December 18

Born in 858, Lady Wu married Qian Liu and supported his establishment of the Wuyue state in southern China. As his principal consort, she played an important role in court ceremonies and dynastic rituals. Although detailed records of her life are limited, she is believed to have influenced cultural and administrative affairs within the Wuyue court. Her presence at Qian Liu's side helped legitimize his rule during a period of political fragmentation. Lady Wu died in 919, her life intertwined with the early history of the Wuyue kingdom.

Born in 1544 to Maurice, Elector of Saxony, Anna married William the Silent in 1561, strengthening political ties between German and Dutch nobility. She bore several children, including Maurice of Nassau, who later became a key leader in the Dutch fight for independence. Anna's life was marked by court intrigues and personal tragedy, culminating in accusations of adultery and a subsequent banishment from court. She spent her final years under house arrest and died in 1577 away from the seat of power. Anna's story reflects the tumultuous intersection of dynastic politics and the human costs of Renaissance statecraft.

Born in Skaneateles, New York, Neilia Hunter was a dedicated teacher who married Joe Biden in 1966. She balanced her career and family life, supporting her husband's early political ambitions while raising their three children. On December 18, 1972, she tragically died in a car accident along with their daughter Naomi. Her memory continues to be honored by the President and the nation.

Born in Seattle in 1915, Mark Goodson co-founded Goodson-Todman Productions in 1947. He created and produced iconic game shows including 'What's My Line?' and 'To Tell the Truth'. In 1972, he launched 'The Price Is Right', and in 1976, 'Family Feud'. His shows became staples of American television, known for their engaging formats. Goodson's attention to game mechanics and contestant experience set industry standards. He passed away in 1992, leaving a legacy of popular and long-running television programming.

Gerald Le Dain was born in Montreal in 1924 and earned his law degree from the University of Toronto. He served as a professor of law at the University of British Columbia before entering government service. In 1984, Le Dain was appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada, where he participated in landmark rulings on criminal justice and civil rights. He chaired the Canadian Law Commission and authored influential reports on sentencing and parole. Le Dain was respected for his thoughtful legal reasoning and commitment to access to justice. He retired from the bench in 1988 and passed away in 2007, leaving a lasting impact on Canadian jurisprudence.

Mark Felt served as Associate Director of the FBI during the 1970s and played a key role in expanding the bureau’s domestic intelligence operations. Under the pseudonym 'Deep Throat,' he secretly provided information to Washington Post journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, helping to uncover the Watergate scandal. His disclosures contributed to the resignation of President Richard Nixon in 1974. Felt maintained his anonymity for over three decades until revealing his identity in 2005. His actions sparked debates over whistleblowing and confidentiality within government agencies. Felt’s legacy is marked by a complex balance between duty to the FBI and commitment to transparency.

James Pickles served as a circuit judge in England and became renowned for his unorthodox and often lenient sentencing decisions. He frequently appeared in the media, offering frank commentary on legal matters that attracted both praise and criticism. After retiring from the bench, Pickles wrote columns for newspapers such as The Sun and Daily Mail, sharing anecdotes from his judicial career. His writing style blended legal insight with accessible storytelling, engaging a broad readership. Pickles authored several books on the British legal system and popular culture. His ability to demystify the courts earned him a place among Britain’s most colorful legal personalities.