Latest news with #TikTok-worthy
AsiaOne
09-08-2025
- General
- AsiaOne
Karung guni man, old-school provision shops and more: The vanishing sights and sounds of Singapore, Lifestyle News
Whenever National Day draws near, the topic of our country's heritage and culture often comes up. While some are celebrated and continue to live on, others just quietly fade away, like roadside barbers and kacang puteh vendors. Most people from past generations probably wouldn't even know when they last saw some of these things that used to be such ordinary parts of their lives. And as we navigate our lives in ever-changing Singapore, we might also actually be living through some of the last moments of certain local sights and sounds that were once so common in our everyday lives — and we might not even realise it. Karung guni man The karung guni (a Malay phrase for gunny sack and means rag-and-bone) man's horn used to be heard fairly often in HDB estates. Alongside his familiar call for old newspapers, television sets and more, this sound used to prompt many to rush down with their recyclables in order to exchange them for some loose change. But as recycling habits shift and the older rag-and-bone men start to retire, the sound of the karang guni man can barely be heard any more. Old-school provision shops These individual, usually family-run mini marts used to be a common sight at HDB void decks. The shelves here weren't stacked with the hottest viral treats or international tidbits — instead, it held many nostalgic favourites like 10-cent cola candies, snacks, rubber balls and Pokemon cards that were an integral part of many of the older generations' childhood. Today, some void decks that used to house these shops have become empty or the space has been replaced by vending machines or chain marts — which might provide the same convenience and perhaps even more selections, but just doesn't feel quite the same. Ice-cream man Long before ice-cream and waffle cafes, gelato chains and TikTok-worthy sweet treats, there was the ice-cream man with his humble cart complete with paper cups, rainbow bread and cones that felt almost like styrofoam. While the ding of his cart that would make so many kids (and probably even adults) light up and rush for the elevators can still be found easily along Orchard Road, the sound and appearance of the ice-cream man has become a vanishing luxury anywhere else. Sandpit playgrounds Kids these days might think that building sand castles is an activity meant just for the beach — but those who were born in the 90s and older would know that most playgrounds — which are now usually built with rubber floors — used to be filled with sand where children would dig holes, bury sticks and even 'draw' on for a game of hopscotch or tic-tac-toe. Bendy buses Articulated buses — or more fondly known by many Singaporeans as bendy buses — used to be a common sight on the roads. Today, most of them have been replaced by double-decker buses, which might be more practical but definitely takes away the fun of feeling like you're on a thrill ride on the way home (especially if you're standing right at the jointed section of the bus). Long HDB corridors While many appreciate the privacy and peacefulness of the newer BTO flat layouts — which tend to have fewer units per floor — some might miss the almost 'kampung' spirit that used to come with sprawling HDB corridors where children used to play catch and neighbours all seemed to mingle and know each other. Bird cage corners Have you ever seen these tall hooked poles around older HDB estates? These bird cage corners used to be where uncles would sit around to showcase their pet birds, sip coffee and mingle in the mornings. But as times change with newer estates replacing the older developments that used to house these corners and younger generations becoming more conscious about animal welfare, the chirping of these songbirds at these dedicated communal areas might soon fade out. Payphone booths Remember scrambling for a 10-cent coin or borrowing your friend's swanky new phonecards to make a call home when you forgot your homework? These bright red payphones weren't just a lifeline, they were also landmarks — stationed outside MRT stations, shopping malls, schools and more — and they were often meetup points long before the luxuries of constant connectivity. But as everyone (even grandparents) started to switch to mobile phones, these landlines slowly transitioned from being a necessity to a relic of the past (or a nostalgic photo opportunity). CD shops Movie nights might start with just a click of the remote or tap on an iPad now, but back in the day, they usually began with a trip to a CD shop. In the past, shops and booths selling CDs and DVDs used to be everywhere — shopping malls, markets and even night markets or pasar malam . They often had a small television showing previews of the hottest films at the time, drawing in interested passers-by and potential customers. And while streaming might have made things more efficient and convenient, there's still nothing quite like owning and flipping through a physical collection of your favourite flicks and the memories that come with them. Newspaper and magazine stands Last May, the iconic Thambi Magazine Store at Holland Village closed down. It