Cecil Lee

Dear Jeffery, To better understand your situation, appreciate if could elaborate: 1. When you stand at the main entrance facing outwards, do you see the bamboo sticks aimed directly at your main entrance? 2. If the bamboo sticks are "aimed" at your main entrance, are the ends aimed at your home or are they vertical? Like flag poles? 3. Are the bamboo sticks aiming from the side towards the main entrance as opposed to aiming directly? 4. What is the distance between the bamboo poles to your main entrance. Regards, Cecil

Dear Silk, Please see below:- ----- Original Message ----- From: "free-advice Listmanager" To: Sent: Monday, August 14, 2000 7:13 AM Subject: Eight House Query In general, the Eight House Theory looks at: 1. How suitable a person is to the house. 2. Areas where one spent time at should preferably be a good sector for the person. As far as the Eight House theory is concerned, (other than the main entrance door sector which in this case, is not a suitable house for you). You should also look at the intangible force at the bedroom area. Other than the above, it is difficult to neutralise any intangible force based on this theory. In traditional FS, we can use Flying Star to neutralise or activate a sector instead. Normally, Shapes and Form is used to find a suitable placing of the bed in a room and Flying Star is used in neutralise or `activate ' the sector (this depends on individual house birth chart). Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Daniel, In my opinion, Lilian Too is more of an author than a practitioner. Her strengths are her ability is to use illustrations and words to create a better understanding. In my honest opinion, you have to weigh the decision to attend the conference based on:- 1. the price of the conference, 2. take a look at the conference materials and time factor i.e. Is the course catered more to appreciate general `Feng Shui' or is it tailored for the `practitioner'? Or to obtain a FS certificate. 3. Are there any other "hidden costs" other than paying for the conference. Such as cross-selling i.e. are we paying for the full course or may end up having to pay more e.g. during the conference `cross-selling' of books (are they provided) and others e.g. encouraged to purchase of her Feng Shui jewellery 4. Check that the course does not dwel on `Eight Associations / Eight Aspriations' e.g. enhancing SW for Romance, North for Career. Rather, if the course / conference is based on `solid' foundations of the Five Elements, this would be good. if the topic is too general, it is less useful. I hope everyone can understand that the above is based frankly on my honest opinion by examing the above questions and then weighing the pros and cons. In the final analysis, it is entirely left to each of us to form own opinions of what is value or benefit for ourselves. Warmest Regards, Cecil ----- Original Message ----- From: "free-advice Listmanager" To: Sent: Saturday, August 12, 2000 9:07 AM Subject: Lilian Too

Dear Anon, Quite recently, there was a news article on divorce in China. The main cause of what I read was that the men in China are getting more `well off' and some of these men engaged in illict affairs. Usually, the women are more forgiving but usually it is the men who initiated the divorce. Divorce is indeed an `ugly' word all over the world. It leaves a scar on the innocent child or children. Yes, based on what I read, divorce is gaining a foothold and increasingly place an impact on the family unit in China. Usually, the poor wife has difficulty getting child support and may need to work to raise their child in China or she may instead get support from her close relatives. In most cases, the wife gets custody of the child as the spouse sets off to `start' another family in China. Warmest Regards, Cecil wrote in message news:6705.3191@forum.geomancy.net...

Dear Anon, I have attached a simple sketch showing in RED, the best areas for activating a mountain stair if it is present. As mentioned earlier, each house is different in layout and in some houses, the back door can be at the kitchen while for others, it is a standalone passage way. The best method is to clearly understand the concept that the mountain star is to enhance the `solid-backing' and not to hinder the frontage by blocking it. Thus for the frontage, it is often suggested that water or clear space is ideal. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, In the past, before the communist rule in China, arranged marriages are common. But for the Chinese, arranged marriages are usually between young children and not to elderly grand fathers. The exception is during the dynasty periods e.g. Ching, Ming dyansties where the emperor has many concubines. Today, there are fewer arranged marriages in China. And more parents have taken a modern approach in letting their children choose a partner. One interesting thing to note is that if one looks at the population profile of China especially those below 25 years old, one can see a noticable imbalance i.e. that there are more Males than Females in the population. This is most probably attributed to the one child policy and many Chinese want a male child. Thus it would be harder for Chinese girls to get married. This may account for them wanting to marry overseas Chinese. Perhaps, the overseas Chinese are more well off and they have a chance to migrate with their husband for a `better' life. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Anon, 1. In my opinion, this has more to do with `beliefs' than Feng Shui. 2. However, if we look at some Chinese `beliefs', the Chinese favour `pairs' rather than a single object. 3. I am not sure how magical a Dragon Horse figurine or statue can be, but as you have mentioned, may use one or from the opinion of others two `Dragon Horse' may not necessary make any difference in our wealth. Well no harm to place 1 or a pair (2). Warmest Regards Cecil

