I opened this rather hoping it was a celebration of one of my favourite pubs. However no such luck. I read through the posts and was quite interested by some of the ideas, and as always attracted by the vehemence of expression.

When it comes down to it though, what we are really talking about is a major failure in the education system in England.

"Teach your children that what's between their ears is more important than what's between their legs, and you're more than 99% towards improving both their future and ours."
Giok

all very well mate, but what if the parents haven't got much between the ears - do we just say, well theres another generation are going to follow in the same path? I don't think it can be an option for much longer, although its the soft option that ahs been picked up by one load of politicians after another. You sometimes think - well perhaps the self perpetuating mess that is the education system WILL go on forever.

it works for the nice middle class kids, but when will it EVER come to grips with the new generation. They know all about interior decoration - you don't have books in the house, it makes clutter.They know all about politics, its on the other channel when the soap opera getting into gear. fashion and Art, well if its got the right logo on.....Music, they can tell which bands will appeal to Simon Cowell before he knows himself.

In short they are the products and victims of our apalling culture. And the truth is that we're all too busy fighting our own corner and making our own livings for our families, to really give a damn.

The thing about our culture is that it works, it makes money.