World's Most Expensive Cities 2011

Americans might complain about the high cost of living, but overseas the U.S. dollar is even weaker. Find out where it buys the least.

Australia, former penal colony, home to the Great Barrier Reef, and producer of world-class shiraz, has never exactly been synonymous with a high cost of living. Yet because of a strong economy and proximity to the booming Asia Pacific region, many overseas visitors might find it more expensive to slip an extra shrimp -- or just about anything else for that matter -- on the barbie here than in most other countries around the world. In fact, in a recent survey, six Australian cities placed among the top 30 most expensive in the world, according to global human resources firm ECA International. Just two years ago, not a single Australian city ranked in the top 100.

World's Most Expensive Cities 2011

Australia is not alone in becoming more expensive. Singapore, for example, rose to No. 36 in ECA's ranking, from No. 68 last year, on the strength of the Singapore dollar. Caracas, Venezuela, rose from No. 91 to No. 15, a result of rampant inflation.

The city that earns the dubious honor of being the most expensive for holders of U.S. dollars is Tokyo, a rank it also enjoyed last year. How expensive is it? How about $24 for a movie ticket and nearly $11 for a beer. Japan dominated the ranking with four of the 10 most expensive -- in addition to Tokyo, Nagoya (No. 3), Yokohama (No. 5), and Kobe (No. 9) also made the list.
Due to the weakened U.S. dollar, no U.S. city ranked in the top 30 this year. The country's most expensive city, Manhattan, N.Y., fell to No. 44, from No. 28 in 2010, making it cheaper than Canada's Toronto (No. 37) and Vancouver (No. 42). The U.S.'s second most expensive city, Honolulu, fell to No. 62 from No. 40. (And while they haven't yet, it could be only a matter of time before Beijing (No. 46) and Shanghai (No. 47) crack the top 30.)
Of course, a weak dollar is not necessarily a bad thing. "If the U.S. continues to be relatively cost-effective in an international context, we will see companies pay more attention to whether they are saving money by expanding operations in places like Asia if the cost of living in these places is increasing," says Lee Quane, ECA International's regional director for Asia.

Aussie Dollar Strengthens

ECA International's ranking is based on a survey carried out in more than 400 cities worldwide in March. It compares the costs of living for expatriates maintaining a standard of living on a par with developed countries to guide employers' salary and benefits offers. Items such as food and beverage, basic goods and services, and some entertainment are included, but the survey excludes housing, utilities, car purchases, and school fees, which can vary widely and typically are counted separately in expatriate compensation packages.
A combination of inflation, availability of goods, and exchange rates affect costs. "The strong Australian dollar, which hit parity with the U.S. dollar last November and has strengthened further since, has been a significant factor behind the continued rise of Australian locations up the global ranking," Anna Michielsen, general manager for Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific for ECA International, said in a release.
The Australian dollar has strengthened by nearly 30 percent against the U.S. dollar since last June. That means a $100 meal would have cost about $83 last June and now costs about $106. The country is also becoming more expensive than other locations in Asia: ECA points out that goods and services in Sydney were only 3 percent more expensive than in Hong Kong last year and are now 17 percent more costly.
Rising prices, particularly of food and energy, also play a role: Fruit prices in Australia were up 24.9 percent year-on-year in the first quarter and vegetable prices 18.7 percent (due in part to floods); electricity rose 11.7 percent and gasoline 9.3 percent, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Overall consumer prices in the quarter were 3.3 percent above their level a year ago. The bureau forecast in January that weekly living costs for families could increase by as much as A$100 per week this year.

