Feb 4, 2010 - dismal days. After all, we figured, even if investors no longer put any ...... resist what will be a big t
FENG SHUI INDEX 2010
YEAR OF THE GOLDEN TIGER
What’s inside PAGES 01-03 CLSA Feng Shui Index: How we see the Hang Seng performing in 2010 PAGES 04-05 Highlights of the report and the Year of the Tiger PAGES 06-11 Detailed month-by-month guide, including notes of the lucky and unlucky days PAGES 12-15 How the market performed
PAGES 16-27 Learn what’s in store for you with our predictions for each of the Zodiac signs PAGES 28-33 Fortunes for famous faces: Warren Buffett, Wang Chuanfu, Zhang Yin, Pansy Ho, Lee Shau-kee and Chrissie Chau PAGES 34-35 Our new feng shui Hong Kong property guide pinpoints the hottest plots PAGES 36-37 How to placate the three major bad qi sources and
PAGE 38 Strategies to boost your wealth, luck and happiness during the Year of the Tiger
CLSA FENG SHUI INDEX
It is written Of all the 36 stratagems, knowing when to retreat is the best.
Wooden you know it:
T
hey say the follow-up is always the toughest (just ask the likes of Alanis Morissette, Terence Trent D’Arby and Dido). So we’re
The degree of change each month is based on consultations with leading feng shui masters, as well as our own inhouse readings and assessments. Solstices, equinoxes and eclipses often mark key changes in fortune; we’ve also noted the year’s four most auspicious dates, plus four on which to watch your step. In technical terms, the first few months form a classic pair of ‘Tiger’s ears’, with the ‘nose nadir’ about the end of May. The second half should deliver one of the best ‘Tiger’s leaps’ in decades, carrying us from late August through to year’s end. Bears beware, the Tiger is on the prowl.
Shui Index, given the success of last year’s. One of the main reasons we revived the index last February after a three-year break was to try to cheer up clients back in those dark, dismal days. After all, we figured, even if investors no longer put any stock in fundamentals, they might still enjoy a bit of fun. The result proved far more popular than we’d expected (perhaps
+5 +4
Most auspicious days
Solstices & equinoxes
Most inauspicious days
Solar & lunar eclipses
Bumpy month for the market; quite volatile
+3 +2
Good month for the market Money will come from the southwest
Money will come from the east Take note of the vernal equinox
+1
Another bumpy one for the market Money will come from the southeast Take note of the inauspicious day
0 -1 -2
07 May
As with all good feng shui chartists, we mark the start of the year from Li Chun (the first day of Spring by the solar calendar). This year, it’s 4 February (as opposed to the Chinese lunar New Year on 14 February). We then use a fortune scale from +5 to -5 to indicate the relative monthly movements of the Hang Seng Index.
understandably a little nervous about this edition of the CLSA Feng
21 March
Reading the Index
-3 -4
(04 FEB-15 MAR)
(16 MAR-13 APR)
(14 APR-13 MAY)
FEBRUARY 2010 Wood Tiger
MARCH 2010 Wood Rabbit
APRIL 2010 Earth Dragon
-5
01
Golden Tiger puts the ‘fang’ into we should have been able to predict that); we not only quickly ran out of spare copies, we even had to fend off non-clients trying to beg, borrow or buy the report. So, how did our predictions for the Year of the Earth Cow shape up? Not bad, especially considering the scepticism that greeted our call that the market would soon bottom and go on to finish the year with a strong ‘cow’s gambol’. (Admittedly, we saw this kicking off mid-year, rather than March-April.) Other forecasts were also on the money: gold breaking US$1,000/oz; the resurgence of the Hong Kong and China property markets; liquidity flows into Hong Kong . . . No sign yet of that monster crystal being found near Mongolia, though. What’s next? From 4 February 2010, the much more exciting, if erratic, Tiger takes charge, with its heavenly stem or influence of metal (which is why many people refer to it as the Golden Tiger) and
CLSA FENG SHUI INDEX 2010 Good month for the market, but volatile
Great month for the market, despite volatility
Back to bumpy for the market
Take note of the total solar eclipse
Money will come from the north
Take note of the autumnal equinox
Money will come from northeast
23 September
Also note the summer solstice auspicious day
12 July
03 June
25 May
16 May
Take note of the inauspicious days
Money will come from the west
Note the partial lunar eclipse
26 June
Money will come from the centre
Money will come from northwest
21 June
More settled, but still a bumpy time for the market
Money will come from the south
Good month for the market
Great month for the market, despite volatility
(14 MAY-11 JUN)
(12 JUN-11 JUL)
(12 JUL-09 AUG)
MAY 2010 Fire Snake
JUNE 2010 Fire Horse
JULY 2010 Earth Sheep
(10 AUG-07 SEP)
(08 SEP-07 OCT)
(08 OCT-05 NOV)
AUGUST 2010 SEPTEMBER 2010 OCTOBER 2010 Metal Monkey Metal Rooster Earth Dog 02
CLSA FENG SHUI INDEX
our Feng Shui Index
It is written When men speak of the future, the gods laugh.
earthly branch of wood. These two elements typically conflict, so get set for even more volatility than usual from this restless, hungry Tiger. This year’s divining duties again fall to Vonnie Chan, aided by her loyal wand-bearers Alex Cheuk and George Chan. With the help of all manner of heavenly and earthly experts, we’ve compiled another great tongue-in-cheek guide to the year ahead, featuring ready-reckoners for each sign, a month-by-month guide, forecasts for famous faces, a property hot list, tips to ensure loads of luck and money head your way, and much more. Kung hei fat choi! And may the Hang Seng roar!
How it all started The CLSA Feng Shui Index began life as a Chinese New Year card for clients in 1992, with a simple summary of forecasts by feng shui masters, plus the views of our own consultant. To flesh it out, we also predicted the performance of the Hang Seng Index, based on the investment omens.
Money will come from the east
Good month for the market overall
Take note also of the auspicious day
21-22 December
Take note of the auspicious day
08 December
Note the total lunar eclipse ahead of the winter solstice
17 November
Money will come from the southwest
Money will come from the southeast Take note of the final most auspicious day
16 January
Good month for the market, despite volatility
Year ends with yet another good month for the market
(06 NOV-05 DEC)
(06 DEC-03 JAN)
(04 JAN-04 FEB)
NOVEMBER 2010 Water Pig
DECEMBER 2010 Water Rat
JANUARY 2011 Earth Cow
No one paid much attention to the contrarian chart. But by year’s end it had correctly called all seven of the Hang Seng’s major turns. Over the years, our tongue-in-cheek index hasn’t always proved so reliable (indeed, for a while there you would have done well betting against it). However, it has always been popular. And the enthusiasm with which its revival last year was greeted suggests it has a long and happy future ahead of it.
03
HIGHLIGHTS
It is written Like the weather, one’s fortune may change by the evening.
Golden glows, hot lots
T
iger years are typically marked by dramatic changes and even upheaval (see ‘Previous Tiger years’, starting on page 12). As with
any good rollercoaster, there’s no upside without a bit of downside, but you can survive the ride in much better shape if you see the turns before they come. We hope this guide helps you with that. Tigers can be volatile at the best of times, and this year’s yang (male) influence coming on top of the inherent conflict between the ruling metal and wood elements means we’re in for a mighty interesting 12 months. It’ll be worth the price of admission in the end, but hold onto your hats! Below, we offer a quick look at some highlights of the year ahead, plus point to a few of the features in the following pages.
It shall be Shanghai Disneyland unveils its new Mickey Mao mascot.
Sectors: The good, the great and the bumpy The key to forecasting sector and segment performance is assessing how their predominant element will fare this year. In a nutshell, then, here are the good, the great and the bumpy. Great: Gold and other non-ferrous metals (notably silver, copper, zinc and aluminium); steel; machinery (all regarded as Metal).
McDonald’s hamburger patty bearing a likeness of Michael Jackson’s face fetches a five-figure sum when auctioned on eBay.
Silver - the India to China’s gold - enjoys a spectacular runup during the second half.
Great: Pulp and paper; clothing; pharmaceuticals (Wood). Good: Technology; power; telecoms; electronics; petrochemicals (Fire). Good: Property (Earth). Bumpy: Shipping; airlines; logistics; autos; transport (Water).
Sharemarket: Get set to ride the wild Tiger The key word this year is ‘volatile’ and the best advice is to keep your cool. There’s an old Chinese saying that translates roughly as, ‘Once on a tiger’s back, it’s hard to get off’. But if you can hang on, it’s certainly the safest place to be. The relative monthly market movements shown in our Feng Shui Index (see pages 01-03) mask what we expect to be some
Sea levels rise . . . and then fall again later that day when the tide goes out.
