Kens

10 Kens Famous for Their Inventions and This Ken Too

October 31, 2015 by Kenney Myers

Without the genius and innovation of the world’s inventors, life on Earth would probably still be stuck in the dark ages. Some inventions have saved lives, others changed the scope of technology and design and others still were just plain fun. No matter what the invention, the work that these great men and women put into their creations deserves praise and recognition. All ten of the inventors on this list are named Ken, and each one has changed the world to some degree with their incredible products and inventions.

Ken Richardson – This inventor holds the honor of being a famous fighter of fungus, with the development of fluconazole. While it may not sound like much, Ken Richardson’s work on the prevention of fungal infections has saved lives. Fluconazole has been used in the treatment of transplants, AIDs and burn patients. The discovery of fluconazole is considered the most significant advancement in the fight against fungal infections to this day.
Ken Olsen – Olsen is perhaps most famous for his work on coincident current systems, a component of computer memory which makes it smaller. His work was instrumental in the development of core memory models, which can retain memory without the need of power. Ken Olsen’s work revolutionized how computers and processors were designed, making him a significant figure in the industry.
Kenneth E. Manchester– By developing ion implantation, Kenneth E. Manchester changed the way all electronic devices were created. His invention allowed for the first Effect Transistor with Controlled Threshold Voltage, which is used in all integrated circuits today. Kenneth received his Ph.D. from Stanford University in 1955, before going on to work on ion implantation in 1962.
Ken Ahroni – This is the invention that just keeps on giving. Ken Ahroni had a wish, but he had run out of Turkey wishbones. Lucky Break Wishbones are just like the real thing; they look the same, break the same and have the same chance of actually making your wish come true. Besides which, they’re a fun novelty idea for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner parties.
Ken Butler – Some of Ken Butler’s best inventions are yet to be realized. The crafter of hybrid instruments is world famous for turning every day, household items into playable instruments. Ken began his labor of love with hybrid instruments in 1978, when he created a hatchet violin by adding a adding a fingerboard, tailpiece, tuning pegs and bridge to an ordinary hatchet.
Ken Thompson – The UNIX operating system is regarded as one of the best operating systems ever conceived, and it is all thanks to the work of Ken Thompson. The system was developed in 1969, the same year that man went to the moon. Thompson was also the creator of the game “Space Travel,” which is considered the first PC game and the precursor to the development of console game play.
Ken Hakuta – If you have ever had the pleasure of owning a “Wacky Wall Walker,” then you can thank Ken Kakuta. The toy, which usually took the shape of an Octopus or other creature, used a combination of gravity and adhesive suckers to walk down walls, providing hours of fun for kids in the 1980s. Ken Hakuta is also featured in the game “Trivial Pursuit” under the question; “Who is the inventor of the Wacky Wall Walker?”
Ken Tarlow – Ken Tarlow is a world renowned product developer, with over 400 products under his belt. Tarlow now lends his talents to the “Make Money Expo,” helping other would-be inventors get their products and patents off the ground. As well as creating his own inventions, Ken is the author of “Mind to Money,” a successful how-to guide for creating and launching a product from inception to sale.
Kenneth Dunkley– Everyone loves Three Dimensional Viewing Glasses, which is one reason why Kenneth Dunkley is a world famous and much loved inventor. Kenneth also lends his talents to the Museum of Scientific Discovery in Harrisburg, PA, where he delivers workshops on visual effects. Dunkley’s work is considered the most innovative advancement in 3D technology, which will only lead to further developments in the future. Kenneth Dunkley has literally changed the way that humans see the world around them.
Ken Howard – This inventor first made his name with the popular board-game, “The Parliament Game.” He has since gone on to develop over 700 products, ranging from games to television shows. Howard now acts as an expert consultant to other inventors and product developers who are looking to break into the industry.

Lastly, I promised that in the title that I (Ken Myers) would discuss my own inventions. I am listed as an inventor on a couple of patents with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. The first invention was for an application with a GUI wizard and technology for using XSLT to transform text files from one format to another (from delimited to fixed length or XML to CSV, etc.). My second invention was a business method patent for selling a plurality of home services based upon a person’s address (see WhiteFence.com). These are both very meaningful to me and it was interesting to go through the process of filing and eventually earning the patents. My guess is that several of the inventors in the list above feel the same way.

10 Kens With Famous Faces You’d Recognize

October 30, 2015 by Kenney Myers

Everyone has those moments where they see a famous face but can’t quite place the name. These are the actors, singers and players that seem to always be part of the cultural landscape, yet have the ability to leave you stumped as to who they are. See if you can recognize some of these famous Kens before reading the descriptions.

Kenneth Branagh – Yes, he is a world famous actor, so it should come as no surprise that you recognize him. However, Branagh is one of the most accomplished character actors in the world, meaning that he can pull off most any role. If you happened to watch the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony, specifically the short movie “Isles of Wonder,” you would have seen Kenneth take on the role of famed engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
Ken Shamrock – As one of the most well-known hall of famers in mixed martial arts, Ken Shamrock is instantly recognizable to fans of the sport. He also is featured heavily in professional wrestling, and is credited with opening the door for future cross-overs between the two franchises. Shamrock has a very distinct look, and although you may not follow wrestling or MMA, you are sure to recognize this iconic figure.
Ken Starr – Starr’s claim to fame was his role in the investigation of the Whitewater real estate investments of Bill Clinton. His name was all over the media at the time, however, many will recognize his face without being able to place the name. Ironically, it is the face of Monica Lewinski, whose affair with Bill Clinton was exposed by Starr, which most people will automatically associate with the investigation.
Kenneth Hutchinson – Let that name swirl around in your brain for a second. Okay, have you figured it out yet? If not, maybe the name “David Soul” will give you a clue. Yes, this Ken is better known as one half of the duo Starsky and Hutch. As his full name was rarely mentioned in the show, it is understandable that most people will recognize the face but not the name.
Ken Kirzinger – This is one face you definitely would not have wanted to see in a dark alley in 2003. Ken Kirzinger played the masked psycho-killer Jason Voorhees in “Freddie Versus Jason.” An accomplished stuntman, Kirzinger insisted on doing all his own stunts for the movie, despite protests from the director. Other roles included playing Jared Bender in the popular television series, “Supernatural.”
Ken Jenkins – As actors go, Ken Jenkins has had a long and colourful career. However, he really came into his own when he took on the role of Dr. Bob Kelso in the hit comedy series Scrubs. Kelso was the head of medicine at Sacred Heart, and was also notorious for being cheap, uncaring and abusive to both hospital staff and his long-suffering wife.
Kenneth Wolstenholme – “They think it’s all over… it is now” – a phrase any soccer fan of worth will instantly recognize. Kenneth Wolstenholme uttered his most recognized catchphrase in the closing minutes of the 1966 FIFA World Cup between England and Germany. The phrase was born from supporters invading the pitch, just before Geoff Hurst scored a fourth goal for the England side.
Ken Venturi – Even if you’re not a fan of golf, after 35 years as an analyst of the sport for CBS, Ken Venturi had a face that was instantly recognizable. Ken was also a pro in the early years of the PGA and just missed out on winning the Masters against Arnold Palmer on two occasions. Venturi passed away on May 17, 2013 at the age of 82. He had retired from CBS back in 2002 and was living with his third wife, Kathleen, at the time of his death.
Reginald Kenneth Dwight – Take note of this name – it’s a frequent quiz master favourite. Reginald Kenneth Dwight is none other than Elton John. It’s not a name that the singer has used for a long time, and Elton John does sound much better. The name “Elton John” was created by amalgamating the first names of his idols, Elton Dean and Long John Baldry.
Ken Robinson – If you’ve been paying attention to the Internet, and especially the “Ted Talks” channel, you may have spotted Sir Ken Robinson’s meteoric rise to fame. Robinson hosted a Ted Talk on creativity and how educators are stifling children, rather than nurturing them. The talk captured the imaginations of people from all over the world, and soon Sir Ken Robinson was declared the number one authority on creative thinking.

