William Henry Gates-III, popularly known as Bill Gates, was born on the 28th of October 1955 in Seattle, Washington, U.S. Do you know that even though Bill Gates did not have a college degree he aimed to be a millionaire by the age of 30? He became a billionaire by 31. Bill Gates is the […]
Jeffery Koons was born on the 21st of January 1955 in Pennsylvania, U.S. Do you know that his work known as ‘Tulips’ was sold for more than $33 million in 2012? An artist who recreates everyday objects like balloon animals, Jeff Koons creates his work in stainless steel with a mirror-like finish. He has sold
Orpah Gail Winfrey was born on the 29th of January 1954 in Mississippi, U.S. Do you know that Winfrey was named Orpah at birth, after a Biblical character? However, after people constantly had mispronounced it, the name ‘Oprah’ stuck. Primarily a philanthropist, talk show host and producer, Oprah Winfrey has been dubbed the ‘Queen of
Jackie Chan was born on the 7th of April 1954 in Victoria Peak, British Hong Kong. Do you know that Jackie Chan has performed stunts that have almost killed him? He holds a Guinness World Record for performing the most number of stunts by any stuntman. An actor, martial artist, stuntman, director and producer; Jackie
The Old Cast-Iron Bridge was built in Spanish Town, Jamaica, in 1801. In the 18th century Jamaica’s House of Assembly passed an act authorizing the construction of a bridge between Spanish Town and Kingston. It is supported by 4 arched ribs that are fitted with cast-iron frames and reinforced with stone abutments. The Walker ironworks
Angela Dorothea Merkel was born on the 17th of July 1954 in Hamburg, Germany. Do you know that before she became a public figure as a German Politician, Angela was known for her exemplary baking and cooking skills? With a doctorate as a physical chemist, Angela Merkel was a former research scientist. She was also
Benazir Bhutto was born on the 21st of June 1953 in Karachi, Pakistan, and passed away on 27th December, 2007. Do you know that when Benazir returned from her exile in Britain, the crowds that came to greet her where so large it took her motorcade 9 hours and a half to travel 8 miles?
Xi Jinping was born on the 15th of June 1953 in Beijing, China. Do you know that Xi Jinping loves to read in his free time and is a fan of Russian literature? Considered China’s Paramount Leader, Xi Jinping is not only the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, but also the President
The Jaisalmer Fort was built in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India, in 1156 AD. The Jaisalmer Fort is considered one of the largest forts in the world. 460 metres long and 230 metres wide, the Jaisalmer fort is situated on a hill in the Thar desert, and rises to a height of 76 metres. The fort was
Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin was born on the 7th of October 1952 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Do you know that Putin is an amateur actor? He loves to appear in front of the camera, especially if he is portrayed as a hero! Vladimir Putin is the 2nd and 4th President of Russia. Having served as an
Gordon Mathew Thomas Sumner, popularly known as Sting, was born on the 2nd of October 1951 in Wallsend, England. Do you know that he got his iconic nickname ‘Sting’, because of a yellow black sweater he wore which made him look like a giant bee? Sting is a singer, songwriter, philanthropist and activist. He was
Dame Zaha Mohammad Hadid was born on the 31st of October 1950 in Baghdad, Iraq. Do you know that she founded the Zaha Hadid Architects with only 5 people in 1980? Today, there are over 300 employees. Zaha Hadid was the first woman to ever win the Pritzker Architecture Prize. An Iraqi British Architect, Zaha
Lakshmi Niwas Mittal was born on the 15th of June 1950 in Rajasthan, India. Do you know that the marriage of Lakshmi Mittal’s daughter was the second most expensive wedding in history? It was held in the Palace of Versailles. The Chairman and CEO of Arcelor Mittal, Lakshmi Mittal is an Indian steel tycoon whose
Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson was born on the 18th of July 1950 in London, England. Do you know that Sir Richard Branson started his first business venture at the age of 16 years? The founder of the Virgin Group, Sir Richard Branson is a businessman whose net worth in 2015 was US $5 billion.
Wa Naa’s Palace was built in Ghana, in the 19th century. Wa Naa’s Palace is the home of the King of the Wala people, which are the major local population of the Wa Region. The palace is a striking example of Sudanese architecture. Made of mud-bricks, the earthen buildings are constructed using sundried mud-walls and