January 31

André-Jacques Garnerin was born in Paris in 1769 into a family of balloonists. He became fascinated by aeronautics and worked alongside his brother, Jean-Baptiste. In 1797 he made the world's first recorded parachute descent from a hot-air balloon using his frameless parachute design. His invention eliminated the need for rigid frames and influenced the development of safer parachutes in the centuries that followed. Garnerin conducted numerous demonstration jumps across Europe and earned widespread acclaim for his daring feats. He also published essays on balloon navigation and parachute technology. Garnerin's pioneering work laid key groundwork for modern aeronautics and he passed away in 1823.

Henri Desgrange was born in Paris in 1865 and began his career as an amateur cyclist during the late 19th century. After retiring from competition, he turned to journalism and became editor of the sporting newspaper Le Vélo. In 1900 he founded the daily sports magazine L'Auto, which gained widespread readership. To boost newspaper sales, Desgrange conceived and organized the inaugural Tour de France in 1903, now the world's most prestigious cycling race. He served as the race's director for many years, shaping its challenging routes and strict rules. Desgrange's vision and determination helped professionalize cycling and rally public attention across France. His contributions to sports media and competitive cycling had an enduring impact until his death in 1940 at age 75.

Miron Grindea was born on January 31, 1909, in Bucharest, Romania, and later moved to England before World War II. He became a prominent literary journalist, critic, and interviewer in London's cultural circles. In 1941, Grindea founded ADAM International Review, a magazine dedicated to literature, art, and ideas that featured leading writers and thinkers. Over more than fifty years, he championed modernist and contemporary voices, fostering transatlantic cultural exchange. Grindea’s editorials, essays, and reviews reflected his cosmopolitan outlook and deep commitment to the literary arts. His work provided a platform for new talent and connected diverse literary communities. Grindea remained editor of ADAM until shortly before his death in 1995. He is remembered as a passionate advocate for culture and creativity.

Born in Szczecin, Poland in 1932, Miron Babiak dedicated his life to maritime service. He captained merchant vessels on routes across the Atlantic and around Europe, ensuring safe transport of passengers and goods. Known for his calm demeanor and expert navigation skills, he earned respect among crew members and industry peers. Babiak contributed to maritime safety through training programs and authored articles on sea navigation. He represented Poland at international maritime conferences, sharing his expertise. Babiak passed away in 2013, leaving a legacy of dedication to the merchant navy.

Jerry Brudos earned the nickname 'The Lust Killer' for his crimes against women in Oregon between 1968 and 1969. He committed at least four murders, engaging in theft of victims' personal items and exhibiting disturbing fetishes. Apprehended in 1969 after a failed attack and extensive investigation, he pleaded guilty to multiple counts of murder. Initially sentenced to death, his penalty was commuted to life imprisonment following Oregon's abolition of the death penalty. He died of liver cancer in prison in 2006, leaving behind a chilling record that contributed to criminal profiling practices. His case remains a grim example of criminal pathology and legal outcomes in the U.S. justice system.

Mike Carlton (born January 31, 1946) is an Australian journalist and radio presenter with a career spanning over four decades. He worked as a political correspondent for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Nine News. Carlton became a prominent voice on Sydney radio station 2UE, hosting morning programs and current affairs shows. His sharp commentary and wit earned him a dedicated audience but also sparked controversy. As an author, he wrote books on politics and media, reflecting on changes in Australian society. Carlton’s contributions to journalism have made him a recognizable and influential figure in national media.

Born in Baambrugge, Netherlands, Johan Derksen played as a defender for clubs including Veendam and Go Ahead Eagles in the Dutch leagues. After retiring from playing, he became editor-in-chief of Voetbal International, one of the country’s leading football magazines. Derksen gained national recognition as a candid and often provocative pundit on talk shows like Veronica Inside. His insights, drawn from years on the pitch and in the press box, have influenced public discourse on football and social issues. He continues to host television segments and write columns, maintaining a strong presence in Dutch sports media.

Born Barbara Jean Davis in Memphis, Tennessee, Norris Church Mailer began her career as a fashion model in New York City’s competitive industry. She later returned to academia, earning a degree in education and teaching art and design to high school students. Mailer married author Norman Mailer and co-founded the Provincetown School of Visual Arts, supporting local artists and students. She advocated for arts funding and mentored emerging creatives through workshops and community programs. Her multifaceted career spanned modeling, teaching, and community-building, leaving a lasting legacy in both fashion and education before her passing in 2010.

Fatou Bensouda began her legal career in the Gambian Ministry of Justice, ultimately serving as Solicitor General and Attorney General. In 2004, she joined the Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court in The Hague as Deputy Prosecutor. She was appointed as Chief Prosecutor in 2012, leading investigations into war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity in countries like Libya and Uganda. During her tenure, Bensouda pursued high-profile cases against individuals accused of atrocities in Darfur and the Palestinian territories. After leaving the ICC in 2021, she has continued to advocate for accountability and international justice.

Born in 1964, Martha MacCallum began her broadcasting career at a local Cleveland station before joining Fox News Channel in 2004. She rose to prominence as a political reporter and anchor, covering presidential elections and Supreme Court confirmations. As host of The Story with Martha MacCallum, she provides in-depth interviews and analysis of newsmaker personalities. MacCallum has earned praise for her journalistic integrity and clear, engaging delivery of complex issues. Off-screen, she is involved in charitable initiatives supporting literacy and youth education. She is recognized for her interviews with world leaders and cultural icons. Her career spans over two decades, making her one of the most respected figures in cable news today.

Beginning his career on small-scale projects, Daniel Moder has developed a reputation for his dynamic camera work and naturalistic lighting style. He has served as director of photography on a range of films, from intimate dramas to big-budget features. Moder's collaborations span genres such as comedy, action, and thriller, showcasing his adaptability behind the camera. A member of the American Society of Cinematographers, he is also known for his collaborative approach and technical expertise. His contributions have helped shape the visual language of modern cinema.

Born in 1996, Nikita Dragun gained fame through her YouTube channel featuring makeup tutorials, fashion, and personal vlogs. After coming out as transgender in 2015, she became a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ representation. In 2020, she launched Dragun Beauty, praised for its inclusive product range. Dragun has collaborated with major beauty and fashion brands, building a devoted social media following. She continues to influence the beauty industry and champion diversity and self-expression.