Lifestyle Updates : Online tool helps S’poreans see if their health coverage meets needs, financial ability

Source : 

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/online-tool-to-help-sporeans-navigate-health-insurance-landscape

Apple Intelligence : 

• Tool Functionality: The Health Insurance Planner helps Singaporeans understand their long-term MediSave savings and health insurance premiums, compare Integrated Shield Plans, and project premiums for riders.

• Tool Accessibility: The Health Insurance Planner is available on the CPF website.

• Tool Purpose: The planner aims to help users assess the suitability of their current insurance plans.

• Purpose of the Planner: To help Singaporeans visualize and compare premiums for MediShield Life, IPs, and riders, and their impact on MediSave and CPF savings.

• How to Use the Planner: Users input details like IP and rider names, and years left to pay for CareShield Life and ElderShield supplements.

• Data Refresh: MOH and CPFB will refresh premium and benefit data annually in January.

LifeStyle Updates : Singapore slips in world happiness ranking, gets knocked off top spot in Asia

Source : 

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/world-happiness-report-ranking-2024-asia-5014671

Apple Intelligence : 

• Singapore’s Happiness Ranking: Singapore dropped four places to 34th in the World Happiness Report 2024, its lowest ranking since 2012.

• Factors Contributing to Happiness: The report considers social support, GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perception of corruption.

• Top-Ranked Countries: Nordic countries, led by Finland for the eighth consecutive year, dominated the top spots.

• Top Ranked Countries: Nordic countries dominated the top spots, with Finland in first place for the eighth consecutive year.

• Southeast Asian Rankings: Thailand (49th), Philippines (57th), Malaysia (64th), and Indonesia (83rd) were among the Southeast Asian nations.

• Factors Contributing to Happiness: Sharing meals, trusting others, and benevolent acts are linked to well-being, while family bonds and social support also play a role.

• Global Youth Social Disconnection: 19% of youths globally reported lacking social support in 2023, a 39% increase from 2006.

• Singapore’s Happiness Ranking: Singapore ranked low in perceived social support and freedom, impacting its overall happiness ranking.

• Impact of Social Connections on Happiness: Strong social connections are crucial for happiness, especially for youths, as they influence mental well-being and reduce susceptibility to mental health issues.

• Non-economic Factors for Improvement: Work-life balance and community support.

• Kindness and Happiness Correlation: Pro-social behaviors like donating, volunteering, and helping others improve mental health, reduce anxiety, and increase life satisfaction.

• Positive Impact of Pro-social Acts: Contributes to one’s own satisfaction and happiness.

Entertainment Updates : New Horror Game Uses Your Webcam

Source : 

https://gamerant.com/new-horror-game-uses-webcam-eyes-never-wake/

Apple Intelligence :

• Gameplay Mechanic: Uses player’s webcam to require physical hiding from an in-game monster.

• Privacy Concerns: Addressed by not uploading data and allowing players to opt out of webcam use.

• Cheating Prevention: Blocking the camera results in player movement restrictions.

• Game Mechanics: Utilizes a webcam to track the player’s face, with a monster that can see and attack them if spotted.

• Privacy Concerns: Addressed by the developer, ensuring no data upload, options for VTubers, and the ability to play without a webcam.

• Gameplay Challenges: Players cannot simply block the camera to avoid the monster, as it will prevent movement.

Gaming Updates : Dragon Ball Advanced Adventure GBA

Source : 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_Ball:_Advanced_Adventure

Grok 3 :

"Dragon Ball: Advanced Adventure" for the Game Boy Advance (GBA), released in 2004 in Japan and 2006 in North America, received generally positive feedback from critics and players alike. It holds a reputation as one of the standout Dragon Ball games, particularly for its faithful adaptation of the original series and its engaging gameplay. Here's a breakdown of its ratings and what reviewers had to say based on available information:

Ratings

- Metacritic: The game has a Metacritic score of 75 out of 100, based on 13 critic reviews, which falls under the "Generally Favorable" category. This aggregate score reflects a solid reception, though not overwhelmingly exceptional.

