We give you this week's lowdown on what’s cool and what ain’t
We’re pretty chuffed with the entertainment situation in Singapore right now, what with Madonna and Netflix finally making their way onto our shores. But we’ve still got a few gripes that we’d like to address. Here’s our round-up of what’s hot and what’s not.
HOT
Madonna
The Queen of Pop is finally coming to Singapore! Her Asian leg of the Rebel Heart tour will see Madonna perform at the Singapore National Stadium on 28 February. Tickets go on sale to general public from 12 January, 10am.
Hong Kong bakeries
The Hong Kong invasion has brought us gourmet burgers and fine coffee, but now, we’re lucky enough to have Jenny Bakery and Mr Rich Bakery make their way to Singapore. Need to stock up on Chinese New Year goodies? These bakeries specialise in rich Hong Kong-style butter cookies and pastries. Check out our article for more information.
Railway Corridor Park
If you’re looking for a little respite from urban living, take note! The Urban Redevelopment Authority has announced plans to turn the 24km long Keretapi Tanah Melayu railway line into a system of interconnected parks. This series of parks will include hubs that allow for a range of activities including yoga, urban farming and even rock climbing. Time to dust off those walking shoes!
Netflix
It’s finally here! While the selection of movies and TV shows aren’t as broad as the selection in the US, we foresee many nights sat in front of our tellies watching Jessica Jones and Daredevil.
Singapore Zoo’s New Mascot
Since Ah Meng’s passing in 2008, the Singapore Zoo has lacked a mascot of her equal charms, so you’ll be delighted to hear that the zoo has picked a successor. Unfortunately, details are scarce right now but we do know that she shares her predecessor’s fondness for durians as well as her loving personality.
The face that moved a nation
Truly a face that took the nation by storm, this unfortunate recruit has become the poster boy for reluctant conscripts all over. His expression of pure ennui and despair sums up a lot of our army experiences. Cheer up buddy, you’re not alone! And obviously, he is now a meme.
NOT
Planned demolition of Rochor Centre
These gaily-coloured buildings have long been one of Singapore’s iconic HDB projects. Though once considered a protected landmark, it’s been scheduled to be demolished to make way for the North-South Expressway. We understand scarcity of land is a problem, but it’s still sad to see a bit of our heritage slip away.
Active Wear
Wearing yoga pants, runners, and sports singlets out isn’t “athletic chic”; it’s lazy dressing. We’re not saying active wear can’t look good, just that there’s a time and place for it and it isn’t Orchard Road.
Bomb threats
It’s not a prank bro, especially when it involves hot-button topics like terrorism. A businessman buying a bus ticket from Golden Mile Tower was arrested after his friend ‘warned’ the ticket-seller that he was carrying a bomb. In light of the tragedy in France, it should be really obvious that idiotic stunts like this can only result in dire consequences.
Unpronounceable School Names
Is it you-know-ah? Ee-you-noya? Ev-nee-ah? These are the questions on the minds of potential students and Eunoia Junior College, and have spawned a plethora of terrible jokes regarding the new school’s rather pretentious name. First of all, why are local schools being named after Greek words? Secondly, in addition to its assumed meaning, Eunoia also means “a state of normal adult mental health”, which is hardly an aspirational name for a school.
Bye Bye Bowie
Thank you for the music. The British icon passed away on January 11, after an 18-month battle with cancer. He was 69.