Ernest Hemingway (July 21, 1899 – July 2, 1961) was an American author and journalist whose unique writing style had a strong influence on 20th century fiction and culture. Many of his books are considered classics of American literature.
“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.”
— Ernest Hemingway
Hemingway was born in Oak Park, Illinois. After leaving school he worked as a journalist for the Kansas City City Star. However, after a few months, he enlisted with the Red Cross to volunteer as an ambulance driver. He was sent to the Italian front where he saw the horrors of the trench war. In 1918, he was seriously wounded from mortar fire and he was sent home to recuperate. He was awarded the Italian Silver Medal of bravery for helping an Italian soldier – despite his injuries. He later wrote a fictional book, based on his experiences in the 1922 novel – A Farwell to Arms. The main character in the book, is an ambulance driver who becomes disillusioned with the war.
After recovering from his injuries he moved to Chicago and then Paris, where he spent much of the inter-war years. He worked as a correspondent for the Toronto Star, and became acquainted with many modernist writers, such as James Joyce, Gertrude Stein and Erza Pound who lived in Paris at the time.
“If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.”
— Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast
In 1937, he went to Spain to cover the Spanish civil war. He advocated international support for the Popular Front - fighting the fascists led by Franco. He later wrote a book – For Whom the Bell Tolls, which captures the struggles and brutality of the Spanish civil war. During the Second World War he continued to work as a foreign correspondant. He was present at the Normandy landings and the liberation of Paris.
In the 1950s, Hemingway was involved in two plane crashes which left him seriously injured and in pain for the rest of his life. He was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1953, and in October 1954, Hemingway was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for.
"his mastery of the art of narrative, most recently demonstrated in The Old Man and the Sea, and for the influence that he has exerted on contemporary style."
Hemingway’s style had some similarities to other modernist writers. It was a reaction action the more elaborate, turgid style of the nineteenth century. It was direct, minimalist often leaving things unstated, but at the same time profoundly moving for bringing the reader into the heart of the story and experience.
“All good books are alike in that they are truer than if they had really happened and after you are finished reading one you will feel that all that happened to you and afterwards it all belongs to you: the good and the bad, the ecstasy, the remorse and sorrow, the people and the places and how the weather was. If you can get so that you can give that to people, then you are a writer.”
— Ernest Hemingway
Hemingway termed his style the Iceberg theory.
If a writer of prose knows enough of what he is writing about he may omit things that he knows and the reader, if the writer is writing truly enough, will have a feeling of those things as strongly as though the writer had stated them. The dignity of movement of an ice-berg is due to only one-eighth of it being above water. A writer who omits things because he does not know them only makes hollow places in his writing.
—Ernest Hemingway in Death in the Afternoon
Hemingway said the facts float above the water, but the structure is kept out of sight. Behind the minimalist prose is great effort, but the result is simplicity, immediacy and clarity.
In 1959 he moved from Cuba to Ketchum Idaho. However, tragically tormented by the pain of the plane crashes, he committed suicide in the summer of 1961.
Wednesday, 23 April 2014
Jesse Owens Biography
Jesse Owens was born in Alabama and aged 9 the family moved to the Granville section of Cleveland. His early life was marked by poverty and he was forced to take many menial jobs such as delivering goods and working in a shoe repair shops. However, he was able to develop his passion for running and athletics; from an early age he was marked as having great potential talent. In later life he gave much credit to Charles Riley, his high school coach who encouraged him and made allowances for his difficulty in making evening training sessions because Jesse had to work in a shoe repair shop.
Jesse Owens rose to national prominence in 1933, when he equalled the world record (9.4 seconds) for the 100 yard dash. He attended Ohio State University, but without a scholarship he had to continue working part time. At the time, America was a highly segregated society and when travelling with the team, Jesse had to suffer the indignities of eating at separate restaurants and staying at different hotels.
One of his great athletic feats occurred in 1935, where in one track meet he broke three world records. This included the long jump (record stood for 25 years), 220 yards and 220 yards hurdles. He also equalled record for 100 yard.
Jesse Owens at 1936 Olympics
Jesse Owens finest moment came in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. He won Olympic gold in the 100m, long jump, 200m and 4* 100 metres relay. (An achievement not matched until Carl Lewis in 1984). It was a powerful rebuttal to the Nazi's hopes of displaying 'Aryan superiority'. Hitler gave medals to German athletes on the first day, but, after that decided not to give any medals. Albert Speer later wrote that Hitler was annoyed that the 'negro, Jesse Owens had won so many gold medals.
"....but he was highly annoyed by the series of triumphs by the marvelous colored American runner, Jesse Owens. People whose antecedents came from the jungle were primitive, Hitler said with a shrug; their physiques were stronger than those of civilized whites and hence should be excluded from future games."
Yet, with great irony, Jesse Owens was treated well during his stay in Germany, he didn't experience the segregation that he did back home in United States and many Germans sought his autograph.
During the games Jesse Owens displayed the sportsmanship that he became renowned for. During the long jump final, he found time to massage his German rival Lang. Lang later acknowledged the great spirit of sportsmanship that Jesse Owens embodied. Jesse Owens was grateful for the friendship that Lang displayed. Later, Jesse Owens remarked:
"It took a lot of courage for him (Lang) to befriend me in front of Hitler... You can melt down all the medals and cups I have and they wouldn't be a plating on the 24-karat friendship I felt for Lutz Long at that moment. Hitler must have gone crazy watching us embrace. The sad part of the story is I never saw Long again. He was killed in World War II."
Despite, achieving a remarkable athletic achievement, Jesse Owens was denied the commercial or praise that he might have expected. He was never given a reception by F.D. Roosevelt or future US presidents. In 1936, the American olympics association rescinded his Olympic status after he refused to travel to Sweden to try and cash in on some commercial enterprises back in America.
Jesse was forced to take part in various 'athletic showcases' such as racing against horses, or racing against local runners with a 10 yard head start. As Jesse Owens wryly remarked
"After I came home from the 1936 Olympics with my four medals, it became increasingly apparent that everyone was going to slap me on the back, want to shake my hand or have me up to their suite. But no one was going to offer me a job."
