Singapore's Bubble Bursts

Singapore is called the "Nanny State" for many reasons, but high on the list is its ban on chewing gum. You won't see pious anti-mastication public service announcements, but anyone caught selling or manufacturing so much as a stick faces a fine of up to $5,600 and one year in jail. But last-second negotiations on a U.S.-Singapore Free Trade agreement could bring bubbles back. In a compromise, sugarless gum prescribed by doctors and dentists will be legal for sale by pharmacistsalthough to get your fix, you'll have to wait until the free trade agreement takes effect in 2004. It's not...