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Celebrity Birthdays In 1969
Steve Agee (February 26, 1969-)Steve Agee is an American actor and comedian, best known for his role as Steve Myron on the Comedy Central series 'The Sarah Silverman Program'. Wikipedia
Riverside, California
Robert Allen (boxer) (June 7, 1969-)Robert Allen is an American professional boxer from Atlanta, Georgia. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and fights as a middleweight. Wikipedia
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Jennifer Aniston (February 11, 1969-)Jennifer Joanna Aniston is an American actress, director, producer, and a businesswoman. She is the daughter of actor John Aniston and actress Nancy Dow. Aniston gained worldwide recognition for portraying Rachel Green on the popular television sitcom 'Friends', a role which earned her a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Screen... Wikipedia
Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Marc Anthony (September 16, 1969-)Marco Antonio Muñiz, better known by his stage name Marc Anthony, is an American actor, singer, record producer, and television producer. Anthony is also the top selling tropical salsa artist of all time. The two-time Grammy and five-time Latin Grammy winner has sold more than 12 million albums worldwide. He is best known for his Latin salsa... Wikipedia
New York City, U.S.
Charles Ardai (1969-)Charles Ardai is an American entrepreneur, writer, editor, and television producer. He is best known as founder and CEO of Juno, an Internet company, and founder and editor of Hard Case Crime, a line of pulp-style paperback crime novels. Wikipedia
Darren Aronofsky (February 12, 1969-)Darren Aronofsky is an American film director, screenwriter and film producer. He has received acclaim for his often surreal, disturbing films and has been noted for frequent collaborations with cinematographer Matthew Libatique, film editor Andrew Weisblum and composer Clint Mansell. His films have generated controversy and are known for their... Wikipedia
Brooklyn, New York, United States
Brad Ausmus (April 14, 1969-)Bradley David "Brad" Ausmus is a former catcher in Major League Baseball, and the current manager of the Detroit Tigers. He has also previously managed the Israel national baseball team. Wikipedia
New Haven, Connecticut
Manoj Bajpai (April 23, 1969-)Manoj Bajpayee, also credited as Manoj Bajpai, is an Indian film actor who works predominantly in Bollywood, Telugu cinema and Tamil cinema. He has received praise from many critics for his acting performances in Indian Cinema, most notably for his roles as dacoit Maan Singh in 'Bandit Queen', Raghavan in 'Aks', Bhiku Mahatre in 'Satya', Rasheed in... Wikipedia
Bettiah, Bihar, India
Javier Bardem (March 1, 1969-)Javier Ángel Encinas Bardem is a Spanish actor. In 2007, he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as psychopathic assassin Anton Chigurh in 'No Country for Old Men'. He has also garnered critical acclaim for roles in films such as 'Jamón, jamón', 'Carne trémula', 'Boca a boca', 'Los Lunes al sol' and 'Mar adentro'. He... Wikipedia
Las Palmas, Spain
Jason Bateman (January 14, 1969-)Jason Kent Bateman is an American actor, director and producer who rose to prominence as a high-profile adolescent actor in the 1980s, in sitcoms such as 'Silver Spoons' and 'The Hogan Family', before returning in the early 2000s in the role of Michael Bluth on 'Arrested Development', for which he won a TV Land Award, a Golden Globe, and two... Wikipedia
Rye, New York, U.S.
Noah Baumbach (September 3, 1969-)Noah Baumbach is an American writer, director and independent filmmaker. Wikipedia
Brooklyn, New York
Felix Baumgartner (April 20, 1969-)Felix Baumgartner is an Austrian skydiver, daredevil and BASE jumper. He set the world record for skydiving an estimated 39 kilometres (24 mi), reaching an estimated speed of 1357.64 km/h (843.6 mph), or Mach 1.25, on 14 October 2012, and became the first person to break the sound barrier without vehicular power on his descent. He is also renowned... Wikipedia
Salzburg, Austria
Samantha Bee (October 25, 1969-)Samantha Bee is a Canadian comedic actress and author best known as a cast member on 'The Daily Show with Jon Stewart'. Bee surpassed Stephen Colbert in 2012 as The Daily Show's longest-serving regular correspondent. Wikipedia
Toronto, Ontario
Boris Berezovsky (pianist) (January 4, 1969-)Boris Vadimovich Berezovsky is a Russian virtuoso pianist. Wikipedia
Dennis Bergkamp (May 10, 1969-)Dennis Nicolaas Maria Bergkamp is a Dutch former professional footballer, who is the assistant manager to Frank de Boer at Ajax. Originally a wide midfielder, Bergkamp was moved to main striker and then to second striker, where he remained throughout his playing career. Bergkamp has been described by Jan Mulder as having "the finest technique" of... Wikipedia
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Jack Black (August 28, 1969-)Thomas Jacob "Jack" Black is an American actor, producer, comedian, voice artist, writer, and musician. His acting career has been extensive, starring primarily as bumbling and cocky but internally self-conscious outsiders in comedy films, though he has played some serious roles. He is best known for his roles in 'High Fidelity', 'School of Rock',... Wikipedia
Santa Monica, California, United States
Cate Blanchett (May 14, 1969-)Catherine Élise "Cate" Blanchett is an Australian actress. She has received critical acclaim and many accolades, including two Academy Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and three British Academy Awards. Blanchett has been awarded the Centenary Medal for Service to Australian Society by the Australian government.... Wikipedia
Melbourne, Australia
Andy Bloch (June 1, 1969-)Andrew Elliot Bloch is a professional poker player. He holds two electrical engineering degrees from MIT and a JD from Harvard Law School. Wikipedia
Bret Boone (April 6, 1969-)Bret Robert Boone is a former Major League Baseball second baseman. During his career Boone was a three-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glove winner, and two-time Silver Slugger Award winner. He is a member of the Boone family, one of the most recognizable families in baseball. Wikipedia
El Cajon, California
Todd Brunson (August 7, 1969-)Todd Alan Brunson is an American professional poker player and the son of poker player Doyle Brunson. Doyle Brunson did not teach Todd Brunson how to play; it was not until he was studying law at Texas Tech University that he learned how to play on his own. Before his senior year, he dropped out of school to turn professional. Wikipedia
Joe Buck (April 25, 1969-)Joseph Francis "Joe" Buck is an American sportscaster and the son of sportscaster Jack Buck. He has won numerous Sports Emmy Awards for his work with Fox Sports, including his roles as lead play-by-play announcer for the network's National Football League and Major League Baseball coverage. Wikipedia
St. Petersburg, Florida
Jez Butterworth (March 1969-)Jeremy "Jez" Butterworth is an English playwright, screenwriter, and film director. He has written screenplays in collaboration with his brothers, John-Henry and Tom. Wikipedia
London, England
Martha Byrne (December 23, 1969-)Mary Martha Byrne is an American actress, singer and television writer. She played the role of Lily Walsh Snyder on the soap opera 'As the World Turns' from 1985 to 1989, then again from 1993 to 2008; as well as, from 2000 to 2003, Lily's twin sister, Rose D'Angelo. Wikipedia
Ridgewood, New Jersey, U.S.
Troy Cassar-Daley (May 18, 1969-)Troy Cassar-Daley is an country musician from New South Wales, Australia. Wikipedia
Gareth Cook (1969-)Gareth Cook is an American journalist and editor. He was awarded a Pulitzer Prize in 2005 for "explaining, with clarity and humanity, the complex scientific and ethical dimensions of stem cell research." Cook is a contributor to NewYorker.com, and is also the series editor of 'The Best American Infographics' and editor of Mind Matters, Scientific... Wikipedia
- Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Shawn Crahan (September 24, 1969-)Michael Shawn Crahan, more commonly known by his stage persona "Clown", is an American musician, music producer, and artist. He is best known as one of the two custom percussionists and co-founder of the Grammy-winning heavy metal band Slipknot. When performing with Slipknot, he is also known by his number 6. Crahan is the only remaining founding... Wikipedia
Des Moines, Iowa, U.S.
Patrick Cramer (February 3, 1969-)Patrick Cramer is a German biochemist. Wikipedia
Stuttgart Germany
Julie Delpy (December 21, 1969-)Julie Delpy is a French-American actress, director, screenwriter, and singer-songwriter. She studied filmmaking at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts and has directed, written, and acted in more than 30 films, including 'Europa Europa', 'The Voyager', 'Three Colors: White', 'Before Sunrise', 'Before Sunset', '2 Days in Paris', and... Wikipedia
Paris, France
Cathy Dennis (March 25, 1969-)Catherine Roseanne "Cathy" Dennis is a British singer-songwriter, record producer and actress. After a moderately successful international solo career, Dennis later received great success as a writer of pop songs, scoring eight UK number ones and winning five Ivor Novello Awards. Wikipedia
Virginie Despentes (June 13, 1969-)Virginie Despentes is a French writer, novelist, and filmmaker. Wikipedia
Ajay Devgan (April 2, 1969-)Ajay Devgn also known as Ajay Devgan is an Indian film actor, director, and producer. Wikipedia
New Delhi, India
Peter Dinklage (June 11, 1969-)Peter Hayden Dinklage is an American actor. Since his breakout role in 'The Station Agent', he starred in many films, such as 'Elf', 'Find Me Guilty', 'Underdog', the British film 'Death at a Funeral' with its American remake of the same name, 'The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian', 'A Little Bit of Heaven', 'Ice Age: Continental Drift',... Wikipedia
Morristown, New Jersey, U.S.