Deteriorating Competitiveness

The cost of a quick lunch in a Sydney restaurant is now $27.10, compared with $20.57 in Manhattan; a dozen eggs is $5.60, against $3.65 in Manhattan; and a tube of toothpaste is $5 vs. $3.72 in Manhattan, according to ECA International.
Since 2004, Australia has seen a deterioration in its relative competitiveness doing business globally, says Glenn Mair, director of MMK Consulting in Vancouver and a leader of KPMG's Competitive Alternatives study, which analyzes the costs of doing business in cities around the world.
In 2004, the cost of doing business in Australia was about 8.5 percent lower than in the U.S., according to KPMG's report. By 2010, the gap had shrunk to 2.2 percent, due to Australia's strong dollar and stable economy during the global economic crisis.
"I anticipate some improvement for U.S. [competitiveness] if currency trends stay the same," Mair says. He adds, however, that volatile exchange rates can make this hard to predict.
It is too early for companies to change their strategy based on recent cost changes, and many other considerations are involved, says ECA's Quane. Still, signs are that U.S. cities may be becoming more cost competitive for businesses.

World's Most Expensive Cities 2011

No. 1: Tokyo
Quick lunch: $20.80
Beer at a bar: $10.56
Kilogram of rice: $9.80
Dozen eggs: $4.50
Movie theater ticket: $23.80
Although the consumer price index in the Tokyo area has been falling since 2009, according to data from Japan's statistics bureau, the city remains the world's most expensive. While housing costs are not included in this survey, ECA International estimates that the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Tokyo stood at $4,352 in September.

No. 2: Oslo
Quick lunch: $45.20
Beer at a bar: $13.18
Kilogram of rice: $6.10
Dozen eggs: $8.50
Movie theater ticket: $18.80
Norway's capital is a major hub for trade, shipping, and finance and is home to the Oslo Stock Exchange. Oslo has ranked among the world's most expensive cities for years, which is not surprising when a quick lunch costs about $45 and a dozen eggs, $8.50.

No. 3: Nagoya, Japan
Quick lunch: $19
Beer at a bar: $11.37
Kilogram of rice: $8.50
Dozen eggs: $3.60
Movie theater ticket: $21.80
Nagoya is one of Japan's premier industrial and technological centers and is well known for its high quality of life and competitive business costs, according to the U.S. Commercial Service. Unlike Japan's other major cities, Nagoya was not significantly harmed by the global economic downturn and has maintained its growth.

No. 4: Stavanger, Norway
Quick lunch: $32.30
Beer at a bar: $12.83
Kilogram of rice: $5.70
Dozen eggs: $6.80
Movie theater ticket: $17.30
Stavanger was mainly a fishing community until oil was found in the North Sea in the 1960s, transforming it into a major Norwegian city. Today, Norway is a leading oil exporter, with Statoil as the largest oil company in the Stavanger region. The industry has become central to the local economy and has attracted many residents from other countries.

No. 5: Yokohama, Japan
Quick lunch: $16.90
Beer at a bar: $6.59
Kilogram of rice: $4.20
Dozen eggs: $2.50
Movie theater ticket: $21.70
Japan's second-largest city after Tokyo, Yokohama is easily reached from Tokyo by train. The port city is home to over 300 IT firms and has a growing biotechnology base, according to the city. Yokohama has nine main business districts and exports many cars and auto parts.

No. 6: Zurich
Quick lunch: $32.90
Beer at a bar: $10.54
Kilogram of rice: $3.70
Dozen eggs: $7.90
Movie theater ticket: $19.60
The financial sector is an important part of Zurich's economy and the city is home to the Swiss Stock Exchange and companies such as Credit Suisse and Swiss Re. Zurich is also a major transportation hub. Mercer ranked the city second in the world for quality of life in 2010, but such a high standard of living does not come cheap: Zurich jumped to No. 6, from being the 10th most expensive city last year.

No. 7: Luanda, Angola
Quick lunch: $52.40
Beer at a bar: $6.62
Kilogram of rice: $4.60
Dozen eggs: $5.20
Movie theater ticket: $13.90
Luanda was the most expensive city in the world in ECA International's 2009 ranking. Last year it slipped to third place, due to the depreciation of the kwanza, and this year it fell again, to No. 7. While the city has a high poverty rate, it remains one of the most expensive places for expatriates to maintain standards of living comparable to those in their home countries.

