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We huddled in the dark, breathing deeply, nervously.
"It's almost time," someone whispered. "Everybody ready?"
Um, no.
My heart was pounding, my stomach lurching. Earlier, as a joke, I'd dangled an airsickness bag in front of my fellow thespians, asking if anyone needed it. Well, I sure did now.
The soft notes of "Cabaret," plinked out on the piano, drifted back into the wings, cuing us to our first number.
We couldn't put it off any longer. It was time.
The door swung open; we scrambled out into the theater.
Up flashed the blinding stage lights, blurring people in the audience into fuzzy halos.
My mind went blank.
Why did I think this was a good idea?
Oh yeah, I didn't.
Patty did.
• • •
"It will be so much fun. You have to do this."
My co-worker Patty was on the other end of the phone. She ticked off the names of people she'd already sucked into taking the Live Theatre Workshop's adult musical theater class. Patty can be pretty persuasive. Or pushy, depending on how you looked at it.
But the truth is, it did sound kind of fun. Sounded kind of dirty, too, adult musical theater? No stripper poles were involved - it was classified as adult because Live Theatre's classes are mostly for kids and teens. I was one of those. Once.
A long, long time ago in a southeast-side high school, a little, darkened theater was where I found myself.
In high school - no matter the generation - you've got some basic categories: jocks, burnouts, band nerds, drama nerds, school nerds. I straddled those last two, but after auditioning for the school musical as a freshman, I identified with the theater kids. It was just a small part in "Oklahoma!" but I was hooked, taking drama classes, even going to a few, open casting calls for movies. In college, I auditioned for the local Gaslight Theatre, known for its fun, high audience-involvement melodramas. Didn't get a part. And that was that.
At the risk of sounding like a voice-over from one of those poignant, coming-of-age movies, you grow up. You realize dreams are just that, dreams. You move on, and that's OK. In fact, that's life. No regrets.
Here was a chance to revisit acting and that special cast comaraderie for 10 weeks. Whoa. That sounded like a long time. Plus, there was a performance at the end.
"You don't have to do it," Patty insisted.
Yeah, that turned out not to be true.
But, even if a live performance didn't sound as exciting as it once did, an hour and a half out of the house every week sounded pretty darn awesome. Maybe I'd even get out of fixing dinner.
"I'll do it."
• • •
That first class, I had butterflies. Or so I thought. It could've been the Red Vines - I'd been chain-eating them before I left the house, looking for strength in sugar. Live Theatre, with its dim lighting and small stage, felt both scary and like home.
"I was thinking about what I was going to say to you, and there are two things," Michael Martinez our director, told us. "First, I want to tell you, you shouldn't be scared. The second thing is, you should be scared."
This class, he said, wasn't about the final product but getting outside of our comfort zone - and more importantly, having fun.
Our group of seven included a preschool director and associate director, a college academic advisor, a retired Air Force guy and three jaded journalists. Six of us had dabbled in acting once upon a time in school. Theater now, to three classmates who were moms, meant shuttling kids to Live Theatre's classes.
Martinez handed us each an apple-red folder. "There's homework."
Tucked inside were a syllabus, sheet music and scenes from contemporary plays. In a few months, we'd perform this stuff. But first, we had to memorize - lines, dance steps, songs. We'd use parts of our brains that'd long been dormant. Did they even work any more?
Week after week, we practiced and did goofy warmups. While Martinez marveled at working with adults who have fully-developed motor skills, he failed to realize we weren't as agile as the kiddos he usually teaches.
"Be a banana, be, be a banana," he chanted, his arms flailing. We gamely followed along, until Martinez got down on all fours and flopped onto his back, "Be a cow, be, be a cow. Have a cow, have, have a cow."
Grownups don't do that, we had to tell him. Not because it's silly but because that is how you throw out a back and screw up knees.
It took several classes before we - OK, me - didn't feel like a stiff drink was needed before walking into the little theater. It became fun. When one week was canceled, we got together anyway and held our own practice.
Things were trucking along nicely, until the final run-through.
Everyone felt unsure. We tried to get Martinez to push the show back.
Ever upbeat, he talked us off the ledge. In a way.
"Let's jump," he said. "We've got a parachute - you've been working for weeks. You know this."
But just in case, Amanda Gremel - who'd co-taught the class and choreographed our dances - would be stationed in the front row, with scripts, and subtlely miming dance steps. She'd have our backs.
If the worst happens and we blank, Martinez said, it's OK. "My biggest note for everybody: Don't freak. If you go blank, just be quiet. Don't break character. Although it feels panicky and scary, people out there in the audience don't know."
Plus, Gremel reminded us, "It's friends and family who'll be watching."
Not necessarily the friendliest audience. My youngest kid asked if he could bring tomatoes.
• • •
Backstage, just minutes before curtain, we organized props and costumes and tried not to panic. Some squeezed drops of Rescue Remedy, a homeopathic de-stress potion, into their mouths while others relied on a few sips of a not-so-homeopathic stress reliever that required a bottle opener.
Then it was time.
We scurried out, in a line, taking our places and even though just a half hour earlier Martinez had run us through the dance numbers twice, I got flustered. Nervous, anxious, excited, I kicked my right leg and squeaked out the first notes of "Lullaby of Broadway" before quickly realizing my mistake: "Cabaret" was the opener.
From my quasi-hidden, or so I hoped, spot in the back I looked up at the front row. Diana Wilson - the academic advisor whose sons are Live Theatre veterans - was beaming. A month into the workshop, as a few of us - OK, me - grumbled about singing solos Wilson said, "What's the worst that can happen? We make fools of ourselves every day."
So true.
And, we didn't make fools of ourselves. Sure we forgot some lines, and did a few dance steps at the wrong time. But no one threw up or had a panic attack or flat-out collapsed on stage. Even the arts writer, who had threatened to do just that, stayed vertical through the whole thing.
The 45-minute show seemed to go at warp speed; it was over as quickly as it started. Our audience clapped and whistled appreciatively.
"What a rush!" Kariman Pierce exclaimed, as we hurried to clear out before the real actors arrived for a show.
For her, the performance was a chance to check something off the ol' bucket list - she'd wanted to perform "Nothing" from "A Chorus Line" since she was in high school but hadn't had the nerve until now.
Pierce's friend and co-worker, Jenny Douglas, spoke eloquently at the very first gathering about how, as a preschool director, she asked kids to take risks all the time. It was only fair she did. "Life is too short not to take a risk," she said.
Her three kids - who dubbed the class "Grown-up Glee" - all caught the acting bug after watching her perform.
For busy retiree Bruce Krech, Adult Musical Theater gave him a chance to share a hobby with his two granddaughters.
And for everyone, it was a chance to bond over the shared, anxiety-filled experience that is live theater. Most of us are at a point where our lives really aren't our own - we're putting our families first, shuttling kids to their activities, cheering on their victories. This was all ours.
I think the best part was the flurry of emails the morning of the show, venting about nerves, tossing off lines and just encouraging each other.
When we left the theater that Saturday evening, we said we'd see each other again in the fall. Maybe we all will. At the very least, I'm going to pretend there's still class Saturday afternoons.
Live Theatre Workshop
5317 E. Speedway, 327-4242. livetheatreworkshop.org
•MixTape - an adult, ensemble class that focuses on physical theater - holds its performance 7:30 p.m. May 23.
•The next adult musical theater class is scheduled to start Aug. 10.
Contact Kristen Cook at email@example.com or 573-4194.


text:
The reason I don't mention any of my clients anymore when I write is because it implied a bias that doesn't exist, or I should say, it implies a source for bias that isn't accurate. It also reinforces the belief that people put words in my mouth, and given that has never been true, I don't see any point in doing that.
I, and my editors, do pick controversial subjects and try to attack them from unpopular positions. I do that not to drive purchase decisions; in fact I seldom recommend products, but to help people think through issues. But, when you say things folks don't like, I've learned they will not only attack you, they will attack your income, your family, and your reputation (often in that order). I don't think that is right and I don't want anyone else taking the heat for what I write. I assure you it is all me, it may be dumb or idiotic or even biased, but it isn't bought. And I won't imply otherwise.
At one time I too thought client disclosure should be a practice for industry analysts and when I first started writing for Ziff Davis all clients were listed. At the time I believed in the practice, but that list then became what people wanted to attack and instead of staying on topic. It became a problem for both Ziff and me, and, if you look, you'll see they don't do it anymore with anyone either.
Financial Analyst Assumption was Wrong
The reason financial analysts have to disclose is because they were caught lying. And they have to disclose not their clients, but companies they have invested in. For instance, if a company was using them to help their own investments that doesn't need to be disclosed. They only need to disclose companies if they actively trade in the company's stock. The trigger for this was that during the HP Merger one of the firms who came out public ally for the merger was against it privately and was both connected to the event financially and got caught.