He moved into business but it was not successful and it ended in bankruptcy in the 1960s. He was even prosecuted for tax evasion. However, in 1966, with the civil rights movement gaining impetus, Jesse Owens was given the opportunity to act as a good will ambassador speaking to large corporations and the Olympic movement.
Jesse Owens rose to national prominence in 1933, when he equalled the world record (9.4 seconds) for the 100 yard dash. He attended Ohio State University, but without a scholarship he had to continue working part time. At the time, America was a highly segregated society and when travelling with the team, Jesse had to suffer the indignities of eating at separate restaurants and staying at different hotels.
One of his great athletic feats occurred in 1935, where in one track meet he broke three world records. This included the long jump (record stood for 25 years), 220 yards and 220 yards hurdles. He also equalled record for 100 yard.
Jesse Owens at 1936 Olympics
Jesse Owens finest moment came in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. He won Olympic gold in the 100m, long jump, 200m and 4* 100 metres relay. (An achievement not matched until Carl Lewis in 1984). It was a powerful rebuttal to the Nazi's hopes of displaying 'Aryan superiority'. Hitler gave medals to German athletes on the first day, but, after that decided not to give any medals. Albert Speer later wrote that Hitler was annoyed that the 'negro, Jesse Owens had won so many gold medals.
"....but he was highly annoyed by the series of triumphs by the marvelous colored American runner, Jesse Owens. People whose antecedents came from the jungle were primitive, Hitler said with a shrug; their physiques were stronger than those of civilized whites and hence should be excluded from future games."
Yet, with great irony, Jesse Owens was treated well during his stay in Germany, he didn't experience the segregation that he did back home in United States and many Germans sought his autograph.
During the games Jesse Owens displayed the sportsmanship that he became renowned for. During the long jump final, he found time to massage his German rival Lang. Lang later acknowledged the great spirit of sportsmanship that Jesse Owens embodied. Jesse Owens was grateful for the friendship that Lang displayed. Later, Jesse Owens remarked:
"It took a lot of courage for him (Lang) to befriend me in front of Hitler... You can melt down all the medals and cups I have and they wouldn't be a plating on the 24-karat friendship I felt for Lutz Long at that moment. Hitler must have gone crazy watching us embrace. The sad part of the story is I never saw Long again. He was killed in World War II."
Despite, achieving a remarkable athletic achievement, Jesse Owens was denied the commercial or praise that he might have expected. He was never given a reception by F.D. Roosevelt or future US presidents. In 1936, the American olympics association rescinded his Olympic status after he refused to travel to Sweden to try and cash in on some commercial enterprises back in America.
Jesse was forced to take part in various 'athletic showcases' such as racing against horses, or racing against local runners with a 10 yard head start. As Jesse Owens wryly remarked
"After I came home from the 1936 Olympics with my four medals, it became increasingly apparent that everyone was going to slap me on the back, want to shake my hand or have me up to their suite. But no one was going to offer me a job."
He moved into business but it was not successful and it ended in bankruptcy in the 1960s. He was even prosecuted for tax evasion. However, in 1966, with the civil rights movement gaining impetus, Jesse Owens was given the opportunity to act as a good will ambassador speaking to large corporations and the Olympic movement.
Monday, 21 April 2014
Pele Biography
Pele is the most iconic footballer of the twentieth Century. He epitomised the flair, joy and passion the Brazilians bought to the game.
Pele's career spanned throughout the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.
In his early career, the young and unknown Pele helped inspire Brazil to victory in the 1958 World Cup. In 1962, Brazil retained the World Cup. In 1966, Brazil were hot favourites, but, lost out to the home nation England.
His crowing glory was the Brazilian victory in the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. In this world cup, some of the football played by Brazil and Pele was sheer class. Brazil won the final 4-1 against Italy; it was a genuine advertisement for the 'beautiful game' and a fitting pinnacle of Pele's international career.
Pele went on to score over 1,000 goals in professional games. (The 1000th goal coming as a penalty in the US league sparking celebrations around the world). His strike rate in international games was one of the highest ever. In 92 appearances, he scored 77 goals.
peleIn the domestic league, Pele made his debut for Santos aged just 16. He played for Santos in the Brazilian league from until the 1972-73 season..
Pele finished his career in the lucrative US league. In 1975, he signed for New York Cosmos and played three seasons. He led the New York Cosmos to the US title in 1977 - the year of his retirement.
After retiring has gone onto be a great ambassador for football and sport in general. In 1992, Pelé was appointed a UN ambassador for ecology and the environment. He was also appointed a UNESCO goodwill ambassador. He is not only one of the most gifted footballers of his generation, but, also a mild mannered man who used his fame and prestige for a positive effect.
Pele's career spanned throughout the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.
In his early career, the young and unknown Pele helped inspire Brazil to victory in the 1958 World Cup. In 1962, Brazil retained the World Cup. In 1966, Brazil were hot favourites, but, lost out to the home nation England.
His crowing glory was the Brazilian victory in the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. In this world cup, some of the football played by Brazil and Pele was sheer class. Brazil won the final 4-1 against Italy; it was a genuine advertisement for the 'beautiful game' and a fitting pinnacle of Pele's international career.
Pele went on to score over 1,000 goals in professional games. (The 1000th goal coming as a penalty in the US league sparking celebrations around the world). His strike rate in international games was one of the highest ever. In 92 appearances, he scored 77 goals.
peleIn the domestic league, Pele made his debut for Santos aged just 16. He played for Santos in the Brazilian league from until the 1972-73 season..
Pele finished his career in the lucrative US league. In 1975, he signed for New York Cosmos and played three seasons. He led the New York Cosmos to the US title in 1977 - the year of his retirement.
After retiring has gone onto be a great ambassador for football and sport in general. In 1992, Pelé was appointed a UN ambassador for ecology and the environment. He was also appointed a UNESCO goodwill ambassador. He is not only one of the most gifted footballers of his generation, but, also a mild mannered man who used his fame and prestige for a positive effect.
