Louis Armstrong

NAME: Louis Daniel Armstrong

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Iconic Trumpeter and Vocalist -Armstrong's intuitive genius for improvisation single-handedly shaped the course of jazz, transforming it from an ensemble style to an art of solo improvisation.

Singer of evergreen hits like "What a Wonderful World" and "Hello, Dolly!"

BIRTH: Louis Armstrong was born on August 4, 1901, in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States.

Louis Armstrong, that grinning, gravelly-voiced icon of jazz, lived a life as colorful as his handkerchiefs. He spent his adult years celebrating the wrong birthday. He firmly believed it was July 4th, 1900, only to find out later that he had actually entered the world a year later, on August 4th, 1901. a full year off the mark (though, with all the trumpet-blowing, maybe his internal clock ran a bit fast).

FAMILY BACKGROUND: Louis  grew up in poverty-stricken neighborhood (nicknamed "The Battlefield"). His father, William Armstrong, abandoned the family soon after birth and his mother, Mary Estelle "Mayann" Albert, worked multiple jobs to support him and his sister

CHILDHOOD: Armstrong had a difficult childhood, growing up in poverty and facing numerous challenges.

Young Louis found odd jobs with the Karnoffskys, a kind Jewish family who took him in. Their influence stayed with him – he even wore a Star of David pendant for life.

Things took a turn at 12 when Louis, in a youthful explosion (possibly fueled by New Year's revelry), fired a pistol and landed in a reform school. There, however, a twist of fate –  the Colored Waifs Home not only straightened him out but also ignited his musical spark. It was there he picked up the bugle and clarinet, eventually leading the home's brass band.

EDUCATION: Due to his family's financial struggles, Armstrong had limited formal education and dropped out of school at 5th grade to work

CAREER RECORD: Louis Armstrong's career spanned several decades, during which he became one of the most influential jazz musicians of all time. He recorded numerous hit songs and performed all over the world.

Early success with mentor Joe "King" Oliver and Fletcher Henderson's band

Formed his own groups: "Hot Five" and "Hot Seven" in the 1920s

Pioneered the use of scat singing and improvisation

Became a global sensation in the 1930s and 40s

Transitioned to big band performances and popular music recordings

Continued touring and captivating audiences until his later years

APPEARANCE: Armstrong had a stocky build with a gap-toothed grin. He was known for his distinctive gravelly voice and infectious smile. 

Armstrong in 1953

He was known for his sharp suits and flashy stage attire, often adorned with colorful accessories.

CHARACTER: Louis Armstrong had a warm and jovial personality. He was generous, kind-hearted, and beloved by fans and fellow musicians alike.

Exuberant, optimistic, Armstrong was known for his love of life.

His infectious personality extended beyond music. During a command performance for King George V when touring Europe in 1932, Armstrong charmingly addressed the King as "Rex," a royal faux pas delivered with wide-eyed innocence.

He was a committed advocate for racial equality

SENSE OF HUMOR: Armstrong had a playful sense of humor and was known for his witty banter both on and off stage.

RELATIONSHIPS: He was married four times and had numerous relationships throughout his life, including a close friendship with fellow jazz legend, Duke Ellington.

His first wife, Daisy Parker, was known to have worked as a prostitute at the time of their marriage in 1918. Following Daisy, he married Lilian Hardin in 1924, a talented jazz pianist who provided him with some formal musical education. His third marriage was to Alpha Smith in 1938, and his fourth and final marriage was to Lucille Wilson in 1942, who was known for her career as a showgirl.

MONEY AND FAME: Despite growing up in poverty, Armstrong achieved great success and wealth during his career. He became one of the highest-paid entertainers of his time. The jazz great used his platform to advocate for social causes.

Throughout his career, Armstrong's infectious humor and flamboyant style endeared him to audiences worldwide. His nickname, "Satchmo," was coined during a 1932 tour of Europe, replacing the earlier moniker "Satchelmouth."

FOOD AND DRINK: Armstrong enjoyed good food and was known to have a fondness for New Orleans cuisine, including gumbo and red beans and rice. He was also a fan of whiskey and smoked cigars.

His final marriage, to Lucille Wilson in 1942, was preceded by a unique test.  Armstrong, known for his love of Southern cuisine, reportedly ensured his future wife possessed culinary skills by evaluating her ability to prepare a satisfying dish of rice and beans.

His weight-loss methods were, shall we say, unorthodox.  He used laxatives religiously, even advocating for them in a book titled (with a straight face, one hopes) "Lose Weight the Satchmo Way."

MUSIC AND ARTS: Armstrong's contributions to jazz music are immeasurable. He pioneered the use of improvisation in jazz and also appeared in several films and television shows throughout his career.

Armstrong's genius and playful spirit shone through. He became a pioneer of scat singing, those nonsensical syllables that became a jazz trademark.  There's a story – possibly apocryphal, but undeniably entertaining – of him forgetting his sheet music and scat-singing his way through a recording, creating a now-legendary moment in jazz history.

Armstrong wasn't just a musical giant; he was a chart-topping phenomenon.  At a sprightly 62, he became the oldest act to top the US charts with "Hello, Dolly!" He later repeated the feat in the UK with "What a Wonderful World," proving that age truly ain't nothin' but a number (especially when you can scat).

LITERATURE: While not known for his literary pursuits, Armstrong was an avid reader and enjoyed books on a wide range of subjects

NATURE: He had a deep appreciation for nature, often finding inspiration for his music in the beauty of the world around him. Armstrong's hit song "Wonderful World" is about appreciating the beauty of our surroundings.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: Armstrong enjoyed hunting and fishing in his younger years. Later, he enjoyed playing cards, spending time with friends, and watching baseball in his spare time.

SCIENCE AND MATHS: While not formally educated in science and math, Armstrong had a keen interest in the world around him and enjoyed learning about various subjects.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: He had a deep spiritual side and often spoke about the importance of faith and perseverance in his life and music. Armstrong had a positive outlook on life

SCANDAL: Armstrong was not immune to controversy, but he generally stayed out of scandalous situations and was respected for his professionalism and integrity.

His fondness for marijuana was no secret.  An early brush with the law in 1930 didn't deter him, and the smoky habit remained a constant companion.

And then there's the Nixon incident.  Legend has it that Armstrong, with a mischievous glint in his eye, convinced then-Vice President Nixon to unwittingly smuggle marijuana through customs. Armstrong, ever the innovator, was clearly thinking outside the box (and possibly several legal codes).

MILITARY RECORD: Armstrong pretty much stayed out of studio work for the duration of World War II.

During the Cold War, Armstrong became a cultural diplomat, "Ambassador Satch" spreading musical goodwill across the globe.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Whispers of bulimia swirled around him, fueled by his belief in the magical weight-loss powers of herbal laxatives.

Armstrong struggled with heart and kidney problems in his later years. However, he remained active and continued performing until shortly before his death.

HOMES: He lived in various locations throughout his career, including New Orleans, Chicago, and Queens, New York City

TRAVEL: He traveled extensively throughout his career, performing in cities all over the world and becoming a global ambassador for jazz music.

DEATH: Armstrong died of a heart attack in his sleep on July 6, 1971 in New York City. 

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: Armstrong appeared in numerous films, television shows, and documentaries throughout his career, cementing his status as a cultural icon.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Grammy Award winner (including a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award)

Inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame

Countless other accolades and recognitions as a legendary jazz musician

Lance Armstrong

NAME: Lance Edward Armstrong (né Gunderson) He was named after Lance Rentzel, a Dallas Cowboys wide receiver.

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Winning the Tour de France a record seven consecutive times (1999-2005) [stripped due to doping]

Surviving life-threatening cancer and becoming a cancer advocate

BIRTH: On September 18, 1971, at Methodist Hospital in Plano, Texas

FAMILY BACKGROUND:  Armstrong grew up in a middle-class family in Plano. His father, Eddie Charles Gunderson, was a route manager for The Dallas Morning News, and his mother, Linda Gayle Mooneyham, worked as a secretary.

He was raised by his mother after his father left the family when he was young.

CHILDHOOD: : Lance Armstrong's childhood was marked by his early passion for sports, particularly cycling. He showed remarkable determination and competitiveness from a young age, traits that would later define his professional career.

Athletic from a young age, as well as participating in cycling, he ran and swam and became a national champion in triathlons as a teenager.

EDUCATION: Armstrong attended Plano East High School but dropped out before graduating to pursue a career in professional cycling. He didn't exactly set the world on fire academically, but hey, who needs books when you can win races?

CAREER RECORD: Professional Cycling:

Numerous stage wins in Tour de France before 1999

Seven Tour de France victories (1999-2005 - later stripped due to doping)

World Champion road race winner (1993)

Post-Doping Revelation:

Stripped of all Tour de France titles and banned from competitive cycling

APPEARANCE: Armstrong has a tall and lean physique honed through cycling.

By Paul Coster - Lance Armstrong 2009 Wikipedia

He was known for his shaved head during cancer treatment.

FASHION: During his cycling career, Armstrong was often seen in the sleek and aerodynamic attire typical of professional cyclists. 

CHARACTER: Lance Armstrong was known for his fierce competitiveness, unwavering determination, and relentless drive to succeed during his cycling career. He was also known for his resilience in overcoming adversity, both on and off the bike.

He became a symbol of hope and resilience after surviving cancer.

SENSE OF HUMOR: Armstrong possessed a dry wit and sharp sense of humor, often displayed in interviews and public appearances.

RELATIONSHIPS: Armstrong's personal life mirrored the turbulent ups and downs of his cycling career. A high-profile romance with singer Sheryl Crow ended in a broken engagement, whispers of heartbreak echoing in the song "Diamond Ring." He later dated Hollywood A-listers like Kate Hudson and Ashley Olsen, his love life a whirlwind of celebrity connections.

