Rain is substantial, so is dry soil and dead plants, etc. Years and records are only ideas (they are conceptions of the mind, not something you can touch - even if the swimsuit calendar makes you want to). The question is (I think) meant to make us think about how often we might prefer an idea over something substantial.

All of you who said you'd want it to rain are liars (Emily's post explained how you deceived yourselves by thinking about your answers), especially Marlucio. He's so much a liar, he can't even stand up when he's talking.

Analysis of Chrissy: Shhhhhh. Make me a sandwich.

Only smart person here is Tim:
The answer is 11 (because that dog house goes to 11).
Of course, the answer to the second question is (more obviously) another question: What is a man? (Something about an all-you-can eat shingle and sausage breakfast should be involved here...)