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Letter from the Editor

Judging by the meteorological portents of late May, we may well -- as the song says -- find June bustin' out all over in terms of enervating heat. For which praise be. There's nothing like a dose of sunshine, hopefully at the mid-30 degrees C level, to life the spirits and get us all out and about to enjoy the good things that Beijing and its environs have to offer. Few pleasures in our city can match a stroll around Beihai, Ritan or other parks and gardens -- naturs at its best, often enhanced by the unsung workers dedicated to keeping such delightful spots looking top-notch. They are all due our thanks.

Of course, this month will see more than a few Beijings foregoing the open air and huddling around TV sets for the World Cup football matches in Japan and South Korea. We too, if the boss shows deep understanding of our passion and thus looks the other way when our favorite team is playing. Hint hint. Either way, our pages include a roundup/update on the World Cup which we trust you will find useful and entertaining. Meanwhile, we know you will join us in wishing the Chinese team well in the finals.

On other pages you will find many useful pointers to two venues in our "Different Beijing" series; Pang Liping's fine penportrait of easy-to-reach Wuyuan County's delightful villages; the latest subject of James Laver's insigntful Expat Files; a profile of highly esteemed CCTV anchorman Yang Rui; advance news of a fantabulous local beach party set for June 15; a Chinese painter who's made it big-time on foreign soil; our latest valuable Dining Guide; a critique of a kongfu dance drama well worth seeing; other news and updates and a good deal more about our city and its people.

As always, thanks for your continued loyalty to BTM. You are all what we are about.

Li Mingxia