Richard Branson Biography
Richard Branson is an entrepreneur and businessman, who founded the Virgin group of more than 400 companies. The Virgin group grew from a small record shop he founded in 1972, to become a major multinational company including interests in transport, media, and entertainment. Richard Branson is also a flamboyant character and has taken part in a number of gruelling adventure challenges, such as sailing across the Atlantic and taking part in round the world hot air balloon journeys.
My general attitude to life is to enjoy every minute of every day. I never do anything with a feeling of, “Oh God, I've got to do this today.”
Richard Branson, The Guardian newspaper, 20th September 2008
Short Biography Richard Branson
Richard Branson was born in Blackheath, London 18 July 1950. His father was a barrister. Branson attended Scaitcliffe School and later Stowe school. Suffering from dyslexia, Branson did not excel at studies; he was more interested in extra curricular activities, such as football and cricket. At the age of 15, he had started to try his first business ventures, which included trying to grow trees and another raising budgerigars.
On one occasion, he was caught leaving the bedroom of the headmaster's daughter, and Branson was expelled from school. This left him devastated and he wrote a suicide note, suggesting he couldn't cope. When the note was discovered, he was forgiven, but failing at his studies, Branson left school at 16 - an early high school drop out.
Virgin Records
richard-bransonAfter quitting school, he moved back to London, where he began his first successful business. He started a magazine about youth culture, called The Student. It was produced by students, for students and was launched in 1966. Branson was able to attract significant advertisement from firms wishing to tap the student market; this enabled him to distribute the first 50,000 copies for free.
The 1960s in London, was known as the 'swinging sixties' And Branson admits he was living the life of a hippy, in a London commune - a large shared house, surrounded by the music and drugs of the age. However, although he may have been a hippie, Branson also had a keen business sense, and he set up a mail order record company, called Virgin to complement the student magazine. Virgin was suggested by one of Branson's workers - who suggested the name because they were all new at business. Branson later said he got into business out of accident - not to make money, but out of frustration things weren't better.
I became an entrepreneur by mistake. Ever since then I've gone into business, not to make money, but because I think I can do it better than it's been done elsewhere. And, quite often, just out of personal frustration about the way it's been done by other people. (interview with Martyn Lewis in his book, Reflections on Success (1997)
With modest profits from his magazine and mail order business, he was able to get a record shop on Oxford Street, London. Undercutting other High Street retailers, Virgin experienced good growth. Though, on one occasion, due to an unpaid tax bill, Branson's mother Eve had to re-mortgage her house to help Branson stay afloat.
As the record business expanded, Branson created his own record label, with Nik Powell - Virgin Music in 1972. Within a year, Branson had a great stroke of luck. His first artist, Mike Oldfield, recorded the album 'Tubular Bells' and this proved a smash hit, staying in the charts for over four years. This high profile and earnings, helped Branson to sign up some of the top bands of the era, including Culture Club, the Rolling Stones, Genesis, and controversial bands such as the Sex Pistols.
In 1984, Branson branched out into his biggest business venture - forming Virgin Atlantic Airways, and started competing in a market dominated by big national carriers, such as British Airways. At times this rivalry was intense, with Virgin accusing British Airways of dirty tricks in poaching customers. British Airways eventually settled out of court. However, in 1992, Branson had to sell Virgin records to EMI for £500m to help keep a struggling Virgin Atlantic afloat.
Other big business ventures of the Virgin group include Virgin Mobile in 1999 and entering into British railways with Virgin Trains in 1993. In 2007, he created Virgin Money. Less successful ventures include Virgin cola, and Virgin vodka. He also failed to win a contract to run the National Lottery - even though he offered to do it not for profit.
My philosophy is that if I have any money I invest it in new ventures and not have it sitting around. (Interview, Sunday Times, 16th January, 2000
Richard Branson has sought to cultivate a different approach to running a business. He says the ethos of his businesses is to build from the bottom up - taking into account the feedback from all staff, and not just top down hierarchy.
'As much as you need a strong personality to build a business from scratch, you also must understand the art of delegation. I have to be good at helping people run the individual businesses, and I have to be willing to step back. The company must be set up so it can continue without me.' (Virgin Quotes)
He has also been willing to take risks, setting up unconventional business plans. In his autobiography, he also says that having fun, is an important element of his approach to life and business:
“Fun is at the core of the way I like to do business and it has been key to everything I've done from the outset. More than any other element, fun is the secret of Virgin's success. I am aware that the ideas of business as being fun and creative goes right against the grain of convention, and it's certainly not how the they teach it at some of those business schools, where business means hard grind and lots of 'discounted cash flows' and net' present values'.”
— Richard Branson, Losing My Virginity: How I've Survived, Had Fun, and Made a Fortune Doing Business My Way
richard-branson-boat
Environment
Branson states that after meeting Al Gore, he became concerned about the issue of global warming. He has founded Virgin fuels to promote alternative to fossil files. He has also promised to use profits from his transport business to develop more environmentally friendly fuels. In 2007, he set up the Virgin Earth Challenge which offers a reward of $25 million to the best commercially viable design for removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, without negative effects.
World Record Attempts
Richard Branson has undertook many endurance world record attempts. He set the fastest transatlantic sailing record in 1986. He also made several record attempts in hot air balloons. In 1998, he failed in a bid to make a global flight in a hot air balloon.
Charity
With Nelson Mandela and Peter Gabriel, Branson formed a new group 'The Elders', which seeks to find peaceful resolutions to long standing conflicts and global problems. Other members included Desmond Tutu, Kofi Annan, Jimmy Carter and Mohammed Yunus. Branson is also involved in a variety of other charities, such as education in Kenya, Soldiers for Peace and has served on the global commission on drug policy.
Wealth
The Sunday Times estimate the wealth of Richard Branson at £3,065 billion, making him the fourth richest person in the UK. Much of this is invested in off-shore havens.
My general attitude to life is to enjoy every minute of every day. I never do anything with a feeling of, “Oh God, I've got to do this today.”
Richard Branson, The Guardian newspaper, 20th September 2008
Short Biography Richard Branson
Richard Branson was born in Blackheath, London 18 July 1950. His father was a barrister. Branson attended Scaitcliffe School and later Stowe school. Suffering from dyslexia, Branson did not excel at studies; he was more interested in extra curricular activities, such as football and cricket. At the age of 15, he had started to try his first business ventures, which included trying to grow trees and another raising budgerigars.
