Cecil Lee

Before selecting Option A, please take some time to read some of the following search results:- NEW YORK | Mon Aug 25, 2008 3:18pm EDT NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Burning incense may create a sweet scent, but regularly inhaling the smoke could put people at risk of cancers of the respiratory tract, researchers reported Monday. In a study of more than 61,000 ethnic Chinese living in Singapore who were followed for up to 12 years, the investigators found a link between heavy incense use and various respiratory cancers. The findings are published in the medical journal Cancer. Incense has been used for millennia in many cultures' religious and spiritual ceremonies. In Asia, people commonly burn incense in their homes -- a practice that is becoming more popular in Western countries as well. Incense is usually derived from fragrant plant materials, like tree bark, resins, roots, flowers and essential oils. Past research has found that burning these materials can produce potentially cancer-causing substances, including benzene and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. However, no studies until now had linked the practice of burning incense to an increased cancer risk over time, according to the researchers, led by Dr. Jeppe T. Friborg of the Statens Serum Institute in Copenhagen. For their study, the researchers followed 61,320 Singapore Chinese men and women between the ages of 45 and 74 from the Hokkien or Cantonese dialect group. All of the subjects were cancer-free at the outset. Participants reported on their typical incense use, including how often they burned it in their homes and for how long -- only at night, for instance, or all day and night. Over the next 12 years, 325 men and women developed cancer of the upper respiratory tract, such as nasal, oral or throat cancer. Another 821 developed lung cancer. The researchers found that incense use was associated with a statistically significant higher risk of cancers of the upper respiratory tract, with the exception of nasopharyngeal cancer. However, they observed no overall effect on lung cancer risk. Those who used incense heavily also had higher rates of a type of cancer called squamous cell carcinoma, which refers to tumors that arise in the cells lining the internal and external surfaces of the body. The risk was seen in smokers and nonsmokers. Study participants who used incense in their homes all day or throughout the day and night were 80 percent more likely than non-users to develop squamous cell carcinoma of the entire respiratory tract. The link between incense use and increased cancer risk held when the researchers weighed other factors, including cigarette smoking, diet and drinking habits. "This association is consistent with a large number of studies identifying carcinogens in incense smoke," Friborg's team writes, "and given the widespread and sometimes involuntary exposure to smoke from burning incense, these findings carry significant public health implications." They say further studies are needed to see whether different types of incense are associated with different degrees of cancer risk. In Singapore, the researchers note, most people burn long sticks or coils of incense that burn slowly over an extended period. SOURCE: Cancer, October 1, 2008. Reference: Burning incense linked to respiratory cancers | Reuterswww.reuters.com/.../us-incense-cancers-idUSPAT56944620080825 More:- Burning joss sticks 'as deadly as traffic fumes or cigarette smoke ... www.guardian.co.uk ? World news ? ThailandCached-Similar You +1'd this publicly.Undo Jul 30, 2008 ? But Dr Manoon urges worshippers to reduce the risks by extinguishing the scented joss stick immediately after use, rather than leaving it ... joss stick - definition of joss stick by the Free Online Dictionary ... www.thefreedictionary.com/joss+stickCached-Similar You +1'd this publicly.Undo a thin stick of a dried, fragrant paste, burned as incense before a joss. ... scientists have now found that regularly burning joss sticks increases the risk of certain ... Burning incense linked to respiratory cancers | Reuters www.reuters.com/.../us-incense-cancers-idUSPAT56944620080825Cached You +1'd this publicly.Undo Aug 25, 2008 ? NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Burning incense may create a sweet scent, ... at risk of cancers of the respiratory tract, researchers reported Monday. ... In Singapore, the researchers note, most people burn long sticks or coils of ... We should ban burning joss stick in common corridors as well ... forums.hardwarezone.com.sg ? ... ? Lifestyle ? Eat-Drink-Man-WomanCached You +1'd this publicly.Undo 15 posts-12 authors Truth is, most who burn joss sticks burn both indoors and outdoors. .... Incense burning did not affect lung cancer risk among non-smokers, but it significantly ... Joss-sticks increase cancer risk: Official ? The Register www.theregister.co.uk/2008/08/26/incense_cancer_risk/Cached-Similar You +1'd this publicly.Undo Aug 26, 2008 ? Researchers have warned that burning joss-sticks and incense is ... the researchers discovered incense did indeed increase the risk of ... It's one of the familiar smells of Asia - All About Cancer - Hong Kong ... www.cancer-fund.org ? ... ? Latest Cancer NewsCached You +1'd this publicly.Undo Medical professionals have long suspected that joss sticks and incense ... be aware of such risks although he doesn't link his disease with incense-burning.

