Dutch television producer, entrepreneur and researcher. Chanowski began his career in the fields of jazz music and painting. He was the producer of the first ten episodes of the childrens program "de Fabeltjeskrant" (The Fable), earning him the nickname Thijs "Mr. Owl" Chanowski. Later, he produced 250 episodes of "Paulus de Boskabouter" and other television series and movies. For one of those films, "Camping," he won the prestigious Prix dItalia. He also worked from 1972 as a consultant with Philips to develop the worlds first interactive laser disc. After winning several awards for film and television productions, in which new technologies were applied, Chanowski decided to focus entirely on the development of interactive environments, since making significant contributions to search processing technologies, design programs for multimedia database systems, and also advanced simulation technology for the European Space Programme. In 1990, Chanowski founded a multimedia lab which focuses on "knowledge mining". This company developed an "intuitive" search engine that works with term association instead of word matches. Chanowski remained director when the company was acquired by software company BSO as "BSO Media Lab." He later bought back the company. Link to Wikipedia biography (Dutch) Read less
Chanowski Thijs was born on June 18, 1930, in Hamburg, Germany. With a life spanning remarkable historical events and cultural shifts, Thijs has established a unique presence in both his professional field and social circles.
Chanowski Thijs recently celebrated his 93rd birthday, which was marked by an intimate gathering of close family and friends. The celebration was highlighted in local newspapers, emphasizing his contributions to his community over the decades. Thijs has also been recognized for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in supporting educational initiatives for underprivileged youth in Germany.
Though Chanowski Thijs is not actively involved in modern social media platforms like Instagram or Twitter, he maintains a presence through a Facebook page managed by his family. The page is frequently updated with photos from family gatherings, community events, and his recent projects. His followers, mostly comprising friends and family, engage with his posts by sharing fond memories and well-wishes.
Despite his advanced age, Thijs remains active in various projects. One of his noteworthy endeavors includes the launch of a local history project aimed at preserving the stories of Hamburg's past. This project involves collaboration with local historians and the city's educational institutions to document personal narratives from the older generation. Additionally, Thijs has been involved in a community garden project, which not only serves as a green space but also as a learning center for sustainable agriculture practices.
Over the years, Chanowski Thijs has received numerous awards for his community service and contributions to local history. Recently, he was honored with the "Lifetime Achievement Award" from the Hamburg Historical Society. This recognition reflects his dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of his hometown.
Thijs has a deep interest in classical music and is a regular attendee at local symphony performances. He also enjoys painting, often capturing the scenic beauty of Hamburg in his artwork. His paintings have been exhibited in local art galleries, attracting attention from art enthusiasts and critics alike.
For those interested in learning more about Chanowski Thijs or participating in his projects, contact details are available through the Hamburg Historical Society or his family-managed Facebook page.