Day: January 29, 2009

Chinese New Year began Monday, Jan. 26, ushering in the Year of the Ox. As is customary, many Chinese, Vietnamese, and other Asian families spent a few days cleaning their homes to sweep away the bad luck from last year and make way for the good fortune to come.

Understanding the symbolism of the ox helps appreciate the meaning of this new year.

• The ox is the second icon in the Asian zodiac. Because of its position near the top of the zodiac hierarchy, the ox typically represents a period of renewal and rebirth, or a fresh start.
• For this Lunar New Year, the ox falls in alignment with one of the five important elements (fire, water, metal, earth and wood) identified in feng shui. This year may also be referred to as the Year of the Earth Ox. The earth element is commonly associated with stability, growth and a solid foundation.
• The ox is strong and is viewed as a beast of burden. This year’s ox isn’t overly aggressive, and is viewed as more thoughtful in its approach to business and relationships. Oxen pull rather than push.
• People born in the Year of the Ox are supposed to inspire others to become leaders. Oxen are also considered patient, dependable, hardworking, ambitious, modest, logical, resolute, and tenacious.

So who’s an ox? Anyone born in 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997 or 2009. Pres. Barack Obama was born August 4, 1961.

If that doesn’t make the hair on your arms stand up, consider this. The Vietnamese use a water buffalo instead of an ox, meaning the animal is more closely associated with the element water.

Since water and earth are considered opposites, some Asians and Asian Americans may view this year as a year of turmoil, instability and conflict.

Let’s just go with the Chinese version and leave it at that.

Except for one more thing. George W. Bush was born July 6, 1946, which was the Year of the Dog.

[Dogs] have a deep sense of loyalty, are honest, and inspire other people’s confidence because they know how to keep secrets. But Dog People are somewhat selfish, terribly stubborn, and eccentric. They care little for wealth, yet somehow always seem to have money. They can be cold emotionally and sometimes distant at parties. They can find fault with many things and are noted for their sharp tongues.

There might be something to this zodiac stuff after all…

Cardinals mascot “Big Red” sends a message

The world (well, except for Buck and Jon) will watch as the Arizona Cardinals, who have never been to a Super Bowl, try to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have won the big game five times. The winners will take home gold and diamond rings, along with bragging rights that last right up until their next big loss.

But even though the Cardinals would like to show the world once and for all that they are a real football team by actually winning the Super Bowl, not just finally playing in one, there’s another reason they want to prevail: the team that wins Super Bowl 43 will have a chance to meet President 44.

“History has been made with Obama,” Arizona receiver [Steve Breaston] said. “I would be ecstatic if we could be the first team to go in and shake his hand.”

A day after the Steelers won the AFC championship and the Cardinals added to their surprising playoff run by claiming the NFC title, Obama took the oath of office in the nation’s capital. In central Florida, Arizona defensive end Bertrand Berry was filming a promotional spot with his daughter, but he took time off to watch history unfold.

“It was really emotional for me,” Berry said. “I don’t believe I stopped crying the whole time.”

You would think the team from John McCain’s adopted home state would be a little bitter toward his rival. But who besides Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter would stoop that low? In fact, the same opportunity to meet the president is motivating Pittsburgh.

“That would be very special,” Steelers linebacker James Farrier said Wednesday. “Everybody is excited about our new president. Being the first African-American president, it’s a great time in our country. We definitely want to be the first team to go meet him after the Super Bowl. That would be one of the highlights of being in the Super Bowl and winning the Super Bowl.”