Dear Anon, I am very glad you brought up this question. 1. I feel that it is quite `dangerous' to talk about Feng Shui issues without looking at the specific situation and layout plan. 2. As we all know, each home has a different layout plan and this is why this may lead to confusion. 3. Lets go back to the fundamentals of one of the FS concepts: The four symbolic animals concept where the frontage of the house should have clear space and the back `solid backing'. Frontage of the house (Clear Space) e.g. activating water star -------------------- -------------------- Back of the house (Solid back) e.g. activating mountain star 4. For those who are new and not sure what this means please refer to this URL: http://www.geomancy.net/fs/four.htm 5. In the illustration, for example, water implies flatness and a water position usually means `clear space'. 6. The tortise in under the above URL at Para 4 represents a solid backing. 7. Here, one can then truly understand that it is most effective to activate a mountain star at the `back' of the house. For example, at the back door or at a wall at the back of the house. Thus, depending on one's house layout, a kitchen may be at the back of the house or the dining room with part of the wall at the back of the wall. If this is so, activating a mountain star would be effective. But, if the kitchen is at the front or next to the main entrance, it is not adviseable to activate the mountain star. 8. I hope all of us get the correct picture that each house layout differs and it is always best to activate a mountain star with the hope that it provides a `soild backing'. 9. Similiarly, if we look at a room in a house, we can follow the above concept and apply the mountain star at a wall usually diagionally opposite the door. (We have to look at each room closely). In Flying Star theory, we can also call this concept: Sitting (Mountain) and Facing (Frontage). 10. One can also as mentioned under Para 9 and further compartmentalise a room and activate a mountain star (provided it is present) based on the above. Hope the above helps. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Denise, 1. The main `concern' in Feng Shui is that it is inauspicious to let the toilet bowl face a location e.g. it can be the dining room table etc... 2. Thus based on the concept " If one cannot see the poison arrow or in this case Sha Qi, it no longer becomes a threat. 3. Therefore, normally closing the toilet door would do. You can consider, the rest of the things you mentioned as `luxuries' i.e. not compulsory to do such as keeping the lid down. 4. In my opinion, it is not adviseable to place a full length mirror unless one looks closely at that specific sector. As a mirror is considered able to reflect or `double' the bad luck if that sector is not auspicious. I feel that keeping the toilet door closed is sufficient for such a situation. 5. The other thing to look out is the placement of the toilet. Ideally, the toilet should share one external wall of the house thus ensuring that it is not at the centrepoint of the house. Other considerations like compass direction of the toilet is important and this has to be looked at in a holistic way such as doing a full FS audit. Warmest Regards, Cecil ----- Original Message ----- From: "phototours Listmanager" To: Sent: Saturday, August 12, 2000 6:09 AM Subject: Solutions for toilet bowl placement

Dear Elkay, 1. I have `cut-paste' this message which was a recent reply under the forum topic: " Feng Shui for Business ". 2. Feng Shui cannot be seen as a `cure all'. If there are better `tools' or `concepts' e.g. methology in teaching, this would prevail over the use of "Feng Shui". And even give a quantum leap, where Feng Shui cannot fully achieve. It is the same as using specialised tool for a specific activity. For example, if we want to cut an apple in half, we use a knife instead of using another tool such as a screw driver or even a scissor to cut the apple. Thus, using the right tool for the right occassion is a much sensible idea than just simply using the wrong tools and be under the "mercy" of hope, hope and more hope... Warmest Regards, Cecil ----- An early reply to a similiar question as yours ------ Dear Kari, In my opinion, as much as Feng Shui is `interesting' it can't do more than it's purpose. For a School, usually, it has to be looked at not only from the perspective of Feng Shui but common sense. Most Schools if possible try to be sited or located in a quieter environment. For example, if the school is in a city, usually the classrooms are furthest away from the traffic. Such as having open ground or in my country, mini hills (especially if the classroom) is close to the road. In your situation, it is more the way the subject is taught (i.e. in a `interesting' or allow for greater participation - depending on the topic). Thus, what I feel is that rather than finding a `Feng Shui' model, the methology of teaching in an interesting way, would best suit the situation. Feng Shui, in my opinion, cannot be considered as a 1001 all purpose enhancer but rather, is limited by what it can and cannot do. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Huu, 1. The first priority when using the Flying Star Feng Shui is to check for imbalances and there is, you need to neutralise it first. 2. Only after you have `done' Para 1, then you should consider looking at `activating' the mountain star. Thus, there are no fixed `rule' as to the object used. Under Flying Star, and `activating' the mountain star, thus, one should use an object with `mass'. Where one uses a object with mass, one must remember to take not of any imbalance caused at that sector FIRST and the type of element that could create `further imbalance. For example, if the sector has a bad #2 or #5, it would not be "wise" to use an earth object e.g. generally, e.g. a stone. As this would further cause an imbalance. 3. Usually, the mountain star is effective in a room or the backdoor and could provide `false' hope or similar to `fools gold' that it can be effective in the living room. Thus, if it is in a room, and with a high wall or `supported' by a wall this would be acceptable. 4. You mentioned that the mountar star falls partially in a bedroom and the dining room, it may be more difficult to activate. For the dining room, it is quite similar to the living room and at the centre area, clear space would be better. Based on your brief description, it is difficult to `activate' the mountain star. But if you want, you can activate it in the bedroom area but be careful, that it does not case a `danger' should it fall off. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Elena, In the living room, it is ideal to activate water star than mountain star. Water star, as the name suggests implies clear space and thus, ideally, when one stands around the living room one should have a clear view of all areas of the room. Water star (clear space) is the opposite of mountain star. In addition, some people who are not aware, even may try to activate a mountain star at their front door! Here, it is like placing an `obstruction' at the front entrance. Usually, some portions of the living room has either windows or glass panels and large open area (which suits water star). One can still activate mountain star e.g. a painting in the living room e.g. on the wall opposite the rooms and not on a wall with the wall next to the open space. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Colleen, 1. The report says that a mountain star can be activated if it is at the backdoor area or in a room. 2. It should not be activated at the front entrance or in the living room. 3. It can be activated e.g. if there is a shelf and behind it is a wall. The wall (would suggest) that it is acts as a "mountain". 4. Objects used to activate the mountain star can be decorative items (available in the home). It must satisfy the condition that it is an object with mass and immovable i.e. without wheels. A good example is a paper-weight such as a stone carving e.g. of a tortise. It can be other objects such as a solid crystal display or a rock carving. (Avoid hollow objects). 5. If the location has a window, it is best not to activate the mountain star such as hanging an object as at such positions, it is difficult to activate the mountain star. Warmest Regards, Cecil Dear Cecil and Robert, I did send you an e-mail yesterday but I am not sure if you got it. I would like to request a free home audit on hardship and financial grounds. My husband is in China at the moment trying to earn some money and I am in London with my two young children, facing financial hardship and terrible bad luck and fortune. Since my husband has been away, the builders have been working on my next door neighbours house, to rectify the subsidence. They went through a main water pipe and cut me off of water for three days. When I got my water back, my son went with down a severe stomach bug, leading to him having to go to hospital for dehydration. I got a terrible cold virus and my daughter then went down with the stomach virus. Then I thought we were getting clear, now my son had a terrible allergy rash on his legs and is still having stomach pains. My toilet has been blocked for two days and I had it mended today, paying out more money which I can't afford and now the plumber and builders tell me that we probably have rats in the shed adjacent to my house, in the back yard. I am at my wits end, please help turn myself and my family around, if you can. I would be more grateful, Warmest regards, to you both, Colleen

Dear Colleen, 1. The report says that a mountain star can be activated if it is at the backdoor area or in a room. 2. It should not be activated at the front entrance or in the living room. 3. It can be activated e.g. if there is a shelf and behind it is a wall. The wall (would suggest) that it is acts as a "mountain". 4. Objects used to activate the mountain star can be decorative items (available in the home). It must satisfy the condition that it is an object with mass and immovable i.e. without wheels. A good example is a paper-weight such as a stone carving e.g. of a tortise. It can be other objects such as a solid crystal display or a rock carving. (Avoid hollow objects). 5. If the location has a window, it is best not to activate the mountain star such as hanging an object as at such positions, it is difficult to activate the mountain star. Warmest Regards, Cecil

