Paul MacCready

American engineer and businessman

Paul MacCready - American engineer and businessman
Born

September 29th, 1925
99 years ago

Died

August 28th, 2007
17 years ago — 81 years old

Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

United States

Links & References

An engineer and businessman, founded AeroVironment which designed and developed innovative aircrafts. Designed the Gossamer Albatross, the first human-powered aircraft to cross the English Channel. Contributed to fields of aerodynamics and renewable energy through various projects and prototypes.

Founded AeroVironment

Designed Gossamer Albatross

Other People Born on September 29th

John M. McHugh

American politician, former congressman
Born
September 29th, 1948 76 years ago

Served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993 to 2014, representing New York's 23rd congressional district. Held the position of Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee from 2011 to 2014. Prior to congressional service, worked as a member of the New York State Assembly. Played a significant role in various legislative initiatives, focusing on military and defense issues. After leaving Congress, appointed as the Secretary of the Army from 2014 to 2016.

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Bum Phillips

American football coach and player
Born
September 29th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
October 18th, 2013 11 years ago — 90 years old

A notable figure in American football, particularly recognized as a head coach in the National Football League. Served as the head coach of the Houston Oilers from 1975 to 1980, leading the team to three consecutive playoff appearances. Later coached the New Orleans Saints from 1981 to 1985. Opened significant coaching pathways for players and emphasizes an aggressive style of play. His coaching techniques and approaches contributed to the development of the teams he managed.

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Choi Ye-na

South Korean singer and dancer, solo debut
Born
September 29th, 1999 25 years ago

Debuted as a member of the girl group IZONE in 2018 after participating in a survival show. The group gained popularity with hit songs such as 'La Vie en Rose' and 'Violeta'. After the disbandment of IZONE in 2021, pursued a solo career in music and released the debut EP 'Yena'. Known for exceptional vocal and dance abilities, along with distinct stage presence.

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Trofim Lysenko

Biologist known for Lysenkoism
Born
September 29th, 1898 126 years ago
Died
November 20th, 1976 48 years ago — 78 years old

Born in 1898, a biologist and agronomist achieved prominence in the Soviet Union through the promotion of Lysenkoism, which rejected Mendelian genetics in favor of a theory based on the inheritance of acquired characteristics. This approach aligned with Marxist ideology and gained favor within Soviet agricultural policies during the 1930s and 1940s. The individual's influence led to widespread adoption of practices that prioritized ideological conformity over scientific rigor, resulting in significant agricultural failures and setbacks in genetics research. Active in academia and government, this figure's legacy is marked by controversies surrounding the implications of applied Lysenkoist policies in the Soviet Union.

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Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Psychologist and Flow Theory developer
Born
September 29th, 1934 90 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 87 years old

A Hungarian-American psychologist and academic, focused on the study of happiness and creativity. Developed the concept of 'flow', describing a state of complete immersion in an activity leading to high levels of productivity and satisfaction. Authored the influential book 'Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience', which outlines how people can achieve deep enjoyment and engagement in their lives. Contributed significantly to positive psychology, exploring the factors that contribute to well-being and optimal human functioning.

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Carlos Watson

Television host and entrepreneur
Born
September 29th, 1969 55 years ago

An entrepreneur and journalist, hosted the PBS program 'To the Contrary' and co-founded the online news platform Ozy Media. Established a platform for news, culture, and the arts addressing critical issues. Participated in various speaking engagements and panels discussing media innovation and inclusivity.

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Other People Who Died on August 28th

William Smith

Geologist and cartographer; created geological maps
Born
March 23rd, 1769 255 years ago
Died
August 28th, 1839 185 years ago — 70 years old

Contributed to the field of geology through the development of the first nationwide geological map of England, published in 1815. This work established the principle of faunal succession, enabling the identification of sedimentary rock layers based on the fossils they contained. Smith also worked on mapping the geology of the English countryside and introduced the concept of using fossils to correlate and date the strata. His methodologies laid the foundation for modern geological studies.

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Benoît Sauvageau

Canadian educator and politician
Born
1963 62 years ago
Died
August 28th, 2006 18 years ago — 43 years old

Served as a member of the House of Commons of Canada representing the Bloc Québécois from 1993 until death in 2006. Focused on education policies and advocated for the rights of students and teachers. Contributed to discussions on the Quebec sovereignty movement.

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Hal Finney

Cryptographer and Bitcoin pioneer
Born
1956 69 years ago
Died
August 28th, 2014 10 years ago — 58 years old

Contributed to the development of cryptographic systems and digital currencies. Played a significant role in the early days of Bitcoin, being the first person to receive a Bitcoin transaction from its creator, Satoshi Nakamoto. Developed the reusable proof of work concept, which became fundamental to Bitcoin's operation. Involved in various projects in the field of cryptography and privacy technologies, influencing future developments in those areas.

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Willy Vandersteen

Belgian author and illustrator of comics
Born
1913 112 years ago
Died
August 28th, 1990 34 years ago — 77 years old

An influential Belgian author and illustrator, produced the well-known comic series 'Suske en Wiske' starting in 1945. This comic series became highly popular and has continued to be published, appealing to several generations. Vandersteen's work featured a mix of adventure, humor, and historical themes, showcasing his talent for storytelling and illustration. He also created numerous other comics and contributed significantly to the Belgian comics scene.

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Chadwick Boseman

American Actor - Black Panther
Born
November 29th, 1976 48 years ago
Died
August 28th, 2020 4 years ago — 43 years old

An American actor and playwright gained prominence through the portrayal of iconic figures in film. Played T'Challa in Marvel's 'Black Panther', achieving significant acclaim for the role. Also portrayed historical figures such as Jackie Robinson in '42' and James Brown in 'Get On Up'. His work extended to theater with performances in plays like 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom'.

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Georg Hellat

Estonian architect and designer
Born
1870 155 years ago
Died
August 28th, 1943 81 years ago — 73 years old

An Estonian architect active primarily in the early 20th century, contributed significantly to the development of Estonian architecture. His designs showcased elements of Nordic Classicism and offered innovative solutions to urban planning. Played a vital role in shaping the architectural landscape of Tallinn during a period of national awakening. Hellat's works included residential buildings, public structures, and various civic projects that reflected the cultural aspirations of his time. The architectural style emphasized functionality while honoring traditional Estonian aesthetics.

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