This issue, the credit crunch that led to a worldwide drop in stock market prices is very much on everyone’s minds. Never before has the world seen such chaos in the financial markets. October saw a number of the biggest banking names collapse, several others coming close, forcing national governments to step in with multi-billion dollar bailouts. What happened? And how can the man on the street cope with what is certain to be a new age of rising prices, tighter credit and a squeeze on standards of living? Lillian Too, a former banker, gives a detailed opinion and analysis on the events of Black October in her story on page 12. While feng shui is unlikely the only cause, you can use it to lessen your personal exposure to the aftermath of what many say is the worst crash since Oct 1929. Yes, the markets will eventually recover, but it will be a fragile market for some time, so do give yourself the edge by making sure your feng shui brings you good luck!

The other topic demanding reams of column inches in the international media are the impending U.S elections. Will it be Obama or McCain? We look at their charts and their relative strengths and weaknesses, and take a stand on page 29. Meanwhile, out of the Elections has re-emerged JFK’s daughter Caroline Kennedy, princess of Camelot, who until now has kept a deliberately low-key presence in U.S. politics. She steps out of the shadows to claim her birthright with wholehearted and very vocal support for Barack Obama. We take a look at her subtle but commanding influence in these elections on page 24. Closer to home, we feature Datin Lara Hussein, a formidable player in the local advertising industry, MD of M&C Saatchi and granddaughter of our much loved first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman.

Of the things to note amidst the current sombre mood of the world markets, is that managing your feng shui and updating to Period of 8 looks more important than ever. Experiences and feedback from readers and students attest to this with startling frequency. We thus bring you architect Chris Yeo’s 5 Design Tips to Revitalize Your Home, U.S based consultant Peter Lung’s advice on a house built in 1929 and Vaastu expert Surendran’s pushing the point home on the importance of the main door. Lillian Too’s fine points this issue covers City and Apartment Living, where updating your feng shui may not be as straightforward as you think. She shares good advice and invaluable solutions. Meanwhile, the gracious, multi-talented Datin Maylene Yong shares touches of her life and home with readers on page 54.

2008 has also been an active year for the world of feng shui professionals and those involved in the industry as consultants, writers, speakers, teachers, architects and designers. September 19th-21st saw the First International Congress on Scientific Feng Shui held in Torino, graced by 27 speakers from diverse backgrounds on the role of feng shui in today’s modern and scientific world. (See page 46.) Meanwhile, the International Feng Shui Convention will be held on November 22nd-23rd in Singapore’s Suntec Convention Centre, featuring Lillian Too as keynote speaker. Other notable names in feng shui such as Vincent Koh, Yap Cheng Hai, Raymond Lo, Peter Lung, Lynn Gerkens-Lim and Victorija Kovalenko will also be presenting. Visit www.fengshuiconvention.com for ticketing info. Lastly, have you booked your tickets for Lillian Too’s Feng Shui Extravaganza 2009? In this year’s road show, she will cover important updates on how to make the most of a crucial recovery year. Every participant will also receive a free colour booklet on Feng Shui 2009, plus the chance to win 1000 golden Earth Ox medallions and plenty more valuable door prizes. For tickets, visit www.wofs.com

We look forward to seeing you at the Extravaganza, in Singapore (4th Jan), Kuala Lumpur (11th Jan), Hawaii (14th Jan) or Netherlands (21st and 22nd Feb)!