1. As a country, we like lists, so it pleases us to know that Singapore has been listed as the number one country on Lonely Planet's Best in Travel in 2015. According to them, our little country topped the chart because it's "one of the world's most multicultural cities... always celebrating something". Other countries rounding out the top five include Namibia, Lithuania, Nicaragua and Ireland.
2. The WTA (Women's Tennis Association) Finals happened this weekend. Just in case you missed all the exciting courtside action, world champion Serena Williams has once again taken home the trophy after defeating Simona Halep 6-3 6-0. Williams certainly has her mojo back after an "embarrassing" 6-0 6-2 loss to Halep in the group stages.
3. Hi-So magazine Tatler has just released its yearly list of the "Top 300" most influential people in Singapore. However, there were a few glaring omittances. Featuring politicians, socialites and lifestyle leaders alike, it seems like the list had no room for women politicians. Namely Speaker of Parliament Halimah Yacob, Minister Grace Fu and WP Chairperson and MP Sylvia Lim. It would've been a little subtler had they not included ALL Cabinet Ministers (except for Grace Fu) or all leaders of the three branches of parliament, save Halimah Yacob.
4. A survey conducted by the Consumer Association of Singapore (CASE) showed that hawker food prices have risen about 20% in two years from Dec 2012. While it may not seem like a lot, dishes like chicken rice increased from $2.50 to $3, while nasi briyani has increased from $4.50 to $5. Maybe that meal at Ujong doesn't seem all that bad now?
5. It seems like customer service staff are striking back after years of mistreatment and abuse from customers. After the Pizza Hut "Fat Pink Lady" debacle, it seems like another employee is hurling insults at customers, this time at Boon Lay MRT's KOI Cafe. The service staff allegedly said "go away you ugly b****" after the customer tried to order a drink 15 minutes prior to closing time. Perhaps the customer isn't always right?