There has been no similar event for industry analysts, and even though every firm and most independents have Microsoft and others as clients, we are hardly, as a group, accused of being overly positive about any vendor particularly Microsoft. There is one company that is clearly an exception, but that is because they make a business out of writing marketing collateral for vendors and they really should be thought of more as PR than industry analysts.
I do think investments in a company should be disclosed and don't maintain investments in any in technology companies for that very reason.
What we are trying to get to with rules like this is the disclosure of BIAS. But that can have causes much deeper than a client relationship. Take Linux for example: there is no Linux company to work for or have as a client (to be clear I mean no company called "Linux", there clearly is Red Hat or Novell, but I'm talking about bias that would apply to contributors), so no related disclosure would even make sense. In case of the folks who have a pro Linux or Apple Bias, what do they disclose?
Perhaps the disclosure that they personally hate Microsoft or contribute to Linux would more accurately identify bias, or perhaps that they simply hate rich people and think Bill Gates should be stopped. Maybe if we required every writer tell their entire life story that would properly and completely identify their bias.
I had one guy last year, after I called HD-DVD the winner of the High Definition disk wars, say I only did this because Microsoft supported HD-DVD and it took another reader to point out he was one of the leading Blu-Ray advocates.
A few years ago I wrote a piece favoring one vendor over another. I got a call on my drive home from a guy who said he was an IT manager and that I was dead wrong and should print a retraction. After pounding on him over the phone he finally admitted to working for the vendor I hadn't favored, he'd lied about his title and his employment. Employees do this all of the time in posts and they are really hard to catch.
We all have bias, it comes with being human. The trained analyst, because it is actually part of the post-graduate courses in market analysis (something that isn't a requirement to be an analyst), is supposed to factor their bias out. In fact, in a formal report you are supposed to identify the bias and what has been done to eliminate it. I should add I haven't actually seen this done since I left college.
You should realize however, that this isn't an analyst report; it is a blog, and unbiased blogs are kind of dull. If you don't take a position what do you write about, really?
Apple and Linux Attacks
Both Apple supporters and Linux supporters use as their primary response to anyone writing something that isn't positive about their preferred platform that they are paid by Microsoft, whether it is true or not. In fact, I'm not even sure they really care. It is interesting, though not surprising, to note they virtually never identify who they are or who they work for.
I've never been anti-Linux; I've been against the abusive behavior of Linux supporters and take consistent exception to the same behavior from Apple supporters. I think anyone who, in their role as IT managers, chooses a product for any personal reason rather than what is best for their company should be fired. The very first thing I wrote on Linux said exactly that and used a real CIO who choose Linux without even bothering to see if it was the right choice for her company as an example.
To be clear, in terms of sequence of events, I started pointing out the faults in Open Source and Linux before Microsoft was a client. In fact, to be able to do this was one of the primary reasons I resigned my job at Forrester.
As the Senior Research Fellow I didn't feel there should be any topic off of the table for me. I saw that as part of my job, but Forrester disagreed and, because this initial column had created a lot of controversy, I should point out that when my management read it they didn't disagree with the work or the findings (I should point out that virtually everyone who took exception to this column hadn't actually read it), I was told to leave that subject alone. I disagreed, and I'm free to talk about any subject I choose today. And, I'm sure not going to let a bunch of Linux or Apple fans have the power I was unwilling to give to my employer.
If I have a bias it resulted from massive, and unfounded, personal attacks not from anything connected with Microsoft.
Perhaps I should simply disclose at the end of the related piece that any bias may be the result of personal attacks and threats against my family from OSS and Apple supporters. That actually doesn't happen that much anymore, though, and I sure don't want that to change.
Free Speech: Open Discussion
I feel strongly that people in my position should be free to raise objections and to point out potential problems. I'm aware that when that doesn't happen you get things like the disaster that was client/server computing in the '80s (which we later found out was a train wreck) and we get the mess the U.S. now has in the Middle East.
It's difficult for any of us to get around the accusation of bias. One of my editors, when challenged by readers on my work or the work of any of my peers, with regard to bias, asks the reader to point it out. Specifically to showcase where the argument was poorly formed or clearly slanted in the direction they contend. According to him, none of them respond.
The Trigger Event for this Post
Recently, and what prompted this post, was a discussion on the Linux brand and how the lack of clear ownership had allowed it to be positioned as anti-American. I took the position that the positioning of the brand in this was probably going to damage the product and that brand ownership that people who used the technology should be prepared for questions that might result.
In this instance the trigger event was news coverage on a Cuban IT event which became political and anti-American and how Linux was positioned at the event, not by Microsoft, but by one of the leading Linux spokesmen and the Cuban minister as being anti-American. To show bias you would need to show why someone reasonable and independent from either side would have concluded differently, in other words that a reasonable person would think that connecting Linux to an anti-American movement was a good thing. I'd love to see that. Really, I would love to see that argument made.
This is About Being Honest
Because folks can't seem to challenge the argument they instead attack personally by calling names or to suggest the opinion is paid for. This is similar to the U.S. President saying that the reason the Democrats are against the troop build-up in Iraq is because they are running for office for the opposing party.While their running may be true, his statement keeps him from having to argue the points they make and they clearly need to be argued. It is effective, but I don't think it is wise, because it covers up rather than fixes problems that could be real. I think it is in our best interest that the points be addressed.
One final thought on this subject; let's take Oracle as an example. Let's say I post a piece that says Oracle is executing very well and that they manage their brand better than any large IT company and then say they are a client. That implies what I said wasn't true, even though it clearly is, lowering its impact.
Now let's say I write that Oracle is often considered by IT buyers as an opponent and that at least one has said something to the effect, "we don't know who Larry's enemy is, but we're afraid it's us," which is also true, and I say Oracle is a client. One, they probably won't be for long, and two it makes it look like I'm personally attacking a client. The false implication in both cases is that Oracle is somehow responsible for the post.
In the end there are three reasons I think an analyst shouldn't disclose their clients: One, it puts the clients themselves at risk; two, it implies bias that may not exist; and three, it probably has nothing what so ever to do with whether what was written is accurate or not. The exceptions are, if a vendor is paying for the piece, that needs to be disclosed, and if the analyst actually contributed to what they are commenting on, because they are commenting on their own work, that too should be disclosed.
In short, if a disclosure increases the accuracy of a message it should be done, if it decreases it or causes unneeded harm, it shouldn't be done.
My Commitment to You
I'll be as straight as I can be with you, but I'm human and can be tricked or misled or simply confused and will probably make mistakes. In other words, I'm not going to pledge to be anything but the best I can be. You'll get some of my best work, but I'll probably have bad days. If you post a question, I do my best to give you an honest answer and will work very hard to keep it out of the weeds or from being personal.
I may respond in kind to personal attacks, but will make every effort to keep from initiating them. I'll even take suggestions, if you think there is something that isn't being covered, particularly if you think people are afraid to cover it, bring it here and let's see if we can't at least talk about the fear.
I won't pretend to be Dr. Phil, but I am committed to keeping the kinds of problems that happen because people are afraid to bring up subjects that should be discussed from happening. The need for that, particularly here in the U.S., has never been more clear to me.
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Wednesday, January 30, 2008
The AWESOME
The concept is simple. You type in a song or band that you like, and Pandora will generate a radio station for you that has similar types of music. I created R.E.M. Radio and Indigo Girls Radio today. I'm encouraged, because the Indigo Girls station played Brandi Carlile and Cowboy Junkies, both of which I also like; it also played an artist I hadn't heard of before, which is a great way to learn about new music.
The best thing about Pandora is that it's free, as long as you can put up with the ads. The worst thing is that it might be the ultimate in ways to procrastinate, which I really don't need. And now I will stop my Pandora ad campaign.
Happy listening!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Ah, you crazy, run-on sentence loving, social scientists!
Anyway, I'm forced to agree that sociologists (and social scientists more generally) are, what my husband would say, "wordy bastards." I ran across one such example just now while reading an article. Does this sentence make anybody's else brain hurt? It makes sense, but it takes a couple readings to put it all together in logical order. Perhaps we should all strive for more parsimony in our sentences, even if we end up with twice as many.
"We hypothesized that this effect would be enhanced when youths were asked explicitly to focus on similarities between the self and successful others or on differences between the self and failing others versus situaitons in which they were asked to focus on similarities between the self and failing others or on differences between the self and successful others" (Oyserman, Grant, and Ager 1995).
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
This Makes Teaching Worth It
I've come to the conclusion that I get lower results on my course evaluations than some of my peers because my 400-level class is, wait for it... hard. Yes, folks, I require my students to write (a lot), to critically appraise and analyze the information I give them, and in general, to use their brains more than they might in other sociology classes. In return, they get a teacher who is almost always available to them for help (although very few come to see me), who takes time to write comments on their papers, and who truly cares about what I'm doing.
