Brilliant star overhead, ID poison oak, lily care

This is an archived issue of our Almanac.com Companion email newsletter.

Daily Newsletter for Tuesday, August 1, 2017

goldenrod

And from the hot field’s farthest edge
The cricket’s soft refrain
With mellow accent tells the tale
That August’s here again.
–Helen Maria Winslow (1851–1938)
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
 213th day of the year


Adam Duritz (musician) was born on this day in 1964.
Naomi Sims (first African American model on the cover of Ladies’ Home Journal) died on this day in 2009.
 

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Brilliant Vega Overhead

 Star Vega Shines Bright Overhead on July Nights
Away from city lights in mid-July, one could see as many as 2,500 naked eye stars. But only one star stands out because it’s the only bright star directly overhead—and that’s Vega. This brilliant blue-white star is a favorite of stargazers and astronomers.
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How not to rely on the plumber?
Let’s face it: toilets may not be the sexiest appliance in your home but they are one of the most important. Make sure you have the best, the one that eliminates calls to the plumber and stays clean.
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Caring for Your Lilies

 Lilies
Everyone loves lilies. With large, showy blooms, lilies add striking elegance to the yard and garden from early to midsummer. Grown from bulbs, lilies are perennial flowers that will return year after year and require minimal care, provided that you plant them in the right place. 
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The 2018 Old Farmer's Almanac Weather Watcher's Calendar
Features amazing photography, weather proverbs, historical weather events, and trivia! 
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Birthstone for August

 August Birthstone: Color and Meaning
August’s birthstone, the peridot, is a light green, ancient, cosmic birthstone that has been found in volcanic lava in Hawaii—and in meteorites that have fallen to Earth. The Egyptians called peridot the “gem of the Sun” and believed it had special healing powers.
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Birth Flower for August

 August Birth Flowers
August’s bright, showy flowers capture the essence of sunny, late summer days! Learn the meanings behind August’s two birth flowers. 
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The 2018 Old Farmer's Almanac Everyday Calendar
Start each day with a tidbit of Almanac fun: weather wisdom, quirky historical facts, useful hints, and time-tested proverbs.   
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Identifying Poison Oak

 Poison Oak: Identification and Treatment
“Leaves of three, let it be!” “Hairy vine, no friend of mine!” Learn how to spot poison oak, tell the difference between poison oak and poison ivy, and treat a poison oak rash. 
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The 2018 Old Farmer's Almanac Moon Calendar
Features dramatic images of the Moon!  
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