英语口语教程(中级) UNIT 32-33

Oral Workshop:    Discussion   Lesson32(Ad)-33 ;

[00:08.11]Lesson 32 ;

[00:11.00]    Additional     Information     A     THE SNAKE ;

[00:19.28]You slippery characters are highly intelligent. ;

[00:23.22]Your active mind is forever planning ways to use your considerable skills. ;

[00:28.11]You're a deep thinker who likes to meditate. ;

[00:30.85]During your life you'll shed many skins nd take up new interests and jobs. ;

[00:35.44]Snakes enjoy a challenge and rarely make mistakes. ;

[00:38.65]You're usually lucky with money,thanks to your business sense. ;

[00:42.86]But you do have the distinction of being the worst gambler in whole ;

[00:46.74]Chinese zodiac! Generally, ;

[00:49.16]you're calm and placid and prefer the quiet life. ;

[00:52.18]Sometimes you have difficulty communication with others ;

[00:54.97]but you do have a sense of humour particularly during crises. ;

[00:58.51]Thorough and hard- working,you can occasionally be ruthless. ;

[01:02.28]Your confidence,will power and quick- thinking usually ensure success ;

[01:06.58]but when these fail, you take a long time to recover. ;

[01:09.66]You can be evasive, too,and won't let others into your confidence. ;

[01:13.65]Snakes burn up so much nervous energy that,if you're not careful, ;

[01:17.81]you can have health problems like high blood pressure. ;

[01:20.52]Often a late starter,you do well in jobs that involve research, ;

[01:24.54]writing or planning. You're a good teacher, ;

[01:27.20]politician or personnel manager. ;

[01:29.49]You enjoy buying expensive gifts for friends ;

[01:32.39]and are renowned for your good looks. ;

[01:34.63]Female snakes have style and grace with an excellent- ;

[01:38.81]and expensive-taste in clothes.You're a keen socialiser ;

[01:42.83]with a wide circle of friends and a knack of impressing those who matter. ;

[01:46.78]Despite your many interests,you like to retain a certain amount of privacy. ;

[01:52.36]Snakes are fascinated by the unknown and you're often psychic. ;

[01:57.03]You'll try your hard at many things ;

[01:58.84]and will meet success when you least expect it. ;

[02:02.73]    THE HORSE ;

[02:05.23]You popular Horses are known for your elegance and charm. ;

[02:10.45]You adore parties and meeting people- not surprisingly, ;

[02:14.21]you're usually the centre of attention. ;

[02:16.10]You also have leadership qualities and are admired for your honesty. ;

[02:20.16]You talk most persuasively and love discussion and debate. ;

[02:24.20]With your agile mind,you are able to absorb facts quickly. ;

[02:28.28]But Horses do have fiery tempers, ;

[02:31.27]though you will often regret your outbursts. ;

[02:33.67]And you're not good at keeping secrets. ;

[02:36.44]You tend to get involved with many interests,sometimes not completing them. ;

[02:41.25]With your tendency to get caught up the latest craze, ;

[02:44.54]you can waste your energies.You love independence, ;

[02:49.75]hate being bound up by petty rules. ;

[02:52.54]You still need support nd encouragement, though,with your various enterprises. ;

[02:56.78]Multi-talented Horses tend to go far ;

[02:59.80]but you take a long time to recover from failure.You regard it as a humiliation. ;

[03:04.91]You like to travel and explore new, exciting places ;

[03:08.84]and during one stage of your life you're usually tempted to live abroad. ;

[03:13.04]With your adaptable nature,you usually fit in well wherever you go. ;

[03:17.20]You're a colourful dresser and very attractive to the opposite sex. ;

[03:21.43]You often have many partners before setting down. ;

[03:24.15]Then you're loyal and protective to your partner, ;

[03:27.41]although you still like to maintain a degree of independence ;

[03:30.27]with interests and hobbies.Outgoing female Horses are usually attractive ;

[03:35.23]and intelligent, with many interests, particularly outdoors. ;

[03:38.86]You love travel, literature,the arts -and really enjoy good conversation. ;

[03:43.83]Although you can be stubborn and self- centred,you have a considerate nature ;

