What Happened This Year 2006
People Who Died in 2006
Sumner Shapiro
Served in the U.S. Navy for over 30 years, achieving the rank of admiral. Played a pivotal role during World War II, including commanding naval operations in the Pacific Theater. Later served as Commander of the U.S. Naval Forces in the Mediterranean and been involved in various international naval exercises and strategies. Retired from active service but continued to influence military operations through advisory roles until death.
Continue ReadingDavid K. Wyatt
An American historian specialized in Southeast Asian studies, particularly focusing on Thailand. Wrote extensively on the historical and cultural aspects of Thai society. Authored notable works such as 'Thailand: A Short History' and 'The Politics of Reform in Thailand.' Contributed to the understanding of Thai history through academic articles and essays in various journals. Served as a professor at the University of Hawaii, influencing generations of students in the field of Asian studies.
Continue ReadingMilton Friedman
A leading figure in the field of economics, significant contributions include the development of the theory of monetarism. Served as a professor at the University of Chicago and authored several influential books on economic theory, including 'Capitalism and Freedom'. Played a vital role in policy discussions regarding inflation and monetary policy. Advocated for free-market principles and limited government intervention in the economy.
Continue ReadingYuri Levada
A prominent sociologist and political scientist focused on public opinion and social research in Russia. Founded the Levada Center, a leading independent polling organization in the country. Explored issues of political culture, social change, and public opinion dynamics. Contributed significantly to understanding societal transformations in post-Soviet Russia. His work provided valuable insights into the attitudes and behaviors of the Russian populace during periods of significant political upheaval.
Continue ReadingBo Schembechler
Became a prominent college football coach. Served as the head coach at the University of Michigan from 1969 to 1989, achieving significant success. Led Michigan to 13 Big Ten championships and a record of 234-65-8. His teams were known for their intense rivalries, particularly with Ohio State. Coached in the Rose Bowl and was instrumental in establishing Michigan as a powerhouse in college football. Post-retirement, contributed to sports administration and remained involved with the Michigan program until his passing.
Continue ReadingRuth Brown
An influential R&B singer-songwriter and actress, her career spanned several decades starting in the 1940s. She gained prominence with chart-topping hits such as 'Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean' and 'Teardrops from My Eyes'. Her soulful voice and captivating stage presence earned her the title 'Miss Rhythm'. In addition to her music career, contributions to the film industry included roles in productions like 'Carmen Jones'. She received multiple awards and honors for her impact on the music world.
Continue ReadingFerenc Puskás
A prominent figure in football, excelled as a forward, played for Budapest Honvéd and Real Madrid. Achieved considerable success at Real Madrid, winning multiple European Cups. Managed several teams after retiring as a player, including the Hungarian national team. Puskás contributed to football's global appeal and left a lasting legacy in the sport.
Continue ReadingZoia Ceaușescu
A prominent mathematician and academic contributed significantly to the field of mathematics, particularly in algebra and differential equations. Worked at the Institute of Mathematics of the Romanian Academy and held a professor position at the University of Bucharest. Engaged in research that focused on the applications of mathematics in various scientific fields. Also authored numerous papers and books, educating future generations of mathematicians.
Continue ReadingRobert Altman
A prominent director and screenwriter in American cinema, this individual contributed significantly to film art with a unique storytelling style. Debuting in the 1950s, created a series of innovative films that often employed ensemble casts and overlapping dialogue. The 1970 film M*A*S*H, a black comedy about a mobile army surgical hospital during the Korean War, achieved both commercial success and critical acclaim, earning multiple Academy Award nominations. Other notable works include Nashville, a musical drama that provided a critique of American culture, and The Player, a satirical look at Hollywood. Established a reputation for challenging traditional narratives and influential cinematic techniques throughout a remarkable career.
Continue Reading