Katharine Hepburn

Katharine Hepburn (1907 – 2003) Multiple Oscar winning American actress, Hepburn starred in many successful films including The African Queen (1951) The Rainmaker (1956) and On Golden Pond (1981)

Chairman Mao Zedong

Chairman Mao was the charismatic and brutal leader of Communist China. Leading the Communist party to power in 1949, Chairman Mao set about establishing his unquestioned authority and power, sending China into turmoil. Millions suffered in his schemes and cultural revolution of the 1950s and 1960s.

Born in the village of Shaoshan in Hunan Provence, 1893, he started life as a humble farm worker. But, he rebelled against his father and went to Changsa to gain an education. After drifting through different careers he joined the fledgling Communist party in 1921 and rose through its ranks becoming leader by the 1940s. Mao was ruthless in his quest for power, willing to poison and kill rivals – whoever they may be.

He wrote his Little Red Book (1964)

“Every Communist must grasp the truth: Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun.”

He later showed no mercy in turning on old comrades from the Great March. In the late 1940s, Mao Zedong led the Communist party on the long march south and eventually defeated the nationalistic troops on Chiang Kar Chek.

More and source: http://www.biographyonline.net/politicians/asia/chairman-mao.html

Sigmund Freud

Sigmund Freud (1856 – 1939) – Austrian neurologist who is credited with developing the field of psychoanalysis.

Freud was born 6 May 1856  in Freiberg in Moravia, Austrian Empire
(now Příbor, Czech Republic) to Hasidic Jewish parents.

Freud was brought up in Leipzig and Vienna, he attended a prominent school, where Freud proved an outstanding student, excelling in languages, and English literature. He developed a love for reading Shakespeare in original English, something he kept up throughout his life.

At the age of 17, Freud joined the medical facility at the University of Vienna to study a range of subjects, such as philosophy, physiology and zoology.

Freud graduated in 1881 and began working at the Vienna General Hospital. He worked in various departments, such as psychiatric clinic and also combined medical practise with research work – such as an influential paper on aphasia (1891) and the effects of cocaine (1984). Freud was initially an advocate of using cocaine for pain relief, though he later stopped advocating its use – as its dangers became increasingly known. Freud was also an early researcher into the field of cerebral palsy.

Whilst working in different medical fields Freud continued his own independent reading. He was influenced by Charles Darwin’s relatively new theory of evolution. He also read extensively Friedrich Nietsche’s philosophy. Other influences on Freud included works on the existence of the subconscious, by writers such as Brentano and Theodor Lipps. Freud also studied the practise of hypnosis, as developed by Jean-Martin Charcot

In 1886, Freud left his hospital post, and set up his own private clinic, specialising in nervous disorders. An important aspect of Freud’s approach was to encourage patients to share their innermost thoughts and feelings, which often lie buried in the subconscious. Initially, he used the process of hypnosis, but later found he could just ask people to talk about their experiences.

Freud hoped that by bringing the unconscious thoughts and feelings to the surface, patients would be able to let go of repetitive negative emotions and feelings. Another technique he pioneered was ‘transference’ where patients would project negative feelings of other people on to the psycho-analyst. Freud himself wrote about the personal cost of delving into the darker aspects of the subconscious.

More and source: http://www.biographyonline.net/scientists/sigmund-freud-biography.html

Woodrow Wilson

Woodrow Wilson was 28th President of the US from 1913 to 1921. He is best remembered for his role in the First World War – keeping the US out of the war, until reluctantly entering in 1917. At the end of the war, Woodrow Wilson formulated his 14 points, which sought to create an international League of Nations and institute principles of self-determination and justice as the basis for the armistice.

He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1919.

Woodrow Wilson was also a progressive with attempts to control big business and end elitism in universities.

Life of Woodrow Wilson

He was born in December 28, 1856 in Staunton Virginia. His father identified with the confederacy and defended slavery. However, Woodrow Wilson did not share his father’s views on this, later writing.

Because I love the South, I rejoice in the failure of the Confederacy. March 1880).

In 1885, he married Ellen Louise Axon and together they had three daughters. Wilson studied at John Hopkins University and gained a PhD in history and political science. He went on to have a distinguished academic career becoming the principle of Princeton.

He felt the University of Princeton was underachieving – being held back by elitism and laid back standards. This led to a stand of with Wilson trying to tackle the elitist traditions of Princeton. This proved to be a bruising encounter and was a key factor in encouraging Wilson to turn to politics. He ran for governor of New Jersey in 1910 as a progressive candidate and he was nominated as the Democratic candidate at the 1912 Democratic convention. Winning the Presidency, Wilson embarked on a series of progressive legislation. This included:

• Graduated income tax.
• Anti trust legislation against big business and vested monopoly powers.
• Greater protection for labour, e.g. new restrictions on child labour.
• Federal Reserve act creating greater ability to increase money supply.