David Anthony Durham (March 23, 1969-)David Anthony Durham is an American novelist, author of historical fiction and fantasy. Wikipedia
New York, NY
Jennifer Ehle (December 29, 1969-)Jennifer Anne Ehle is an American actress of stage and screen. She is perhaps best known for her role as Elizabeth Bennet in the successful 1995 miniseries 'Pride and Prejudice', which won her the BAFTA TV Award for Best Actress. Wikipedia
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States
Caroline Elkins (1969-)Caroline Elkins is a professor of history and African and African American Studies at Harvard University, and the founding director of Harvard's Center for African Studies. Her most noted publication, 'Imperial Reckoning: The Untold Story of Britain's Gulag in Kenya' won the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction. It also was the basis for... Wikipedia
Ernie Els (October 17, 1969-)Theodore Ernest "Ernie" Els is a South African professional golfer. A former World No. 1, he is known as "The Big Easy" due to his imposing physical stature along with his fluid golf swing. Among his 65 career victories are four major championships: the U.S. Open in 1994 at Oakmont and in 1997 at Congressional, and The Open Championship in 2002 at... Wikipedia
Johannesburg, South Africa
Everlast (musician) (August 18, 1969-)Erik Francis Schrody, known by his stage name Everlast, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter, known for his solo hit "What It's Like" and as the front-man for rap group House of Pain. He was also part of the hip-hop supergroup La Coka Nostra, which consists of members of House of Pain and other rappers. In 2000, he won a Grammy for Best... Wikipedia
Bernard Fanning (August 15, 1969-)Bernard Fanning is an Australian musician and singer-songwriter. He is best known as the lead singer and frontman of Australian alternative rock band Powderfinger from its formation in 1989 to its dissolution in 2010. Wikipedia
Brisbane, Australia
Pierfrancesco Favino (August 24, 1969-)Pierfrancesco Favino is an Italian actor. Wikipedia
Rome, Italy
Sergei Fedorov (December 13, 1969-)Sergei Viktorovich Fyodorov is a Russian retired ice hockey player, currently the general manager of CSKA Moscow of the Kontinental Hockey League. Fedorov played as centre in his career, also occasionally playing as a winger or defenceman. Wikipedia
Pskov, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
Pedro Fernández (September 28, 1969-)José Martín Cuevas Cobos, known professionally as Pedro Fernández, is a Mexican Latin Grammy Award winning recording artist and actor. At the 9th Lo Nuestro Awards, Fernández was nominated for Regional/Mexican Album of the Year and Regional/Mexican Male Performer of the Year. Wikipedia
Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Thom Filicia (May 17, 1969-)Thom Filicia is an American interior designer, known for his role as an interior design expert on the American television program 'Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.' He is also a co-author of a book based on the show. Wikipedia
in Syracuse, New York, U.S.
Nickson Fong (1969-)Nickson Fong is a Singaporean Computer Graphics Artist and the first local to receive an Academy Award. Wikipedia
Kirk Fox (August 26, 1969-)Kirk Fox is an American actor, screenwriter, and stand-up comedian. Wikipedia
San Diego, California
Judah Friedlander (March 16, 1969-)Judah Friedlander is an American actor and comedian, known for playing the role of writer Frank Rossitano on the NBC sitcom '30 Rock'. Friedlander is also known for his role as Toby Radloff in the film 'American Splendor', a role that garnered him favorable reviews and a nomination for best supporting actor at the 2004 Independent Spirit Awards.... Wikipedia
Gaithersburg, Maryland, U.S.
Travis Fryman (March 25, 1969-)David Travis Fryman is a former Major League Baseball third baseman and shortstop, and currently a hitting instructor for the Cleveland Indians farm system. He also managed the Mahoning Valley Scrappers from 2008 to 2010. Wikipedia
Lexington, Kentucky
Zach Galifianakis (October 1, 1969-)Zachary Knight "Zach" Galifianakis is an American stand-up comedian, actor and pianist known for his numerous film and television appearances including his own 'Comedy Central Presents' special. He garnered attention for his role as Alan Garner in the 'Hangover' films, directed by Todd Phillips. He also co-starred in Phillips' road trip comedy 'Due... Wikipedia
Wilkesboro, North Carolina, United States
Elizabeth Gilbert (July 18, 1969-)Elizabeth M. Gilbert is an American author, essayist, short story writer, biographer, novelist and memoirist. She is best known for her 2006 memoir, 'Eat, Pray, Love', which as of December 2010 has spent 199 weeks on the 'New York Times Best Seller list, and was also made into a film by the same name in 2010. Wikipedia
Waterbury, Connecticut, U.S.
Godfrey (comedian) (July 21, 1969-)Godfrey C. Danchimah, Jr., professionally known as Godfrey, is an American comedian and actor who has appeared on BET, VH1, Comedy Central, and feature films, such as 'Soul Plane', 'Original Gangstas', 'Zoolander', and 'Johnson Family Vacation'. He was also a spokesperson for 7 Up during the popular '7up yours' advertising campaign. Wikipedia
Lincoln, Nebraska, United States
Jamie Gold (August 25, 1969-)Jamie M. Gold is an American television producer, a talent agent, and poker player, based in Malibu, California. He is known for winning the 2006 World Series of Poker Main Event and currently divides his time between his activities as president of production for the entertainment company, Buzznation and poker competition, primarily major... Wikipedia
Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Steffi Graf (June 14, 1969-)Stefanie Maria "Steffi" Graf is a former World No. 1 German tennis player. Wikipedia
Mannheim, West Germany
Colin Greenwood (June 26, 1969-)Colin Charles Greenwood, is an English musician, composer, and the bassist for the rock band Radiohead. Apart from bass, Colin plays keyboards and synthesizers and works on sampling on the electronic side of Radiohead. He is the older brother of fellow band member Jonny Greenwood. Wikipedia
Oxford, England
Ken Griffey, Jr. (November 21, 1969-)George Kenneth "Ken" Griffey, Jr., nicknamed "Junior" and "The Kid", is an American former professional baseball outfielder who played 22 years in Major League Baseball for three teams. He spent most of his career with the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds, along with a short stint with the Chicago White Sox. A 13-time All-Star, Griffey was one... Wikipedia
Donora, Pennsylvania, USA
Javier Grillo-Marxuach (1969-)Javier "Javi" Grillo-Marxuach, born October 28, 1969 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a television screenwriter and producer, known for his work as writer and producer on the first two seasons of the ABC television series 'Lost', as well as other series including 'Charmed' and 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit'. Wikipedia
Dave Grohl (January 14, 1969-)David Eric "Dave" Grohl is an American rock musician, multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and producer who is best known as the former drummer for the grunge band Nirvana and the founder and frontman of the rock band Foo Fighters, of which he is the main songwriter, lead singer, and rhythm guitarist. Wikipedia
Warren, Ohio, U.S.
Lev Grossman (June 26, 1969-)Lev Grossman is an American novelist and journalist, notably the author of the novels 'Warp', 'Codex', 'The Magicians', 'The Magician King', and 'The Magician's Land'. He is a senior writer and book critic for 'TIME'. Wikipedia
Roy Hargrove (October 16, 1969-)Roy Anthony Hargrove is an American jazz trumpeter. He won worldwide notice after winning two Grammy Awards for differing types of music, in 1997 and in 2002. Hargrove has played primarily with jazz musicians including Wynton Marsalis and Herbie Hancock. Wikipedia
Waco, Texas, United States
PJ Harvey (October 9, 1969-)Polly Jean Harvey, MBE, known as PJ Harvey, is an English musician, singer-songwriter, writer, poet, composer and occasional artist. Primarily known as a vocalist and guitarist, she is also proficient with a wide range of instruments including piano, organ, bass, saxophone, harmonica and, most recently, the autoharp. Wikipedia
Bridport, Dorset, England
Melissa Hayden (actress) (November 13, 1969-)Melissa Hayden is an American actress. Prior to her acting career, she was a longtime member of the California based song and dance troupe The Young Americans. Wikipedia
Pacific Palisades, California, U.S.
Anne Heche (May 25, 1969-)Anne Celeste Heche is an American actress. Her film credits include 'Six Days Seven Nights', 'Return to Paradise', 'I Know What You Did Last Summer', 'John Q' and 'Volcano'. She also starred in the television series 'Men in Trees', 'Hung', and most recently 'Save Me'. Wikipedia
Aurora, Ohio, U.S.
Torri Higginson (December 6, 1969-)Sarah Victoria "Torri" Higginson is a Canadian actress. She is best known for her roles in the 'TekWar' movies and series, 'The English Patient', 'Bliss', and 'Stargate Atlantis'. She is also a theater actress and has appeared in 'Three Tall Women', 'Weldon Rising' and 'Picasso at the Lapin Agile'. Wikipedia
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Terrence Howard (March 11, 1969-)Terrence Dashon Howard is an American actor and singer. Having his first major role in the 1995 film 'Dead Presidents', and 'Mr. Holland's Opus', Howard broke into the mainstream with a succession of television and film roles between 2004 and 2006. He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in 'Hustle & Flow'. Howard has had... Wikipedia
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Pat Hurst (May 23, 1969-)Pat Hurst is an American professional golfer who plays on the LPGA Tour. Wikipedia
San Leandro, California, U.S.
