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MyHeritage Upgrades Its Consumer DNA Tests to Whole Genome Sequencing
MyHeritage becomes the first major DNA testing company to fully adopt Whole Genome Sequencing; the upgrade leverages technology by Ultima Genomics and processing at the Gene by Gene lab
TEL AVIV, Israel & LEHI, Utah & HOUSTON & FREMONT, California October 14 , 2025 — MyHeritage, the leading global platform for family history and DNA testing, announced today a landmark move to Whole Genome Sequencing for its at-home DNA test, MyHeritage DNA. Leveraging cutting-edge sequencing technology from Ultima Genomics and processing at the Gene by Gene lab, MyHeritage is the first major consumer DNA testing company to adopt Whole Genome Sequencing at a scale of more than one million tests per year. The enriched data will empower MyHeritage to deliver more accurate ethnicity analysis and DNA matching, and unlock opportunities for future innovation in consumer genomics and genetic genealogy.
Whole Genome Sequencing reads almost the entire human genetic code, covering around 3 billion base pairs (nucleotides). This is superior to the standard genotyping arrays used by most consumer DNA tests, including MyHeritage until recently, which read only about 700,000 base pairs. More data enables deeper insights across all types of genetic analysis. Whole Genome Sequencing is now being applied to most new MyHeritage DNA kits currently being processed at the lab, and to every new MyHeritage DNA kit sold moving forward. MyHeritage DNA kits already processed with the older genotyping array technology will not be reprocessed with Whole Genome Sequencing. Customers whose MyHeritage DNA kits are processed with Whole Genome Sequencing will be able to download their entire genome from MyHeritage at no cost, in CRAM format. They may also unlock additional insights by uploading their data to other trusted genetic service providers that support such uploads.
Due to its high technological potential, MyHeritage has been eying Whole Genome Sequencing for years. A pioneering study by the MyHeritage Science Team published in 2020 validated Whole Genome Sequencing for reliable relative matching at scale. Following that study, MyHeritage has been collaborating closely with Ultima Genomics since its emergence from stealth mode in mid-2022, and later jointly with Gene by Gene, to prepare the scientific and logistical foundation for upgrading the MyHeritage DNA processing pipeline to Whole Genome Sequencing using Ultima’s technology. The upgrade was completed successfully and creates new opportunities for MyHeritage to deliver deeper insights into ethnic origins, family connections, and genetic genealogy, without any price increase to consumers. Even before this upgrade, MyHeritage was consistently the most affordable DNA test on the market among the major DNA testing companies. The upgrade to Whole Genome Sequencing makes the MyHeritage offering even more compelling.
“This is a pivotal moment for genetic genealogy,” said Gilad Japhet, Founder and CEO of MyHeritage. “We are proud to take this pioneering step into Whole Genome Sequencing together with Ultima Genomics and with our longstanding partners at Gene by Gene. MyHeritage customers will enjoy the fruits of this technological upgrade for years to come, through increased accuracy, deeper insights, and exciting new products.”
“MyHeritage’s move to Whole Genome Sequencing marks a major milestone for consumer DNA testing,” said Dr. Gilad Almogy, Founder and CEO of Ultima Genomics. “It demonstrates the scalability and maturity of Ultima’s innovative technology and accelerates the immense value that Whole Genome Sequencing can bring to consumers. It has been a pleasure collaborating with MyHeritage over the past few years, and we are proud to work together with them and Gene by Gene to bring genetic genealogy to new heights for millions of consumers worldwide.”
“The transition to Whole Genome Sequencing represents the most ambitious project in our years-long partnership with MyHeritage,” said Dr. Lior Rauchberger, CEO of Gene by Gene. “We are proud to help set a new standard in consumer genomics and support the growth of what will soon become the world’s largest database of whole genomes. The rollout is centered at Gene by Gene’s state-of-the-art laboratory in Houston, Texas, which will house a large fleet of Ultima UG100™ sequencing instruments.”
https://www.myheritage.com/dna
------------
Hope you all enjoyed the Thanksgiving weekend.
