Another one bites the dust

Somehow things have left us feeling a bit unsettled this week. We are not sure if it's the ineluctable destiny that is summer's swan song, August Bank Holiday, or the uneasiness over supposed inalienable truths, such as Pluto's status as a planet, being toyed with by a group of inane academics. Or it could just be me, and the fact that I am half Italian. This explains a lot, according to the new book, La Bella Figura: A Guide to the Italian Mind, that is flying off the shelves in NYC at the moment.

Apparently being Italian has many distinct personality traits (a euphemism for disorders) associated with it, beyond finding the drinking of a cappuccino after 10AM reprehensible. The most relevant to me being the propensity to "totter along in a state of amiable chaos," and the perception of "obedience as boring". So, that's why I don't pay bills, or fines, or get to work on time. Or why Italians drive like (considered) maniacs and never stop at red lights. Rubbish to any more moments of self reflection (rare the beast they were, anyway), now I know to blame my genes. And with that uneasiness put to rest, let's take on the other pesky mental irritants from this week, with the 4th edition of City Slicker's 'Week's Action, Weekend Reaction.'

1) Feeling overwhelmed by the hype surrounding the Notting Hill Carnival this weekend? You know it's Europe's biggest street party, but where do you start and when do you stop? React by heading to Westbourne Park tube station, the quieter, less touristy sister to Ladbroke Grove. Enjoy the Carnival along the stretch of Great Western Road to Golborne Road. Alongside The Regents Canal you will find an abundance of jerk chicken, plantains and Red Stripe to keep you satiated. And if the musical revelry at street level gets overwhelming, gaze up at the Trellick Tower, the Elephant Man of architecture. Sunday and Monday after 12noon are the main event.

2) Silently jealous that Posh can still manage a six hour booze bender and hold down that 'illustrious' career as an international fashion designer of the 'ubiquitous' VB jeans? React by showing her how it's done the real Londoners way, and that wouldn't involve Nobu Berkeley, the new HQ for WAGs. No, head to the massive redevelopment it makes Shanghai look prehistoric, King's Cross, for the opening of the much awaited Big Chill House. And while this site on Pentonville Road has seen many bars come and go, the site blight is over. The people behind Big Chill pride themselves on finding an alternative to the life-sapping bar culture that can dominate our capital. 257-259 Pentonville Road, N1 9NL , 020 7684 2020. Opens tonight 6PM.

3) Feeling guilty that you managed to miss, yet again, all of the summer blockbuster art exhibitions? Not to panic, react by swallowing the multivitamin of culture on offer at the V&A this weekend. It is your last chance to catch Che Guevara: Revolutionary and Icon. Or if you are feeling more Arab than Cuban, head over to the V&A's new Jameel Gallery of Islamic Art . Tonight from 6:30-9:45 is Friday Late: Arabise Me. To celebrate the Gallery's opening, there will be installations, dance, photography, film, and performance art by artists based in the Arab world. Because, in these times, we all need a bit more art than life. 020 7942 2000