marked the end of an era, and like the iconic store, many similar and smaller newspaper and magazine stands that used to be such a pivotal part of many older Singaporeans' mornings and commutes have began to disappear from our streets. Most of us probably consume our content and get our news updates digitally now, but before these humble pit stops completely disappear, it might be a good idea to drop by for a visit, pick up a paper and have a chat with the uncles and aunties still tending to these stands. Bubble lifts Bubble lifts — which used to be fairly prominent in shopping malls, hotels and even HDB estates in Singapore — used to make elevator rides so much more than a means of transport. They made taking a lift feel like an experience — allowing people to peek outside the clear windows for a birds' eye view of the space and the various floors they're travelling through. Now, most have been replaced by sleeker and more practical designs which might be easier to maintain and fit most aesthetics, but probably not as fun. Ronald McDonald statues Whether you loved him or found him creepy, seeing the Ronald McDonald statue as a kid probably meant that you were going to have a great day at the fast-food chain with Happy Meals and playground sessions. And while this part-mascot, part-photo prop has almost completely disappeared from the McDonald's outlets in Singapore, you can still find a couple to snap one last picture before they completely disappear. [[nid:716651]]
Axios
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Myungrang Hotdog brings Korea's crispy craze to Columbus
After reading about America's Korean food craze, I finally visited one of Columbus' newer options, Myungrang Hotdog. Catch up quick: The South Korean chain has 15 U.S. locations and this is the only one in Ohio. It opened in 2022 and other local spots offering the viral snacks have followed, including Mochinut in Grandview and Chungchun Rice Dog inside Polaris. The vibe: Myungrang is no-frills — just an ordering counter in a small Short North storefront with standing-room table counters on either side. Plus: Expect lots of K-pop. Dogs are made-to-order, taking about 10 minutes, but it's worth it. The only way to eat them is hot and freshly out of the fryer. What I ate: First, the original hot dog ($5), in a "secret batter" that's deliciously crispy on the outside and light and chewy inside. Then an adventurous squid-ink dog ($7), with half meat and half mozzarella filling. The ink-infused batter makes it extra savory. There are several dipping sauces, from basic ketchup to sweet chili and cheesy mustard (my favorite). My take: The meat inside was surprisingly good and the gooey cheese was definitely TikTok-worthy. It's a dense treat that I probably couldn't eat often — but the same goes for American corn dogs. Stop by: Noon-8pm Sunday-Thursday. Open till midnight Friday and 1am Saturday. 850 N. High St. Menu. 🌏 This trip was part of our Eating Around the World series. Check out the other international foods we've mapped so far.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Love Island USA is breaking hearts and streaming records, as it becomes the no. 2 most-watched shows online
The Love Island USA girlies and guys are not just serving poolside drama, they are pulling chart-topping numbers too. Season 7 of the Peacock dating reality show is officially that girl on the streaming scene, landing as the No. 2 most-watched original streaming series the week of June 9, according to early Nielsen figures. Not the first time for Love Island And that is not all. The series has also snatched the No. 1 spot among streaming reality shows for the second week in a row. Even without specific viewer counts from Peacock yet, all signs point to Love Island USA being the messy, flirty summer addiction fans cannot get enough of. Since its premiere on June 3, this season's numbers have been exploding like one of Kaylor's arguments. The audience for Episode 1 has quadrupled (yes, quadrupled) since launch. And get this—June 23, the day Casa Amor came in to stir up loyalty chaos, marked the most-watched day of the entire season so far. Love Island new fans Peacock insiders also revealed that 39% of Season 7 viewers are newbies, proving that the show's reach is still growing. And Gen Z? They are clearly watching on the go—Peacock reported the show scored its largest-ever mobile audience for an entertainment title, with nearly 30% of viewers watching via phone. But the real party is online. From June 2 to June 19, Love Island USA racked up 54 million social media interactions across Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter), and YouTube. And on TikTok alone? A casual 623 million views—a whopping 232% spike from last season's numbers. Someone get the Islanders their influencer deals, stat. Love Island: Beyond the Villa Even the spin-off is making noise. The trailer for Love Island: Beyond the Villa, which tracks Season 6's alumni chaos, scored 14 million views and 1.3 million social engagements within the first 24 hours of release. Islanders just do not rest. New episodes of Love Island USA drop every day except Wednesdays on Peacock, so grab your iced coffee, mute the group chat, and get ready for more villa meltdowns, love triangles, and TikTok-worthy one-liners.
