Forbidden fruits

I know what you're thinking - please don't ask how with just 1% of 2007 passed you have already succumbed to the apple in the garden (or in secular terms the pint in the pub). Not to worry because you are not alone; this week London has been ripe with transgression, symbolised here by this bandit Banksy at the top of Hatton Garden. From Mayor Ken chatting up terrorists to the Royal WAG getting a parking ticket, the first week of 007 has not suffered fools gladly. And neither should we. So put those foolish resolutions about a 'new you' aside for the next 340 days.

Because after all, only fools suffer for suffering's sake. As a wise man once said: "the fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool". I for one am not going to fool myself anymore: I am hereby ditching my New Year's resolution to refuse phone calls from Brad Pitt. From today, if he rings I will answer the phone. And with that level of gumption, let's embrace the 21st edition of City Slicker's "Week's Action, Weekend Reaction."

1) Guilt-ridden that you have let sales greed supersede attending any pagan Christmas festivities this season? React by heading to Bankside by Shakespeare's Globe this Saturday where the drama troupe Lions Part will be presenting their annual Twelfth Night performance, featuring song, fabulous costumes, and probably one of your last jots (I mean jugs) of mulled wine. Unless, of course, you are still fooling yourself. Sat from 2:45PM. Free.

2) Excited about Babel, The Last King of Scotland, Infamous and other Hollywood blockbusters landing in London cinemas later this month? React by getting your fill of edgier cinema now at the exceedingly popular 4th annual Halloween Short Film Festival. Nothing to do with October, costumes, or candy but much ado about film artist Matt Hulse, adult collective Destricted and the aptly named Club Motherfu*ker. Today to 14 Jan. Various cinemas.

3) Anxious that you still haven't made it inside the National Portrait Gallery for the Hockney exhibit? React by giving yourself a reason to go this Sunday with the screening of his life story in A Bigger Splash. A must for any art lover or fan of gay cinema. Sunday 1PM. Free.