Year of the Ox, year of the bull

Image by chooyutshing via FlickrEvery animal in the Chinese zodiac seems to have a hang-up. Is it the year of the rat or - because of the perceived evilness in the West of the rat - should it be rather called the year of the mouse? The new year has a similar problem. Is it the Year of the Ox, or should the economically inclined call it the Year of the Bull.
Guess, the Year of the Bull gives a nice positive outlook, that is very much needed, so I will stick to the bull for the time being. Happy Chinese New Year!