Translated material
Road with rings
Traffic is restricted in the Olympic capital
In Beijing, Olympic organizers continue to work on security issues. A list of items prohibited from being brought into stadiums was published, and additional restrictions were invented for motorists.Forbidden Strip
To improve the environmental situation in Beijing and relieve traffic congestion, the city authorities are coming up with new ways. From the very beginning, it was announced that from July 20 to September 20, the number of cars in the Chinese capital would be limited: cars with odd numbers have the right to drive only on odd days, and vice versa with even numbers. The fine for driving a car outside of normal hours should be about 100 yuan ($25). At the same time, so that car owners do not become indignant, Beijing authorities decided to reduce the cost of compulsory insurance for cars that will be affected by restrictions on movement on city roads during the 2008 Olympics.
The other day, as RIA Novosti reports, new restrictions and sanctions were announced in Beijing. A fine of 200 yuan (about $50) threatens anyone who, without the appropriate pass, dares to occupy the so-called “Olympic lane,” on which only cars with the appropriate passes will be allowed to drive. On the leftmost lane of the city's main highways, special markings appeared in the form of five Olympic circles on a white background, and blue road signs with the image of the Olympic flag were installed along it.
These lanes will be used by so-called “zero emission vehicles.” 500 of these machines, which will serve the Olympians, were handed over to the organizing committee. These cars use electricity, fuel batteries and other new energy sources and do not harm the environment.
But the most harmless transport was offered to ordinary Chinese. Even from traffic restrictions, car companies are trying to take advantage of them. One of them, as part of an advertising campaign, offered its clients free bicycle rental during the Olympics.
Bringing your own drinks is prohibited
Organizers of the Olympic Games have published a list of 22 prohibited items that spectators are prohibited from bringing into stadiums. In addition to the traditional items for such lists - umbrellas, canes and camera tripods - it included all food products, all drinks, bicycles, roller skates and other non-motorized vehicles with the exception of wheelchairs. Animals are also banned, so the French will not be able to bring the national mascot - a live rooster - into the stands.
In addition, in order to increase security, the Chinese police advertised in newspapers that they were ready to pay for any information that would help avoid unrest. For information on violent and terrorist acts, subversive activities of Chinese and foreign illegal organizations or totalitarian sects, incidents involving the death or injury of foreign citizens, serious industrial accidents and major criminal cases, the persons providing it will be paid an amount of 10 thousand to 500 thousand yuan (70 thousand dollars).
Weightlifters want to lift six medals
The coaching staff of the Russian weightlifting team has determined the composition of the team that will take part in the Olympic Games. The team included: in the weight category up to 77 kg - Oleg Perepechenov, up to 94 kg - Roman Konstantinov, Khadzhimurad Akkaev, up to 105 kg - Dmitry Klokov, Dmitry Lapikov, over 105 kg - Evgeniy Chigishev.
“We plan that at the Games in China we can win six Olympic medals - two gold, two silver and two bronze,” team head coach David Riegert previously told RIA Novosti. - But I wouldn’t put the question bluntly - just one way and no other way, since the competition in our scales is very serious and everything can turn out unpredictably. But let me emphasize that any of our athletes who goes to the Olympics in Beijing has the right to claim to win a gold medal.”