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09/21/2003 Archived Entry: "JANIS GORE SAYS IT BEST ON GONE SOUTH"

JANIS GORE SAYS IT BEST ON GONE SOUTH

Remember the West Wing episode that featured C.J. trying to balance the egg on end during the autumnal equinox? She couldn't convince any of her White House co-workers it was possible and when she achieved the feat at the end of the segment, no one was there to see it.

Well, Janis Gore of Gone South knows just how to do it, has done it and knows others who have done it. Read on. Then get your eggs out of the refrigerator so they can warm up and give it a try. Let me know your results.

CLUCK HERE or read what she has to say below:

Ah, the autumnal equinox is coming up on the 23rd. Now is the time to warm up your raw eggs and practice standing them up on their fat ends.

Achh, just legend, you say. Not at all. I can count seven people right now to bear witness that at this latitude -- 31.58 N -- you can, indeed, stand an egg up during the equinox. I've done it myself.

Make sure your egg is at room temperature so the yolk can settle naturally, and choose one that has a single yolk. Medium eggs work best. Local jumbos tend to have two yolks, which will cause your project to fail. Pick a level surface on a stable floor. The smallest vibration will cause it to fall. Balance the egg on its fat end with the slightest support of your two thumbs and forefingers. Steady the egg until you can take your fingers away and the egg remains standing.

That last step will take some time. You must make sure not to vibrate the chosen surface with your arms. But with some practice, the egg will stand. Not every egg works, so you might want to warm three or so to practice with.

This isn't a hoax. The first time I saw an egg standing, I thought it was a trick. It's just a question of balance. Why does this happen during the equinox? I don't know.

It will work two or so days on each side of the equinox in both spring and fall, but is easiest closest to the equinox.

Our eggs are warming right now.

LATER: My friend Glenda, the earth science teacher for sixth grade, is going to try this in her classes this week. Do you engineering types have an explanation?

LATER: This scientist has evidence that you can do it at any time. Has nothing to do with the equinox. Never tried that. I can have fun all year!

So, to correct my original post, it IS a legend that you can only stand an egg during an equinox. Experimentation proves that it can be done at ANY time you have the patience for the project. I'm still going to balance some eggs today.

posted by Janis Gore at 12:21 PM

P.S. Janis has one very interesting blog....with chatter from Lucy too.

Later by me: Maybe it hasn't anything to do with the equinox. Have fun anyway.