This is a picture of the hungry ghost activity as narated in the two articles. It shows a make-shift tent for the festival and close-by a public housing flat known as Housing Board Flats commonly found in Singapore. Many Singaporeans, I believe, 90 percent of the entire population lives in such `common' flats. Warmest Regards, Cecil

This year (2000), the hungry ghost period is from 31 July to 28 August. In my country, you will find out that `celebrations' at void decks especially close to public highrise buildings must end by 10.30pm. This is to ensure the `noise' or din generated during the `activities' is capped to allow `peace and quiet' for the residence staying nearby after 10.30pm. Read on... Regards, Cecil

Dear Linda, Thank you for your words of encouragement:) You should exclude the garage if you are doing a Feng Shui assessement using the Compass School theories such as Flying Star and Eight House which subdivides the various sectors. If you have the time to upload a sketch of your house and indicate the location of the garage, I can help you find the centrepoint of the house. If the file is small, e.g. in .jpg (Jpeg format) you can attach it to this conference or for a larger file, attach it to the conference: "Conference for Attaching Layout". In Feng Shui, under the Compass School, the Flying star theory has two modules: 1. The common Flying Star Chart analyses the birth chart of the house on a horizontal perspective i.e. you divide the house into either 9 grids or into a `pie' chart of 8 equal parts (excluding the centre which makes up the 9th sector). 2. The Flying Star House Number module specialises in looking at vertical perspective e.g. flats or apartments. As it is considered that each house on different levels have different `qi' influence. 3. What you are `asking' is that your house number 22831 how do you derive `7' or is there a mistake in keying in. Anyway, house number is based more on numerology which can be considered a `belief' as there are many many ways in which people look at numbers. Some combine the numbers, some listen its phonetic sounds. So numbers can be subjective to an individual's likes or dislike. 4. Traditional Feng Shui looks more that other issues and not numbers. Thus it is my personal opinion that numerology should be looked at (other than Flying Star house number for apartments) differently. Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Major Sono, 1. For a building, usually (majority of the time), its Feng Shui depends on the entire building. If the building has good " Feng Shui ", based on good shapes and forms and a good open space at the front. If this building has been looked at under a Feng Shui perspective, it is said that it good for the tenants. 2. In your case, (the building) of the house if it already has good Feng Shui properties, and if there is already a water position at the frontage, it is usually not necessary for you to have a water position in your office reception area. 3. As I mentioned in the earlier mail, Shapes and Form Feng Shui is equally important for layout placement. Thus, based on Shapes and Form, your office seems to be situated in a favourable position. You should take note that your table should lean against a support i.e. a wall and if possible, the back of your table should preferably not have windows but rather (if possible) a solid wall). In the above, I would consider, that having a good Shapes and Form is indeed a plus point and usually, an advantage. However, if one is able to hire a competent FS consultant, he/she would further visually look at the entire office and even cross-reference to other FS theories like Flying Star to look at the reception area, your office and the entire office. This would indeed be a further advantage. 4. A good Feng Shui consultant would analyse the chart of the office and look at the `Qi' flowing firstly into the reception and into the entire office i.e. either to look at situating the reception at the centre or on one side of the reception area. If a water position, recommend the location and placement. 5. In general, a water fountain, would be a better choice than a fish tank: 5.1 A water fountain, is easier to maintain and depending on its size, is considered `more vibrant' than a fish tank. A fish tank is usually encased (or enclosed on the top) and it is said that `qi' is contained and not as vibrant as say of the fountain / waterfall. In addition, it is much more harder to maintain a fish tank. You also have to consider the type of fish and for some even the shape of the fish tank and the number of fishes. A fish tank (usually) is meant more to correct `sha qi' than say as a `hobby' of wanting to keep fishes. As each office and building is different, I can on `paper' provide a guideline as what to expect and usually, if one can, it is best to consult a competent FS Consultant (where possible). Warmest Regards, Cecil

