GUNG HAY FAT CHOY!

-- GET OUT AND CELEBRATE "THE YEAR OF THE ROOSTER" 2005 --

On February 9th, people all over place will be ringing in another Asian Lunar New Year – THE YEAR OF THE ROOSTER!

It’s time to dance with Dragons, bang on drums, light those fancy firecrackers (left over from Halloween), crack open fortune cookies, and let’s have a bash – ‘cause "Rooster’s" back in town!

For those of you who haven’t got a clue what’s going on, party animals are out in full force. This year, “Rooster” rules roost! And, that means anyone born in 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993 and of course, newborn "Roosters" of 2005.

Yo there Chinese astrology fans, if you recall, “Rooster” is third from end of 12-year Chinese Zodiac cycle of crazy critters including first Rat, then Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, (Rooster -- sometimes called Bird or Cock) followed by, Dog and Boar.

Actually “Roosters” are easy to spot. They’re perky, plucky, punctual creatures who don’t need alarm clocks or wake-up calls from front-desk hotel clerk. These conventional critters have also been known to cut a mean tango, twist, or two-step on dance floor at weddings, retirements and wakes.

Besides preening their feathers and admiring themselves way too long in mirror every day, "Roosters" (as are "chicks") flashy dressers. So, keep your eyes peeled for anyone wearing spiked heels, black fishnet stockings, sparkly mini skirt and matching halter-top with maximum cleavage. And, watch out for a buns-of-steel stud with a colorful rooster tattoo on his right bicep, wearing nothing but a shoe-string thong or skimpy loincloth. No, it's not a figment of your vivid imagination ...it's just a "Chick" and a "Rooster" doing what comes naturally!!

For those interested in more far-flung fowl facts, take a wee peek below.

In meantime, suffice to say that all those “lady” birds earn their keep by laying oodles of eggs for Farmer Brown. (Lord knows why these "lucky ladies" get a bad rap as “hen-peckers”; no doubt Farmer Brown had something to do with it). On other hand, clucking “cocks”, (who spend most of their time fluffing up their feathers or sidling up to hens offering them best bugs and worms in barnyard), usually end up as “roasters” -- on supermarket shelf or in a KFC bucket!

Sure, there are times when it is considered inappropriate to laugh, but if we're honest, we'll see that if we're suppressing a smile it's a sign that we're fully present.

Not only that, but these are times when we could most use a little laughter to bring levity to an overly-serious situation. The best business meetings--and funerals--I've ever attended included plenty of bust-a-gut moments.

Years ago, during a two-week silent meditation retreat, I got giggles. Oh, I know, you're supposed to be *serious* about meditating for five hours straight, but I couldn't help it.

It all started when I was roused from my peaceful posture by a certain "KLUNK!" from across room. I opened my eyes to see that one of my retreat buddies had fallen asleep and landed with his head against wall. Momentarily unnerved, he quickly straightened up, closed his eyes and put on his best meditator's face.

I, on other hand, completely lost it.

I managed to stifle first few giggles, but then they started escaping in little bursts. I tried ol' coughing technique, hoping to disguise my snorts as expectoration, but I wasn't fooling anyone.