英語角-圓桌會議 RoundTable1119 - 西游記播了3000多次，你看了幾次？

Topic1 China proposes tougher rules on text message spam China has proposed stricter regulations on sending spam to mobile phones, including fines of up to 30,000 yuan or $4,907 for violations.

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology is now soliciting public opinion on a draft regulation against rampant spam messages clogging mobile phones.

The regulation may take effect next year.

Is there a problem?

Topic2 No More Unified Exams in Primary Schools in Beijing Beijing Municipal Education Commission recently announced several suggestions aimed at teaching reforms. The highlight is that all kinds of unified examinations and tests will be banned at primary school level, and schools will only record students' growing process including the development of study habits, as well as participation in social, cultural and sports activities.

Is it good news?

Topic3 Beijingers still watching television in droves according to GehuaCable television provider Beijing Gehua CATV Network Corporation has refuted recent media reports claiming that television-viewing in the capital has declined drastically in the past three years.

According to the network, out of the 4 million households sampled, 66.2 percent had their televisions switched on at some point on November 14.

The average viewing time, according to the same survey, was 203 minutes.

Is traditional cable TV being challenged, or still thriving?

Topic4 Journey to the West Most Aired Show on TV(clip)Guess all of our Chinese listeners are familiar with this piece of music. It is the theme tune for the 1986 TV drama Journey to the West.

Recently, actor Zhang Jinlai, or better known by his stage name Liu Xiao Ling Tong, is leading a campaign to earn this TV drama a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most broadcast and highest rated TV show.

What do you think?

Topic5 Anxious consumers snap up safety testing kits After a string of food safety scandals in recent years, some Chinese consumers are taking to products which allow users to test what they are eating for harmful contaminants.

The most common of these products are food safety testing strips, which can detect the presence of harmful toxins, pathogens and contaminants in food.

Is it necessary? Are Chinese consumers overly cautious?