[03:48.25]and with your sense of humour,usually make a good impression. ;

[03:52.21]    THE GOAT ;

[03:54.60]Imaginative and creative,Goats appreciate the finer things of life. ;

[04:00.25]With your easy-going nature,you prepare to relax away from pressures. ;

[04:04.65]You hate unpleasantness,or being bounds by a strict routine. ;

[04:08.60]Even so you're a perfectionist ;

[04:10.71]who gives your best once you've started on a project. ;

[04:13.58]As you need support and encouragement, ;

[04:16.02]you prefer to work in a team rather than on your own, ;

[04:18.73]when you can get worried and pessimistic. ;

[04:21.13]Usually you like to leave major decisions to others but, ;

[04:24.77]if you feel strongly,you'll act with precision and strength. ;

[04:28.72]You're a persuasive type, ;

[04:30.34]and often use your considerable charm to get your own way. ;

[04:33.87]You can,however,be rather hesitant about letting your true feelings be known ;

[04:39.29]and if you were prepared to be more forthright, ;

[04:41.58]you'd find you'd do much better. ;

[04:43.56]Despite your reserve,you can be the centre of attention in company ;

[04:47.39]and become an amusing host and superb entertainer. Of all the signs, ;

[04:53.48]you're the most gifted artistically ;

[04:55.58]and make a lasting impression in theatre,literature, music or art. ;

[05:00.14]Many Goats are religious and also have a deep interest in nature. ;

[05:04.56]You're nostalgic and keep mementos of childhood ;

[05:07.45]and souvenirs of places you've visited. ;

[05:09.89]You're also athletic and likely to excel in sport. ;

[05:13.37]Female goats devote a lot of time to the family. ;

[05:16.90]You have excellent taste in home furnishings ;

[05:19.35]and often use your artistic skills to make clothes. ;

[05:22.33]You are great organisers,with a delightful sense of humour, ;

[05:25.64]and create a good impression wherever you go.Goats win friends easily and, ;

[05:31.08]with the right support,have happy satisfying lives, ;

[05:34.35]particularly if you can use your creative skills. ;

[05:38.42]    THE MONKEY ;

[05:40.90]Inquisitive and imaginative, ;

[05:43.73]Monkeys love to keep an eye on everything going on. ;

[05:46.54]You like to be helpful nd offer advice which is usually sensible and reliable. ;

[05:51.50]Monkeys are intelligent, well-read and eager to learn. ;

[05:55.16]You have a good memory and often make superb linguists. ;

[05:58.54]As a convincing talker,you enjoy debates and discussions- ;

[06:02.24]your assured manner can be very persuasive. ;

[06:04.78]You excel in politics,public speaking, ;

[06:07.28]PR work,teaching and anything involving selling.You can be crafty and cunning,too ;

[06:13.90]and occasionally dishonest. ;

[06:16.45]You will seize on opportunities to make quick gains. ;

[06:20.30]Often you have so much confidence in your abilities ;

[06:22.74]that you won't listen to advice. ;

[06:24.51]Fortunately for you,you're good at solving problems and ;

[06:28.39]extricating yourself from hopeless positions. ;

[06:30.97]You're a master of self-preservation! With your talent, ;

[06:34.65]you can make lots of money but you like to spend,too, ;

[06:37.80]on exotic holidays and all sorts of luxuries. ;

[06:40.82]Monkeys are original thinkers who easily become bored and distracted. ;

[06:45.81]Even so,you're good at organising- sometimes slightly erratically. ;

[06:50.52]On the odd occasion when your plans do not quite work out, ;

[06:53.67]you're quite happy to shrug your shoulders. ;

[06:56.02]Female Monkeys are intelligent and observant. ;

[06:59.78]Your views are often highly valued and you usually get your own way. ;

[07:03.68]You pay great attention to your appearance. ;

[07:05.89]You're a good friend and doting parent- you often marry young. ;

[07:09.89]Provided Monkeys can concentrate on one thing at a time, ;

[07:13.89]you can usually achieve what you want. ;

[07:16.31]And should you suffer any disappointments, ;

[07:18.99]you're certain to bounce back again! ;

[07:22.47]   THE ROOSTER ;

[07:24.95]You're all rather flamboyant,colourful characters. ;

[07:29.08]But you're also meticulous,and excellent at organising. ;

[07:32.62]Intelligent and well-read,you have a great sense of humour ;

[07:35.72]and love a good debate.You love speaking your mind ;

[07:39.30]but your lack of tact can easily damage your reputation. ;

[07:42.88]With your volatile nature,you should avoid acting on the spur of the moment. ;

[07:47.27]Roosters are very dignified and have an air of confidence and authority. ;

[07:52.47]You're adept at finance and are capable of making yourself very wealthy. ;

[07:56.75]A few of you,though, are notorious spendthrifts. ;

[08:00.14]You'll often be seen carrying a notebook or scrap of paper around with you ;

[08:04.30]as you're constantly writing reminders or ;

[08:06.42]noting down important facts in case you forget. ;

[08:09.13]Although you're ambitious, ;

[08:11.28]you're also sometimes unrealistic about your possible achievements. ;

[08:15.52]Roosters don't like interference ;

[08:18.25]but it would be in your own interests if you listened to others. ;

[08:21.38]You're rather self-centred ;

[08:23.15]and can be stubborn over relatively trivial matters. ;

[08:26.62]You lead an active social life and usually belong to several clubs. ;

[08:30.81]With your caring nature, ;

[08:32.14]you try to help as many less fortunate as possible. ;

[08:34.99]You're often distin- guished in appearance and wear uniforms with great pride. ;

[08:39.45]You like publicity and often do well in public relations ;

[08:43.04]or any other job which rings you into contact with the media.Out of work, ;

[08:47.38]you love pottering in the garden.Female Roosters are active, ;

[08:52.44]with strong views which you have no hesitation in airing. ;

[08:55.95]Your home is usually neat as you're supremely efficient. ;

[08:59.08]You're usually found in smart,but very practical,outfits. ;

[09:03.32]Roosters usually make a lasting favourable impression, ;

[09:07.50]but you need to overcome your volatile nature. ;

[09:11.70]   THE DOG ;

[09:14.35]Loyal Dogs hold firm views and you're the champion of good causes. ;

[09:19.90]You hate any sort of injustice and will do anything to help those less fortunate ;

[09:24.97]Dogs are direct and straight forward-but you can also be stubborn. ;

[09:29.75]Still,you're always prepared to listen to the views of others. ;

[09:33.28]Dogs are good judges of character and very intuitive. ;

[09:37.14]You're admired for your integrity and resolute manner. ;

[09:40.04]Though you're friendly,you're not a great socialiser. ;

[09:43.28]Your idea of a good time is a quiet real with friends,or a chat by the fire. ;

[09:47.71]You're often a marvellous story- teller,quick-witted and alert. ;

[09:51.91]You keep calm in a crisis and although you have a temper, outbursts are short. ;

[09:56.74]You're trust worthy and if you feel let down by someone, ;

[10:00.39]you'll rarely forgive or forget. ;

[10:02.20]Dogs usually prefer to specialise rather than dabble in different activities. ;

[10:06.89]You do well in a job where you can be of service to others, ;

[10:09.78]like the social services,law and medicine. ;

[10:12.81]Motivation is important to you ;

[10:14.95]as you can drift through life without ever achieving much. ;

[10:18.12]You tend to be a worrier and rather pessimistic. ;

[10:22.00]You're not usually easy to live with, ;

[10:24.39]because your moods are changeable and you set high standards.Even so, ;

[10:28.84]You are not short of admirers.Female dogs are renowned for your beauty. ;

[10:34.01]you're warm and caring,but until you know someone you can be secretive. ;

[10:39.02]Often highly intelligent,you tend to be very ambitious ;

[10:42.56]You can also find bargains in the most unlikely places. ;

[10:45.91]A loving and doting parent,you're rarely happier than when helping someone. ;

[10:51.35]Provided you can stop worrying, you'll have a very full life. ;

[10:56.03]  THE PIG ;

[10:59.12]Honest,kind and understanding- that's the pig. ;

[11:04.04]You're a natural peacemaker ;

[11:06.03]and will do everything ou can to sort out any differences of opinion. ;