Armstrong was also married to Kristin Richard (1998-2003).Their three children were conceived with sperm that Armstrong banked before he began chemotherapy for testicular cancer.

Armstrong found love again in 2008. Through his charity work, no less!  This time, it was Anna Hansen who stole his heart.  By December that year, Armstrong was announcing the good news: a little Armstrong was on the way.

Now, this was a bit of a surprise. Doctors had assumed the old ticker-tape (referencing the procedure to retrieve sperm before cancer treatment) wouldn't be much use anymore, thanks to that nasty bout with testicular cancer. But nature, it would seem, had other plans. The baby, a bouncing boy in June 2009, was all natural, followed by a daughter in October 2010. Finally, in 2022, they sealed the deal and said "I do."

MONEY AND FAME: At the peak of his career, Lance Armstrong enjoyed immense wealth and fame, becoming one of the most recognizable athletes in the world. However, his reputation suffered significant damage following the doping scandal, leading to financial and legal repercussions.

Despite the shadow of the doping scandal, Armstrong wasn't all about shaved legs and questionable cocktails. His brush with mortality from testicular cancer had a profound impact. In 1997, he established the Lance Armstrong Foundation, a beacon of hope for those battling the disease. The foundation's success is undeniable, becoming a top fundraiser for cancer research, a testament to Armstrong's desire to make a positive impact beyond the world of cycling.

FOOD AND DRINK: Armstrong followed a strict diet regimen typical of professional athletes, focusing on nutrition and hydration to optimize performance.

MUSIC AND ARTS: While Armstrong's primary focus was on cycling, he appreciated music and the arts as forms of relaxation and inspiration.

LITERATURE: Armstrong is known to enjoy reading, particularly books on sports, motivation, and personal development.

NATURE: As a cyclist, Armstrong spent countless hours training outdoors, developing a deep appreciation for nature and the open road.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS:  Armstrong rocketed onto the scene in 1992, joining the Motorola team and promptly leaving a trail of impressive victories in his wake. World Championships, prestigious races like the Clásica de San Sebastián and Tour DuPont - he collected them like a magpie with a penchant for shiny trophies. Even the Tour de France, that grueling Everest of cycling, couldn't resist his relentless pedaling, surrendering stage wins year after year.

Then came the golden era, a period that would etch Armstrong's name in cycling's hall of fame (or perhaps the hall of infamy, depending on your perspective). Seven consecutive Tour de France victories - a record that stood as testament to his superhuman talent, or so we were initially led to believe.

However, lurking beneath the veneer of triumph was a truth as dark as a doping doctor's basement. Years of vehement denials crumbled in 2012, revealing a shocking reality - Armstrong had been indulging in the unsavory world of performance-enhancing drugs. This bombshell confession shattered his image and resulted in the rescinding of his Tour titles, a lifetime ban from the sport, and a permanent stain on his legacy.

Outside of cycling, Armstrong had a passion for triathlons and endurance sports. He also engaged in philanthropic activities, particularly through his Livestrong Foundation, which aimed to support cancer survivors.

SCIENCE AND MATHS: Armstrong's understanding of sports science and physiology played a crucial role in his training and performance as a cyclist.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: Armstrong's experiences with overcoming cancer and his dedication to raising awareness through his foundation reflected elements of resilience, hope, and the human spirit.

He's made no public statements about specific philosophies or religious beliefs.

SCANDAL: Lance Armstrong's career was marred by one of the most significant doping scandals in sports history. Despite vehement denials for years, Armstrong eventually admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs during his cycling career, leading to the stripping of his Tour de France titles and a lifetime ban from professional cycling.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Armstrong was known for his exceptional physical fitness, honed through rigorous training and dedication to his sport. However, his health faced challenges when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1996, a battle he ultimately overcame.

His heart is almost a third larger than that of an average man. 

HOMES: Armstrong has lived in various locations throughout his career, including Texas, France, and Spain. He owns homes in Austin, Texas, and Aspen, Colorado, as well as a ranch in the Texas Hill Country

TRAVEL: As a professional cyclist, Lance Armstrong traveled extensively for competitions and training camps around the world.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: Numerous documentaries, books, and interviews chronicling his career, cancer battle, and doping scandal. In 2017, Armstrong started a podcast named The Move, which provided daily coverage of the Tour de France in 2018 and 2019.

The Program, a 2015 biographical drama film about Lance Armstrong directed by Stephen Frears, starring Ben Foster as Armstrong.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Winning the Tour de France seven times (since stripped due to doping)

Founding the Livestrong Foundation

Inspiration for cancer survivors

THE BOTTOM LINE:  Lance Armstrong's story is a rollercoaster. Amazing comebacks, inspiring fight against cancer, but ultimately tainted by the doping scandal. A complex dude with a legacy that's hard to define.

Edwin Howard Armstrong

NAME: Edwin Howard Armstrong

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Known as the "father of modern radio" for his inventions of FM radio and the superheterodyne receiver system.

BIRTH: December 18, 1890, New York City, USA.

FAMILY BACKGROUND: Armstrong was born into a middle-class family. His father, John Armstrong, was a prosperous publisher and his mother, Emily Smith Armstrong, was a housewife. 

CHILDHOOD: Edwin was raised in a devoutly Presbyterian household.

Shy and introverted, Armstrong grew up in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. From an early age, he showed an interest in tinkering with mechanical devices and understanding how things worked.

Radio waves were his jam from a young age. Armstrong built his own radio equipment in his attic – the ultimate teenager's bedroom project!

EDUCATION: When Armstrong came down with a nasty case of Sydenham's chorea, a rare neurological condition, it wasn't your average childhood sniffles; this thing left him with a persistent twitch that flared up whenever life got a bit too exciting. School, naturally, went out the window. Public classrooms were a recipe for disaster, so Edwin ended up getting tutored at home for a good two years.

He attended Columbia University, where he studied electrical engineering. He graduated in 1913 with a degree in electrical engineering.

Armstrong briefly worked as a research assistant at Columbia.

CAREER RECORD: Armstrong's career was marked by groundbreaking contributions to the field of radio technology. His most significant invention was FM radio, which revolutionized the way radio signals were transmitted and received.

Never held a corporate job; focused on independent research and development.

Established his own lab at Columbia University funded by royalties from his patents.

Held 42 patents related to radio technology.

APPEARANCE: Armstrong was described as tall and slender, with a serious demeanor.

Armstrong explaining the superregenerative circuit, New York, 1922

FASHION: Known for his practicality, Armstrong preferred simple and functional attire. Function over form for Edwin.

CHARACTER:  He was known for his determination, perseverance, and keen intellect. Armstrong was deeply passionate about his work and dedicated countless hours to perfecting his inventions.

A brilliant inventor with a relentless drive for innovation, Armstrong could be argumentative and fiercely protective of his ideas.

SENSE OF HUMOR: While focused on his work, Armstrong also had a playful side and enjoyed lighthearted banter with colleagues and friends.

RELATIONSHIPS: Armstrong met Marion MacInnis, who was working as a secretary for an RCA executive, in 1922. They were married the following year.

Armstrong reportedly built a portable radio for Marion and purchased a car as a wedding gift. 

Edwin Armstrong with his new wife Esther Marion MacInnis in Palm Beach, Florida, in 1923.

Their relationship faced challenges, with Marion experiencing a mental health crisis requiring hospitalization.: By 1953, financial difficulties mounted due to Armstrong's ongoing legal battles. He reportedly requested access to funds held in Marion's name, but their conversation turned hostile.

Armstrong was known to be a solitary individual, prioritizing work over social interactions. However, he had a close-knit circle of friends within the scientific and engineering communities.

MONEY AND FAME Armstrong initially achieved financial security through royalties from his patents. He later faced financial difficulties due to legal battles related to FM radio.

Public recognition came through awards and his lasting impact on radio technology.

FOOD AND DRINK: Armstrong was known to prefer simple, home-cooked meals and enjoyed the occasional drink with friends.

MUSIC AND ARTS: Armstrong had a deep appreciation for music and often used his inventions to improve the quality of audio transmission. He enjoyed attending concerts and performances in his free time.

LITERATURE: Likely well-read in scientific and technical literature related to his field.

NATURE: He had a love for the outdoors and enjoyed spending time hiking and exploring the countryside.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: In addition to his passion for radio technology, Armstrong enjoyed playing tennis and fishing in his leisure time.

SCIENCE AND MATHS: Armstrong possessed a strong foundation in electrical engineering and physics. His inventions significantly contributed to the advancement of radio technology.

Stuck in the trenches of World War I with the U.S. Signal Corps, Armstrong wasn't content with just dodging shells. No, young Edwin was busy fiddling with something far more interesting: the superheterodyne circuit. Imagine a gadget that could pluck a whisper from a cacophony, turning faint, high-pitched signals into clear, booming sound. That, folks, was Armstrong's brainchild. This marvel of engineering became the backbone of radio broadcasting, laying the groundwork for the voices and music that would soon fill the airwaves.

But Armstrong wasn't done there. By 1933, he'd cooked up an even more radical idea: FM radio. This wasn't your crackly, static-ridden AM experience. This was radio with a crystal-clear sheen, a fidelity that would make even the pickiest audiophile grin. He wasn't just tinkering anymore; he was revolutionizing. In 1935, up in the hills of Alpine, New Jersey, Armstrong unveiled his creation to the world, the first public FM broadcast in the US. It was a moment that would forever change the way we listen.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY:  Raised in a Presbyterian household, Armstrong was not known for overtly philosophical or theological pursuits, but his work in advancing communication technology had profound implications for human connection and understanding.