No. 8: Geneva
Quick lunch: $33.70
Beer at a bar: $9.12
Kilogram of rice: $4.70
Dozen eggs: $8.60
Movie theater ticket: $19.20
Truly a global city, Geneva is home to such international organizations as the United Nations (which has an office in the city) and the International Committee of the Red Cross. An important center for banking, government, and technology, Geneva attracts many professional visitors, as well as tourists. It ranked as the third-best city in the world for quality of life in Mercer's 2010 report.

No. 9: Kobe, Japan
Quick lunch: $15.60
Beer at a bar: $8.69
Kilogram of rice: $9.30
Dozen eggs: $3.10
Movie theater ticket: $20.80
Kobe is one of Japan's busiest ports and a manufacturing center for appliances, food, and transportation equipment. The city offers many types of cuisine, though it's known best for high grade and pricey Kobe beef.

No. 10: Bern, Switzerland
Quick lunch: $28.80
Beer at a bar: $7.46
Kilogram of rice: $4.70
Dozen eggs: $8.40
Movie theater ticket: $19.10
Switzerland's capital, Bern is the center of Swiss government, the engineering industry, and the precision industry, as well as a manufacturing center for watches and other technology used in the medical, IT, and automotive sectors, according to the Bern Economic Development Agency. Branded watches such as Rolex, Longines, Swatch, and Rado are manufactured in the Canton of Bern

Beyonce Shocked met with veiled woman

Meet with a different culture are often startling. This is what happens on a beautiful singer, Beyonce Knowles. The singer was deeply shocked when met with a woman wearing a 'burqa' (clothes veiled).

Meet with a different culture are often startling. This is what happens on a beautiful singer, Beyonce Knowles. The singer was deeply shocked when met with a woman wearing a 'burqa' (clothes veiled).

Personnel Former Destiny's Child, also known as a pretty hot dance moves and costumes that are open, admits he saw a veiled woman in the audience in a concert in Port Ghalib, Egypt.

 

"There was a woman who sat on the shoulders of a man in traditional dress complete burka. Only the eyes and hands were visible. He waved his hand and sing my song each verse. I know because I saw the veil at the mouth move," says Beyonce.

In addition to its unusual costumes for herself, Beyonce also claimed to be surprised because usually no woman should go out when the dark. "I was even surprised that he could be there, he could be allowed to see the concert, because after dark, you do not see many women on the streets. So his presence itself was very inspiring to me,"said the diva.

 

Not necessarily feel weird, Beyonce actually took lessons, and coated in women in this area. "Being a witness of strength, beauty, and power of women, especially those who live in areas that have limitations in independence, is one thing that really menggerakkanku. I feel he holds fast to his faith and what is important for him, but music also has its own place in his life and he chose to be there (in konserku), "he concluded. (SPL / mae)

Editor KapanLagi.com, Hollywood

Prince Harry - Cameron Diaz Temen 'Nge-Gym'

 

Looks like the royal family friendship with the celebrity will be more 'widespread'. One was caused by Prince Harry's friendship is braided with a beautiful actress Cameron Diaz!

 

 

 

Both celebrities are rumored to begin to close after meeting at an exclusive gym in London. Diaz himself was in London to shoot his latest film, GAMBIT. A source also stated that the two quickly familiar, even Harry invited him at a party with her friends.

"From up in the UK, Cameron wanted to be able to continue training and exercise always did. The producer gave him membership in a fitness center and extra plush secret, without knowing that Prince Harry was one of its members,"said the source, as reported by The Mirror .