I've resigned myself to the lower teaching evaluations, although this did take time and maturity. When I despair, I remind myself of the professor who once said, "If I get perfect evaluations, I'm doing something wrong. If I'm truly challenging students, some won't like it."
So, that's why it's so nice for me to get positive feedback from my students, like the email I got today from "Joe Student." I won the award he's discussing last year, but this is an amazing compliment all the same. So I'm going to take the risk of bragging today on my blog and present Joe's email in its entirety.
Thank you, Joe, for making my day.
Prof. Idealist -
I hope this email finds you doing well and enjoying your classes in this new semester. Recently, they handed out the nomination sheets for graduate student teachers in the sociology department. I was surprised to not see your name on the sheet, as i had called the department a few months back asking about how to nominate teachers. I feel that you deserve recognition for the amount of time and effort you put forth in our preparation and presentation of your classes. Your class, though very challenging, was as equally rewarding, and has molded me into a more successful student. Many of my classmates felt you had us do too much writing, and complained as such. I agreed that there was alot of writing, however, if anyone actually read the comments you left, it would become apparent that you spent just as much time reading and critiquing our arguments as we spent formulating them. Given the large size of the class, andthe manner in which you thoroughly graded our papers, i believe that alone merits recognition. Yet, i think its more than that. The in-class discussions were excellent and generated many different points of view. You challenged us to look past the status quo and question accepted points of view, and to put our thoughts into arguments furthering our academic development. Lastly, you were always extremly well prepared for class. Your enthusiasim for the subject matter shone bright, and helped spur our interest in areas that were perhaps less exciting. Throughout my college career, i have expreienced a smorgasboard of different professors of various learning styles, personalities, and approaches. However, i have not come across a professor who was able to balance being extremly challenging, interesting, and more than fair all in one. If for some reason you are precluded from being on this ballet, i will do my best to make sure you recieve recognition in some way, and i thank you for the opportunity you have given me, and making me a better student. Good luck this semester, keep up the good work!
- Joe Student
*I also do not trust teacher course evaluations in their current form. The primary question on our t.c.e.'s is "What is your overall rating of this instructor's teaching effectiveness?" There are quite a few problems with this question, but the main one is that this is very ambiguous. How are we to know that what I deem effective is the same as what Tom deems effective, or Marcy, or Julie, etc... For me as a student, a challenging course indicated an effective instructor, but for some, an easy course where the student learns a lot of facts may indicate effectiveness, and we haven't even yet touched on learning styles. From a methodological standpoint, teacher course evaluations are a nightmare.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Knee Deep
I'm sure this is a common feeling, but right now I feel that although I think I know a lot about the subject I study, in reality I know quite little, and that makes me feel very uneasy.*
When can you tell yourself enough is enough and start writing already?
It's probably not nearly as bad as I'm making it out to be, and I could be laboring under unrealistic perfectionist ambitions. But in the meantime, discouragement is setting in.
*This is after studying the same concept for the past 6 years. Ugh!!!


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Close your eyes for a moment and think about the last thing you loved, now remember that feeling. That feeling of warmth and happiness, sprinkled with security and a sense of belonging; it's good enough to make your heart smile.
Unravel centers around Yarny, a small creature made of red yarn, who explores the world around him by using his own body. As Yarny moves, the twine which he is made of unravels, creating lines which the player must use to solve puzzles and progress in the game.
According to the game's developer and creative director, Martin Sahlin, the yarn that makes up Yarny represents love, and that the character unravels as he travels away from what he loves. In its essence, this is Unravel, and how it makes you feel is love incarnate.
From the beginning, Unravel is a 2D sight to behold. Crisp with color, it's like seeing the world anew. The environment breathes with each and every step you take, while you use the objects and the landscape around you to complete various tasks like wrapping your yarn around certain objects and hooks in order to further proceed or find your way back to the start of the game. There are wondrous ponds to cross, grass that sways in the breeze, and cartons and cans that you can push and pull towards you.
Then there's Yarny himself. This tiny stick figure made of red yarn is filled with heartfelt expression and childlike curiosity. As Yarny goes about his tasks, walking further into the grasslands, traces of yarn unravel behind him. In case he gets lost, he always knows how to find his way back. You can use his yarn to grapple onto hooks and use it to form a bridge, and jumping on the unspooled pieces of yarn provides momentum to get to higher spots just out of reach. Water is not so kind to Yarny, so you must find a way to avoid rippling puddles or bouncing droplets from a well. Balancing on objects or using fallen apples also helps; each part of the environment becomes your tool.
Like most games, Unravel becomes more challenging the further you travel. The two levels that were available were rather simple at first. After leaving home, Yarny explores the world outside the sunny and welcoming backyard. You have to get past various objects such as sea-saws, and you also have to climb benches. Using your yarn, or using yarn that's spread throughout the level, you lasso your way to the other side, lifting yourself up. Then there are more complicated puzzles where you have to form patterns with your yarn in combination with using items to launch yourself higher.
Despite all the puzzles and the various motions of the game, there's an easy pace to everything which adds to the game's delight. There will be moments when you have to stop playing in order to figure out how to approach the game, and while it's easy for Yarny to sit there and do nothing, the developers did something clever about this. When Yarny is not in motion, he stares directly at you inquisitively; wondering what's going on in that head of yours. There are moments when an image of a person passes by in the wind, making Yarny reach out to touch it. He's in his own little world, taking pleasure in everything.
Unravel is a game built on love, personality and wonderment; reaching into your soul as you continue to play. The mechanics are simple and pleasant but never once do you become bored or unchallenged. This is a game for all to experience and is a privilege to play. It further proves you don't need explosions or flashy gameplay in a title; just time and appreciation for beauty and life.
Unravel will release in 2016 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC in 2016.


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Dale Earnhardt Jr. proposes to longtime girlfriend Amy Reimann
We can't call this a fast track to romance, since these two have been dating since 2009. But Dale Earnhardt Jr. finally put a ring on it and proposed to his longtime girlfriend Amy Reimann on Wednesday.
It happened in Germany, where the NASCAR star went to research his genealogy.
She shared the news on Twitter in a photo where she was sure to show off her new ring.
I'm completely overwhelmed with love & joy. Happiest girl in the world! I love you so much @DaleJr pic.twitter.com/lBxbFLJ4xf— Amy Reimann (@Amy_Reimann) June 17, 2015
The 40-year-old bachelor isn't known for parading girlfriends around in public. But fans had started bugging him lately, especially on Twitter, about Reimann.
No word on a wedding date. Here's hoping that doesn't take another six years.
Congrats to both!
Looking forward to the rest of my life with this amazing girl. https://t.co/EuGZbCVynM— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) June 17, 2015


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I have been in active practice for about 53 years and have a unique distinction of having been consulted by Hon'ble Courts from several states in India, almost by every Nationalised Bank, Various Foreign Banks from several parts of India including foreign clients from abroad. I have been on the panel of several Nationalised and foreign Banks and Govt. Undertakings. I have appeared in numerous departmental enquiries conducted by several Banks, Govt. Undertakings & have given evidence before several Hon'ble courts all over India (about 17 states) including Central Vigilance Commission, DRTS, TADA Courts, Special CIB Courts including Dept. Enquiries pertaining to various Banks & Government Undertakings.
This site may not be construed as a mere solo celeberation of a single individual but a glorious triumphant recognition of the collective services of many more other famous experts attached to this establishment in the past.
Our office occupies a high pedestal in terms of reputation and its sustenance and is probably the oldest existing office of the ― "Document Examiners" in the World today. It has produced several Experts of eminence in this profession. It was established way back in 1935 by my revered late Father Pt. Ugrasen Kashyap, who was a versatile genius, a colossal in the field, an erudite scholar, an educationist and an original thinker. He utilized his prodigy in editing various acclaimed journals on document examination in pre-independent era dominated by the colonial prejudice not very conducive for the growth of budding native experts those days in this field due to the prejudiced ourlook and keen patronage granted to the Anglo Indian Experts by the Bench. He in the midst of a stiff opposition won laurels all over India and Abroad having earned recognition for his precocity, brilliance, incorruptibility and accolade from such colossals as A.S. Osborn (Author of Several World Famous Books on the subject of questioned document examination) and Mr. Ordway Hilton, a modern giant in this field. He practised between the years 1935 to 1982 at this office.
"Rome was not built in a day" is a well known adage applied quite apposite in a proper context to our establishment. As I nostalgically contemplate about this historical establishment, my thoughts go embalmed with deepest gratitude to my elder brothers and all those whose contributions in shaping the destiny of this office are in no measure insignificant.
It is a cruel travesty of destiny exploited by the bedlam of history that the vibrantly glorious contributions of notable deserving men may be lost under the rubble of stony silence of the past. My endeavors are to retrieve and resurrect them for the benefit of the present generation and the posterity.
My opinion & personal evidence before Hon'ble High Court of Singapore were graciously accepted in 1997. Our office has been receiving Original documents for opinion from Hon'ble Civil, Criminal & Revenue Courts, Banks, Govt. Undertakings, DRTs, Police Departments & Private Parties from all over India & abroad for about 81 years since 1935.
I have examined thousands of contested documents including disputed cheques, stolen DDs, Cheques, Withdrawals, tempered and altered ledger sheets, loan papers, R.T.C.S., vouchers, applications, Marriage certificates, Letters of registration, Election Petitions, partition deeds, rent deeds, love letters, threatening letters, suicide notes, wills, promissory notes and Sale Deeds etc. received from various Courts, Banks, Police Departments, Govt. Undertakings and Private Parties among others in various scripts.
I belong to an illustrious family of experts & our office, the oldest in India is running since 1935. I received my initial training from my father Pt. Ugrasen Kashyap who was a stalwart in this profession for about 51 years. I also received my training from 3 other Senior Experts including Mr. V.N. Sehgal, Ex. Director, Central Forensic Science Laboratory Govt. of India, Ministry of Home Affairs, CBI. Further, I received my advanced training from International Association for Identification (IAI) at Orlando and Metro Dade Police Training Department at Miami (USA). I was also a delegate at the 150th anniversary of the Royal Microscopical Society, London in 1989 and at the International Association for Identification Conference, Orlando (USA) in 1983. I went on a training and lecture tour abroad and also visited several important Laboratories like the Ontario Provincial Police Laboratory Documents' Section at the Centre of Forensic Sciences, Toronto (Canada) on two successive occasions to acquire the latest knowledge in the techniques of detection of forgeries and development of latent fingerprints. I was appointed as Regional Vice President for India in recognition of my professional standing by International Association for Identification (USA) in 1983. I also visited on invitation various renowned Law Firms for examination of questioned documents at Singapore, Kualalumpur & Kuching (Malaysia).
I am a Life Member of the International Association for Identification (USA), an Ex-Fellow of the Royal Microscopical Society (Oxford) and Ex-Member of the Canadian Identification Society (Canada). I am also a Life Member of several prestigious organizations like the Forensic Science Society of India, Indian Academy of Forensic Science and Indian Society of Criminology.
I am primarily a Senior Court Consultant and have received original documents for opinion from almost every state of the country and have appeared for evidence before Hon'ble Courts in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, MP, Orissa, Pondicherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh & Uttarakhand etc. for opinion and have been regularly appearing for evidence in Courts for last 50 years. I have the honor to state with utmost humility that I am perhaps one of the Experts whose reports have been directly submitted before Hon'ble Supreme Court of India & whose opinion & evidence have been accepted by Singapore High Court. Besides several Banks, Courts & several Government Undertakings. Our office has been consulted by various Ministries (MPs/MLAs), Vigilance Departments, Firms, Airlines, Universities, Detective Agencies, Embassies, private parties & foreign countries including Bangladesh, Dubai, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nepal, Nigeria, Singapore, Sri Lanka, USA & UK among others besides High Profile Clients all over India and abroad.
Our office during the last 80 years has rendered yeomen services in administration of justice to the Bench & the Bar, Govt. of India's Ministry of Home Affairs, Special Police Establishment, Anticorruption Department of Northern Railway, Delhi Police, Railway Police, Railway Board, Municipal Corporations, Majority of Nationalised & Foreign Banks, and several other agencies among others.
We reaffirm our pledge to rededicate ourselves to impartial, honest and prompt services and our firm commitment to deliver professional services (Opinions) latest within a week of the receipt of documents to assist the Hon'ble Courts & other agencies in the prompt administration of Justice. Our opinions (u/s 45 Evidence Act) can be filed before Hon'ble Courts in Civil, Criminal & revenue cases and also a FIR can be lodged on their basis and are universally acceptable.
As I look with nostalgia drifting into the distant hoary legendary, historical & fabulous past of this office with a deep sense of pride, wonder and satisfaction. I solemnly acknowledge with the deepest gratitude and humility without the least braggadacio, the profuse generosity and the charitable response of our benevolent patrons worldwide lavished in a substantial measure keeping the fire in our dogged sprit for conscientious service kindled and un-extinguished since the inception of this establishment. This proverbial munificence has indeed kept our office blessed & alive all these long years.
Sections A & B are being dedicated with reverence & as a mark of gratitude, tribute and respect to the holy memory of my late father Pt. Ugrasen Kashyap (Founder of this establishment) & my elder brother Late Shri Brij Bhushan Kashyap (of Jaipur office), both eminent Handwriting Experts (authoritatively known as Precursors to this profession during post-independence era & collectively known as Kashyap family of Experts) whose untiring efforts have been responsible to bring this establishment to the zenith of glory.
Some rare photographs, important references from past Court Judgments & correspondence hinting at their association with some of the most important luminaries of the past and monumental appreciations are the hallmarks to keep the contemporary generation and the posterity suitably well informed about the course of the long meandering professional journey that has assiduously continued to justifiably pronounce Pt. Ugrasen Kashyap truly a genius and this institution as a "Mecca" in this profession in the annals of history. Their concerted effort has bequeathed a unique & rich synthesis of exemplary legacy that shall be cherished for all the times immemorial by the posterity & all those interested in & connected with this discipleine of Forensic Science. Some of Sh. Brij Bhushan Kashyap's innovations in the methodology including the emphasis on the utility of "Juxtaposition Charts" in Expert testimony & enhancing the credentials by accumulating systematically the presentation of Judicial opinions were meant to greatly improve and augment the quality of performance of the professionals.
It is indeed mindboggling to conceive as to how a person from a distinctly humble background (our father) without any connections could wade through the vicissitudes and the turbulence of the odyssey singlehandedly to climb up on to the top of the ladder of unique phenomenal success and assume a formidably invincible stature in the attainment of which best of the human endeavor and the benediction of divinity both in a confluence appear to have had a glorified contribution.
If speech is silver and silence is gold and also if mute pictures from archives convey more brilliantly and with greater sensivity than the words, the laurels brought by the efforts of Sh. B. B. Kashyap cannot be considered in isolation because of his association with this office under the able stewardship of Late Pt. Ugrasen Kashyap leaving behind a trail of immense glory.
Jeff Moy, Private Investigator, Alachua, Florida-32615 (USA) vide e-mail dated 29/06/2012 says, "...I have had the pleasure of reviewing your credentials (on website) and they are sterling as compared to others I have seen in India"…....................................................... Glorious Foreign Complement
Mr. Nicholas S Law, Director General, International Biographical Centre, Cambridge (UK) vide Letter dated 13/02/2015, says "….I am delighted to inform you that your name has been put forward to receive – entirely through merit – an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the International Biographical centre of Cambridge (UK). Only a select few have been honoured with this prestigious Doctorate and it reflects an ultimate recognition of your lifetime achievements….. I consider that the IBC is well qualified to offer you an Honorary Doctorate of Letters (HonDL)….."
Gems from Archives
It is a proud privilege that our office commemorates its 80 years since its inception in 1935 and I enter into 50th year of my professional career. Obviously, on introspection we find what a herculean effort has been put in by its founders. It has produced several colossals and it is high time and befitting to pay our respects to them commensurate with their yeomen services and contributions. One of the brightest jewels/luminaries in the crown of this office that shone with luminescence in the firmament of galaxy of this profession was Late Prof. Brij Bhushan Kashyap, one of my elder brothers who practised at this Delhi Head office under the able stewardship of our legendry father Late Pt. Ugrasen Kashyap between the years 1950-1958 and carved out a niche for himself and later on moving to set up his own world renowned independent establishment. He practised at Jaipur (Raj.) during the years 1958-2006 having an all India and International practice. He had a penchant for a prolific collection of judicial pronouncements (Judgments) from allover India in those cases, in which his evidence had been recorded in order to satisfy his inquisitiveness about the assessment of his ability and performance. I proudly represent a family of handwriting experts known popularly & proverbially for several decades as "Kashyap Experts".
It will be a treacherous and unpardonable affront to the sacred memory and to the legacy of the founders of this establishment, if adequate proof is not appropriately presented to highlight their wizardry underlying the accomplishments of their spectacular achievements by way of judicial appreciation.
This section B is exclusively dedicated as a homage to their memory and consists of rare photographs taken out of our Archives that kindle a feeling of nostalgia intended to acquaint with the history of his associations with contemporary great men of fame who most generously and graciously condescended to oblige him with their kind audience and recognition for his varied in-depth contributions to this subject.
The bulletins independently edited by Sh. B. B. Kashyap represent a compendium of judgments reflecting a mine of information on various facets of expert testimony flowing out of razorsharp surgical judicial analysis establishing a unique voracity and propensity on the part of the person whose name shall indeed go down as an iconoclast in the annals of history of legal jurisprudence. They are available as historical evidence for inspection in our library.
