What Happened This Year 1926
Born in 1926
Don Newcombe
A prominent baseball player, excelled as a pitcher in Major League Baseball. Played for the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1949 to 1960. Achievements included winning the Cy Young Award in 1956 and being named an All-Star during three seasons. Contributed to the Dodgers' success in their World Series victory in 1955. Later became a successful coach and mentor for young players.
Continue ReadingAlfred Duraiappah
Active in the Sri Lankan political arena, a lawyer, and politician represented the Tamil United Liberation Front. Instrumental in advocating for the rights of the Tamil people during a crucial period in the country's history. Served as the mayor of Jaffna and contributed to local governance and community issues. Engaged in efforts to promote peace and reconciliation during ethnic tensions in Sri Lanka.
Continue ReadingEfraín Ríos Montt
Served as the 26th President of Guatemala from 1982 to 1983. Led a military government during a period marked by civil conflict and human rights violations. Implemented policies aimed at counterinsurgency, which included significant military operations against guerrilla groups. Prior to the presidency, held various military ranks, ultimately achieving the position of general. Faced war crimes charges years later for actions taken during the authoritarian regime.
Continue ReadingAllan Sandage
An American astronomer and cosmologist made significant contributions to the understanding of galaxies and cosmic evolution. Participated in the discovery of quasars, elucidating their nature and distribution. Developed techniques for measuring the distance to galaxies and advancing methods in photometry and stellar classification. Played a crucial role in establishing the Hubble constant, providing insights into the expansion of the universe. Published numerous influential papers that shaped modern cosmology and observational astronomy.
Continue ReadingRehavam Ze'evi
Born in 1926, a general who served in the Israel Defense Forces and later entered politics. As the 9th Minister of Tourism, played a significant role in shaping Israeli tourism policy. His military career included key positions during pivotal conflicts such as the Six-Day War and the Yom Kippur War. Transitioned to the Knesset and became a prominent figure in the National Religious Party. Advocated for a strong security policy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Continue ReadingFred Cone
Played as a placekicker in the National Football League for the Green Bay Packers and the New York Giants. Achieved recognition for proficiency in scoring, particularly in field goals and extra points. Participated in the NFL Pro Bowl, showcasing exceptional skills and contributions on the field. Contributed to his teams with reliable kicking abilities, impacting games throughout his career.
Continue ReadingConrad Hall
A French-American cinematographer, contributed significantly to the art of film through a career spanning over five decades. Hall's work included collaborations with prominent directors such as Sam Mendes and Ridley Scott. Hall received three Academy Awards for Best Cinematography for contributions to 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid', 'American Beauty', and 'Road to Perdition'. Recognized for a distinct visual style that enhanced storytelling, his use of lighting and camera movement influenced contemporary cinematography techniques.
Continue ReadingRachid Solh
Served as the 48th Prime Minister of Lebanon from 1970 to 1973. His tenure was marked by political instability in the country during the lead-up to the Lebanese Civil War. Held various governmental positions, contributing to national governance and policy-making. Played a role in the political landscape of Lebanon during a tumultuous period.
Continue ReadingGeorge Englund
Englund began a career in the entertainment industry as an actor before transitioning into directing and producing. He gained prominence as a film editor and director, particularly for directing the 1970 film 'The Great White Hope'. The film was nominated for multiple Academy Awards and starred James Earl Jones. Englund continued to work in various capacities in film and television throughout his career, contributing to numerous projects and expanding his influence behind the camera.
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