Oliver JeffersWe love this award-winning picture book author and illustrator. The Boy and Penguin return in Up Down (just out from Harper Collins)
Alan GilsenanHe's back on RTÉ1 next week with The Home (Tuesday, 10.15pm), a two-part documentary on nursing homes. True aim, always
Ron RashWe're loving the Frank O'Connor Short Story Award winner's Burning Bright collection
Short story pitch IIColm Tóibín's new The Empty Family gets rave review (see Books pages)
Teddy bear weekendArctophilia refers to people who collect teddy bears. Honest to God. Make-your-own bear workshops with Julie Tatchell at Park Hotel, Kenmare, October 8th-10th, www.parkkenmare.com
'Mad Men' hensNow there's a theme for some inventive dressing up. Red hair à la Christina Hendricks is de rigueur
World's End Lane at the FringeThis deserves an extended run, if not a permanent slot. Compelling, imposing social history
Doug Howlett's haircutBefitting of a captain, but we'll miss the fans' jolly Dougie tribute wigs
Hello?We hate websites without phone numbers. We need human contact
Fireworks in the streetsHalloween is over a month away. Give us a few weeks of peace, will yiz?
Freshers on the townAll that enthusiasm, all that free time – yes, we are very jealous
