Dangers computers pose to youngsters

Comment on "Youngsters in search of sound of music online." (China Daily, January 18)

With many of the nation's brightest youngsters addicted to spending long hours at their computers, we should ponder the dangers.

First, the physical inactivity of sitting at a computer for hours does not allow youngsters to expend excess energy in a healthy way, like participating in sports.

Second, sitting alone at a computer will do little to help youngsters develop inter-social skills, especially necessary if (like many) he or she has no siblings to talk to at home. They will be better able to communicate with their computers than with real people.

Third, the passive nature of this activity, particularly when indulged over long periods, robs the user of creativity.

Fourth, the violent and unreal nature of computer games, which are increasingly played by Chinese teenagers, provides a negative model of behavior - earning points by "zapping" (killing) opponents.

Fifth, what a waste of time it is for youngsters to neglect their homework in favor of staring for hours at computer screens.

Paul Surtees

via e-mail

People who tarnish China's good image

I visited Beijing in the last week of December with my daughter who went there as part of an exchange program. We also visited Xi'an, Shanghai and Hangzhou. On the whole people were nice, helpful and friendly. We were very touched by the honesty of Hangzhou people. However, a woman in Beijing who was wearing an airport employee's uniform and a badge tricked us.

We were heading for the taxi stand when this woman approached us. She smiled and asked if she could drop us off on her way home for the same price. Since she was an airport employee we simply trusted her. But to our dismay when we reached our destination, she asked us for 600 yuan while the taxi fare would have only been 100 yuan.

When we tried to reason with her she pretended not to understand. So we paid. Then she had the audacity to tell us if we needed a return trip we only would have to pay 250 yuan but we must call her to book a vehicle.

We did not need this experience on our first day in China. However, we were lucky she took us directly to our hotel and not a scenic tour of Beijing. This experience has taught us a lot.

My reason for writing this is to warn other visitors of such unscrupulous people who tarnish the image of China.

Take everything that sounds too good with a pinch of salt. I hope to safeguard the good image of China by letting readers know what might await them if they are not careful. Besides, I think I am doing justice to the majority of the people who are sincere and friendly toward visitors.

A well-wisher

via e-mail

Sympathy for the people

I watch with utter amazement at what is unfolding in Shanghai and the rest of China regarding the weather. It is all very reminiscent of the eight days of sleet, snow and ice we had here in Montreal, Canada in 1998 that crippled the entire city. I spent several weeks in Beijing and Shanghai recently, even took part in your marathon, and it is difficult to imagine how it could snow in Shanghai.

As pretty as it looks, it is amazing how much chaos and infrastructure damage snowstorms can cause when there is no snow removal equipment, crews, and planning. We get about six to 10 major snowstorms in Montreal over a typical winter and we take it for granted sometimes. In fact, we are expecting a good 25-30 cm of snow shortly.

My heart goes out to all the Chinese people. It must be frustrating for all this to be happening at the busiest travel time of the year. Before you know it, the sun will come out, the temperatures will rise, the snow will be gone. Hope you have a great Spring Festival and a Happy New Year.

George K

via e-mail

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(China Daily 02/01/2008 page9)