Fri 18th July 2008
It’s been a grim seven days with cool, windy weather and absolutely no sun to speak of (some July.) Nick knocked a cyclist of his bike (not his fault) though it is still a traumatising experience. Cyclist was ok but the car has gone in for repair. Then Mike’s mum fell and had to go to hospital. She’s ok and coming back home today.
Seems like every time the TV is on there is more economic angst...it’s not looking so good out there. Looks like a grim few years are coming. ( I'm not a pessimist...well ok maybe a bit!) Food and bills are getting more expensive and will continue to do so. It’s funny though when people say the “good times” are over...for a lot of people around here they never started. I really thought when I was 20 that by the time I got here to 50 the world would be at peace and greed would be a thing of the past. Ah the folly of youth...too many people and too much greed and that’s not going to change anytime soon.
I need some sunshine...have a good weekend.
They’ve just a published a survey of the UK quality of life (see below) and I would have to broadly agree, although I question the statistic only 41,026 people left or that we earn the highest incomes...are they nuts! One thing’s for sure for every 1 out there are 2 immigrants coming in and Darwen is beginning to look positively cosmopolitan these days. That can’t be good!
From Yahoo news
The UK offers among the lowest quality of life in Europe despite residents earning the highest incomes. According to the uSwitch.com European quality of life index, the price of fuel and other essential goods, below average spending on health and education, short holidays and late retirement place the UK just above Ireland. Although British families earn more than £10,000 more than the European average, they pay the highest prices for diesel, 18 per cent above the average, and the second highest price for unleaded petrol, 6 per cent more than average.
They also pay 49 per cent more for gas and 5 per cent more for electricity - the third highest prices in Europe. UK spending on healthcare and education is below the European average while life expectancy is the third lowest at 78.9 years, compared to 80.9 in France or 80.7 in Sweden.
Workers have the third highest retirement age and suffer the shortest holiday entitlement - a week below average. The weather adds to the grim tally, with Britain receiving 80 per cent less sunshine than Spain and 17 per cent less than the European average.
A total of 41,026 residents left the UK in 2006, the highest number in Europe, with total emigration increasing by 30 per cent from the UK since 2001. The study assessed 19 factors to rank the UK in relation to nine other major countries across Europe. Spain offers the best quality of life in Europe, despite families earning an annual net income of just £16,789 - £8,500 below the average and less than half that of the UK. The country enjoys low taxation, cheaper essential goods, higher than average life expectancy and a generous holiday allowance, uSwitch said.
France came second, boasting the second highest spend on healthcare and the highest holiday allowance at 40 days
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/itn/20080716/tuk-britain-bottom-of-quality-of-life-in-dba1618.html