October 08

Born around 1558, Ishikawa Goemon emerged as a folk hero in late Sengoku-period Japan. He led a band of thieves and became famous for daring heists against samurai and merchants. Legend claims he attempted to assassinate the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi but was captured. Sentenced to execution by boiling in oil in 1594, his dramatic death cemented his mythic status. Goemon's story inspired Noh and Kabuki theatre, as well as countless tales of rebellion and heroism.

Born in 1777, Cochran pursued legal studies and established his practice in Nova Scotia. He was appointed to the colonial judiciary, presiding over civil and criminal cases with a reputation for fairness. Cochran’s rulings contributed to the development of Canada’s legal system in its formative years. He was respected for his integrity and commitment to the rule of law. Cochran died in 1804, remembered as a foundational figure in Canadian jurisprudence.

Born in Kansas City in 1949, Robert Berdella operated a home where he kidnapped, tortured, and murdered at least six men between 1984 and 1988. He kept detailed logs of his crimes and was arrested in 1988 after a victim escaped and alerted authorities. Berdella was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment, where he died of a heart attack in 1992. His crimes shocked the nation with their brutality and meticulous documentation.

Born and raised in Chicago, Goldberg studied under Frank Lloyd Wright before establishing his own firm. He gained international recognition for Marina City, a pioneering mixed-use residential tower with distinctive corncob-shaped concrete pods. His innovative structural designs and use of reinforced concrete challenged conventional architectural norms. Goldberg also worked on hospitals, schools, and urban planning projects, always emphasizing human-centric design. His work paved the way for bold, modernist architecture and left a lasting mark on city skylines.

Born in 1938, Bob Friend joined Independent Television News (ITN) in 1963 and became its chief newsreader in 1968. His calm and authoritative presentation guided viewers through historic events such as the Moon landing, the Falklands War, and the fall of the Berlin Wall. Friend’s professionalism and integrity helped shape modern broadcast journalism in the UK. After retiring in 1992, he remained a respected commentator until his death in 2008, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in news reporting.

Varsha Bhosle was born in 1956 into a musical family and pursued a dual career in singing and journalism. As a vocalist, she performed a range of musical styles and participated in live shows and recordings. In journalism, she contributed columns to prominent newspapers, where her frank opinions and social commentary resonated with readers. Her background and insights made her a notable voice in Indian media. She died in 2012, leaving a legacy of artistic and journalistic contributions.

Marilou Diaz-Abaya was born in 1955 and became one of the Philippines' most influential filmmakers. Over her career, she directed more than 20 feature films that explored themes of politics, culture, and human rights. She also produced and wrote screenplays that brought Filipino narratives to international audiences. Her work earned numerous awards at film festivals and helped shape modern Philippine cinema. Diaz-Abaya passed away in 2012, leaving an enduring impact on the film industry.

Rod Grams was born in 1948 and began his career as a television reporter and anchor in Minnesota. He transitioned to politics and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1992, serving one term. In 1994, Grams won a seat in the U.S. Senate, where he focused on healthcare, education, and agriculture. After leaving office in 2001, he worked in consulting and media advocacy. Grams died in 2013, remembered for his dual roles in journalism and public service.

Paul Prudhomme rose to fame as the chef of K-Paul's Louisiana Kitchen in New Orleans, where he popularized Cajun and Creole flavors. He developed the signature blackening technique for fish and meats, influencing chefs worldwide. Prudhomme authored several bestselling cookbooks and appeared on television cooking programs. He was awarded multiple James Beard Awards and inducted into the Culinary Hall of Fame. His entrepreneurial ventures included product lines of spices and packaged foods that brought Louisiana cooking to mainstream markets.