No country can afford to have its prosperity originated by a small controlling class.

The New Freedom, 1913.

Despite progressive social and economic policies, he expanded a policy of segregation and disappointed many African Americans who switched allegiance to the Democrat party who voted for Wilson on promises of equal rights. Wilson said on segregation:

“segregation is not a humiliation but a benefit, and ought to be so regarded by you gentlemen.”

In 1916, he narrowly won re-election campaigning on an anti-war stance.

However, after 1916, public opinion hardened against Germany. Germany’s unrestricted submarine warfare, such as the sinking of the Lusitania, led to serious American casualties. Then in January 1917, the publication of the Zimmerman Telegram suggested Germany was willing to help Mexico regain territory in Southern US. By April 1917, Wilson had overcome his deep reluctance to go to war and asked congress to declare war on the government of Germany. Congress overwhelmingly supported the decision.

In 1917, the US army was very small, and to the Allies disappointment, it took time for the US army to make a difference on the western front. However, by 1918, the steady increase in number of American troops was beginning to make a difference, and helped to swing the balance against Germany. By November 1918, the Germans surrendered.

At the end of the war, Woodrow Wilson presented his 14 points to the Allies as a basis for a just armistice. 

More and source: http://www.biographyonline.net/nobelprize/woodrow-wilson.html

Ronald Reagan

Ronald Reagan was the 40th President of the United States, serving from Jan 1981 to 1989. He was a Republican and was credited with a resurgence of American conservatism. He pursued a policy of neo-liberal economics – pursuing tax cuts, reduced government spending, and de-regulation. Towards the end of his presidency, he was involved in negotiations with Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev, which led to treaties reducing the nuclear capabilities of both countries and the ending of the Cold War. He also took an activist approach to protect US interest abroad including controversial decisions such as the bombing of Libya and the invasion of Grenada to reverse a Communist coup.

Early Life

Ronald Reagan was born 6 February 1911 in Tampico, Illinois. He attended Dixon High School where he gained an interest in acting and sports. He then attended Eureka College where he was elected president of the student body.

In the 1930s, Reagan gained work as a radio presenter commenting on baseball games. He made a strong impact because of his clear presentation and engaging voice. By 1937 he had moved to Hollywood where he gained a contract with Warner Brothers. He was a prolific actor appearing in 19 films by the end of 1939. Reagan later commented that with many films he worked, on directors were keen to get the film finished as quickly as possible.

In 1942 he starred in ‘Kings Row’ – a film about a double amputee. His performance received critical acclaim and it made him quite famous as a Hollywood actor. But, shortly after he was drafted into active service in the the U.S. Army. During the war, poor eyesight meant he was excluded from serving overseas. He worked in public relations and made several propaganda films and helped in the War loan drive to raise money for the war.

Reagan married for the first time in 1940, to actress Jane Wyman, having two children. Wyman later filed for divorce in 1948, not wishing to support Reagan’s political ambitions.

After the war, Reagan became president of the Screen Actors Guild. This involved representing actors in labour disputes; he also gave information to the FBI about actors with potential Communist sympathies.

It was as president of SAG that he met Nancy Reagan – ironically because Nancy had been mistakenly put on the list of ‘Communist sympathisers’. They married in 1952 and had two children – Patti and Ron.

Political career

Reagan began his political career as a Democrat. He supported Harry Truman in the 1948 election. However, his wife Nancy was a Republican, and in the 1950s, he drifted towards the Republican party. He supported the Presidential campaigns of Eisenhower (’52 and ’56) and Richard Nixon (1960)

In 1962, he formally joined the Republican party, stating that he didn’t leave the Democrat party, but the party left him.

Conservative beliefs

His political profile within the Republican movement rose sharply in 1964, when delivering a speech “Time for Choosing” for Presidential hopeful Barry Goldwater. Reagan stressed his philosophy which would characterise his political views. Reagan believed that government needed to be limited to prevent intrusion into individual liberties. Reagan was espousing a conservatism that would become popular in America. He was a member of the National Rifle Association and in the 1960s opposed some civil rights legislation on the grounds that people should have the freedom to discriminate in housing, if they wanted to. However, he claimed it was not from racist motives and when growing up in the segregated south had offered accommodation to black people who were unable to stay at a hotel.

Ronald Reagan later paid credit to Martin Luther King for the peaceful civil rights movement of the 1960s.

More and source: http://www.biographyonline.net/politicians/american/ronald-reagan-biography.html

Steve Jobs

Steven Paul Jobs – (Feb 24, 1955 – October 5, 2011)

Steve Jobs Short Bio

Steve Jobs was an American businessman and inventor who played a key role in the success of Apple computers and the development of revolutionary new technology such as the iPod, iPad and MacBook.

“Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn’t matter to me … Going to bed at night saying we’ve done something wonderful… that’s what matters to me.”

– Steve Jobs as quoted in The Wall Street Journal (Summer 1993).