SCANDAL:  By 1933, Armstrong had his pockets jingling with patents for a revolutionary new way to listen: FM radio. It was like tossing out your old, scratchy record player and replacing it with a high-fidelity machine that could play a mosquito's serenade. Crystal clear, the kind of sound that would make even your grandma with her hearing aid say, "Now that's somethin' special!"

But the road to audio bliss, as Armstrong soon discovered, was paved with more than good intentions and clever schematics. Enter David Sarnoff, Marion's old boss and now the big cheese at RCA, who ran a radio empire built on AM stations. FM, in Sarnoff's eyes, was the unwelcome guest at the party, threatening to disrupt his whole operation. RCA, along with a whole orchestra of other companies (Motorola included!), decided to play their own tune, filing competing patents for FM radio.

This turned Armstrong's dream into a legal nightmare. Years of patent battles followed, each one a costly lawsuit that slowly drained his bank account. It was a battle of the titans, with Armstrong, the lone inventor, facing down a Goliath of corporations. And let's just say, winning the war for better radio waves was taking a heavy toll on his wallet.

During his lengthy legal battle with larger corporations over FM radio patents., Armstrong was accused of financial mismanagement.

MILITARY RECORD: Armstrong served in the US Army Signal Corps during World War I, where he applied his expertise in radio technology to military communications.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: At eight years old, Edwin Armstrong was struck by Sydenham's chorea, a rare neurological condition often triggered by rheumatic fever. This left him with a persistent physical tic that worsened during periods of excitement or stress.

HOMES: Life for young Edwin Armstrong wasn't all cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriages. In 1895, the family swapped their brownstone on 29th Street, New York for a similar one further uptown, on the burgeoning Upper West Side.  But just as eight-year-old Edwin was getting used to his new digs, fate threw him a curveball. He came down with a nasty case of St. Vitus' Dance. Fresh air and wide-open spaces seemed like the doctor ordered, so the Armstrongs packed up again and moved to Yonkers, right by the Hudson River. 

As an adult, Armstrong lived in various locations throughout his life, primarily in New York City and the surrounding areas.

TRAVEL: While most of his work was centered in New York, Armstrong traveled extensively for professional conferences and meetings.

DEATH: In the tumultuous final chapters of his life, Edwin Howard Armstrong, once celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to radio technology, found himself embroiled in a bitter struggle. Battling against relentless litigation and the weight of mounting financial woes, Armstrong's spirit was undoubtedly tested.

In a disturbing turn of events, Armstrong's frustration boiled over one fateful day, leading to a regrettable altercation with his wife. The scene unfolded dramatically, with Armstrong wielding a fireplace poker in a fit of anger, striking his wife on the arm. The aftermath saw her seek refuge with her sister, leaving behind a fractured domestic situation. 

As the shadows of despair lengthened, Armstrong found himself standing on the precipice of his own existence. In the quiet of the night, between January 31st and February 1st, 1954, he made a fateful decision that would echo through the annals of history. From the lofty heights of his 12-room abode, perched on the 13th floor of the River House in Manhattan, Armstrong took his final, tragic leap.

The New York Times, chroniclers of the city's every heartbeat, offered a glimpse into the turmoil that plagued Armstrong's soul. His two-page suicide note, a poignant testament to his inner torment, revealed the depths of his anguish. Heartbroken at the irreparable breach in his marriage, Armstrong's words resonated with profound regret for causing pain to the dearest soul in his life. With a plea for divine mercy, his soul sought solace in the arms of the Almighty, bidding farewell to a world he could no longer bear.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: Armstrong's life and work have been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and films. He is widely celebrated as one of the greatest inventors of the 20th century.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Revolutionized radio technology with inventions like FM radio and the superheterodyne receiver.

Held numerous prestigious awards for his contributions to science and engineering.

His work laid the foundation for modern radio and continues to shape the way we experience audio broadcasting.

Giorgio Armani

NAME: Giorgio Armani

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Renowned Italian fashion designer and founder of the Armani brand.

BIRTH: Giorgio Armani was born on July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, Italy.

FAMILY BACKGROUND: Armani was born into a middle-class family. His father, Ugo Armani, was an accountant for a transport company, and his mother, Maria Raimondi, was a homemaker. He had an older brother, Sergio, and a younger sister Rosanna.

CHILDHOOD: Armani was raised in the small northern Italian town of Piacenza.

Growing up during World War II, Armani experienced the challenges of the time. 

His interest in fashion began to blossom during his youth.  Amrmani recalled to The Guardian that as a child, he would "make dolls out of mud with a coffee bean hidden inside."

EDUCATION: Giorgio Armani studied medicine at the University of Milan but left his studies to pursue a career in fashion.

CAREER RECORD: Began working as a window dresser at La Rinascente department store in Milan (1957).

Designed for various fashion houses including Nino Cerruti, Allegri, Bagutta, and Hilton (1960s).

Launched his own fashion company, Armani, with Sergio Galeotti in 1975.

The company grew significantly, encompassing various sub-labels catering to different price points and styles.

APPEARANCE: Armani is known for his sharp and elegant attire, often sporting a clean-cut suit and glasses.

Armani in 2009. By Jan Schroeder Wikipedia

FASHION: Armani is known for his impeccable sense of style and often wears classic, well-tailored suits.

Giorgio Armani revolutionized the fashion industry with his minimalist and sophisticated designs. His brand includes ready-to-wear clothing, accessories, eyewear, fragrances, and home goods.

Armani, bless his tailored socks, was a one-man revolution in the 80s. He ditched the boxy jackets of old and ushered in the era of the oh-so-comfy "unstructured jacket." Not to be outdone by the chaps, he dreamt up the "power suit" for the ladies too. Talk about a sartorial power couple.

Here's a three point summary of Armani's influence on fashion:

1.Revolutionized menswear by introducing softer silhouettes and a focus on comfort alongside luxury.

2. Pioneered the use of high-quality fabrics and a neutral color palette.

3. His influence extended beyond clothing, shaping the overall aesthetic of luxury fashion.

CHARACTER: Armani is described as meticulous, detail-oriented, and a perfectionist with a strong work ethic. He is known for his reserved and private nature.

SENSE OF HUMOR: While known for his seriousness in business, Armani is also appreciated for his dry sense of humor.

RELATIONSHIPS: Giorgio Armani's life took a pivotal turn in 1966 when he met Sergio Galeotti, an architectural draftsman. Their personal and professional partnership flourished for many years, including a romantic relationship during the 1970s. Galeotti's tragic passing in 1985 deeply affected Armani, prompting him to re-evaluate both his company's direction and his personal life.

MONEY AND FAME: Armani's brand has become synonymous with luxury, and he has accumulated significant wealth and fame throughout his career.

FOOD AND DRINK: Armani has not been particularly public about his food and drink preferences.

Armani wasn't shy about wielding his power for good. Appalled by the tragic deaths of models due to eating disorders, he became the first designer to say "enough is enough" and banned models with an unhealthy BMI. Good on him.

MUSIC AND ARTS: Armani is known to be an avid opera enthusiast and has collaborated with artists for various projects.

Armani's suits were practically glued to Christian Bale when he donned the cape and cowl as Batman. Talk about brooding in style.

Lady Gaga, the queen of outrageous costumes, turned to Armani for some of her most iconic looks, including those on her record-breaking tours. Seems even the most outlandish pop stars appreciate a touch of Italian elegance.

LITERATURE: While there is no public indication of Armani's literary interests, his focus on design suggests an appreciation for creativity.

NATURE: Armani enjoys spending time outdoors and has incorporated natural elements into some of his designs.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: Details about Armani's hobbies and sports are not widely known, as he is known to keep his personal life private.

SCIENCE AND MATHS: Armani's background in medicine may suggest an appreciation for science, but specific details are not available.

Not directly related to his field, but his career success involved calculated business strategies and an understanding of market trends.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: Armani's design philosophy revolves around simplicity, sophistication, and timelessness. His approach to fashion reflects a sense of aesthetic balance.

SCANDAL: Giorgio Armani has maintained a relatively scandal-free public image throughout his career.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Armani maintains an active lifestyle and is known for his good health.

HOMES: Armani has residences in Italy, including a villa in Broni and a vacation home on the island of Pantelleria.

Armani is largely responsible for making Milan into a major world center of fashion. Not a bad legacy for a man who just liked clothes.

TRAVEL: Armani's global success has led him to travel extensively for fashion shows, events, and business meetings.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: Armani has been featured in various fashion documentaries, interviews, and magazines. His brand is often associated with red carpet events and celebrity endorsements.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Built a global fashion empire that continues to influence the industry.

Revolutionized menswear with his innovative and luxurious designs.

Established himself as a leading figure in the world of high fashion.

Giorgio Armani has received numerous awards for his contributions to the fashion industry, including the prestigious CFDA International Award and the BFC Outstanding Achievement Award.

Richard Arkwright

NAME Sir Richard Arkwright

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Richard Arkwright is best known as the inventor of the spinning frame, later renamed the water frame, and for pioneering the factory system that became the foundation of modern industrial manufacturing.

BIRTH Richard Arkwright was born on December 23, 1732, in Preston, Lancashire, England.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Arkwright was the youngest of seven surviving children in a humble family. His father, Thomas Arkwright, was a tailor and a Preston Guild burgess, while his mother, Sarah, managed the household. The family’s limited means made it difficult to afford formal education for their children.

CHILDHOOD Growing up in a large family with limited resources, Richard Arkwright's childhood was marked by financial constraints. Despite these challenges, he displayed a strong sense of determination and ingenuity from an early age.