Now reverting to the academic aspects and various technalities involved to be appreciated from the nature and quality of judgments are succinctly summed up for the comprehension of our worthy readers :
Today I had an opportunity of visiting the laboratory of Mr. Ugrasen Kashyap B.A. LL.B. Document Expert. I was highly pleased at the methods of detection of forgery which he explained me. Within a very short time of about a year, this expert has got a reputation of being honest and impartial expert. He has appeared in a few cases in my court and his opinions and methods of arriving at these opinions attracted me to his laboratory, in my opinion, his services will prove very useful in detecting forgery. I wish him success…….".
Dt.: 26/06/1936 (Sd.) BALK RAM P.C.S
Judge, Small Cause Court, Delhi
1. Extracts from Court Judgments
In the Court of Sh. Bawa Niranjan Singh B.A., P.C.S., Subordinate Judge 1st Class, Gurgaon
Civil Suit No. 1407 of 1934
Sita Ram son of Bensidhar, Mahajan through Mutsaddi Lal Mukhtar-i-am Farukhnagar, Distt. Gurgaon, Plaintiff
Shib Dayal and Ganga Sajai sons of Kidar Nath of Mauza Farrukhnagar Tehsil and District Gurgaon, defendants. Claim for recovery of Rs. ______ on account of rent.
"… Now as to the Expert evidence, it is true that defendants have produced the Government Expert and the expert produced by the plaintiff is comparatively younger in this procession. But the evidence of the former cannot be accepted simply because he happens to be the Government Expert, and that of the latter cannot be rejected, because he is a private expert. Honest Experts, who are freshers in this profession, are bound to take more pains, and devote more time, and therefore are likely to arrive at correct conclusions.
The Govt. Expert, with all his experience did not find anything suspicious about the signature or stamp on the contested receipt Ex. D6. I have examined both with the aid of the magnifying glass, and I am in full agreement with the plaintiff's expert that the stamp on Ex.D6 was removed from some other documents and put on this……
I have therefore no hesitation to agree with plaintiff's expert (Ugrasen Kashyap) and hold that the receipt Ex.D6, is not genuine. Consequently I decide this issue against the defendants".
2. Extracts from Court Judgments
In the court of Sh. Atta Ullah Qureshi, B.A. (Hons) L.L.B., P.C.S., Sub Judge, Batala, District Gurdaspur (Punjab) Civil Suit NO. 506 of 1935 decided on 28th April, 36
"In this case, the thumb impression of the defendant on the pronote in suit was sent to the Phillaur Bureau for comparison, but the report was that the same is undecipherable. After the receipt of this report, my learned predecessor vide his order dated 24/10/35 sent the thumb impression for comparison to one. Mr. Urga Sen, an expert at Delhi. The report of this expert alongwith its photo enlargements has been received by this court and the expert has also been examined on interrogatories. In exhibit C.I., the expert has given his reasons in arriving at the conclusion that the pronote in suit is thumb-marked by the defendant and these reasons appeared to be very strong. The expert has clearly stated that there appears to be no dissimilarity in the thumb-impression on the pronote in suit and the one obtained in court. This being so, it appears to me, that the plaintiff has succeeded in establishing that the pronote in suit was executed by the defendant. There being no rebuttal worth the name, I decide the issue in favor of the plaintiff."
Note: Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya was the Founder of the Baneras Hindu University, an erudite vedanta scholar and a nationalist who attended the Round Table Conference at London with Mahatma Gandhiji around 1922.
Sri Ch. Charan Singh, Minister of Agriculture (UP) and Ex-Prime Minister of India vide letter dated 31/03/53 says, "…..This is to certify that Sri Ugrasen Kashyap, Examiner of Questioned Documents, Delhi is personally known to me for a number of years. He has given me opinion as a documents expert in several of my cases at the time when I was practicing as a lawyer and found his work quite satisfactory. He should do well on any job of trust and responsibility."
Hon'ble Shri M. Ananthasayanam Ayyangar (Former Speaker Lok Sabha & Governor of Bihar) says, "… Sri Ugrasen Kashyap & Brij Bhushan Kashyap are running the leading office of Handwriting Experts (at Kashmeregate, Delhi) …They enjoy an excellent reputation of ability, strict integrity and impartiality. I strongly recommend them to the legal profession".
Note: Shri M. Ananthasayanam Ayyangar was a well known brilliant advocate from Chittoor Bar Association (A.P.) Near Temple Town of Tirupathi and later rose to political prominence through the important political positions held.
Rai Bahadur Ram Kishore, Advocate, High Court and Notary Public (President Bar Association Delhi) vide letter dated 12/01/1940 says, "...I have known Mr. Ugra Sen Kashyap, Handwriting Expert of Delhi as a pupil at the University Law Hall since 1926 and afterwards as a professional Expert in Questioned Documents. ...I am glad to say that I have found his work carefully prepared and his opinion reliable".
Note: Rai Bahadur Ram Kishore was the Dean of Law Faculty, Delhi, a prodigy, an epitome of scholarly traditions, a legal luminary and a colossal among the contemporary Advocates, had a charismatic bearing, a martinet, extraordinary persuasive magical power in his oratory and arguments, a man of sterling character as a Professional and the President of Delhi Bar Association with very high political connections.
In this Photograph (taken at Camera Club, Guntur(A.P.) in 1956) Mr. Ugrasen Kashyap (right), our Editor the Document Examiner & Scientific Detective, is seen explaining to Hon'ble Shri C.M. Trivedi, the Governor of Andhra State and the Lady Trivedi how various kinds of forgeries are made and detected. In the background are the A.D.C. and Military Secretary of the Governor and Mr. N. Bhagwan Das the collector of Guntur (behind the Governor) and other officers.
Expert Ugrasen Kashyap Photomicrographing a document in his laboratory at Delhi in 1935.
Shri B.B. Kashyap (left) with Shri C. Rajagopalachari (right) Formerly Governor General of India (soon after Independence)
Hon'ble Mr. Justice Mehar Chand Mahajan (right), Chief Justice, Supreme Court of India, receiving some issues of the quarterly magazine Document Examiner & Scientific Detective from its Associate Editor, Shri B.B. Kashyap (left), Examiner of Questioned Documents.
Hon'ble Shri K. Subba Rao (right), Chief Justice, Supreme Court of India, listening to the foreign tour impressions of Prof. B. B. Kashyap (left) of 16 countries of Europe, Africa & Asia. Kashyap had gone abroad to attend two International Conferences of Document Experts & Criminologists, advanced study & lecture tour.
Hon'ble Shri K.N. Wanchoo (left), Chief Justice, Supreme Court of India, watchin the demonstration of the special technique of Enlarged Photographic Juxtaposed Comparative Study Rolled Plastic Charts, developed by Prof. B.B. Kashyap (right), for detection of forgeries & identification of handwritings and fingerprints etc.
Zakir Hussain (right), President of India, seeing the special technique of Rolled Plastic Photo Charts for comparing handwritings etc., introduced by Prof. B.B. Kashyap (left). This technique has been accepted by the foreign Experts to be the most scientific, thorough and convenient method for demonstration of expert evidence.
Hon'ble Shri V.V. Giri (right), President of India, watching the special technique of Rolled Plastic Photo Charts for comparing handwritings etc., introduced by Prof. B.B. Kashyap (left). This technique has been accepted by foreign experts to be the most scientific, thorough and convenient method for demonstration of expert evidence.
Prof. B.B. Kashyap (right) at PARIS, explaining his special technique of ‗Enlarged Photographic Juxtaposed Comparative Study Rolled Plastic Charts' to Prof. P.F. Ceccaldi (left), Chief of the Central Government Forensic Science Laboratory of the Ministry of Justice in France.
Prof. B.B. Kashyap (left) at KATHMANDU (NEPAL) with the Hon'ble Mr. Justice Bhagwati Prasad (right), Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Nepal during his recent lecture tour. Kashyap's professional services were utilised by the Nepal Supreme Court also.
shok Kashyap (left) and Prof. B.B. Kashyap (right), Handwriting Experts with Hon'ble Shri P.V. Narsimha Rao (middle), Foreign Minister and Ex. Prime Minister of India
Prof. B.B. Kashyap (left) at LONDON with Rt. Hon'ble Lord Justice Willmer (right) of England, who was the Chief Guest at the International Conference of Royal Microscopical Society which Kashyap attended (as a fellow) representing India, in July, 1966.
Prof. Brij Bhushan Kashyap (left), in HELSINKI (FINLAND) studying the photographs of fingerprint cases as explained by Mr. Pentti (right) Holm, Director Identification Burau of Helsinki Criminal Police, HELSINGIN POLISILAITORS.


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Album Review: 'Snowflake Midnight' by Mercury Rev
Almost twenty years into their turbulent career, Mercury Rev has outdone itself even by its own standards with the bands latest offering, Snowflake Midnight. Beamed down from space and into your speakers, Snowflake Midnight's nine songs all possess an otherworldly sense of transience made all the more numinous by singer/guitarist Jonathan Donahue's trebly, ethereal vocals. Tracks like the paradoxical "Snowflake in a Hot World" ruminate on transformations within nature, and the delicate state of elements in crystallized stasis.
