The Almanac for Farmer and City Folk 2011 [2011 ed.]

Citation preview

The 235 Year of Our Independence

, Entertainment and Information for the Entire Year

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14 Month Weather Forecasts Fishing and Planting Tables Mysteries of the Zodiac Humor, Homilies and Helpful Hints Nostalgia and Trivia Cookery and Calendars Puzzles and Contests Stories, Articles and Just Plain Fun

EDITED BY LUCAS McFADDEN

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FROM THE EDITOR Another year has come and gone, dear readers, and sadly wefind ourselves still mired in the Great Depression—at press time at least—even though media pundits and the powers that be often insist on proclaiming that the recession is over! It seems there is no end to the fiscal fiascos we hear about in the larger world “out there,” and endure personally in our own little corners of the world. Add to that the unfortunate (an understatement, we know) and massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, which is proving to be intractable (again, as of press time), and we can be forgiven for feeling more than a little powerless from time to time. But we'd like to point out once again that almanac readers are an optimistic lot, and seem to be weathering the storm fairly well, from what they tell us. In spite of the sorry state of the economy and its affect on them, or a general sense of malaise, or...whatever,

plenty of people are finding an upside to the downturn. Learning to live well on less is a challenge we’re meeting. In fact, in many quarters, thrifty living is becoming a status symbol, and frugality reigns. Folks are hunkering down at home more these days, and busying themselves with house and garden projects. We’re spending more time with family and friends, camping and fishing, and “hanging” together—and less time in the rat race. We’re also volunteering more, and that’s a good thing because nonprofit organizations are facing increasing demand these days, even as their resources are diminishing. Gardening pursuits have picked up steam as well, as we discover that digging in the dirt can boost our moods and help us cope with stress, thus feeding our bodies AND our souls! Seed companies have seen a large increase in new gardeners in the past couple of years, and sales of canning jars have taken a big leap upwards as well. There are reportedy well over 50 million gardeners in North America now, and gardening is becoming more and more popular as greater numbers of us dig in and plant, hoe and grow. That’s why we’ve provided plenty of good gardening information in this issue, as well as our usual assortment of advice, astrology ,

and anecdotes; stories and articles; calendars and cookery; puzzles to ponder—and of course, weather forecasts so you can plan ahead and (hopefully) not let it rain on your parade. Best wishes to all for an excellent 2011.

Lucas Weds LUCAS McFADDEN, Editor

TWO THOUSAND AND ELEVEN EDITION MMxX!I

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FOR FARMERS & CITY FOLK Containing Astronomical Phenomena months beginning with January 2011, Weather Forecasts and Fishing Tables months starting with November 2010.

for the 12 and Detailed for the 14

Also included

are calendars and tide tables, stories and articles,

and a grand assortment of nostalgia, trivia, and anecdotes, plus enough cookery, puzzles, and helpful information to provide edification and entertainment for the whole family for the entire year. Editor Lucas McFadden

ISSN 0739-6961

Publisher S. Doucette

ALL CORRESPONDENCE SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO:

THE ALMANAC FOR FARMERS & CITY FOLK BOX #319, 840 S. RANCHO

DRIVE, STE. 4, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

89106

WEB SITE: http://www.thealmanac.com

©2010 GREENTREE PUBLISHING, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED UNDER INTERNATIONAL AND PAN AMERICAN COPYRIGHT CONVENTIONS REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. PRINTED IN U.S.A.

2011

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1

AStrOnomical Glossary: .3i...kcccncesceras scree snesestecaeys boss secon eewesegeth tte tanta tones eae tece naan ee Calendar Pages. i tisccclectctecacs eee oe FLOW ‘TO US@ysasstescnscne sonqebscesttiteeaseeetce ceca taroibas atte ate eee artE ace enone ne enor Calendars; Civiliand Religious tres esecceece esc cece se ee eee ee ee Cartoon Contest ..sicc,...csetetitesscetnercstaceeteeet curesmate Meta eteacae Garden tillers and weed killers may save time and energy, and without them, large gardens would require a lot more sweat and toil. But have you ever considered hoeing, a natural, time-tested way to weed? ‘True, hoeing involves a bit of work,

but it is one of the oldest methods of controlling weeds in the garden. It involves nothing more complicated than using a metal blade attached to a long handle to whack off weeds and weed seedlings in the lawn or garden. Apart from making or buying a hoe, this method of garden care is pretty much free of charge—and it is great exercise for the hoe-handler. Hoeing is a chemical-free, no-cost way to clean up the garden and prevent weed infestations—and it provides

instant gratification.

as

gardeners can see immediate results from their efforts. Hoeing also loosens

the soil and

introduces

air,

keeping plant roots healthy and allowing them to grow stronger. This gives plants the upper hand when 34

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competing with the weeds for their water and nutrients. Unfortunately, even after hoeing,

as with any weed-control program, the weeds will sneakily return and try to take over the essential soil elements. However, because hoeing turns up weed seedlings, it helps prevent future weeds from becoming established in the soil; weekly hoeing will keep weeds from sending their taproots down into the loose soil. When it comes to choosing a hoe, you'll find several different types used for removing weeds and for cutting furrows into the ground. You

can tell the quality of the hoe by its weight and balance. The handle should fit snugly inside the blade’s housing, and the hoe should be easy to hold and swing.

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2011

When picking out a hoe, look for a head that will best suit your needs. A narrow head will work better in a small flower garden, while a larger hoe is preferable for a vegetable garden, or for working around a stand of shrubs. A heavier blade will work much better in soddy, cloddy, or heavy soil, as the extra weight will give the user more action per stroke; and if the garden is rocky, as some gardens are, the heavier head will be more useful. For the majority of gardens, both flower and vegetable, it is best to have one general-purpose hoe for weeding and cultivating, although specialized hoes can be useful for other tasks, such as tending borders. A good, all-purpose hoe has a square blade sharpened to a 45° angle. HOEING TO REMOVE WEEDS Hoeing to remove weeds works

ground to break down if the soil and the weather are very dry. If either

best when weeds

ished, water the area well to move

are small, before

they begin to bloom and set seeds. Before you start hoeing, water the target area lightly with a sprinkler. Moisten the ground to a depth of about an inch (2.5 cm), but don’t leave the soil soaking wet. Lift the hoe about knee high and swing down at an angle toward the weeds, keeping a light but steady grip on the hoe handle as you swing. Cut the weeds off just below the level of the soil, with the blade barely entering the soil. The blade should move smoothly and completely through the weeds in just one stroke. Dig up the area around the weeds to remove any weed seedlings, lifting up the seedlings from the roots and removing them entirely from the soil. When you are all through weeding the garden with a hoe, you can leave |thedead weeds on the surface of the 2011

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are at all moist, rake up the weeds

left over from the hoeing, and compost them. HOEING TO LOOSEN THE SOIL Discourage weeds by hoeing to loosen the soil and bring air down to roots. Done on a regular basis, this gives weeds little chance to take hold in your vegetable or flower garden. This cultivation (tilling) requires a bit of a different method of wielding the hoe. Instead of swinging the hoe towards you to remove a single weed, move along a row or between individual plants, using a quick, downward chopping motion. Move between plants with a steady rhythm, taking care not to chop the plant roots. Do not dig deeply with any one stroke; simply loosen the top part of the soil. When you’re finnutrients and moisture down to the roots of the plants. The best time to hoe weeds in a flower or vegetable garden is right after a light rain. Try to establish a regular routine for hoeing your garden when it’s necessary throughout the growing season. Then in the fall, hoe between

vegetable rows and around flower beds to remove the last weeds of the season. Store the hoe by hanging it up with the blade edge facing the wall—but first clean off any soil, then wipe the blade with an oily rag to keep it from rusting. Use a flat, general-purpose file to sharpen the hoe blade before storing it for the winter. Hold the file at a 45° angle on the edge of the blade, and stroke the blade in one

direction (not back and forth). A few strokes should be sufficient. set

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35)

Make a Birdseed Wreath By Sonya Welter Wild birds add joy and beauty to your backyard, but our feathered friends can use @ little extra help in the winter months when the temperature drops and natural food sources become scarce. Why not feed them (and add a little more beauty to your yard) with a decorative birdseed wreath? You must admit, a birdseed wreath adorned with ribbons or pine cones is a charming holiday decoration for your front door, garage, or barn. Kids like greasing up the wreath mold and scooping the goopy birdseed— and as an added bonus, watching the birds enjoy their hard work helps teach them to love and respect nature. You can use any type of seed in this recipe, although smaller seeds tend to hold the shape of the wreath better. Sunflower seeds and shelled peanuts are popular with a wide variety of birds, including jays, woodpeckers, and chickadees. Sparrows and finches like thistle and millet. You can also add dried fruit such as raisins, cranberries or currants to the birdseed mixture. Here’s what you'll need: 8 cups (1.9 L) birdseed; 1 oz. (30 ml) unflavored gelatin (4 4-0z. packages); 2 cups (473 ml) water, divided; oil, shortening, or lard; ribbon, and some pine cones or

bring the other 1-cups (355 ml) water to a boil in a small pot. Add the boiling water to the gelatin mixture and stir 2 to 3 minutes, until gela-

tin is completely dissolved. Add the birdseed to the gelatin mix and stir well. Allow to sit for one minute, then

stir again to make sure that the liquid is well absorbed by the seeds. You may have to repeat this step a few times, until there is no visible water and the birdseed clumps together. Then spoon birdseed and gelatin mix into the greased bundt cake pan and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. When the gelatin is set, invert the

bundt pan to remove

the birdseed

wreath. Do not force it out; if it seems to be stuck, allow the wreath to come

to room temperature first. Once it’s out of the pan, dry the wreath overnight on a cooling rack. Loop a pretty ribbon around the

wreath to hang it up. You can also decorate it with pine cones, dried other decorations. leaves, berries, or other baubles you To make the wreath mold, first might have around the house. Howgrease up a bundt cake pan with a ever, avoid using bells or anything else generous amount of oil, shortening, that might flap around in the wind, or lard and set it aside. Combine the since the noise and movement will

gelatin with %-cup (119 ml) cold water in a large bowl. Let sit. Meanwhile, 36

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likely scare the birds away, thereby defeating your purpose! ro

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2011

COOKERY

CORNER

GOODIES FROM A BAKER’S KITCHEN SOUTHERN COMFORT PIE This quintessential southern pie is from Lucy Tharp, Crossville, Tennessee. All the ingredients say “South,” from the sorghum to the mint to the pecans soaked in bourbon—and it’s easy to make. INGREDIENTS Tbsp. (45 ml) maple syrup 9-inch (23 cm) pie shell Tbsp. (45 ml) sorghum Cup (237 ml) sugar Tbsp. (30 ml) honey Tbsp. (30 ml) all-purpose flour Tbsp. (30 ml) vanilla Tsp. (5 ml) dried mint leaves, crushed Cup (237 ml) pecans, soaked for3 Tsp. (1.25 ml) salt days in Cup (237 ml) light corn syrup Cup (237 ml) 80-proof bourbon Whole eggs, plus 2 egg yolks Cup (177 ml) black walnuts Cup (119 ml) sweetened Cup (.59 ml) semi-sweet chocolate

condensed milk

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age a

Sw

Preheat oven to 350° F (177° C). Drain pecans. Combine sugar, flour, mint leaves, salt, corn syrup, eggs, milk, butter, maple syrup, sorghum, honey, and vanilla. Mix well. Stir in pecans, walnuts, and chocolate

chips. Spoon mixture into unbaked pie shell. Bake for 50 minutes, or until center is set. Cool to room temperature before serving.

PULL-APART VEGETABLE BREAD RING If you’re looking for easy ways to sneak more veggies into your diet, give this colorful bread a try. It tastes good and makes a great presentation, too. INGREDIENTS % Cup (119 ml) each chopped red and green pepper % Cup (119 ml) grated Parmesan cheese Ys Cup (177 ml) chopped zucchini e 1'2 Cup (356 ml) chopped onion 4 Slices crisp bacon, crumbled

3 Cans refrigerated biscuits 1 Stick butter TO COOK A Preheat oven to 350° F (177° C). Ina skillet, melt butter and sauté veggies until soft. (Add salt and pepper if desired.) Spray bundt pan with cooking oil. Cut biscuits in half and place a layer on the bottom of the pan. Spoon half the veggies, bacon, and cheese on top, then cover with more biscuit halves. Add the rest of the vegetables, bacon, and cheese, then top with remaining biscuit halves. Bake 35 to 45 minutes. Turn out of bundt pan and serve warm. 2011

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PAT’S PEACHY PIE This delicious tart from New Jerseyite Pat Wrenn makes great use of the plethora of peaches available during peach season (mid-May to mid-August, depending on your area). Bake A ec ee. In a quiche dish.

THE CRUST

(Cd apa

}

a . 1% Cups (296 ml) flour CR 1 Stick butter 242 Tbsp. (38 ml) sour cream = Preheat oven to 350° F (177° C). Bring butter to room Knead flour, butter, and sour cream together until mix forms a ball. Spray 10-inch (25 cm) quiche dish with cooking oil. Press flour mixture into bottom of dish. Bake 15 minutes; remove from oven before crust browns. Set aside.

THE FILLING

i

6 Ys Ys 3 Ys

Large peaches Cup (177 ml) sour cream Cup (59 ml) flour Egg yolks from large eggs Cup (177 ml) sugar

Peel peaches and slice into thick segments. Place on top of the cooled crust, fanning the slices in one direction, then overlapping more fanned slices in the other direction, until the crust is completely and generously covered with peach segments. Use an over-abundance of peach slices to make up for the inevitable shrinkage of the fruit during cooking. Mix egg yolks, sour cream, flour, and sugar, then pour slowly over peach slices. Bake in 350° F (177° C) oven for one hour, until filling sets. THE GLAZE 2 Cup (119 ml) peach preserves I Tbsp. (15 ml) frozen orange juice concentrate SS Y2 Cup (119 ml) sugar (3 JAY Combine preserves, orange juice, and sugar. Mixture should be syrupy, but not too thin. Spoon over top of tart, then distribute gently.

CHEDDAR CHEESE COOKIES

These delightfully savory cheesy cookies are perfect as an appetizer, or they can be served with soup as an alternative to crackers or bread. Oz. (227 g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated Sticks butter, softened Tsp. (3.75 ml) salt

Tsp. (1.25 ml) cayenne pepper Cups (474 ml) flour Cups (474 ml) Rice Krispies Preheat

oven to 325° F (163°C). Blend grated cheese and butter,

add other ingredients except Rice Krispies in order. Mix well, using hands if necessary. Add Krispies. Roll into small balls and place on ungreased cookie

sheet, then flatten a little with a fork. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden. 38

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2011

NATURAL MINERALS

A GARDENER’S BEST FRIEND By Tom R. Kovach

A garden’s potential can be increased by using safe, natural minerals to provide essential nutrients for the plants, replenishing the soil and boosting plant growth. Some of these nutrients include potash, phosphorus, and in smaller amounts, sulfur, calcium

and magnesium. Minerals also improve soil structure by encouraging the growth of beneficial soil microbes, reducing compaction, and improving water penetration and drainage...all of which will make your soil (and your plants) happy, and will improve the taste of your harvest. Natural minerals work slowly, so useful. Adding minerals to the comthey provide a balanced, long-term post pile will lead to a nutrient-rich, supply of the nutrients plants need faster-decomposing compost, mafor sustained growth. Since minerals king it ideal for use throughout the must either be dissolved or broken growing season. Some of the coarser down in the soil to be useful to plants, minerals are effective even as thin most are ground to a fine powder to mulches. Quarry fines, crushed stone, speed the breaking-down process. and crushed oyster shells can all be Generally, you need more natural used this way. Before deciding to add minerals, fertilizer than you would synthetics. Work mineral powders thoroughly in- begin with a soil test to find out what to the soil, digging or tilling as deeply is needed. Use a home kit, or send a as is practical so nutrients reach the soil sample to a lab for a complete root zone. To create a more balanced evaluation. This will help determine fertilizer, use a combination of miner- the pH levels of your soil—a measure al powder, such as rock phosphate, of acidity and alkalinity. County and with any animal manure. You'll get State Agricultural offices and services better results than simply fertilizing can be very helpful in conducting these tests. Find a local agent at plants with either one alone. Some forms of natural minerals can csrees.usda.gov/Extension (but be be added later for a nutrient boost aware that a test can cost up to $20). to established plants, of course, or Choose mineral sources to help raise to enrich compost any time. Spread soil pH, lower the pH, or to supply around plants or over lawns, and nutrients shown by the soil test to be then water thoroughly. It will take needed. Once you know your soil’s longer for the minerals to be effective pH level, apply minerals to the soil this way, but they will still be quite according to the label directions. x 2011

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,

39

‘SHOWY CYCLAMENS By Weldon Burge During the winter, there are few flowering plants as strikingly attractive as the cyclamens, with their large, beautifully colored flowers, borne high on erect stems above marbled foliage. _ Members of the primrose family, all cyclamens like cool e temperatures and high humidity. There are many hardy and half-hardy types, but the most common cyclamen in North America is C. persicum, grown primarily by florists and nurseries for winter sales and indoor blooming (so they’re great winter holiday gift plants). When purchasing cyclamen plants, avoid any with sparse buds and fading flowers—they’re past their prime. They should have a full appearance, and plenty of buds developing at the base of the plants. Under ideal conditions, the flowers can last four months

or longer. In fact, it’s not unusual for cyclamens to bloom from October to April—but they require high humidity (50 percent or more) and cool temperatures: night temperatures of 40° to 50° K, and day temperatures no higher than 65° F. The trick is to grow cyclamens in a cool greenhouse or unheated room that receives indirect sunlight, or place plants near a cool window away from heating ducts. To increase humidity around the plants, place pots in trays filled with pebbles and water. (Don’t allow the pots to rest in the water, however.) Although cyclamens have a reputation for being difficult, they’re actually easy to start from seed. Start seedlings in peat pots filled with commercial potting soil, one seed per j pot. If you prefer to use your own potting soil, prepare a mix- * ture of equal parts garden loam, sand, and compost or leaf mold. Veteran cyclamen growers suggest keeping the pots in total darkness for 30 to 40 days, keeping the soil moist and warm to ensure germination. When seeds sprout, move pots to a window that gets filtered sunlight. When roots appear outside peat pots, move seedlings, peat pot and all, into 3-inch pots, planting no deeper than they were before. As plants mature in the coming months, never allow soil to dry out completely; keep it evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water plants by standing pots in water until soil surface is damp, then remove from water and allow pots to drain before moving plants back to their window. Water from the bottom; never wet foliage or corms. When the first buds appear, start feeding plants every 2 weeks with water-soluble houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half strength. When blooms are gone and foliage yellows, place pots on their sides in a shady area for the spring/summer. Old foliage will fall off. Keep soil damp to keep corms alive. In early fall, new growth will appear. Now repot corms in slightly larger pots, each at the same depth it had been in its original pot. Move pots inside and start the feeding and watering process anew. a 40

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2011

GARDENING BY THE ZODIAC Long ago, astrologers realized that the relationship between the heavens and the human body was associated with certain zodiac signs, as illustrated. The yearly paths of the sun, the moon, and the principal planets are within an 18° band of the celestrial sphere, along which a number of constellations of

stars are evenly spaced. The band was divided into twelve equal divisions, each 30° in width, comprising the zodiac—named after the constellations, which had been named after living things. Each division had its own sign. As it circles the Earth (once every 29’ days) the moon passes through each sign in sequence, so one of the zodiac signs dominates each day of the month. Early astronomers used the principles of astronomy as to the moon’s phases and place in the zodiac to make astrological predictions of the best times to perform gardening chores and other activities. They held that planting when the moon is in the favorable zodiac sign and phase yields healthier crops, and that the moon’s sign and its phase affects other activities. Don’t confuse the moon’s place in the zodiac with the sun signs—the zodiac sign for the calendar year. The moon’s astrological é j place and phases are on the left-hand calendar pages, AS beginning on page 10. Air }

Virgin /Virgo The Bowels

oy

.

Scorpion /Scorpio The Loins

Earth Goat /Capricom The Knees

Fishes /Pisces The Feet

2011

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41

GARDENING BY THE MOON’S PLACE AND PHASES Lunar gardeners have long believed in planting by the moon’s phases and its place in the zodiac, claiming certain horticultural tasks are more successful if performed at appropriate times. The moon’s magnetic force influences everything that contains water, from the ocean tides to plants (which consist mostly of water, as do animals and humans), so lunar gardening makes sense. Another explanation for its success is the concept that the main environmental factor triggering flowering in plants is the length of the night; plants respond to the relatively brighter nights in the light of the moon, and grow faster. The light or new of the moon (increasing) is in the first and second quarters, and the dark or old of the moon (decreasing) is in the third and fourth quarters. Plant your above-ground crops in the light of the moon. Plants are vulnerable in the first few days after germination, so giving them a good start when the total available light is better seems wise. Considering this, it is widely believed that planting crops that grow above the ground when the moon is waxing will produce rapid germination and growth. On the other hand, plant your belowground crops in the dark of the moon when it is waning, but not during the last quarter. Between the new moon and the first quarter moon, plant those crops that produce seeds externally; between the first quarter and the full moon, ' plant those crops that bear seeds internally. Turn sod, destroy pests, and weed during the fourth quarter. Don’t plant anything on the day of the new moon or the day of the full moon. Taking this one step further, pay attention to the astrological sign of the moon. The moon’s natural magnetism is believed to be enhanced or abridged according to the moon’s place in the zodiac, so schedule gardening and chores based on the moon’s astrological place in the zodiac and the moon’s phase. (See Calendar pages starting on page 10 for Moon’s Place.) Zodiac planting is best done in the fruitful and semi-fruitful signs of Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces (best for fertilizing), Taurus, Capricorn, and Libra (good signs for planting flowers). Plant little in the most barren signs of Leo, Virgo, Aquarius, and Gemini, but till, weed, and turn compost then, especially if the moon

is in the last quarter. Don’t trim trees or vines in Leo—they may die. Cultivate in the least-barren signs of Aries and Sagittarius (good for seeding hay crops); plant onion seeds and garlic then. Irrigate in Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, and Pisces, when plants will take up moisture well. Cut your fence

posts in the fourth quarter, when the moon is in Aries, Gemini, Leo, Sagittarius,

or Aquarius. Dig your fence post holes in the dark (decreasing) of the moon in

the third and fourth quarters, when the moon is in Taurus, Leo, or Aquarius.

