I've been spending too much time in the pub

I haven't written anything in my secret diary for over a month. It's not that I haven't had things to write about; it's just that I've been sampling the daytime delights of the pubs of rural England. A large smoked mackerel or Stilton Ploughman's washed down with a couple of pints of Sidebottom's Wallop or Rosie's Scrumwater on a sunny late spring day does tend to induce falling asleep in front of the computer.

However, the brain has not been entirely idle. Some interesting similarities between Britain and New Zealand I've noted since arriving here for the northern summer:

1. The Labour-led governments are in trouble, after multiple terms in office.
2. House prices are stalling and predicted to fall, with owners of multiple highly-leveraged rental properties expected to be hardest hit .
3. The economy is faltering but not expected to go through the floor.
4. The retirement of the baby boomers is now starting to bite, with major gaps in most technical and managerial professions. Although the current downturn will alleviate the problem, it won't help the solution as firms skimp on recruiting and developing young talent.
   
5. Violent crime, uncouth behaviour and increased alcohol consumption are constant features of news reports and general discussion.
6. School exam systems are still lambasted on all sides.
7. People expect lower taxes, but the government is proving stingy with minor reductions in this year's budget.
8. Environmental awareness is growing, but government initiatives are often clumsy, inconsequential and fail to address the major issues.
9. City traffic is a nightmare.
10. The local wine industry is thriving. (Yes, you read that right.)