Hamilton Spectator
22-06-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
The peer pressure on your teen to spend money is intense. Here's how to support your kid
Teens in Canada are spending between a few hundred dollars to more than $1,000 a month. Makeup and skin care. Concert tickets. Iced dragonfruit lemonade. Sports gear. Sneakers. Ubers. The funds are coming from part-time work, parents and grandparents. Summer jobs tend to bring in even more cash for them. The pressure on teens to spend money is intense and gets more expensive by the year. It's a daily battle with the latest social trends, tech gadgets, and the unavoidable pressure and FOMO over the Insta- and TikTok-worthy lives of friends and influencers. Parents know that peer pressure is a cash-draining adventure and most have dealt with their own adult-version of it, too (vacations, cars, renos). No matter the condition of their own finances, parents do want to help their teens manage the social spending trap, without losing friends in the process. When done thoughtfully, downsizing can shore up retirement savings and ease pressure on one's Here are a few practical tips to support teens and teach financial literacy in the process. No surprise, it starts with truthful talk about the peer pressure itself. A study from Mydoh and RBC pointed out that teens are interested in the idea of financial independence, and it shows teens also want to improve their money skills. As spending pressures rise, the timing is perfect for parents to step in and talk about basic budgeting principles. It can be a conceptual conversation at first — dividing money into the big three buckets: spending, saving and giving — and then advancing the idea with a template, app or tracker so the teen can see precisely where the money is going. The goal is to show your kids they can enjoy some money now while saving for the future, too. In fact, this balancing act drives a positive money mindset free from the guilt parents are all too familiar with. Parents can encourage their kids to spend time with friends who share similar values regarding money. Suggesting low-cost or free activities promotes connection without the pressure to overspend. This is also an opportunity for parents to model how the friends they keep are aligned with their personal values. Instead of telling their child to ditch their expensive (and super annoying) friend group, encourage them to hang out with friends who share similar financial values — a lifelong skill worth mastering. Parents can guide their teen to identify what is truly important. This opens a dialogue to discuss the differences between needs and wants, helping teens figure out what brings actual value to their life, and what's going to make them truly happy. Spoiler alert. It's rarely another trip to Sephora. It might, however, be learning to invest in experiences, like a once-in-a-lifetime camping excursion, a class on photography (to take better pics for The Gram) or a concert in the park with friends. Memories last longer than any fashion trend, and they'll still be cool when the trend fades. There's budgeting, and then there's actual spending limits. These traditional limits often focus on the amount of allowance or a paycheque. But, what about getting maximum value for the money they do spend? Teaching teens how to stretch their money is a life skill, and opens the door to learning how to comparison shop, use coupons, hunt for seasonal discounts, and explore the world of second-hand markets. The goal is to show teens how to stay on budget, and get the things they want in the smartest way. It's the art of captaining their own financial ship, completely in control, allowing for smooth sailing through their social calendar. They can do more with their friends if they are clever with their purchases. The importance of money in a relationship is right up there with sex, trust, family and work. Parents, you know the peer pressure is high and that it is hard on many fronts, including mental health. Stay present for your kids and teach them how to make good money choices so they're not broke by Friday. And, if they mess up, which they will, create space for them to learn and grow. As you support them, you'll likely pick up a few more money tips of your own!
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
6 side activities that could make GTA 6 insanely replayable
(Image via Rockstar Games) GTA 6 is shaping up to be the most ambitious entry in Rockstar's legendary series — and with the vast state of Leonida to explore, there's one thing every fan wants: replayability. Main story missions? Great. But what really makes a GTA game iconic are the random things you can do when you're not saving (or destroying) the world. So here are 6 side activities Rockstar could pack into GTA 6 to keep players hooked long after the credits roll. 1. Drug Dealing Jason and Lucia are clearly tied to the underworld, and GTA has flirted with drug dealing in the past. But imagine a full-on, evolving mini-economy—like managing supply chains, avoiding feds, striking deals with shady dealers. Think Breaking Bad meets GTA . Every region could have different rules, risks, and rewards. Not just sell-and-run— build an empire. GTA 6 To Feature A Rap Group That Looks A Lot Like The City Girls 2. Rap Battles & Music Production With Real Dimez and Only Raw Records part of the world, Rockstar has to lean into this. How cool would it be to spit bars in underground rap battles or produce viral tracks in a mini music-making sim? Custom beats, lyric choices, and performing at clubs could become a whole vibe. Let players live the hip-hop hustle. 3. Extreme Sports Challenges Vice City's beaches + Mount Kalaga's wilderness = a playground for adrenaline junkies. Picture dirt bike races through wetlands, base jumps off towers, illegal jet ski courses, or even wingsuit flying. Add leaderboards or online challenges, and this becomes a TikTok-worthy flex spot. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo 4. Social Media Clout Missions We're in 2026—of course clout is currency. Let players grow fake IG/TikTok-like followings through viral stunts, live-streamed crimes, or wild moments captured in-game. Maybe going viral unlocks exclusive brand deals or side gigs. It's GTA meets influencer culture—and it could be hilarious . Things We NEED In GTA VI.. 5. Vice City Property Flipping GTA 6 could bring back property management — but with style. Buy cheap motels in Port Gellhorn, renovate strip clubs in Little Haiti, or run shady Airbnbs in the Keys. Stack cash, upgrade properties, and deal with… unusual tenants. It's a chill grind with big-time returns. 6. Vice City's Underground Fight Clubs Lucia's trained to fight. So where's the underground scene? Picture illegal fight clubs under strip clubs or abandoned warehouses. Bet on yourself. Climb the ranks. Earn respect. The combat system in GTA needs a glow-up anyway—this could be a fire way to do it. Side activities are what turn GTA from a one-and-done story into a sandbox of infinite chaos . If Rockstar leans into variety, depth, and a little bit of madness, GTA 6 might be the most replayable game in history. Let's hope they bring the heat—and the weird. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