04
rollercoaster rides week to week and even day to day. Be particularly careful on 7, 16 and 25 May and on 3 June. Overall, we see two key upswings in the Hang Seng, about the start of June and September.
HIGHLIGHTS
and a sex kitten Gold and other gems: The future looks bright
It is written Even the cleverest housewife cannot cook rice without rice.
Our main concern about the direction for gold is that even cab drivers are talking it up these days - usually a sure bet it’s about to tank. But there’s no ignoring the signs: with this Tiger year’s heavenly stem being metal, gold is set for a great run (as is silver - see ‘It shall be’ on the facing page). We see the rally really kicking off mid-year (see also ‘It shall be’ on page 11). This Tiger favours commodities of all stripes.
Famous faces: “Uncle Four” and a few more You might think China’s wealthiest woman has had more than enough good luck. Think again: Nine Dragons Paper’s Zhang Yin is set for one of her best years yet. How about Pansy Ho? Being a Tiger, isn’t she in for a tough time? Don’t bet on it. Stanley’s daughter is set to beat the odds and clean up. We also explain why workhorse Warren Buffett and BYD stablemate Wang Chuanfu will be feeling their oats; reveal whether “Uncle Four” Lee Shau-kee (right) and his lucky Rabbit’s foot can pull off another market coup; and preview Chrissie Chau’s
It shall be Discovery of original text of Patanjali’s sutras reveals that ‘yoga’ is actually an ancient Indian drinking game.
sexy new undertakings. Turn to pages 28-33.
Hong Kong property: How not to lose the plot
Paradigm shifts a touch to the left and up a bit.
For the first time, this year’s CLSA Feng Shui Index features a Hong Kong property snapshot highlighting the best and worst areas across the entire SAR, plus a focus on the main island. Overall, we see a year of consolidation. Prices will continue their climb early on (see also our forecast for Lee Shau-kee on page 32), but there’ll be some weakness
Red faces in high places after major wager on minor miner.
towards year-end, particularly in the residential mass market (see also ‘It shall be’ on page 11). Young homebuyers and first-timers would be best waiting until the second half. As for which specific areas will be the hottest, turn to pages 34-35 to find out.
05
MONTH-BY-MONTH GUIDE
It is written He who depends on himself will attain the greatest happiness.
February: Wood Tiger
14 February - 15 March
GOOD MONTH Lucky days: 05, 13, 19, 22 and 25 February; 03, 10 and 14 March Unlucky days: 15, 18 and 27 February; 11 and 12 March They’re the feud dudes of the element world, so when Metal (year) and Wood (month) go head to head and the heavens toss a Tiger into the mix, get set for plenty of fireworks. Good practice for what promises to be a big-Mach rollercoaster ride of a year. Not that a bit of nailbiting and stomach-churning means the month’s a writeoff. Far from it; there’ll be some fantastic opportunities for those sharp enough to recognise and fast enough to grab them - and not only in the markets. Name game
As a rule, keep your head down, your eyes open and your mouth shut.
Feng shui calculations mark the start of the Year of the Metal Tiger from Li Chun, or the first day of Spring, on 4 February.
Be early for appointments. Seek water for solace and reflection; safe-
However, because the months are calculated on a lunar cycle, the first 10 days of this year fall before the start of the first lunar month (Wood Tiger), on 14 February. Here, we include the two auspicious days that occur during this period, being 05 and 13 February. As well, we name the lunar months according to where they fall in the Western calendar; thus, the first month here is February, rather than ‘Lunar January’, as some charts describe it.
06
guard against water-borne infection. Ginger is your friend.
March: Wood Rabbit
16 March - 13 April
BUMPY MONTH Lucky days: 16 March; 03, 08 and 10 April Unlucky days: 20, 23 and 24 March; 04 and 06 April Beware the slides of March! This month has all the makings of a dingdong celestial domestic dispute, with Metal and Wood continuing their row and the Tiger squaring up to the rascally Rabbit - a pairing that’s not exactly feng shui’s Fred and Ginger. The signs portend ongoing market volatility with an overall downward trend (note particularly the 21 March vernal equinox). But there’ll be no shortage of good trades for those brave enough to sport shorts at this time of year. Keep your spirits up, your wits about you and your eye on your wallet. This is no time to be careless with cash, valuables or friendships. Avoid being drawn into petty point-scoring. Eschew fast food; chew slowly.
MONTH-BY-MONTH GUIDE
It is written You can’t expect both ends of the sugar cane to be as sweet.
April: Earth Dragon
14 April - 13 May
BUMPY MONTH Lucky days: 17, 20, 22 and 29 April; 2, 8 and 11 May Unlucky days: 16, 18, 19, 28 and 30 April; 04, 07 and 13 May Return to your seats and fasten your safety belts, folks - there’s more turbulence ahead. Although the Earth Dragon and Metal Tiger make for amiable enough dinner companions, the influence of the stars of misfortune is especially disruptive this lunar month. Maintain a balanced mind and you’ll emerge like a 007 martini: stirred, not shaken. Be at your most cool, calm, collected and careful on 7 May, which is the first of this year’s wolf pack of four potentially punitive dates. Try new things: practice the tai chi movement ‘Part the wild horse’s mane’, for example.
It shall be
Follow the rules, go with the flow, and be careful when driving, espe-
Global-warming guru revealed as major buyer of waterfront property and several small Pacific islands.
cially on the golf course. Enjoy the satisfaction of giving anonymously.
Commodities prices go cocoa-lossal!
May: Fire Snake
14 May - 11 June
BUMPY MONTH Lucky days: 15, 20, 23 and 27 May; 01, 04, 05, 09 and 11 June Unlucky days: 16, 22 and 25 May; 03 and 07 June Mayday! Mayday! Well, it won’t be quite that bad, but brace yourself
Nine-word wonder diet takes Western world by storm: ‘Eat less and get up off your fat ass.’
for another feisty few weeks - this probably isn’t the best year to ‘sell in May and go away’. The Metal Tiger enjoys a tango with the Fire Snake about as much as it likes two-stepping with the Wood Rabbit. On top of that, the rest of that wolf pack of unlucky dates will be piling in, one after another: mind your toes on 16 and 25 May and 3 June.
Uzbekistan scientists announce ‘sort of’ successful cloning of a clone.
The good news, though, is that things will be looking up again soon. For now, keep your promises, don’t take any jaw-clenching risks, give an unexpected gift to someone you love, and experiment with nonhallucinogenic mushrooms.
07
MONTH-BY-MONTH GUIDE
It is written Pluck flowers as they bloom; wait and you’ll have only the twigs.
June: Fire Horse
12 June - 11 July
GREAT MONTH Lucky days: 14, 17, 21, 23 and 29 June; 03 and 05 July Unlucky days: 15, 18, 19, 20, 26 and 27 June; 01, 09 and 11 July Here’s a horse to back - and not before time. That said, this may not be the best month for a punt (although a few bob on an outside chance never hurt anyone but the bookies, and the 21 June summer solstice is especially auspicious). Seek solid value and sound fundamentals; the past few months should have shaken loose some pretty pickings. Similarly, take no risks with the opposite sex, regardless of your passionate persuasions (note the partial lunar eclipse of 26 June). Metal-burnishing Fire may put the ‘go’ in gold. Patience is advised for property (see ‘It shall be’ on page 11 and ‘Highlights: Property’ on page 05). Be nice, don’t forget the sunscreen, and mane-tain your equine-imity. It shall be China bails out economic basketcase Vietnam in ‘two countries, one system’ deal described by Beijing as ‘fair’ and by Hanoi as ‘Gaulle-ing’.
July: Earth Sheep
12 July - 09 August
GOOD MONTH Lucky days: 13, 15, 16, 18, 22, 24, 27 and 28 July; 05 August
Fashionable executives begin sporting the Fijian man-skirt, the sulu, plus long white socks and brown plastic sandals; worse yet, safari suits make a comeback.
Unlucky days: 12, 14, 21 and 26 July; 02, 06, 07 and 08 August If last month was ‘pedal to the metal’, then these next few weeks should be a more relaxed ‘cruise control’. This is an excellent time to finally act on long-cherished plans and projects. Half-finished novel in the bottom drawer? Outlines of a better mousetrap on the drawing board? Half-baked management theory on the boil? ‘Just do it!’ as the Swoosh urges. The heavenly influences also favour a focus on family, so be kind to your kin and pamper your partner. Note the total solar eclipse (12
Launch of antisocialnetwork site Inyourfacebook.
08
July). Keep tummy bugs at bay: rediscover the taste sensation that is tofu (but see ‘It shall be’, page 10). And treat your tonsils to the delights of a cheeky Australian red - or even just a cheeky Australian.
MONTH-BY-MONTH GUIDE
It is written
August: Metal Monkey
10 August - 07 September
All people are your relatives; therefore, expect only trouble from them.