My questions are: 1. Do I need to find an auspicious day and time to hang it up? A1: As this is to neutralise sha qi; usually not necessary to do so. Frankly, there is often NO HARM if one is kinda free and want to find a gooddate and time to do so. As opposed toMUST-have. Thus, ausp. day and time is considered as NICE-to have and not a MUST-do. 2. After hanging the bagua, can we keep our door open all the time? Keeping the main door close, make our home very humid and stuffy. A2. Somewhere in the Photo Tours of interest conference, there are photos of various types of ba gua mirror. The attached is not the correct photo.Please note that the attachment shows a concave mirror.But it shows a better design e.g. a red (plastic) rim with a large eg. convex mirror in the middle. What you bought is still OK . But what you bought is meant for two fold purposes: 1. Protection against (local ghosts or spirits. Foreign ghosts not scared of the ba gua trigram) 2. The convex mirror to do the actual job of what your first purpose is for. Frankly, if you don't need "protection" against spirits or ghosts; then SOMETHING like my photo + convex mirror in the middle, should be a better choice. After hanging the bagua, can we keep our door open all the time? A3. The concept of "You stay there, we don't apply". Frankly, this is not science fiction. There is no e.g. death ray aimed towards our (YOUR) home from the neighbour other than the irritating ba gua mirror; hung by the neighbour. Personally, as a human being; after reading the above statement; if I were also in your SHOES, I would equally not forgo "freedom" or rather fresh air. And would also keep (my) door opened... all the time... (other than sleeping time if at home). I don't see any penalty or "self-inflicting" wounds if any if the doors were opened most of the time....

How do you Feng Shui your home? Use the front door? Please click this link for a good understanding... =============================== Older "Fragmented" Resources =============================== Very often, how a main door is placed depends on the architect's decision to "join" that unit to a common corridor. In this simple illustration, one can see that the main door could be in either positions depending on how the architect connects the main door to the common corridor of a block of flats.

