Vlog 6 - Genre for Japan

Win a walk-on part in Pax Britannia: Time's Arrow and help the people of Japan

That's right - YOU could win a walk-on part in the eighth Ulysses Quicksilver Pax Britannia adventure Time's Arrow, due to be published in 2012 by Abaddon Books.

All you need to do is visit the Genre for Japan blog and follow the instructions there to bid for Item 56 in their forthcoming auction that's being held to raise money for the work being carried out by the Red Cross in Japan at this time.

Find out more by following this link.

Genre for Japan

We’ve all heard the news and seen the horrific pictures coming from Japan in the aftermath of the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami – and no doubt we’ve all wondered how to help.

Well the guys and gals* behind Genre for Japan have come up with a way, uniting the comics, science fiction, fantasy and horror communities, to show their generosity to those who need it right now.

They're going to run auctions for genre-themed prizes donated by those in the industry. Some of the prizes already donated include a year’s supply of books from Tor, signed artwork from Solaris Books and editing/critiques from professional authors and editors. And I've made my own small contribution too.

Deadline for prize donations is 25th March with the auction set to begin on 28th March. I'll post more on this in the lead up to the auction but for now, check out Genre for Japan's blog and if you're in a position to donate a prize email them at genreforjapan@gmail.com.

* Including Amanda Rutter of Floor to Ceiling Books and Jenni Hill, ace Abaddon Books editor.

Gold, Frankincense and Blur

A curiosity here from 1992. In this year, the British rock band Blur released a cover of the Wassailing Song, with each member taking a verse. The release was limited to five hundred 7 inch pressings, that were given out at a concert. And you can listen to it here...

Death by Christmas tree

According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, there are 1,000 Christmas tree related A&E visits every year in the UK. However, 31 Britons have actually died since 1996 by watering their Christmas trees whilst the lights are still plugged in.

An Essex man was awarded £35,000 personal injury compensation after being seriously injured by a falling Christmas tree in 2003. Malcolm Tuffin was holidaying with friends in the Czech capital of Prague, when the hundred foot tree installed at a Christmas market in the town square, was blown over by high winds. The tree injured five people including Mr. Tuffin who was rushed to a Czech hospital with life threatening injuries to his head, upper body and legs.