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January 09, 2012
Happy Dragon Year To You
Every year has its own personality. Like each one of us...
...a year's character is defined by the things that happen - and of course - how we respond to them.
2011 had all kinds of crazy and unexpected events, from tsunamis, political upheaval and wacky weather.
Of course we are in another year, and in a few weeks, we enter the year of the Dragon in the Chinese calendar (technically January 23, 2012 to February 9, 2013. Previous Dragon years were 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964 & 1952).
Anyone remember the craziness wrapped around 1999 and Y2K? That was the introduction to the Dragon year of 2000. 2000 was such a crazy year for me personally that I barely remember any memorable world events.
So, with the residue of 2011, strange prophecies and the always variable dynamics of a Dragon year, 2012 should be an action-packed experience.*
And wherever you are in the world, be sure to participate in a Chinese New Year's celebration nearby. There seem to Chinese communities everywhere.
If you think you have a sense of where you think 2012 might look like, check out this quiz of what might (not) happen in 2012 -http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2012/01/01/the-2012-news-quiz-before-it-happens.presidential-race-shock.htm.
No matter what happens, I'm sure we'll make it through, and I hope we all appreciate what an unforgettable year we'll be sharing.
Listen, read and speak. Make your new language your own.
My best to you as you make your way through this intriguing , constantly shifting linguistic landscape.
Morf
About the author of this entry:
Morf has a B.A.from the Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, USA and an MAT (Master's in Teaching English) from the University of Washington (Seattle, WA, USA). And, as much as Morf loves writing this blog, he is always open to other opportunities either blogging or teaching. You can contact him at mmorf@mail.com.
*Those born in the Dragon year are generally considered the most eccentric and creative. In images the dragon usually clutches a pearl which represents its super-natural powers. In drawings, it it usually accompanied by thunder and rain because dragons move like lightning and whirlwinds - - all powerful yet totally unpredictable. One website emphasized that, of all the Chinese zodiac characters, the Dragon is the only creature that is not real. And yes, I am a Dragon.
Posted by mmorf at January 9, 2012 09:17 PM