ACTIVITIES BY THE ZODIAC The chart on the next page shows which calendar dates in 2011 are considered to be the most favorable astrologically for various activities. BUT NOTE... Modern technology overrides these theories when it comes to your health and well-being. Even if you are a strong believer in performing certain activities by the moon’s place in the zodiac and its phases, for medical problems, it might actually be dangerous for you to wait for the most advantageous times. Schedule medical procedures according to your doctor’s (or your vet’s) judgment. 4 42

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2011

GARDENING AND OTHER ACTIVITIES BY THE ZODIAC

1-2, 9-10 14-15, 18-, 20, 23-25 10-11 16-17

oa | 29-30

11-12 16-17

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10-11 a

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25-26

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18-19 | 1415 | 1415

10-11

26-27 | 22-24 | 22-23

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21-22

17-19 | 13-15

11-12

27-29

28-30

26-27

22-23

16-17

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2g-29 | 23.25 | 21-22

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21-22

24-26

21-28

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14-15 18-20

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12-13 20-22 28-26

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4-8, 1415, 2022, 31

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1, 4-6 25-28

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21-29 1,16-17] 20-21 DENTAL WORK

1415 18-19 22-26

10-11 14-15 18-22

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3-5,8- | 1,4-6 | 4-5,26- | 1,22-24 | 20-21 10,31 21-28 27, 31 21-29 25-26

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1, 3, 21 21-29

18-21 27-28

2011

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10-11 15-16

6-7 11-18

9, 1816, 28

5, 1112, 27

18-21 27-28

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43

Laughter Is Good Medicine By Tom R. Kovach, with Anne Stephens Illustration by Kim Garcia Serious study of the benefits of laughter probably began with Norman Cousin’s memoir of over 25 years ago, Anatomy of an Illness, describing how he laughed himself to health. Cousins, diagnosed with a deteriorating spine condition, Ankylosing Spondylitis, couldn’t sleep because he was in extreme pain. In desperation, he checked himself out of the hospital and into a hotel, and proceeded to obtain a movie projector and a large supply of funny films— including Candid Camera tapes and old prints of Marx Brothers movies. The first night, Cousins laughed so Last spring, Prevention magazine hard at the films he was able to ran an article entitled “Your Brain stimulate chemicals in his body that On Laughter,” in which the author, allowed him several hours of pain- clinical psychologist Thomas Crook, free sleep. Whenever the pain came PhD., discussed how clowning back he’d turn on the projector again, around improves memory, mood, and the laughter would once again and motivation. Humor is not just a allow him to sleep. He reported that silly diversion, he explains. As first ten minutes of laughter allowed him discovered in studies using functional two hours of pain-free sleep! magnetic imaging (Fmri), when your Being that Cousins was conducting brain wrestles with the meaning of a a scientific experiment with himself clever punch line, for example, it’s as subject, he kept careful track of getting the same kind of workout it bodily changes by measuring his blood would from a brainteaser. (Cousins sedimentation rate (a key indication of inflammation and infecNURSE! tion in the 4 blood), and | found al u ‘i that this rate JOKE BOOK... dropped by at least 5 points every time he watched one of the videos. Now off ev-

ery drug (although he was taking

vitamin C), Cousins described

i QP

being in a state of euphoria over the next week as

he continued to laugh himself to sleep, and within a few weeks was back to work at his job at the Saturday Review. 44

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2011

once said “Laughter is inner jog-

chemical reactions in the body which can adversely impact your immune The Mayo Clinic recently conduct- system. Anything that helps you look ed its own study on the effects of on the bright side will counteract laughter on people. It doesn’t matter these chemical reactions by supwhere you get your laughs from, the pressing levels of epinephrine, the researchers reported. It could be stress hormone, and increase from a funny movie (as Cousins did), production of the feel-good endora cartoon you read in a magazine or phins mentioned earlier. And these newspaper, a joke someone tells you, endorphins—the body’s natural or a cute thing a child does or says. painkillers—can reduce or ease pain. A good laugh produces loads of At the same time, laughter increases positive short-term effects, both the number of antibody-producing mentally and physically. According cells and enhances the effectiveness to the Mayo Clinic report, laughter of T-cells, thereby helping to build up enhances your intake of oxygen-rich a stronger immune system.

ging.”)

air; stimulates your heart, lungs, and

So, it seems laughter could indeed

be considered the best medicine. production of its natural “feel-good,” (That must be why we all love to be drugs, called endorphins. Laugh at a with someone who has a great sense funny joke and you'll find you then of humor.) But even though laughter experience a nice, relaxed feeling. A may not be the ultimate cure-all, it good chortle might also help relieve does tend to make life more your stomachache. And by easing pleasant—and it makes unpleasant digestion and stimulating circulation, situations more bearable. You can chuckling can help reduce some of even get a little exercise on a visit to your local Comedy Store: a hearty the physical symptoms of stress. As you can see, the short-term laugh exercises your diaphragm, effects of laughter are considerable, contracts your abs, and works your but laughter also produces some shoulders—and as we said, exercises positive long-term health benefits, your heart!—leaving your muscles including a boost to your immune more relaxed later on. Isn’t it time we had a good laugh? system. Stressful situations bring on muscles; and increases the body’s

BUTTERING UP CELEBRITIES The butter cow has been an Iowa State Fair staple since 1911. It’s a lifesized bovine sculpture molded on a wood-and-metal frame. The buttery cow has shared the stage with celebrities, too: The likes of Tiger Woods,

Elvis Presley, Harry Potter. and...if fair organizers had their way, Michael Jackson in 2010. The popular singer/dancer died in June 2009, and the idea was to memorialize in butter his perfection of the “moonwalk” dance. But it was not to be. After a week of voting and the submission of more than

100,000 votes, the results of the Iowa State Fair online poll resulted in a

margin of 65.24% “no” votes to 34.76% “yes” votes. History is a vast early-warning system. 2011

THE ALMANAC

—Norman

FOR FARMERS & CITY FOLK

Cousins

45

Puzzle Pages

PUZZLES TO PONDER These puzzles may seem easy or difficult, depending on your point of view—easy if you can solve them quickly, harder if you can’t. Either way, they’re entertaining to try (although possibly frustrating). So have fun, and stretch your imagination beyond the obvious. (Answers begin on page 95) THREE TO GET READY... WHO WON THE CONTEST? Fill in the blanks to complete four Five people, Jonathan, Justin,

different words/phrases. Example: S ae = SS PILL \ BOX / CAR SOAP /~\ OFFICE

f

TOW \ / BAND EGGay \ SHUT / CANDY BEACK Gam an

| Debbie, Michael, and Ziggy entered a pie-throwing contest at the county fair. When Penny tried to find out who won the contest, the five decided to play it “28° Each of us will tell only one lie,” they announced. Here’s what they said. Jonathan: It wasn’t Ziggy.

Justin: Debbie:

Se

BRUT BUTTER 4. BED SPRING

/ \ /

\ SWATTER / \ BOMB / \ LIPPED

5.

AIR WATER

\ /

6.

HEART

\

HOME

/

7 ST

SURF CHARKEA RAIN

>

HOUSE

P

Ge.

/ SEA PAX:

\ / WALK Saaet ih

Ziggy:

It wasn’t Jonathan. Who won the contest?

NUMBER

SQUARE

Fill in the square with the numbers

1 to 5 without repeating a number ina row or column. The numbers placed in the boldly outlined areas must pro-

\

/ RACK

WALL

/

\

duce the result printed in the top left

3

/ PLATE

SAND

bia a

corner of the area, using addition,

—Tina lozzo

WONKY ADDITION 1. Can you figure this out? If: 2 A= 12

46

Michael:

It was Justin. It wasn’t Debbie. It wasn’t Ziggy. It was Ziggy. It wasn’t Jonathan It was Debbie. It was Justin. It was Michael.

subtraction, etc., as indicated.

PERPLEXING PICKET FENCE Farmer Ed wants to build a picket fence around his farmhouse. The area he wants to enclose measures 92 feet on the north side; 92 feet on the south side; and 101 feet, 6 inches on

SQUARED AWAY Little Jon arranged 24 toothpicks to make 9 squares of the same size within one large square. He asks Little Jen to find 2 different ways to take

wide on the south side, and one 3%

away 6 toothpicks, leaving 3 squares. Then he asked Charlotte to take away 2 more toothpicks each time, leaving only two squares. How did they do it?

feet wide on the west side. He plans

B

each of the east and west sides. He wants to install two gates: one 4 feet

to saw each picket 2 inches wide, and

to space them 2% inches apart. He can saw 25 pickets an hour. How many pickets will Ed need to cut, assuming 2 percent waste due to damage? Ed’s wife Gerry would like to go shopping while he works, so she wants to know

how long it will take him to cut all those pickets.

DOTTY CROSS PROBLEM Connect the dots using a continuous line to form a Greek cross, which

has arms of the same length. When you are done, there should be 8 dots inside the cross and 5 dots outside.

SEQUENCING Colleen made four grids. She asked Devon to find a pattern to fill in the fourth grid in the sequence.

HEADS UP! 1. Add the following numbers in your head. Do not write anything down.

Start Add Add Add Add Add Add Add Now 2011

with 1000. 40 1000 30 1000 20 1000 10 write down your answer. THE ALMANAC

TAKES TWO TO MAKE ONE Paul asked Mac to rearrange the letters to make two words into one. invite +lose |most+dice |tap+lash soda+bride| antic+near| ibid+coal gnat+peon |claim+ripe} lone +since score+pipe|tram+late |loam+barn cease+pad |vaint+stage |cafe+urn FOR FARMERS

& CITY FOLK

47

PLE

P

sf

NG TABLE

FOR

The success of your vegetable garden depends to a large extent on picking the correct time(s) to plant. The first date on the following table shows the earliest date on which it is considered safe to plant in the open. The second date shows the latest date likely to be satisfactory for planting. Refer to Frost Date Chart on page 90 to find the average date of the last freeze in your area. *Plant ** Usually fall planted TYPE OF CROP

PLANTING

DATES FOR LOCALITIES

IN WHICH

Feb8 | Feb 18 | Feb 28

ASPARAG US¥s ie iis te isllietecescnactcceuienn Tpeerececuceses mn | eeeecaeeee em UMREsg essence 1/1-3/1 BEANS, Lima 2/10-S/1 3/1-5/1 3/15-6/1 3/20-6/1 BEANS, Snap 2/1-8/1 3/1-5/1 3/10-5/15 3/15-5/15 BEET 1/10-3/15 | 1/20-4/1 2/1-4/15 2/18-6/1 BROCCOLI, Sprouting* j 1/1-30 1/15-2/15 2/1-3/1 2/18-3/15 BRUSSELS SPROUTS 1/1-30 1/15-2/15 2/1-3/1 2/15-3/15 CABBAGE* 1/1-2/10 1/1-2/25 1/15-2/25 1/25-3/1 CABBAGE, Chinese bi ies Less ee 1/1-3/1 1/1-3/1 1/15-3/1 2/1-3/1 2/10-3/15 1/1-2/1 1/1-2/1 1/10-2/10 1/20-2/20 2/1-3/1 1/1-2/1 1/10-2/10 |} 1/20-2/20 2/1-3/1 2/20-3/20 1/1-4/1 1/10-4/1 1/20-4/15 2/1-5/1 2/15-5/15 CHERVIL and CHIVES 1/1-2/1 1/1-2/1 1/15-2/15 2/1-3/1 CHICORY 82) S| cucacesverevar enl|lmcctteatecses | ||[ sese.eversse oe ||| oneness 6/1-7/1 COLLARDS* 1/1-2/15 1/1-2/15 1/1-3/15 1/15-3/15 2/1-4/1 CORN, Sweet 2/1-3/15 2/10-4/1 2/20-4/15 3/1-4/15 3/10-4/15 CRESS 1/1-2/1 1/1-2/15 1/15-2/15 2/1-3/1 2/10-3/15 CUCUMBER 2/15-3/15 | 2/15-4/1 2/15-4/15 3/1-4/15 3/15-4/15 EGGPLANT* 2/19-3/15 | 2/20-4/1 3/10-4/15 3/15-4/15 ENDIVE 1/15-3/1 2/18-3/15 FENNEL, Florence : 1/15-3/1 2/15-3/15 GARLIC HORSERADISH? Sm «| illcavtucsaseseesso ml|teeos-persnecestel (0(nptseseetees onl uemeters tecerne oe | ime eres KALE 1/1-2/1 1/10-2/1 1/20-2/10 2/10-3/1 KOHLRABI 1/1-2/1 1/10-2/1 1/20-2/10 2/10-3/1 LEEK 1/1-2/1 1/1-2/1 1/1-2/15 1/15-2/15 1/25-3/1 LETTUCE, Head* 1/1-2/1 1/1-2/1 1/1-2/1 ‘1/15-2/15 2/1-20 1/1-2/1 1/1-2/1 1/1-3/15 1/1-3/15 1/15-4/1 2/15-3/18 | 2/15-4/1 2/15-4/15 3/1-4/15 3/15-4/15 1/1-3/1 2/18-4/15 2/1-3/1 2/10-3/15 2/15-4/15 | 3/1-6/1 3/10-6/1 3/20-6/1 1/1-15 1/1-15 1/1-2/1 1/18-2/15 1/1-15 1/1-15 1/1-2/15 2/1-3/1 1/1-15 1/1-15 1/1-3/1 1/15-3/10 1/1-30 1/1-30 1/15-3/1 2/1-3/10 spoenenduceenie. simereticussaies 1/1-2/1 1/18-2/15 1/18-3/1 1/1-2/15 1/1-2/15 1/1-3/1 1/15-3/1 1/15-3/15 PEAS, Blackeye 2/18-8/1 2/15-5/15 | 3/1-6/15 3/10-6/20 3/15-7/1 PEPPER* 2/1-4/1 2/18-4/15 | 3/1-5/1 3/15-5/1 4/1-6/1 POTATO 1/1-2/15 1/1-2/15 1/15-3/1 1/15-3/1 2/1-3/1 RADISH 1/1-4/1 1/11/1-4/1 1/1-4/] 1/1-4/15 RHUBARB* RUTABAGA sate trecs 1/1-2/1 1/15-2/15 SHALLOT 1/1-2/ 1/1-2/10 1/1-2/20 1/1-3/1 1/18-3/1 SORREL 1/1-3/1 1/1-3/1 1/15-3/1 2/1-3/10 2/10-3/15 SOYBEAN 3/1-6/30 3/1-6/30 3/10-6/30 3/20-6/30 4/10-6/30 SPINACH 1/1-2/15 1/1-2/15 1/1-3/1 1/1-3/1 1/15-3/10 SPINACH, New Zealand | 2/1-4/15 2/18-4/15 | 3/1-4/18 3/15-5/15 3/20-8/15 SQUASH 2/1-4/15 2/18-4/15 | 3/1-4/15 3/15-8/15 3/15-5/1 SWEET POTATO 2/15-5/15 | 3/1-8/15 3/20-6/1 3/20-6/1 4/1-6/1 TOMATO 2/1-4/1 2/20-4/10 | 3/1-4/20 3/10-5/1 3/20-5/10 TURNIP 1/1-3/1 1/1-3/1 1/10-3/1 1/20-3/1 2/1-3/1 WATERMELON 2/18-3/15 | 2/15-4/1 2/18-4/15 3/1-4/15 3/15-4/15

48

THE ALMANAC

FOR FARMERS & CITY FOLK

Mar 20 2/1-3/10 4/1-6/15 3/15-5/25 2/15-5/15 2/15-3/15 2/15-3/15 2/1-3/1 at 2/15-3/20 2/10-3/10 3/1-4/1 2/20-5/15 2/10-3/10 6/1-7/1 2/15-5/1 3/15-5/1 2/20-3/15 4/1-5/1 4/1-5/1 3/1-4/1 3/1-4/1 2/1-3/1

2/20-3/10 2/1-3/1 2/15-3/10 2/1-4/1 4/1-5/1 2/20-4/1 4/1-6/15 2/10-3/10 2/10-3/10 2/1-3/20 2/18-3/15 2/15-3/15 2/1-3/15 4/1-T/1 4/10-6/1 2/10-3/15 1/20-8/1

1/15-3/1 | 2/1-3/10 2/10-3/20 4/10-6/30 1/15-3/15 4/1-5/15 4/1-8/15 4/10-6/1 4/1-5/20 2/10-3/10 4/1-5/1

2011

the left-hand Calendar Pages, beginning on page 10. THE AVERAGE

2/15-3/20 4/15-6/20 4/1-6/1 3/1-6/1 3/1-20 3/1-20 2/15-3/10 Kk

3/1-4/10 2/20-3/20 3/15-4/15 3/1-5/25 2/15-3/15 6/1-7/1 3/1-6/1 3/25-5/15 3/1-4/1 4/10-5/15 4/18-8/15 3/10-4/10 3/10-4/10 2/10-3/10 3/1-4/1 3/1-20 3/1-4/1 2/18-3/15 3/1-20 2/18-4/15 4/10-8/15 3/1-4/15 4/10-6/15 2/15-3/15 2/20-3/15 2/15-3/20 3/1-4/1 3/1-4/1 2/10-3/20 4/15-T/1 4/15-6/1 2/20-3/20 2/18-5/1

2/15-3/15 2/20-4/1 4/20-6/30 2/1-3/20 4/10-6/1 4/10-6/1 4/20-6/1 4/10-6/1 2/20-3/20 4/10-5/15

2011

3/10-4/10 4/1-6/30 4/10-6/30 3/10-6/1 3/15-4/15 3/15-4/15 3/1-4/1 ** 3/10-4/20 3/1-3/20 4/-4/20 3/15-6/15 3/1-4/1 6/10-7/1 3/1-6/1 4/10-6/1 3/10-4/15 4/20-6/1 5/1-6/1 3/15-4/15 3/15-4/15 2/20-3/20 3/10-4/10 3/10-4/1 3/10-4/10 3/1-4/1 3/10-4/1 3/15-5/15 4/20-6/1 3/10-4/20 4/20-6/15 3/1-4/1 3/1-4/1 3/1-4/1 3/10-4/10 3/10-4/10 2/20-3/20 8/1-7/10 §/1-6/1 3/10-4/1 3/1-5/1 3/1-4/1 /1 3/1-4/15 §/1-6/30 2/15-4/1 4/20-6/1 4/20-6/1 §/1-6/1 4/20-6/1 3/1-4/1 4/20-6/1

DATE OF THE LAST FREEZE

IS

Apr 20 | Apr 30

May

§/1-6/20 4/25-6/30 3/20-6/1 3/25-4/20 3/25-4/20 3/10-4/1 ** 4/1-5/15 3/15-4/20 4/10-5/1 4/1-6/15 3/10-4/10 6/15-7/1 3/10-6/1 4/28-6/15 3/20-5/1 5/1-6/15 §/10-6/1 3/25-4/15 3/25-4/15 3/10-4/1 3/20-4/20 3/20-4/10 3/20-5/1 3/15-4/15 3/20-4/15 3/20-5/15 8/1-6/15 3/20-5/1 5/1-6/1 3/15-4/10 3/15-4/1 3/10-4/1 3/20-4/20 3/20-4/20 3/10-4/10 5/10-6/15 §/10-6/1 3/15-4/10 3/10-8/10 3/10-4/10

3/10-4/30 §/28-6/15 §/10-6/30 4/15-6/15 4/15-6/1 4/15-6/1 4/1-5/15 4/1-5/15 4/20-6/15 4/15-5/15 4/20-6/15 4/20-6/15 4/1-5/1 6/1-20 4/15-6/1 8/10-6/1 4/20-5/20 5/20-6/15 5/20-6/15 4/15-5/15 4/15-5/15 4/1-5/1 4/15-5/15 4/10-5/1 4/10-5/15 4/15-5/15 4/15-5/15 4/15-6/15 6/1-6/15 4/15-6/1 5/20-6/10 4/10-5/1 4/1-5/1 4/10-5/1 4/15-5/15 4/15-5/15 4/1-8/15

4/20-5/15

4/20-5/15

§/15-6/30 4/28-6/15 §/1-6/15 §/1-6/15 §/1-6/15 §/1-6/15 §/1-6/1 5/10-6/15 §/10-6/15 5/10-6/15 4/15-5/15 6/1-15 §/1-6/1 §/15-6/1

4/15-5/15 4/20-5/20 4/20-5/10 4/20-5/20 5/1-5/20 §/1-6/30 §/1-6/30

5/15-6/30 4/25-6/15 §/1-6/15 8/1-6/15 §/1-6/15 §/1-6/15 §/1-6/1 5/10-6/15 8/10-6/15 5/10-6/15 4/15-5/15 6/1-15 §/1-6/1 §/15-6/1 §/1-6/1 6/1-15 6/1-15 §/1-30 5/1-30 4/15-5/15 4/20-5/20 4/20-5/10 4/20-5/20 5/1-5/20 §/1-6/30 §/1-6/30

§/1-6/30 6/1-20 4/20-5/15 4/20-5/15 4/20-5/15 §/1-20 §/1-20 4/15-6/1

4/20-5/15 4/20-5/15 4/20-5/15 §/1-20 §/1-20 4/15-6/1

§/20-6/10 4/1-6/1 4/1-6/1 4/1-8/1 §/1-6/1 4/10-8/1 4/15-6/1 5/25-6/10 4/1-6/15 §/10-6/15 §/10-6/10

§/25-6/15 4/15-6/15 4/15-6/15 4/15-5/10 §/1-20 4/20-5/10

* 4/15-5/10

4/10-6/15 5/20-6/15 §/20-6/15

4/) 0-6/ 15 8/20-6/15 8/20-6/15

5/15-6/10 4/1-6/1 6/1-6/15

§/25-6/15 4/15-6/1 6/15-7/1

3/15-4/15 3/15-5/1 §/10-6/20 3/1-4/15 8/1-6/15 §/1-6/15 8/10-6/10 5/5-6/10 3/10-4/1 8/1-6/15

3/20-4/15 §/15-6/15 5/10-6/30 4/1-6/15 4/1-5/1 4/1-5/1 3/15-4/10 ** 4/10-6/1 4/10-5/10 4/15-5/1 4/15-6/15 3/20-4/20 6/15-7/1 4/1-6/1 §/10-6/15 4/10-5/10 8/15-6/15 5/15-6/10 4/1-5/1 4/1-5/1 3/15-4/15 4/1-30 4/1-20 4/1-5/10 4/1-5/1 4/1-5/1 4/\-6/1 §/15-6/15 4/1-5/10 §/10-6/1 4/1-5/1 3/15-4/15 3/10-4/10 4/1-8/1 4/1-8/1 3/20-5/1 5/15-6/1 5/18-6/10 3/20-8/10 3/20-5/10 3/20-4/15 §/1-6/1 4/1-8/1 4/1-8/15 §/15-6/15 3/20-4/20 .8/1-6/15 8/1-30 §/20-6/10 §/10-6/15 3/20-8/1 §/15-6/15

10

May 20

5/25-6/15 4/15-6/15 4/15-6/15 §/1-20 4/20-5/10 §/1-6/1

5/15-6/1

§/15-6/18 §/20-6/10 5/20-6/10 §/20-6/1 5/20-6/1 §/20-6/1 6/1-6/15 6/1-6/15 6/1-6/15 8/15-6/1 6/1-15 §/20-6/1

§/15-6/1 §/15-6/1 §/15-6/1 5/15-6/1 §/15-6/1 §/15-6/1 §/1-15 5/20-6/30 8/20-6/30

5/10-6/10 8/10-6/10 8/10-6/10 §/20-6/10 5/20-6/10 §/10-6/15 §/15-6/1 5/15-6/1 8/15-6/1 §/20-6/1 5/10-6/1 5/20-6/10

5/25-6/15 4/15-6/1 6/15-7/1

THE ALMANAC FOR FARMERS & CITY FOLK

49

HINTS FOR YOUR HEALTH HOW HOT IS TOO HOT?: We are told of the beneficial health benefits of tea and coffee, and they can’t be denied. But let’s face it, we North Americans like

it hot! Maybe too hot, according to a recent Iranian tea study at Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Researchers found that too-hot liquid could injure esophageal cells, paving the way for esophageal cancer. So, why not cool it a little? SAVE WITH STORE-BRAND OTC DRUGS: So says Consumer Reports on Health, which compared brand-name and store versions of three over-thecounter drugs, and found they contained the same active ingredients and were just as safe and effective—yet were often much cheaper. They checked Walmart (lowest prices), as well as CVS, RiteAid, and Target, among others.

