Just published in Japan by P-Vine Books/Blues Interactions, in a two volume edition, is the Japanese version of Mark Blake's excellent book about Pink Floyd, "Pigs Might Fly".

Drawing on his own interviews with all of the band members, plus almost a hundred new interviews with the group's friends, road crew, producers, designers, former housemates and university colleagues, the book is from our perspective, a superb, incredibly detailed, and essential look at the band's history. Our review, and ordering information for the English language version, here.

You can order both volumes of the book from www.Amazon.co.jp, www.HMV.co.jp, and other retailers in that country.

Many of you will recall that last year, the online charity website Buy Once Give Twice had a Gerald Scarfe hand-painted guitar celebrating Pink Floyd's The Wall up for auction. More details, and exclusive picture, here.

They've now teamed up with Nick Mason to offer the highest bidder a most unexpected opportunity: a kiss from Nick himself! The auction is to raise money for the conservation of Asian elephants, and along with the smacker from our favourite drummer, you also get a date with an elephant (kiss, no doubt, optional)...

[UPDATE: COMPETITION NOW CLOSED] Our thanks to those of you who have already entered our latest competition to win an Artist's Proof of Scarfe On The Wall, the stunning limited edition hand-signed and numbered box set commemorating Pink Floyd's The Wall project (more details, and exclusive pictures, here). Scarfe On The Wall is a highly desirable collaboration between the artist Gerald Scarfe, Roger Waters, and the luxury book publisher Gloria, and it is selling well (helped by its very limited nature).

And, thanks to our friends at Gloria, we've got a great prize for one lucky Brain Damage reader - a Scarfe On The Wall artist's proof, a prize that money just can't buy! We've now seen the prize itself and we reveal below what you get and just how wonderful it is...

You've only got six days left to work out the right answers and get your entry in to us. We really do urge you to get your entry in for this prize: read on for the all-important competition details.

Musicians On Call, a non-profit organisation formed in 1999, brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities. Musicians On Call uses music to promote and complement the healing process for patients, families and caregivers.

They are currently running an online benefit auction which started on February 10th, and finishes on March 5th, 2009. The auction aims to raise money by selling off rare items that include autographed guitars from Coldplay, Bruce Springsteen, and a black Strat signed by David Gilmour [click thumbnail].

Visit MusiciansOnCall.org for more details, and click here to see the guitar David has signed, and to place your bid!