On one occasion, he was caught leaving the bedroom of the headmaster's daughter, and Branson was expelled from school. This left him devastated and he wrote a suicide note, suggesting he couldn't cope. When the note was discovered, he was forgiven, but failing at his studies, Branson left school at 16 - an early high school drop out.
Virgin Records
richard-bransonAfter quitting school, he moved back to London, where he began his first successful business. He started a magazine about youth culture, called The Student. It was produced by students, for students and was launched in 1966. Branson was able to attract significant advertisement from firms wishing to tap the student market; this enabled him to distribute the first 50,000 copies for free.
The 1960s in London, was known as the 'swinging sixties' And Branson admits he was living the life of a hippy, in a London commune - a large shared house, surrounded by the music and drugs of the age. However, although he may have been a hippie, Branson also had a keen business sense, and he set up a mail order record company, called Virgin to complement the student magazine. Virgin was suggested by one of Branson's workers - who suggested the name because they were all new at business. Branson later said he got into business out of accident - not to make money, but out of frustration things weren't better.
I became an entrepreneur by mistake. Ever since then I've gone into business, not to make money, but because I think I can do it better than it's been done elsewhere. And, quite often, just out of personal frustration about the way it's been done by other people. (interview with Martyn Lewis in his book, Reflections on Success (1997)
With modest profits from his magazine and mail order business, he was able to get a record shop on Oxford Street, London. Undercutting other High Street retailers, Virgin experienced good growth. Though, on one occasion, due to an unpaid tax bill, Branson's mother Eve had to re-mortgage her house to help Branson stay afloat.
As the record business expanded, Branson created his own record label, with Nik Powell - Virgin Music in 1972. Within a year, Branson had a great stroke of luck. His first artist, Mike Oldfield, recorded the album 'Tubular Bells' and this proved a smash hit, staying in the charts for over four years. This high profile and earnings, helped Branson to sign up some of the top bands of the era, including Culture Club, the Rolling Stones, Genesis, and controversial bands such as the Sex Pistols.
In 1984, Branson branched out into his biggest business venture - forming Virgin Atlantic Airways, and started competing in a market dominated by big national carriers, such as British Airways. At times this rivalry was intense, with Virgin accusing British Airways of dirty tricks in poaching customers. British Airways eventually settled out of court. However, in 1992, Branson had to sell Virgin records to EMI for £500m to help keep a struggling Virgin Atlantic afloat.
Other big business ventures of the Virgin group include Virgin Mobile in 1999 and entering into British railways with Virgin Trains in 1993. In 2007, he created Virgin Money. Less successful ventures include Virgin cola, and Virgin vodka. He also failed to win a contract to run the National Lottery - even though he offered to do it not for profit.
My philosophy is that if I have any money I invest it in new ventures and not have it sitting around. (Interview, Sunday Times, 16th January, 2000
Richard Branson has sought to cultivate a different approach to running a business. He says the ethos of his businesses is to build from the bottom up - taking into account the feedback from all staff, and not just top down hierarchy.
'As much as you need a strong personality to build a business from scratch, you also must understand the art of delegation. I have to be good at helping people run the individual businesses, and I have to be willing to step back. The company must be set up so it can continue without me.' (Virgin Quotes)
He has also been willing to take risks, setting up unconventional business plans. In his autobiography, he also says that having fun, is an important element of his approach to life and business:
“Fun is at the core of the way I like to do business and it has been key to everything I've done from the outset. More than any other element, fun is the secret of Virgin's success. I am aware that the ideas of business as being fun and creative goes right against the grain of convention, and it's certainly not how the they teach it at some of those business schools, where business means hard grind and lots of 'discounted cash flows' and net' present values'.”
— Richard Branson, Losing My Virginity: How I've Survived, Had Fun, and Made a Fortune Doing Business My Way
richard-branson-boat
Environment
Branson states that after meeting Al Gore, he became concerned about the issue of global warming. He has founded Virgin fuels to promote alternative to fossil files. He has also promised to use profits from his transport business to develop more environmentally friendly fuels. In 2007, he set up the Virgin Earth Challenge which offers a reward of $25 million to the best commercially viable design for removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, without negative effects.
World Record Attempts
Richard Branson has undertook many endurance world record attempts. He set the fastest transatlantic sailing record in 1986. He also made several record attempts in hot air balloons. In 1998, he failed in a bid to make a global flight in a hot air balloon.
Charity
With Nelson Mandela and Peter Gabriel, Branson formed a new group 'The Elders', which seeks to find peaceful resolutions to long standing conflicts and global problems. Other members included Desmond Tutu, Kofi Annan, Jimmy Carter and Mohammed Yunus. Branson is also involved in a variety of other charities, such as education in Kenya, Soldiers for Peace and has served on the global commission on drug policy.
Wealth
The Sunday Times estimate the wealth of Richard Branson at £3,065 billion, making him the fourth richest person in the UK. Much of this is invested in off-shore havens.
J.K.Rowling Biography
J.K Rowling was born in Chipping Sodury, July 31st 1965. Her childhood was generally happy, although she does remember getting teased because of her name, “Rowling” – She recalls often getting called “Rowling pin” by her less than ingenious school friends. J.K. Rowling says she never really warmed to her own name, although, she does remember having a fondness for the name Potter from quite an early age. J.K.Rowling studied at St Michael's Primary School in Gloucestershire, before moving to Chepstow, South Wales at the age of nine.
From an early age, J.K. Rowling had an ambition to be a writer. She often tried her hand at writing, although little came from her early efforts. Aged six she wrote a book about a rabbit with measles. After her mother praised her effort. Rowling replied 'well get it published then.' She admits it was a 'Bit of an odd thing for a child of six to think. I don’t know where it came from…”
In her own autobiography she remembers with great fondness, when her good friend Sean became the first person to give her the confidence that one day she would be able to make a very good writer.
“he was also the only person who thought I was bound to be a success at it, which meant much more to me than I ever told him at the time” (1)
Sean was also the owner of a battered old Ford Anglia, which would later appear in one of the Harry Potter series as a flying car.
