CAMRA’s latest research into the falling number of public houses in the UK has produced shocking results - indicating that up to 26 pubs per month close down and are turned into houses, restaurants, offices or shops.

Just last month, a popular pub on the road I live on - the Plasterers Arms - was demolished after being bought up by Brookes University for student accomodation.

But why are the numbers decreasing so dramatically? CAMRA’s research shows that 4 in 5 of the pubs closed were turned into housing. Is our space in the UK so limited that such community-based buildings must be demolished to make way for just 1 or 2 extra living spaces? I doubt it. You could blame the fact that the population are beginning to turn to fancier wine bars and town theme bars - but according to the survey, 84% would rather visit their local or a countryside inn.

Perhaps it’s the inevitable smoking ban - which will abandon years of tradition and culture - never mind free will. Or perhaps it’s the fact that the dwindling lack of community spirit and care for other citizens among our youth means that the atmosphere in most pubs is ruined by a tiny minority of small-minded morons.

Whatever the reasons, it’s a terrible figure. The local pub is a tradition of Britain just as much as a Sunday roast.

Via: [BBC]

The average age of music consumers is on the rise, says the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. The BBC reports that the survey says over 30s now account for more than 55% of the buying public, up at least 5% in the last five years.

Perhaps that’s because new music liked by much of the younger generation is rubbish. And they’re not even stupid enough to buy it.

Via: [BBC]

Camtasia Studio makes it easy to document in video and audio anything you are doing on a PC, and Microsoft UK’s customer experience manager Alex Barnett has done just that in making a how-to for RSS feeds.

It was made in February, so it’s not exactly new, but it’s very useful for the absolute beginner in getting the most out of RSS (and there’s quite a lot to get out of it).

UK record companies are filing their first ever lawsuits against illegal filesharers. Five people are being taken to court, while 60 others settled before it got that far.

Via: [NME]