In a couple weeks, we will welcome in the lunar new year ... saying goodbye to the Rat and hello to the Ox. From what I am told, the ox is a symbol of prosperity through hard work ... people born under this sign are diligent, pragmatic, sincere and honest ... they are driven not by desire for financial gain but rather to help others in need. It seems fitting given the state of things in the world today ... we need all of the oxen we can find. I just looked up Obama's birthday ... August 4, 1961 ... interestingly enough, Year of the Ox