These are some considerations: 1. From a Feng Shui point of view; Options A and B are in THEORY the better of the three choices. 2. OPTION B: 2.1 However, as you have pointed out especially Option B, has a demerit. It would be nice if the stretch of wall is long "enough". 2.1 But since it shares the bomb shelter door and squeezed in between the main door and the bomb shelter door; it depends on what one is placing onto the altar. For example, most likely there is only room for just one deity. 2.2. As it looks impossible; for example to place e.g. say an ancestor tablet + one or more deity. 2.3. Furthermore, it can be further limited if we consider the auspicious dimensions of say: a tailor made altar. One of the smallest ready-made altars could range between 2ft (width) by 2ft (depth) to 35"(width) by 2ft (depth). More likely larger ones may not be able to be placed, there. However, if it is a tailor made altar; the depth could be further reduced with a pull out extension. 2.4. Do make sure that the bomb shelter door does not affect or slam against the altar table (IF ANY). 2.5. So far, between Options A and C; in my opinion, other than the above considerations; this could be a better choice. 3. OPTION A: 3.1. In theory Option A could also be a good choice. 3.2. Do check where the sunlight comes in. If for example, the sun rays comes in at an angle; be it in the morning or afternoon (as I really don't know where is the North-South direction). 3.2.1. If so, and if the deity is often, affected by the rays of the sun; one cannot expect to buy a pair of rayban sunglasses for the deity to wear!). 3.3. From a practical approach; I really HATE placing an altar so close to the passage way leading towards all THREE bedrooms. This is because unlike Options A or C; if one constantly lights up joss-sticks; 3.3.1 Especially if one has family members that are frequently at home e.g. elderly parents or children who spend time at home; and constantly are in their bedrooms with opened doors etc... 3.4. Thus as I had mentioned, in theory, Option A sounds reasonable provided one considers all the above or does not mind family members inhaling secondary smoke or if one does not regulary light up joss-sticks or even use some of those smokeless type? 4. OPTION C WITH THE ALTAR FACING THE MAIN DOOR: 4.1. There is some controversy over the placement of the altar facing the main door. 4.1.1. In general, actually, by right; based on your interior layout, the (irresponsible) architect; should have placed your main entrance door open to the RIGHT side (against the shared wall with your neighbour's unit). If so, even if you were to place the altar, it directly faces the main door. Instead, now, if one opens the main door partially, the altar deities may not have sufficient "clearance" to have a "full view" of the outside. 4.2. Some neighbours don't like their neighbour, having an altar facing their main door. This is especially if both your main door and neighbour's main door directly face each other. 4.3. Hiring a SECURITY GUARD or "GET ONE FREE". One controversy is that it may not be too "polite" to place an altar facing the main door. One understand, that when we enter a temple, the altar is directly in full view. And often, this is the location facing the main entrance of a temple. This is understandable from a temple's layout. 4.4. But in a home; some felt that you are employing the deity as a "guard" much like the condo guard. When some one approaches the home; this "guard" may ask for vehicle no. etc... 4.5. Another view point is that it is better not to let your neighbour or someone walk past one's home to directly know what one is praying to. Of course, this is a small matter. But, it would be better not to do so. 4.6. As mentioned, earlier, some mimic the position of the altar in relation to the temple with the home. And because of this popular belief, many today, do place their altar facing the main door. This is known as "herd" mentality. If others do it, so can I. Therefore, based on this premise; Option C still CAN, lah! 4.7. Looking at YOUR layout plan, it seems that after placing the altar at OPTION C, it looks like very tight to either bring in items or (install appliances like frige, washing machine) and even walking thru that narrow area. 4.8. Moving the so called partition with altar futher backwards away from the main door, may not be feasible given the small unit. And inadvertenly, the partition could become a "knife" or "poison" arrow aimed towards the dining table and/or dining chair area. 5. Personally, amongst all the three locations; I personally feel that if one has only one deity such as Guan Yin, Option B might be a better location provided the dimension of the altar is also considered; given all the other concerns.

Reference: http://www.geomancy.net/reports/free-report/freerpt-dateboth.htm or simply type: http://dates.geomancy.net

Based on Shapes and Forms Feng Shui; As a rule of thumb: avoid having a straight path. In this illustration, this client's home nearly wanted to have a fence gate that directly open towards the main door. After seeking advice, he changed the design and the side gate is no longer directly facing the main door.

Further to what I had mentioned, my real shock was when I found out the nearly all the interior walls of the Livia condo that was developed by City Developments and their subsidiary! I have been brought up in Singapore with the value of solid walls both interior and exterior in our country. If it is in America etc.. it is another thing altogether. Nowadays, with new developments and each unit that costs at least 900K to 1.6million; personally, I find that it is ridiculous to pay so much for dry or plastered walls. And as I had mentioned, I cannot imagine living in a home like Livia where my toilet(s) are not made of solid walls. What if: too much moisture, fungus etc... collect within the walls... I know, some claim that the dry or plastered walls are equally expensive than solid walls. Personally, I would not want to stay in such a home. Even government HDB flats that are sold brand new does not have such dry or plastered walls. They still use materials with some concrete content in them, at least for now. Take an example of this attachment. This developer: Tee Group's sales brochure of one of their recent launch has clearly described what materials are or will be on both their external and interior walls. While, I have seen brochures from the likes of City Development, Hong Leong and even Far East with vague descriptions. And none of their brochures are as clear as daylight. The large developers should take a leaf from developers like Tee Group in making their sales brochure better. By the way, Tee Group projects include: Aura 83, The Peak I and II at Cairnhill, cantiz@ Rambai, The Boutiq (under construction), 91 Marshall, 448@ East Coast....

