You know the rules – plug away to your heart’s content, but declare an interest where appropriate or don’t be surprised if one is declared for you.

Birthday one: Belfast clubbing institution Shine turns 13 on November 1st, with DJ Sneak, Green Velvet and many more blowing out the candles.

Birthday two: AU magazine marks 50 issues on the newstands with a Top 50 Northern Ireland Songs of AU’s lifetime poll.

Birthday three: Analogue marks its first birthday with “Peek!”, a compilation of Irish producers and acts to coincide with the latest issue. The mag throws a party at Dublin’s Twisted Pepper on October 16th.

Scandinavian jazz trio The Thing join Japanese noise scene kingpin Otomo Yoshihide at Dublin’s Andrew’s Lane on November 22nd.

Over-rated Las Vegas chancers The Killers play Dublin’s 02 (Feb 20th) and Belfast’s Odyssey (21st)

Quote of the week: “Pen a bit harder!” – Girls Aloud’s Nicola Roberts advises Coldplay’s Chris Martin, who says he has been trying to write a song for them