EDUCATION Arkwright did not attend formal school due to his family's financial limitations. However, he was taught to read and write by his cousin Ellen, which laid the foundation for his later accomplishments.

CAREER RECORD Richard Arkwright began his career as an apprentice barber under Mr. Nicholson in the nearby town of Kirkham. He eventually established his own barber and wig-making shop in Bolton in the early 1760s. His success in this trade was bolstered by the invention of a waterproof dye for wigs, which provided the financial backing for his future ventures in cotton machinery.

After Arkwright invented the water frame, a spinning machine powered by water, he established the first factories for mechanized cotton spinning, revolutionizing the textile industry.

APPEARANCE Contemporary accounts describe Arkwright as having a robust and stocky build, with a somewhat imposing presence. He was often seen wearing practical, workmanlike attire, in contrast to the more refined fashions of the time.

Portrait of Richard Arkwright by Mather Brown

FASHION Although Arkwright was not known for his fashion sense, he made his mark in the wig-making industry, particularly through his invention of a waterproof dye for wigs. This innovation was particularly valuable during a time when wigs were highly fashionable.

CHARACTER Arkwright was known for his aggressive, self-sufficient, and determined nature. These traits made him a difficult man to work with but also contributed significantly to his success as an inventor and entrepreneur.

SENSE OF HUMOUR There is little documented evidence of Arkwright's sense of humor, suggesting that he was likely more focused on his business and inventions than on socializing or engaging in lighthearted banter.

RELATIONSHIPS Arkwright married his first wife, Patience Holt, in 1755, with whom he had a son, Richard Arkwright Junior. After Patience's death in 1756, he married Margaret Biggins in 1761. Margaret's small income helped him expand his barbering business. They had three children, but only one, Susannah, survived to adulthood.

Richard Arkwright Junior was a mills owner, turned banker, investor and financier of many successful state and private entreprises of the British Industrial Revolution which his father had helped to catalyse. He was one of ten known British millionaires in 1799.

MONEY AND FAME Arkwright's inventions and the establishment of the factory system brought him considerable wealth and fame. By the time of his death, he had amassed a fortune of £500,000, a substantial sum at the time, and had become one of the most influential figures in the early Industrial Revolution.

FOOD AND DRINK Arkwright lived a practical life, likely consuming the simple, hearty fare typical of his social class in the 18th century.

MUSIC AND ARTSArkwright was primarily focused on his business ventures, and there is little to suggest that he had any particular interest in music or the arts.

LITERATURE Arkwright's limited education and focus on his inventions and business likely left little time for literary pursuits.

NATURE Arkwright's industrial activities and the establishment of factories had a profound impact on the natural environment, particularly in Derbyshire, where he built Cromford Mill. There is no indication that he had a particular affinity for nature beyond its utility for his business.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Arkwright's primary focus was on his work, and there is no documented evidence of him engaging in hobbies or sports.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Arkwright's success was largely due to his practical application of scientific and engineering principles. Although not formally trained, his intuitive understanding of mechanics led to the development of the spinning frame and other innovations in textile manufacturing.

INVENTIONS Arkwright's most famous invention is the spinning frame, later known as the water frame, which revolutionized cotton spinning by producing stronger yarn suitable for warp. His invention paved the way for mass production in the textile industry.

In 1768, Richard Arkwright teamed up with a clockmaker, a fellow named Kay, and they holed up in a house in Preston, all earnest and determined. Their mission: to build a machine that could spin cotton faster than a cat could lick its fur. And, lo and behold, they did it. This contraption, the spinning frame, was a marvel of its time. Instead of relying on those poor, overworked fingers of countless women and children, it used metal cylinders and wooden bits to twist the cotton into thread. It was like magic, only with cogs and wheels.

Naturally, Arkwright wanted to corner the market on this wonder machine. He slapped a patent on it, as you do, and started building factories like they were going out of fashion. Water-powered factories, no less. Talk about ambitious! He was turning out cotton thread faster than rabbits breed. But of course, everyone else wanted a piece of the pie. They copied him, they stole his ideas, they even claimed he’d stolen the ideas from someone else. 

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Arkwright was a member of the Church of England, unlike many of his contemporary entrepreneurs who were nonconformists. There is little to suggest he was deeply engaged in philosophical or theological debates of his time.

POLITICS Arkwright did not engage heavily in politics, although his innovations had significant socio-economic implications, particularly regarding labor practices and industrialization.

SCANDAL Arkwright faced significant opposition from those who believed his inventions would reduce the need for labor. His large mill near Chorley was destroyed by a mob in 1779, highlighting the tension between industrial progress and traditional labor practices.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Arkwright's robust physical appearance suggests that he was in generally good health for most of his life. However, the stress and demands of his work likely took a toll on his health in later years.

HOMES Arkwright built several homes, including Willersley Castle, which was completed in 1791. Although he died before he could occupy it, his son Richard Arkwright Junior made it his residence in 1796. Arkwright also lived at Rock House in Cromford, where he died in 1792.

Cromford Mill, built in 1771 by Sir Richard Arkwright in the village of Cromford, Derbyshire, England, is widely regarded as the birthplace of the modern factory system. This mill was the world's first water-powered cotton spinning mill and marked a significant turning point in the Industrial Revolution. 

Cromford Mill's success inspired the construction of similar mills across Britain and later in other parts of the world. It was a key catalyst in the transition from artisanal production methods to factory-based manufacturing, which became the hallmark of the Industrial Revolution. The establishment of Cromford Mill also led to the creation of Cromford village, one of the first company towns, where Arkwright built housing, shops, and other amenities for his workers.

Arkwright's mill at Cromford by Gregory Deryckère Wikipedia

TRAVEL Arkwright traveled throughout the country in his early career, purchasing human hair for his wig-making business. Later, his business ventures would have required travel to oversee his various factories and enterprises.

DEATH Richard Arkwright died on August 3, 1792, at the age of 59, at Rock House, Cromford. He was initially buried at St Giles' Church, Matlock, but his remains were later moved to the family chapel at St Mary's Church, Cromford.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Richard Arkwright has been featured in various historical documentaries and texts as a key figure in the Industrial Revolution. His life and work have been dramatized in films and television series exploring the period.

Films and Television 1. The Mill (2013-2014): Richard Arkwright's legacy is indirectly referenced in this British television drama series, which aired on Channel 4. The series is set in the early 19th century at a cotton mill in Cheshire, England, and explores the lives of mill workers during the Industrial Revolution. Although Arkwright himself does not appear, his innovations and the factory system he pioneered are central to the show's context.

2, North and South (2004) The BBC adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's novel North and South depicts the industrial world that Richard Arkwright helped to create. While Arkwright is not a character in the story, his influence is evident in the portrayal of the cotton mills in Northern England and the challenges faced by both mill owners and workers. The show illustrates the broader impact of the Industrial Revolution on society.

Documentaries: Richard Arkwright has been featured in numerous historical documentaries that explore the Industrial Revolution and the development of the factory system. These documentaries often include segments on Arkwright’s inventions, particularly the water frame, and his establishment of Cromford Mill. Examples include episodes from series such as the BBC’s The Genius of Invention and Britain's Industrial Revolution.

Books and Biographies: 1. The Arkwrights: Spinners of Fortune by R. S. Fitton: This book delves into the Arkwright family's rise to prominence, starting with Richard Arkwright’s inventions and their lasting impact on the British economy. It highlights both the personal and professional sides of Arkwright’s life.

2. The Lunar Men by Jenny Uglow: Although not exclusively about Arkwright, this book discusses his interactions with other key figures of the Industrial Revolution, such as James Watt and Josiah Wedgwood, and provides context for his role within this transformative period.

Museums and Exhibits: Cromford Mill Visitor Centre: The site of Arkwright’s first successful cotton mill now hosts exhibits dedicated to his life and work. Interactive displays and guided tours give visitors an immersive experience of the environment in which Arkwright operated, making his story accessible to a broad audience.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Richard Arkwright is celebrated as the father of the factory system, a pivotal figure in the Industrial Revolution, and the inventor of the spinning frame. His innovations transformed the textile industry and laid the foundation for modern manufacturing practices. He was knighted in 1786 for his contributions to industry and society.

Aristotle

NAME Aristotle

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Ancient Greek philosopher and polymath (someone who is knowledgeable in many subjects)

Considered one of the greatest thinkers in Western history

Made significant contributions to logic, metaphysics, ethics, aesthetics, natural science, poetry, theatre, music, rhetoric, psychology, linguistics, economics, politics, meteorology, geology, and zoology

Bust of Aristotle. Marble, Roman copy after a Greek bronze original by Lysippos from 330 BC; 

BIRTH B 384BC Stagira, in Thrace, a small town on the Chalcidic Peninsular of Northern Greece.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Aristotle's father, Nichomachus, was a physician to King Amyntas III of Macedonia (the Grandfather to Alexander the Great). Little is known about Aristotle's mother, Phaestis , except she died when he was 9 and his father passed away a year later. Afterwards he was raised by an uncle called Proxenus of Atarneus.

CHILDHOOD Although little information about Aristotle's childhood has survived, he probably spent some time within the Macedonian palace, making his first connections with the Macedonian monarchy

EDUCATION His guardian, Proxenus of Atarneus, taught young Aristotle Greek, rhetoric and poetry then in his teens art, literature and music. This complimented the biological teachings that Aristotle's physician father had given his son as part of training his son in medicine.

At the age of 18, Aristotle went to Athens, where he was taught by Plato at his school in Athens. There he had a reputation for his keen intellect and was recognised by Plato as the "Mind of the School". He didn't leave until Plato's death in 347BC.