Early Life

Steven Jobs was born in San Francisco, 1955, to two university students Joanne Schieble and Syrian born John Jandali. They were both unmarried at the time, and Steven was given up for adoption.

Steven was adopted by Paul and Clara Jobs, whom he always considered to be his real parents. Steven’s father Paul encouraged him to experiment with electronics in their garage. This led to a life long interest in electronics and design.

Steve Jobs attended a local school in California and later enrolled at Reed College, Portland, Oregon. His education was characterised by excellent test results and potential. But, he struggled with formal education and his teachers reported he was a handful to teach.

At Reed College he attended a calligraphy course which fascinated him. He later said this course was instrumental in Apple’s multiple typefaces and proportionally spaced fonts.

More and source: http://www.biographyonline.net/business/steve-jobs.html

Cleopatra

Cleopatra VII Philopator (69 BC – August 12, 30 BC) was an Egyptian Queen and the last pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. Embroiled in the internal politics of the Roman Empire she was the lover of both Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony.

Cleopatra was born in around 69 BC. Her father Ptolemy XII died (in 51BC) when she was 18, leaving Cleopatra and her brother Ptolemy XIII as co-regents. As was the custom of the time Cleopatra married her brother and together they ruled Egypt. However, Ptolemy soon had Cleopatra exiled, leaving him in charge.

In 48 BC, the Roman empire was embroiled in a civil war between Julius Caesar and Pompey. When Pompey fled to Alexandria, the capital of Egypt, he was murdered on the orders of Ptolemy.

Soon after, Julius Caesar came to Egypt where he met and fell in love with Cleopatra. With Caesar’s military strength and support, Ptolemy was overthrown, killed and Cleopatra was reinstalled as Queen. In 47BC, Cleopatra gave birth to Caesarion, though Caesar never publicly declared him to be his son.

For a time Cleopatra’s reign brought relatively stability to the region, bringing a degree of peace and prosperity to a country bankrupt by civil war. Although brought up to speak Greek like her family, she made an effort to learn Egyptian and later only spoke only in Egyptian. In 44BC, Julius Caesar was assassinated and the years following Caesar’s death led to a great power struggle between Mark Anthony and Caesar’s adopted son Octavian.

Despite being married to Octavian’s sister (Octavia), Mark Anthony began a relationship with Cleopatra, and together they had three children.  Octavian was able to worry Romans that Mark Anthony would give away Rome to this Egyptian Queen, who seemed to have Mark Anthony under her spell. It was also seen as a family insult that Mark Anthony was married to his sister, but was having an affair with Cleopatra. Together Cleopatra and Mark Anthony had three children.

The antagonism grew into civil war, and in 31BC, Cleopatra joined her Egyptian forces with the Roman forces of Mark Anthony and fought Octavian’s forces on the west coast of Greece.

Cleopatra and Mark Anthony were decisively beaten in battle, and scarcely escaped back to Egypt. However, Octavian’s forces pursued the couple and captured Alexandria in 30BC. With no chance of escape, Mark Anthony and Cleopatra both took their own lives, committing suicide on 12 August 30BC.  Octavian later had their son Caesarion strangled, ending the Cleopatra dynasty. Egypt became a province of the Roman Empire, and Cleopatra proved to be the last of the Egyptian Pharaohs.

More and source: http://www.biographyonline.net/women/cleopatra.html

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is an Argentinian footballer widely regarded as the one of the greatest players of the modern generation. He plays for FC Barcelona and the Argentina national team. He has won FIFA world player of the year four times (a record already). He has often been described as Diego Maradona’s successor because of his prolific goal scoring record and ability to dribble past opponents.

“I have seen the player who will inherit my place in Argentine football and his name is Messi. Messi is a genius and he can become an even better player.”

His potential is limitless and I think he’s got everything it takes to become Argentina’s greatest player.”

– Diego Maradona

Short Biography Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi was born, 24 June 1987, in Rosario, Argentina to a working class family. His father was a factory steel worker, and his mother a cleaner.

He began playing from an early age, and his talent was soon apparent. However, at the age of 11, Messi was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). This was a condition that stunted growth, and required expensive medical treatment, including the use of the drug Human growth hormone.

Local club, River Plate were interested in signing Messi, but didn’t want to pay for his medical treatment. However, Messi was given a trial with Barcelona, and coach Carles Rexach was impressed – offering Messi a contract (written on paper napkin!) which included paying for Messi’s treatment in Spain. Messi moved to Barcelona with his father and became part of the prestigious FC Barcelona youth academy.

“I made a lot of sacrifices by leaving Argentina, leaving my family to start a new life. But everything I did, I did for football, to achieve my dream. That’s why I didn’t go out partying, or do a lot of other things.”

– Lionel Messi

Messi progressed through the ranks and was given his first appearance in the 2004/05 season becoming the youngest player to score a league goal. In 2006, Messi was part of the double winning team which won both La Liga (Spanish League) and Champions League . By next season, (2006-07) aged just 20, Messi was the first choice striker and a key part of the Barcelona team – scoring 14 goals in 26 league games.

