October 15

Frederick Fleet was an English sailor who served in both the Royal Navy and the Merchant Navy.\nHe is most famous for being one of the lookouts aboard the RMS Titanic and first sighting the iceberg that led to its sinking on April 14, 1912.\nBorn in Ovingdean, Sussex, Fleet began his maritime career at a young age and rose through the ranks.\nAfter the Titanic disaster, he continued sailing and later shared his experiences in official inquiries and interviews.\nHis eyewitness testimony provided crucial insights into the events leading up to the catastrophe.\nFleet's vivid recollections remain a key part of Titanic history.

Alicia Patterson was born in 1906 in New York City into a prominent political family. She began her journalism career in the 1920s and worked for several newspapers. In 1940, Patterson co-founded Newsday on Long Island and served as its editor and publisher, focusing on community issues. Under her leadership, Newsday gained a reputation for bold reporting and editorial independence. She advocated for civil rights and women's equality through her writing. Patterson navigated the challenges of the male-dominated newspaper industry and left a lasting legacy in American journalism before her death in 1963.

Robert Trout was born in 1909 and became one of the first prominent voices in American radio journalism. He began his career at CBS in the 1930s and gained fame for his live coverage of events such as the attack on Pearl Harbor. Trout was known as the "Iron Man of Radio" for his authoritative delivery and long on-air stints. He later moved to NBC and anchored early television newscasts, helping shape the format of TV news. Trout's interviews and documentaries set high standards for broadcast journalism. He received multiple awards, including Peabody Awards, for his contributions to news reporting. Trout remained active in broadcasting until his retirement and passed away in 2000.

Born in 1920, Chris Economaki became America's foremost motorsports reporter, covering racing for over seven decades. He worked for National Speed Sport News and gained fame on television through his appearances on the ABC series Wide World of Sports. Known for his distinctive deep voice and passionate delivery, Economaki brought NASCAR and IndyCar racing to millions. He authored numerous books and articles, chronicling the evolution of American auto racing. Economaki received multiple awards, including inductions into several motorsports halls of fame. His occasional acting roles in racing-themed films added credibility and authenticity to the screen. He passed away in 2012, leaving a storied legacy in sports journalism and broadcasting.

Born in 1923 in Atlanta, Eugene Patterson began his journalism career at local newspapers before joining the St. Petersburg Times as a police reporter. His courageous editorials in the 1950s and 1960s advocated for desegregation and civil rights, earning him national praise. Patterson won the Pulitzer Prize for editorials in 1967 for his stance against racial violence and promotion of justice. He later served as editorial page editor of the Chicago Sun-Times and as an ombudsman for USA Today, mentoring young journalists. His unwavering integrity and commitment to social progress influenced American journalism standards. Patterson’s activism and literary contributions remained influential until his death in 2013.

Born in Harlem in 1933, Nicky Barnes rose from petty crime to head one of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations in New York City. Under his leadership, Council 13 dominated the heroin trade and amassed millions of dollars in profits. Nicknamed 'Mr. Untouchable' for his ability to evade law enforcement, he became a high-profile figure in the American underworld. In 1977, he was convicted on drug trafficking charges and sentenced to life in prison. In the 1990s, he cooperated with the FBI, testifying against former associates and contributing to numerous convictions. After his release, he largely withdrew from public life and died in 2012, leaving a complex legacy as both kingpin and informant.

Born in 1948, Renato Corona studied law at the University of the Philippines and began his career in academia and government service. Appointed Chief Justice in 2010, he led efforts to modernize the judiciary and improve court administration. His tenure was marked by a high-profile impeachment trial that resulted in his removal in 2012. After leaving office, Corona remained active in legal circles as an advocate for judicial reform. He passed away in 2016 but is remembered for his impact on Philippine jurisprudence.

Michael Caton-Jones began his career as an actor before turning to directing and producing films. He directed acclaimed movies such as Scandal (1989), This Boy's Life (1993), and Rob Roy (1995). His work often explores complex characters and historical events, showcasing his storytelling range. Caton-Jones has collaborated with major actors, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Liam Neeson. Beyond directing, he has produced numerous projects and continues to mentor emerging filmmakers.

Mira Nair made her mark with the semi-autobiographical film Salaam Bombay! (1988), which earned her international acclaim. She directed the hit ensemble drama Monsoon Wedding (2001), blending humor and social commentary. Her diverse portfolio includes documentaries, feature films, and television projects. Nair's work often explores themes of identity, migration, and cross-cultural encounters. She has been honored with numerous awards and continues to shape global cinema.

Stacy Peralta was a founding member of the influential Z-Boys skate team in the 1970s. He co-founded the skateboarding company Powell Peralta, helping to commercialize the sport worldwide. Peralta transitioned into filmmaking, directing documentaries like Dogtown and Z-Boys (2001) and Riding Giants (2004). His entrepreneurial vision and creative talents have left a lasting impact on skate culture. He continues to innovate within the worlds of sports, business, and film.

Emeril Lagasse became a household name with his ESPN cooking series Emeril Live, showcasing his signature exclamation Bam. He is the founder of multiple restaurants, including New Orleans-inspired establishments around the world. Lagasse has authored several best-selling cookbooks, sharing his expertise in Creole and Cajun cuisine. He has won James Beard Foundation awards and contributed to culinary education programs. Lagasse continues to influence home cooks and professional chefs through his television and entrepreneurial ventures.

Sarah, Duchess of York, commonly known as Fergie, is a member of the British royal family and former wife of Prince Andrew. Born Sarah Ferguson, she married the Duke of York in 1986 and became a beloved public figure. The couple had two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, before separating in 1992 and divorcing in 1996. Sarah has since pursued a career as a television presenter, author, and charity patron. Known for her warmth, humor, and philanthropy, she continues to champion causes such as education and children's welfare.