In later years he renounced some of Plato's theories and between 345-342BC, the mature student studied marine biology at the shore waters at Mytilene, Lesbos.

In 335BC Aristotle opened his own school, The Lyceum, where he taught, whilst pacing up and down. Because much of the discussion in his school took place while teachers and students were walking about the Lyceum grounds, it came to be known as the Peripatetic ("walking" or "strolling") school.

Aristotle was a brilliant teacher. He held rather heavy going morning lectures and more accessible evening ones. The Greek philosopher made a practice of speaking at regular hours in the evenings for all who would come and listen. A visual teacher, Aristotle's lectures often required diagrams which he could pin on the wall . One project he gave to his students was collecting 150 different constitutions of Greek city states then ascertain which is the best system of governing.

CAREER RECORD An eternal student, Aristotle's working career didn't really start until he was in his 40s.

342-340 Aristotle was called to Macedonia by Philip to undertake the tuition of his then 14-year-old son Alexander. Plutarch wrote that Aristotle not only imparted to the future conqueror a knowledge of ethics and politics, but also of the most profound secrets of philosophy.

By Charles Laplante Wikipedia

340-335 Aristotle was sent home to Stagira
335-323 Aristotle was given money by Alexander the Great to open a school at Lyceum, Athens in a gymnasium with an attached grove. There he devoted himself to lecturing and scientific research.
323 Aristotle is forced to flee to the island of Euboea on Alexander the Great's death, because of his Macedonian sympathies.
322BC On his deathbed, Aristotle is asked to choose the successor of his academy. He sends for Rhodian wine, which he approves of. He then asks for a cup of Lesbian wine, which he prefers as it is sweeter. His followers take the hint and appoint Theophrastus of Lesbos rather than Euemus of Rhodes as their head.

APPEARANCE Very little is known about Aristotle's personal appearance except from hostile sources. According to the sculptures and busts of him, Aristotle was somewhat below the average height. He had facial features a bit like the actor Derek Jacobi with a full flock of hair, a neat beard, which got straggly and long in his older age (not that Derek Jacobi's hair is now long and straggly) and a long straight nose. In later years was losing his hair and he studied the causes of baldness to no great effect.

FASHION Whilst studying under Plato, Aristotle acquired a reputation as a dandy wearing rings on his fingers and cutting his hair reasonably.

CHARACTER Aristotle had a kindly, affectionate character. He was devoted to his family and his friends, kind to his slaves, fair to his enemies. A good speaker (despite a stutter), Aristotle was lucid in his lectures and persuasive in his arguments. He could be a touch arrogant, maybe because of his privileged upbringing

SENSE OF HUMOUR Aristotle had a mordant wit. He defined comedy as the lowest of all dramatic, "writing about persons of minor importance whom their faults rendered ridiculous."

RELATIONSHIPS Like all ancient Greeks Aristotle was chauvinistic towards women. He taught that sex is bad and should be for making children only.

Aristotle married late, he was about 40 when he wed the 18-year-old-ish Pythias. They got hitched after her uncle (she was his adopted daughter) and Aristotle's ex pupil/friend, the successful landowner Hermias, had been murdered by the Persians. It was a good marriage but she predeceased Aristotle in around 334. They had one child, who was also called Pythias.

Aristotle later lived with Herpyllis of Stagira (Aristotle's home town). At first Herpyllis was more of a housekeeper, but later they became lovers and she bore him a son, Nicomachus, who died in battle when still young.

MONEY AND FAME Aristotle was by birth an aristocratic Athenian. He turned away from the world of practical affairs disillusioned with the politics of Athenian democracy, in particular its condemnation of death of Socrates. Aristotle taught that money didn't increase by itself and it was unfair to charge interest with lending.

If Aristotle were alive today...well, he would be pretty famous for being over 2,000 years old. However despite being dead for nearly 1,500 years, his fame reached its peak in the Middle Ages. This was down to the writings of Thomas Aquinas, which by reconciling Aristotle's reasoning (he was a reasonable guy) with Christian theology ensured that for a couple of hundred years, Aristotle straddled Western thought like a colossus. From around 1300 he was virtually regarded as a prophet, reaching Aristotelian point in the 1400s. Later Copernicus, Galileo and Darwin's theories outmoded Aristotle’s.

FOOD AND DRINK The egghead Greek was fond of pickles and he thought camel meat was the most delicate of all.

At Aristotle's school, his pupils sometimes ate together and they had their own communal cups and cushions.

MUSIC AND ARTS Aristotle's Poetics is one of the most influential documents ever produced on the art of drama. He held that as happiness is the aim of life, the major function of art is to provide satisfaction. Aristotle claimed that as art is concerned with reproducing an appearance and gives pleasure through the accuracy of the duplication. The great Greek wrote: "The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward things."

In Poetics, Aristotle examined Sophocles' tragedy Oedipus Rex as a model for crafting the ideal tragedy. This structure features a protagonist who, while initially prosperous and possessing good qualities, ultimately suffers a downfall due to a personal flaw, known as a hamartia.

The Blind Oedipus Commending his Children to the Gods (1784) by Bénigne Gagneraux. I

Aristotle taught that music had such an emotional effect on people that it should be censured. In Poetics he penned, "The flute is not an instrument with a good moral effect. It is too exciting."

LITERATURE Aristotle was the first man to own a huge personal library, which included the manuscripts of his works. He argued that literature was superior to history, because it imitates not what it is but what it ought to be. According to legend , Aristotle's private library was left to his successor Theophrastus and was later hidden to avoid confiscation or destruction.

The aristocratic Aristotle aspired to speaking as the common people do and writing as wise men do. His lecture notes became the basis of western and Islamic philosophy until the renaissance.

Aristotle wrote over 170 texts of which 22 survive today. They included:
1. Three works on morals, Eudemian Ethics, Magna Moralia and Nichomachean Ethics (named after his late son).
2. History of Animals: A detailed account of the lifestyle of animals.
3. Poetics, which was the earliest known ever systematic literary criticism. In it Aristotle states his view that tragedy is superior to the epic. It was also a very influential study of drama. "Poetry is something more philosophical and more worthy of serious attention than history." Poetics Ch 9
4. Politics, which condensed and brought together Greek theory about a Utopian State. Based on the morality of its time, the origins of today’s political thinking came from this work.
5. Physics, a fundamental work in the development of the scientific mind.
6. Rhetoric These three works formed the earliest analytical discussion of the techniques of persuasion.
7. The Organon This is the name given by Aristotle's followers to his six works on logic. His conception of logic was the dominant form of logic until the 19th century.

NATURE Aristotle pioneered the study of zoology and was really in his element when he was classifying and listing all creatures great and small. His book Historia Animalium was a record of the behaviour and habits of animals. 

Aristotle proposed a fixed set of natural species each reproducing true to type without evolving. Exceptions were the lowest forms of life such as worms and flies that came by "spontaneous generation" from rotting fruit or manure. Until Charles Darwin came along this was the accepted zoology thesis. Darwin remarked that "the intellectual heroes of his own time were mere schoolboys compared to old Aristotle."

Aristotle wasn't always right. He thought that flies had four legs and his fellow Greeks had such a high regard for him that no one corrected the great man.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS No Greek geek, Aristotle sponsored a boxer at the Olympics at Olympia.

Aristotle has been called the father of chess, despite the game originating over 800 years later in India in 600AD.

SCIENCE Aristotle pioneered the study of logic and made significant contributions to the fields of physics, biology, zoology, and astronomy.

Aristotle was primary a biologist. Despite this, his successors were influenced more by his physical and astronomical theories. For instance he was one of the first men to believe that the world is round. 

However Aristotle was a man of his times with many Achilles heels. Because he didn't have the knowledge we have accumulated 2,400 years later, the great Greek came up with some balderdash, piffle and poppycock. Here's some examples of where Aristotle blew it:

(1) For a start his knowledge of the body was only skin deep. He considered the brain to be a device for cooling the blood and intelligence and sensation emits from the heart. 
(2) Aristotle thought heavy objects fall faster than lighter ones. He also believed that the moon didn't fall to the ground as it was made of a very light substance called ether.
(3) Because Aristotle didn't believe that all matter consisted of tiny particles, atomic theory remained dormant through ancient and medieval times. He criticised Democritus who'd introduced atomic theory.
(4) Aristotle's theory that stars move around a stationary Earth was held for centuries.
(5) Aristotle said some pretty obvious things such as: "Now a whole is that which has a beginning, a middle and an end."
(6) All his life, Aristotle, believed men have more teeth than women. I guess he never counted Mrs Aristotle's teeth.
(7) Aristotle believed in spontaneous generating. For instance bees are born from carcasses of oxen.
And there is more... he was brimming with wrongability.
(8) Aristotle believed there was a fifth element in addition to the Ancient Greeks understanding of the four, earth, air, fire and water. His element was quintessence, of which he and fellow Greeks concluded the cosmos and all celestial bodies were made.

MATHS Aristotle was a believer in the Hebdomadal rule that everything goes in seven. Man has seven ages each seven years long etc. Interestingly in the Bible, seven represents the 'perfect' number and the Greek word that is used in the New Testament, 'Hepta,' generally expresses completeness.

PHILOSOPHY Despite being taught by Plato at his school for over 20 years, Aristotle later renounced many of his theories. Over the last two millenia there has been a battle between Aristotle's and Plato's streams of thinking. I won't go too deep, but basically the more rational Aristotle advocated observation, reason and moderation whilst the more mystical Plato rejected experimentation in favour of discussion. Or as the old joke goes:
To be is to do - Plato
To do is to be - Aristotle
Do be do be do - Frank Sinatra

A stand up philosopher, Aristotle taught that ethics is the study of which types of conduct produce happiness: Vices are the excess or defect of virtues. He taught that the greatest of all virtues is speculative wisdom.

