By Jove, I think they've done it!

Ok, I am showing my age by the quote (did I get it right?) , but it really does look as though with a week to go until the Olympics open, the air quality isn't going to be an issue. We Beijingers have one infallible guide to the quality of the air: whether or we can see the Western Hills, which lie 25 kilometers to the, er, west of the city. As you'll see below, even though it's an overcast day, the hills are clearly visible.

Air quality yesterday was an acceptable 69 where 100 is considered bad, at least in China. It has taken an agonizingly long time to come down. But barring some freakish inversion layer or something similar like a total lack of wind and rain that traps pollution, the restrictions on cars should limit the upside. And there's always plan B, which involves banning 90 per cent of the cars. At least the people stuck at home would have something to watch on TV.......