Gary Johnson
American politician, 29th Governor of New Mexico
Served as the 29th Governor of New Mexico from 1995 to 2003. Advocated for smaller government and fiscal responsibility during tenure. Ran for President of the United States as the Libertarian Party nominee in 2012 and 2016, promoting a platform of individual liberties, non-interventionist foreign policy, and reduced taxation. Founded the cannabis company, Cannabis Sativa, Inc. after leaving office, focusing on the legalization and commercialization of cannabis products. Built a reputation as a supporter of civil liberties and criminal justice reform.
Served two terms as Governor of New Mexico
Ran for President as a Libertarian candidate
Other People Born on January 1st
Qi Baishi
Chinese painter and watercolor artist
Born
January 1st, 1864 161 years ago
Died
1957 68 years ago — 93 years old
A prominent Chinese painter, recognized for mastery in traditional brushwork and innovative watercolor techniques. Birth in Hunan province preceded a lifetime that included studying various subjects, with a focus on flowers, insects, and landscapes. His work reflected a deep appreciation for nature and simplicity, embodying traditional Chinese aesthetic principles. Qi gained national acclaim during the 20th century and contributed to the modern ink painting movement. His works were featured in numerous exhibitions and collections, including in the National Museum of China.
Continue ReadingAudrey Wurdemann
American poet and author, won a Pulitzer
Born
January 1st, 1911 114 years ago
Died
1960 65 years ago — 49 years old
Born in 1911, a poet and author gained recognition for lyrical works that explored themes of nature and human emotion. Published several collections of poetry, with 'The Long Night' being particularly influential. Received the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1945 for the collection 'The World is a Beautiful Place'. The writings contributed significantly to American literature during the mid-20th century.
Continue ReadingValentina Cortese
Italian actress, Academy Award nominee
Born
January 1st, 1923 102 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 96 years old
An accomplished actress, gained prominence in Italian cinema and later in international films. Starred in 'The Day of the Dolphin' and received an Academy Award nomination for 'The Balcony'. Also performed in theatrical productions, showcasing a range of dramatic talents. Worked with prominent directors such as Federico Fellini and Ingmar Bergman, appearing in significant works during the 20th century. Contributed to the film industry until the late 2000s, leaving a legacy in both Italian and global cinema.
Continue ReadingFriedrich Spanheim
Dutch theologian and academic
Born
January 1st, 1600 425 years ago
Died
May 14th, 1649 376 years ago — 49 years old
An influential theologian and academic, contributions spanned various areas of theology and philosophy. Spanheim served as a professor at the University of Leiden, where he significantly influenced theological discourse. His works often addressed issues of religious tolerance and the relationship between church and state. Writings emphasized the importance of reason in theology, contributing to the development of Protestant thought during the 17th century.
Continue ReadingKim Philby
British spy and intelligence officer
Born
January 1st, 1912 113 years ago
Died
May 11th, 1988 37 years ago — 76 years old
A notable figure in British intelligence, played a key role during the Cold War. Worked for MI6 while secretly cooperating with the Soviet Union. Philby's espionage activities led to critical intelligence breaches affecting Western security. His treachery was part of the infamous Cambridge Five spy ring. In 1963, defected to the Soviet Union, where he lived for the remainder of his life.
Continue ReadingChristine Lagarde
Managing Director of IMF
Born
January 1st, 1956 69 years ago
A prominent lawyer and politician, served as the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund from 2011 to 2021. Before joining the IMF, held the position of Minister of Economic Affairs, Finance and Employment in France. Played a crucial role in global economic policies, particularly during the Eurozone crisis. Contributed to discussions on international finance and monetary policies at various global forums.
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