Strange but true . . .

Singapore is to keep a ban on chewing gum sales, a policy that has helped shape the city-state's international image as a tightly controlled, squeaky-clean island.
The ban, first imposed in 1992, is necessary to reduce litter and vandalism, Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, parliamentary secretary of the national development ministry, said.
"The government stands by its decision to ban chewing gum as the rationale is based on maintaining a clean and comfortable living environment," he said.