Go ahead for Singapore F1 street circuit

THE F1 Singapore Grand Prix street circuit has received in-principle approval from FIA, the world governing body for motorsports, Minister of State for Trade and Industry S Iswaran announced on Friday.

Expressing delight at the speedy go-ahead, the Minister said: 'This approval has come quite quickly, within just four months since we announced the hosting of the F1 race.'

But the race promoters, Singapore Grand Prix, are still awaiting confirmation on whether it can stage a night race, which will be held exactly one year from now on Sept 28, 2008.

Mr Iswaran said the race promoters, with the strong support of government agencies led by STB, have made good progress and are on track to presenting a very special race to the world next year.

He described the Singapore's street circuit in Marina Centre as a compelling win-win proposition for Formula One and Singapore.

'It will be an attractive and exciting Formula One race venue on many counts,' he said and went on to highlight the track circuit.

The Singapore Grand Prix is Asia's first street race and it will run counter-clockwise, making Singapore one of only three circuits in the world to do so, along with Istanbul in Turkey and Sao Paulo in Brazil.

Spanning 5.067km, with 14 left hand turns and 10 right hand turns, the Singapore street circuit will present several thrilling straights and tight turns for dramatic action that will not only test the capabilities of the F1 drivers but also satisfy even the most avid race enthusiasts.


From a Singaporean perspective, the circuit will showcase Singapore's skyline in the heart of the city and many historic buildings.

It will take the F1 drivers and half a billion television viewers past some of our iconic landmarks like the City Hall, the former Supreme Court, the Padang and The Esplanade. As you can well imagine, the scene outside The Esplanade will be quite different one year from today.

The in-principle go ahead for the circuit from FIA will pave the way for road works to commence.

The Land Transport Authority will manage modifications to some existing infrastructure such as road kerbs and traffic islands as well as the construction of a new 1.2 km road alongside the pit building that forms the start and finish straight.

The FIA will make several inspections on the progress in the coming months and issue the full circuit licence after the final inspection on the week of the race itself.

Mr Iswaran said Singapore is awaiting confirmation from the FIA on whether the Sept 28 Grand Prix will be the first night race in F1 history.

STB and other government agencies are working closely with the race promoter to ensure the lighting trials run smoothly, he said.

Meanwhile, Singapore GP will launch the sale of corporate hospitality packages in November and the season passes in December.

Night racing has become the latest fad in Formula One, even though an actual race has yet to be held under floodlit conditions.

Whilst it would certainly be a spectacle to have F1 cars screaming around the city circuit against the night sky, the economic dimension of having the race at a more convenient time for viewers in Europe is just as crucial.

Malaysia, Japan, China, and India have all been said to be looking at possible night races to cater to European audiences, who would have needed to wake up at 3 or 4am to catch the season opener in Melbourne this year.

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has already impressed upon Australian race organisers that night racing is imperative, with global viewership of the Melbourne leg falling from 339 million in 1999 to 82 million.

However, drivers have also been divided over the issue of safety, with some concerned about the possibility of a mid-race blackout, and blinding glare coming off puddles in the event of rain.

The organisers of next year's race in Singapore have given the assurance that safety is of prime concern, and a night race will only happen if the motorsports' governing body, the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), gives the go-ahead.

Recent trials of night-time racing in France were successful, and two more trials - one in Singapore and one overseas - are expected soon.
- The Straits Times

Toilets

Singapore's "magic monkey" trees inspire cult, cynics

SINGAPORE (Reuters Life!) - Buddha sat for years under one to find enlightenment, and scientist Isaac Newton had his epiphany in another's shade. But for many Singaporeans, trees are useful for a more prosaic quest -- lucky lottery numbers.

The discovery of two "monkey heads" poking out of the bark of an otherwise non-descript African Mahogany tree have sparked a minor craze in the southeast Asian state, as devotees seek numbers from what they believe to be a god living in the tree.

Bananas, peanuts and peaches have been left as offerings to please the monkey god, sacred in Chinese mythology and Hinduism. A wheel-like device which kneeling gamblers turn by hand in front of the tree to spit out numbered balls has helped fuel the mania.

"Most people come for lottery numbers", explained Madam Kang, who had traveled half way across the island to join a crowd of a hundred onlookers milling around the tree on a weekend afternoon.

"There were three car accidents by the tree but no one was hurt, so people believe it was the monkey god protecting them."

Not long after the monkey god reportedly aided a series of wins, another three trees bearing gnarls that resemble gods were discovered along the same -- now jammed -- road.

Cartons of milk and more joss sticks garnish a small shrine set up in front of the elephant god Ganesha on a nearby tree, where a nobbly "elephant" head juts from the trunk.

Meters away, more onlookers snap images of a bark outline of the Chinese mercy goddess, Guan Yin, while others pat an oval bark eruption on another tree, ringed with garlands and said to be a tiger-dragon god tree.

