Brian69
Not the Messiah
On a non-topical note, this thread looks for anyone of any background, time period or political (or non-political) stripe who has made a significant contribution to our world in some form or another. Wikipedia or other links to the subject are encouraged.
There are too many to mention but to start:
Omar Khayyám
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omar_Khayyám
Ahead of his time is an understatement.
Carl Sagan
Brilliant and accessible. His series Cosmos is a classic.
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?do...htC6CQ&q=cosmos+part+one&hl=en&client=firefox
Also available from your local library, as is the original book.
June Callwood
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/June_Callwood
I have to admit, growing up as a youthful semi-conservative in the 80's I found her only less obnoxious than Lois Sweet in the Life Section of The Star. But later on I learned just how important she was not only to the country but to the city of Toronto as well. I didn't agree with all of her positions but I totally respected her. She was amazing.
Roald Amundsen
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roald_Amundsen
Even when I was a kid I thought this guy was adventure personified.
Miles Davis
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miles_davis
The personification of "kick-ass."
Tiananmen Man
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Unknown_Rebel
It's not just about the democracy protests (though that is significant), it's not just about the absolute photogenic quality of this single snapshot in the modern history of the world. The man is doing this ultimate act of righteous indignation one day after the violent crackdown--he was royally pissed and not even the mighty People's Liberation Army could surpress it.
I want to learn about more great people out there, from all over the world. Bring 'em on.
There are too many to mention but to start:
Omar Khayyám
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omar_Khayyám
Ahead of his time is an understatement.
Carl Sagan
Brilliant and accessible. His series Cosmos is a classic.
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?do...htC6CQ&q=cosmos+part+one&hl=en&client=firefox
Also available from your local library, as is the original book.
June Callwood
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/June_Callwood
I have to admit, growing up as a youthful semi-conservative in the 80's I found her only less obnoxious than Lois Sweet in the Life Section of The Star. But later on I learned just how important she was not only to the country but to the city of Toronto as well. I didn't agree with all of her positions but I totally respected her. She was amazing.
Roald Amundsen
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roald_Amundsen
Even when I was a kid I thought this guy was adventure personified.
Miles Davis
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miles_davis
The personification of "kick-ass."
Tiananmen Man
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Unknown_Rebel
It's not just about the democracy protests (though that is significant), it's not just about the absolute photogenic quality of this single snapshot in the modern history of the world. The man is doing this ultimate act of righteous indignation one day after the violent crackdown--he was royally pissed and not even the mighty People's Liberation Army could surpress it.
I want to learn about more great people out there, from all over the world. Bring 'em on.