Helen Thomas
Journalist and author at UPI

Born
August 4th, 1920
104 years ago
Died
July 20th, 2013
11 years ago — 92 years old
Category
Thinkers & Philosophers
Country
United States
Links & References
Served as a White House correspondent for United Press International (UPI) for nearly five decades. Covered ten consecutive presidencies from John F. Kennedy to Barack Obama. Authored several books, including 'Watchdogs of Democracy? The Omnivorous Press' and 'Front Row at the White House'. Played a significant role in shaping political journalism and was a prominent figure in the White House press corps. Advocated for press freedoms throughout her career and became a pioneer for women in journalism.
Covered ten U.S. presidencies
Wrote multiple influential books
Advocated for press freedoms
Pioneered women's roles in journalism
Other People Born on August 4th
Max Cavalera
A prominent figure in the heavy metal genre, contributed significantly to the development of groove metal. Co-founded the influential bands Sepultura and Soulfly, showcasing a blend of thrash metal and world music elements. Sepultura's album 'Roots' gained critical acclaim and commercial success. Soulfly, formed in 1997, explored various musical styles and featured collaborations with numerous artists, enhancing the metal scene's diversity.
Continue ReadingWalter Pater
Born in 1839, an English author and critic focused on aestheticism and the appreciation of art. Pater's writings emphasized the importance of individual experience and sensory perception in understanding beauty. The book 'Studies in the History of the Renaissance' published in 1873 is a significant contribution, reflecting his thoughts on art and culture during the Renaissance period. His essays explored literature, philosophy, and painting, influencing generations of artists and thinkers with his contemplative style and insights into art criticism.
Continue ReadingKeith Maurice Ellison
Served as the 30th Attorney General of Minnesota, focusing on consumer protection, civil rights, and healthcare. Previously, served in the U.S. House of Representatives representing Minnesota's 5th congressional district from 2007 to 2018, where participation in major legislation took place, including the Affordable Care Act. Helped establish the Congressional Progressive Caucus and was actively involved in various progressive causes during tenure. Worked as a lawyer specializing in civil rights law before entering politics.
Continue ReadingKurt Busch
A prominent figure in NASCAR racing, a championship-winning driver achieved significant success in stock car racing. Won the 2004 NASCAR Cup Series, becoming the series champion. Competed for various teams, most notably Penske Racing and Stewart-Haas Racing. Secured 34 career wins in the NASCAR Cup Series, including prestigious events like the Daytona 500 and the Coca-Cola 600. Established a reputation for aggressive driving and strong performances on the track.
Continue ReadingMark Milligan
A professional footballer from Australia, gained recognition as a versatile player in defense and midfield. Played for several clubs, including Newcastle Jets, Sydney FC, and Melbourne Victory, achieving domestic league success. Represented the Australian national team in multiple international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and the AFC Asian Cup, contributing to Australia's efforts on the global stage.
Continue ReadingJohn Venn
Contributed significantly to the field of mathematics and philosophy. Developed the Venn diagram, which visually represents logical relations between sets. Authored several works on symbolic logic and probability theory, enhancing the understanding of these subjects. Participated actively in philosophical discussions of his time, focusing on logic and its applications in mathematics.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 20th
Toba
Ascended the throne in 1107 and reigned until 1123. His reign is characterized by the continued decline of imperial power and the increasing influence of the Fujiwara clan. Known for the establishment of the cloistered government system, which allowed emperors to exercise power from religious retirement. After abdication, he remained influential as a cloistered emperor for several years, actively participating in the politics of the court until his death. The era was marked by cultural developments including the flourishing of Japanese literature and art.
Continue ReadingDieter Moebius
A keyboard player and producer contributed significantly to the krautrock genre. Collaborated with cluster and other notable musicians to create experimental electronic music. Co-founded the group Harmonia, which included influential figures in the genre. Released solo works and participated in various collaborations throughout a lengthy career, leaving a lasting legacy in electronic music and production.
Continue ReadingAndrey Markov
This Russian mathematician contributed significantly to probability theory and statistical processes. He introduced Markov chains, a mathematical system that undergoes transitions from one state to another on a state space. This concept has been applied across various fields, including economics, genetics, and computer science. Markov also explored the theory of stochastic processes and earned recognition through publications that influenced the development of modern probability and statistics. His work laid foundational principles for future research and applications in various scientific disciplines.
Continue ReadingBruce Lee
Born in San Francisco, a martial artist emerged as a cultural icon and influential figure in martial arts cinema. After moving to Hong Kong, starred in films such as 'The Way of the Dragon,' 'Fist of Fury,' and 'Enter the Dragon.' Established a unique fighting style blending various disciplines, later known as Jeet Kune Do. His philosophy and approach to martial arts inspired many practitioners and filmmakers alike. Lee's contributions to the film industry and martial arts continue to resonate globally.
Continue ReadingLudwig Beck
Served as a prominent general in the German Army during World War II, notably opposing Hitler's aggressive expansionist plans. Played a key role in the military planning leading up to the German invasion of France. Became chief of the Army General Staff in 1938 and advocated for stronger military strategies that could potentially counter the warfare tactics of the Allies. In 1944, Beck was involved in a conspiracy to overthrow the Nazi regime, which ultimately led to his execution. His military expertise and ethical stance against the government were significant during a defining moment in German history.
Continue ReadingCalouste Gulbenkian
Born in 1869, a Turkish-Armenian businessman played a significant role in the development of the oil industry in the Middle East. Established the Turkish Petroleum Company in 1912, which later became part of the Iraq Petroleum Company. Founded the Gulbenkian Foundation in 1956, which focuses on culture, education, and humanitarian activities. Contributed substantially to various charitable causes and fostered cultural enrichment across the globe, particularly in Portugal, where he spent his later years.
Continue Reading