After finishing school, her parents encouraged her to study French at the rowlingUniversity of Exeter. She slightly regretted choosing French, saying she would have preferred to study English. However, it was her parents wish that she study something “ more useful” than English.
After having spent a year in Paris, J.K.Rowling graduated from university and took various jobs in London. One of her favourite jobs was working for Amnesty International; the charity, which campaigns against human rights abuses throughout the world. Amnesty International, is one of the many charities, which J.K.Rowling has generously supported since she attained a new found wealth.
It was in 1990, that J.K.Rowling first conceived of the idea about Harry Potter. As she recalls, it was on a long train journey from Manchester to London when she began forming in her mind, the characters of the series. At the forefront, was a young boy, at that time not aware that he was a wizard. The train was delayed for over four hours, but she didn’t have a pen and was too shy to ask for one nothing,
"To my immense frustration, I didn't have a pen that worked, and I was too shy to ask anybody if I could borrow one."
But she remembers being very enthusiastic, and excited about the ideas which were filling her mind.
On arriving at her flat in Clapham Junction, she began work on writing the book immediately, although, it would take several years to come to fruition.
It was also in December of 1990 that J.K.Rowling lost her mother, who died of Multiple Sclerosis. J.K.Rowling was very close to her mother, and she felt the loss deeply. Her own loss gave an added poignancy to the death of Harry Potter’s mother in her book. She says her favourite scene in the Philosopher’s Stone is, The Mirror of Erised, where Harry sees his parents in the mirror.
In 1991, J.K.Rowling left England to get a job as an English teacher in Portugal. It was here that she met her first husband, Jorge Arantes - and together they had a child Jessica. However, after a couple of years, the couple split after a fierce argument; where by all accounts J.K.Rowling was thrown out of the house.
In Dec 1993, Rowling returned to the UK, moving to Edinburgh where she tried to finish her first book. She was surviving on state benefits and bringing up her daughter as a single parent. She would often go to Edinburgh cafes to work on the book whilst her child had a nap.
Eventually, she finished her first copy of the Philosopher's Stone', and sent it off to various agents. She found an agent, Christopher, who spent over a year trying to get a publisher. It was rejected by 12 major publishing houses. But, eventually, a quite small publisher, Bloomsbury agreed to take the book on. The editor Barry Cunningham also agreed to pay her an advance of £1500. The decision to take on the book was, in large part, due to his eight year old daughters enthusiastic reception of the first chapter (However she was advised to continue her training as a teacher because she was told writers of children’s books don’t tend to get very well paid.)
Within a few weeks of publication, (1996) book sales really started to take off. The initial print run was of only 1,000 – 500 of which went to libraries. First editions are now said to be worth up to £25,000 each. She also received a grant from the Scottish arts council, which enabled her to write full time. After the books initial success in the UK, an American company Scholastic agreed to pay a remarkable £100,000 for the rights to publish in America. In 1998, Warner Bros secured the film rights for the books, giving a seven figure sum. The films have magnified the success of the books, making Harry Potter into one of the most recognisable media products. Under the close guidance of J.K.Rowling, the films have sought to stay close to the original plot; also at J.K.Rowling’s request all the actors are British and are filmed in Britain.
On the 21st December 2006, J.K.Rowling finished her final book of the Harry Potter Series – "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows". The book was released in July 2007, becoming one of the fastest selling books of all time. J.K.Rowling has said the book is her favourite, and it makes her both happy and sad. She has said she will continue writing but there is little chance of continuing the Harry Potter Series. She however, may release a dictionary of things related to Hogwarts and Harry Potter, that were never published in other books.
Since the end of her Harry Potter series, she says she has finished some short stories, she also hinted on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 1st October, 2010, that an 8th book in the Harry Potter series is a possibility.
On 27 September 2012, Rowling released the 'Casual Vacancy' an adult novel. In 2013, The Cuckoo's Calling was published. Initially, the author was stated as being Robert Galbraith. But, this was a pseudonym used by J.K.Rowling. After her authorship was discovered, sales went through the roof.
J.K.Rowling and Media
J.K.Rowling has sought to protect her children from media intrusion. In 2011, she gave testimony to the Leverson enquiry about how unscrupulous reporters sought to intrude into her family's privacy. After her books became best-sellers, reporters would often be camped outside her home. J.K. Rowling said:
"However, as interest in Harry Potter and myself increased, my family and I
became the target of a different kind of journalistic activity. The effect on
me, and our family life, truly cannot be overstated. We were literally driven
out of the first house I had ever owned (which faced almost directly onto
the street) because of journalists banging on the door, questioning the
neighbours and sitting in parked cars immediately outside the gate. Old friendships were tested as journalists turned up on their doorsteps, and
offered money for stories on me. (J.K.Rowling's Testimony to Leveson Enquiry Nov 2011.)
After finding a letter from a journalist in her child's satchel, she remarked:
"It's very difficult to say how angry I felt that my 5-year-old daughter's school was no longer a place of complete security from journalists."
J.K.Rowling currently lives in Scotland, on the banks of the river Tay, with her 2nd husband Neil Murray; J.K.Rowling has 3 children, two with husband Neil.
Wealth of J.K.Rowling
In 2011, her estimated wealth stands at £530 million, according to Sunday Times Rich List. The global Harry Potter brand is estimated to be worth £7 billion.
Charity Work of J.K.Rowling
J.K.Rowling has contributed considerable sums to charities she supports. This includes:
Anti-Poverty. She is President of the Charity - One Parent Families
Multiple sclerosis. She has contributed money to the research and treatment of Multiple Sclerosis, which her mother suffered from.
Lumos - helping institutionalised children in Eastern Europe
Political Views
She has publically supported the Labour party. In 2008, she donated £1 million to the Labour party, saying she felt vulnerable families would be better off under a Labour government. She describes her political hero as Robert F.Kennedy.
Religious Views
J.K.Rowling states that she considers herself a Christian, and attends a local Church of Scotland congregation. She said, that unlike other members in her family, she often had a deep interest in religion, and would go to churches alone. However, she also says that although she believes in God, at times she doubts her faith.
