The "Year of the Earth Ox" begins January 26, 2009 (or the year 4707 in the Chinese calendar)

STURDY, EARTHY, NO-NONSENSE - THAT's THE OX.
Affectionate and easy-going, the Ox can show a fierce temper when agitated. He is neat, tidy, quiet and studious, with a great love of his home. He is a revered animal who also symbolizes diligence, reliability, sincerity, strength and sound judgment. Music can be a great love. Family life and a loving partner are high on the Ox's priorities, a wonderful loyal friend.
But, don't expect these lumbering souls to have a sparkling sense of humor or be style conscious...it's not part of their precious package!
ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT THE OX
-Position in the Zodiac: 2ndRuling
-Hours: 1:00 - 3:00 am
-Season/Month: Winter, January
-Similar to Western Astrological Signs: "Capricorn" with some features of "Taurus"
-Gemstone: Onyx
-Colors: Yellow and blue
-Polarity: Yin
-Element: Water
-Positive Traits: Calm, dependable, honest, caring, honorable, intelligent, industrious, modest, patient, practical, responsible
-Negative Traits: Petty, inflexible, possessive, dogmatic, gullible, stubborn, critical, intolerant, and materialistic
-Associated With Following Countries: Countries Switzerland, India, Cuba, Yemen, Finland, Ukraine
-Very Compatible with Following Animals: Rat, Snake, and Rooster
-Incompatible with Following Animals: Tiger, Horse, Goat, Rabbit, Monkey

FORECAST FOR 2009
The Ox will see an overall improvement in his situation during his birth year, particularly enjoying interaction with others, either with friends and family.
A key phrase to bear in mind this year is 'hold fast'. There may be some setbacks or delays, but if the Ox remains calm and persists, all will be well. There will be an opportunity to study and learn (in common with other signs this year) which should appeal to the Ox not to mention the pride that comes with what is achieved. Between May and July there are significant developments on the work front, in particular important talks with a boss or superior, while September to November will see interesting and delightful romantic encounters!

OX-CELEBRITIES:

J.S.Bach, Pr.Diana, R. Gere, Napoleon, M. Streep, Whoopi G.

Robert Altman, Hans Christian Andersen, Warren Beatty, Jim Carrey, Charlie Chaplin, George Clooney, Bill Cosby, Tony Curtis, Diana ó Princess of Wales, Marlene Dietrich, Walt Disney, Patrick Duffy, Jane Fonda, Gerald Ford, Michael J. Fox, Peter Gabriel, Dustin Hoffman, Anthony Hopkins, Billy Joel, Don Johnson, Mark Knopfler.
Burt Lancaster, Jack Lemmon, Eddie Murphy, Paul Newman, Jack Nickolson, Billy Ocean, Gwyneth Paltrow, Oscar Peterson, Colin Powell, Robert Redford, Lionel Richie, Rubens, Meg Ryan, Bruce Springsteen, Lady Thatcher, Vincent van Gogh.

Chinese New Year Celebrations Started With A Blast

With a deafening noise when 128 strands of firecrackers were fired off and a crowd pleasing, 3 minute, firework the celebrations for Chinese New Year officially started Saturday night.

Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng, Dr. Lily Neo, MP for Jalan Besar GRC and many other guests were delighted by the different, exciting performances.

Thousands of Singaporeans and tourists followed the 2 hour long spectacle on Eu Teng Son Street. The lanes in Chinatown were more than crowded and the human traffic came to a near breakdown once in a while.

However the mood seemed to be good despite the current economic situation and the uncertain outlook. People are putting their "hope (and happiness)", which is also the celebration theme, in the upcoming lunar new year, the year of the Ox.

A lot of hope is what people need because the last three Ox years (1973, 1985 and 1997) were dreadful for stock markets. The bulls kind of stayed away from the stock markets whenever their year appeared once every 12 years.

With economies around the world still suffering from the horrible 2008, the coming Year of the Ox seems to be under the same depressing constellation for the stock markets as the last three Ox years.

The 588 street stalls are also hoping for a good enough mood of the visitors to buy and not only "window shop". One category of business did already quite well on the opening night: The food stalls! Eating, Singaporeans favorite pastime didn't show a slow down at all since there were long queues at almost every food stall in Chinatown.

A traditional Chinese New Year cake.

Erich's Wuerstelstand was no exemption. It looked like everyone wanted to buy sausages and bread from the "crazy" ang moh who changes his looks according to the season and after Santa is now a "Chinaman".

Erich always smiling despite the stressful weeks ahead.
"Chilly, Mustard, Ketchup?"
" Ta pao or eat here?"
Eu Tong Sen Street

If you want to learn more about the ox year, keep it here and check out the next posts.