COVER ALL WOUNDS: Contrary to popular advice to let a cut breathe, it’s now considered advisable to cover fresh cuts and other wounds. European studies have shown that wounds heal up to 40% faster when kept clean, moist, and covered with antibacterial ointment. This treatment allows your immune system to spring into action to fight infection and rebuild tissues. BETTER BLOOD TESTING: Next time you need to have your blood drawn at the lab (or during a blood drive), make the procedure easier by drinking 16 ounces (.45 liter) of water an hour beforehand, and dress in warm clothes. Hydrating your body and raising its temperature makes finding a vein easier. BEST BRAIN FOODS: Researchers have found that natural chemicals in the following foods, drinks, and spices tend to combat cognitive decline: asparagus, blueberries, cinnamon, cocoa, coffee, egg yolks, flaxseed, garlic, ginger, Indian curry (turmeric), red wine, rosemary, salmon, sardines, tomato sauce, and walnuts. Eat these and enjoy your ever-expanding mind! STEALTH WORKOUT: You don’t need to engage in one big workout to be fit. Instead, include numerous mini-workouts in your daily routine. They'll add up! Pace while talking on the phone. Walking 5 minutes each hour is almost an hour a day! Stairs...you know, climb up and down often. Do lunges and squats while brushing your teeth, during commercials...or whenever. CLEVER CALORIE CALCULATOR: How many calories do you need to consume each day to lose weight? It’s all based on your age and activity level. If you only engage in light activity or are over 55, take your goal weight and multiply by 13, says Prevention magazine. If you regularly exercise for 30 minutes a day 4 days or more a week, multiple your goal weight by 15. PICKING PROBIOTICS: Probiotics—yogurt (and supplements) containing so-called “friendly” intestinal bacteria—can help with diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and ciher stomach troubles. To make sure the yogurt is made with viable bacteria, look for live cultures of lactobacillus and bifidobacterium—as evidenced by the Live & Active Cultures seal. BETTER BRUSHING: If you suffer from heartburn, don’t brush your teeth during an episode. Instead, rinse with water, then wait. Stomach acid enters

your mouth and can damage teeth and gums as it keeps it in an acidic state. The abrasive action of brushing can exacerbate the erosion of tooth enamel. The same advice applies after you drink a soda or any other acidic drink. 50

THE ALMANAC FOR FARMERS & CITY FOLK

2011

FUR ’N’ FEATHERS By Mark Sunlin

THE WEATHER BIRD Recently, a California television viewer complain-

IMTHE BEST

ed “It’s raining, but the

ER

FORECASTER!

Doppler radar shows no rain.” The flip side also

{

acts as

a built-in thermometer with

occurs, with

which he can gauge the temperature

weather radar

a,

none. In such

with incredible

wt A

accuracy.

—

And so, day after day he tends the nest, plun-

cases, weather

turkey-size mallee fowl digs a crater and fills it with decaying vegetation. As with your backyard mulch pile, the

ging his beak into it to judge the heat and removing or adding material as the temperature rises or falls.” ART IS FOR THE BIRDS You don’t have to be French to be an art critic. You don’t even have to be human, says Professor Shigeru Watanabe. You can be a Japanese pigeon and be a fine art critic. Watanabe presented 4 birds from the Japanese Society for Racing Pigeons with some artwork done by kids at a Tokyo elementary school. Some paintings had received high grades from a panel

fermentation releases heat, and this

of adults, others had “flunked.” If the

acts as an incubator for the eggs laid by the female (who does her part by laying up to three times her body weight in eggs each year). That’s pretty clever, but as British naturalist

birds pecked at the superior “A” paintings, they were rewarded for their critical aptitude with a treat. Having thus learned everything there was to

forecasters shyly admit that such instruments aren’t foolproof—something the rest of us already knew. | But while such high-tech doodads frequently foul up the forecast, an Australian bird gets a pretty good reading on the weather conditions by simply using his head—or mouth, to be more specific. Before

nesting season, the male

Gerald Durrell explained, the male,

who takes over the nesting duties, “is most particular about his eggs, and likes them kept at a steady 95 degrees Fahrenheit” (or 35 degrees Celsius, since Australia has gone metric). “On the face of it, this is a seemingly impossible task for a bird,” continues 2011

THE ALMANAC

know about art, the birds were shown

new paintings, whereupon they correctly chose the “good” paintings twice as frequently as they did the poor artwork. (Now perhaps Watanabe can teach the same artistic aptitude trick to those human featherheads who recently bid millions for Van Gogh or Andy Warhol paintings.)

FOR FARMERS

& CITY FOLK

SURVIVAL 101 BY THE SUN SIGNS By Susan M. Christensen Everyone seems to know someone who has been laid off, fired, or early-retired. If you or someone you know is in this position, assess skills and assets with the Sun Signs and formulate a battle plan to help fight the good fight and keep spirits up. ARIES: March 21 - April 20 Aries is a masculine, cardinal, fire sign ruled by Mars, the planet of energy. This energy is

Arians’ greatest strength. They, the quintessential go-getters of the Sun signs, want to go fast and get things done, but must realize that often there are no effective shortcuts. Arians should direct their energy to jumping aggressively on every opportunity: answering print ads, responding to online postings, contracting recruiters, and assessing potential employers. When everyone else is tired out, Aries people will still have enough in the tank to attack (and enjoy!) social and professional networking, both in person and online. TAURUS:

April 21 - May 20 Taurus is a feminine, fixed

Earth sign, ruled by Venus, the planet of indolence. This makes Taureans virtually unflappable; they see no reason to make things complicated or difficult. This is Taureans’ great ret strength; they are solid and reliable. When everyone else is upset about having to work late and having do more because NS of fewer people, Taureans just dig in their heels and endure. They are resourceful, self-sufficient, and eminently capable of accomplishing any task without supervision—if only employers would recognize that fact! GEMINI: May 21 -June 21 Gemini is a masculine, mutable,

air sign, ruled by Mercury, the planet of thought. Geminis’ strength is their ability to think on their feet, so they are highly versatile and adaptable, and can fill in for most people in most situations on a moment’s notice. What information Geminis lack they will find, impressing everyone with their quick responses. Easily bored, Geminis are ideal candidates for flexible workplaces and tele-commuting. This will make Geminis happier and more productive, with fewer absences. What they do is more important then where they do it! CANCER: June 22 - July 22 Cancer is a feminine, cardinal water sign, ruled by the Moon, which governs emotions— which gives Cancer people empathy, their great strength. It’s a useful trait, as it enables them to put themselves in an employer’s place and thus figure out problem areas. This allows Cancer folks to demonstrate their ability to solve problems while demonstrating their facility for critical thinking—not necessarily attributes most people immediately apply to Cancerians. Potential employers will likely be impressed by the fact that someone was looking out for their company’s welfare, a nice change from the current (and all-too-prevalent) attitude: “It’s all about me!” 52

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LEO:

July 23 - August 22 Leo is a masculine, fixed fire

sign ruled by the Sun which rules the self. This causes Leos to be proud and feel somehow entitled to everything because they are so great. Paradoxically, this pride can turn out to be their greatest strength, because it allows Leos to feel free to develop new skills and talents. By believing that they are really good at everything, they naturally feel confident when developing new projects, knowing they will likely be successful because Leos tend to have no fear of the unknown! Thus, these folks may be presented with more than the average number of opportunities. With their supreme confidence, the perception will be that Leos will not be limited by weakness. VIRGO:

August 23 - September 22 Virgo is a feminine,

mutable Earth sign, ruled by Mercury, the planet of thought. Virgos are ultra-cautious and thoughtful—and this is their great strength. These people aren’t driven by ego, but by a sense of satisfaction. Virgos seem to always know the rules, and are able to discern how to accomplish their goals. In fact, everything is a long term goal to these folks, which is probably why they never give up advancing from one step to another in their quest. Virgos are hard-working, willing to pull their own weight with infinite patience while never taking their eyes off the prize. Their perfectionism and confidence will guarantee their success. LIBRA: September 23 - October 22 Libra is a masculine,

cardinal air sign, ruled by Venus the planet of harmony. Librans don’t like really hard work, but they dislike tension and stress even more. This dedication to harmony is their greatest strength. Libras don’t want to be the boss. They’d rather have someone else agonize over everything, and just do the work assigned to them. Librans are the natural sign of balance and teamwork, and so they enjoy working with others. These folks need jobs that are fun and easy to learn, and tend

to be qualified for work at which they’ll be able to succeed based on their individual education and experience. Librans are smart, balanced people who know that their work is only a part of their lives.

aU

SCORPIO:

October 23 -November 21 Scorpio is a

feminine, fixed water sign ruled by Pluto, the planet of transformation. This ability to metamorphosize is Scorpios’ greatest strength. These folks understand that strength can be like armor, and their vulnerabilities can provide them with an opportunity to grow and to expand SS are highly dedicated people who might throw all Scorpios their fiptivack. their passion and being into using rejection as an opportunity. They will listen carefully to ideas, and are open to learning from others. Scorpios will assess, evaluate, and research—and then change all...or nothing. "

2011

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Das

SAGITTARIUS: November 22 - December 20 Sagittarius is a masculine, mutable, fire sign ruled by Jupiter, the - planet of expansion. This expansion is their greatest strength, since Sagittarians have few boundaries. They go everywhere and talk to everyone—and everyone always

ES @ : are

these folks precisely because they are so expansive:

4 friendly, cheerful, and happy. Sagittarians have great people skills. And with their excellent coordination endowing them with nearly perfect balance, they tend to excel at physical tasks as well. Sagittarius folks can convince others there are no limits to what people can accomplish together—and everyone is likely to believe in them. Sagittarians know you make your own luck, and that they can make luck work for others as well. CAPRICORN:

December 21 - January 19 Capricorn is a

feminine, cardinal Earth sign ruled by Saturn, the planet of maturity. When Capricorns are young they tend to worry about their lack of experience. When they are older they may worry about being overqualified. But Capricorns needn’t worry about age because, when it comes to employment, their work ethic is their greatest strength. These folks never stop working! Having set their goals when very young, as they mature Capricorns keep expanding their horizons to include high-growth jobs. They are smart enough to look at areas of employment that might not always be considered because of the need for extensive training or education. AQUARIUS: January 20 - February 18 Aquarius is a fixed, masculine air sign ruled by Uranus, the planet of

the unexpected. Aquarians perform best while thinking outside the box. They are unconventional and idealistic people who should ideally work in areas that have an impact on all of humanity (or even on a single species), work that requires specific technological and/or cognitive skills—for Aquarians do best when presented with the latest, most forwardthinking concepts. Employment in the clean energy sector, for example, would be perfect, for which they possess both the inventiveness to initiate new ideas and the talent to implement projects. PISCES:

February 19 - March 20 Pisces is a feminine,

mutable water sign ruled by Neptune, the planet of imagination. It is this imagination that is Pisces’ greatest strength. The mundane world is not for Pisces people; they tend to 143 be too creative and sensitive. Instead, Pisces folks should 5% simply strive to follow their hearts and instincts (and listen to their imaginations) to bring their visions into being. This could come about in any field or any business, if they so desire, but perhaps the key for Pisces people is to recognize that creativity is born. It cannot be created, but rather it is nurtured by each person paying attention to their own dreams...that’s Pisces’ challenge when making a living. a 54

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2011

PARSNIPS: SUPERB WINTERKEEPERS By Weldon Burge Parsnips may look like anemic carrots, but they are actually very hardy and can stay in the garden even under snow. They have a sweet, nutty flavor, perhaps the sweetest of the root crops. Gardeners who ignore parsnips have probably never tasted them at their best. Properly prepared, they’re absolutely scrumptious! Parsnips are easy to grow, but there are a few the seed coats, before planttricks for growing ing. Others prefer to prethe large, sugary “ roots. sprout the seeds indoors First, buy fresh seed each between moist sheets of year. Seeds more than a paper towels. When the year old germinate poortiny white roots appear, ly, if at all. Dependable the seeds are ready to be varieties include All planted. Be careful not to American, Harris Mobreak the small roots or aldel, and Hollow Crown. low the seeds to dry out bePlant your parsnips in fore sowing. early spring, at about the f A trick for growing monster parsnips is to plant them same time as peas andra4 dishes. Like carrots, they in prepared, conical holes. This is the method most often used require a deeply worked, by prize-winning parsnip growwell-prepared soil. Till the XS ers. Drive a crowbar into the soil garden bed as early as wea% to a depth of about 2 ft. (61 cm) ther conditions permit, raking rotating the bar in a circular soil smooth of rocks and clods. wo fashion until the hole is about To soften the soil and promote 6 in, (15 cm) across at top. Then proper drainage, work in plenty fill the hole with a mixture of of peat moss, clean sand, and leaf { sand, sifted soil, and humus or mold (if available). Avoid materials ‘ compost, leaving a slight detoo high in nitrogen, such as manure, as it encourages lush top pression at the top of the hole. Place growth but only pencil-thin, hairy two or three sprouted seeds in the roots. Like other root crops, par- depression, and then cover them with snips thrive in a soil rich in potassium ¥-in. (1.3 cm) of sifted sphagnum and phosphorus, so till in a few moss; water the hole. Space holes 8 in. sprinklings of wood ashes (potash) (20 cm) apart each way in the bed. As the seedlings grow, keep the soil for good measure. The seeds germinate slowly; they evenly moist but not saturated. When may take up to three weeks, even in the plants have three or four leaves the best garden conditions. To hasten each, thin to one strong plant per hole, germination, some gardeners soak and then mulch the bed. A 2- to 3-in. the seeds overnight, or treat them (5 to 7.6-cm) straw mulch will control 2011

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5p)

weeds, plus it will help the soil retain moisture and maintain a cool soil temperature. Parsnips grow slowly, and mulching is the best way to pamper them. If the parsnips receive inadequate

When harvesting parsnips, don’t try to pull them as you would most other root crops. Instead, use a spad-ing fork to loosen the soil and care-fully lift roots from the ground. Leave the dirt on the parsnips until you’re ready to

moisture during the summer, they’ll

use them, for the roots tend to shrivel

be tough and are likely to split and rot with the fall rains. During dry spells, water the bed deeply once a week. If you have a drip irrigation system, count your blessings! Aside from mulching and watering, the plants can be left alone until

when exposed to the air. Parsnips taste best straight from the garden. Wash and gently scrub the roots, and then briefly steam them to make peeling easier. For even cooking, halve or quarter the roots to cook the cores to the perfect ten-

harvest, which isn’t until after a few

derness. With larger roots, remove

frosts in late fall. The colder temperature changes starches in the roots into sugar. Store the parsnips right in the ground where they grew, digging them up as you need them throughout the winter, knowing they are sweet and delicious. Mulch the entire parsnip bed with up to 12 inches of straw to keep the soil soft enough to dig. Even if there’s snow on the ground, you can harvest fresh, tasty parsnips! (Harvest the roots be-

the woody core entirely and use the succulent flesh. Many people ruin the natural flavor of parsnips by overcooking

fore the soil warms in the spring, however. Once the tops start to grow,

the roots become bitter and tough.)

There summer Yeboah, its three

them until they’re mushy and bland. The sugar in parsnips readily dissolves in water, so do not boil the

roots—a common mistake when preparing parsnips. Brown them in butter or sauté them in a little oil, keeping the heat low to avoid scorching the sugar in the roots. Perhaps the best way to cook parsnips is to roast them in the oven, allowing the

sugars to caramelize.

so

GORILLA TACTICS was much excitement when the London Zoo announced in the of 2009 that it would soon acquire a 12-year-old male gorilla, from a wildlife preserve in France. Zoo officials were pleased, but older female gorillas were nothing short of ecstatic, according to a

report by CNN.

When

the three “ladies” were shown posters of Yeboah,

Zaire shrieked in delight, while Effie wedged the poster into a tree and stared at it. Mjukuu, however, neld the poster tightly against her chest— then promptly ate it.

COLD CASES SOLVED BY DROUGHT

The central Texas drought conditions, which caused a 30-foot drop in the water level of Lake Travis near Austin, surprised police by exposing three stolen vehicles. One, missing since 1988, still had the keys in the ignition! 56

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2011

STRICTLY FOR KIDS By Tina Iozzo

Answers on page 96. THREE BY THREES Using each letter of the given words just once, fill in the 3 x 3 puzzles so that three-letter words read across and down to form mini-crosswords. 1. PAINT 2. TOTES 3. GUESS

THE ANT GAME ANIMALISTIC PHRASES Use the clues to fill in the blanks to Match these columns: make a word that ends in ANT: 1. Piggy bank A. Tuxedo 2. Pony Express B. Very obstinate SLANT Example: Slope 1. Breathe quickly and hard i C. Seen from above 3 .Catamaran

4. Black sheep

2. Large circusmammal__

D.Infatuation

3. An herb, bush, or shrub__ ___ 4. Richly supplied __§_§_____

5. Puppy love _ E. Senseless search E Money saver 6. Hot dogger

7.Bullheaded

G.Overeat

6. One engagedinwar_________ 7. Always the same __§_

one 8. Goose egg

H. Type of boat _I. 1800s mail

5. Outstanding talent__§_=§_=§___

6. Hasiapleasingscent_ ===

ene who applies” ‘nWontobey orders

=

oemelpers

12. Carefully watchful_ =

service

9. Pig out

10. Wild goose chase

11. Monkey suit

J. Causes family shame

K. Zilch

12. Bird’s eye view L. Showoff

DOUBLE COMPOUNDS Solve by using the same word to make two different compound words. timetable/tablespoon spoon / Example: Time warmer / 8. work house / 1. high wagon / belly 9. quarters / 2. tow boat / top 10. breaker / 3. lock whelm / dropper 11. pop i 4. pink swatter / butter 12. worm / 5. guide lace / long 13. Jack A 6. fire hog / 14. fair nail / 7. tip 2011

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a

NEWS TO AMUSE SOME CATS ARE SMART... WHAT’S IN A NAME? Bus drivers on an urban route in The motto of The North Face the British

an

apparel company is “Never Stop Ex-

unusual passenger: A white cat with one blue eye and one green one, sporting a purple collar. He would get on at the same stop most mornings in front of a row of semi-detached houses, then jump off at the next stop up the road apiece at a row of shops that includes a fish-and-chips shop! The bus drivers nicknamed the cat Macavity, after a poem by T. S. Eliot: (Macavity also appears in the

Midlands

noticed

ploring.” The South Butt, a clothing company started by 19-year-old University of Missouri freshman, Jimmy Winkelmann in an effort to defray tuition expenses, has the motto “Never Stop Relaxing.” He sells his clothing at a local drug store, Williams Pharmacy. The South Butt claims its name and a motto are = a parody i

Andrew LLoyd Weber’s musical Cats). Macavity did not take a seat, but saton @ the floor near the front, {* patiently awaiting his stop. \

He’s a perfect passenger!

s

aa)

ayLot

Face. The company (or rather

>) VF Cor-

its parent The South

4

not parody

..OTHER CATS, NOT SO MUCH A researcher attached fish and

biscuit treats to one end of a string and tested 15 domestic cats on their

ability to retrieve the unreachable food treats from under a plastic

screen by pulling on one end of the string to pull the treat closer. She used one baited string; two parallel strings, one baited; and two crossed strings, one baited. No cats understood the function of the strings (but all could pull a single string to obtain a treat). With two strings, none con-

sistently chose the correct one, whether strings were parallel or crossed. THE ALMANAC

ti f

—

J poration, company) sued Aca Butt, saying it is

but piracy, infring-

ing on North Face trademarks and Causing confusion among consumers.

The South Butt’s attorney cheekily ‘esponded that if the consuming public “is unable to discern the difference between a face and a butt, we encourage them to buy North Face

Products.”

VERY PERSONAL SHOPPING A man—caught by store security staff putting three limes and a package of ground beef in his pants—with clownlike flourishes pulled out an additional horde: two onions, three

trays of rump steaks, and a package of forequarter lamb chops!

FOR FARMERS & CITY FOLK

2011

HELPFUL HINTS HANG IT UP: Attach small towel bars to the inside doors of kitchen and utility room cabinets to hold your trigger spray containers, instead of having them take up valuable cabinet floor space. They’ll be easier to locate, too. In the garage, hang towel bars under shelves or on cabinet sides and doors to hang spray bottles, gardening gloves, and work lights, etc. CELL PHONE TOOK A BATH?: If you accidentally dropped your cell phone into the sink or (yikes!) the toilet, all is not lost. Use a cloth to diy off water droplets, then remove the battery. Put the battery and the phone into a bowl of uncooked rice for several hours to soak up the rest of the moisture. EASY BRASS CLEANING: No need to use harsh chemicals to get your unlaquered brass gleaming. Instead, wipe brass with a damp cloth dipped in Worchester sauce, then polish it with a clean soft cloth. Voila! Shine!

: ' ' |

ARE THEY HARD BOILED?: Your eggs, that is. Properly cooked, they won't form a green layer around the yolk. A quick way to tell: Once the eggs have boiled, spin one around on the countertop as you would spin a top. If the egg spins quickly and remains stable on the counter (i.e., doesn’t careen away) it’s hard boiled. If it’s wobbly and unsteady, it’s not. To tell if eggs are fresh, place them in a large bowl of cold water. Any egg that sinks and lies on its side is fresh. If it floats, chuck it. If it stands upright, cook it soon. REMOVE A BROKEN BULB: When a light bulb breaks off in a socket, remove it by jamming a hunk of heavy-duty Styrofoam®, softened bar of soap, or large raw potato onto the base of the bulb so you can twist it safely. PAYING TOO MUCH FOR YOUR CAR INSURANCE?: To find out, go to Kelly Blue Book’s website www.kbb.com to find out what your car is currently worth. Multiply your comprehensive and collision premium by 10. If your car is worth less than that number, it’s wise to cancel your collision coverage. CANNY COUPONING: When redeeming coupons, buy the smallest size allowed of the product to get the best savings. For example, a dollar off a 10oz. bag of beans that sells for $2 saves you more than $1 off a 20-0z. bag of beans that sells for $4. You pay $1 for 10 oz., $3. for 20 oz.—$1 more! IN A PINCH: Here are a few time/trouble savers from Real Simple magazine. Use a full piece of uncooked spaghetti to light hard-to-reach candles. Spray your snow shovel with Pam and snow will slide right off. Stop the bottoms of shaving cans from rusting by painting the rims with nail polish. CLEVER CAULKING: To ensure that caulking (or recaulking) around sinks and bathtubs lasts longer, fill them with water first. The weight of the water will open the seams to the maximum where the caulk will be applied. TEST YOUR REFRIGERATOR: Place a glass of water inside. After 24 hours, water temperature should be between 35° (1.7° C) and 40° F (4.4° C)— slightly higher on a hot day. To test the freezer, use cooking oil instead of water. After 24 hours, the temperature of the cooking oil should be between

| 0° F (18° C) and 8° F (13°C.

