Cecil Lee

[Note: There are two images in this message - Image 1 = 56K and Location map, image 2 = 128K] Is this building auspicious or inauspicious for it's tenants? View Current Poll Results Clue: Look at the roof of the building. This assessment is strictly based on the appearance (exterior) of the building and water position only. Image 1 below, size = 56K, Please wait for it to load:- It is interesting to see the poll results. I will provide my comments at a much later date. In the meantime, put on your thinking cap and make a quick guess or see the result of how others had voted. Please make your guess! Is the One Fullerton building auspicious or inauspicious for it's tenants? Yes (It is Auspicious) No (Not Auspicious) View Current Results Location image 2 below, size = 128k

One good way of understanding concepts is to put on your thinking caps and participate in a poll. See how others had voted or their comments! Enjoy! Feel free to create a poll e.g. at Pollit.com and `cut and paste the codes' in this conference. Once the codes are pasted, wait for it to be officially approved by us and it will be reflected for users to click on. Warmest Regards, Cecil

This is the answer for the second picture. Did you spot the correct number of the Double Happiness Symbols in the second picture? If yes, congratulations!

[Note: There are two black and white pictures in this message. Each picture is 33k] 1. Can you spot the Double Happiness Symbol(s) in these two pictures? 2. These monochrome (black and white) pictures came from family archives. Pictures taken around late 1920's. Wedding couple unidentified. Below, Picture 1, size = 33k Below, Picture 2, size = 33k. The bride and bridegroom are sited on the extreme right of the picture. Can you spot the four Double Happiness Symbols in the picture? The Double Happiness Symbol is associated with Chinese Weddings till this day. Pictures (C) Cecil Lee

[Note: This message contains 4 images. Each image range from 55k to 27k] 1. In modern times, Chinese Red Packets or Hong Bao (in Mandarin) and Ang Pow (in Hokkien) are given by married couples to their elders and to children of relatives and friends and unmarried family members during Chinese New Year. *Joke* The advantage is to remain single and unmarried. Here, the parents or relatives may continue to give you yearly Red packets. -But in real life, this is True- 2. Remember if one gives a Hong Bao to give money in `pairs' e.g. $2, $4, $10 etc... Never give money in odd numbers e.g. $1, $3 etc... This signifies loneliness. 3. It is common especially for Banks, businessness etc.. to give away Hong Bao blank enevelopes to their customers nearing Chinese New Year to use. 4. I hope that by now, after having seen pictures of Chinese Wedding Invitation cards, Red Packets and Chinese New Year Greeting cards, you can understand the significance of the colour RED as an auspicious colour for the Chinese. During Chinese New Year, many homes also hang a red banner above their doors. Below, Actual size, Picture 1, size = 5k showing the Front cover of a sample Hong Bao packet. The Chinese word is for luck Above, Credit: Chase Manhattan Bank Below, Actual size, Picture 2, size = 27k showing the Back cover of a sample Hong Bao packet. The Chinese word is for luck Below, Actual size, Picture 3, size = 48k showing the Front cover of a sample Hong Bao packet. The Chinese word is for luck Above, Credit: American Express, Travel Related Services Below, Actual size, Picture 4, size = 30k showing the Front cover of a sample Hong Bao packet. It has a common Chinese wording that says " Every year have fish" implies every year you have abundance of `fish' (money etc..) Above, Credit: Citibank, Singapore

[Note: This message contains 5 images. Image size are between 3k to 35k each] 1. Modern Chinese New Year cards comes in diverse art form. Some Chinese New Year cards are with totally red background from the front cover, to the inside page and back. 2. Some of these cards are also scented with perfume. 3. There are other cards with art work and background colours. Overall, majority of the cards always have a significance or meaning either in the picture or wordings used or a combination of both. Here are some typical samples:- Below, Picture 1, size = 23k Above, Source and Credit: Kuo Tai, Taiwan Below, Picture 2, size = 35k Above, Source and Credit: Unidentified Below, Picture 3, size = 10k inside cover Above, Source and Credit: Kuo Tai, Taiwan Below, Picture 4, size = 3k wordings used inside a typical cover Below, Picture 5, size = 4k showing a typical pink envelope used for both the Chinese New Year card and the Wedding Invitation card:-

[Note: There are three images in this message. Each image is approximately 23k in size] These pictures were commonly found on Chinese New Year cards especially in the 1950's and 1960's:- Picture 1 below:- Picture 2 below:- Picture 3 below:-

Below, front cover, image size = 47k of a `pink' Chinese Wedding Card What we can understand after seeing the four samples of Chinese Wedding Invitation cards are:- 1. Traditional Chinese Wedding Invitation cards are Red and (newer cards) in Pink background. 2. All cards have the Double Happiness calligraph either in the modern form (wordings) or the traditional design. 3. Some traditional cards have a picture of the Phoenix (Female) and Dragon (Male). Thus you can understand why Red is considered an auspicious colour for the Chinese. However, many Chinese who are Christians, do use White Wedding Invitation card especially if it is a wedding at a church.

[Note: There are two images in this message. Image 1 size = 27k and Image 2 size = 67k] Below, Front cover of a wedding invitation card (image size = 27k):- Above: Source & Credit - NTUC Pasir Ris Resort Below, Inside page of a wedding invitation card (image size = 67k):- Above: Source & Credit - NTUC Pasir Ris Resort

[Note: This message contains two images: Image 1 size = 84k and Image 2 size = 71k] 1. This wedding card is Pink in colour. 2. At the back of the card, there is a Double Happiness Sign. 3. The front cover, there is a picture of the typical Phoenix (Female) and Dragon (Male). Front view, image 1 below, size = 84k Image 2 below, size = 71k Source & Credit for both front and back of the Wedding card: Kian Seng Restaurant, Singapore

[Note: There are two images in this message. Image 1 = 27k and Image 2 = 69k] Topic: Chinese Customs Please note that the Double Happiness Sign should be in gold colour. (The scanner cannot properly reflect the gold colour). Below, front cover of Wedding Invitation card, image 1 below, size= 27k Above, cover page: Source & Credit = Carlton Hotel, Singapore Below, Partial inside page / leaf of a typical invitation card. On the left side of the card is the invitation words written in English and on the other side (right) is written in Mandarin. Note the paper used is pink in colour. Below, image size = 69k Above, inside page: Source & Credit = Carlton Hotel, Singapore

[Note: There are two images in this message - Image 1 = 56K and Location map, image 2 = 128K] Is this building auspicious or inauspicious for it's tenants? Clue: Look at the roof of the building. This assessment is strictly based on the appearance (exterior) of the building and water position only. Image 1 below, size = 56K, Please wait for it to load:- It is interesting to see the poll results. I will provide my comments at a much later date. In the meantime, put on your thinking cap and make a quick guess or see the result of how others had voted. Please make your guess! Is the One Fullerton building auspicious or inauspicious for it's tenants? Yes (It is Auspicious) No (Not Auspicious) View Current Results Location image 2 below, size = 128k

Dear Elena, Sorry for the delay in response. The Flying Star Theory is quite similar with the Eight House in it's application. Both provides sector by sector analysis. If one sector has the Romance Luck, it does not mean that the entire house is `filled' with "romance". The influence is only at that sector. For the main door, if one has Double 7's it means that in general the house is an auspicious house. The main door is considered a vital analysis. Otherwise, if the Romance, is at the main bedroom this is good. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. I like to clarify that in my opinion, the main "drawback" is related to the full glass facade on the `facing' side of each apartment. 2. In my opinion, this is `radical' design where, full height glass is used for e.g. the living room, bedrooms and even for the master bedroom. 3. The major `flaw' in my opinion is the lift up glass windows. This is similar in concept like those found at toilets. I would rather prefer the use of sliding windows or better, windows that open (under the normal way). This `flaw' together with the full height glass window, I believe is not ideal for a home (especially since it is near the equator) and it is not practical to turn on the aircon all the time. 4. This full glass facade would apply better to a commercial building where the glass windows need not be opened as it is fully airconditioned. 5. The original apartments were torn down and redeveloped into this buidling. 6. If one looks carefully into the interior of the pictures shown, one can see that only one or two units in the entire housing project is occupied. With this radical departure from regular brick and standard window configuration, the sales of such units would be very slow. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Yes, some people rub the tummy of the laughing Buddha. Usually, for those who pray to e.g. Godness of Mercy etc.. should keep the Laughing Buddha at a separate section. One way is to have different elevation on the same table. On the other hand, one can place it separately on another display shelf. Usually, display shelfs face e.g. a window or look at the main door or facing it (rather than facing inside the house). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Michael, Your plot sounds so interesting:) For the corridor, you could perhaps add spikey walls e.g. thorn shaped (for those who know what a durian looks like, it has spikes). Alternatively, those four sided triangle shaped cones like those found in a music chamber to absorb echoes would be good. Usually, bad `Feng Shui' corridors are straight, narrow (and not curved). If you can add lots of windchimes to create the ultimate, metallic influence (inauspicious) but I believe good for your story line). You can also hang emblems of crossed swords on the corridors. For the furniture, if you can have beams over the chairs. Pointed objects aimed at the chairs. Use a triangle fish tank for decorative piece. You can also either create a very Yin environment e.g. dark, damp environment at the chairs or alternatively use the two colours Red and Blue as the sofa set. Where Red = South and Blue = North. All the above are I believe hallmarks of `extreme' or bad Feng Shui. Good luck on your story line. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Note: There are 2 pictures in this message. Picture 1 below,size = 55k, shows the shape of the plot of land. Below, The plot of land is generally auspicious as it is rectangle in shape. The site and environment is acceptable. Picture 2 below, size = 100k, shows the layout plan of a typical unit in the condominium apartment. Below, it is generally "fair" layout. However, the master bedroom door should not face another bedroom door. It is best also to avoid having a bedroom door facing a toilet.

Note: This message contains 7 pictures (Size of each picture is between 23k to 54k each. Please wait for it to be loaded fully.) Facts about this project: - Project Name: The Fortredale. - Location: 2, Tanjong Rhu Road, Singapore. - 32 units (2 units each floor). - Full Glass Facade at the frontage of the building. (Brick wall behind) - Glass private lift. - "Distincitive roof decorative piece. - The plot is land is on an acceptable rectangular shaped. Picture 1, size = 23k Picture 2 see below, size = 26k Below, In my opinion, I am not happy with the type of full glass facade used. If you see the picture clearly, you will find that the type of window is not the traditional type but rather those commonly found e.g. in a toilet i.e. the "lift up type". The entire frontage of the house uses this "lift up type" windows e.g in the Master bedroom, living room, bedrooms etc... In my opinion, it does not allow Qi to properly come in thru the frontage of the house and circulate within the house. Also in a `hot' country like Singapore, this would result in having to use the airconditioning all the time. Picture 3 see below, size = 32k Below, the units facing East, have green tinted glass. While the units facing West, uses Blue tinted glass. Do note that any use of the colours, I believe is not based on Feng Shui but rather decorative colours. If one really base on Feng Shui, the West side glass facade should be using White or or gold colours. Furthermore, because of the full glass facade, one has no choice but to use curtains all around the facade of the house in order to give each room proper `privacy'. The result is a set of ugly curtains stringing along the top glass panels. Very impractical indeed i.e. not practical type of house to live in. In addition, the windows are not user-friendly. Picture 4, see below, size = 33k Below, It is my opinion that this building is unfriendly towards its neighbour as it has two `metallic' bomberang shaped roof decorative showpiece that, I feel is threathening to its neighbours. Picture 5, see below, size = 54k Picture 6, see below, size = 23k Picture 7, see below, size = 23k Overall, I give this `building' thumbs down. In my opinion, I believe it does not go well with the discerning Singaporeans as few units have been sold so far. A far cry from other buildings which are quickly snapped up by Singaporeans. I believe this building has been up and ready for occupancy for at least more than 5 or 6 months already. This has got to be the lowest occupancy building I have seen for a long time. So far, I have seen ONLY one resident hang (within the house, a set of curtains. It looks terrible from outside). If you take a peak into the building, you will notice that most of the units/apartments are not occupied. Other than this unit, I do not not see anyone else staying in this 32 unit apartment. As for the layout plan of the interior of the apartments, they are rectangular in shaped but because of its exterior, full glass facade, in my opinion, I find this building one of the `worst' constructed building for someone looking for a `decent' house. Please note that the above are my fair comments based on my accessment of the exterior of the building only. So far, I have not made any assessment of the interior of the housing project. In my opinion, this exterior glass facade would go better with an office building as it would be fully airconditioned. Disclaimer: The above are meant as teaching materials. It is not my intention to `hurt' the sale of units further. But, in my opinion, this is one of the `worst' housing development, I have seen for a long time: not practical to live in and an unfriendly buidling to its neigbhours and thus deserve mentioning. Overall, in the final analysis, it is up to the individual to form their personal opinion over it. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. This has more to do with beliefs than Feng Shui. 2. It would be a nice feeling for CEOs if they can symbolically be at one of the highest floors of a building especially if their company owns the entire building. 3. In some countries, well known politicians also have their offices close to the top floor. Some even have an escape hatch to a helicopter pad in the event of a terrorist attack. 4. Usually, nowadays the highest floors need not be an office but rather it could also be a restaurant or an auditorium. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, This is an interesting question. 1. Chinese have many Gods. Many of the `first' class Gods are often placed (if one notice carefully to `guard' the main entrance). Gods such as Goddess of Mercy etc.. are usually placed overlooking the frontage of the house. 2. Since the `kitchen' is usually behind the house, some Chinese also felt the need to protect the back of the house. Here, one can than better understand why the advice is always to have the `first class' Gods face a window or the main entrance door. Usually in the living room when one faces the windows, it most likely is the frontage of the house. Hope this helps to better understand the rationale for placement of certain Gods. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, Red is always associated with auspiciousness for the Chinese. In weddings, a red invitation card is sent out. Some newly wedded couples have a Chinese red double happiness symbol placed in their room. And even their pillow cases are embroided with the double happiness symbol. Traditional bride wear a red dress with a veil covering their eyes. Here, one can understand why red lanterns are used in pairs to decorate or line up a walkway. Red in this case, also symbolises auspiciousness. Contrast this to white or off-site coloured lanterns used during a funeral. Therefore, colours have a significance. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, The knot symbolises eternal life. It is not uncommon for many Chinese practitioners in my country or in nearby countries to mix `religious' significance of symbols or objects with Feng Shui. As I mentioned, if one `hires' a Feng Shui practitioner deeply rooted in religion, invariably, their religious influence may be `mixed' with Feng Shui. The two most common ones are: 1. Advising their clients to place the Ba Gua mirror on all the houses (to ward off evil). 2. Use of such symbols as the `Eight Lucky' Symbolic Buddha symbols in Feng Shui. Warmest Regards, Cecil P.S. For those who do not know the history of Buddhism, just to let u know that Buddhism / Buddha belief originated from Inda.

Dear Anon, Where possible, a house should not have missing corners. But there are exceptions like the shape of the top two units of the condominum. Here, the shape of two palms in gentle embrace or `receiving' position outweights any `missing' corner. If one looks carefully, the house is triangular in shape. This is not ideal but symbolism of the house and also that it has a Double 7 at the main entrance, plus the centrepoint is `clear' space works for it. Therefore, I am trying to show `exceptional' units that need not conform to the present mind set of houses that must not have missing corners. In this case, if one looks carefully at the master bedroom it is infact a protrusion and at the top most `peak' of the condominium project. It is something like the Suntec City development where it is the shape of the palm of the left hand. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Note: This page contains 4 pictures. Size between 35k to 53k each. Please be patient ... wait for the pictures to be loaded. Today, it is quite common to see `artificial' tubes containing water. The base of these tubes produce bubbles and lighted up usually with blue light. As most of the water is enclosed, only a small surface i.e. the top of the tubes are in contact with air. One has to suspect whether, beneficial Qi flows better or less under this tube. Contrast this to more traditional concepts like a water wall or a fountain. Some homes are begining to use the smaller versions of it. Perhaps, could the lighting in the water tube or the bubbles create benefical Qi even if it is not exposed to air? Well, we need to evaluate them further. Please see pictures below:- Picture 1 (below): size = 35k ... loading... Showing the water tube Picture 2 (below): size = 53k ... loading... Showing two water tubes at an angle Picture 3 (below): size = 53k ... loading... Showing a close up picture of two water tubes Picture 4 (below): size = 53k ... loading... Showing a typical water wall (where water is in full contact with the atmosphere as opposed to the water wall where only the top of the water is exposed to the air)

Hi Everyone, For those who are reading messages through the mailing list, I have just updated the conference " Photo Tours with Interest " with two illustrations: 1. The Sterling condominum revisited. Graphic file showing an illustration of why the top two units are excellent choice. 2. The Eight Lucky Symbols of Buddha. This is where some Buddhist Feng Shui practitioners advise home owners to bury the Eight Lucky Symbols under their main entrance and or display a medallion in their house or office. Warmest Regards, Cecil P.S. The Photo Tours with Interest contains pictures and thus not appropriate to be sent thru the mailing list.