This is currently on at the Herbert, in Coventry. If you're in Coventry and you have some time to kill (no pun intended), then this little show is well worth checking out. It features thought-provoking work from some interesting artists. It's all about war, civilians caught up in war, and possibly about reconciliation.

If you like name dropping, there's a John Piper, a Banksy, a Blek Le Rat, a War Boutique, a KennardPhillips, and many, many, many more.

This was actually my first "in the flesh" Banksy, and while it wasn't the life-changing experience I believed it might be, I did enjoy seeing it up close. Although the message of the piece may have been lost on me, as I kept thinking "that's worth HOW MUCH!".

I think there are a couple of pieces from some "bona fide" war artists in there too. You know, people with guns and paintbrushes. The artists that know how to kill you, and as you're dying, paint a really unflattering portrait of you while you're feeling at your worst.

War and conflict is really shit. It thins the herd a bit, but we could do that just by not having so many children. Then we could get rid of war altogether.

Sure, some may call me simplistic, but I haven't got a clue what that means.

Anyway, go and see this show. Enjoy the art. Think about how lucky you are not to be shot at or blown up every day. And then leave a message on the official message board in there. Just try not to get too wound up if you read some of the other messages. You'll see what I mean.

Anyway (again), it's a good show, and even though you might leave there feeling angry, and with an overwhelming need to perform a citizen's arrest on Tony Blair, it's well worth going to.



So there.

I have spoken.

Now I sleep...

Dog Blog

Well, well, well.

The dog was leaking blood from his penis. I collect a urine sample and submit it to the vet.

I pay £16 to have it tested.

The vet contacts me.

It's tested positive for blood in his urine.

When pushed for a more definitive diagnosis, the vet said "To be honest, it could be anything."

Bravo, vet. Bravo.

So, the vet gives me a prescription for some antibiotics, and the very instant, the very instant I committed to purchasing them, the dog stops bleeding from his penis.

It's like the dog is working with the vet.

It's good news though. Nobody likes their dog to be ill or bleeding. And nobody likes following their dog around with a bit of tissue paper all the time.

Dog Blog

Today, I was literally taking the piss.........................to the vets!

Got the sample. That was easier than I thought.
I waited for his first pee of the day, and quickly shoved a plastic cup under there. Quite skillful I might add. Reminiscent of acquiring a Sprite refill.

I then transferred it to the only small container that I had. An old glass spice jar. The kind with the screw on lid.

It worked fine. Ok, Billy might test positive for cinnamon, but it should be ok.

Dropped the sample off. Awaiting news.

Dog still leaking blood.

:(