COOKING TIPS: Too much salt in the soup? Decrease salty taste by adding | | a pinch of brown sugar. Use ice cubes to collect surplus grease. 2011

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McFadden’s Fishing Forecasts If you get to choose your fishing times, some times of day are better because the moon as it passes overhead has a gravitational effect on tides and fish—so all fishing times aren’t equal. The best time for freshwater fishing is within two hours of when the moon

is overhead,

halfway between the times of moonrise and and moonset, as well as the times within

two hours of when the moon is down under, that is, during the period halfway between moonset and moonrise. Aside from the moon’s position,

consider the moon’s phase. More fish are caught plus or minus two hours of the moon being overhead on days around the date of the new moon phase. The next best fishing times are plus or minus two hours of the moon’s overhead passage on or near the date of the full moon. Fishing at times when the moon is down under may not be as good, but is still better than at other times. However,

fish are least likely to bite near the first and third quarters of the moon. NOV. 2010

DEC. 2010

JAN. 2011

FEB. 2011 MOON MOON

10:07b

OOONIAMKHABWHYH DOWIDAMNABWYR 11:05p OODADMAPWNHHOOWOIAMBWNHH NR RRR RR MNNNR WHR

All times

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Re NNN RR RRB RRR NVR OODAIDAMBPWHREDODNIDA RRR RRR REE NNNNE OOOWIDMNARWNROWODMHNIAMKABWNHH WN

given are local times

FOR FARMERS & CITY FOLK

2011

McFadden’s Fishing Forecasts APR. 2011 MOON

MAY 2011

MOON

MOON OVER-

MOON DOWN UNDER

JUNE 2011

:

MOON MOON OVER- DOWN HEAD UNDER

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Re RR RR RRR WOAIDNABRWNYRHOODAUIDMNAKRWN 1 2 DOWOMADANABRWNHROOCONIAMAWPY NR RRR RR RRR DOWAIDANABRWNROOOMIDAMKA

o

RR RHE NRE eRe DODdWIDAMABRWHYE SOWAKAMKAHRWNH

Rp NR ERR RR EEE DOONIDAMAHRWYHHE DOWDADMABWNRH

Hl

SEPT. MOON OVERHEAD

2011 MOON DOWN UNDER

EYE eee NR Ree SOWADNNABRWNRODOOWNIDAKABWHYH

NNR EE Ree BRR RR DMDAIDNBRWNHHOOOMOUNDAMWABW POO

All times given are local times

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NOV. 2011 %

DEC. 2011 TIMETABLE FOR over: DOWN | GROWING POPULAR VEGETABLES

ie) ee heared lag Sel ONE te | a NNR RHE RRR HBOODMAIDNAWNROODIDANHSWYr

Beans* 60-84 days Brussels sprouts 90 days Cabbage* 50-100 days Cauliflower* 45-65 days Celery 110 days Corn 100 days Cucumbers* 52-62 days Eggplant 70 days Lettuce 45 days Melons* 75-90 days Peas* 62-65 days Radishes 23 days Spinach 60 days Squash 48 days Tomatoes* 45-96 days Watermelon 82 days

All times given are local times

Depending on variety

THEFT VICTIM GETS THE LAST LAUGH When a Brooklyn, N.Y., eighth-grade school teacher reported her little Honda stolen from the street in front of her home, police laughed when she asked about the odds of getting it back, according to the New York Daily News. So you can imagine her surprise when police called last spring (albeit four years later) to say they had recovered the car. A bigger shock awaited her when she arrived at the police impound yard and saw that her car had not been chopped into pieces, as she had expected, but instead had been completely tricked out! The 4-cylinder engine had been replaced with a roaring V-8, and the former automatic transmission was now manual, with

a hot gearshift knob to match. The car now sported oversize tires instead of the original factory-installed ones, and featured a nifty leather interior to take the place of the old cloth seat coverings—altogether upgrading the look (and value) of the stolen car.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AT WORK The Grand Rapids Press reported that the Board of Trustees of Saugatuck Township, Mich., recently scheduled a referendum asking voters for an increase in property taxes to cover unanticipated new expenses. The cause of the budget overrun? The mounting costs of defending lawsuits filed by folks complaining that Saugatuck’s property taxes are too high! 62

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Gardener’s Corner TRANSPLANTING REDUX As most gardeners know, when you

are digging a hole to transplant a tree or shrub, make a hole at least twice

as wide as the root ball of the transplant. But we still are continutally advised to make the hole deeper than necessary in order to add organic amendments to the soil. Current conventional wisdom, however, holds that this encourages the

development of shallow roots systems, as the roots won’t descend ”: into the harder native soil below. So dig the hole such that the ground level of the plant in its pot is the same as the Seas ae ground level of the planted shrub or tree. With a spade or hoe, break up clumps in the soil, remove rocks LIVING PEST CONTROLLERS or old roots, and add water to the Let nature help you get rid of hole. Position the plant in the hole, garden pests by making sure there are then backfill with the old soil. Cover plenty of predators around to eat the roots, but don’t cover the crown, them up. Fill a birdbath or bowl with the part that flares as stem changes water to attract birds, and provide to root. Tamp lightly and water again. some shady hiding spots (and water) Use organic matter as a mulch. for frogs—which also help diminish BANISH MACHO MANTISES garden pest populations. Obtain Praying mantises are known to some beneficial insects, too. They will capture and kill hummingbirds not eat the insects you don’t like or don’t much smaller than themselves, believe want in your flower or vegetable beds. it or not...and there are photos to Beneficial insects include ladybugs, prove it. If hummingbirds visit your and the aforementioned praying mantises (which eat a huge variety of yard, or if you have a hummingbird feeder, try planting a few basil plants non-beneficial insects). Use them to in the area. The scent of the plants will make meals of a number of problem cause mantises to stay away, and the pests so they are not eating your meals! hummingbirds will be attracted to the Beneficial insects are available at garden centers, or online. nectar of the basil flowers. THE ALMANAC

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ACID-LOVING PLANTS’ DELIGHT To encourage acid-loving plants, such as azaleas and hydrangeas, to de-

GO ON WEED PATROL Here’s a simple way to control any weeds that spring up in your driveway

velop more buds and blossom again,

or along your fence. Pour vinegar directly on the offending plants ...they’ll be dead in a day, and all you have to do is pick them up.

try this: When the plants have finished blooming and buds have dropped off, keep watering lightly for two weeks. Then continue to water as usual, now

using a mixture of two tablespoons of vinegar to a gallon of water. REDUCE HAIL DAMAGE If you live in an area plagued by hailstorms, protect your tomatoes. Cage the plants in tomato cages, then attach squares of window screening to the tops, allowing 6-inches of screening to hang over the cage. PROTECTING POTATOES Since potatoes are root crops which grow underground, you may think the soil is protection enough. But if your potatoes develop green skins, it’s a sign the tubers are getting too much sunlight. The green is mostly chlorophyll, but also contains solanine, a toxic compound which is a

FORGET CORN ROWS When corn is planted in long rows, it may adversely affect pollination. Corn is pollinated by wind andrain. The pollen drifts from the tassels at the tops of the stalks down to the silks coming out at the tops of the ears. The more pollen that lands on the silks, the greater

number

of

kernals will be produced on the ear. The pollination process works best when corn is planted in rectangular blocks instead of long rows, because

the pollen will be blown around in the area and land on neighboring plants’ silks, instead of blowing away, as it does with corn in long rows. Also, it’s easier to help with pollination yourself in a block of corn, using a stick to tap the

stalks to distribute the pollen. up the potatoes with soil, then add a SLUGGING SNAILS AND SLUGS thick mulch of hay or clean straw. Sprinkle crushed eggshells (wash Once dug, store potatoes in a dark and dry before crushing) around place to prevent the skin from form- plants being attacked by slugs. The ing solanine. (Green potatoes can be creatures won’t crawl through the peeled to remove all traces of eggshells. Or surround the soil around solanine, and are then safe to eat.) the plants with sand—slugs don’t like TREE-PLANTING TIPS crawing though that, either. Snails and Planting new trees in the fall is a slugs like beer, so make it easy for them good idea, but because they can lose to belly up to the bar. Sink containers up to 95 percent of their roots when (plastic soda bottles cut in half transplanted, they need special care, lengthwise will work) into the soil, level says the International Socieiy of with the ground, and fill with beer. Arboriculture. If there’s no rain, IT’S FOR THE BIRDS water at least once a week. Mulch no Instead of discarding them, tie more than 3 to 4 inches deep. Don’t deadhead trimmings into little bunchpile mulch around the trunk of the es, secure with twine, and hang outtree. Don’t fertilize, and prune only doors somewhere the birds can reach damaged branches. them. They'll love the seedhead treats. carcinogen. To solve this problem, hill

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CREATE A HABITAT FOR A BENEFICIAL FRIEND By Veronica As soon as the winter chili gives way to the inviting impending warmth of spring, most people get the urge to plant something...anything. While it is necessary to resist the urge to plant until the temperatures are sufficiently warm, there’s absolutely no reason not to plan and dream as you mentally design your spring and summer landscape and garden. But don’t overlook the importance of creating a welcoming space for one of the most beneficial lawn and garden friends you can have...the lowly toad. Many people provide houses and feeding areas for birds seeking to build nests and raise their young, and butterfly and hummingbird gardens are also popular landscape design choices. Meanwhile, most people don’t give a thought to creating a habitat friendly for toads. We agree toads are certainly less attractive than

Hunsucker

a dark, damp place in which to spend their day, so what about designing a small rock garden with open crevices? Toads will also be happy to make their home under a log or board if they can find a small opening from which to enter and exit. Another way to create an enticing home base for toads is to turn a container—with a plant still growing in it—on its side. It will be a synergistic relationship: The plant can continue to grow, and

the toads will be happy to live underneath its foliage. Toad houses can be purchased at garden

centers

and craft fairs, of

course, but it’s important that you choose a toad house for its practicality, not just for its visual appeal. The bottom of a toad house should be open, so that the toad can burrow

into the soil. Ideally, the house will have two means of getting in and out among the most useful creatures you so that the toad doesn’t become trapcan have in your yard or garden. For ped inside its house if a predator one thing, toads are a wonderful should arrive. Finally, as a way to make your yard alternative to pesticides. They eat thousands of insects and slimy or garden an even more appealing creatures, thereby eliminating pests place for toads to live, remember that such as mosquitoes and slugs from toads are fond of water. Place a your garden—and from your yard, shallow dish of water near the area where they spend most of their day. deck, or patio as well. It is very easy to create a habitat in The water and the dish should be kept your yard or garden to encourage clean. Just wash and refill it whenever toads to take up residence. Toads like you wash and clean your birdbath. butterflies and birds, but they are

2011

THE ALMANAC

FOR FARMERS

& CITY FOLK

CROSSWORD

PUZZLE

By Lawrence McGuire

ye

. Wrestler’s grip . Eve’s helpmate . Racing’s revolution . . . . . . . .

Chills and fever Antitoxins Diamonds, for criminals Troubles Appealed Action for your bottom doliar Ancient trash turned treasure Cockamamie . Adds spice to brisket . Could care less about right or

wrong 66

. Mark of bad conduct . Hem and haw . Whaddya want, Latin ones in your beer? .

Quick swim

. Force ___ .

from Navarone

Fork’s business ends

. Component of a whole . .

Subtle insult Affirmative vote.

. Lightning raid . . .

South American wool bearer “Tell-Tale Heart” author Bad vibe

. Age after bronze THE ALMANAC

FOR FARMERS

& CITY FOLK

2011

. Gym goer’s target Presidential thumbs down Ancient Irishman Small indentation Blue-pencil Stuffs a face

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Beautician’s playground Sight sneer Intermittent inactive periods Lust at first sight Viper to dodge

25. Mid. east gulf 26. Advanced 27. Polka pattern 28. Unrepentent 29. Cargo list 30. Photo finish 34. Pursue a trade 37. Number one to look out for 38. Tuesday before Ash Wednesday 40. Conger or moray 41. Bad blood

6.

Serves soup, sandwiches,

43.

Reclaimed from the wild

46. 48. 49.

Bigfoot’s snow-loving cousin Mysterious 51 Birds of a feather cast off together Carpenter and fire Baby food Kimono sash No way, dude Answer is on page 96.

57. 58. 59. 60. 61.

7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 19. 21. 23.

scuttlebutt, informally Gladiator’s workplace Nice Mrs. Unshackle Crackerjack Teacher’s go-to student Alley cat’s enemy Calendar mo. Auction activity

and

50. 51. 52. 54.

We will pay $25 for any ORIGINAL crossword puzzle we print. Our puzzle editor prefers symmetrical puzzles, as shown here, in which the black squares in one half of the crossword are the mirror-image of the black squares in the other half. Submit puzzles by March 31, 2011, to: Greentree Publishing, Inc., Box 319, 840 S. Rancho Drive, Suite 4, Las Vegas, NV 89106. Please include the solution for any puzzle you send, because even though our puzzle editor enjoys solving each puzzle submitted (without looking at the answer), he usually doesn’t have the time!

PEDAL FOR YOUR DINNER, DANISH-STYLE Pedal power alone could get you a free meal worth up to $36 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Copenhagen, a city in which 36 percent of locals cycle to work each day. The eco-hotel, which already produces renewable energy by means of solar panels on its facade, says guests who are able to produce at least ten watts of electricity by cycling on exercise bikes attached to a generator—about fifteen minutes for a person of average fitness—are given meal vouchers. “There may be the odd person who will cycle just to get a free meal,” an optimistic hotel spokeperson told BBC News, “but I don’t think people will exploit the initiative [to reduce their carbon footprint] overall.” (We wouldn’t want to bet on that!) In February 2010, aspiring taxicab drivers in Portsmouth, England, were officially informed by the City Council that license application forms were available in other languages, or in “audio,” “large print,” or “Braille.” 2011

THE ALMANAC

FOR FARMERS

& CITY FOLK

GESTATION TABLE Date of Service

DATE ANIMAL DUE TO GIVE BIRTH Mare

Cow Oct Oct Oct Nov Nov

7 17 27 6 16

Sow

Ewe 11 21 31 10 20

May 31 June 10 June 20 une 30 July 10

Apr May May May June

25 5 15 25 4

14

Jan Jan Jan Jan Feb

1 ll 21 31 10

Dec Dec Dec Jan Jan

Feb

20

Jan

26

Nov 30

July

20

June

Mar Mar Mar

2 12 22

Feb Feb Feb

5 15 25

Dec 10 Dec 20 Dec 30

July Aug Aug

30 9 19

June 24 July 4 July 14

29

July

24

Aug

3

Apr

1

Mar

7

Jan

9

Aug

Apr

ll

Mar

17

Jan

19

Sept 8

Apr

21

Mar

27

Jan

29

Sept 18

Aug

13

May May May May June June June July

1 11 21 31 10 20 30 10

Apr Apr Apr May May May June June

6 16 26 6 16 26 5 15

Feb Feb Feb Mar Mar Mar Apr Apr

8 18 28 10 20 30 9 19

Sept Oct Oct Oct Nov Nov Nov Dec

28 8 18 28 7 17 27

Aug Sept Sept Sept Oct Oct Oct

23 2 12 22 2 12 22

7

Nov

20

June 25

Apr 29

Dec

17

Nov

1

July July Aug Aug Aug Sept Sept Sept

30 9 19 29 8 18 28

July July July Aug Aug Aug Sept

9 19 29 8 18 28 8

Dec Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Feb

2ii=eae 6 16 26 5 15 25

Nov

2l

Dec Dec Dec Dec Jan Jan

1 11 2l 31 10 20

Oct Oct Oct

8 18 28

Sept 13 Sept 23 Oct 3

July 18 July 28 Aug 7

Mar 7 Mar 17 Mar 27

Jan Feb Feb

30 9 19

Nov Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec

7 17 27 7 17 27

Oct Oct Nov Nov Nov Dec

Aug Aug Sept Sept Sept Oct

Apr Apr Apr May May May

Mar Mar Mar Mar Apr Apr

1 11 21 31 10 20

May May May June June June July

5 15 25 4 14 24 3

13 23 2 12

22 2

17 27 6 16

26 6

6 16 26 6 16 26

ll

WINDCHILL FACTOR Weather forecasters talk about a “windchill equivalent temperature,” the combination of cold and wind that fools the body into feeling temperatures are colder than they actually are. Thus, a wind of 15 miles per hour makes a temperature of 25° seem more like 2°, as you can see by the table. DEGREES

FAHRENHEIT

MPH | 85° |° 30 | 2s | aoe 5

33

27

21

16

fea

22 | i¢ | io | 3

is

i [eee

12

1

3 | 9

0

-5

| -15 |

-ll -17 -22

68

THE ALMANAC

FOR FARMERS

& CITY FOLK

2011

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69

& CITY FOLK

FOR FARMERS

THE ALMANAC

oe” 1Ouvo ‘N1 a

GENERAL

WEATHER

FORECAST

We believe there is evidence of a time lag between changes in solar activity and changes in the Earth’s weather patterns. This year’s weather will again be influenced by very low sunspot numbers because of the resulting fluctuation of the jet stream. We anticipate that the western half of the U.S. will be relatively dry, while other areas should see near to above normal

precipitation. But in almost all areas, fall and early winter is expected to be drier than normal. Temperatures overall will see-saw all year. Early winter of 2010 (Nov.-Dec.). Lower than normal temperatures are expected for the eastern two-thirds of U.S., warmer elsewhere. We expect dry weather in the West and Northeast for Nov., wet in the Southeast, Texas

and Okla., and the Rocky Mountain states. For December, we predict dry conditions to prevail except for Texas, Okla., the Dakotas, Idaho, and Utah.

Winter of 2011 (Jan.-Feb.). January should be milder than normal, except for the western regions east of the Rockies. February should bring above normal temperatures to the West Coast, the Gulf Coast, and the Rocky Mountain areas. Below average precipitation is expected for January, except for Zones 6 and 13; and for February except for Zone 5. Spring and early summer of 2011 (Mar.-June). For early spring, dry weather is forecast, except for the Northwest and the East Coast. For May, we expect above average temperatures overall, cooler in the western third of the U.S. June weather should be cool except for the East Coast and the Southeast. June rainfall should be light in eastern and central states, but near to above normal levels of moisture are expected elsewhere. Summer and early fall of 2011 (July—Oct.). After a cool July, we expect mostly above normal temperatures for August in the north, near to below normal south, followed by mostly cooler than normal conditions for early fall. Mostly dry weather is forecast for all months except for a wet July. Early winter of 2011 (Nov.-Dec.). November should be unusually warm overall, and the same is predicted for December, although some cooler than normal weather will likely return to the Northeast. A mostly dry fall and early winter is expected overall, with see-saw precipitation, especially in the East.

ABOUT OUR WEATHER FORECASTS Forecasts for the 14-month period beginning November 2010 are given by zone (see map on page 69). Normal temperatures and precipitation are based on 30-year averages, and are considered typical. Our long-range weather forecasts are prepared by expert meteorologist Boyd E. Quate, based on a number of factors: sunspot activity, the declination of the Moon (its position in relation to the equator of the Earth), and historical data. Sunspots are areas of strong magnetic activity on the face of the Sun; their numbers vary, in 11-year cycles, from few (negative) to many (positive) to few again. Thus, if the current 11-year cycle is positive, then the next 11year cycle will be negative. Often, in the high sunspot years, the jet stream with its accompanying moisture is pushed further south, producing drier conditions; the reverse is true in the low sunspot years. 70

THE ALMANAC

FOR FARMERS

& CITY FOLK

2011

The National Weather Forecast

ZONE 1 WASHINGTON, OREGON

GENERAL Late 2010 should bring relatively normal temperatures, but cooler weather is expected for early 2011. After a warm March, weather should be cooler than normal in Washington for April, cooler overall for June, and warmer for May. Seasonable temperatures are predicted for the summer. We expect warmer than average weather near the coast in September, cooler conditions inland. For the fall months, we anticipate higher than normal temperatures, with seasonal temperatures returning for December. As for precipitation, rainfall is expected to vary from near normal to above normal along the coast from November 2010 through February. After a dry March, some rain is forecast for April. However, dry conditions will likely dominate May through November, with the exception of a wetter than usual June. December should bring more moisture, with heavy snow in the mountains. NOVEMBER

2010

JUNE

Mild and dry. Temperatures somewhat above normal. (Norm. 38-46° west, 35-42° east). Precipitation below normal overall (Norm. 58" west, 2-3" east).

DECEMBER

2010

Warm and dry. Temperatures above normal overall (Norm. 40-42° west, 28-34° east). Precipitation below to much below normal both states (Norm. 6-9" west, 2-3" east).

JANUARY

2011

Cool and wet and drier east. Precipitation normal inland

FEBRUARY

western half of region; warmer (Norm. 43-44° west, 33-39° east). above normal coast, close to (Norm. 6-8" west, 2-3" east).

2011

Northeast cool and wet; southwest warmer and drier (Norm. 43-44° west, 33-39° east). Precipitation above normal northwest; near to below normal southeast (Norm. 4-6" west, 2-3" east).

MARCH

2011

Warm and dry overall. Temperatures above normal all areas (Norm. 45-47° west, 38-45° east). Precipitation below to much below normal for te most part (Norm. 3-5" west, 1-2" east).

APRIL

2011

Washington and southwest Oregon cooler than normal; warmer southeast Oregon (Norm. 49-51° west, 46-51° east). Precipitation near normal both states. (Norm. 2-3" west, 1-2" east).

MAY 2011 Mild and dry. Temperatures slightly above normal all regions (Norm. 55-57° west, 54-58° east). Near normal precipitation coast,, below

normal inland areas (Norm. 2" west,1" east).

2011

THE ALMANAC

2011

Cool and wet most areas. Temperatures below normal (Norm. 65-70° west, 68-73° east). Precipitation above normal Oregon, slightly above normal Washington (Norm. 1%” west, %21%” east).

JULY

2011

Warm and dry for the most part. Temperatures above normal Oregon, near normal Washington (Norm. 65-70° west, 68-73° east). Precipitation below to much below normal (Norm. 2” west & east).

AUGUST

2011

Quite dry overall. Temperaiures near normal coast, warmer inland (Norm. 66-69° west, 6873° east). Precipitation below normal overall (Norm. 1" west, 2-1" east).

