Them dog days of August

All things considered, there hasn't been much to get under our skin this week. John Prescott, our 'esteemed' Deputy Prime Minister, called President Bush's foreign policy 'crap', which is the most insightful thing Prezza has said in office, ever. Pete Doherty has been arrested on drug charges again, the kind of crack down security measures we don't mind the government enforcing. In fact, we have our own Prezza-esqe four letter word for him starting with 'tw' and ending in 'at'.

And as domestic politicians are all away on holiday, seemingly undetterred by, oh I don't know, the war in the Middle East or the major international terrorist alert, we all joined in to commemorate the 80th birthday of Fidel Castro, which on further consideration isn't too far fetched. Since when did we dare judge any political leader by, say, general economic depredation, dictatorial election results, or the provocation of hundreds of thousands of citizens into fleeing the country? And you have been asking yourself all this time why there are so many Americans in London.

No, so far, not much of a newsworthy week on domestic shores. Although since Castro is obviously back in vogue, we are left wondering why Gillette has never thought to sign him on as their spokesperson. Surely, he would do more to convince the average man of the virtues the new six blade razor can bestow, than already shorn and metro sexualised David Beckham? But, rare the day that the public is actually addressed with reality. And, on that note, we have the 3rd edition of City Slicker's 'Week's Action, Weekend Reaction':

1) Think Tesco's latest announcement to reward Clubcard holders with extra points for using recycled plastic bags is inane? Largely, because you aren't a Clubcard member to begin with, and it is enough to have to be reminded every time by the cashier at the till. Fight back the Hoxton, hipster way and head to the launch of the 'Shop Local' project this Saturday from 5-9PM in the courtyard of Tannery Arts, Brunswick Wharf, 55 Laburnum St, E2. Admission £1.Commissioned by the Peer Gallery, the project celebrates the individuality of local businesses by displaying large-scale artworks on the local businesses on Hoxton Street. On display from 19 August for one year. Open Wed-Sat 12noon-6PM.

2) Feeling that the ongoing international crisis has put other equally important political movements on the backburner? React by heading to The Women's Library (yes, there is one) at London Metropolitan University, Old Castle Street, E1 for the exhibition, What Women Want. It should certainly lend more light on the women's trek from second class citizen to something approaching equal status than Mel Gibson's film ever did. (But, despite everything, we do wish him success with his AA meetings). Open Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 9:30-5:30 pm, Thurs 9:30am-8PM. Until 26th August.

3) Annoyed at the silly season's trivialising of the grave security crisis at hand? Check out comedian-activist Mark Thomas's latest book, As Used on the Famous Mandela. Thomas shows how easy it is to set up your own arms dealing company, despite the UKs uber strict laws, by getting a group of teenage school kids to do it. And if you like what you read, you can pre-book to see him live at the Tricycle Theatre 30 Oct-4 Nov. You know where it is now because you have checked out The 39 Steps, remember.