While the epic "People Are So Unpredictable (There's No Bliss Like Home)" observes that even in our most uncertain moments, there is always something—in this case, the idea of "home"—to give us comfort during life's downturns. Sonically, the music matches up to the grandiose themes. Ambient waves wash over electronic pulses before being capsized by monumental rock-opera breakdowns, only to be softened up and smoothed over again. In this sense, there is a cyclical aspect to Snowflake Midnight that is no happy accident on the band's part, but instead a fully realized scoring of the unpredictability of nature and all its wondrous transitions and transformations.
Bruce Scott


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Praesent vestibulum estie lacus. Aenean nonummy hendrerit mauris. Phasellus porta. Fusce suscipit varius mi. Cum sociis natoque..
Praesent vestibulum estie lacus. Aenean nonummy hendrerit mauris. Phasellus porta. Fusce suscipit varius mi. Cum sociis natoque..
Praesent vestibulum estie lacus. Aenean nonummy hendrerit mauris. Phasellus porta. Fusce suscipit varius mi. Cum sociis natoque..
The foundation of Aftab Corporation was laid down in 1968 by late Mr. Muhammad Uzair, having vast experience in Rice Trade, the Chief Executive was always destined and confident that the Private Sector could manage export of rice effectively for enhancing the economic growth of Pakistan. To achieve this, late Mr. Muhammad Uzair, gave proposals to the Ministry of Commerce for the effective participation of the Private Sector in Rice Export Business. In 1969, Mr. Aftab Ahmed joined his father and has worked diligently since then and has continued his efforts after the demise of this father in 1986, for achieving a name and goodwill in the rice export business. The Government of Pakistan hence allowed the export of all varieties of Pakistani rice through private sectors under Brand names in 1988.
Aftab Corporation exported Pakistani Basmati rice to traditional markets as well as introduced the same in non-traditional countries through zeal and valiant efforts of late Mr. Muhammad Uzair till 1986. By virtue of this Aftab Corporation managed to increase the export of rice, through Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Rice Export Corporation of Pakistan (Pvt) Limited to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Reunion U.A.E., Yemen, Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Africa, Singapore and Mauritius etc
By the grace of God, Aftab Corporation has completed its 45th year of establishment from 1968 to 2012 on 17-04-2012 and are now without any exception are the leading Rice Exporters in Private Sector, exporting selected Best Prime Quality of Pakistani Super Basmati Rice under their Register Trade Marks Aftab. Mr. Aftab Ahmed has thus worked diligently for improving the rice quality by improving high tech machinery from foreign manufacturers for their rice processing mills from SATAKE (Japan), (one of the Worlds leading manufacturers of rice milling and processing plants).
Hence for establishing and ensuring a Quality Management System Aftab Corporation achieved ISO 9002, on 6th March,2000 as well as Quality Management & Environmental Certification (QMEC), Quality Standard BS EN ISO 9001:2008, Certificate No. 4130732 Dated. 18th June,2011.
Aftab Corporation has got team of highly qualified and experienced personnels working with keen indulgence towards continues improvement in according with Companys Quality Policy.
Nevertheless, Aftab Corporation ensures to consolidate the relationship with valued customers by considering them as part and parcel of the Organization and to remain one of the Pakistans Leading Rice Exporters in Private Sector.


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Just a quick word on this place. Ha Long Bay, made up of 1969 islands, conveniently the same number as the year of the death of Ho Chi Minh, nations beloved leader that freed the Vietnamese from French rule. 'Ha' means descending and 'Long' means dragon, (think that's the right way round).
The tour guide spent 20 minutes telling us how the islands were formed by a dragon plummeting into the sea and firing pearl flames at the invaders, defending the Vietnamese. The pearls from the dragons breath solidified into these jagged limestone dolomites. Making the waters too treacherous for attack ships to navigate, eventually forcing them to retreat.
The next tour guide stepped up and blew holes in that fairy tale with some cool geological science, but I can't be arsed to relay that on. Check out WIKI or something, here, here's a link.
The floating fishing village is something to see. All the locals, generations upon generations of fishermen and their families spent their entire lives in the Bay, returning only to the mainland to sell on their catch. Now the lovely UNESCO have got involved, making it a World Heritage Site. And well, we can't be having gypsies living in a World Heritage Site shitting up the place, what will the tourists say?
The government, aided by UNESCO have now moved the villagers inland, given them homes and refuge and contractual work. Ironically the former villagers now row the tourists around the bay for money, collecting their own litter en route.
The caves are cool.
In the afternoon one activity presented by the tour guide was to swim in the beautiful emerald sea, with the jellyfish. Needless to say, I stayed at the bar.
Some of the villagers still live in the bay. They can't hack being on land, just like Kevin Costner in Waterworld.
Cats don't have a good life here in Vietnam.


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Bride of Chucky
"Everyone said that if you want to be a real actor, go to New York. If you want to sell out, go to LA. And I thought - I want to sell out!" Jennifer Tilly
Academy Award-nominated Jennifer Tilly received critical acclaim for her role of actress Olive Neal in Woody Allen's Bullets over Broadway (1994). First catching attention while playing singer Blanche "Monica" Moran in Steven Kloves' The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989), Tilly also gained recognition for portraying a lesbian lover, opposite Gina Gershon, in the Wachowski brothers' Bound (1996). She also costarred with Jim Carrey in Tom Shadyac's Liar Liar (1997), and played the title role of Tiffany in Ronny Yu's Bride of Chucky and Don Mancini's Seed of Chucky (2004).
Also an accomplished stage actress, Tilly won a Theater World Award for Most Promising Newcomer for performing in Tina Howe's play, "One Shoe Off," at The Joseph Papp Theater and took home a Dramalogue Award for acting in "Vanities." Additionally, the talented actress is a professional poker player. She recently won the Ladies no-limit Texas Hold 'Em event at the World Series of Poker and became the first celebrity ever to win a bracelet at the famed tournament.
5' 4" tall Jennifer Tilly measures 36C-24-34 and was one of Celebrity Sleuth's "25 Sexiest Women of 1995." She reportedly is dating poker professional Phil "Unabomber" Laak, who received the nickname "The Unabombshell" within the poker circuit.
Jennifer E. Chan
Childhood and Family:
The daughter of a car salesman (Harry Tilly) and a schoolteacher (Patricia Tilly), Jennifer E. Chan, who would later be known as Jennifer Tilly (Tilly is her mother's maiden name), was born on September 16, 1958, in Harbor City, California. Her siblings include Margaret Tilly (actress; born on February 14, 1960) and Rebecca. When she was 6, her parents divorced and her mother married John Ward. Afterward, they moved to British Columbia, Canada, where she attended Belmont High School, in Victoria. She then studied theater at St. Stephen's College, in Missouri, and contributed articles to magazines to help pay for her tuition. She also once won an Honorable Mention in a writing competition.
In 1984, Jennifer Tilly married Sam Simon, producer of The Simpsons, but they divorced in 1991. The owner of two cats, Corky and Violet, Tilly is an avid lover of fashion and has 400 pairs of shoes.
Bullets over Broadway
"I love doing theater because of the challenge of it." Jennifer Tilly
Beginning her acting career in Equity-waiver theater productions, Jennifer Tilly won a Dramalogue Award for her performance in "Vanities." She signed up with the Group Repertory Theater and performed in Sam Shepard's "Buried Child," "In the Summer House" and "The Bacchae."
Tilly first appeared on TV with a reoccurring role on the series "Boone" (1983, starring Thomas Byrd) and followed it up with a starring role on the short-lived sitcom "Shaping Up" (1984, with Michael Fontaine, Leslie Nielsen and Cathie Shirriff). Also in 1984, Tilly debuted on the wide screen with a bit part in Jerry Schatzberg's romantic comedy movie No Small Affair (starring Jon Cryer and Demi Moore) and performed at the Los Angeles Public Theatre in the play "Baby With the Bathwater."
After playing the reoccurring role of Gina Srignoli (1984-1985) on the series "Hill Street Blues" (starring Daniel J. Travanti), Tilly appeared as a guest in an episode of "Remington Steele" and costarred with John Murray and Sally Kellerman in Neal Israel's low-budget comedy Moving Violations (1985). She had a two-part role on "It's Garry Shandling's Show" in December of 1987 in which she received a Cable ACE Award nomination. On stage, Tilly performed in a Los Angeles Actors Theatre production of Moliere's "Tartuffe."
