i love his books. it's not exactly for the kids.. but.. any way i remember something in one of the books about declining illiteracy, and dirty public restrooms being sign of declining society. maybe i read it wrong. but i was at one of the fast food joint today, found out declining communication skill is one of those signs also. 

i asked for chicken warp. he said what kind. i said what do you have. he said "8, 9, and 10". i said what are the differences. he said "8, 9, and 10". i asked again. what's in them and what makes them different from each other. he said "ohhhhh.. let me look at the menu".

Pete, there was that day that I went through the drive-through and ordered a burger with Mayonnaise only.  Thinking I didn't want all that catsup, mustard, stuff.  I got my burger, drove off, got on the freeway, took a bite.  OMG!  Mayo between two buns!!  NO MEAT!!

I think it's a communication problem.  Like English is not the order takers first language........  Sigh

Eh, that's more John Brunner, of Stand On Zanzibar fame...

The young kid at the fast food restaurant was probably trained very fast and not given the proper amount of time.

found the quote. it's from "to sail beyond the sunset". 

"too many lawyers, family decay, high taxes, decline in rational thinking, entertainers and high-paid athletes mistaken for important leaders of public opinion, strikes by public officials, peer-group promotion in public schools, declining literacy, and, last but not least, dirty public restrooms (a sign of declining courtesy and polite consideration for others)"

i forgot who's stand up that was.. "you want no msg? okay.. i don't give you msg" and dump scoop of msg into the egg drop soup.