In some Australian country towns you will still find old nineteenth and early twentieth century buildings with the faded words "Mechanics Institute" written over the doors. These were the local halls where the working class (and any others so minded) gathered at nights to expand their intellectual horizons under their own steam, through discussion, debate and group reading. Probably did a bit of equivalent belly dancing on occasion too. The Mechanics Institutes fell into decay some decades ago and the buildings are now just sad but noble relics of a time when education at all levels was valued for its own sake. Not any more it seems.

I know which I'd prefer to watch...more belly dancers please.