SPIRIT PANTHEON
Despite the sacred trees' popularity, not all are convinced.

"The uneven bark surface at the base of the tree trunk is the result of callusing, a natural reaction in which the tree grows new bark over injured areas", a spokeswoman for the National Parks Board told the official Straits Times newspaper.

Other skeptics say the concept is simply too good to be true.

"If the tree can give money, most of the people in Singapore are not going to work. They'd just go to the tree and ask for the number," laughed taxi driver Mahmud Sanusi.

"After a few months maybe somebody will find a rock, with Mickey Mouse on it," said another taxi driver Chan Chee Siong.

But for others, sacred and lucky trees are a reality.

Bamboo and wooden "wishing trees", where devotees pray and hang written wishes, are found in several Chinese temples. And small shrines, nestled into the trunks of the roadside trees, are a common sight on this verdant island.

Henry Yap finds nothing strange about worshipping each week at a yellow-painted shrine set up in the roots of a massive banyan beside a shopping mall. "When you come here you set your mind free. It's what you call a holy place. It's very different from an indoors place," he explained.

For lucky tree-devotees, winning is believing. In February, 26-year-old Han Weili won $2,000 in the lottery with what he said were numbers gained from a lucky tree outside his housing block.

"I'd never won before" he said. "After I won I said thank you to the tree and bought it some food and some small flowers. I didn't buy anything with the money."

Despite local protests, estate renovations have now fenced off the tree. Devotees say the god "moved" to another sacred tree -- a 120-year-old, 30 meter (98 foot) tall Bodhi that towers over a temple, and which is now mobbed at weekends.

Volunteers at the temple, who believe the tree is Singapore's oldest and most sacred, are perplexed at its new fan base. But they can not stop them.

"No one can explain it. God appears in different forms to suit the culture," said temple volunteer Alice Chua.

"Being greedy is against our precepts, in Buddhism we don't encourage gambling. But we can't stop their luck if they do win."

- By Gillian Murdoch

Arts

Fu Dogs

This spectacular pair of immaculate bronze Fu Dogs are specially made for those who adore perfection. The male has a globe under his paws while the female has a child under her paws. This pair of dogs are smiley and are extremely obedient creatures to their owners. This ancient guardians have been used as potent protectors in imperial palaces, homes of high officials and rich merchants. In modern times, they are invited into homes to protect against theft and robbery, to help out working people who are not at home most of the time. Today, even office desks in cubicle set-up are being decorated with this kind of Fu Dogs to "woof" away thiefs and people of bad intention.
What Fu Dogs symbolize and how to place this object? The name Fu Dogs are actually derived chinese "foh" (recited in chinese as Buddha) because these beings are found as stone mounting guardians at Buddhist temples.

They are considered sacred in Buddhism, where most deities are depicted sitting on it. It is the emblem of wisdom, power and protection, which could be the reason why they are being embroidered on ancient chinese official robes.

These powerful guardians are fun to own like a lovely pair of real dogs at our homes and are easy to tame.

This powerful symbol provides potent protection and demon scaring for ancient palaces, banks, mansions, shops, malls, businesses, hotels and jewellery shops. Their faces may look like lions, but take note that they are different from the actual lions.

The male is usually depicted holding a ball to signify important global network for business people outside and external protection, while the female holding a child signifies protection of members of the household or premise. The male is placed on the left (from inside looking out of your premise) and the female holding a child is placed on the right (from inside looking out of your premise).

Ancient legend revealed that the Fu Dogs produce milk from their paws and enjoyed sporting with hollow balls. Therefore, ancient people place hollow balls in the jungle in hope of them leaving some milk onto the hollow balls. This is the reason why many chinese artpieces would show two Fu Dogs playing with the hollow balls. And these two Fu Dogs actually have the same significance as the two supreme Dragons playing with the pearl.

The Fu Dogs are popularly known as defender of law and protector of buildings. The Fu Dogs provide ultimate protection, wards of evil spirits and harmful people, nourishes chi that enters homes, bring in happy blessings and dissolves bad chi from neighbourly formations when placed in front of your main door at either sides or raised high up on both sides of your main gate.

Place a pair of the Fu Dogs at the door front on either sides if the door is facing the lift, stairs or escalator to dissolve rushing bad chi. They can be placed on floor level or raised to higher level.

Natural remedies to protect your aura & energy from environmental pollution

As we develop spiritually our vibration increases, so too does our sensitivity to energy & vibration around us. We become more sensitive to the negative effects of environmental pollution generated by microwaves, television, computers, mobile phones .The ideal solution would be to avoid contact with such pollutants but for most of us this would not be practical. We should also acknowledge how we benefit from having access to technology such as computers & the internet.

It is likely that we are all adversely effected by electromagnetic pollution & studies have highlighted links to common ailments & serious disease. As you develop spiritually you may notice that you become tired & drained, some people develop chronic illness .