In the 2009-10 season, Messi scored 47 goals in all competitions, equalling Ronaldo’s record total for Barcelona. As the seasons have progressed, Messi kept improving and breaking his own records. In the calender year of 2012, he broke the all time world record for most goals scored in a calender year. His final total of goals in 2012 was 91 – beating the previous record of 85 by German Gerd Muller, and Pele’s milestone of 75 in 1958.

More and source: http://www.biographyonline.net/sport/football/lionel-messi.html

Madonna

Madonna (16 August, 1958 – ) is an American singer, actress, dancer and movie star. She has sold over 300 million records worldwide, making her the best selling female artist of all time. She has had a profound influence on pop culture often courting controversy for upsetting religious and moral sensibilities.

Short Bio of Madonna

Madonna, born Louis Cicconi, on 16 August 1958, was brought up in Rochester Hills Michigan. Her mother died, from breast cancer, when she was only five; she was brought up by her grandparents. She was raised a Roman Catholic, though from an early age she displayed a rebellious streak. In 1978, she dropped out of college and moved to New York, with barely the clothes she was standing in. She got a job as a waitress at Dunking Donuts, and in her spare time learnt modern dance. She temporarily joined a rock band ‘ The Breakfast Club’ but tried to make a solo career and gaining the favourable impression with Sire Records, she was given a recording contract.

In 1982 she released her first single ‘Everybody‘ and in 1983, she launched her first album ‘Madonna‘ It sold very well, but it was her next album ‘Like a Virgin‘ which made her into an international superstar. The album sold over 12 million copies, helped by the hit single ‘Like a Virgin‘ which stayed at number one for 6 weeks.

As well as being a successful music recording artist, Madonna was very influential in influencing fashion and attitudes to life. Her trademark looks included fish net stockings, a Christian cross, bleached hair and Capri skirts.

Throughout her career, Madonna has courted controversy for her mix of sexuality and religious imagery. Her attitudes sparked criticism from the Vatican and the Vatican discouraged people from attending her concerts because of the eroticism. Madonna, generally, remained unapologetic and continued to perform her routines.

“A lot of people are just really confused by me; they don’t know what to think of me, so they try to compartmentalize me or diminish me. Maybe they just feel unsafe. But any time you have an overtly emotional or irrational, negative reaction to something, you’re fearing something that it’s bringing up in you.”

– Madonna

After forming her own company – Madonna, produced a book titled ‘Sex’. It featured nude photography and was quite controversial, especially in US; but it sold over half a million copies.

She has launched several business enterprises, such as fashion lines – Material Girl (1980s) and  ‘Truth or Dare by Madonna'(2011)

She has acted in a couple of films, without much commercial success – though her appearance in Evita about Eva Peron, the famous Argentinian wife of the President received good reviews.

She has now produced over 10 albums and remains a very influential artist still capable of hitting the top of the album charts. According to Billboard magazine, she is second only to the Beatles in terms of all-time best selling artist.

Her early Catholic roots influenced her music and videos, but, in the early 1990s she embraced Kabbalah a Jewish mystical sect. In 2004, she adopted the Kabbalah name ‘Esther’ which in Persian means star. Talking about the meaning of Kabbalah, 

More and source: http://www.biographyonline.net/music/madonna.html

Michael Jackson

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, dancer, entertainer, and recording artist. Michael Jackson epitomised the era of pop in the 70s, 80s and 90s, earning himself the title the King of Pop. He remained a global icon until his untimely death in 2009.

Michael Jackson began his music career alongside his fellow brothers and family members in the Jackson Five. His career began in 1964, aged only six. The group, led by Jackson’s father, worked hard touring many clubs and bars performing their mix of Motown hits. They gained the attention of record labels and in 1968 signed with Motown records. It was the youngest, baby faced Jackson, that really caught the eye of reviewers. Rolling Stone magazine wrote that Michael was a ‘prodigy’ with ‘overwhelming musical gifts’. Michael stood out for his exceptional enthusiasm and soft, infectious musical voice. The group produced four number one hit singles, including “I Want You Back“, ABC and “the Lover You Save”

Despite achieving his goal to be a music performer, Michael’s childhood was far from happy. He was regularly beaten and threatened by his authoritarian father. This legacy of abuse left Michael scarred throughout his adult life.

Solo Career Michael Jackson

By the late 1970s, Michael was increasingly looking to pursue a solo career. With the help of music producer, Quincy Jones, Michael produced the solo album ‘Off The Wall‘. The album was a great success, eventually selling over 20 million copies. The album gained much critical acclaim and Michael secured the highest royalty rate in the music industry (37% of album profit)

His second solo album, Thriller, launched Michael Jackson into a position as the most famous pop singer in the world. With little commercial advertising and promotion, Thriller rose to number one on album sales and remained at the number one spot for a total of 37 weeks. It gained one of many Guinness World Records for Michael Jackson, gaining 110 million global sales and 29 million sales in the US. Thriller included number one hits such as Beat It, Billie Jean.

