August 07

Elizabeth of Rhuddlan was born in 1282 at Rhuddlan Castle in Wales as the youngest daughter of King Edward I and Queen Eleanor. She was first married at the age of seven to John I, Count of Holland, in a political alliance that was later annulled. In 1297 she wed Henry de Lacy, 3rd Earl of Lincoln, with whom she had several children. Elizabeth managed extensive estates across England and Wales, demonstrating notable administrative skill. She was known for her piety and patronage of religious houses. Elizabeth died in 1316 at Lincoln Castle and was buried at the Church of the Greyfriars.

Elizabeth Báthory was born into one of Hungary’s most powerful families in 1560. She married Ferenc Nádasdy, a Hungarian nobleman, and oversaw vast estates during his absence in the Long Turkish War. After his death in 1604, rumors began to surface accusing her of gruesome crimes against young girls. She was alleged to have tortured and murdered hundreds of servants and peasants, though some historians question the veracity of these claims. In 1610, she was confined to her castle at Csejte (now Čachtice, Slovakia) and placed under house arrest. Báthory died in 1614, and her life has since become the subject of legend and folklore as one of history’s most infamous female serial killers.

Mata Hari, born Margaretha Geertruida Zelle in 1876, achieved international fame as an exotic dancer and courtesan. Her elaborate performances combined elements of Javanese and Indian dance, captivating audiences across Europe. Amid the turmoil of World War I, she was arrested by French authorities on charges of spying for Germany. In 1917, Mata Hari was tried and executed, becoming one of the war's most notorious figures. Her life and legacy have inspired countless works of art, literature, and film.

Elizabeth Gurley Flynn was born in 1890 and became one of the most prominent labor organizers and activists of her era. Nicknamed “The Rebel Girl,” she joined the Industrial Workers of the World at age 17 and toured the United States lecturing on workers' rights. Flynn played a key role in major labor strikes, including the Paterson Silk Strike of 1913. She authored several books and articles advocating for free speech, women's rights, and social justice. Despite arrests and persecution for her radical views, she continued to champion the rights of the underprivileged until her death in 1964.

James Randi was born on August 7, 1928, in Toronto, Canada. He rose to fame as a professional magician and escape artist, performing illusions that tested the limits of human endurance. In the 1970s, he founded the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP), dedicating himself to investigating and exposing frauds and pseudoscience. Randi offered a one-million-dollar prize to anyone who could demonstrate supernatural abilities under controlled conditions, a challenge that remained unclaimed. He authored several books, including 'Flim-Flam!' and 'The Faith Healers', critiquing charlatanism in the paranormal field. Renowned for his sharp wit and campaigning for critical thinking, he lectured globally and influenced generations of skeptics. Randi passed away in 2020, remembered as a champion of scientific inquiry and rational discourse.

Born in Italy in 1938, Giorgetto Giugiaro became one of the most influential automotive designers of the 20th century. He began his career at Fiat before founding Italdesign in 1968, establishing a renowned design studio in Turin. Giugiaro’s portfolio includes landmark automobiles such as the DeLorean DMC-12, Volkswagen Golf, and Alfa Romeo GTV. His clear, functional designs earned him the title "Car Designer of the Century" in 1999. His enduring aesthetic vision continues to inspire automotive and industrial design worldwide.

Jonathan Pollard is a former intelligence analyst for the U.S. Navy who passed classified data to Israel in the mid-1980s. Arrested in 1985 and pleaded guilty in 1987, he received a life sentence, making him one of the longest-serving American prisoners for espionage. His case sparked international debate and advocacy by Israeli officials, who lobbied for his release. After serving 30 years, Pollard was released on parole in 2015 and later immigrated to Israel. He remains a controversial figure in U.S.-Israel relations, symbolizing complex questions of loyalty and security.

Born in 1963, Nick Gillespie is a leading American journalist and author. He served as editor-in-chief of Reason magazine from 2000 to 2008, shaping its libertarian voice. Gillespie has written extensively on politics, culture, and individual liberty. He is the author of books including 'The Declaration of Independents'. His work champions free-market principles and critical cultural commentary.

Born in 1964 in Liverpool, John Birmingham is a journalist and author based in Australia. He gained fame with his memoir 'He Died with a Felafel in His Hand', a cult classic. Birmingham writes both non-fiction and science fiction, notably the 'Axis of Time' trilogy. His work combines sharp humor with thought-provoking alternate histories. He has become one of Australia's most popular contemporary writers.

Dana G. Peleg is an Israeli author, journalist, and LGBT rights activist known for her impactful writing and advocacy work. She has published novels and short stories that address themes of identity, sexuality, and social justice. As a columnist, Peleg has contributed to major Israeli newspapers and cultural magazines. She co-founded organizations that campaign for legal protections and social acceptance of LGBT individuals in Israel. Peleg's work blends personal narrative with broader social critique, aiming to foster empathy and dialogue. Her contributions have made her a respected voice in both literary and activist communities.

Charlotte Ronson launched her eponymous fashion label in the early 2000s, quickly gaining attention for playful prints and bold color palettes. Drawing on her creative family background, she developed a signature style that blends youthful energy with sophisticated tailoring. Her collections have been showcased in international fashion weeks and featured in leading publications. Ronson has collaborated with retailers and celebrities alike, expanding her brand into accessories and lifestyle products. She continues to influence the fashion world with her innovative and trend-setting designs.