[John_W]

Originally Posted by PJOHNS2654

Two of my nieces in California submitted DNA a couple of years ago and discovered a First Cousin they were unaware of. This cousin lives in Sweden and had been looking for her father whom she had never met. That father turned out to be me.

I had dated a Swedish girl in the sixties and lost touch with her when she returned to Sweden. I was never made aware that she had been carrying my child. Since obtaining this information we have had a couple of family reunions. One of my other daughters submitted their DNA as did I which confirms we are related as parent or sibling. I have yet to meet the four new grandchildren. Perhaps this will happen after this Covid Pandemic is under control.

Did the family reunion include the original mother? If so, how has time changed her and if you're married now, what does your current wife think? You have enough there to make a modern day sitcom, especially since the girl is Swedish.

[Dgodin]

Originally Posted by DeanFL

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Last night, saw a really good "PBS/NOVA" on 'Secrets in our DNA'. Was so interesting, and left me intrigued to -perhaps- try it out.

Seems to be 3 main companies - Ancestry, 23andMe, CRI Genetics.

Of course once your DNA is on file, there may be privacy issues and ramifications, but nothing in life is without risk IMO.

Anyone here on TV use DNA/Genetic test? Results etc.


link to the Nova episode>

NOVA | Secrets in our DNA | Season 48 | Episode 1 | PBS
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I did it for fun via Ancestry. I knew my family roots traced back to France and Germany but was curious. The results were surprising, 62% British, 32% southern Europe and other stuff (1% Irish).
It was fun and shows how much migration has occurred in Europe. I still consider my family history accurate but now have clues as to what may have happened before that history.
My mom was less impressed. She first told me the results were faked, then blamed it all on my dad, which I found amusing. I didn't realize how invested she was in her German heritage. So, I gave her a test for Christmas. She didn't take it for 8 months, and then only did because i shamed her into it. She never told me the results directly but i got them from my sister.
My wife now tells people she is married to a bloody brit. Other fun fact, the average brit only has 60% british DNA, so I'm technically more British than the natives.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by DeanFL

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Last night, saw a really good "PBS/NOVA" on 'Secrets in our DNA'. Was so interesting, and left me intrigued to -perhaps- try it out.

Seems to be 3 main companies - Ancestry, 23andMe, CRI Genetics.

Of course once your DNA is on file, there may be privacy issues and ramifications, but nothing in life is without risk IMO.

Anyone here on TV use DNA/Genetic test? Results etc.


link to the Nova episode>

NOVA | Secrets in our DNA | Season 48 | Episode 1 | PBS
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I used Ancestry. I was interested to find that I have over 50% DNA from British Isles. Next is Germanic and a spot here of this and that. I always thought I looked a bit Asian but that theory was laid to rest. I am NOT a person who worries about my privacy or is concerned they will deny me insurance because I have a genetic tendency toward cancer. That is one of the lovely things about being older. Most of those ships have sailed. I see GOOD things using our collective DNA to nail rapists and murderers who have remained hidden for decades. It pleases me to know that camera's and DNA Scientists may do more than even my favorite detectives on TV to catch the bad guys and girls. (Smugly knowing women are not as active at murdering as men. ) (Smugly also knowing that most of the men I have known are really great guys) Go for it Dean. I am guessing you belong to the Germanic tribe. ( I notice the new regime are using that word, tribe, a lot) lol.

[WindyCityzen]

I did Ancestry.com a few years ago. I have an extremely small family. It found two distant and older cousins, so I know it worked. And since we were both in Ancestry we were able to communicate quickly. It also confirmed my earlier research. I’m way beyond worrying about obscure “privacy” concerns.

[DeanFL]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I used Ancestry. I was interested to find that I have over 50% DNA from British Isles. Next is Germanic and a spot here of this and that. I always thought I looked a bit Asian but that theory was laid to rest. I am NOT a person who worries about my privacy or is concerned they will deny me insurance because I have a genetic tendency toward cancer. That is one of the lovely things about being older. Most of those ships have sailed. I see GOOD things using our collective DNA to nail rapists and murderers who have remained hidden for decades. It pleases me to know that camera's and DNA Scientists may do more than even my favorite detectives on TV to catch the bad guys and girls. (Smugly knowing women are not as active at murdering as men. ) (Smugly also knowing that most of the men I have known are really great guys) Go for it Dean. I am guessing you belong to the Germanic tribe. ( I notice the new regime are using that word, tribe, a lot) lol.

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Thanks G. I am swaying to the side of -what the hell do I have to lose. Yes - paternal side, German - maternal English. Thanks all for your stories and insight and concerns etc etc. Nice to get all the feedback - a positive for ToTV. BTW, if anyone IS interested in learning more about the DNA stuff - that NOVA episode was so insightful.
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[wmailman]

If you are concerned about privacy with these tests, do what I did and use fake names. 23 and Me allows you to create any name or nickname or initials.

[Loudoll]

Originally Posted by DeanFL

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.
Last night, saw a really good "PBS/NOVA" on 'Secrets in our DNA'. Was so interesting, and left me intrigued to -perhaps- try it out.

Seems to be 3 main companies - Ancestry, 23andMe, CRI Genetics.

Of course once your DNA is on file, there may be privacy issues and ramifications, but nothing in life is without risk IMO.

Anyone here on TV use DNA/Genetic test? Results etc.


link to the Nova episode>

NOVA | Secrets in our DNA | Season 48 | Episode 1 | PBS
.
.

Yes, Ancestry.com and it was fun. The results tracked my people from Europe to Maine and on to my place of birth. My family passed down our history and ancestry which was surprisingly accurate so there were no big surprises at all. I loved it, it's fun.

[terrild53]

I’ve done DNA testing thru Ancestry & 23 and Me because I wanted to connect with other family members on my father’s side. My dad had no information about his father or that side of the family so it has answered a lot of questions for me. I have no issue with my DNA being “out there.” My opinion only.

[PJOHNS2654]

Originally Posted by John_W

Did the family reunion include the original mother? If so, how has time changed her and if you're married now, what does your current wife think? You have enough there to make a modern day sitcom, especially since the girl is Swedish.

The original mother passed away about 15 years ago, never telling my daughter (if she knew for sure) who her father was.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by dewilson58

Send me $100, I'll send you a report that says you are related to George Washington.

George Washington slept around. Especially in North Jersey.

[Cgirmo]

My first cousins found their long lost sister that was adopted through my DNA matching that of the adopted "new" cousin.

[ismatta]

I used Ancestry.com, and it has given me a wealth of information. I have found dozens of relatives of had no clue about, as well a sizable group in Australia who found me and have been corresponding with information on the family I never would have found.

[Worldseries27]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

my interest in dna testing is about the same as astrology. None.

i agree with you my fellow earthling 🌎.
The rest is details

[Worldseries27]

Originally Posted by new englander

i did it and i'm so glad i did. No wonder i'm so smart. I found out i'm a direct descendant of albert einstein.

wow 😲. Mine came back adam & eve

[MoNonnon]

My husband now knows he has a half sister from his father. How great is that? (His Dad has long passed) As soon as Covid is under control, he and his 5 sisters will all meet with her....still no Brother....lol