Tilly spent the rest of the 1980s with roles in films like Remote Control, Inside Out, He's My Girl, Johnny Be Good, Rented Lips, High Spirits, Far from Home and Let It Ride. However, it was writer-director Steven Kloves' Academy Award-nominated musical drama The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989) that brought her public notice. In the film, which starred Jeff Bridges, Michelle Pfeiffer and Beau Bridges, Tilly was cast as auditioning singer Blanche "Monica" Moran. Afterward, Tilly could be seen in such films as The Doors, Scorchers, Shadow of the Wolf, The Webbers, Made in America, Embrace of the Vampire, Double Cross, and The Getaway. She also made her Off-Broadway debut at the New York Public Theater in Tina Howe's "One Shoe Off" (1993), which won her a Theater World Award, and became sister Meg Tilly's body double in 1993's Body Snatchers.
A real breakthrough arrived in 1994 when Woody Allen handed her the supporting role of 1920s Broadway diva Olive Neal, the girlfriend of Joe Viterelli's character, in the classic crime comedy Bullets Over Broadway (1994, also starring John Cusack and Dianne Wiest). Tilly's wonderful, high-squeaking performance received critical acclaim and earned her a Best Supporting Actress Academy Award nomination. Following the nomination, Tilly landed roles in the films Bird of Prey, Man with a Gun, Edie & Pen, The Pompatus of Love and House Arrest.
In 1996, writer-directors the Wachowski brothers paired Tilly with Gina Gershon, playing bisexual lovers, in the cult hit Bound. The film earned Tilly a Saturn Award nomination and an MTV Movie Award (Best Kiss, shared with Gina Gershon). She also won a Fantasporto: International Fantasy Film Award for Best Actress. After appearing in the films Gun and American Strays, Tilly costarred with master comedian Jim Carrey in Tom Shadyac's Liar Liar (1997, also with Maura Tierney, Swoosie Kurtz and Amanda Donohoe). The film later gave her a Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Favorite Supporting Actress.
On working with Jim Carrey, Tilly admitted, "Spending time with Jim on a stage is an incredibly weird experience! I found myself unable to act seriously! Hard to shoot with the master of comedy!"
Tilly added to her acting resume films like The Wrong Guy, Bella Mafia (TV), and Relax... It's Just Sex and Hoods. Filmmaker Ronny Yu then handed her the title role of a murderous doll, the bridal gown-clad Tiffany, in the fourth installment of the highly successful Child's Play horror series, Bride of Chucky (1998). The film eventually gave her Saturn Award nomination for Best Actress. Subsequently, Tilly won roles in Music From Another Room, Goosed, Do Not Disturb and lent her voice as Mrs. Camille Stout in Stuart Little. In 1999, Tilly became a semi-regular cast member of the long-running series "Family Guy," voicing Bonnie Swanson, the Griffin family's neighbor.
The new millennium saw Tilly acting in Cord, Bruno, The Crew and Dancing at the Blue Iguana. She portrayed a hooker in actor-writer-director Michael Covert's comedy Dirt (starring Tracy Fraim) and played gossip columnist Louella Parsons in acclaimed director Peter Bogdanovich's adaptation of award-winning screenwriter Steven Peros' play, The Cat's Meow (with Kirsten Dunst and Edward Herrmann). She also costarred in the Broadway revival of "The Women" (was later taped for and broadcasted on PBS) and had a featured role in the A&E miniseries version of "The Magnificent Ambersons."
In 2004, Tilly provided her voice for character Grace (The Optimist) in the animated feature Home on the Range and returned with Chucky (voiced by Brad Dourif) in writer-director Don Mancini's fifth film of the Child's Play series, Seed of Chucky, in which she also played an exaggerated version of herself. Being asked about Seed of Chucky (2004), Tilly said, "It's really gruesome, but it's a heartwarming story."
Tilly guest starred on "Frasier" in April of 2004 and recently on the new CBS sitcom "Out of Practice," playing Crystal, the receptionist for Dr. Stewart Barnes (played by Henry Winkler). About her costume, Tilly described, "I'm wearing an outfit that looks just like a cupcake ... a pink frothy blouse, low cut ... everything a little inappropriately girlie ... Pink, pink, lot of pink."
A professional poker player, in June of 2005, Tilly won a World Series of Poker bracelet (and $158,625) in the Ladies' No-Limit Texas hold 'em event, beating 600 other contestants. Later, in September of that same year, Tilly won a third World Poker Tour Ladies Invitational tournament held at the Bicycle Casino in Los Angeles.
"That's the great thing about poker. You get jewelry -- stuff you can wear. Oscar, Golden Globe, Emmy, you can't hang that around your neck. But everywhere you go, you've got your poker gold and diamond bracelet on. Everyone knows you won." Jennifer Tilly
Blockbuster Entertainment: Favorite Supporting Actress - Comedy, Liar Liar, 1998
Fantasporto: International Fantasy Film Award - Best Actress, Bound, 1997
Theater World: Most Promising Newcomer, "One Shoe Off," 1993
Gemini Awards: Best Actress, Heads, 1993


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The Dragoneye Reaper was a blaster pistol. The original pistol was built from scavenged parts by the infamous bounty hunter Dragoneye. The weapon's popularity grew along with Dragoneye's fame among the criminal underworld. Soon many bounty hunters used their own versions of this weapon.
One model developed by an Outer Rim company was the C-10 version.
Behind the scenesEdit
The C-10 "Dragoneye Reaper" pistol can be looted from killed Kerritamba Wookiees in the Kkowir Forest in Star Wars Galaxies.
- Fly Casual (Indirect mention only)


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In January 2001, the Phillies launched Phillies Phundamentals, an after-school/summer camp program for children 6-12 years old that uses baseball to teach and reinforce academic skills. Through a partnership with the Philadelphia Department of Recreation, Phillies Phundamentals initially launched in five recreation centers throughout Philadelphia.
Today, Phillies Phundamentals runs in 15 locations, reaching approximately 2,500 children annually.
Phillies Phundamentals is broken into two school-year sessions -- fall and spring -- and a summer session. During the school year, Phillies Phundamentals is held at each location one day a week for approximately one hour after school. The after-school programs tend to have children who range in age from 6-12 years old, therefore lessons have to be constructed in such a manner that they can appeal to and educate a variety of ages.
The summer session of Phillies Phundamentals, the program is run in conjunction with the summer camp at each site. Like the school year session, the summer session runs one day a week for approximately one hour. However, since summer camps are broken into age groups and enroll a larger number of children, lessons are conducted according to age and there are typically a number of sessions at each site.
Any academic subject can easily use baseball as a tool to educate. Phillies Phundamentals lessons have focused on mathematics by using player statistics, reading/literature, history, science, health, geography and art.
Special Events
Player Visit
Each year, a player meets with children from the program to discuss the importance of education and to answer questions and sign autographs.
Attend a Phillies Game
Over the course of the season, all children taking part in the Phillies Phundamentals program are invited to attend a Phillies game. This summer we recognized our recreation supervisors for their dedication to the children and the program.
Behind the Scenes Tour
During the summer, various recreation centers are invited to take a special tour of the ballpark.
Participants have the opportunity to see the Hall of Fame Club, Diamond Club and Phillies Clubhouse.
They even have the chance to sit in the dugout just like the players.
- American Legion
- Capitolo
- Columbus Square
- FJ Myers
- Gifford
- Lower Mayfair
- Mayfair
- Mitchell
- Palmer Playground
- Pelbano Playground
- Pleasant
- Rivera
- Tarken
- Vogt


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Topic: Three bugs on Version 49.0.2575.0 (64-bit)
I downloaded the new version of Epic this morning on a Mac Mini running OS X El Capitan version 10.11.4, and immediately noticed three problems:
1) Not only had all my bookmark icons disappeared, but Epic was not storing icons even when I navigated to the associated sites.
2) Passwords for sites were not being saved, even though Epic prompted to save those passwords.
3) Even though I set Epic as my default browser, links within email messages and documents would open Epic, but Epic would not actually go those sites.
Just thought you should know. Thanks.


text:
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Winner of 39 international awards and the most honored film in Chilean history, Silvio Caiozzi's drama is a beautifully photographed and haunting tale of obsession and repressed desire set against the backdrop of a decaying mansion in Santiago. Glum, middle-aged bachelor Don Andres hires Estela, a 17-year old country girl, to care for his wealthy and abusive grandmother. As time passes, he grows increasingly obsessed with her, blinding himself to the threats around him and to his own mental breakdown. Based on a novel by Jose Donoso. In Spanish with English subtitles.
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Shortly before I left Indy, I got an email from Queen Creek Olives. It referenced the Camelback store. Hmmm. Many years ago when our friends Mary and Fred were spending the winter in Queen Creek, AZ, we went to visit. They took us to the original location and we fell in love. Often, we send a package from Queen Creek as a hostess gift. A couple of trips to Phoenix I've toyed with the idea of renting a car to be able to visit the original location again. But, it's not practical. All of the sudden I realized that there just might be a store across the street from the hotel where the conference was being held.
