Happy New Year 4703 (aka 2006)

"We must not allow the clock and the calendar to blind us to the fact that each moment of life is a miracle and mystery." - H G Wells

Today, 29 Jan 4703, is the first day of the Chinese new year. The 4703 is the year according to the recorded Chinese calendar. It is also the year of the dog. I am sure most of us have noticed the placemat at Chinese restaurants that have animals representing a year. These animals are cycled every 12 years and this year is Xu the year of the dog.

Calendars are one of those things in life we take for granted because of their established historical precedence but I often wonder how many people realize the complexity (astronomical observations) behind establishing and maintaining these time keeping methods.