Clik here to view.
Every time the sun sets on the Beijinger's editorial offices, we lament the fact that there's still so much we never got to that day. So we're testing out an evening column in which we summarize the news we didn't manage to write up before quittin' time. Enjoy and let us know what you think in the comments.
Beijing Tops the World in Billionaires
Beijing has replaced New York City as the city with the most resident billionaires, according to Hurun Rich List creator Rupert Hoogewerf. Bloomberg quotes Hoogewerf as saying there are now 100 billionaires living in Beijing, while New York has 95. He also reports that our sister city down south, Shanghai, has a piddling 50, which is only good for fifth on the list (Moscow is #3 with 66, and Hong Kong fourth with 64).
Beijing Folk Stealing Public Toilet Paper
Meanwhile, on the other end of Beijing's economic spectrum ... There’s a famous notion: the government’s property is the public’s property. The practical demonstration of this notion was observed recently at Beijing’s Tiantan Park, where some visitors could not resist the pull of free public toilet paper – and were seen revisiting the bathroom multiple times a day to peel more off the freshly restocked rolls. Pictures of these buttwipe swipers are making rounds on social media.
Beijing Lawyers Sue Government for Not Taking Care of Smog
Beijing’ lawyer Cheng Hai has decided to sue the government for not taking appropriate actions to control Beijing's air pollution problem. He is of the view that economic development and going green can go hand-in-hand, if done right. Bravo for him and let's hope he's not thrown in jail for having such big, swinging balls.
Another '08 Doper Nabbed: This time it's a Ukranian Pentathlete
Viktoriya Tereshchuk, who won the bronze medal in Women's Pentathlon at Beijing’s 2008 Olympic games, has been disqualified by the IOC after it was proved through restests that she had used a banned substance. It's the fifth Ukranian competitor that has been DQ'd and brings the tally of Beijing drug cheats to 60.
March 1 Marks the End of the Free Ride for Beijing's Dancing Grannies
Who doesn't love the retired women of Beijing, many of whom spend their post-work life dancing the night away in unison in public areas, blaring loud music through amplifiers? Well, apparently not a whole heck of a lot of people (beyond the grannies themselves). Beijing has just issued an order saying that as of March 1, dancers that disturb the public order will be fined.
Beijing Electric Taxis: Maybe Not Such a Good Idea After All
Since 2011, Beijing has slowly been moving towards electric taxis as a means of controlling pollution, and we reported yesterday that the move is on to convert even more. However, electric taxis, as Bloomberg points out, are not popular amongst drivers because electric car batteries don't last very long in the winter and charging stations are few and far between – and often have long lines for recharging. That means less time for taking fares. The battery problem gets so bad in the winter that drivers are known to keep their heat off as a battery-saving maneuver.
Beijing Now Requires ID Cards for Bus Travel
Like planes and trains before them, long-distance buses are are now requiring ID from all passengers. For Chinese nationals, an ID card will suffice; for foreigners, tickets will only be issued after verifying visa, passport and work permit.
Image: bpn.ge
