What Happened This Year 2018
People Who Died in 2018
Dan Gurney
A successful race car driver and engineer, contributed significantly to motorsport engineering and performance. Competed in Formula One, NASCAR, and various sports car races. Gurney founded All-American Racers and developed the Gurney Eagle car, a notable achievement in automotive design. Achieved wins in major events including the 1967 24 Hours of Le Mans, where a Ford GT40 driven by Gurney and A.J. Foyt secured victory. Gurney introduced the concept of the victory champagne spray during the Le Mans celebration, becoming a lasting tradition in motorsport.
Continue ReadingPete Shelley
A singer-songwriter and guitarist, became a prominent figure in the punk rock music scene during the late 1970s. Co-founded the band Buzzcocks, which emerged from the UK punk movement. The band released influential tracks such as 'Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've)' and 'What Do I Get?'. Later pursued a solo career, achieving success with the hit single 'Homosapien' in 1981. Shelley’s songwriting often tackled themes of love and identity, making significant contributions to the punk and new wave genres. Continued to perform and release music until passing in 2018.
Continue ReadingTito Francona
Born in 1933, this individual played major league baseball primarily as an outfielder and first baseman. Debuting in 1956, played for teams including the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox, and Boston Red Sox. During a career spanning over a decade, achieved a .272 batting average with 1,436 hits and 1,045 runs batted in. After retiring as a player, transitioned into coaching, serving as a coach for various MLB teams, including the Baltimore Orioles and the Philadelphia Phillies.
Continue ReadingCharles K. Kao
A Chinese physicist and engineer contributed significantly to the development of fiber optics technology. His research in the 1960s laid the foundation for high-capacity telecommunications networks. Kao's innovative work demonstrated how light can be transmitted through fibers, leading to advancements in global communication systems. His groundbreaking contributions earned recognition within the scientific community and beyond, resulting in receipt of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2009. This achievement highlighted the importance of fiber optics in modern telecommunication infrastructures.
Continue ReadingMaryon Pittman Allen
A prominent journalist and politician, focused on women's rights and political reform. Served in the Alabama House of Representatives and was an influential member of the Democratic Party. Authored various articles highlighting social issues and engaged in political discourse through media. Played a role in establishing organizations that advocated for women's equality and civic involvement.
Continue ReadingBruce Hunter
Competed in the 1960 Rome Olympics, winning a silver medal in the 400-meter freestyle. Achieved recognition in competitive swimming during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Made significant contributions to his college swimming team and set several records during his athletic career.
Continue ReadingNancy Roman
An American astronomer contributed significantly to the field of space science. Instrumental in the development of the Hubble Space Telescope, played a crucial role in its design and planning. Held positions at the Naval Research Laboratory and the Goddard Space Flight Center, serving as the first Chief of the Astronomy and Relativity Division at NASA. Focused on the study of astronomical objects and contributed to the understanding of various phenomena in space through satellite missions. Published works in scientific journals and engaged in outreach efforts to promote astronomy.
Continue ReadingWarwick Estevam Kerr
Contributed significantly to the field of genetics and entomology. Focused on the study of honeybees and their genetic diversity. Played a key role in the introduction of the African honeybee to Brazil. Actively engaged in agricultural and ecological research, with a strong focus on the impact of genetic selection in various species.
Continue ReadingShinobu Hashimoto
Worked extensively in Japanese cinema, primarily during the mid-20th century. Collaborated with renowned directors and contributed to significant films in the industry. Formulated scripts for classic movies, enhancing narrative techniques in storytelling. Played a key role in shaping the samurai film genre, contributing to Japan's cinematic legacy.
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