BUMPY MONTH Lucky days: 10, 15, 16, 18, 21 and 30 August; 03 and 05 September Unlucky days: 14, 17, 20 and 26 August; 01 and 07 September Feeling down all of a sudden? No wonder, with that Monkey on your back. Springers (Tigers) and swingers (Monkeys) make for strained bedfellows, and we’ll all do well to watch our health, wealth and happiness during these next few weeks. Expect volatility in all spheres. That said, when the going gets tough, the bargain-hunters go shopping, and this month’s market jitters should see some value propositions carelessly cast aside. With investors down in the mouth as markets head south, precious metals look set to break upwards, especially gold, silver and copper. Take the time of an evening to practise gentle breathing and indulge in some nasal-gazing; who nose what’s what and what’s not? It shall be
September: Metal Rooster
08 September - 07 October
GOOD MONTH Lucky days: 12, 15, 16, 24, 27 and 28 September; 06 October Unlucky days: 14, 19, 22 and 26 September; 01 October The markets’ madcap movements this month may resemble serried ranks of razor-sharp butchers’ knives, but the trend is upwards. A mixture of considered and idle speculations offers the possibility of eye-popping returns. The Rooster has no beef with the Tiger, but beware a tumble near the autumnal equinox (23 September). In gold we trust. Regularly
Global outbreak of wine flu; symptoms include bloodshot eyes, furry tongue, throbbing head, selective amnesia, lethargy and shortlived remorse. Preliminary results of a dog-hair-based cure show promise.
Israel destroys Iran’s nuclear facilities; fears of massive retaliation prove unfounded.
disrupt your routines; the benefits will be startling. Take nothing and no one for granted, yourself included. Challenge your prejudices, examine your motives, and seek succour in the soothing sounds of Motown or even some enchanting monastic chanting. Consider the advantages of eggs-istentialism. As Hillel the Elder challenged: ‘If not now, when?’
09
MONTH-BY-MONTH GUIDE
It is written The wise adapt themselves to circumstances, as water moulds itself to the pitcher.
October: Earth Dog
08 October - 05 November
GREAT MONTH Lucky days: 11, 20, 23 and 28 October; 04 November Unlucky days: 08, 09, 13, 16, 21 and 25 October; 02 November Take a bow. Wow! If our reading of the celestial signs is even half right, this month has all the makings of one of the year’s best, with the markets proving that there’s life in the old dog yet. It should also be a particularly good few weeks for relationships, both old and new. Seek inspiration from ancestors and consider both sides of the coin. Recall Hamlet’s observation to two doomed traitors: ‘There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.’ If ever there was a time to buy a clutch of lottery tickets it’s now. Also purchase a money-frog or two to place strategically in your home. Observe the full moon and ponder its lunatic influence. It shall be Worldwide recall of soy products (‘the beige of the food world’) after scientists discover minute traces of ‘some sort of taste’.
November: Water Pig
06 November - 05 December
GOOD MONTH Lucky days: 10, 13, 16, 17, 25, 26 and 29 November; 01 December Opec and Russia combine to drive oil prices ballistic in second half.
Unlucky days: 06, 15, 18, 27 and 30 November After months of exhausting, if exhilarating, gyrations that would have wearied the wildest whirling dervish, the markets should now settle into a strong sustained drive up towards the top-right corner. Time for
Forensic economists track down the only family in the US with not one dollar of debt.
the Tiger to truly get the growl on. With the year’s four darkest days long gone, each of the remaining three months holds in its heart one especially auspicious date (17 November in this case). Crystal-clear communication at work and at home is more important than ever. Say what you mean, by all means, but there’s much to be said for silence. Develop
Australia reclaims the Ashes.
10
your email intuition: think twice before pressing the buttons of sensitive mails. Learn a party trick such as juggling expensive champagne flutes.
MONTH-BY-MONTH GUIDE
It is written Choose a job that you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.
December: Water Rat
06 December - 03 January
GOOD MONTH Lucky days: 06, 08, 18, 20, 25, 29 and 30 December Unlucky days: 10, 12, 15, 21, 22 and 24 December You won’t catch them puckering up under the mistletoe, but the Metal Tiger and Water Rat rub along well enough, and the outlook for the next few weeks is ‘steady as she goes’. Which definitely doesn’t mean dull. There’ll be opportunities aplenty to fill your Christmas stocking (8 December is most auspicious), but beware Santa’s claws on 21-22 December (lunar eclipse and winter solstice). Sadly, the world won’t be filled with goodwill; all the more reason to do what you can and hope for the best. Consider turning over a new leaf as the Western New Year rolls in, but watch out for paper cuts. Legumes can encourage winds of change; indeed, given the season, why not give peas a chance? It shall be Gold breaks through US$2,000/oz.
January: Earth Cow
04 January - 04 February
GOOD MONTH Lucky days: 06, 11, 16, 18, 20, 23, 27 and 30 January Unlucky days: 04, 09, 17, 21, 28 and 29 January; 02 February There’s a good bit of bounce left in the bourse (16 January looks espe-
Mongolia agrees to sell every last ounce of its vast mineral resources to China for what Beijing describes as ‘a fair price’ and Ulan Bator describes as ‘peace of mind’.
cially scintillating) before the Metal Tiger taps the Metal Rabbit and hightails it. The bonny bunny will bring many more hop-portunities; in preparation, clear your closets of any clothing you’d think twice about wearing, and adopt a programme of vigorous and even violent exercise. This is a terrific time for travel, but don’t stray too far from home. It’s true that money can’t buy you love (except the sordid sort) but it’s
Hong Kong property prices tumble mid-year on rumours of major policy switch by Beijing.
jolly handy to have about. May the Metal Tiger pounce on plenty for you this year and fill your boots to the very top buckle. To paraphrase Blake: ‘Tiger, Tiger, earn me right . . .’
11
PREVIOUS TIGER YEARS
It is written
1950: YEAR OF THE METAL TIGER
Respect the gods and the devils, but keep them at a distance.
04 Feb 1950: 204.5 February Frank McNamara launches Diners Club for 200 friends at 14 New York restaurants: ‘the first modern credit card’
25 Jun North Korea invades the South, triggering a war that will pit China against the USA
08 Mar USSR claims to have an atomic bomb
It shall be Tim Berners-Lee concedes that Al Gore really did invent the internet . . . from scratch and all by himself.
08 Apr Secretary of State Dean Acheson says USA will aid France in Indochina
12 Feb Albert Einstein warns that atomic war may lead to mutual destruction
‘Land of 1,000 Smiles’ may well need every last one this year: two events separately threaten Thailand’s fragile political and economic stability.
Handbag-sized mini-pigs (‘weenie weaners’) become the pet du jour.
13 May Giuseppe Farina wins first F1 world series for Alfa Romeo, (Silverstone, in England)
February
March
April
May
June
T
ypically tumultuous, Tiger years are not for the timid. However, for those with the courage of their convictions, there’s plenty of
money to be made from fortune’s twists and turns - and we’re expecting plenty of those this year. How can feng shui help? Careful assessment of the various prevailing
Stunning breakthrough in nanotechnology; first stage in what will be a multi-trilliondollar industry within a decade.
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July
04 FEB -17 MAR 18 MAR -16 APR 17 APR -16 MAY 17 MAY -14 JUN 15 JUN -14 JUL 15 JUL - 13 AUG
heavenly and earthly influences is said to provide a guide to the most likely life-force and energy patterns. Among these influences is the Tai Sui (or ruling god), who each year takes on the characteristics of one of the 12 zodiac signs, under the further heavenly direction of one of the five elements (wood, fire, water, metal or earth). The combination results in a 60-year cycle. We look at other key influences later, in our
PREVIOUS TIGER YEARS
Dow Jones Industrial Average 03 Feb 1951: 252.77 11 Oct US FCC grants first colour-TV broadcast licence, to CBS (it is later blocked in court by RCA)
15 Aug Assam-Tibet (Medog) quake kills 1,500; measuring 8.6, it’s one of the 10 most severe on record
22 Nov Shirley Temple announces retirement from show business
12 Aug Survival Under Atomic Attack manual becomes a bestseller in the USA
02 Oct Peanuts comic strip appears for first time, in seven newspapers
09 Jan United Nations opens new headquarters in New York
1950: THE YEAR IN NUMBERS World population (bn) 2.56 Inflation rate (%) 1.09 New house (US$) 8,450 Annual wage (US$) 3,210 Petrol (US¢/gallon) 18.00 New car (US$) 1,510 Gold (US$/oz) 34.72 Figures are annual averages for the USA
It is written Death and life have their determined appointments; riches and honours depend upon heaven.
It shall be First commercial Komodo farm begins operation in Indonesia.
