Christmas (shopping) in July

If you celebrate Christmas in July you'll want to check out this online store. They have all sorts of genealogy related gifts including some really humorous t-shirts. You could also get a jump on your December Christmas shopping if you're one of those who believe in getting your shopping done by Labor Day... Anyone who's addicted to genealogy will appreciate these gifts!

JMK Genealogy Gifts Store Offers Great Reasons Why Everyone Should Take Up Genealogy:

Genealogy buffs are passionate about their hobby but many outsiders just don't understand what it is that drives them. "Some folks look at you in a strange way when you tell them you do genealogy" says Jimmy Kavanagh founder of the store " ...they have an impression that genealogy research can be a bit dull and dry. We try to show everyone that genealogy enthusiasts also have a sense of fun."

JMK Genealogy Gifts are constantly looking at ways to promote family history and, to help they have introduced a new theme at their store "Why People Really Do Genealogy." "We thought we would do a funny take on what gets people started in the first place," explained Mr. Kavanagh. The result is two new designs which help to justify why you too should take up family history.

Technorati tags: Genealogy, Humor, Gifts

Poland Wins Auschwitz Name Change

CNN.com - Poland wins Auschwitz name change:

WARSAW, Poland (Reuters) -- The United Nations has agreed to rename Auschwitz concentration camp to stress that Nazi Germans, not Poles, were responsible for the world's most notorious death camp, Poland's Culture Ministry said on Wednesday.

"Auschwitz Concentration Camp", a U.N. heritage site, will be renamed "the Former Nazi German Concentration Camp of Auschwitz", the ministry of culture said in a statement.

**Special thanks to my genealogy buddy and friend Valerie for

sharing this information with me.**

Polanka Market, Livonia, MI

Technorati tags: Poland, Genealogy, Jewish, German, Concentration Camp, Auschwitz

The Family Reunion That Almost Wasn't

Yesterday was the one year anniversary of the only family reunion I have ever attended or expect to attend. Last July, I hosted a family reunion for my maternal grandfather's branch of the family tree. In honor of my mother, who is the oldest person living in the U.S. in that family, I planned the party on her birthday. The family isn't all that big so I had it at my house. It was really well attended especially by the family members I'd been looking for for at least 8 years and had just recently found. They were as anxious to meet us as we were to meet them.

I almost didn't have the reunion though. My mom's health is failing and I wasn't sure she was up for the whole party thing. But I did it anyway and I'm really glad I did. This year, health issues would have prevented her from attending. As they say, "timing is everything". It wouldn't have been the same without her there.

I made the food myself, and also printed up a small booklet that was sort of a who's-who of the family. I included the information I had about the history of the family names and crests and also added recipes that were submitted by attendees. Everyone got a copy. The weather was beautiful, everyone got along well, and a good time was had by all. I'm so glad I made the effort to get everyone together. I don't know if we'll have the opportunity to do that again under happy circumstances. The family members are getting older and I expect there will be more funerals than baptisms or weddings in the next few years.

Obviously I'm not an expert on planning family reunions having only done the one last year. I have no great advice or suggestions for those who plan or attend reunions every year and are looking for something new to do. So what sage advice do I have to offer to others on the subject of family reunions? My advice is for those who are thinking it would be nice to have a reunion but are hesitant to make the commitment to have one. It is a lot of work. But so what? Housework is a lot of work. Your job is a lot of work. Trying to keep your weight down is a lot of work. Being a good parent is a really lot of work. But you do them anyway. A family reunion is a lot work but ohhh the end result is worth it. So just do it!

I can't tell you how many times I've heard over the years about relatives that could have given me "lots more information" if only I'd contacted them a few years ago before they died. Reunions are the same sort of thing. So do it before the opportunity slips through your fingers. I don't think it really matters if you play games or even add names to the family tree at your reunion. What I think matters most is the human interaction that is unique to families. The opportunity to share stories and photos that will live on is priceless.

Swanee Riverboat, Greenfield Village

Technorati Tags:Genealogy|Family Reunion|Creative Gene|Jasia

Two Moles and a Wedding Ring

Polish Leader Appoints Twin Brother PM

O.K. this is a little strange. Maybe more than a little strange. It now appears that identical twin brothers are ruling Poland. And all that distinguishes their physical appearance from each other are two moles and a wedding ring. For more information and a good video telling the story, check out this CNN video.

I'm trying to imagine a twin brother of President George Bush in a position of power... say in his cabinet, his Vice President or his Secretary of State. Or substitute President Bill Clinton in that scenario with a twin brother of his... hard to imagine isn't it? Doesn't work for me. I just can't get there from here.

Can you imagine their family tree though? I have no problem with that at all!

Cass River, Frankemuth, MI

Tags: Poland, President, Family Tree