January 12

Born in 1694, Godscall Paleologue is thought to be one of the final links to the storied Palaiologos family that once ruled Byzantium. Little is known about her life beyond her notable lineage and the symbolic end of a historic era. The Palaiologos dynasty governed Constantinople until the fall of the city in 1453, and her existence carries echoes of that bygone empire. Historians remain intrigued by the mystery surrounding her family ties and personal history. Her story highlights the fading of ancient dynasties into legend and the enduring fascination with imperial legacies.

Alfred Rosenberg was born in 1893 in Reval (now Tallinn) and studied architecture and art history in Germany. He joined the Nazi Party in its early years and became one of Adolf Hitler’s chief ideological theorists. Rosenberg authored 'The Myth of the Twentieth Century', a key text outlining Nazi racial and cultural doctrine. In 1941, he was appointed Reich Minister for the Occupied Eastern Territories, overseeing administrative policies in the USSR lands. His directives aided in the exploitation of resources and implementation of racial policies that contributed to widespread suffering. Convicted of war crimes at the Nuremberg Trials, Rosenberg was sentenced to death and executed in 1946. His writings and actions exemplify the intellectual underpinnings of Nazi expansionism and genocide.

Bernardine Dohrn (born 1942) is an American political activist and academic best known as a leader of the Weather Underground during the 1970s. She helped orchestrate protests and underground operations against the Vietnam War and government policies. Dohrn went underground in the late 1960s after the Days of Rage and was indicted for conspiracy and arrests in 1970. She resurfaced in 1977 and made a notable statement surrendering to authorities in 1980. After her activism, she earned a law degree and became a law professor focusing on children's rights and juvenile justice. Dohrn has authored several articles on legal reform and social justice. She remains a controversial figure in American political history.

Hazel Cosgrove, Lady Cosgrove (born 1946) is a trailblazing Scottish jurist who made history as the first woman appointed to Scotland's supreme civil court, the Court of Session, in 1996. She studied law at the University of Glasgow before embarking on a distinguished career as an advocate. Cosgrove specialized in family and criminal law, earning respect for her fairness and legal insight. As a judge, she presided over high-profile cases and worked to improve access to justice. Beyond the bench, she has been an active advocate for legal education and women's advancement in the legal profession. Cosgrove received numerous honors for her service, including an honorary doctorate from the University of Edinburgh. She has mentored many young lawyers and remains a respected figure in Scottish law. Her legacy continues to inspire women pursuing careers in the judiciary.

Arif Yunusov is a respected author and historian who has written extensively on Azerbaijan’s history and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. He co-founded the Institute for Peace and Democracy to promote dialogue and reconciliation in the Caucasus region. Yunusov’s academic work examines ethnic tensions, international law, and humanitarian issues. As a human rights advocate, he has campaigned for freedom of expression and minority rights in Azerbaijan. Despite facing legal challenges and imprisonment, he continues to publish research and speak internationally on conflict resolution.

Christiane Amanpour is a renowned CNN chief international anchor and host of the global affairs show "Amanpour". She has reported from war zones and conflict regions for over three decades, earning a reputation for fearless journalism. Her in-depth interviews with world leaders and field reporting have shaped public understanding of global crises. Amanpour has received numerous awards, including multiple Emmy and Peabody Awards for her outstanding reportage. Her unwavering commitment to truth and human rights advocacy continues to inspire journalists worldwide.

Heather Mills is an English entrepreneur and activist who founded businesses focused on eco-friendly products. After losing her leg in a traffic accident, she became a passionate campaigner for landmine victims and disability rights. Mills co-founded a charitable foundation to raise awareness and support for those affected by war. Her public profile was further heightened by her marriage to musician Paul McCartney. Through business, activism, and media appearances, she has inspired discussions on resilience and social responsibility.

Arman Alizad is an Iranian-Finnish tailor turned television presenter who gained fame hosting style-focused shows. He created and starred in Kill Arman, an adventure series where he trained in martial arts across the globe. Alizad’s engaging on-screen presence and fashion expertise have made him a household name in Finland. In addition to television, he founded a successful menswear brand, blending creativity with craftsmanship. He continues to inspire audiences with his blend of style, adventure, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Peter Madsen is a Danish engineer and entrepreneur who founded the Copenhagen Suborbitals group and built personal submarines and experimental rockets. He gained international attention for his innovative engineering projects and public demonstrations of submarine technology. In 2017, Madsen was convicted of the murder of journalist Kim Wall aboard his homemade submarine. His case prompted widespread media coverage and discussions about safety and ethics in experimental engineering. Madsen's career combines pioneering technical achievements with a controversial criminal conviction.