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Post by ozneil on May 26, 2012 21:09:19 GMT -1
You wouldn't mean Australia by any chance, would you? ;D May be as well Dont like skiting but most things you mention apply to Australia except shorter working hours and limit to CEO earnings. Sweden is going to become "interesting" I think.
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Post by Deleted on May 26, 2012 21:50:18 GMT -1
There are other countries that hold same values, are more "capitalistic", have a high standard of living and are prepared to work to achieve it. PS and enjoy greater freedom from interference from bureaucrats With respect as ever, Oz I think Australia's still playing catchup when it comes to the intense capitalism and materalism that's all but taken over hereabouts. Aus is relatively classless compared to the UKE and I suspect there's far less 'jealousy' and competition over petty materialistic concerns... You have a high standard of living yes, due in part to having an outdoor lifestyle, homes that go outwards and not upwards, plenty open space and opportunities to help build the collective wealth of what is a New World country. But the thing is, Oz, you're not comparing like with like. Your country has what, 19 million people in a country the size of the US? Based mainly around the coasts. It's easy to see why bureaucracy can be minimised, it's down to sheer numbers. If Australia was to see the same rise in population numbers as this small, densely populated country that's the UKE, then you TOO would see a necessary rise in bureaucracy. Not that I've not considered emigrating over there. It's by far the best country I've ever visited. But just too far from where the heart lies.
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Post by ozneil on May 26, 2012 22:02:30 GMT -1
What you say is absolutely correct apart from 2 minor points. Our population is 22 million and we arent playing catch up. We have no need too. I mean who is there to catch up with ;D ;D Peony will tell you that Australia is 95% the size of the lower 48 states PS MIND you our present Labour Government is doing is worst to fuck things up
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Post by peony on May 26, 2012 22:04:58 GMT -1
Yes, the continental US is slightly larger.
I do have ties to Sweden, but I think that there is a lot to admire there. It is a social democracy.
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Post by Deleted on May 26, 2012 22:18:00 GMT -1
What you say is absolutely correct apart from 2 minor points. Our population is 22 million and we arent playing catch up. We have no need too. I mean who is there to catch up with ;D ;D I just find there's a more laissez faire attitude over by than there is here, Oz. Far less emphasis on worldly possessions, you guys are all too busy having a great, sociable time. We have a situation here in our overly capitalistic society where some are all too ready to mortgage themselves to the hilt, plus have multiple debts through continually spending more than they earn, living a champagne lifestyle on an average wage---- all in an effort to impress. Impress who, exactly? Such is the overweening 'celebrity culture' here in the West. Fur coat and nae knickers; an old term but even more relevant now.
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Post by ozneil on May 26, 2012 22:24:12 GMT -1
here its "Volvo in garage, sausage in fridge"
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Post by Deleted on May 26, 2012 23:47:35 GMT -1
Precisely what I mean by catch-up, Oz. We're WAY ahead of you wi the material longing shiteness. Volvos here are regarded as commonplace. Not aspirational. Every feck now wants a Maserati or, if on less than a footballer's weekly wage, wan of thae hideous, monstrous white Range Rovers. Some are quite prepared to borrow (on meagre salaries) to instal Agas into tenement flats, while some'd be mortified to be seen without their Louboutins or Vuitton handbags. That's entitlement, don't you know. I hope to feck this awfulness doesn't reach your shores.
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Post by ozneil on May 27, 2012 0:44:12 GMT -1
nearly Rolo we have a few of that type of person you describe, quite a few live in places like Paddington. The phrase "A volvo in the garage and a sausage in the fridge" is not quite what you take it to be, very nearly but not quite. I'll try and explain, to own a volvo was the ambition of a certain type of person who most of the population feel a bit sorry for. Usually middle management havent really made it but.... They are not actually jeered at but the Volvo owner is set aside from the general populace (eg Volvo drivers always wear hats) They know that and make excuses (eg I bought the Volvo because its so safe) but still will make sacrifices to own one. Just a Volvo not a Jaguar or Lexus. It is weird thing but largely going out of fashion . Made a real balls of trying to explain it Saw a bumper sticker on one it read "ITS A COMPANY CAR"
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Post by bormes on May 27, 2012 6:43:23 GMT -1
I'm a Land Rover fan and a recently converted VW Campervan fan.(4x4 with Difflocks and raised Seikle suspension.) !!!!!!!
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Post by Deleted on May 27, 2012 20:11:19 GMT -1
I want a hurl in that as well, Bormes.... ;D ;D ;D
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Post by ozneil on May 27, 2012 20:48:35 GMT -1
I'm a Land Rover fan and a recently converted VW Campervan fan.(4x4 with Difflocks and raised Seikle suspension.) !!!!!!! Am half owner of Nissan Patrol 3 litre intercooled diesel with raised suspension, CB & HF radios, snorkel id to keep air inlet as high as possible to keep dust out, The box fixed to bull bars is a NATO radio wave length convertor (only need one aerial) Creek crossed can see waterline on door jusr below door protector Simpson Desert , French line track
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Post by ozneil on May 27, 2012 21:16:17 GMT -1
Top of Sand dune (big red) to go round it would be another 60km Fluro flags on arials are to let other vehicles see we are ontrack Damn it I knew we should have turned left !!!!!
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Post by Deleted on May 27, 2012 21:29:47 GMT -1
What are those big white fluffy things in the sky there in that last pic, Oz? Been a while (ok, a week) since we've seen anything like that here in the Auld Countree (as Burt Lancaster might have said in a bad Scottish accent).
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Post by ozneil on May 27, 2012 21:34:47 GMT -1
What are those big white fluffy things in the sky there in that last pic, Oz? Been a while (ok, a week) since we've seen anything like that here in the Auld Countree (as Burt Lancaster might have said in a bad Scottish accent). Couldnt see them for the rain???
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Post by Deleted on May 27, 2012 22:35:39 GMT -1
Hell no ;D. We bypassed rain somewhere atween frost and snow in early May to one of the best weather weeks I can remember, this past one.
Beautiful big stubborn high, average temps 25+ every day this last week, and nary a cloud in sight. It's been an utter joy.
We're so pathetically grateful for it, we've turned into a nation of happy, smiley people.
But I'm sure we'll get back to our usual dour selves next week when the high's squeezed out by Siberian winds and hail. Just like every other summer.... ;D
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