In my opinion, I saw this caricature and to me, it reminds me of the `three-legged' toad. In my mind, I envisage that a `three-legged' toad had once 4 legs and lost its leg. Well maybe, if it was unforunate and perhaps `stepped' on a landmine... *JOKE*

This is an untitled article on moles. I am not too sure who wrote it thus unable to give credit to the author. If anyone know of the source, I am more than happy to add credit to the work. Anywhere, here goes... MOLES ON THE BODY 1. Throat - An artistic temperament, successful. 2. Chest - Lazy, unsteady, quarrelsome, financially unsound. 3. Breast (right) - Indolent, intemperate. 4. Breast (left)-Active, energetic. 5. Nipple - Fickle and unfaithful. 6. Ribs (right) - Insensitive, cowardly. 7. Ribs (left) - Lazy, humorous. 8. Navel - Great good fortune. 9. Abdomen - Voracious, intemperate and self-indulgent. Should marry someone placid. 10. Hips - Resourceful, valiant and over-amorous. 11. Loins - Mendacious. 12. Groin (right) - Ill health. 13. Groin (left) - Frail. 14. Thigh (right) - Wealth and a happy marriage. 15. Thigh (left) - A warm temperament. 16. Knee (right) - Friendly disposition and happy marriage. 17. Knee (left) - Rash, extravagant, ill-tempered but good business sense. 18. Leg (right) - Energetic and preserving. 19. Leg (left) - Lazy. 20. Ankle - A sharing nature, a sense of humor. 21. Heel - Mentally and physically active. Should beware of making enemies. 22. Foot (right) - Loves traveling. 23. Foot (left) - Thoughtful and gloomy; prefers a sedentary life. 24. Instep - Athletic, quarrelsome. 25. Neck - Many ups and downs. Should be frugal. 26. Shoulder blades - Unhappiness. 27. Shoulder (left) - Easily satisfied. 28. Shoulder (right) - Prudent discreet, faithful and restless. 29. Armpit (left) - Good fortune won by hard work. 30. Armpit (right) - Struggles against heavy odds. 31. Arm (right) - Adversity in early life, contentment in old age. 32. Arm (left) - Courteous, industrious. 33. Elbow - Great talent, great desire to travel. 34. Wrist or hand (right) - Frugal, successful in business. 35. Wrist or hand (left) - Ingenious, artistic. 36. Finger - Dishonest, prone to exaggerate, unable to face reality. 37. Back - Frank with an inquiring mind. Should be cautious. 38. Buttocks - Total lack of ambition. MOLES ON THE FACE Moles on the middle of the forehead reveal a bad-tempered disposition and potential cruel nature. Such people should guard against accidents in their middle age. Mole on the left temple indicates a tendency to be spendthrift and horsetrong. The person should try to live a quite life. Mole on the right temple indicates exceptional ability. The person should guard against illness in later life. Mole on or near the eyebrows belongs to preserving person who is happy in marriage. This person bewares of lightening and food poisoning. Mole on or near the corner of the eye. An honest and forthright person who needs to be loved. Mole on inside and outside of the ear. The person has wealth and fame but tends to be reckless. Mole on the left cheek. A serious, studious and struggling person. Moles on the right cheek promise a successful life after marriage. One mole on each cheek indicates success after hard struggle. Mole on the upper side of the nose denotes lust and extravagance. Moles on the left side of the nose (middle) indicate a changeable nature. An untrustworthy but lucky person who should be bewares of falls. Moles on the right side of the nose (middle) shows a great traveling urge, an outdoor occupation involve plenty of movement. Mole on the tip of the nose indicates a sincere friend though very outspoken. A mole on the nostrils is a sign of a rover. Mole on the lips signifies greed but benevolence. Mole on the lower lips shows a quiet and studious nature. Good fortune is indicated in later life. Moles on the chin show conscientious, common sense and artistic ability. These people make the best of any opportunities and improve a lot with age. Mole on the left lower jaw indicates a critical nature. Beware of ill health. Mole on the right lower jaw shows danger. You should beware of fire and water in your youth.

