August 28

Terence Reese was one of the world’s leading contract bridge theorists and competitors. He represented Britain in six Bermuda Bowl tournaments, earning multiple team medals. Reese authored more than 40 books on bridge strategy, problems, and bidding conventions. His works, such as 'Reese on Play' and 'The Expert Game,' remain essential reading for serious players. In 1965 he was involved in a high-profile cheating controversy, which spurred reforms in tournament regulations. His contributions laid the groundwork for modern bridge theory and competition standards.

Maurizio Costanzo (1938–2023) began his career writing for major Italian newspapers and magazines. In 1982, he launched the Maurizio Costanzo Show, one of Italy's first and longest-running talk shows. He served as a professor of communication theory at the Sapienza University of Rome. Costanzo's candid interview style and ability to engage diverse guests transformed Italian television. His influence extended beyond media to politics and culture, leaving a lasting impact on public discourse.

Bengt Fahlström (1938–2017) contributed to leading Swedish newspapers and radio programs. His in-depth reports covered topics ranging from national politics to cultural developments. Fahlström was respected for his thorough research and clear writing style. He mentored young journalists and upheld high standards of integrity in reporting. His work helped shape public understanding of key events in 20th-century Sweden.

Satoshi Tajiri is a Japanese video game designer and the founder of Game Freak. Tajiri created the Pokémon franchise, one of the most successful media franchises in history. Inspired by his childhood interest in collecting insects, he envisioned a game about capturing creatures. He released the first Pokémon games, Red and Green, for the Game Boy in 1996, revolutionizing handheld gaming. Under his leadership, Pokémon became a multimedia phenomenon with games, trading cards, a TV series, and extensive merchandise. Tajiri’s innovative design and business acumen have earned him recognition as a pioneer in the video game industry. He continues to work on game development projects with a focus on creativity and player experience.

Hamish McLachlan began his media career in radio and print journalism before transitioning to television. He has been a prominent sports presenter on Australian networks, covering events such as the Australian Open and the Commonwealth Games. McLachlan has hosted popular sports and entertainment programs, earning recognition for his engaging on-screen presence. He is known for his in-depth interviews with athletes and contributions to sports commentary in Australia. Beyond broadcasting, he actively mentors emerging sports media professionals.

Debra Lafave is an American former middle school teacher who became a central figure in a highly publicized legal case. In 2005, she pleaded guilty to charges of lewd acts with a minor, drawing national attention due to her age and profession. Her case sparked debates about legal and media treatment of female offenders in similar circumstances. Lafave received a three-year plea deal, serving probation and community service without jail time. Following the case, she maintained a low public profile and has largely stayed out of the spotlight. Her story remains a controversial example of how gender and celebrity can influence criminal proceedings.