February 05

Born in Frankfurt, he emigrated to France in the 1930s and became involved in violent crime. Weidmann and his accomplices were convicted of kidnapping, robbery, and six murders between 1937 and 1939. His trial attracted intense media attention due to the brutality of the crimes. On June 17, 1939, Weidmann was executed by public guillotine in Versailles, marking the final public execution in France. The spectacle prompted the French government to move all future executions behind prison walls. His case remains a chilling chapter in the history of crime and punishment.

Jacob Veldhuyzen van Zanten was born in 1927 in Leiden, Netherlands. He began his aviation career with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and rose to the rank of senior captain. Van Zanten was instrumental in training new pilots and was known for his strict adherence to procedures. On March 27, 1977, he was piloting KLM Flight 4805 at Los Rodeos Airport in Tenerife. A series of miscommunications and dense fog led to his aircraft colliding with a Pan Am 747 on takeoff. The accident remains the deadliest in aviation history, claiming 583 lives, including van Zanten's. His tragic end prompted major reforms in cockpit communication and airline safety standards. Van Zanten's legacy is a sobering reminder of the importance of clear protocols in aviation.

Jane Bryant Quinn began her career at Newsweek and has written extensively on investing, retirement planning, and tax strategies. Her syndicated column 'Stump Your Financial Adviser' has guided readers to make smarter financial decisions for decades. Quinn has authored multiple bestselling books, translating complex financial concepts into clear, engaging advice. She has received awards such as the Gerald Loeb Award for her outstanding financial journalism. Her work continues to influence personal finance practices and educate new generations of readers.

Errol Morris is an American director and producer born in 1948 who reshaped the documentary genre. His debut feature, ‘Gates of Heaven’, and later ‘The Thin Blue Line’, demonstrated his groundbreaking use of reenactments and narrative structure to explore truth and justice. ‘The Fog of War’, which earned him an Academy Award, further showcased his ability to delve into complex subjects through personal interviews and archival footage. Morris developed the ‘Interrotron’ to maintain direct eye contact with subjects, enhancing viewer engagement. He has also authored essays and contributed to various publications, expanding his influence beyond film. His body of work continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences with its intellectual rigor and emotional depth.

Born in 1954, Frank Walker is an Australian journalist and author renowned for his in-depth reporting on national politics and social issues. He has contributed to leading newspapers and magazines, offering insightful analyses of current events. Walker’s books explore Australian history, combining meticulous research with engaging storytelling. His work has attracted a dedicated readership interested in the political and cultural landscape of Australia. He continues to write and report, bringing clarity to complex topics through his writing.

Shainberg made his directorial debut with Secretary (2002), a dark romantic comedy that won acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival. The film's bold exploration of unconventional relationships cemented his reputation as an innovative filmmaker. He followed with works such as Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus (2006) and Love & Other Drugs (2010). Shainberg often collaborates with his wife, screenwriter Erin Cressida Wilson. His films blend emotional depth with visual style and challenging themes. He has produced independent films that support emerging talents. Shainberg remains an influential voice in modern American cinema.

Karin Ontiveros won the title of Nuestra Belleza México in 2009, earning the opportunity to compete in Miss Universe 2010. Born in Rioverde, San Luis Potosí, she studied communication sciences before launching her modeling career. Ontiveros has worked with top fashion designers in Mexico and appeared in major magazines and advertising campaigns. Beyond modeling, she has hosted television programs and engaged in philanthropic efforts focused on education and health. Her poise and charisma have made her a prominent figure in Mexican popular culture.