Happy Chinese (lunar) New Year, everyone — The Year of the Earth Ox begins today. Some Buddhists are celebrating (see also here and here), and one very famous Buddhist has expressed to the Chinese his best wishes for a new year. Though, as the Globe and Mail posits, it’s looking like China has a tough year ahead.

Given the state of the world economy (now, Iceland’s government has thrown in the towel) it’s notable that among the many things that the ox represents, one of them is fiscal hesitance. Astrologically speaking, via  Wikipedia: “The Ox is not extravagant, and the thought of living off credit cards or being in debt makes them nervous.” Perhaps it’s a good thing that Barack Obama was born under the sign.