Five Categories in Four Trivia Quiz

Answer: NATO Phonetic Alphabet

In the NATO phonetic alphabet, "Tango" is the designated word used to represent the letter "T". "T" can easily be confused with other similar-sounding letters like "E" and "C".

As the fifth category is dance styles, tango is a passionate and improvisational partner dance that originated in the 1880s along the Río de la Plata, bordering Argentina and Uruguay. It's characterized by a close embrace, intricate footwork, and strong musicality. There are two types of tango accepted nowadays, Argentine tango and ballroom tango.

Answer: NATO Phonetic Alphabet

In the NATO phonetic alphabet, "Echo" is the designated word used to represent the letter "E". "E" can also easily be confused with other similar-sounding letters like "D" and "C" or an American "Z".

Answer: NATO Phonetic Alphabet

In the NATO phonetic alphabet, "Hotel" is the designated word used to represent the letter "H". "H" can sometimes be confused with an "A" as they both start with the same phoneme, and sometimes "J" or "K" if the transmission is clipped.

Answer: NATO Phonetic Alphabet

In the NATO phonetic alphabet, "Sierra" is the designated word used to represent the letter "S". It is hard to confuse "S" with other letters (perhaps "M" or "N", but the swooshing sibilant sound of the letter "S" can easily be drowned out in radio static.

Answer: Sauces

Salsa, which simply means "sauce" in Spanish, is a versatile condiment with ancient origins in Aztec, Mayan, and Incan civilizations, typically made from a blend of chopped or pureed tomatoes (or tomatillos for salsa verde), chili peppers, onions, garlic, cilantro, and lime juice, used as a dip, topping, or ingredient in various Mexican, Latino, and Tex-Mex dishes.

Now, as a dance, salsa is an energetic and diverse partner dance that emerged from a fusion of Latino and Afro-Caribbean musical and dance traditions, particularly from Cuba and Puerto Rico, and developed significantly in New York City during the mid-20th century, characterized by its vibrant rhythms, intricate footwork, and often sensual movements. This fits into the fifth category of dance styles.

Answer: Sauces

A velouté is one of the five "mother sauces" of classical French cuisine, made by thickening a clear, light stock (such as chicken, fish, or veal stock) with a roux (a cooked mixture of butter and flour). The name "velouté" means "velvety" in French, referring to its smooth, creamy, and somewhat pale texture.

It serves as a base for many other sauces, with flavour variations achieved by incorporating different ingredients.

Answer: Sauces

Chimichurri is a vibrant, uncooked, and highly flavourful sauce originating from Argentina and Uruguay, now popular across Latin America and beyond, especially as an accompaniment to grilled meats like steak. It's typically made from finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, minced garlic, oregano, red wine vinegar, and olive oil, often with the addition of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. My abuelo made an excellent chimichurri, but the recipe is now lost since he died before his time. One suggestion, don't save time by using a food processor; take the time and make it coarse and chop things by hand.

Answer: Sauces

Chermoula is a vibrant, herbaceous, and aromatic sauce or marinade originating from North African cuisines, particularly Morocco, Algeria, Libya, and Tunisia. It's often compared to the Latino chimichurri due to its fresh, green appearance and use of herbs, but it has different spices and flavour, making it quite distinct.

Key ingredients in chermoula typically include a generous amount of fresh cilantro and parsley, minced garlic, a blend of warm spices like cumin and paprika, lemon juice, and olive oil. Regional variations might also incorporate preserved lemons, fresh or dried chili peppers, saffron, or fresh (or dried) ginger. It's great for seafood, but can also be used for lighter meats like chicken or lamb.

Answer: Harmonic Motion

A swing, in the context of a playground item, is a simple yet classic piece of equipment designed for recreational motion. It typically consists of a seat suspended by chains or ropes from a rigid frame or overhead support structure. The user sits or stands on the seat and propels themselves back and forth, generating a pendulum-like motion, often achieving exhilarating heights. Swings come in various forms, including traditional belt seats, full-bucket seats for infants and toddlers that provide more security, tire swings, and even multi-person gliders.

