Riddles With Answers

What novel begins with the line, “When he was nearly thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow”?

“The Color Purple”
“To Kill a Mockingbird”
“The Sun Also Rises”
“The Catcher in the Rye”

The opening line of Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” immediately captivates readers with a sense of mystery and impending drama. The novel begins with the line, “When he was nearly thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow.” This memorable statement sets the stage for a story that explores themes of racial injustice, moral growth, and the complexities of human nature. The opening line serves as a powerful hook, drawing readers into the world of Maycomb, Alabama, and foreshadowing the challenging journey that Scout, Jem, and their father, Atticus Finch, will undertake.

The correct answer is “To Kill a Mockingbird”.

What musician was shot and killed by hotel manager Bertha Franklin in a Los Angeles hotel in 1964?

Ike Turner
Sam Cooke
Marvin Gaye
Otis Redding

Sam Cook was a legendary singer known for a string of hits including “You Send Me,” “Wonderful World,” and “Twistin’ the Night Away.” Tragically, in 1964, Cooke was shot and killed under mysterious circumstances at the Hacienda Motel in Los Angeles, California. The official account of his death suggested that he was involved in a confrontation with the motel’s manager, Bertha Franklin, who claimed she shot Cooke in self-defense. The details surrounding his death remain clouded in controversy. Sam Cooke’s untimely demise at the age of 33 marked a significant loss to the music industry.

The correct answer is Sam Cooke.

Which world leader once simultaneously held the titles of King of Macedonia, King of Persia, and Pharaoh of Egypt?

Genghis Khan
Alexander the Great
Attila the Hun
William the Conqueror

Born in 356 BCE, Alexander ascended to the throne of Macedonia following the assassination of his father, King Philip II, in 336 BCE. He went on to conquer the vast Persian Empire, defeating its ruler, Darius III, proclaiming himself the King of Persia. His military campaigns further extended to Egypt, where he was welcomed as a liberator and assumed the title of Pharaoh of Egypt. By the age of 30, Alexander had created one of the largest empires in history, stretching from Greece to northwestern India. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest military commanders in history.

The correct answer is Alexander the Great.

Which word is neither a Grammy-winning singer, a Grammy-winning producer, or a popular shoe company?

Timberlake
Timbaland
Timbalake
Timberland

Although the names may appear to be similar, Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, and Timberland are very different and successful in their own areas. Justin Timberlake is a Grammy-winning singer known for his smooth vocals and dynamic performances. Timbaland, on the other hand, is a Grammy-winning producer celebrated for his groundbreaking work in the music industry, producing hits for numerous R&B artists, including Justin Timberlake. Meanwhile, Timberland is a renowned footwear and outdoor apparel company.

The correct answer is Timbalake.

Which actress contributed to the voice of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial?

Sally Field
Meryl Streep
Debra Winger
Susan Sarandon

The major voice work for E.T. was performed by Pat Welsh, an elderly woman from California. Welsh smoked two packets of cigarettes a day, which gave her voice a quality that sound effects creator Ben Burtt fell in love with. Burtt skillfully blended other voices and tones to create the memorable voice of E.T., including those of actress Debra Winger, a burp from his USC film professor, the snores from his sick wife, and ambient sounds from raccoons, otters, and horses. Debra Winger not only contributed to the voice for E.T., but she also appeared in the film as one of the ghouls in the Halloween sequence.

The correct answer is Debra Winger.

In the 1994 film “The Lion King,” Nathan Lane’s character Timon is what kind of animal?

Baboon
Hyena
Warthog
Meerkat

In the 1994 film “The Lion King,” Nathan Lane’s character is a meerkat named Timon. Meerkats are small, highly social mammals belonging to the mongoose family. Native to the arid regions of southern Africa, they are recognized for their distinct appearance, characterized by a slender body, pointed face, and dark patches around their eyes. In “The Lion King,” Timon forms an inseparable bond with Pumbaa, a warthog, and together, they provide a dose of comic relief throughout the film. Timon lives an easygoing lifestyle of grub-eating and sleeping, under a “problem-free philosophy” called “Hakuna Matata.”

The correct answer is Meerkat.

What movie holds the record for most weeks at #1 at the box office?

Titanic
Home Alone
Ghostbusters
E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial

“E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial,” holds the record for the most weeks spent at the #1 spot on the box office charts with an impressive 16-week run. Released in 1982, this heartwarming tale of a young boy and his alien friend captivated audiences around the world, making it a cultural phenomenon. Following closely in second place is James Cameron’s 1997 epic romance, “Titanic,” which held the #1 spot for 15 weeks. The third position is claimed by the action-comedy “Beverly Hills Cop,” released in 1984 staring Eddie Murphy, securing a solid 14 weeks at #1.

The correct answer is E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial.

Which American military leader is remembered for declaring the iconic phrase, “I shall return”?

Ulysses S. Grant
Douglas MacArthur
George S. Patton
George Washington

The iconic phrase “I shall return” is forever associated with General Douglas MacArthur, a distinguished American military leader. He uttered these words in 1942 during World War II, specifically after the Japanese captured the Philippines. As the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in the Pacific, MacArthur made this promise to signify his commitment to returning and liberating the Philippines from enemy occupation. This declaration became a symbol of resilience and determination, embodying MacArthur’s leadership during a pivotal period in American military history.

The correct answer is Douglas MacArthur.

Which element is named for Time Magazine’s “Person of the Century”?

Edisonium
Wrightium
Einsteinium
Rooseveltium

Einsteinium is a synthetic element with the symbol Es and atomic number 99, named in honor of one of the most influential figures of the 20th century, Albert Einstein. The element, discovered as a component in the debris of the first hydrogen bomb explosion in 1952, pays tribute to the German-born physicist whose groundbreaking contributions laid the groundwork for the very fabric of modern physics. In a fitting tribute, Time Magazine honored Albert Einstein as the “Person of the Century,” describing him as a “paramount icon of our age.”

The correct answer is Einsteinium.

Which of these onions is named for a city in Washington?

Leek
Vidalia
Cipollini
Walla Walla

The Walla Walla onion is named after the charming town of Walla Walla, situated in the southeastern corner of Washington, just a stone’s throw from the Oregon border. Known for its mild and sweet flavor, the Walla Walla onion owes its unique taste to the region’s rich soil and favorable climate. It is characterized by its large size, light golden-brown skin, and white flesh. In 2007, the Walla Walla sweet onion wasofficially crowned Washington state’s official vegetable. Only onions grown in the Walla Walla Valley of Washington State and nearby northeast Oregon can be marketed as Walla Walla onions.

The correct answer is Walla Walla.