I confess that I have never celebrated a thanksgiving weekend as I was brought up in the Middle East and the UK where it wasn't celebrated. In fact the only two holidays I take are Christmas and New Years Day. All other holidays I ignore and don't take.
My cleaning ladies come every other Monday and so at least 8 of these require a change as they are a local holiday for some reason or another.
Scottish News from this weeks newspapers
I am partly doing this to build an archive of modern news from and about Scotland and world news stories that can affect Scotland and as all the newsletters are archived and also indexed on search engines it becomes a good resource. I might also add that in a number of newspapers you will find many comments which can be just as interesting as the news story itself and of course you can also add your own comments if you wish which I do myself from time to time.
Here is what caught my eye this week...
China Bans Rare Earths Supplying 78% of U.S Military Power
In this explosive update, wolff responds to China's bold decision to ban rare earth exports, a move that threatens 78% of U.S. military supply chains. Wolff responds with a deep dive into the geopolitical and economic implications of this restriction, highlighting America's dependency and strategic vulnerability. As wolff responds, we uncover the hidden power behind rare earth elements and how global superpowers are weaponizing supply chains. Finally, wolff responds to what this means for future U.S.-China relations and the global balance of power.
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/ah77knEZR64?si=RIXKeap6RF-vtMfX
Supreme Court Issues 9-0 Unanimous Decision Changing Second Amendment & 4th Amendment Fight!
The Supreme Court has just issued a unanimous 9-0 decision that’s rewriting how America understands both the Second Amendment and the Fourth Amendment. This ruling could alter how law enforcement conducts searches and how the government regulates firearms all in one case.
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/wZ9RudnDIvU?si=D-otuJcN-bsZF6v9
Scotland has highest rate of violent injuries to school staff in UK as classroom behaviour nosedives
Almost 500 reports of serious injuries to school staff were sent to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in a 10-year period up to March 2024, including fractures, dislocations and loss of consciousness.
Read more at:
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/p...uries-36074177
Conrad Black: Carney's budding bromance with Trump
Has the prime minister finally seen the light and realized the U.S. president is not the enemy he made him out to be?
Read more at:
https://archive.is/2xINx
How recovery was killed in Holyrood committee
Five years inside Scotland’s political machine
Read more at:
https://thinkscotland.org/2025/10/ho...ood-committee/
The kids of Kasama have a chance at life thanks to simple bowl of porridge and kindness of a stranger
Our writer Stevie Gallacher travelled to Zambia with the Scottish-based charity Mary’s Meals to see how their work and the kind donations they’re given are helping to feed children in one of the world’s poorest regions.
Read more at:
https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/on-the...h-marys-meals/
Iconic 100-year-old Scottish sweeties and tablet maker cooks up growth plan
An iconic Perthshire confectionery firm is celebrating its 100th anniversary by introducing a new leadership generation and eyeing increased capacity.
Read more at:
https://www.scotsman.com/business/ic...h-plan-5362332
The U.S. THREATENS China After 78% of American Military Industry Hit by China's Rare Earth Ban
The U.S. China trade war is spiraling into dangerous new territory. China just hit back hard announcing sweeping export restrictions on rare earth minerals, a critical blow to Washington’s defense and tech sectors. With 78% of U.S. military manufacturing depending on rare earth imports from China, this is no small move.
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/72g3OpL2mA8?si=yrvb4lutHahHeOt1
The stunning Canadian island you can see but not touch
Hidden deep in the Rockies and only visible by boat, Spirit Island is one of Canada's most iconic places and a sacred site for those who have sealed it off from the world.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/2...you-cant-visit
Trump’s Tariffs Backfire: Americans Are Paying the Price
Donald Trump’s “Make America Manufacture Again” dream promised booming jobs and stronger domestic industries. But his tariffs on imports didn’t just hit foreign countries—they’ve hit American consumers hard. From inflated prices on imported and domestic goods to rising inflation and higher costs at the checkout, the trade war has become a boomerang. The U.S. economy is slowing, growth is weaker than expected, and Americans are losing soft power abroad. Palki Sharma tells you.
