Today is February 17. It's Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday. It's one big party before Christians fast on Lent. Today is also the Chinese New Year bringing in The Year of the Horse. The Year of the Fire Horse. According to Chinese astrology, this year is supposed to be a wild ride. The most yang – or masculine – of the Chinese zodiac, it is supposed to be intense, energetic, and fast paced. So, today is Mardi Gras in the Chinese Year of the Fire Horse. The first day I am permitted by North Dakota state law to circulate petitions to put me on the general election ballot will be April 3, also known as Good Friday. While other people are giving up meat for Lent, I am giving up putting myself on the ballot. There is much work to be done. LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMPS ROULER!!!