10 Creative Geniuses Named Ken

October 28, 2015 by Kenney Myers

Creative genius, it often seems, is a gift granted at birth. Those who possess such genius are destined to express the gift, regardless of the career or medium that they pursue in life. For these 10 Kens, creativity comes naturally, and their genius is apparent for the entire world to see.

Dr. Ken Hudson – Australia’s leading consultant on innovation and creativity, Dr. Ken Hudson has a PhD in Organizational Creativity (UWS), MBA (UNE) and B.Bus (UTS). Hudson’s own creative genius allows him to quickly identify innovative potential in business, projects and education. Ken has devoted 15 years to studying and harnessing innovation and creativity.
Kenneth Price – Ceramics isn’t exactly considered the rock ‘n’ roll of the art world, however, Kenneth Price certainly brought the art form some new respect. This creative genius was fascinated by the ceramic pottery often found in the Americas, and in particular, Tijuana. This would become the inspiration for Price’s celebrated work, Happy’s Curios, which took six years to complete before it found its way to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in 1978 for a dedicated show.
Sir Kenneth Robinson – Not content with a knighthood, Sir Kenneth Robinson is the world’s leading champion of creativity in education. Robinson’s “Ted Talk” on the subject received international attention in 2006, when he suggested that schools stifle children’s creativity, instead teaching them only how to be good workers. Sir Ken’s creativity is evident throughout the talk, which is one of the reasons it was so well received by both educators and students alike.
Ken Howard – This British recipient of an OBE is an artist whose obsession with horizontal and vertical lines brings entirely new dimensions to his art. Howard also served as President of the New English Art Club from 1998 until 2003. His work is heavily influenced by the structures and architectures he grew up around in London. Ken is a traditional painter of models and cityscapes, with a particular focus on the use of light.
Ken Wilber – A philosopher, writer and creator of what he calls “Integral Theory,” a concept that seeks to create a “theory of everything,” Ken Wilber is regarded as one of the most creative thinkers of our time. The theory aims to unite worldwide philosophies in spirituality, the sciences and psychology. Basically, Wilber’s Integral Theory can be applied to any process in existence – and has been in art, medicine, business and many other areas.
Ken Cromar – Ken Cromar adds creativity to everything that he touches. While his main talent lies in his production and directing work, he was also the co-author of the animated feature The Princess and the Pea. Other works that have benefited from Ken’s creative talent include An American Tail, Land Before Time and a number of hugely successful TV infomercials.
Ken Levine – One of the most successful game franchises of the last decade has been the Bioshock series, created by Irrational Games. Ken Levine, who is one of the co-founders of the company, is the creative force behind Bioshock, which is a “Game of the Year” recipient. Levine plans on continuing his success with the franchise, announcing future releases that will expand on the already epic plot-line that the title has developed.
Ken Blanchard – In the fast paced business world, creativity in management is an essential skill. Not everyone possesses the skill, though, so mediocre managers sometimes need a little help. Enter Ken Blanchard, the award winning author of The One Minute Manager, Leading at a Higher Level and Lead Like Jesus. Levine has a keen insight on how to get creative when managing people, which is why his books are top sellers.
Ken Walters – When tragedy strikes, it can often cruelly take so much away from a person. Such was the case for Ken Walters, who was left wheelchair bound after a car accident in 2005. However, from the tragedy, Walters discovered a hidden artistic talent that would lead the former engineer to a new career in digital design. He now owns a software company, and also works with major console game creators, EA Games.
Ken Russell – Once described as “England’s Orson Welles,” Ken Russell is a much loved and remembered director of films. Russell died in November of 2011 after suffering a number of strokes, and the movie industry immediately banded together to celebrate his life in film. Best known for his flamboyance and use of powerful imagery, Ken Russell is regarded by many as one of the most creative and visionary artists in cinematic history.