[11:10.03]You're a good talker who hates hypocrisy. You believe firmly in law and order, ;

[11:15.44]although you're tolerant and forgiving,too. ;

[11:18.00]Pigs are popular and enjoy company. ;

[11:20.80]You can be relied on to lend a helping hand at functions ;

[11:23.94]and you're a good fund raiser. ;

[11:25.67]Hardworking and conscientious,you're respected for your reliability. ;

[11:30.21]you're happiest when you're helping others, ;

[11:32.60]and you'll give up your own time without hesitation. ;

[11:35.28]With your wonderful sense of humour, ;

[11:37.67]you invariably have a joke or whimsical remark at the ready. ;

[11:40.85]You love to please and entertain people and many pigs find a career in showbiz. ;

[11:45.76]Pigs have great difficulty saying "no"to anyone- ;

[11:49.23]you can be naive and gullible.Although you're a free spender, ;

[11:53.28]you can often be astute with money. ;

[11:55.56]You're kept going by your faith and strength of character ;

[11:59.62]so you tend to bounce back quickly from setbacks. ;

[12:02.60]Pigs are dogged but you're also thick skinned and shrug off abuse without thought. ;

[12:07.74]You're a great pleasure-seeker and will happily spend your hard earned cash ;

[12:11.68]on a lavish holiday or expensive meal. ;

[12:14.06]You shine at small functions but can become withdrawn at larger events. ;

[12:18.69]As a creature of comfort,your home is fitted with all the latest appliances. ;

[12:23.53]Female Pigs devote all your energies to your family ;

[12:27.52]and you try to ensure they want for nothing. ;

[12:30.07]Your home will be either very clean or hopelessly untidy. ;

[12:33.56]You have very good taste in clothes. ;

[12:35.93]Provided you do not let others take advantage of you, ;

[12:39.22]pigs will go through life making friends and winning admiration. ;

[12:44.00]   The RAT ;

[12:46.30]Charming,intelligent and popular-if you were born in the year of the Rat ;

[12:51.43]you're the life and soul of the party. ;

[12:53.80]You make friends easily and people generally feel relaxed n your company. ;

[12:58.14]You're a hard worker,imaginative and full of ideas, ;

[13:01.47]though sometimes lack the confidence to promote your plans. ;

[13:04.74]Rats are very observant and make excellent writers and journalists. ;

[13:08.90]You are good on any job which brings you into contact with people. ;

[13:12.71]Your skills are particularly appreciated in times of crisis, ;

[13:16.59]for Rats have an incredible sense of self-preservation. ;

[13:19.85]When it comes to finding a way out of an awkward situation, ;

[13:23.05]you're certain to be the one who comes up with a solution. ;

[13:25.98]Rats love to be where the action is,but when you're in the office ;

[13:30.20]you can become a stickler for discipline and routine. ;

[13:32.89]You're also an opportunist, constantly on the look-out ;

[13:35.84]for ways in which you can improve your wealth ;

[13:37.91]-so you're often involved in plans and schemes, ;

[13:40.71]sometimes squandering your energy with little to show for it. ;

[13:43.99]You can appear to be mean with money ;

[13:46.79]-in fact you like to keep it in the family. ;

[13:49.59]Rats can be most generous to their partners,children and close friends. ;

[13:55.09]You can also be very generous to yourself ;

[13:58.57]and find it difficult to deprive yourself of any luxury that fancy! ;

[14:02.48]You're a hoarder and hate throwing anything away ;

[14:05.69]and you're also rather greedy. ;

[14:07.79]You love any chance to indulge in conversation. ;

[14:11.27]You tend to be indiscreet,though, and highly critical of others. ;

[14:14.84]Because Rats are family-oriented, ;

[14:17.11]you'll do anything for your nearest and dearest. ;

[14:19.57]You're likly to have a large family. Female Rats are usually very busy. ;

[14:25.15]You are a marvelous hostess for your wide circle of friends. ;

[14:28.53]Your home is well-kept nd tastefully furnished. ;

[14:31.45]Although outgoing, you tend to keep your feelings to yourself. ;

[14:34.94]With your ability to charm,you'll rarely be without friends. ;

