What Happened This Year 2008
People Who Died in 2008
Gerald Arpino
A prominent dancer and choreographer, contributed significantly to the world of ballet. Co-founded the Joffrey Ballet in 1956, which became renowned for its innovative works. Created over 50 original ballets, showcasing a blend of classical ballet and contemporary dance. Served as the artistic director of the Joffrey Ballet, shaping its artistic vision for decades. Worked with various notable companies and artists, enhancing the visibility of ballet in the United States and beyond.
Continue ReadingPete Candoli
A prominent trumpet player in the 20th century, this musician was active in both jazz and popular music. He played with several well-known big bands, including those led by Stan Kenton and Woody Herman. He also worked as a session musician in Hollywood, contributing to numerous films and recordings. Throughout the career, he collaborated with a variety of artists and participated in significant performances across the United States, establishing a reputation within the jazz community.
Continue ReadingOlga Lepeshinskaya
Born in Ukraine, completed ballet training at the Vaganova Academy in St. Petersburg. Joined the Kirov Ballet where performed in major productions including 'Swan Lake' and 'The Nutcracker.' Contributed to the development of ballet in the Soviet Union through teaching and choreography. Worked at the Moscow State Academy of Choreography and influenced many notable dancers.
Continue ReadingEdwin Turney
Co-founded Advanced Micro Devices in 1969, which became a key player in the semiconductor industry. Played a significant role in the development of microprocessors that powered personal computers. Contributed to the establishment of AMD as a competitor to Intel in the technology sector.
Continue ReadingMike Bell
Born in 1971, a professional wrestler who gained attention in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) during the late 1990s. In addition to wrestling, involvement in promoting wrestling events was significant, leading to the establishment of various independent wrestling promotions. Recognition came through participation in innovative wrestling matches and collaborations with notable wrestling personalities. Contributions to the wrestling community included training emerging talents and engaging in promotional activities that enhanced wrestling visibility.
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 ReadingDorothy Porter
This individual was an influential Australian poet and playwright, recognized for contributions to contemporary Australian literature. One of the hallmark works includes the verse novel 'The Monkey's Mask', which combines elements of crime and romance while exploring themes of desire and identity. The work received critical acclaim and highlighted the innovative use of poetic form in storytelling. Additionally, numerous poetry collections showcased a distinctive voice and exploration of personal and political themes, solidifying a significant presence in the literary scene.
Continue ReadingRajko Mitić
This individual played as a forward and is recognized for a long career with Red Star Belgrade. Mitić was part of the team that won multiple Yugoslav championships and achieved European glory by winning the 1969 European Cup. Transitioning to coaching, he managed several teams including the Yugoslav national team. His contributions to football have been influential in Serbian sports.
Continue ReadingIvo Pukanić
A prominent Croatian journalist and media executive, significant contributions included founding the influential media company Nacional. Pukanić focused on investigative journalism, covering numerous political and social issues in Croatia. Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, Pukanić's work attracted both recognition and controversy, often tackling sensitive subjects that sparked public debate. His career was marked by a commitment to uncovering truths behind various topics impacting Croatian society. In 2008, he was tragically killed in a bombing, which brought attention to the dangers faced by journalists in the region.
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