China says it has new evidence proving that a Qing Dynasty general reached the moon in a fireworks-powered craft in 1843.
August September October November December January 14 AUG - 11 SEP 12 SEP - 10 OCT 11 OCT - 09 NOV 10 NOV - 08 DEC 09 DEC - 07 JAN 08 JAN - 03 FEB
guides to safeguarding and strengthening your home and office and generally boosting your wealth and luck (see pages 36-37 and 38). The last time the Metal Tiger ruled was back in 1950, which was
Subcontinental thrift: this time Delhi’s budget impresses investors; market rallies sharply.
certainly a tumultuous time, and we forecast nothing less dramatic for 2010. Nervous investors may take some comfort, though, in the performance of the Dow Jones Industrial Average back then (see above - the Hang Seng Index hadn’t yet come into existence). Over the page,
The mango is officially declared ‘the clown of the fruit world’.
we offer a quick snapshot of the four intervening Tigers. Equanimity is probably the best frame of mind to adopt this year. Any time you feel there’s a touch too much ‘fang’ in your feng shui fortunes, just remember: This too shall pass.
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PREVIOUS TIGER YEARS
1998: Year of the Earth Tiger
It is written Study the past if you would divine the future.
Hang Seng Index
04 Feb 10,303
03 Feb 9,420
04 February: Year opens with S&P500 having closed above 1,000 It shall be Corporate fallguys Scapegoats ‘R’ Us (‘You do the crime, we do the time’) makes one of the most successful initial public offerings in the NYSE’s history.
07 April: Citicorp and Travelers Group announce historic merger 13-14 May: Economic riots in Indonesia turn into Chinese pogrom 18 May: US Department of Justice files Microsoft antitrust case June-September: Massive flooding along Yangtze River kills 3,000 19 August: Start of Russian financial crisis with default on bonds
1986: Year of the Fire Tiger CLSA publishes shocking new report Mr & Mrs Asia: The Untold Story
China launches tactical nuclear strike against Somali pirates. Bejiing describes the action as ‘fair’; no comment from Mogadishu (or any sound at all).
Hang Seng Index
04 Feb 1,729
03 Feb 2,606
25 February: Marcos ousted by People Power in the Philippines 28 February: Swedish Prime Minister Olaf Palme assassinated Obscure author’s hopes of a place in the literary canon crushed by being awarded Nobel Prize.
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14 April: Hailstones weighing up to 1kg kill 92 in Bangladesh 05 September: Abu Nidal terrorists hijack Pan Am 73 in Karachi 09 October: Rupert Murdoch launches Fox Broadcasting 23 December: Nonstop round-world flight by Burt Rutan’s Voyager
PREVIOUS TIGER YEARS
Year of the Wood Tiger: 1974
It is written Good fortune may forebode bad luck, which may in turn disguise good fortune.
Hang Seng Index
04 Feb 455
03 Feb 206
18 March: Opec ends five-month embargo on US, Europe & Japan 03 April: Record swarm of about 150 tornadoes kills 315 in USA 17 June: Provisional IRA bombs Houses of Parliament in London 09 August: Nixon resigns in wake of Watergate impeachment 30 October: Muhammad Ali regains heavyweight title in Zaire 20 November: AT&T antitrust case begins, triggering breakup
Year of the Water Tiger: 1962
It shall be Google releases new map software that shows you where you went last night, where you are now and the name of the person next to you surreptitiously using their PDA to access Google’s new map software.
Dow Jones Industrial Average* Philippines’ ‘lost tribe’ claim disputed by new evidence suggesting they knew where they were all along.
04 Feb 707
03 Feb 683
04-05 February: Rare conjunction of five planets, Sun and Moon 09 February: Taiwan Stock Exchange Corporation opens 02 July: First Wal-Mart store opens, in Rogers, Arkansas
US Mint outsources printing to Pyongyang; ‘They do a better job much cheaper’ says an official. ‘And the bills already have traces of cocaine.’
10 July: AT&T launches first commercial communications satellite 01 September: Typhoon Wanda hits Hong Kong, killing 130 10 October: Ongoing border disputes erupt into Sino-Indian War * The Hang Seng Index wasn’t published until 24 November 1969
15
ZODIAC SIGN GUIDE
Rat people were born during the 12 months from 5 February 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960 or 1972 or from 4 February 1984, 1996 or 2008
The Rat GOOD YEAR
Famous fellow Rat folk: Silvio Berlusconi, William Shakespeare, Leo Tolstoy, Emile Zola Wealth boost: Put a red object in the south of your home or office. Health boost: Put a musicbox in the west of your home or office. You’re in for an exciting 12 months, with the potential for some big financial payoffs if you’ve got the stomach to take a few quick risks. Focus on being creative, innovative and generous, and trust your nose. Guard against your tendency for mopey mousey melancholy.
Health Your biggest danger is getting caught up in the rat race. Minimise stress and go easy on stimulants (especially alcohol in the early part of the year). Consider taking up a mildly violent pastime. Wealth You’re good with money even at the worst of times; this year offers you several chances to coin it and quickly, but you’ll need to be fast on your feet and tough enough to ride out the rollercoaster. Love You could charm the birds down out of the trees, and you’ll be particularly lucky in love this year. Resist the strong temptation to move onto greener pastures during the Tiger’s final few months. Career If you can successfully combine your natural enthusiasm, curiosity and innovative nature, the rewards will fall into your lap as
Great Good Bumpy
the year comes to a close. Time to smile and say, ‘Cheese’.
Feb Health Wealth Love Career 16
Mar Apr May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct Nov Dec
Jan
ZODIAC SIGN GUIDE
The Cow
Cow people were born during the 12 months from February 4 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997 or 2009
GOOD YEAR
Famous fellow Cow folk: Napoleon Bonaparte, Li Bai, Barack Obama, Jawaharlal Nehru Wealth boost: Put water in the north of your home or office. Health boost: Put a red object in the south of your home or office. Oddly enough, we tend to have a tough time when our zodiac sign matches the cycle year. No more moodiness, Cows: it’s a new year now and one powerful lucky star favours you for most of it. You’ll meet success on many fronts without even breaking a sweat.
Health Favour fresh vegetables over hot, oily or heavy foods and maintain a regime of regular but gentle exercise lest you be bugged by bugs or floored by flu. Don’t lose sleep over occasional insomnia. Wealth Keep your Cow cool during the first few months and you’ll finish this year with your pockets full. You’re not naturally a gambler; resist what will be a big temptation to make fast money mid-year. Love Mmm, you’ve got that lovin’ feeling. Singles: Keep your head early on and you’ll win hearts after August. Those in relationships: You’ll grow even closer, with the bonus of newfound friskiness. Career Enthusiasm will ebb amid enervating ennui and inexplicable uneasiness. Come spring, the fog will lift and prospects brighten for a promotion, a pay rise or the offer of a dream job out of the blue.
Feb
Mar Apr May
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Jul
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Oct Nov Dec
Jan
Health Wealth Love Career 17
ZODIAC SIGN GUIDE
Tiger people were born during the 12 months from 4 February 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998 or 2010
The Tiger BUMPY YEAR
Famous fellow Tiger folk: Ho Chi Minh, Karl Marx, Marilyn Monroe, Sun Yatsen, Oscar Wilde Wealth boost: Put a stone in the southwest of your home or office. Health boost: Put water in the north of your home or office. Easy, Tiger! The main thing between you and a great year ahead (after a slightly shaky start) is your feline willfulness. Opportunities will arise in almost all spheres, especially Wealth and Love, but look before you leap, you crazy cats! Pause before claws.
Health Focus on boosting your immune system with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Without succumbing to hypochondria, head straight to your doctor at the first sign of anything amiss in January. Wealth Want to make some easy money? July and November are extremely favourable for effortless inflows. By contrast, you’ll struggle in April. Give serious thought to providing for your retirement. Love You never lack for passion and this year will bring out the best and the beast in you, particularly in the final months. Those in relationships will find new depths; singles may finally find the One. Career Your ambition and hard work will be amply rewarded if you don’t give way to your volatile tendencies in the face of frustrations
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and setbacks. September is particularly auspicious for promotion.
Feb Health Wealth Love Career 18
Mar Apr May
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Sep
Oct Nov Dec
Jan
ZODIAC SIGN GUIDE
The Rabbit
Rabbit people were born during the 12 months from 4 February 1915 or from 5 February 1927 or 1939 or from 4 February 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987 or 1999
GOOD YEAR
Famous fellow Rabbit folk: Albert Einstein, Nancy Kwan, George Orwell, Leon Trotsky Wealth boost: Put a stone in the northeast of your home or office. Health boost: Put water in the north of your home or office. You may be the luckiest of all the signs, Rabbits, but this year you’ll have to make a lot of the luck yourself. You’ll be drawn towards philosophy and spirituality. Delay acting on any major plans until October; then go hell for leather to reap and safeguard the rewards.
