Hello, and welcome back to 后视镜, Rear View Mirror, your guide to another week of programmes here on China Radio International.

Programme 1 - http://english.cri.cn/4026/2007/08/01/1361@256107.htm

Once again, it's to News and Reports that we turn for our first story. Here is the voice of Fergus Thompson, as always, stroking his words:

"Wednesday marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of China's armed forces, the People's Liberation Army and, as a poll by China Youth Daily discovers, living in a time of peace does not impair the enthusiasm to be a solider. Being a serviceman is still a choice for many Chinese youth. "

Among over 1,500 people from all over China, 86 percent of those surveyed expressed their willingness to be a serviceman.
 
"Many explained that they grew up with the education that serving the army is about devoting himself/herself to the country's sovereignty and security, so working in a military camp is of great pride. Also many made the decision influenced by their role models in military novels and TV series.

"Those surveyed also described their impression on Chinese army as "persistent, disciplined and responsible".

"Also a surprising discovery in contrast to the pursuit to fame and wealth by many, more than 60 percent surveyed say they are willing to be married to a solider because they think soldiers are responsible and give them a great sense of security."

Let's not read into this survey a signal for mass-enrolment in the near future. Some questions are just difficult to argue against.

Programme 2 - http://english.cri.cn/4026/2007/08/01/167@256163.htm

Now, anyone debating the virtues of public funding of the arts might do well to listen to the following excerpts - from In the Spotlight.

Here's Shen Ting's introduction to a musical genre unique throughout the world.

With upbeat rhythms and morale-boosting lyrics, military songs are popular among the Chinese. It is no exaggeration to say that not only soldiers but also legions of civilian followers take inspiration from these songs. Today on In the Spotlight, we'd like to pay tribute to the 80th birthday of the Chinese army, and introduce you to a number of outstanding military musicians - all of whom enjoy a good repertoire of army themed songs. Now let's follow our DJ, Yunfeng and let the uplifting and familiar songs swell our hearts.

REPORTER:

This is a song called "We Are Soldiers", dedicated to the peace-time military men. For those in the army, this song could hardly be more familiar. And if you have ever received military training, then I guess you can also sing along to it. This song is sung by Liu Bin, a military officer and singer, who is also its composer. The song has been very popular among Chinese soldiers ever since first being sung by Liu Bin. Listen to the masculine voice and the upbeat melody, and feel the uplifting spirit as we enjoy the song "We Are Soldiers."

As you may have noticed, the musical influences are diverse. I wonder how many you have identified. The next featured artist, conveniently named 'Song', is also famous as the unofficial favourite of a former-president.

Song Zuying is one of China's best-known sopranos. As a military singer, she enjoys a repertoire of nearly one thousand songs, including military songs, Chinese folksongs and a number of arias. Her sweet image and attractive performance have made her highly popular among Chinese audiences. Song Zuying is also the first Chinese singer to have been nominated for Best Classical Crossover Album at the 49th Grammy Awards this year. One of her popular army songs is "Soldiers from All Over China." It describes how soldiers from different parts of China meet in the army and establish a family-like bond. Please enjoy!

Remember that everything you hear on today's programme is available to play online whenever you choose. Just type www.crienglish.com and follow the links.

Programme 3 -

In our final feature, we return to Luo Dan and his coverage of a very different music scene in Beijing:

These are party freaks, nightlife professionals and event planners. The floor shakes with booming dance music as they begin to go hysterical when their beloved place is mentioned.

That is one scene from the 2007 Bar & Club Awards, sponsored by popular lifestyle magazine That's Beijing. More than 160 candidates pitted themselves against each other in pursuit of only 22 awards.

Centro was a big winner of this year's competition. It grabbed seven titles, including Best Business Networking, Best Service and one the most coveted awards of all---Best Wine Selection.

The bar is located in the Kerry Centre Hotel, a venue for up-scale clientele. Centro manager Randy Jia says winning the wine selection award has prompted him to try his best to diversify and optimize the bar's wine selection, incorporating more wines from famous wine-producing areas in Europe.

"We select different kinds of wine for our lists. For example we have French New World wines. There is quite a wide selection. During this time, Beijing is very hot, so champagne and white wine is a good choice. For white wine, we have sauvignon blanc and chardonnay. That is satisfying to people. After drinking them, people feel more refreshed."

In addition, according to Randy, Centro keeps close contact with renowned spirit suppliers, in order to ensure the quality of ingredients for its cocktails. This allows the bartenders to make some of the best mojito's and martini in town!

Meanwhile, the manager points out that the bar's staff are always ready to provide individual tailored advice for new-comers, as the well-stocked cellar does not only cater for wine connoisseurs and international businesspeople.

"For younger people, if it's their first time trying wine, maybe they should go for merlot. It is very easy to drink and very smooth. And the price is not too high."

Colourful events were another spectacle hogging the limelight, this year Alfa's '80s Night topped the list. The bar is nestled in a cute alleyway in the Sanlitun area---home to a large number of nightlife and dining venues in the eastern part of Beijing.

Catherine Cook is the person who helped set up the three-year-old Friday night event. She attributes the success of '80s Night to its focus on '80s music, which features liveliness, groovy lyrics and impressive rhythm to dance to. Therefore, it creates a buzz among bar hoppers, especially those who were born or grew up in 1980s.

"The only preparation we made for '80s night was to make sure we had the most significant '80s music. Whether it's '80s pop, '80s electro, '80s hip-hop, it's just '80s music. Anything else? Eighties night is about people who turn up, love the music and dance to it. If they are on the dance floor, having a good time and jump around, then we've achieved our goal. "

Catherine notes that the '80s Night DJs are all experienced at controlling the pulse of the dance floor with appropriate '80s music, which falls into various genres. Otherwise, simply playing a random selection of Wham, Soft Cell or Depeche Mode may prove a catastrophe.

"Being a DJ is about knowing how to keep the crowd going, and knowing when to play certain tracks. So it's not like, simply, somebody comes and says 'play this track'. That would be easy to do. But if it kills a dance floor and everyone stops dancing, then you've failed as a DJ."

Not surprisingly, winning venues were not restricted to those in the eastern part of the city. Lush from north-west Haidian District is a typical example. The bar amassed a hat-trick by yet again winning Best Student Hangout.

Located in Wudaokou---the junction point of several prestigious universities like Tsinghua and Beida---Lush opened its doors after the exodus of many people during the SARS outbreak of 2003. It has since established itself as a home away from home for many students.

When asked about the secret to its popularity, Lush owner Jade Gray makes a point of emphasizing student participation.

"The biggest thing at Lush is that they gotta be interactive. It's not about watching somebody else do something. It is about people feeling they have some kind of attachment to this place. Lots of things, from the drink list, to the food, to the events, they are all the direct result of our dear customers contribution. They make the place more than what we do in particular."

Jade's seeking of student advice not only helped Lush unveil some stylish activities, like its Pub Quiz and Open Mic night, but also enhanced the bar's international profile, drawing the attention of some acclaimed musicians.

"The highlight is that there is a famous band called Jungle Brothers. They are very famous in the US for hip-hop. They do some great music, one night we had an Open Mic and these guys came to see us. And we managed to get Mike Gee on stage to rap with ten of our emcees and musicians. Without doubt, that was something off the hook and people will not forget it."

In addition, he says Lush staff also craft their own music by incorporating some Chinese characteristics into their songs, as it is more approachable to foreign students who are learning Chinese in nearby universities.

Well, with the clock ticking away, it’s time to start thinking about the coming week. So, from me, Matthew Stedman and Rear View Mirror, goodbye.