Riddles With Answers

Which NFL player is the namesake of the league’s annual humanitarian award?

Frank Gifford
Walter Payton
Johnny Unitas
Roger Staubach

Fact: The NFL’s most prestigious humanitarian honor is officially known as the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. Renamed in Payton’s honor in 1999, the award recognizes players who demonstrate outstanding community service, philanthropy, and leadership off the field, in addition to excellence in football. Nicknamed “Sweetness,” Payton was revered not only as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, but also for his lifelong commitment to charitable causes, making him a fitting symbol of the league’s highest off-field distinction.

Correct Answer: Walter Payton

What cartoon was the inspiration for the 1981 arcade hit Donkey Kong?

Popeye
Yogi Bear
Mighty Mouse
Scooby-Doo

Fact: Before becoming one of the most popular video games of all time, Donkey Kong began as a very different project. Nintendo originally sought to create an arcade game based on the popular cartoon sailor Popeye, with Popeye rescuing Olive Oyl from Bluto. When the licensing deal fell through, designer Shigeru Miyamoto reworked the concept and replaced Popeye with Jumpman (later known as Mario), Bluto with a giant ape, and Olive Oyl with Pauline. The gameplay mechanics remained, but the characters changed, giving rise to Donkey Kong, launching both Mario and Nintendo into video game history.

Correct Answer: Popeye

The Supreme Court case Bush v. Gore centered on an electoral recount in which state?

Ohio
Wisconsin
Florida
Pennsylvania

Fact: The landmark 2000 Supreme Court decision Bush v. Gore arose from an close presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore, with the outcome hinging on contested vote counts in Florida. Confusion over ballot designs, inconsistent recount standards, and razor-thin margins led to multiple recounts and legal challenges. The Supreme Court ultimately halted the statewide recount, awarding Florida’s decisive electoral votes and the presidency to George Bush. The case remains one of the most controversial rulings in American political history.

Correct Answer: Florida

What geographical feature is prominently seen at Lake Stellisee?

A Castle
B Matterhorn
C Waterfall

Fact: Lake Stellisee offers stunning views of the Matterhorn, which is a prominent mountain on the Swiss-Italian border, making it the focal point of the scenery.

Correct Answer: Matterhorn

What type of village is Zermatt known for being?

A Car-free
B Coastal
C Industrial

Fact: Zermatt is a charming car-free village in Switzerland, adding to its allure and preserving its natural beauty against the backdrop of the Matterhorn.

Correct Answer: Car-free

What does the Matterhorn symbolize for visitors and climbers?

A Adventure
B Spirituality
C Mystery

Fact: The Matterhorn has long symbolized natural beauty and adventure, drawing people eager to explore its majestic landscapes and challenging trails.

Correct Answer: Adventure

Which cartoon short introduced the iconic Disney character Mickey Mouse?

The Band Concert
Brave Little Tailor
The Jazz Fool
Steamboat Willie

Fact: Released in 1928, Steamboat Willie is recognized as the cartoon that introduced Mickey Mouse to the public and marked a major turning point in animation history. The short distinguished itself through its use of synchronized sound, matching music, effects, and character actions in a way audiences had never experienced before. This innovation set a new industry standard when most cartoons were still silent, capturing public attention. The film’s success not only revolutionized animated storytelling but also propelled Mickey to instant stardom.

Correct Answer: Steamboat Willie

Which modern car company was named in honor of a famous scientist from the 19th century?

Ferrari
Infiniti
Tesla
Cadillac

Fact: Tesla is named after Nikola Tesla, the famed scientist and inventor best known for his pioneering work on alternating current electricity and electromagnetic systems. Nikola Tesla had no direct connection to the company’s founding; Tesla Motors was established in 2003 by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning, with Elon Musk joining shortly thereafter as a key investor and leader. The name was chosen as a symbolic tribute to Tesla’s visionary ideas, which helped lay the scientific groundwork for modern electric power and electric vehicle technology.

Correct Answer: Tesla

Which former U.S. Supreme Court justice died in 2025 at the age of 85?

Stephen Breyer
David Souter
Antonin Scalia
Sandra Day O’Connor

Fact: David Souter served as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1990 to 2009 after being appointed by President George H. W. Bush. Known for his exceptionally low public profile and cautious, case-by-case jurisprudence, Souter often aligned with the Court’s liberal wing despite being appointed by a Republican president. After retiring, he returned to New Hampshire, where he lived quietly and avoided public attention. He died in 2025 at the age of 85, marking the passing of one of the Court’s most private modern justices.

Correct Answer: David Souter

What is the height of Kings Mountain in Alaska’s Chugach Mountains?

A 5,800 feet
B 6,500 feet
C 7,200 feet

Fact: Kings Mountain rises over 5,800 feet in the Chugach Mountains, making it a prominent peak in Alaska. This height contributes to its rugged beauty and challenging climbs, attracting outdoor enthusiasts.

Correct Answer: 5,800 feet