THE National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) gave a record number of handouts in this downturn year to date.

In all, over $23 million was disbursed in over 175,000 handouts to union members and their families.

IT SHOULD be easier to get tickets to catch the Chingay Parade at a new bigger venue next year, but you need to be fast.

Some 36,000 tickets are available to access the 90 minutes of parade fun at the Pit Building, home of the Formula One night race, on Feb 19 and 20.

THE free shuttle-bus service plying Orchard Road costs $18,000 a month to operate but it is off to a slow start.

Few shoppers have been making use of it and few seemed aware of the service, even when the bus pulled right up at the bus stop they were at.

IT'S the year-end and it's time to spend some of your bonus.

Businesses, from nightspots to restaurants, have come up with deals and events.