Jay-Z (December 4, 1969-)Shawn Corey Carter, known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur. He is one of the most financially successful hip-hop artists and entrepreneurs in America. In 2012, 'Forbes' estimated Carter's net worth at nearly $500 million. He is one of the world's best-selling artists of all time having sold more than... Wikipedia
Brooklyn, New York
Ken Jeong (July 13, 1969-)Kendrick Kang-Joh "Ken" Jeong is an American comedian, actor, and physician. He is best known for his role as Leslie Chow in 'The Hangover' films and as Ben Chang on the NBC comedy series 'Community'. Wikipedia
Detroit, Michigan, US
Spike Jonze (October 22, 1969-)Spike Jonze is an American director, producer, screenwriter and actor, whose work includes music videos, commercials, film and television. He started his feature film directing career with 'Being John Malkovich' and 'Adaptation', both written by Charlie Kaufman, and then started movies with screenplays of his own with 'Where the Wild Things Are'... Wikipedia
Rockville, Maryland
Gary Jules (March 19, 1969-)Gary Jules is an American singer-songwriter, best known for his cover version of the Tears For Fears song "Mad World", which Gary recorded with friend Michael Andrews for the film 'Donnie Darko'. It became the UK Christmas Number One single of 2003. Since then, Jules' version has been used on many American TV shows such as CSI: Crime Scene... Wikipedia
Fresno, California
Jay Kay (December 30, 1969-)Jay Kay is an English musician, best known as the lead singer of the British acid jazz band Jamiroquai. Wikipedia
Suffolk, England
Julie Kent (dancer) (1969-)Julie Kent is an American ballet dancer; she remained a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre from 1993 to June 2015. Her farewell role was Juliet. Wikipedia
Bethesda, Maryland
Nancy Kerrigan (October 13, 1969-)Nancy Ann Kerrigan is an American former figure skater. She is the 1994 Olympic silver medalist, the 1992 Olympic bronze medalist, a two-time world medalist, and the 1993 US National Champion. She is also noted for her conflict with skating rival Tonya Harding. Wikipedia
Woburn, Massachusetts, US
Jenji Kohan (July 5, 1969-)Jenji Leslie Kohan is an American television writer, producer, and director. She is best known as the creator of the Showtime comedy-drama series 'Weeds' and the Netflix comedy-drama series 'Orange Is the New Black'. She has received nine Emmy Award nominations, winning one as supervising producer of the comedy series 'Tracey Takes On...'. Wikipedia
Los Angeles, California, United States
Mary Robinette Kowal (February 8, 1969-)Mary Robinette Kowal is an American author and puppeteer. She also served as art director for 'Shimmer Magazine' and in 2010 was named art director for 'Weird Tales'. She served as secretary of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America for two years, and was elected to the position of SFWA vice-president in 2010. In 2008, her second year... Wikipedia
Raleigh, North Carolina
Carson Kressley (November 11, 1969-)Carson Lee Kressley was the fashion expert on the American television program 'Queer Eye', where he was one of the show's "Fab Five". He was also the motivational host of the TV show 'How to Look Good Naked' and OWN's Carson Nation. He was a fan favorite on season 13 of 'Dancing with the Stars'. Wikipedia
Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Hari Kunzru (1969-)Hari Mohan Nath Kunzru is a British Indian novelist and journalist of Kashmiri Pandit origin, author of the novels 'The Impressionist', 'Transmission', 'My Revolutions' and 'Gods Without Men'. His work has been translated into twenty languages. Wikipedia
London, United Kingdom
Sissel Kyrkjebø (June 24, 1969-)Sissel Kyrkjebø, also simply known as Sissel, is a Norwegian soprano. Wikipedia
Bergen, Norway
Jeff Lang (November 8, 1969-)Jeff Lang is an Australian songwriter, singer and slide guitarist. A leading performer in the Australian roots music scene and purveyer of his self-described "disturbed folk" style, which incorporates primarily folk, blues and rock. The songwriting in his music is heavily influenced by the folk music of the Southern United States and British Isles... Wikipedia
Geelong, VIC Australia
Edgar Langeveldt (1969-)Edgar Langeveldt is a Zimbabwean stand-up comedian, singer-songwriter and actor. Wikipedia
Indrajit Lankesh (September 22, 1969-)Indrajit Lankesh is an Indian Filmmaker, Producer, and Director of Kannada, Telugu and Hindi films. He is also the Publisher of the weekly Kannada tabloid Lankesh Patrike. He is the son of iconic writer, journalist and film maker P Lankesh. Wikipedia
Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Robert Sean Leonard (February 28, 1969-)Robert Lawrence Leonard, better known by his stage name Robert Sean Leonard, is an American actor, best known for his performance as Dr. James Wilson in the television series 'House, M.D.' and as Neil Perry in the Academy Award-winning film 'Dead Poets Society'. Leonard won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his performance in 'The... Wikipedia
Westwood, New Jersey, U.S.
David Lindsay-Abaire (November 14, 1969-)David Lindsay-Abaire is an American playwright, lyricist and screenwriter. He received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2007 for his play 'Rabbit Hole', which also earned several Tony Award nominations. Wikipedia
Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Kelly Link (1969-)Kelly Link is an American editor and author of short stories. While some of her fiction falls more clearly within genre categories, many of her stories might be described as slipstream or magic realism: a combination of science fiction, fantasy, horror, mystery, and realism. Among other honors, she has won a Hugo award, three Nebula awards, and a... Wikipedia
Miami, Florida
Jennifer Lopez (July 24, 1969-)Jennifer Lynn Muñiz is an American businesswoman, entertainer, philanthropist and producer. She became interested in pursuing a career in the entertainment industry following a minor role in the 1986 film 'My Little Girl', to the dismay of her Puerto Rican parents, who believed that it was an unrealistic career route for a Hispanic. Lopez gained... Wikipedia
The Bronx, New York, U.S.
Rebecca Martin (April 24, 1969-)Rebecca Martin is an American singer and songwriter from Rumford, Maine. Wikipedia
Rumford, Maine, United States
Catriona Matthew (August 25, 1969-)Catriona Isobel Matthew MBE is a Scottish professional golfer who plays mainly on the U.S.-based LPGA Tour and is also a member of the Ladies European Tour. Wikipedia
Edinburgh, Scotland
Cerys Matthews (April 11, 1969-)Cerys Elizabeth Matthews, MBE is a Welsh singer/songwriter, author and broadcaster, a founding member of Welsh rock band Catatonia. Wikipedia
Cardiff, Wales
Cady McClain (October 13, 1969-)Cady McClain is an American actress, singer, and author. Wikipedia
Burbank, California, United States
Matthew McConaughey (November 4, 1969-)Matthew David McConaughey is an American actor and producer. He first gained notice for his breakout role in the coming-of-age comedy 'Dazed and Confused', and went on to appear in films such as the slasher 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation', the legal thriller 'A Time to Kill', Steven Spielberg's historical drama 'Amistad', the science... Wikipedia
Uvalde, Texas, U.S.
Tony Meola (February 21, 1969-)Antonio Michael "Tony" Meola is an American former soccer goalkeeper who played for the United States national team at the 1990 and 1994 World Cups, and from 1996 to 2006 played in Major League Soccer, the U.S. top soccer division, where he obtained multiple honors. He currently plays for charity team Global United FC. Wikipedia
Belleville, New Jersey, United States
Rick Mercer (October 17, 1969-)Richard Vincent "Rick" Mercer is a Canadian comedian, television personality, political satirist and author. He is best known for his work on the CBC Television comedy shows 'This Hour Has 22 Minutes' and 'The Rick Mercer Report'. He is the author of three books, based on content from the television shows. Wikipedia
St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
Mietta (November 12, 1969-)Daniela Miglietta, is an Italian singer. She released 10 albums in all. Wikipedia
Robert Miles (November 3, 1969-)Roberto Concina, better known by his stage name Robert Miles, is a Swiss-Italian record producer, composer, musician and DJ. Wikipedia
Stephen Mirrione (February 17, 1969-)Stephen Mirrione is an American film editor. He won an Academy Award for his editing of the film 'Traffic'. Wikipedia
Santa Clara County, California
David Mitchell (author) (January 12, 1969-)David Stephen Mitchell is an English novelist. He has written six novels, three of which, 'number9dream', 'Cloud Atlas', and 'The Bone Clocks' were shortlisted for the Booker Prize. He has lived in Italy, Japan and Ireland. Wikipedia
Southport, UK
Margaret Nagle (January 12, 1969-)Margaret Nagle is a screenwriter and television producer. She has been nominated for two Emmy Awards and won two Writers Guild of America Awards. Her first script, HBO's 'Warm Springs' received a record-breaking 16 Emmy nominations and won five Emmys in 2005, including the Award for Best Television Movie. It also won the 2006 Writers Guild of... Wikipedia
Berkeley, Florida
Christopher North (February 6, 1969-)Christopher North is an American composer, songwriter, and musician. Wikipedia
Edward Norton (August 18, 1969-)Edward Harrison Norton is an American actor, filmmaker and activist. He has been nominated for three Academy Awards for his work in the films 'Primal Fear', 'American History X' and 'Birdman'. He also starred in other roles, such as 'Everyone Says I Love You', 'The People vs. Larry Flynt', 'Fight Club', 'Red Dragon', '25th Hour', 'Kingdom of... Wikipedia
Boston, Massachusetts
Axel Ockenfels (February 9, 1969-)Axel Ockenfels is a German economist. He is professor of economics at the University of Cologne. He also is Director of the Cologne Laboratory of Economic Research, Speaker of the "University of Cologne Excellence Center for Social and Economic Behavior ", and Coordinator of the DFG research unit "Design & Behavior". Wikipedia
Eva Orner (1969-)Eva Orner is an Australian, Academy and Emmy Award winning film producer and director based in Los Angeles. Her works include 'Untold Desires', 'Strange Fits of Passion', 'Taxi to the Dark Side', and 'Gonzo, The Life and Work of Dr Hunter S. Thompson. 'Orner's directorial debut, 'The Network', a feature documentary set behind the scenes of... Wikipedia
Hanne Ørstavik (November 28, 1969-)Hanne Ørstavik is a Norwegian writer. She was born in Tana in Finnmark province in the far north of Norway, and moved to Oslo at the age of 16. Her parents are Wenche Ørstavik and Gunnar Ørstavik. She has two brothers, Paul Ørstavik and Sakse Ørstavik.She has one daughter, Mari Ørstavik. She has two nieces, Maisie and Helena, and two nephews,... Wikipedia
Sonia O'Sullivan (November 28, 1969-)Sonia O'Sullivan is an Irish former athlete. She began her running career in Ballymore Running Club which is located in the eastern side of Cobh Town. She was one of the world's leading female 5000 m runners for most of the 1990s and early 2000s. Her crowning achievement was a gold medal in the 5000 m at the 1995 World Athletics Championships. She... Wikipedia
Trey Parker (October 19, 1969-)Randolph Severn "Trey" Parker III is an American actor, animator, screenwriter, director, producer, singer, and songwriter. He is best known for being the co-creator of 'South Park' along with his creative partner Matt Stone, as well as co-writing and co-directing the 2011 musical 'The Book of Mormon'. Parker was interested in film and music as a... Wikipedia
Denver, Colorado, U.S.
