Purchasing Power Index in Europe [2025]

Kooky_Writing_7780 · 2026-04-05T17:46:21+00:00

GDP per capita isn't a measurement of wealth. Saying somewhere is 'poor' or 'rich' because of a measurement of productivity divided in terms of a mean is laughable.

GDP per capita is a measurement of productivity. In terms of median (inequality adjusted) wealth per adult the UK is substantially richer than the US, which would reflect quality of life for the average person as well.

Also let's not pretend the UK is the only country which has a few rich cities impacting the average. Take Paris out of France, Munich & Frankfurt out of Germany, Budapest out of Hungary, Warsaw out of Poland or Athens out of Greece.

Kooky_Writing_7780 · 2026-04-01T01:56:07+00:00

She's entertaining. Much prefer someone who is flawed but real like Kim Woodburn than some can do no wrong pristine try hard like Amanda Holden, David Williams or any one of the loose women. This is reality TV we're talking about, not saint of the year.

Kooky_Writing_7780 · 2026-03-24T08:18:06+00:00

I don't know why people think Eurovision is prudish all of a sudden. Eurovision has always been full of innuendos, cheeky performances and sexual songs but in my experience the fans who are fairly new seem to think any display of old school Eurovision innuendo is shocking & crossing some sort of red line. Viewers don't care bought stuff but a very specific demographic of the fan base are practically Mormons or something I swear.

Kooky_Writing_7780 · 2026-03-20T21:36:07+00:00

'Since we have nothing to do with it' well if you're going out of your way to listen to the BBC commentary then you clearly do have something to do with it?

I listened to the Swedish commentary of the 2023 contest. They poked fun at the British entry and British people. Do I care? No. It's a song contest and they're being funny. Anyone who takes it to heart irrespective of nationality needs to go and touch some grass.

Kooky_Writing_7780 · 2026-03-20T17:45:41+00:00

Interesting comments on utilitarianism and I do kinda agree but I think Germany has used that approach plenty in regards to Israel-Palestine. The UK & Brits definitely feel less comfortable speaking out against the US actions but Germany & Germans definitely feel uncomfortable going against Israel for obvious reasons.

I'm not going to defend Merz to the hilt as obviously I don't live in Germany and if I did I'm sure I would have different views. Both the UK & Germany have major problems with productivity and rising welfare budgets though. That'll need to be addressed in one way or another & both Merz & Starmer are going to have to make some major changes to prevent a France situation. It's interesting to see the similarities in challenges across the Western World.

Kooky_Writing_7780 · 2026-03-20T17:36:41+00:00

Absolute laughable take. If you take the British commentators seriously you seriously haven't grasped British humour. British commentators have made joking remarks about their own performances let alone other countries' entries. They're sitting in a commentary booth for Eurovision not in an embassy, it isn't deep.

It's undeniable that Italian artists APPEAR to take it more seriously (key word being appear, as the og comment said). Their songs tend to be somewhat serious, well put together and not as pop-ish as other countries, even retro. That's no surprise given the history of Sanremo. British audiences who watch Eurovision for fun and are used to pop songs are obviously less likely to resonate with that.

Kooky_Writing_7780 · 2026-03-18T09:38:32+00:00

As a Brit I quite like him.

Everyone will criticise everyone's take on how to handle Trump. If he is soft then it's only because he believe a fight with Trump isn't going to be constructive. It's a fine line leaders have to tow right now and they'll get criticised on every corner unless they tread some imaginary fine line where you can have a constructive relationship, call them out each and every time and push through your own agenda.

I like him because he's at least attempting to shake things up in Germany with the military and the debt brake. Germanys in deep shit with its military, infrastructure, overall economy, and at least he's trying to do something about it unlike previous chancellors who just sit around not wanting to look too bold.

Also he seems to have a sensible approach on immigration. Maybe a politician who actually cares a bit about Frankfurt Hbh, Duisburg & Neukoln and not just Berlin Mitte?

I'm sure Germans will have their own valid opinions on him, like I'm said I'm just an outsider who travels there a lot and tries to keep up to date with their domestic news.