[14:39.70]    B Unlike some of the animals you've read about, ;

[14:45.23]most human beings are not colourblind. ;

[14:47.86]In fact,there is some evidence that our colour preferences are ;

[14:51.79]influenced by our characters or the way we feel. ;

[14:55.02]Try the following colour test on yourself and a friend. ;

[14:58.98](a) First choose your favourite coulour(s)from those listed below. ;

[15:06.46]Dark blue,Blue-green Red Yellow,Violet Brown ;

[15:20.17](b) Now read the following comments ;

[15:24.55]and decide if they are correct as they apply to you. ;

[15:27.80]Dark blue If you choose this colour ;

[15:32.86]it means that you feel you need peace and quiet at the moment. ;

[15:36.39]Maybe you've been working hard and need to relax. ;

[15:39.98]You like calm, problem-free relationships with others ;

[15:43.84]and an orderly environment.Blue-green ou have a strong will. ;

[15:51.49]When you decide to do something,you don't change your mind easily. ;

[15:55.50]You don't like to fail in what you do. ;

[15:58.01]Because of your determination to do a job well, ;

[16:00.97]you must be careful of tension which can cause stomach upsets ;

[16:04.61]So make sure you get enough physical exe- rcise to give yourself ime to relax! ;

[16:09.98]Red.People who like red enjoy life,and like to achieve results. ;

[16:16.88]You probably like sports and good food. ;

[16:20.07]In fact,you are active and energetic and would make a good leader. ;

[16:25.04]Be careful not to overdo things and make sure you relax ;

[16:28.37]by following restful interests such as listening to music, reading,etc. ;

[16:32.88]This will give your life a balance between activity and relaxation. ;

[16:38.82]Yellow.You are an open,cheerful and friendly person and you enjoy change. ;

[16:46.19]You are energetic but in fits and starts; ;

[16:48.93]a few days of hard work followed by a less energetic period. ;

[16:52.08]and then more hardwork again. ;

[16:54.16]Your energies are often directed towards the future; ;

[16:57.50]you want to modernise and improve the present. ;

[17:01.45]Violet.You are charming and very sensitive. ;

[17:06.57]People may find you fascination and a little mysterious. ;

[17:10.25]You enjoy literature and music and have a tendency to live in a'dream world'- ;

[17:15.31]and then feel disappointed when you see reality! ;

[17:19.26]Brown.Brown is the colour of the earth and mature. ;

[17:24.81]People who favour brown have often had a few problems recently ;

[17:28.46]which have made them feel some discomfort.Has this happened to you? ;

[17:32.34]If so,you may feel you need a quiet and comfortable environment, ;

[17:36.20]surrounded by nature. ;

[17:38.84]Lesson 33 ;

[18:20.10]  Thieves Beware:   People See You     Text A ;

[18:26.18]Each year car theft costs us about`300 million, ;

[18:31.97]and burglary sets us back by another `150 million. ;

[18:35.57]Yet the police reckon that one car in five is left unlocked, ;

[18:39.77]or with windows open or with expensive goods temptingly on display. ;

[18:44.56]It is estimated that over 60% of homes still do not have any window locks ;

[18:50.14](although that's better than a few years ago when it was nearer 90%). ;

[18:53.82]These facts illustrate a basic truth. ;

[18:57.39]The truth is that most criminals are on the lookout for a soft touch. ;

[19:02.51]They are not hardened "professionals" who set out with ;

[19:05.94]particular targets in mind,but young, inexperienced or unsophisticated. ;

[19:10.91]What they're looking for is a house or car that will let them get in, ;

[19:15.27]get what they want and get away quickly.In short, an easy opportunity. ;

[19:20.41]Many of these opportunities can just as easily be removed. ;

[19:24.42]By fitting and using locks.Or by taking other very simple precautions. ;

[19:30.12]And if we can foil small-time criminals with modest individual ffort and cost, ;

[19:35.65]how much more could be achieved by working ogether in Neighbourhood Watches ;

[19:39.56](there are forty-two thousand already)? ;

[19:41.68]Or in other local activities involving police,councils, businesses, ;

