This is how The Almaniac works:

You can start the fall 2009 Almaniac any time between Halloween and Thanksgiving.

The competition runs until the birthdays of the singer Vanessa Hudgens and the composer Spike Jones (December 14).

We'll send you the great big 1008-page Year 2009 World Almanac plus the book of Almaniac instructions and questions, and then the fun starts.

You'll delve into the World Almanac, at your kitchen table or wherever you want, an hour or two at a time whenever you want, cruising through the index on your way to deciphering the clues.

The challenge will be to use the clues (there are clues) and avoid the tricks (not as easy as it sounds) in tracking down the answers in the World Almanac.

Try these questions from last spring's contest.

(Scroll down for the answers.)

Once you're underway, you'll have until December 14, when it'll be time to send us your answers.

Following scoring, custom-designed awards will go to the top competitors.

Plus, local champion certificates go to the best from each state, province, and country.

Are you ready for the answers?

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If you'd like to sign up now for this fall's Almaniac, send a check (payable to 'Almaniac') for the entry fee to: Almaniac, P.O. Box 53, La Caņada, Calif. 91012.

The entry fee is $49. If in Canadian dollars, please add $10 for the exchange rate. If to overseas, please add $10 U.S.

Or, if you'd like to receive an Almaniac brochure first, just send The Old Maltese an e-mail request mentioning the Almaniac, with your street mailing address, or mail a note to us at: