February 16

George Kennan was born in 1845 in Lowell, Massachusetts. He accompanied the tsarist governor-general Nikolai Muraviev on an expedition deep into Siberia and the Kamchatka Peninsula in 1885–1886. His detailed accounts of Siberian exile and the Russian penal system were published in popular articles and books, raising awareness of human rights abuses. Kennan’s writings influenced Western perceptions of Imperial Russia and inspired reform movements. Later in his career, he lectured extensively on his travels and wrote several books, including the influential 'Siberia and the Exile System.' His work combined vivid storytelling with critical social commentary. Kennan died in 1924, leaving behind a legacy as one of the foremost travel writers of his time.

James "Big Jim" Colosimo was an Italian-American mob boss who played a pivotal role in shaping organized crime in Chicago. Born in Calabria, Italy, he emigrated to the United States as a teenager and built a criminal empire based on prostitution, gambling, and racketeering. His operations laid the groundwork for what became the infamous Chicago crime syndicate. Colosimo resisted bootlegging at first, creating tensions within his organization. In 1920, he was assassinated under mysterious circumstances, a killing often linked to emerging figures like Al Capone. His death marked a turning point in the history of American organized crime.

Eugénie Blanchard was a French super-centenarian who lived to the age of 114, becoming one of the world's oldest documented individuals. Born in the late 19th century, she witnessed dramatic changes through two World Wars and the evolution of modern society. Her long life attracted public interest and media coverage, highlighting the secrets of longevity and resilience. Blanchard attributed her extended lifespan to a simple lifestyle, family support, and a positive outlook. She remained sharp of mind until her passing in 2010, sharing stories of her youth and early 20th-century rural life. Her record-breaking age brought attention to aging research and the experiences of centenarians.

Margot Frank was born in 1926 in Frankfurt, Germany, and was the eldest daughter of Otto and Edith Frank. In 1933, the family fled Nazi persecution and settled in Amsterdam, where Margot attended school and was admired for her academic promise. When anti-Jewish measures intensified, the Franks hid in a secret annex from 1942 until their betrayal in 1944. Margot was deported to Auschwitz and later transferred to Bergen-Belsen, where she died of typhus in early 1945. Her life, overshadowed by the fate of her sister Anne, is remembered through historical research and collective memory. Margot's quiet strength and personal story contribute to our understanding of the human impact of the Holocaust.

Born in Houston, Texas, Stephen Gaskin served in the U.S. Marine Corps before embracing the 1960s counterculture movement. He gained a following in San Francisco with his free Monday Night Class, teaching topics on spirituality, community, and social change. In 1971, Gaskin led hundreds of followers to Tennessee to establish The Farm, a communal settlement based on sustainable living and egalitarian principles. Under his guidance, The Farm grew to thousands of members and became known for its innovations in organic agriculture and midwifery. Gaskin authored several books on philosophy, spirituality, and communal living, sharing his vision with a wider audience. His leadership at The Farm influenced generations of activists and alternative community builders. He continued to teach, write, and speak until his death in 2014, leaving a lasting impact on intentional community movements.

Born in Bayambang, Pangasinan, Adolfo Azcuna earned his law degree from Ateneo de Manila University and pursued postgraduate studies at Harvard Law School. He practiced law and served as Dean of the Ateneo Law School before his appointment to the Supreme Court of the Philippines in 2002. During his tenure, Azcuna championed alternative dispute resolution, establishing mediation and arbitration programs nationwide. After retiring in 2009, he continued to work as an arbitrator and legal scholar, writing on constitutional and administrative law. Azcuna's contributions earned him the Philippine Legion of Honor and recognition as a leading figure in legal education. He remains active in judicial reform and mentorship initiatives.

Niko Nirvi is a Finnish journalist celebrated for his influential work in video game media. Writing under the pseudonym 'Nnirvi', he began contributing to Pelit magazine in 1988 and helped establish video game journalism in Finland. Nirvi's candid reviews and deep knowledge of game design earned him a loyal readership. He has served as an editor and columnist for multiple publications, advocating for professional standards in gaming coverage. With a career spanning over three decades, he remains a respected voice in the industry.

Michael Avenatti rose to prominence representing clients in high-stakes cases, including Stormy Daniels. His outspoken style and frequent media appearances made him a controversial public figure. Avenatti founded a national law firm, focusing on class action lawsuits and litigation reform. Despite early success, his career faced turmoil amid legal and ethical controversies. He continues to practice law while navigating a complex professional reputation. Avenatti's rise and fall reflect the challenges of blending legal advocacy with celebrity status.