Health Small changes to your routine will help overcome lingering bovine weariness. Watch your step in June lest you suffer a nasty fall and even broken bones. Eat calming foods to avoid nightmares. Wealth Maintain your natural prudence and thriftiness throughout the year; July and October, however, are especially auspicious for harvesting substantial returns. Avoid taking risks in September. Love Balance and harmony will be your watch words, well suited to your need for comfort and ease. Couples have no cause for concern. Single bunnies may find their honeys in December. Hop to it. Career Put in the hard yards and you’ll meet with great success; June is favourable, but January is stellar, especially for impressing your superiors with proposals. Beware backstabbers in November.
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Mar Apr May
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Oct Nov Dec
Jan
Health Wealth Love Career 19
ZODIAC SIGN GUIDE
Dragon people were born during the 12 months from 4 February 1916 or from 5 February 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964 or 1976 or from 4 February 1988 or 2000
The Dragon GREAT YEAR
Famous fellow Dragon folk: Salvador Dali, Deng Xiaoping, Sigmund Freud, Wang Xiaobo Wealth boost: Put water in the north of your home or office. Health boost: Put a red object in the south of your home or office. Focus firmly on family and career this year; with careful attention, they will bring you great happiness and success. Applying your renowned willpower will see you safely through any Tiger troubles. Develop new skills; you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the results.
Health Rich and heavy foods are a weakness. Adopting a healthier organic-rich diet will quickly alleviate sluggishness that sets in from February. Learn to stop worrying and love the ‘om’: take up yoga. Wealth All the signs point to steady inflows throughout the year. Be content with moderate gains and gambles. Stick to your budget: pamper yourself by all means, but resist your tendency to splurge. Love Close relationships may be rocky and at risk if not carefully tended. Forsake fire-breathing for fire-lighting; there’s potential for unprecedented passion. November is most auspicious for the lonely. Career Patience and perseverance will see you derive unexpected satisfaction from your work and strong support from curious quarters.
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Promotion, however, may elude you. Study will bring success.
Feb Health Wealth Love Career 20
Mar Apr May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct Nov Dec
Jan
ZODIAC SIGN GUIDE
The Snake
Snake people were born during the 12 months from 4 February 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989 or 2001
BUMPY YEAR
Famous fellow Snake folk: Bob Dylan, Mao Zedong, Mohandas Gandhi, Alfred Nobel Wealth boost: Put a musicbox in the west of your home or office. Health boost: Put a plant in the east of your home or office. Head down and chin up. Temper your idealistic tendencies with a pragmatic approach and you’ll slide safely past the troublesome Tiger. This is an ideal time to satisfy your yearning for learning, but choose the field carefully. Be open to unusual long-term investments.
Health Laughter may be the best medicine, but a bit of regular exercise wouldn’t hurt. A visit to your dentist in early Spring is advisable. Avoid spicy foods; favour soothing stews and fresh beetroot. Wealth Money will come steadily with little effort. Be content with moderate medium-term returns, but keep a sharp lookout for significant long-term investments in Winter. Think outside the box. Love Snakes are charmers and opportunities for lusty and even licentious liaisons abound this year. Good for singles, but potentially unsettling for those in relationships. Is the grass really greener? Career Praise will be heaped on you from all quarters; promotion will be harder to come by. However, other avenues for reward will open, including the opportunity for a change of job or career path.
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Mar Apr May
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Oct Nov Dec
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Health Wealth Love Career 21
ZODIAC SIGN GUIDE
Horse people were born during the 12 months from 4 February 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990 or 2002
The Horse GREAT YEAR
Famous fellow Horse folk: Neil Armstrong, Jackie Chan, Hu Jintao, Louis Pasteur, Wen Jiabao Wealth boost: Put a musicbox in the west of your home or office. Health boost: Put a plant in the east of your home or office. You’ve got another top year ahead, all the more so if you can rein in that impatience and strategically channel your relentless energy. Trust your instincts over arguments and even seemingly contrary evidence; your decisions will prove to be uncannily on the money.
Health Exercise hard and often, preferably outdoors, but refrain from eating like the proverbial afterwards. Overindulgence may result in fitful sleep and fevers. Favour meditation over mastication. Wealth Expect stable rather than stellar inflows through the year, with the chance of a few rewarding short-term opportunities towards the close. October is no time for major portfolio changes. Love You like to play the field and there’ll be plenty of temptation. You’ll break hearts without even realising you’ve turned heads. Your aloofness is attractive; be careful it doesn’t discourage a true love. Career Keep up your confidence and commitment even during the doldrum days of autumn and your career will take care of itself.
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Make quick instinctive decisions; they’ll turn out for the best.
Feb Health Wealth Love Career 22
Mar Apr May
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Sep
Oct Nov Dec
Jan
ZODIAC SIGN GUIDE
The Sheep
Sheep people were born during the 12 months from 4 February 1919 or from 5 February 1931 or 1943 or from 4 February 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991 or 2003
GREAT YEAR
Famous fellow Sheep folk: Simone de Beauvoir, Coco Chanel, Thomas Edison, Zhang Ziyi Wealth boost: Put water in the north of your home or office. Health boost: Put a red object in the south of your home or office. Brace yourself for a busy and sometimes bewildering year that will fly by at breakneck speed. Trust in the god of small things; triumphs don’t have to be crushing or grand to be savoured. There’s more than enough good fortune coming your way to satisfy your needs.
Health You’ll be vulnerable to all manner of allergies, especially as the seasons turn. Sweet ginger water and herbal infusions sipped slowly of an evening may counter this. Walk whenever possible. Wealth Your credit card is plastic, not elastic; be on guard against impulse buying and so-called friends seeking loans. Protect your home and office against outflows. Put your risk appetite on a diet. Love Your preference for slow-burn romance may be overwhelmed by the allure and excitement of red-hot passion. Those in relationships would do well to don blinkers as temptations will be strong. Career Your knack for being in the right place at the right time will be particularly beneficial in the dying days of summer. Avoid taking sides between colleagues. Cultivate at least a veneer of efficiency.
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Mar Apr May
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Oct Nov Dec
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Health Wealth Love Career 23
ZODIAC SIGN GUIDE
Monkey people were born during the 12 months from 4 February 1920 or from 5 February 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968 or 1980 or from 4 February 1992 or 2004
The Monkey BUMPY YEAR
Famous fellow Monkey folk: Michael Douglas, Han Yu, Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, Yao Ming Wealth boost: Put a plant in the east of your home or office. Health boost: Put a stone in the southwest of your home or office. You’ll need all your renowned mental and physical agility this year. If you keep your wits about you and grab at every opportunity, no matter how risky, the payoffs will be extremely rewarding. Don’t get discouraged by what are minor setbacks; this Tiger isn’t so terrible.
Health Rigorous rather than vigorous exercise is what your mind needs to stay sharp. Avoid water activities, though. There’s no call for excessive dietary restraint; just ensure you get lots of veggies. Wealth Your problem won’t be making money, especially if you’re up for a few risks, but you’ll have enormous trouble keeping it. Steer clear of expensive toys and so-called friends with lavish lifestyles. Love If you’re single, your promiscuity will have free rein (it’s not called monkey business for nothing); if you’re in a relationship, your partner will have no cause for complaint on any front. Career Seize any offer of a business trip, no matter how long or far: it will ultimately be most rewarding. The daily grind threatens to get
Great Good Bumpy
you down, but persevere. You have friends in high places.
Feb Health Wealth Love Career 24
Mar Apr May
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Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct Nov Dec
Jan
ZODIAC SIGN GUIDE
The Rooster
Rooster people were born during the 12 months from 4 February 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993 or 2005
GOOD YEAR
Famous fellow Rooster folk: Jean-Paul Belmondo, Frank Capra, Ye Jianying, Neil Young Wealth boost: Put a plant in the east of your home or office. Health boost: Put a stone in the northeast of your home or office. The Tiger will release enormous springs of energy within you, and previous difficulties will now be easily resolved. Plan strategically, decide calmly, pursue your goals diligently and you’ll have plenty to celebrate by year’s end. Expect competition; avoid complications.
Health Be vigilant during the first few months lest you suffer silly accidents. Pay careful attention to your lower back and respiration. This is the year to kick bad habits and establish good ones. Wealth Contrarian investing will pay off, giving you plenty to crow about. The omens are also favourable for windfalls from unlikely quarters. However, watch your wallet or purse while travelling. Love Don’t nag; don’t brag. Those in relationships risk pushing your partner into the arms of another; cocky singles face competition for the object of your desire. Be more sympathetic and all will go well. Career Your dedication will pay off this year, especially if you take on some professional training or development. Seek support for plans you’ve been keeping to yourself. Turn a deaf ear to gossip.
