Beijing Boyce, barfly supreme, has asked yours-truly to be one of four judges for a (an?) haiku-writing contest he is running on his blog. Outstanding haikunauts can win a bottle of primo 42 Below vodka (or, for one extremely happy winner, three bottles). An RMB500 gift certificate for the new bar Song is also up for grabs.

Budding poets have until the 17th to submit their compositions to Boyce. Full details are here. For the rare unschooled Imagethief reader, an explanation of Haiku is here (proxy link). One of the judges is actually Japanese, so bear that in mind as you put pen to paper. 

Nothing helps ease the sting of a Beijing winter like vodka(TM). However, Imagethief also wishes to stress the importance of drinking responsibly. Remember, it is very irresponsible to get totally loaded, rent one of those un-steerable ski bikes they have at Houhai, and go careening through the crowds of families on skates and ski chairs with your equally loaded friend riding pillion. Very irresponsible indeed.

Note: Technically the title of this post should say, "Japanese-style poetry". You don't have to write it in Japanese.