March 09

Franz Anton von Sporck was born in 1662 in the Kingdom of Bohemia and inherited large estates. An avid patron of music, he sponsored the composer Jan Dismas Zelenka and the Czech musician Bohuslav Matěj Černohorský. He established theaters and sponsored literary salons, promoting Baroque culture in Prague. Von Sporck translated French dramas and introduced Italian opera to Central European audiences. His support extended to Jansenist religious reform movements and charitable works. He faced political tensions due to his religious sympathies but maintained his cultural influence. Sporck died in 1738, leaving a vibrant artistic legacy in Bohemia.

Born in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Armor became a prominent leader in the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. She earned the nickname 'Mother Armor' for her passionate advocacy against alcohol abuse. Armor organized suffrage and temperance campaigns across the American South, inspiring grassroots activism. Her speeches and writings galvanized women to demand the right to vote and protect families from alcohol's harms. She played a key role in Tennessee, the final state needed to ratify the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920. Armor's legacy endures in the history of women's rights and social reform movements.

Walter Mercado was a charismatic astrologer and television personality known for his daily horoscopes and dramatic capes. He hosted popular astrology segments across Latin America and the United States for over four decades. Mercado's blend of spiritual guidance, motivational messages, and theatrical flair earned him a devoted following. He published several astrology books and appeared in films and theater productions as an actor. Despite controversies surrounding his practice, he remained a cultural icon and pioneer in bringing astrology to mainstream media. Mercado's legacy lives on through his enduring influence on astrology broadcasting.

Ernesto Miranda was arrested in 1963 in Phoenix, Arizona, for kidnapping and rape, and confessed during police questioning without being informed of his rights. His case reached the U.S. Supreme Court, which in 1966 ruled that suspects must be informed of their right to remain silent and to have legal counsel, a decision that became known as Miranda v. Arizona. The court's ruling transformed American law enforcement procedures nationwide. Miranda's conviction was later overturned and retried, but his name remains synonymous with the constitutional protections afforded to criminal suspects. He died in a bar fight in 1976.

Charles Gibson is a renowned American broadcast journalist with a career spanning over four decades. He joined ABC News in the 1970s and became co-anchor of Good Morning America. In 1988, he became the sole anchor of World News Tonight, reporting on major events worldwide. He moderated several presidential debates and interviewed key political figures. Gibson has received numerous awards including multiple Emmy Awards for his journalism. After retiring, he continued to contribute as a correspondent and special anchor.

Dennis Rader, known as BTK for "Bind, Torture, Kill," is an American serial killer responsible for at least ten murders in Kansas between 1974 and 1991. He taunted police and media with letters detailing his crimes, evading capture for decades. Rader served as a church council president and family man, hiding his violent acts behind a façade of normalcy. He was finally caught in 2005 after DNA evidence linked him to the crimes. Rader pleaded guilty and is serving ten consecutive life sentences without parole. His case is studied for its insight into criminal psychology and the importance of forensic evidence.

Helen Zille began her professional life as a journalist, founding the Cape Times newspaper in 1990. She transitioned to politics after 1994, joining the Democratic Alliance and rising to become party leader from 2007 to 2015. Zille was elected Premier of the Western Cape province, serving two terms from 2009 to 2019 with a focus on governance and service delivery. She previously served as Mayor of Cape Town, where she inaugurated major infrastructure and urban renewal projects. Throughout her career, Zille has been a vocal advocate for accountability, human rights, and anti-corruption initiatives. She remains active in South African public life, writing and speaking on national policy and development issues.

Guilfoyle began her career as a prosecutor in San Francisco, specializing in violent crimes. She served as an assistant district attorney before transitioning to television. At Fox News, she co-hosted 'The Five' and later appeared on 'Outnumbered' and 'Justice with Judge Jeannine'. Guilfoyle brings legal expertise and sharp commentary to her political reporting. She has been involved in high-profile political fundraising events and campaigns. Her blend of law, media, and politics has made her a prominent and sometimes controversial public figure.

Born in Senegal and raised in Italy, Khaby Lame rose to fame on TikTok with silent, comedic reaction videos. He surpassed 100 million followers, becoming one of the most followed creators on the platform. Without speaking a word, his expressive gestures satirize overly complicated life hack videos. He has partnered with global brands and appeared in high-profile campaigns. Lame's universal humor and authenticity have made him a symbol of social media success.