 

"At the first meeting, they just greet each other. Accidentally they met again for a second time. At the second meeting, they ran together on the treadmill, and Harry tease Cameron to replace governing a one-kilometer race. Cameron agreed, and won. Since then both become quite close. Harry even invited his new friend this gym for a drink with him and his friends, "he continued. (SPL / mae)

Editor KapanLagi.com, Hollywood

6 Rules of Great Beauty Can We Break

 

 

Do not wear bright red lipstick during the day! Adjust color bag with shoe color! That ancient rule. It is time we break a few "don'ts" in the world of fashion and beauty.

1. Bright red lipstick should only be used at night
 Who says? Red lipstick, or eye makeup smoky eyes, we can use in the daytime. Originally, do not combine the two. If you wear red lipstick during the day, make sure your eye makeup natural. Conversely, if your eye makeup pretty "heavy", use lipstick with soft colors.
2. Long hair is not suitable for women over 50 years
 Many older women decided to cut short his hair to look younger and more refreshed. Though not always like that. Some people even look old with short hair stiff. If your hair is healthy, Extend only. Layer piece that frames the face can make your face look younger, especially when coupled with bangs.

3. Shoe color should match the color of the bag and belt color
 Using a black dress with red bag, red belt and red shoes, it does look sweet. Matching style is perfect if you want to look stylish retro. But for modern impression, which is needed instead is a hit-and-color.
4. For the sake of beauty and health of the skin, stay away from the sun

Sunlight is able to cause skin damage, but that does not mean you have to shut himself in the house. During the skin is always protected by sunblock, there's no harm in occasionally expose oneself to the sun-panasan.

5. Mini dresses and shorts is not suitable for women over 40 years
 Supermini hot pants or skirts are best avoided if you are already old. But who says you can no longer wear skirts above the knee or mini dress that was beautiful? What is important, make sure the top closed, or add a cardigan.
6. Do not use in conjunction with gold jewelery silver jewelry

According to the old rules, if we wear gold necklaces, bracelets and earrings also make sure that is made of gold. So even if we wear silver jewelry. And if you know the trick, mix the 2 types of jewelry can make you look stylish and quirky. The key, use the bertumpul and make sure both are not the same amount. For example, wearing two gold necklaces and a silver necklace as well. Or 2 bracelets of gold and 3 silver bracelet.

By Lika Aprilia Samiadi

Miss USA Rima Fakih Under Fire For Alleged Partying Behavior

Uh oh: Miss USA is in trouble. Not crown-losing trouble, but enough to put The Tiara Patrol on high alert.
According to Fox News, current titleholder Rima Fakih broke rules of conduct when she was suspected of sneaking out to party all night last week -- and then lied about it. The Miss Universe Organization, which rules over its winners with an iron fist, requested security tapes to judge whether a cover-up was in play.
"There was one night last week where she had some interviews the next day," says Paula Shugart, the organization's president. "First we thought she wasn't at the apartment (which she shares in Manhattan with Miss Universe), and someone (from the PR team) was trying to get her to the interview. She was sound asleep, and looked like she'd been out all night. She made the interviews, but we did ask about the security tapes, as it is a serious business especially after Tara Conner."
The striking 25-year-old will surrender her crown during the Miss USA Pageant on June 20. Given the personal restrictions that come with the gig -- you have to be on your best Kate Middleton behavior, at all times -- it might be a bit of a release for the fun-loving Fakih.

"We usually like to keep a handle on them," Shugart tells Fox. "We have talent managers to keep track, and they are supposed to tell us when they go out. Rima is definitely a high spirited, fun person. If she went out that night it wouldn't surprise us. ... I don't know if I'll ever know where she went, or when she got in."Uh, seriously? Then the Miss Universe Organization is a strict all-girls boarding school, and Fakih's so-called transgression is the equivalent of sneaking out the window. She can blame Conner, the disgraced former Miss USA who was allowed to retain her crown on condition that she go to rehab for substance abuse issues. (Recall Donald Trump held a press conference to address her fate.) That's not the case with Fakih, but Shugart encouraged her to have a sitdown with Conner, who reportedly told the embattled, current sash-wearer that telling the truth about slip-ups makes things easier on everybody. Nobody wants another public scolding by The Donald.
Fakih's run as the 2010 queen has not been the smoothest: last May, photos emerged of the former Miss Michigan dancing on a stripper pole circa 2007 as part of a promotional event.

