As according to the Herald Tribune, based on a variety of factors.
Singapore definitely ain't included, its seems they take political freedom as an important issue. I wonder whats the fuss. *smirk*

To see the slide show http://www.iht.com/slideshows/2007/06/18/travel/web-0621Toptencities.php

I like what they said abt Sydney.
I wonder if maybe this is why Italy is not in the list.

Mafia crime is 7% of GDP in Italy, group reports
By Peter Kiefer
Monday, October 22, 2007

ROME: Organized crime represents the biggest segment of the Italian economy, accounting for €90 billion in receipts, according to an annual report issued Monday.

The report, titled "SOS Businesses" and released by the Confesercenti, a major business association in Italy, asserts that through various activities - extortion, usury, contraband, robberies, gambling and Internet piracy - organized-crime syndicates account for 7 percent of Italy's gross domestic product.

"From the weaving factories, to tourism to business and personal services, from farming to public contracts to real estate and finance, the criminal presence is consolidated in every economic activity," the report said.

The €90 billion, or $128 billion, compares with the figure of €75 billion in the group's 2006 report.

Also highlighted is the trend of collusion that big businesses, especially in public works, participate in. "The businessmen prefer to make a pact with the Mafia rather than denounce the blackmail," the report said.

To read more http://www.iht.com/bin/printfriendly.php?id=8001812

Such a shame. I'm so in love w Vespas.


I know there's no relation. I just wanna say I love Vespa! lol
SO CUTE!
Exactly what a girl my size should get.

Actually, I saw this car called the Cherry QQ at my downstairs parking lot. Its rather adorable too.

It looks like this http://thecarstory.com.sg/home/index.php?option=com_hotproperty&task=view&id=299&Itemid=41

So cute right! looks like got smiling face.
BUT after realizing its China made, AND a pirate copy of the Daewood Matiz. I'm really put off.

Read review http://www.onemotoring.com.sg/publish/onemotoring/en/motoring_buzz/road_tests/hatchback0/chery_qq.html

The title of the article reads, "You'll need balls to pick this Cherry"
Paisei, I don't have balls.


Muahahaha. Supposed to bu starting my research for my Pre-seminar paper. Whoops.

YUP. I am now proudly studying for my degree!
Be prepared for moaning abt classes and assignments!

Political freedom is a fuss as it directly affects democracy.
» L-Lawliet on 2007-10-23 03:03:28

I totally wanted a vespa for a while... I didnt' want to spend the thousands of dollars on one, though.
» ikimashokie on 2007-10-23 09:01:51

was pretty surprise about italy's gdp pie. but ... so what if these mafia are also operating legal business?? i don't see the fuss.
» renaye on 2007-10-24 03:39:33

L-lawliet: hah.. i know.. i'm being scarastic.. coz Singapore (e country i live in) says its democratic, but in actual fact its not really.


Iki: Me too. looks like i won't be getting one soon

» merrick on 2007-10-24 03:40:06

renaye: i think it means they are doing money laundering thru the completely legit business. guess its not quite that innocent
» merrick on 2007-10-24 03:44:24

hey congrats on ur degree thing, where u doing it?

anyway, i heard the qq car is for those with death wishes...might want to reconsider
» Koban on 2007-10-24 08:38:02

doing it at the original one i wanted... yea.. i linked a review. damn scary man the car
» merrick on 2007-10-26 06:58:16

i just heard tt the car is made with metal ttz so thin and weak, anyone with a decent punch can put their fist through it..lol
» HellSinG on 2007-10-27 05:38:39

u kidding me??
» merrick on 2007-10-28 11:24:27

nah, why would i?
» HellSinG on 2007-11-03 06:55:34

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