First things first - Happy birthday, Yo Majesty! Though, I wouldn't have known it was your birthday if it wasn't for the Australians. How come they get a day off?

In celebration of the old girl's special day (well, one of them), here's some of the news her flunkies will have briefed her on this week.

"Your majesty, new Golden Silvers..."
"Oh, one is pleased!"






Susan Boyle and U2 now have something other than body shape in common. The accountant who helped make Bono ("Fight Poverty! Save my offshore account?") and his mates so very, very rich will now be counting the pennies for SuBo. Shake that money maker, SuBo! Did you know that Susan's niece is an entertainment and media lawyer? The Mirror told me.



The Horrors have stuck it to the haterz with their new album, and perhaps a little help by the internet on the old word-of-mouth front. That doesn't mean they like it...
"I'm going to destroy the internet. Every social network site, every blog. No one's happier now because of it. It's really interesting that now we have complete communication, we have less good underground bands. How is that?" Full interview at The Independent.



What could make you possibly walk away from a successful band, and the accompanying drugs, sluts and all round good times? The Guardian asked the people who walked away from Oasis, Babyshambles, The Pogues, and Pulp. The bits about Jarvis Cocker, by the co-writer of "Common People”, made me look at the charity-shop-chic beanpole in a new light.



Alan McGee (ex label boss of Oasis, Primal Scream, The Hives) this week wrote up a spirited defense of celebrity stoner George Michael, prompting some passionate feedback from Guardian readers.

Sample: “Dear Alan, Please start drinking again. Or start a record label. you clearly have way too much time on your hands.”



Elektra Records is back in business, with an impressive roster that includes Justice, Cee-Lo, and Little Boots. Good luck out there!



Liam Gallagher’s clothing label, Rubber Soul Pretty Green, is up and running and selling the kind of mod flavoured stuff you would have bought at Merc. I hope he carries on making videos about it though – I always get a cheap laugh. Like the jackets though - but I'd never walk around Liverpool in one.


Well, maybe Liverpool as portrayed in this stunning Beatles Rock Band intro...




Making of here.



Beth Ditto didn’t like Katy Perry's “I Kissed A Girl”. NME's piece on it also prompted some spirited comments by readers.

Favourite: “You, though, are the ANTI-Beth. You are worse than Avril Lavigne. Your whole existence is testament to the cynicism that still prevails in some quarters of the music industry.”

Least favourite: “She might be riding on the back of something she's not but Ditto's getting by on being obese and a lesbian. I haven't got a problem with either of those things but they're the only reason she's famous. How many magazines has she done that stupid nude pose for now? Gossip are a one hit wonder. They've got nothing but 'Standing in the way of control.'”



Wonder what Beth thought of the Republican rappers (and horribly underrated dancers). In case you missed the magic. So many good moments...






Another day, another UK female solo artist. MPHO comes from Brixton, so she can't be all bad...




Jodi Gordon's dramatic night out has made it to the pages of The Sun. Well done, Jodi!



Take That put on a better circus than Britney Spears... fact.



Spare a thought for the kid who was anointed the next Dalai Lama. He couldn't watch movies, except for Eddie Murphy's "Golden Child". No wonder he ran.

"I never felt like that boy," he said.
Squish, squish.