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/lXwa236sxOs?si=mCfQwNgM14LJI6Hp
War Comes Home: Russians In Panic As The Economic Bill Arrives
War comes home—to the wallet. In this week’s Economic Weekly Review, we track reports of people panicking as prices spike, show how fuel, food, and utilities are hitting households and small businesses, and explain the “economic bill” arriving now.
Watch this at:
https://www.youtube.com/live/PUaBCoo...ugZLBxY5cMGTu5
AI, creativity and humanity
Is AI as beneficial or as harmful as we choose to make it? We have to confront the harms and understand how to develop the benefits, argues Dougal Perman in a 3-part analysis for Sceptical Scot
Read more at:
https://sceptical.scot/2025/10/ai-cr...nd-humanity-1/
Electric Canadian
The Flags of our Fighting Army
Including Standards, Guidons, Colours and Drum Banners by Stanley C. Johnson, M.A., D.Sc, F.R.E.S. (1918) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/forc...ghti00john.pdf
The Honourable Alexander Mackenzie
Replaced the video on his page.
You can watch this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/makers/makers/index.htm
Agnes Sorrel Forbes
A Pioneer Missionary to the Peace River District by Janet Bremner (1921) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/make...rel-Forbes.pdf
Thoughts on a Sunday Morning - the 12th day of October 2025 - Thankfulness
By The Rev. Nola Crewe
You can watch this at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/foru...5-thankfulness
The Man from Peace River
A novel by Wallace Q. Reid (1933) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...peaceriver.pdf
The Beaver Magazine
Added No. 1 Outfit 262 June 1931 (pdf)
You can read this issue at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran...erJune1931.pdf
Electric Scotland
Journal of the Royal United Service Institution
January to June, 1911 (pdf)
You can read this issue at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...rvice_Inst.pdf
The Responsible Society
A Thatcherite agenda for the 21st century By Robert Colvile (pdf)
You can read this report at:
https://electricscotland.com/busines..._SOCIETY-1.pdf
Somerville
Added a pdf file of Mary Somerville's family and a link to further information to our page on the name.
You can get to this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...somerville.htm
Samuel Greig
Grand Admiral in the Imperial Russian Navy
You can read about him at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...eig_samuel.htm
My Own Life and Times 1741-1814
By Thomas Somerville, D.D., Minister of Jedburgh, And one of His Majesty's Chaplains in Ordinary (1861) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...00someuoft.pdf
Memoir of the late Dr. Currie of Liverpool (pdf)
You can read this memoir at:
https://electricscotland.com/burns/m...fliverpool.pdf
Memoir of the Life of the much lamented Lieutenant-General Sir R. Abercromby
Late Commander-in-Chief of the British Forces in Egypt (1801) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...bercromby,.pdf
The Medal Collector
A Guide to Naval, Military, Air-Force and Civil Medals and Ribbons by Stantley C. Johnson, M.A., D.Sc., F.R.E.S. (1921) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...00johniala.pdf
The Life and Works of Robert Burns
As originally edited by James Currie, M.D. to which is prefixed a review of the life of Burns, and of various criticisms on his character and writings by Alexander Peterkin (new Edition) in four volumes (1815)
You can read these volumes at:
https://electricscotland.com/burns/l...orkscurrie.htm
The Life and Diary of the Reverend Ralph Erskine, A.M. of Dunfermline
One of the Founders of the Secession Church by Donald Fraser, Minister of the United Associate Congregation, Kennoway, Fifeshire (1834) (pdf)
You can read about him at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...ever00fras.pdf
Story
They Left the Paralyzed Apache Woman to Die
Until a Retired Sheriff Rode In
This is a 40 minute audio story which I enjoyed so thought I'd share it with you.
You can listen to this at:
https://youtu.be/LeuACHhjpvI?si=AMdvKhRpL1hrc3-i
END.
Weekend is almost here and hope it's a good one for you.
