Geiger syndicating Farmers’ Almanac column
LEWISTON – The Farmers’ Almanac has entertained and informed millions over its 186 years, starting in 1818. Now, for those who yearn for more than a yearly dose of say, the cure for hiccups, the Almanac’s homespun humor, how-tos and historical anecdotes will be available weekly.
Peter Geiger, who edits the Lewiston-based publication that was brought to Maine by his father, Ray Geiger, in 1955, is offering a syndicated column filled with fascinating facts and trivial tidbits.
Geiger said Tuesday the Farmers’ Almanac has been reaching out to its readers in ways other than through the Almanac itself for several years via the Internet. Syndicating the weekly column “Dear Farmers’ Almanac,” which makes its debut this month, is an extension of the outreach effort.
The column will answer readers questions on a variety of topics. Weather, a hallmark of the Almanac, will be discussed as well as astronomical events, nature, cooking and recipes, gardening, folklore, history and similar issues.
United Feature Syndicate, a division of E.W. Scripps’ United Media, is making the column available to newspapers worldwide. United also syndicates columns produced by Miss Manners, Cokie and Steven Roberts, as well as Sense & Sensitivity by Harriette Cole, and the comics Peanuts, For Better or For Worse and Dilbert, among others.
Geiger said that in addition to the column, United Feature is also syndicating a graphic that resembles Almanac pages called Weekly Wisdom with the Farmers’ Almanac. The graphic will highlight tidbits of information and a “thought of the week.”
A United spokeswoman said the column already has 70 clients. The Sun Journal is among them. The column will appear Sundays in the Sun Journal’s Living section, according to section editor Ursula Albert.
Sandi Duncan, the Almanac’s managing editor, will help Geiger put the column and graphic together. The two receive extensive national media coverage each year when the Farmers’ Almanac hits the streets. Its weather predications are particularly enjoyed. Some people even plan events such as weddings around the Almanac forecasts.
Geiger has been editing the Almanac since 1995, but he served a lengthy apprenticeship that began in 1979 under his father’s tutelage.
As for curing the hiccups, which are defined by the Almanac as a sudden, involuntary inhalation abruptly stopped by the voice box closing, the publication suggests eating a tablespoon of peanut butter or sugar, or drinking a cup of water upside down. If that doesn’t work and the hiccups persist for a long time, “contact your local doctor.”
Comments are no longer available on this story