What Happened This Year 2017
People Who Died in 2017
Sione Lauaki
Played rugby for New Zealand, primarily as a loose forward. Represented the All Blacks, contributing to multiple test matches between 2005 and 2008. Played for the Chiefs in Super Rugby and was part of the squad during their competitive seasons. Had a significant presence on the field with his physical style of play. Retired from professional rugby to focus on personal endeavors after a successful career.
Continue ReadingLucy Ozarin
Served as a lieutenant commander in the United States Navy, specializing in the field of psychiatry. Had a significant role in military mental health services during and after World War II. Worked within the Navy's mental health program, focusing on the psychological well-being of service members. Contributed to advancements in psychiatric practice within military contexts.
Continue ReadingJohn G. Avildsen
Achieved prominence as a film director, producer, and cinematographer. Directed the iconic sports drama 'Rocky', which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1977. Also directed 'The Karate Kid', a popular coming-of-age martial arts film that gained a significant following in the 1980s. Established a reputation for storytelling that combined underdog triumphs with emotional depth.
Continue ReadingSaloua Raouda Choucair
Born in 1916, a prominent figure in modern art, creating paintings and sculptures that reflect a blend of abstraction and cultural themes. Established a career that spanned several decades, contributing to the development of contemporary art in Lebanon and beyond. Engaged actively in art exhibitions, showcasing works that often incorporated elements of Islamic art and geometry. Played a crucial role in introducing modernist ideas in the region, influencing generations of artists. Died in 2020, leaving a legacy as a pioneer in contemporary art in the Arab world.
Continue ReadingAhmed Kathrada
Born in 1929, a political prisoner and prominent figure in the anti-apartheid movement. Worked alongside notable leaders in the struggle against racial segregation in South Africa. Served as a close associate of Nelson Mandela and became a member of the African National Congress (ANC). Spent 26 years in prison, mainly on Robben Island, for his activism. After his release in 1990, continued to work in politics and advocated for social justice until retirement.
Continue ReadingAlexei Alexeyevich Abrikosov
Contributions to the field of condensed matter physics included groundbreaking work on superconductivity and quantum phenomena. The theoretical framework for the Abrikosov vortex, which describes magnetic flux lines in superconductors, has been integral to advancements in the understanding of materials in superconducting states. Held an academic position at Argonne National Laboratory and was involved in various teaching roles throughout a long career. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2003, sharing the honor for contributions that elucidated the nature and behavior of superconductors and their applications in technology.
Continue ReadingMuhal Richard Abrams
A prominent figure in the world of jazz, contributed significantly to the genre as a pianist, composer, and educator. Helped in founding the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) in Chicago, which played a crucial role in the development of avant-garde jazz. Released several albums, with 'Afternoon Talks' among the notable works. His innovative approach combined elements of classical and jazz, influencing many musicians in the field. Taught at various institutions, sharing knowledge about both performance and composition.
Continue ReadingLudmila Belousova
Born in 1935, this Soviet figure skater achieved prominence in the sport during the 1960s. Partnered with her husband, the skater won the gold medal in ice dancing at the 1964 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck. The duo also secured multiple European and World Championship titles, contributing to the legacy of figure skating in the Soviet Union. After retirement from competitive skating, the skater transitioned into coaching and had a lasting influence on the sport, developing future generations of skaters. The contributions to figure skating are recognized and celebrated in Russia and beyond.
Continue ReadingRoger Grenier
A journalist and author, contributions spanned literature and journalism. Worked for noted publications including 'Le Figaro' and 'Le Monde'. Published numerous literary works that explored themes of memory and identity. His writing style was marked by clarity and precision, earning respect in both literary and journalistic circles.
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