What Happened This Year 2007

People Who Died in 2007

Peter Aduja

Filipino-American politician, legislator
Born
October 19th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
2007 19 years ago — 87 years old

Born in 1920, a politician with significant influence in the Philippines and the United States. Served in the U.S. Congress, representing the interests of the Filipino community. Advocated for policies benefiting Filipino-Americans and worked towards improving the lives of constituents. Engaged in various legislative efforts throughout tenure.

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Atle Selberg

Mathematician and academic with Selberg trace
Born
June 14th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
2007 19 years ago — 90 years old

Significant contributions to number theory and mathematical analysis characterized the career. Developed the Selberg trace formula, a key result in the theory of automorphic forms. Published numerous papers and notably worked on the distribution of prime numbers. Taught at several institutions, including Princeton University, influencing future generations of mathematicians.

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Don Herbert

Television host, Mr. Wizard
Born
July 10th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
2007 19 years ago — 90 years old

Born in 1917, a television host achieved recognition through the educational program 'Mr. Wizard's World.' The show featured science experiments aimed at children and was broadcast on various networks from the 1950s until the 1990s. Herbert's engaging presentation style made complex scientific concepts accessible and entertaining for young audiences. In addition to hosting the main show, he authored several books on science education, further contributing to public understanding of scientific principles. Herbert also participated in numerous live demonstrations and educational outreach efforts, promoting science in schools and community events.

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Jesús de Polanco

Spanish publisher and businessman
Born
November 7th, 1929 96 years ago
Died
2007 19 years ago — 78 years old

Founded Prisa, a major media group in Spain. Played a significant role in the development of Spanish media after Franco's regime. Expanded the company into various sectors including print, television, and radio. Instrumental in launching the newspaper El País, which became one of Spain's leading daily newspapers.

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Seung-Hui Cho

Mass murderer responsible for Virginia Tech shooting
Born
January 18th, 1984 42 years ago
Died
2007 19 years ago — 23 years old

Born in South Korea, committed a mass shooting at Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007, which resulted in 32 deaths and injuries to many others. The incident is remembered as one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history. Cho was a student at Virginia Tech prior to the shooting and had exhibited signs of mental health issues in the years leading up to the event. He wrote and directed a series of disturbing plays that reflected his troubled state of mind. Cho's actions spurred discussions about gun control and mental health resources in educational institutions.

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Gad Yaacobi

Israeli Diplomat, UN Ambassador
Born
January 18th, 1935 91 years ago
Died
2007 19 years ago — 72 years old

An academic and diplomat, served as the 10th Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations. Contributed to various international discussions regarding Israel's position on global issues. Held significant roles in both academic circles and governmental frameworks, bridging knowledge and diplomacy.

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Carey Bell

American blues harmonica player
Born
November 14th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
2007 19 years ago — 71 years old

A significant figure in the Chicago blues scene, contributed to the genre's evolution through expressive harmonica playing and powerful vocals. Released several albums, including 'Heartaches and Pain' and 'Blues Harp'. Collaborated with various artists, enhancing the blues genre with unique style and technique.

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Richard Rorty

Philosopher and author of 'Philosophy and the Mirror of Nature'
Born
October 4th, 1931 94 years ago
Died
2007 19 years ago — 76 years old

A significant figure in contemporary philosophy, contributed to pragmatism and influenced various areas such as literature and political theory. Rorty engaged with the works of key philosophers and critics including John Dewey and Friedrich Nietzsche. Through writings, challenged traditional views of truth and knowledge. His book, 'Philosophy and the Mirror of Nature', argues against the idea of reflecting reality, promoting a perspective that emphasizes contingency and context.

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Aloísio Lorscheider

Brazilian Cardinal and religious leader
Born
October 8th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
2007 19 years ago — 83 years old

Served as a cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church, contributing significantly to church teachings and reforms. Participated in the Second Vatican Council, which brought modernization to Catholic practices. Led the Archdiocese of Aparecida, enhancing its status as a religious center in Brazil. Advocated for social justice and the rights of the marginalized, playing a vital role in the church's approach to social issues in Brazil.

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