So, a while back my daughter and I got our genetic testing results back. Yes, we bought into the pitch that 23 and Me is all about real science, real data and genetic insights. Besides confirming that Jen is ACTUALLY my daughter, I was surprised that my genetic make up puts me squarely in the Irish, English, Scottish and Eastern European arenas. The real surprise came when I received an email from my daughter who was reviewing my results and she, gleefully, wrote, ‘Dad, you have 42% of Neanderthal DNA’……She was quick to point out that her Neanderthal DNA was only 9%. She attributed this to her being further down the evolutionary chain than I am.(Jen did have better SAT scores than me).
So, my friends, think twice about doing this. You may just be surprised at what you’ll find out…
Ed Kowalski is a Pleasant Valley resident, media voice, and policy-focused professional whose work sits at the intersection of law, public policy, and community life. Ed has spent his career working in senior leadership roles across human resources, compliance, and operations, helping organizations navigate complex legal and regulatory environments. His work has focused on accountability, risk management, workforce issues, and translating policy and law into practical outcomes that affect people’s jobs, livelihoods, and communities. Ed is also a familiar voice in the Hudson Valley media landscape. He most recently served as the morning host of Hudson Valley This Morning on WKIP and is currently a frequent contributor to Hudson Valley Focus with Tom Sipos on Pamal Broadcasting. In addition, Ed is the creator of The Valley Viewpoint, a commentary and narrative platform focused on law, justice, government accountability, and the real-world impact of public policy. Across broadcast and written media, Ed’s work emphasizes transparency, access to justice, institutional integrity, and public trust. Ed is a graduate of Xavier High School, Fordham University, and Georgetown University, holding a Certificate in Business Leadership from Georgetown. His Jesuit education shaped his belief that ideas carry obligations—and that leadership requires both discipline and moral clarity. He lives in Pleasant Valley.
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