China Scene: Central

Wind brings flag pole crashing down, killing 1

A student surnamed Li was killed and another was injured when a strong gust of wind blew down a flagpole at a high school in Zhengzhou, Henan province, late last week

The tragedy took place on the campus of Masai No 1 High School in the city's Erqi district at 9:50 am, during a break between classes.

Many students were playing near the flagpole when a strong gust of wind blew it down.

Li, 13, and Zhang, 14, were injured and were sent to hospital for treatment. Li died there.

(Dongfang Jinbao News)

Divorce sends man into gluttonous spiral

A man surnamed Liu had to see a doctor after going on an eating and drinking binge following his divorce in Zhengzhou, capital of Henan province.

Liu, 41, eats 30 sesame seed cakes, 40 steamed stuffed buns and 10 mantou (steamed bread) a day. He has been doing so ever since he split from his wife six months ago.

Liu's 64-year-old mother, surnamed Zhu, said Liu threatened to commit suicide if anyone tried to stop him from stuffing himself.

Doctors from Zhengzhou hospital of mental diseases said Liu was the first such patient they had ever seen.

They are now studying the case to pinpoint the cause of the disease and to make a treatment plan.

(Zhengzhou Evening News)

Farmer's love for girl stronger than debts

Ma Lianmin, a farmer in Nielou village, Shangqiu, Henan province, fell into debt after he adopted an abandoned girl baby six yeas ago.

Ma found the abandoned two-month-old baby while cutting grass on a mountain in July 2002. He named her Rumeng and loved her like a father.

Everything was fine until Rumeng turned two, when a tumor started growing on her waist. The girl soon became incontinent, and it became clear that she would need surgery.

Still, Ma said he would never give up his daughter, despite the financial burden posed by her health problems.

Moved by Ma, local villagers and medical workers at a hospital in Zhengzhou have donated money for Rumeng, and the little girl will soon undergo surgery.

(Dahe News)

(China Daily 03/21/2008 page6)