Hillview Green was developed by City Developments Ltd. TOP in 1998. With a total of 400 units. So what if it is 999-years leasehold. If the balconies may be a "super babies launch pad"... Whenever, I think of City Developments Ltd today, it is after I discovered; for the first time that when their condo at Pasir Ris : Livia; majority of the interior walls are no longer solid walls but plastered walls : this includes the entire structure of e.g. their master bedroom toilet.... Nowadays, when I see a property developed by them: I still envisage such "horror"....

1. Whenever I apply Feng Shui, other than to see if it is related to common sense or not? 2. Another critical guideline I often use is simply:"REMEMBER: You stay there, WE (outsiders) don't!" 3. In the past and even to-date, I have encountered new clients telling me that they had engaged someone before. And some of the weird recommendations include: "stop using e.g. the master toilet" or some other more illogical "no-no's". 4. It is very easy to tell others in a short session e.g. of 1 hour or 2 hours; not to use this not; or to "seal up the toilet". 5. You stay, there; we don't! 6. Didn't the person who made such recommendations; know that if someone else were to tell them they should not do so in their own home? 7. Coming back to this sad article; a death, is a death. 8. And don't tell me that the condo's balcony barrier has been approved at that time! 9. What a "bloody" lousy architect! In Singapore, the architect firm can get away with it. 10. As an architect, common sense says that such gaps in the balcony barriers are a no no! 11. Again, it is pure common sense. You simply design something near permanent and worse still someone else will have to live in "fear" for the rest of their lives in such a home. And it can be FATAL for their loved ones: especially children and even their pets!

You wrote: "Since we moved here (one year ago) my husband and I have had many problems at work" Often, if one does not work from home or equally have an office away from home; then one may have to look at the Feng Shui of both locations. If, you feel that ever since you moved in to this new home and feel that most of your problems at work is a result of this; then, if one were to DIY using Feng Shui, can start looking at the home (first). However, it is not as simple as "pinning" or placing the entire blame on just the placement of the current workstation. In fact, if one were to truly try to apply Feng Shui concepts; it has to be as shown or highlighted in YELLOW in the sample attachment. What I mean is that majority of the boxes highlighted in YELLOW would be the concepts or tools used in Feng Shui to troubleshoot your issues (if any).

In my opinion, personally, if I am in your shoes; and given the limited space within the duplex home; I would (weigh the risks - if any) and also do the same as what you have done in the photo. The only extra thing I would do is to mount a (reasonable quality smoke detector). Some of the better quality ones come in a 12V battery. And to tell one that it is working fine, every few seconds, it wouldblink a red led light.As an added precaution. For problems at work; and if you are trying to apply Feng Shui, then other than the above considerations: 1. Compass School Feng Shui (Comprises both Para 1.1. and 1.2) 1.1. Eight House or 4 Good/Bad 1.1.1 You have to find out the person's best facing direction(s). 1.1.2 It is considered NICE-to sit facing one's favourable direction(s) and equally nice sitting in a GOOD SECTOR. 1.1.3 It is considered BOTH NICE-to sit facing one's good direction as well as NICE-to sit in a good sector. Of course if one has the luxury of choosing such a location. 1.1.4 Some work from an office; some work from home. Some work in-between home and office. But, if one does work in a office; often it is at least 8 hours a day; then the Feng Shui of that home has to be considered. 1.1.5 Given that it is impractical to change homes; things like "how suitable this home is to us" or if the home is too compact, may not be possible to re-arrange e.g. the bed-head position etc.... This area is likely "closed" and unable to do anything about it. 1.2. Flying Star Feng Shui 1.2.1. If you are trying to apply Feng Shui, then this is one of the concepts that one need to use in order to find out problems etc.... 2. There is another area e.g. Ba Zi Feng Shui: which in simple layman terms: one of the idea is to harmonize the personal colours found from this analysis.

