April 01

George Dance the Younger was appointed Surveyor to the City of London and designed iconic structures such as the Mansion House and Newgate Prison. Son of renowned architect George Dance the Elder, he championed neoclassical style, blending classical proportions with functional urban planning. His influential lectures and publications educated builders and designers across Britain. Beyond his built projects, Dance documented London's evolving architecture through detailed drawings. His legacy endures in the capital’s grand public edifices and urban design principles.

Born in London and started his career as a newspaper reporter. Authored over 170 novels, many of them crime and detective stories. Created enduring characters such as Commissioner Sanders. Wrote the story that inspired the original King Kong film. Also penned numerous plays and screenplays that were popular in the West End. His fast-paced plots and twist endings captivated readers around the world. Nicknamed the "King of Thrillers" for his prolific output and engaging storytelling. Left a lasting legacy on the genre of crime fiction and early cinema.

Born in 1885 as Clementine Hozier, she married Winston Churchill in 1908 and became a steadfast partner throughout his political career. During World War II, she chaired the Red Cross Aid to Russia and visited troops on the front lines, boosting morale. She was actively involved in various charitable organizations, including the Young Women's Christian Association. Known for her sharp wit and unwavering support, she played a key role behind the scenes of British wartime leadership. In 1965, she was appointed a Companion of Honour for her public service. She passed away in 1977, remembered for her compassion and resilience.

Born in 1901 in Philadelphia, Chambers joined the Communist Party in the mid-1920s and became a spy for the Soviet Union. In 1938, he broke with communism and provided testimony before the House Un-American Activities Committee. His evidence led to the conviction of former State Department official Alger Hiss for perjury. Chambers chronicled his experiences in the memoir Witness, published in 1952, which became a seminal account of Cold War betrayal. He later served as a senior editor at Time magazine and lectured on the dangers of totalitarianism. Chambers died in 1961, leaving a legacy as one of the most influential whistleblowers of his era.

Melville Shavelson was a prolific American filmmaker, screenwriter, and producer whose career spanned over five decades. He earned Academy Award nominations for his witty and heartfelt scripts. Shavelson directed and produced classic comedies and romantic films, collaborating with major Hollywood stars. He also wrote for television and published books on film history. His versatile talents and passion for storytelling made him a respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Born in Paris to a Russian émigré family, Vladimir Posner began his broadcasting career in the Soviet Union before gaining prominence as a commentator on US-Soviet relations. He hosted influential television programs such as Vremya and Posner, where his fluency in multiple languages and interviewing skills earned him international respect. Posner's balanced reporting provided rare insights during tense periods of the Cold War, fostering communication between East and West. After the fall of the Soviet Union, he continued to produce programs focusing on contemporary political and social issues in Russia and abroad. Posner has lectured at universities and participated in academic conferences, sharing his experiences as a journalist. His career spans over five decades, making him one of the most enduring voices in international journalism.

Born in 1937 in Ontario, Canada, Lynn Garrison trained as a military aviator before entering the private sector. He gained notoriety flying combat missions as a volunteer pilot during the Biafran War in the late 1960s. Garrison later advised political leaders in Africa and operated aircraft fleets for government contracts. He founded aviation companies and air force training programs across the continent. His career blended entrepreneurship with direct engagement in geopolitical conflicts. Garrison's life story reflects the complex interplay of aviation, politics, and private military work. He remains active in aviation circles and continues to share his experiences as a speaker.

Gideon Gadot was an Israeli journalist and politician born in 1941. He began his career reporting on domestic and international affairs, gaining a reputation for incisive analysis. He later transitioned into politics, serving in various capacities within the Israeli government. Throughout his career, he championed press freedom and transparency in public office. Gadot was known for bridging the worlds of media and politics, bringing journalistic integrity to his political roles. He held positions within the Knesset and contributed to legislative debates on media regulation and civil rights. He remained active in public discourse until his passing in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to both journalism and governance.

Paul Manafort is an American political consultant and lobbyist born in 1949. He advised several Republican presidential campaigns and international political figures. Manafort co-founded his lobbying firm, gaining influence in Washington and abroad. He served as campaign chairman for the 2016 presidential campaign of Donald Trump. In 2018, Manafort was convicted of tax evasion, bank fraud, and conspiracy against the United States. He was sentenced to prison but later released to home confinement, becoming a notable figure in discussions of political ethics. His career highlights the intersections of money, lobbying, and politics in modern governance. Manafort's legal battles have had significant repercussions for U.S. federal investigations.

Samuel Alito is an American jurist born in 1950 who serves as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. He was appointed by President George W. Bush and took his seat in 2006. Prior to joining the Supreme Court, Alito served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. He earned a reputation for meticulous legal analysis and a conservative approach to constitutional interpretation. Alito has authored landmark opinions on issues including religious freedom, voting rights, and administrative law. He is known for his clear writing style and willingness to break with the majority on key cases. Alito's tenure on the bench has significantly shaped American jurisprudence in the 21st century. His contributions continue to influence debates on the role of the judiciary in American society.

Rachel Maddow (born April 1, 1973) is an American television host and political commentator. She hosts The Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC, where her in-depth analysis of current events has earned critical acclaim and a loyal viewer base. Maddow holds a doctorate in political science from Oxford University, making her the first openly gay host of a major prime-time news program in the United States. She has authored best-selling books, including Blowout and Drift, exploring energy politics and American political polarization. Maddow's clear presentation style and thoughtful interviews have made her a prominent voice in contemporary media. In addition to her television work, she continues to write and speak on a range of political and social issues.