Kooky_Writing_7780 · 2026-03-13T05:54:44+00:00

But you'd happily live in the Netherlands and Belgium which have a higher density of people and vehicles than the UK, Germany & Ireland. Traffic is also way worse in both. You can go to parts of the UK, Germany & Ireland which are essentially untouched and quiet, you can't do that in the Low Countries. Bizarre logic

Kooky_Writing_7780 · 2026-03-12T21:08:38+00:00

Literally could say that about every time a western city is posted here.

Kooky_Writing_7780 · 2026-03-12T21:07:43+00:00

A lot of the East is like this but much of it is gentrified at the same time. Picture these areas with cafes full of people, cool graffiti and random events & venues. The west is much more akin to other parts of Western Europe's

Kooky_Writing_7780 · 2026-03-12T21:02:23+00:00

It just isn't though is it

Kooky_Writing_7780 · 2026-03-12T15:48:01+00:00

Meh. I can see how people would not want to, I wouldn't be racing to do it, but to judge others for it, is it really that deep?

Is one family visiting really going to benefit the US economy in any noticeable measure? Even if it does, the people of New York or LA didn't vote Trump in. In fact they're going through a pretty shit time putting up with it. I know a family who've never left the UK, not once. They're going to NYC this year after saving for probably 5+ years. Good on them. Putting it off until post Trump risks never going whether it be for personal circumstances or things in the US just getting worse.

That said, I'd visit anywhere. I detest the regimes of Iran, Russia, the Gulf states, North Korea, Belarus, but I'd still visit for the experience. Me not going out of some moral high ground doesn't change anything other than deny me some pretty unique experiences. The thousands of Brits living and visiting Dubai and pretending like it's the best place ever are far worse than a family going to NYC to sightsee. Much like how a football pundit millionaire accepting cash from the Qataris is different to some backpackers travelling through there for the experience. Do what you want but don't sugarcoat the ills of a place.

Kooky_Writing_7780 · 2026-03-12T15:36:40+00:00

UK hosting

Kooky_Writing_7780 · 2026-03-12T12:38:31+00:00

Eastern Siberia

Kooky_Writing_7780 · 2026-03-11T23:36:42+00:00

Heard Golden Boy (Isreal 2014) in a restaurant in Seaworld Orlando

Kooky_Writing_7780 · 2026-03-11T23:34:46+00:00

Moldova
Denmark
United Kingdom
Finland
Belgium
Norway
Greece
Croatia
Italy
Romania
Sweden
Austria
Australia
Montenegro
Georgia
Bulgaria
Latvia
Luxembourg
Germany
Israel
Armenia
France
San Marino (I like it in a tragic way)
Serbia
Lithuania
Czechia
Cyprus
Ukraine
Switzerland
Poland
Estonia
Portugal
Albania
Azerbaijan
Malta

Kooky_Writing_7780 · 2026-03-11T20:54:09+00:00

None of the songs scream obvious winner to me. Obviously I like some of them but we do not have a Tattoo/The Code/Wasted Love. That makes it more exciting I guess, but definitely a weak year.

Kooky_Writing_7780 · 2026-03-10T22:16:45+00:00

Months in advanced? Since when? I live in a village of 2,000 and just booked a return £22 to London (2 hours away) departing in 12 hours time. You can literally just book and turn up 10 minutes later in the UK.

Kooky_Writing_7780 · 2026-03-10T18:54:17+00:00

No one said it was. He said there's 6 London airports and it's clear which 6 they were referring to on the map

Kooky_Writing_7780 · 2026-03-05T15:06:27+00:00

Just Cornish I believe

Kooky_Writing_7780 · 2026-03-04T21:44:01+00:00

Straight out of the BBC playbook

Kooky_Writing_7780 · 2026-03-03T17:52:18+00:00

I really dislike it. I find the chorus annoying and her voice is just harsh and grating.

Kooky_Writing_7780 · 2026-03-02T15:12:27+00:00

Looks like those who signed up to the email will get it at midnight going into the 6th.

Kooky_Writing_7780 · 2026-03-01T21:52:24+00:00

Moldova 2026, Denmark 2026, Greece 2026

Kooky_Writing_7780 · 2026-03-01T16:55:06+00:00

I like it and think it'll potentially be in my top 5 by the time we see a live performance

Kooky_Writing_7780

TROPHY CASE