1. In fact, if one tries to think further, there are even more compelling reasons under common sense. 2. However, do take note that like insurance companies; they would weigh the risks (if any) before either accepting a client and/or ascertaining the costs for the insurance. 3. For example; TOUCH WOOD; this often does not occur frequently, but sadly, it is still a possibility:- 3.1 Based on common sense, the staircase firstly is a means to get from upper to lower floor and vice versa. 3.2 In the highly remote possibility of a fire breaking out e.g. short-circuit of any of the equipment (PC and it's ancillary equipments) that are just below the stairs or their transformer or power supply; this "escape" route is no longer available. 3.3 In many studies, for example; again; in an air-plane accident; many die more from toxic smoke inhalation than from the fire itself. Thus an open stairs... and one can figure it out. 4. Thus, it is why most of the time, many prefer leaving the area below the staircase e.g. a cool or even dark area especially if it is a store room to store "simple" things. And not e.g. keep petrol or a bit far fetch ... having a stove or other appliances below the staircase. 5. Again, I like to emphasise that "you stay there, we don't". Thus, it is up to the individuals to weigh their own risks (IF ANY). To take whatever precautions; based on common sense to make it as safe as possible. 5.1. For example, a workstation that is e.g. boxed up where even if any water or liquid may spill from the stairs, the pc equipment has e.g. a roofing. 5.2. To make sure that the workstation area is not cluttered with too much paper. And do not over load the power plug at this location and even others with too many appliances. 5.3. If possible, don't charge the phone conveniently at that workstation. As there are known cases of defective batteries.. and even some iphones had ever got their batteries running too hot... and even in recent years; several Japanese PC companies like Sony, Toshiba and Panasonic had used e.g. defective batteries from sources like Sanyo. Where the batteries because of some impurities had been known to get extremely hot and cause fire. 6. Again, apologies, I am not, here to frighten you or anyone else. Touch Wood!

From now on, I hope that most of us, could, put on our thinking caps and pause for a moment....... http://forum.geomancy.net/phpforum/article.php?bid=2&fid=6&mid=32277&new=?pagewanted=all Is the issue (If any) originated from common sense? You will be surprised! How common it is ... based on pure common sense and not something mysterious in the name of Feng Shui...

These are some considerations: 1. What you mentioned belonged to a category known as: Common sense. 2. Many so called Feng Shui concepts has it's roots under common sense. 3. If one has read many of the past postings in this forum or use the SEARCH feature in this forum and type: Common sense; one can read about them. 4. Why Common sense? 4.1. Pure and simple. 4.1.1. Especially in your photo; the staircase is an open one. 4.1.2. And just take 1 situation: If you need to clean or even "wet" the staircase, but forgot to cover or temporarily remove the items (below it) e.g. water may damage the stairs AND/OR 4.1.3. Some people of all races, may not be in favour of someone walking up or down the stairs. To us most Chinese (I believe other races, also do...feel the same), we don't like someone walking so openly above us. It is akin somewhat to e.g. a humiliated person who has to crawl between the legs of a women : which is considered extremelybad luck... (Especially if the woman is having her period) AND/OR 4.1.4. In an open staircase, if a lady was wearing a skirt; from the position where the computer seat is could or might look at the colour of the undies... 5. It is because of such things, that EVEN in the context of or in the name of Feng Shui; it is considered inauspicious. 6. In past forum messages, I have also mentioned that before one place the "blame upon Feng Shui"; give a thought to see IF, by any chance, it has more to do with COMMON SENSE. 7. Given that one may better understand the situation: since it is based on PURE COMMON SENSE, tell me, what CURE is there for it? 7.1. A cure? then, do remember not to do all the things mentioned under 4.1.2 and 4.1.3 (if any). 7.1. It is just that perhaps the author of THAT book mimic others and /or did not look at it from a pure common sense perspective. 8. Thus, if one purely try to pin this blame to Feng Shui; then at least it should come under the category: " Shapes and Forms Feng Shui ". 8.1. In a common sense situation: Either you sit there or you don't. That's about it. "Still not happy? then move. That's all. Plain and simple. Again, "what cure can there be to applease one's common sense" 8.2. In another Feng Shui concept, let's hope that your current sitting position is NICE-TO face a good direction.

