DECEMBER 11 — ‘Tis that time of year when one’s social media timeline get a-flowing with numerous lists.

The Top 10, 20, 30 (fill in the blank here) of the year. In fact, Facebook and YouTube released its respective Top Lists around the same time and both were done in a catchy way.

While Facebook had lists catered for the taste buds of its US Facebookers, it also had one that more or less covered hot topics for the year internationally.

It poignantly ended its slideshow with the words: “The moments we shared in 2014 affected us all. They shocked, moved and entertained us. They connected us. Together, let’s make 2015 amazing.”

Malaysia made it to Facebook’s Top 10 by way of its twin aviation tragedies.

The topic “Malaysia Airlines” came in at No. 7 with the note that the world took notice when the MAS planes were “lost within months of each other”.

But the top global topic for FB was the World Cup and this was followed by the Ebola virus outbreak.

Others that were deigned to be hot topics included Robin Wiliams, the Ice Bucket Challenge and Gaza conflict.

YouTube on the other hand issued a video clip “YouTube Rewind” and included hot talking points such as the selfie and Ice Bucket Challenge while the songs of “Happy” and “Let It Go” blared as background music.

With the roller coaster year that the world has had, 2014 seems spoilt for choice when it comes to picking the most notable moments or comments.

Come on, I’m sure you have, more than once this year read something and mouthed silently: “What the **** (insert profanity if you choose to) is he/she talking about?”

And that isn’t just limited to celebrities hoping to make the news with their “shock” comments or antics (Question: Is it just me or has Lindsay Lohan gone silent for this year? Besides, don’t you just wish a week would go by without something about Kim K?)

Although with the way Mrs West has “owned” social media this year, it probably wouldn’t come as a surprise that she has a whole Top 10 list dedicated to her. If it hasn’t been done already.

Now, when it comes to being closer to home, Malaysians, it would seem has been wrung to the bone when it comes to several categories.

Several came to mind as I was driving to work and in no particular order, here are a few that was thought up during the morning drive.

1. Malaysian road users.

Having had this light bulb moment while driving, this, nevertheless, would make my list any time of the year.  Why do we drive the way we do? That blinking light? It’s called an indicator. It is NOT an accessory. Use it if you are planning to change lanes. And no, please do not drive in between lanes while trying to decide which one will be a better bet to get you ahead in KL traffic. Oh and could you pretty please stop cutting in front of other cars just before the tollgate? It’s really quite rude. Ditto for overtaking in basement car parks. The bottom-line is everyone is trying to get to his or her destination. Your appointment does not make you the most important person on earth that you have to flout rules and throw courtesy out of the car window in order to get there.

2. Hospitality staff (be it at the mamak or high-end restaurant)

No, they are not your servants so it’s really so “not happening” to scold them when they get a bit behind their service. Yes, while I can sense some indignance over this suggestion, raised voices in an already busy restaurant can actually make one look rather stupid. Try instead a smile and having some kind words. My sister, of course, think I am somewhat flippy when I say I am going to make that grumpy salesperson smile. But it’s fun (especially with that Famous Amos lady and Dunkin Donuts guy). Plus, they tend to remember your orders if you go often enough after that. Try it sometime. On the other side, staff at outlets could try to remember that they are being paid to do a job that includes not sporting a glum face. It works both ways.

3. Us versus Them

Really, seriously? The year in review will show that there has been a whole lot of hateful statements being spewed against certain quarters. I won’t list them here because there is just too many statements made that gives the perception that the country is on its way to slowly unravelling at the seams. Google it if you really want to rile yourself up. Or develop depression is how there are those who seem bent on making a distinction over who is better and who is right. This is our country, regardless of whatever has been hurled at us. Embrace the diversity while not allowing ourselves to be torn apart.

4. Rising cost of everything

Surely the prices of goods and services need not increase every time there is a slight shift in petrol prices or anything else that can be used to justify it. Yes, we all have to make a living but spare a thought for those you are charging just to make an extra one per cent profit. Customers will only go so far to patronise your outlet time and again. Loyalty has its limits. And the buck stops when the pricing gets too high. It’s either that or they just move on to a cheaper shop that serves teh tarik at a reasonable price.

5. The less fortunate

That means anyone who’s been having a bad day at the office for such a long time that it has led them to fall on hard times. There is no telling how the future may turn out and one day, by some turn in luck, that homeless person can be you. Or me. Really, there is no need to want to discriminate them or deprive them of a hot meal. At the end of the day, everyone has worth. Even the homeless. Plus, guess what? They even have jobs albeit it doesn’t pay enough to have a roof over their heads.

So, sure a huge number of “likes”, “shares” and “hits” go a long way to increase one’s ranking, but perhaps the list that matters is one that is based on how we treat other people and that what goes around comes around.

* Audrey Edwards is news editor at Malay Mail. She can be reached at [email protected].

** This is the personal opinion of the writer or organisation and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.