What Happened This Year 2009
People Who Died in 2009
Millvina Dean
Born in 1912, a civil servant and cartographer contributed to geographic mapping and public service in England. The involvement in the Titanic disaster as the youngest survivor at two months old led to a lifetime of engagements related to this history. Engagements included presentations and interviews about the Titanic's legacy and its impact on society. Active in various charitable ventures and memorial activities for Titanic victims, played a role in educating the public about this maritime tragedy and its historical context. Later years included a focus on promoting maritime safety awareness and preserving Titanic's history.
Continue ReadingIvy Matsepe-Casaburri
Born in 1937, served in various government roles in South Africa. Played a significant role as the Minister of Communications from 2004 to 2009, influencing policies in the telecommunications sector. Participated in the anti-apartheid movement and was involved in the African National Congress during its struggle for liberation. Held leadership positions in different organizations promoting education and community development.
Continue ReadingHirotugu Akaike
Contributed significantly to the field of statistics, particularly in model selection theory. Developed the Akaike Information Criterion, which is widely used for model evaluation and selection in various statistical modeling contexts. Worked on time series analysis and established the concept of the 'Akaike model', which allows for more robust statistical inference. Served as a professor and had a notable academic career, influencing generations of statisticians and data scientists.
Continue ReadingBilly Lee Riley
A rockabilly musician, singer-songwriter, and record producer, contributed significantly to the genre during the 1950s. Started a career in music with the iconic label Sun Records, producing hits that blended country and rhythm and blues. Gained recognition for energetic performances and distinctive sound. Riley's songs, including 'Flying Saucers Rock & Roll,' showcased the evolution of rockabilly music. Continued to perform and record into the late 20th century, influencing subsequent generations of musicians.
Continue ReadingKamila Skolimowska
Achieved significant success in hammer throwing, notably winning a gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Competed for Poland in multiple international competitions, with performances in various European and World Championships. Set personal bests that placed her among the top hammer throwers in history. Her career was tragically cut short by illness, but her achievements in athletics remain recognized.
Continue ReadingJack Cover
A pilot and physicist, contributed to the development of electroshock weapons. Invented the Taser gun in the 1970s as a non-lethal alternative for law enforcement. The device gained significant attention for its use in policing and self-defense. Worked for the aerospace industry prior to focusing on the Taser project, which aimed to reduce the threats posed by armed confrontations. The invention has been widely adopted in various public safety applications.
Continue ReadingYiannis Moralis
Born in Greece in 1916, this individual achieved recognition as a prominent painter and educator. The artistic journey began with studies at the Athens School of Fine Arts, followed by studies in Paris, which shaped the distinctive style. The painting style combined elements of modernism with traditional Greek influences. In addition to creating artwork, the individual held a significant role as a professor, teaching generations of students in the field of visual arts. Works included notable contributions to the Greek artistic landscape, reflecting themes of mythology and nationality.
Continue ReadingLudovic Kennedy
Born in 1919, this Scottish journalist and author contributed significantly to literature and journalism. A graduate of Oxford University, he began a career in journalism with the BBC and later wrote for numerous publications, including The Guardian and The Spectator. His notable works include several books that explore criminal justice and historical themes. The author became recognized for a critical approach to issues of justice and politics, particularly in relation to high-profile criminal cases.
Continue ReadingGordon Waller
A Scottish singer-songwriter and guitarist, this individual gained prominence as one half of the folk duo Peter and Gordon. The duo achieved significant success in the 1960s with a string of chart-topping hits. Notably, the song 'A World Without Love' reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in 1964. After the duo disbanded, continued to perform and contribute to the music industry, showcasing talent as a solo artist and collaborating with various musicians.
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