However, swing is also a type of dance, which fits into the fifth category. It is an umbrella term for a family of vibrant and energetic partner dances that emerged in the United States, predominantly during the Swing Era of jazz music from the late 1920s. These dances are characterized by their rhythmic flexibility, often incorporating a "swing-out" or "breakaway" where partners separate and then reconnect, along with improvisation, playful interactions, and a strong connection to the syncopated rhythms of swing jazz.

Answer: Harmonic Motion

A pendulum, and specifically a simple pendulum, is essentially a mass suspended from a pivot so that it can swing freely under the influence of gravity. When displaced from its resting equilibrium position, it swings back and forth due to the force of gravity and its own inertia.

The most famous application is in pendulum clocks, where the regular, consistent swing of a pendulum is used to regulate the clock's movement. This provides accurate timekeeping when the period is precisely calculated.

Answer: Harmonic Motion

A metronome is a device that produces regular, rhythmic clicks or beats at adjustable intervals, primarily used by musicians to help them maintain a consistent tempo while practicing or performing. Its core purpose is to provide a steady, measurable pulse, typically indicated in beats per minute (BPM).

This BPM can be adjusted by moving the mass on the metronome to a different height thus adjusting the period of oscillation.

Answer: Harmonic Motion

A hammock is a sling made of fabric, rope, or netting, suspended by ropes or cords at two or more points, typically used for swinging, resting, or sleeping. It is a must for when I take my kids out camping, as we can sling one between two trees and it provides a nice retreat from the tent or the table.

The feeling of relaxation that you get from gently swinging in the hammock is akin (for me anyway) to freedom.

Answer: Carpenter tools

In the context of a carpenter's tools, a square is a fundamental measuring and marking instrument used to ensure accuracy when cutting, joining, or laying out materials, primarily by providing a precise 90-degree angle and aiding in straight lines. There are several different types of squares, but their purposes are similar and often overlap.

Now, the last of our hidden category, dance, is here as well. A square dance is a lively and social folk dance performed by four couples arranged in a square formation, typically guided by a 'caller' who sings or chants commands to instruct the dancers through a series of choreographed movements and patterns. Originating from European folk dances like the English country dance and French quadrille, square dancing evolved significantly in North America. Now, go do-si-do your partner!

Answer: Carpenter tools

A wood lathe is a power tool that spins a piece of wood (called a blank or workpiece) along its axis, allowing a carpenter to use hand-held cutting tools (like gouges, chisels, and scrapers) to shape the rotating wood into various symmetrical forms. This process is called woodturning and is often used to make legs for furniture, spindles, posts, decorative items, bowls and cups, and even baseball bats.

Answer: Carpenter tools

While often you hear the word "jigsaw" and you think puzzle, it's also a carpenter's tool. It's a handheld power saw primarily used for making curved, irregular, or intricate cuts in wood, but also capable of straight cuts in various materials, featuring a small, reciprocating blade that moves rapidly up and down, or 'jigs'.

The jigsaw's thin, narrow blade allows it to pivot and navigate tight corners and create complex shapes that would be impossible with other types of saws. Be aware, however, the mastery of a jigsaw takes a while as the blade can often go off the intended course, especially if one is in a hurry when cutting.

Answer: Carpenter tools

A level, as a carpentry tool, is an essential instrument used to determine if a surface or line is perfectly horizontal (level) or perfectly vertical (plumb), ensuring accuracy in construction, installation, and layout. My wife will not let me hang a picture without one. Most common levels contain one or more small vials filled with a liquid (traditionally alcohol) and contain an air bubble.

The vials are slightly curved; when the surface the level rests on is perfectly level or plumb, the bubble will be centered precisely between two indicator lines on the vial.