英语角-圆桌会议 RoundTable0523 - 中国人为啥爱围观？

 Topic1 Cancel VIP Clinics in Public HospitalsRecently, media reports that Shanghai decides to cancel the VIP clinics in its public hospitals. In the meantime, Beijing also claims to launch a reform on the paid VIP services in local public medicare institutions.

But are these services problematic?

Topic2 Beijing Zoo plans live broadcasts of animalsOne of the largest city zoos in China will launch an online live-broadcast website for its animals.

Beijing Zoo, in cooperation with Baidu, will launch China Online Zoo中国网上动物园, on June 1, which is Children's Day.

Will you be interested in visiting?

Topic3 Eating will not be banned on Beijing subwaysA ban on eating and drinking on the Beijing subway has been lifted two months after it was put in place.

While it is now technically¹ permitted, not eating or drinking on the subway will be "encouraged".

But lawmakers are again arguing that a food and drink ban is still necessary on Beijing subway.

Why was the ban canceled?

Topic4 Chinese BystandersFor nearly 2000 years, once something unusual happens, Chinese people rushed to the spot as fast as they can to witness. It could be a magic performer coming to town, a suicide, an execution of a criminal or a street fight. But apart from watching, they did nothing else such as offering help.

Is it a fair description of the Chinese onlooker² mentality³?

Topic5 Young people drinking reportA recent survey carried out by Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows that drinking is very common among young people. According to the survey, over 52% of middle school students drank alcohol at least once and 15% have been drunk.

What does that tell us?

1 technically   

adv.专门地，技术上地

参考例句：

• Technically it is the most advanced equipment ever.从技术上说，这是最先进的设备。
• The tomato is technically a fruit,although it is eaten as a vegetable.严格地说，西红柿是一种水果，尽管它是当作蔬菜吃的。

2 onlooker   

n.旁观者，观众

参考例句：

• A handful of onlookers stand in the field watching.少数几个旁观者站在现场观看。
• One onlooker had to be restrained by police.一个旁观者遭到了警察的制止。

3 mentality   

n.心理，思想，脑力

参考例句：

• He has many years'experience of the criminal mentality.他研究犯罪心理有多年经验。
• Running a business requires a very different mentality from being a salaried employee.经营企业所要求具备的心态和上班族的心态截然不同。