Book excerpt: Sporting its familiar yellow cover and filled with humor, advice, and useful information, The Old Farmer's Almanac is a favorite companion to everyday life for millions of readers. With annual sales of more than 4.2 million copies, it is America's best-loved periodical, a beguiling blend of tradition and modernity. And don't forget those famous long-range weather forecasts!For 2001, the Almanac is proud to present a special expanded issue -- 320 pages of facts, fun, and a few surprises for the new century. This edition, featuring 48 pages of fascinating reference material found only in the bookstore edition, also includes feature stories, weather forecasts, puzzles, gardening charts, recipes, precise astronomical data, and charming anecdotes. Readers can find instructions for improving their penmanship, try prize-winning recipes for layer cakes, and read all about the restoration of the original "Star-Spangled Banner". Consumer trends, garden truths and myths, predictions for the 21st century, and many other subjects fill the issue. And the Almanac still has that hole punched in the corner so you can hang it up in a handy spot and consult it every day!