The ideal stocking stuffer
Did you know that Uranus was almost named GeorgiumSidus after King George
III? Or that it is only one of two planets in our solar system that rotate
clockwise? No? OK, how about this one: what does Ember Days refer to? Stumped?
That’s probably because you don’t live in the 1800s. Don’t worry; this isn’t a
test of intelligence. These are just a few of the many peculiar facts found in
the 2007 edition of The Old Farmer’s Almanac, a novelty that makes for a great
stocking stuffer.
For 215 years the Almanac has been a source of amusing
anecdotes, unusual facts, and useful information. With a nostalgic theme and a
devotion to everyday life, culture and tradition, its pages are crammed with
weather predictions for 16 different regions of the United States, gardening tips and
trends, insight into astrology and astronomy, short stories, and more.
In this edition alone you can learn the rules of impressing
the opposite sex (Rule 1: stop trying so hard; Rule 2, ignore rule one) while
practicing your newly acquired skills in the art of whistling. Gain an
understanding of changing consumer trends (bell bottoms: the collectible trend of 2007) and learn about the latest
technological discoveries. Cooks can peruse winning recipes (like Death Row
Bourbon Sauce!), green thumbs can learn the secrets to successful pollination,
and the everyday academic can rack his brain with the “Maddening Mind-Manglers,” a series of riddles and puzzles.
No matter whether you’re a weather junky, housewife, farmer,
scholar, or hipster, there’s something for just about everybody in the Old
Farmer’s Almanac. Look for the 2007 edition at magazine racks or bookstores, or
visit www.Almanac.com/press
This article appears in Dec 20-26, 2006.
