What’s inside the 2012 Farmers’ Almanac?

Click here for the 2012 Canadian Farmers’ Almanac »

You will find tons of informative articles, helpful hints, weather and gardening advice and much more. Here’s a sneak peak at some of the articles you will read about in the 2012 Farmers’ Almanac.

• Will the world end on 12.21.12?
• What’s hot in the world of collectibles?
• Are there really 3 Friday the 13ths in 2012? (Plus tips on how to stay lucky on the notoriously unlucky day)
• How to use clouds to predict the weather.
• What a winter of “Clime and Punishment” means.
• What color and type of flower says “I’m thinking about you.”
• What herbs are best for a tea garden?
• When the best days in 2012 are to fish, hunt, buy a car, and quit smoking…
• And much, much more.

Here’s a quick look at some of our favorite stories from this year’s newest edition …

Time-Honored Traditions That May NOT Stand the Test of Time

By Judy Kneiszel

When was the last time you ate dinner on fine china? Or received a bread and butter note? How about a post card? Is technology replacing too many traditions? Find out what traditions we think are slowly fading away on page 40.

Struck by Lightning – True Life Tales

By Beth Herman

The true stories of four individuals who were struck by lightning and survived (including two who were struck more than once)! This fascinating article serves as a potent reminder about the dangers of lightning. Read their stories on page 52, and don’t forget to check out the lightning safety tips on page 55.

Top 10 Cities Where Weather Can Shut Down Everyday Life

It’s hard to believe that the weather still shuts down some of our major cities, but it does. And the cities where it causes major havoc may surprise you. Find out what 10 cities made our list on page 58.

Blackburn’s Amazing Survival – A Tale About Overcoming Long Odds

By Michael Tougias

This is a true tale of incredible courage. Lost in a winter storm in a small dory, with fingers so frozen that he lost them, Howard Blackburn pulled off an epic feat of survival. Years later, without fingers, he set the world sailing record crossing the Atlantic alone. Read his amazing tale on page 66.

Do Humans Follow a Seasonal Cycle?

By Dr. Lisa Belisle

We are told that there is a season for everything: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to reap. Is there any truth to these cyclical suggestions? More than you may realize. Learn more about how seasonal cycles affect our health on page 138.

Coffee and Alcohol: Good or Bad for You?

By Deborah Stafford Tukua

Ancient civilizations thought beer and wine could cure more than one hundred illnesses. But for years, coffee and alcohol have been branded as bad guys in the beverage family. Do these drinks deserve their bad reputations? The latest studies may prompt you to raise a mug and cheer. Find out why on page 142.

Learn How to Can and Freeze

By Deborah Stafford Tukua

Useful tips and techniques for preserving fresh produce, including recipes for pickles, tomato sauce, and chutney. Learn how to preserve your harvest on page 158.

Alternative Heating Options: What’s Best?

By Amy Grisak

Check out this article before winter! Timely evaluations, estimated costs, and pros and cons for a variety of heat sources, including: wood heat, pellet stoves, oil furnaces, propane, natural gas, and coal burners. Page 162 includes a must-read chart to help you decide.

Turn Out the Lights

By Jim Kneiszel

Did you know that the incandescent light bulb is being phased out, beginning January 1, 2012, in the United States and Canada? Wonder how you will you cut through the darkness with your home’s assorted lamps and light fixtures in the future? Could it be replaced with a light bulb that lasts 22 years? Get the details on page 166.

How to have a Nice Yard without going Broke:
5 Cost-effective Landscaping Projects

By Glenn Morris

Landscaping is costly, but many garden improvements are within the reach of a do-it-yourself weekend gardener’s budget. The secret is to expend muscle power instead of money. Check out some manageable landscape projects that you can try when time is on your side on page 185.