:00

Steve, #192, received his Genographic results yesterday and transferred them to FTDNA.    His results and yAncestry are posted to the Project website.

Right now, at 12 markers, he matches one other participant 12/12 but also 17 others 11/12.    Problem is, these folks represent five different families.    Carol and I have both suggested that it would be a good idea to upgrade to at least 37 markers.    Hopefully, getting additional markers will continue the match with one of these and eliminate the others.

In Addition, SMGF has announced the addition of new haplotypes and genealogical records to the Sorenson mtDNA and Y-chromosome database.    I haven't yet had an opportunity to do a full search to see whether any of our folks have additional markers posted [ I don't :( ] but I do see what is apparently a new posting.    Anyone recognize who belongs to this pedigree?

FTDNA Family Finder test

2010-05-15T03:13:00.001-04:00

CAUTION: Information following is also intermixed with advertising claims.

Press Release Source   : Affymetrix On Monday May 3, 2010, 6:00 am EDT
HOUSTON & SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Family Tree DNA, the first and largest genealogical DNA testing company, today announced the launch of the Family Finder DNA test for connecting family members across all ancestral lines.    The test utilizes Affymetrix’ recently launched Axiom™ genotyping technology and the GeneTitan® System to confidently match a wide range of family relationships within five generations.

Family Finder represents a major advancement over earlier genealogical tests, which revealed only connections along specific paternal lines (for males) or maternal lines (males or females).    Family Finder enables anyone, regardless of gender, to look for connections such as grandparents, aunts and uncles, half siblings, and first, second, third, and fourth cousins.

“This is the most exciting genetic genealogy breakthrough since 2000, when Family Tree DNA launched its Y-DNA test to uncover relatives in the direct paternal line,” said Bennett Greenspan, founder and CEO of Family Tree DNA.    “The comprehensive, genome-wide coverage of Axiom Arrays enables us to offer consumers the most advanced genealogical test available at a price that is attractive to our customers.    In addition, the automated GeneTitan System allows us to process hundreds of samples at a time with minimal hands-on time for maximum efficiency.”

The Family Finder test analyzes the DNA of two individuals using Axiom Array Plates containing nearly 570,000 genetic markers, including many that are relevant to genealogy.    Family Tree DNA then analyzes the resulting data with internally developed algorithms to determine the closeness of the relationship.    The complete Axiom Genotyping Solution includes array plates, complete reagent kits, and an automated workflow that enables scientists to process more than 760 samples per week.

Family Tree DNA offers counseling services, tutorials, and other helpful tools to assist in the genealogy and matching process, and provides names and email addresses of matched individuals whenever possible for easy communication.

“The Family Finder test represents a huge step forward for the direct-to-consumer genetic genealogy market and the application of microarray technology,” said Kevin King, president and CEO of Affymetrix.    “Now anyone can utilize the power of the Axiom Genotyping Solution and the GeneTitan System to find and connect with a broader range of family members than ever before.”

For more information about the Family Finder test, please visit www.familytreedna.com.

For more information about Affymetrix products for genetic research, please visit www.affymetrix.com.

The FTDNA Family Finder test retails for $289.00.    Apparently no discount for ordering through a Project.

Finally

2010-05-14T11:13:00.000-04:00

All our FGS orders are reported and posted with the return of Betty's, #m1, results last night. Betty's mtDNA haplogroup is U2e, but we already knew that from her 23andMe testing which defines her as U2e1. We did Betty's FGS not because we're particularly interested in ancient migration patterns, but because she doesn't know her maternal line for sure beyond her grandmother. I've come to the conclusion that mtDNA HVR1 and HVR2 matches are pretty much meaningless for genealogical purposes. I'm still hopeful, though, that a FGS mtDNA match might tell us something about her maternal line. Alas, no matches yet.

A Biologist's Mother's Day Song

2010-05-13T14:02:00.001-04:00

Preston, #175, was kind enough to share this with Carol and I and I thought it was good enough and appropriate enough to share with you all. Thanks Preston.

More Skinny

2010-05-11T03:32:00.003-04:00

It took a little while but we now have some resolution to the last post.

First, Bryan's, #49, FGS results (finally) came in! They don't actually help the Y-DNA Project but, hopefully, they'll move Bryan further in his investigation of his family heritage. Still no sign of Betty's, #n1, FGS, though.

And, even better, Cliff, #189, got his Y-DNA26-37 panel results. They don't send any notices out about them because his Y-DNA12-25 panel has not been reported yet. It does, however give us a chance to compare more markers and make some better estimations of relatedness, and . . . . . . it looks pretty certain that Cliff is a New Jersey Berry. Comparing just these 24 markers reported, Cliff matches Larry, #9, and Ronald, #86, exactly, and is a genetic distance of one from Paul, #111.

Skinny Results

2010-05-05T12:17:00.001-04:00

New results have arrived for Cliff, #189, and are posted. He has several matches but I'm afraid that it is because only 12 markers of his Y-DNA37 order have come in. At least one of his matches, maybe all, will be a false positive because the matches are from different 'families'.

The two remaining outstanding FGS orders that I wrote about a week ago have both been slipped back again, this time clear to May 21. I wonder why so much difficulty with these two tests and whether it calls into question any of the FGS results previously reported, seemingly without whatever problems they're having now?