Memo to aspiring Miss USAs, Universes and Americas: stay off the pole, and get some beauty sleep.

by Erin Carlson

Poll: Is this photo of Tim Tebow and his prodigious muscles real?

A picture of Tim Tebow(notes) posted on Twitter is creating a buzz around the Internet. Oh, don't fret Tebow acolytes; this isn't an Anthony Weiner situation.
Tebow's friend tweeted a picture of the Denver Broncos quarterback at the practice range before the charity tournament at the St. Jude Classic golf tournament in Memphis and it's safe to say that Tim hasn't let the lockout keep him from the gym.




HULK SMASH!
The first thing that popped into mind when I saw the picture, besides Macho Man Randy Savage, was Photoshop and not just because the guy who posted it, Tebow's business partner Angel Hernandez, wrote "100% real, no photoshop" in his description.
Those aren't just muscles, they're fully-tanned Mr. Universe guns. Did he oil them before the round? Where's his neck? Why is he wearing a golf glove on his left hand if he's a lefty? And, seriously, where's his neck? This picture, also snapped at the range, fueled my suspicions:



Notice the two gloves on Tebow's hand, the large, but not excessive, muscles and the lack of greased-up forearms.
On the other hand, this is Tim Tebow we're talking about and I don't want to be a doubting Thomas. I'm torn, much like that purple Nike shirt will inevitably be if Tebow keeps up the bench press reps.

By Chris Chase

96 year-old Dutch woman confesses to World War II-era murder

A 65-year-old murder mystery has been solved, with the confession of a 96-year-old woman in Holland.
On March 1, 1946, Felix Gulje, the head of a construction company in Leiden, Holland, was shot dead on his doorstep. During the Nazi occupation of Holland during World War II, resistance fighters had suspected Gulje of collaborating with the German occupation authorities. Dutch police officials had arrested Gulje after the war, but he was acquitted on collaboration charges. Indeed, in subsequent years, it's been reported that Gulje actually aided Jews during the occupation; he provided shelter and money, and allowing a banned Catholic group associated with the resistance to use his factory.
Yesterday, Leiden Mayor Henri Lenfrink brought the Gulje affair back into public discussion with an announcement that on January 1, he'd received a letter from Atie Ridder-Visser, a former member of Holland's anti-Nazi Resistance, confessing to Gulje's murder.

Lenferink "said a woman has confessed to the killing, saying it happened in the mistaken belief that Gulje had collaborated with the Nazis," the Associated Press reported.

"On the cold sleeting night of March 1, 1946, Atie Visser rang Gulje's doorbell in Leiden, and told his wife that she had a letter to give to her husband," the AP wrote. "When he came to the door she shot him in the chest. He died in the ambulance, the mayor said, reading a lengthy statement at a news conference."
Visser moved to Indonesia after the war, married, lived for a time in Spain, and then returned to the Netherlands. She never had children. She met with two of Gulje's grandchildren last month, to explain what she had done.
Lenferink said Visser would not be prosecuted for the crime, and urged reporters to leave her alone.
"Even now, after 65 years, the murder should be strongly condemned: It is a case of vigilantism, and is unacceptable," he said, according to the AP. But he added, "Mrs. Ridder-Visser is a very old, very frail woman who hears poorly, is disabled and needs help."
(Photos: Dutch construction firm owner Felix Gulje was killed on his doorstep in Leiden, Holland, in March 1946. Atie Visser-Ridder, 96, a member of Holland's Resistance, confessed to the crime in a letter to the mayor of Leiden, the mayor announced yesterday.)

By Laura Rozen