In March 1983, Michael Jackson performed live on Motown 25, ‘Yesterday, today, forever’, -a TV special. He performed his distinctive and memorable dance move – the Moonwalk. In the dance routine, he effortlessly moves backwards with seemingly keeping one leg perfectly straight. His performance made him a global icon of not just music, but dance. Michael Jackson pioneered the importance of music video in promoting a pop artist. This performance has been put in the same category as the Beatles’ appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show.

His next big albums were Bad (1987) and Dangerous (1991). His final album was Invincible(2001).

By the late 80s, there was an increasing number of stories speculating on Jackson’s personal life, health and physical appearance. Michael Jackson underwent numerous operations of plastic surgery to fix his nose and add a dimple in his chin. During the 1980s, his skin started to lighten; this was due to a rare skin pigment disease, but it didn’t stop a wave of speculative press stories that he was bleaching his skin colour. The press covered a range of speculative stories over Michael Jackson, including imaginary stories Michael had invented himself (such as sleeping in an oxygen tent to avoid ageing process)

More and source: http://www.biographyonline.net/music/michael-jackson.html

Alfred Hitchcock

Sir Alfred Hitchcock was an English / American film director who pioneered cinematic developments in the production of several classic films, especially of the thriller genre. Hitchcock is considered one of the greatest and most influential film producers of the Twentieth Century. Some of his most famous films include: 39 Steps (1935), Rear Window (1954), Vertigo(1958), and Psycho (1960)

“In the documentary the basic material has been created by God, whereas in the fiction film the director is a God; he must create life.”

– Alfred Hitchcock – as quoted in Hitchcock (1984)

Early life of Alfred Hitchcock

Alfred Hitchcock was born 13 August, 1899 in Leytonstone, Essex, England where he studied at the Roman Catholic Salesian College and later St Ignatius College. His childhood was not particularly happy. He suffered from obesity, a result of a glandular condition and his parents were strict and somewhat remote. When he was just five, his father sent him to a police station with a note that he should be locked up for 5 minutes. This left him with a life-long fear of authority and the police in particular. During his childhood, the young Alfred would often spend time by himself, inventing games and spending time drawing maps.

Aged 15, he left college to study at the London County Council school of Engineering and Navigation; this qualified him to be a draftsmen. He gained his first job with a Telegraph company, but it was around this time he developed a burgeoning interest in the cinema, which was a recent innovation. In the evening, he watched many films and studied the cinema trade newspapers

Towards the end of the First World War, he attempted to join the army, but was rejected because of his weight, though he did later manage to sign up for a brief time as a cadet in the Royal Engineers.

First steps in film direction

After the war, he began writing short stories, which were published in his companies in-house magazine. Hitchcock also developed an interest in photography and the new art of film production. He gained employment in 1920 as a title card designer for a company which would later be known as Paramount Pictures. He progressed through the company and within five years was producing silent films. He later said silent films were the ‘purest form of cinema’

In the mid 1920s, he travelled to Germany where he picked up many of the emerging ‘expressionist’ techniques used in modern film making. After a few difficult early films, he gained his first commercial and critical success with The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog(1927)

By 1929, he had produced 10 films, and his 10th film ‘Blackmail’ was a significant moment because it was one of the first ‘talkers’ – films with an audio track.

Success in the 1930s

By the mid 1930s, Hitchcock was establishing his reputation as one of the leading film producers in Britain. Several films proved a great success, such as 39 Steps (1935), Sabotage (1936) andThe Lady Vanishes (1938). Hitchcock proved a master at creating tension and a fast moving plot line; he didn’t tie down the audience in detail, but created scenes of dramatic tension. Hitchcock pioneered the use of famous backdrops, either famous landmarks in a city, or the wilderness of the Scottish moors 39 Steps(1935). Later in his career, he used many famous landmarks such as Mt Rushmore (North by Northwest (1959)) and the Statue of Liberty – Saboteur. (1942)

Move to America

Hitchcock’s critical success in England, led him to being approached by David Selznick from Hollywood. In 1939, the Hitchcock family moved to California, where he began working on a new film. His first film Rebecca (1940) received an Oscar for Best Picture. Hitchcock was not particularly enamoured of America, but he did enjoy the greater resources enjoyed by American studios, it was an improvement on the small budgets of the English film producers.

Towards the end of the Second World War (1943), he returned to England, where he produced two films in French, for the Free French forces. In 1945, he also served as film editor for a documentary about the concentration camps liberated by the British forces (Bergen-Belsen). However, the images were so shocking, it was later shelved until being published in 1985 (Memory of the Camps); it was also re-released in 2014.

