What Happened This Year 2008
People Who Died in 2008
Ossie Dawson
Born in 1919, a South African cricketer played as a right-hand batsman and wicketkeeper. Represented South Africa in Test matches from 1948 to 1957. Contributed significantly to the team during the early post-war era. Participated in the domestic circuit and achieved notable performances.
Continue ReadingRalph Young
Born in 1918, a prominent American singer and actor gained recognition for performances in musical theatre. Achieved significant success on Broadway, captivating audiences and earning acclaim for a rich baritone voice. Featured in notable productions including 'Oklahoma!' and 'Carousel'. Also made appearances in film and television, showcasing versatile talents in various genres. His contributions to the arts have left a lasting legacy in American musical theatre.
Continue ReadingJohn McHale
Played as a catcher in Major League Baseball for teams including the Chicago Cubs and the Philadelphia Phillies. Transitioned into a managerial role, leading teams such as the Detroit Tigers and the New York Mets. Managed the Tigers to a World Series championship in 1968. Served as the general manager for the Expos and contributed to the growth of baseball in Montreal during the team's early years. His career spanned several decades and included both playing and coaching roles within the sport.
Continue ReadingKay Linaker
Active in the entertainment industry from the 1930s through the 1970s, contributed to both film and television. Linaker appeared in notable films such as 'Sullivan's Travels' and 'The Flame and the Arrow.' Additionally, Linaker worked extensively in television, especially during the 1950s and 1960s, where she contributed to productions like 'The Twilight Zone' and 'Perry Mason.' Apart from her acting career, she also wrote screenplays, demonstrating versatility within the industry.
Continue ReadingSamuel P. Huntington
A political scientist and academic, this individual contributed significantly to the study of political order and cultural identity. Published works included 'The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order', which proposed a framework for understanding global conflict in the post-Cold War era. Served as a professor at Harvard University, influencing generations of students. Held the role of director of the John M. Olin Institute for Strategic Studies and engaged in various public discussions and lectures on international relations and security.
Continue ReadingDaniel Carleton Gajdusek
Contributions to the understanding of prion diseases through research on kuru and its transmission among the Fore people of Papua New Guinea were significant. Pioneered studies on the pathology and epidemiology of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Worked at the National Institutes of Health and found links between infectious agents and neurodegenerative disorders. Received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1976 for discoveries related to kuru.
Continue ReadingJames H. Pomerene
Pomerene contributed significantly to the field of computer science and engineering. He was involved in the development of early computer systems and made advancements in digital circuit design. Pomerene worked at various institutions, including IBM, where he took part in impactful projects that shaped computing technologies. His research focused on circuits and systems that paved the way for modern computing applications.
Continue ReadingKaren Asrian
Achieved the title of Grandmaster in chess at a young age. Represented Armenia in numerous international chess tournaments, contributing to the national team's success. Played in multiple Chess Olympiads, securing a bronze medal in 2004. Won several national championships, highlighting skills and strategic thinking in competitive chess.
Continue ReadingAndrzej Badeński
Born in 1943, Badeński excelled as a sprinter representing both Poland and Germany. Competed in the 400 meters and 4x400 meter relay events. Participated in the 1968 and 1972 Summer Olympics. Achieved significant success in European competitions, contributing to both national teams. His athletic career spanned over a decade, showcasing remarkable speed and endurance on the track.
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