Jamie Parsley (December 8, 1969-)Jamie Parsley is an American poet and Episcopal priest. He is the author of twelve books of poems and an associate poet laureate for the state of North Dakota. Wikipedia
Fargo, North Dakota, United States
Pasupathy (May 18, 1969-)Pasupathy is an Indian film actor. He appeared in critically acclaimed roles in many noted films in Tamil cinema, playing supporting, antagonistic, comedic as well as protagonistic roles. His performance in 'E' earned him a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor and a Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. He also won an ITFA Best... Wikipedia
Maduravoyal, Tamil Nadu, India
Chantal Petitclerc (December 15, 1969-)Chantal Petitclerc, CC is a Canadian wheelchair racer. Wikipedia
Saint-Marc-des-Carrières, Quebec
Gina Prince-Bythewood (June 10, 1969-)Gina Prince-Bythewood is an American film director and screenwriter. She is known for directing the films 'Disappearing Acts' and 'Love & Basketball.' Wikipedia
United States
Jon Randall (February 17, 1969-)Jon Randall Stewart is an American country music singer, songwriter and musician. Signed to RCA Records in 1995, he debuted that year with the album 'What You Don't Know'. A second album for RCA, 1996's 'Great Day to Be Alive', was recorded but never released. That same year, Randall entered Top 40 on the country charts as a duet partner on... Wikipedia
Fernanda Ribeiro (June 23, 1969-)Maria Fernanda Moreira Ribeiro, GCIH, is a long-distance runner born in Penafiel, Portugal. The pinnacle of her career was at the 1996 Summer Olympics when she won the women's 10000 m gold medal, establishing a new Olympic record of 31:01.63. Her victory gave Portugal its third Olympic gold medal. Ribeiro started running with Grupo Desportivo do... Wikipedia
Penafiel, Portugal
Adam Riess (December 16, 1969-)Adam Guy Riess is an American astrophysicist at Johns Hopkins University and the Space Telescope Science Institute and is known for his research in using supernovae as cosmological probes. Riess shared both the 2006 Shaw Prize in Astronomy and the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics with Saul Perlmutter and Brian P. Schmidt for providing evidence that the... Wikipedia
Washington, D.C., United States
Mariano Rivera (November 29, 1969-)Mariano Rivera is a Panamanian baseball pitcher who has played 19 seasons in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees. Nicknamed "Mo", Rivera has spent most of his career as a relief pitcher, and has served as the Yankees' closer since 1997. A 13-time All-Star and five-time World Series champion, he is MLB's career leader in saves and games... Wikipedia
Panama City, Panama
Mo Rocca (January 28, 1969-)Maurice Alberto "Mo" Rocca is an American writer, journalist, comedian, and political satirist. Wikipedia
Washington, DC U.S.
Draco Rosa (June 27, 1969-)Draco Cornelius Rosa Suárez, also known as Robi Draco Rosa, Draco Rosa or simply Draco, is a multiple-time Grammy and Latin Grammy winning American-born Puerto Rican musician, singer, songwriter, composer, multi-instrumentalist, dancer, record producer and entrepreneur. Wikipedia
Long Island, New York
Kim Rossi Stuart (October 31, 1969-)Kim Rossi Stuart is an Italian actor and director. Wikipedia
Rome, Italy
Paul Rudd (April 6, 1969-)Paul Stephen Rudd is an American actor, comedian, and screenwriter. He has primarily appeared in comedies, and is known for his roles in the films 'Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy', 'The 40-Year-Old Virgin', 'Knocked Up', 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall', 'I Love You, Man', 'Dinner for Schmucks', 'Our Idiot Brother', 'The Perks of Being a... Wikipedia
Passaic, New Jersey, U.S.
Thom Russo (December 31, 1969-)Thom Russo is an American record producer, engineer, mixer and songwriter. His works range from Anglo-American pop/rock to Alternative Latin. He is a recipient of 16 Grammy awards, most of them in recognition to his work with Latin music. Wikipedia
Joe Sakic (July 7, 1969-)Joseph Steven Sakic is a Canadian retired professional ice hockey player and current hockey executive. He played his entire 21-year National Hockey League career with the Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche franchise. Named captain of the team in 1992, Sakic is regarded as one of the most able team leaders in league history and was able to motivate... Wikipedia
Burnaby, BC, CAN
Magnus Samuelsson (December 21, 1969-)2001 Overall Champion 2004/05 Overall Magnus Samuelsson, is a Swedish actor, former strongman and winner of the 1998 World's Strongest Man contest in Morocco. The son of a former Swedish female arm wrestling champion, he has also been ranked among the best arm wrestlers in the world and was a European Arm Wrestling champion prior to becoming a... Wikipedia
Kisa, Sweden
Sheryl Sandberg (August 28, 1969-)Sheryl Kara Sandberg is an American businesswoman. As of August 2013, she is the chief operating officer of Facebook. In June 2012, she was also elected to the board of directors by the existing board members, becoming the first woman to serve on Facebook's board. Before Facebook, Sandberg was Vice President of Global Online Sales and Operations at... Wikipedia
Washington, D.C., United States
John Scalzi (May 10, 1969-)John Michael Scalzi II is an American science fiction author, online writer, and former president of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. He is best known for his Old Man's War series, three novels of which have been nominated for the Hugo Award, and for his blog 'Whatever', at which he has written frequently on a number of topics... Wikipedia
Fairfield, California, USA
Marc Scarpa (September 25, 1969-)Marc Scarpa is an American entrepreneur, producer and director specializing in live participatory media. The success of his Web 1.0 company, JumpCut, enabled Scarpa to be at the forefront of participatory video, unifying web-based, mobile and televised broadcasting collectively to enable story-telling in real time. He is an executive board member... Wikipedia
New York City, United States
Michael Schumacher (January 3, 1969-)Michael Schumacher is a German retired racing driver. Schumacher is a seven-time Formula One World Champion and is widely regarded as one of the greatest Formula One drivers of all time. He was named Laureus World Sportsman of the Year twice. He holds many of Formula One's driver records, including most championships, race victories, fastest laps,... Wikipedia
Hürth Hermülheim, Germany
Max Sharam (1969-)Max Sharam is an Australian interdisciplinary artist and singer-songwriter. In the mid-1990s, Sharam had three top 40 hit singles, "Coma", "Be Firm" and "Lay Down", from her top 10 album, 'A Million Year Girl'. She received eight nominations at the ARIA Music Awards of 1995 and won "Best Cover Art" with Dominic O'Brien for the album. Wikipedia
Benalla, Victoria, Australia
Sharreth (October 3, 1969-)Sujith Vasudevan I, better known by his stage name 'Sharreth', is a music director and singer.He predominantly composes film scores and songs for Malayalam films, but has gone on to compose for Tamil, Telugu and Hindi films too.He won the Filmfare Award for the best music director in 2008. He won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Music Director... Wikipedia
Kollam, Kerala
Michael Sheen (February 5, 1969-)Michael Christopher Sheen is a Welsh actor. After training at London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, he made his professional debut in 1991, starring in 'When She Danced' at the Gielgud Theatre. He worked mainly in theatre throughout the 1990s and made notable stage appearances in 'Romeo and Juliet', 'Don't Fool With Love', 'Peer Gynt', 'The... Wikipedia
Newport, Wales, United Kingdom
Duncan Sheik (November 18, 1969-)Duncan Sheik is an American singer-songwriter and composer. Initially finding success as a singer, most notably for his 1996 debut single "Barely Breathing", he later expanded to compositions for motion pictures and the Broadway stage, such as the successful musical, 'Spring Awakening', where he won multiple Tonys and a Grammy. Sheik practices... Wikipedia
Montclair, New Jersey, U.S.
Emmitt Smith (May 15, 1969-)Emmitt James Smith, III is a retired American football player who was a running back in the National Football League for fifteen seasons during the 1990s and 2000s. Considered one of the greatest and the single most complete running back in NFL history, Smith played college football for the University of Florida, where he was an All-American. A... Wikipedia
Pensacola, Florida, United States
Snow (musician) (October 30, 1969-)Darrin Kenneth O'Brien, better known by his stage name Snow, is a Canadian reggae musician. He is best known for his 1993 single "Informer", which reached No. 1 on the US 'Billboard' Hot 100. Wikipedia
Soraya (musician) (March 11, 1969-May 10, 2006)Soraya was a Colombian-American singer/songwriter, guitarist, arranger and record producer. Wikipedia
Point Pleasant, New Jersey
Miami, Florida
Fabrice Soulier (April 23, 1969-)Fabrice Soulier is a professional poker player with over $5.5 Million in live poker tournament winnings and won his first bracelet in the 2011 World Series of Poker $10,000 H.O.R.S.E. Championship.In 2013 he was the runner up in the 2013 World Series of Poker Europe € 10,000 + 450 No Limit Hold'em - Main Event, Earning him € 610,000.In March 2014,... Wikipedia
Avignon, France
Hal Sparks (September 25, 1969-)Hal Harry Magee Sparks III is an American actor, comedian, musician and television personality. He is known for his contributions to VH1, hosting E!'s 'Talk Soup', and the role of Michael Novotny on the American television series 'Queer as Folk'. Wikipedia
Cincinnati, Ohio
Gwen Stefani (October 3, 1969-)Gwen Renée Stefani is an American singer, songwriter, fashion designer, and actress. She is the co-founder and lead vocalist of the rock band No Doubt. During the band's hiatus, Stefani embarked on her solo career, releasing her debut album 'Love. Angel. Music. Baby.' in 2004. Inspired by music of the 1980s, the album was a success with sales of... Wikipedia
Anaheim, California, U.S.
Sukanya (actress) (July 8, 1969-)Sukanya is a South Indian actress, singer, music composer, Bharatanatyam danseuse and voice actor. She has acted in Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Telugu movies, and one of the main stream heroine from 1991 to 1997 and as a supporting actress from 2000 with a total of over 24 years of experience in the entertainment industry. She has composed two... Wikipedia
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Alexei Sultanov (August 7, 1969-June 30, 2005)Alexei Sultanov was a Russian classical pianist of Uzbek origin. Wikipedia
Fort Worth
Paulo Szot (July 7, 1969-)Paulo Szot is a Brazilian operatic baritone singer and actor. He made his opera debut in 1997 and his international career has included performances with the Metropolitan Opera. In 2008, he made his Broadway debut as Emile De Becque in a revival of 'South Pacific', and for his performance in this musical he won the Tony Award for Best Performance... Wikipedia
São Paulo, Brazil
Danis Tanović (February 20, 1969-)Danis Tanović is a Bosnian film director and screenwriter. Tanović is best known for having directed and written the script for the 2001 Bosnian movie 'No Man's Land' which won him the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. He is widely considered one of the best contemporary Bosnian filmmakers of his generation and has garnered critical... Wikipedia
Zenica, SR Bosnia and Herzegovina, SFR Yugoslavia
Paul Tergat (June 17, 1969-)Paul Kibii Tergat is a Kenyan professional long distance runner. He held the world record in the marathon from 2003 to 2007, with a time of 2:04:55, and is regarded as one of the most accomplished long-distance runners of all time. Wikipedia
Tommy Tiernan (June 16, 1969-)Tommy Tiernan is an Irish comedian, actor and writer. He and Hector Ó hEochagáin presented 'The Tommy and Hector Show' on i102-104FM. Tiernan also featured in 'Father Ted' as Fr. Kevin. Wikipedia
Carndonagh, County Donegal, Ireland
Tiësto (January 17, 1969-)Tijs Michiel Verwest, better known by his stage name Tiësto, is a Dutch DJ and record producer. Formerly known as DJ Tiësto, he is now known simply as "Tiësto", an artist name which is a twist of his childhood nickname. Wikipedia
Breda, Netherlands
Despina Vandi (July 22, 1969-)Despina Vandi, born as Despina Malea born 22 July 1969, is a Greek singer of Pontic Greek ancestry. Born in Tübingen near Stuttgart, Germany, Vandi's family returned to Kavala, Greece when she was six years old. After moving to Athens in the early 1990s, Vandi signed with Minos EMI and released two albums 'Gela Mou' and 'Esena Perimeno'. She then... Wikipedia
Stuttgart–Tübingen, West Germany
Thomas Vinterberg (May 19, 1969-)Thomas Vinterberg is a Danish film director who, along with Lars von Trier, co-founded the Dogme 95 movement in filmmaking, which established rules for simplifying movie production. Wikipedia
Copenhagen, Denmark
Richard Virenque (November 19, 1969-)Richard Virenque is a retired French professional road racing cyclist. He was one of the most popular French riders with fans for his boyish personality and his long, lone attacks. He was a climber, winning the King of the Mountains competition of the Tour de France a record seven times. He is best remembered as the central figure in a widespread... Wikipedia
Casablanca, Morocco
Dominic West (October 15, 1969-)Dominic Gerard Francis Eagleton West is an English actor, musician, and director. He is best known for portraying Detective Jimmy McNulty in the HBO drama series 'The Wire', and won the award for Leading Actor at the 2012 British Academy Television Awards for portraying serial killer Fred West in 'Appropriate Adult'. Wikipedia
Sheffield, West Riding of Yorkshire, England
Shea Whigham (January 5, 1969-)Franklin Shea Whigham, Jr., known professionally as Shea Whigham, is an American actor. He portrayed Elias "Eli" Thompson in the HBO drama series 'Boardwalk Empire'. Wikipedia
Tallahassee, Florida, United States
Chandra Wilson (August 27, 1969-)Chandra Danette Wilson is an American actress, known for her role as Dr. Miranda Bailey in the ABC television drama 'Grey's Anatomy' since 2005. She made her New York stage debut in 1991 and began to land guest spots on a variety of prime-time television shows. She made her first film appearance in the 1993 film 'Philadelphia'. Wikipedia
Houston, Texas
Renée Zellweger (April 25, 1969-)Renée Kathleen Zellweger is an American actress and producer. She has received critical acclaim and many accolades, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, three Golden Globe Awards, and three Screen Actors Guild Awards. She was named Hasty Pudding's Woman of the Year in 2009; and established herself as one of the highest-paid Hollywood... Wikipedia
Baytown, Texas
Catherine Zeta-Jones (September 25, 1969-)Catherine Zeta-Jones is a Welsh actress. She began her career on stage at age 12 with the lead role in 'Annie'. After some film roles as a young adult, she starred in a number of British and American television series, including 'The Darling Buds of May' from 1991 until 1993. She came to prominence with roles in Hollywood movies such as the action... Wikipedia
Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales, United Kingdom


text:
The media argument over welfare reform
The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC), meeting in Dundee from 14-16 April 2014), has passed an extensive motion on welfare reform and the effects of poverty in the UK.
In particular, it supports the Child Poverty Action Group's Scottish Campaign for Welfare Reform and its 'Manifesto for Change'. It highlights five key measures: increasing benefit rates to the level where no one is left in poverty and all have sufficient income to lead a dignified life; respect for human rights and dignity as the cornerstone of a new approach to welfare; a radical simplification of the welfare system; investment in support so that all can participate and contribute to society; and making welfare benefits work for Scotland.
I was pleased to support this motion on behalf of the National Union of Journalists in Scotland, with particular reference to the role of different sections of the media and its relation to policy-making. I said:
"This resolution is about distinguishing between truth and lies. It recognizes that welfare is about how all should all be able to fare well (not just a wealthy few). It backs genuine reforms that are about extending the benefit of the wealth we all create, not cutting it from those who need it most.
"What the coalition government is enacting is not 'welfare reform', it is a systematic attempt to deform, to cut and to privatize the welfare state. The very language is being manipulated and distorted through misuse.
"Crucially, the government's strategy relies on a corporate, big business controlled media to pump out huge quantities of propaganda. The aim and effect is to demonise and scapegoat people with disabilities, the sick, those living in poverty and indeed anyone who needs support to cope with the impact of deliberate austerity policies.
"My union, the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), is committed to building and restoring a free, independent media that is capable of challenging what John Kenneth Galbraith has called 'institutional truth' – the half-truths, deceptions and, yes, lies that are used to protect the interests of the powerful.
"The digital media, the Welfare News Service and campaigning journalists like Sonia Poulton (who manages to subvert outspoken articles into even the Mail and the Express) are part of the struggle to challenge this de-forming of welfare.
"So is the Spartacus Network of disabled researchers and campaigners, who have just published a 125-page report, 'Beyond the Barriers'. Based on the most extensive survey of ESA, WCA and Work Programme users, it not only shows what is wrong with the current support system, but sets out the principles for an alternative approach.
"The key point here is that policies on welfare and poverty should reflect the experience and expertise of people living at the sharp end, not determined remotely from on high. The same goes for media coverage of these issues."
* STUC: http://www.stuc.org.uk
* CPAG Scotland: http://www.cpag.org.uk/scotland/
* Scottish Campaign for Welfare Reform: http://www.cpag.org.uk/scotland/SCoWR
* Manifesto for Change (CPAG/SCWR - *.PDF Adobe Acrobat document): http://www.cpag.org.uk/sites/default/files/SCoWR%20manifesto%202013.pdf
* Spartacus Network: http://www.spartacusnetwork.org.uk
* 'Beyond the Barriers: ESA, the Work Programme and recommendations for a new system of support' report: http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/beyondbarriers
© Simon Barrow is co-director of Ekklesia. He is a National Union of Journalists delegate to the STUC 2014.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
When I started working in my chosen profession, I couldn't understand why there were those individuals who seemed to succeed in anything they tried, and then there were others who just couldn't manage to achieve anything. After a while, I became amazed at the precise connections that starting showing up, and the biggest difference lay in setting and reviewing goals regularly.
Then I saw an academic study done by Dr. David Kohl on goals — did you know that:
* 80% of Americans claim that they don't have goals
* 16% of them have goals, but they don't write them down
* Only 3% actually have written goals, but they don't review them regularly
* Only 1% has written goals and they review them regularly, and these are among the highest achievers in the US
You need to set goals, independent of whether you want to achieve more or less. Goals are not only about achieving more or wanting to take on more in life; a goal starts with a simple desire. If you have a desire for less in life — for example, less work or less responsibility — these are also goals.
What do you do with your desires and wants in life? You could both ignore them and leave them to fade away in your mind, or listen to yourself and start taking action to get what you want in life.
Excuses, Excuses.
Do you use any of these excuses for not setting goals?
* You don't see the importance in setting them
* You want instant gratification, and goals seem so far off
* You don't know where to start or what steps to take
* You don't believe that you can actually achieve what you really want in life
Whatever the reason, I am sure your excuse is limiting you. What happens when you don't set goals? If you're vague and unclear about what you want, you might end up at a certain age with things that you didn't want, or perhaps nowhere even close to having them at all. If you don't set goals, how do you know what you need to do to get where you want? Or imagine, you get somewhere, and it's not where you want to be.
It's like going to an estate agent (your mind) and saying (thinking) – I want to end up in a beautiful place by the beach one day. That day arrives and you end up in Somalia. I am sure it is a beautiful place and you could be really happy, but is probably isn't what you really wanted, why? because you weren't clear.
Learn about the different ways you can make it easier to start setting and achieving your goals.
The Benefits of Setting Goals
Setting goals not only increase your chances of succeeding, but…
1. When you set goals, your actions are more focused and you start putting into action the whole process of turning your vision into your reality.
2. Goals also keep you motivated and inspired when you're "just not feeling good"; they give you the impetus you need to keep going.
3. Setting goals and reviewing them regularly is like holding up your vision in front of you on a regular basis, giving you targeted direction and keeping you moving closer to what you want.
4. You will accomplish more in months than many people do in years, and you will see better results faster than you could have ever imagined.
If you have a really strong desire for something, you have two choices: wishful thinking, or taking action. You can wish for a miracle, try to put the least amount of effort in, hoping to get the most out, and do nothing. On the other hand, you can get clear on the steps you need to take and take them, slowly, one by one until you reach success in that area and you will live with new amazing results in your life.
Setting goals is the essential ingredient to achieving success in any area. It begins with a desire, and then a written goal, followed by the right attitude and action, and that is your formula for success. Keep reviewing your goals and watch how your vision miraculously turns into your reality.
To your success!


text:
G SongLab - Learn. Create. Share.
Music brings us together, even when we can't physically be together. G SongLab hopes to serve as a support system, a place where young people can connect, learn, create and share their musical ideas with each other, wherever they may be located.
You can make music. Anywhere. Anytime.
G SongLab is a safe online community dedicated to helping young people develop their skills in songwriting and music creation. Genelec, working with the Tiuku Public Information Cultural Factory, the City of Helsinki, University of the Arts Helsinki and ArtsEqual, have teamed up with experienced songwriters and music educators led by Petter Korkman and Anna Kuoppamäki, to encourage and support young people making music – whatever their prior experience.
G SongLab allows young people aged between 13 and 29 to participate from the comfort of their own homes and share their songs with others, creating a sense of companionship even for those staying at home to help protect their community from the coronavirus. Also, we at Genelec will be teaching how young people can listen to sounds in a way that will help them get the most from their songs and recordings.
We will be delivering lots of tutorials over the coming months to help you express yourself musically, and through our upcoming Songwriting Challenge we'll also be offering some fantastic home recording prizes.
