“They didn't agree on many things. In fact, they rarely agreed on anything. They fought all the time and they challenged each other every day.
But despite their differences, they had one important thing in common.
They were crazy about each other.”
🚨🌕 José Mourinho: “The Ballon d'Or should go to one of those players who, when they retire, we miss them for eternity.
Maradona, Cristiano, Messi, R9, Zidane...
You can't give the Ballon d'Or to a guy just for winning the UCL or the World Cup.
If you should give it to someone just for winning the UCL, then give it to Luis Enrique.
No, it needs to go to the best player in the world, not necessarily a Spanish guy, or a PSG player.
It needs to go to one of the 3-4 best players in the world, and those guys are HERE.
But politics come into the Ballon d'Or, so I don't like getting into politics”.
🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Lamine Yamal’s recent mood is not believed to be a personal issue. It is believed to be linked to the potential departures of his three closest friends, whom he has known for over a decade.
The situation has potentially worsened after Hansi Flick left his best friend Alejandro Balde out of the squad on Sunday.
— @elchiringuitotv
Singapore's TFR is below 1.
We've tried Baby Bonuses. Tax relief. Parental leave.
All very sensible.
But maybe sensible isn't working. Maybe it's time to throw some slightly unhinged ideas into the mix.
Hear me out:
1. Dim HDB staircase lights after 10pm.
Instant ambience for those impulsive moments.
Using existing infrastructure. Save electricity too. Very cost efficient.
2. Let us use CDC vouchers to book hotels.
We're still supporting local businesses.
With… potential economic benefits.
3. Gamify sex.
Achievements. Badges. Titles. Quest guides.
“Local Legend”: done in every town in Singapore.
“Coast to Coast Completionist.”
“Nature Explorer.”
Singaporeans will compete over literally anything.
Give us achievements and a leaderboard and suddenly everyone has aim for.
4. Strava, but for mating.
Streaks. Personal bests. Monthly challenges.
Imagine opening the app and seeing:
“Desmond has been more active than you this week.”
Cannot lose to Desmond.
5. Baby making speedruns.
How quickly can you go from Baby #1 → Baby #2?
Show proof of pregnancy, and get sponsorships, rebates and extra benefits.
6. Tie COE rebates to children.
1 kid = 10%
2 kids = 30%
3 kids = 50%
You want that Land Rover? You want that Alphard?
The nation would like to discuss a mutually beneficial arrangement.
7. BTO Pregnancy Fast Pass.
Pregnant? Move up the queue.
2 kids? Express lane.
3 kids? HDB delivers the keys, a hamper and a handwritten thank-you note from the nation.
8. Maternity ward loyalty programme.
Same like frequent flyer, but better.
Baby #1: Silver
Baby #2: Gold
Baby #3: Platinum
Baby #4: PPS Club
Priority check in. Lounge access. Complimentary upgrade where available.
9. Annual couples' hotel vouchers for parents.
Once a year, the kids go to a nanny and mum and dad go for a staycation.
Official purpose: “strengthening marriages.” Because couples need “bonding time in privacy”.
10. Master bedrooms come with extra soundproofing.
For better sleep, obviously.
Better rest. More privacy. Higher productivity.
Creating conducive environments that contribute to the national KPI.
11. Subsidize aphrodisiacs.
Why keep telling Singaporeans to make babies when we can just… nudge them in the right direction.
Chocolates, oysters and wine at half price… The more they eat, the more “ready” they become.
Just quietly set the mood and then the other head gets to work.
Which one will convince you?