"One swallow does not make a sermon, neither does one fine day; similarly one day or brief time of happiness does not make a person entirely happy." Nicomachean Ethics

Later Alexander the Great established Aristotle's theories in the lands he conquered.

POLITICS Aristotle stressed the importance of studying the right conduct of man in society and contributed according to the Hutchinson Encyclopedia, "the first systematic attempts to distinguish between different forms of government, ideas about the role of law in the state, and the conception of a science of politics."
"Man is by nature a political animal." Politics


RELIGION Aristotle emphasized the concept of an unchanging prime mover as the source of all the movement and change observed in the universe. This prime mover wasn't actively involved in creation but rather served as the necessary cause for the eternal motion within the cosmos. Earlier thinkers placed a stronger emphasis on a deity as the creator and driving force behind the universe.

SCANDAL In his book Politics, Aristotle taught that slave labour is indispensable whilst commerce is morally degrading.

Soon after Alexander the Great died in 323BC, anti-Macedonian sentiment flared up in Athens and Aristotle was charged with "a lack of reverence for the gods." So Aristotle fled to his mother's family estate in Chalcis on the island of Euboea.

MILITARY RECORD My only contribution under this heading is this one Aristotle quote: "How much a dispute could have been deflated into a single paragraph if the disputants had dared define their terms."

HOMES As a child Aristotle probably lived with his father in Pella, the capital of Macedonia whilst his doctor dad attended to King Amyntes at his court. 

Here's a timeline:
367 Aristotle was brought to Athens from Stagira by his guardian Proxenus to study at Plato’s academy.
347-43 On Plato’s death, Aristotle stayed with Hermias at Assos near Troy on the Greek coast. (Hermias was ruler there.)
343 Aristotle went to the island of Lesbos (Mytilere on Lesbos)
342 After Hermias was captured and executed by the Persians he moved to Pella, the Macedonian capital where he taught the teenage Alexander contributing to his later greatness.
340-335 Back home in Stagira, Thrace
335 Aristotle returned to Athens, where he opened up his school.
323 Aristotle had inherited property at Chalcis the chief city of the Island of Euboea but only lived there during the last year of his life in 323

TRAVEL Aristotle traveled to Athens to study and later accompanied Alexander the Great on his campaigns.

Alexander the Great sent Aristotle back flowers from his travels in Asia....NO! It wasn't that the Macedonian conqueror had gone all soppy. Alexander sent Aristotle many other souvenirs from his travels apart from flowers, information on the animals he encountered, he knew how much his former tutor liked classifying and listing things.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS As was the custom of the times, Aristotle believed the heart was the centre of the medical process. It is said that he suffered from poor digestion.

DEATH Contrary to popular legend, Aristotle's death in Chalcis on March 7, 322 BC, was not caused by hemlock poisoning or by self-inflicted drowning. Historical evidence suggests he succumbed to a chronic gastric disorder that had plagued him for a long time.

 Aristotle's right hand man and best friend, Theophrastus continued his work.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Aristotle has been portrayed in numerous works of literature, art, and film.

In the 1955 Alexander the Great movie, Barry Jones played Aristotle, whilst in Oliver Stone's 2004 film Alexander, Christopher Plummer portrayed the Great Greek. 

2. As the great hero of Greek antiquity during the Middle Ages, Aristotle was portrayed by many artists, including Raffaello Sanzio, in his 1509-10 The School of Athens, where he can be seen in the centre walking through the archway with his tutor Plato. (See below Plato on the left, Aristotle on the right).

ACHIEVEMENTS 1. A great classifier and collector of data, Aristotle classified all living things.
2. Aristotle worked out a way of thinking at problems step by step, thereby introducing logic.
3. Aristotle's writing provided a framework for the discussion of biology, maths, logic, literary criticism, aesthetics, ethics and politics.
4. Aristotle was one of the first men to believe the Earth is round.
5. Aristotle was called "Father of Science" from his teachings that a theory was only valid if derived logically from observations of the real world.
6. Aristotle recognised that there are five senses, hearing, sight, smell, taste and touch.
7. Aristotle knew more facts than Cliff Claven from Cheers. It has been suggested that he was probably the last person to know everything there was to be known in his own time

Sources
Readers Digest Did You Know?
Novels and Novelists edited by Martin Seymour Smith
A History of Food by Maguelonne Toussaint-Samat
The King's Favour: Three Eighteenth-Century Monarachs and the Favourites Who Ruled Them by JJ Mangan
A Lifetime's of Reading by Philip Ward
The Oxford Companion To English Literature edited by Margaret Drabble
Hutchinson Encyclopedia © RM 2009. Helicon Publishing is division of RM.

Aristophanes

NAME: Aristophanes 

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: The greatest playwright of Old Comedy in ancient Greece.

His witty, satirical plays that tackled social, political, and philosophical issues.

Eleven of his 40 plays survive, offering valuable insights into Athenian society.

BIRTH: Aristophanes was born around 446 BC, in Athens, Greece. His exact birthplace uncertain, with some speculation about the island of Aegina.

FAMILY BACKGROUND: Aristophane' father was called Philippus and mother, Zenodora. He belonged to the deme (district) of Kydathenaion.

CHILDHOOD: Details about Aristophanes' childhood are scarce, but it is likely that he grew up in Athens during a period of political and cultural turbulence.

EDUCATION: Aristophanes likely received a classical education in Athens, which would have included studies in literature, rhetoric, philosophy, and music.

CAREER RECORD: Aristophanes debuted his play, The Banqueters, in 427 BC.

Authored around 40 comedies throughout his career.

He won numerous victories in dramatic competitions.

APPEARANCE: No specific details about Aristophanes' physical appearance are available, as portraits or accurate descriptions from his lifetime are not extant. References in his plays suggest he might have been bald.

Bust of Aristophanes in the Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy. 1st century AD. By Alexander Mayatsky Wikipedia

FASHION: Given the lack of detailed information, it is difficult to ascertain Aristophanes' fashion preferences. He likely followed the typical Athenian attire of tunic and cloak.

CHARACTER: Aristophanes was known for his sharp intellect, bold satire, and a keen awareness of the societal and political dynamics of Athens. His works reveal a clever and observant personality. He was bold and unafraid to criticize authority figures.

SENSE OF HUMOR: Imagine a riotous comedy show where the jokes veer wildly from silly slapstick to clever wordplay that would make your brain do a happy little dance. That's Aristophanes' playground. Throw in a healthy dose of outlandish fantasy and a cunning trickster leading the pack, and you've got the recipe for an Athenian belly laugh.

Example: In Lysistrata, a frustrated husband attempts to sneak out at night for "activities" but gets stuck climbing the wall. His wife throws water on him, and a soldier mistakes him for a burglar, adding to the chaos.

RELATIONSHIPS: Details about Aristophanes' personal relationships are largely unknown, as ancient biographical information is limited. His plays might offer glimpses, but separating reality from comedic license is difficult.

MONEY AND FAME: Aristophanes achieved fame during his lifetime, earning both admiration and criticism for his bold and satirical plays. However, specific details about his financial status are not well-documented.

FOOD AND DRINK: Information about Aristophanes' culinary preferences is not available. Ancient Greek diets typically consisted of grains, vegetables, fruits, and wine. His plays offer references to common Athenian meals.

Forget your "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious." Buckle up for the heavyweight champion: "Lopadotemachoselachogaleokranioleipsanodrimhypotrimmatosilphioparaomelitokatakechymenokichlepikossyphophattoperisteralektryonoptekephalliokigklopeleiolagoiosiraiobaphetraganopterygon"  is the longest word to occur in a literary work. It has to do with a meat dish cut into pieces served in sauce, with 17 sweet and sour ingredients, including brains, fish, honey vinegar, ouzo and pickles.  Try saying that ten times fast after a glass of retsina. This tongue twister of a word, clocking in at a whopping 182 letters (Greek: 170 letters), showed up in Aristophanes' satirical comedy Women at the Ecclesia. Just another day in the wacky world of ancient Greek comedy.

MUSIC AND ARTS: Aristophanes wrote approximately 40 plays, of which only 11 have survived. His career spanned the Peloponnesian War, and his works often addressed the political and social issues of the time.

His plays incorporated elements of music, dance, and other artistic expressions.

LITERATURE: As a playwright, Aristophanes contributed significantly to ancient Greek literature. He was deeply influenced by other playwrights like Euripides.

NATURE: Aristophanes' works occasionally depicted the beauty of nature, but detailed personal views on the subject are not recorded.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: While Aristophanes' specific hobbies and sporting preferences are unknown, it is likely that he, like many Greeks, participated in or enjoyed events such as the Olympics.

Aristophanes couldn't resist a good wrestling joke. Apparently, there was this sneaky wrestler who, apparently unobserved, rubbed off the dust from his shoulders leaving his opponent with nothing to grip! Talk about a slippery move.

SCIENCE AND MATHS: Not a primary focus of his work or interests.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: Aristophanes' plays touched on philosophical and theological themes, often questioning the actions of the gods and exploring ethical dilemmas. His plays offer insights into the intellectual climate of Athens.

SCANDAL:  Aristophanes' satirical plays sometimes stirred controversy, as he fearlessly mocked prominent figures and institutions of Athenian society. He even took a swipe at Socrates in his play The Clouds, painting him as a bit of a looney tunes philosopher who muddled the lines between right and wrong. This probably didn't do Socrates any favors down the road, but hey, that's show business, ancient Greece edition.

