Good Morning! 🌞 

Today’s second article has some interesting news out of Singapore, which is well know as a very clean and law-centric city.

You might have heard about some of Singapore’s strict laws, such as chewing gum being illegal. The fine for improper disposal or carrying of gum can be as high as $1000 for first time offenders. However, selling gum can result in fines up to $100,000 or a prison sentence of up to two years. 😲 

Some of the other laws they have includes banning jaywalking, annoying someone with a musical instrument, and not flushing the toilet.

They have quite a few others, so you can look them up if you want to. While some of their laws are not uncommon in other countries, they seem to be much more serious about making sure you do not break them.

Economy

The New “Super Cycle”

The global economy is transitioning into a new "super cycle," with artificial intelligence and decarbonization as key drivers, according to Peter Oppenheimer, the head of macro research in Europe at Goldman Sachs.

"We are moving clearly into a different super cycle," he told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe" on Monday. Super cycles are characterized by extended periods of economic expansion, accompanied by increasing GDP, high demand for goods leading to higher prices, and low levels of unemployment.

According to Oppenheimer, the most significant recent super cycle began in the early 1980s and was characterized by interest rates and inflation peaking before a decades-long period of falling capital costs, inflation, and rates. This period also saw increased globalization and reduced geopolitical risks.

However, not all of these factors are expected to continue in the same manner

"We're not likely to see interest rates trending down as aggressively over the next decade or so, we're seeing some pushback to globalization, and, of course, we're seeing increased geopolitical tensions as well," said Oppenheimer.

Despite these challenges, there are forces that could have a positive impact on the economy, namely artificial intelligence and decarbonization.

AI is still in its early stages, but as it is used increasingly as the basis for new products and services, it could lead to a "positive effect" for stocks, according to Oppenheimer. AI and productivity, often linked to debates and concerns about human jobs being replaced or changed, will likely impact the economy.

"The second thing is [that] we haven't yet seen, and I think we're relatively positive that we will see, [is] an improvement in productivity on the back of the applications of AI which could be positive for growth and of course for margins," Oppenheimer said.

While AI and decarbonization are relatively new concepts, there are historical parallels, according to Oppenheimer. The early 1970s and early 1980s, for example, were "not so dissimilar" to current developments. Factors such as elevated inflation and interest rates, as well as growing geopolitical tensions, rising taxes, and increased regulation, are similar to today.

In other ways, current shifts can be seen as reflective of changes even further back in history, such as the late 19th century, which saw modernization and industrialization fueled by infrastructure and technological developments alongside significant increases in productivity.

World News

Cat’s Now Legal in Singapore

Up until recently, owning a cat while housed on government property in Singapore was illegal. Around 80% of the country's 3.6 million inhabitants live in government housing, so this is no small change.

Singapore lifting its 30-year ban on cat ownership in government housing is a step towards balancing the pet ownership regulations, as dogs were never banned. Many citizens have long felt that the ban on cats was unfair, especially considering the positive traits of cats as quieter and less disruptive pets compared to dogs.

A 30-year-old Singaporean, Sunny, who secretly owns a cat named Mooncake and lives in a government-built high rise, shared her thoughts on the matter with Taipei Times. "Cats are so much quieter than dogs. If they allow dogs, I don’t understand why not cats," Sunny told the Times.

Despite the ban not being strictly enforced, the illegality of cats in government housing has posed challenges for owners like Sunny, who cannot obtain pet insurance or access certain veterinary procedures. Additionally, the inability to prove ownership makes it difficult in the event that a cat is picked up by animal control.

The decision to lift the ban on cats comes after a recent survey among government housing occupants, in which 9 out of 10 respondents said cats make good, non-disruptive pets. This shift in public opinion likely played a role in the government's decision to change the law.

Sports

Snoop Dogg Joins NBC for 2024 Paris Olympics

Snoop Dogg, 52, is returning as a correspondent for NBC during the Paris Games opening on July 26 2024.

During the Paris Games, Snoop Dogg will talk with NBC Olympics host Mike Tirico, attend events, meet athletes and their circles, and explore city landmarks. His reports will be part of the primetime show on NBC and Peacock.

Snoop Dogg is familiar with Olympic coverage making his debut in 2021 on "Olympic Highlights with Kevin Hart and Snoop Dogg," where he commented on equestrian dressage. In November, he met with U.S. Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls during a promotional shoot for the Paris Games, further solidifying his connection with the Olympic scene.

In a statement from NBC Sports PR, Snoop Dogg shared his excitement, saying, "Let’s elevate, celebrate, and make these games unforgettable, smoke the competition, and may the best shine like gold. Peace and Olympic LOVE, ya dig?"

Entertainment

2024 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival’s Lineup

The line up for this year’s Bonnaroo Festival has been released!

The event, hosted on a 700-acre farm in Manchester, TN features headliners Pretty Lights, Fisher, Post Malone, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Fred Again. Additional acts include Cage the Elephant, Megan Thee Stallion, Jason Isbell, Diplo, and T-Pain.

New this year is a special Thursday night headline set on the main stage by Pretty Lights. Tickets go on presale starting Jan. 11 at 10 am (CT) via www.bonnaroo.com/tickets, with various options starting at $25 down and payment plans available.

Another event to add to your 2024 “to go to” list!

Mind Stretchers

⁉️ 

What is full of holes but still holds water?

Yesterday’s Answers to the Mind Stretchers:
Darkness!!

While the correct answer to this riddle was “darkness”, the answer Bill James sent in was too good not to include. His answer was “The SUN” which is admittedly just as true as darkness.

Be the first to send us the correct answer for today’s mind stretcher for a shout-out with the answer tomorrow. Just send us the answer and your name to [email protected]

If you have any uplifting stories and experience you might want to share, send those over to [email protected] for the chance to be featured.