Riddles With Answers

Once placed outside homes to welcome guests, what fruit is considered the universal symbol of hospitality?

Fact: The pineapple has long been regarded as the universal symbol of hospitality and warmth. In colonial America, pineapples were rare and expensive, imported from the Caribbean, so displaying one signaled generosity and wealth. Hosts would sometimes place a pineapple at the entrance or use it as a centerpiece to show guests they were welcome. Over time, the fruit’s association with friendliness and good cheer spread, making it a lasting emblem of hospitality that still appears in architecture, décor, and even hotel logos today.

Correct Answer: Pineapple

Which stand-up comedian unexpectedly scored a hit with a rap song in 1983?

Bill Cosby
George Carlin
Richard Pryor
Rodney Dangerfield

Fact: Rodney Dangerfield, best known for his self-deprecating one-liners and catchphrase “I don’t get no respect,” made an unlikely splash in the music world with his 1983 comedy-rap track Rappin’ Rodney. The single, which blended his trademark jokes with the then-emerging hip-hop sound, even reached the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became a music video staple on the newly launched MTV channel. While Dangerfield’s career was firmly rooted in stand-up and film, the novelty record highlighted just how far his comedic persona had permeated pop culture.

Correct Answer: Rodney Dangerfield

The world’s most powerful light beam, known as the “Sky Beam,” emanates from the top of what Las Vegas hotel?

Luxor
Caesars Palace
Bellagio
Circus Circus

Fact: The Luxor Hotel and Casino, shaped like a massive black pyramid, is home to the world’s strongest light beam, the “Sky Beam.” Powered by 39 xenon lamps, each containing a 7,000-watt bulb, the beam is so bright that on clear nights it can be seen by pilots as far as 275 miles away. Originally installed in 1993 when the resort opened, the Sky Beam not only serves as a striking symbol of the Las Vegas Strip but also highlights the Luxor’s unique ancient Egyptian theme. At full power, it consumes over $50,000 worth of electricity per month, making it both a marvel of engineering and an icon of extravagance.

Correct Answer: Luxor

Achieving statehood in 1912, what is the newest state with the word “New” in its name?

New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
New Hampshire

Fact: New Mexico became the 47th state of the United States on January 6, 1912, making it the newest state with the word “New” in its name. Although Hawaii and Alaska joined the Union later in 1959, neither contains “New” in its name. Other “New” states—New Hampshire, New Jersey, and New York—were among the original thirteen colonies, achieving statehood in the late 18th century. New Mexico’s admission capped centuries of complex history, from its Indigenous cultures to Spanish colonization, and finally U.S. territorial status after the Mexican-American War, before joining as a full-fledged state.

Correct Answer: New Mexico

With 11 championship rings, which NBA player holds the record for the most titles won?

Michael Jordan
Magic Johnson
Bill Russell
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Fact: Bill Russell, the legendary center of the Boston Celtics, captured an unprecedented 11 NBA championships. He was the driving force behind the Celtics dynasty that defined the NBA in the late 1950s and 1960s, winning every title of the decade except 1967. He secured his final two championships while also serving as the team’s player-coach, becoming the first Black head coach in NBA history. Russell’s historic run was so impressive, he has personally won more championships than any NBA franchise except two: the Lakers and his own Celtics.

Correct Answer: Bill Russell

Which dish is named after the military leader who defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo?

Shepherd’s Pie
Beef Wellington
Chicken à la King
Salisbury Steak

Fact:
Beef Wellington is named after Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington, who led British forces to victory over Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. The dish consists of a tender beef fillet coated with pâté and mushrooms, then wrapped in puff pastry and baked to golden perfection—a luxurious creation meant to honor the Duke’s triumph and stature. Some accounts link the name to his fondness for hearty beef dishes, while others note that the crisp, golden crust resembles his famous military boots, known as “Wellingtons.”

Answer: Beef Wellington

What route did Scotts Bluff help pioneers navigate?

A Appalachian Trail
B Pacific Crest Trail
C Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails

Fact: Scotts Bluff served as a natural landmark guiding travelers along the important Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails during westward expansion, making it an essential navigational aid.

Correct Answer: Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails

Who is Scotts Bluff National Monument named after?

A F. Scott Fitzgerald
B Hiram Scott
C George C. Scott

Fact: The monument is named after Hiram Scott, a fur trader with the Rocky Mountain Fur Company, who met with a mysterious demise near the bluff in the 1820s.

Correct Answer: Hiram Scott

Which of the following is NOT one of the prominent rock outcroppings at Scotts Bluff National Monument?

A Pine Rock
B Sentinel Rock
C Eagle Rock

Fact: Among the notable outcroppings at Scotts Bluff are Dome Rock, Eagle Rock, Crown Rock, Saddle Rock, and Sentinel Rock; however, Pine Rock is not listed as one of them.

Correct Answer: Pine Rock

Which tech company recently sold a 10% stake to the U.S. government?

Tesla
Nvidia
Intel
Cisco

Fact: The Trump administration made a significant move to strengthen America’s semiconductor industry by investing $8.9 billion in Intel, acquiring a 10% stake in the company. Intel confirmed that the government purchased 433.3 million shares at $20.47 each—below market value—using $5.7 billion in CHIPS Act grants and $3.2 billion from secure chip initiatives. Intel, notably the only U.S. company capable of manufacturing advanced semiconductors on American soil, highlighted the deal as a critical step in strengthening America’s chipmaking capacity.

Correct Answer: Intel