Michael Witt
Rugby league player, played for Warriors
A rugby league player participated in the NRL, notably representing the New Zealand Warriors. Played as a five-eighth and fullback over a career spanning several years. Debuted in the NRL in 2004 and maintained a professional playing career with multiple teams including the Parramatta Eels and the Canberra Raiders. Achieved recognition for skills on the field, contributing to team strategies and performances in various competitions.
Played for New Zealand Warriors in NRL
Competed with Parramatta Eels
Participated in international rugby leagues
Other People Born on January 1st
Chiune Sugihara
Japanese diplomat and humanitarian
Born
January 1st, 1900 125 years ago
Died
July 31st, 1986 39 years ago — 86 years old
A Japanese diplomat served as vice-consul in Lithuania during World War II. Issued visas to thousands of Jewish refugees seeking escape from Nazi persecution. His actions allowed many to flee to safety in Japan and other countries. After the war, returned to Japan and later worked in the manufacturing industry.
Continue ReadingAlfred Stieglitz
American photographer and curator
Born
January 1st, 1864 161 years ago
Died
July 13th, 1946 79 years ago — 82 years old
Pioneered modern photography and photo exhibitions. Founded gallery 291 in New York City, which showcased contemporary art, including works by artists like Georgia O'Keeffe. Stieglitz contributed significantly to the movement for photography to be recognized as a fine art form. Developed and promoted the style known as pictorialism, emphasizing artistic expression throughout photographic imagery. His work has been influential in shaping photography as a respected medium in the art world.
Continue ReadingVernon L. Smith
Economist, Nobel Prize laureate
Born
January 1st, 1927 98 years ago
An American economist, contributions included pioneering research in experimental economics. Played a significant role in establishing experimental methods to understand market mechanisms. Served as a professor at several universities, including George Mason University. Research focused on how human behavior interacts with economic theory, leading to insights in market design and public policy.
Continue ReadingChikuhei Nakajima
Japanese engineer and politician
Born
January 1st, 1884 141 years ago
Died
1949 76 years ago — 65 years old
Born in 1884, a lieutenant and engineer, established Nakajima Aircraft Company, which became a significant player in aircraft manufacturing during World War II. Contributed to aircraft design and production, serving as a leader in the aviation industry during a crucial period in Japanese history. Transitioned into politics post-war, influencing Japan's early aviation policy and industry redevelopment.
Continue ReadingJohn Garand
Engineer, designer of the M1 Garand rifle
Born
January 1st, 1888 137 years ago
Died
February 16th, 1974 51 years ago — 86 years old
Canadian-American engineer contributed significantly to firearm design. Developed the M1 Garand rifle, which was adopted as the standard service rifle for the United States military during World War II. The design revolutionized infantry firearms and was praised for its reliability and accuracy. The M1 Garand remained in service well into the 20th century and became iconic among military weapons. Garand's work laid the groundwork for future firearms technology and influenced subsequent designs.
Continue ReadingHuldrych Zwingli
Swiss pastor and Reformation leader
Born
January 1st, 1484 541 years ago
Died
October 11th, 1531 494 years ago — 47 years old
Born in 1484, Zwingli emerged as a key figure during the Reformation in Switzerland. He served as a pastor in Zurich, where he began advocating for reforms in church practices and beliefs. Zwingli's theological views emphasized the authority of Scripture and rejected certain Catholic practices. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Reformed tradition and was instrumental in developing the theology of the Protestant Reformation. Zwingli also engaged in debates with other reformers, including Martin Luther, regarding issues such as the Lord's Supper. His reforms led to significant changes in Zurich’s ecclesiastical structure and religious life until his death in 1531 during the Second War of Kappel.
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