英语角-圆桌会议 RoundTable0917 - 中国式公共澡堂

 Topic 1-The removal of National Holiday Office after 14 yearsThe National Holiday Office has been a subject of criticism for years.

Its decisions, for example, to 'pick-n-mix' all national holidays with weekends and abolish the 'May First golden week,' have been severely¹ criticized by Chinese workers.

Now, after a good 14 years it is going to be removed on September the 15th. Topic 2-Beijing raises hiring standard for foreign employeesAs China's economy continues to open to the outside world, more and more foreigners are seeking jobs in China, especially among the more developed Chinese cities.

Foreigners mainly work in IT, computer science, education, consulting, and science and technology.

Recently, Beijing's municipal government has announced a new employment standard for foreigners, lifting the threshold for acquiring a job in the city.

Topic-3-Bath House closingFor many elderly citizens in Beijing, taking a bath with several good friends in a public bathhouse, enjoying traditional rubdown, chatting and enjoying tea together probably are the most indispensable things in their daily lives.

Unfortunately, there is bad news.

One of Beijing's oldest traditional bathhouses will be completely shut down on this weekend, which makes many locals nostalgic.

1 severely   

adv.严格地；严厉地；非常恶劣地

参考例句：

• He was severely criticized and removed from his post.他受到了严厉的批评并且被撤了职。
• He is severely put down for his careless work.他因工作上的粗心大意而受到了严厉的批评。