Jacque Fresco
Engineer and futurist, The Venus Project
An engineer and social inventor focused on designing sustainable cities and a resource-based economy. Developed The Venus Project, which presents a vision for a potential sustainable future through innovative technology and urban planning concepts. Advocated for the redesign of society based on rationality, efficiency, and sustainability. Worked towards raising awareness about social issues and the potential for human advancement through integrative engineering solutions.
Founded The Venus Project
Designed concepts for sustainable cities
Other People Born on March 13th
John Griffin
Field Marshal, 4th Baron Howard de Walden
Born
March 13th, 1719 306 years ago
Died
May 25th, 1797 228 years ago — 78 years old
Held the title of 4th Baron Howard de Walden and served as an English field marshal and politician. Acted as the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, overseeing the county's administration during a significant part of the 18th century. Commanded military forces and participated in various military activities that contributed to the governance of England. Involved in political discussions that shaped local and national policies. Represented the aristocracy in military and civilian spheres, adhering to the responsibilities of a peer during this period.
Continue ReadingWilliam Glackens
American painter of genre scenes
Born
March 13th, 1870 155 years ago
Died
May 22nd, 1938 87 years ago — 68 years old
An American painter and illustrator, contributed significantly to the Ashcan School movement, emphasizing realistic depictions of urban life. Glackens studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and developed a distinctive style that blended Impressionism with a focus on everyday scenes. His work often highlighted the vibrancy of city life and community activities. Glackens was also a successful commercial illustrator, which helped him gain financial stability and artistic recognition. Throughout his career, he exhibited widely, providing influential insights into American art in the early 20th century.
Continue ReadingCharles Krauthammer
Political commentator and author
Born
March 13th, 1950 75 years ago
Died
June 21st, 2018 7 years ago — 68 years old
A physician and journalist contributed extensively to political discourse through columns and television appearances. Gained prominence as a political commentator on Fox News, providing insight and analysis on various issues. Authored several books, with significant work including 'Things That Matter', which presents personal reflections on politics and society. Served as a contributing editor to The Weekly Standard and was influential in shaping conservative thought in the media.
Continue ReadingCharles Bonnet
Swiss historian and author
Born
March 13th, 1720 305 years ago
Died
May 20th, 1793 232 years ago — 73 years old
Born in 1720, a Swiss historian and author contributed significantly to the field of natural history and philosophy. His work often focused on the study of insects and the theory of evolution, predating Charles Darwin by over a century. He published various texts that explored the interplay between nature and philosophy, shedding light on the complexity of life forms. His ideas on the development of species and the environment laid the groundwork for future research in evolution. The extensive corpus of work included studies on visual perception and the relationships between the natural world and human understanding.
Continue ReadingYonatan Netanyahu
American-Israeli colonel and military leader
Born
March 13th, 1946 79 years ago
Died
July 4th, 1976 49 years ago — 30 years old
Served as a colonel in the Israel Defense Forces and led the elite Sayeret Matkal special forces unit. Participated in several key military operations during the 1970s, including the counter-terrorism operation at Entebbe Airport in 1976. Demonstrated leadership in various critical situations and was involved in training future commanders of the IDF. Passed away during an operation in 1976 while rescuing hostages.
Continue ReadingFritz Busch
German conductor and director of opera
Born
March 13th, 1890 135 years ago
Died
September 14th, 1951 74 years ago — 61 years old
Involved in the world of classical music, contributed significantly as a conductor and directed numerous operas. Led major orchestras in Europe and the United States, gaining recognition for interpretations of works by Mozart, Wagner, and Strauss. Held positions such as music director of the Berlin State Opera. Played a crucial role in the development of orchestral and operatic arts during the early to mid-20th century.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 18th
Elijah Craig
American minister and Bourbon whiskey inventor
Born
1738 287 years ago
Died
May 18th, 1808 217 years ago — 70 years old
An American minister and educator, contributed significantly to the development of Bourbon whiskey. Established a distillery in Bourbon County, Kentucky, where the production of this unique spirit began. His innovations in the aging process utilized charred oak barrels, influencing the flavor profile of the whiskey. Credited with creating a refined and distinct style of Bourbon that gained popularity and recognition. His pioneering methods laid the groundwork for future generations of distillers.
Continue ReadingVelupillai Prabhakaran
Sri Lankan rebel leader, LTTE founder
Born
November 26th, 1954 71 years ago
Died
May 18th, 2009 16 years ago — 54 years old
A prominent figure in Sri Lankan conflict, played a significant role in the establishment of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 1976. The organization sought an independent Tamil state in the north and east of Sri Lanka, engaged in an armed struggle against the Sri Lankan government for decades. Under leadership, the LTTE was involved in numerous military operations, including suicide bombings and targeted assassinations. The conflict escalated into a prolonged civil war that lasted until 2009. Prabhakaran was ultimately killed in the final stages of the civil war.
Continue ReadingStephen I of Constantinople
Bishop and Saint of Constantinople
Died
May 18th, 893 1132 years ago — None years old
A prominent religious figure, served as Bishop of Constantinople from 886 until death in 893. Instrumental in strengthening the Christian church in the Byzantine Empire. Recognized for upholding orthodoxy and confronting heretical movements. His tenure saw the church navigate complex political landscapes, aligning ecclesiastical authority with imperial interests. Canonized as a saint, his legacy influenced later church leaders and theologians.
Continue ReadingGustav Mahler
Composer and conductor of symphonies
Born
July 7th, 1860 165 years ago
Died
May 18th, 1911 114 years ago — 50 years old
Born in 1860, significant contributions to symphonic and vocal music occurred. Served as a conductor at the Vienna State Opera and the New York Philharmonic. Composed ten symphonies, renowned for their emotional depth and innovative orchestration. The Symphony No. 2, also known as the 'Resurrection Symphony,' and the Symphony No. 8, known as the 'Symphony of a Thousand,' are particularly noted works. Mahler's compositional style merged late-Romantic traditions with innovative techniques, influencing future generations of composers.
Continue ReadingEmperor Taizong of the Liao Dynasty
Emperor and founder of the Liao Dynasty
Died
May 18th, 947 1078 years ago — None years old
Ruled as the second emperor of the Liao Dynasty after founding it. Expanded territory significantly, consolidating power over northern China and regions beyond. Sponsored military campaigns against the Song Dynasty, leading to substantial territorial gains. Fostered cultural exchanges between different ethnic groups within the empire, enhancing trade and communication. Established a governmental structure that included representatives from various conquered peoples, promoting a degree of political stability. His reign marked a notable period of prosperity and consolidation for the Liao Dynasty until his death.
Continue ReadingŌnishiki Daigorō
Sumo wrestler, 28th Yokozuna
Born
1883 142 years ago
Died
May 18th, 1943 82 years ago — 60 years old
Achieved the rank of Yokozuna, the highest title in sumo wrestling. Competed during the early 20th century and became notable for his powerful style and technique in the sport. Set multiple records in tournaments and was a prominent figure within the sumo community. Retired in 1923 but remained influential in sumo until death in 1943.
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