[19:46.26]voluntary groups and schools?More radically still, ;

[19:50.08]what might we see if more systematic effort was made to design anticrime ;

[19:54.10]features into cars,houses and estates? ;

[19:57.08]This is not a pipe dream:it's already happening.Take housing. ;

[20:03.11]There is growing awareness of how the design,layout ;

[20:06.39]and construction of houses and estates can affect the incidence of crime. ;

[20:10.98]Many police forces are now appointing specialist ;

[20:14.40]architectural liaison officers in their crime prevention departments. ;

[20:18.02]A new British Standard has been published. ;

[20:20.62]Some builders are now building security features into new housing projects ;

[20:24.83]Or cars.The Institute for Consumer Ergonomics ;

[20:28.69]at Loughborough University ;

[20:30.10]carried out a research project into automobile security ;

[20:33.18]which was presented to the motor industry at a special Home Office conference. ;

[20:37.19]Some manufacturers are now fitting better security on the production line. ;

[20:41.65]Some magazine road tests regularly report on the subjects. ;

[20:45.59]About 95% of crimes are against property rather than people. ;

[20:51.46]But,not surprisingly it is the remaining 5%-assault,mugging and rape, ;

[20:56.99]for example-that causes the most comment and concern. ;

[21:00.55]But even thugs look for easy opportunities. ;

[21:03.69]The dark alley, the pensioner who doesn't check callers'credentials, ;

[21:07.50]the child who accepts a lift from a stranger. ;

[21:10.10]These can be reduced by personal and community action. ;

[21:13.77]For example,because all of us feel vulnerable sometimes, ;

[21:17.63]police and other experts have devised simple,sensible precautions ;

[21:21.54]which individuals can adopt to help minimise the risk of being attacked. ;

[21:26.38]   Text B ;

[21:29.28]You can't miss the neighbourhood watch people,or "old aunties", ;

[21:33.74]as they are sometimes called.As in neighbourhoods all over Beijing, ;

[21:37.56]they wear red arm bands ;

[21:39.14]and sit on small chairs in lanes off Wenjia Street downtown. ;

[21:43.06]If you are a stranger there and your behaviour arouses their suspicion, ;

[21:47.06]you are likely to be stopped for questions, ;

[21:49.30]such as whom you are looking for and where you are from. ;

[21:52.86]You needn't worry about theft if you live in the area ;

[21:56.00]and forget to lock the door of your house; ;

[21:58.01]the aunties will lock it during their daily inspection tour ;

[22:00.81]past every house in the community. ;

[22:02.85]But remember,a severe criticism of your carelessness will follow. ;

[22:07.29]Their presence may be one reason the 426-household community ;

[22:12.50]with about 1,200 residents has been free from theft, ;

[22:16.47]burglary and other criminal acts for almost 10 years. ;

[22:20.74]Every community member s encouraged by their neighbourhood residents' committee ;

[22:24.92]to remain alert for possible theft and to contribute an individual effort ;

[22:29.13]to the maintenance of a safe environment. ;

[22:31.29]The Wenjia Street neighbourhood residents' committee ;

[22:34.11]runs a public security committee ;

[22:35.97]together with committees on mediation, ;

[22:37.93]public health,and women's affairs. ;

[22:40.22]"They all look inconspicuous,yet their functions are great, ;

[22:44.56]"commented a public order official from the Ministry of Public Security. ;

[22:48.35]The official's comment is understandable, ;

[22:50.75]since the neighbourhood committee have ;

[22:52.35]proved to be an effective approach to maintaining public order ;

[22:55.55]and ensuring public safety ;

[22:57.21]at a time when professional police are in short supply. ;

[23:00.16]In the Wenjia public security committee, for instance, ;

[23:03.87]in addition to six directors,there are 138 residents ;

[23:07.90]who act as amateur police for the neighbourhood. ;

[23:10.25]Except the six directors, ;

[23:12.23]who receive 45 yuan monthly from the government, ;

[23:14.91]the neighbours work voluntarily. ;

[23:16.69]They form a small but sensitive security network in their community. ;

[23:20.97]Among the 138,54 are retired workers or older housewives, ;

[23:26.76]whose job is to take turns guarding the ;

