During World War II she became concerned about the vulnerability of radio-controlled torpedoes to enemy jamming. Working with avant-garde composer George Antheil, she developed a frequency-hopping communications system designed to allow signals to switch rapidly among different frequencies.
Hedy Lamarr was born Hedwig Eva Maria Kiesler on November 9, 1914, in Vienna, then part of Austria-Hungary. She was the only child of Emil Kiesler, a successful bank director, and Gertrud Kiesler, a pianist. Growing up in an intellectually stimulating household, she developed a fascination with both the arts and technology. Her father often explained how machines and mechanical
Four more losses to reflect on here in the early summer of 2026…
These guys were a British-Canadian musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist of the American band Blood, Sweat & Tears; record executive, A&R exec, record producer and lawyer; an actor and stand-up comedian, known for opening for Sinatra; and a video game composer and sound designer on games like Doom and Duke Nukem.
Four more losses to reflect on here early summer of 2026.
These guys were a jazz tenor saxophonist who was very influential; singer and songwriter known for songs like “Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion; a television director known for shows like Taxi, Frasier, Friends, and Cheers; and a journalist, television personality, film and book critic, and author known for his comedic approach.
Four more losses to reflect on here in 2026.
These individuals were a NASCAR driver and champion as well as a broadcaster; an English composer, arranger and keyboardist known for work with Jethro Tull; a singer, songwriter, record producer and multi-instrumentalist, member of the Sylvers; and a contractor and entrepreneur in the oil and gas industry, treasure hunter, and owner of Blind Frog Ranch.
Here, on the Semiquincentennial of America, I found it fitting to write about Ken Burns, the filmmaker known for his documentary films and television series, many of which chronicle United States history and culture.
Ken Burns was born Kenneth Lauren Burns on July 29, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York, into a family that experienced both cultural richness and early tragedy, as his mother, Lyla Smith Burns, died of cancer when he was just eleven years old, an event that would later shape his sensitivity to themes of memory,
Four more losses to reflect on here in 2026…
These individuals were a professional baseball player, playing third base for the Atlanta Braves; a founding member, guitarist, and primary lead vocalist of Dr. Hook; a Movie and TV actress, older sister of Jamie Lee Curtis; and a pop singer, songwriter, record producer, and dancer.
Four more losses to reflect on here in Spring of 2026…
These guys were a professional stock car racing driver and racing team owner who competed from 2001 to 2026; an English saxophonist who played on Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon; an English actor who had roles in, Blake’s 7, Doctor Who, and EastEnders; and a record producer known for his work with Aerosmith, Cheap Trick and John Lennon.
Four losses to reflect on here in May of 2026…
These guys were a Braves baseball, Hall of Fame, manager and Worlds Series winner; the owner of the Atlanta Braves, 17 Superstation, CNN, Ted’s Montana Grill, etc.; a film critic, journalist, actor and media personality; and an actor in movies like Cleopatra, Conan the Barbarian, Grand Piano, etc.
Four more losses to reflect on here from April of 2026…
These guys were a singer and songwriter, with songs like “You Never Even Called Me by My Name”, “Longhaired Redneck”, “The Ride”; a designer, known for creating He-Man and the Masters of the Universe toy line; a comic book, science fiction, and television writer; and a guitar player, bassist, record producer and songwriter best known for his session work in Nashville.
More fun moments with Johnny Carson.
In Part One I chose; Dom DeLuise Egg Trick; Rodney Dangerfield September 2, 1974; Drew Carey debut; Tim Conway debut; the famous “Copper Clappers” bit, with Jack Webb; and the debut of ZZ Top, May 16, 1986, performing their hits, “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Tush”.
