What do you think of the pseudo-models' books at the book fair? The emergence of the 'pseudo-models' at the book fair has been the subject of heated discussion. I have to strongly disagree with H.C. Bee who, using twisted logic, agrees that these young models should be allowed at the book fair (Talkback, July 21). Your correspondent [Mr Bee] claimed that some people seemed to be protesting just for the sake of doing so, and that their protests were pointless. In fact, these protests were staged with good reason. The book fair aims to provide a platform for readers and writers and to help more Hong Kong people truly appreciate books of literary merit. It is trying to foster a reading culture. I do not deny that many people have come to the fair with the primary aim of buying books at bargain prices. However, that does not mean that the book fair should descend to the level of a 'bikini party'. The organiser of the fair, the Trade Development Council, says that the fair was established as a 'platform for cultural exchange'. But I wonder if these pseudo-models are helping to promote any sort of cultural exchange. I can understand the argument that these pseudo-models represent a part of the popular culture of Hong Kong's youth and, therefore, these young models should be given an arena to showcase their products, but now they are being paid too much attention. They really should not be given this much prominence. Their books do not have a true literary value. When we give these pseudo-models a platform to promote their photo albums at the annual book fair, we are reinforcing the enduring traditional misconception that women are objects to be looked at. I do not have children, but it is not difficult for me to imagine how parents must feel when they take their children to the book fair, only to see the pseudo-models posing in front of a huge crowd of male fans. This has absolutely nothing to do with reading being 'your passage to the world', which was the theme of the book fair last year. Please give book lovers the peace and quiet they need to enjoy reading books. For those lovers of pseudo-models, I'm sure there are many other channels through which they can access these photo albums. We want real books, not bikinis, at a book fair. Ivy Ng, Sha Tin What do you think of the proposed prioritised ambulance-dispatch system? The proposed medical-priority dispatch system will divide emergency ambulance calls into three levels, according to degree of urgency. The new system aims to avoid abuse of emergency ambulance services. Depending on the level, waiting times would be between nine and 20 minutes. I think the proposed new system is very controversial and could have advantages and disadvantages. It may enable those patients who have critical illnesses to be taken to hospital first, so that they can get treatment as soon as possible. This will increase their chances of survival. It means that, with limited resources, emergency services can be allocated to those patients who have the most urgent need. Therefore, resources can be fully utilised without others abusing the ambulance calls. However, determining which of the calls get priority treatment will be based on the communication between patients and operators. Problems may arise if individuals exaggerate their condition in order to get help more quickly. There may also be misunderstanding if there is a problem in communication. Also, some patients, such as the elderly, may have a number of medical conditions that can lead to complications and have serious consequences. As long as the proposed new system benefits the public as it is intended to do, I will support it. Florence Wong, Mong Kok Do you think buses are too cold? It is ridiculous that bus passengers should have to endure winter temperatures during a summer day. When you are on a Hong Kong bus, you need to put on a sweater to keep warm, as the temperature is usually around 22 degrees Celsius. Then you get off the bus and into outdoor temperatures that can reach 33 degrees in summer. Do bus passengers really need these freezing air conditioners? I have noticed that many women and elderly people avoid sitting directly beneath vents with cool air. They will shut off the vents directly above them or put on sweaters. This clearly shows that passengers want a warmer compartment. And while the passengers inside the bus are tortured by the low temperature, passers-by have to endure the heat coming out from buses ('Bus exhaust a major source of roadside heat nuisance', July 21). They have to endure a blazing sun and also buses 'emitting 47.1 degrees' from their tailpipes. If we go on like this it can only make global warming worse, because it leads to the release of more greenhouse gases. I think the air conditioning on a bus should be set at 25 degrees. This makes conditions pleasant for passengers and it is better for passers-by and for the environment. It is not the first time this problem has been highlighted, therefore it is now time for the bus companies to take the appropriate action. Mike Lam, Kwun Tong I'm sure there are many other channels through which they can access pseudo-model photo albums Ivy Ng, Sha Tin