[23:28.70]42 courtyards of houses in the community. ;

[23:31.39]According to Ran Yuzhen,the committee director, ;

[23:34.91]the whole community has been divided into 35 groups, ;

[23:38.08]with 62 people appointed to be group leaders. ;

[23:41.05]"Every community member is involved in the security work."said Ran. ;

[23:45.83]Safety is maintained in a number of ways. First,patrols by professional police. ;

[23:52.11]Second,daily inspection tours around the community ;

[23:55.54]by six committee directors. ;

[23:57.32]The directors keep a lot of their observations ;

[24:00.03]while inspecting the neighbourhood. ;

[24:01.67]Third,guarding of courtyards and houses by the retirees and housewives. ;

[24:06.45]Fourth,installation of burglar-proof locks. ;

[24:09.87]"Safety is possible with the participation f every member ;

[24:13.29]in the community involved in the security work," said Ran. ;

[24:17.68]   Additional   Information ;

[24:20.68]Lu Xiuli was not boasting when he said he was a tip- notch policeman. ;

[24:26.12]"I catch thieves. I know their tricks and always make a big haul." ;

[24:30.77]Lu,42,works with the Criminal Investigation Department ;

[24:35.57]of the Municipal Public Security Bureau of Guilin ;

[24:38.84]in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. ;

[24:41.34]He heads a special task force to catch thieves and pickpockets on ;

[24:45.70]crowded buses and other public places. ;

[24:48.31]"The thieves are very much afraid of me,"he said. ;

[24:51.73]"Whenever they recognize me,they run off as a rat fears a cat." ;

[24:56.08]With his long experience.Lu can recall from memory the names and ;

[24:59.97]nicknames of more than 1,000 thieves or pickpockets n the city. ;

[25:03.62]He can list their physical characteristice ;

[25:06.32]and knows their haunts and tricks of the trade. ;

[25:08.70]He always carries a small notebook with information about major suspects. ;

[25:13.25]This has helped him spot them when they are on the prowl. ;

[25:16.57]Typical pickpockets are unemployed urban youth aged between 18 and 25,Lu said. ;

[25:23.38]They have grown up and are quite independent of their parents. ;

[25:26.64]But they do not yet have their own families. ;

[25:28.98]And they to not care much about the consequences of their activities. ;

[25:32.60]Their targets are usually tourists or travelling traders from outside the city ;

[25:37.86]not only because these eople often carry a lot of money ;

[25:40.53]but also they are only transients who know little about local conditions. ;

[25:44.12]Thieves usually avoid locals for fear that they may come across them some day ;

[25:48.85]and,even if they were not caught in the act, ;

[25:51.21]they many be recognized sooner or later. ;

[25:53.76]"I have learned to spot pickpockets on a crowded bus ;

[25:56.94]by the distinctive ways they move,"Lu said. ;

[25:59.95]Many pickpockets on a bus choose their targets when passengers ;

[26:03.48]expose the location of their wallet as they take out money to pay the fare. ;

[26:07.39]The pickpocket edges towards his victim ;

[26:09.90]asking people to make way as if he wanted to get off the bus. ;

[26:13.09]But he stops next to the target and raising one hand to grip ;

[26:16.75]the overhead bar, slips the other into the person's pocket ;

[26:20.27]and deftly removes the money using only index and middle fingers. ;

[26:24.32]Pickpockets are usually not dangerous criminals, ;

[26:27.39]but sometimes Lu has to fight them face to face in a life and death struggle. ;

[26:31.85]Because he has shown no mercy in dealing with thieves, ;

[26:34.99]many of them are waiting for a chance to take their revenge. ;

[26:38.14]Some even threatened him."Don't be too harsh on us or sooner or later ;

[26:43.53]we will settle with you,"warned one. But Lu is not to be intimidated. ;

[26:48.86]"I'm a people's policeman and will never recoil fear before enemies. ;

[26:53.40]"he said."To protect the people's interests, ;

[26:56.22]I am ready to shed my blood and even sacrifice my life. ;

[27:00.42]"In his nine years of police career, ;

[27:02.98]Lu scuffled with criminals 29 times and was injured three times. ;