Hats off to Singapore! If you think those authoritarian bureaucrats are only capable of dreary ad campaigns, you would be right. But even the Lion City pulls off a good one every now and then. Like this new, weirdly moving TV advert celebrating marriage and family life, but perversely set at a funeral. It was made by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, and you can watch it on the website of the National Family Council at www.thinkfamily.sg . Featuring acclaimed Malaysian stage actress Jo Kukathas, the clip has her delivering a strangely scatological eulogy to her late 'husband'. She deadpans: 'I want to talk about things that would make some of you a bit uncomfortable. 'I want to talk about difficulty in bed. Ever had difficulty starting your car engine in the morning? Hkghhhmphh ... That's exactly what his snores sounded like. And rear-end wind actions going on as well, so forceful it would wake him up at night. ''It's the dog, dear,' I would say. 'Go back to sleep.'' She has the attending friends laughing, until tears drop. 'When his illness was at its worst, these sounds indicated to me my David was still alive. What I wouldn't give just to hear those sounds again before I sleep. In the end, it's these small things that you remember... little imperfections that make them perfect.' I had sand in my eyes by the time the clip stopped. Not sure, though, if the ad will send young Singaporeans rushing to tie the knot and boost the birth rate.
