Sun files / FIREWORKS OVER THE BURRARD STREET BRIDGE: Spain, the 1999 winning fireworks team
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Welcome to the True New Millenium
Happy 2001! According to the Gregorian calendar, 2001 marks the true beginning of the 21st Century and the 3rd Millenium. Why? Well, because when the system was started, the first century started on A.D. 1. There was no year 0. So, technically, 101 was the start of the 2nd Century, 201 was the start of the 3rd century, and so on. But in practice, no one really cares. 2000 was made to be a bigger new year because all the numbers changed over and it is a nice round even number. That's more important than a technicality I guess.
I'm sure some of you stayed up late to celebrate the new year. Those of you in China are probably studying hard for your final exams of the first semester. Over here in Canada, the holidays are starting to come to an end. For me, classes start on Jan 2. That's really quick after the new year. Elementary and secondary schools don't start until Jan 8. They get an extra week beyond what I get, but I can't complain. I've already had 3 weeks off. Honestly though, I really don't feel like going back to school yet. =(
So let me also tell you about this new personal web site. I hope to be able to give the Internet faithful another way to hear from me. This site complements the mail version of The Lotus Land Letters. I hope to give you more instant information about what's going on in my part of the world. I hope that those of you who read this will have some responses. I would like to hear what you like about this page and what you don't like. Maybe you have an idea about what I can include on this page. For now, I only have a few things to tickle your fancy. There's going to be a short biography, some pictures, and an article archive that will grow as more and more articles are written. This site was created and is run with my Chinese students in mind, but some of my "foreign" friends will hopefully take a look at this site and give some suggestions too.
So, here's to a prosperous new year. May joy and blessings be on you and your families and sing a song of "Auld Lang Syne."
Cheers! Ganbei!