"I feel very drawn to religion, but at the same time I feel a lot of uncertainty. I live in a state of spiritual flux. I believe in the permanence of the soul."
From an early age, J.K. Rowling had an ambition to be a writer. She often tried her hand at writing, although little came from her early efforts. Aged six she wrote a book about a rabbit with measles. After her mother praised her effort. Rowling replied 'well get it published then.' She admits it was a 'Bit of an odd thing for a child of six to think. I don’t know where it came from…”
In her own autobiography she remembers with great fondness, when her good friend Sean became the first person to give her the confidence that one day she would be able to make a very good writer.
“he was also the only person who thought I was bound to be a success at it, which meant much more to me than I ever told him at the time” (1)
Sean was also the owner of a battered old Ford Anglia, which would later appear in one of the Harry Potter series as a flying car.
After finishing school, her parents encouraged her to study French at the rowlingUniversity of Exeter. She slightly regretted choosing French, saying she would have preferred to study English. However, it was her parents wish that she study something “ more useful” than English.
After having spent a year in Paris, J.K.Rowling graduated from university and took various jobs in London. One of her favourite jobs was working for Amnesty International; the charity, which campaigns against human rights abuses throughout the world. Amnesty International, is one of the many charities, which J.K.Rowling has generously supported since she attained a new found wealth.
It was in 1990, that J.K.Rowling first conceived of the idea about Harry Potter. As she recalls, it was on a long train journey from Manchester to London when she began forming in her mind, the characters of the series. At the forefront, was a young boy, at that time not aware that he was a wizard. The train was delayed for over four hours, but she didn’t have a pen and was too shy to ask for one nothing,
"To my immense frustration, I didn't have a pen that worked, and I was too shy to ask anybody if I could borrow one."
But she remembers being very enthusiastic, and excited about the ideas which were filling her mind.
On arriving at her flat in Clapham Junction, she began work on writing the book immediately, although, it would take several years to come to fruition.
It was also in December of 1990 that J.K.Rowling lost her mother, who died of Multiple Sclerosis. J.K.Rowling was very close to her mother, and she felt the loss deeply. Her own loss gave an added poignancy to the death of Harry Potter’s mother in her book. She says her favourite scene in the Philosopher’s Stone is, The Mirror of Erised, where Harry sees his parents in the mirror.
In 1991, J.K.Rowling left England to get a job as an English teacher in Portugal. It was here that she met her first husband, Jorge Arantes - and together they had a child Jessica. However, after a couple of years, the couple split after a fierce argument; where by all accounts J.K.Rowling was thrown out of the house.
In Dec 1993, Rowling returned to the UK, moving to Edinburgh where she tried to finish her first book. She was surviving on state benefits and bringing up her daughter as a single parent. She would often go to Edinburgh cafes to work on the book whilst her child had a nap.
Eventually, she finished her first copy of the Philosopher's Stone', and sent it off to various agents. She found an agent, Christopher, who spent over a year trying to get a publisher. It was rejected by 12 major publishing houses. But, eventually, a quite small publisher, Bloomsbury agreed to take the book on. The editor Barry Cunningham also agreed to pay her an advance of £1500. The decision to take on the book was, in large part, due to his eight year old daughters enthusiastic reception of the first chapter (However she was advised to continue her training as a teacher because she was told writers of children’s books don’t tend to get very well paid.)
Within a few weeks of publication, (1996) book sales really started to take off. The initial print run was of only 1,000 – 500 of which went to libraries. First editions are now said to be worth up to £25,000 each. She also received a grant from the Scottish arts council, which enabled her to write full time. After the books initial success in the UK, an American company Scholastic agreed to pay a remarkable £100,000 for the rights to publish in America. In 1998, Warner Bros secured the film rights for the books, giving a seven figure sum. The films have magnified the success of the books, making Harry Potter into one of the most recognisable media products. Under the close guidance of J.K.Rowling, the films have sought to stay close to the original plot; also at J.K.Rowling’s request all the actors are British and are filmed in Britain.
On the 21st December 2006, J.K.Rowling finished her final book of the Harry Potter Series – "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows". The book was released in July 2007, becoming one of the fastest selling books of all time. J.K.Rowling has said the book is her favourite, and it makes her both happy and sad. She has said she will continue writing but there is little chance of continuing the Harry Potter Series. She however, may release a dictionary of things related to Hogwarts and Harry Potter, that were never published in other books.
Since the end of her Harry Potter series, she says she has finished some short stories, she also hinted on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 1st October, 2010, that an 8th book in the Harry Potter series is a possibility.
On 27 September 2012, Rowling released the 'Casual Vacancy' an adult novel. In 2013, The Cuckoo's Calling was published. Initially, the author was stated as being Robert Galbraith. But, this was a pseudonym used by J.K.Rowling. After her authorship was discovered, sales went through the roof.
J.K.Rowling and Media
J.K.Rowling has sought to protect her children from media intrusion. In 2011, she gave testimony to the Leverson enquiry about how unscrupulous reporters sought to intrude into her family's privacy. After her books became best-sellers, reporters would often be camped outside her home. J.K. Rowling said:
"However, as interest in Harry Potter and myself increased, my family and I
became the target of a different kind of journalistic activity. The effect on
me, and our family life, truly cannot be overstated. We were literally driven
out of the first house I had ever owned (which faced almost directly onto
the street) because of journalists banging on the door, questioning the
neighbours and sitting in parked cars immediately outside the gate. Old friendships were tested as journalists turned up on their doorsteps, and
offered money for stories on me. (J.K.Rowling's Testimony to Leveson Enquiry Nov 2011.)
After finding a letter from a journalist in her child's satchel, she remarked:
"It's very difficult to say how angry I felt that my 5-year-old daughter's school was no longer a place of complete security from journalists."
J.K.Rowling currently lives in Scotland, on the banks of the river Tay, with her 2nd husband Neil Murray; J.K.Rowling has 3 children, two with husband Neil.
Wealth of J.K.Rowling
In 2011, her estimated wealth stands at £530 million, according to Sunday Times Rich List. The global Harry Potter brand is estimated to be worth £7 billion.
