May 2: Births and Deaths

Birthdays are a wonderful daily occurrence in our lives. It is rare to weave through one's day without becoming privy to an announcement or celebration of a birthday or two, whether they belong to family, friends, or other eminent figures. Remembering those who have passed each day is, perhaps, just as noteworthy an endeavor, for if their memories are kept alive, one might argue, so too are their spirits.

Here is a sampling of May 2 honorees:

Birthdays

David Beckham - He caused an international stir when he moved his extraordinary "footballing" talent to Los Angeles from overseas. Born in 1975 on this date in London, Mr. Beckham has steadily advanced to the top of his sport, both in achievement and popularity. Prior to LA, Beckham played with Manchester United, where he won the Premier League title six times and the FA Cup twice. He is married to Victoria Beckham, herself a household name as a former Spice Girl.

Dwayne Johnson - Known to many simply as "The Rock," Mr. Johnson has made a smooth transition from professional wrestling to movie star. He was born on this date in 1972 in Hayward, California, and was thrust into the limelight from 1996 to 2004 while entertaining as part of the World Wrestling Federation. A superior athlete, he even played a role on the Miami Hurricane's college football championship team in 1991. As an actor, Johnson has had a productive stretch, appearing in "Scorpion King," "The Rundown," "Be Cool," "The Game Plan," "Get Smart," "Gridiron Gang," "Doom," and "Race to Witch Mountain."

Bianca Jagger - Clearly, Ms. Jagger, born on this date in 1950, is celebrated for far more than her erstwhile marriage to Mick of Rolling Stones fame. In addition to being a model and fashion icon in the 1970's, she is a member of the Director's Leadership Council of Amnesty International, a Chairperson of the World Future Council, and Chairperson of her own Human Rights Foundation, as well as other humanitarian ventures.

Deaths

Louis Rukeyser - Not many financial journalists enjoyed the popularity of the affable Rukeyser, who passed away on this day in 2006 at the age of 73. For many years, he provided accessible information concerning the financial world through his two television series, "Wall $treet Week," and "Louis Rukeyser's Wall Street," as well as his financial newsletters, "Louis Rukeyser's Wall Street," and "Louis Rukeyser's Mutual Funds."

Julio Gallo - This was a sad day in 1993 for wine connoisseurs and others who simply enjoyed a glass on occasion. Mr. Gallo was the victim of an accident in the car he was driving that veered off a dirt road. He is remembered, with his brother Ernest, as the forces behind the E.& J. Gallo Winery that influenced the drinking tastes of people everywhere. Ernest and Julio each amassed a personal fortune estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars.