Around Singapore

1. Often, in our quest to determine what is Sha Qi or poison arrow; many of us don't get the full picture. 2. Many often, we ourselves; are the culprit! For example, take a look at this picture. Some homes even have grills for the windows and the main entrance with the "arrow" head design.

Can you really visualise the beautiful smile from this Amara Singapore, Hotel, Lion?

Dear Peck Wun, Usually the auspicious dates would have at least (if not very auspicious, auspicious). Besides these, do look for alternative dates e.g. `Average' days. The main concern is to start work during the Chinese 7th month which is on / between 9 August 2002 to 5 September 2002. During this period, it is advisable not to move-in or start renovation work on any of these dates. But, one can choose an auspicious date in July to start work. (This is OK). I also attached a house moving ritual in simple .txt format. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Yang Xing Zhai = Study of the cultivation of nature This two storey building was built in the form of the Chinese character that echoes with Jiang Xue Xuan = Pavilion of crimson and white. This building is secluded and has beautiful surroundings. Emperors JaiQing and Daoguang of the Qing Dynasty came here very often to have a rest or to read. It was also here that Sir Reginald Johnston, an Englishman gave English lessons to the abdicated last Emperor Pu Yi.

I believe this is the government's first ever (Housing Development Board - a government statutory board's) foray into "condo development". This "condo" type of development has a total of three tower blocks and many do really have city views. Tower type of blocks or "point-blocks" are again a very forgiving structures. As each tower block allows air or qi to circulate in and around the entire blocks thus often; it does not sufferas much from "still" or less vibrant qi. If you take a close look at the photo image: city view5.jpg; when one steps into this development; one can see a very pleasant retro classy black and white checker-board style flooring. When we step closer t…

Whitewater EC Condo Site plan

[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 Belo…

Wild birds + bird flu?

1. This plant has very attractive small "bite" sized bright red coloured fruits encasing a seed. 2. In my opinion; best to avoid like the plague especially if there is a newborn around in the home. The fruit is poisonous! 3. The common name of this plant is the "false rattan". 4. It's scientific name is : Flagellaria indica and belongs to the Flagellariaceae family. 5. This plant originated from many parts of the world: Taiwan, South East Asia, Polynesia, Australia and even Tropical Africa. BEST KEEP AWAY FROM THE YOUNG!

Signature Park Condo Site plan

For the last few years, I have the privilege to work on City Planning for a neighbouring country. I have worked on several projects for this country.This is just one of sample of a "city". In Singapore, it is just like the equivalent of planning Towns like Yishun, Woodlands and some projects as large as several Singapore towns put-together.

Uncommon to find a pair of elephant figurines at establishments in Singapore. Elephants are revered in both India and Thailand. This Elephant seems oriental as the body of the elephant has the carvings of the five claw dragon.

1. Hey!, this is not exactly the auspicious "Dragon-gate" Feng Shui! 2. Literally, this home places a dragon-holding a pearl; placed on one of the pillars of the gate. 3. At least, even if it is highly uncommon for a home to have a dragon figurine "guarding" the gate; at least it is only a single piece. As a dragon represents the male. While the phoenix represents the female form. 4. As mentioned, it is very rare for people to place such a figurine on their main gate pillar facing outwards. This is the very first time I came across such any activity. 5. Usually, instead, such a figurine is common only in a temple where a pair of dragons is often found on the main roof of …

A charm is kinda like not hiring a security guard. But rather pasting a piece of yellow paper with written calligraphy. To protect the home from evil spirits.

1. The leaves of this vine (climber) has a fragrant smell. 2. It is common in some parts of South-East Asia especially by the Malays / Balinese to chew the leaves as some sort of an apertiser or rather a habit to chew it with other cordiments placed in the leave. People who regularly chewed this has a rather bad permanent stain on their teeth /mouth.... for those who yearn for white teeth.. this is a no no... 3. It's cousin is the wild betel-leaf. As the name suggests it can be cultivated or grown wild. A very hardy vine and can multiply very very fast. It's flower is cone-like white.. 4. The family name of this vine is : Piperaceae. And it originates from Bali and…

Some "parts" of Foresque Residences reminds me of another place: Yishun Sapphire Condo and Yishun Emerald Condo. Here, if one owns a unit in Yishun Sapphire and "South facing" one can see into the swimming pool area of Yishun Emerald condo. Thus, one can be "lead" to believe that parts of Yishun Sapphire condo (south side) seems to "belong" to Yishun Emerald instead. Here, please see attached photos. The photo was taken outside of a unit at block 109 Foresque Residences facing North. In the photo, one can see the pool. But this pool actually belongs to a Treehouse condo - another neighbouring condo. And Treehouse Block 60 has one of it's corners aimed towards Block 109 st…

Here are two pictures showing the view of the "Thumb", "Index finger" and the "middle finger" of the Suntec City as mentioned in an earlier topic " Currently with the world's largest `Fountain of Wealth'. For more information, please read previous message "Suntec City / Fountain of Wealth Re-visited".

These are two views of a main door. Where half the common area wall `smashes' the main door. Plants in such a case can be used to neutralise this. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Although this home has "less privacy" because of the way the ventilation areas were designed into the high wall bordering the house. But because of this type of design; as a result; this home should be more airy and well ventilated. Nowadays, we seldom see such a "see thru" design. However, there are variants of such a design where "half-walls" are/were constructed instead of a full inverse triangular "openings". Who cares if occasionally others can see into the home. So long as it is both functional and practical for the household! Of course, this is Singapore and not the US. Where most homes don't even have a "keep-out" fencing.

Pictures were taken along Tanjong Pagar Plaza, Craig Road and finally from Neil Road. The Iconic Pinnacle at Duxton is truly imposing from almost anywhere! Last week I was in a new Tanjong Pagar Business tower, and yes; can literally "feel" the Pinnacle close-by...

These photos were taken via the Iphone4 with the 360 degree paranomic view software. Some photos show the Iconic new Pinnacle @ Duxton (backdrop) against old buildings along Bukit Pasoh Road. Some of the buildings date back to 1920's. Many of the buildings are known as PRE-War (Pre-World War II) buildings....

Pictures of the two Gods guarding the Door. The picture of the two door gods are also used on some Ba Gua `mirrors' i.e. the First Heaven Sequence Ba gua Symbol is on the top while the two door gods are below the Ba Gua `mirror'. This mirror is usually hung to `ward off evil'. For example, it is commonly placed at the North East (Devil's main gate) main door or South West (Devil's back door)main door . For more information about the First Heaven Sequence Ba Gua, please refer to http://www.geomancy.net/fs/pakua.htm

More photos...