A molecular biologist from Madurai, our quizmaster enjoys trivia and music, and is working on a rock ballad called ‘Coffee is a Drink, Kaapi is an Emotion’. @bertyashley
1.
On July 3, 1886, this gentleman officially unveiled his Motorwagen, the first purpose-built automobile. This three-wheeled vehicle came just 10 years after he had developed an engine. Many components of this automobile have stayed through the years to the modern automobile that we know today. Though simple, it had a water heater and electrical light system. Who was this person whose family name, till this day, epitomises luxury in the industry?
2.
On July 3, 1928, a Scottish scientist held a demonstration at his studios in London. He showed red and blue scarves, a policeman’s helmet, a man poking his tongue out, the glowing end of a cigarette and some roses. Just three years earlier, he had already entered the record books for doing a similar demonstration where he showed the head of a ventriloquist’s dummy to an office worker. Who was this scientist and what did he demonstrate in 1928?
3.
Born on July 3, 1951, this sportsman from New Zealand became the first bowler to take 400 test wickets when he took the wicket of Sanjay Manjrekar. He also managed a century and a five-wicket haul in the same match on three separate occasions. In 1984, in one season, he took 117 wickets and scored 1179 runs, a record that still stands. Who was this record breaking all-rounder?
4.
Born on July 3, 1962, this actor is one of the highest-grossing box office stars of all time. He is well-known for his science fiction and action films, often performing his own risky stunts. A certain sunglasses brand was at the risk of bankruptcy when this actor wore them in three movies — Risky Business, Rain Man, and Top Gun. The last one led to a 40% increase in sales. Which actor is this and what brand did he help?
5.
Born on July 3, 1971, this Australian journalist and activist became one of the most wanted men in the U.S. for publishing leaked documents relating to the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. He was granted asylum by Ecuador where he spent seven years living in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London. In 2019, he was extradited by the British Police and imprisoned where he currently serves his sentence. Who is the person who said, ‘You have to start with the truth. The truth is the only way that we can get anywhere. Because any decision-making that is based upon lies or ignorance can’t lead to a good conclusion’?
6.
On July 3, 1971, at 6 a.m., this singer was reported to have been found dead from a heart attack. He was 27 years old and had just finished recording the sixth album of his band. While the world mourned, there was another group of fans who believe he faked his death to start a new life and leave his troubles behind. They believed that a French nobleman, Count Jean de Breteuil, may have played a part in this deception. Which singer was this who was also known as Mr. ‘Mojo Risin’?
7.
Born on July 3, 1976, Henry Khaaba Olonga is a cricketer known for his on-pitch rivalry with Sachin Tendulkar. When he made his Test debut in January 1995, he was the first black cricketer and the youngest person to play for his country. After wearing a black armband to “mourn the death of democracy” in his country at the World Cup, he was forced into exile in the U.K. Which country did he play for?
8.
Born on July 3, 1980, this Indian cricketer took on the number ‘3’ on his jerseys. Though he initially trained to be a batsman he eventually became the first Indian bowler to take a hat-trick in Test cricket. He also became the youngest Indian bowler to reach 400 wickets and the only number 8 batsman to score back-to-back centuries. Who is this athlete, who was recently nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the Aam Aadmi Party?
9.
On July 3, 1985, this movie directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd was released. The writer, Bob Gale, got the idea for the movie when he found his dad’s old school yearbook and wondered if they could have been friends if both of them were 17. It was supposed to be titled ‘Spaceman from Pluto’ but producer Steve Spielberg liked the original name, which has became iconic now. What movie is this that has become a cult classic?
10.
Born on July 3, 1987, this German Formula 1 driver is the youngest world champion in the sport. He is loved by his fans for his fun attitude and for taking a stance against racism, for championing LGBTQIA+ rights and crusading for the environment. He has a habit of naming his cars, the last one being an Aston Martin AMR21 called Honey Ryder. Who is this athlete, who was also known as ‘Baby Schumi’ because of his driving style?