G SongLab will be bringing you a series of interactive online webinars (in English) where you'll get a chance to write songs and learn new things about music and production. At each session there will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions, so don't be shy!
All you'll need to join in is a computer, tablet or smartphone with a recording app (a digital audio workstation) already installed. We'll be using Pro Tools and Reaper (www.reaper.fm) but feel free to use your own app. If your setup includes an audio interface and a microphone that's great, but not essential. Bring an instrument if you play one, and don't forget a pen and paper for writing down lyrics.
Over the next few months we'll be sharing some songs via our G SongLab playlist, so we'd recommend that you open a Soundcloud account (it's free) before the first webinar, if you don't yet have one. Simply head to www.soundcloud.com.
If you're under 18, then please ask for your parents' permission before joining in.
Here's what we'll be covering to start with...
Introduction to G SongLab
7th August 2020
Time: 13:00 to 18:00 EEST (UTC+3)
Anybody can write a song! In this 'getting to know you' session, we'll start off gently and show you how writing a song can be organised into a set of simple steps. Join us and learn how to start with a blank sheet of paper – and finish with a demo recording! Between 13:00 and 15:00 we'll get you started, then from 15:00 to 17:00 you're free to work offline and develop your ideas. Finally, at 17:00 we'll meet again online for a one hour wrap-up session.
Perfecting your arrangement
12th August 2020
Time: 16:00 to 18:00 EEST (UTC+3)
Having recorded your basic demo, this session will show you how to use your recording software to develop and improve the arrangement of your song.
Recording vocals the easy way
19th August 2020
Time: 16:00 to 18:00 EEST (UTC+3)
In this session you'll learn how to capture your vocals using whatever equipment you have available. The voice is a key element in any song, so we'll show you how to get the best possible results.
The basics of mixing and mastering
26th August 2020
Time: 16:00 to 18:00 EEST (UTC+3)
Having recorded your song, you can really make it shine during the mixing and mastering stages. We'll show you the basics of mixing and mastering your songs, using a range of free software tools.
Each month we'll announce a monthly challenge – and provide four weekly online webinars to help you achieve your goals. Subjects will include writing music and lyrics, polishing your song arrangements, and home studio recording and production. Our aim is that everyone will have written and produced a new song each month – either on their own or part of a team – and we'll get to share some of your songs with eachother and celebrate our month's success.
And there's more. At the end of the year, we'll reward the three most creative songwriters with a fantastic home recording package with products from Genelec and other top brands.
So, we really look forward to meeting you and making music together!
Any questions? If so, just contact us here and we'll be happy to help.


text:
About Zoo Studio
About Zoo Studio
Zoo Studio is more than just a job to us, it is a passion and a way of life. I would love to introduce ourselves and our wonderful team, how we came to be where we are, and who we work most closely with. Please do read on!
We Are Pet People • Your Photographer Lorraine Charlecrafte • Meet The Team
The Zoo Studio Difference • Our History • Our Friends
At Zoo Studio, we realise that professional Pet Photography is about so much more than just taking pictures. We understand what it means to have furry and feathered family members, our pets are our family too.
We are just like you in this regard; our pets sleep on our beds, they share our meals, we plan our holidays to spend more time with them, they are our children. And while we understand that you are looking for beautiful imagery, we also understand that you are looking for so much more from your Pet Photography.
"We are all pet lovers at Zoo Studio, just like you."
You are looking for a company that understands the strength of the emotional bond you have, that understands the things they do that make you laugh or cry, and who can capture their stories in beautiful photographs that you will be proud to hang on your walls.
You are looking for someone who will understand your pet, whether they are an outgoing puppy, a shy rescue or a frail oldie, someone who will help them settle into the studio and capture them in the way you want to remember them forever.
So if you want your Pet Photographers to be renowned for their ability to be a dog whisperer, to be the most awarded pet portrait photographer working in Australia today, to be proud supporters of animal rescue and welfare charities, you have come to the right place.
Please take your time looking at our website, and if you have any questions please do get in touch.
Lorraine is the director and Photographer at Zoo Studio. She is also the proud Mumma of two Alaskan Malamutes, Miss Princess Maya and Cheeky Master Blaze! Lorraine has won awards for her animal portraiture and always looks to give back to animals through charities and rescues. Lorraine grew up in a household full of fur babies and learnt the respect and love our fur family give us from a young age.
"Lorraine is a relaxed and enthusiastic pet photographer.
"My cat was incredibly sick with a heart condition and probably a lot worse than we realised when we had our photoshoot. He was shy when meeting new people, but he warmed up to Lorraine incredibly quickly. As such, we were able to capture his true personality and the relationship I shared with him exceptionally well and true to reality.
I will definitely return for more photographs from Lorraine and the team at Zoo Studios! They're my favourite photos in my house! Thank you
When Lorraine isn't in the studio, she is usually spending time with her fur babies and human family as well reading, and learning more about animal behaviour.
With Lorraine as your photographer, you and your fur babies will be in good hands and have a wonderful experience together.
Scott is the newest member of the Zoo Studio team and is affectionately known as the 'Zookeeper.' Scott will look after all of the back office functions which involves numerous different duties within the business and he moves into this role with much passion, motivation and enthusiasm. He has an extremely good eye for detail and ensures that processes and procedures are completed correctly the first time around.
His work background is from corporate administration, clerical and office facilities and he also had a very long association with Australia Post back in his early days as a mail sorter and supervisor. He has always believed that the best was yet to come and he has now found his 'dream' job working alongside a small professional team.
He has a love of all animals but especially of the canine variety where he has had at least one dog from the time he was knee high to a grasshopper. He is the proud Dadda of Maya and Blaze, two Alaskan Malamutes, who bring him so much enjoyment and laughter into his life.
"Lorraine has photograhed my pets twice now. We have been return customers because there is no one more talented and more kind.
Our first shoot was my cats. I had serious doubts that there would be any photos that didnt feature bewildered and frightened cats. Wow was I to be impressed. Lorraine isnt just an amazing photographer she is also incredible at creating a safe and relaxed environment for animals. Our photos are stunning and no-one looks scared!"
Our Pretty Miss Princess Maya, can often be found in the office underneath a desk or playing with a ball. She thinks she os the Mistress of Sweetness and we're not going to argue with that!
Our Alaskan Malamute cross, Master Blaze isn't seen as much in the office. Master Blaze is often found with a ball in his mouth and if it's too quiet you know he is being the 'Master of Cheekiness!'
We would also like to recognise the vital work that Sweet Sable, Kaiser, Heidi, Skye, Kimba, Saxon, Scampy, Gigi, Boomer, Sandy the cat, Willy, Christian, Lucy, Clarence, Lambert, Lil, Ivy, Petunia, Mertle, Ned, Smash, Tahlula, Sa, Penny, Dash and Shiloh do and have done, as parts of our extended team.
We understand that these days there are many pet photographers you could chose from. We think you need a photographer who goes beyond just taking beautiful photographs, you need a pet photographer to not only capture the looks of your pet, but also their spirit and soul.
"At Zoo Studio, where our camera is primarily focused on your pets, our hearts will be solely focused on providing to you the most beautiful animal portraiture, a professional customer service and an amazing experience for you and your fur family. Our wish is to enable people to see what wonderful characters the fur babies that surround us are, that each one has their own unique personality, and for how much happiness and joy they bring to each and every one of us and the enhancement they make to our lives."
Director & Photographer
We see our job as being to make sure that when you are looking back on your artwork in many years to come, the memories they invoke of those waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge are vivid and eternal.
"Zoo Studio started in 2006 in Perth after Ken Drake began to get snowed under by requests from people to photograph their pets. He had been photographing his own pets for some time, and had become fascinated by the way the camera could capture their very spirit. He was soon also photographing for family and friends, it has all grown from there.
Then, along came me, Lorraine Charlecrafte. I have always loved Zoo Studio and what it stands for. I had my own photography experience with our fur babies, Maya and Blaze and was in love with the whole photography experience at Zoo Studio. A few years later I became Zoo Studio's Studio Manager. Originally from Melbourne, Victoria, I had my own pet photography business. Photographing your fur babies, being able to capture their spirit and unique personality is my passion. Giving you a photography experience is my 'why,' and that is what we do at Zoo Studio.
Having a background in Accounting, working in the travel industry and as an Interior Designer, my true passion has always been pet photography.
"Photographing your fur family, capturing their spirit and personalities my passion. Giving you a photography experience is my 'why,' and we ' and that's what we do at Zoo Studio."
Since being the Director and Photographer at Zoo Studio, my world has changed. My love for capturing your fur family has grown and my 'why,' for wanting to give each and every client an amazing photography experience expanded beyond my belief.
There are many achievements of which I am proud, but being able to give back to those fur babies less fortunate than our own is one I treasure close to my heart. Being able to work closely with various charities and rescues to help raise fund to change even more animals lives for the better.
We have a lot of exciting plans for the future, but who knows exactly what it will bring. We hope you stay in touch and find out, with us at Zoo Studio."
Director & Photographer
Friendship makes the world go around and we love our friends!
We have many friends at Zoo Studio, but our two 'besties' are:
When we moved to Queensland, the first organisation we contacted (literally the first, Beck was calling them from the Nullabor Desert!) was the RSPCA. We love all that they stand for. We love the fact that they save thousands of dogs and cats each and every year. We love that that figure keeps going up every year. We love the fact that they save thousands of Wildlife each year and we especially love the fact that they work closely with so many other local animal welfare charities to help even more animals. What isn't there to love?
Greencross Vets
Greencross vets provide access for pet owners to a network of well-equipped Veterinary Practices run by expert Veterinary Teams across Queensland, NSW and Victoria. Over the last five years, I have met and photographed hundreds of their vets and vet nurses, their board, and their managing director. They are as Passionate about Pets as we are.
Our babies go to see Josh, Sarah and the team at Greencross Jindalee, we wouldn't trust anyone else.
Do you want to be a friend of Zoo Studio?
Please do contact us and let us know how we can help.
Behind The Scenes
Behind the scenes
Companies We Recommend
Along with our besties above, Zoo Studio works with a multitude of local animal lovers.
Click here to see the local businesses we work closely with.
Love What You See?
Zoo Studio have specialised in Animal Art Photography since 2006. It is our passion, our soul our joy and we believe that every pet deserves to have their own story told. CHAT WITH US TODAY CALL 07 3870 0903
Love your Fur-Kids to pieces?
Just like us we know you love your fur-kids to the moon and back. We understand the importance of sharing that love with the world; their quirky personalities, adorable expressions, cheeky nature or naughty habits!SHARE THEIR STORY WITH US TODAY CALL 07 3870 0903
Create Your Own Unique Artwork
As leaders in our niche we are magicians at capturing the beauty and personality of your pets in photographic art that you will be proud to hang on your wall.EXPLORE YOUR IDEAS WITH US TODAY CALL 07 3870 0903
Treasure Their Personality forever
To truly capture your pet's personality takes great insight and an intuitive ability to create a connection with your pet - It's all about being pet-savvy and that is what Zoo Studio is all about. We speak Dog and Cat!SHARE THEIR STORY WITH US TODAY CALL 07 3870 0903
Let's Bring a Smile to Your Face
Other the many years we have specialised in Animal Art Photography Zoo Studio have created hundreds possible thousands of life long memories for our clients.SPEAK WITH US TODAY CALL 07 3870 0903


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Lightweight, battery operated, self contained case
High resolution detector for minute detail
Registered open system with no radiation exposure risk
Digital camera records real-time findings
The LIXI ImageScope provides you the solution for instant inspection. An open system with low exposure, this unique xray scanner requires no boundaries, thus creating no disruption to productivity.
This hand held system comes complete with a rechargeable battery pack, digital camera attachment and self-contained carrying case.
Your subject can be inspected in real time through the ImageScope viewing lens and captured for future analysis, viewed as a digital image on any laptop or pc.


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Use supplier in a sentence
" Most local companies depend on a supplier to deliver goods to their store that they can sell to the general public. "
" The supplier had decided to raise its prices so we had a big decision to make on whether to produce it in house or not. "
" When the company needed to purchase new instruments for their analytical department, they contacted their top supplier hoping they could get a great discount. "


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I wanted to take some time to write about a topic which I think is the difference between success and failure in your mission to improve your health and lose weight : consistency.
Sounds simple right?
Well, in theory it should be. Take positive actions towards a healthier life on a regular basis and you will achieve your weight loss goals.
So why do so many of us fall at this hurdle?
I myself have fallen victim to going all out on a strict new diet or exercise plan, and then ruining all my hard work with a big night out drinking, or a huge meal, and then thinking it is all to hard so giving up, rather than getting straight back on track. It's only now that I have figured out this critical element that I have achieved my desired results.
Here are some tips for you to maintain your consistency:
1. Be Kind to Yourself. What you are aiming for is a long term improvement in your health, and body shape and size. You need to be realistic in your mind that you will have days where you do indulge in that extra serving of food or piece of chocolate, and days you don't go to the gym as planned. The key here is to acknowledge that is OK every now and then- you haven't failed! All you need to do is to pick straight back up at the next opportunity. Make your next meal a healthy one, and get straight back on plan.
2. Focus on the Long Term. Small actions each day over the long term will ensure you achieve results. Don't give up completely after one small failure. Remember that you are in it for a long time, not a good time, and focus on what you have achieved up til that point, and where you want to be long term.
3. Get Moving. Had a big meal? Get out for a walk or jog as soon as possible. Haven't been to the gym all week? Pack your bag and get going! Don't wait, don't put it off, break the cycle of eating badly and inactivity by moving, you will feel better for it and it will help find your motivation again.
Good luck, stay focused, and if you have a fail- it's OK- just get back on track immediately Now! Go... do it!


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"Carrie" remake bumped back to October release date
Posted by Terri Schwartz on
Bad news, "Carrie" fans. The upcoming Kimberly Peirce remake has been bumped back to an October 18, 2013 release date. It was originally slated to come out on March 15, but Sony has decided to shuffle its release schedule.
Box Office Mojo has the news. Hopefully this isn't a sign that the film is going to end up being bad, because the teaser we saw for "Carrie" looked fantastic. If anything, it might have been determined that the horror remake would do better closer to Halloween, which makes sense.
The movie stars Chloe Moretz as the titular Carrie and Julianne Moore as her religious fanatic mother. Based on what we've seen, it looks like this will be a pretty close — albeit updated — take on Stephen King's classic novel. The money shot of Moretz covered in blood in the teaser looked fantastic when it was finally revealed.
Here's the official synopsis for the remake:
The quiet suburb of Chamberlain, Maine is home to the deeply religious and conservative Margaret White (Moore) and her daughter Carrie (Moretz). Carrie is a sweet but meek outcast whom Margaret has sheltered from society. Gym teacher Miss Desjardin (Greer) tries in vain to protect Carrie from local mean girls led by the popular and haughty Chris Hargenson (Portia Doubleday, Youth in Revolt), but only Chris' best friend, Sue Snell (Gabriella Wilde, The Three Musketeers), regrets their actions. In an effort to make amends, Sue asks her boyfriend, high school heartthrob Tommy Ross (newcomer Ansel Elgort), to take Carrie to prom. Pushed to the limit by her peers at the dance, Carrie unleashes telekinetic havoc.
Why do you think "Carrie" was bumped back? Tell us in the comments section below or on Facebook and Twitter.


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Corral De Tierra Solar Customer Reviews
I converted my Corral De Tierra house to solar and I'm renting it now but eventually, I will sell that house. We're now living in our Kelseyville house and we're gonna be living here a long time. So, converting it to solar is a no-brainer. PG&E's rates are just gonna continue to go up, so it was just a matter of living here and being able to take advantage of having the solar installed. So, as soon as we moved, I started looking at converting.
I started looking into Corral De Tierra solar installation about four years ago. PG&E's way of handling business as of late has not been good. They've been passing the bills or the prices, the increase for the fee and bill to make up for their mistakes. That's outrageous, so I needed to find a different fix. I had a friend of mine that had solar and I was kind of partial. I know solar works, but I'm a little skeptical on some things and I wanna see the risk factors of getting it. But I just let things work itself out after doing more research and study on the factors and what the best fit was.
Looking For Corral De Tierra Commercial Solar?
We custom-design a Commercial Horizon Solar Power Energy System to meet your specific power needs in Corral De Tierra now and into the future. It's just a brighter way to do energy.


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I've been told that my writing is quality, but I have yet to attract a publisher. When professionals in the publishing world find out that I have five children under the age of 12, their knee-jerk response is, "Ma'am you don't have time to market your books."
These women know from experience the demands a child has on her mother's time, and they don't want to invest their time in something I can't help them sell. I respect that.
Being the mother of 5 children is time-consuming, but it wouldn't hinder my ability to market books as much as you'd think.
Because I have 5 young children…
1. I connect with teachers. When my daughter learned to tie her shoes, I sent her to school with a poem I had written. She read it to the class, in celebration of her accomplishment. Her Kindergarten teacher loved it so much, she asked for a copy. She wanted to use it in her class, and share it with other teachers. Before I knew it, every teacher of the lower grades had a copy and was using it. I would have sold a copy to each of them, if it had been a picture book. This is one example of my work being used in the classroom.
It's an ill-kept secret that Teachers Talk. They belong to online groups, and websites where they post recommendations. They attend workshops outside their area where they share ideas with other teachers. Because of my children, I know teachers ranging from Transitional Kindergarten through 7th grade. Once I am published, I can market my book through this already established network.
2. I connect with others in schools. I once read an adorable picture book about a girl who learned to be proud of her art. The librarian at my son's school hadn't heard enough about it to get the book. When I told her how it was an awesome story, the librarian ordered it for the school. I could have been promoting my own book! I am comfortable recommending books I believe in to librarians at every school in my area.
3. I am active in children's programs at the library. Being a member of six different library systems means I know how children's reading programs are run in my area. I know what the favorite publishers are, and what activities are in place. Spending time at the library is a regular occurrence, and while I am there, I could be talking with the librarians about my books.
4. I connect with other parents. Teachers and librarians aren't the only people I get to know through my kids. Some of my best friends are parents of children who go to school or Sunday school together.
One of my friends has a child who is learning to read. Her little girl likes "real stuff" and doesn't want to read Dr. Seuss's imaginative tales. So I recommended some books. My friend went out and bought them all, then came back and thanked me. Most of the recommendations had been published by the same company. If only I had a title on that list…
5. I connect to online communities. When a play I wrote was being performed in Indiana, I promoted it on my Facebook page. My pen-pal friend in Arizona happens to have family in Indiana. Word of the performance got to them because of my established online network with other mommies.
Raising 5 children takes a lot of time, but it also establishes connections and creates opportunities for marketing children's books. That's why I am seeking publication now while these connections are fresh.
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JEN Garrett
I write about, with, for, and around kids all day. (Well, maybe I do the dishes too. Sometimes.)
September 2020


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We are highly renowned in this industry as one of the prominent manufacturers and suppliers of a wide stock of Plastic Extrusion Welders. These welding equipments are well integrated with motor start-up protection which prevents cold start. Integrated with electronics for stepless adjustment of the preheating temperature and output quantity, these Plastic Extrusion Welders have ergonomic designs. It is specially designed with a 360° rotatable welding shoe.
NAY ENTERPRISE All Rights Reserved.(Terms of Use)
Developed and Managed by Infocom Network Ltd.


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Military Life
Collecting Welsh Letters From The Front Lines Of War
The Regimental Museum of the Royal Welsh will publish the letters online.
A museum in Wales is creating a national digital archive of letters from the front line.
The Regimental Museum of the Royal Welsh wants to track down letters from Welsh soldiers throughout history – to publish them online.
The project, funded by an Armed Forces Covenant grant, will preserve the legacy of all those who fought for their country.
So far some 3500 letters and diaries have been scanned for the project named Never Forget Your Welsh Heroes.


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Not yet fourteen years old, Luke Zamilski is waiting his turn to climb into a garden swimming pool set up in the middle of a large stadium. Thousands of people fill the stands. He has endured months of interrogation by the elders of his church congregation. He has memorized the precepts of his faith and the Biblical justification and ammunition afforded each one. He is ready. With his baptism, Satan will come to know of his existence, but Luke is eager and enthusiastic because he also knows that, on this day, he will be granted a clean slate. With this expurgation, he trusts that Jehovah will remove the thorn that has been working its way into his flesh through these early years of puberty.
Or maybe not.