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Mar Apr May
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Oct Nov Dec
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Health Wealth Love Career 25
ZODIAC SIGN GUIDE
Dog people were born during the 12 months from 4 February 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994 or 2006
The Dog GOOD YEAR
Famous fellow Dog folk: Al Capone, Yang Zhenning, Victor Hugo, Norodom Sihanouk Wealth boost: Put water in the north of your home or office. Health boost: Put a red object in the south of your home or office. Get set for a much better year ahead, with your loyalty, honesty and altruism being amply rewarded. Keep a constant check on your tendency to challenge authority, though; direct confrontation may not be the smartest approach. Avoid hasty, last-minute decisions.
Health Your emotional equanimity will benefit you more than ever and your overall health will be very good. Nonetheless, March and April bring the risk of minor injury. Avoid funerals and hospitals. Wealth May and June are particularly auspicious for risk-taking, with indications of major inflows. Keep your wits about you in Autumn, however, and avoid the temptation to waste your windfall. Love Take your partner for granted and you may soon find yourself not just in the dog house but out on the street, howling at the moon. Your renowned loyalty may be tested mid-year. Career No matter how incompetent your superiors, don’t confront them openly lest you risk your hard work coming to naught. Keep
Great Good Bumpy
your counsel and the year should end very much to your advantage.
Feb Health Wealth Love Career 26
Mar Apr May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct Nov Dec
Jan
ZODIAC SIGN GUIDE
The Pig GOOD YEAR
Famous fellow Pig folk: Fred Astaire, Hillary Clinton, Alfred Hitchcock, Liu Xiang Wealth boost: Put a red object in the south of your home or office.
Pig people were born during the 12 months from 4 February 1923 or from 5 February 1935 or from 4 February 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995 or 2007
Health boost: Put a musicbox in the west of your home or office. You’ve done the hard yards; get set for a well-earned payoff. This will be a happy and successful year on most fronts, with the strong likelihood of one or more significant financial windfalls. Any overhanging tax or judicial matters will be resolved in your favour.
Health You’ll be full of energy after last year’s bovine sluggishness. The harder you exercise, the better you’ll feel. Digestive troubles in the early months will quickly fade. Pay no mind to the odd twinge. Wealth Despite the risk of a loss mid-year, your financial fortunes are extremely favourable. Money will roll in from a variety of often unexpected sources. Decline loan requests from friends or family. Love There’s no question of your passion waning, nor is there much likelihood of anything approaching marriage. Nonetheless, an unusual stability and contentment may enter your relationships. Career A more relaxed attitude will be hugely beneficial. There’s a chance of promotion and a pay rise. But, more significantly, you’ll get the respect you deserve. You’ll act on some unexpected advice.
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Health Wealth Love Career 27
FAMOUS FACES
It is written Those who know when they have enough are rich.
WARREN BUFFETT Chairman Berkshire Hathaway 30 August 1930
Metal Horse Good year
None of us likes to see our personal pile decline by US$10 billion or so, but these things are relative: the Oracle of Omaha was still the secondrichest man in the US at last count (behind bridge buddy Bill Gates). Extraordinarily, in feng shui terms Buffett is only now about to enter the most financially lucky period of his life. And all the signs point to the year ahead being one of his smoothest and most enjoyable - this for a man who’s renowned for his zest and love of life and hard work. Expect some significant and unusual developments in the Berkshire Hathaway It shall be
boss’s already substantial interest in China (see also Wang Chuanfu’s
Perfect swarm of locusts cuts devastating swathe through eastern and southern Europe; soft commodities prices surge.
reading). With a chart like his, Buffett looks to be the personification of a Conviction Buy. And yet this rates as only a ‘good’ year for him!
Health Despite a diet that would turn a nutritionist’s stomach (steaks, hamburgers, hash browns and Cherry Cokes), Buffett will continue to enjoy robust health. That said, an inexplicable lethargy may dog him
China’s population increases.
during the first few months. A course of acupuncture wouldn’t hurt. Wealth Autumn’s chill winds carry the danger of Buffett making a costly investment decision; he would be advised to defer any new ventures
After assessing the results of a 25-year US$3.2bn global study, the WHO adopts the ‘Simpson surmise’ that alcohol is, indeed, the cause of and answer to all life’s problems.
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until the final months of the year. Other than that, it’s smooth sailing, with the chance of some major windfalls, especially in June or July. Happiness Not even a summer squall threatens Buffett’s personal life, which will be marked by even more good humour and harmony than ever. Don’t be surprised to learn of a one-off jaw-dropping gesture from the ‘most generous philanthropist of all time’.
FAMOUS FACES
It is written Much wealth will not come if a little does not go.
WANG CHUANFU Chief Executive Officer BYD 8 April 1966
Fire Horse Good year
Considering that Horses often aren’t the best of stablemates, Wang Chuanfu has done remarkably well running in harness with Warren Buffett (see his reading adjacent), whose investment in BYD sent the firm’s share price ballistic and made Wang China’s richest man. But the Battery Baron is no flash in the pan; Buffett’s right-hand man Charlie Munger (not known for hyperbole) describes Wang as Thomas Edison meets Jack Welch. What does the future hold for this one-time government research chemist? There’s no question that the heavens continue to smile on BYD’s boss. If he trusts his instincts, the sometimes headstrong Wang may well look back on this as a milestone year, publicly and privately. There are even faint indications of an interest in politics.
Health Wang would be advised to lay off quaffing battery fluid, no matter how safe he insists it is. Not that he has anything to worry about on the health front (other than a few sniffles as the seasons turn), thanks to his huge stores of natural energy and benign heavenly influences. Wealth Can it get any better for China’s richest man? Oh, yes - and perhaps staggeringly so. With his charm, Wang will attract significant financial support this year for new ventures with enormous potential. Long-term success will be cemented as the year draws to a close.
It shall be World’s first virtual politician elected to office.
Details revealed of Beijing’s top-secret ‘tarts and mines’ campaign to colonise Africa by exporting ‘fast breeders’ to intermarry with local populations and take over each country’s bureaucracy; first stage in establishment of ChinAfrica.
Happiness Fire Horses do nothing by halves and Wang admits that, for him, work is No.1. Luckily, he loves his job (the very idea of sightseeing bores him). With plenty of challenges ahead this year, Wang’s ability to turn them to his advantage will bring great satisfaction.
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FAMOUS FACES
It is written A great fortune depends on luck; a small one on diligence.
ZHANG YIN
Chairwoman Nine Dragons Paper 12 February 1957
Fire Rooster Great year
‘Driven’ doesn’t begin to describe Zhang Yin, who may well be the world’s wealthiest self-made woman. No matter what she turns her sharp mind to, the Paper Queen has to be top of the pecking order. Known for being fair and honest, Zhang is also tough and direct - attributes that will It shall be
serve her well this year as she takes on some of the toughest competi-
The emperor has no clothes: three key events further undermine America’s claim to global leadership: one military; one monetary; one moral.
tion of her career. Not that this will trouble her; Zhang (or Cheung Yan
High jinks involving a kinky minx, spiked drinks and wink-winks almost sinks Capital Links.
in Cantonese) relishes a fight, always thinks outside the box, and will turn challenges to her favour. She has been dealt a heavenly hand and knows how to play her cards. There’s no question who’ll be crowing at year’s end. Watch for a coup on the corporate front come September, and then some sparkling additions to Zhang’s diamond collection.
Health Roosters typically enjoy such rude health it’s almost insulting, and Zhang’s Fire element ensures her boundless energy and remarkable resilience to illness. The mild risk of backache from mid-Winter can be avoided with adequate rest, quiet reading and regular exercise. Wealth Mistaking impulse for intuition has reduced many a Rooster
Major disruptions to global communications networks (attributed to ‘unusual solar activity’) as Beijing, Washington and Delhi step up their secret ‘hack attack’ programmes.
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to mere featherduster, and the temptation to give way to whim will be strong. But Zhang is made of tough stuff: her eye for detail and nose for a deal will see her consolidate her corporate and personal positions. Happiness Family has always been important to Zhang, personally and professionally; this year she will develop an even deeper appreciation of her nearest and dearest, further strengthening the bonds between them. This may be one of the most satisfying periods of her life.
FAMOUS FACES
It is written An inch of time cannot be bought with an inch of gold.
