What Happened This Year 2006
People Who Died in 2006
Ian Hamilton Finlay
A Bahamian-Scottish poet, sculptor, and gardener, contributed significantly to the concrete poetry movement. Engaged in creating a landscape of art that combined language and sculpture within garden settings. His work often reflected themes of nature, history, and politics. Founded Little Sparta, a unique garden and artistic project in Scotland, which integrated poetry and visual art into the landscape.
Continue ReadingDenice Denton
An accomplished engineer and academic, her work focused on electrical engineering and computer science. Denton served as the Dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Washington and held the position of the first female dean in the College's history. Contributed significantly to advancements in women in engineering and education, promoting diversity within the technical fields. Played a pivotal role in developing programs aimed at increasing the enrollment of women and underrepresented minorities in engineering disciplines.
Continue ReadingSamuel Bowers
Co-founded the White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan during the civil rights movement. Bowers played a significant role in the Klan's activities in the southern United States, particularly in Mississippi. His leadership was marked by the promotion of white supremacist ideologies and violent actions against African Americans and civil rights activists. Bowers was implicated in the killings of civil rights workers and was later convicted for his involvement in racially motivated crimes.
Continue ReadingCharles Bettelheim
An economist and historian contributed significantly to Marxian economic theory and historical analysis. Authored numerous works examining the intersection of Marxism and economics, particularly in relation to socialism and capitalist societies. Taught at various institutions and played a role in intellectual discussions surrounding economics and political theory. Engaged in debates about social and economic structures.
Continue ReadingAnn Calvello
Began roller derby career in the 1940s, competing in various leagues across the United States. Gained prominence for her aggressive playing style and colorful personality. Participated in televised roller derby, which helped popularize the sport. Continued to compete into her 80s, showcasing longevity in the sport. Authored a memoir detailing experiences and challenges faced in roller derby, contributing to the history of the sport.
Continue ReadingGunnar Åkerlund
Competed in sprint canoeing during the 1940s and 1950s. Achieved significant success at the European Canoe Championships, earning multiple medals. Participated in the 1948 Summer Olympics, where sprint canoeing was first introduced, securing a bronze medal in the kayak single event. Contributed to the development of the sport in Sweden and inspired future athletes in canoeing.
Continue ReadingMichael Riffaterre
A French literary critic and theorist, this individual contributed significantly to the study of semiotics in literature. His work focused on the interpretation of texts, emphasizing the relationship between the reader and the text. Developed a model of textual interpretation known as the work of the reader, which highlighted how readers create meaning. Played a prominent role in the field of literary theory, particularly during the mid-20th century, through writings that explored the nuances of literary form and meaning.
Continue ReadingJaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah
Served as the Emir of Kuwait from 1977 until 2006. During tenure, guided the country through the Gulf War, emphasizing reconstruction and modernization. Played a crucial role in establishing Kuwait as a key player in regional politics and development. His leadership focused on economic diversification and social reforms, strengthening Kuwait's infrastructure and enhancing its role in international affairs.
Continue ReadingFranklin Cover
An American actor celebrated for significant work in television and film. Played the role of Tom Willis on the sitcom 'The Jeffersons', a character central to many storylines. Also appeared in films such as 'The Taking of Pelham One Two Three'. Contributed to various television series throughout a lengthy career, gaining recognition for versatility in roles.
Continue Reading