April 05

Sébastien Érard (1752–1831) was a master craftsman whose technical breakthroughs reshaped keyboard and harp design. Establishing his Paris workshop in 1777, he invented the double escapement action, enabling rapid note repetition on the piano. Érard also developed an advanced harp mechanism with standardized pedals for precise tuning and stability. His instruments were prized by royalty and composers such as Haydn and Liszt. He founded the Érard company, which became synonymous with concert-quality performance. His legacy lives on in the mechanics of today’s pianos and harps worldwide.

Princess Victoria of Hesse and by Rhine (1863–1950) was a member of the Hesse-Darmstadt royal family and a granddaughter of Queen Victoria. In 1884, she married Prince Louis of Battenberg, forging strong ties between the British and German monarchies. She witnessed significant social and political changes in Europe, including the First World War, while maintaining her royal duties and charitable interests. Known for her elegance and poise, Victoria remained a respected figure in European courts. Her connections influenced the alliances and relationships among several contemporary royal families.

Arthur Berriedale Keith was born in India and educated in Scotland and England, developing expertise in constitutional law and Oriental studies. He served as Regius Professor of Sanskrit at the University of Edinburgh and later taught at Oxford University. Keith’s comparative studies of jurisprudence and his translations of Sanskrit legal texts influenced both legal scholars and Indologists. He authored key works on British constitutional history and Oriental legal traditions. Knighted in 1928, Keith’s interdisciplinary scholarship left a significant mark on law and philology before his death in 1944.

Natalia Sedova was the second wife of Leon Trotsky, accompanying him into exile and preserving his legacy. Born in 1882 in Warsaw, she supported Trotsky both intellectually and administratively. She translated and edited his writings, maintaining his archives after his assassination. An advocate for socialist ideals, she defended his reputation against political opponents. She passed away in 1962, leaving behind extensive correspondence that offers insights into revolutionary history.

Arnold Jackson was an English middle-distance runner born in 1891. At the 1912 Summer Olympics, he won the gold medal in the 1500 meters, becoming one of Britain's youngest Olympic champions. He served as an officer during World War I, demonstrating leadership and courage on the battlefield. After the war, Jackson pursued a legal career and practiced as a barrister in England for several decades. Throughout his life, he remained active in athletics through coaching and supporting youth sports programs. He passed away in 1972, remembered for his Olympic triumph and service to his country.

Lester James Peries was born in 1919 in Dehiwela, Sri Lanka. He directed, wrote, and produced films that portrayed authentic Sri Lankan life and stories. His debut feature, Rekava (1956), was screened at the Cannes Film Festival, marking a new era in local cinema. Over six decades, he crafted classics like Gamperaliya and Nidhanaya, earning international awards. Peries co-founded the Carlton Film Unit, fostering film production in Sri Lanka. He received numerous national honors, including Sri Lanka's Deshamanya title. Peries's work laid the foundation for modern Sri Lankan filmmaking and influenced generations of directors.

Born in Montreal, he became a prominent voice in Quebec media through radio and television programs. His work spans journalism, historical commentary, and cultural critique, connecting past events to contemporary debates. He authored several books on Canadian history and politics, earning respect as a public intellectual. As a radio host, he engaged audiences with lively discussions and interviews on current affairs. He continues to influence Canadian media with his distinctive perspective and analytical depth.

Born in 1949, Larry Franco began his journey in the film industry in the late 1970s. Over the years, he has produced a diverse array of films across genres including horror, drama, and comedy. Franco has collaborated with notable directors and studios, helping bring compelling stories to the big screen. His work behind the scenes has been praised for its creativity and attention to detail. Throughout his career, he has navigated the evolving landscape of Hollywood while maintaining a commitment to quality filmmaking.

Princess Ubol Ratana, born in 1951, is the eldest daughter of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit of Thailand. She studied abroad before marrying an American in 1972, at which point she relinquished her royal title and lived overseas for many years. Upon returning to Thailand in the early 2000s, she founded and supported charitable organizations focused on education, health, and child welfare. Ubol Ratana has also appeared in film and television, endearing her to the public beyond royal circles. Her humanitarian work and approachable personality have made her one of the most beloved members of the Thai royal family.

Born in 1952, John C. Dvorak began his career writing for PC Magazine and InfoWorld, establishing himself as a frank and incisive tech commentator. He has authored and co-authored several books on personal computing and the Internet, making complex topics accessible to general audiences. Dvorak co-hosted the popular podcast “This Week in Tech” on the TWiT network, where he and fellow experts dissected industry trends. His outspoken style and willingness to challenge tech orthodoxy have made him a distinctive voice in the field. He has also appeared on television programs such as TechTV, contributing to his reputation as a multimedia journalist. Dvorak’s work continues to influence technology discourse and consumer awareness.

Frank Gaffney Jr. is an American journalist and radio host known for founding the Center for Security Policy. He served in the Department of Defense during the Reagan administration as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Forces and Arms Control. In 1988, he established the Center for Security Policy to influence U.S. defense and foreign policy debates. Gaffney hosts 'Secure Freedom', a daily radio show and podcast covering global security issues. He has authored numerous articles and opinion pieces in major publications. His viewpoints on national security have sparked both support and controversy. Gaffney holds degrees in history and international relations and remains a prominent voice in conservative security circles.

Graduated from the University of Grenoble with a degree in political science. Began his career at Libération before moving to television as a media correspondent. In 2001, launched the weekly media watchdog program 'Arrêt sur images' on France 5. After the show's cancellation in 2007, established the independent online platform of the same name. His work focuses on dissecting news coverage and promoting media literacy. Author of multiple books on journalism and the influence of mass media. Regular speaker at international conferences on press ethics and freedom of information.