Year of the Fire Dog

   

Another year has come.  But realistically, I feel that nothing has changed.  Still feels, looks, sounds and even tastes the same as the previous years.  Maybe seculars invented this New Year celebration to instill a kind of hope and renewal of strength for the future because it really isn't a new year.  The only thing new around this time of year is the calendar, to say the least. 

2006 is the year of the FIRE DOG.  Astrologers, Feng Shui experts and Tarot card readers are all busy dishing out their "abstract" predictions for the coming year.  Yes, very abstract indeed... Quite literally, they dish out predictions which have an array of possible interpretations and outcomes.  No wonder all of their predictions come true.  Ask any fortune-teller and they would refuse to give out names of people or specific events that would affect the future. 

All they do is make generalisations: 
That 2006 will be tumultous for the Arroyo administration because of the transition of government and the resiliency of the fragmented oppositions
That 2006 will again be marred by natural disasters but more specifically those with relation to fire and heat like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and forest fires
That 2006 will be lucky for people under the Pig, Rabbit and Bull signs
That 2006 will be good for industries like real estate, construction and metalworks
That 2006 will witness a lot of showbiz break-up's
That 2006 will be a year of changes and transitions

Ok, now that they have stated their predictions.  Here's my 2cents worth on each one of them:
That 2006 will be tumultous for the Arroyo administration because of the transition of government and the resiliency of the fragmented oppositions
2c : The Arroyo government has been fazed with tough opposition ever since the start of last year.  There's no reason to think that the fragmented opposition will let up in their efforts of inciting the people of the Philippines to another ridiculous uprising.  In fact, that's what the Philippines is known for: Unseating a President, and then replacing it with a worse prospect.

That 2006 will again be marred by natural disasters but more specifically those with relation to fire and heat like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and forest fires
2c: Volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and forest fires occur perenially with no specific tendencies.  Countries situated near fault lines and the Pacific Ring of Fire regularly experience volcanic eruptions and consequent earthquakes.  It would have been clearer if they singled out one specific location for a huge earthquake to occur.  Maybe they are reluctant to do so because of the "dilang-anghel" phenomenon.  Maybe some of them are silver-tongued? ?

That 2006 will be lucky for people under the Pig, Rabbit and Bull signs
2c: It could not have been more abstract than this.  I mean, how many people you know are borne under these signs.  Chances are, one of them will indeed get lucky this year.  And to make the prediction more abstract, luck is actually viewed differently by different people.  What maybe a boon to one maybe a bane to the other.

That 2006 will be good for industries like real estate, construction and metalworks
2c: Mayb this is their single most specific prediction.  But who knows? We'll just have to wait and see if real estate and construction will indeed pick up.  Metalworks and metallurgy products are predicted to be on the rise next year, so let's keep a close watch on the gold and silver market.

That 2006 will witness a lot of showbiz break-up's
2c: What more can I say?! Watta a prediction! hahaha!!!

That 2006 will be a year of changes and transitions
2c: Another prediction with multifarious interpretations.  I believe that nothing in this world is constant but change.  To say that this year will be full of changes, is like saying that you're gonna have your hair cut within this year.  The probabilities are just too high for it to even qualify as a prediction. 

Oh, I almost forgot... They also predicted that this year will be unlucky for people under the Dog sign.  I couldn't believe it myself.  I thought that people were lucky on the year of their animal signs.  Apparently this isn't the case.  It is only lucky for those people who have signs which are close or friends with the dog like the rabbit, pig and bull.  This is indeed bad news for all dogs out there (that's me included).   Generally speaking, these predictions are but logical forecasts of the future.  So don't rely on these stuff so much.  Life is what you make it.  Don't worry dogs, we are going to be lucky this year.  Just do your best, make your mark, wag your tail and pee and sh*#t outside the house... hehehe:)   As I am writing this blog, I am overhearing the news on the tv. 
A huge forest fire has just spread across parts of northern Sydney, Australia and parts of Oklahoma.  Uh oh, I think their predictions aren't exactly abstract after all...   
Happy New Year to all!