August 08

Born in Scotland in 1673, John Ker served the British crown as a clandestine operative during a period of intense political intrigue. Despite the secretive nature of his work, his intelligence reports influenced key diplomatic decisions. Little is known of his personal life, but surviving correspondences suggest he cultivated high-level contacts across Europe. Ker's dedication to secrecy and strategy marked him as one of the early architects of modern espionage. He passed away in 1726, leaving behind a legacy that hints at the shadowy origins of intelligence services.

Born in 1879, Dr. Robert Holbrook Smith studied medicine at Yale and became a respected surgeon. During his own struggles with alcoholism, he sought help through spiritual practices and mutual support. In 1935, he co-founded Alcoholics Anonymous with Bill W. to provide a peer-led program emphasizing personal accountability and a higher power. Under his guidance, AA's Twelve Steps program spread rapidly, offering hope to millions worldwide. Smith’s medical background informed his compassionate approach to addiction treatment. He authored key pamphlets and helped establish AA’s principles of anonymity and service. His legacy endures as Alcoholics Anonymous continues to support those struggling with alcohol dependence across the globe.

Born in 1898 in Italy before settling in the French Alps, Marguerite Bise took over the family inn, Auberge du Père Bise in Talloires. She mastered haute cuisine and regional Savoyard dishes, earning three Michelin stars — one of the first women to do so. Her innovative approach blended tradition with refinement, attracting gourmands from across Europe. Under her guidance, the inn became a culinary destination, and her techniques influenced French gastronomy for decades. Marguerite's legacy continues through the Bise family's ongoing stewardship of the restaurant.

William Asher was a pioneering television director, producer, and screenwriter who helped shape the early sitcom. He rose to prominence in the 1950s with his work on I Love Lucy and later directed nearly every episode of the hit series Bewitched. Over a six-decade career, he produced and directed dozens of television shows and films, earning multiple Emmy nominations. Asher co-founded television production companies and collaborated with top actors and writers of his era. His innovative storytelling techniques and comedic timing left a lasting impact on American television.

Rudi Gernreich fled Austria as a refugee and rose to prominence in 1950s America as a visionary fashion designer. He championed unisex and body-conscious clothing, challenging social norms with designs like the topless Monokini. Gernreich's minimalist aesthetic and bold use of stretch fabrics influenced the space-age and mod movements. He collaborated with leading photographers and promoted freedom of expression through fashion. His revolutionary work continues to inspire designers seeking to break conventions and celebrate the human form.

Ronnie Biggs (1929–2013) gained notoriety as one of the perpetrators of the 1963 Great Train Robbery in the UK, which yielded millions in stolen goods. After serving part of his sentence, he escaped prison in 1965 and lived for decades as a fugitive in Brazil. His brazen lifestyle and media interviews turned him into a folk antihero. In 2001, he voluntarily returned to the UK to face justice, and after serving more time he was released on compassionate grounds in 2009.

Sheila Varian (August 8, 1937 – March 6, 2016) was a leading Arabian horse breeder whose innovative approach transformed the industry. Operating at Varian Arabians in California, she focused on selecting for athleticism, soundness, and beauty, resulting in bloodlines that dominated both Western and English performance events. Varian authored books and articles sharing her breeding philosophy and was the first woman inducted into the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. She mentored breeders worldwide and served as president of the Arabian Horse Association. Her legacy endures through the Varian breeding program, which continues to influence Arabian horse standards globally.

Born in Davenport, Iowa, Randy Shilts began his career at the San Francisco Chronicle as the first openly gay reporter at a major American newspaper. He investigated and documented the early years of the AIDS epidemic at a time when many in the press and medical community ignored it. His 1987 book 'And the Band Played On' became a bestseller and influenced public health policy by exposing government and institutional failures in responding to the outbreak. Shilts received praise and awards for his investigative work and is credited with humanizing those affected by the disease. He himself was diagnosed with AIDS and died of related complications in 1994, leaving a lasting legacy in medical and LGBTQ journalism.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Robin Quivers graduated from the University of Maryland School of Nursing and worked as a critical care nurse before entering broadcasting. She joined 'The Howard Stern Show' in 1981, bringing her candid humor and interviewing skills to millions of listeners. Quivers has also authored memoirs, including 'Quivers', which chronicles her life and career challenges. Over the years, she has used her platform to advocate for health awareness and LGBTQ rights. Her resilience in overcoming personal tragedies, including health issues, has inspired many fans. Quivers continues to be a prominent voice in radio and an influential media figure.

Deborah Norville began her journalism career as a reporter for NBC News in the 1980s, becoming one of the youngest anchors on the Today Show. In 1990, she joined Inside Edition as a correspondent and later became its principal anchor, a role she has held for decades. Norville has reported on major national events including the Gulf War and presidential campaigns. Recognized for her authoritative delivery and empathetic interviewing style, she has received multiple awards, including an Emmy nomination. Outside of broadcasting, she is an author of children's books and hosts segments on lifestyle and health. Norville's longevity and credibility have made her a familiar and trusted face in American media.

Mustafa Balbay began his career as a political correspondent in the 1980s, writing for major Turkish newspapers and earning acclaim for his in-depth analysis. In the late 1990s, he transitioned into public service, being elected as a deputy for the Republican People's Party (CHP). During his tenure in Parliament, Balbay focused on press freedom and democratic reforms, drawing on his journalistic background to advocate for transparency. His outspoken criticism of government policies led to both national recognition and legal challenges. Balbay has authored several books on Turkish politics and media ethics. Despite facing imprisonment, he remained committed to his principles, becoming a symbol of the struggle for free expression in Turkey. His dual career continues to influence debates on the role of media in politics.

Born in Los Angeles, Turteltaub began his career directing commercials and television episodes, before breaking into feature films. He gained acclaim with the 1993 sports comedy 'Cool Runnings', blending humor and heart in a true Olympic story. He went on to direct hits like 'While You Were Sleeping', 'Phenomenon', and the 'National Treasure' franchise, earning over a billion dollars at the box office. As a producer, Turteltaub has supported emerging filmmakers and television projects, expanding his impact beyond directing. His work is praised for its engaging storytelling, relatable characters, and ability to appeal to audiences of all ages. He continues to develop new film and television ventures, maintaining a reputation as a versatile and dependable filmmaker.