Pulse

Around Beijing

(China Daily)
Updated: 2011-05-18 08:25

Community

Netizen drops pledge to kill dogs

A man has apologized for claiming he will "kill a dog every day", Beijing Youth Daily reported.

Because he disagreed with the recent action of volunteers saving dogs on a highway near Beijing, netizen Zhu Guangbing said on his micro blog on May 4 that he would kill a dog every day from June 1 if those people did not use their dog-rescue resources to help poor students.

In the following days and nights, Zhu received calls and messages criticizing his comments, which greatly upset him and his family. Zhu said he will give up the idea because he does not want his family to be disturbed.

Community

Residents stare down lion threat

Two stone lions at the gate of the newly finished National Theater of China were removed on Sunday night due to residents' complaints, Beijing Youth Daily reported.

The theater had moved to a new address in Guang'anmen, where the two stone lions directly faced a community. Many residents, especially older people, thought the lions would bring bad luck to the community. Some families even placed small mirrors in their windows, which they believed would prevent the bad luck.

Many residents complained to the theater, which then removed the lions.

Court

Trafficking charge for life with minor

A man charged with child trafficking pleaded for leniency at Fangshan court on Monday, Beijing Youth Daily reported.

Cai Shigang, a 36-year-old who lived by recycling waste in Beijing, met 13-year-old Xiao Jing (an alias) in 2005. The girl had run away from her home in Wuhan, Hubei province. Xiao Jing moved in with Cai and in 2009, she gave birth to a boy.

Early this year Xiao Jing returned to her hometown. Four days later, as Cai was following her to Wuhan, the police detained him. However, Cai said Xiao Jing had been willing to live with him and he had not forced her to do so.

Community

Hotlines open for fire safety checks

An information center that collects and analyzes fire risks began official operations on Tuesday, according to the city's fire bureau.

Citizens are encouraged to report fire risks by dialing the hotline 6222-8119, or calling 114 and asking for the phone numbers of fire brigades in relevant districts. Letters, e-mails or visits to the bureau are also acceptable.

Fire risks that can be reported include blocked evacuation passages, broken firefighting devices and cases of workers' dormitories being used as storehouses.

All the reports will be checked. A time limit will be given to those in charge of the investigations.

Traffic

Officials launch cell phone travel news

Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development, in a joint effort with Xinhua News Agency, started a tourism cell phone newspaper service on Tuesday. Beijing residents can get free access to the regular newspaper by sending ktbjlyb to 10658258.

The MSM (multimedia message) newspaper, issued on Tuesdays and Fridays, includes public service information, traveling line recommendations and travel news updates. The commission also introduced China's first Tourism Day, set for May 19, when a grand launch ceremony will be held at the Temple of Heaven, along with an assortment of activities.

(China Daily 05/18/2011 page)