10 Famous Rock Stars Named Ken

October 27, 2015 by Kenney Myers

The life of a rock star is one that only a select few ever get to experience, and there really is no loftier position when it comes to fame and stardom. They come to the stage late, leave early and the fans still go wild for more. It is often said that rock stars are born, not made. If that’s the case, then it stands to reason that the name chosen for them could have quite the impact on their success later in life. The parents of these 10 rock stars must have predicted the path their sons would take, which would explain why they chose to name them Ken.

Elton John – Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, Elton John went on to become a worldwide superstar. His rock classics include “Saturday Night (alright for fighting)”, “Rocket Man” and “Crocodile Rock.” John, however, had his greatest success with the reworking of “Candle in the Wind”, which he dedicated to his good friend Princess Diana upon her death.
Kenny Loggins – Kenny is better known for his soft-rock music. He has performed a duet with Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac and collaborated with Michael McDonald. He also earned the title of King of the 1980’s Movie Soundtrack after working on Hollywood blockbusters such as “Footloose”, “Over the Top” and “Top Gun.”
Kenny Wayne Shepherd – This young blues guitarist proved he had real staying power when he earned the record for longest-running album on the Billboard Blues Charts. The album in question was Shepherd’s second solo effort, “Trouble Is.” He is also married to Mel Gibson’s daughter Hannah, and the couple have three children together.
Kenney Jones – Not many rock stars can boast having played with Small Faces, Faces and The Who. However, Kenneth Thomas Jones is a stalwart in the rock music industry. As well as being a full-time member of three of the greatest rock bands in history, Jones has also collaborated with The Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry and David Essex, among others.
Ken – This Ken is so rock and roll that he doesn’t even need a surname. Ken is the lead guitarist of Japanese rock band, L’Arc-en-Ciel. His writing style has heavily influenced the bands output since he joined, and he is responsible for hit tracks such as “As if in a Dream”, “Vivid Colors” and “Niji.” In 2010, Ken was approached by Fender and agreed to an endorsement, which helped boost his exposure to a global audience.
Ken Hensley – Keyboard players may get a bad rap, but they provide a valuable element to many of the greatest rock songs. Hensley’s main claim to fame was his stint with the band Uriah Heep in the 70s. He has since worked with a number of bands, including W.A.S.P., and has had a successful solo career, too. Ken has also reunited with former Uriah Heep band member, John Lawton, for a number of one-off performances.
Ken Vandermark – Better known for his jazz performances, Vandermark also dallied with punk and rock when he was part of a band named The Vandermark 5. He is an exceptional saxophone and clarinet player, and was a mainstay in the Chicago jazz scene during the 90s. Vandermark received a $265,000 MacArthur Fellowship in 1999, which gave him the freedom to concentrate on making the music that he loved, sans any financial boundaries.
Kenny Rogers – Everyone knows that Kenny Rogers is a country music star. However, what is often forgotten is that he was once a rock star, too. He sang lead vocals and played bass guitar with a rock band named The First Edition. The band was first formed in 1967 and effectively split in 1975, when Rogers began what would become a successful solo career.
Ken Boothe – One of the most respected names in reggae and ska, Ken Boothe is well known across a number of other genres, too. He reached number one in the U.K. charts with his hit, “”Everything I Own” in 1974. Boothe has released over 25 solo albums in his career – not including compilations – and owes much of his success to his ability to easily cross over from reggae to soft rock without compromising his image.
Kenneth “K.K.” Downing – When it comes to rock, it doesn’t get much heavier than metal pioneers Judas Priest. Kenneth “K.K.” Downing, one of the founding members of the band and a Grammy-winning guitarist, is responsible for the licks that propelled songs like “Hellbent for Leather” and “Living After Midnight” to the top of every metalhead’s list.

10 Famous Sports Announcers Named Ken

October 20, 2015 by Kenney Myers

When sports stars retire, it is not unusual for them to take up a career that keeps them close to the action. For many stars, becoming broadcasters or announcers is the next logical step in their careers. They can lend their expertise to the commentary, keeping the fans on the edge of their seats with every play-by-play. These 10 Kens made their mark in their individual sports and, as announcers, brought you all the action as it happened.

Kenny Albert – As the man who is the only sportscaster to provide play-by-play for the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL, Kenny Albert’s legacy is sealed. His father, Marv Albert, is a basketball hall of famer, who encouraged young Kenny to take up broadcasting from a very early age. Kenny has effectively been a sports commenter since the age of six, when he was allowed to read the stats at a 1974 New York Rangers game.
Kenny Smith – “Inside the NBA” is the home of ex-basketball star Kenny “The Jet” Smith. Over a career spanning more than 10 years, Kenny scored 9,397 points and holds the best field goal percentage of NBA guards in 1992 and 1993. He has also acted as a contributor on Yahoo Sports and co-hosted an NBA show on Sirius Satellite Radio.
Ken Brown – After retiring from his career as a European Tour golfer, Ken Brown began a new career in sports broadcasting. The Scottish player is a regular golf commentator and analyst for the BBC. Ken often gets to revisit his old battleground, too, when he acts as commentator for the European Tour. Having won four times in the European Tour, there are few players better qualified to provide play-by-plays on the game of golf.
Ken Venturi – He has a record of 14 wins on the PGA golf tour, one of which was a Major in the U.S. open. Ken Venturi’s career was cut short due to injury, however, meaning he was on the lookout for a new gig. He retired from playing golf in 1967, and then began his career as a color commentator. Venturi would continue in the role with CBS for 35 years, setting a record as the longest lead analyst career in sports. Ken passed away in May 2013 – but not before he was inducted into the golfing hall of fame.
Ken Daniels – Daniels has had a long career in hockey broadcasting. He is the current play-by-play announcer for the Detroit Red Wings. His first dalliance in broadcasting started in 1988, when he became the radio play-by-play voice of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Not one to limit himself, Ken has also provided commentary for Indie Car races and Formula One.
Ken Doherty – In 1989, Ken Doherty made his first impact on the world of snooker, when he won the World Under-21 championship. The Irish player would then go on to win the world professional championship in 1997, making him the only player to have won both the amateur and professional championships. He has also been a regular with the BBC snooker coverage team since the 2009 Masters Tournament.
Kenneth Wolstenholme – During the 50s and 60s, Kenneth Wolstenholme was the voice of soccer for the BBC. A comment he made, as Geoff Hurst brought England their fourth goal in the 1966 World Cup against Germany, made him a legend in the sport. The comment “some people are on the pitch…they think it’s all over….it is now!” is now part of international soccer history.
Kenny Cunningham – As a professional soccer star, Kenny Cunningham played for Millwall, Wimbledon, Birmingham City and Sunderland at club level. A native of Ireland, Cunningham also played for The Republic of Ireland at the international level. He retired from professional soccer in 2005, and moved on to careers in both coaching and broadcasting. As a soccer commentator, he has worked for RTÉ Sport and Sky Sport covering Irish league football.
Ken Ablack – Born in Port of Spain, Trinidad in 1919, Ken Ablack was a popular cricket commentator in the 1950s. He came to Britain during the second Word War, and stayed on to play cricket for Northamptonshire. Ken was a slow left-armer with the side between 1946 and 1949, before starting his career as a broadcaster. He died in 2010, at the age of 91.
Ken Shamrock – After long careers in both mixed martial arts and professional wrestling, Ken Shamrock turned his hand to commentary and broadcasting. He has held guest commentary spots with the WWE and UFC. However, Ken’s first official broadcasting role was with The British Association of Mixed Martial Arts (BAMMA) at their 12^th main event show.