SEPTEMBER 2011 Mild and dry. Warmer than average coastal areas, cooler inland. (Norm. 60-63° west, 5863° east). Precipitation much below normal overall (Norm. 1-2" west, 2-1" east).

OCTOBER

2011

Mild coastal areas. Temperatures above to much above normal overall (Norm. 53-55° west, 47-52° east). Precipitation below normal. (Norm. 2'%-3'%2” west, 1-12” east).

NOVEMBER

2011

Mild and dry. Temperatures several degrees above normal. (Norm. 38-46° west, 35-42° east). Precipitation below to much normal overall (Norm. 5-8" west, 2-3" east).

DECEMBER

2011

Wet. Temperatures near normal overall (Norm. 40-42° west, 28-34° east). Precipitation above normal, heavy snow in mountains (Norm. 6-9" west, 2-3" east).

FOR FARMERS

& CITY FOLK

hs

The National Weather Forecast

ZONE 2 CALIFORNIA

GENERAL We predict that late 2010 will bring milder than average weather, turning a little cooler than the norm for January, followed by slightly above average temperatures for February, and very mild weather for March. The rest of the spring should also be milder than the seasonal norm, but June will likely be unseasonably cool. July is expected to be warmer than usual, but for the rest of the summer and the early fall, the forecast is for normal temperatures

to prevail. November and December 2011 will likely bring cooler than average temperatures overall. Precipitation levels are anticipated to be below normal for most of forecast period, but we expect a wetter than average December to finish out the year. NOVEMBER

2010

JUNE

Mild. Above normal temperatures (Norm. 5255° north, 54-62° south). Precipitation near normal (Norm. 3-6" north, 1-3" south).

DECEMBER

2010

Mild. Temperatures near to above normal, (Norm. 45-49° north, 45-57° south). Precipitation below to much below normal (Norm. 3-6" north, 1-2" south).

JANUARY

2011

Dry. Temperatures slightly below normal (Norm. 45-48° north, 48-57° south). Precipitation much below normal, hardly any rain or snow (Norm. 4-6" north, 1-2" south).

FEBRUARY

2011

Dry. Temperatures slightly above normal overall (Norm. 49-52° north, 53-58° south). Precipitation much below normal overall (Norm. 3-5" north, 1-2" south).

MARCH

2011

Warm and dry. Temperatures several degrees above normal overall (Norm. 49-53° north, 5760° south). Precipitation much below normal overall (Norm. 3-5" north, 1-2" south).

APRIL

2011

JULY 2011 Warm and dry. Temperatures afew degrees above normal overall (Norm. 63-76° north, 7182° south). Precipitation below normal (Norm. trace north and south).

AUGUST

2011

Dry. Near normal temperatures south, cooler north (Norm. 64-75° north, south). Precipitation below to much normal (Norm. trace to %” north, 0-1"

SEPTEMBER

slightly 71-82° below south).

2011

Near normal temperatures for the most part (Norm. 65-72° north, 70-77° south). Precipitation near normal most areas (Norm. trace to %” north and south).

OCTOBER

2011

Dry. Near normal temperatures overall (Norm.55-63° north, 65-68° south). Precipitation below to much below normal

(Norm. 1-3" north, %4-%” south).

Temperatures above normal northern areas, near normal south (Norm. 50-58° north, 59-62° south). Precipitation slightly below normal (Norm. 1-3" north, %-1" south).

MAY

2011

Cool and dry. Temperatures below normal overall (Norm. 62-72° north, 67-78° south). Precipitation below to much below normal most areas (Norm. 0-%” north, 0-1" south).

2011

NOVEMBER

2011

Cool and dry. Below normal temperatures (Norm. 52-55° north, 54-62° south).

Precipitation much below normal (Norm. 3-6" north, 1-3" south).

Warm and dry. Temperatures a few degrees above normal overall (Norm. 53-65° north, 6371° south). Precipitation below to much below normal all areas (Norm. %-1'%" north, 9-2" south).

DECEMBER 2011 Cool and wet. Temperatures below normal, (Norm. 45-49° north, 45-57° south). Precipitation above to much above normal (Norm. 3-6" north, 1-2" south).

OS

Committees have become so important nowadays that subcommittees have to be appointed to do the work. —Laurence J. Peter Buy land, they’re not making it anymore. —Mark Twain 72

THE ALMANAC

FOR FARMERS & CITY FOLK

2011

The National Weather Forecast

ZONE 3 IDAHO, NEVADA, UTAH

GENERAL The forecast is for warmer than average contitions to prevail for much of the forecast period, with a few exceptions. January will likely be cooler than average in Nevada and Utah, and we expect seasonal temperatures for the months of September through October. As for precipitation, we predict a wetter than average November and December 2010, followed by a drier than normal January and February. March is likely to be wetter than usual. April is expected to bring above average moisture to Idaho, normal levels elsewhere. Nevada should be unusually dry in May, and all areas are expected to be receive less precipitation than the seasonal norm for the rest of the year. NOVEMBER

2010

Wet. Temperatures somewhat above normal overall (Norm. 36-40° Id., 35-55° Nev., 35-50° Utah). Precipitation above to much above normal all areas (Norm. 1-1%” Id., %-1%” Nev. & Utah).

DECEMBER 2010 Wet. Temperatures somewhat above normal overall (Norm. 25-30° Id., 25-45° Nev. & Utah). Precipitation above to much above normal (Norm. 1-114” Id., 4-1" Nev., %-1%” Utah). JANUARY

2011

Warmer than average Idaho, cooler than normal other areas (Norm. 23-29° Id., 25-45° Nev., 25-35° Utah). Much below normal

precipitation all areas (Norm. 1-1'%” Id., '21" Nev. & Utah).

FEBRUARY Warm above 32-50° below %-1'%”

2011

and dry. Temperatures a few degrees normal most areas (Norm. 25-36° Id., Nev., 32-45° Utah). Precipitation much normal overall (Norm. 1"Id., %-1" Nev., Utah).

MARCH

2011

Temps. near to slightly above normal overall (Norm. 36-42° Id., 35-55° Nev., 40-50° Utah). Precipitation above to much above normal (Norm. 1-3" Id., %-1" Nev., ¥%-2" Utah).

APRIL

2011

Temperatures above normal Idaho, near normal elsewhere (Norm. 45-49° Id., 45-65° Nev., 45-60° Utah). Precipitation above normal Idaho, near normal elsewhere (Norm. 1-12”

JUNE 2011 Warm. Temperatures above to much above normal in all areas (Norm. 63-67° Idaho, 60-85° Nev. & Utah). Precipitation below to much below normal Utah and Nevada, wetter Idaho (Norm. 1" Idaho, trace to 1" Nev. & Utah). JULY 2011 Warm and dry. Temperatures a few degrees above normal for the most part (Norm. 71-74° Id., 70-90° Nev. & Utah). Very dry Nevada, slightly more precipitation other states (Norm. Y,” Id., Y-1" Nev., ¥%-1" Utah).

AUGUST 2011 Warm and very dry. Temperatures above normal Idaho, near normal elsewhere (Norm. 69-73° Id., 65-90° Nev., 70-90° Utah). Precipitation much below normal most areas (Norm. %2” Id., %4-1" Nev., 2-1" Utah).

SEPTEMBER

2011

Dry. Temperatures near normal (Norm. 59-63° Id., 55-80° Nev., 60-80° Utah). Precipitation below normal; little or no precipation (Norm. 1"

Id., 4-1" Nev., %-1%” Utah). OCTOBER 2011 Dry. Temperatures near normal (Norm. 48-52° Id., 45-70° Nev., 50-70° Utah). Precipitation below normal most areas (Norm. 1"Id., %4-1" Nev., %-1%” Utah).

NOVEMBER 2011 Dry. Temperatures slightly above normal in all areas (Norm. 36-40° Id., 35-55° Nev., 35-50° Utah).

Precipitation

below

to much

below

Id., %4-1%” Nev., %-2¥2” Utah).

normal in all areas (Norm. 1-1%” Id., 4-12” Nev. & Utah).

MAY 2011 Warm. Temperatures above normal overall (Norm. 54-58° Id., 55-75° Nev. & Utah). Precipitation below normal Nevada, near normal other regions(Nomm. 1-112” Id., VYn-\Y4” Nev., 2-22” Utah).

Warm and dry. Temperatures above normal overall (Norm. 25-30° Id., 25-45° Nev. & Utah). Precipitation below to much below normal

—_—_—

DECEMBER

2011

(Norm. 1-14” Id., %-1" Nev., 4-14” Utah).

oe

I never think of the future—it comes soon enough. THE ALMANAC

FOR FARMERS

—Albert Einstein

& CITY FOLK

73

The National Weather Forecast

ZONE 4 ARIZONA, NEW MEXICO

GENERAL We expect slightly milder than average weather for November and December 2010, followed by a cooler than average January. Things will likely warm up for February and remain somewhat warmer than usual through the end of May. Seasonable temperatures will likely return for the summer months, and should remain for the rest of the year. As for precipitation, we anticipate that November 2010 will bring normal rainfall, followed by a drier than average December and January. After a relatively wet February, normal moisture is expected for March, but April should be drier than normal. May is forecast to bring above average moisture, with normal rainfall levels for June and July. We expect dry conditions to prevail from August through the end of November, but normal precipitation for December. NOVEMBER

JUNE

2010

Temperatures somewhat above normal (Norm. 35-60° Ariz., 35-50° N.Mex.). Precipitation near normal in most areas

(Norm. 2-3" Ariz., %2-112” N.Mex.). DECEMBER

JULY

2010

Dry. Temperatures somewhat above normal overall (Norm. 35-55° Ariz., 35-50° N.Mex.) Precipitation below normal (Norm. 2-3" Ariz.,

Ya-1¥2” N.Mex.). JANUARY 2011 Cool and dry. Temperaturess a few degrees below normal (Norm. 30-55° Ariz., 35-50° N.Mex.). Precipitation below normal all areas (Norm. %-3" Ariz., %-14%” N.Mex.).

FEBRUARY

2011

Wet. Temperatures slightly above normal (Norm. 35-55° Ariz., 40-60° N.Mex.). Precipitation above normal overall (Norm. %43" Ariz., 2-1" N.Mex.).

MARCH

2011

Warm. Temperatures a normal overall (Norm. N.Mex.). Precipitation few showers expected Ariz., %4-14%2” N.Mex.).

APRIL

few degrees above 35-55° Ariz., 40-60° near normal Ariz., a in N.M. (Norm. 4-3"

2011

Warm and dry. Temperatures a few degrees above normal (Norm. 45-70° Ariz., 50-65° N.Mex.). Precipitation below to much below normal (Norm. %-2" Ariz., 4-142” N.Mex.).

MAY

2011

Wet. Temperatures slightly above normal all areas (Norm. 55-75° Ariz., 65-75° N.Mex.). Precipitation above normal overall as rains move in from the south (Norm. 4-1" Ariz., 2-3"

N.Mex.).

2011

Near normal temperatures in all areas (Norm. 55-75° Ariz., 65-75° N.Mex.). Precipitation also near normal (Norm. 2-1" Ariz., %-3" N.Mex.).

2011

Near normal temperature overall. (2-4°) in almost all areas (Norm. 65-95° Ariz., 80-90° N.Mex.). Precipitation also near normal overall. Some rain showers expected in northeastern mountains (Norm. 2-3" Ariz., Y%-

4" N.Mex.).

AUGUST

2011

Dry. Near to slightly above normal temperatures overall (Norm. 65-92° Ariz., 78-90° N.Mex.). Precipitation below to much below normal overall (Norm. 1-4" Ariz. and N.Mex.).

SEPTEMBER 2011 Dry. Temperatures near normal, except slightly cooler eastern New Mexico (Norm. 60-85° Ariz., 65-80° N.Mex.). Precipitation much below normal overall (Norm. 1-2" Ariz. and N.Mex.).

OCTOBER

201]

Dry. Temperatures mostly near normal in all

areas (Norm. 60-75° Ariz., 55-70° N.Mex.). Precipitation much below normal in most areas (Norm. 2-2" Ariz., %-1" N.Mex.).

NOVEMBER

2011

Warm and dry. Temperatures a few degrees above normal overall (Norm. 35-60° Ariz., 3550° N.Mex.). Precipitation much below normal in most areas (Norm. 4-3" Ariz., 4-14” N.Mex.).

DECEMBER

2011

Temperatures near to slightly above normal overall (Norm. 35-55° Ariz., 35-50° N.Mex.) Precipitation near normal (Norm. 2-3" Ariz., Ya-1Y2” N.Mex.).

OS

A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men. —Roald Dahl

74

THE ALMANAC

FOR FARMERS & CITY FOLK

2011

The National Weather Forecast

ZONE 5 MONTANA, WYOMING, COLORADO

GENERAL Temperatures are expected to be mostly warmer than normal for the first several months of the forecast period. However, the summer

months

of June and July are forecast to be cooler than the seasonal norm, followed by a warmer than average August. Cooler than usual weather will likely return for September, with normal temperatures anticipated for the rest of the fall. December will likely bring milder than average weather. As for precipitation, after a wetter than usual November 2010, we predict a dry December and January. Then from February through July, we forecast higher than average levels of moisture, for the most part. Thereafter, unseasonably dry conditions are expected to prevail for the remainder of the year. NOVEMBER

2010

JUNE

Mild and wet. Temperatures above normal overall (Norm. 32-36° Mont., 30-40° Wyo., 3043° Colo.). Above to much above precipitation all areas (Norm. 1-22” Mont., %-1" Wyo.,

Yn-1Y%2” Colo.).

DECEMBER

JANUARY 2011 Dry. Temperatures near normal Wyoming, much above normal elsewhere (Norm. 10-25° Mont., 15-28° Wyo. 15-34° Colo.). Below normal precipitation Colo.).

mostly a few degrees below normal (Norm. 60-67° Mont., 58-68° Wyo., 57-69° Colo.). Precipitation above to much above normal overall (Norm. 2-4" Mon., 1-3" Wyo. & Colo.).

JULY

2010

Mild and dry. Temperatures above normal (Norm. 20-28° Mont., 18-32° Wyo., 18-38° Colo.). Precipitation below to well below normal (Norm. 1-3" Mont. & Col., 1-2" Wyo.).

(Norm. 1-3" Mont., 1-2" Wyo. &

AUGUST

above normal

(Norm. 1-2" all states).

2011

Warm and wet. Temperatures above normal overall (Norm. 42-48° Mont., 38-46° Wyo., 4050° Col.). Precipitation above normal all areas (Norm. 1" Mont. & Wyo., 1-2" Col.).

MAY

2011

Wet. Temperatures near normal (Norm. 5258° Mont., 46-58° Wyo., 50-60° Colo.). Precipitation above to much above normal

(Norm. 2-4" Mont. & Colo., 1-3" Wyo.). —————

2011

Warm and dry. Temperatures somewhat above normal (Norm. 64-70° Mont., 62-74° Wyo., 6272° Colo.). Precipitation below to much below normal (Norm. 1-2" Mont. & Wyo., 1-3" Colo.).

SEPTEMBER

2011

Cool and dry. Temperatures below normal

overall. (Norm. 46-61° Mont., 52-62° Wyo., 5465° Colo.). Precipitation below to much below

(Norm. 20-29° Mont., 22-32° Wyo., 20-38° Colo.).Precipitation above to much above normal (Norm. 1-2" all states).

APRIL

2011

Cool and wet. Temperatures a few degrees below normal (Norm. 64-72° Mon., 66-74° Wyo., 64-74° Colo.). Precipitation much above normal (Norm. 1-2" Mon. & Wyo., 1-3" Colo.).

FEBRUARY 2011 Wet. Temperatures slightly above normal

MARCH 2011 Mild and wet. Temperaturesa few degrees above normal (Norm. 20-34° Mont., 22-36° Wyo., 28-42° Colo.). Precipitation above to much

2011

Cool and wet. Temperatures

normal (Norm. 1-2" Mont. & Wyo., 1-3" Colo.).

OCTOBER

2011

Dry. Temperatures near normal all areas (Norm. 46-50° Moni., 38-50° Wyo., 44-55° Colo.). Precipitation below normal all areas (Norm. 1-2" all states).

NOVEMBER

2011

Dry. Temperatures near to slightly above normal overall (Norm. 32-36° Mont., 30-40° Wyo., 30-43° Colo.). Precipitation below to much below normal all areas (Norm. 1-2%” Mont., %-1" Wyo., %2-1%” Colo.).

DECEMBER

2011

Mild and dry. Temperatures a few degrees above normal (Norm. 20-28° Mont., 18-32° Wyo., 18-38° Colo.). Precipitation below to much below normal most areas(Norm. 1-3" Mont. & Col., 1-2" Wyo.).

oO

—Yogi Berra

| A nickel ain’t worth a dime anymore. 2011

THE ALMANAC

FOR FARMERS

& CITY FOLK

The National Weather Forecast

ZONE 6 NORTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA

GENERAL Temperatures are expected to be milder than normal November 2010 through January, followed by a cooler than average February. After a relatively mild March, cooler than usual weather will set in, and remain through the

end of July. Things should warm up to or above seasonal levels for August, but cool conditions will likely return for the fall. November and December should bring near to somewhat above normal temperatures to finish out the year. We expect a drier than average start to the forecast period, but December 2010 and January will likely be wetter than usual months, followed by a relatively dry February. March through July should bring above average rainfall, with the exception of a dry April. Below average levels of moisture are forecast from August through the remainder of the year. NOVEMBER

2010

JUNE

Mild and dry. Temperatures above normal most areas (Norm. 29° N.D., 34° S.D.). Precipitation

below normal (Nomn. 2” N.D., %-1"S.D.).

2011

Cool and wet. Temperatures below normal overall (Norm. 65° N.D., 66° S.D.). Precipitation above normal (Norm. 3"N.D., 3%” S.D.).

DECEMBER 2010 Warm and wet. Temperatures above normal

JULY

overall (Norm. 14° N.D., 18-24° S.D.). Precipitation much above normal overall (Norm. 2” both states). JANUARY 2011 Warm and wet. Temperatures a few degrees above normal (Norm. 10° N.D., 15-20° S.D.) Precipitation above to much above normal (Norm. %” both states).

AUGUST

FEBRUARY Cool and dry. below normal Precipitation overall (Norm.

MARCH

2011 Temperatures a few degrees (Norm. 15° N.D., 20-27° S.D.). below to much below normal %” both states).

2011

Warm and wet. Temperatures mostly a few degrees above normal overall (Norm. 28° N.D., 14-33° S.D.). Precipitation above normal in both states (Norm. 1"N.D., 1-14” S.D.).

APRIL 2011 Cool and dry. Temperatures a few degrees below normal overall (Norm. 43° N.D., 46° S.D.). Precipitation much below normal all areas (Norm. 2" N.D., 2-22” S.D.).

MAY

2011

Cool and wet. Temperatures a few degrees below normal in both states (Norm. 55° N.D., 55-60° S.D.) Precipitation above to much above normal, 150% of normal in some areas (Nomn. 2"N.D., 3" S.D.). Se

2011

cS!

Cool and wet. Temperatures a few degrees below normal in both states (Norm. 70° N.D., 73° $.D.). Precipitation above to much above normal overall (Norm. 2-2'%” both states).

2011

Warm and dry. Temperatures mostly a few degrees above normal in all areas (Norm. 68° N.D., 71° S.D.). Precipitation below normal in both states (Norm. 2" N.D., 2-3" S.D.).

SEPTEMBER

2011

Cool and dry. Temperatures somewhat below normal both states (Norm. 57° N.D., 61°S.D.).

Precipitation below to much below normal overall (Norm. 1-2" N.D., 1-3"S.D.). OCTOBER 2011 Cold and dry. Temperatures below normal both states (Norm. 46° N.D., 49° S.D.). Precipitation much below normal (Norm. 1"N.D., 1-2"$.D.).

NOVEMBER 201i Dry. Temperatures near to slightly above normal most areas (Norm. 29° N.D., 34° S.D.). Precipitation much below normal (Nomm. 2” N.D.,

Y%-1"$.D.).

DECEMBER

2011

Warm anddry. Temperatures a few degrees above normal overall (Norm. 14° N.D., 18-24° S.D.). Precipitation much below normal overall (Norm. %” both states).

a

Poor people have more fun than rich people, they say; and I notice it’s the rich people who keep saying it. —Jack Paar 76

THE ALMANAC

FOR FARMERS & CITY FOLK

2011

The National Weather Forecast

ZONE 7 NEBRASKA, KANSAS

GENERAL We expect a cool November 2010, followed by a relatively mild December and January. February is forecast to be cooler than normal, but things should | warm up for March and April, with above average temperatures. However, in the late spring and early summer months, we anticipate unseasonably cool weather to return. The remainder of the year is expected to be warmer than average, with the exception of a cool September. As for precipitation, November and December 2010 should be wetter than average, followed by a drier than usual January and February. March, May, and June are predicted to be relatively wet months, but we anticipate drier than average conditions to prevail for the rest of the year, until a relatively wet December. NOVEMBER 2010 Cold and wet. Temperatures below normal (Norm. 35-39° Neb., 39-45° Kan.). Precipitation above normal, much above some areas (Norm. %-1%” Neb., 2-2" Kan.). DECEMBER 2010 Mild and wet. Temperatures above normal both states (Norm. 22-26° Neb., 30-33° Kan.). Above normal precipitation (Norm. %-1" Neb., Yy-1¥%” Kan.).

JANUARY 2011 Mild and dry. Temperatures a few degrees above normal (Norm. 19-25° Neb., 26-30° Kan.). Precipitation

below

normal,

much

below

normal some areas. (Norm. %4-%” Neb., %-1" Kan.).

FEBRUARY

2011

Cold and dry. Temperatures mostly degrees below normal (Norm. 24-30° 31-35° Kan.). Precipitation below to below normal (Norm. 2-%” Neb., %-1"

a few Neb., much Kan.).

MARCH 2011 Mild and wet. Temperatures a few degrees above normal overall (Norm. 34-39° Neb., 3945° Kan.). Precipitation above normal, 150% of normal some areas (Norm. 1-2" Neb., 14-22” Kan.). APRIL 2011 Warm and dry. Temperatures above normal overall (Norm. 47-52° Neb., 50-56° Kan.). Precipitation below to much below normal (Norm. 1’4-3" both states).

| MAY 5

2011

Cool and wet. Temperatures a few degrees _ below normal, (Norm. 55-62° Neb., 59-66° Kan.). Precipitation above to much above

' normal (Norm. 3-4” both states).

JUNE

2011

Cool and wet. Temperatures a few degrees below normal overall (Norm. 67-73° Neb., 6976° Kan.). Precipitation above normal, 150% of normal some areas (Norm. 2'%2-4%” Neb., 3-

5%” Kan.).