PANSY HO CHIU-KING Managing Director Shun Tak 26 August 1962
Water Tiger Great year
Most Tigers would be advised to take a nice long cat nap this year as they’ll be out of favour with the presiding god. Not so Water babies like Pansy Ho, though: indeed, the way her stars are lining up, this may well be one of the best years of her life, on all fronts. Even she will be surprised by her unflagging energy (but see below), passion for work,
It shall be
attention to detail and sharp eye for new opportunities. A seemingly
Human-resources managers celebrate European Union’s creation of Department of Boondoggling and Circumlocution.
routine business trip as the weather begins to cool will prove to be enormously rewarding, financially and personally. When Ho features in the business pages this year, she’ll have no cause to growl. And keep an eye out for who’s photographed by her side in the social section. This is one Tiger who’ll be burning bright at year-end. Who needs Vegas, anyway?
Health Ho gets a clean bill of health from the heavenly physicians, but
Dalai Lama in Obama karma drama.
with two caveats: her energy levels may flag through autumn unless she exercises regularly and pays attention to her immune system; and she risks discomfort, but nothing worse, in January from a nagging ailment. Wealth The force is strong with this one, particularly during the first six months, with the chance of significant inflows. However, Ho should be wary of high-risk ventures during the final quarter. If she pursues her usual thoughtful strategy, though, the Casino Queen is set to clean up.
Scientists find some new stuff that maybe causes cancer; other scientists find that some other stuff they thought maybe causes cancer maybe doesn’t.
Happiness Focused on work and encouraged by her successes, Ho will give little serious thought to love early in the year, even though her man-killing confidence and dynamism make her particularly attractive. Come November, however, she may not know what’s hit her.
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FAMOUS FACES
It is written A gem is not polished without rubbing, nor a man perfected without trials.
LEE SHAU-KEE
Managing Director Henderson Land 29 January 1928
Fire Rabbit * Good year
If you thought last year’s world-record HK$71,280 per-square-foot sale was impressive, hang on to your hat: apartments in one of Lee Shaukee’s Henderson Land projects will beat even that this year (without the aid of renumbered floors), as “Uncle Four” goes from strength to strength. The man nicknamed ‘Hong Kong’s Buffett’ will also pull off more than one stunning stockmarket coup, proving yet again that, RabIt shall be Trouble and toil for ‘sons of the soil’? Malaysia’s Najib Razak takes first tentative steps to ending positive discrimination in favour of bumiputeras.
bit or not, he’s no bunny when it comes to making a buck. Rabbits are the luckiest of the signs and those with Fire in their belly trump even that, but Lee is living proof that fortune favours the brave. There’s nothing in the heavens that should trouble him this year. And so long as he watches his step, Lee’s lucky Rabbit’s feet won’t let him down.
Health Talk about being in the pink! Lee will bound through this year with more energy than Rabbits half his age. And his strong recupera-
Australia’s All Ords flipflops listlessly for weeks in response to protracted ‘Rudd’s a dud’ destabilisation campaign within Labor party.
tive powers mean that he’ll quickly overcome any ailments. That said, he needs to watch his diet more carefully and rug up well in winter. Wealth Rabbits are renowned for their luck and Lee has had great success combining his with an uncanny feel for the market. June and July will be his best months. He should be wary of speculating in autumn, though, and would do well to triple-check any fine print in January.
Pound pounded; euro trashed; zinc sinks; coal comforts; iron ore soars; and it’s high-ho, silver’s away.
Happiness This will be a particularly satisfying year for Lee, with a focus on family and friends. The Rabbit’s tough exterior typically masks a tender heart and “Uncle Four” (or should that be “Uncle Eight”?) is no exception. He may spend time nurturing a little-known artistic side. * Based on Li Chun; some calculations erroneously classify Lee as an Earth Dragon.
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FAMOUS FACES
It is written Happiness is the absence of striving for happiness.
CHRISSIE CHAU SAU-NA Actress and model The Fantastic Water Babes 22 May 1985
Wood Cow Good year
She may play the bikini bimbo for all it’s worth (and that’s quite a bit, judging from the impressive size of her contracts) and she even claims she’s ‘not very bright’, but Chrissie Chau is no fool. And despite the party-girl image, she’s actually a quintessential Ox: calm, quiet, hardworking, hard-nosed, ethical, patient and persistent. What’s the Tiger got in store for this Cow girl? Her hugely popular life-sized huggable pillows were just the start of what promises to be a wide range of saucy CC personal products. A serious film role? Seriously sexy, more like it. Chau knows what works and what sells. She may annoy some in the media, but this girl isn’t going away; she’s going places. Once she sets
It shall be ‘Conflation’ emerges as the new economics bogey.
her sights on a goal, it’s only a matter of time before she pulls it off.
Health Given her hectic and demanding schedule, Chau will certainly need to be ‘as strong as an Ox’. She’d do well to watch her blood pressure (usually more of a problem for her many admirers); an occasional regime of broths and juices will help ward off any tummy troubles. Wealth If she were a gambling gal, Chau could make a killing in June,
Bloody conflicts, including two major crises, wax and wane across the globe throughout the year; UN holds record number of emergency meetings - not many hurt.
even with a small stake. But she’s more likely to keep building up her substantial assets from the sweat of her brow (not to mention the sway of her hips). A warning: Don’t lend to friends, especially in Autumn.
Segway successor is a runaway success.
Happiness There’ll be more than one occasion during the first six months when the hard-working Chau will stop and wonder, ‘What’s it all about?’ Stick with it, girl! The stars are aligning nicely; she can look forward to big breakthroughs in her career and love life by Christmas.
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PROPERTY GUIDE
It is written You cannot prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair.
2 Lau Fau Shan
Sheung Shui 3 Fanling 3 Tin Shui Wai 2 Yuen Long 2
Where’s hot and what’s not 1 West (Great)
Overall: Discovery Bay Gold Coast Tuen Mun Island: Aberdeen Cyber Port Pok Fu Lam
1 Tuen Mun
Gold Coast 1
Discovery Bay 1
2 Northwest (Good)
Overall: Lau Fau Shan Tin Shui Wai Yuen Long Island: Kennedy Town Mid-Levels Sheung Wan 3 North (Good) Overall: Fanling Sheung Shui Tai Po Island: Causeway Bay North Point Tai Hang Wan Chai 4 Northeast (Bumpy)
Overall: Grass Island Tung Ping Chau Tai Mei Tuk Island: Sai Wan Ho Shau Kei Wan Tai Koo Shing
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8 Mui Wo
Yung Shue Wan 7 Cheung Chau 8
Sok Kwu Wan 7
Location collations
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roperty-investing in Hong Kong is as popular as tai chi in the park, with seemingly everyone and their grandmother in search of the next
hot plot. Correct application of feng shui principles can at least pinpoint areas with the strongest and weakest energy potential. We derived the selection here by analysing which of the five elements rules each sector (for the overall SAR and also for the main island) as well as the influence of the presiding god and stars. We then applied the traditional, time-tested blindfold-and-pin technique. Enjoy. But don’t bet the house on it.
PROPERTY GUIDE
Tung Ping Chau 4
It is written Lift up the heart of a true friend by writing his name on the wings of a dragon.
4 Grass Island 4 Tai Mei Tuk 3 Tai Po
Where’s hot and what’s not 5 East (Great) 9 Sha Tin
Overall: Marina Cove Sai Kung Tseung Kwan O Island: Chai Wan Siu Sai Wan
5 Sai Kung 5 Marina Cove
Choi Hung 9 5 Tseung Kwan O
6 Southeast (Good)
Overall: Clear Water Bay Po Toi O Island: Red Hill Peninsula Shek O
9 Tsim Sha Tsui 6 Clear Water Bay 6 Po Toi O
7 South (Bumpy)
Overall: Sok Kwu Wan Yung Shue Wan Island: Repulse & South Bays
2 Kennedy Town Mid-Levels 2 1 Pok Fu Lam 1 Cyber Port Aberdeen 1
Ap Lei Chau 8
North Point 3
3 Causeway Bay 3 Wan Chai 3 Tai Hang Happy 9 Valley
9 Jardine’s Lookout
8 Southwest (Bumpy)
4 Tai Koo Shing 4 Sai Wan Ho 4 Shau Kei Wan 5 Chai Wan Siu Sai Wan 5
9 Shouson Hill
Repulse Bay 7 South Bay 7
6 Red Hill Peninsula Shek O 6
Source: Google
Sheung Wan 2
Overall: Cheung Chau Mui Wo Island: Ap Lei Chau 9 Centre (Great) Overall: Choi Hung Sha Tin Tsim Sha Tsui Island: Happy Valley Jardine’s Lookout Shouson Hill
35
ENERGY BOOSTERS
It is written A mountain of knives and a sea of fire.
Qi wiz, that’s better
I
t’s not that feng shui accentuates the negative, but any roadmap that fails to highlight possible pitfalls isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on.