- Famitsu: In Japan, the renowned gaming magazine Famitsu gave it a score of 29 out of 40 (based on four reviewers scoring it 7, 7, 7, and 8). This is a respectable rating from a publication known for its stringent standards, indicating a good but not top-tier game.

Reviewer Opinions

Reviewers praised "Dragon Ball: Advanced Adventure" for its blend of action, variety, and loyalty to the source material, though some noted minor flaws. Here’s what they highlighted:

Positives

1. Gameplay Variety and Fun:

2. The game combines side-scrolling beat 'em up action, platforming, flying sequences (on the Flying Nimbus), and one-on-one fighting segments. Critics appreciated this diversity, noting it kept the experience fresh. GameSpot called it "a fun, diverse action game that does the license proud," emphasizing how it evolves beyond initial generic impressions into a "slickly produced, hectic action game."

3. IGN described it as "an awesome all-around package for 2D traditionalists," praising the mix of classic combat and the rewarding progression as new mechanics (like the Nimbus) are introduced.

4. Faithfulness to Dragon Ball:

5. Covering Goku’s childhood adventures from meeting Bulma to battling King Piccolo, the game captures the spirit of the original series rather than the more popular Dragon Ball Z. Reviewers like those at GameSpot noted that it "ambitiously distills the entire 153-episode run" into 15 levels, appealing strongly to fans of the classic saga.

6. The inclusion of numerous characters (30 playable in total across modes) and familiar music and voice clips were lauded for enhancing nostalgia.

7. Visuals and Presentation:

8. For a GBA title, the game’s graphics were well-received. GameSpot highlighted the "intricately detailed and animated" sprites and "scrolling background layers" that add depth, while IGN praised the "awesome character design and animation."

9. The audio, including character voice clips, was seen as above average for the platform.

10. Replay Value:

11. Unlockable content, such as playing as Krillin in Story Mode or accessing a roster of characters in Extra and One-on-One modes, added significant replayability. IGN noted the "serious replay value" from options like multiplayer battles via link cable and adjustable difficulty.

Criticisms

1. Slow Start:

2. Several reviews pointed out a weak opening. GameSpot remarked that the first level—a "plain jungle path filled with generic monsters"—feels overly long and limited by basic moves, potentially turning off players early on. It improves significantly in later stages, though.

3. Story Compression:

4. While the game covers the major beats of Goku’s early adventures, some felt the story was too condensed. Amazon customer reviews (reflecting player sentiment) mentioned inaccuracies or skipped parts, reducing its appeal for those seeking a precise retelling.

5. Length and Depth:

6. The game’s brevity was a minor critique. With a story mode beatable in about 3-5 hours, some players and reviewers (e.g., Amazon reviews) felt it lacked the depth or longevity of other titles, though extras mitigated this somewhat.

7. Not Groundbreaking:

8. IGN compared it to "Astro Boy" (another GBA title by Treasure), suggesting it doesn’t reach the same heights of impact or innovation, positioning it as very good but not revolutionary.

Overall Reception

"Dragon Ball: Advanced Adventure" earned a strong reputation as one of the best Dragon Ball games on the GBA, if not the franchise overall, especially for fans of the original series. Its Metacritic score of 75 aligns with a game that’s well-crafted and enjoyable but not flawless. Reviewers consistently recommended it to Dragon Ball fans and action game enthusiasts, with praise centered on its tight controls, variety, and nostalgic appeal, tempered by critiques of its pacing and scope. Its status as an underrated gem persists, partly due to its focus on the less-celebrated original series and its GBA exclusivity, which limited its mainstream exposure compared to later Dragon Ball Z titles.

If you’re a fan of retro gaming or Dragon Ball’s early days, the consensus suggests it’s a must-play, even if it doesn’t redefine the genre.

LifeStyle Updates : 30 Birthday Freebies To Redeem In SG In 2025 – Bottomless Beer, Sushi Buffet & 20-Piece McNuggets

Source : 

https://thesmartlocal.com/read/birthday-freebies-singapore/

Apple Intelligence : 

• Freebies Categories: Food and drinks, cool products and services.

