February 17

Joseph Favre was a Swiss chef and gastronomist who played a key role in professionalizing European cuisine in the late 19th century. He founded culinary societies and schools that emphasized sanitation, nutrition, and systematic techniques in cooking. Favre's landmark work, 'Dictionnaire universel de cuisine pratique', became an essential reference for professional chefs. He advocated for the recognition of cooking as both an art and a science, influencing culinary education across Europe. His efforts helped elevate the status of chefs from mere kitchen staff to respected practitioners. Favre's legacy persists in modern culinary institutes and gastronomic standards.

Princess Helena of Waldeck and Pyrmont married Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany, becoming Duchess of Albany and the daughter-in-law of Queen Victoria. She balanced royal duties with a commitment to philanthropy, supporting hospitals, orphanages, and arts patronage throughout Europe. Helena navigated complex European courts during a time of rapid social change, maintaining correspondence with key monarchs and political figures. Her charitable work during World War I earned her respect across the British Empire and continental Europe. After her husband's death, she continued to influence social causes and preserve his legacy. Helena’s life illustrates the role of royal consorts in humanitarian and cultural affairs during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Mary Carson Breckinridge was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and overcame personal tragedies to pursue nursing. Inspired by poverty in the Appalachian region, she established the Frontier Nursing Service in 1925 in Kentucky. She introduced nurse-midwives to deliver healthcare to remote communities, drastically reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. Breckinridge trained nurses in horsemanship and midwifery, enabling them to navigate rugged terrain. Under her leadership, clinics known as 'mountain hospitals' became models for rural health programs worldwide. She authored several publications on midwifery and healthcare policy, influencing public health reforms. Breckinridge's innovative work pioneered modern nurse-midwifery and left a lasting impact on community health.

Ivo Caprino pioneered stop-motion puppet animation in Norway, bringing fairy tales and folklore to life on screen. Born in Oslo in 1920, he founded Caprino Studios where he developed unique techniques for crafting expressive puppets. His most famous work, 'Flåklypa Grand Prix' (The Pinchcliffe Grand Prix, 1975), remains the highest-grossing Norwegian film of all time. Caprino’s early shorts, like 'Tim and Tøffe', introduced audiences to his whimsical style and attention to detail. As a screenwriter and director, he adapted classic Norwegian stories, blending humor with technical innovation. Caprino’s films have inspired generations of animators and remain cultural touchstones in Norway. He continued creating imaginative works until his death in 2001 at the age of 81.

Annie Glenn overcame a severe stutter to become a leading advocate for communication disorders and disability rights. Born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1920, she married astronaut John Glenn in 1943 and became a public figure. Her personal experience with speech disability fueled her passion to help others struggling with communication. In 1981, she and her friend established the John & Annie Glenn Communication Disorders Clinic at Ohio State University. Glenn served on the boards of numerous organizations promoting accessibility and speech therapy. She received the National Distinguished Service Award from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Her legacy lives on through her tireless work to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Hal Holbrook was an acclaimed American actor whose portrayal of Mark Twain spanned six decades. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1925, he debuted his one-man show 'Mark Twain Tonight!' in 1954, earning a Tony Award in 1966. Holbrook’s riveting performance brought Twain’s wit and wisdom to life for millions of theatergoers. In film, he earned critical praise for playing Deep Throat in 'All the President’s Men' and supporting roles in 'Into the Wild'. He won an Emmy Award for his portrayal of journalist Mike Wallace in the television movie 'To Catch a Tiger.' Holbrook also appeared in series such as 'ER' and 'The Bold Ones,' showcasing his range. He remained active on stage and screen until his passing at age 95 in 2021.

Michael Bay is an American film director and producer renowned for his dynamic visual style and penchant for large-scale action sequences. Since his breakthrough with Bad Boys in 1995, he has directed and produced numerous commercially successful films including Armageddon, Pearl Harbor, and the Transformers franchise. Bay's films are characterized by fast editing, sweeping camera movements, and explosive set pieces. Despite mixed critical reception, his work has generated billions at the box office and established him as a leading figure in Hollywood. Beyond filmmaking, he has produced television shows and serves as a mentor to emerging filmmakers. He continues to influence the action genre with ambitious new projects.

Wu'erkaixi is a Chinese journalist and political activist who rose to prominence as a student leader during the 1989 Tiananmen Square movement. As a vocal advocate for democratic reform, he became one of the most recognizable faces of the protests, often speaking to international media. Following the crackdown, Wu'erkaixi was expelled from China and has since lived in exile, continuing his activism through writing and public speaking. He has authored books on Chinese politics and remains a critic of the Chinese government's human rights record. Wu'erkaixi engages with diaspora communities and collaborates with global democracy organizations. His unwavering commitment to political freedom has made him a symbol of resistance against authoritarianism.

Born in 1972 in Rosario, Argentina, Valeria Mazza became one of the most sought-after supermodels of the 1990s. She graced the covers of top fashion magazines and walked runways for leading designers worldwide. In addition to modeling, Mazza co-founded design and beauty ventures, transforming her public image into a business empire. She has been recognized for her entrepreneurial spirit and contributions to Latin American fashion. Mazza continues to influence the industry as a brand ambassador and advocate for charitable causes.

Kelly Carlson, born in 1976, is an American actress and former fashion model. She gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Kimber Henry on the television series Nip/Tuck. Carlson has appeared in films such as Sin City and The Marine, showcasing her versatility as a performer. Prior to acting, she modeled for major brands like L'Oréal and featured on numerous magazine covers. She continues to balance her work in acting with philanthropic efforts and other creative projects.