Apart from the interactions and influences of the five elements and 12 zodiac signs, the focus is location, location, location - particularly of the three key sha qi or malevolent energy sources: the Tai Sui (Grand Duke), Wu Wang (Five Yellow) and Sam Sart (Three Killings). No one in their right mind would disturb this lot. But you can not only appease these devils, you can even get them working in your favour, especially at the office.
Tai Sui The Big Kahuna of the killer qi moves this year to roughly EastNortheast (between 52.5° and 67.5°, to be precise). Don’t make the slightest fuss in this part of your office or cubicle - not even tapping in a tack for your latest Employee of the Month certificate. The good news is that the Tai Sui loves pi yao (see left), a sort of winged lion with a big mouth that attracts wealth. Popping a pair of statuettes of these chaps in the Tai Sui’s corner should keep him quiet. And try to sit with your It shall be
back facing this direction: anyone who comes to talk turkey with you
Bank of Japan adopts radical reform by selecting new brand of tea and biscuits for emergency meetings.
will then be forced to look the big bloke in the eye - not recommended. Wu Wang The Five Yellow or annual misfortune star moves this year to the Southwest (between 202.5° and 247.5°) and, as with the Tai Sui, the best advice is to make like the area is a library and keep the noise down. Hopefully, the entrance to your work area isn’t in this sector. Don’t put
Long faces in South Korea after discovery of ‘fatigue factor’ in popular wrinkle-filler; Cosmetic Surgeon General warns: ‘This could get ugly.’
any red-coloured objects here, because they’ll fire up the Wu Wang’s Earth energy. By contrast, round yellow objects (anything from coins to gold-coloured CDs) will weaken it, and help ward off any misfortune. Sam Sart Rounding out this terrible trio, the Three Killings or annual affliction star moves this year to the North (between 337.5° and 22.5°). Once again, do not disturb. Try to keep an eye on the Sam Sart, as it
Stockmarkets begin to mirror climate-change consensus: boundless, groundless boom versus boundless, groundless doom.
36
goes in for backstabbing and sicknesses that can sneak up on you. The best medicine? Anywhere in the north of your work area place three statuettes of qi lin (see right), another mythical beast that’s often depicted as a sort of dragon with fiery scales and hooves (have a look at a can of Kirin beer, kirin being the Japanese equivalent).
YOUR OFFICE CHECKLIST Chimes in SW protect against misfortune
Pink object in S helps keep the peace
Water or water plant in SE attracts luck
N
Solid wall behind offers support
It is written The error of one moment becomes the sorrow of a whole life.
Windows or doors are best in the E or W, but not both as here . . . Plants in N boost the success of contracts
. . . so the table stops qi that comes in one side flowing out the other
Fishbowl in centre encourages wealth
Music box in NE guards against minor ailments
There’s probably not much most of us can do to radically rearrange our work spaces in these open-plan days, but every little bit helps and it’s worth knowing what horror configurations to avoid (even if it means swapping seats with a feng shui-challenged colleague). The floor plan above shows one of many energy-friendly layouts, and the checklist below highlights some key dos and don’ts. Check the pentagram over the page as well for a more general guide to attracting the sort of vibes the Beach Boys would pick up on, while deflecting the bumpy stuff.
od qi..
of go Good vibrations ee of clutter; it impedes the flow is year). th p work area fr ast-Northeast
+ Kee ai Sui (E ages support. back to the T ur yo ith w sition and encour t po Si ur + yo ts os bo away. behind you wealth leaking op st + A solid wall to ng ili desk (even in walls or ce rea from your a ur yo + Repair cracks to e nc it. n see the entra right in front of + Ensure you ca , without being r) rro mi a in n tio if it's by reflec
It shall be With one in 10 of its citizens having left home, the Philippines develops ‘empty nest’ syndrome and downsizes to smaller archipelago.
Requiem for the dead presidents: greenback gets up the strength for a sustained last-gasp gallop, before stumbling, and then sinking slowly in the West.
way. Bad vibrations at your back directs bad qi your cacti. or y s a se w open door id prickly ro
+ An ants, avo uments. ur flowers or pl encourages arg ) ns pe n + If you favo ve (e d objects aroun s your creativity + Leaving sharp d lights stifle de en sp su or m a a be to No. 11. + Working under ur stress levels yo up et h tc ra and can
37
ROAR POWER
无穷威力
Evil angles 恶魔
庆祝！ 宜家庭喜事 如嫁娶或生子
摆放鱼缸、水生植物或 简单的一杯水， 有助财运。
西 WEST
East 东 Eight white stones for a promotion; a glass of water for a pay rise.
People power Lovers love a sunset; this sector shines for all relationships 人缘 情人爱夕阳; 该方位利于 各种人脉关系
八块白色石头助升迁； 一杯水助加薪。
Chill winds Be on guard against threats of misfortune and major illness
t es hw ut So 西南
Southeast 东南 The luck star is fading, but a glass of water here may lure what’s left.
寒风 警惕灾祸和 大病威胁
细则 宜学业、 求知和签约 Dollars and centres The wealth star Ba Bai rules the middle ground 主财 财星八白 主宰中央
Mouthing off Watch out for petty disputes, gossip, burglars and law suits 慎言 警惕争执、 流言蜚语、 失窃和官司
Bellyaches Beware of minor illness and potentially major mishaps
三大煞气今年主 东北偏东(太岁)、 西南(五黄)和北方(三煞)。
腹痛 警惕小疾和 潜在大灾 All-rounder Generally favourable direction, especially for speculation and power 皆宜 诸事皆宜 尤利投机和权力
EAST 东
Centre 中 Fishbowl, water plants or even a glass of water here will boost wealth.
Fine print Good for academic and intellectual pursuits, as well as signing contracts
Bright and beautiful Lucky star Qi Chi is fading but still shines, encouraging wealth 光明美好 吉星七赤渐陨 但仍然闪耀 助财运
So ut h 东 eas 南 t
Celebrate! Favourable for joyful family events such as births and weddings
The three worst qi sectors this year are East-Northeast (Grand Duke), Southwest (Five Yellow) and North (Three Killings).
st 北 东 hea t or N
N 西 or 北 th w es t
NORTH 北
SOUTH 南
吉星渐陨， 但一杯水可能挽留。
West 西 Music be the food of love, but even a glass of water here will help. 音乐是爱情的食粮，但 简单的一杯水也有帮助。
Northwest 西北 Almost any red object (but not roses) will encourage joyful events. 大部分红色物品 (除了玫瑰)都有助 欢快之事。
Getting a fix on your fortune South 南 Keep quarrels at bay with a pink object such as a ribbon or carpet. 粉红色物品 (丝带或地毯) 可化解争执。
I
mportant as it is to know where the three “bad boy” sha qi are located and how to assuage their rage (see pages 36-37), there’s also plenty of positive energy out there to tap into. The
octagon above provides a general guide to the locations this year of some of the more influential beneficial energy sources, as well as a few you may want to appease. Note the potential of the Centre and East to deliver lots of the folding stuff; and lovebirds should do well looking to the West. The sidebars at left and right highlight some simple strategies for improving the good energy flows and baffling the bad by placing various objects in the relevant sectors of your bedroom, home or work space. We hope this Year of the Golden Tiger brings plenty of great fortune your way. Kung hei fat choi!
Southwest 西南 A potential source of illness and misfortune; chimes or a music box can offer protection. 疾病与不幸的潜在 发源地；风铃或音乐盒 可以提供庇护。
招吉贴士
除
North 北 Four water bamboo plants here will improve the success of contracts and study. 四盆水竹有助 签约和学业。
Northeast 东北
了要了解三大煞气的方位以及如何镇住它们(参见第36 和37页)，学会利用四周的正面 能量也很重要。上列五角图如同一张通用指南，提炼了今年一些重要正面和负面能量
源的方位。中间和东方可助生财，西方可助感情运。两边侧栏则列出了一些摆放在卧室、家居 或办公室内以增强正面能量流、减弱负面能量流的小贴士。衷心 祝 愿你在这个 金虎年大吉大
Guard against bugs and minor ailments with any metal object that can make noise. 任何能发出声音的 金属物品 可防小烦小恙。
利。恭喜发财！ Wicked Witch of the East: Vonnie Chan Wand-bearers: Alex Cheuk; George Chan 38
Editor: Andrew Keenan Design/Art: Jennifer Luk; Lizzie Lau; Jon Berkeley Translation: Helen Chen; Laura Feng; Judy Wang Thanks to: Judy Cheng; William Poon; Fiona Shiu; Anna Wong
编辑: 安德鲁•凯南 艺术设计: 陆霭茵、刘莉斯、乔恩•伯克利 翻译: 陈颖、冯海燕 、王明静 鸣谢: 郑宛仪、潘尉光、萧慎之 、王少霞
占卜师: 陈丽妍 执杖官: 卓兆斌、陈龙翔 38