• Freebies Redeeming Time: During birthday month, a few days before, after, or on the birthday itself.

• Freebies Requirements: Some require membership sign-up, app download, or minimum spend.

• Boost Juice Birthday Offer: Free BOOST drink on your birthday, plus a free drink for every 10 points earned.

• Haidilao Birthday Offer: Complimentary birthday fruit platter, cheesecake, and a song and dance from the staff.

• Mr. Coconut Birthday Offer: Free drink or dessert.

• Mr. Coconut Birthday Offer: Free drink, ice cream, or yogurt on your birthday.

• McDonald’s Birthday Offer: Free 20-piece McNuggets box during your birthday month after spending a minimum of $10.

• Suki-Ya Birthday Offer: Free buffet.

• Birthday Buffet Offer: Free regular buffet at Suki-Ya Hotpot with 3 other adults paying for the buffet.

• Cedele Birthday Offer: Free slice of cake with any drink purchase, 15% off in-store purchase of $50, and 15% off online voucher for a minimum spend of $80.

• Auntie Anne’s Birthday Offer: Free pretzel.

• Birthday Offer: Get 2 free pretzels when you buy 1 during your birthday month.

• Gold Tier Member Benefit: Free pretzel without purchase during birthday month.

• Redeeming Requirement: Download Auntie Anne’s Rewards programme.

• Birthday Lobster Promotion: Redeem a free lobster with the purchase of an Olympian bucket set at Cajun on Wheels (Plaza Singapura outlet) during the birthday month.

• Famous Amos Cookie Club: Register for a free membership and redeem a 200g box of cookies at any Famous Amos outlet on your birthday.

• Hoshino Coffee Birthday Offer: Enjoy a free slice of seasonal cake at Hoshino Coffee.

• Hoshino Coffee Offer: Free slice of seasonal cake and 15% discount on menu items at The Asian Kitchen restaurant.

• COCA Offer: Free Thai-Chinese steamboat buffet with 3 paying adults.

• LiHo Offer: Free bubble tea.

• LiHo Tea Membership Benefits: Free 1-for-1 voucher, 1 medium drink for Silver members, and 2 medium drinks for Gold members with a transaction.

• LiHo Tea Birthday Freebie: Redeem a free drink during your birthday month (excluding Jewel Changi Airport and Parkway Parade outlets).

• Lawry’s The Prime Rib Birthday Offer: Free dessert, instant photo, 50% off on the second main course, and a free third main course for groups of three or more.

• Birthday Offer: Omizu Ala-carte lunch buffet, 300 ml of Sake, and a sushi cake.

• Membership Requirement: Free membership with welcome pack including free food, points, and vouchers.

• Redeeming Period: Birthday month.

• Birthday Offer at Brotzeit German Beer Bar and Restaurant: Free gift redeemable on birthday month.

• Birthday Offer at Don Don Donki: Free $5 voucher redeemable on birthday month with a minimum purchase of $20.

• Birthday Offer at Amara Sanctuary Sentosa: Free cake, breakfast for two, and a bottle of wine.

• Birthday Offer: Book a deluxe room at Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa to receive birthday freebies.

• Free Lobster Deal: Sign up for The Boiler’s free membership and redeem a Boiler’s Bombdiggity Bag for a free lobster.

• Spizza’s Birthday Gift: Enjoy a free $20 voucher at Spizza during your birthday month.

• Spizza Offer: Free $20 voucher upon signing up for Spizza for Friends and spending a minimum of $40 (excluding GST and delivery fees).

• Plain Vanilla Bakery Offer: Free slice of vanilla cake upon joining the PV rewards club and redeeming the voucher emailed the week before your birthday.

• Tanuki Raw Offer: Free slices of salmon sashimi based on age.

• Free Sashimi Offer: Tanuki Raw offers free salmon sashimi slices based on age.

• Drink Requirement: Customers must purchase 1 litre of wine or 720ml of sake to qualify for the free sashimi.

• Sashimi Limit: A maximum of 40 sashimi slices are allowed per customer.