Community

Blog buzz May 3,2011

(China Daily)
Updated: 2011-05-03 07:56

Topic: Stub it out

New rules that came into effect on May 1 ban smoking in 28 indoor public places, including hotels, hospitals and waiting room at airports and train stations. Reactions have been mixed.

I encountered a funny situation in a restaurant after the smoking ban. I asked a waiter if cigarettes were on the menu and he said yes. "Can I use the ashtray on the table?" I asked. Again, I was told yes. However, when I asked if I could smoke there he told me: "Sorry, we had a meeting yesterday asking us to tell diners that smoking is banned in the restaurant." I think I need to open my own restaurant.

"MAOKANKAN" ON QQ; FOLLOWERS: 680

Whenever the smoking ban is brought up, someone asks: "Why don't you shut down the cigarette companies?" What we need are smokers who have more respect and ethics. If smokers do not show their respect to others, there won't ever be a smoke-free environment.

"HUCHUAN" ON QQ; FOLLOWERS: 123

The new provision won't be fully enforced. People should learn to protect themselves by wearing a mask or scarf to prevent secondhand smoke.

"WEIXIAODEJIA" ON SINA; FOLLOWERS: 175

Topic: Wheels of justice?

On May 1, a regulation came into force that makes drunken driving a criminal matter, rather than an administrative one. It means offenders will be prosecuted for "dangerous driving".

It's expected that the severe punishment will reduce the number of fatalities caused by car accidents and help China relinquish the title of the world No 1 for road deaths. Drunken drivers will face detention of at most six months and a suspension of their driving license - but it's still too light. - "LINXI" ON QQ; FOLLOWERS: 55,806

In China people who can handle their drink may have a good chance of promotion, but traffic accidents resulting from excessive drinking has increased year-on-year. The new punishment may curb the spread of malpractice, but it won't clear up the dining culture. - "SHIZISHANREN" ON QQ; FOLLOWERS: 2,399

It's a good step but I'm worried about whether the regulation means equal treatment to everyone, including traffic police officers, officials and wealthy entrepreneurs.

"LANGLANG" ON QQ; FOLLOWERS: 4.4 million

Beijing traffic police have been equipped with handcuffs. I strongly support this new law. It's common sense that if you drink you don't drive and if you drive you don't drink. When you respect other people, you too can be respected.

"LIUSUIFENG" ON QQ; FOLLOWERS: 383

Topic: 'Most Wanted' killed

US president Barack Obama on Monday announced that Osama Bin Laden, the leader of Al Qaida and mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, was killed by US forces in Pakistan.

Although Osama bin Laden is dead, we still need to reflect what motivated this billionaire to live in deserts and leave no stone unturned to mastermind the terrorist attack of 9/11. If the motive is not clear, there will not be an end to terrorism.

"XIAOLUMEIZI" ON QQ; FOLLOWERS: 397,742

Will Al Qaida collapse after Osama bin Laden's death? Who will be the next top terrorist?

"ALICHAMPION" ON SINA; FOLLOWERS: 994

The stock market worldwide was affected by Osama bin Laden's death. The foreign exchange market started to fluctuate, too. The good news for Chinese students overseas is that the Australian dollar started to slide from the highest 7.13 yuan for 1 Australian dollar to 7.10 yuan. - "YANGFUCHANG"ON SINA; FOLLOWERS: 235

I'm not sure if it will be the end of the story. People like Osama bin Laden will have many stunts.

"XIAOLUMEIZI" ON SINA; FOLLOWERS: 208