After the war, Hitchcock returned to America, where he resumed his long and successful American film career. In particular, he enjoyed developing his talents in creating psychologically intriguing films.

More and source: http://www.biographyonline.net/actors/alfred-hitchcock.html

Sting

Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner (born October 2, 1951), better known as Sting, is an English singer and musician. He first became famous as a member of the band, The Police.

Sting was born in Newcastle, England in 1951 where he attended St. Cuthbert’s Catholic High School. His father was a milkman in an area dominated by the ship building industry. From an early age, Sting displayed an aptitude and love for music, in particular the bass guitar. He sought to pursue a career in music, and took part in a variety of local gigs and gained some employment on cruises.

His early groups included a mixture of jazz and rock groups such as “Last Exit”

He received his name Sting from a black and gold striped rugby sweater he used to often wear when performing in a Dixieland jazz band, in which people said he looked like a bee.

His big break through came with the rock band Police. In 1978, he moved to London where, with Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers, they formed a group ‘The Police’. They went onto sell many best-selling albums and won six Grammy awards. The song ‘Every Breath You Take’ from their last album ‘Synchronicity’ is one of the most played songs on the radio of all time.

In 1985, he released his first solo ‘The Dream of the Blue Turtles’. This led on to a very successful solo career. The group Police have only sporadically re-united to play charity gigs and the odd tour (2007).

Sting has experimented with a variety of music from classical to rock and jazz. To Sting music doesn’t have to fit into neat boundaries.

More and source: http://www.biographyonline.net/music/sting.html

Coco Chanel

Gabrielle Bonheur “Coco” Chanel (19 August 1883 – 10 January 1971)

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”

– Coco Chanel

Coco Chanel was a leading French modernist designer, whose patterns of simplicity and style revolutionised women’s clothing. She was the only designer to be listed in the Time 100 most influential people of the Twentieth Century. In the 1960s, a Broadway musical was made about her life starring Katharine Hepburn

It was in the 1920s, that Coco Chanel left a lasting mark on Women’s fashion and design. Up until the First World War, women’s clothing had been quite restrictive and tended to involve full length skirts which were impractical for many activities. Coco Chanel helped create women’s clothing that was simpler and more practical. She also introduced trousers and suits for women – something which had not been done before.

“Fashion has become a joke. The designers have forgotten that there are women inside the dresses. Most women dress for men and want to be admired. But they must also be able to move, to get into a car without bursting their seams! Clothes must have a natural shape.“

– Coco Chanel

She also created her famous Chanel No.5 scent and this has been a lasting trademark.

Most sources suggest she was born in 1883, though this was a closely guarded fact – with Coco not keen on revealing her birth date.

Orphaned from an early age, she worked with her sister in a milliner in Deauville. Later, she opened a shop in 1912 and after a spell of nursing during the first world war founded a couture house in the Rue Cambon in Paris.

More and source: http://www.biographyonline.net/artists/coco-chanel.html

Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde is one of the most iconic figures from late Victorian society. Enjoying a meteoric rise to the top of society, his wit, humour and intelligence shine through his plays and writings. For his sexuality he suffered the indignity and shame of imprisonment. For a long time his name was synonymous with scandal and intrigue. However with changing social attitudes he is remembered with great affection for his biting social criticism, wit and linguistic skills.

“To get back my youth I would do anything  in the world, except take exercise, get up early or be respectable.”

– Oscar Wilde

As Stephen Fry wrote of Oscar Wilde.

“What of Wilde the man? He stood for Art. He stood for nothing less all his life.. He is still enormously underestimated as an artist and a thinker.. Wilde was a great writer and a great man.”

Short biography Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde was born on 16th October 1854 in Dublin, Ireland. His parents were well known and attracted a degree of gossip for their extravagant lifestyles. In 1964, his father Wille Wilde was knighted for his services to medicine. However his pride in receiving this honour was overshadowed by an allegation of rape by one of his patients. Although never proved, it cast a shadow over William Wilde.

Oscar Wilde proved to be a student of great talent. He was awarded a scholarship to Trinity College Dublin. Here he studied the classics, in particular developing an interest in the Greek philosophers and the Hellenistic view of life. From Trinity College he won a scholarship to Magdalen College, Oxford University. He enjoyed his time in Oxford and was able to develop his poetic sensibilities and love of literature. He also became more conscious of his bisexual nature. For his increasing “feminine” dress he often received stick from more “traditional” Oxford students. He was a brilliant scholar, but also increasingly rebellious. In one academic year he got rusticated for turning up to College three weeks after the start of term. Thus, after a while he lost interest in pursuing an academic career in Oxford and moved to London. It was in London that he was able to skilfully enter into high society, soon becoming well known as a playwright and noted wit. Oscar Wilde became famous throughout London society. He was one of the early “celebrities” – in some respects he was famous for being famous. His dress was a target for satire in the cartoons, but Wilde didn’t seem to mind. In fact he learnt the art of self-publicity and seemed to revel in it, at least up until his trial in 1898.

