The Food Network has announced it will cancel one of its longest-running shows, Emeril Live on December 11th. Emeril Lagasse has been one of the most popular TV personalities, so this may come as a surprise to many people.

Chinese astrology, however, actually provides insight into why this action is happening at this time. Emeril was born in 1959, the Chinese year of the Pig. This year, 2007, is also a Pig year. The Pig is sometimes called the Rodney Dangerfield of the Chinese zodiac. He was a comedian whose famous line was I don't get no respect. Alas, the Pig is not only the last sign in the Chinese system, but it has the misfortune of being unlucky in its own year, as Emeril well knows.

Another consideration is that this is a Fire year, and the Pig's fixed sign is Water. In Chinese Fire plus Water equals disaster, which is what befell the show. Furthermore, it is appropriate that the network cancelled it on December 11th, which falls in the month of the Rat, which is associated with change and new beginnings.

This is, however, not the end of the story. Chinese astrology has something else to say about the Pig that is a big plus. When Ronald Reagan, a Pig, was president of the USA, democrats continually tried to smear him with criticism, but they could never make it stick. Commentators began referring to him as the Teflon President. The fact is, for all they abuse they must endure, the last but not least Pig is often loved.

So is it with Emeril. In the last few days the internet and Food Network have been barraged with communications expressing an interest in and support for Emeril. He is beloved by his many fans. This surge in everything Emeril bodes well for his quick return. In fact it will not be long before the year of the Rat arrives with its promise of new beginnings. Emeril is likely to have a rebirth; you cannot keep a good Pig down. And, Chinese astrology says the Pig can prosper in a Rat year!