Riddles With Answers

Which character from the film Wall Street became a symbol of 1980s corporate greed and excess?

Jordan Belfort
Pete Mitchell
Gordon Gekko
Joel Goodsen

Fact: Gordon Gekko, played by Michael Douglas, became one of cinema’s most iconic representations of 1980s corporate excess. His ruthless, profit-obsessed philosophy—captured in the famous line “Greed… for lack of a better word, is good”— embodied the decade’s culture of high-risk finance, hostile takeovers, and unrestrained ambition. While other characters in Wall Street grapple with moral conflict or economic hardship, Gekko stands out as the film’s unapologetic champion of greed, making him a cultural shorthand for the era’s cutthroat capitalism.

Correct Answer: Gordon Gekko

What is the significance of the traboules in the city of Lyon, France?

A They serve as historical shortcuts
B They are modern shopping centers
C They are public transportation routes

Fact: Traboules in Lyon are significant as they were used as shortcuts for residents and merchants, allowing them to move discreetly and protect their goods from the elements.

Correct Answer: They serve as historical shortcuts

In which districts of Lyon are most traboules located?

A Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse
B La Croix-Rousse and Part-Dieu
C Confluence and Ferney-Voltaire

Fact: Most of Lyon’s traboules can be found in the historic districts of Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse, where they are integral to the urban landscape and history.

Correct Answer: Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse

Who famously coined the phrase, “It ain’t over ’til it’s over”?

Mark Twain
Yogi Berra
Benjamin Franklin
Winston S. Churchill

Fact: “Yogi” Berra is regarded as one of the greatest catchers in baseball history, winning three Most Valuable Player Awards and leading the Yankees to 10 World Series championships. While his role in the history of baseball is immeasurable, his legacy also rests on his contributions to the American language. Berra is fondly remembered for his Yogi-isms, a series of paradoxical observation such as “It ain’t over til it’s over,” “Nobody goes there anymore, it’s too crowded,” and “you can observe a lot by watching”. His unique and witty observations have become a source cited more often than William Shakespeare.

Correct Answer: Yogi Berra

The first recorded autopsy in history was performed on which person?

Socrates
Julius Caesar
Leonardo da Vinci
Alexander the Great

Fact: The earliest detailed account of a forensic autopsy comes from 44 BCE, following the assassination of Julius Caesar. After Caesar was attacked by a group of senators on the Ides of March, his physician, Antistius, was summoned to examine the body. Antistius documented that Caesar had suffered 23 stab wounds, carefully noting the location and depth of each injury. His report concluded that only one of them, a deep chest wound, was fatal. This makes Caesar’s autopsy the first recorded medical investigation of a death in history, setting an early precedent for forensic pathology.

Correct Answer: Julius Caesar

What does the name ‘Irohazaka’ refer to in Japanese culture and language?

A A type of festival
B An old syllabary
C A mountain range

Fact: The name ‘Irohazaka’ is derived from the archaic Japanese syllabary ‘Iroha’ which means the road consists of 48 hairpin bends, each paired with a character from this alphabet.

Correct Answer: An old syllabary

During which season does Irohazaka showcase its vivid foliage?

A Spring
B Fall
C Winter

Fact: Irohazaka is most famous for its vibrant autumn colors, specifically from late October to early November, as the leaves transform into stunning shades of red, gold, and yellow.

Correct Answer: Fall

What feature does the Irohazaka Road ultimately provide views of?

A Mount Fuji
B Lake Chuzenji
C Tokyo Bay

Fact: The Irohazaka Road leads up to the Akechidaira Plateau, which offers breathtaking views of Lake Chuzenji, a serene body of water that contrasts with the dramatic drive.

Correct Answer: Lake Chuzenji

What is Richard Gere’s rather unusual middle name?

Casanova
Tennessee
Hussein
Tiffany

Fact: Though Tiffany may strike some as an unconventional middle name for a man, Richard Tiffany Gere inherited it from his mother’s maiden name. Born on August 31, 1949, in Philadelphia, he rose to prominence with his breakout role in American Gigolo (1980), which cemented him as both a leading man and a sex symbol. He went on to star in a string of acclaimed films, including An Officer and a Gentleman (1982), Pretty Woman (1990), Runaway Bride (1999), and Chicago (2002). Known for his charisma, charm, and distinctive good looks, Gere was named People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” in 1999.

Correct Answer: Tiffany

Which artist literally gave half his Grammy to the person he thought should have won?

Elton John
John Mayer
Tony Bennett
Kanye West

Fact: It’s one of the biggest honors in the music industry to win a Grammy Award. The idea of breaking one in half is nearly unheard of—but that’s exactly what John Mayer did after winning one of his Grammys. So where is the other half of his seventh Grammy Award? For that answer, you’ll have to visit Alicia Keys’ home. Back in 2005, John and Alicia were both nominated for Song of the Year. Mayer won the Grammy but believed it should have gone to Alicia for her song “If I Ain’t Got You” instead of his own, “Daughters.” After the ceremony, Mayer broke the trophy and gave Alicia the top half.

Correct Answer: John Mayer