A Decade of Difference (7) Trivia Quiz

Erwin Schrödinger (1887-1961) was an Austrian physicist born in Vienna, Austria. He is best known for his contributions to the field of quantum mechanics, particularly the Schrödinger equation, which describes how the quantum state of a physical system changes over time.

This equation is fundamental in the study of quantum physics and earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1933, shared with Paul Dirac. Schrödinger's thought experiment involving a cat in a box that is simultaneously alive and dead, known as "Schrödinger's Cat," remains a popular illustration of the concept of superposition in quantum mechanics.

Amelia Earhart (1897-1937) was an American aviator born in Atchison, Kansas. She became a pioneering figure in aviation as the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932, for which she received the Distinguished Flying Cross. Earhart was known for promoting aviation and women's rights, often participating in races and setting multiple aviation records.

Her attempt to circumnavigate the globe in 1937 ended in mystery when she disappeared over the Pacific Ocean, near Howland Island.

Frida Kahlo (1907-1954) was a Mexican painter born in Coyoacán, Mexico City. She is renowned for her vibrant, deeply personal self-portraits that explore themes of identity, pain, and passion. Kahlo's artwork was heavily influenced by Mexican popular culture and her own life experiences, including a severe bus accident in her youth that caused lifelong pain and medical problems.

Her marriage to the famous muralist Diego Rivera was tumultuous and also a subject of her art. Despite facing numerous health challenges, Kahlo's work gained recognition during her lifetime and has grown in acclaim since her death.

I. M. Pei (1917-2019) was a Chinese-American architect born in Guangzhou, China. He is renowned for his innovative use of geometric forms and incorporation of traditional elements into modern designs. Pei's most famous works include the glass pyramid at the Louvre Museum in Paris, the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong, and the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston.

His designs have won numerous awards, including the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1983. Pei's architecture is celebrated for its emphasis on precision, order, and simplicity.

Gabriel García Márquez (1927-2014) was a Colombian novelist, born in Aracataca, Colombia. He is best known for popularizing the literary style known as magical realism, which blends realistic narratives with surrealistic elements. His most famous novel, "One Hundred Years of Solitude," has been translated into dozens of languages and is considered a seminal work in world literature. García Márquez won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1982, recognized for his novels and short stories that have captivated readers with their imaginative richness and deep emotional impact.

Morgan Freeman (born June 1, 1937) is an American actor and narrator born in Memphis, Tennessee. He is known for his distinctive deep voice and authoritative presence in a wide range of film genres. Freeman has received numerous accolades for his performances, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Million Dollar Baby" (2004).

Other notable films include "The Shawshank Redemption," "Driving Miss Daisy," and "Invictus." He has also lent his voice to many documentary series and commercials.

David Bowie (1947-2016) was a British musician and actor born in London, England. He was renowned for his distinctive voice and eclectic work across several musical genres, including rock, pop, and electronic music. Bowie's career was marked by constant reinvention, influencing music and fashion with his flamboyant alter egos, most notably Ziggy Stardust.

He produced a string of successful albums over the decades, such as "Hunky Dory," "Heroes," and "Let's Dance," that featured hits like "Space Oddity," "Under Pressure," and "Starman." Bowie also had a notable acting career, starring in films like "Labyrinth" and "The Man Who Fell to Earth."

Gloria Estefan (born September 1, 1957) is a Cuban-American singer, songwriter, and actress born in Havana, Cuba. She gained fame as the lead singer of the Miami Sound Machine before achieving success as a solo artist. Estefan is known for hits like "Conga," "Rhythm is Gonna Get You," and "Anything for You," which have helped popularize Latin music internationally.

Her music blends Latin, pop, and dance influences, earning her multiple Grammy Awards and making her one of the world's best-selling music artists.

In addition to her musical career, Estefan's life was marked by a serious bus accident in 1990, from which she made a remarkable recovery.

Boris Becker (born November 22, 1967) is a German former professional tennis player born in Leimen, West Germany. He burst onto the tennis scene by winning Wimbledon at the age of 17, making him the youngest ever male Grand Slam singles champion at the time. Over his career, Becker won six Grand Slam singles titles, including three Wimbledon championships.

He was known for his powerful serve and aggressive playstyle, which dominated grass courts during his prime. In addition to his Grand Slam victories, Becker also won an Olympic gold medal in doubles.

John Oliver (born April 23, 1977) is a British comedian and television host born in Birmingham, England. He is best known for his work on the satirical news program "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver," which airs on HBO. The show, which he has hosted since 2014, combines humor and deep investigative journalism to explore and comment on current events, political issues, and societal concerns. Prior to hosting his own show, Oliver was a correspondent for "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart," where he gained recognition for his sharp wit and incisive commentary. "Last Week Tonight" has earned multiple Emmy Awards under his tenure.