Oscar Wilde’s trial gripped the nation, the subject matter a source of intense gossip and speculation. For his “crime” of homosexual acts, Wilde was subject to two years hard labour in Wandsworth and then Reading Gaol. It is no understatement to say this experience deeply shocked and affected the previously ebullient Wilde. In some respects he never really recovered; on his release, he left for Paris where he lived in comparative anonymity. However he retained his wit and continued to write, heavily influenced by his chastening experiences. Of these post gaol writings, his poem “Ballad of Reading Gaol” is perhaps the most well known, illustrating a new dimension to Wilde’s writing.

I never saw a man who looked
With such a wistful eye
Upon that little tent of blue
Which prisoners call the sky,
And at every drifting cloud that went
With sails of silver by.

I walked, with other souls in pain,
Within another ring,
And was wondering if the man had done
A great or little thing,
When a voice behind me whispered low,
“That fellow’s got to swing.”

From: Ballad of Reading Gaol

Although Wilde couldn’t return to his previous level of writing  he developed new capacities, whilst retaining his sharp intellect. As Jonathon Fryer commented on Oscar Wilde’s final part of life he was.

More and source: http://www.biographyonline.net/poets/oscar_wilde.html

Fidel Castro

Fidel Castro (August 13, 1926 – ) Cuban revolutionary and President of Cuba. Castro led Cuba in a Communist revolution which led to a profound change in the economic and political fortunes of the country. Castro reorganised the economy on Marxist-Lennist principles. He is lauded by many for promoting education, social values, egalitarianism and standing up to ‘US imperialism’. He is also criticised by many for the suppression of dissent, lack of democracy and a worsening economy, which has led many Cubans to flee the country.

Early life Fidel Castro

Fidel Castro was born 13 August, 1925, in Birán, Oriente Province. He was the son of a wealthy farmer and his mistress. After a rebellious, though non-political childhood, in 1945, he went to study law at the University of Havana. He became interested in politics and critical of the current Cuban government. At university he joined the egalitarian, left-leaning – Party of the Cuban People, which opposed the ruling government and was committed to democracy and open government. After university, he travelled throughout Latin-America, participating in rebellions in the Dominican Republic and Colombia. His travels and political experiences pushed him further towards Marxist-Lennist thought and he came to support the idea of a ‘dictatorship of the proletariat’ as envisaged by Marx.

“I am a Marxist-Leninist, and I will be a Marxist-Leninist until the last days of my life.”

– Fidel Castro (2 December, 1961)

Castrol also later adapted Marx’s saying to say

“We have a theoretical concept of the Revolution which is a dictatorship of the exploited against the exploiters.”

As quoted in With Fidel : A Portrait of Castro and Cuba (1976)

Insurrection of 1953

In 1953, he led an attempt to overthrow Fulgencio Batista’s right-wing military junta. But, the attack on Moncada Barracks failed, and Castro was jailed for a year for his participation. His trial proved a semi-propaganda coup for Castro as he gave a four hour speech ‘History will absolve me’ – which spoke against the injustice of Batista’s regime.

More and source: http://www.biographyonline.net/politicians/fidel-castro-biography.html

Ingrid Bergman

Ingrid Bergman was a Swedish actress who was highly regarded for her roles in influential films, such as Casablanca (1942), For Whom the Bell Tolls (1943) and Anastasia (1956). She is the second most decorated Hollywood actress, with three Oscars, after Katherine Hepburn. Bergman was considered to have tremendous acting talent, an angelic natural beauty and the willingness to work hard to get the best out of films. She was also a very versatile actress, fluent in five languages and appearing in a range of films, plays and TV productions.

Early life Ingrid Bergman

Ingrid was born in Stockholm, Sweden on August 29, 1915. Her mother was German (of Jewish extraction) and her father Swedish. Her mother died when she was three, and her father passed away when she was 12. After this tragic loss, she went to live with her unmarried aunt who died just six months after Ingrid moved in. She was then brought up by her Uncle Otto and Aunt Hulda.

From an early age, she was interested in acting. Even with her father (a camera enthusiast) she had compiled some early motion picture videos. When she was 17, she attended the Royal Dramatic Theater School in Stockholm. She made her début on the stage, but was more interested in working in films. Her first minor speaking role came in 1935, when she played a maid in a low budge Swedish film “Munkborgreven”

In the late 1930s, she made her big break into Hollywood. She had starred in a Swedish production of “Intermezzo” (1936)  the story of a violinist who has an affair with his daughter’s violin teacher. Bergman played the role of the violin teacher.. The director David Selznick was so impressed with Bergman’s role that he bought the rights to have the film remade in Hollywood and chose Bergman to play the lead role. The film Intermezzo: A Love Story (1939) was a commercial and critical success, leading Selznikc to sign Bergman for a seven year deal.

In the early 1940s, she gained star status in Hollywood. In many ways she was considered the darling of Hollywood, she played many roles as the heroine of the film. Combined with her unadulterated angelic good looks, she was quietly considered the Angel of Hollywood.

Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca

She was catapulted to global fame through her role in the 1942 film Cassablanca. She played Ilsa, the wife of Victor Lazlo (played by Humphrey Bogart). The film was produced at an important time (1942) and was made with a motivation to foster public opinion in the US against the Nazi’s. The film was a huge commercial and critical success –  and even 60 years later it is considered one of the greatest and most influential films ever produced. Bergman never considered the film to be her best role. But, she felt that the film seemed to capture something, almost mystically important. Despite a long and distinguished film career, she observed that it was Casablanca that people always wanted to talk about.

More and source: http://www.biographyonline.net/women/ingrid-bergman.html

Charles Darwin

Charles Darwin was an English Natural scientist who laid down a framework for the theory of evolution – showing how Man evolved from lower life forms. At the time, his research and publication led to bitter controversy, but his theory of evolution and natural selection became accepted within the scientific community.

Charles Darwin was born on 12 February 1809 in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. He was born in to a wealthy and influential family. His grandfathers included – china manufacturer Josiah Wedgwood, and Erasmus Darwin, one of the leading intellectuals of 18th century England.

Darwin planned to study medicine at Edinburgh university, but later, at the instigation of his father, changed to studying Divinity at Christ’s College, Cambridge University. Darwin was not a great student, preferring to spend time in outdoor pursuits, he spent a lot of time examining natural science and beetle collecting. After gaining a passionate interest in natural science, Darwin was offered a place on the HMS Beagle to act as natural scientist on a voyage to the coast of South America.

At the time, religion was a powerful force in society, and most people took the Bible as the infallible, literal word of God. This included the belief that God created the world in seven days, and the world was only a few thousand years old. However, on the voyage, Darwin increasingly began to see evidence of life being much older. In particular Lyell’s ‘Principles of Geology’ suggested that fossils were evidence of animals living hundreds of thousands of years ago.

On the voyage, Darwin made copious notes about specimens he found on his voyages. In particular, at the Galapagos Islands 500 miles west of South American, Darwin was struck by how the Finch was different on each individual island. He noticed that the Finch had somehow adapted to the different aspects of the particular island.

Over the next 20 years, Darwin worked on the dilemma of how species evolve and can end up being quite different on different islands. Influenced by the work of Malthus, Darwin came up with a theory of natural selection and gradual evolution over time.

More and source: http://www.biographyonline.net/scientists/charles-darwin.html

John F Kennedy

 John F Kennedy was America’s second youngest elected president. He oversaw one of the most crucial moments in the Cold War (Cuban Missile Crisis) and sought to affirm America’s beliefs in basic human rights by calling for civil rights legislation and an attack on poverty and degradation. Assassinated in November 22, 1963, his tragic death shocked America and the world.

Born in May 1917, John F. Kennedy came from an illustrious political family; his father Joseph Kennedy was a leading member of the Democrat party and Joseph encouraged John F. Kennedy in his political ambitions after the war.

John graduated from Harvard after completing a thesis on “Appeasement in Munich” His thesis was later converted into a successful book – Why England Slept.

Before America joined the war, John joined the navy and saw action throughout the Pacific theatre. In August 1943, his boat was rammed by a Japanese destroyer ‘Amagiri’. John F Kennedy was later decorated for his outstanding bravery in rescuing a fellow crewman; he was also awarded the Purple heart for later action. Later he was modest about his actions, saying he felt a bit embarrassed as it resulted from a botched military action.

In 1946, he won a seat in Boston for the US House of Representatives, and in 1952 got himself elected for the US Senate, defeating the incumbent Republican.

In 1953, he married Jacqueline Lee Bouvier. In 1957 he was awarded the Pulitzer prize for biography for his book ‘Profiles in Courage‘ a book about US Senators who stood up for their personal beliefs.

In 1956, he was nearly chosen to be the Vice Presidential candidate for Adlai Stevenson. The national exposure raised his profile, and in 1960 he was chosen to be the Democratic nomination for the Presidency.

In 1960, in a very tight election, John F. Kennedy narrowly defeated the much fancied Republican, Richard Nixon. It was a memorable election with many millions glued to the tv in the pre-election hustings. John F Kennedy came across very well on TV and looked more relaxed and professional on camera.

It was the first time a Roman Catholic had been elected president and it was a big issue in America where many Protestants distrusted the prospect of America being influenced by the Vatican. He had to assure voters he was not a Catholic candidate for presidency, but someone standing for President who happened to be a Catholic.

During his inauguration, JFK, gave a very memorable speech, where he famously encouraged citizens to help the nation become strong again.

More and source: http://www.biographyonline.net/politicians/american/j-f-kennedy.html