JULY

2011

Cool and wet. Temperatures several degrees below normal overall (Norm. 74-78° Neb., 7682° Kan.). Below normal precipitation, much below normal some areas (Norm. 2-34” Neb.,

3-34” Kan.). AUGUST 2011 Dry. Temperatures near or slightly above normal (Norm. 72-75° Neb., 73-79° Kan.). Precipitation below to much below normal (Norm. 1-34” Neb., 2-4" Kan.).

SEPTEMBER

2011

Cooi and dry. Temperatures a few degrees below normal (Norm. 61-65° Neb., 64-70° Kan.). Precipitation below to much below normal

(Norm. 1-4" Neb., 1%-4" Kan.).

OCTOBER

2011

Dry. Temperatures slightly above normal overall (Norm. 49-54° Neb., 52-59° Kan.). Precipitation much below normal (Norm. 1-

2%” Neb., 1-3" Kan.). NOVEMBER

2011

Mild and dry. Temperatures above normal (Norm. 35-39° Neb., 39-45° Kan.). Precipitation much below normal (Norm. 2-12” Neb., %-2" Kan.).

DECEMBER 2011 Warm and wet. Temperatures a few degrees above normal both states (Norm. 22-26° Neb., 30-33° Kan.). Above normal precipitation (Norm. 2-1" Neb., %-1%” Kan.).

————

i

I never expected to see the day when girls would get sunburned in the places —Will Rogers they now do.

2011

THE ALMANAC

FOR FARMERS

& CITY FOLK

The National Weather Forecast

ZONE 8 TEXAS, OKLAHOMA

GENERAL The forecast period should start out being cooler than average, but temperatures should warm to somewhat above normal through the end of April. We predict seasonable temperatures for the rest of the spring, cooling a little July through September before becoming slightly warmer than the seasonal norm for the remainder of the year. We expect a wetter than average November and December 2010, but less than usual precipitation for January and February. March should bring more rainfall than usual, but April will likely be another dry month. Above normal moisture is predicted for May through July, but then drier than normal weather will likely prevail until December, which is forecast to be a relatively wet month. NOVEMBER 2010 Cool and wet. Temperatures below normal (Norm. 49° Ok., 46-55° NW Tx., 58-69° S Tx.). Precipitation above to much above normal (Norm. 2" Ok., 4-1" W. Tx.., 1%-4" E Tx.).

DECEMBER

2010

Cool and wet. Temperatures below normal (Norm. 39° Ok., 37-45° N Tx., 46-62° S Tx.). Precipitation above to much above normal in most areas (Norm. 1%” Ok., %-1" W. Tx.., 1'2342” E Tx.):

JANUARY 2011 Mild and dry. Tempeartures a few degrees above normal (Norm. 36° Ok., 35-43° N Tx., 44-59° S Tx.). Below to much below normal precipitation (Norm. 1" Ok., 4-1" W Tx., 14-34%” E Tx.). FEBRUARY

2011

Dry. Near to slightly above

normal

temp-

eratures (Norm. 41° Ok., 39-48° W Tx., 49-62° E Tx.). Precipitation below to much below normal (Norm. 114” Ok., %-1%4” W Tx., 11%4-3"E Tx):

MARCH Warm above W Tx., above lie)

2011

and wet. Temperatures a few degrees normal most areas (Norm. 50° Ok., 47-56° 57-69° E Tx.). Precipitation above to much normal (Norm. 2%” Ok., %s-1" W Tx., 1-3"

APRIL

2011

Mild and dry. above normal 66-75° E Tx.). below normal

Temperatures a few degrees (Norm. 60° Ok., 57-65° W Tx., Precipitation below to much (Norm. 2%” Ok., %-1%” W Tx.,

2-342" E Tx.),

MAY

2011

Wet. Temperatures near normal (Norm. 68° Ok., 69-80° Tx.). Precipitation above normal (Norm. 5" Ok., 4-3" W Tx., 3-5" E Tx.).

JUNE 2011 Wet. Temperatures near normal

(Norm. 77° Ok., 74-83° Tx.). Precipitation above normal

(Norm. 4" Ok., %-4" W Tx., 3-62” E Tx.). JULY 2011 Wet. Temperatures near or slightly below normal overall (Norm. 82° Ok., 79-85° Tx.). Precipitation above rormal (Norm. 24%” Ok., 14-5" Tx.). AUGUST

2011

Cool and dry. Temperatures a few degrees below normal overall (Norm. 81° Ok., 76-84° Tx.). Precipitation below to much below (Norm. 2%” Ok., 1%2-4%” Tx.).

SEPTEMBER

2011

Dry. Temperatures near or slightly below normal overall (Norm. 73° Ok., 69-82° Tx.). Precipitation below to much below normal most areas (Norm. 32-4" Ok., 144-214” W Tx., 3-6) E'Tx:):

OCTOBER

2011

Dry. Temperatures near to slightly above normal overall (Norm. 62° Ok., 58-64° W Tx., 66-75° E Tx.). Precipitation much below normal (Norm. 3-3%” Ok., 1-2" W Tx., 2-4"E Tx.).

NOVEMBER Mild and dry. above normal 58-69° S Tx.). below normal

2011 Temperatures a few degrees (Norm. 49° Ok., 46-55° N Tx., Precipitation below to much (Norm. 2" Ok., %-1" W. Tx.., L4-

4" B T'x.).

DECEMBER

2011

Mild and wet. Temperatures a few degrees above normal (Norm. 39° Ok., 37-45° N Tx., 46-62° S Tx.). Precipitation above to much above normal (Norm. 1%” Ok., ¥%-1" W. Tx.., 14-34%” E Tx.).

OS

I looked up my family tree and found out I was the sap.—Rodney Dangerfield 78

THE ALMANAC

FOR FARMERS

& CITY FOLK

2011

The National Weather Forecast

ZONE 9 MINNESOTA, WISCONSIN, MICHIGAN GENERAL After a colder than average November and December 2010, we predict a milder than usual January and March.

However,

F ebruary and April will

|likely be relatively cool, followed by seasonal temperatures from May through |July. Weather will likely heat up, becoming hotter than usual in August, |before reverting to cooler than average conditions in the early fall. November ; and December should bring unseasonably mild weather. As for precipitation, after a wetter than usual November 2010, we expect a drier December and a wetter January. After that, unusually dry conditions should prevail through November, with the exception of a relatively wet June. The last two months

of the forecast period are anticipated to bring above average moisture. NOVEMBER 2010 Cold and wet. Temperatures a few degrees below normal (Norm. 30-34° Minn., 32-38° Wis., 32-39° Mich.). Precipitation above to much above normal (Norm. 1-2" Minn., 2-2'%” Wis., 23" Mich.).

JUNE 2011 Dry. Temperatures near normal all areas (Norm. 63-67° Minn., 65° Wis., 57-69° Mich.). Precipitation

DECEMBER

(Norm. 1-2" Minn., 1-244” Wis., 142-3" Mich.).

Wet. Temperatures slightly below normal overall (Norm. 68-74° Minn., 69-71° Wis., 67-71° Mich.). Precipitation above normal, much above normal some areas (Norm. 3-4" Minn., 3-3” Wis., 24%2-4" Mich.).

JANUARY

AUGUST

2010

Cold and dry. Temperatures below normal, much below at times (Norm. 15-20° Minn., 17-24° Wis., 18-27° Mich.). Precipitation below normal

2011

Mild and wet. Temperatures a few degrees above normal (Norm. 6-16° Minn., 10-19° Wis., 10-22° Mich.). Precipitation above normal (Norm. 2-1"

Minn., 1-114” Wis., 1-2" Mich.). FEBRUARY

(Norm. 12-22° Minn., 15-23° Wis., 10-25° Mich.). Precipitation below normal (Norm. 2-1" Minn.,

Y%-1Y2” Wis., 1-2" Mich.). 2011

Warm and dry. Temperatures several degrees

above normal in some areas (Norm. 25-32° Minn.., 27-33° Wis., 20-33° Mich.). Precipitation below to well below normal overall (Norm. 142-2" Minn., 1%-2%” Wis., 142-3" Mich.).

APRIL

JULY 2011

2011

Warm and dry. Temperatures a few degrees above normal overall (Norm. 65-72° Minn., 66-69° Wis., 63-70° Mich.). Precipitation much below normal most areas (Norm. 3-3'%” all states).

SEPTEMBER

2011

Cool and dry. Temperatures below normal

MARCH

below to much below nomnal overall (Norm. 3-4"

Minn., 3-3’%” Wis., 2%-3Y%” Mich.).

2011

Cool and dry. Temperatures several degres below normal (Norm. 40-48° Minn., 42-44° Wis., 37-49° Mich.). Precipitation below to well below normal (Norm. 2-2%” Minn., 2-3/2” Wis., 2-3" Mich.).

=~ ©=MAY 2011 } : Dry. Temperatures near to slightly below normal overall (Norm. 55-61° Minn., 55° Wis., ! 50-61° Mich.). Precipitation below to well , below normal overall (Norm. 22-4" Minn., 2’A-

2011

Cool and dry. Temperatures a few degrees below normal overall (Norm. 57-64° Minn., 5862° Wis., 55-62° Mich.). Precipitation below normal, much below normal some areas (Norm. 2-3" Minn., 3-34%” Wis. and Mich.).

OCTOBER 2011 Cool and dry. Temperatures a few degrees below normal most areas (Norm. 45-51° Minn., 46-50° Wis., 43-51° Mich.). Precipitation below normal, much below normal some areas (Norm. 2-2%” all states). NOVEMBER

2011

Mild and wet. Temperatures several degrees above normal (Norm, 30-34° Minn., 32-38° Wis., 32-39° Mich.). Precipitation above to much above normal overall (Norm. 1-2" Minn., 2-22” Wis., 2-

3" Mich.).

DECEMBER

2011

Mild and wet. Temperatures a few degrees above normal (Norm. 15-20° Minn., 17-24° Wis., 18-27° Mich.). Precipitation well above normal

(Norm. 1-2" Minn., 1-2'%” Wis., 12-3" Mich.). : 3" Wis., 214-3%” Mich.). —Bob Hope to be near my money. only —if Washington to go I love to

THE ALMANAC

FOR FARMERS

& CITY FOLK

The National Weather Forecast

ZONE 10 IOWA, MISSOURI, ILLINOIS

GENERAL We expect November and December 2010 to be cooler than average, followed by a slightly milder than usual January. Cooler weather will likely return for February, warming to normal for March and April. Seasonable weather is predicted for May and June, with warmer than usual weather for July. August through October are anticipated to be on the cool side, warming for the rest of the year as above average temperatures move in. Precipitation levels are forecast to be lower than average to start the forecast period, but March through August should bring more moisture than the seasonal norm, except for a dry April and July. September should also be drier than usual, but the rest of the fall is forecast to bring above average precipitation, followed by below average moisture in December to finish out the year. NOVEMBER 2010 Cold and wet. Temperatures below normal for all areas (Norm. 36-40° Ia., 40-47° Mo., 40-46° Il.). Precipitation above normal (Norm. 1-2'%” Ta., 2-3%” Mo., 3-3%” I.).

JUNE 2011 Wet. Temperatures near normal all areas (Norm. 71° Ia., 74° Mo., 69-76° Il.). Precipitation above to much above normal (Norm. 3%-4%2” Ta., 4-5" Mo., 4" IL).

DECEMBER 2011 Cold and dry. Temperatures

JULY 2011 » Warm and dry. Temperatures

well below normal overall (Norm. 22-25° Ia., 30-34° Mo., 27-34° Il.). Precipitation below normal all states

JANUARY

2011

4" T1.).

Temperatures near to slightly above normal,

(Norm. 19° Ia., 26-29° Mo., 21-30° I1.). Precipitation slightly below normal (Norm. %21%” Ta., 1-1%” Mo., 1%-2"Il.). FEBRUARY

2011

Cool and dry. below normal 34° Mo., 25-35° (Norm. %-14”

Temperatures a few degrees most areas (Norm. 24° Ia., 31Il.). Precipitation below normal Ia., 1-2" Mo., 14-2" I1.).

MAR.

2011

Wet. Temperatures near to slightly above normal overall (Norm. 36° Ia., 43-45° Mo., 3746° Il.). Precipitation above to much above normal overall (Norm. 2-3" Ia., 244-3" Mo., 2%-

3%” Il.). APRIL

2011

Warm and dry. Temperatures a few degrees above normal in all states (Norm. 50° Ia., 5557° Mo., 49-58° Il.). Precipitation below normal inallareas (Norm. 2%-3%” Ia., 3-344” Mo. and Il.).

MAY

afew degrees above normal overall (Norm. 75-77° Ia., 79-82° Mo., 73-83° Il.). Precipitation below to much below normal (Norm. 3-4" Ia., 4-444” Mo., 3%-

2011

AUGUST

2011

Cool and wet. Temperatures a few degrees below normal overall (Norm. 73° Ia., 75-79° Mo., 72-80° Il.). Precipitation above to much above normal (Norm. 3-414” Ia., 3-4" Mo. and

Il.). SEPTEMBER 2011 Cool and dry. Temperatures a few degrees below normal (Norm. 63-66" Ia., 65-72° Mo., 6472° 1.). Precipitation much below normal (Nomn. 3-4¥,” Ta., 3-5" Mo., 3%-4%” I1.).

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

(Norm. 3%-4'4” Ta., 4-5" Il., 3-4" Mo.).

2011

Warm and wet. Temperatures several degrees above normal (Norm. 36-40° Ia., 40-47° Mo., 40-

46° Il.). Precipitation well above normal (Norm. 1-2'%” Ia,, 2-342” Mo., 3-34” Il.).

DECEMBER

Wet. Temperatures near to slightly below normal overall (Norm. 62° Ia., 65° Mo., 59-67° Il.). Precipitation above to much above normal

2011

Wet. Temperatures near to slightly below normal (Norm. 52-55° Ia., 56-59° Mo., 53-58° I.). Precipitation much above normal (Norm. 2-3" Ta., 2%-3%4” Mo., 2%-3" Il.).

2011

Warm and dry. Temperatures a few degrees above normal (Norm. 22-25° Ia., 30-34° Mo., 2734° Il.). Precipitation below normal all areas (Norm. %-2" Ia., 2-3" Mo., 242-342” I1.).

Ae

After thirty, a body has a mind of its own.

80

THE ALMANAC

FOR FARMERS

—Bette Midler

& CITY FOLK

The National Weather Forecast

ZONE 11 ARKANSAS, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI GENERAL After a cooler than average start to the forecast period, we predict warmer than normal weather to prevail through April. Then normal temperatures will likely move in until August, which we anticipate will be cooler than usual. Average temperatures are expected for early fall, with November and December likely to bring near to somewhat milder than average conditions. As for precipitation, after a wetter than average November 2010, drier conditions are expected for most of the months, with the exception of rainfall for March and August, which are expected to be well above the seasonal norm. NOVEMBER

2010

Cold and wet. Temperatures below normal all

areas (Norm. 45-54° Ark., 54-62° La., 50-58° Miss.). Above to much above normal precipitation overall (Norm. 3'44-5%” Ark., 444-52” La., 4-5" Miss.).

DECEMBER

2010

Cold and dry. Temperatures several degrees below normal overall (Norm. 38-46° Ark., 45§4° La., 44-53° Miss.). Precipitation below normal, much below some areas (Norm. 34-

512” Ark., 5-6" La. and Miss.). JANUARY 2011 Mild. Temperatures a few degrees above normal overall (Norm. 37-44° Ark., 46-54° La., 42-50° Miss.). Precipitation slightly below normal (Norm. 2'2-5" Ark., 5-6" La. and Miss.).

FEBRUARY

2011

Dry. Temperatures near or slightly above normal overall (Norm. 42-50° Ark., 50-56° La., 48-55° Miss.). Precipitation below to much below normal (Norm. 2)2-5" Ark., 5-6" La., 4426" Miss.).

MARCH 2011 Wet. Temperatures slightly above normal (Nom. 48-56° Ark., 55-60° La., 50-59° Miss.). Precipitation above normal, well above in some areas (Norm. 4-6" Ark., 542-612” La., 5-7" Miss.). APRIL

2011

Warm and dry. Temperatures a few degrees above normal (Norm. 60-65° Ark., 65-70° La., 63-69° Miss.). Precipitation below normal

JUNE 2011 Wet. Temperatures near normal (Norm. 77-79° Ark., 78-82° La., 78-81° Miss.). Precipitation above normal overall(Norm. 32-5%” Ark., 5-

6" La., 4-6" Miss.). JULY

2011

Dry. Temperatures near to above normal all areas (Norm. 80-83° Ark., 82-84° La., 80-83° Miss.). Precipitation below normal all areas

(Norm. 3%-5" Ark., 4%-8" La., 5-8" Miss.).

AUGUST

2011

Cool and wet. Temperatures a few degrees below normal in most areas (Norm. 78-82° Ark., 80-84° La. and Miss.). Precipitation above normal overall, much above some areas

(Norm. 3-5" Ark., 4-6" La. and Miss.). SEPTEMBER

2011

Dry. Temperatures near or slightly below normal (Norm. 72-75° Ark., 73-78° La., 74-77° Miss.). Precipitation below normal, much below in some areas (Norm. 32-5" Ark., 5-6" La., 44%2-6" Miss.).

OCTOBER

2011

Wet. Temperatures slightly below normal overall (Norm. 59-62° Ark., 60-70° La. & Miss.). Precipitation below to much below normal

(Norm. 3-44” Ark., 4-5" La., 344-5" Miss.). NOVEMBER 2011 Warm and wet. Temperatures a few degrees above normal overall (Norm. 45-54° Ark., 5462° La., 50-58° Miss.). Precipitation above normal overall (Norm. 3%4-5'%” Ark., 44%2-5%” La., 4-5" Miss.).

(Norm. 4142-6" Ark., 542-62” La., 5-6" Miss.).

DECEMBER

MAY

Warm and dry. Temperatures a few above normal overall (Norm. 38-46° 54° La., 44-53° Miss.). Precipitation much below normal overall (Norm.

2011

Wet. Temperatures near to slightly below normal overall. (Norm. 68-72° Ark., 71-75° La., 70-75° Miss.). Precipitation above normal (Norm. 5-7" Ark., 7-72” La., 6%-7%2” Miss.). —_—_——

2011 degrees Ark., 45below to 342-52”

Ark., 5-6" La. and Miss.).

oo"

Thave learned that only two things are necessary to keep one's wife happy. First, let her think she's having her own way. And second, let her have it. —Lyndon B. Johnson 2011

THE ALMANAC

FOR FARMERS

& CITY FOLK

The National Weather Forecast

ZONE 12 INDIANA, OHIO

GENERAL Below normal temperatures are forecast for November and December 2010, with precipitation rising to normal levels in January before reverting to cooler conditions again for February and March. April will likely warm up, bringing higher than normal temperatures. The summer months, September, and December will likely bring seasonal weather, but we expect the weather to be a little on the cool side overall. October and November are predicted to be mild. The forecast calls for below normal levels of precipitation right through September, with the exception of January and July, which should bring more than usual moisture. For October through December, we expect above normal rainfall and snowfall to finish out the year. NOVEMBER

2010

JUNE

Cold and dry. Temperatures below normal overall (Norm. 40-46° In., 40-47° Oh.). Precipitation below normal overall (Norm. 3-3/2" both states).

DECEMBER 2010 Cold and dry. Temperatures well below normal (Norm. 29-35° In., 29-34° Oh.). Precipitation also well belownormal overall (Norm. 3-3Y2"both states).

JANUARYY

2011

Wet. Temperatures

near or slightly above

normal overall (Norm. 29-35° In., 29-34° Oh.). Precipitation above normal all areas (Norm. 3-314" both states).

FEBRUARY

2011

Cold and dry. Temperatures a few degrees below normal in all areas (Norm. 25-35° In., 26-35° Oh.). Precipitation below normal overall (Norm. 2-3" both states).

MARCH 2011 Cool and dry. Temperatures several degrees below normal overall (Norm. 35-45° In., 3542° Oh.). Precipitation below normal both states (Norm. 3-4" both states).

2011

Dry. Temperatures

slightly below

normal

overall (Norm. 70-72° In., 70-71° Oh.). Precipitation below normal levels, much below normal in some areas (Norm. 3-3!4" both states).

JULY 2011

-«

Wet. Temperatures near to slightly below normal in both states (Norm. 71-76° In., 71-77° Oh.). Precipitation above to much above normal (Norm. 4'%" both states).

AUGUST

2011

Dry. Temperatures near to slightly below normal in most areas (Norm. 69-75° In., 70-74° Oh.). Precipitation well below normal overall (Norm. 32" both states).

SEPTEMBER 2011 Dry. Temperatures slightly below normal overall (Norm. 60-68" In., 62-68° Oh.). Precipitation below to much below normal in most areas (Nom. 3" both states).

OCTOBER

2011

Warm and wet. Above normal temperatures

APRIL 2011 Mild and dry. Temperatures

several degrees above normal in all areas (Norm. 49-55° In., 50-53° Oh.). Precipitation below normal, much below normal in some areas (Norm. 3-4" both states).

MAY 2011 Dry. Temperatures near to slightly below normal both states (Norm. 60-64° In., 60-65° Oh.). Precipitation also below normal overall (Norm. 32-414" In., 342-4" Oh.).

overall (Norm. 80-87° In., 51-87° Oh.). Precipitation above normal both states (Nomn. 242" both states).

NOVEMBER

2011

Warm and wet. Temperatures somewhat above normal (Norm. 40-46" In., 40-47° Oh.). Precipitation well above normal (Norm. 3-34" both states).

DECEMBER

2011

Wet. Temperatures slightly below normal (Norm.

29-35° In., 29-34° Oh.). Precipitation above normal overall (Norm. 3-3/2" both states).

So

Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so. —Douglas Adams THE ALMANAC

FOR FARMERS

& CITY FOLK

2011

The National Weather Forecast

ZONE 13 KENTUCKY, TENNESSEE, WEST VIRGINIA GENERAL We expect the forecast period to start off with cooler than normal conditions, warming to above normal for January before reverting back to cool weather again for February. Things should warm up a bit for March, and April will likely bring temperatures several degrees above normal. May is expected to be seasonable, June a little warmer than usual. However, July through December is forecast to be on the cool side, with the exception of a milder than average November. As for precipitation, after a drier than average early winter 2010,

January and March should be wetter than normal, while

February and the spring months will likely be drier than the seasonal norm. July precipitation should be above normal, August relatively dry. After that, wetter than average conditions will likely prevail until December, which is predicted to be a drier than average month. NOVEMBER

2010

Cold and dry. Temperatures a few degrees below normal (Norm. 45-47° Ky., 46-49° Tenn., 40-45° W.Va.). Precipitation below normal all states (Norm. 32-4" Ky., 2-3" Tenn., 3-5" W.Va.).

DECEMBER 2010 Cold and dry. Temperatures a few degrees

JUNE 2011 Warm and dry. Temperatures a few degrees above normal (Norm. 73° Ky. & Tenn., 65-70° W.Va.). Precipitation well below normal overall (Norm. 3%” Ky., 4" Tenn., 3-5" W.Va.).

overall (Norm. 3!” Ky., 442” Tenn., 3-4" W.Va.).

