September 07

Juan Manuel María de la Aurora was born in 1650 into one of Spain's most distinguished noble families. He inherited the title of 8th Duke of Escalona and managed extensive estates across the region. As a grande of Spain, he held ceremonial duties at the royal court and influenced local governance. Throughout his life, he witnessed the transition from the Habsburg dynasty to the Bourbon monarchy. He died in 1725, and his title passed to his successor, continuing a lineage that dated back to medieval Spain.

François-André Danican Philidor was born in 1726 into a family of musicians in Dreux, France. He gained fame as a prodigy pianist and composer, writing operas and symphonies that were popular in his time. Philidor was also celebrated as the leading chess player of his era, authoring the influential treatise 'Analyse du jeu des Échecs'. His strategic insights, such as the importance of pawn structure, transformed chess theory and remain foundational today. Balancing dual careers, he performed across Europe while competing in chess salons attended by nobility and intellectuals. Philidor died in 1795, leaving a unique legacy that bridged the worlds of music and competitive chess.

Johannes Zukertort (1842–1888) was a pioneering chess player who rose to prominence in Europe in the late 19th century. Born in Poland, he studied languages and law before dedicating himself to chess and journalism. He shared first place with Wilhelm Steinitz at the London 1883 tournament, the strongest event of its time. Zukertort played the first official World Chess Championship match in 1886 but was ultimately defeated by Steinitz. Beyond chess, he wrote articles on linguistic and cultural topics for various newspapers. His strategic innovations and charismatic style left a lasting impact on the development of modern chess.

Giuseppe Zangara was born in 1900 in Ferruzzano, Italy, and emigrated to the United States in his youth. Struggling with poverty and chronic pain, he held various menial jobs before settling in Miami. On February 15, 1933, Zangara attempted to assassinate President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt. His shots missed Roosevelt but fatally wounded Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak instead. Arrested on the spot, Zangara confessed to acting out of political and personal dissatisfaction. He was convicted the same day, executed in Florida’s electric chair on March 20, 1933.

Martin Charteris, Baron Charteris of Amisfield, was a British Army officer and distinguished member of the Royal Household. Commissioned into the Scots Guards, he served in World War II before joining the Queen's staff. As Private Secretary to Queen Elizabeth II from 1972 to 1977, he managed royal correspondence and advised on state matters. He later became Lord-in-Waiting, assisting with official engagements and diplomatic relations. Elevated to the peerage upon retirement, his memoirs offer insight into royal traditions and the workings of the monarchy. Known for his discretion, loyalty, and diplomatic acumen, he bridged the royal institution and the government.

Born on September 7, 1922 in Marseille, France, Lucien Jarraud emigrated to Canada after World War II and became a pioneering voice in Quebec radio. As a host on stations such as CKAC, he blended news, music, and lively interviews, developing a warm rapport with listeners. Over a career spanning five decades, Jarraud covered cultural events, guided morning audiences, and introduced innovative programming formats. He mentored upcoming broadcasters and advocated for the role of francophone media in Canadian society. His legacy endures in the evolution of Quebec's radio landscape and the many voices he inspired.

Ed Warren was a pioneering paranormal investigator known for his studies of haunted houses and demonic hauntings. Born in 1926, he and his wife Lorraine founded the New England Society for Psychic Research in 1952. Warren investigated thousands of cases, many of which inspired books, documentaries, and feature films such as 'The Conjuring.' He authored several popular accounts detailing paranormal events and rituals. Despite skepticism from scientific communities, his work captivated audiences worldwide and fueled the modern paranormal genre. Warren's blend of folklore, religion, and investigation methods left a lasting mark on popular understanding of the supernatural.

Claire L'Heureux-Dubé was the first woman appointed to the Quebec Court of Appeal and one of the first female judges on the Supreme Court of Canada. Born in 1927, she earned her law degree from Université Laval and became a respected lawyer, specializing in family and social justice issues. Appointed to the Supreme Court in 1987, she served until 2002, championing women's rights, minority protections, and civil liberties. Her dissenting opinions often highlighted concerns for individual rights and social equality. Post-retirement, she lectured, wrote, and consulted on human rights matters. L'Heureux-Dubé's career broke barriers for women in the judiciary and left a profound impact on Canadian law.

An heir to the Getty oil fortune, he settled in the United Kingdom and pursued a passion for art and philanthropy. He donated invaluable collections of paintings, manuscripts, and rare books to institutions such as the National Gallery and the British Library. Getty supported cultural and educational initiatives through the J. Paul Getty Trust and other foundations. His philanthropic vision helped preserve heritage and expand public access to the arts. He was honored with a knighthood for his charitable contributions and lasting impact on the cultural world.

Born in 1943 in Pincher Creek, Alberta, McLachlin became Canada's first female Chief Justice in 2000. During her tenure, she presided over landmark Supreme Court decisions on indigenous rights, equality, and constitutional law. She has been praised for promoting transparency and public access to the courts. McLachlin has contributed to legal education through lectures and publications. She retired in 2017 after 17 years of service, becoming the longest-serving Chief Justice in Canadian history. She continues to engage in public service and legal scholarship.

Suzyn Waldman launched her broadcasting career in the 1980s, becoming a pioneering woman in sports media. In 2005, she joined the New York Yankees radio team, serving as the color commentator on WFAN. Waldman was the first woman to hold a full-time play-by-play or color commentator position for an MLB team. Her insightful analysis and engaging style have made her a beloved figure among Yankees fans. Beyond baseball, she has covered other sports events and hosted various radio and television programs.