RAY LAMONTAGNE CONCERT AT THE VICK

SEATTLE - NOV 9th - 12th, 2006

GAY MARRIAGE = TERRORISM?

Another reminder on why it is of utmost importance that

Americans do all they can to oppose gay marriage

SINGAPORE-MALAYSIA FEUD

Apparently, the Sultan of Johor has been drinking too much of the let-us-sever-all-ties-to-Singapore kool-aid that was brewed by the nuts in Malaysia.

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The sultan of Malaysia's southern Johor state is calling for the closure of the nation's land link to Singapore.

He was speaking at the launch of ambitious plans to turn Johor into a thriving economic hub.Sultan Iskandar al-Marhum says the 83-year-old causeway to Singapore is undermining the state's economy and is a vestige of colonialism that was built by the British to develop Keppel Harbour in Singapore.

The causeway has been at the centre of a bitter dispute between Malaysia and Singapore. Malaysians complain the height of the causeway limits shipping traffic to Malaysian ports and argue a new bridge would allow ships easier access.
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First of all, someone needs to remind him of the economic benefits brought to Johor by Singaporeans crossing the causeway. Secondly, the causeway provides several tangible benefits to Johor residents in the form of business and job opportunities in Singapore. Last but not least, closing your border isn't exactly the thing that most economists would recommend in any bid to build a "thriving economic hub".

As for the "vestige of colonialism" bit, gimme a break. The British left town decades ago. Life goes on. The Sultan of Johor needs to as well.

CARTOON OF THE DAY