As expected, Beijing celebrating National Day in grand fashion

True, the government has been quite busy in the preparations surrounding the 60th Anniversary of the People's Republic of China: crackdowns on illegal firearms and explosives, tighter security than at the olympics for the National Day celebrations, and the classic visa clampdowns that come with every important holiday. But what about the celebration?

We've been busy doing our hair...monuments and popping popcorn one kernel at a time for the Sept. 17th release of the blockbuster film "The Great Cause of China's Foundation," but up until today, we've been left in the dark about China's plans.

Fortunately, the government has quite a show in store for such a massive milestone in the history of the PRC. This year, National Day will be commemorated by a massive display of Chinese pride and, well, population: among more traditional festivities of speech-giving and banquet-setting, this year's celebration will involve a military parade and a pageant big enough to make North Korea's Mass Games seem like a junior high talent show.

The spectacle will start with a parade on October 1 showcasing China's achievements in bolstering it's military power - a celebration with the dual intent of proving China's "resolution to safeguard world and regional peace and stability."

The pageant, which will include around 200,000 citizens and 60 floats, is centered around the humorously literal theme "Motherland and I Marching Together". Finally, on National Day Evening, a gala will be held in Tian'anmen Square, featuring party cadres, senior government officials, and fireworks all on display.