There are natural remedies that may ease the effects of electromagnetic pollution. Try some of these remedies for yourself & develop your own cleansing & protection routine to keep yourself in balance. Crystals can be an effective way to deflect the negative energy omitted by television, microwaves or computers. Try the following crystal remedies:

Amethyst is a powerful & protective stone that blocks negative environmental energies

Iron pyrite also know as Fool's Gold works extremely well as an energy shield by blocking negative energy & pollutants.

Amazonite has the ability to act as a powerful filter. It absorbs microwaves & cell/mobile phone emanations. Amazonite protects generally from electromagnetic pollution.

Hematite is a good protective stone as it prevents all types of negative energy entering the aura.

Aromatherapy & essential oils may also guard against the negative effects of environmental pollution. Try basil, bay

The colour red can help to absorb negative energy emitted by technology . Place a red throw or cushion near the television or computer.

Plant & flower essences also offer protection from environmental pollution. Aspen & Beech from the Bach flower remedy range help you portect the crown & third eye from electromagnetic pollution. The combination essence Guardian (Developed by Alaskan Flower essences) is helpful for people who live or work around computers & other types of technology

Bloesem Flower essences produce an essence called Cell phone. It contains Mycena which is a mushroom essence which is used for purification. You could carry this essence with you & keep it near to you & your mobile phone.

Angelsword is an excellent all round protection & purification essence. It is made by Australian Bush Flower essences & it is great at the end of the day when you may be feeling drained by the people or environment you have come from. You can add six to ten drops of Angelsword to a warm bath. Soak for at least 10 minutes & you will feel the negativity dissolve away from you.

Place a few drops of your plant, flower or crystal essence into the palm of your hands & run your hands through your aura, the energy field around your physical body. This will clear your aura & protect it.

Place your crystals or a few drops plant/flower essences in your bath to help remove any negative energy you have picked up during the day.

Make your own room spray/space clearing spray by placing a crystal into spring water. Leave it in a window for a few hours.. If you want to preserve your spray add a few drops of alcohol such as brandy or vodka.

You could also add glycerine as a alternative preservative. You could combine more than one crystal with different plant or flower essences to make your own combination essence. Spray your essence in your aura & around the room for maximum effect.

Protect Your Energies

When you start to raise your energy vibration, you tend to become more sensitive to negative energies around you, and can often find yourself taking on the negative energies of others or of situations around you.

Have you ever felt really up, and positive, full of confidence and off to conquer the world? And then you come into contact with someone who is miserable, down on themselves and just about dragging themselves through every minute.

Have you noticed that it often does not take long before you also feel down and low, and your optimism has evaporated?

You just came into contact with an energy vampire, who literally siphoned off your positive energy.

As we work more and more with energies, it is vital that we learn to protect our positive energies. Most negative people do not realize that they are draining energies from others, yet there are also people who deliberately set out to flow negative energies to others with a view to causing them harm or upsetting their balance in some way.

There are some very simple techniques you can use to protect yourself and your loved ones. Most involve visualization and some involve the use of crystals, colour and light.

1. Angels or Universe as protectors-
You can call on your angels to protect to in any circumstances or to protect your property. I always use this when I leave my car or am away on holiday. I imagine the angels as policemen with big truncheons and rottweilers guarding my property

2. WHITE LIGHT-
imagine yourself wrapped in a big bubble of WHITE LIGHT. Imagine it is all round you, including around your feet and head and see it stretching about 3-4 feet (1- 1.5m) metres beyond yourself.

A variation on this is to imagine a cross of white light. Draw it with your hands- from top to bottom and left to right and then circle your hands around yourself like a spiral or vortex.

You can then green all round yourself for healing and then purple over the top for extra protection

3. Even more powerful is a bubble of GOLDEN Light because it allows love and good things into your energy field and converts negative energy back into positive and returns it to the sender as positive energy.

4.Imagine yourself inside a dark blue cloak.
It totally surrounds you and comes down to the floor. Imagine wrapping it around yourself and zipping up the hood, so you are completely inside

5. You can imagine yourself with a shield around yourself. I imagine mine rising up or coming down to the music from Thunderbirds, so you are inside and you are protected from any negative. Yet you can still connect with people and are not closed off to them.You just do not take on any of their negative energies.

6.Crystals-
If you are working on your computer, set a piece of quartz on your computer. It will absorb a lot of the negative energies.

7.One of the most powerful crystal protectors is a dark brown stone called "Tigers Eye". It has a long history of protection going right back to ancient times. You can either carry it with you or imagine it as another layer of protection around you.

If you are using crystals, it is important to wash them first, preferably in salt water, let them dry in natural light and them charge them up with your intention, of what you would like them to do for you- whether it is healing or protection.

These are just a few ways to protect your energies. If you have worked so hard to be positive and in the flow, protect your energies and don't let others pull you down.
- By Amanda Goldston