Alastair
MyHeritage Upgrades Its Consumer DNA Tests to Whole Genome Sequencing
MyHeritage becomes the first major DNA testing company to fully adopt Whole Genome Sequencing; the upgrade leverages technology by Ultima Genomics and processing at the Gene by Gene lab
TEL AVIV, Israel & LEHI, Utah & HOUSTON & FREMONT, California October 14 , 2025 — MyHeritage, the leading global platform for family history and DNA testing, announced today a landmark move to Whole Genome Sequencing for its at-home DNA test, MyHeritage DNA. Leveraging cutting-edge sequencing technology from Ultima Genomics and processing at the Gene by Gene lab, MyHeritage is the first major consumer DNA testing company to adopt Whole Genome Sequencing at a scale of more than one million tests per year. The enriched data will empower MyHeritage to deliver more accurate ethnicity analysis and DNA matching, and unlock opportunities for future innovation in consumer genomics and genetic genealogy.
Whole Genome Sequencing reads almost the entire human genetic code, covering around 3 billion base pairs (nucleotides). This is superior to the standard genotyping arrays used by most consumer DNA tests, including MyHeritage until recently, which read only about 700,000 base pairs. More data enables deeper insights across all types of genetic analysis. Whole Genome Sequencing is now being applied to most new MyHeritage DNA kits currently being processed at the lab, and to every new MyHeritage DNA kit sold moving forward. MyHeritage DNA kits already processed with the older genotyping array technology will not be reprocessed with Whole Genome Sequencing. Customers whose MyHeritage DNA kits are processed with Whole Genome Sequencing will be able to download their entire genome from MyHeritage at no cost, in CRAM format. They may also unlock additional insights by uploading their data to other trusted genetic service providers that support such uploads.
Due to its high technological potential, MyHeritage has been eying Whole Genome Sequencing for years. A pioneering study by the MyHeritage Science Team published in 2020 validated Whole Genome Sequencing for reliable relative matching at scale. Following that study, MyHeritage has been collaborating closely with Ultima Genomics since its emergence from stealth mode in mid-2022, and later jointly with Gene by Gene, to prepare the scientific and logistical foundation for upgrading the MyHeritage DNA processing pipeline to Whole Genome Sequencing using Ultima’s technology. The upgrade was completed successfully and creates new opportunities for MyHeritage to deliver deeper insights into ethnic origins, family connections, and genetic genealogy, without any price increase to consumers. Even before this upgrade, MyHeritage was consistently the most affordable DNA test on the market among the major DNA testing companies. The upgrade to Whole Genome Sequencing makes the MyHeritage offering even more compelling.
“This is a pivotal moment for genetic genealogy,” said Gilad Japhet, Founder and CEO of MyHeritage. “We are proud to take this pioneering step into Whole Genome Sequencing together with Ultima Genomics and with our longstanding partners at Gene by Gene. MyHeritage customers will enjoy the fruits of this technological upgrade for years to come, through increased accuracy, deeper insights, and exciting new products.”
“MyHeritage’s move to Whole Genome Sequencing marks a major milestone for consumer DNA testing,” said Dr. Gilad Almogy, Founder and CEO of Ultima Genomics. “It demonstrates the scalability and maturity of Ultima’s innovative technology and accelerates the immense value that Whole Genome Sequencing can bring to consumers. It has been a pleasure collaborating with MyHeritage over the past few years, and we are proud to work together with them and Gene by Gene to bring genetic genealogy to new heights for millions of consumers worldwide.”
“The transition to Whole Genome Sequencing represents the most ambitious project in our years-long partnership with MyHeritage,” said Dr. Lior Rauchberger, CEO of Gene by Gene. “We are proud to help set a new standard in consumer genomics and support the growth of what will soon become the world’s largest database of whole genomes. The rollout is centered at Gene by Gene’s state-of-the-art laboratory in Houston, Texas, which will house a large fleet of Ultima UG100™ sequencing instruments.”
https://www.myheritage.com/dna
------------
Hope you all enjoyed the Thanksgiving weekend.
