Good evening,

Wow!  The year of the dragon is finally here.  This is so exciting.

I have never experienced this before and that is because until less than 12 years ago I never realized that the Chinese labeled any part of the time continuum that we all share, with animal names.

Anyway…

China and Europe discuss what to call Europe’s first year.  The Chinese have been having years for many years already of course.  This is complete nonsense by the way so if you aren’t into that kind of thing feel free to skip the rest of this.

The Chinese: Hey Europe.  What do you think we should call it?

The Europeans: I don’t know.  How about 1?

C: 1.  You want to call it the number 1?  Be creative.  Why not call it 0?

E: Ha ha.  Zero.  That’s a funny sounding word….zero…ha. What is that anyway? Some kind of vegetable?

C: Never mind.  If it helps, we are calling this one the year of the Monkey.

E: How primitive.  You are right about one thing though.  It is too early for the year 1.  This wonderful year of new beginnings will officially be known henceforth as the year of our lord Minus 1. (Trumpets)