What Happened This Year 2016
People Who Died in 2016
Frank Sinatra
A prominent figure in music and film, contributed significantly to the development of jazz and pop standards. Emerged as a solo artist after initial success with the big band era in the 1940s. Gained immense popularity in the 1950s and 1960s with hit records such as 'My Way', 'New York, New York', and 'Strangers in the Night'. Also starred in films including 'From Here to Eternity' and 'The Manchurian Candidate', earning numerous accolades. Active in the entertainment industry until the 1990s.
Continue ReadingGeorge Michael
Achieved international fame as a member of the pop duo Wham! and as a solo artist after launching a successful solo career. Gained prominence in the 1980s and 1990s with albums such as 'Faith' and 'Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1'. 'Faith' included hits like 'Father Figure' and 'One More Try', helping to define the sound of the era. Also contributed to numerous charitable causes through music and activism.
Continue ReadingDale Bumpers
Served as the 38th Governor of Arkansas from 1971 to 1975. Bumpers was a member of the Democratic Party and represented Arkansas in the United States Senate from 1975 to 1999. During gubernatorial tenure, focused on education and infrastructure improvements. Advocated for farmers and rural communities. In the Senate, Bumpers was influential in various committees and played a significant role in legislative processes.
Continue ReadingFazu Aliyeva
Contributions included poetry that explored themes of love, loss, and identity, often reflecting on personal and societal struggles. Aliyeva also worked as a journalist, covering significant cultural and social issues prevalent in Russian society. The literary works showcased an intricate understanding of human emotions and experiences, allowing connections with a broad audience. Activity spanned several decades, leaving a notable legacy in Russian literature. Aliyeva's poetry remains influential in contemporary circles, often studied for its emotional depth and cultural context.
Continue ReadingVilmos Zsigmond
A cinematographer and producer, born in Hungary and later becoming a prominent figure in American cinema. Worked on significant films from the 1970s onwards. Contributed visual storytelling to numerous acclaimed projects and collaborated with notable directors. Influenced the craft of cinematography through innovative techniques and artistic vision. Won an Academy Award for the film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' and received multiple nominations throughout his career.
Continue ReadingArdhendu Bhushan Bardhan
A lawyer and politician with a significant career in Indian politics. Served as a member of the Communist Party of India, representing the party in various capacities. Held the position of General Secretary of the All India Trade Union Congress and contributed to labor rights advocacy. Elected to the Lok Sabha from the Bhavnagar constituency in Gujarat, representing constituents for three terms. Participated actively in political discussions concerning labor and social justice.
Continue ReadingFrances Cress Welsing
Completed medical training and became a psychiatrist, focusing on the psychological implications of racism and colorism. Authored 'The Isis Papers: The Keys to the Colors', which explored the historical and psychological aspects of racial dynamics. Engaged in public speaking and discussions on race-related issues, contributing to the fields of psychology and sociology. Involved in activism aimed at addressing systemic racism and its effects on mental health.
Continue ReadingNimr al-Nimr
A prominent Shiite cleric and spokesperson for political reforms in Saudi Arabia. Advocated for the rights of the Shiite minority in the Eastern Province. Gained significant attention for sermons that criticized the Saudi government and its treatment of Shiites. Was arrested in 2012 during protests and eventually sentenced to death. Executed in 2016, which sparked widespread protests and condemnation among human rights organizations.
Continue ReadingPeter Naur
Contributed significantly to the development of computer science and programming languages. Developed an early version of the Algol programming language and worked on the concept of formal grammar. Played a key role in the establishment of computer science as a distinct academic discipline. Authored various influential works, notably on the syntax and semantics of programming languages, and contributed to the formulation of the Backus-Naur form, a notation for expressing context-free grammars. Had a deep interest in the epistemology of computer science and its philosophical implications.
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