I confess that I have never celebrated a thanksgiving weekend as I was brought up in the Middle East and the UK where it wasn't celebrated. In fact the only two holidays I take are Christmas and New Years Day. All other holidays I ignore and don't take.
My cleaning ladies come every other Monday and so at least 8 of these require a change as they are a local holiday for some reason or another.
Scottish News from this weeks newspapers
I am partly doing this to build an archive of modern news from and about Scotland and world news stories that can affect Scotland and as all the newsletters are archived and also indexed on search engines it becomes a good resource. I might also add that in a number of newspapers you will find many comments which can be just as interesting as the news story itself and of course you can also add your own comments if you wish which I do myself from time to time.
Here is what caught my eye this week...
China Bans Rare Earths Supplying 78% of U.S Military Power
In this explosive update, wolff responds to China's bold decision to ban rare earth exports, a move that threatens 78% of U.S. military supply chains. Wolff responds with a deep dive into the geopolitical and economic implications of this restriction, highlighting America's dependency and strategic vulnerability. As wolff responds, we uncover the hidden power behind rare earth elements and how global superpowers are weaponizing supply chains. Finally, wolff responds to what this means for future U.S.-China relations and the global balance of power.
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/ah77knEZR64?si=RIXKeap6RF-vtMfX
Supreme Court Issues 9-0 Unanimous Decision Changing Second Amendment & 4th Amendment Fight!
The Supreme Court has just issued a unanimous 9-0 decision that’s rewriting how America understands both the Second Amendment and the Fourth Amendment. This ruling could alter how law enforcement conducts searches and how the government regulates firearms all in one case.
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/wZ9RudnDIvU?si=D-otuJcN-bsZF6v9
Scotland has highest rate of violent injuries to school staff in UK as classroom behaviour nosedives
Almost 500 reports of serious injuries to school staff were sent to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in a 10-year period up to March 2024, including fractures, dislocations and loss of consciousness.
Read more at:
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/p...uries-36074177
Conrad Black: Carney's budding bromance with Trump
Has the prime minister finally seen the light and realized the U.S. president is not the enemy he made him out to be?
Read more at:
https://archive.is/2xINx
How recovery was killed in Holyrood committee
Five years inside Scotland’s political machine
Read more at:
https://thinkscotland.org/2025/10/ho...ood-committee/
The kids of Kasama have a chance at life thanks to simple bowl of porridge and kindness of a stranger
Our writer Stevie Gallacher travelled to Zambia with the Scottish-based charity Mary’s Meals to see how their work and the kind donations they’re given are helping to feed children in one of the world’s poorest regions.
Read more at:
https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/on-the...h-marys-meals/
Iconic 100-year-old Scottish sweeties and tablet maker cooks up growth plan
An iconic Perthshire confectionery firm is celebrating its 100th anniversary by introducing a new leadership generation and eyeing increased capacity.
Read more at:
https://www.scotsman.com/business/ic...h-plan-5362332
The U.S. THREATENS China After 78% of American Military Industry Hit by China's Rare Earth Ban
The U.S. China trade war is spiraling into dangerous new territory. China just hit back hard announcing sweeping export restrictions on rare earth minerals, a critical blow to Washington’s defense and tech sectors. With 78% of U.S. military manufacturing depending on rare earth imports from China, this is no small move.
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/72g3OpL2mA8?si=yrvb4lutHahHeOt1
The stunning Canadian island you can see but not touch
Hidden deep in the Rockies and only visible by boat, Spirit Island is one of Canada's most iconic places and a sacred site for those who have sealed it off from the world.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/2...you-cant-visit
Trump’s Tariffs Backfire: Americans Are Paying the Price
Donald Trump’s “Make America Manufacture Again” dream promised booming jobs and stronger domestic industries. But his tariffs on imports didn’t just hit foreign countries—they’ve hit American consumers hard. From inflated prices on imported and domestic goods to rising inflation and higher costs at the checkout, the trade war has become a boomerang. The U.S. economy is slowing, growth is weaker than expected, and Americans are losing soft power abroad. Palki Sharma tells you.
