December 23

Edmund Berry Godfrey was born in 1621 and served as a respected justice of the peace in London. He handled several notable cases and was well regarded for his fairness. In 1678, Godfrey’s unexplained disappearance and murder amid the Popish Plot allegations triggered widespread anti-Catholic hysteria. His death became a focal point of public outrage and political intrigue. The case remained unsolved, cementing his place in a turbulent chapter of English history.

Richard Arkwright was born in 1732 and revolutionized the textile industry by inventing the water frame and spinning frame. He established one of the first successful factories, laying the foundation for the modern factory system. Arkwright’s innovations dramatically increased yarn production and fueled the Industrial Revolution. He secured patents on his machinery and expanded his enterprise across England. Arkwright’s legacy endures in manufacturing and industrial practices worldwide.

Merle Barwis was born in 1900 and later became a dual citizen of the United States and Canada. She reached the age of 113, joining the exclusive group of supercentenarians worldwide. Barwis attributed her long life to a lifelong active lifestyle and strong family bonds. She was celebrated by community organizations and featured in media profiles on aging. Barwis passed away in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of vitality and longevity.

Günther Schifter was an Austrian journalist, record collector, and radio host born in Vienna in 1923. After World War II, he became famous for his radio programs celebrating swing, jazz, and early rock 'n' roll, genres that had been banned during the Nazi era. His encyclopedic knowledge and extensive record collection of rare 78 RPM discs captivated listeners and preserved musical heritage. Schifter's broadcasts ran for decades, influencing generations of music enthusiasts and historians. He received accolades for his efforts to revive forgotten artists and champion underrepresented musical styles. Schifter continued to share his passion until his death in 2008, leaving behind a rich cultural legacy.

Born on December 23, 1943, Rasmussen became infamous for a series of murders spanning over thirty years in the United States. Operating under numerous aliases, he earned the moniker "Chameleon Killer" for his ability to evade detection and reinvent himself. He abducted, assaulted, and murdered women in remote locations from California to Maine, leaving investigators with few leads. It wasn’t until the 21st century that forensic breakthroughs, including DNA profiling, definitively linked him to multiple cold cases. Rasmussen was arrested in 2010 and later died in prison before standing trial for all his alleged crimes. His unsettling legacy highlights the challenges of tracking a criminal who moved fluidly across state lines.

Born in Korea in 1950. Founded Dahn Yoga in 1985, blending Eastern meditation practices with physical exercise. Developed the Brain Education system aimed at enhancing cognitive function and stress management. Authored numerous books on meditation, self-improvement and holistic health techniques. Established international training centers teaching his mind-body programs. Emphasizes breathing exercises, energy cultivation and mental focus in his methodologies. His work has garnered both dedicated followers and critical scrutiny worldwide.

Born in New York City in 1952 to the influential intellectuals Irving and Gertrude Kristol. Graduated from Harvard University and earned a master’s from the Kennedy School. Co-founded The Weekly Standard in 1995, serving as its editor until 2009. Served as chief of staff to Vice President Dan Quayle in the early 1990s. Became a leading conservative voice through columns, television appearances and podcasts. Advocates for a robust U.S. foreign policy and strategic Republican messaging. Continues to influence political debate through his writing, lectures and media commentary.

Born in Turin and raised in France, Carla Bruni began her career as a top model, walking runways for major fashion houses and appearing on countless magazine covers. She transitioned to music in the early 2000s, releasing her debut album to critical acclaim for its intimate lyrics and acoustic melodies. Bruni’s chanson-inspired style earned her a devoted fanbase across Europe. Beyond entertainment, she served as France’s First Lady from 2008 to 2012, using her platform to support cultural and humanitarian initiatives. She continues to write and record music, balancing her artistic pursuits with philanthropy and public life.

Karyn Bryant began her career as a reporter for major networks, covering sports and cultural events with insightful commentary. She later transitioned to acting, appearing in television series and independent films. Bryant expanded into production and screenwriting, creating content that highlights underrepresented voices. She has produced documentary segments on social issues and hosted lifestyle programs, demonstrating her adaptability across media formats. Bryant’s work reflects a commitment to storytelling that informs and engages diverse audiences.

Barry Kooser began his career as an animator at Walt Disney Animation Studios, contributing to blockbuster films with his background and character design skills. After nearly a decade in animation, he shifted focus to fine art, creating vibrant landscape paintings that blend traditional techniques with modern sensibilities. Kooser’s work has been exhibited in galleries across the United States, and he teaches workshops on color theory and artistic process. His dual expertise in animation and painting reflects a dedication to visual storytelling in both commercial and fine art spheres.

Born in Puerto Rico, Rivera-Ortiz draws inspiration from his upbringing amid social challenges, capturing poignant images that shed light on poverty, environmental issues, and cultural identity. His black-and-white photographs have been published in prominent magazines and exhibited internationally, earning awards for their raw authenticity. Rivera-Ortiz also founded a grant program to support emerging photographers from underserved communities. Through his lens, he invites viewers to confront and empathize with human struggles around the world.

Paul Shirley (born 1977) played center in the NBA for teams including the Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, and Sacramento Kings. After graduating from the University of Iowa, he went undrafted but secured roster spots through perseverance. Off the court, Shirley gained attention for his humorous and insightful blog chronicling life in professional basketball. He has authored books blending memoir and sports commentary, offering an unfiltered look at the game's culture. Following his NBA career, Shirley continued playing overseas in Europe while expanding his writing portfolio. His unique voice bridges athletics and literature, appealing to sports fans and readers alike.