Charity Work of J.K.Rowling
J.K.Rowling has contributed considerable sums to charities she supports. This includes:
Anti-Poverty. She is President of the Charity - One Parent Families
Multiple sclerosis. She has contributed money to the research and treatment of Multiple Sclerosis, which her mother suffered from.
Lumos - helping institutionalised children in Eastern Europe
Political Views
She has publically supported the Labour party. In 2008, she donated £1 million to the Labour party, saying she felt vulnerable families would be better off under a Labour government. She describes her political hero as Robert F.Kennedy.
Religious Views
J.K.Rowling states that she considers herself a Christian, and attends a local Church of Scotland congregation. She said, that unlike other members in her family, she often had a deep interest in religion, and would go to churches alone. However, she also says that although she believes in God, at times she doubts her faith.
"I feel very drawn to religion, but at the same time I feel a lot of uncertainty. I live in a state of spiritual flux. I believe in the permanence of the soul."
Malcolm X Biography
"It is incorrect to classify the revolt of the Negroes as simply a racial conflict of black against white.. Rather we are today seeing a global rebellion of the oppressed against the oppressor, the exploited against the exploited..."
- Malcolm X
Malcolm X was an influential and controversial figure in the American civil rights movements of the 1960s. He preached a radical philosophy of racial equality.
"Let the government know that if they don't stop the Klan, we'll stop it ourselves.. by any means necessary... Now.. the press calls us racist and people who are violent in reverse... Well, if a criminal comes around your house with his gun, brother.. it doesn't make you a robber because you grab your gun and run him out."
malcolm xMalcolm Little was born in Omaha, Nebraska, May 19, 1925. His father was a Baptist preacher and staunch supporter of Marcus Garvey - a radical exponent of black rights. Later, Malcolm's father was murdered by locals.
As a youngster he was shocked when he told his teacher he wished to become a lawyer. His teacher responded.
"Lawyer, that's no realistic goal for a nigger... Why don't you plan on carpentry?"
Malcolm says after that his attitude to the white establishment soured.
As a teenager, Malcolm became heavily involved in selling drugs in Harlem's criminal world. He was often on the run from the police and at age 21 he was arrested and sentenced to 10 years at Charlestown State prison. He gained a nickname 'Satan' for his antireligious attitude. However, during his time in prison he become increasingly receptive to the message of Islam brought to him by his brother Reginald.
On release from prison he become closely involved with the Nation of Islam under Elijah Muhammad. Possessing great skills of oratory and persuasion, Malcolm X was made ministry of the Nation of Islam's New York Temple.
The Nation of Islam became an important faction in the civil rights movement. They were more militant than the non-violent civil rights movement and were often criticised for being unpatriotic.
Malcolm X said On being American.
"Sitting at the table [with nothing to eat] doesn't make you a diner. Being here in America doesn't make you an American"
In 1963, Malcolm X split from the Nation of Islam after revelations of the leader Elijah Muhammad having fathered children with former secretaries. His split created great animosity and he received many threats in the next few years.
He made a pilgrimage to Mecca and travelled around the world becoming an international celebrity. He was struck by the evidence of greater interracial harmony in the rest of the world.
On February, 21, 1965 he was assassinated in New York, by rival Black Muslims though there remains controversy over who his real killer was.
Malcolm X, undoubtedly had a powerful impact on influencing American society and attitudes to race. He was instrumental in forging the movement of black power and radicalism that departed from the more non-violent approach of Martin Luther King
malcolm x
Martin Luther King and Malcolm X briefly meet in 1964 before going to listen to a Senate debate about civil rights in Washington. (image Wikicommons)
- Malcolm X
Malcolm X was an influential and controversial figure in the American civil rights movements of the 1960s. He preached a radical philosophy of racial equality.
"Let the government know that if they don't stop the Klan, we'll stop it ourselves.. by any means necessary... Now.. the press calls us racist and people who are violent in reverse... Well, if a criminal comes around your house with his gun, brother.. it doesn't make you a robber because you grab your gun and run him out."
malcolm xMalcolm Little was born in Omaha, Nebraska, May 19, 1925. His father was a Baptist preacher and staunch supporter of Marcus Garvey - a radical exponent of black rights. Later, Malcolm's father was murdered by locals.
As a youngster he was shocked when he told his teacher he wished to become a lawyer. His teacher responded.
"Lawyer, that's no realistic goal for a nigger... Why don't you plan on carpentry?"
Malcolm says after that his attitude to the white establishment soured.
As a teenager, Malcolm became heavily involved in selling drugs in Harlem's criminal world. He was often on the run from the police and at age 21 he was arrested and sentenced to 10 years at Charlestown State prison. He gained a nickname 'Satan' for his antireligious attitude. However, during his time in prison he become increasingly receptive to the message of Islam brought to him by his brother Reginald.
On release from prison he become closely involved with the Nation of Islam under Elijah Muhammad. Possessing great skills of oratory and persuasion, Malcolm X was made ministry of the Nation of Islam's New York Temple.
The Nation of Islam became an important faction in the civil rights movement. They were more militant than the non-violent civil rights movement and were often criticised for being unpatriotic.
Malcolm X said On being American.
"Sitting at the table [with nothing to eat] doesn't make you a diner. Being here in America doesn't make you an American"
In 1963, Malcolm X split from the Nation of Islam after revelations of the leader Elijah Muhammad having fathered children with former secretaries. His split created great animosity and he received many threats in the next few years.
He made a pilgrimage to Mecca and travelled around the world becoming an international celebrity. He was struck by the evidence of greater interracial harmony in the rest of the world.
On February, 21, 1965 he was assassinated in New York, by rival Black Muslims though there remains controversy over who his real killer was.
Malcolm X, undoubtedly had a powerful impact on influencing American society and attitudes to race. He was instrumental in forging the movement of black power and radicalism that departed from the more non-violent approach of Martin Luther King
malcolm x
Martin Luther King and Malcolm X briefly meet in 1964 before going to listen to a Senate debate about civil rights in Washington. (image Wikicommons)
Barack Obama Biography
Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”
— Barack Obama
Barack Obama was born 4 Aug 1961 in Hawaii. His father was a Kenyan intellectual. His mother a white teenager from Kansas. When Barack was still young, his father abandoned the family and Barack would only meet his father on a few future occasions. After a brief spell living in Indonesia, he moved back to Hawaii where he was raised by his grandparents.
