Since we last had a look at what was happening around town, Beijing hasn’t done much other than warm up, but web activity, or lack of it, has been making up for that.  Netizens have reacted to an overseas shooting, an internet blackout and some mischievous monks. Want more? How about an English-language headline from Western media that will leave you scratching your head.

The National People’s Congress (NPC) and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) have finally wrapped up. In their wake they've left behind many fashion reports and policy rumors, not to mention the political fallout. For those who like their news Beijing-specific, we've got pollution plans, subway updates and a new ranking where Beijing beats Shanghai.

If your apartment is feeling a little colder than normal, you’re not imagining things. Today, the city turns off the heating (exact time unknown), after having given us an extra three days to get over the cold snap that was predicted. Now we can only wait and hope that temperatures don’t drop again, but we should probably keep our winter blankets nearby just in case.

The Global Times reports that commuting times for Beijingers averaged 43.6 minutes from 2005-2010 – 5.6 minutes more than the average time clocked back in 2005.

The statistics were based on a survey of 6,000 Beijing residents and revealed, among other things, that “women take a little longer than men” and people in their 40s spend the most time on the road.

For the full report on Beijing's commute, go to agendabeijing.com.

Has hours of gridlock and blaring horns got you stressed? Share your worst or funniest Beijing traffic jam nightmares for a chance to win a relaxing escape at Hummingbird Spa. The contest ends Monday. May the best story win.

Beijing has been reeling from a slew of bad cab drivers and guilty felons. For most Westerners Christmas decorations in early November are seen as too early which means Londoners will be fed up with Christmas come September.