Picture the rooster in a barnyard protecting his hens. He struts his stuff with his feathers puffed up, head held high. He's so proud of his flock.

One can expect the same from The Year of the Rooster. It will be a self-righteous year. A year when promises made result in a flawless job, no matter what it takes to achieve it. A year when many take on too much and just about do themselves in trying to come through with the goods. A year when it is better to do less, but do it perfectly.

The Rooster is to the point and sometimes a little callous, and if you keep that in mind, you will survive. Don't try to bluff your way through the year -- be honest, straightforward and get to the bottom of things.

The objective of a Rooster Year is to plan and produce. Anything short of that will be ignored. Don't beat around the bush, pontificate, procrastinate or promise too much and you'll do just fine.

Roosters are brave and chivalrous and will not back down. He is a dauntless hero and will do whatever it takes to win the battle. The Rooster is stubborn and will be unreasonable if he doesn't get his way.

Being reputable and an upstanding citizen is important and he knows how to please when it suits his needs. His sharp intellect and efficient response won't let him down but he can also be too cocksure, which will annoy the less vocal hero.

Politically it is a year that most nations will adhere to hard-line policies. The more philosophic speakers will be the voice, especially if they rant about what they can do and what their opponents cannot.

Governments around the world will puff up like the Rooster, flexing muscles and making threats, but will not follow through unless faced with no other solution.

This is a year when most nations will be more concerned with the homeland and will be more intent on protecting its own borders rather than crossing over others.

It will also be a year when most leaders and countrymen will take offense over the smallest issue -- every nation will think it's right.

By EUGENIA LAST, Special to The Sun