Very common for many Chinese homes/apartments to hang a Hokkien "ang chai" or "Hong Cai" above their main entrance... Hong Cai symbolises: Happiness and Luck especially to the Hokkiens. Often placed during move-in to a new home, during Chinese New Year or rather changed every new year. And for a wedding / newly wed couples. Even placed for a birthday.

An eco friendly and functional home that directly faces the afternoon sun. Location: Dunbar Walk / Coldstream avenue

A home with high quality external wall finishing...

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.

Based on a decision tree: Please refer to attachment. Either follow the route under Light BLUE or if one applies Feng Shui; then the most common concepts applicable to this thread are highlighted in YELLOW.

Frankly, you are akin to standing on a road that has two forks: you could either "turn" left or turn "right" to venture on another road. Here, the first turn is often based on your personal feel. The other turn, which frankly, there is no way to figure outi.e. really no short cut. Here, a flying star chart is plotted to see if that sector could accept a water feature. Of course, if that sector has good stars like double #8's and/or a Water Star e.g. #8 or #1 that supports a water feature; then this is excellent. But if that sector, however turned out to have a Mountain star #8 then this may not be good to have the water feature. One plus point is that you mentioned something like the proposed water feature location is at North? If so; it is not as bad as a water feature in the shape of a circular pool at the West (tiger's mouth). Based on the green dragon and white tiger concept. However, given that this is the "backyard" of your home and without much further consideration, can understand being more cautious than say if the water feature is at the "frontage" of the home. As often, majority of the time, if the water position is so called at the "frontage" of a home; half the battle is already won. As often, 80 percent of the time; in general, one would get a pass. As the water feature creates some clear space at the frontage= "bright hall" effect. As mentioned, really, there is no short-cut if one applies the "scientific" approach using Flying Star Feng Shui. Here, someone or you may have to DIY to: plot out the flying star numbers from now to 2023 and subsequently if you intend to stay >2023 etc... and analyse the stars within the sectors. There is no short-cut, here. As the results does not magically appear in front of the person. Otherwise, frankly, you have to go with the first "turning" i.e. go with your personal feelings.

In my opinion, there are different opinions with regards to this. Frankly, some geomancers don't even associate the two i.e. a chiming clock and NE or SW sector. Thus, if they are truly not either aware or too concern about it; then this is one consideration. Often, if one practises Flying Star Feng Shui; and applies Flying Star Feng Shui; As a simple e.g. sectors that have CONCENTRATION of YIN stars e.g. 2, 4, 6, 8 plus if these locations are especially the storeroom or a basement area; then even if these sectors are not NE or SW, can harbour COLD spots. If you have put two and two together and find yourself in doubt; then; you MAY if you wish; if feel not so comfortable with it; then, don't place a chiming clock at that sector. Within this area, one is often relying on personal feel or "art" than "science" of Feng Shui, for that matter.

In the hey days and especially up to 1980's; one can reminiscent Singapore HAD 4 Official Languages. Today, such signs with 4 official languages are rare......

Without fail, many Indians (Hindus) often place water melons; and in this case : hang a large water melon beside the main door. Water melons has been around for centuries. In fact, Egypt and India has been in-love with this one of the largest fruits since 3,000 years ago. In India, water melons are commonly found in the summer. And what better significance is to have a water melon placed on the ground or hung during summer-time.... Location: Recently TOP block of flats at Fernvale (directly opposite the Jalan Kayu Esso station (Exxon-mobil) station)

Perhaps, this water feature tries to identify it's smooth fluid lines with water. But from the photo; it does not seem that nice looking. What some geomancers are concerned is the way it looks or rather portrays. If it seems to portray some unknown "spirits" or ghostly forms etc... then one should be safe and avoid such a water feature totally. Note: for this type of water feature... do watch where the spout finally lands "to"

Perhaps, this type of water feature tries to looks like a cave (Mount or mountain) and a water feature in the middle of it. This variant has the rolling ball effect... It is easy to maintain. Again, it looks like a variant of that "Aliens cocoon" theme...