For some years, Obama’s nationality was the subject of intense speculation by the right wing media suggesting Obama was not American and was a secret Muslim. Obama later produced two birth certificates to prove his nationality.
After studying law at Harvard he worked as a civil rights lawyer in Chicago. It was here in Chicago that he met his future wife Michelle. They married in 1992 and had two children.
“I believe in evolution, scientific inquiry, and global warming; I believe in free speech, whether politically correct or politically incorrect, and I am suspicious of using government to impose anybody's religious beliefs -including my own- on nonbelievers.”
— Barack Obama, The Audacity of Hope:
In 1996, he gained his big political breakthrough serving in Illinois state senate until 2004. In 2004, he was elected to the US senate where he gained a reputation as one of the Democrats brightest potentials. His book ‘The Audacity of Hope’ became a best seller and increased his profile. In the aftermath of the Iraq war, his reputation was enhanced by his previous opposition to the war.
Despite a lack of political experience, he put forward his name for the Democratic presidential candidate in 2008. Against the stiff opposition of Hilary Clinton, Obama ran a near perfect campaign. His campaign generated a flood of popular grassroots support, making use of social media and internet networking.
Against the much older Republican candidate Senator John McCain, Obama won a hard fought contest taking the 2008 presidential election. His victory was greeted with an unusual degree of enthusiasm and excitement – not just in America, but around the world. After decades of racism and segregation blighting American society, the election of the first black American president was hugely symbolic.
On becoming President, he found the political environment very hostile. The Republican dominated congress was able to block much of Obama’s key legislation. However, with considerable modifications, he was able to pass a health care bill which went a considerable way to ensuring greater universal provision.
Obama was elected on a liberal platform. Before the election he promised to close down Guantanamo bay and improve America’s image abroad.
“To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”
Barack Obama
He is perceived as less accommodating to Israel and more sympathetic to the Palestinian position. However, in 2011, the US was the only country to veto a Security Council resolution condemning illegal Israeli settlements. A year into his presidency, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for this promise to promote world peace. Many thought this somewhat premature and so far Obama hasn’t been able to close down Guantamo Bay due in part to Congress’ refusal to give required funds. In 2011, he ordered the assassination of Osama Bin Laden – the person blamed for 9/11 and a target who had evaded Bush. Obama pleged to end American troops involvement in Iraq and by 2011 could announce all troops would be leaving Iraq. However, troops have remained in Afghanistan.
Obama also inherited an economy struggling to overcome the deepest recession since the 1930s. Though recovery was better in the US than Europe, Obama was still blamed for high unemployment, large debt and a weak economy.
However, despite the economy, in 2012, Obama was able to win re-election, defeating the Republican candidate Mitt Romney.
Obama describes himself as Christian, despite not being raised as a regular church goer – saying that he made the choice in adult life.
— Barack Obama
Barack Obama was born 4 Aug 1961 in Hawaii. His father was a Kenyan intellectual. His mother a white teenager from Kansas. When Barack was still young, his father abandoned the family and Barack would only meet his father on a few future occasions. After a brief spell living in Indonesia, he moved back to Hawaii where he was raised by his grandparents.
For some years, Obama’s nationality was the subject of intense speculation by the right wing media suggesting Obama was not American and was a secret Muslim. Obama later produced two birth certificates to prove his nationality.
After studying law at Harvard he worked as a civil rights lawyer in Chicago. It was here in Chicago that he met his future wife Michelle. They married in 1992 and had two children.
“I believe in evolution, scientific inquiry, and global warming; I believe in free speech, whether politically correct or politically incorrect, and I am suspicious of using government to impose anybody's religious beliefs -including my own- on nonbelievers.”
— Barack Obama, The Audacity of Hope:
In 1996, he gained his big political breakthrough serving in Illinois state senate until 2004. In 2004, he was elected to the US senate where he gained a reputation as one of the Democrats brightest potentials. His book ‘The Audacity of Hope’ became a best seller and increased his profile. In the aftermath of the Iraq war, his reputation was enhanced by his previous opposition to the war.
Despite a lack of political experience, he put forward his name for the Democratic presidential candidate in 2008. Against the stiff opposition of Hilary Clinton, Obama ran a near perfect campaign. His campaign generated a flood of popular grassroots support, making use of social media and internet networking.
Against the much older Republican candidate Senator John McCain, Obama won a hard fought contest taking the 2008 presidential election. His victory was greeted with an unusual degree of enthusiasm and excitement – not just in America, but around the world. After decades of racism and segregation blighting American society, the election of the first black American president was hugely symbolic.
On becoming President, he found the political environment very hostile. The Republican dominated congress was able to block much of Obama’s key legislation. However, with considerable modifications, he was able to pass a health care bill which went a considerable way to ensuring greater universal provision.
Obama was elected on a liberal platform. Before the election he promised to close down Guantanamo bay and improve America’s image abroad.
“To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”
Barack Obama
He is perceived as less accommodating to Israel and more sympathetic to the Palestinian position. However, in 2011, the US was the only country to veto a Security Council resolution condemning illegal Israeli settlements. A year into his presidency, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for this promise to promote world peace. Many thought this somewhat premature and so far Obama hasn’t been able to close down Guantamo Bay due in part to Congress’ refusal to give required funds. In 2011, he ordered the assassination of Osama Bin Laden – the person blamed for 9/11 and a target who had evaded Bush. Obama pleged to end American troops involvement in Iraq and by 2011 could announce all troops would be leaving Iraq. However, troops have remained in Afghanistan.
Obama also inherited an economy struggling to overcome the deepest recession since the 1930s. Though recovery was better in the US than Europe, Obama was still blamed for high unemployment, large debt and a weak economy.
However, despite the economy, in 2012, Obama was able to win re-election, defeating the Republican candidate Mitt Romney.
Obama describes himself as Christian, despite not being raised as a regular church goer – saying that he made the choice in adult life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)