I watched the first two programs (55 minutes each) of the PBS series Faces of America this evening. I found the shows to be interesting, informative, moving and enjoyable. I encourage you to find time to view the series; all four episodes are currently online.
What made America? What makes us? These two questions are at the heart of the new PBS series Faces of America with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. The Harvard scholar turns to the latest tools of genealogy and genetics to explore the family histories of 12 renowned Americans — professor and poet Elizabeth Alexander, chef Mario Batali, comedian Stephen Colbert, novelist Louise Erdrich, journalist Malcolm Gladwell, actress Eva Longoria, musician Yo-Yo Ma, director Mike Nichols, Her Majesty Queen Noor, television host/heart surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz, actress Meryl Streep, and figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi.
Here’s a spoiler for you — Eva Longoria and Yo-Yo Ma have a common ancestor.
Thanks to my cousin Christina for the reminder. Christina wants us to have our DNA tested to confirm that our mothers’ father is the same man. What makes it interesting is that our mothers were born just 10 weeks apart.
And, yes it’s a documentary, but it really is worth watching.
So, are you going to take the test? 23andme will do an ancestral and health evaluation for $499. It could save your life.
I think you mean it might prolong my life, Brother. We all die.
Besides, Dad lived to 83 and his parents both until 90. Mom died at 48 and her parents at 63 and 35. I’ve already outlived Mom’s lousy genes, so I must have Dad’s better ones. 😉
You should do it. It might prolong your life.