JULY 2011 Wet. Temperatures near or slightly below normal overall (Norm. 77° Ky. & Tenn., 68-75° W.Va.). Precipitation above to much above normal (Norm. 4¥2” all states).

JANUARY

AUGUST

below normal (Norm. 35-37° Ky., 38-40° Tenn., 32-38° W.Va.). Precipitation below normal

2011

Wet. Temperatures near to slightly above normal overall (Norm. 29-32° Ky., 32-36° Tenn., 28-35° W. Va.). Precipitation above normal, much above some areas (Norm. 212-3" Ky., 32-

4" Tenn., 3-5" W.Va.). FEBRUARY 2011 Cool and dry. Temperatures several degrees below normal most areas (Norm. 34-36° Ky., 36-40° Tenn., 30-38° W.Va.). Precipitation below normal (Norm. 3-3'%” Ky., 32-4" Tenn., 3-5" W.V.).

MARCH

2011

Wet .Temperatures

slightly above normal

overall (Norm. 46° Ky., 46-49° Tenn., 38-45° W.Va.). Precipitation much above normal overall (Norm. 414-5" Ky., 5" Tenn., 3-6" W.Va.).

APRIL

2011

Warm and dry. Temperatures several degrees above normal most areas (Norm. 56° Ky., 58° Tenn., 50-55° W.Va.). Precipitation well below normal (Norm. 4-4%” Ky., 342-4" Tenn., 3-4" W.Va.).

MAY

2011

Dry. Temperatures near or slightly below normal (Norm. 65° Ky. & Tenn., 58-63° W.Va.). Precipitation below normal (Norm. 4’%” Ky., 4" Tenn., 4-6" W.Va.).

2011

THE ALMANAC

2011

Dry. Temperatures near or slightly below normal overall (Norm. 76° Ky. & Tenn., 63-74° W.Va.). Precipitation well below normal overall (Norm. 3%” Ky., 3" Tenn., 4-6" W.Va.). SEPTEMBER Cool and wet. below normal Tenn., 60-68° normal overall W.Va.).

OCTOBER

2011 Temperatures a few degrees all areas (Norm. 69° Ky., 70° W.Va.). Precipitation above (Norm. 3-3%4” Ky. & Tenn., 2-5"

2011

Wet. Temperatures (Norm. 58° Ky. & Precipitation above overall (Norm. 2%2-3"

slightly below Tenn., 50-55° to much above Ky. & Tenn., 3-4"

normal W.Va.). normal W.Va.).

NOVEMBER 2011 Mild and wet. Temperatures several degrees above normal (Norm. 45-47° Ky., 46-49° Tenn., 40-45° W.Va.). Precipitation above to much above normal all states (Norm. 32-4" Ky., 2-3" Tenn., 3-5" W.Va.).

DECEMBER

2011

Dry. Temperatures slightly below normal all states (Norm. 35-37° Ky., 38-40° Tenn., 32-38° W.Va.). Precipitation below to well below normal overall (Norm. 3%” Ky., 442” Tenn., 3-4" W.Va.).

FOR FARMERS

& CITY FOLK

83

The National Weather Forecast ZONE 14 ALABAMA, GEORGIA, FLORIDA GENERAL November and December 2010 are expected to be cooler than normal, but weather will likely warm up in January, and temperatures should remain near to or above average through July. For August through October, we predict temperatures will be lower than the seasonal norm, but November aid December will likely bring above average temperatures to the region once again. November 2010 will likely be on the wet side, but we predict that drier than usual conditions will move in until the end of February. Frequent rains in March should make up for the relative lack of moisture, but the rest

of the spring is predicted to be drier than average. June and August rains will help make up for a dry July, although the fall is forecast to be dry as well. November is expected to be a relatively wet month, followed by a dry December. NOVEMBER

JUNE

2010

2011

Cold and wet. Temperatures below normal overall, widespread freezing temperatures Ala., Ga., and north Fla. (Norm. 50-60° Ala., 51-59° Ga., 60-70° Fla.). Precipitation above normal for most

Warm and ‘wet. Temperatures a few degrees above normal all areas (Norm. 75-80° Ala., 73-79° Ga., 74-82° Fla.). Precipitation above normal (Norm. 4-6" Ala. & Ga., 5-10" Fla.).

areas

JULY

(Nomm. 3-5" Ala., 2-4" Ga., 14-4" Fla.).

DECEMBER

2010

Cold and dry. Temperatures below normal, freezing as far south as Orlando, Fla. (Norm.

45-55° Ala., 42-52° Ga., 53-70° Fla.). Precipitation below normal most areas (Nom. 4-6" Ala., 3-5" Ga., 1%-5" Fla.). JANUARY 2011 Mild and dry. Temperatures a few degrees above normal (Norm. 40-50° Ala., 38-48° Ga., 50-68° Fla.). Precipitation below to much below

normal (Norm. 4-6" Ala., 32-54%” Ga., 2-5" Fla.). FEBRUARY 2011 Dry. Temperatures near or slightly above normal (Norm. 45-55° Ala., 42-52° Ga., 53-68° Fla.). Precipitation below to well below normal overall (Norm. 4-5" Ala., 3-5" Ga., 2-5%” Fla.).

2011

Warm and dry. Temperatures a few degrees above normal (Norm. 78-83° Ala., 76-82° Ga., 81-83° Fla.). Below normal precipitation overall (Norm. 4-6" Ala., 442-62” Ga., 4-9" Fla.).

AUGUST 2011 Cool and wet. Temperatures a few degrees below normal, (Norm. 75-83° Ala., 76-81° Ga., 81-83° Fla.). Precipitation above to much above normal (Norm. 3-7" Ala., 4-742” Ga., 4%-10" Fla.).

SEPTEMBER

2011

Dry. Temperatures near or slightly below normalin most areas (Norm. 72-77° Ala., 7117° Ga., 78-82° Fla.). Precipitation below normal (Norm. 3-7" Ala., 3-62” Ga., 5-8" Fla.).

OCTOBER

2011

above to much above normal (Norm. 5-7" Ala.,

Temperatures slightly below normal, (Norm. 62-68° Ala. 60-67° Ga., 68-78° Fla.). Precipitation slightly above normal (Norm. 2-3" Ala., 1-3" Ga., 2-5" Fla.).

314-52” Ga., 3-6" Fla.).

NOVEMBER

APRIL 2011 Warm and dry. Temperatures a few degrees above normal (Norm. 55-65° Ala., 60-66° Ga., 6615° Fla.). Precipitation below normal (Norm. 3-6" Ala., 3-5" Ga., 1-4" Fla.).

Mild and wet. Temperatures a few degrees above normal overall (Norm. 50-60° Ala., 5159° Ga., 60-70° Fla.). Precipitation above to much above normal most areas (Norm. 3-5" Ala., 2-4" Ga., 12-4" Fla.).

MARCH

2011

Wet. Temperatures slightly above normal (Nonn.

52-62° Ala., 53-60° Ga., 60-72° Fla.). Precipitation

MAY

DECEMBER

2011

Dry. Temperatures near or slightly above normal (Norm. 65-70° Ala., 66-74° Ga., 73-78° Fla.). Precipitation below normal (Norm. 3-5"

Ala., 3%-4%” Ga., 4-6" Fla.).

2011

2011

Mild and dry. Temperatures a few degrees above normal overall (Norm. 45-55° Ala., 4252° Ga., 53-70° Fla.). Precipitation below to

much below normal (Norm. 4-6" Ala., 3-5" Ga., 1%-5" Fla.).

Sa a

A hug is like a boomerang—you get it back right away. 84

THE ALMANAC

FOR FARMERS

& CITY FOLK

—Bill Keane 2011

The National Weather Forecast

ZONE 15 SOUTH AND NORTH CAROLINA, VIRGINIA GENERAL We expect below normal temperatures for November and December 2010, warming up in January with above normal temperatures. However, cooler than normal conditions will likely prevail for much of the year, with the exception of April, June, and November, which should bring weather near to or warmer than the seasonal norm. The first few months of the forecast period are predicted to bring lower than average levels of precipitation, but the months of March through May are forecast to be wetter than usual. Following a relatively dry June, we expect a wetter than average July, September, and November. The other months should be drier than normal. NOVEMBER

2010

Coid and dry. Temperatures below normal, early frost expected (Norm. 48-58° SC & NC, 47-53° Va). Precipitation below normal overall

(Norm. 2%-5" SC & NC, 2%-3'%” Va).

DECEMBER

2010

Cold and dry. Temperatures below normal

(Norm. 40-51° SC & NC, 38-44° Va). Precipitation also below normal (Norm. 3-42” SC, NC, 3-3%” Va).

JANUARY

2011

Mild and dry. Temperatures several degrees above normal all areas (Norm. 38-48°SC & NC, 34-39° Va). Precipitation below normal overall

(Norm. 3-4%” SC & NC, 2%-4" Va).

FEBRUARY

2011

Cold and wet. Temperatures a few degrees below normal all areas (Norm. 48-58° SC & NC,

45-49° Va). Precipitation above to much above normal overall (110-115%) S.C. (Norm. 4-52”

SC & NC, 3%-4" Va).

APRIL

2011

Wet. Temperatures near or slightly above normal (Norm. §5-65° SC & NC, 55-57° Va). Precipitation above to much above normal overall (Norm. 212-32” all states).

MAY

Va). Precipitation much below normal overall

(Norm. 3%-6%” SC, NC, 3-4" Va). JULY 2011 Wet. Temperatures near or slightly below normal overall (Norm. 72-82° SC & NC, 75-79° Va). Precipitation above to much above

normal (Norm. 4-8" SC, NC, 4-5" Va). AUGUST 2011 Dry. Temperatures near or slightly below normal overall (Norm. 72-81° SC & NC, 72-78° Va). Precipitation much below normal overall (Norm. 4-7"SC & NC, 3%-5" Va).

SEPTEMBER

2011

Cool and dry. Temperatures a few degrees below normal overall (Norm. 39-51°SC & NC, 37-41° Va). Precipitation below to much below normal (Norm. 3-44%%” SC & NC, 2%-3'2” Va).

MARCH

JUNE 2011 Warm and dry. Temperatures a few degrees above normal (Norm. 69-78° SC & NC, 71-74°

2011

Cold and wet. Temperatures a few degrees below normal (Norm. 63-73° SC & NC, 64-66° Va). Precipitation above to much above normal (Norm. 32-414” SC & NC, 3%-4" Va).

2011

Cool and wet. Temperatures a few degrees below normal overall (Norm. 66-76° SC & NC, 68-72° Va). Precipitation above to much above

(Norm. 3-5"SC & NC, 1%-4" Va). OCTOBER

2011

Dry. Temperatures near or slightly below normal most areas (Norm. 56-67° SC & NC, 5661° Va). Precipitation below normal, (Norm. 3-

5"SC & NC, 3-4" Va). NOVEMBER

2011

Mild and wet. Temperatures a few degrees above normal (Norm. 48-58° SC & NC, 47-53° Va). Precipitation above to much above

normal overall (Norm. 22-5"SC & NC, 24%2-3%” Va).

DECEMBER

2011

Cold and dry. Temperatures several degrees below normal most areas (Norm. 40-51° SC & NC, 38-44° Va). Precipitation below to much below normal overall (Norm. 3-42” SC, NC,

3-34%” Va).

OO

is played by twenty million mature American men whose wives think Golf —Jim Bishop they are out having fun. 2011

THE ALMANAC

FOR FARMERS & CITY FOLK

85

The National Weather Forecast

ZONE 16 NEW YORK (EXCEPT N.Y.C.), PENNSYLVANIA GENERAL We expect cooler than average temperatures for the most part until March, except for a realatively mild January. The spring months will likely see above normal temperatures, and the summer weather should be in the

normal range, temperature-wise. The rest of the year will likely bring below average temperatures for the most part, except that November should be somewhat mild. As for precipitation, drier than usual conditions will mark the beginning of the forecast period, followed by a relatively wet January. February, April, and June should be drier than usual months, with March, May, and July predicted to be wetter than average. Precipitation levels will likely see-saw between above and below normal levels for the rest of the year. NOVEMBER 2010 Cold and dry. Temperatures below normal over all regions (Norm. 40-48° NY, 45-46° Pa.). Below normal precipitation in all areas (Norm. 3%2-4'2” NY, 3-32” Pa.).

JUNE 2011 Warm and dry. Temperatures a few degrees above normal overall (Norm. 66-72° NY, 72° Pa.). Precipitation well below normal all areas (Norm. 3-4" both states).

DECEMBER 2010 Cold and dry. Temperatures a few degrees below normal for most areas (Norm. 29-37° NY,

JULY 2011

33-36° Pa.). Precipitation below normal overall

(Norm. 3-4" NY, 3-3'%” Pa.).

FEBRUARY 2011 Cool and dry. Temperatures a few degrees below normal overall (Norm. 25-34° NY, 28-33° Pa.). Precipitation below normal in all regions (Norm. 242-32” NY, 242-3" Pa.).

2011

Cool and wet. Temperatures a few degrees below normal all areas (Norm. 34-42° NY, 3842° Pa.). Precipitation above normal (Norm.

22-4" NY, 3-3%” Pa.). APRIL 2011 Warm and dry. Temperatures a few degrees above normal all areas (Norm. 45-53° NY, 48-52° Pa.). Precipitation well below normal overall

(Norm. 3-4" NY, 3-3” Pa.).

MAY

2011

Warm and wet. Temperatures a few degrees above normal (Norm. 57-63° NY, 60-64° Pa.). Precipitation above to much above normal overall (Norm. 3-4'2” NY, 3-4" Pa.).

near or slightly below

normal in both states (Norm. 71-77° NY, 73-77° Pa.). Precipitation above to much above normal over the region (Norm. 3-412” NY, 342-42” Pa.).

JANUARY 2011 Wet. Temperatures near or slightly above normal overall (Norm. 24-32° NY, 27-30° Pa.). Precipitation above normal in all areas (Norm. 22-32” NY, 3-3'%2” Pa.).

MARCH

Wet. Temperatures

AUGUST

2011

Dry. Temperatures near or slightly below normal overall (Norm. 69-75° NY, 70-76° Pa.). Precipitation well below normal all areas (Norm. 4-44” NY, 32-4" Pa.).

SEPTEMBER

2011

Cool and wet. Temperatures a few degrees below normal overall (Norm. 60-68° NY, 65-68° Pa.). Precipitation well above normal all areas

(Norm. 3%-4" NY, 3-342" Pa.).

OCTOBER

2011

Dry. Temperatures near or slightly below normal (Norm. 50-57° NY, 52-56° Pa.). Precipitation below normal all areas (Norm. 3-34” NY, 2%” Pa.).

NOVEMBER

2011

Mild and wet. Temperatures a few degrees above normal over all regions (Norm. 40-48° NY, 45-46° Pa.). Precipitation well above normal in all areas (Norm. 3'2-4%” NY, 3-34” Pa.).

DECEMBER 2011 Cold and dry. Temperatures several degrees below normal for most areas (Norm. 29-37° NY, 33-36° Pa.). Precipitation well below normal overall (Norm. 3-4" NY, 3-34” Pa.).

Home computers are being called upon to perform many new functions, including the consumption of homework formerly eaten by the dog. —Doug Larson 86

THE ALMANAC

FOR FARMERS & CITY FOLK

2011

The National Weather Forecast

ZONE 17 NEW JERSEY, MARYLAND, DELAWARE GENERAL The forecast period is expected to start with below normal temperatures. After a relatively mild January, we predict a colder than average February. The spring months will likely bring normal to above normal temperatures to the region, but we predict that summer and early fall weather will be cooler than the seasonal norm, with the exception of June. August temperatures should be normal, followed by a cooler than average conditions in early faii. November and December are anticipated to be milder than the seasonal norm. As for precipitation, lower than norma! levels are expected for the first part of the forecast period, with the exception of a wet January. After a dry February, we expect a wetter than average spring, followed by a dry June, and a relatively wet July. Then moisture levels will likely fall below normal until a relatively wet November and December. NOVEMBER

2010

JUNE

2011

Cold and dry. Temperatures several degrees below normal all areas (Norm. 47-50° all states). Precipitation also below normal overall (Norm. 3-4'%” all states).

Dry. Temperatures near to slightly above normal (Norm. 73-75° all states). Precipitation below to much below normal most areas (Norm. 3142-4" all states).

DECEMBER

JULY

2010

2011

Cold and dry. Temperatures a few degrees below normal overall (Norm. 37-42° all states). Precipitation below normal all areas (Norm. 33%” all states).

Wet. Temperatures near or a little below normal overall (Norm. 77° all states). Precipitation above to much above normal overall (Norm. 4-5" all states).

JANUARY

AUGUST

2011

2011

Mild and wet. Temperatures near or slightly above normal all areas (Norm. 32-40° all states). Precipitation above normal all areas (Norm. 3'2-4" all states).

Dry. Temperatures near or slightly above normal overall, (Norm. 76° all states). Precipitation below noimal, much below normal some areas (Norm. 4-5" all states).

FEBRUARY 2011 Cool and dry. Temperatures a few degrees below normal in all areas (Norm. 34-40° all states). Precipitation below normal overall (Norm. 3-3!” all states).

Cool and dry. Temperatures a few degrees below normal overall (Norm. 67-70° all states). Precipitation below to much below normal in most areas (Norm. 3-4" all states).

MARCH 2011 Wet. Temperatures a little above normal overall (Norm. 42-49° all states). Precipitation above normal all areas (Norm. 3'2-4" all states).

OCTOBER 2011 Dry. Temperatures a little below normal (Norm. 57-60° all states). Precipitation below to well below normal overall (Norm. 3-3” all states).

APRIL

NOVEMBER

2011

Warm and wet. Temperatures a few degrees above normal in all areas (Norm. 54-57° all states). Precipitation above normal overall (Norm. 3-

4%” all states).

MAY

2011

Wet. Temperatures a little above normal (Norm. 64-66° all states). Precipitation above to much above normal overall (Norm. 3%2-4'2” all states).

SEPTEMBER

2011

2011

Mild and wet. Temperatures a few degrees above normal all areas (Norm. 47-50° all states). Precipitation above to much above normal overall (Norm. 3-4'%” all states).

DECEMBER 2011 Wet. Temperatures near or slightly below normal overall (Norm. 37-42° all states). Precipitation above to much above normal all

areas (Norm. 3-3'2” all states).

——— oo

A wide screen just makes a bad film twice as bad. THE ALMANAC

FOR FARMERS

—Samuel Goldwyn

& CITY FOLK

87

’ The National Weather Forecast

ZONE 18 N.Y.C., RHODE ISLAND, CONNECTICUT, MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL We expect below normal temperatures to prevail for the first few months of the forecast period, with the exception of a milder than average January. Normal temperatures should return for April through June. After a cooler than average July, we predict normal to slightly above normal temperatures for August. Unseasonably cool weather is likely to return for the early fall, with relatively normal conditions prevailing for the rest of the year. As for precipitation, the first half of the forecast period is expected to bring below normal levels of moisture, but

June and July should be unusually wet. How-

ever, dry conditions will then likely set in again for the remainder of the year. NOVEMBER

JUNE 2011

2010

Cold and dry. Temperatures a few degrees below normal (Norm. 45-47° in all states). Precipitation below normal overall (Norm. 44,” in all states).

Wet. Temperatures near or slightly above normal overall (Norm. 70-72° in all states). Precipitation above to much above normal all areas (Norm. 3-3%” in all states).

DECEMBER

JULY 2011

2010

Cold and dry. Temps. below normal overall (Norm. 36-38° in all states). Precipitation also below normal all areas (Norm. 4"in all states).

JANUARY

2011

Wet. Temperatures a little above normal most areas (Norm. 32° all states). Precipitation above normal overall (Norm. 3%” all states).

FEBRUARY

2011

Cool and dry. Temperatures a few degrees below normal overall (Norm. 32-34° all states). Precipitation below to much below normal all areas (Norm. 3-34” all states).

MARCH

2011

Cool and dry. Temperatures a few degrees below normal in all areas (Norm. 40-42° all states). Precipitation below normal all areas (Norm. 4" all states).

APRIL

2011

Dry. Temperatures near or slightly below normal overall (Norm. 50-53° all states). Precipitation below normal to much below in some areas (Norm. 32-44” all states).

MAY

2011

Dry. Temperatures near or slightly above normal inall areas (Norm. 60-64’ all states). Precipitation below normial in most areas (Norm. 4-4%” all states).

Cool and wet. Temperatures a few degrees below normal overall (Norm. 75° in all states). Precipitation above to much above normal (Norm. 4" in all states).

AUGUST

2011

Dry. Temperatures near to or slightly above nermal overall (Norm. 74° in all states). Precipitation below normal, much below in some areas (Norm. 4" in all states).

SEPTEMBER

2011

Cool and dry. Temperatures

a few degrees

below normal all areas (Nomm. 67° in all states). Precipitation below to much below overaii (Norm. 3-4" in all states).

OCTOBER

normal

2011

Cool and dry. Temperatures

a few degrees

below normal overall (Norm. 56° in all states). Precipitation below to much (Norm. 3'%” in all states).

NOVEMBER

below normal

2011

Mild, dry. Temperatures slightly above normal (Norm. 45-47° in all states). Precipitation below normal overall (Norm. 4-4'%” in all states).

DECEMBER

2011

Dry. Temperatures a little below normal (Nomn. 36-38° in all states). Precipitation also below normal all areas (Norm. 4" in all states).

OS

The length of a film should be directly related to the endurance of the human bladder. —Alfred Hitchcock A diplomat is a man who always remembers a woman's birthday but never remembers her age. —Robert Frost THE ALMANAC

FOR FARMERS & CITY FOLK

2011

J

The National Weather Forecast

|

ZONE

19

NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, MAINE

GENERAL Lower than normal temperatures are expected for the first few months of the forecast period, except that we predict a relatively mild January. The spring and summer months should bring near to above normal temperatures, but cooler conditions will likely set in for the fall. However, November and December are anticipated to be a few degrees milder than average. As for precipitation, we expect drier than normal conditions from November 2010 to March. The spring months of April and May will likely bring less than usual rainfall, but June and July should see ample moisture. For the remainder of the year, we expect lower than average levels of rainfall and snowfall to finish out the year. NOVEMBER

JUNE

2010

Cold and dry. Temperatures several degrees below normal overall (Norm. 33-40° north, 3644° south). Precipitation below normal all areas (Norm. 3-5" north & south).

DECEMBER

2010

Cold and dry. Temperatures a few degrees below normal all areas (Norm. 20-28° north, 25-32° south). Precipitation below normal over all regions (Norm. 4-5" north, 342-5" south).

JANUARY

2011

Mild and dry. Temperatures a few degrees above normal (Norm. 12-25° north, 20-28° south). Precipitation below normal all states (Norm. 2-4" north, 2-32” south).