Aristophanes faced accusations of being a foreigner simply because his family owned property on Aegina, a historical rival of Athens. This raised suspicion about his loyalty, potentially fueled by political rivals or anti-Aegina sentiment. While the claim lacked solid evidence, it highlights the importance of citizenship requirements and the potential for manipulation in Athenian society.

MILITARY RECORD: There is no evidence to suggest that Aristophanes had a military career.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Details about Aristophanes' health and physical fitness are not recorded in historical sources.

HOMES: Aristophanes likely lived in Athens. His specific location is unknown.

TRAVEL: Aristophanes' travels are not well-documented, but it is assumed that he would have traveled within Greece, particularly for theatrical performances.

DEATH: Aristophanes is believed to have died around 386 BCE, though the circumstances of his death remain unclear.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: Aristophanes' works continue to be performed and studied today. Various adaptations, translations, and references to his plays can be found in modern literature, theater, and other forms of media.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Aristophanes is considered the foremost playwright of Old Comedy.

His works offer invaluable insights into Athenian society, politics, and culture.

Plays continue to be studied and performed, influencing humor and satire even today.

Elizabeth Arden

NAME: Elizabeth Arden. Originally named Florence Nightingale Graham, she reinvented herself as ‘Elizabeth Arden’ upon inaugurating her inaugural beauty salon on Fifth Avenue in 1910. 

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Elizabeth Arden is renowned for revolutionizing the beauty and cosmetics industry, establishing the iconic Elizabeth Arden brand known for its skincare, makeup, and fragrances.

BIRTH: Born on December 31, 1878, in Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada.

FAMILY BACKGROUND: Elizabeth Arden, born Florence Nightingale Graham, hailed from a modest Canadian family with Scottish heritage. Her parents, William Graham and Susan Graham, played pivotal roles in shaping her early years.

CHILDHOOD: Growing up on her family's farm in Woodbridge, Elizabeth developed an early fascination with beauty and skincare, laying the foundation for her future endeavors.

EDUCATION: While details about her formal education are limited, Elizabeth Arden's keen interest in beauty and skincare led her to pursue a self-directed path of learning and experimentation.

CAREER RECORD: Upon joining her brother in the bustling streets of Manhattan, Arden took on the role of a bookkeeper at the E.R. Squibb Pharmaceuticals Company. Immersed in the daily operations, she found herself captivated by the world of skincare, spending countless hours in their lab.

Arden opened her first salon (Red Door Salon) in 1910 in New York City. Determined to break away from the gray monotony of the time, Arden boldly painted her first salon in striking red hues, a move that would become synonymous with her brand.

Her innovative approach to beauty treatments and cosmetics propelled her brand to international acclaim, marking the start of a beauty empire that continues to thrive.

Pioneered scientific skincare and introduced makeup to American women.

Developed the concept of the "makeover."

Launched iconic products like Ardena Skin Tonic.

Created travel-sized beauty products for the first time.

Built a chain of over 150 salons worldwide.

Became a sole owner and one of the wealthiest women in the world.

APPEARANCE: Elizabeth Arden maintained a refined and elegant appearance, reflecting the sophistication synonymous with her brand.

Pictured in 1939

FASHION: Known for her impeccable taste, Arden embraced a style that mirrored the timeless elegance associated with her beauty products.

Helena Rubinstein, a name that would make Elizabeth grind her perfectly manicured nails, became her archrival in the quest for cosmetic dominance. Together, these two titans waged war, not with swords and shields, but with lipsticks and eye shadows. Arden, the ever-canny businesswoman, introduced American women to the wonders of mascara and blush, making them look, and more importantly, feel, like the glamorous creatures they truly were.

By the time the roaring twenties gave way to the Great Depression, Elizabeth Arden was a household name. Her empire sprawled across the Atlantic, with 150 upscale salons catering to the beautified elite. She reigned supreme, the sole owner and one of the wealthiest women on the planet.

Pink wasn't just a color for Elizabeth, it was an obsession. From her clothes to her diamond rings, and yes, even her lipsticks, the world was awash in a rosy hue. She was a pioneer, the first to understand the convenience of travel-sized beauty products and the power of a founder's name emblazoned on a bottle of magic potion.

Spectacles? Those harbingers of age and infirmity? Not a chance!  Anyone who dared to darken her doorway with those pesky magnifying glasses on their nose was shown the door faster than you could say "cucumber facial."

CHARACTER: Arden was characterized by her tenacity, business acumen, and visionary spirit. Her determination to redefine beauty standards set her apart in a male-dominated industry.

SENSE OF HUMOUR: While not extensively documented, Elizabeth Arden's success suggests a shrewd and pragmatic approach to her business, hinting at a possibly sharp sense of humor.

RELATIONSHIPS:  Love, like a good moisturizer, can smooth out the wrinkles of life, or so Elizabeth thought. She married Thomas Lewis, an advertising whiz who helped the business flourish. Together, they were a formidable duo, but alas, even the most potent formula can't mend a fractured relationship. Work became their all-consuming love affair, and love, in the traditional sense, eventually hit the rocks.

Elizabeth Arden's 1942 marriage to Prince Michael Evlanoff was a whirlwind compared to her longer first marriage. Evlanoff was a Russian emigre with a title, adding a touch of glamour to Elizabeth's life. However, it seems the allure faded quickly and they divorced in 1944.

MONEY AND FAME: Elizabeth Arden achieved immense wealth and fame through her beauty empire, becoming a pioneer in the cosmetics industry and earning a place among the most successful businesswomen of her time.

FOOD AND DRINK: While specific preferences are not well-documented, Arden's focus on beauty and wellness suggests a commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

MUSIC AND ARTS: Arden's contributions to the beauty industry can be considered an art form in itself. Her brand has been associated with elegance and sophistication, aligning with artistic ideals.

LITERATURE: Elizabeth Arden's influence on beauty standards and her entrepreneurial journey could served as inspiration for literature on business and beauty.

Elizabeth Arden's book titled The Quest of the Beautiful serves as a guide to her beauty products and techniques.

NATURE: She enjoyed spending time at her horse farm in Kentucky.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: Beyond the world of beauty, Elizabeth Arden delved into horse breeding, operating the Maine Chance Stables in Kentucky where the 1947 Kentucky Derby winner was bred.

SCIENCE AND MATHS: Arden's innovations in cosmetics  and skincare reflect a pragmatic understanding of science and chemistry, contributing to her brand's success.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: While her public statements on philosophy and theology are not extensively recorded, Arden's commitment to enhancing women's confidence suggests a philosophy rooted in empowerment. She believed that beauty was attainable for all women through science and nature.

Arden was allegedly a dedicated suffragette, and there is a story that she marched for women's rights in 1912. 

SCANDAL: Elizabeth Arden's public image remained largely untarnished, with no major scandals associated with her personal or professional life.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Arden's commitment to beauty and wellness suggests a keen awareness of health and physical fitness, although specific details about her personal routines are not well-documented.

HOMES:  Lived in New York City and had a luxurious estate in Maine.

TRAVEL: As her brand expanded globally, Elizabeth Arden's professional life likely involved extensive travel to oversee the expansion of her salons and beauty products.

DEATH: Arden died at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan on October 18, 1966. Her resting place is the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Sleepy Hollow, New York, bearing the name Elizabeth N. Graham.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: Both the musical War Paint and the comedy Lip Service dramatizes Arden's rivalry with competitor Helena Rubinstein. 

ACHIEVEMENTS: Elizabeth Arden's achievements include revolutionizing the beauty industry, establishing a global brand, and pioneering advancements in skincare and cosmetics. Her legacy endures as a trailblazer in the business world and a symbol of empowerment for women.

Archimedes

NAME Archimedes

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Archimedes is renowned for his contributions to mathematics, physics, engineering, and his profound understanding of geometric principles. He is perhaps most famous for his principle of buoyancy, the Archimedean screw, and his work in integral calculus.

Archimedes by Giuseppe Nogari

BIRTH Archimedes was born around 287 BC in the city of Syracuse on the eastern coast of Sicily, Greece.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Archimedes came from a wealthy, noble family. His father, Phidias, was an astronomer. According to Plutarch, King Hiero II, the King of Syracuse, was a relative.

EDUCATION Archimedes received his education in Alexandria, Egypt, known for its renowned scholars and libraries during ancient times. He studied under the followers of Euclid and Conon, gaining a deep understanding of mathematical principles.

CAREER RECORD After studying in Alexandra, Archimedes returned to Sicily, where he became a well known engineer. 

He did not hold any public office, instead he devoted much of his time to research and experiment. 

During the Roman conquest of Sicily Archimedes placed his gifts at the disposal of the state and King Hiero took up his offer, getting him to design engines of war for the defence of Syracuse.

APPEARANCE  We don't have any confirmed information about what Archimedes looked like. There are no known surviving portraits, sculptures, or detailed descriptions of his physical appearance from his time.

While there are paintings and depictions of Archimedes created much later, these are based on artistic license and don't offer a reliable representation.

FASHION Archimedes likely adhered to the typical clothing styles of ancient Greece, characterized by draped garments such as the chiton and himation.

Archimedes took little care of his person and often had to be carried by force to the baths. However once he was there, Archimedes would cover himself with oil then use his fingernail to draw mathematical diagrams on his own body. 

He is said to have discovered the Archimedian principle as he stepped into his bath and perceived the displaced water overflowing. If you don't know what the Archimedian principle is, be patient- all will be explained.

CHARACTER Archimedes was known for his intense focus on scientific pursuits, often losing himself in his work. He exhibited a tenacious curiosity and an unwavering commitment to solving complex problems.

