WILL 2010 usher in more troubles?

According to Chinese horoscope, global affairs from Feb 12 will be ruled by the wood tiger in a metal year.

The bad news is that in Chinese history, the “white metal tiger” symbolises a “jinx” year.

It is considered a bad year and the Chinese generally dislike the white tiger although it is also a symbol of power and authority.

Negativity abounds

Feng shui masters remind us that 2010 would be replete with unpleasant events, and it is not a good year to take risks when the stakes are too high.

Let's look at 1950, the last “white tiger” year.

In January 1950, Ho Chi Minh attacked French troops in Indochina. It was also the year US president Harry Truman ordered the development of the hydrogen bomb and when the Soviet Union announced the making of its atomic bomb.

Vietnamese troops attacked Cambodia in March and the Korean Civil War broke out, sucking American soldiers into the conflict in April.
 
An Atlantic hurricane disaster occurred in June 16 and lasted till Oct 31. Global warming began with quakes, tsunamis and tornadoes taking their toll.

Indeed, the period from 1950 to 1959 was probably one of the most politically challenged phases in modern history.

The whole world reacted to the emergence of the Cold War and the need for socio-economic balance after World War II brought upheaval the world over.

WWIII a-coming?

According to Bulgarian clairvoyant and psychic Vangelia Pandeva, 2010 will usher in World War III. It will begin sometime in November and end around October 2014.

Vanga has predicted the war would break out as a result of attempts to kill four heads of government and after a conflict in Hindustan.

Before you scoff at Vanga's forecasts, she had accurately predicted the start of World War II, perestroika in the former Soviet Union, the death of princess Diana, the sinking of the Kursk submarine and the Sept 11 attack of the World Trade Centre in New York.

In 1989, Vanga predicted some other events in world history. She said, “The American brethren will fall after being attacked by the steel bird. The wolves will howl in the bush and innocent blood will flow.”

Twelve years later, 9/11 took place.

Descend into the dark side

Vanga lost her sight at the age of 12 when she was swept away by a tornado and when she was found alive with sand in her eyes. She began making predictions at the age of 16.

In fact, the clairvoyant has predicted the future of the world for the next 3,000 years. But what matters is this year when nuclear and chemical weapons would be deployed in World War III.

Europe and much of the northern hemisphere will be badly affected with radioactive showers damaging plants and animals. By the end of the war, skin cancers and radiation related diseases will soar.

What else will 2010 bring?

Climate change is a lost cause with nations squabbling with each other and refusing to cut pollution.

In Malaysia, things will go from bad to worse. Traffic jams and diseases for example.
And accidents, landslides and floodings will continue to happen and many will put them down to acts of God but never the result of human failings.

Hope shines

The rich will get richer while the poor will continue to struggle. Social ills will rise but their impact would be swept under the carpet.

Malaysians in general are living like frogs in a well, oblivious to the bigger world that lies beyond.

For all the pessimism shown thus far, optimism springs eternal for many.

As you enter the new year, reflect on whether you wish to live a self-absorbed life or one guided by integrity, compassion, courage and sacrifice.

Happy New Year to one and all.