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Blogbuzz

(China Daily)
Updated: 2011-05-19 08:00

Topic: Power shortages

Chinese provinces including Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Hunan have been suffering electricity shortages even before the usual peak in consumption. The country has been plagued by power supply problems for years.

The problem lies with the electricity- and coal-pricing systems. While coal prices are decided by the market, electricity prices are still in the hands of the government.

"SHENGLIZAIWANG" ON QQ; FOLLOWERS: 3

The electricity shortage is not due to increased demand. It's because power plants don't want to generate more since coal prices are too high. The National Development and Reform Commission (the country's economic planner) tried to curb coal prices, but failed. Authorities can only call on people to use less electricity.

"SUNSENLIN" ON QQ; FOLLOWERS: 350

The prices of oil and electricity have become vicious circles. When the oil price increases, the cost of coal delivery rises. To reduce losses, power plants tend to produce less electricity. If the market faces a shortage of electricity, it'll consume more refined oil products, which means oil prices will continue to go up.

"LANNIAO" ON QQ; FOLLOWERS: 15

Topic: Mother drowned twins

In November last year, Han Qunfeng, 38, drowned her 13-year-old twins, who suffered with cerebral palsy, and then attempted to commit suicide by drinking pesticide. She survived, and will stand trial for murder in Dongguan in the near future.

I feel sympathy for her and her family. As a mother, I understand the hardship she went through and regard her as a great mother. I would support a lighter punishment. Mercy killing should be legalized.

"YANGZI" ON QQ; FOLLOWERS: 22,275

It's hard to feel sympathy for a mother who murders her own kids. Every family who has people with physical or mental disabilities has it tough, just as hard as this case. Twins with cerebral palsy can't be taken as an excuse for murder. Otherwise, similar cases will happen again and again. Han deserves to be punished for her crime.

"ROUQING SISHUI" ON 163; FOLLOWERS: 17

This story upsets me. It's very important to carry out regular checkups during pregnancy in order to avoid the birth of unhealthy children. At the same time the country should give more support for people with physical and mental disabilities.

"LIJILI" ON IFENG; FOLLOWERS: 3

Topic: Children sunbathe naked

About 20 children aged 3 to 6 sunbathed naked (girls were half naked) during a PE class in Dongguan on Tuesday. While teachers say sunbathing benefits the children's health, critics argued it harms public morals.

When I was young, children swam naked in the creek in my hometown. I don't think anyone's growth was harmed because of this. When children understand shyness, they put on their clothes by themselves. There's really no need to make a fuss over a trifle like this.

"GALAO" ON SINA; FOLLOWERS: 159

Children are not so fragile. They are just youngsters, they're not committing a crime. Sunbathing should be such a joy for children. If they really ask questions about their bodies, I think it's a good chance to give some sex education.

"ELEVEN-TING" ON SINA; FOLLOWERS: 127

Maybe it's OK to ask the opinion of the children, and the parents should respect the children's choice. The adults really have too much on their mind. There are not so many taboos when it comes to children.

"WANWEIBANGSHI" ON SINA; FOLLOWERS: 177

(China Daily 05/19/2011)