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/lXwa236sxOs?si=mCfQwNgM14LJI6Hp
War Comes Home: Russians In Panic As The Economic Bill Arrives
War comes home—to the wallet. In this week’s Economic Weekly Review, we track reports of people panicking as prices spike, show how fuel, food, and utilities are hitting households and small businesses, and explain the “economic bill” arriving now.
Watch this at:
https://www.youtube.com/live/PUaBCoo...ugZLBxY5cMGTu5
AI, creativity and humanity
Is AI as beneficial or as harmful as we choose to make it? We have to confront the harms and understand how to develop the benefits, argues Dougal Perman in a 3-part analysis for Sceptical Scot
Read more at:
https://sceptical.scot/2025/10/ai-cr...nd-humanity-1/
Electric Canadian
The Flags of our Fighting Army
Including Standards, Guidons, Colours and Drum Banners by Stanley C. Johnson, M.A., D.Sc, F.R.E.S. (1918) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/forc...ghti00john.pdf
The Honourable Alexander Mackenzie
Replaced the video on his page.
You can watch this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/makers/makers/index.htm
Agnes Sorrel Forbes
A Pioneer Missionary to the Peace River District by Janet Bremner (1921) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/make...rel-Forbes.pdf
Thoughts on a Sunday Morning - the 12th day of October 2025 - Thankfulness
By The Rev. Nola Crewe
You can watch this at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/foru...5-thankfulness
The Man from Peace River
A novel by Wallace Q. Reid (1933) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...peaceriver.pdf
The Beaver Magazine
Added No. 1 Outfit 262 June 1931 (pdf)
You can read this issue at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran...erJune1931.pdf
Electric Scotland
Journal of the Royal United Service Institution
January to June, 1911 (pdf)
You can read this issue at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...rvice_Inst.pdf
The Responsible Society
A Thatcherite agenda for the 21st century By Robert Colvile (pdf)
You can read this report at:
https://electricscotland.com/busines..._SOCIETY-1.pdf
Somerville
Added a pdf file of Mary Somerville's family and a link to further information to our page on the name.
You can get to this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...somerville.htm
Samuel Greig
Grand Admiral in the Imperial Russian Navy
You can read about him at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...eig_samuel.htm
My Own Life and Times 1741-1814
By Thomas Somerville, D.D., Minister of Jedburgh, And one of His Majesty's Chaplains in Ordinary (1861) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...00someuoft.pdf
Memoir of the late Dr. Currie of Liverpool (pdf)
You can read this memoir at:
https://electricscotland.com/burns/m...fliverpool.pdf
Memoir of the Life of the much lamented Lieutenant-General Sir R. Abercromby
Late Commander-in-Chief of the British Forces in Egypt (1801) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...bercromby,.pdf
The Medal Collector
A Guide to Naval, Military, Air-Force and Civil Medals and Ribbons by Stantley C. Johnson, M.A., D.Sc., F.R.E.S. (1921) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...00johniala.pdf
The Life and Works of Robert Burns
As originally edited by James Currie, M.D. to which is prefixed a review of the life of Burns, and of various criticisms on his character and writings by Alexander Peterkin (new Edition) in four volumes (1815)
You can read these volumes at:
https://electricscotland.com/burns/l...orkscurrie.htm
The Life and Diary of the Reverend Ralph Erskine, A.M. of Dunfermline
One of the Founders of the Secession Church by Donald Fraser, Minister of the United Associate Congregation, Kennoway, Fifeshire (1834) (pdf)
You can read about him at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...ever00fras.pdf
Story
They Left the Paralyzed Apache Woman to Die
Until a Retired Sheriff Rode In
This is a 40 minute audio story which I enjoyed so thought I'd share it with you.
You can listen to this at:
https://youtu.be/LeuACHhjpvI?si=AMdvKhRpL1hrc3-i
END.
Weekend is almost here and hope it's a good one for you.
Alastair