The original absent-minded scientist, the novelist Joseph Conrad said of him: "He was an absent minded person with a mathematical imagination."

SENSE OF HUMOUR  Archimedes' personality, including his sense of humor, remains mostly speculative due to the limited historical accounts

Archimedes was in the habit of sending to his friends in Alexandra statements of his latest theorems, but without giving proofs. Apparently some of the mathematicians there had claimed the results as their own so Archimedes sent them two that were false: "So that those who claim to discover everything, but produce no proofs of the same, may be confuted as having pretended to discover the impossible." 

RELATIONSHIPS Archimedes was devotedly married to his work. It is not known if he was married or had any children. Being related to King Hiero II, he mixed in high circles.

MONEY AND FAME: While Archimedes achieved fame for his contributions to science and mathematics, there is little information regarding his financial status. Ancient scholars were often sponsored by wealthy patrons or city-states.

FOOD AND DRINK Archimedes, like others in ancient Greece, would have consumed a diet primarily consisting of grains, vegetables, fruits, and some meat. The specifics of his culinary preferences are unknown.

As I mentioned earlier, Archimedes was the original absent minded professor and was so intent on his work he often neglected his food and drink.

MUSIC AND ARTS: Archimedes' focus was on scientific pursuits, and there is no evidence to suggest a significant interest in music or the arts.

LITERATURE Archimedes wrote on nearly all the mathematical subjects known in his period (but not on paper, it hadn't been invented yet). Nine of his famous treatises on geometry and hydrostatics survive today. Among his known works are On Floating Bodies, On Spirals and The Sand Reckoner. In the latter treatise, Archimedes worked out how many grains of sand were needed to fill the universe.

Archimedes penned his works in Doric Greek, the dialect spoken in his hometown of Syracuse.  He shared his ideas with other mathematicians by exchanging letters, likely with scholars in Alexandria, a renowned center of learning at the time.  Centuries later, around 530 AD, Isidore of Miletus, a Byzantine Greek architect, took on the task of compiling Archimedes' writings.  This collection helped preserve Archimedes' genius for future generations.

Archimedes Thoughtful by Fetti (1620)

NATURE Archimedes' work often involved observations of the natural world, particularly in the fields of mechanics, hydrostatics, and geometry.

One treatise I haven't mentioned yet is Archimedes' Cattle Problem, a poem of 44 lines, addressed by Archimedes to Eratosthenes and the mathematicians in Alexandria. In this work the Sicilian challenged Eratosthenes and co to count the numbers of cattle in a herd of the Sun God by solving a number of simultaneous Diophantine equations.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: Archimedes' primary interests lay in mathematical and scientific pursuits, and there is no evidence to suggest engagement in hobbies or sport

SCIENCE Now we're getting down to the nitty gritty. Archimedes is considered to be one of the leading scientific figures of classical times- here's a few reasons why.

1. Archimedes' king and patron and maybe relative, the suspicious King Hiero II asked the scientist to discover whether a certain crown was made of gold or fraudulently by some iffy goldsmith with some baser metal. Whilst stepping into a bath, Archimedes perceived the displaced water overflowing a body immersed in fluid loses weight equal to the weight of fluid it displaces. He realized that this effect could be used to determine the density of the crown. When Archimedes discovered the theory of buoyancy he went better than just shouting "oh buoy". He ran through the streets of Syracuse naked buoyantly shouting "Eureka, eureka!" (Maybe his bath water was too hot.) 

As to how the experiment went, well it wasn't good news for the iffy goldsmith. Archimedes filled twice a tub to the brim with water, on the first occasion adding the crown then secondly with gold and silver equal in weight to that of the crown. After drying himself after each experiment, Archimedes weighed the water that overflowed. As two different amounts were spilt this proved the crown was not made of pure gold. The unfortunate jeweller was executed as a result.

2. Archimedes purportedly invented the Archimedes screw, which consists of a spiral screw revolving inside a close-fitting cylinder to expel bilge water from creaking ships. The screw that bears his name was one of the earliest kinds of pumps for raising water and it still in use in sewage plants and irrigation ditches in a number of third world countries. 

However according to The Independent newspaper November 3, 2007, the Archimedes screw "in fact predates Archimedes by about 400 years. Recent digs have established that earlier screws, which are capable of shifting water " uphill", were used in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon in the 7th century BC."

3. The Lever Though Archimedes did not invent the lever, he wrote the earliest known explanation of the principle involved. His pulley systems enabled sailors to use the principle of leverage to lift objects that would otherwise have been too heavy to move. Archimedes loved levers. He said of them: "Give me a firm place to stand and I will move the earth. "

MATHEMATICS Archimedes' geometrical discoveries of the quadrative of the parabolic area and of a spherical surface as well as of the volume of a sphere were notable achievements. Or in plain English he worked out how to measure the area of a circle. 

If I may elaborate a little- I promise not too much. . That the ratio of the circumference to the diameter of a circle is constant (namely, pi) and that it has a value of slightly more than 3 was recognized by both the ancient Babylonians and Egyptians. However it was Archimedes who made the first theoretical calculation of a value of pi. In demonstrating that pi is located between 3 10/71 and 3 10/70, he made a major contribution to the development of mathematics. Not only that, he also proved that the area of a circle was equal to pi multiplied by the square of the radius of the circle thus enabling the volume of a circle to be measured. Archimedes regarded this as his greatest achievement. He was so proud of this that that he requested that his tomb should include an inscription of a cylinder and a sphere of the same height and diameter, together with the formula for the ratio of their volumes.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Archimedes' surviving works primarily focus on mathematics and the natural sciences, with limited indications of philosophical or theological discussions

Archimedes believed like his fellow great Greeks Socrates and Plato, that the proper application of science was to sharpen the mind and its applications were to be despised.

SCANDAL: There is no historical record of Archimedes being involved in scandals or controversies.

MILITARY RECORD The Second Punic War kicked off in 215BC and soon Roman forces under General Marcellus were laying siege to Syracuse. Archimedes constructed a succession of catapult and bow like machines in Syracuse to resist Roman onslaught. He successfully kept the Romans at bay for three years before they took the city.

While defending Syracuse Archimedes armed the soldiers with concave shields. By concentrating the sun's rays onto their souls he made the Roman soldiers believe they were facing "soldiers of fire" and thus repelled their attack.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Archimedes' health and physical fitness remain undocumented, but his mental acuity and dedication to his work suggest overall well-being.

HOMES: Archimedes spent much of his life in Syracuse, where he conducted his groundbreaking research. The specifics of his residences are not well-documented.

TRAVEL: While Archimedes likely traveled to Alexandria for his education, most of his significant contributions were made in Syracuse.

DEATH Died 212 BC When Syracuse was finally taken by the Romans after a two year siege, the Roman General Marcellus sent a Roman soldier with instructions to bring Archimedes to him. The Greek was so intent upon a mathematical diagram in his study that he didn't realise Syracuse had been taken by the Romans. When Archimedes saw the soldier he said "wait until I've solved my problem." The enraged soldier thrust his sword into him and the mathematician supposedly mumbled "Noli turbare circulos meos!" ( "Do not disturb my circles!" ) before dying. Archimedes request was granted and his tombstone include a cylinder circumscribing a sphere, accompanied by a inscription of the formula for the ratio of their volumes. 

The Death of Archimedes (1815) by Thomas Degeorge

In 75BC the Roman orator Cicero found his tomb near the Agrigentine gate in Syracuse, in a neglected condition. He had the tomb restored.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Archimedes has been featured in various historical and scientific documentaries, books, and educational materials. His life and contributions continue to be studied and celebrated.

1. In a 1960 Italian film Siege of Syracuse, Archimedes played by the hunky Rosanno Brazzi falls in love with a gypsy dancer played by the gorgeous Tina Louise despite being engaged to the king's daughter. 

2. If Archimedes ever appeared on an ancient Greek chat show, presumably he incessantly plugged his bath- ahem... that's my writing career down the plughole.

ACHIEVEMENTS 

1. Archimedes mastered all disciplines of mathematics. He helped develop the science of geometry and initiated pyenometry (the measurement of the volume of density of an object). Archimedes was the greatest mathematician and scientist of antiquity and if you believe the Siege of Syracuse movie, he was the hunkiest scientist of antiquity too.

2. Archimedes' method of finding mathematical proof to substantiate experiment and observation made him was the father of experimental science. He applied science to everyday life such as discovering the principle of water displacement whilst taking a bath.

3. Archimedes was the first scientist to recognise the power of the lever. He invented the compound pulley and at least improved upon the Archimedes screw.

4. Archimedes' exclamation of Eureka! is the state motto of California. However, this is not because the Californians are in the habit of making important scientific discoveries whilst taking a bath. Instead it refers to 1848 discovery of gold, which ignited the California Gold Rush.

I will sign off this trivial biography of Archimedes with some poetry from William Wordsworth

--Call Archimedes from his buried tomb
Upon the plain of vanished Syracuse,
And feelingly the Sage shall make report
How insecure, how baseless in itself,
Is the Philosophy, whose sway depends
On mere material instruments;--how weak
Those arts, and high inventions, if unpropped
By virtue.--He, sighing with pensive grief,
Amid his calm abstractions, would admit
That not the slender privilege is theirs
To save themselves from blank forgetfulness!
William Wordsworth (1770-1850), The Excursion (Book Eighth: The Parsonage, lines 220-230)

Sources
(1) Book of Inventions and Discoveries McDonald 1990
(2) Harper's Book of Scientific Anecdotes Berry Books 1989.
(3) The Independent newspaper 3/11/07