英语角-圆桌会议 RoundTable - 代客扫墓

Topic1 EU to make visa rules easier for Chinese visitorsIn the future, it will become easier for Chinese travelers to apply for visas to go to Europe.

The European Union is proposing to simplify visa rules in an effort to stimulate the economy by wooing global tourists, especially from China.

The move is expected to eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, such ascumbersome rules and long wait times.

Is it good news?

Topic2 Banks Grace PeriodSometimes when Chinese customers try to buy a wealth management product in a bank, they are instead coaxed by the tellers into buying some insurance products that claim to be investment-oriented.

To avoid such problems from happening again, the authorities recently issues a new regulation, giving the customers a 15-day grace period to rethink about their decisions.

First of all, is there a problem with some insurance products sold in banks?

Topic3 Personally-tailored tomb-sweeping servicesTomb-Sweeping Day is approaching. People are flocking to pay respects to their family members that have passed away. However, for those who can't be at the cemetery, they can hire somebody to do the work for them.

This is very similar to the plot in Feng Xiaogang's film Personal Tailor. Let's have a listen. (clip)What is this service?

Topic4 Another escalator mishap in ShanghaiThirteen people were injured Wednesday when an escalator at Jing'an Temple Station in Shanghai suddenly changed directions.

The accident once again triggered discussion about escalator and elevator safety in the country's public venues.

Should we worry about this accident?

Topic5 Cameras Installed Near Baby IslandRecently, Shenzhen has completed the construction of its safety island for unwanted babies. There are 3 surveillance cameras installed both inside and outside the room.

In the meantime, Yinchuan in Ningxia is also building its abandoned baby island, and claims there won't be any cameras.

Which one is better, with or without the camera?

Topic6 Pepper Spray in Beijing SubwayThis Tuesday, a female passenger was stopped by security guards when she tried to enter Beijing subway Line 2 with a pepper spray. The passenger was unhappy about it so she sprayed onto a bomb blanket, causing panic in the crowd.

This raises a discussion of why pepper spray is being banned. Is there a problem with bringing pepper spray onto public transport?