Luke's story begins with the dramatic retelling of a fire that destroys his family home when he is just shy of his fourth birthday. As part of the small Jehovah's Witness community in Poland, the aid and support of fellow church members is immediate, as is the curiosity and derision of their Catholic neighbours. When the family is eventually settled into a new house, Luke is given a used briefcase in which he is to store his important papers should he ever need to escape a similar circumstance in the future. That same case will also go on to hold his precious diaries, his poetry, and eventually, he tells us, his porno mags, letters, newspapers and more. A place to contain both his documented and his hidden life. Thus, this event sets the stage for the account of a life that is destined to be doubly isolated. He is cut off from the normal social activities and celebrations of his peers by his "feline faith", and then, as he struggles with his sexuality, he risks being denounced by his church community for falling prey to a sin thought to be worse than murder.
Witness, by Polish psychologist and writer Robert Rient, is at once an original and engaging chronicle about growing up gay, and a disturbing look deep into the manipulative and damaging environment of a religious organization that shares many similarities with other fundamentalist Christian churches, and yet is its own strange entity. However, this is not a case study or a psychological essay. It is, rather, an autobiography in three voices.
Luke carries the immediate and emotional core of the narrative. He agonizes over his inability to refrain from masturbating, and the curse of the 'thorn' he carries. He begs to be relieved of his affliction and prays for the imminent arrival of Armageddon, for release from worldly temptation and the corruption of Satan. He throws himself into the church, preaching and witnessing, and yet he is also drawn to the arts, to writing and drama, and eventually chooses to study in the city of Poznan after graduation from high school. There he will vacillate wildly between fanatical commitment to his faith, a desire to succeed in his studies, and a dangerous entanglement with drugs, alcohol and self-harm. Guilt and shame dog him, throughout his youth and on into early adulthood, intensified by the very real threat of disfellowship from the church, and rejection by those he knows and loves. His desperation becomes intense. At the age of sixteen, for instance, he makes the very Biblical pledge to cut off his offending appendage:
I take a knife from the kitchen. I go upstairs to the second story. I enter the bathroom, turn on the light. I drop my pants to the floor, pull down my underwear. I apply the knife to the base of my penis. Wait. I'm scared of the pain, that I'll bleed to death. I gently drag it across the skin. It stings. It leaves a red line on the flesh. I won't do it. I'm too weak even for that.
His first confidant is Robert, whom he 'meets' at the age of eleven. Somewhere between an alter-ego and an imaginary friend, Luke first summons Robert 'out of nothing,' a new identity to step in when the waters become too rough, someone to pick up the pen and write in his journal the thoughts and feelings that he dare not own. Robert carries the second narrative voice, looking back from the present with a certain, almost clinical, detachment at his troubled younger self, providing a grounded counter perspective. His measured tone speaks to his own hard-won peace, but a fondness and affection seep through, along with an abiding sense of loss. Although his parents will ultimately stand by him, and his older brother who also leaves the faith, the rejection of the friends and relatives who stay behind is cold, harsh and unforgiving. The cost is very real.
The third narrative, "Witnesses," details the inner machinations of the Jehovah's Witness enterprise—bringing to light textual materials, facts and figures, and unwrapping many of the arcane and disturbing beliefs promulgated within their organization. What is revealed is a misogynistic, sexually repressed, hierarchical system that denies celebration of holidays and birthdays, but permits limited alcohol and abortions (Armageddon is ever imminent after all), and encourages the physical discipline of children as a sign of affection. The church is widely spread across the globe and supported by vast quantities of written materials, most recognizably The Watchtower and Awake!, which are translated into a multitude of languages and distributed by members who are required to spend long hours knocking on doors and standing on street corners.
What we have then, is a memoir presented as an uncanny collaboration between the author, Robert, and Luke, the boy and young man he used to be, along with an exposé of the secretive church 'they' were born into. As an affectation, it would risk sounding overly theatrical, but this approach allows a much deeper, more genuine narrative to develop.
In Luke's account, supported by frequent excerpts from his diary, we hear of his youthful enthusiasm for his faith, his anguished attempts to fight his homosexuality, and his pull toward all the temptations and possibilities of a 'worldly' existence. By contrast, Robert's perspective sounds at once insightful and limited. He wants to fill in the gaps, seek out the views of Luke's former friends, and try to analyze, interpret and defend his fate. He knows how the story will end. In describing his first encounter with Luke, Robert says:
I suppose we already knew that we would meet again and that I would have to live. That he had to die. I didn't kill him. But had he not died, I wouldn't have been. Everything that happened to him, every torment, was convenient for me. His weakness and self-loathing were my justification and my provocation. Besides, he wanted to die. He talked about it again and again. I have evidence. I am the witness regarding this matter.
As the narrative alternates between the three voices, the mood shifts. The Witness sections are delivered with neutral authority. At times Luke's actions are used to illustrate a point, and occasionally the reader is addressed directly, as, for example, in: 'There exists an informal list of banned books which includes the one you're reading.' Both Luke and Robert speak in the first person, and refer to each other as 'he.' At times, when appropriate, first person plural is also employed. Luke longs for the comfort of his alternate identity most when he feels isolated and depressed, leaving Robert effectively sidelined, observing from a distance much of the time—a tone that comes through clearly in his sections, setting them apart from Luke's. As Luke battles addiction, the loss of self-esteem, and suicidal thoughts, one can sense a growing friction between the two voices, as if Robert is slowly coming into sharper focus within their dual existence.
At the end of this powerful account of transformation and rebirth, Robert Rient emerges from the restraints of a religion that rejects his very being, and comes, over time, to accept and love himself as he is. It is his conscious disassociation that provides protection and allows him, with the support of friends and his academic training in psychology, to survive the very tumultuous break with his faith.
Once the internal division is no longer required, he sheds his name and identity, along with his past, to claim a new wholeness. And in telling his story in this way, with equal respect for his past and present lives, Rient is able to capture a conflicted, painful journey with a fresh authenticity that reaches beyond the specifics to touch the universality of the experience of striving to be true to one's self.
It is of note that Frank Garrett's translation effectively captures the shifting tenor of the narrative, something which is essential to the success of this multilayered approach. He also includes a guide to assist with the pronunciation of the Polish names in the text, and in his afterword, he details the choices that were made with respect to language, and the challenges of accessing the original resources required to render this unique memoir into English.
Robert Rient is a journalist and a psychologist recommended by the Polish Psychological Association. His work has appeared in Polish publications such as Charaktery [Characters], Coaching, Przekrój [Cross Section], Sekrety Nauki [Secrets of Science], Sens [Sense], among others. His novel It Was About Love came out in 2013. Witness was published in Poland in May 2015 and quickly became a bestseller there. A film adaptation directed by Borys Lankosz is currently in production.
Frank Garrett holds a PhD in philosophy and literary theory. He trained as a translator at the Center for Translation Studies (University of Texas at Dallas) and at Philipps-Universität Marburg after earning advanced certification in Polish philology at the Catholic University of Lublin. In 2001 he was a Fulbright scholar in Warsaw. As an independent philosopher and translator, Dr. Garrett's work has been published most recently by Black Sun Lit, Duquesne UP, Spurl Editions, and Zeta Books, while his critical reportage has appeared in 3:AM Magazine and Transitions Online. He lives in Dallas with his husband.
Joseph Schreiber is a writer and photographer living in Calgary. He maintains a book blog called Roughghosts. He is a contributor at Numéro Cinq and and an editor at The Scofield. His writing has also been published at 3:AM, The Quarterly Conversation, and appears in the 2016-17 Seagull Books Catalog.
Image: MelanieFHardy, Pixabay
Witness is published by Outpost19. Author and translator bios courtesy of the same.


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Many individuals today are looking for ways on how to build and tone their chest muscles. Although some think that getting a muscular chest is difficult, it is actually one of the easier muscle groups to work on as long as you know what you need to do. Here are a couple of pointers that might help you out as you work out your chest muscles.
Types of Exercises
There are a couple of exercises which are effective in building and toning the chest muscles such as the flat bench press, the flat bench fly, the incline press, dips and the incline bench fly. The flat bench press is used in building muscle mass. The incline press works on the upper chest, which is the area that it usually neglected.
However, as you do the incline press, check the angle that your bench is set at. The higher it is, the more you would be making use of your shoulder muscles. Since you are aiming to work on your chest, the recommended angle is at most 30 degrees. The flat bench and incline bench fly are considered to be the best chest isolation exercises which you can do, as long as it is properly executed. The fly can specifically target the muscles of the chest without stressing your other body parts. Lastly, the dip is a good exercise that would let you work on your lower chest, while making use of your shoulders and triceps as well. However, remember that the dip should only be done intermediate and advanced weightlifters.
If you are just starting your workout plan in building your chest muscles, then it is advisable to stick with machines such as the chest fly machine and the chest press machine. As your body develops and gains more control of the movements you make, you could shift to combining machines with free weights.
Proper Form
As you go through your chest building workout routine, another important thing to remember would be the proper execution of each exercise. If you are unable to do each exercise in the proper form, you would be risking doing your body more damage than good. You would also be unable to work out your chest muscles efficiently, which would definitely not be helping you achieve the results that you want. If you are a beginner, it would be advisable to consult with a personal trainer who could show you how each exercise should be executed.
Workout Frequency
The recommended workout frequency varies from one bodybuilder to another. For beginners, you could work on your chest about twice a week. However, for intermediate or advanced bodybuilders, you would generally gain more muscle growth through limiting chest workout to just once every week.
For those whose goal is toning their chest muscles rather than building chest muscles, then you can work on your chest for up to two times every week and with more repetitions regardless of what your skill level is. A useful tip would be more repetitions if you want to define or tone your muscles and fewer repetitions if you want to build muscle.
Building and defining your chest muscles can easily be done as long as you have the knowledge and determination to do what is needed. As you stick to a good workout routine, make sure that you are also eating a proper diet which is high in protein and carbohydrates to ensure that your body would have the energy and nutrients that it needs to achieve a toned and muscular chest and body.


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Get the day started right with a peanut butter, banana, and flax smoothie. Not only will it taste like a treat but you'll get a good dose of potassium, protein, and fiber to boot. If the smoothies seem too thick, just add another tablespoon or two of milk.
How to Make It
Place all ingredients in a blender; process until smooth.