Monday, Mar. 19, 2007

The Year of The...

Every year is the Year of the Something, and 2007 is no exception. A few examples:

The Year of the Dolphin
The survival of the dolphin has become increasingly uncertain because of unsafe marine habitats, but the U.N. and other organizations have built an alliance for 2007 to focus on protecting them.

The Year of the Pig
Associated with fertility, chivalry and pureness of heart in Chinese culture, this year is considered lucky for bearing a child.

The International Polar Year
More than 60 nations are involved in this large scientific program focused on in-depth examinations of the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

The International Heliophysical Year
A U.N.-sponsored project focuses on advancements in all aspects of the heliosphere — the entire solar-planetary system — and its interaction with the interstellar medium.

The Year of Rumi
This year honors the 800th anniversary of the legendary Sufi poet's birth.