August, August
Potpourri
Ends in -dy
A Culinary Trip to Mexico
“Sun”-sations
100

August has this number of days…currently.

Answer: What is 31? 

August didn’t always have 31 days; it started with 30 days. Then, it was increased to 31 days. When January and February were introduced, August was reduced to 29 days. Finally, it reverted to 31 days, where it has remained.

100

This is the term for a slab of meat or chicken breast that has been slit almost in half and opened to lie flat.

Answer: What is butterfly? 

You must be careful when preparing and grilling butterflied chicken or meat. Be sure not to cut it all the way through into two pieces, and remember that grilling time is cut in half because the meat is half as thick.

100

This folksy greeting means “hi.”

Answer: What is howdy? 

The greeting is short for “How do you do?”

100

Avocado is the main ingredient in this Mexican dip.  

Answer: What is guacamole? 

There are many versions, but the authentic recipe is mostly mashed avocado with lime juice, diced tomatoes, cumin, and other herbs and spices.

100

The first verse of this Beatles tune starts, “Little darling, it’s been a long, cold, lonely winter.” 

Answer: What is “Here Comes the Sun”? 

George Harrison wrote the song, which was on the Abbey Road album, after a visit with Eric Clapton.

200

August gets its name from this Roman emperor.

Answer: Who is Augustus Caesar? 

Before it was named for Augustus, the adopted son of Julius Caesar, it was known as Sextilis, because it was the sixth month of the year.

200

Place ice on this pulse point for a few minutes to cool down quickly.

Answer: What is wrist? 

Another way to cool down quickly is to place an ice pack on the back of your neck.

200

This is a lord’s wife.

Answer: What is lady? Today, the word lady can refer to any adult woman, but lord is not used as often.

200

Churros, the sweet, fried-dough treats, are topped with sugar and/or this spice.  

Answer: What is cinnamon? 

Churros originated in Spain, and they’re similar to a donut in the shape of a stick. They are perfect for dunking in coffee.

200

“Third rock from the sun” refers to this planet. Answer: What is Earth? The planets, from closest to farthest from the sun, are Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

Answer: What is Earth? 

The planets, from closest to farthest from the sun, are Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

300

Known as “Satch,” he was born on August 4, 1901. We know him for “Hello Dolly,” among many other standards

Answer: Who is Louis Armstrong? 

The string of vintage songs associated with Armstrong includes “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “When You’re Smiling,” “What a Wonderful World,” and “Georgia on My Mind.”

300

This August bloomer with many petals grows from tubers, has flowers that can grow to the size of a dinner plate, and comes in a vast array of colors.

Answer: What is dahlia? 

While they are in full bloom in August, they bloom from mid-summer into mid-fall

300

This is a pleasing arrangement of sounds.

Answer: What is melody? 

A melody is defined by its pitch and rhythm, and the term is believed to have been first used in the 13th century.

300

Queso is a type of this.  

Answer: What is cheese? 

Typically, queso is a soft, crumbly cheese similar to farmer’s cheese. The queso dip served with tortilla chips has jalapeño peppers in it.

300

This classic by Ernest Hemingway is set in Paris and Spain.  

Answer: What is The Sun Also Rises? 

The novel helped establish Hemingway as a great writer of the 20th century.

400

If you’re born under one of August’s zodiac signs, you’re either a lion or one of these.

Answer: What is maiden or virgin? 

Leos are represented by lions, and Virgos are represented by maidens or virgins.

400

This country was the first to use paper money.

Answer: What is China? 

It was a double-edged sword: It was distrusted, but it made international trade easier.

400

Plants that are called this can stand up to the cold.  

Answer: What is hardy? 

These plants can survive temperatures of –15ºF.

400

Tamales are wrapped in these.  

Answer: What are corn husks? 

They are stuffed with chicken, beef, or pork and other ingredients.

400

This is the land of the rising sun.  

Answer: What is Japan? Nippon, which is what the Japanese call Japan, translates to “source of the sun.”

500

Locals on this continent travel during August, and many mom-and-pop stores are closed.

Answer: What is Europe? 

While the native citizens travel, there’s no lack of tourists in Europe during August.

500

In this decade, Charlotte E. Ray received her law degree and became the first Black female lawyer in the United States.

Answer: What are the 1870s? 

She received her degree from Howard University in 1872.

500

This term can be used to describe a musical composition, a state of ecstasy, or a portion of an epic poem.  

Answer: What is rhapsody? When referring to the musical usage, it means an irregular form of composition that involves improvisation. 

500

This is the main ingredient in carne asada.  

Answer: What is steak? 

It’s a spicy, marinated steak served sliced against the grain.

500

People who do this get a jump on the day.  

Answer: What is rise with the sun? 

Studies show those who rise early are happier than night owls.