What Happened This Year 2011
People Who Died in 2011
Anne Sharp
A Scottish soprano and actress, gained recognition for performances in both opera and film. Engaged in the performing arts from an early age, demonstrated exceptional vocal talent and stage presence. Acted in a production of "The Merry Widow" and participated in numerous operatic presentations throughout her career. Contributed to radio and recordings, showcasing versatility as a performer. Continued to influence the arts community with performances that blended singing and acting.
Continue ReadingDennis Ritchie
Contributed significantly to computer science by creating the C programming language, a foundational language for modern software development. Co-developed the Unix operating system, which has influenced many others and led to the development of various programming innovations. Worked at Bell Labs, collaborating with other prominent scientists in the field. Authored several influential texts and guides on computer programming.
Continue ReadingOtto von Habsburg
Last Crown Prince of Austria-Hungary held a significant role in European history. After World War I, the monarchy ended, and Habsburg went into exile. He became a prominent advocate for European integration and unity. Habsburg served as a member of the European Parliament representing the Conservative People's Party from 1979 to 1989. Throughout life, he wrote extensively on political and historical issues, promoting democracy and European cooperation.
Continue ReadingLidia Gueiler Tejada
A politician and activist, served as the first female President of Bolivia from 1979 to 1980. Advocated for social justice and women's rights throughout her political career. Tejada was involved in leftist politics, participating in various organizations and movements dedicated to challenging the inequalities faced by marginalized groups. Her presidency was marked by significant political turmoil and she faced opposition during her time in office, ultimately leading to her resignation. Despite her limited time in power, her election represented a significant moment in Bolivian history and women's representation in politics.
Continue ReadingPavol Demitra
A professional ice hockey player, made significant contributions in the National Hockey League (NHL) and international competitions. Played primarily as a center and left winger. Represented teams including the St. Louis Blues, Ottawa Senators, and Minnesota Wild in the NHL. Achieved an NHL All-Star selection in 2003. Competed for Slovakia in multiple international tournaments, including the IIHF World Championships and the Winter Olympics. Demitra's career spanned from 1993 to 2011 before premature passing in a plane crash in 2011.
Continue ReadingGun Hägglund
Contributed significantly to journalism and translation in Sweden. Engaged in various media outlets, focusing primarily on cultural and literary topics. Worked as a journalist for notable Swedish publications and translated important works from other languages to Swedish, aiding in the dissemination of foreign literature within Sweden. Involved in literary criticism and commentary, providing insights into contemporary literary movements. Played a crucial role in fostering understanding between Swedish readers and international authors through translation efforts.
Continue ReadingRichard Hamilton
A professional basketball player made significant contributions in the NBA, primarily during a successful tenure with the Detroit Pistons. Notable for his scoring ability and distinctive mask-wearing style due to facial injuries. Played a pivotal role in leading the Pistons to an NBA Championship in 2004. Also represented the United States in international competitions, contributing to a gold medal in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Continue ReadingBhimsen Joshi
Born in 1922, this vocalist contributed significantly to Hindustani classical music. Training in the Kirana Gharana tradition, he became a prominent figure in Indian music. His performances were characterized by deep emotion and technical mastery. His contributions included numerous recordings and live performances, which showcased his vocal prowess. The recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, he elevated Hindustani music on both national and international stages until his passing in 2011.
Continue ReadingRussell Hoban
An author and illustrator, contributions primarily spanned children's literature and adult fiction. Achievements include creating the renowned children's book series featuring Frances the badger. Worked in various genres, producing novels and illustrating his own works. Explored themes of identity, culture, and the human experience. Published over twenty novels and received critical acclaim for unique narrative styles and engaging storytelling.
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