FEBRUARY

2011

Wet. Temperatures near or slightly above normal (Norm. 60-65° north, 62-70° south). Precipitation above nomnal overall (Norm. 3-4" north & south).

JULY 2011 Wet. Temperatures near or slightly above normal overall (Norm. 62-70° north, 65-72° south). Precipitation above to much above normal all states (Norm. 3-4" north & south).

AUGUST

2011

Warm and dry. Temperatures a few degrees above normal overall (Norm. 64-70° north, 6572° south). Precipitation below to much below normal (Norm. 3-4" north & south).

SEPTEMBER

2011

2011

below normal overall (Norm. 12-25° north, 2230° south). Precipitation below normal all areas (Norm. 2-3" north & south).

Cool and dry. Temperatures a few degrees below normal (Norm. 55-60° north, 58-65° south). Precipitation below to much below normal (Norm. 3-4" north & south).

MARCH

OCTOBER

Cool and dry. Temperatures a few degrees

2011

2011

Cool and wet. Temperatures a few degrees below normal overall (Norm. 25-35° north, 2840° south). Precipitation above normal (Norm. 2-3" north, 2-4" south).

Cool and dry. Temperatures a few degrees below normal overall (Norm. 45-50° north, 4854° south). Precipitation below normal overall (Norm. 3-4" north & south).

APRIL 2011 Cool and dry. Temperatures a few degrees above normal (Norm. 35-45° north, 36-48° south). Precipitation below to much below normal (Norm. 3-4" north & south).

NOVEMBER

MAY

DECEMBER

2011

Warm and dry. above normal 45-58° south). overall (Norm.

Temperatures a few degrees all areas (Norm. 48-55° north, Precipitation below normal 3-4" north & south).

2011

Mild and dry. Temperatures a few degrees above normal overall (Norm. 33-40° north, 3644° south). Precipitation below normal all areas (Norm. 3-5" north & south).

2011

Mild and dry. Temperatures several degrees above normal all areas (Norm. 20-28° north, 25-32° south). Precipitation below normal over

all regions (Norm. 4-5" north, 32-5" south).

—— oe

It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with —Ralph Waldo Emerson

them. 2011

THE ALMANAC

FOR FARMERS

& CITY FOLK

89

AVERAGE DATES OF FIRST AND LAST FROSTS IN U.S. ‘AN DATE MEAN DATE MEAN DATE MEAN DATE MEAN LAST 32°F IN SPRING STATE AND CITY ALA., BIRMINGHAM MOBILE U MONTGOMERY U. ALASKA, ANCHORAGE BARROW CORDOVA FAIRBANKS JUNEAU NOME ARIZ., FLAGSTAFF PHOENIX TUCSON WINSLOW YUMA U ARK., FORT SMITH LITTLE ROCK CALIF., BAKERSFIELD EUREKA U FRESNO LOS ANGELES RED BLUFF SACRAMENTO SAN DIEGO SAN FRANCISCO U COLO., DENVER U PALISADES PUEBLO CONN., HARTFORD NEW HAVEN D.C. WASHINGTON U FLA., APALACHICOLA U FORT MYERS JACKSONVILLE U KEY WEST LAKELAND MIAMI ORLANDO PENSACOLA U TALLAHASSEE TAMPA GA., ATLANTA U AUGUSTA MACON SAVANNAH IDAHO, BOISE POCATELLO SALMON ILL., CAIRO U CHICAGO U FREEPORT PEORIA SPRINGFIELD U IND., EVANSVILLE FORT WAYNE INDIANAPOLIS U SOUTH BEND IOWA, DES MOINES U DUBUQUE U KOEKUK SIOUX CITY KANS., CONCORDIA U DODGE CITY GOODLAND TOPEKA U WICHITA KY., LEXINGTON LOUISVILLE U LA., LAKE CHARLES NEW ORLEANS SHREVEPORT MAINE, GREENVILLE PORTLAND MD., ANNAPOLIS BALTIMORE U FREDERICK MASS., BOSTON NANTUCKET MICH., ALPENA U DETROIT ESCANABA U GRAND RAPIDS U MARQUETTE U S. STE. MARIE MINN., ALBERT LEE BIG FALLS R.S. BRAINERD DULUTH MINNEAPOLIS ST. CLOUD MISS., JACKSON MERIDIAN VICKSBURG U MO., COLUMBIA KANSAS CITY ST. LOUIS U SPRINGFIELD MONT., BILLINGS GLASGOW U GREAT FALLS HAVRE U HELENA KALISPELL MILES CITY SUPERIOR U indicates Urban *Occurs in

90

MAR. FEB. FEB.

19 17 27

FIRST 32°F FREEZE IN FALL FREE DAYS NOV. DEC. DEC. SEPT. JULY OCT. AUG. Oct. AUG. OCT. DEC. NOV. OcT. DEC. NOV. NOV. NOV. DEC. DEC.

NOV. oct. NOV. DEC. DEC. NOV. SEPT. OCT. NOV. NOV. OCT. OCT. NOV. OCT. OCT. OCT. OCT. OCT. OCT. OCT. SEPT. SEPT. SEPT. OCT. SEPT. NOV. NOV. NOV. OcT. OCT. NOV. OCT. SEPT. SEPT. SEPT. SEPT. SEPT. SEPT. OCT. JUNE$8 AUG. 30 less than one year in ten.

THE ALMANAC

EAST 32°F IN SPRING

STATE AND CITY NEBR., GRAND ISLAND LINCOLN NORFOLK NORTH PLATTE OMAHA VALENTINE LAKES NEV., ELKO LAS VEGAS RENO WINNEMUCCA N.H., CONCORD NJ., CAPE MAY TRENTON U N. MEX., ALBUQUERQUE ROSWELL N.Y., ALBANY BINGHAMTON U BUFFALO NEW YORK U ROCHESTER SYRACUSE N.C., ASHEVILLE U CHARLOTTE U GREENVILLE HATTERAS RALEIGH U WILMINGTON U N. DAK., BISMARCK DEVILS LAKE U FARGO WILLISTON U OHIO, AKRON-CANTON CINCINNATI (ABBE) CLEVELAND COLUMBUS U DAYTON TOLEDO OKLA., OKLA. CITY U TULSA OREG., ASTORIA BEND MEDFORD PENDLETON PORTLAND U SALEM PA., ALLENTOWN HARRISBURG PHILADELPHIA U PITTSBURGH SCRANTON U R.I., PROVIDENCE U S.C., CHARLESTONU COLUMBIA U GREENVILLE S. DAK., HURON U RAPID CITY U SIOUX FALLS U TENN., CHATTANOOGA U KNOXVILLE U MEMPHIS U NASHVILLE U TEXAS, ALBANY BALMORHEA BEEVILLE COLLEGE STATION CORSICANA DALLAS DEL RIO ENCINAL HOUSTON LAMPASAS MATAGORDA MIDLAND MISSION MOUNT PLEASANT NACOGDOCHES PLAINVIEW PRESIDIO QUANAH SAN ANGELO YSLETA UTAH, BLANDING SALT LAKE CITY VT., BURLINGTON VA., LYNCHBURG NORFOLK U RICHMOND U ROANOKE WASH., BUMPING LAKE SEATTLE U SPOKANE TATOOSH ISLAND WALLA WALLA U YAKIMA W. VA., CHARLESTON PARKERSBURG WIS., GREEN BAY LA CROSSE U MADISON U MILWAUKEE U WYO., CASPER CHEYENNE LANDER SHERIDAN

APR. APR. MAY APR. APR. MAY JUNE MAR. MAY MAY MAY APR. APR. APR. APR. APR. MAY APR. APR. APR. APR. APR. MAR. MAR. FEB. MAR, MAR. MAY MAY MAY MAY APR. APR. APR. APR. APR. APR. MAR. MAR. MAR. JUNE APR. APR. FEB. APR. APR. APR. MAR. APR. APR. APR. FEB. MAR. MAR, MAY MAY MAY MAR. MAR. MAR. MAR. _MAR. APR. FEB. MAR. MAR MAR. FEB. FER. FEB. APR. FEB. APR. JAN. MAR. MAR. APR. MAR. MAR. MAR. APR, MAY APR MAY APR. MAR. APR. APR. JUNE FEB. APR. IAN. MAR, APR. APR. APR. MAY MAY APR. APR. MAY MAY MAY MAY 21

From CLIMATIC ATLAS

FOR FARMERS

& CITY FOLK

MEAN FIRST 32°F FREEZE IN FALL FREE DAYS

OCT. 6 17 OCT. OCT. OCT. OCT. SEPT. SEPT. NOV. OCT. SEPT. SEPT. NOV. NOV. OCT. NOV. OcT. ocT. OcT, NOV. OcT. OCT. ocT. NOV. NOV. DEC. NOV. NOV. SEPT. SEPT. SEPT. SEPT. oct. OcT, NOV. OCT. OcT. ocT. NOV. NOV. NOV. AUG, OocT. OCT. DEC. OCT. OCT. oct. NOV. OcT. OcT. OcT. DEC. NOV. NOV. SEPT. OCT. oct. NOV. NOV. NOV. NOV. NOV. NOV. DEC. DEC NOV. NOV. DEC. DEC, DEC. NOV. DEC, NOV. DEC. NOV. NOV. NOV, NOV. NOV. NOV. OCT. OcT. NOV. OCT. OcT. NOV. NOV. OcT. AUG, DEC. OCT. DEC NOV. OCT. OCT. OCT. OCT. OCT. OCT. OCT. SEPT. SEPT. SEPT, SEPT. 123 OF THE UNITED STATES

REAL SNAIL MAIL A letter sent in 1790 to the village of Saix in Southern France, instead of to a town called Seix, 200 kilometers (124 miles) away, arrived—220 years late! The letter was discovered only ten years ago, when Saix’s municipal archives were being reorganized. That project had been planned but had been continually put on hold until recently, when the Mayor of Saix, Henri Blanc, expressed his intention to finally have officials drive to Seix to deliver the letter. Ironically, the

letter was from authorities informing the municipality that its request to make Seix town of their area was being

in Paris of Seix the chief refused!

MUMMIES ARE DADDIES? Curators at the Brooklyn Museum got quite a shock when they sent 2,000 year old mummy Lady Hor to North Shore University Hospital for cat scans (CTS) to learn more about her identity and cause of death. It turns out the mummy was actually a daddy! Lady Hor was believed to be awoman because the covering, or cartonnage, took the shape of a woman, without a symbolic beard attached. Another mummy, Thothirdes, thought to be female, was also really a daddy. CT testing enables radiologists to learn about the bones and skeletal system of the mummies in extraordinary detail, with no invasive or damaging procedures. “This is actually going to

revise some of our ideas about how you can tell if a mummy is male or female,” observed a museum curator. — 2011

THE ALMANAC

3-D BIO-PRINTER Scientists have taken a major step forward in generating human organs with the world’s first 3D bio-printer. The device was produced by Invetech, and the first one has already been delivered to the San Diego-based firm Organovo. The $200,000 ink-jet-like printers will create living organs for patients needing transplants by building human organs cell-by-cell. Sounds like science fiction, we know,

but “scientists and engineers can use the 3D bio-printers to enable placing cells of almost any type into a desired pattern in 3D,” says Keith Murphy, CEO of Organovo. “The 3-D bioprinter works by spraying extracted microscopic cells on top of each other in pass after pass,” reported The Economist. “On the bio-printer’s equivalent of a sheet of paper, cells fuse together and grow for weeks— eventually into an organ.”

ODD

ORIGINS

An old pub in Marble Arch, Lon-

don, had a gallows next door where prisoners were taken to be hung. As

the horse-drawn wagon approached the gallows, the armed guard would stop in front of the pub and ask the prisoner if he would like one last drink. If he said yes, it was referred to as “one for the road” and the drink went “down the hatch,” an ex-

pression stemming from the fact that cargoes lowered into the hatch below deck appear to be consumed by the ship. If he declined a drink, that prisoner was “on the wagon.”

FOR FARMERS

& CITY FOLK

91

RETIREMENT 101 REDHEADS, SAY OUCH! Some people plan way ahead for Although redheads make up only 1 to 2 percent of the North American their retirement...and can be very, population, it seems they may need creative about it. Here’s an example: 20 percent more anesthetic during a According to a story in the London dental procedure or an operation Times, there’s a parking lot outside than people who don’t have red hair. England’s Bristol Zoo for up to 150 A few years ago, research on red- cars and 8 buses. For 25 years, the heads and pain tolerance found that parking fees were managed by a very

exactly what drove another anesthesi-

pleasant attendant who never missed a day of work—until one day, he simply failed to show up. When Zoo management called the City Council asking for another parking attendant, they were told it was the Zoo’s responsibility; however, the Zoo insisted that the attendant was a city employee. The City Council responded that they’d never had the Zoo lot attendant on their payroll. The clever crook had apparently installed a ticket

ologist, Daniel Sessler, to research

machine completely on his own, and

redheads’ pain sensitivity—after hearing chatter from colleagues. His research firmly suggests that redheads do feel more pain: As study results show, not only do they have lower response to anesthetics, redheads also show a more acute response to pain from heat. MIGRATING MONARCHS Scientists have often wondered how migrating Monarch butterflies manage to find their way south to Mexico every fall, with only the sun for navigation (and the sun keeps moving). The circadian clocks in their brains help them know the time so they can track the sun, but a new study by the Neurobiology Department at the University of Massachusetts Medical School showed that Monarchs have a second clock in their antennas, which also sense light—by painting the butterflies’ antennas black. The insects got lost!

showed up every day to collect the parking proceeds. At about $560 per

in people with red hair, the cells that

produce skin and hair pigment have a dysfunctional melanocortin 1 receptor gene, which shuts down a protein that would turn hair brown It also works in the midbrain, where

researchers believe it lowers the pain threshold—leading redheads to need more anesthetic. The whole thing may sound like an urban legend,

but more

recently,

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that’s

day, 7 days a week, that amounts

to

just over $7 million (tax free, natch)! EL NINO MODOKI Now the already difficult field of atmospheric forecasting has become even trickier, says National Geographic, reporting on a study by Georgia Tech scientists in which they identified a new type of El Nifio, known as El Nifio Modoki (from the Japanese meaning “similar, but different”). This cycle forms in the Central Pacific, rather than the Eastern Pacific, as the typical

El Nino event does. Warming in the Central Pacific triggers more frequent storms—and more landfalling storms

in the Gulf of Mexico and the western Caribbean—than normal. It also leads to more tropical storms and hurricanes in the Atlantic than El Nifio does, and Modoki’s precipitation patterns are the reverse of El Nifio’s.

FOR FARMERS & CITY FOLK

2011

_ Naturalist’s Corner By Mark Sunlin

Illustration by Kim Garcia

GARDENING MUSIC? In the late 1960s, Dorothy Retallack—a Denver

broadcast a time-lapse photographyg segment » filmed by [Ea . Retallack to dramatically illustrate the plants’ reaction to such music. And sure enough the plants grew and lean-

organist, soprano, and

college student —began experimenting with the effects of music es

plant health. It began when she found that a piano’s F key, if plonked over and over mono-

Wwe

»

ed dt towards ds th the

beelike buzzing of East Indian Ravi Shankar’s sitar music, and away from the

tonously, caused

hard-throttle ' noise be f rock music. Naturally, there were skeptics. “I don’t want to say it’s

NN

AL

geraniums, radish-

es, and philodendrons to wilt over a 2week period.

out-and-out baloney,”

Extending this, Nee

she played various types of recorded music to growing plants to see what their reaction might be. She discovered that they didn’t seem to like rock music a bit, for the

plants leaned away from the speaker. But European choral music and East Indian music went over very well,

1940s and 50s, botanist T. C. Singh of India’s Annamalai University, follow-

ing the Indian tradition of dohada—a gardening technique encouraging plant well-being via music—performed such experiments as broadcasting

and Retallack reported that marigolds and other plants exposed to such music grew and thrived, leaning towards the speaker, as many plants | do to the sunshine. They also liked | Big Band jazz (although not quite as |

reported a 25 to 67 percent increase in yield over music-free paddies! “Beyond any doubt,” concluded the suitably-named Singh, “harmonic

| neutral to country western music. | In October 1970, CBS Evening News

flowering, fruiting, and seed yield of plants.”

| notably), while the plants seemed

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es p

complained Frank Salisbury, a plant scientist at Utah State University, “but most of this stuff just doesn’t have the right kind of experimentation.” Yet in the

Indian music to rice paddies, and

sound

waves

FOR FARMERS

affect

& CITY FOLK

the

growth,

3)

STRANGE HEADLINES Headlines are the hooks used by editors to reel us in to read the accompanying newspaper articles. Sometimes, either because of typographical errors or grammatical bloopers, headlines come across with unintended humor— although sometimes they simply point out life’s ironies. FROGS CLOSE MAJOR GREEK HIGHWAY

YANKEES TAKE A WALK TO TIE SCORE MILK DRINKERS ARE TURNING TO POWDER QUARTER OF A MILLION CHINESE LIVE ON WATER ROGER CLEMENS ARRIVES FOR HEARING ON STEROIDS CHILD’S STOOL GREAT FOR USE IN GARDEN TIGER FAILS TO WIN MASTERS, BLAMES IT ON CELIBACY HOMELESS MAN ON HOUSE ARREST GRANDMOTHER

OF EIGHT MAKES HOLE IN ONE

EAST TENNESSEE AGLOW OVER NUCLEAR JOBS NEW STUDY OF OBESITY LOOKS FOR LARGER TEST GROUP PSYCHICS PREDICT WORLD DIDN’T END YESTERDAY PROTESTERS IN GREECE LEAVE RUINS IN RUINS TWO CONVICTS EVADE NOOSE, JURY HUNG KATE GOSSELIN PRACTICES DANCE MOVES—13

INJURED

STATISTICS SHOW TEEN PREGNANCY DROPS AFTER AGE 25 IDEA FOR ANTI-THEFT DEVICE MAY HAVE BEEN STOLEN HOUSE PASSES GAS TAXES ONTO SENATE MAN STRUCK BY LIGHTNING FACES BATTERY CHARGES LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL DROPOUTS TIGER WOODS

CUT IN HALF

PLAYS WITH OWN BALLS, SAYS NIKE

FEDERAL AGENTS RAID GUN SHOP, FIND WEAPONS LARRY KING LOSES GLASSES, FLIRTS WITH HAT RACK ALTON ATTORNEY ACCIDENTALLY SUES HIMSELF NJ JUDGE TO RULE ON NUDE BEACH SUN OR RAIN EXPECTED TODAY, DARK TONIGHT AUTOS KILLING 110 COLORADO

A DAY—LET’S RESOLVE TO DO BETTER

STAMP HAS WYOMING

FIFTH GRADERS

MOUNTAIN

GET TO GRILL LIONS

SHAKEN FEDERER VOWS TO BOUNCE BACK JUVENILE COURT TRIES SHOOTING DEFENDANT 94

THE ALMANAC

FOR FARMERS

& CITY FOLK

2011

PUZZLE ANSWERS NUMBER SQUARE

| THREE TO GET READY t. TOW \_HEAD / BAND EGG} \ COLD Ze SHUT \ EYE /CANDY BLACK / \ SORE ERUIT \_ PLY —/CATCHER BUTTER/ \ SWATTER BED \ TIME /FRAME SPRING/ \ BOMB : AIR \TIGHT /END WATER / \LIPPED HEART \_ SICK /LEAVE HOME / RAY. SURF \ BOARD /WALK CHALK/ \ROOM RAIN \_COAT / TAIL HOUSE/ \ RACK WALL \ PAPER / PLATE SAND / \ BACK

_ ADDITION MADE DIFFICULT Add the numbers, then multiply the result by the first number. ff.Hf: 2+4=6x2=12 74+5=12x7=96 6+2=8x6=48 8+7=15x8 = 120 9+6=15x9 = 135

PeTEET = Beies

PERPLEXING PICKET FENCE Gerry’s going to have lots of time to shop! It will take Ed over 41 hours. Total feet: 387, less gate space: 7.5 ft. Net total: 379.5 ft.; or 4,554 inches.

1 picket plus 1 space = 4.5 in. 4,554 divided by 4.5 = 1,012 pickets

2% of 1,012 (for loss) = 21 (rounded) 1,012 plus 21 = 1,033 pickets 1,033 divided by 25 = 41.32 hours. DOTTY CROSS PROBLEM

8 4

3 9 0 107

WHO WON THE CONTEST? Debbie did. Each person told one HEADS UP! Was your answer 5,000? Look lie. Jonathan said it was Justin. If that’s true, then his saying it wasn’t Ziggy is again...the correct answer is 4,100. false, so it was Ziggy. But that’s a SQUARED AWAY §

| contradiction, so it can’t be Justin or Ziggy (because “It wasn’t Ziggy” must

i be the true statement). Similarly, from Debbie’s statement, it wasn’t

Jonathan

| either. Ziggy’s statement gives us that |itwasn’t Michael, which leaves Debbie. } 2011

THE ALMANAC

Here are the possible solutions: 1. Little Jen removes e, f, h, m, 0, p; then Charlotte removes q, and t. 2. Remove f, m, 0, p, q, t; then e and h. 3. Remove h, i, m, 0, s, t; then f and j.

4. Remove e, f, j, 1, p, q; then o and s.

FOR FARMERS

& CITY FOLK

95

SEQUENCING Devon should turn the first grid 90° to the right and delete the bottom row of Xs and Os. Then she must turn the result 90° to the right again and delete the bottom row, and do the same with

the third grid to get the solution.

DOUBLE

COMPOUNDS

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Highlight/lighthouse Towhead/headquarters Lockjaw/jawbreaker Pinkeye/eyedropper Guidebook/bookworm Firecracker/CrackerJack Tiptoe/toenail Workbench/benchwarmer Bellyband/bandwagon Topsail/sailboat Popover/overwhelm Butterfly/flyswatter Longneck/necklace Fairground/groundhog ANIMAL ODDITIES A 200-Ib. rescued constipated sea turtle couldn’t go, so he couldn’t dive.

STRICTLY FOR KIDS ANSWERS THREE 1. PAINT

BY THREES

The Turtle Hospital in the Florida Keys solved the problem by treating him with human

2. TOTES

3. GUESS

laxatives for a month, after

which the going was good and he was released in the keys. Meanwhile, a Florida 2-year-old basset hound’s vet was removing, one by one, 130 nails the dog had swallowed. (She’s fine.) And maritime rescuers were called to ocean waters off the coast of Darwin, Australia, to rescue an adult cow that

THE ANT GAME 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

PANT ELEPHANT PLANT ABUNDANT BRILLIANT COMBATANT

7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

CONSTANT FRAGRANT APPLICANT DEFIANT ASSISTANT VIGILANT

was dog-paddling around—and was reportedly “not in a good mood.”

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWER

ANIMALISTIC PHRASES

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Phe esa tH: 4--Js Ses once Sekepos Gesell, Ade

TAKES TWO TO MAKE television domestic sideboard incarnate pentagon empirical periscope maltreat escapade navigates 96

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THE ALMANAC

FOR FARMERS & CITY FOLK

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