Dear Tracy, In general, spiral staircases are best to be avoided. However, it also depends on the location. As you have briefly mentioned, that it cannot be seen directly... If it is not seen directly from the main entrance, this is a `plus' point. Overall, the spiral staircase has to be looked at in the context of the whole house and its location in relation to the layout plan. And based on situation. Warmest Regards, Cecil

This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_00A3_01C11FF2.26BF4320 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable This article shares light into the hanging of a handphone on one's =neck... and the `new' danger it may pose to a person:- --- Original Message -- Hello Everyone, There has been a growing trend of people starting to wear their hand =phones around their necks with some sort of a necklace device. This =trend started to come about recently when hand phones have started to get =lighter and lighter. However, doing so is actually very harmful according to doctors. As we =all know, hand phones discharge a lot of harmful radiation and that is one part of the body that we certainly do not want to be exposed. A =seemingly healthy and active lady in her late 20s went for a regular =check-up and it was found that she had heart murmurs, that is a highly =irregular heart beat. She had no previous cases of heart problems and =led a healthy life with a good diet and sufficient exercise. Later it was found that she has been hanging her hand phone around her =neck for some time and the doctors deduced that it might be the cause of =her heart murmurs. Just like the time when they had to treat another =lady because her hand phone caused an interference with her pace maker. =Her heart attack coincided with a call coming in on her hand phone. There has also been an alarming increase in the cases of breast cancer =where the patients hung their hand phones around their neck. Some were =lucky enough to discover their illness at an early stage. So far, none =of this can actually be verified but is it really worth it to find out =the hard way? If you are hanging your hand phone around your neck, STOP =IMMEDIATELY! you don't know how much irrepairable harm you have done to =yourself already! Forward this to all your family and friends to let =them know of this harmful trend and get them to STOP doing it! ------=_NextPart_000_00A3_01C11FF2.26BF4320 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable This article shares light into the =hanging of a handphone on one's neck... and the `new' danger it may pose to a person:- --- Original Message -- Hello Everyone, There has been a =growing trend of people starting to wear their hand phones around their necks =with some sort of a necklace device. This trend started to come about recently =when hand phones have started to getlighterand =lighter. However, doing so is actually very =harmful according to doctors. Aswe all know, hand phones discharge a lot =of harmful radiation and that is one part of the body that we certainly =do not want to be exposed.A seemingly healthy and active lady in her late =20s went for aregular check-up and it was found that she had heart =murmurs, that is ahighly irregular heart beat. She had no previous cases of =heart problemsandled a healthy life with a good diet and =sufficient exercise. Later it was found that she has been hanging her hand phone = aroundher neck for some time and the doctors deduced that it might =be thecauseofher heart murmurs. Just like the time when =they had to treat anotherladybecause her hand phone caused an =interference with her pace maker.Her heart attack coincided with a call coming =in on her hand phone. There has also been an alarming =increase in the cases of breastcancer where the patients hung their hand phones =around their neck. Somewerelucky enough to discover their illness =at an early stage.So far, none of this can actually be verified but is =it really worthit to find out the hard way? If you are hanging your hand =phone aroundyourneck, STOP IMMEDIATELY! you don't know how much irrepairable harm youhavedone to yourself =already!Forward this to all your family and friends to let them know of thisharmful =trend and get them to STOP doing it! ------=_NextPart_000_00A3_01C11FF2.26BF4320--