Now, I've got to tell you a side story here... When I called the concierge to find out about the best transportation options from the airport, I was told the ExecuCar was slightly more expensive but MUCH better. Sold. Then, I sent an email to the other women coming in a day early. Did anyone want to share my car? Connie laughed and said a guy would never do that. He was so right. Got an email back almost immediately from one of the other women saying that's what she loves about this conference. And, she said, a guy would never do that. LOL. So, my friend Phyllis from Ocean City, MD e'd me back and said she'd be coming in about half an hour after me. I was happy to wait.
Once we got to the hotel I was going to run across to Queen Creek and then head to my room and work. Phyllis really wanted to go along. And, she was SO happy she did. A boatload of Christmas presents were purchased. And, I had a fun time stocking my Queen Creek pantry. Normally, we order a case of a dozen different olives. Maytag blue, marcona almond, feta/oregano, sundried tomato... This time I bought vanilla bean olive oil. Can you imagine that on some grilled fruit???? And, a couple of jars of tapenade. One is opened. The other is in Connie's Christmas stack. The one that's opened is asiago, parmesan, basil and garlic in evoo. It's pretty amazing. Then, I got a couple of barbecue sauces. The whiskey garlic one has been opened. And, yes, the other is for Connie. There's a jar of fig balsamic glaze. I'm thinking pork for that one. And, a jar of parmesan crema. It's pretty good on just about anything. Last but not least, a set of rosemary olive oil with a cranberry balsamic vinegar. Holiday in a spoon! Thanks to Joan for taking such good care of us and putting up with a couple of ladies who wanted to try EVERYTHING! Spoiler alert - Connie, don't look at the photos!
After our shopping excursion, Phyllis and I repaired to the bar at ZinBurger so I could watch football and we could talk. From there we headed back to the hotel to freshen up and meet for dinner. Joan had recommended a place called Pizzeria Bianco. One word: AMAZING! Everything we had. From the caprese salad appetizer to the Brussels sprout salad to the pizzas to the pastas. It's on my list to go back to!!! Here's Phyllis, Jennifer, Andrea, Nadine and Di. What a wonderful group of women to spend an evening with.
And, here's the food - well the part that the photos were OK - the chandeliers and the owner. Our pizzas were the Sonny Boy with tomato sauce, salami, olives and fresh mozzarella. The Rosa with red onion, pistachios, rosemary and parmesan reggiano (my favorite.) And, the Wiseguy with house smoked mozzarella, fennel sausage and roasted onions. Along with the pizzas we had a Brussels sprout salad with apples, pasta with Sunday gravy and pasta with garlic sauce. The pizzas were amazing. Crispy, thin crust from a wood-fired oven. We were told Chris, the owner, even used to import his own water to get the right stuff...
Monday we met for a fabulous breakfast in Bistro 24 at the hotel. I had short rib hash with basted eggs and a lime crema. YUM!
Then, we hunkered down in a meeting room from about 8-3. All too soon it was time to go hear the opening speaker. Then, it was time to head to the reception. The Ritz outdid themselves with the food this time. Coconut shrimp that was amazing. Salads, soups, vegetables, potatoes, fish, beef... What a buffet. Tuesday we were in session all day. My friend Maura did one of the presentations. She's the kind of person you hope your kids turn out to be like: smart, interesting, humble, fun to be around. Wendy wore her arms out recording the presentation on her phone.
Tuesday night was dinner at Del Friscos. Ahi tuna tacos and cheesesteak eggroll appetizers. Salads. Pittsburgh style filets with asparagus and mashed potatoes. Dessert was coconut cream pie and lemon cake. I'm not a fan of cake. But, I'd give up chocolate for a year if I could replace it with that cake! We were in the coolest room.
Finally, Wednesday came and it was time to head home after our morning meetings. Packed and ready to go. One last look out the window at the mountains...
My flight was delayed in Minneapolis so home was finally in sight about midnight. Thursday, I was off to a full day in my Columbus office. Friday, it was time to dig in in the Indy office. And, wait for the package from Queen Creek to be delivered. Yes, indeed, it was. I opened most of the goodies and let Connie taste them. We'd headed to the grocery on the way home from the office so I once again had a rotisserie chicken and fresh greens and fresh mushrooms and fresh asparagus. A holiday salad sounded great. All of the above plus a handful of dried cranberries, some truffle croutons and a handful of bacon bits. With a generous dose of rosemary olive oil and an equally generous dose of cranberry balsamic. Along with a lovely glass of Pinot Noir, we were happy campers.


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EVS Rustavi
About EVS
About GYE
1 Jun 2016
6 months EVS in Romania - Etunas, Avto and Lasha stories
Hosting org:
EXPLORATOR Association
Sending org:
Association "Georgian Youth for Europe"
My EVS life was very good. I liked my daily job, i mean working with disability and with autistic children. It is really huge experience in my life. Honestly to say i was expecting totally different project about ecology, in the beginning i was a lit scared when i saw the fact that i have to work with kind of children, but time by time i get to use in and right now i feel myself very close with children. I think its great thing what I was doing here in Romania, we had different kind of outdoor and indoor activities with them.
With autistic children i worked two days in a week and three days with disability children. We did several times events for them and collected some money, it was kind of donation, we celebrated world autistic day together seconds of April with them in the city center and organized flash mob especially for them. I am happy when i see their smiley faces.
During this project we had twice Greening day. It was kind of activities about ecology with children in kindergarten and with the children from different school. We explained them how to care about your nature, the area where do you live, how to protect it. We planted trees and flowers together, had a several types of games and they have been so happy because of it :)
The members of my hosting organisation are so lovely and friendly, they are really nice, they always stand next to us whenever we needed them. We had also mentor and once in a month we hafd a meeting with him. Shortly to say they are absolutely brilliant, i love them.
So my 6 months of EVS was amazing, only I were missing my country, my family, my friends, my lovely dog for sure and the situation of Georgia. I were miss everything what is connected with Georgia. When project was over finish, I started counting the last days of mine.
I am Lasha , i had EVS in Romania, nice country with great people , i love that country,i love my Job. I were volountering in activities for children with special needs , like Autistic Children. I cann't say that it was easy for me to work with them. At the begining it was really difficult but later work went more easier. I like it very much. Children was so lovely and kind, all the time they were trying to hug me. We were doing sport activities for them. My project is over but i am so sad that i had to leave them .
Last year i had Erasmus studies where i was parting all the time but now when i compare it between each other i can say that it is two competly different lifes . During of my EVS i started to think a lot. Thinking about everything about my future life . I grown as a person . For now i have different values . I think now i became more serious :)
Now i am going to tell you a Little about my life in Craiova (Romania). I can say that here i met a great people. I really love that country . Romanians are such a kind people. I became really good friend with one Romanian coupe . I love them , they did a lot for me. They were helping me in hard situations. Most of my time i was spenting with them. Here i arrived together with two more Georgians – Avto and Etuna. For few month we were living togather but later me and Avto moved to other place. We were living six in a Flat . We were cooking, drinking and haveing fun always togather .
During my EVS i had nice and sad expariances but at the end i want to say that EVS is great life and everyone has to try it :)
A walk to remember
I could say everything went great. Well, it didn't at first. I searched for meaning, for purpose, and for a sense of utility. Many of those things I couldn't really find at all times. But then again, I found friends to help me along the way.
Then there were a small amount of troubles, petty disagreements, niggles and squabbles. They festered, and in time, threatened to derail the story. But they were frozen in a winter of discontent, made glorious summer by this sun of…Romania? Much later, when unfrozen, they were found to be irrelevant and unworthy. And so it came to pass that I came to the present, where I have different outlook on my situation. A much sunnier one, where everything is going great. Where the sun grows brighter every day. Where I get to work, travel, and help people in equal measure. Where life is fulfilling on a personal and professional level. Thereby I do highly recommend doing an EVS. It can change your life. It sure did change mine.
More information about EVS project GAIA in the fallowing the links (from both the website and Facebook page):
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EVS Rustavi
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Tired MacBook Pro Battery Fix.
jsccom1 -
15 - 30 minutos
Mi Problema
The battery was charging completely but only holding a charge for about an hour on my mid-2009 MacBook Pro. At the battery icon pull-down menu there was an alert to "Service Battery." I researched the battery on iFixit.com and ordered an "A Stock" unit. I followed the easy on-screen guides and within an hour of receiving the battery my MacBook Pro was operating normally. The replacement battery works great!
Mi Solucion
Easy. Took less than 15 minutes to do.
Mi Consejo
I would do as I did, research the battery, review the installation guides and make sure you have the correct tools to do the job.
If you do the above, you are virtually guaranteed a positive outcome. Beware, I suggest ordering your parts from iFixit.com, there are a lot of websites/vendors out there selling what is misrepresented as "OEM" parts, but if you read their reviews you'll get some horror stories of parts not fitting, and not being recognized by the systems being repaired. Stick with iFixit.com!