Year of Rat...auspicious sign for change; images of McCain reveal poor health!

The Chinese New Year celebrated the arrival of the loathsome - rat!

Well, images can be deceiving. Actually, in the Chinese Culture, the rat is welcomed in ancient times as a protector and bringer of material prosperity.

The Year of the Rat is associated with the earthly branch symbol 子.

The first of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese Zodiac, the rat (or mouse) is associated with aggression, wealth, charm, and order; but, is also associated with death, war, the occult, pestilence, and atrocities.

Also, the little rodent portends change; it is an auspicious time to access values, and likewise, instigate changes in one's life

With that essentially being the "sound bite" in the Presidential Race in recent weeks, it is evident, therefore, that Americans got a jump start on the "trend".

The key word is "change", and Obama's got it - right?

Actually, a face-reader was asked to take a glance at a handful of photographs of the presidential candidates, and render an impromptu "reading" on the fly.

The wise old sage noted that wrinkles at the corners of Obama's eyes indicated warmth and intelligence - appealing qualities that resonate to many - to say the least. We'll see how far it gets him.

Meanwhile, Hillary's wide face and full cheeks suggested the ability to win people over and charm! Keep going, girl!

The spacing between Mitt Romney's nose and eyes apparently inferred a "complicated" man. If that is the perception of him by the American voters, then maybe he needs to articulate himself a little better to fair better at the polls, eh?

Surprisingly, the insightful soothsayer noted that candidate Huckabee was "not favored" by the Gods. Well, perhaps by his own particular brand of deity, in view of the large vote-count rustled up by a handful of Evangelicals in his midst.

Curiously, the old sage predicted health problems for John McCain, after pointing out black and white coloring in his eyebrows, which allegedly suggested weakness in the physical aspects of his body.

Well, look what all the rigorous campaigning did to Bill Clinton. On occasion, he nodded off into dreamland during keynote speeches - in spite of the fact - the rousing gatherings were inclined to uplift most in the room. And he, a much younger man, than the old maverick.

At McCain's towering age, the strenuous regimen he's caught up in, may prove a bit costly. Who the heck knows!

Slow down, John.

You want to throw your feet up on the desk in the Oval Office sometime in the future, don't you?

Presidential Candidates...guilty pleasures revealed, eve before Iowa Caucus!

Hillary may have to join the Boys Club



Well, I suppose before a candidate gets firmly ensconced in the White House, it wouldn't be a bad idea to get familiar with his or her peccadilloes, if any.

In a sort-of ice breaker, the Presidential Candidates were asked on the eve before the Iowa Caucus, what their guilty pleasures were.

If you recall, for JFK, it was a - um - statuesque blond, smuggled into the White House in a trunk of a car.

Nixon? Well, allegedly, he salivated over cold hard cash in hand.

Ronnie Reagan loved jelly beans.

So, when Mitt Romney noted his sweet tooth for M & M candies - and a short list of other tasty finger treats - it was obvious - the man has Presidential traits.

As to Mrs. Clinton? Well, slick Willy's better half has learned quite a bit in recent weeks, judging by the way she answered.

When asked what her guilty pleasure was, I half expected her to quip in her own inimitable style - "Diamonds or Pearls, either". Instead, she quickly responded with her answer, "Chocolate". And, when queried further about the specific kind, she was fast on the uptake once again, "Dark Chocolate".

Yes, wily Hilly wasn't going to fall into that trap again - get caught sitting on the fence, trying to garner approval in every quarter - and hence - run the risk of coming across as the clever, but wishy-washy gal, we'd all come to love and chastise.

You rose to the occasion well, Mrs. Bill.

For Rudy, the indulgence amounted to a toss up between an expensive cigar or chocolate. Either one would suffice, in a pinch.

Another candidate also indicated his yearnings for a big fat cigar, usually one of questionable origins. I haven't given his name 'cause I'd hate to see him lose the election bid over a Cuban missile crisis, of sorts!

Surprisingly, Barack Obama was not inclined to put things in his mouth when it came to guilty pleasures...no sir, he confidently noted for the record that his addiction was to - Sports Centre. So, Dudes, if you're pining for a PREZ you can watch a game with, and chortle alongside of with a keg of beer to dip into, Obama is your man!

Judging by his trim physique, it was evident to me from the get-go that Presidential Candidate John Edwards was not into fattening snacks...he confirmed the fact, when he noted that he was inclined to indulge a little, by sleeping in!

There's a man after my own heart. There's nothin' finer (except for Carolina) than a late snooze, in a luxury hotel, with excellent room service.

Yeah, I'm inclined to just lay back on a pile of plush pillows, peruse the morning dailies, and channel surf for a couple of hours, before I face the day.

After tonight, John Edwards may be doing the same, who knows?