TASK DEFINITION: You will be given a trivia clue, and the category it belongs to. You should answer with the best answer that belongs in the category and is described by the clue. For consistency, answers should be in all lower cased letters.
PROBLEM: Category: THE "LONG" & THE "SHORT" OF IT 
Clue: Take note: a secretary takes notes using this system that uses symbols for words & phrases

SOLUTION: shorthand

PROBLEM: Category: MONEY 
Clue: You'd use bills in this monetary unit to buy a tuba in Cuba or magazines in the Philippines

SOLUTION: the peso

PROBLEM: Category: NOTORIOUS 
Clue: He established a commune for his "family" on the Spahn Ranch outside Los Angeles

SOLUTION:
manson