I believe some of us have read about the claims on the health giving =properties of drinking green tea. I find this article interesting. WORK HARD BUT DO TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH. According to increasing research worldwide, each cup of green tea is more than just a comforting brew. It could very well be your cup of good health. 1. FRESHEN UP For starters, tea enhances your environment. New research points to used tea bags to help fight sick-house syndrome. According to Tokyo Metropolitan Comprehensive Consumer Centre, formaldehyde, usually found in bonding agents, emits an unpleasant odour sometimes causing allergies and other health problems. Their experiment revealed that tea leaves - black or green, fresh or used - do not release the substance back into the atmosphere after it has been absorbed. If placed in a closed space, such as a cupboard, the leaves also make a significant difference in reducing the amount of formaldehyde in the air. 2. A NATURAL ELIXIR Green tea contains a high content of vitamins, minerals and about 15 - 30 percent more polyphenols. The most potent ingredients found in green tea is polyphenols, a group of powerful antioxidants. The best known of these polyphenols is from the "cathechin" family which has been shown in numerous studies to have far-reaching beneficial effects on the entire body. 3. THE TUMOUR TERMINATOR Researchers found that EGC, a compound in green tea inhibits an enzyme required for cancer cell growth and can kill cultured cancer cells with no ill effect on healthy cells. Although all teas come from the same botanical source, green tea differs from black or oolong teas because it goes through very little processing and hence, has better nutritional and medicinal benefits. Findings by Purdue University suggested that =drinking more than four cups of green tea a day could provide enough of the active compound EGC to slow and prevent the growth of cancer cells. Other research shows that green tea may be a promising weapon in the fight against cancers of the breast, stomach, colon, bladder, prostate, oesohagus and liver. One study even pointed out that although Japan has one of the highest rate of smokers in the world, they have one of the lowest rates of lung cancer of any developed nation because the Japanese have long consumed green tea with their meals. 4. MATTERS OF THE HEART Heart disease and strokes are associated with a number of risk factors and green tea appears to mitigate many of these risk factors. Researchers speculate that antioxidants are at work again. They probably prevent low-density lipoprotein(LDL) from promoting the plague build-up that clogs arteries. Other research has shown green tea to inhibit abnormal blood clot =formation, the leading cause of heart attacks and strokes, as effectively as aspirin. 5. THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH You can retard the ageing process by filling up on antioxidants. The very fact that green tea contains a powerful antioxidant is a strong foundation for believing it can help delay or even reverse ageing. Tea antioxidants are not only 100 times as effective as vitamin C, but they are also 25 times as effective as vitamin E in neutralising free radicals. 6. ANTI-ARTHRITIS AGENT Green tea is said to prevent rheumatoid arthritis, a disease characterised by inflammation, pain, swelling and joint destruction, which is known to afflict middle-aged women. 7. A WEIGHTY ISSUE If you are trying to lose weight, sipping green tea may be the only workout you need according to some researchers. In a study at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, green tea appeared to raise metabolic =rates and speed up fatxiation. 8.. CAN THE CAVITIES Halitosis or bad breath can be embarasing, but instead of reaching for a mint try a sip of green tea instead. It is a known fact that small amounts of fluoride can strengthen teeth and help prevent cavities. Green tea contains natural fluoride. Also, the catechin in green tea has a strong antibacterial effect. So besides killing bacteria that cause cavities and eliminating bad breath, it can suppress the formation of plague, which can result in gum disease. We know from current research that there's a high correlation between gum disease and heart disease, and this could explain why there is a lower cardiovascular disease risk =among tea drinkers. HOW TO DRINK YOUR TEA? Use one tea bag or one to two teaspoons of leaves per cup. Fill a kettle with cold water and bring it to a boil; allow it to stand for up to three minutes. Water should not be boiling hot to prevent throat irritation and an an increased risk of oesophageal cancer. Pour the heated water over the tea bag or tea leaves and allow it to steep for up to three minutes. Allow the tea to cool for three more minutes before taking a sip. Don't add milk because it can inhibit the absorption of polyphenols. COMPONENTS OF GREEN TEA Catechin - reduce risk of cancer, restraints tumours, lowers blood =cholesterol, prevents high blood sugar, kills bacteria, fights flu virus, prevents cavities and bad breath. Caffeine - keeps you awake, =works as a diuretic Vitamin C - reduces stress, prevents colds and flu Vitamin B - promotes metabolism. Flavonoids - strengthens the blood vessel wall, prevents bad breath Vitamin E - works as an antioxidant, helps to maintain youthfulness. Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid (GABA) - lowers high blood pressure.

Dear Jacqueline, When one tries to apply the Five Elements concept to a sector of a room, ideally, it should be referenced with the Flying Star Theory. This is because, the Flying Star Theory, uses the five elements to analyse each sector and the ultimate aim here is to create a balance at this sector. Thus it does not matter if your coal fire faces north and postulate whether it takes on `fire' etc... Warmest Regards, Cecil

Dear Major Sono, 1. Yes, in Feng Shui, one has also to rank the importance of the various concepts and theories. 2. In general, without looking into detail, the layout plan viz-a-viz things like the location of the main entrance, toilet locations, it would be good to have the President's office located at a `solid' location protected behind by e.g. walls ... 3. Thus you are not wrong to say that an office or room should be diagional to the main door. In addition, the placement of the table in relation to shapes and form is best. 4. Only after the above is `satisified' then you see if you have the luxury of facing a good location i.e. `nice to have'. But not compulsory. Warmest Regards, Cecil