10 Curiously Famous Doctors Named Ken

October 19, 2015 by Kenney Myers

When medical or science students set off on the long road to gaining their respective qualifications, few have the prospect of fame in mind. However, in a world where celebrity is no longer limited to performance artists, more and more doctors are becoming household names. Not only are these 10 doctors noted for being pioneers and high achievers in their fields, they are all named Ken, too.

Ken Jeong – You may recognize Ken Jeong as the crazy guy from “The Hangover” who exploded out of the trunk of a car. What you may not know is that Jeong started his career as a doctor. While still practicing medicine, Ken tried his hand on the comedy circuit before landing his first major role in the romantic-comedy, Knocked Up.
Kenneth R. Miller – A noted biologist and author, Miller is a practicing Catholic who opposes the creationist movement; instead taking the position of writing on the compatibility between science – particularly evolution – and the existence of God. Both a cell biologist and molecular biologist, Miller is Professor of Biology at Brown University.
Dr. Ken Stahl – Ken Stahl became famous on the night of November 20, 1999 for all the wrong reasons. What initially looked like a failed robbery resulting in the double homicide of Dr. Ken Stahl and his wife Carolyn was actually a botched plan hatched with a paid assassin – planned by Dr. Stahl. The intended target was Carolyn Stahl, but the killer, Tony Satton, inexplicably killed both husband and wife in what would become one of Ortega, Orange County’s most famous murders.
Dr. Kenneth Cooper – If you have ever taken a 12-minute mile aerobic capacity or treadmill stress test, then you can thank Dr. Kenneth Cooper. Back in the sixties, when exercise was thought to be exclusively for the young, Dr. Cooper was breaking boundaries. In publishing his first book, “Aerobics”, in 1968, Kenneth Miller revolutionized the way people of all ages approached health and fitness.
Kenneth Ma – Kenneth Ma is a working actor from Canada, by way of his homeland, Hong Kong. Ma is best known for his role in popular medical drama, The Hippocratic Crush, where he plays neurosurgeon Dr. Cheung Yat-kin. The drama follows the lives of medical residents in Hong Kong’s fictional Mercy hospital.
Dr. Ken Kremer – Perhaps most famous for his work on the Mars Rover mission, Dr. Ken Kremer is a noted ambassador of science and, in particular, space exploration. He holds a PhD in organic chemistry from SUNY Stony Brook, which serves him well as one of NASA’s participants in The Planetary Society and the Amateur Astronomers Association. Dr. Kremer has been an ambassador for NASA and related programs since 2005.
Kenneth J. Howell – Dr. Kenneth Howell is a noted author and Catholic apologist. As well as being an author, Dr. Howell has held positions as a professor of religious studies at the University of Illinois and as a staff member with The Coming Home Network; a support network for those who convert to Catholicism. Howell made headlines in 2009 when he was fired for sending an email to students of his Introduction to Catholicism class affirming the Catholic Church’s position on homosexuality. However, Dr. Howell was later reinstated after an investigation concluded that his actions were within his 1^st amendment rights.
Kenneth Ginsburg – A specialist in pediatric and adolescent medicine, Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg is also the acclaimed author of four books, including; Building Resilience in Children and Teens: Giving Kids Roots and Wings and Letting Go with Love and Confidence: Raising Responsible, Resilient, Self-Sufficient Teens. Ginsburg has also appeared on CNN, The Today Show and a number of CBS news programs.
Dr. Ken Dimitrius Kastle – In Feng Shui and architectural design circles, there is no one better known than Dr. Ken Dimitrius Kastle. The world acclaimed interior designer and architect has worked for famous clients in Germany, Spain, France, England, India and the United States. Two of his biggest projects include working on the Encore casino and the Planet Hollywood casino; both on the Las Vegas strip.
Kenneth Ouriel – Regarded as one of America’s top surgeons, Kenneth Ouriel has operated on presidential candidate Bob Dole, as well as treating a host of Middle Eastern leaders during as CEO of a major hospital in Dubai. With over 20 years as a vascular surgeon and clinical researcher under his belt, Dr. Ouriel is also the author of over 250 scientific and medical publications.